Simple Doesn't Mean Easy

Michelle Visser

Ever wish you had a mentor to help you make healthier, real food choices, one small step at a time? Someone to whisper encouragements in your ear? Someone who has been taking small steps for over a decade, learned a lot about real food, non-toxic living, and a holistic approach to wellness along the way? Tune in every Monday as your host, Michelle Visser—former junk food addict, turned homesteader and medicinal gardener—offers you encouragement and practical insights on the Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy podcast. We dive deep into topics like avoiding processed foods, incorporating whole foods into your diet, milling fresh flour, and understanding the powerful benefits of fermented foods, medicinal drinks, and other healthy, gut-friendly options. We explore topics, often with thought-provoking guests, from the importance of healthy fats and natural sugars to practical tips on gardening, creating simple recipes, and stocking your kitchen with the best pantry staples. Whether you're looking to improve your immune system, learn how to nourish your body with real, nutrient-dense foods, or discover better, nontoxic options, join in every episode and gain actionable advice for making sustainable, healthier choices.

  1. -6 дн.

    224. Why Your “Clean” Skincare May Not Be Clean

    It's time to get to the truth about the booming tallow skincare industry. Why did tallow products explode in popularity? How can you spot fake or low-quality tallow balms online? And are many mainstream skincare products doing more harm than good? Lily Wilmoth, founder of Hearth and Homestead, explains the science behind skin health, the importance of fat-soluble vitamins, and why ancestral skincare methods are making a comeback. We dive deep into ingredient transparency, FDA loopholes, synthetic fragrances, and the growing movement toward regenerative farming and natural wellness. And we break down some of of the most-loved products, including magnesium butter for sleep and restless legs, Aleppo soap inspired by ancient traditions, and a nourishing facial system designed to support the skin barrier naturally. If you’ve ever wondered if “clean skincare” is truly clean — this episode will completely change the way you think about skincare. This episode's sponsor: https://soulyrested.com/soap Key Takeaways From This Episode: How to identify trustworthy small skincare brands Why regenerative farming and ingredient sourcing matter in skincare Why tallow skincare suddenly became wildly popular after 2020 The surprising differences between real tallow balm and cheap knockoffs How misleading labeling in skincare can deceive consumers Why many “clean” skincare products still contain questionable ingredients The role fat-soluble vitamins play in skin health Why animal fats may nourish skin differently than plant oils alone How the skin microbiome impacts acne, eczema, and irritation What magnesium does for restless legs, sleep, muscle tension, and stress The fascinating history behind ancient soap How over-cleansing may actually damage your skin barrier Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/ Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ FREE resources: Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7 Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52 Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747 Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/ About Michelle Visser Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast. My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required. 👋Find me in all the places: My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu My website: https://soulyrested.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/ youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisser CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase

    52 мин.
  2. 11 мая

    222. The Secret to Nutritious Breakfasts (that you never knew!)

    Join Michelle today for practical tips on making nutritious, real food breakfast options at home, with recipes and tips to help you incorporate more real food into your daily routines. Key Topics: Nutritional benefits of fresh flaked oats How commercial oats are processed and lose nutrients Simple methods to make your own flaked oats at home Recipes for nutritious oatmeal and granola The impact of food processing on nutrient content This episode's sponsors: One of my favorite family farms, for heritage grains & fresh flour: https://soulyrested.com/heritage https://soulyrested.com/trueleaf Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/ About Michelle Visser Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast. My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required. 👋Find me in all the places: My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu My website: https://soulyrested.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/ youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisser CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase

    34 мин.
  3. 4 мая

    221. 99% of Cereals Have This… And It’s Still Legal

    What does the 2026 Farm Bill mean for you? In this eye-opening episode, Michelle breaks down the shocking prevalence of glyphosate in everyday foods and 4 Things you never knew about glyphosate (spoiler alert: It's even worse than you thought.) This episode explains how glyphosate impacts health, hormones, and nutrient absorption, and explores its links to infertility and chronic disease. The episode also analyzes the controversial 2026 Farm Bill, including a last-minute public push and what it really means. Michelle shares her own personal perspective on the bill’s final outcome (you might be surprized). What starts as concern turns into cautious optimism, as she explains how the 2026 Farm Bill that passed just last week could potentially play a major role in restoring soil health, reducing chemical use, and creating sustainable farming systems. Stick with us to the end for hands-on, practical encouragement that could be life-changing for you and your family. This episode's sponsors: https://soulyrested.com/heritage/ https://soulyrested.com/trueleaf https://soulyrested.com/botanicals Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/ Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ 👋Find me in all the places: My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu My website: https://soulyrested.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/ youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisser CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase

    45 мин.
  4. 27 апр.

    220. The Truth About Seed Oils + How to Make Your Own Healthy Cooking Fat

    In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle breaks down the truth about cooking fats—and why many commonly used oils may be harming your health. She explains the dangers of hydrogenated seed oils, including their link to inflammation and chronic disease, and shares why switching to traditional fats like lard, butter, and tallow can make a meaningful difference. Michelle walks listeners step-by-step through how to render lard at home, simplifying what often feels like an intimidating process. She also explains the nutritional benefits of pasture-raised lard—especially its vitamin D content—and how it can support overall health, even helping with seasonal mood changes. Whether you’re ready to make your own lard or just want to choose better fats at the store, this episode gives you practical, actionable steps to upgrade your kitchen and your health. The BEST lard you can buy from regenerative US farms (just search "lard"): https://99counties.com?sca_ref=8835672.PUT7XrjQpTUhe Fill up a box with amazing meat while you're there! More on all this in today's episode: - Seed oils are highly processed and linked to inflammation and chronic disease - Many “healthy” oils (like avocado oil) are often mislabeled or diluted with cheap oils - Lard (especially pasture-raised) is a nutrient-dense, stable cooking fat -Lard contains vitamin D, which may help support mood—especially in low-sunlight seasons - High smoke point fats (like lard) are safer for cooking and don’t break down as easily - You don’t need to make your own—there are quality sources available to buy - Rendering lard at home is far simpler than most people think - Different types of pork fat (leaf fat vs. back fat) produce different qualities of lard - Using a mix of butter + lard can improve both flavor and nutrition in baking This episode's sponsors: https://soulyrested.com/heritage/ https://soulyrested.com/trueleaf https://soulyrested.com/botanicals Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/ Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ FREE resources: Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7 Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52 Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747 Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/ All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/ About Michelle Visser Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast. My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required. 👋Find me in all the places: My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu My website: https://soulyrested.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/ youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisser CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase

    33 мин.
  5. 20 апр.

    219. The Truth About Ancient Grains, Gluten & Modern Wheat

    Is gluten really the problem? What if the real story starts long before your flour hits the kitchen? In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, we go straight to the source—literally. Michelle sits down with a multi-generational wheat farmer and miller to uncover what’s changed in our grain over time—and why ancient grains like einkorn are making a comeback. You’ll hear what’s happening in the soil, how modern wheat has been altered for efficiency (not nutrition), and why freshly milled flour behaves completely differently in your baking. And don’t miss the end of this episode—where we break down why some people who struggle with modern wheat can tolerate ancient grains, and what that actually means for your kitchen. In this episode, we cover: -The real difference between ancient grains and modern wheat -Why einkorn is NOT just “another trendy flour” -How farming practices impact nutrition and digestibility -What changes when you mill your own flour at home -Why your bread might not taste like it used to -The surprising truth about gluten (this might change how you think about it) This episode's sponsors: https://soulyrested.com/trueleaf https://soulyrested.com/teas https://soulyrested.com/coffee Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/ Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ About Michelle Visser Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast. My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required. 👋Find me in all the places: My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu My website: https://soulyrested.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/ youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisser CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase

    45 мин.
  6. 13 апр.

    218. How to Break Junk Food Addictions: The 30-Day Reset That Works

    In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle sits down with Glenn Livingston, a former food industry insider turned expert in binge eating and food addiction recovery. After struggling with his own compulsive eating and reaching nearly 300 pounds, Glenn reveals how processed foods are deliberately engineered to trigger cravings at a neurological level—making overeating feel impossible to control. In today's episode: Learn the science behind cravings,Understand why cravings get worse before they go awayGain insight into what happens during the critical 14–20 day windowFind out how long it really takes to rewire your habits You’ll also learn practical strategies to stop binge eating, including how to: Identify your personal food triggers, Create simple rules that retrain your brain, and Determine whether moderation or total elimination is the right path for you. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of junk food cravings, this episode offers a realistic, science-backed way to finally break free. This episode's sponsors: https://soulyrested.com/coffee https://soulyrested.com/trueleaf https://soulyrested.com/tea Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ FREE resources: Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7 Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52 Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747 Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/ All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/ About Michelle Visser Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast. My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required. 👋Find me in all the places: My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu My website: https://soulyrested.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/ youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisser CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase

    28 мин.
  7. 6 апр.

    217. Why ‘Daily Bread’ Matters: Faith, Food Security & Letting Go of Control

    In this deeply personal Easter episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle shares a powerful reflection on faith, hardship, and the true meaning of provision. Walking through a painful season involving a loved one’s wrongful incarceration, she explores the Biblical story of manna and what it reveals about our modern obsession with self-sufficiency. From food storage and wheat berries to the limits of prepping, this episode challenges the idea that we can fully provide for ourselves. Instead, it offers a refreshing perspective on daily dependence, community support, and trusting God through uncertainty. Whether you're interested in real food, homesteading, or deeper life meaning, this episode will shift how you think about “daily bread.” It turns out gratitude exists alongside suffering—not after it. And true preparedness is learning skills and sharing, not hoarding. Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/ Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ FREE resources: Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7 Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52 Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747 Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/ All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/ About Michelle Visser Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast. My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required. 👋Find me in all the places: My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu My website: https://soulyrested.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/ youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichelleVisser CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase

    19 мин.
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Ever wish you had a mentor to help you make healthier, real food choices, one small step at a time? Someone to whisper encouragements in your ear? Someone who has been taking small steps for over a decade, learned a lot about real food, non-toxic living, and a holistic approach to wellness along the way? Tune in every Monday as your host, Michelle Visser—former junk food addict, turned homesteader and medicinal gardener—offers you encouragement and practical insights on the Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy podcast. We dive deep into topics like avoiding processed foods, incorporating whole foods into your diet, milling fresh flour, and understanding the powerful benefits of fermented foods, medicinal drinks, and other healthy, gut-friendly options. We explore topics, often with thought-provoking guests, from the importance of healthy fats and natural sugars to practical tips on gardening, creating simple recipes, and stocking your kitchen with the best pantry staples. Whether you're looking to improve your immune system, learn how to nourish your body with real, nutrient-dense foods, or discover better, nontoxic options, join in every episode and gain actionable advice for making sustainable, healthier choices.

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