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 and Thursday, 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 nontoxic household products and companies, join in every episode and gain actionable advice for making sustainable, healthier choices.

  1. 6D AGO

    186. Add herbs to your everyday (how & why), with Rachelle Robinett

    Does the thought of making your own herbal medicine intimidate you? Maybe you know that herbs can help with everything from physical ailments to emotional distress, yet you're not sure where to start? Today Rachelle Robinett, author of Naturally, shares her insights on herbalism, its benefits, and how it can be integrated into daily life.  In today's episode we discuss the importance of small health changes, the misconceptions surrounding herbalism, and the safety and efficacy of herbs compared to modern medicine. Rachelle emphasizes that herbalism is accessible to everyone and can be practiced in simple ways, making it a holistic approach to health and wellness. Please check out our sponsors:  True Leaf Market: https://soulyrested.com/cover bluealpinefreezedryers.com Use code SOULYRESTED And my favorite skin care & soaps, I share here: https://soulyrested.com/soap/   Go here to get show notes and special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/  Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/ Go here to get show notes and 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

    34 min
  2. AUG 25

    185. Fermenting (& adding nutrients to your foods) with Kirsten Shocke

    Fermentation is the only food preservation method that actually ADDS nutrients to your food. (Did you know canning can lose up to 50% of the nutrients?) If you’re confused by how to ferment so you enjoy the taste, how to eat your fermented food, or always questioning if you’ll know if it’s “okay” to eat, this episode is for you! Find all the resources we mention and all my fermenting recipes too at https://soulyrested.com/preserve  Kirsten K. Shocke, author of the best-selling Fermented Vegetables, along with many other award-winning books, will get you excited about fermenting, showing you how to use fermented foods as nutritious, convenient ingredients in your cooking while busting myths and overcoming hesitations around this tried-and-true ancient way of preserving food that should be included in every modern kitchen. This episode will give you valuable insights and encouragement to start your own fermentation journey. Or if you’ve been fermenting for years, like me, you will glean new ideas and inspiration. Find Kirsten writing about life and fermentation at fermentingchange.substack. Or at The Fermentation School, co-founded by Kirsten. Please check out our sponsors: True Leaf Market: https://soulyrested.com/cover bluealpinefreezedryers.com Use code SOULYRESTED And my favorite candles, I share here: https://soulyrested.com/nontoxic Go here to get show notes and special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/ Go here to get show notes and 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

    56 min
  3. AUG 18

    184. Why we were in the ER last weekend & how it changed our lives

    You know stress isn't good for your health, but learn from our experiences and don't let this happen to you... Today I'm sharing why we spent Saturday in the ER & what we've learned... Discover how stress and dehydration can lead to some bizarre, sudden health issues (for Bill it lead to Transient Global Amnesia ) and learn valuable insights on managing stress and prioritizing health. Today we're discussing the importance of community, real food, and regular exercise, and introducing The Wellness Collective—a platform designed to support a healthier lifestyle. Tune in for an inspiring journey towards wellness and resilience. Please check out our sponsors: Try the amazing, toxin-removing candles here: https://soulyrested.com/nontoxic/ https://soulyrested.com/cover https://soulyrested.com/soap Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/ Go here to get show notes and 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

    46 min
  4. AUG 11

    183. Cheese Making: A Beginner's Guide, Robyn Jackson, Cheese From Scratch

    Think cheesemaking is too complicated for you? Think you need to own a cow before you can make your own cheese? Both are far from the truth. Dive into the world of cheesemaking with the queen of cheesemaking, Robyn Jackson of Cheese From Scratch. Discover the key ingredients that form the foundation of every cheese, and explore the essential equipment that makes the process seamless. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned cheese enthusiast, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to start crafting your own delicious creations. Tune in and transform your kitchen into a cheese lover's paradise! Robyn shares her insights on making cheese accessible and enjoyable, even for beginners, while debunking common myths and fears. Consider this your sign: it's time to embrace the art of cheesemaking with confidence. Takeaways from this episode: Cheese making is a form of fermentation, similar to sourdough.Don't be intimidated; cheese making is accessible to everyone.You can start cheese making with just a few basic ingredients.Quality milk is crucial for successful cheese making.Clabber culture is an excellent starting point for beginners.Soft cheeses are a great entry point into cheese making.Understanding lactic bacteria is key to successful fermentation.You don't need fancy equipment to make cheese at home.Troubleshooting is part of the learning process in cheese making.The journey of cheese making is an endless learning experience. Robyn's new book serves as a guide for beginners, breaking down the process into manageable steps: https://amzn.to/3JaxevV Please check out our sponsors: https://soulyrested.com/salt https://soulyrested.com/cover Use code SOULYRESTED with Redmond Salt to save 15% all the time. Go here to get show notes and special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/ Go here to get show notes and 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

    46 min
  5. AUG 4

    182. Stop Wasting Your Food, with Amy Cross

    You're wasting 40-60% of the food you buy, if you're not doing these things. Amy Cross, founder of The Cross Legacy, shares her journey from starting an Instagram page to becoming a TED Talk speaker and author of the Zero Waste Produce Guide. In today's episode, she discusses the importance of reducing food waste, budgeting for groceries, and effective meal planning strategies. Amy provides practical tips on how to store produce to extend its freshness and highlights common mistakes people make in their kitchens. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of seasonal eating and the impact of mindful grocery shopping on family health and finances. Use the code SoulyRested to get 15% off your order of the Zero Waste Produce Guide or anything else in The Cross Legacy Shop. Visit the shop at thecrosslegacyshop.com https://soulyrested.com/coffee https://soulyrested.com/cover 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 show notes and 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

    54 min
  6. JUL 28

    180. Hormones, Natural Plant Remedies & An Herbal Medicine Cabinet, with Sam Coffman

    Today we're talking with renowned Registered Herbalist & Special Forces Medic (Green Beret, 18D) Sam Coffman. Sam breaks down 8 specific herbal remedies and their applications for health, focusing on hormone balance, children's immunity, and proactive health measures. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how different herbs can support the body and shares practical advice on how to incorporate them into daily life. Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients, including herbs & botanicals) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/ Go here to get show notes and 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

    46 min
  7. JUL 21

    179. Plant medicine–anecdotal or scientific? with Sam Coffman

    If you have ever wondered how to align herbal medicine with traditional medical practices, this episode is for you, with Sam Coffman, a green beret and clinical herbalist. Sam is a Registered Herbalist (RH) with the American Herbalists Guild, a Wilderness EMT, a Wilderness First Responder instructor, and licensed acupuncturist with a Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (MSAOM). He also holds a BA in Linguistics and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As the AI Director at Herbal Medics Academy, Sam combines his deep experience in medicine and technology to create innovative, AI-driven educational tools. Sam is also the bestselling author of “Herbal Medic” and “Survival Gardening,” and an upcoming post-apocalyptic fiction series called “Collapse Horizon.” Today Sam shares his unique journey from military medicine to herbalism. And the challenges he's faced in the field of herbalism. Sam shares personal anecdotes, including his experiences in the military and how they shaped his understanding of medicine. We talk about the language of plants and the future of herbalism in modern medicine. Sam shares his extensive knowledge of herbal medicine, emphasizing the importance of effective delivery methods for herbs to the body. He discusses the various ways to administer herbs and highlights the importance of preparing and extracting herbs for optimal efficacy. Sam also recounts the founding of Herbal Medics Academy, his unique background as a Green Beret and herbalist, and the importance of teaching others about herbal medicine. Please check out our sponsors: Blue Alpine Freeze Dryers (code SOULYRESTED): https://bluealpinefreezedryers.com/ Sundays Dog Food (save 50% with code SOULYRESTED): https://soulyrested.com/dog/ https://soulyrested.com/botanicals/ Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free, right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/ 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/ Podcast: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/ CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com

    1h 3m
4.9
out of 5
131 Ratings

About

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 and Thursday, 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 nontoxic household products and companies, join in every episode and gain actionable advice for making sustainable, healthier choices.

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