Simply at the Table - Generational Conversations on Homemaking

Kathryn Lockrem, Belle Bergman, and Leisha Lockrem

Are you a homemaker in need of support and feel lost, unsure of how to manage it all? Does your home feel cluttered and disorganized, your schedule chaotic and busy, leaving you burned out and your mind overwhelmed? Maybe you're stuck in survival mode, spinning your wheels with the latest cleaning routines and organizing hacks that just don't seem to work. Or maybe, you're just starting your homemaking journey without any kind of roadmap or practical homemaking skills. You ask yourself, there's got to be more to it than this. At your core, you long for a calm, peaceful home full of family connection, but you're unsure of how to get there.  Welcome to Simply at the Table, a podcast that shares personal stories and tried-and-true wisdom from a generational perspective from a mother-daughter trio to help encourage you in your homemaking journey. Here, you'll discover our "legs of the table" values that support and inform how we create practical strategies woven within seasonal rhythms, strong family relationships and family culture, and a home that is full of peace and joy. We share clutter-clearing steps to flexible routines, we help you to think creatively to create systems designed for real life, encourage you to cook wholesome meals, and offer support as you grow in faith and disciple your children. The goal is to be purposeful, not perfect. Balance, not burnout. Calm, not chaos. So join us for a healthy dose of faith-based encouragment in the day-to-day tasks of life.  So wherever you are in your homemaking journey, we invite you to pull up a chair and grab something warm to drink and join us at the table. We are happy you're here!

  1. 4d ago

    Why Reading Books to Kids Builds More Than a Love of Learning

    This episode is a warm, wide-ranging conversation about why books matter so much in childhood and beyond. Leisha and her daughters explore how reading builds imagination, vocabulary, attention span, conviction, and a lasting love of learning, and share the books that shaped her family at different ages. The mother-daughter team discusses favorite childhood reads, classic literature, fairy tales, and the adult books that have influenced parenting, marriage, money, and worldview. This is a reflective, book-loving conversation centered on why reading still matters in a world full of fast technology. They also talk through several specific titles and the qualities that make certain books worth returning to across different seasons of life. If you are trying to build a home library or simply looking for your next meaningful read, this episode offers a thoughtful starting point. Key topics Why books are more than entertainment and how they become a bridge into imagination, language, and learning Childhood favorites like Curious George, Beatrix Potter, Frog and Toad, Calvin and Hobbes, and The Phantom Tollbooth How classics like Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, The Book Thief, Jane Austen, Shakespeare, and Lemony Snicket shaped reading habits Why fairy tales matter, including the idea that children already know dragons exist, but need to know they can be defeated How reading can form conviction and reshape adult life through books like Love and Respect, Rich Dad Poor Dad, The 4 Hour Workweek, and The Fourth Turning The value of nonfiction, historical fiction, and books that help you think more deeply about culture, society, and human nature How story works across cultures, including how people respond differently depending on their worldview and symbolism Why the speakers prefer books that expand language, stretch attention, and reward rereading Recommendations for children, teens, and adults, from gentle picture books to more complex series like Red Rising, Lunar Chronicles, and The Blade Itself Action items Start or grow a home library with physical books your family will actually use Choose books with beautiful illustrations for younger children Use parental vetting for themes, language, and age appropriateness Revisit books over time, since the same story can mean something different at different stages of life Introduce classics early so children can build vocabulary, imagination, and endurance for harder texts Connect with us: New episodes release every Tuesday—subscribe so you never miss a show! If today's chat brought a little peace to your day, please text this episode link to a friend, mom, or daughter who needs some encouragement this week.   To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com   Visit Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life for more in-depth articles on homemaking and family life.    For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com    Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

  2. Sep 8

    Cultivating Character: The Power of Diligence in Homemaking

    What does it take to build a faithful, thriving home when the daily routine feels like a grind? In this episode of Simply at the Table, the mother-daughter team dives deep into the essential role of diligence in everyday life, focusing specifically on the joys and challenges of motherhood and homemaking. They talk about how perseverance, character, and a long-term perspective transform your everyday routine into a lasting legacy.   Diligence is far more than just keeping up with chores—it is a steady, earnest, and energetic effort that requires persistence and careful work. Together, they discuss how true character is built through consistent daily effort and integrity, rather than innate talent. Shifting your mindset to a long-term perspective changes how you view mundane tasks, helping you sustain effort and joy for the long haul. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by the daily routine or looking for inspiration to keep pressing forward, this conversation will encourage you to trust God’s timing, find rest, and lead your family by example.     Key Topics Covered: Defining Diligence: Unpacking its layers as a steady, energetic effort. Character vs. Talent: How consistent daily choices and integrity build your character. The Motherhood Marathon: Why raising a family requires perseverance and a bigger, eternal vision. The Power of a Long-Term Perspective: How looking ahead sustains your joy in the ordinary moments. Faith & Provision: Trusting God’s timing and focusing on eternal rewards to stay motivated. The Rhythms of Diligence: Balancing hard work with essential rest for sustainable living. Passing It Down: Practical ways to lead by example and teach diligence to your children. Connect with us: New episodes release every Tuesday—subscribe so you never miss a show! If today's chat brought a little peace to your day, please text this episode link to a friend, mom, or daughter who needs some encouragement this week.     To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com   Visit Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life for more in-depth articles on homemaking and family life.    For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com    Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

  3. Sep 1

    How We Learned to Stop Chasing Finish Lines and Start Living Well | A Freestyle Episode

    Why do we, as homemakers, feel an endless pressure to constantly produce, and why is it so incredibly hard to just sit down and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere we work so hard to create? The answer is simpler than we think, but it requires a massive heart shift. True rest isn't a reward we earn at the bottom of a finished to-do list; it is a spiritual discipline we must actively build into our lives by trading a rigid "pass/fail" mindset for seasonal flexibility and everyday integrity.   In this completely unscripted, freestyle episode of Simply at the Table, the mother-daughter team pulls up a chair for a casual, organic chat about the messy transition from summer to autumn. As we trade summer schedules for cozy fall layers, we tackle the pressure to constantly jump from one household project to the next. We look honestly at what our summer bucket lists actually accomplished and unpack the vital difference between a home schedule that is merely possible and one that is truly manageable for a thriving marriage and family. Later, the conversation takes a deep, beautiful turn as we share a story from a missions trip that completely reframed how we view the ordinary tasks of keeping a home. Using the biblical imagery of a plumb line, we look at how our integrity is measured in the hidden, everyday choices no one else sees, from daily chores to adult relationships. Pour a fresh cup of coffee or tea, grab some laundry to fold, and join us for a freestyle conversation that is equal parts deep spiritual truth and hilarious family banter. In this freestyle episode, we unpack: The Rest Dilemma: Why we struggle to enjoy a clean home and how to shift from a "pass/fail" mindset to seasonal flexibility. The "Manageable" Home: Unfiltered thoughts on balancing creative work, marriage, and family without burning out. The Plumb Line of Homemaking: How small, hidden chores and daily choices reveal our true standard of personal integrity. Family Culture & Laughs: Off-the-cuff stories about baby voices, marriage language, and the funny habits we've developed over time. Connect with us: New episodes release every Tuesday—subscribe so you never miss a show! If today's chat brought a little peace to your day, please text this episode link to a friend, mom, or daughter who needs some encouragement this week. To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com   Visit Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life for more in-depth articles on homemaking and family life.    For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com    Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

  4. Aug 25

    Quick Resets for Tired Homemakers: Simple Habits for Peace and Energy

    Do you feel overwhelmed, tired, or depleted in your home? You do not need a perfect system to find peace. You just need a simple reset.   In this episode of Simply at the Table, the mother-daughter team, with special guest Lexi Lockrem, shares realistic, grace-filled ways to shift your mood and your home. Learn how small changes can help you move through hard days with calm confidence. We explore practical, emotional, and spiritual habits that lift the heavy fog of daily burnout.   What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why simple fixes work better than complex routines when you feel stressed. How to find the real source of your overwhelm. Simple ways to change your home atmosphere, like turning on bright lights, styling your hair, or making a favorite drink. Spiritual habits, including a short "Jesus, be with me" prayer and starting your day with Scripture. Emotional relief through a good cry, a quick walk, or letting go of urgent tasks. How to guard your calendar and stop overcommitting your time. If you need a gentle reminder of God's grace in your daily work, this episode is for you. Hit play and learn how to reset your mindset today.     Connect with us: New episodes release every Tuesday—subscribe so you never miss a show! If today's chat brought a little peace to your day, please text this episode link to a friend, mom, or daughter who needs some encouragement this week.     To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com   Visit Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life for more in-depth articles on homemaking and family life.    For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com    Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

  5. Aug 18

    Quick Fixes for Mental Space: Tiny Routines & Habit Stacking for Overwhelm

    Have you ever felt like you completely lack the time to manage your home? When you are feeling overwhelmed as a homemaker, it is easy to let the physical clutter turn into mental clutter. You do not need a massive deep-cleaning overhaul to find peace—you just need a few small daily disciplines to protect your mental energy. In this episode of Simply at the Table, Leisha, Belle, and Kathryn share practical, realistic "quick fixes" that make home life feel lighter and more manageable. Whether you are juggling work, school, kids, or simply have too many open tabs running in your brain, this conversation will help you shut down the chaos. Learn how "future self" thinking, momentum-based productivity, and focused 10-minute sprints can close your mental loops and create true space for guilt-free rest. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How short-term disciplines support your long-term sanity during seasons of intense burnout. The power of "Future Self" thinking—doing a tiny task right now so your future self has less stress. Strategies to neutralize high-traffic chaos in the kitchen and shared living spaces. Practical tips to teach kids a rhythm of responsibility by tidying toys before natural transitions. Momentum-based productivity and why starting a task for just 10 minutes carries you forward. How to use habit stacking during natural transition moments to switch laundry or clear the fridge. Setting up a foolproof morning routine with a whiteboard or planner to completely eliminate decision fatigue. Reframing daily homemaking not as a chore, but as an intentional act of love for your family. Connect with us: New episodes release every Tuesday—subscribe so you never miss a show! If today's chat brought a little peace to your day, please text this episode link to a friend, mom, or daughter who needs some encouragement this week. Keywords: homemaker overwhelm, simple home organization, habit stacking for moms, mental clarity routines, time management for stay at home moms. To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com   Visit Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life for more in-depth articles on homemaking and family life.    For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com    Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

  6. Aug 11

    Why Your Best Organization System Might Be the One You Can Maintain

    Do you feel like your home doesn't stay organized? Join Kathryn, Belle, and Leisha for this mother-daughter homemaking discussion, talking about practical strategies for home organization, long-term fixes, and creating systems that work naturally within daily routines. They share personal stories, dream home features, and actionable tips to help listeners maintain a peaceful, organized home.    Key  Topics Long-term home organization strategies Identifying and fixing catch points in daily routines The importance of systems and boundaries in homemaking Personal stories and dream home features Step-by-step problem solving for home chaos Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Homemaking and Resources 04:44 Favorite Appliances and Kitchen Dream Features 10:09 System Focus: Long-Term Home Organization 13:24 Troubleshooting Repeated Disorganization Points 14:23 Boundaries and Inventory in Home Management 16:44 Mental Models for Organizing Space 18:37 Capacity and Mental Space for Organization 20:00 Actionable Steps: Problem Solving and Implementation 22:46 Personal Stories of Organization and Change 28:32 Creating Pathways and Systems in Daily Life 30:28 Entryway Systems and Reducing Clutter 32:16 Scheduling and Weekly Rhythms for Home Management 35:07 Seasonal Organization and Hidden Catch Points 37:57 The Power of Visual Cues and Specific Homes for Items 39:18 Adapting Systems Over Seasons and Life Stages 43:01 The Joy and Challenge of System Maintenance 44:26 Creativity and Problem Solving in Organization 48:11 Starting Small and Collaborating for Better Systems 49:09 Encouragement to Take Action and Share Solutions   To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com   Visit Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life for more in-depth articles on homemaking and family life.    For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com    Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

  7. Aug 4

    Was Homeschooling Actually Worth It? (A Mother-Daughter Reflection)

    Did homeschooling actually pay off? In this episode of Simply at the Table, the mother-daughter team pulls back the curtain on their educational journey with total honesty. They dive into the candid memories, unexpected strengths, and real regrets that came from learning at home. Whether you are a homeschooling parent, considering alternative education, or just curious about the lifestyle, this conversation offers a warm, practical look at what happens when you prioritize character over perfect grades. In this episode, we discuss:   The Turning Point: How the family chose homeschooling and the different paths each daughter took (including co-ops, public school, and PSEO). The Real Struggles: Honest confessions about shortcutting assignments, motivation slumps, and parent-teacher role confusion. Character Over Curriculum: Why building integrity, time management, and faith mattered more than academic performance. Life After High School: A frank conversation about trade schools, college debt, and alternative career paths. The Ultimate Question: Would the daughters choose to homeschool their own children? Tune in for a heartfelt look at the value of "doing life together" and the lifelong fruit of being deeply known at home.   Connect with us: New episodes release every Tuesday—subscribe so you never miss a show! If today's chat brought a little peace to your day, please text this episode link to a friend, mom, or daughter who needs some encouragement this week. Keywords: homeschooling pros and cons, alternative education options, raising independent kids, character based parenting, homeschool mom encouragement.     To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com   Visit Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life for more in-depth articles on homemaking and family life.    For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com    Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

  8. Jul 28

    Christian Homemaking: Cherishing Family Stories, Sabbath Rest, & Everyday Life

    Want to find beauty, humor, and faith in the unscripted, ordinary moments of daily household life? In this relaxed, freestyle episode of Simply at the table, our mother-daughter team gathers around the childhood table to share funny family stories, reflect on life's unexpected twists, and discuss the heart of Christian homemaking. From bizarre wildlife encounters to kitchen baking experiments and new job transitions, we break down what it looks like to practice private stewardship, protect our character, and trust in God's daily sufficiency when schedules get chaotic. In this hour-long conversation, we discuss: The Power of Storytelling: How sharing funny memories—from farm stand mishaps to childhood toad discoveries—deepens family connections across generations. Modern Cultural Norms: A lighthearted but deep discussion on gender roles, chivalry, and modern societal expectations. Baking & Kitchen Rhythms: Our current favorite bread-making techniques and managing bread dough experiments in a busy kitchen. Spiritual Stewardship & Rest: Practical ways to protect your Sabbath rest, build workplace resilience, and find joy in stressful circumstances by trusting God's timing. Pull up a chair, grab a warm cup of coffee, and join our Tuesday family conversation as we learn to appreciate the beautiful, unscripted moments right at our own tables! Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome: Embracing an Unscripted Life 02:35 - Funny Toad Discoveries & Managing Soap Inventory 09:20 - Hard Physical Jobs & The Biblical View of Work 10:14 - Chivalry, Feminism, & Gender Roles in Society 13:23 - Book Talk: Niche Reading Interests & Good Stories 19:15 - Farm Stand Realities & Baking Dough Experiments 23:26 - Workplace Stress, Practicing Joy, & New Jobs 26:27 - Sabbath Rest & Trusting God's Daily Provision 30:50 - Private Stewardship & Living Authentically 34:04 - Driving Mistakes & Memorable Wildlife Encounters 44:05 - Generational Storytelling Around the Table Connect with us: New episodes release every Tuesday—subscribe so you never miss a family update! If this chat brought a smile to your face today, please text this episode link to a friend, mom, or daughter who needs some lighthearted encouragement this week. Keywords: Christian homemaking, Sabbath rest for moms, baking from scratch, family storytelling, generational wisdom podcast.   To learn more or connect with us, visit our website: www.simplyatthetable.com   Visit Simply at the Table's Substack: The Simple Life for more in-depth articles on homemaking and family life.    For sourdough recipes, preserving, and from-scratch recipes: www.LockremHomestead.com    Toups & Co. Organics, use the code TABLE to enjoy 10% off https://toupsandco.com/TABLE

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Are you a homemaker in need of support and feel lost, unsure of how to manage it all? Does your home feel cluttered and disorganized, your schedule chaotic and busy, leaving you burned out and your mind overwhelmed? Maybe you're stuck in survival mode, spinning your wheels with the latest cleaning routines and organizing hacks that just don't seem to work. Or maybe, you're just starting your homemaking journey without any kind of roadmap or practical homemaking skills. You ask yourself, there's got to be more to it than this. At your core, you long for a calm, peaceful home full of family connection, but you're unsure of how to get there.  Welcome to Simply at the Table, a podcast that shares personal stories and tried-and-true wisdom from a generational perspective from a mother-daughter trio to help encourage you in your homemaking journey. Here, you'll discover our "legs of the table" values that support and inform how we create practical strategies woven within seasonal rhythms, strong family relationships and family culture, and a home that is full of peace and joy. We share clutter-clearing steps to flexible routines, we help you to think creatively to create systems designed for real life, encourage you to cook wholesome meals, and offer support as you grow in faith and disciple your children. The goal is to be purposeful, not perfect. Balance, not burnout. Calm, not chaos. So join us for a healthy dose of faith-based encouragment in the day-to-day tasks of life.  So wherever you are in your homemaking journey, we invite you to pull up a chair and grab something warm to drink and join us at the table. We are happy you're here!

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