

Homesteading for Beginners
Mona Weathers
This is the Homesteading for Beginners podcast and I'm Mona Weathers, your homesteading mentor and coach. I'm here to encourage you to pursue your homesteading goals with the right mindset in a way that is healthy for you, your family and your community. If you desire to establish a solid foundation for your homesteading journey then you are in the right place. Join me as I share stories from the past 20 years of my own journey as well as practical and actionable steps you can take to START and MAINTAIN a healthy homestead.
I'm passionate about teaching beginner homesteaders how to start a homestead that aligns with their goals for self-sufficiency in a way that is sustainable and profitable. If you are ready to get started today, download the free Homesteading for Beginners checklist.
https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/
I'm passionate about teaching beginner homesteaders how to start a homestead that aligns with their goals for self-sufficiency in a way that is sustainable and profitable. If you are ready to get started today, download the free Homesteading for Beginners checklist.
https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 10, 2025 • 12min
120. Why I'm Pausing My Homestead Podcast & YouTube Channel (for now…)
 This was one of the hardest videos I've ever had to make. After three years, over 220,000 podcast downloads, and countless amazing connections with listeners and viewers, I've made the difficult decision to pause the YouTube channel and podcast—indefinitely. Watch on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMz8Wn41XFw In this episode, I open up about: 👉 Why I decided to step away for now  👉 What's been happening behind the scenes 👉 How recent life changes (including my husband's layoff) have shifted our priorities 👉 What's next for me, my family, and our homestead 👉 The exciting new direction both my husband and I are taking with our businesses I'm still homesteading, still growing food, still raising animals—but my focus is evolving. I've rebranded my other YouTube channel, now called Mona Weathers, where I help creators and entrepreneurs leverage YouTube to grow community and income. I also host a growing community of creators inside Skool, where over 80+ members are learning to build sustainable businesses through content and connection. If you've ever listened to my podcast, watched a video, or shared my content—thank you. Your support has meant the world to me. While this isn't goodbye forever, it is a pause so I can put my full energy into what's next. 🌱 WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED & SUPPORT: 💻 Join my creator community:  https://www.skool.com/next-level-creator-hub-3071/about?ref=a94b13f1b35c451cbdf107496d9f3ed5 ☕ Check out my husband's new coffee business: https://mojoe.coffee/ 👍 Like, share, and revisit your favorite episodes to help keep this channel alive 📚 Support my work through journals, books & digital products (links below)- -Buy the Homesteading for Beginners workbook: https://homesteading.myflodesk.com/workbook -Donate: https://buymeacoffee.com/monaweathers -Shop Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/farmer_mona -Buy Notebooks and Journals:  https://www.amazon.com/shop/farmer_mona/list/2FVWKD62O9KF2?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_CW4ABFD63SK97SBNQ2YZ Thank you again for being part of this incredible journey. Keep dreaming, keep growing, and keep moving toward your homesteading goals. 💚 — Mona 

Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 6min
119. Top Food Preservation Methods for the Home Kitchen with Melissa K. Norris
 Get the Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist In this episode, Melissa K. Norris talks about these 9 food preservation methods in this episode: ― cold storage ― water bath/steam canning ― pressure canning ― dehydrating ― fermenting ― freeze-drying ― root cellar ― infusion ― salting and curing meat Watch on YouTube Here: https://youtu.be/U6Wogu_4yCc?si=K8RNgTMvyj0gMXMW Melissa's info: Podcast: Pioneering Today Website: https://melissaknorris.com/ Everything Worth Preserving: The Complete Guide for Food Preservation at Home (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/43EzKPQ  Mona's Info: ➡️Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/ ➡️Homesteading for Beginners workbook: https://healthyhomesteading.com/workbook ➡️Get Mona's Homestead Planner on Amazon: https://amzn.to/444vEUr   

Jun 9, 2025 • 32min
118. "I ate a bug" & Other Weird Things Homesteaders Say & Do | Plus Q & A
 This episode is from a livestream I recorded yesterday.  I'll be sharing some funny things I realized I say and do on my homestead. I think you will find it entertaining. Please share your own stories in the comments on YouTube. I'd love to hear them. Also, I'll be answering some questions from the members of my Homestead Income Plan Facebook group at the end.  Here's the link if you'd like to watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/BzxAu7eFC34?feature=share Links mentioned in this episode:  🛒 Homestead & Farm Pest Control Amazon list: https://amzn.to/3SDrUmo ✅ Homesteading for Beginners Checklist: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/ 🐮 Vintage Farm Homestead Planner: https://amzn.to/4mUb0Oi ➡️ Homestead Income Plan Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/homesteadincomeplan   Connect with Me: Contact Page: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/contact/ 

May 9, 2025 • 26min
117. Intro to Building a Natural Medicine Cabinet with Dr. Aber Belt
 In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Amber Belt to discuss the importance of creating a natural medicine cabinet for your home or homestead. We explore the reasons why organization by category is useful, especially for families and caregivers, and delve into essential equipment and remedies to have on hand. Dr. Belt shares her expertise on building a self-sufficient health plan, why early treatment is crucial, and practical tips for setting up an accessible and effective medicine cabinet. Enjoy insights on both natural and conventional remedies, and learn about Dr. Belt's course, Medicine Cabinet Mastery, for more in-depth guidance. This is episode 117 of the Homesteading for Beginners podcast.  Watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eVyD94v7PFQ?si=ByRv3_Aw1spV2PbF Previous Interview with Dr. Belt:  https://youtu.be/6cDgjaYbO90?si=huiIiceabhzXTraL Other episodes mentioned:  Herbalism 101: https://youtu.be/swemWvPEf94?si=cUQJJ146vbvAhGNr Dr. Amber Belt's Info: Website - https://www.dramberbelt.com/  Website - https://sagesirona.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dramberbelt    Mona's info:     Get the Homesteading for Beginners checklist here: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/    Shop Homesteading Books and Supplies: https://www.amazon.com/shop/farmer_mona Homesteading for Beginners YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@homesteadingforbeginners   

Apr 11, 2025 • 19min
116. Food Security- Reasons Why You Need a Plan & How to Get Started
 In this episode, we explore the critical issue of food security and how to prepare for potential shortages by becoming more self-sufficient. Learn practical tips on how to start a garden, raise livestock, and cook from scratch no matter the size of your living space. Emphasizing the importance of community and passing on these essential skills to the next generation, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to reduce reliance on grocery stores and enjoy the benefits of homegrown food. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-LNaQ6W6TNw Interviews mentioned:  9 Food Preservation Methods with Melissa K. Norris (YouTube) - https://youtu.be/LyIvnjRNTC4 Backyard Chicken Keeping 101 with Dalia Monterroso (YouTube) - https://youtu.be/aSXNPSwv1rU Mona's Links: **AZURE STANDARD** (Sign up with my affiliate link here): https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=EZO0slBbMt Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/ Homesteading for Beginners workbook: https://healthyhomesteading.com/workbook Shop Homesteading Supplies on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/farmer_mona Homestead Income Plan Group (FACEBOOK): https://www.facebook.com/groups/homesteadincomeplan Homesteading for Beginners YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@homesteadingforbeginners   

Feb 28, 2025 • 12min
115. 4 Reason Why You Should Start Homesteading
 In this video, I'm sharing my personal homesteading journey and the reasons why my family and I have been dedicated to this lifestyle for over 21 years. Homesteading has been a dream of mine since childhood, long before I even knew what the term meant. Now, I'm living that dream—surrounded by animals, nature, and the challenges and rewards of homesteading life.  I hope my story and insights resonate with you! Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments on the YouTube channel video—I'd love to hear from you. And don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more homesteading tips, stories, and insights in future videos. **Watch this vlog on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eRJmNGHPLS4 Shop Azure Standard: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=EZO0slBbMt 25 Homesteading Skills to Start with Little to No Land https://youtu.be/Jht3vntO0mQ?si=ck85N--xzyjMHujl **Subscribe to the channel for more homesteading content:** https://www.youtube.com/@UCBBa8_8rxBb-wedtxlEKgxg    Get the Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/ Homesteading for Beginners workbook: https://healthyhomesteading.com/workbook Shop Homesteading Supplies on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/farmer_mona   

Feb 21, 2025 • 46min
114. Herbs & Herbalism 101 with KhadiYah Preciado
 Join us for an inspiring interview with KhadiYah Preciado, a passionate herbalist. She shares her journey from personal health struggles to developing proven frameworks like the T.E.A. Method, 4 Levels of Safety, and 4-Step Journey, making herbalism clear, effective, and practical. Whether you're looking to heal, grow a business, or become a clinical herbalist, KhadiYah's wisdom will empower you to do it with confidence and purpose.  Don't miss this powerful conversation! This is episode 114 of the Homesteading for Beginner podcast with Mona Weathers.   KhadiYah's Links:  https://www.youtube.com/@HerHealthyHome https://www.yahsapothecary.com/ https://www.instagram.com/khadiyahpreciado/ Mona's Links:  **AZURE STANDARD** (Sign up with my affiliate link here): https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=EZO0slBbMt Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/swemWvPEf94 Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/ Homesteading for Beginners workbook: https://healthyhomesteading.com/workbook Shop Homesteading Supplies on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/farmer_mona Homesteading for Beginners YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@homesteadingforbeginners   

Feb 5, 2025 • 17min
113. Should You Start Homesteading in 2025?
   Are you thinking about starting your homesteading journey but unsure if now is the right time? In this episode, I'll help you decide if homesteading life is for you and when to take that first step. I'll also share a personal story about my gardening journey—the mental barriers that held me back and how I finally broke through. Topics Covered:  How to know when you're ready to start homesteading Overcoming mental roadblocks that might be holding you back Lessons learned from my own experience starting a garden  Hi, I'm Mona Weathers, host of Homesteading for Beginners! Whether you're watching on YouTube or listening on a podcast platform, welcome! Subscribe for more beginner-friendly homesteading advice! Watch is episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/02pvS2WmCFo AZURE STANDARD (Sign up with my affiliate link here): https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=EZO0slBbMt Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/ Homesteading for Beginners workbook: https://healthyhomesteading.com/workbook Shop Homesteading Supplies on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/farmer_mona 101 Homestead Income Ideas List: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/homesteadincome Homestead Income Plan Group (FACEBOOK): https://www.facebook.com/groups/homesteadincomeplan Homesteading for Beginners YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@homesteadingforbeginners    

Nov 23, 2024 • 35min
112. They Quit Farming to Travel the Country (a pivot story).
 Get the Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/ In this episode, Olivia shares her incredible journey from running a thriving farm-to-table business to pivoting her life entirely. Learn how she and her family transitioned to life on the road in a camper, sharing the stories of small farmers across the U.S. through their YouTube channel. We talk about burnout, the challenges of farming, and the joys of building community and making meaningful connections. Don't miss this deep dive into her and her family's farmstead to homestead pivot story! This is episode 112 of the Homesteading for Beginners podcast with Mona Weathers. Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hYDIYxFNrA Olivia's Info: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingNewRoots Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breaking_new_roots/ Mona's Info: 🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more homesteading content: https://www.youtube.com/@UCBBa8_8rxBb-wedtxlEKgxg 📝 Homesteading for Beginners workbook: https://healthyhomesteading.com/workbook 🛒 Shop Homesteading Supplies on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/farmer_mona 💰101 Homestead Income Ideas List: https://www.homesteadincomeplan.com/incomeideas 💲Homestead Income Plan Group (FACEBOOK): https://www.facebook.com/groups/homesteadincomeplan  

Nov 4, 2024 • 11min
111. What Happened to Mona and the Homesteading for Beginners podcast?
 I'm ok! I know it's been awhile since I've update this podcast. I share why I had to take a break and my plans for the future. Thank you so much for listening. I truly appreciate you! Make sure you check out the Homesteading for Beginners Youtube channel here (this is the latest vlog): https://youtu.be/eRJmNGHPLS4?si=fspva2iGnG5d5w68 Get the Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/ Homesteading for Beginners workbook: https://healthyhomesteading.com/workbook Shop Homesteading Supplies on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/farmer_mona 101 Homestead Income Ideas List: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/homesteadincome Homestead Income Plan Group (FACEBOOK): https://www.facebook.com/groups/homesteadincomeplan Mona's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmer_mona/ Homesteading for Beginners YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@homesteadingforbeginners   


