Everyday Ancestral with James Barry

In this debut episode of Everyday Ancestral, I sit down with Carolyn Thomas, the dynamic co-founder of Homesteading Family, to explore her inspiring journey from suburban mom to homesteading powerhouse. Carolyn reveals how she and her husband, Josh, traded convenience for self-sufficiency, building a life centered around intentional choices, sustainable practices, and an ever-growing homestead bustling with ten kids. We talk about what first sparked Carolyn’s desire for a natural lifestyle and how she learned to preserve food, grow her family’s resilience, and balance homesteading with modern life. This conversation is packed with insights on cultivating a life rich in connection, health, and purpose—right in the heart of Idaho. Join us as Carolyn shares what it takes to thrive as a homesteader and why this path offers so much more than just food security.What We Talked About:From Suburbia to Self-Sufficiency – How one life-changing event led Carolyn’s family to a sustainable life in Idaho.Homesteading from Scratch – Carolyn’s first steps to create a healthier, self-sufficient lifestyle.Family, Faith, and Connection – How Carolyn stays focused on what matters in a disconnected world.Running a Busy Homestead – The teamwork and routines that keep her family of ten thriving.Ancestral Wisdom with Modern Tools – Carolyn’s approach to blending tradition with convenience.Staying Strong and Avoiding Burnout – Carolyn’s strategies for balance, energy, and finding joy in the everyday.Links and Resources to Explore:Homesteading Family website: https://www.homesteadingfamily.comFreeze Drying the Harvest by Carolyn Thomas – Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/Freeze-Drying-Harvest-Preserving-Food-Modern/dp/1963008995Visit https://eatpluck.com/everydayancestral/ for full show notes, resources and links. Stay tuned for more ancestral living tips and inspiration!Get 20% off your first order of Pluck Superfood Seasonings with the code EA20 at https://eatpluck.com/ 

In this episode of Everyday Ancestral, I chat with R.C. Carter, the visionary behind Carter Country Meats, where he’s transforming the cattle industry by focusing on soil health and nutrient density. R.C. sheds light on how his Wyoming ranch utilizes regenerative practices to produce grass-fed beef that’s not only rich in flavor but packed with essential nutrients. We discuss the challenges ranchers face, like competing with big corporations, the importance of soil health in food quality, and the complex journey from pasture to plate. R.C. also reveals how his family has dedicated generations to sustainable ranching and his hopes for a future where consumers prioritize quality and nutritional value over convenience.What We Talked AboutThe Real Impact of Soil Health – R.C. explains why healthy soil is crucial to nutrient-dense food and how his ranch’s practices contribute to ecological balance.From Calves to Finished Cattle – How Carter Country Meats raises cattle through every stage, using regenerative practices that improve both the quality of meat and the environment.Challenges of Grass-Fed Beef – We delve into the complexities of producing 100% grass-fed beef and why it’s often misunderstood by chefs and consumers.The Misleading Meat Industry – R.C. discusses issues in the meat supply chain, from deceptive labeling to big corporations using loopholes to keep prices low.The Fight for Independent Ranchers – Insight into how big processors create obstacles for smaller ranchers and the benefits of buying local for both health and the economy.Health and Nutrition Benefits of Regenerative Meat – Why grass-fed beef is worth the investment, and how Carter Country Meats tests for nutrient density, offering a superior product that nourishes deeply.Links and Resources to ExploreCarter Country Meats: https://www.cartercountrymeats.comCarter Country Meats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cartercountrymeats/Be sure to visit https://eatpluck.com/everydayancestral for full show notes, resources, and all the links we discussed in today’s episode. Let’s keep supporting regenerative ranching and high-quality, nutritious food options.Get 20% off your first order of Pluck Superfood Seasonings with the code EA20 at https://eatpluck.com/ 

Everyday Ancestral is the podcast where modern life meets ancestral wisdom. Hosted by James Barry, this show dives deep into how we can bring practical, holistic living into our daily routines, inspired by the traditions and practices of our ancestors. From health and nutrition to personal growth and meaningful connections, each episode offers insights, inspiring stories, and real-life tips to help you live a more intentional, well-balanced life. Whether you’re a health enthusiast or someone seeking a deeper connection to the world around you, Everyday Ancestral will help you find simple ways to make ancient wisdom work for you today. Subscribe now to tune in, get inspired, and start living well—one step at a time.