
Living Free in Tennessee - Nicole Sauce
Helping you live the live you life you choose on your terms. Living Free in Tennessee chronicles how we build our homestead, develop independence, plan and manage time and grow and preserve food sustainably - from a woman's point of view.
Latest episodes

Mar 14, 2025 • 1h 52min
Tuesday Coffee With John Willis, Nicole Sauce and Jack Spirko - EP 1015
Join me for a group discussion with John Willis of Special Operations Equipment and Jack Spirko of The Survival Podcast. Featured Event: The Self Reliance Festival, SelfRelianceFestival.com Sponsors: The Self Reliance Festival: SelfRelianceFestival.com https://selfreliancefestival.com/ Tickets: https://selfreliancefestival.com/tickets/ Holler Roast Coffee Show Resources Special Operations Equipment TheSurvivalPodcast.com Living Free in Tennessee NicoleSauce.com HollerRoast.com Main content of the show Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. Community FreeSteading Group: https://freesteading.com/groups/living-free-in-tennessee/ Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Twitter: @nicolesauce IG: @nicolesauce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingFreeInTN Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Mar 10, 2025 • 53min
Five Things Homesteaders Get Wrong - EP 1014
Today, we explore five things homesteaders get wrong—and how to avoid them. Every homestead decision is a preference, but some choices lead to costly, time-consuming headaches. Resources Crunchy Mama Beef Processing Class (March 21-24 in Texas) – Crunchy Mama Farms Sponsors: DiscountMylarBags.com EMPShield.com (Coupon Code LFTN for $50 off) LFTN Spring Workshop National Center For Home Food Preservation Weekly Segments: Tales from the Prepper Pantry – Freezers, Scotch eggs, and pantry upgrades Frugality Tip – How to save $3,000+ on international travel Shopping Report from Joe – Prices on food, lumber, and gas Operation Independence – Expanding aquaponics and biochar progress Main Topic: 5 Things Homesteaders Just Get Wrong 1. Keeping weak animals with genetic problems such as throwing prolapses in sheep, scissor beak, etc 2. Using That Untested Recipe For Canning From Your Grandma, Rebel Canners, Or A Random AI Generated Blog Post 3. You Got Chickens (Or Other Livestock) And Did Not Have Infrastructure (Housing, Water, Fencing, Etc.) 4. Why Did You Grow Food You Hate? 5. You Cultivated Plants Not Soil Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Mar 8, 2025 • 59min
Homestead Happenings for March 7, 2025 - EP 1013
Today, I am joined by Tactical as we discuss a semi-crazy, off-site week, the coming spring, and more. Featured Event: SUNDAY - Bioremediation Workday in Marshall, NC: https://www.facebook.com/events/1157636552497302 Shout out: Canary Cry Radio! https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=XK4bqtxb1PA Sponsor 1: TheWealthsteadingPodcast.com Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com Roof issues and the wind The mama ewe left the pasture Duck feed/Egg issue. Protein content is lower so adding sprouts sunflower seeds, take 2 1st round seedlings placed in raised bed Finishing last 2 raised beds AP update LFTN Email Updates Fencing repairs Pasture easter egg hunt after the storm Last round of seeding happening this weekend Indoor AP is up and running New 4 wheeler rebuild progress report Prepper Pantry Next Phase So Much Bacon Scotch Egg Experiment update Lettuce from the vet Assessing what is alive after the most brutal winter ive seen in the holler Holler Neighbors/Community Update Finances: Making sure we can source chickens before we announce the processing class Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift! Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Mar 3, 2025 • 57min
Bacteria, Yeast, and the Secret Life of Kefir - Ep 1012
Join me for a discussion all about kefir, its origins, its benefits, how to make it and HOW TO USE IT!Sponsor 1: Permies.com FUNDLE $45: https://permies.com/wiki/223017f495/Fundle-fungi-bundle Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Shout out: Canary Cry Radio! https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=XK4bqtxb1PA Tales from the Prepper Pantry Bacon Week Slicing Like a Mad Woman Ground Lamb The Carnivore Scotch Egg Test Operation Independence No more TAHOE 1. Why Kefir Matters More than just a probiotic – Kefir is a living ecosystem of bacteria and yeast, offering benefits beyond typical fermented foods. Gut health & digestion – Restores microbiome balance and may help with IBS. Immune system support – Contains natural antibacterial and antifungal compounds. Bone health & longevity – High in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K2, supporting bone density. Why it beats store-bought probiotic drinks – No added sugars, no preservatives, and a wider range of beneficial microbes. The Mysterious Origins of Kefir No one knows! Ancient legends – Believed to have originated in the Caucasus Mountains, with stories linking it to nomadic herders or religious figures. Some claim kefir grains were a gift from the Prophet Muhammad to Orthodox Christians. Others suggest they evolved naturally in animal skins used for storing milk. Why scientists can’t recreate it – Unlike yogurt cultures, kefir grains cannot be artificially synthesized, making them a true biological mystery. Kefir grains are a complex symbiotic community (SCOBY) that must be propagated from existing grains. Attempts to isolate and recreate them in labs have failed, suggesting a unique co-evolution with traditional dairy farming. 4. The Science Behind Kefir Fermentation Bacteria vs. Yeast – A Perfect Partnership Bacteria (Lactic Acid Bacteria - LAB) – Convert lactose into lactic acid, lowering the pH and thickening the milk. Yeasts – Break down sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide, adding mild effervescence and contributing to flavor complexity. Acetobacter species – Convert ethanol into acetic acid, giving kefir its subtle tang. How fermentation transforms milk Lactose breakdown – Kefir becomes more digestible for lactose-intolerant individuals. Nutrient enhancement – Increases B vitamins, calcium, and K2, making nutrients more bioavailable. Probiotic boost – Contains up to 50+ strains of beneficial bacteria and yeast, making it superior to yogurt in microbial diversity. How to Make Kefir at Home Basic Steps: Add kefir grains to whole milk (raw or pasteurized, but avoid ultra-pasteurized). Cover loosely and let ferment 12-24 hours at room temperature. Strain the grains, store finished kefir in the fridge, and repeat the process. Troubleshooting Common Issues: Too sour? Shorten fermentation time or use cooler temperatures. Too thin? Use higher-fat milk or ferment longer. Off flavors? Check milk quality and ensure grains are healthy. 6. Ways to Use Kefir Beyond Drinking It Culinary Uses: Smoothies & flavored kefir – Blend with fruit, honey, or spices. Salad dressings & dips – Use as a tangy base for ranch or tzatziki. Kefir cheese & butter – Strain whey to make a spreadable cheese. Second Fermentation for More Flavor & Fizz: How to do it – Store strained kefir in an airtight bottle with fruit or honey for another 12-24 hours. Why it works – Yeasts consume remaining sugars, boosting carbonation. Best add-ins: Citrus peel, ginger, berries, vanilla bean. Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 2min
Homestead Happenings for February 29, 2025 - EP 1011
Tactical Redneck Hijacked my show while I was out of town - Enjoy his update. Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com Join me for sad news from the pasture, making progress in spring, a review of a cool event happening in about a week, a NEW recipe, and more! Featured Event: Refuge Ruckus, March 7-9 in Fort Smith, AR: https://www.refugeruckus.com/ Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com Permies Fundle - and why it is so cool, but dont buy it until Saturday: Heads up on the Permies Fundle Listener Feedback From a listener - I remembered that you decided to sell your AGHs, and I'm in a similar (but bigger) situation, and hoped you might be able to offer some suggestions or possibly send my way anyone you know who's in the market, and feel free to share my email for contact. I'm local (Cookeville) and the pigs are in the Monterey/Muddy Pond area. Hope everything's going well in the Holler, and hope to hear back from you soon. Sad News From The Pasture Ram separation day - with help from a visitor Community: Dog care Weather was fantastic this week: Nicole at a big, thorny frog New inhabitant at basecamp Community development idea Scotch egg recipe Biochar project update Topping the garden beds Stuck trailer day Shepherd’s pie Outhouse spring set up Ducks laying in the yard Livestock Early spring garden planting is going well this year so far Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift! Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Feb 27, 2025 • 46min
Small Change, Big Results: Tales From the Flooded Barn
Join me for a discussion of how the heavy rains created minor flooding in the barn one day before we needed to give the sheep access and what we did to dry it out. We will also cover all our usual Monday Segments. Featured Event: Blueberry Hill Sunday Meetup in Knoxville: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/event/bluebird-hill-open-house-gathering/ Sponsor 1: TheWealthSteadingPodcast.com Sponsor 2: EMPShield.com Coupon Code: LFTN Tales from the Prepper Pantry Processing 2 Ewes with Prolapses, lots of ground meat Homemade Roast Beef Sandwich Meat Prepper Pantry Update Frugality Tip From Margo Stopping in the middle of a project when you run out of something and having to go get more can be annoying. What's more annoying to me is wasting time to go save a dollar or two. While I am probably one of the most frugal people I know with money, I value my time a lot as well. So save some time and run to the closest store and spend an extra $2 and finish the task. Happy Savings y'all ~Margo Operation Independence $10 Ultrasound Seedlings Main topic of the Show: Small Changes, Big Results - Tales From A Barn Underwater Biggest local flood since 2010 Back Story What We found How we divided work What T did End Result In the end, a small change every day makes the biggest difference in your world. Just ask Angry Prepper about walking for 15 minutes after each meal. Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 5min
Holistic Technology and Freedom With Joshua Hale - EP 1009
In this engaging discussion, Joshua Hale shares his inspiring transformation from a life dictated by societal norms to thriving in homesteading. He dives into the emotional journey of overcoming addiction and embracing wisdom through holistic practices. Joshua highlights how he leverages AI tools for entrepreneurial success, advocating for a balance between technology and human creativity. The conversation also touches on responsible AI usage and the importance of community, making it a must-listen for those seeking freedom and innovation.

Feb 24, 2025 • 37min
Homestead Happenings for February 21, 2025 - EP 1008
Tactical Redneck Hijacked my show while I was out of town - Enjoy his update. Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBagsd.com Home Alone Update from tactical 1) Frozen pipes 2) Keeping 2 fires going 3) The stuck truck 4) Impressions of premade meals 5) Keeping up with bacon curing Seed Roullette Update - it dropped to 8 so Nicole seeded the peas and will check in on the radishes when she gets home. Garden bed is covered Incoming nomad hands this coming week so we will focus on the garden spaces. Sheep dont care that it is cold Bottl;e Baby update Rabbits can get it done through the cage mesh Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift! Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 10min
Build Your Life On Your Terms With Sue Zoldak - EP 1006
Today is an interview show with Sue Zoldak from The Zoldak Agency all about creating your life to be the way you want it to be. Featured Event: SelfRelianceFestival.com Sponsor 1: HollerRoast.com Sponsor 2: AbovePhone.com: https://abovephone.com/?above=104 Use coupon code for $50 off: LiveFreeTN Show Resources https://www.suezoldak.com/ https://www.thezoldakagency.com/ https://www.zoldakvictory.com/ https://www.zoldakresearch.com/ https://www.wolframlabs.io/ Main content of the show Make it a great week GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 16min
Choosing Homesteading With Dawn Gorham - EP 1005
Today I had a surprise visit from Dawn Gorham, here to pick up her half lamb, so we decided to replace the Monday show with a fin interview show. Spponsors: InvestableWealth.com EMPShield.com - Coupon Code: LFTN More notes detail coming soon!