Simple Farmhouse Life

If you are feeling tired, foggy, reactive to everything you eat, and you’re not sure where to even begin, this episode is for you!  I’m joined by Christa from Less Stressed Life to unpack some of the most confusing and overwhelming health topics moms face: sluggish thyroid, hidden stress, food sensitivities, and nervous system overload. Christa shares her holistic, systems-based approach to healing that prioritizes nourishment, nervous system support, and practical tools over endless restriction and fear. If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” but you still don’t feel like yourself, you don’t want to miss this conversation! In this episode, we cover: Welcoming Christa from Less Stressed Life to talk thyroid, nervous system health, food sensitivities, and more How her own health journey shaped the way she helps women heal holistically The “health triad” framework: chemical/nutritional, structural/environmental, emotional/energetic Common issues women face—gut troubles, skin flare-ups, fatigue, and subclinical thyroid symptoms Why many symptoms trace back to nervous system dysregulation and chronic stress A story about stress shutting down digestion—how even nature couldn’t calm the fight-or-flight response Defining neuroplasticity and the importance of training the body to shift out of stress mode Simple tools for nervous system support—gratitude, humming, breathwork, nature walks, legs up the wall Wearable tech to promote calm—vagus nerve stimulation devices like Apollo Neuro How long-term stress depletes nutrients and contributes to hidden deficiencies Subtle but telling signs of sluggish thyroid—cold hands, brain fog, fatigue, cracked feet, and hair loss Why “normal” thyroid labs don’t always reflect what’s really going on in the body The real root of many food sensitivities—gut permeability, poor digestion, and fear-based restriction How over-restriction can backfire and increase hypersensitivity to everyday foods Encouragement for those navigating Hashimoto’s, reintroducing gluten or dairy, or feeling stuck View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED Check out Christa’s podcast, Less Stressed Life Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Christa Biegler of Less Stressed Life | Website | Podcast | Instagram | Facebook Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

From laundry bottlenecks to housing market realities, I’m diving into your current  questions in the midst of our busy build season. I’m sharing why we skip chore charts and budgets, how I fix sticky whole grain dough, and what postpartum has typically looked like for me. I also talk through common questions about our debt-free journey of homeownership, why two washers wouldn’t help our laundry system, and how we’re handling homeschool without a dedicated schoolroom. Plus, my go-to sourdough recipes this summer that keep us well-fed without keeping me in the kitchen all day! In this episode, we cover: Living in the fullness of a busy season and what it feels like to build a house while pregnant with baby nine Chore charts and budgets? Not in this house— why intuitive, all-hands-on-deck rhythms work better for our family Sticky sourdough solved: why flour weight and rest time make all the difference especially with freshly-milled grains Postpartum struggles that I haven’t walked through myself but hold compassion for Debt-free build questions and why I’m quieter these days about the specifics An honest look at our journey through the housing market over the years and what younger families are really up against Many of you suggested this, but here is why two washers/dryers wouldn’t solve our real laundry bottleneck Why we are not adding a designated homeschool room to our new build as a large homeschooling family Summer sourdough lineup to make our days easier— bagels, half whole grain loaf, and hamburger buns on repeat View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED Freshly Milled Grains Course  Modern Homesteading Conference Replays Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

From calorie-counting culture to kitchen confidence, Jillian Hankins shares her journey toward joyful, nourishing meals made with real ingredients. We chat about embracing food freedom, raising kids who eat what’s served, and the rhythms that make homemade meals feel doable—even three times a day. With tips for balancing your plate, using seasonal produce, making simple sauces, and working with your natural energy, this conversation is full of encouragement for simplifying healthy eating and making it work for real family life. In this episode, we cover: Jillian’s journey from junk food to holistic nutrition Growing up in diet culture and learning to enjoy food again How real food helped her heal hormonally and digestively Discovering the joy of cooking after growing up on boxed meals Why calorie-counting and food guilt are giving way to freedom Reframing dessert as a tool for joy—and for picky eaters Teaching kids to eat what’s served with a two-bite rule and protein emphasis Honoring where food comes from and why that shapes how we eat Using seasonal produce and sales to guide budget-friendly meals Building a simple balanced plate: protein, carb, produce, sauce How sauces transform meals without adding complexity Weekly rhythms that support homemade meals without burnout Why Jillian always plans snacks and treats—not just dinners Doubling dinner for easy lunches and prepping in pockets of time Using rhythms that match your energy instead of fighting it View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED Check out Jillian’s monthly meal plans through her Simple Seasons subscription Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Jillian Hankins of Jillian Margaret Wellness | Website | Instagram Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving the suburbs for a slice of quiet country life, this episode will speak right to your heart. Author Melissa Ferguson joins me to share the real-life inspiration behind her new children’s book, Our Friendly Farmhouse—a sweet and whimsical reflection of her family’s journey from cul-de-sac to countryside. We talk about building a home from scratch, traveling with a big family, and slowly creating a homestead that feels peaceful, practical, and full of charm. Melissa offers encouragement and budget-friendly tips for anyone in the thick of building, dreaming, or simply trying to make thoughtful choices in the season they’re in. In this episode, we cover: Melissa Ferguson returns to share the inspiration behind her debut children’s book, Our Friendly Farmhouse, which tells a whimsical version of her family’s move from suburbia to the country How a spontaneous land auction and a last-minute bid from her brother-in-law launched their homesteading journey The process of building their home from scratch—leveraging her husband’s experience as a builder and funding parts of the project through social media brand deals Reflections on the early stages of their homestead—living in town during the build, missing the land, and making daily visits to the property A rich conversation about traveling with a big family—carry-on-only tips, spontaneous trips, dividing and conquering, and how animals (especially dairy cows) impact travel flexibility Melissa’s best budget-saving build strategies: buying materials on Black Friday, repurposing gym flooring, and skipping high-end finishes in favor of upgrades over time Thoughtful advice on design choices—prioritizing natural light, southern exposure, adaptable floor plans, and creating cozy, lived-in charm Honest reflections on what she might do differently: adding a tornado shelter, skipping carpet, and not letting a gifted vanity dictate an entire bathroom design Why they chose to build slowly, add animals over time, and prioritize flexibility over going “all in” from the beginning The value of outdoor gathering spaces—daily porch coffee with her husband, chalk art and pickleball in the driveway, and simple spots that invite rest and connection View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES Our Friendly Farmhouse by Melissa Ferguson Check out Melissa’s other books Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Melissa Ferguson of Our Friendly Farmhouse | Website | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Bookbub | Pinterest  Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

Life is full right now—between preparing for a new baby, building our dream home, and navigating the everyday rhythms of raising a big family. In this Q&A episode, I’m sharing how we’re handling baby sleep, toddler bedtime battles, room sharing, and pool days with non-swimmers—plus a few thoughts on off-grid readiness, Instant Pot meals, and how I’m embracing this once-in-a-lifetime season, even when it feels overwhelming. In this episode, we cover: A real-life update on what it’s like building a house with toddlers (hint: it’s not relaxing) Thinking about generators, drafts, and wood stoves… and what we’re actually prioritizing Why I love heating with wood—and the cozy setup we’ve included in the new house My kefir theory on baby gender (just for fun!) and whether we “tried” for a girl Navigating toddler bedtime battles and deciding when to hold the boundary My thoughts on babies and toddlers sharing rooms—and what’s worked for us Taking non-swimmers to the pool: how I manage it and when I’ve felt too outnumbered Where I land on sleep training, co-sleeping, and why I never feel like an expert Why having another baby girl doesn’t really change our bedroom plans—for now Our choice to go with cedar lap siding and lean all the way into that vintage feel Why I’ll never be without an Instant Pot (especially on a busy, unplanned Monday) Processing the highs and lows of building a dream home while preparing for baby #9 View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. RESOURCES MENTIONED Try my Instant Pot beef carnitas for a quick from-scratch weeknight dinner! Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

Ginny Yurich, founder of 1000 Hours Outside, is a passionate advocate for outdoor learning and author of 'Homeschooling: You're Doing It Right Just by Doing It'. In this engaging conversation, she shares insights on the power of unstructured play and the importance of embracing creativity over traditional academic pressures. Ginny discusses how parents often underestimate their impact on their children’s learning and the benefits of mixed-age interactions. She reassures homeschoolers that following their instincts can lead to remarkable outcomes beyond conventional education.

After a health scare in her twenties, Melissa K. Norris returned to her roots with traditional, from-scratch cooking—and never looked back. In this episode, she shares the simple swaps that make a big difference, her favorite freezer and batch-cooking tips, and why it’s easier than you think to build nourishing kitchen rhythms. We also chat about her updated cookbook Home and Handmade, a practical and inspiring guide for anyone wanting to cook with real ingredients and a whole lot of heart. Tune in for encouragement and doable ideas to make old-fashioned cooking work in your modern life! In this episode, we cover: Melissa’s health journey and how it led to a total shift toward from-scratch, whole-food cooking Why starting with the most frequently eaten foods makes the biggest impact on health and budget Common harmful ingredients to avoid and easy one-for-one swaps for better oils, sugars, and salts The myth that homemade food is hard—many convenience foods can be replaced in minutes Encouragement that old-fashioned kitchen skills are doable and worthwhile, no matter your lifestyle Batch cooking strategies for breakfast, dinner, and baked goods that reduce stress and food waste Using freezers effectively: pre-shaped doughs, cookie dough logs, veggie scrap bags, and bulk meats The power of simple routines, momentum, and planning just a day or two ahead– it doesn’t have to be all or nothing Melissa’s updated book Home and Handmade—a practical guide to whole food, herbal remedies, and homemade living View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. RESOURCES MENTIONED Home and Hand Made by Melissa K. Norris Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Melissa K. Norris | Website | Podcast | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Pinterest  Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

Building a house from scratch has been such an adventure—full of surprises, lessons, and all the little details that bring a space to life. I’m sharing where we are in the process, how we’re blending old and new to create a home with real character, and answering your questions about pregnancy, motherhood, and home birth. If you’re in the thick of family life or just love chatting all things home and babies, I think you’ll really enjoy this summer life update! In this episode, we cover: Framing progress on the build and why we’re showing up daily to avoid costly mistakes Lessons from past renovations where small contractor assumptions caused big regrets Mixing salvaged doors and painted porch floors to achieve an authentic “new old” house feel Where we’re sourcing vintage windows and antique doors—and what’s worth buying new Deciding to include a range hood for health reasons and adding a wood-fired cookstove for winter My experience getting pregnant while nursing and what our typical age gaps have looked like How I’ve learned to manage the baby stage more smoothly with a larger family and older helpers Encouragement for moms feeling maxed out with littles—why it won’t always feel this hard How we evaluate home birth safety, from ultrasound decisions to midwife experience Why some pregnancies feel harder than others, even when everything seems the same View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES MENTIONED Brent Hull 100 Year Window by Brent Hull Thornhill Range Cookers Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

There’s something deeply sacred about pouring your life into your children—even when it’s messy, exhausting, and far from picture-perfect. In this heartfelt conversation with Abbie Halberstadt, we talk about the high calling of motherhood and why it’s worth investing in, even when the fruit takes years to see. From cultural messages that dismiss the value of family life to the myth that good parenting guarantees easy outcomes, Abbie offers gentle wisdom, honest stories, and so much encouragement for moms in every season. If you’ve ever questioned whether the hard work is worth it, this one will remind you just how meaningful it really is. Family trip to Hawaii and what travel looks like with kids of all ages Why Abbie’s new book You Bet Your Stretch Marks speaks to weary moms The cultural narrative that says motherhood is misery—and Abbie’s response Toddler chaos, twin struggles, and the hope that came years later Letting go of formulas and trusting God with the outcome When parenting teens and adults doesn’t look like you imagined Speaking truth with grace—why personal experience isn’t a prerequisite for offering wisdom Balancing littles and bigs—Abbie’s top tips for rhythms that work Thoughts on “me time,” rest, and what really recharges a mom Personality-driven homemaking—permission to do what fits you View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES Listen to Abbie’s previous appearances on Simple Farmhouse Life: - Episode 247: Breaking Down Popular Narratives in Motherhood - Episode 197: Be a Countercultural Mom: Finding Joy, Peace, and Purpose in All Seasons of Motherhood - Episode 112: Getting it all Done, Setting Priorities, Rebelling Against Mediocre Motherhood - Episode 80: Chatting potty training, baby sleep, overwhelm and seasons of life with Abbie Check out Abbie’s books: - Preorder You Bet Your Stretch Marks - Hard is Not the Same Thing as Bad - M is for Mama Grab Abbie’s free resources: - A Seven-Time Mama’s Best Tips for Sleep-Training Babies - The Penny Reward System eBook - The Gentleness Challenge eBook Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Abbie Halberstadt of M is for Mama | Website | Instagram | Podcast | Youtube  Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

I always love having Jamerrill Stewart on the podcast because she brings so much encouragement and practicality to the table—especially for those of us feeding a lot of people every day. In this episode, we’re talking all about freezer cooking, bulk shopping, and how to make mealtime a little less overwhelming. Jamerrill shares what meal prep looks like in her current season of life, how she keeps food on the table for her big crew, and simple ways anyone can start building more margin into their kitchen routine. In this episode, we cover: Life updates from Jamerrill and how homemaking looks in her current season of single motherhood The story behind how her freezer cooking system began and why it works for families of all sizes Tips for shopping in bulk, planning monthly grocery trips, and staying on budget with a large family How she preps ingredients—like meats and rice—in advance to simplify daily meal routines Her strategy for always doubling recipes and freezing extras for easy meals later Why having a stocked freezer made all the difference during a family medical crisis Creative ways she handles leftovers with a “choose-your-own-adventure” approach to meals The logistics of storing bulk food with multiple fridges and freezers throughout the house Kitchen tools and systems that help her manage daily meals for ten—like her oversized island and dual dishwashers Encouragement to start small with meal prep—even one extra freezer meal can lighten the load View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! ABOUT JAMERRILL Jamerrill Stewart is a seasoned homeschool mom of 9 (7 boys/2girls) with children ages 2 through 22. She shares about big batch cooking, mega canning, freezer meals and more from her slow and steady developing homestead in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Jamerrill has been making a full-time income online while raising her family for over a decade and she’d like to show you how you can, too. Join the Successful Business Momma Course waitlist largefamilytable.com/business which will help you build your dream online business while raising your family, just like Jamerrill has done! RESOURCES Listen to my first two podcast episodes with Jamerrill here and here Shop Jamerrill’s big batch recipe guides here Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Jamerrill Stewart of Large Family Table | Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you’d like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.