Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World

In this throwback episode, I'm chatting with my friend Anne Briggs from Anne of All Trades about real life homesteading, what it takes, what works, and how to keep moving forward even when life gets busy. Anne left the tech world and dove into homesteading, and over the past decade she has learned everything from blacksmithing and woodworking to raising goats and building her own furniture. As of 2025, Anne is now a new mom and learning how to reevaluate her daily life and rhythms to fit into motherhood. In this episode, you'll hear: A fresh word from Anne on how things have changed since becoming a mom. How Anne learned new trade skills by teaching herself and seeking out mentors. Why the phrase "don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle" helps her stay grounded. Why starting with goats might not be the smartest first move (and yes, she shares some hilarious stories). Simple time management tools for the homestead, including how she uses the Pomodoro technique and limits phone distractions. How small, consistent steps add up to big results over time. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done or wondered how to balance work and homesteading, this conversation will encourage you to start where you are and keep going. Join me for an honest, practical talk with Anne about what it really looks like to build a hands-on, meaningful homestead life. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/485

In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I'm sitting down with my dear friend Mary Shrader from Mary's Nest to talk about how we can all build a kitchen where nothing goes to waste. Mary has such a gift for making traditional cooking approachable and fun, and in this episode she shares how her parents inspired her to live a homemade lifestyle long before it was popular. Together we walk through practical ways to make the most of every ingredient, from turning veggie scraps into flavorful broth to keeping a "scrap bag" in your freezer. We also talk about the mindset behind a no waste kitchen. It's not about perfection, it's about taking small, simple steps that fit into your real life. You'll learn how to use what's in your fridge before it spoils, how to build a well stocked pantry that saves time and money, and how to create meals that make the most of what you already have on hand. If you've ever felt frustrated by throwing out food or wondered how to stretch your groceries a little further, this episode will give you the encouragement and know how to make your kitchen a place of abundance and creativity. You can find more information and any links mentioned here: https://melissaknorris.com/484

Today I'm sharing a throwback of one of the most popular coaching calls from inside my Pioneering Today Academy: "How to Get It All Done on the Homestead." I wanted to bring this one back because figuring out how to manage your time and energy on the homestead is something we all struggle with. In this episode, I'll show you how to break down big projects like canning peaches or putting up the harvest into smaller, doable steps that actually fit your daily life. No more marathon canning days or feeling completely overwhelmed. Instead, you'll learn how to create rhythms and routines that make your homestead more enjoyable and sustainable. If you've ever felt like there just aren't enough hours in the day, this episode is for you. Let's jump in. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/483 This episode is sponsored by Azure Standard, one of my favorite ways to stock up on bulk grains, organic produce, and pantry staples without spending hours driving from store to store. Azure makes it easy to live intentionally while still working smarter in the kitchen. Right now, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more when you use code "Melissa15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

In this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I'm sharing why I'm pressing pause on new episodes for the rest of 2025 and what that really means for the future of the show. After years of teaching and encouraging others to live simply and seasonally, I've found myself needing to take my own advice. I've been dealing with some physical burnout and learning, once again, that rest isn't quitting, it's stewardship. In this episode, I'm opening up about what led me to this decision, what you can expect in the months ahead, and how slowing down can actually bring more peace and purpose to your homesteading life. I'll also tell you how you can help shape what's next for Pioneering Today by sharing your feedback and ideas for future episodes. My hope is that this conversation encourages you to listen to your own body, honor your current season, and remember that even in rest, we're still growing. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/482

Seed saving is one of the most valuable skills a gardener can learn, and in this episode I'm joined by Don Tipping of Siskiyou Seeds to dive deep into the why and how of saving your own garden seed. We'll cover the difference between open-pollinated, heirloom, and hybrid varieties, which crops are best for beginners, how to prevent cross-pollination, and tips for harvesting, drying, and storing seeds so they last for years. Don also shares how seed saving helps you develop plants uniquely adapted to your microclimate, creating the heirlooms of tomorrow. Whether you're brand new to seed saving or looking to refine your skills, this conversation will inspire and equip you to grow a more resilient, self-sufficient garden. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/481 This podcast is sponsored by Redmond Real Salt. Did you know Redmond sells much more than just salt? I love their bentonite clay powder and it's a must-have in our house because we use it for wound care. Check out all of Redmond's products at melissaknorris.com/redmond-salt and use code "PIONEERING" at checkout for 15% off your order.

Think you need a traditional root cellar to keep your harvest fresh through the winter? Think again. In this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, Melissa K. Norris sits down with Sam Knapp of Off Beet Farm in Alaska to talk about practical, no-fuss ways to store root vegetables without a root cellar. You'll learn the three keys to long-lasting storage—temperature, humidity, and airflow—as well as simple methods like using a spare fridge, Rubbermaid totes, or packing in sand or shavings. Sam also shares which crops are the most forgiving, the best varieties for long-term storage, and how to troubleshoot common problems like shriveling and rodents. Whether you're a backyard gardener or growing a year's supply of food, this episode will give you the confidence to keep carrots, beets, potatoes, and cabbages fresh for months. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/480 This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

Think from-scratch cooking is hard or takes too much time? The truth is, with a stocked pantry, a few simple substitutions, and some foundational kitchen skills, you can make healthy, homemade meals in less time than it takes to run to the store. In this podcast, we're busting the top myths about from-scratch cooking and showing you how to: ✅ Swap ingredients with easy substitutions (no last-minute store runs!) ✅ Make boxed food favorites from scratch—faster and healthier ✅ Save time with meal planning that actually fits your family ✅ Reheat leftovers so they taste fresh and delicious ✅ Build a stocked pantry that makes dinner stress-free You'll see how learning just a handful of simple techniques can transform your kitchen, your budget, and your confidence as a home cook. From homemade cream-of-soup that takes four minutes to a DIY biscuit mix that beats Bisquick, cooking from scratch has never been easier. 👉 Want to go deeper? Join me for my FREE live training, "From-Scratch Cooking Made Easy," on September 8th where I'll share pantry staples, substitution secrets, and time-saving tips: https://melissaknorris.com/kitchen Related Videos & Resources: • Homemade Cream of Soup Substitute: https://melissaknorris.com/the-best-cream-of-soup-recipes-youll-ever-make/ • How to Meal Plan Without the Stress: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/how-to-meal-plan-for-easy-healthy-meals-from-scratch/ • Homemade Biscuit Mix Recipe: https://melissaknorris.com/homemade-biscuit-mix/ ✨ If you're ready to ditch the boxes and serve your family nourishing meals every night—without the overwhelm—this podcast is for you!

Looking for healthy and refreshing summer drinks that aren't soda? In this podcast, we're sharing our favorite homemade beverages to help you stay cool and hydrated on hot summer days. From sparkling lemon spritzers and fruity mocktails to herbal iced teas, iced coffee, and smoothies. You'll find plenty of delicious options made with real ingredients right from your kitchen or garden. What you'll learn in this podcast: Easy soda alternatives you can make at home Seasonal fruit mocktails like watermelon basil & rhubarb lemonade How to use herbs for refreshing iced teas and infused waters My go-to protein shake and iced coffee recipe Simple tricks like herbed ice cubes & chia pudding for cool summer treats Say goodbye to sugary sodas and hello to nourishing drinks that actually hydrate and satisfy! For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/478

In this special episode, I sat down with my dear friend Carolyn Thomas from Homesteading Family, right in her Idaho home! We're pulling back the curtain on what life looks like on a mature homestead. After over two decades each of growing food, raising animals, and running busy households, we're sharing what we've let go of, what we're leaning into, and how we're building homesteads that truly work for our families and seasons of life. From letting go of burnout and fussy crops to rethinking dairy animals, planning for grown kids, and producing more animal feed right on the land. This is a real, refreshing conversation you won't want to miss. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/477 This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. For first-time Azure customers, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more by using coupon code "MELISSA15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

This episode is near and dear to my heart. With one child officially out of the house and my daughter quickly approaching adulthood, I've found myself feeling all the feelings this summer: nostalgic, grateful, and more intentional than ever. I gathered a few dear homesteading friends for a heartfelt kitchen roundtable where we shared our favorite summer memories, the simple things that stuck with us from childhood, and how we're creating meaningful traditions with our families today. We're talking bonfires, camping, blackberry picking, and yes, even escape rooms and game nights! You'll hear how summer rhythms have shifted for each of us over the years, what's working in this season, and why it's okay to buy the hot dog buns and use paper plates if it means more time connecting with your people. If you're longing for a slower, richer summer full of real connection, this episode is for you. Let's make the most of the season we're in, together. For more information and any links mentioned in today's podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/476 Grab Plated by Season here: https://melissaknorris.com/plated