A Farmish Kind of Life

In this episode, we're talking about the realities of midlife on the homestead. The rhythm of your life changes, but I rarely hear people talk about how to wrap your head around those changes...

Let's talk about how our fears evolve, how we adapt, and why it's okay if your biggest homesteading worry today is very different than what it used to be.

Today I'm talking about the strange pressure that can build on either end of the homesteading spectrum—from doing it all to doing almost nothing—and how to find the honest, grounded middle.

Today I'm talking about over-information. The constant barrage of updates, alerts, and hot takes that don't make us safer—they just make us more anxious. It's not that we shouldn't be informed. It's that we've forgotten how to live without the noise. So… let's talk about finding peace in a world that thrives on panic.

So you want to grow your own food, but every time you search “how to start a garden,” you end up buried under 47 tabs of advice that makes it sound like you need a degree, a greenhouse, and three years of soil samples before you can put a tomato plant in the ground. Can't we just find out about easy gardening... for actual beginners? Let's take a breath. This is Stupid Simple Gardening—for real people who want to grow real food without losing their minds. Yes, there's a lot you could learn about gardening. (And you will, as you go.) But if you're the kind of person where too much information leaves you stuck in planning paralysis, you really aren't helped by another 100-item checklist. You need the bare minimum to get started—without shame, stress, or Pinterest-worthy perfection. That is how beginners start gardening! Whether you've got five acres or one cracked tote on a porch, this series will help you grow something. We'll cover: How to start a garden without overthinking it What to plant in your garden (hint: not kale, unless you like kale) How much space you actually need What to do if (okay, when) you mess it up Basic garden care tips so you don't panic halfway through the season Or get it all as a podcast episode by pressing the play bar at the top of this post! (Main topic starts at 6:26) And if you mess your garden up? Guess what. You're officially a gardener now. Welcome to the club. Gardening isn't about doing it perfectly. It's about showing up, getting your hands dirty, and learning what works (and what doesn't) one season at a time. You don't need to know everything today—you just need to plant something. So take a breath, grab a shovel, and let this be the year you grow something real. Whether you're planting one tomato plant in a five gallon pail by your garage or filling a backyard with rows, this gardening series for beginners is here to help you start where you are—with what you have—and remind you that good food doesn't require a perfect plan. FIND MORE GOODIES FROM A FARMISH KIND OF LIFE: Preorder by newest book "Peace Love and Bacon: Tales of a Farmish Kind of Life" for Kindle! Where I'm at: Facebook page, Telegram chat group, Discord group, TikTok, YouTube Monthly Snail Mail Newsletter: Subscribe here Books I Wrote: Non-fiction books, Fiction books Join my Facebook group: The Get By Guys and Gals Group Buy my shirts!: The Farmish Kind of Life Bonfire Store

I posted a photo of the inside of my barn recently. A random busy day. Mid-project. Chaotic mess. It wasn't staged. It wasn't curated. It wasn't meant to impress anyone. But ohhh buddy, the internet had thoughts. So let's talk about it...

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that life is unpredictable, and we must prepare ourselves and our loved ones for the unexpected. By sharing the weight of responsibilities, we create a more resilient family and community. 

Can we really go back to the good old days? This episode dives into nostalgia and how to adapt old-fashioned awesome for modern life.

Whether it's making your own vanilla extract, cleaning out the garage, or finally remembering to call that family member or friend, today I'm encouraging you to take that first step, however small, to build momentum on the things you want to do.

Has your passion for homesteading shifted? In episode 307, I'm digging into why some homesteaders are feeling less all-in, how the pandemic shaped our enthusiasm, and what it means to embrace homesteading as part of a broader lifestyle. Let's talk about identity, community, and why it's okay if your spark feels different. :)

These short and sweet phrases, written on my office whiteboard, have given me clarity, perspective, and sanity as I wander through what this year has already set on my plate.

Have you ever felt the need to constantly explain or defend your life choices? It's exhausting. In this week's episode, we're diving into the liberating realization that it's absolutely okay to be misunderstood.

Ever try building a chicken coop or rabbitry with someone who thinks completely differently than you? In this week's episode, I'm talking about how my husband's mechanical, spatial brain clashes with my word-loving, communicative one—and how we've learned to embrace our differences (mostly without losing our minds). Tune in for honest stories, lessons learned, and tips for working with someone who just doesn't understand things the way you do.

Today we're talking about clutter, the search for simplicity, the "hell yes or no" principle, and making space for what matters most.

A simple exercise recently revealed a BIG difference between the 2024 I thought I had and the 2024 I *actually* had. It was a slap in the face wake-up call to the realities of my life, my priorities, and the changes I need to make moving forward.

Today we're diving into something I like to call the “life cycle of information platforms”. Because here's the thing: platforms like ebooks, podcasting, blogging, YouTube, social media platforms (and more) undergo a predictable cycle of rise, saturation, and decline. But this episode isn't just about technology—it's a reflection of life itself.

Today's episode is all about choices—specifically, 10 that you can make this holiday season to navigate get togethers with grace, humor, and humility.

The truth is, our current circumstances often cloud our memories of past struggles. Different stages of life (or other situations) can make us forget where we once were and so we fail to keep grace and empathy in our interactions with others.

Ever considered that your simple lifestyle choices might actually be... acts of rebellion? Things like staying home to raise a family, choosing what you eat, or being content with what you have can be seen as going against mainstream expectations. What if these choices are not about following the rules but rather about challenging the status quo?

The truth is, most people just aren't thinking about us as much as we think they are. They're wrapped up in their own lives, just as we are in ours.

Today we are stepping away from the ballot box and empowering you to take control of your own life and well-being.

In our modern world, the concept of aging often gets a bad rap. Which, when I think about it, is pretty odd—since not everyone is lucky enough to be able to do it. 

Today I ponder how those of us still in the modern world can integrate technology (specifically our phones, the internet, and social media) into our lives without letting it take over.

You might have a ton of online friends (people you talk to everyday!) but chances are your online friends live too far away to let your dog out or help fix your flat tire. In today's episode, I'm highlighting the need for strong, local relationships that go beyond online connections.

Whether you're exhausted by the choices, confused by conflicting information, frustrated by the costs, or just trying to do the best you can, this episode is for you.

Life is a road of unexpected twists and turns. Today's episode gives perspective on maintaining balance between urgent tasks and the chaos of real life.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the abundance of your harvest, this week's episode is for you.

We all carry hidden stories, knowledge, and experience. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their empathy and understanding.

Tune in to this week's podcast as I talk about how barn cats and barking dogs taught me a little something about human nature, and how it applies to our interactions in these current polarizing times.

Join me as I compare survival skills to “who you are as a person”, and why the way you live and treat people now matters more than ever.

With more ways than ever to interact with others, it's time to make deliberate choices in how we connect.

Have you ever felt like you don't belong? In this episode, I share an insightful story about a stray cat named Alexander who recently wandered onto my farm and taught me a powerful lesson on confidence and belonging. Tune in to learn how embracing who you are can change your perspective and help you walk into any room like you belong there.

What's one thing we often forget to do as homesteaders? Acknowledge the things we've already accomplished.

It doesn't matter if you've been homesteading one day or one lifetime, these five pieces of advice about life as a homesteader will help you out.

What happens when you challenge yourself to use the food already available on your homestead or in your pantry, rather than constantly buying new groceries?

Two lists and a timer has made all the difference in my productivity! Will this method work for you?

Are you on the right path, or is there a disconnect between what you say you want and what you're actually doing?

My thoughts after attending a recent homesteader event. I talk about the importance of finding your tribe, the realization that "I hate people" often means you're just with the wrong crowd, and how the essence of community transcends the initial “thing” that brings people together.

Are you falling for the illusion of savings that are actually draining your wallet? Let's delve into common scenarios where what seems like a good deal is actually costing you more money in the long run.

Strapped for cash but still want to be prepared for life's unexpected twists and turns? Today I talk about some practical ways to prep without breaking the bank.

I truly believe that we should prepare and become self-reliant not just for ourselves, but so we can be in a position to help others.

By the end of this episode, you might question the true cost of convenience and whether the time we've "saved" has genuinely enriched our lives.

Today I take you through the nitty-gritty of raising chickens and why it's important to question conventional wisdom. From chick starter to incubators to butchering, this episode is packed with some feather rufflin' questions and insights.

Hang out with me today for a candid discussion on adapting your farm plans, embracing change, and doing what makes sense for your homestead.

Have you ever wondered if you're truly ready for a crisis? This week I dig into the five most common – and wildly inaccurate – survival strategies that people believe will save them if “society collapses.”

Have you ever caught yourself saying "I want that life"? After 13 years on our homestead, I'm here to tell you that the life you desire is a result of consistent, heart-driven decisions made over time.

Our ancestors didn't have access to the endless supplies we do today; they thrived on creativity and the ability to adapt. I think we need a reminder about what it truly means to be resilient, and that perhaps the best tool for surviving tough times can't be bought or sold.

Don't get caught up in the fear frenzy – instead, focus on building a life that's both resilient and enjoyable, no matter what headlines scream.

Ever feel like the world's craziness is too much to handle? Unsure how to take it all in, what to focus on, or what to care about? In today's episode, I share three essential questions to help you navigate life's turmoil.

Why do we suck at being social? Why are relationships supposedly harder now? I go deep on this question in today's podcast.

Are you using introversion as an excuse? I'm calling out fellow introverts in today's podcast episode. It's spicy, insightful, and might just spark a change in you.