Living Free in Tennessee - Nicole Sauce

Let's Get Ready For 2026 Today we discuss how to apply the SWOT method to your own life plan, cover our usual Monday segments on pantry management and financial progress, and cover a question from a listener about erosion.

Let's get ready for 2026 with this replay episode! Today is another #my3things episode with the primary focus being to develop your purpose. We will also include the usual Monday segments.

Let's get ready for 2026! Today, we talk about what the #my3things method is, why a strategic plan for yourself and your life is a powerful tool, and we cover how to create a vision statement for your life strategic plan. (Or your family strategic plan). This is the first in a series of episodes explaining how to use the #my3things method to become more successful, productive and to build the life you choose on your terms.

Today, we have the first in our Night Before Christmas series, beginning with Leos: The Intellectual Night Before Christmas. Join us each night at 5pm leading up to Christmas

Tonight we have a reading of the Australian version of The Night Before Christmas by Aussieroo of the TSP Zello Group. Join us each night at 5pm leading up to Christmas.

Join us for the another version of The Night Before Christmas for the Redneck version, read by The Tactical Redneck. Join us each night at 5pm leading up to Christmas

Tonight we have a reading of the Pagan version of The Night Before Christmas by Mia of the LFTN Community. Join us each night at 5pm leading up to Christmas.

Tonight we have a reading of the Cajun version of The Night Before Christmas by The Ellender Family - listeners of LFTN. Join us every day at 5pm for a reading of a different version of the poem, "The Night Before Christmas."

Today is the last solo show of 2025. We examine something you may not want to look at: being too sensitive to criticism and ultimately letting other people decide who you are rather than be who you were meant to be. We will also do a final run through our usual Tuesday segments.Featured Event: Combat Midwife Class. March 7 at the Basecamp Lodge. Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: StrongRootsResources.com LFTN UPDATE: Tonight at 6pm is the last Tour Livestream on Youtube with all the festival crews. Nicole is closed BUT - The Night Before Christmas Series starts soon and will run every night ending on Christmas Eve. My3Things Series after Christmas. See you January 2, 2026 I did a thing…. Tales From The Prepper Pantry Beef Math 715 hanging weight Cow 1: 370 pounds: $285 + $2307. $7 a pound 750 hanging weight Cow 2: 325 pounds: $376 + $2420. $8.60 a pound Getting ready to put out pickled things from this year at the Christmas event – we will see what ends up on the table.  Pre-making burger patties, breakfast sausage and meatloafs for convenience Next year I hope to have more cured meats! Frugality Tip The day after Christmas is coming. Need I say more? Featured Forage We had a deep freeze and nothing is left, right? WRONG! Now is a time to look at things below ground. One of my favorites at this time of year requires that you look for the plant in the fall, mark where it is, then dig: Jerusalem Artichoke.  Cleaning Favorite recipe: Steamed into a mash with butter, garlic, salt and pepper. Complements a steak beautifully without the glycemic impact of mashed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_artichoke for a picture. These grow themselves and a little care will allow you to have many - but be careful about that many! Operation Independence PickTN store at the Dickens of a Christmas last weekend - SOLD OUT of tins! But you can still order them online: https://www.picktnstore.com/ The Exhausting Game No One Wins - Letting Other People Live Your Life For you GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.  Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

  Today, I am joined by the Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: the sheep acting "a little eminent," a surprise community deer drop, and the brass water faucet we dug up while doing chores. We'll cover ongoing projects like the compost bin design, the memory garden plan, the hillside garden reset, mushroom experiments, rabbit breeding, and the ever-important Operation Leaf Collection. We'll wrap up with holiday touches around the Tajmaholler, the new Canoe Rose Bed, alternate routes home, and how we're gearing up to cook a whole lamb. Featured Event: Dec 20 LFTN Christmas Reception - LivingFreeinTennessee.com Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast: InvestableWealth.com Are the Sheep Really eminent? Community Deer Drop from a neighbor Found Treasure: Brass Water Faucet Explain the Compost Bin Design Planning a Memory Garden Operation Leaf Collection Hillside Garden Reset In Process Mushroom Experiment update Ghost Light Disappointment Rabbits Bred Canoe Rose Bed Christmas Lights and Tajmaholler Alternative Routs Home Preparing to cook a whole lamb   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  

Today, we will talk about the word of the year, how mine went in 2025, why to even choose one and how it related to building the life you choose on your terms. We will also cover our usual Tuesday segments Featured Event: Tonight. 6pm, So You Bought a Whole Pig — Now What? How to read and navigate the cut sheet Ways to save money by doing certain cuts at home Planning storage so nothing goes to waste Light overview of the odd bits and what to ask the butcher for Sponsors 1: Strong Roots Resources — StrongRootsResources.com Sponsor 2: Discount Mylar Bags — DiscountMylarBags.com Tales from the Prepper Pantry Two cows added to the freezers Garlic planted; raised beds mulched Mushroom tent producing well Mushroom coffee  block experiment looking promising Burning through green beans at an alarming rate Featured Forage: Watercress Slow moving water - check water quality Fresh green for salads until it gets too too cold Great in a cream of watercress soup or saute as well Tastes like radished Operation Independence The Venison Story Main Topic of the Day: Word of the Year What is the word of the year Why choose one What is the dark side of the word of the year What is the upside of the word of the year How does it fit in with #my3Things My 2025 WOTY update: Enrich SRF changes Holler Hub and Smaller Events Lessons: Focus on fewer things to do them better, invest in learning, sometimes you must take a financial hit to set a better foundation, Holler Roast Holiday progress, RESULT:  stronger inner circle network & connection with God My 2026 word of the year: characteristics - return to home and homestead, hub development, personal physical improvement (invest in mental and physical health), increase wealth. Combat Midwife Course — March 7, 2026 at the Holler Hub Tickets half off right now 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 Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Facebook Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Stay at  Basecamp Lodge Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

Today, I am joined by the Tactical Redneck to talk about updated from the Holler Homestead! Featured Event: Dec 20 LFTN Christmas Reception - LivingFreeinTennessee.com Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast: InvestableWealth.com

Join me for the December first Tuesday chat with John Willis and Jack Spirko.

Today, I am joined by the Tactical Redneck to talk about Holler Thanksgiving, the stubbornest Ewe and more! Featured Event: Dec 20 LFTN Christmas Reception - LivingFreeinTennessee.com Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast: InvestableWealth.com

Today we're talking about something that matters more than most of us care to admit: accepting help, and more importantly — taking responsibility for the role we play when help doesn't go the way we imagined. Featured Event Dec 9 – Member Webinar (also available to purchase) "So You Bought A Whole Pig, Now What?"
Details + sign-up: https://livingfreeintennessee.com/event/so-you-bought-a-whole-pig-now-what-webinar/ Sponsors  Strong Roots Resources If you want solid, boots-on-the-ground homesteading and preparedness consulting, these are your people.


Today I am joined by the Tactical Redneck for an update from the Holler Homestead all about sheep, communication, late fall and more. Featured Event: LFTN Christmas Reception: https://livingfreeintennessee.com/event/lftn-christmas-reception-3/ Sponsor 1: StrongRootsResources.com Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN

Today, we are diving deep into what it truly means to be fearless—whether you're launching a business, standing up to the local government, or just trying to live a sustainable life. Featured Event: Mark your calendars for the Dec 20 LFTN Christmas Reception—sign up now! Sponsors: Wealthsteading Podcast: InvestableWealth.com DiscountMylarBags.com Tales from the Prepper Pantry Broccoli rip cord TSP left over saute Peppers from Rick Ready for whole cows Shopping Report: Should we reboot this segment? Who wants to start going to Aldi on a weekly basis? Frugality Tip I was randomly looking at Etsy and saw someone selling something I was interested in that was local to me.  I messaged them and asked about local pick up and cash price.  They were very interested in cash money with pick up and I saved some money on my purchase.  So ask, it will never kill you, and might save you a few dollars. Operation Independence 3-Month Rental at Basecamp: $800/month, Event Rental Launch Main Topic: Fearless Living – The Two Sides of "Go For It" We are talking about two forms of courage today: Professional Courage (to launch and critique) and Personal Courage (to be vulnerable and stand up). 1. The Courage to Launch and Critique: The Farm-to-Table AAR The Farm-to-Table Dinner was a huge "Go For It" moment. The real courage is in the fearless honesty of the After Action Review (AAR): Is this financially viable? $155 - 13/hour The Diagnostic Tool: The Homestead Revenue Stack We put the Dinner through our Homestead Revenue Stack to analyze where it sits and what it needs to succeed. The Dinner sits primarily in the Service Layer (Dinner/Class). AAR Findings & Action Plan Logistics Check: Reality vs. plan mismatch. Example: "Sunset on paper vs. Sunset in the holler (30 min BUBBLE)." Venue Needs: The oven/stove at BC needs an upgrade. Experience Flow: Need better arrival/mingling flow. Financial Fixes: We need to Price up, increase numbers at the dinner,  and rely on Upsells. Opportunity: There is an opportunity for a premium cherry add-on for the dinner service. Action: Get the chef on the wild edible walk (to enhance the product layer). Action: If connected to a Farm-to-Table meal delivery service, that would be amazing. 2. The Courage to Stand Up and Be Vulnerable: Local Politics Sometimes "Go For It" means stepping outside your established comfort zone for a cause greater than your business. The Event: Giving public testimony in front of county officials. The Experience: I got nervous! My voice sounded emotional instead of my usual assertive self. The Takeaway: The vulnerability made the testimony more powerful. Being involved in important local matters is one of the few ways we can truly make a difference for our communities, food freedom, and farmers. Bringing it Home: Your Challenge to Go For It Courage is action, not the absence of fear. Don't wait until you're "ready." 1. Fearlessly Audit a Project: Go For It and audit a side hustle or homestead project using a framework like the Revenue Stack. Be honest about where you need to price up, fix it, or drop it. 2. Go For the Hard Conversation: Go For It and speak up about a local issue or personal matter you know you should address. Your passion is more powerful than silence. 3. Take the First Small Step: What is the one small, specific step you can take today to move toward a big goal? Final Thought Sometimes, you just need to go for it.   Make it a great week.   Song:   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

Join us for our monthly conversation about the world, business, and whateer strikes yall's fancy!

Join the Tactical Redneck for an update from the Holler Homestead. While the cat's away the sheep will escape.

Today, we hear the session that I hosted at the Self Reliance Festival about developing your revenue on your homestead, including stories from the network.

Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead, sheep chaos, wine cap mushrooms and more. Featured Event: November 15 Farm To Table Dinner: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/product/farm-to-table/ Sponsors: The Wealthsteading Podcast Discount Mylar Bags

Sponsors Discount Mylar Bags: DiscountMylarBags.com Agorist Tax Advice: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/lftn Episode Links Farm-to-Table Dinner – Nov 15 LivingFreeinTennessee.com/product/farm-to-table North Spore Martha Tent (Affiliate): northspore.sjv.io/N9qEe2 LFTN Christmas Stocking Exchange: Sign Up Here Holler Roast Coffee: HollerRoast.com Summary Sometimes the best thing you can do—whether it's growing food or running a business—is stop forcing it. This week I share what mushrooms taught me about systems, patience, and letting things grow on their own. In this episode: Why I started cultivating mushrooms and how it ties to the Holler Roast coffee-grounds waste stream Early failures with DIY bins and Tennessee humidity The easy automated setup that finally worked First-round lessons (including a moldy pink oyster experiment) Cooking payoff: duck-fat blue oysters worth the wait And the big picture—how the "don't force it" mindset applies to business and life You don't make mushrooms grow, you make it easy for them to show up. Same goes for your business. The Takeaway Mushrooms—and systems—thrive when you build the right environment and step back. Stop forcing it, build your setup, and let the good stuff show up. Make it a great week! GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.

  Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead.   Featured Event: Oct 24 50s Show: Mastersingersinc.com Sponsors: The Wealthsteading Podcast Discount Mylar Bags

Today, we talk about how the Airbnb at the Holler Hub became a real revenue stream — what's working, what isn't, and what we've learned along the way. If you've ever thought about turning a space on your property into income, this one's for you. We'll also cover our usual Monday segments. Featured Event Farm to Table Dinner Friday, November 15 Basecamp Lodge, Lancaster, TN Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring a full-course dinner sourced entirely from Tennessee farms. Real, local food, cooked from scratch, and shared in community. Sponsors AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN – Helping entrepreneurs, homesteaders, and freedom-minded folks handle taxes the smart way.   StrongRootsResources.com – Homestead design, consulting, and high-quality plants to help you build resilient systems that last. LFTN Stocking Exchange Time is running out to sign up! We'll assign your Secret Stocking Santa on November 1, so don't miss out on this fun community tradition. Sign Up Here Tales from the Prepper Pantry Lambs came in, lambs went out! Processing and rotation are in full swing. Time to harvest the sweet potatoes. The restackening of the firewood has begun — getting ready for cold weather. Starting to tap into the canned goods, especially green beans. Made powdered sugar from regular sugar after realizing I forgot to buy it. Frugality Tip I like a little lemon juice in my water. Some of those bottles pour out like a waterfall, which is wasteful and makes something I do not want to drink. So this is a hack and a tip in one. The cap from Worcestershire sauce bottles fits on a lot of other things, including every lemon juice bottle I have purchased. So keep the lids that help you regulate the amount of "stuff" coming out of a bottle so you do not end up wasting product. Happy savings y'all ~Margo Operation Independence The Airbnb has been renting well since we got back from SRF! It's great to see the Basecamp space generate steady revenue while serving the broader Holler Hub vision. Main Topic: Airbnb Revenue Stream – Lessons Learned Every property should have a purpose, not just be a payment. Turning Space Into a System The Airbnb wasn't about renting space — it was about keeping the Basecamp Lodge working for the mission.   Formerly a long-term rental ($1,600/month). Now a flexible, short-term system that:   Generates income when not used for training.   Brings new people into the Holler Hub community.   Connects us to potential partners and collaborators.   Tools like Airbnb and VRBO open us to audiences beyond LFTN, expanding both reach and opportunity. What's Working Booked every available weekend in October by opening to tourists during fall travel season.   Earned ~$650 in October while still hosting events — a deliberate tradeoff between revenue and flexibility.   Low cleaning fee + clear expectations → relaxed guests and repeat visitors.   Purposefully low nightly rate to earn initial 5-star reviews and build credibility.   Making meaningful connections with guests — one couple with 10 glampers in California, another moving to Tennessee for homesteading. Where It Got Messy One guest left it a wreck → 8 hours of cleanup.   Result: added language about cleaning expectations.   Next step: keep a vacuum for pet-friendly stays.   “Clean beats new every time.”   Set boundaries early: check-out policies, no parties, pet rules. Pricing & Positioning Set nightly rate (~$100) based on $3,000/month gross goal if fully booked.   Kept pricing low to reflect the space (one usable bedroom, not remodeled).   Using Airbnb's automated pricing to test how it behaves during peak season.   Cleaning service quote revealed current pricing barely covers costs — future plan to add modest cleaning fee.   Focus remains on mission-aligned guests first, not just volume bookings. Systems That Keep It Running Reset takes 45–60 minutes; double linens to avoid bottlenecks.   Pet stays add 1 hour for vacuuming and extra laundry.   Critical practice: always start cleaning immediately after checkout to stay ready for last-minute bookings.   Personal touch: greet guests, tell the Holler Hub story, collect feedback, and build relationships. How to Apply It Don't build the Taj-Ma-Rental — start minimum viable and test.   Clean trumps new every time.   The biggest mindset shift: being comfortable letting strangers on your land.   Most people with bad intentions aren't paying hundreds to sleep in your barn.   Reality Check Short-term rentals aren't easy money there's always time involved:   Responding to messages, building a guidebook, handling maintenance.   Be available when problems arise — or you'll hate the process.   The fast reset is key: handle the “yucky” stuff early so it never piles up. What's Next Goal: book events at Basecamp that aren't led by you — already in the works.   Next expansion: a miner's cabin/tent rental to diversify the property's offerings.   Each step builds toward the broader Holler Hub vision — systems that connect people, sustain the land, and generate reliable income. Every property should have a purpose, not just a payment. Make it a great week.   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  

Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead. Featured Event: Oct 25-26 GSD Weekend at the Eversoles - Join the LFTN Telegram Group to RSVP

Today, we talk about what it takes to organize a real Farm to Table Dinner, as well as cover our usual Monday segments. Featured Event Chainsaw Milling Demo and PotluckSunday at 1 PMBasecamp Lodge, Lancaster, TN Join us for a hands-on chainsaw milling demonstration and community potluck! Bring a dish to share and see how we turn logs into lumber right here at the Holler. Event Details Sponsors AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN – Helping entrepreneurs, homesteaders, and freedom-minded folks handle taxes the smart way.  HollerRoast.com – Fresh-roasted coffee for doers. Start your day with luxury and get to work. Farm To Table Dinner Tickets, Nov 15 | $125 Community Highlight LFTN Stocking Exchange Time is running out to sign up! We'll assign your Secret Stocking Santa on November 1, so don't miss out on this fun community tradition. Sign Up Here Tales from the Prepper Pantry Convenience meals this week: crockpot lamb ribs.  Drying the last round of fall herbs — mint, oregano, and holy basil.  Getting ready to fill the freezers with meat now that it's almost cold enough to butcher.  Hoping for a venison this year.  Ground meat base for winter meals: beef, pork, and more pork. Weekly Shopping Report No shopping trip this week. Frugality Tip Did you know that if you put something in your online cart at Amazon (and some other online stores), when the price changes they notify you via email. So if you are looking to buy something but it is a little out of your budget, throw it in the cart and you just might be notified when it goes on sale. Also, when looking around on eBay, go ahead and click that heart, a lot of sellers will send you a discounted offer just for liking an item. So have a little patience and wait and see if you can save a few dollars on your next online purchase. Happy savings y'all ~Margo Operation Independence We opened up the Basecamp Airbnb — and one hour later it rented for four days! That single booking covered baseline expenses for the property (though not the mortgage). Still, a solid win toward independence. Main Topic: Organizing a Real Farm to Table Dinner Why We're Doing One We wanted to show what real farm-to-table actually means — not marketing, not a photo op. A community meal built from what local farmers are actually harvesting right now, cooked by people who understand those ingredients. Why It's Harder Than a Typical Event This isn't catered convenience food. The chef has to process everything from raw ingredients, not pre-trimmed or par-cooked product.  Every ingredient is sourced directly from farms, not distributors.  Timing is critical — you plan the menu around what's in season, not what's available year-round from a big box store. This is NOT your typical farm-to-table experience. We're not highlighting one or two local dishes and then filling the rest from Costco. Every ingredient — except the pepper and the coffee (which I roast) — comes from right here in Tennessee. No shortcuts. What Other Farm to Table Events Get Wrong Most are “farm to table” in name only — a token nod to local producers while relying heavily on imported or processed foods. They miss the deeper connection between local abundance, timing, and community. Steps to Organizing One Source the food: Build relationships with local growers and producers.  Find a venue: Needs to be accessible, scenic, and functional for cooking and serving.  Create a semi-flexible menu: Base it on what farmers actually have that week.  Explore legalities: Health codes, insurance, and any required permits.  Add extras: Things like a wild edible walk turn the dinner into an experience.  Sell the tickets: Clear messaging — you're selling an authentic experience, not a restaurant meal.  Handle logistics the day of: Setup, cooking flow, seating, lighting, cleanup. Customer Experience How do you keep the night flowing smoothly and still make it feel personal?  How do you balance talking about the farms with letting guests simply enjoy the meal?  Scaling the Concept Could this become a recurring or seasonal event?  What lessons are you already learning for next time?  Make It A Great Week.  

  Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: baby kittens, baby ducks, baby rabbits?? and so much more. Featured Event: Chainsaw milling Demo and Potluck: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/2025/10/07/chainsaw-milling/ Sponsor 1: StrongRootsResources.com Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN 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

  Join me for a group discussion with John Willis of Special Operations Equipment and Jack Spirko of The Survival Podcast. Featured Event: Oct 19 Chainsaw Milling Demo and Potluck: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/2025/10/07/chainsaw-milling/ Sponsors: DiscountMylarBags.com AgoristTaxAdvice,cin/LFTN 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  

Apparently, we as a society learned nothing two weeks ago about rushing to be the first to present what we think really happened, to build our political agenda into a tragedy, and to move the conversation away from sympathy for those impacted to angrily debating the details of the assault by car and gun, the supposed intentions of the perpetrator – who is deceased by the way and cannot actually confirm or deny – and other completely unrelated things, such as if LDS are or are not also Christians. We've lost the plot. BUT statements are not supportive. This is where the anchor question comes in: What is the right thing to do? Featured Event: November 15 Farm To Table Dinner – Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening at the Holler Hub. Fresh food, good people, and real community. Reserve your spot here Thank you to today's sponsors: StrongRootsResources.com InvestableWealth.com – The Wealthsteading Podcast The outrage cycle: how online reactions to tragedy move immediately to blame, politics, and division. Binary programming: left vs. right, us vs. them — why it's become the default setting and how it trains us to react in anger. A personal story about tomatoes: clinging to a narrative even when it doesn't make sense, and what it took to question mine. The anger signal: that flash of anger is not permission to post — it's your primary sign to pause and ask what the right thing to do is. Practical tools: Admit when you've been wrong. Give crises time to develop before hot takes. Share your opinion with care — or hold it until the right time. The better way: you don't change the world by yelling louder. You change it by stepping out of the game and refusing to feed the machine. Make it a great week!

  Today I am joined by the Tactical Redneck to discuss selling our first ram for another flock, the payoff of homemade “convenience” meals, growing mushrooms for realsies, and more.Featured Event: Self Reliance Festival: SelfRelianceFestival.com Sponsor 1: StrongRootsResources.com Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN Ram selling experience and the failed ear tag I get by with a little help from my friends! Mushroom Room - Northspore plus my own grow lights North Spore Martha Tent:  Harvesting Herbs and Drying them Tomato wall is close to the end Rabbit plan: 2 to the boys, and 2 to the freezer for the farm sitter Myles' limp and trimming nails Weather this week as great for fall seedlings Dingo story and weekend class update Boys on 3rd of 4 paddocks at Basecamp - 1at time through so the fence lines will adjust Tapping the homemade “convenience meals” Roast Duck from Hoff Grid Meat Co Terracing around the swim spa Basil needs processing Duck egg Biochar is back in the holler Holler Neighbors/Community: Eversoles were by for the class Tour update at Caney Fork Farm Finances: Ram $$ went into the cow jar 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

Today I am interviewing Tag from Life Done Free on the Living Free Podcast. He will share strategies for system-proofing your life and we will take your questions. Want to meet Tag in person? He is speaking at The Self Reliance Festival Oct 4-5: SelfRelianceFestival.com. Connect with Tag: https://lifedonefree.com/ Connect with us! TheLivingFreePodcast.com LivingFreeinTennessee.com SelfRelianceFestival.com @nicolesauce on instagram @LFTN on youtube @lftngroup on Telegram

Today I am joined by the Tactical Redneck to talk about flock management, getting ready for a homestead sitter, frolicking in the herb garden and more! Featured event: Biochar Meeting and Small Engine Class: LivingFreeinTennessee.com Sponsor 1: StrongRootsResources.com Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com Promo the weekend Promo SRF Community - meetup Sunday and class Saturday Caught the rat in the coop - leg caught Boy sheep cleared the 1st paddock well at basecamp Processing the rabbits 2 at a time Breeding the grey one Dingo in tomorrow so we can fill in the failed pond and do other things Frolicking herb collection - winter is coming Visitors this weekend - reset for both Getting set for a homestead sitter Watercress patch looks great right now Peppers are basically done Goldenrod is ready Wildflower bouquet season Duck setting eggs Coyote story Finances: Ram for sale for breeding inquiry 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  

Today I am interviewing Spags from MWPP and The Great American Preparedness Tour and Alan Booker from The Institute of Integrated Regenerative Design to talk about building community.  Sponsor 1: Above Phone: https://abovephone.com/?above=104, Coupon Code LiveFreeTN for $50 off Sponsor 2: SelfReliaanceFestival.com Connect with all of us: Spags at MWPP The Great American Preparedness Tour Institute Of Integrated Regenerative Design Make it a great week! GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.  Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Ever feel like you are watching the world burn? That is exactly how the Media wants you to feel. Today, Sue Zoldak joins me for a chat about this, Charlie Kirk, and other important things. We will also cover our usual Monday segments. Connect with Sue ZoldakAgency.com Featured Event: Small Motors Maintenance And Repair Class, Saturday at 10 am in Lancaster, TN: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/event/small-engine-maintenance-and-repair-class/ Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast, InvestableWealth.com LFTN Stocking Exchange  – Sign Up Today: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/2025/09/08/lftn-stocking-exchange/ Tales from the Prepper Pantry Fed guests with premade charcuterie sets. Have lamb for sale — just a few sheep left. Gathering herbs for winter remedies and tea blends. Weekly Shopping Report None this week. Frugality Tip None this week. Operation Independence Kicked off a new Resilience Series on the blog: How can we build through hard times? First post is up: Systems Over Everything Main topic – This is a discussion with Sue Zoldak and myself about the Charlie Kirk Assassination, the subsequent reaction and the role media played in it. Most of our discussion centers on the bigger picture problem, as well as what we can do to from here. This is not a play by play break down of the shooting, but rather a discussion about confirmation bias, the incentives of the media and social media, mental health, building community and more. 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        

  Today, I was joined by Ancap Tim to discuss his journey from high Christian Conservative to Libertarian then to full embracing of the agora. Along the way he realized that opting out is easier from a homestead and has launched his first music album! Don't forget to get your tickets for the SelfRelianceFestival.com, October 4-5 in Camden, TN at the Birdsong Marina! Use coupon code LFTN for $10 off your ticket! Connect with Tim: Website: ANCAPTIM Self Reliance Festival Links Tickets: https://selfreliancefestival.com/product/tickets-2025/ Family Pass (2 adults, unlimited related children under 18): https://selfreliancefestival.com/product/family-pass/ Vendor Space: https://selfreliancefestival.com/product/vendor-booth-2025/ SRF Teens/Youth: https://selfreliancefestival.com/srfteens/ SRF Kids: https://selfreliancefestival.com/srfkids/ Agenda: https://selfreliancefestival.com/agenda/ Make it a great week! GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.  Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up

Today, we talk about the homestead revenue stack as well as our usual Monday segments. Featured Event Sept 12: ETNHA Festival near Knoxville, TN https://steveandsandy.com/festival Sponsors Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com Long-term food storage supplies that won't break the bank. Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Helping entrepreneurs, homesteaders, and freedom-minded folks handle taxes the smart way. Tales from the Prepper Pantry Took a Sunday Down Day to redo short-term storage and move things over to Basecamp for long-term. Counted and organized: 41 mugs (yep, 41). Set up a food plan for the week. Making progress on air potatoes VS Chinese yam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6L-1POLF3Q&feature=youtu.be Built a to-do list of things to gather for winter teas and herbal remedies. Frugality Tip Join the LFTN Stocking Exchange — because life is about more than just saving money. Operation Independence Reached alignment with Tactical on building a double-purpose shed. Sold the old roofing from Basecamp (still have ridge caps available for sale). Main Topic: Avoiding Burnout and Hard Work If you came to hear how to NOT work hard on your homestead and still be successful you have come to the wrong place. We've been talking lately about the need for rest and recovering from burnout --- and then I realized on a walk that hard work is part of homesteading - so burnout is one thing, but hard work another = so where is the line between these two? Many people hesitant to get out and about lately. Stories of burnout are common → led to conversations about resets, weekend retreats, and monthly calls for homesteaders. Giving talks on Build Abundance Not Burnout (like at SRF in October). Realization: some come to hear “how to make it easy,” but building the life you choose is not easy. Burnout comes from: Overcommitting and saying yes to everything. Lack of rest or intentional reset. Poor design → every task feels uphill. No tracking or systems → constant re-doing and searching. Trying to do it all alone without community. Expecting it to be easy and feeling defeated when it isn't. Design makes things flow, but doesn't remove the work. Design for future you (20–40 years older). Example: rabbit hutch above garden bed → nutrients flow without transport. Design with profit in mind. Tracking matters (avoids wasted effort). Systems = less friction, but animals still need care, water lines must be buried, harvests preserved, fencing run. Homestead Revenue Stack (Holler Homestead Example) Core Product – Sheep Service Layer – Airbnb experiences, tours, classes Scalable – LFTN Podcast, HomesteadSkills.academy, cookbook Community – Meetups, connecting people Add-ons – Holler Roast Coffee (became its own core product), laminated cheat sheets, small guides, dried herbs Game changer: Add-ons bolt onto existing work. Sometimes the add-on is another person → ties into Holler Hub model (spokes). Each layer still involves hard work. Smart design + add-ons keep that work from tipping into burnout. Honest contrast: the grind is real, but structure turns it into momentum. Hard work is baked into homesteading — there's no escaping it. Burnout comes when that work isn't designed well or isn't supported. The Homestead Revenue Stack shows how to make your effort count: core products require grind, but when you design smart and bolt on add-ons (whether that's coffee, guides, or community), the same work builds abundance instead of exhaustion. 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  

  Today we talk about the cracked fitting, sheep hijinks, the meetups and more Featured Event: https://steveandsandy.com/festival Sept 12 and 13 Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN Sponsor 2: TheWealthSteadingPodcast InvestableWealth.com Forage Air Potatoes Last Night's Dinner Watercress Livestock Lamb for sale Rabbit breeding season has arrived Grow Fall Brassicas are in Sweet Potato Leaves Seed Fairy Time When the saute is like wet fabric... Holler Neighbors/Community Meetup and Class Update Painting Basecamp Lodge While the cat's away Christmas Stocking Project Finances Holler Hub Membership Idea and Grocery - forms 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  

Today, I was joined by Brooke Whipple to discuss building freedom and using land to do so, but we ended up discussing mindset, living in the moment, small versus large decisions and her journey through life. And yes, we also discussed how she and her husband bought the land they could afford, improved it, then leveraged that into a better property. Rinse, repeat. You will thoroughly enjoy this discussion AND you can meet Brooke in person at the SelfRelianceFestival.com, October 4-5 in Camden, TN at the Birdsong Marina! Use coupon code LFTN for $10 off your ticket! Connect with Brooke: Website: https://www.brookewhipple.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealgirlinthewoods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlinthewoodz/ Book we discussed: The Gap And The Gain: https://www.amazon.com/Gap-Gain-Achievers-Happiness-Confidence/ Book we discussed: Good Energy: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Energy-Surprising-Connection-Metabolism Self Reliance Festival Links Tickets: https://selfreliancefestival.com/product/tickets-2025/ Family Pass (2 adults, unlimited related children under 18): https://selfreliancefestival.com/product/family-pass/ Vendor Space: https://selfreliancefestival.com/product/vendor-booth-2025/ SRF Teens/Youth: https://selfreliancefestival.com/srfteens/ SRF Kids: https://selfreliancefestival.com/srfkids/ Agenda: https://selfreliancefestival.com/agenda/ Make it a great week! GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.  Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up

Today we talk about transformational experiences in our lives and why being in person matters, as well as out usual Monday Segments. Featured Event: Small Engines Class With Alan Bechard, Sept 20 at 10am LivingFreeInTennessee.com Don't forget to get your SRF tickets!! Use coupon code LFTN for $10 off: SelfRelianceFestival.com Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com Sponsor 2: StrongRootsResources.com Tales From The Prepper Pantry Frugality Tip Operation Independence Main topic Make it a great week. GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.  Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today I am joined by the Tactical Redneck to discuss: Redneck Pie, subdividing paddocks, food forest whisperer's latest action, and old garbage revealed through grazing. Featured Event: Sunday Meetup and Demo From Hoff Grid Meat Company! 1pm this Sunday Sponsor 1: TheWealthsteading Podcast Sponsor 2: AgoristtaxAdvice.com/LFTN Redneck Pie Fall is in the air - winter is coming! SRF is so cool this year Filling in rock wall with mint, oregano, thyme, and a sacrificial rosemary Bean replacements are up Ducks are in full molt Cheese class update (Wild forage, fun, fellowship, reset) Boys are out of jail and in the best paddock over here The loud - paddock garbage revealed through grazing Lambchop Rip cord The roof is DONE at Basecamp Lodge Comfrey in the swales Hoff Grid Meat Company Order for the year (and why we are doing it this way) The AI Class this weekend Sweet potato flowers Time to harvest Goldenrod Passion flowers Rose of sharon Spice berry Time to breed and process rabbits Girls: Subdividing paddocks to increase density Holler Hub/Basecamp Calendar Wednesdays are back The tomato wall problem Finances - cheese 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  

  Featured Event: SelfRelianceFestival.com Oct 4-5 Sponsor 1: TheWealthsteading Podcast Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com 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  

You've heard me drop the words “Holler Hub,” but what does that actually mean? Today I'm going off-script to share the real story of what's happening here, why we built it, and where it's headed next.  Featured Event Cheesemaking class at the Holler Homestead (with add-on Wild Edible Walk): https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/product/soft-cheese/ Sponsor 1 Strong Roots Resources – Permaculture consulting, education, and more Sponsor 2 AgoristTaxAdvice.com – Helping entrepreneurs, homesteaders, and freedom-minded folks handle taxes the smart way Tales from the Prepper Pantry Mold fog reset in the pantry Making lots of cheese Frugality Tip From Margo Was randomly looking at Etsy and saw someone selling something I was interested in that was local to me. I messaged them and asked about local pick up and cash price. They were very interested in cash money with pick up and I saved some money on my purchase. So ask, it will never kill you, and might save you a few dollars. Operation Independence Inherited “free” chickens for the Holler Hub — and they're so friendly you can pet them! Main Topic: The Holler Hub Story You Haven't Heard Yet What is the Holler Hub? Basecamp Lodge as the center of the community Biggest recent change: new roof on Basecamp Ryan Steva dropped off hens Airbnb bedroom rental now open Calendar of upcoming events Classes like cheesemaking, Michelle learning elderberry syrup Grocery buying club next on deck Valerie's affordable lodge outfitting list Unplanned magic moments: Tactical + visitor campfire talk on alcoholism Looking ahead this year: full calendar, RV spots, cabins, food systems clarity Challenges & reset Working so hard we weren't resetting ourselves PickTN Store at the State Fair: great exposure, but exhausting Drawing a line: one full day off each week The Holler Hub is where we stop talking about freedom and actually build it — one messy project at a time. 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

Today I am interviewing John Pugliano of The Wealthsteading Podcast - find out what it took for him to grow from rags to riches - and what that really means. Featured Event: Curds and Connection: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/product/soft-cheese/ Sponsors:x Above Phone, Coupon code livefreetn, https://abovephone.com/?above=104 Holler Roast Coffee Connect With John: https://investablewealth.com/ 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

    Featured Event: SelfRelianceFestival.com Oct 4-5 Sponsor 1: TheWealthsteading Podcast Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com Tigger Polyface - modular and scalable Driving without getting hurt Pig gates: los tn translation Tractors ?2 cows? Grazing density discussion PawPaws are very close and likely this week or next Escaping Sheep and miscommunicating Rednecks Burnout Project: Roofing, Cheese Class Prep, and Broken AC, OH MY! This week's Lodge Visitor: Michelle from Trippy Acres (Elderberry, pears, and okra) Balancing projects and real time with real people - something will have to give or we need more stewards on site Water System Meltdown Eggless Ducks Fall seeds are in and the watering system is simplified Early morning dumpster work A disappointing shopping experience Finances: havent sold enough cheese tickets - give us a hand by telling a friend! Cheese Class Menu Retraining the sheep on electric Increasing mowability of fence lines at the Holler Homestead Finances: Facebook Funds LOL 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  

Today, we talk about homestead burnout, why many new homesteaders feel tempted (and do) give up after only a year or three, and what to do about it. We also cover our usual Monday segments. Featured Event August 23: Wild Edible Walk with Kerry Brown of Strong Roots Resources – 8:30 AM before Curds and Connection at the Holler Homestead. Sponsor 1 Strong Roots Resources – Permaculture consulting, education, and more. Sponsor 2 AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN – Helping entrepreneurs, homesteaders, and freedom-minded folks handle taxes the smart way. Tales from the Prepper Pantry Setting up Basecamp for long-term storage   Road food from the pantry   Fall garden focus   Pushing for more dried herbs   Frugality Tip From Margo: Before making a large purchase, check multiple sites. Margo scored a $100 gift card from Northern Tool by ordering online (over $1000 purchase), then picking up in-store. A little research can literally pay off. Operation Independence Adding value can make all the difference — like offering a Wild Edible Walk add-on for the cheese class. Main Topic of the Day: How to Fix Homestead Burnout Discussion with Tactical about my dead garden bed   Why so many homesteads give up after 1–3 years   Striving for perfection   Using 1 person to do the work of 2, 3, or even 4   Instagram homesteads vs. reality   The same reasons we burn out on anything   The homestead is always there — and you live there   Why people get into homesteading   The homesteader's curse   My 140 tomato story   If you're not on a homestead yet, what you can do   How to avoid homestead burnout   Create a space where you can truly let go and reset   Have other interests or hobbies   Adjust expectations before you start   Create goals that aren't fear-based   Learn to spot burnout early:   Constant fatigue   Irritability or loss of excitement   Letting maintenance slide   Avoiding certain areas or projects   More arguments or isolation   Spending more time on screens than outside   Self-check questions:   When's the last time I felt genuinely excited about a homestead task?   Am I doing chores because I want to or just because they have to be done?   Have I been skipping or half-doing maintenance I used to stay on top of?   Am I avoiding certain areas, animals, or projects because they feel overwhelming?   How to address burnout if you're already there   Make space to get away for 2–3 days and stay off social media   Take a true day of rest   Move your body   Assess eating and drinking habits   Follow homesteaders who show their failures and lessons learned   Scale back without feeling like you've failed   The world, and we, are messy. Do three things anyway and see how far you can go in a month, then 2 months, then a year! 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  

  Today we talk about farm sitters, basecamp, rogue lawn mowers and more. Featured Event: SelfRelianceFestival.com Oct 4-5 Sponsor 1: TheWealthsteading Podcast Sponsor 2: StrongRootsResources.com What is a Food Forest Whisperer? Looking at places for a bath house and cabins at Basecamp 1st Airbnb guest Beans need harvesting Retraining the Boys on electric fence Duck Nests State Fair Preparations and Angrotourism Preparing for a new roof at Basecamp Mower Hijinks and repair Camper parking spot next steps Getting Fall Seedlings going Freezer Reorganization Finally in Process Frankentomato Need to harvest creek mint Watercress coming in Time to harvest Passion flower Proof that ducks are racist Holler Neighbor Dinner, schnitzel Finances - Basecamp Wishlist Idea 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  

  Join me for a group discussion with John Willis of Special Operations Equipment and Jack Spirko of The Survival Podcast. Featured Event: Curds and Connection: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/product/soft-cheese/ Sponsors:x Above Phone, Coupon code livefreetn, https://abovephone.com/?above=104 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  

Today, we discuss how to navigate all the options out there as you seek your ideal homestead property. We also cover our usual Monday segments. Featured Event August 9: Foraging on the Farm at Strong Roots Resources Strongrootsresources.com Sponsor 1 DiscountMylarBags.com Long-term food storage supplies that won't break the bank. Sponsor 2 AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN Helping entrepreneurs, homesteaders, and freedom-minded folks handle taxes the smart way. Surprise Guest JOHN WILLIS - Buy his cool tactical gear here. Tales from the Prepper Pantry We topped off green bean canning for the year — another seasonal task checked off the list. We're also setting up long-term canned goods storage at Basecamp so it's easier to rotate and access what we've put up. While I was away, Tactical survived thanks to the stash of homemade convenience meals we'd prepped in advance. Proof that a little forethought goes a long way. And this week, we're finally getting seedlings started for the fall garden — about a week later than planned, but they're going in. Frugality Tip If you've got a spare room sitting empty, it might be time to put it to work. We brought in $150 this week just by renting out a bedroom on Airbnb —  just a clean space, a good description, and letting the system do its thing. Sometimes the easiest money is already inside your house. Operation Independence We're gearing up for a trip to Polyface Farm to see Joel Salatin's systems in action. The goal? Learn what we can, adapt what fits, and scale up operations here at the Holler. Always learning, always building. Main Topic of the Day: Finding the Ideal Homestead Everybody wants the perfect homestead. Creek in the back, rich soil, gentle slopes, friendly neighbors, no codes, low taxes, a vast homeschooling network, hospital that is close but not TOO close…Oh — and under $200,000, please. Today, we're digging into how to actually find the IDEAL land for your homestead — starting with the real questions, not the fantasy map. Where to go in the state How to choose land Where the best community is Regulatory environment To rent or to own? What does ideal mean? WHY ARE YOUR DOING THIS? What does your ideal day on your land actually look like? Is this about freedom? Fear? Feeding your family? Are you chasing a dream… or running from a disaster? Zac Bauer of  An American Homestead's thoughts on water List what is important to you: Family Hospitals? Entertainment Supplies Church Crime/Safety Kid stuff Tax regulations Cultural mix   HERE IS THE TRUTH THOUGH : the ideal property? It's either taken or priced much higher than you will expect  - and those super nice properties also have hidden problems. That's the problem we're really solving today — what do you do when your dream and your budget don't match? That is when you have to prioritize = prioritize what you truly need in a piece of land as Zac pointed out.  In Fact the best homesteaders I know didn't start with perfect property. They started with a good enough place and made it work. EXAMPLES John Willis, Rock Quarry The Eversoles (bare land) Kerry Brown (off grid) Ryan & Steve (local partners) Shawn Mills (off grid) They didn't find a unicorn property — they built a life anyway. Don't forget — Self-Reliance Festival tickets are still available, but the price goes up soon. If you've been thinking about joining us in Camden this October, now's the time to grab your pass and make a plan. Details are at SelfRelianceFestival.com. Make it a great week. GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.  Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

  Today we talk about steep sheep, the Holler Hub project progress, a canning class update, automations on the homestead we wished we had in place and more. Featured event: Curds and Connection: August 23 at 9:30 central Sponsor 1: AbovePhone.com Sponsor 2: Holler Roast Coffee - HollerRoast.com - see us at the Tennessee State Fair! Am I crazy for running sheep on the steep? Skid steer progress Canning class lessons Placement for next 3 beds are ready - need t hand check Automated watering and travel Holler Neighbors Dinner Finances: Canning class broke even The airbnb is open What needs to be  harvested Seedlings  Goldenrod season just in time for the food forest haircut Mullein seed heads are flowered - harvest the blooms or wait for seed Holler Roast at the State Fair 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  

This week, is a broadcast of my talk at Polyface Farm for the Exit and Build Land Summit. Featured Event Webinar on AI by Shawn Mills! – August 7 at 6pm Central Sponsors of the Day The Wealthsteading Podcast AgoristTaxAdvice.com 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  

This week, we're digging into something that's helped a lot of folks — including me — actually make progress: #my3things. Around here, it started as a simple habit. Write down three things. Do them. Rinse and repeat. Turns out, that's enough to change your whole trajectory. I'll share how it's helped me stay focused while we expand the Holler Homestead, plus read some thoughts from listeners who've made it part of their daily rhythm. Also on deck: a green bean canning marathon, why my kitchen looks like a tornado hit it, the story behind my new (super cheap) workstation, and how Basecamp is turning into a legit lodge. Featured Event Canning Class – July 26, 10am–2pm at the Holler Homestead Only 2 seats left! https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/product/canning-101/ Sponsors of the Day DiscountMylarBags.com HollerRoast.com Tales from the Prepper Pantry Reorganizing canned goods and deep cleaning the shelves 49.5 quarts of green beans canned — 12 more quarts will finish our yearly goal Kitchen chaos in full swing Some thoughts on overabundance and what happens when more people grow gardens Frugality Tip How I built a new workstation without spending hundreds of dollars Operation Independence Behind-the-scenes of the canning class prep Basecamp is becoming a lodge with a rentable room on Airbnb Main Topic of the Day: My3Things in the Community What is #my3things and how it started (Telegram group) How it's helped me stay focused while building the next phase of the Holler Homestead How it's helped community members — listener testimonials  - foreshadow joining the show Testimonials Janet: What I like most about #my3things is that it gives me permission, mentally, to set aside the thousand other things I have on my to-do list. Why I need that permission is beyond me, but it's a hack that works for me. And instead of moving on to another thing on my to-do list when I've done the three things, I usually reward myself with something fun. The something fun might still be productive work, but it is work I want to do, not work I have to do. Joe: Being retired, #MyThreeThings helps me stay active, even if many of the Things are now minor; sort of a more goal-directed puttering. I'm certainly glad the drain issue is resolved. Scott: #mythreethings gives me focus on things that need done for that day. Keeps non important stuff for fill-in work. Ann: Most days my #mythreethings looks like just a to do list but it gives me 3 of the most important things to get done that day. They might not be things that are moving me forward, but they are things that keep me from falling behind. There are days those ADHD butterflies would get the best of me without 3 things to focus on. The world, and we, are messy. Do three things anyway and see how far you can go in a month, then 2 months, then a year! 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