Living Free in Tennessee - Nicole Sauce

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  

  Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: Sketchy Redneck SHHHi..., Homestead Kitchen Chaos and more. Featured Event: Canning 101: Water Bath & Pressure Canning – July 26, 10am–2pm https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com... Sponsor 1: 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  

Today, I share additional thoughts on the Victor/Victim topic as well as dive deeper into the homestead buying club concept. Heads up! Self-Reliance Festival ticket prices go up tomorrow at midnight — if you've been on the fence, now's the time: https://selfreliancefestival.com Featured Event Paul Wheaton has a pretty cool Kickstarter that's in early bird mode through today. The project? A movie about how they developed the “Willow Feeder,” their hands-off human waste composting system at Wheaton Labs. They've spent years refining this setup, and now they're ready to share it with the world. If you toss in just $1 today, you get early supporter perks — including extra stuff they won't offer later.  Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/paulwheaton/willow-feeders?ref=9xygxe Sponsors Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast, InvestableWealth.com Tales from the Prepper Pantry Canning a bushel of green beans Adding a Freezer so we can better organize frozen stores for the household Busting with eggs and need to fix the freeze dryer Frugality Tip Meal planning keeps you from eating out and is healthier Operation Independence Moving the shed today so that we can put the glamper where the shed was and start renting that out. The shed will be turned into a camping cabin (with AC). Who wants to come to a workday to help us get the areas looking nice? Main Topic of the Day: Homestead Buying Club and VictorhoodHomestead Buying Club and Empowering Homesteaders First off, I listened to the interview with Tactical and so very much appreciated him sharing his story and I found it really impactful and also inspiring in continuing on my own healing journey and personal growth, hopefully with some new ideas.  Second, last week's podcast about being a victor or victim was also helpful. It's the midst of burnout season for a lot of farmers (especially production based).  It's all got my wheels turning again about an idea I had exactly a year ago after talking with another market vendor friend and being sick of all the sundresses and floppy hats and picturesque unrealistic homestead Instagram crap. I don't really know the exact vision but just craving a support group of people in similar situations. See the image I made below:  But at the same time, the stress of farming for men is insane too. I know because I see it in Adam. He needs a community of like minded people. He's more isolated these days because he always feels behind on the farm. We are in a crucial make or break time with our expansion so it's been particularly stressful especially with cash flow management. I know it'll all work out but it can be tough. Adam left his full time job. I love the idea you had of a farm to table meal.  Also, I've had ideas before of a “homestead Home Depot” salvage (like super cheap consignment or free scraps) where people can look to get spare items others don't need anymore to build things on their homestead. The bad thing is I know everybody likes to keep their own personal junk piles cause “they might need it” but used lumber and scrap metal, animal feeders, heat lamps, waterers, fencing etc can all help people get started or attain something on a budget.  A network of people in the community willing to help people farm sit so that if ever there was a chance to travel you could pay someone familiar with handling livestock etc.  Also, on a personal level for our business, if you get a pma in place, I'm *guessing* you could custom butcher a hog and still sell the individual cuts to holler hub members.  There's some gray area there that I don't know about.  If it was legal that way that would save people a good bit of money for super high quality pork. In any case, I've got 23 pigs ready in another month or two that I need to displace. We don't have freezer space for all 23 so I'm hoping to get some customs sold too  These are all things that go on inside my brain and since you'd been discussing the holler hub, I thought I'd spill my ideas because I'm honestly overwhelmed with incubating and improving our current business model and not trying to start new ones at this time! I would still like for us to get out and about and adventure to your place for the next gathering so we'll bring your requested meats then unless you need otherwise.  VICTORHOODAfter listening to Episode 1060, I had some thoughts on the content. I'll try not to be too long winded but having lived a life full of adversity and still navigating the fall out from some things, I have quite a bit of thoughts. While I don't hope to magically cure anyone, I do hope to plant some seeds for thought. Towards the end of the episode there was a hypothetical posed. I just want to say, as someone who has personally experienced abuse, I wanted to reiterate that any victim of a crime is never responsible for what their abuser does. They are ONLY responsible for their own healing. It's not fair, but it is our responsibility in how we move forward. As life is, we sometimes trust the wrong people, sometimes we are born to them, sometimes we are the person in the wrong place at the wrong time. Your singular responsibility, your role is not becoming a hurt person who hurts people. This is how we break cycles. This is how we become better people despite our adverse experiences. This is true when we get terminal diagnosis, we grew up in familial dysfunction, war, flooding, natural disaster and plagues. We lose people through death and abandonment. There are tons of adverse experiences we might not have placed ourselves in, however, we have choices, sometimes all of them are shit. Other times you must call yourself on your own shit. But remember, even manure can grow flowers and mushrooms.   On Forgiveness, there are 4 steps. Tell the story Name the hurt Grant Forgiveness Renew or Release the Relationship While that sounds much simpler than it is, these are the steps one must take. Once you have granted forgiveness, you are not allowed to continue to punish someone for the hurt they caused, that however, does not mean you stop talking about it. It means being able to talk to the transgressor in a way that opens a door for continued forgiveness. Telling the story doesn't mean you stand on stage and out the person. It means you speak directly to the person who caused the hurt. It means you reach out to trusted allies for perspective and support. When we are emotionally escalated, our thoughts can get carried away. Practice pausing when your emotions are heightened.   Nothing big will ever be able to be solved overnight. That means you do not have to have an answer today, tonight or even tomorrow. It only means you have a willingness to come together on the subject. Forgiveness is a practice. This means that sometimes you will have to choose to forgive over and over again. Every time that hurt or betrayal surfaces, you will have a decision to make. This makes repair work exceptionally important. If you are willing to forgive and the other person does not want to do repair work, you are entering a cycle of continued harm. Please know when to walk away. Sometimes the person you have to forgive is yourself. This is imperative for any repair and healing work.   And finally steps to changing negative thought cycles: Pause and Notice -What am I thinking right now? Become aware of the loop, what is the thought or repeating pattern.   Name the Pattern- What kind of thought is this? Am I catastrophizing, black and white thinking, mind reading (assuming I know what someone is thinking or judging me) or criticism?   Feel and Validate- What feeling is driving this thought? Most negative thoughts are a reflection of an unmet need Acknowledge and name it with kindness instead of judgment or suppression   Reframe the thought- What is a kinder, truer, and more empowering thought? Don't sugarcoat just shift towards something more balanced and compassionate. Ex: I've made mistakes, but I am learning, and mistakes do not define my character or value system. That was a good learning moment for me because I can be more aware of that moving forward. Look for evidence to prove yourself wrong. Think of this, if I am feeling unlovable, perhaps it's helpful to think of moments or people who make me feel genuinely cared for and loved. If I think I always have bad luck, try to remember a time when something worked out for me. Proving negative thoughts wrong can help disrupt the negative thoughts train.   Shift and Choose- What supportive action can I take now? Do something that helps you reset. This can be journaling, breath work or moving your body. Do something that is for yourself, just YOU. Pouring yourself into something (like work) instead can be emotional bypassing. You want to be in your body and body aware, not avoiding it.   Anyway, I hope all of this is helpful. I hope it gives some actionable steps to those who aren't certain where to start. And I hope this makes you all feel more free. Freedom is often found in the work we are avoiding. I want to add that you are worth your own 20 minutes for journaling, for a cup of quite coffee, for moving your body in a way that feels good to you. You have not received all the goodness you'll ever have in your life YET. But all of that begins and ends with you.   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: second cucumber flush, sheep hijinks, running things alone and more. Featured Event: Canning 101: Water Bath & Pressure Canning – July 26, 10am–2pm https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com... Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast, InvestableWealth.com Home alone Still haven't harvested the tea mints!  Cucumber wave 2 this week Tomatoes are a bit slower than other years but we've also had a bunch of cloud cover 2 pet bunnies 3 new ducks - HAVENT FOUND THE pond yet Sheep escape Adjusting the house rock wall to keep unwanted weeds away Basecamp roof 2 minute meatloaf Generater at the pasture - and weedeater help for neighbors Meetup July 27 Potato chard recipe - start by overlooking potatoes for potato salad Kamikaze mouse - also all my mousers are gone Wheelbarrows still suck 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  

Before we dive in today: Prayers up for everyone dealing with the aftermath of the Texas floods. The loss of life has been heartbreaking. As always, we'll work to connect you with ways to help — but only through channels where your time, money, and energy won't be wasted. Stay tuned. Today, we talk about being a victim vs being a victor in the same situations leading to the question: How important is your perspective? We also cover our usual Monday Segments. Featured Event: July 26 Canning Class in the Holler https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/product/canning-101/ Sponsor 1: LiveFree.Academy – July 12 Encore of this Year's Exit and Build Land Summit Probably the BEST presentation I've ever given. https://www.exitandbuildlandsummit.com/?aff=bf5c1cb3991a4fdad92049d73c0b50c7d86f0f7314313a50298a11efa1565b71 Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN Helping entrepreneurs, homesteaders, and freedom-minded folks handle taxes the smart way. Tales from the Prepper Pantry Tried a new method for preserving Swiss chard   Second wave of cucumbers is coming in this week   Ate a frog: cleared out the storage shed (creating more space for power pantry storage instead of just piles of stuff)   Time to double down on drying herbs for tea and cooking Operation Independence Really excited about the upcoming canning class   Hosted a Hipcamper this weekend — boom! $25 earned Main Topic of the Show: Victim or Victor First let's look at what a victim is - or rather signs that you are acting like a victim and therefore bringing more negative upon yourself: Overusing the term "I can't" Explaining to friends all the things that went wrong or worked against you EVERY time you get together. Obsessing on what other people think about you, say about you, did to you - or are doing to you to undermine you Telling yourself you'll never get X because Y happened - over and over - this is a message that will come true when you say it - you are the story you tell yourself Focus on the causes of your current troubles rather than the things that can solve problems. And what does the victor look like? Takes rabid responsibility for their part in their own troubles (John Bush on self reflection, Buying things with a credit card to satisfy the instant gratification monkey, Friend with a violent husband removing herself from access, etc.) Controls their reaction to bad things to make the best of it - but not in a fake toxic positivity way. (Macchu Picchu) Focuses on what they CAN control (this one hurts for a reforming political junkie) Sees obstacles as challenges rather than insurmountable roadblocks Gains self worth internally, not from the feedback of others (and therefore cares not what people say about them or if people are trying to undermine them) A victor will ask - how can I? A victim will say I can't. That is the biggest difference between the two. So how do you become a victor when you are stuck as a victim? Recognize where you are - that is the first step to owning your future Shift your mindset from being helpless to proactive, rabid responsibility Know what you cannot control, and embrace that you can control your reaction to it Kill the negative thoughts and paranoia and ask yourself - How can i? Forgive - forgive yourself, forgive those around you - but it is ok to NOT forget6. Set boundaries to keep yourself building your future rather than getting stuck in past, unhealthy cycles. That choice — to build forward instead of staying broken — is what changes everything. 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  

  Join me for a group discussion with John Willis of Special Operations Equipment and Jack Spirko of The Survival Podcast. Featured Event: Tomato Wall Open House June 8: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/event/june-8-homestead-open-house-tomato-wall-build-at-the-holler/ 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  

  Join me for a group discussion with John Willis of Special Operations Equipment and Jack Spirko of The Survival Podcast. Featured Event: Tomato Wall Open House June 8: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/event/june-8-homestead-open-house-tomato-wall-build-at-the-holler/ 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, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: visitors, meatups, blackberries, canning, and also Happy Independence Day! Featured Event: CANNING! Join me July 26 at The Holler Homestead for a hands-on, no-nonsense class on waterbath and pressure canning. We'll make salsa, some beans, and talk about the history of canning! You'll go home with a jar of salsa, a cheat sheet, and maybe even a canning kit (we're giving one away). Lancaster, TN. Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast: InvestableWealth.com ock Garden Update - done for now Rabbit Processing Trippy Acres Visit Hip Camp Rental this weekend Hosted a few visitors this week Tomato wall update - compost tea in place Operation Ram Relocation Where should be put the shed? Blackberries are popping Red clover everywhere Chocolate and creek mint this weekend Northern spice bush is putting on berries Eggs and the new feed Mushroom failure - new batch - I waited too long Canning Class at Basecamp! July 26 20am-2pm Finance: Coffee sales and lamb sales were great this week   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 multiple ways to prepare squash — beyond just sautéing it — and cover all of our usual Monday segments. Featured Event: Strong Roots Resources: Foraging on the Farm – July 12 Details: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/event/foraging-on-the-farm-5/ Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com – Long-term food storage supplies that won't break the bank. Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com – Solid tax strategies for those of us living outside the system. Tales from the Prepper Pantry The prepper pantry is in full disaster mode after hosting last weekend's Rabbit Meatup. Whirling dervish level. Trippy Acres Farm dropped a mountain of summer abundance — squash everywhere. Hence, this week's topic. Green bean canning season has officially started. Quick late-night taco bowl using leftovers was a winner — beans, meat, rice, and pantry odds-and-ends. Question from Brent How to get started with my freeze dryer Operation Independence The Rabbit Processing Class was a huge success. Students built their own gambrels, processed their rabbits, and got a crash course in rabbit as food. We even sold coffee — win-win. Also, the new HVAC is in at Holler Roast. A friend did the install as a trade, and I'll be returning the favor next year with something from my skillset. Main Topic of the Day: Multiple Ways to Prepare Squash Why This Matters Squash piles up fast — and it's easy to get sick of it. Most people fry it or make bread. There's a lot more you can do. Fresh & Fast (Use It Now) Sautéed with onions — our daily go-to. Grilled slices — pairs great with eggs. Grated raw on salad. Scrambled into omelets. Zoodles — spiralized and tossed with sauce or oil. Main Dishes Squash lasagna — layers of meat, sauce, cheese, and squash slices. Ratatouille — classic, often forgotten, but easy to batch. Stuffed squash boats — ground beef, bell pepper, topped with cheese. Preserved & Long-Term Flour-dusted slices (chicken flour) — freeze for winter sauté. Pickled squash relish — excellent with charcuterie, recipe from Dawn Gorham. Ratatouille — freezes well in portions. Squash lasagna — prep now, freeze, and bake later. Stuffed squash boats — freeze unbaked or parbaked for easy winter meals. Zucchini/squash bread — not our thing anymore, but worth mentioning. Experimental / Less Common Planning to try freeze-dried squash chips with garlic and salt. Squash tossed into soups (though it can fall apart) Make it a great week. Community Links: Website: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com Holler Roast Coffee: https://hollerroast.com SRF Tickets: https://selfreliancefestival.com Telegram Group: https://t.me/lftnchat Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/259439594823655

Today, I am joined by Scott Armstrong of Rebinked News and Grand Theft World to talk about his journey through addiction and choosing freedom. Featured Event: Rabbit Meatup, June 29 Sponsor 1: HollerRoastCoffee.com Sponsor 2: AbovePhone.com Connect with Scott: Https://rebunked.news

  Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: Garden to Table season, escaped rams reading the rules, shade structures for the raised beds, erosion mitigation and more! Featured Event: Sunday Meetup: Potluck and Rabbit Processing - 1pm-4pm, LivingFreeinTennessee.com to sign up Sponsor 1: TheWealthseadingPodcast.com Sponsor 2: SelfRelianceFestival.com Ask T: Doing work in the cool of the morning (I mean the less hot of the morning)   A week in the life at the Holler Homestead Sunday: Heat, Hustle, and Sheep Shade Structure Build Roasting in the Heat + Sheep Escape Evening Redneck Gift Midweek: Workshop Prep & Deliveries Dump Run in the Heat Pickling + Interrupted by Coffee Delivery Evening: Garden Grounding + Dinner Flow Propagating plants to fill in areas where we want specific things Planting for shade on the west side of the cabin Canning beets outside is a blessing on the inside temperature of my house Swim spa workouts Blackberries, passion, flowers Need to maintain the food forest and make sure the stuff I want living stays living Update on squash in the compost Elderberries in a few weeks 1st ripe tomato Tim delivering rabbits for this weekend's demo Michelle is letting us harvest her garden this afternoon!! Duck setting eggs on hillside Eeeked the garden through with calmag and evening watering (Fire ant issue) Green beans are about to pop here Holler Neighbors/Community: Sunday dinner was fun - basecamp may be transitioning in August Finances - the country store idea is growing   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 Ways to Beat The Heat on The Homestead, as well as cover all of our usual Monday segments. Thanks to everyone who reached out about last week's interview with Tactical. We got a lot of feedback, and it's clear that hearing more from him is something the community wants. Featured Event: Rabbit Processing Meetup – June 29 Join us from 1–4pm at the Holler Homestead for a hands-on afternoon of learning, connection, and food. We'll walk through the process of rabbit butchering from dispatch to chill tank. Bring a side dish and come prepared to learn. Details here: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/2025/06/02/rabbit-processing/ Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com – Long-term food storage supplies that won't break the bank. Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com – Solid tax strategies for those of us living outside the system. Tales from the Prepper Pantry Freezer went down, but the Yolink sensor caught it in time — major save.   Pickled beet-palooza this week. Pantry smells like vinegar and victory.   Put up a solid batch of dill relish.   Premade meatloaf in the freezer is paying off big right now during long days.   Need to work on a better strategy for keeping the pantry space cooler in summer. Operation Independence We're making steady moves on the Holler Hub setup. Lynne suggested we use the Basecamp basement and classroom for the country store — keycode access and posted hours. Also starting up GSD work weekends this summer. Main Topic of the Day: Ways to Beat The Heat on The Homestead Why This Matters Heat waves can wreck your garden, stress your animals, and push you to your limit. If you ignore the signs, you pay for it later — in lost yield, poor health, or burnout. It's time to adapt. Plant Care During Heat Plants struggle to uptake calcium through roots when soil temps go above ~85°F — a CalMag foliar spray helps keep them from curling up and dying.   Shade cloth is your friend. Your garden doesn't need full sun all day — especially in the South. I built a PVC shade structure that changed the game.   Water early, mulch deep. Timing is key.   Know when to leave stressed plants alone — sometimes less is more.   Livestock Management Pay attention to microclimates. Move animals to shaded, breezy areas if you have them. If not, start figuring out how to create them.   Always be checking water — manually or with sensors. Don't assume it's fine.   Look for signs of heat stress: panting, lethargy, standing in water, reduced feed intake.   Think long-term: is your pasture layout working in July?   Homesteader Self-Care Hydration is more than water — think salt, trace minerals, cucumbers, bone broth.   Plan your day around the sun. Hard stuff in the morning and evening.   Work in bursts — short and intense is often better than long and slow.   Know the signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Don't tough it out.   Systems & Tools Yolink sensors saved my butt this week. Don't rely on memory for water or power checks.   If you have a natural feature like a cold creek — use it. My 55-degree creek is the MVP right now.   Heat is the best teacher. Pay attention and plan infrastructure improvements while you're sweating — you'll actually solve the problem. Reminders Get your Self-Reliance Festival tickets — prices increase soon.   Subscribe to the LFTN newsletter for events, updates, and useful stuff I don't post anywhere else.   Make it a great week. Community Links: Website: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com Holler Roast Coffee: https://hollerroast.com SRF Tickets: https://selfreliancefestival.com Telegram Group: https://t.me/lftnchat  

  Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead.   Featured Event: Solstice gathering at Haven Village   Sponsor 1: The Wealthsteading Podcast - InvestableWealth.com Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN https://hollerroast.com/product/hvac-coffee-pre-buy/ 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 The Tactical Redneck on the Living Free Podcast. he will tell his story of building freedom into his life which has included overcoming addiction, PTSD from being a combat veteran, and more. Connect with us! TheLivingFreePodcast.com LivingFreeinTennessee.com SelfRelianceFestival.com @nicolesauce on instagram @LFTN on youtube @lftngroup on Telegram

  Today I am interviewing The Tactical Redneck on the Living Free Podcast. he will tell his story of building freedom into his life which has included overcoming addiction, PTSD from being a combat veteran, and more. Connect with us! TheLivingFreePodcast.com LivingFreeinTennessee.com SelfRelianceFestival.com @nicolesauce on instagram @LFTN on youtube @lftngroup on Telegram

Today I am interviewing The Tactical Redneck on the Living Free Podcast. he will tell his story of building freedom into his life which has included overcoming addiction, PTSD from being a combat veteran, and more. NOTE: I will update this summary in the next few days will additional ways to reach Tactical and also a content summary. Connect with us! TheLivingFreePodcast.com LivingFreeinTennessee.com SelfRelianceFestival.com @nicolesauce on instagram @LFTN on youtube @lftngroup on Telegram

Today, we talk about the hidden cost of constant distraction, as well as cover all of our usual Monday segments. Featured Event: June 29 Meetup and Rabbit Processing Event. Join us for an in-person meetup and hands-on rabbit processing workshop right here at the Holler. Learn how to humanely dispatch, clean, and prepare rabbit for the freezer or dinner plate.  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. Tales from the Prepper Pantry Added more pickled beets to the pantry this week—trying to stay ahead of the beet wave Dried a fresh batch of lemon balm, thanks to a special visitor who brought me a beautiful harvest Testing a new approach to event food and premade meals—moving to stainless steel restaurant trays with lids for things like meatloaf. Easier to stack, serve, and clean Hoping to score cucumbers this weekend for the next round of pickling Frugality Tip A little weekly effort saves you tons of money in convenience food over time. I've been making 8 pounds of meatloaf at a time lately—when meatloaf is on the meal plan, I shape and freeze extras for future, easy-to-serve meals. In fact, once a week, I pick something to batch like this—whether it's blanching and freezing extra broccoli, or making carnivore pizza crusts. When life gets busy, I can just pull, cook, and serve—faster than driving into town or grabbing premade, low-quality food. This habit saves money, improves nutrition, and helps prevent impulse spending. It also keeps us healthier, which could mean fewer medical bills later. So here's your challenge: Look at your meal plan this week and find one thing you can double and freeze. Future you will thank you. Operation Independence I finished my taxes! One more round to go and I'll be fully caught up. This process hasn't just been about checking a box—it's given me real insight into where money is flowing (and where it's not). That clarity has helped me reprioritize how I spend my time and energy moving forward. Sometimes, independence means getting your financial house in order—even if it's uncomfortable. Main Topic of the Day: If I Were Starting a Homestead Today - a question from Ian who is about to buy his homestead from across the country and move… FIRST THE BAD STUFF I DID Make it fun more often and from the start - Bulldoze the house and build new in a better location - Emotional attachment to the goats Maybe Not Get Goats  Moved the garden to zone 1 Retaining wall and French drain system - easy maintenance plan  1 animal or major change at a time until it is easy - Hard reset on stuff  Infrastructure before animals (see above) Time on the property to observe the seasons - Overseen contractors and helpers more closely - Build with profit in mind - 1 thing financing the next thing  Addressed the negative energy issue - Better use of on-site resources - like junk trees - morel story -  Get good at compost first - grazing - soil Water system - repair versus fix once and for all - Learn from the local community regarding what grows well here, hydrology, local knowledge and dependable contractors take classes development relationships talk to neighbors Hydrology/water, access, then the rest is the order to plan in I waited ten years to bring in a permaculture consultant and that was wrong 5 Things You Should Do When Starting a Homestead (From 18 Years of Hard Lessons) Start With a Big-Picture Plan, Not What's Already There Too many new homesteaders try to make existing structures or systems work—even when they don't. That old house, random infrastructure, or legacy garden spot can lock you into years of wasted time and money. Don't get emotionally attached to what's there. Design from scratch based on what works, not what exists. Build Soil and Observe Before You Build Anything Permanent The smartest first year move is not to plant trees, build a barn, or install major systems - unless you just have to as part of your plan. It's to study your land and build soil health. Hydrology, sun, wind, and microclimates matter more than what you think you want to do. Compost, watch water flow, graze slowly, and improve soil. One System at a Time—Fully Functional Before You Add More Piling on animals, gardens, or outbuildings without the infrastructure in place leads to burnout and chaos. If you're chasing goats while digging fenceposts, you're doing it wrong. Add systems only when the current one runs easily. Tap Local Knowledge and Outside Experts Early You don't need to figure everything out yourself. Local growers, neighbors, county experts, and consultants can save you years of mistakes—if you listen.  The culvert story Build relationships and take advice. Pay consultants when it counts. Manage the Energy—Spiritual, Emotional, and Environmental Homesteading isn't just physical work. There is a spiritual signature from before you were ever there and you may have attracted some haters over time - take control of the bad energy, get your property blessed or whatever you need to do to protect it, and yourself, from unnecessarily bad baggage. This is ongoing. Clear bad energy, maintain spiritual health, and set firm boundaries. The Holler Roast Prebuy is live! Support the shack, get coffee credit, and score digital goodies. HollerRoast.com Self-Reliance Festival tickets—Only a few left at the $95 price point. Don't miss it before the next price jump. Make sure you're on the newsletter list for updates, events, and all things Holler. Make it a great week. GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.  Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/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: Disruptive energy, sheep ear scab, garlic harvest and more.   Featured Event: SOE PARTY tomorrow! SOEParty.com   Sponsor 1: The Wealthsteading Podcast - InvestableWealth.com Sponsor 2: HollerRoast.com - Prebuy!!   Sheep Ear Scab Disruptive energy on the Homestead Rock Garden Installed Duck Nests How are we going to shade the garden Forage: Everything is ready so it is hard to keep up! 1st tomato is close Arranging to be out of a Saturday and still getting veggies Nicole's Garlic Goat Garlic Old Garden Getting attacked by goats, on purpose Canning is ramping up - Broccoli and pickled beets Time to do cucumbers, but I am booked so here is what I am hoping for Black Board? How is it working Garden is getting taxed by sudden heat uptick - add calcium and magnesium? Discussion of moving the shed Event update and finanances https://hollerroast.com/product/hvac-coffee-pre-buy/ 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 joined by Cynthia Tina to talk about intentional communities and her journey away from a traditional path via a traditional college to her current life in community, building her own home. Sponsor 1: AbovePhone.com Sponsor 2: HollerRoast.com Connect With Cynthia https://www.ecovillagetours.com     Social media: Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn 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 the hidden cost of constant distraction, as well as cover all of our usual Monday segments. Featured Event: June 29 Meetup and Rabbit Processing Event https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/2025/06/02/rabbit-processing/ 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 Country Store Update Canning Season Is Started Dried Herbs For Sale – Packaging Ideas Broccoli Score and How to Freeze It Weekly Shopping Report From Joe: Food City: The pet food aisle was well-stocked. Then we hit the usual places, next stopping at Dollar Tree. The drink selection continues to change, although the shelves remain full. There's not a lot of Monster left, and I'm seeing a distressing number of “zero sugar” alternatives. These typically contain liver toxins disguised as artificial sweeteners. Fortunately I'm seeing a few choices made with cane sugar. They don't have caffeine, but I'm trying to cut down on that anyway. The tag in the store has lately been missing, but the online price of a 2x4x8 stud at Home Depot is still $3.85. Aldi was last. Other than my preferred chocolate (I had to choose the 85% alternate), we found everything else we wanted. There have been a few more price changes since the last report, with decreases bigger than increases. Staple prices were: Bread (20 oz. white): $1.39 Eggs: $2.96 (-) Whole milk: $2.72 (+) Heavy cream: $5.29 OJ: $4.25 Butter: $3.75 Bacon: $3.99 Potatoes: $3.49 (-) Sugar: $3.29 Flour: $2.35 80% ground beef: $4.69 Untainted regular gasoline at Weigels is still $3.59/gallon. No frugality tip this week. Operation Independence Attempt to launch the glamper rental LOL  Main Topic of the Day: The Hidden Cost of Constant Distractio What happened when I deleted tiktok from my phone - it got me to observing. Every major mistake I have made involved an interruption Slow progress   So I did a test - I became hardcore about interruptions, including leaving my phone away from me completely for hours at a time, setting alarms for benchmark tasks, and setting better boundaries. Better sleep, better health, better focus I pissed off some folks and hurt a feeling or two Why do people resist stillness so hard? Fear of rejection They never learned to be alone Not following their purpose and they know it Using distraction to avoid processing trauma or other things Then it hit me - distractions aren't just digital—boundary violators are distractions too. We all have encountered people who don't care a whit about your boundaries because what they need is more important to them. Who push beyond what is reasonable. And who seek to manipulate you when they realize that you are not going to play along.   What happens next is: Character assault Temper tantrums Manufactured crisis So much more   But what about being available to your true friends and your family? The delio is this - If you need space to accomplish things, then your true friends and family will not only understand when you create that space, but they will help you do it. And if they won't one of two things is true: You are not honoring your commitments to relationships (We've all done this) They arent a true friend or nontoxic family member   Because you are building YOUR life on YOUR terms to fulfill YOUR purpose   And that NEED to be constantly available and responsive? Is it truly a need because your Mom is in the hospital? Or is it a way to feel important? And what price are you paying by letting the distractions happen without end?   Just some food for thought.   REMEMBER The Holler Roast Prebuy is live! Support the shack, get coffee credit, and score digital goodies. HollerRoast.com   Self-Reliance Festival tickets—Only a few left at the $95 price point. Don't miss it before the next price jump.   Make sure you're on the newsletter list for updates, events, and all things Holler.   Make it a great week.   Song:   GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.    Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

  Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: Sheep Ear Scab, Zebra Fun, Losing Focus - and recovering from it, Lemon balm and more. Come on out and ask us anything. 12:30pm CT Featured Event: June 8, 2025, 1pm-4pm - Tomato Wall Hydro Build. RSVP LivingFreeinTennessee.com Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN Sponsor 2: EMPShield.com, Coupon Code LFTN Foxglove Is blooming Goat gets cut out of fence Lemonbalm harvest challenges: Better step planning for under 6ft tall people Mushroom update Zebra on the loose Saturday of rest Standing water audit Running toilet and the water system Homestead with profit in mind and tracking - read the email Sheep ear scab You got to close the gate...efficiency and sop INTERRUPTIONS FROM THE PHONE - what is the solution? Coffee pre-sale goodies from Paul Wheaton! https://hollerroast.com/product/hvac-coffee-pre-buy/ What we are doing about out of control areas? Mailbox ants Black raspberry but not blackberries yet Yarrow 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: Tomato Wall Open House June 8: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/event/june-8-homestead-open-house-tomato-wall-build-at-the-holler/ 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