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In Part 3 of our Soil Series, I'm diving into soil organic matter and why it's one of the most important pieces of healthy, productive soil. We'll look at what organic matter actually is, how it feeds soil biology, improves water retention and soil structure, and the practical ways you can build more of it with compost, mulch, cover crops and less tillage.For more information, read the full blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/soil-organic-matter/- Thanks to the School of Traditional Skills for sponsoring this episode! Their free Traditional Skills Summit is one of our favorite opportunities to learn from experienced homesteaders and traditional-skills instructors. Register for FREE here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/sts-summitTime Stamps:0:00 - Introduction0:53 - Traditional Skills Summit3:27 - Main Topic~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MORE ABOUT US!WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we're living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideoGrow, Preserve & Thrive with us!Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamilyInstagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamilyRumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamilyA few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHytYour Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshopBecome a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
With Soncirey Mitchell, Senior Writer for the Sandpoint Reader. The post North Idaho News of the Week for September 25, 2026 appeared first on KRFY Radio.
Tonight's first guest, Mark Peak, had his first Sasquatch sighting in North Idaho, at the base of HooDoo Mountain. It happened one summer while he was out walking his dog. When Mark first spotted the Sasquatch, he thought he was looking at a man wearing a white sweatshirt, but it didn't take long for him to realize just how wrong he was.That sighting was only the first of many experiences Mark has had with Sasquatch over the years. We hope you'll tune in and listen as he shares those experiences with us.If you'd like to purchase a copy of Mark's book, HooDoo, please visit… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1Z1VQRY?lv=shuf&bestFormat=true&fbclid=IwY2xjawUZd1BwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXFXak9JbW1yazNncGpOMjBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeqQkMnrtcdJTQAgKbOFiPUtOlGXIG1xKLRJi4kXDDcOqhUjaJSrUNbMZQFYA_aem_C-TyOci3apkzBtVHk-wjkA&rsd=5s4bYZppOPzjJoenaUUU72V4iozVDihTYm19r9SCXP4M0Yvv8YjRA4PdwSpnmP%2B0HE7BStCbQFN4jQceGczP6lL%2BtCeH2oJC%2F1kBbkj9e7lztyw%3D&edk=AQIDAHi1lw%2FM8UbbSMD9ScOOFEmBMHMthHeEhqDaQYPJUAX3jQEaCAibxxRafIY1COvd9xFbAAAAfjB8BgkqhkiG9w0BBwagbzBtAgEAMGgGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMUwHygVwKNBAt%2FIthAgEQgDuGQtF2fPa%2FdMQ5eqdffFld%2F7jRRRFf8zWtFfJ3qtBIO2GBhiEv%2BWmR7yPBpOAMTFYEnjiq6koCbOfYJw%3D%3D&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_fm_mwn_dp_JT2XJ3Q6Y8KSJAGPGKEK&channelId=702&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_fm_mwn_dp_JT2XJ3Q6Y8KSJAGPGKEK&plpRedirect=mhFallbackIf you'd like to purchase a copy of Mark's book, Winter Kills: Death Lurks in Paradise, please visit…https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FLWYC1RM?lv=shuf&bestFormat=true&fbclid=IwY2xjawUZd5pwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXFXak9JbW1yazNncGpOMjBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEec9VU-_hCWU06rdRiYAS0iS-A6fwtpdMjNO4sszS7xi2SWx7qkieyCvU9E8M_aem_SjLQUbTLO3XtVXL8iacVvQ&rsd=6iSMaKdr0DAX05CdM1IjFTD6F%2FpE82%2FsppWHQ3uE0pLmfN2n9acnJT0aXq64XOKyToKhoxVsSYMKlCfv3z%2BDwL%2BGMLTSRAxhEq6yGjsc3c0i&edk=AQIDAHi1lw%2FM8UbbSMD9ScOOFEmBMHMthHeEhqDaQYPJUAX3jQFCyZHBjC%2FlW82ii61QZqpkAAAAfjB8BgkqhkiG9w0BBwagbzBtAgEAMGgGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQM75X7B2iipWDGXYIRAgEQgDvAIKjKXelKzG704zQS3zcrWPASNCOHeB5Ftc1L3WBV%2F3%2Fnk2sgo%2FofntnDx7rrm1No2DoIeuMmoiDhAw%3D%3D&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_fm_mwn_dp_GFBARF7NCW2QQMYM1QKA&channelId=702&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_fm_mwn_dp_GFBARF7NCW2QQMYM1QKA&plpRedirect=mhFallbackTonight's second guests, Angel and Jeremy Allen, live in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Over the years, the two of them have had numerous Sasquatch encounters. Neither of them was convinced that Sasquatch were out there until they had their first encounter.Angel and Jeremy had their first sighting in 1999, at Chickasaw National Recreation Area, in Sulphur, Oklahoma. At the time, they were with a group of 10 friends. They had all decided to go night swimming at Little Niagara Falls, and their group was the only one there.After spending some time swimming, a storm started to blow in, so they packed up and headed to the main parking lot, near the restrooms. After making it to the parking lot, they suddenly noticed a figure standing near the restrooms, under one of the lights. They yelled at the figure, and when they did, it ran off. As they watched it run away into the deep woods. When it did that, they noticed several unusual things about it that told them what they had just seen.Little did Angel and Jeremy know, that would be just the first of many Sasquatch sightings and encounters they would have in the years to come.We hope you'll tune in and listen to them share those experiences with you. If you've had at least one Sasquatch sighting and would like to be a guest on the show, please go to BigfootEyewitness.com and let me know. I'd love to hear from you.If you'd like to help support the show, by buying your own Bigfoot Eyewitness t-shirt or sweatshirt, please visit the Bigfoot Eyewitness Show Store, by going to https://Dogman-Encounters.MyShopify.comI produce 4 other shows that are available on your favorite podcast app. If you haven't checked them out, here are links to all 4 channels on the Spreaker App...My Bigfoot Sighting https://www.spreaker.com/show/my-bigfoot-sighting Dogman Tales https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dogman-tales--6640134Dogman Encounters https://www.spreaker.com/show/dogman-encounters-radio_2 My Paranormal Experience https://www.spreaker.com/show/my-paranormal-experience Thanks, as always, for listening!
If you're trying to feed your family better-quality meat, it can be hard to know what all the labels really mean. Grass-fed, grass-finished, pasture-raised, organic... and once you bring that meat home, does it need to be cooked differently?In this episode, Josh and I are talking about the meat we eat here on our homestead and why the way an animal is raised and fed matters so much to us.We'll explain the difference between grass-fed and grass-finished beef, what pasture-raised really means for chickens and pigs, and how you can start sourcing better meat without feeling like you have to make the jump to “perfect” overnight.Then we're taking the conversation into the kitchen. I'll share a simple way to think about different cuts of meat so you know whether to cook them hot and fast or low and slow. Once you understand whether you're working with a tender or hardworking cut, cooking meat becomes much less complicated.We also talk about buying meat directly from local farmers, purchasing beef or pork in bulk, and why pasture-raised meat can have more variation in flavor and texture than what you may be used to from the grocery store.The goal isn't perfection. It's simply to take the next step toward better food for your family.Time Stamps:0:00 - Introduction & Chit Chat5:30 - Grand Teton Ancient Grains9:14 - Main Topic
With Will Love of Sandpoint High School and Jack Freeman of the Bonner County Daily Bee. The post North Idaho News of the Week for September 18, 2026 appeared first on KRFY Radio.
North Idaho investigators said they were “deeply troubled” after true-crime content creators claimed they had obtained unredacted crime-scene photographs showing the bodies and wounds of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin and were preparing to publish them online. A YouTube creator from the BronxTails True Crime channel said she had access to unredacted images and suggested more could soon be released. In response, the Latah County Prosecutor's Office, Idaho State Police and Moscow Police Department issued a joint statement condemning any publication of the material, calling it an invasion of the victims' privacy and saying whoever supplied the images had violated the trust and professional obligations that came with access to them. The agencies said the source of the photographs remained unknown and stressed that releasing graphic images of the victims served no legitimate purpose of transparency or accountability.The threatened release also reopened longstanding anger from the victims' families over crime-scene imagery appearing online. Some redacted photographs had already been released through public-records requests in 2025, reportedly without the families being warned beforehand, and the controversy helped spur a new Idaho law exempting photographs of deceased victims from public disclosure. Ethan Chapin's mother, Stacy Chapin, publicly pleaded for people to stop circulating the images, saying they had nothing to do with transparency and only inflicted more pain. Criminal-justice professor Danielle Slakoff said the episode illustrated the darker side of online true crime, where sensational material and unsupported speculation can generate clicks while retraumatizing families and shifting attention toward the killer rather than the victims.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:North Idaho investigators 'deeply troubled' as content creators prepare to release unredacted photos of Moscow crime scene
North Idaho investigators said they were “deeply troubled” after true-crime content creators claimed they had obtained unredacted crime-scene photographs showing the bodies and wounds of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin and were preparing to publish them online. A YouTube creator from the BronxTails True Crime channel said she had access to unredacted images and suggested more could soon be released. In response, the Latah County Prosecutor's Office, Idaho State Police and Moscow Police Department issued a joint statement condemning any publication of the material, calling it an invasion of the victims' privacy and saying whoever supplied the images had violated the trust and professional obligations that came with access to them. The agencies said the source of the photographs remained unknown and stressed that releasing graphic images of the victims served no legitimate purpose of transparency or accountability.The threatened release also reopened longstanding anger from the victims' families over crime-scene imagery appearing online. Some redacted photographs had already been released through public-records requests in 2025, reportedly without the families being warned beforehand, and the controversy helped spur a new Idaho law exempting photographs of deceased victims from public disclosure. Ethan Chapin's mother, Stacy Chapin, publicly pleaded for people to stop circulating the images, saying they had nothing to do with transparency and only inflicted more pain. Criminal-justice professor Danielle Slakoff said the episode illustrated the darker side of online true crime, where sensational material and unsupported speculation can generate clicks while retraumatizing families and shifting attention toward the killer rather than the victims.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:North Idaho investigators 'deeply troubled' as content creators prepare to release unredacted photos of Moscow crime sceneBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
North Idaho investigators said they were “deeply troubled” after true-crime content creators claimed they had obtained unredacted crime-scene photographs showing the bodies and wounds of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin and were preparing to publish them online. A YouTube creator from the BronxTails True Crime channel said she had access to unredacted images and suggested more could soon be released. In response, the Latah County Prosecutor's Office, Idaho State Police and Moscow Police Department issued a joint statement condemning any publication of the material, calling it an invasion of the victims' privacy and saying whoever supplied the images had violated the trust and professional obligations that came with access to them. The agencies said the source of the photographs remained unknown and stressed that releasing graphic images of the victims served no legitimate purpose of transparency or accountability.The threatened release also reopened longstanding anger from the victims' families over crime-scene imagery appearing online. Some redacted photographs had already been released through public-records requests in 2025, reportedly without the families being warned beforehand, and the controversy helped spur a new Idaho law exempting photographs of deceased victims from public disclosure. Ethan Chapin's mother, Stacy Chapin, publicly pleaded for people to stop circulating the images, saying they had nothing to do with transparency and only inflicted more pain. Criminal-justice professor Danielle Slakoff said the episode illustrated the darker side of online true crime, where sensational material and unsupported speculation can generate clicks while retraumatizing families and shifting attention toward the killer rather than the victims.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:North Idaho investigators 'deeply troubled' as content creators prepare to release unredacted photos of Moscow crime sceneBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
Self-care isn't about escaping your responsibilities. It's about caring for your body, mind, and soul so you can show up well for your family. In this episode, I share what self-care looks like in my own life, including my morning routine, health habits, and why true self-care should actually move you toward greater health.You can watch and read more at the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/self-care-for-moms/TIME STAMPS:0:00 - Introduction1:04 - American Blossom Linens4:49 - Main TopicThanks to American Blossom Linens for sponsoring this podcast. If you want to grab yourself some high-quality sheets that will last (and save some money doing so), be sure to use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026" for 15% off your order. Check out all they have to offer here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/americanblossomlinens~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MORE ABOUT US!WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we're living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideoGrow, Preserve & Thrive with us!Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamilyInstagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamilyRumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamilyA few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHytYour Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshopBecome a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
Kody Hanner and Ron Hanner share a raw, practical story about marriage, parenting, homesteading, and rebuilding health after Ron was told he had end-stage liver disease and might have only a year to live. What follows is a story of fear, grit, and gradual change that led their family to rethink food, home life, and what it means to fight for one another. This episode matters because it connects nutrition, mindset, family systems, and healing in a way that feels lived in rather than theoretical. In this episode: Kody and Ron explain how they met, blended two families, and quickly built a new life together in Oregon Ron describes the shock of being told he was "a little cirrhotic" and later diagnosed with compensated end-stage liver disease at 35 They talk through the emotional fallout, including fear, withdrawal, PTSD, and the strain the diagnosis put on the marriage Kody shares how the doctor's vague advice to pursue a more natural lifestyle became the first thing she could grab onto They break down the drastic changes they made to food, including cooking from scratch, avoiding preservatives, and sourcing cleaner ingredients The move to homesteading in North Idaho becomes a major turning point as they begin producing more of their own food Ron explains how he managed chronic pain and disability through a spinal cord stimulator instead of narcotics They discuss homeschooling, family meetings, chore systems, and how they learned to make the whole household part of the process Kody and Ron share how they moved toward cleaner living with homemade cleaners, tallow and lard, fewer artificial scents, and more herbal remedies The episode closes on their broader message: be proactive, be intentional, and do not hide from the hard things Ron's Links Hanner Homestead: www.hannerhomestead.com Hanner Homestead IG: www.instagram.com/thehannerhomestead Hanner Homestead FB: www.facebook.com/thehannerhomestead Kody's Links Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Raising Self-Sufficient Kids Book - https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/raising-self-sufficient-children/
By late summer, the garden can start to feel a little wild. The weeds are growing fast, the harvest is piling up, watering needs are changing, and life outside the garden is getting busier, too.So what actually needs your attention right now, and what can you let go?In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, we're talking through our top priorities for the late summer garden. We'll cover why harvesting should come first, how to adjust your watering as the season changes, what to do with bare garden beds, when to plant fall crops or cover crops, and how to keep weeds from creating more work next year.We also talk about something that's just as important: learning to recognize when good enough really is good enough. You don't need a perfectly tidy garden to have a successful season.Plus, we're sharing what's happening around our homestead right now, from preserving green beans and sauerkraut to fall pasture management, meat chickens, and preparing for the colder months ahead.LINKS MENTIONED:* Traditional Skills Academy Curriculum: https://traditionalskillsacademy.com/* Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this podcast. If you're new to Azure Standard, be sure to check them out and use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15" for 15% off your first order of $100 or more (delivered to a drop location): https://homesteadingfamily.com/azurestandard* Grab a pre-order copy of David Stelzer's new book, Seeds of Hope here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/seedsofhope* Check out the accompanying blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/late-summer-garden-care/Whether your garden is still producing heavily or you're starting to transition toward fall, we hope this episode helps you focus on the things that matter most and finish the gardening season well.What does your late summer garden look like right now? Let us know in the comments!TIME STAMPS:0:00 - Introduction1:17 - Chit Chat9:55 - Traditional Skills Academy11:10 - Azure Standard14:06 - Main Topic#Gardening #VegetableGarden #LateSummerGarden #FallGarden #GardenTips ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MORE ABOUT US!WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we're living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideoGrow, Preserve & Thrive with us!Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamilyInstagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamilyRumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamilyA few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHytYour Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshopBecome a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
Wife School continues — and today's professor is about to become my sister-in-law.
Kody Hanner and Ron Hanner share a raw, practical story about marriage, parenting, homesteading, and rebuilding health after Ron was told he had end-stage liver disease and might have only a year to live. What follows is a story of fear, grit, and gradual change that led their family to rethink food, home life, and what it means to fight for one another. This episode matters because it connects nutrition, mindset, family systems, and healing in a way that feels lived in rather than theoretical. In this episode: Kody and Ron explain how they met, blended two families, and quickly built a new life together in Oregon Ron describes the shock of being told he was "a little cirrhotic" and later diagnosed with compensated end-stage liver disease at 35 They talk through the emotional fallout, including fear, withdrawal, PTSD, and the strain the diagnosis put on the marriage Kody shares how the doctor's vague advice to pursue a more natural lifestyle became the first thing she could grab onto They break down the drastic changes they made to food, including cooking from scratch, avoiding preservatives, and sourcing cleaner ingredients The move to homesteading in North Idaho becomes a major turning point as they begin producing more of their own food Ron explains how he managed chronic pain and disability through a spinal cord stimulator instead of narcotics They discuss homeschooling, family meetings, chore systems, and how they learned to make the whole household part of the process Kody and Ron share how they moved toward cleaner living with homemade cleaners, tallow and lard, fewer artificial scents, and more herbal remedies The episode closes on their broader message: be proactive, be intentional, and do not hide from the hard things Ron's Links Hanner Homestead: www.hannerhomestead.com Hanner Homestead IG: www.instagram.com/thehannerhomestead Hanner Homestead FB: www.facebook.com/thehannerhomestead Kody's Links Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Raising Self-Sufficient Kids Book - https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/raising-self-sufficient-children/
Healthy soil requires more than nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In Part 2 of our soil health series, we're taking a deeper look at the essential minerals plants need to grow strong, resist stress and produce truly nutrient-dense food.In this episode, you'll learn:
With Makeilah Law, staff reporter for the Bonner County Daily Bee. The post North Idaho News of the Week for August 28, 2026 appeared first on KRFY Radio.
Some of the best homemaking advice isn't new at all. Over the years, I've learned a lot from old household manuals, historical books and the way generations before us managed their homes. While I certainly love my modern conveniences, there are some old-fashioned practices that still make our household and homestead run so much more smoothly.In this episode, I'm sharing six that I still use today, including:
Preserving season can be incredibly rewarding, but when the garden is producing faster than you can keep up, it can also become overwhelming fast!Over the years, we've learned plenty of lessons the hard way about what makes harvest and food preservation season easier... and what makes it much harder than it needs to be.In this episode, we're sharing some of the biggest food preservation mistakes we've made and the practical habits that now help us manage the abundance without burning ourselves out.We'll talk about why you shouldn't wait until the produce piles up, how to choose the best preservation method for each food, preparing ahead for a preserving day, and why we always think about dinner before we start!We also discuss something that's easy to overlook: whether you're preserving food your family will actually eat and whether doing it yourself is truly saving you money.Whether you're putting up a few jars from the garden or preserving a year's worth of food, we hope these lessons make your harvest season a little easier.Check out the blog post for more information and any details mentioned: https://homesteadingfamily.com/tips-for-a-busy-preservation-day/Links Mentioned:- School of Traditional Skills Annual FREE Summit: Keep an eye out in future podcast episodes for a link to sign up for the free summit! We'll share it as soon as sign-ups are open!- Homestead Kitchen Magazine: https://homesteadingfamily.com/magazine- Carla Emery's Encyclopedia of Country Living: https://amzn.to/4fXywalTime Stamps:0:00 - Introduction1:30 - Chit Chat8:42 - Homestead Kitchen Magazine10:21 - Main Topic~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MORE ABOUT US!WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we're living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideoGrow, Preserve & Thrive with us!Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamilyInstagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamilyRumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamilyA few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHytYour Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshopBecome a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
Homesteading and homemaking are often treated as two separate pursuits, but what if they were never meant to be?In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I'm sharing why I believe homemaking is the true foundation of homesteading. From growing food and preserving the harvest to preparing meals and caring for my family, it's all part of the same purpose: creating a home that reflects our values and nurtures the people we love.If you've ever felt like you're trying to "balance" homemaking and homesteading, I hope this conversation encourages you to see them in a whole new light.
In today's episode, we are kicking off WAugust, the number TWO Washington Wine Month, with our friend, Lisa Tussing-Hatch with Vehrs. We've known Lisa for years and it's hard to believe she hasn't been a guest on our podcast yet! Lisa is bringing and AMAZING assortment of Washington Wines for us to taste through and we love on all of them! #HappyFriday! #ItsWineTime! #Cheersing #WAugust #MerLittle #70IsTheNew30 Wines this episode:2025 Gård Franc Blanc ($21 at area stores)2025 Readers Chenin Blanc ($15 at Pilgrim's Market)Lucius Chillable Mourvédre ($23 at Pilgrim's Market)2021 Upchurch Vineyards Counter Part Red Wine ($46 at Pilgrim's Market)2021 Dunham Cellars Syrah ($40 at area stores)2022 Va Piano Cabernet SauvignonA HUGE thanks to our sponsor: Eternal Wine, J. Bookwalter and Liberty Lake Wine Cellars!Eternal Wine: Are you a Rhone Ranger or just really love Syrah? Then you need to check out Eternal Wine! Their focus is on single vineyard Rhone valley wines in Washington State. Also check out their Drink Washington State brand of approachable wines! Visit https://eternalwine.com for more information or simply call 509-240-6258. Eternal Wine: Drink Wine, Be Happy.*Check out The (Almost) Tragic Story of Carménère by Eternal Wine by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucKOK6oRKVsJ. Bookwalter: Celebrating their 40th year of producing award-winning wines crafted from the finest Columbia Valley vineyards, J. Bookwalter wines bring excellence and quality to every glass. Visit https://www.bookwalterwines.com for more information or simply call or 509-627-5000.Liberty Lake Wine Cellars: Looking for amazing wine? Taste Liberty Lake Wine Cellars' big, bold reds from Red Mountain, along with their delightful Tahija whites and Rosés. Join their Wine Club for exclusive benefits including their Thursday Wine Club night. Get all the details at https://www.libertylakewinecellars.com/ or call 509-255-9205. Liberty Lake Wine Cellars: Celebrating 20 years of making exceptional Washington wine!The Pilgrim's Market Wine Word/s of the Week - Rain ShadowThe geological effect where a high mountain range (the Cascades) blocks rain-bearing weather systems. It leaves Eastern Washington desert-dry (getting just 6–8 inches of rain a year), making precise drip irrigation essential.Check out Pilgrim's Market for an expansive selection of fine wines with wine club prices EVERY day and weekly complimentary tastings! Visit pilgrimsmarket.com or call 208-676-9730!Mentions: Next Level Consulting, Judy Tebow, Kevin Olsonberg, Josh & Lisa Lawrence, Vine & Olive, Matías Kúsulas, Ed Holmes, Rotary on the Rocks, Russell Mann, Nickie Zepedas, King Estate, Daou, Crickets, Northstar, Andrew Latta, Latta Wines, Kind Stranger, Metropolitan Grill, André Mack, Chris Upchurch, DeLille Cellars, Charlie Hoppes, Fidélitas Wines, Long Shadows Vintners, Leonetti Cellars, Woodward Canyon, Quilceda Creek, Figgins Wine, Riedel Stemware, Hospice of North Idaho, Andrea Robinson, M.S., La Condesa, Joanne Dunham, Mike Dunham, Eric Dunham, John Marzden, Steve White, Justin Wiley, Alexandria Nicole Cellars, Seasons of Coeur d'Alene, Angelos Ristorante, CDA Gourmet, Naked Wines, Gary Vaynerchuk, Clearwater Canyon, Koenig, Cinder, Rivaura, Flame & Cork, Jared Burns, Revelry Vintners, Teodora Bernadette Baba, Sam Lange, Kari and Joe Miller, Tecolote Vineyards, Alan Holtzeimer, Silver Bell Winery, Brett Moury and Sara Lane.Check out Episode 254, Wine is Like Music with Keven Olsonberg! Some wines we've enjoyed this week: Negru de Drăgășani, Santa Virdina Vinho Verde, LeEcole No 41 Cabernet Sauvignon, a J. Bookwalter Double Plot Chardonnay and a Duckhorn Chardonnay.Please find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WineTimeFridays), Twitter (@VintageTweets), Instagram (@WineTimeFridays) on our YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/@winetimefridays and on Threads, which is @winetimefridays. You can also “Follow” Phil on Vivino. His profile name is Phil Anderson and will probably “Follow” you back! © 2026 Wine Time Fridays - All Rights Reserve
Hosts Chris Bessler and Phil Hough report on local and state news that made the headlines during the past week. The post North Idaho News of the Week for Aug 7, 2026 appeared first on KRFY Radio.
Justin Bieber Biography Flash a weekly Biography. Justin Bieber's last few days have been a mix of low‑key family summer, social‑media controversy, and quiet career positioning that could end up being biographically pivotal. First, on the personal and public‑appearance front, local outlet KHQ in Idaho reports that Justin and Hailey were spotted visiting the small business Breaking Bread CDA in North Idaho, continuing his long‑standing pattern of retreating to the Pacific Northwest and Montana during touring breaks for slower, family‑oriented summers. That repeated choice of North Idaho as a seasonal base is becoming a genuine lifestyle chapter for Bieber, not just a one‑off vacation. Social media has been louder. The Express Tribune and Geo.tv both report on the backlash after video showed Justin smoking a cigar while on a Mediterranean family holiday with Hailey and their young son Jack Blues, prompting criticism that he was smoking too close to the child. In the past few days, Los40 in Spain and Geo.tv note that Bieber has responded indirectly on Instagram, posting fresh images of himself with a cigar and even a selfie seemingly “trolling the trolls,” without issuing a formal statement. Commentators frame these posts as a defiant, image‑management moment: Justin telegraphing that he will live on his own terms, while letting the public debate rage around him. Any deeper psychological reading of those posts is speculative and not confirmed by Bieber. On the business side, Holr Magazine details a July 30 Instagram carousel where Justin blends golf and boating shots with prominent placement of his fashion label SKYLRK's logo, a subtle but sustained push that shows he's treating SKYLRK as a long‑term brand, not a quick merch drop. That makes these otherwise casual summer posts significant: they document Bieber's evolution into lifestyle entrepreneur, integrating fashion and personal aesthetic into his public identity. Musically, Forbes highlights how his World Cup Final halftime performance of “Everything Hallelujah” has driven a notable chart resurgence, with multiple older hits reappearing on global rankings and “Everything Hallelujah” nearly cracking the U.S. Digital Song Sales top 10 again. That kind of catalog rebound, tied to a single high‑profile performance, reinforces Bieber's staying power and will likely be remembered as part of his mid‑2020s comeback narrative. Meanwhile, fan chatter on X and Instagram about him strumming acoustic guitar in a home‑studio setting has sparked unconfirmed speculation of a new album in the works, but there is no verified announcement of fresh touring or a release date yet; industry coverage continues to stress that he remains off the road and focused on studio work. Pregnancy rumors circulating after a date‑night video of Hailey resting a hand on her stomach are pure social‑media speculation at this point, with no comment or confirmation from the couple. Thank you for listening, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update on Justin Bieber, and search the term Biography Flash for more great biographies. Thanks for listening. This has been a Quiet Please production. Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
Have you ever walked into your garden and felt completely overwhelmed? You're not alone! Every gardener reaches a point where the weeds seem to multiply overnight, the harvest starts piling up, and it feels like there's never enough time to keep up.In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, we're sharing the practical routines, mindset shifts, and garden systems that have helped our family grow and preserve most of our food without burning out. From daily garden walks and harvesting routines to choosing your battles and letting go of perfection, these simple habits can help you enjoy your garden again.In this episode, we discuss:
The post North Idaho News of the Week for July 31, 2026 appeared first on KRFY Radio.
Healthy soil doesn't happen by accident. It starts with protecting the living ecosystem beneath your feet.In this first teaching episode of my Soil Health series, I'm sharing why keeping your soil chemical-free is the foundation for everything else we'll cover. Whether you're growing vegetables, fruit trees, flowers, or pasture, the health of your soil determines the health of your plants.We'll look at how herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, and synthetic fertilizers affect the beneficial biology living in your soil and why quick fixes often create bigger problems over time. I'll also explain how healthy soil naturally becomes more resilient, helping your plants better withstand pests, disease, and drought.If you've ever struggled with weak plants, poor harvests, or garden problems that seem to come back year after year, this episode will help you understand why the solution starts below the surface.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why a chemical-free foundation is the first step to healthy soil• How common garden chemicals impact beneficial soil life• Why healthy soil is a living ecosystem, not just dirt• Simple steps you can take to begin restoring your soil naturallyThis is Part 1 of my Soil Health series, so if you're ready to grow healthier, more nutrient-dense food while working with nature instead of against it, you're in the right place.For the companion blog post, visit: https://homesteadingfamily.com/healthy-soil-starts-here/And if you missed the introduction to the series, you can catch that here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-improve-soil-quality/Thanks for listening to Everyday Homesteading. I'll see you in the next episode as we explore the next building block of healthy soil: minerals.Thanks to Homestead Kitchen magazine for sponsoring this podcast. Grab your copy of this monthly print magazine here and start enjoying homesteading knowledge, tips and recipes in the palm of your hands: https://homesteadingfamily.com/in-the-homestead-kitchen-ytTime Stamps:0:00 - Introduction1:12 - Homestead Kitchen Magazine3:22 - Main Topic~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MORE ABOUT US!WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we're living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideoGrow, Preserve & Thrive with us!Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamilyInstagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamilyRumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamilyA few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHytYour Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshopBecome a master canner in just a few days with my FREE video series where together we are going to stock your shelves with amazing food the whole family will love.
With Zach Hagadone, editor of the Sandpoint Reader. The post North Idaho News of the Week for July 24, 2026 appeared first on KRFY Radio.
Have you ever stopped to consider that caring for the land isn't just a homesteading skill, but part of our Christian calling?In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I'm joined by Brendan McClenahan from Plant With Purpose and the TEND Initiative to explore what the Bible says about stewardship, creation, and why growing food can deepen our faith.For many Christians, conversations about caring for the earth have become complicated. But long before environmental movements existed, God gave humanity the responsibility to cultivate and care for His creation. Together, Brendan and I discuss how homesteading, gardening, and working the land aren't separate from our faith. They're one of the ways we live it out.We also talk about why true self-sufficiency is a myth, how community has always been part of God's design, and practical ways churches and families can reconnect with creation through simple acts like gardening, composting, and supporting local farmers.If you've ever wondered how your faith and your homestead fit together, I think this conversation will encourage you.In this episode, you'll learn:✔ What the Bible says about stewarding God's creation✔ Why Christians shouldn't avoid conversations about creation care✔ How gardening and homesteading can strengthen your faith✔ Why self-sufficiency isn't God's design for His people✔ Practical ways to build community through caring for the landTime Stamps:0:00 – Introduction2:21 – Homestead Kitchen Magazine4:25 – Main TopicResources Mentioned:
How good is the .35 Whelen for western big game hunting? This episode tells five hunting stories, all told by a veteran fighter pilot, that showcase just how wonderful this mild-kicking, wallop-packing medium-bore cartridge is. ENJOY! FRIENDS, PLEASE SUPPORT THE PODCAST! Join the Backcountry Hunting Podcast tribe and get access to all our bonus material on www.patreon.com/backcountry Recent brief Patreon-only topics include "How Exit Wounds Affect Blood Trails," as well as brief audio episodes on "6.5 Backcountry" (6.5 Creedmoor +P), ponderings on ".30-06 High-BC Bullet performance," a first look at a new heavy-for-caliber 270-grain Solid .35 Whelen load, a "6.8 Western Survival Forecast" and "Gear List for Hunting." Check 'em out! Email us questions here: backcountryhuntingpodcast@gmail.com VISIT OUR SPONSORS HERE: https://javelinbipod.com www.swiftbullets.com www.timneytriggers.com www.browning.com www.leupold.com www.siembidacustomknives.com www.onxmaps.com www.silencercentral.com https://www.portersfirearms.com/
With Makeilah Law, reporter for the Bonner County Daily Bee. The post North Idaho News of the Week for July 17, 2026 appeared first on KRFY Radio.
Have you ever finished a canning session only to discover one or more jars didn't seal? It happens to every home canner at some point, and even after more than 20 years of canning and preserving food for my family, I still have an occasional seal failure.In this video, I'm sharing the most common reasons canning jars don't seal, how to troubleshoot failed seals, and what you should do if you find an unsealed jar. We'll also cover simple habits that can help you prevent seal failures in future canning sessions so you can preserve your harvest with more confidence.In this video you'll learn:✔ The most common reasons canning jars don't seal✔ How to tell if a jar has sealed properly✔ How headspace, siphoning, and dirty rims affect your seal✔ Why overtightening bands can cause problems✔ What to do if a jar doesn't seal within 24 hours✔ When it's safe to refrigerate, freeze, or reprocess your food✔ Why I always remove screw bands before storing my jarsFor even more troubleshooting tips, read the companion blog post here:https://homesteadingfamily.com/why-didnt-my-canning-jars-seal/Time Stamps:0:00 – Introduction1:22 – American Blossom Linens3:39 – Why Canning Jars Don't SealThis episode is sponsored by American Blossom Linens. Josh and I love investing in quality products that are made to last, and American Blossom Linens fits that philosophy perfectly. Their sheets, towels, blankets, and pillows are all made in the USA from high-quality cotton and backed by a two-year return policy. Use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY2026" to save 15% on your order here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/s-american-blossom-linens/~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MORE ABOUT US!WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we're living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideoGrow, Preserve & Thrive with us!Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamilyInstagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamilyRumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamilyA few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHytYour Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshopBefore we jump into today's episode, I want to invite you to a free live training with my doctor, Dr. Torrie Thompson, on July 23 at 1 PM PT. We'll cover hidden household toxins, how they affect your energy, hormones, and metabolism, and simple ways to reduce your exposure. It's been life-changing for Josh and me. Click here to register. Replays are available if you can't attend live!
With Soncirey Mitchell, Senior Writer for the Sandpoint Reader. The post North Idaho News of the Week for July 10, 2026 appeared first on KRFY Radio.
Today we break down what it really takes to share equity and build a multi-partner advisory firm without creating resentment or chaos. We talk through internships, trust, healthy conflict, and the long game of developing leaders who actually want the obligations of ownership.Key topics discussed in this episode:• Building an internship program to source future service and lead advisors• Keeping interns productive with real projects, fast onboarding, and clear SOPs• Why owners show up differently and why equity should be granted carefully• Designing a passage to partnership, including a two to three year evaluation window• Reframing collaboration as challenge without hostility and making feedback normalFollow Elite Achievement for more conversations on leadership and high-level execution.About LukeLuke was born and raised in North Idaho, growing up in a rural log cabin without electricity for much of his childhood. That upbringing taught him early on that wealth is more than money, but going without financially also gave him a deep appreciation for the stability financial security can bring a family. That dual perspective has shaped his approach to financial planning and enterprise leadership ever since.Luke earned a B.S. in Economics with a focus in Finance from the University of Idaho and began his career in 2002 as an intern at Northwestern Mutual in Seattle, WA. Over 23 years, he held nearly every field leadership position in the firm, leading a highly productive district office in Bellevue.In 2018, Luke stepped away from his Managing Director role to focus full-time on Pillar Financial Group, which he co-founded with Keith Foe and Kevin Kent. At the time, Pillar managed roughly $400 million in assets with a team of eight. Today, as CEO, Luke has helped grow the firm through disciplined organic growth and targeted acquisitions to 35 team members and close to $2 billion in assets under management. Pillar has since reaffiliated with Cetera Advisors, continuing to scale the firm's capabilities so it can deliver an exceptional client experience for generations to come.Connect with LukeLinkedInAbout Kristin BurkeKristin Burke works with financial advisors and leaders in financial services who are building and scaling firms. She helps them lead more effectively, develop their team, and execute consistently on the priorities that drive growth.Work with KristinIf you are building a firm and want a strategic partner to help you think through leadership, team development, and execution, you can learn more about working with Kristin here:WebsiteConnect on LinkedInLinkedIn
Are you working yourself to exhaustion trying to preserve every possible food for your pantry? I used to think a successful pantry meant recreating the grocery store at home. But after more than 20 years of homesteading, I've learned that's one of the fastest ways to burn out.In this video, I'm sharing the mindset shift that completely changed the way I preserve food. Instead of asking, "What do I want to eat?" I started asking, "What preserves well?" That one simple change has saved me countless hours while helping me build a pantry that's practical, resilient, and full of nourishing food my family actually uses.In this episode, you'll learn:✔ Why treating your pantry like a grocery store leads to unnecessary work and burnout✔ The foods I make a priority to preserve every year✔ How root cellaring and fermentation can dramatically reduce your preserving workload✔ When it's actually smarter to buy food that's already preserved✔ How to build a seasonal pantry that saves time, money, and effort⏰ Time Stamps0:00 - Introduction1:24 - Azure Standard4:47 - Main Topic
In this episode we sit down with Carol Davis, a powerhouse jazz and blues vocalist. Carol shares how growing up in San Francisco with a classical pianist mother and a gospel-loving father ignited her lifelong passion for music, drawing inspiration from legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Etta James. We talk about her early days singing in church at age five, her journey into formal music training and harmony singing in Seattle, and how her performance life evolved alongside careers, family, and even a 25-year tenure as a Los Angeles police officer. As a beloved member of the Divas — a multi-genre ensemble with fellow performers Sandra Marlowe and Gaye Kruger Ribble that celebrates women's voices in jazz, blues, Broadway and beyond — Carol talks about collaboration, community, and what it means to bring soulful storytelling to life on stage. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Carol's sound, this episode gives you a full listen into the heart, history, and harmonies behind one of Coeur d'Alene's shining voices in jazz and blues. You can find Carol on Facebook @carol.davis.5437923 and learn where she is singing next!
TakeawaysWhy learning to grow food and understand agriculture builds stronger families and communities.How homesteading teaches resilience, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and practical life skills.Simple first steps anyone can take toward becoming more self-sufficient without changing their entire lifestyle.Summary of the EpisodeWhat happens when a food safety expert, homesteader, and educator decides to reinvent the way families learn about agriculture?In this inspiring conversation, Amanda sits down with Kody Hanner, founder of Homestead Education, to discuss the growing movement toward self-sufficiency, homeschooling, and reconnecting families with where their food comes from.Kody shares the personal story that transformed her family's life after her husband was diagnosed with end-stage liver disease, leading them to embrace a healthier lifestyle centered around raising their own food, homeschooling their six children, and building a thriving homestead in North Idaho.Together, Amanda and Kody explore why practical life skills matter now more than ever, how agriculture education can shape future generations, and why entrepreneurship is key to keeping rural America strong. They also discuss the importance of work ethic, raising resilient children, supporting local farmers, and creating new opportunities for family farms through direct-to-consumer agriculture.Whether you're raising kids on a ranch, living on a small acreage, or simply looking for ways to become more self-sufficient, this episode is filled with practical advice and encouragement to take the first step.Key Topics CoveredKody Hanner's journey into homesteading and homeschoolingLessons learned from building a self-sufficient family lifestyleWhy COVID changed the conversation around food securityThe importance of teaching children where food comes fromAgriculture education for homeschool, public school, and familiesPractical first steps toward homesteadingRaising resilient kids through hands-on learningEntrepreneurship and diversifying farm incomeDirect-to-consumer agriculture and adding value to family farmsConnect with Kody HannerVisit thehomesteadeducation.com to explore Homestead Education curriculum, survival courses, agriculture science resources, and tools designed to help families, educators, and communities reconnect with food, farming, and self-sufficiency.Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | Dirt Road Radio | All American Angus Beef | Radke Land & CattleUse code RADKE for $10 off your next All American Angus Beef order at www.BidOnBeef.comSave on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/Check out Amanda's agricultural children's books here: https://amandaradke.com/collections/amandas-booksLearn more about Bulletproofing Your Direct-To-Consumer Beef Enterprise: https://amandaradke.com/products/bulletproof-your-beef-business
What does it really look like to manage a large homestead garden? In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I'm joined by my oldest daughter, Rachel, who has taken over management of our main crop garden this year. We sit down for a candid conversation about what's working, what we're learning, and a few garden bloopers that prove even experienced gardeners don't always get it right!Rachel shares what it means to be responsible for a garden without having to do all the labor herself, how we're involving younger children in the garden, and some of the systems we're putting in place to make gardening easier and more sustainable year after year.We also talk about sprinkler timers, compost surprises, cats in freshly planted beds, and Rachel's best advice for both new and experienced gardeners.In this episode, we cover:
A campsite in Eastern Kentucky becomes the center of a series of unsettling events when an expedition group reports footsteps circling tents in the middle of the night, loud vocalizations from the darkness, objects being moved around camp, and an onion thrown from the woods that struck a camper hard enough to leave a welt.That encounter is only one of the stories featured in this packed voicemail roundup.Listeners from across North America share firsthand reports including a massive footprint discovered near Icebox Cave in Ohio, chilling tree knocks and screams near California's Upper Cache Creek, a childhood encounter with a small hairy creature in a Tennessee cemetery, a terrifying nighttime experience outside a tent in North Idaho, possible rock-rolling activity along Oregon's Bigfoot Highway, and a thermal sighting of a towering figure in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia.These accounts come from hunters, campers, hikers, outdoorsmen, and everyday people who found themselves face-to-face with something they still struggle to explain.Leave your voicemail here: https://www.bigfootsocietypodcast.com/
What if the secret to healthier plants, bigger harvests, fewer pests, and less work in the garden isn't another fertilizer or amendment? What if it's your soil?In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, we're kicking off a brand-new Soil School series by exploring the foundation of every productive garden: healthy soil. You'll learn why soil is much more than dirt, how a thriving soil ecosystem works, and the six key elements that create resilient, nutrient-dense gardens.Over the next several months, Josh will be diving deeper into each of these topics in a special Soil School series designed to help you build healthier soil and work smarter, not harder, in the garden.In this episode:
Welcome to another music-filled episode of the Ali & Callie Artcast as we catch up with two familiar faces in North Idaho's arts scene—Max Mendez and Ruth Pratt. Our conversation begins with a preview of the 2026 Riverstone Concert Series, the beloved free summer music tradition presented by the Coeur d'Alene Arts & Culture Alliance. Beginning July 9, the series returns to Riverstone Park with six evenings of live music, community connection, and summer fun in one of Coeur d'Alene's favorite outdoor gathering places. But this episode is about much more than a concert series. Max shares details about his exciting new venture, Mendez Vocal Works, where he is helping singers of all ages develop confidence, technique, and artistic expression through personalized vocal instruction. He also celebrates a special milestone as he officially joins the Ali & Callie Artcast "5-Timers Club," making his fifth appearance on the podcast and proving once again that he's always got a new creative adventure up his sleeve. @mendezvocalworks.com Ruth talks about her latest musical journey as a member of the Tom Tucker Band, bringing her signature talent, energy, and love of performance to audiences throughout the Inland Northwest. Along the way, we explore the power of live music, the excitement of new beginnings, and why both Max and Ruth continue to find fresh ways to connect with their communities through performance, education, and collaboration. To learn more about the 2026 Riverstone Concert Series, view the lineup, sign up as a volunteer, or make a donation to help support this free community event, visit artsandculturecda.org Join us for a lively conversation about music, mentorship, community, and the creative spirit that keeps North Idaho singing all summer long.
Jennifer shares an interview she did with Barbara Carpenter on the Speak Up North Idaho radio broadcast, talking about the Music Shop Mysteries and more.
Have you ever tried to identify a plant, opened a field guide, and immediately felt overwhelmed? You're not alone.In this episode, I'm joined by Rachel Parks of Botany in an Hour to talk about a simple approach to botany that can completely change the way you look at plants. Instead of trying to memorize thousands of individual species, Rachel explains how learning a handful of plant families can help you become a better gardener, herbalist, forager, and homesteader.We discuss why understanding plant families is often the missing link that makes plant identification easier, how this knowledge can improve your gardening decisions, and why even young children can quickly learn to recognize common plant groups once they know what clues to look for.Whether you're interested in medicinal herbs, foraging wild plants, improving your garden, or simply understanding the plants growing around you, this conversation will give you a practical framework for learning botany without feeling overwhelmed.In This Episode We Cover:• Why plant families are easier to learn than individual species• How botany can improve your gardening and companion planting• The connection between plant families and herbal medicine• Simple clues for identifying plants in the mint family• Why plant family knowledge can make foraging easier• How understanding plant relationships can help you learn faster• Using botanical knowledge to recognize patterns in food sensitivities• Why plant diversity matters in the gardenResources Mentioned:
If you've ever struggled with pests in the garden, this episode will completely change how you think about natural pest control.Instead of reaching for sprays first, we're talking about a layered, holistic approach to growing healthier plants that naturally resist pests better. From building living soil to attracting beneficial insects and knowing when organic interventions are actually appropriate, this conversation is all about working with nature instead of fighting against it.In this episode, we cover:• Why healthy soil is the foundation of pest resistance• The connection between soil biology and plant health• How daily observation can stop infestations early• Physical and mechanical pest control methods that actually work• Companion planting and attracting beneficial insects• When organic sprays can help and when they can do harm• Why adjusting expectations may be one of the most important parts of organic gardeningWhether you're a brand new gardener or have been growing food for years, this framework can help you create a healthier, more resilient garden ecosystem.For more information, check out the accompanying blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/garden-pest-control/LINKS MENTIONED- Traditional Cooking Class - Check out Carolyn's new class over at the School of Traditional Skills here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/STS_Member_n- Modern Homesteading Conference - Join us in Idaho this June 2026 and come say hi! Grab your tickets here: https://modern-homesteading.myshopify.com/HF10- Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this podcast. Grab your canning supplies and be ready for preservation season. For first-time customers, get 15% off your order of $100 or more with coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15": https://homesteadingfamily.com/AzureStandard Time Stamps:0:00 - Introduction1:28 - Chit Chat9:18 - Azure Standard11:00 - Natural Pest Control~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MORE ABOUT US!WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we're living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideoGrow, Preserve & Thrive with us!Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamilyInstagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamilyRumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamilyA few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHytYour Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshopYou know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you're in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.
Alright, if you want a raw, unfiltered elk hunting conversation from a guy who is absolutely obsessed with the game — this is your episode. Brandon Schmitz out of North Idaho joins the show for his very first podcast appearance, and let me tell you, this dude brings it. No fluff, no highlight reel — just honest elk hunting from a guy who has spent the last six years grinding through some of the most demanding country in the West. Brandon didn't grow up with a silver spoon handed to him in the elk woods. His dad lost the fire for hunting after wolves moved into North Idaho and wrecked what used to be some of the best big game hunting in the country. So Brandon had to figure it out himself, and that journey is exactly what makes this conversation so good. From his very first elk hunt — where his cousin smoked a bull that basically walked up to a truck parked in the middle of the road — to going toe-to-toe with grizzly bears, packs of wolves, and rutting bull moose in the same drainage, this guy has seen it all. Six-plus years in, Brandon still hasn't notched his tag, but don't let that fool you. This dude is FINDING elk — like, legitimately locating 20-plus bulls in a single season. The problem he keeps running into is the same one that trips up a ton of DIY hunters: closing the deal. We dig deep into that in this episode, and I think a lot of you guys are going to hear yourselves in Brandon's story. We talk about the mental side of solo hunting, what it really means to "be in striking distance," how to work a bull when your setup goes sideways, the art of building a bull's ego so he's absolutely fired up the next morning, and why sometimes the laziest move IS the right move. We also get into the very real challenges of elk hunting in grizzly and wolf country, the predator management problem that nobody in power wants to touch, and what it's like to be solo in the woods surrounded by apex predators that don't have a healthy fear of humans anymore. This is one of those conversations that reminds you why we love this thing so damn much — even when it's hard. Maybe especially when it's hard.This Episode's Sponsors TricerIf you're not running Tricer gear in the field, you're leaving performance on the table. I'm a huge fan of the RP Bipod — at 10.5 ounces, it is flat-out one of the best hunting bipods on the market. It comes with long and short legs, works with Picatinny and ARCA systems, and for $350 you're getting features that compete with bipods that cost twice the price. I've shot a pile of critters off this thing and I wouldn't leave home without it. Tricer makes more than just bipods, too — go check out their full lineup.Shop now: tricer.com | Use code TRO to save 10% off your order.Bridger WatchI built Bridger Watch because I was sick of pulling my phone out 100 times a day to check onX. The idea was simple: put maps on the watch so hunters can keep their phone in their pack and their eyes on the country. We set out to build the best smartwatch ever made for hunters, and I genuinely believe we did just that. If you're a watch guy and a hunter, there is nothing else like this out there.Check it out: bridgerwatch.comTimestamp Chapters0:00 – Intro & Sponsor: Tricer RP Bipod2:15 – Sponsor: Bridger Watch4:00 – Welcome & Brandon's Background | Growing up in North Idaho, impact of wolves on his dad's hunting8:30 – Getting Hooked | Brandon's first-ever elk hunt, cousin CJ kills a bull, truck in the road, borrowed gear, high school kids packing meat17:00 – Six Years Deep | Journey from first hunt to now — tagged out? No. Elk found? Absolutely.21:30 – Finding vs. Killing | Brandon's biggest skill and his biggest challenge; heavy glassing in thick country27:00 – The Mental Game of Solo Hunting | Decision fatigue, second-guessing, the ex-wrestler problem, and why being "lazy" sometimes wins33:30 – Striking Distance Philosophy | Cody breaks down the concept — be close, let things happen, stop trying to kill the elk and start trying to stay near the elk39:00 – Close Call on the Wallow | The mid-September herd bull story — moose sparring, 7 cows, drawn back, two steps short of a shot47:30 – Working a Bull After a Blown Setup | Building a bull's ego, bugling small, raking in the dark, keeping him fired up for first light54:00 – Grizzly Bear Encounter | Sow with three cubs, bear spray + pistol double-fisted, fog rolls in, the Snapchat decision1:02:00 – Getting Back on the Horse | Overcoming the fear, returning to the same hillside, the mental win of facing it1:05:30 – Wolf Country | Multiple wolf encounters — road wolves, pack following them out of the timber, wolves lighting off after a bugle1:13:00 – Predator Management Frustration | Grizzly population, government inaction, hound hunting, trapping, and the reality of wolf numbers in North Idaho1:18:00 – Bull Moose Problems | Moose responding to elk calls, moose following, Brandon's very close call with a bull moose 4 yards away1:20:00 – Wrap-Up & Good Luck | Final thoughts, gratitude, planning a return episode after the kill3 Key Takeaways 1. Stop Trying to Kill the Elk — Start Trying to Stay Close to ItOne of the most useful mindset shifts in this episode: instead of putting the pressure of "I need to kill this elk tonight" on every single move, just focus on getting into striking distance and staying there. Elk hunting rarely goes according to the exact plan, but things tend to happen when you're consistently close. Measure your days by time spent within range of elk, not by whether a shot materialized. This single reframe takes the anxiety out of solo hunting and keeps you in the game longer.2. Let Curiosity Kill the Cat — Silence Is a WeaponWhen a bull hangs up and won't commit, most hunters feel compelled to keep calling. Big mistake. A quiet elk is a suspicious elk — a quiet *location* is a curious elk. When you go dark after a bull responds, you're not losing the conversation, you're winning it. He'll start wondering where you went, and that curiosity will often pull him toward you. Learn to sit on your hands, let the shot clock run a little, and only break the silence if you truly feel him losing interest. When you do break it, try raking over calling — it's less demanding and gives you the chance to move.3. The Decision Fatigue Problem Is Real — Have a Plan and Commit to ItBeing physically tough enough to elk hunt is table stakes. The thing that actually determines success — especially for solo hunters — is the mental discipline to stick to a plan when everything is going sideways. It's easy to leave a drainage after a tough morning and convince yourself the elk blew out. It's harder to say "I committed to this spot for two days and I'm seeing it through." The hunters who string together good at-bats aren't necessarily the ones who work the hardest — they're the ones who make fewer panic decisions and have the confidence (sometimes fake confidence) to stay the course when doubt creeps in.
In this podcast, I'm diving into three canning concepts that confuse even experienced home canners. These are the kinds of things that can leave you second-guessing whether your jars are actually safe on the pantry shelf.In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I'm breaking down:- Why I never store jars with the rings tightened on- What changing liquid levels in your jars actually mean- Why proper headspace matters so much- What causes siphoning and how to prevent it- How false seals happen and what to watch forI know canning can feel overwhelming at times, especially when your jars don't look “perfect,” but I want you to understand what actually matters for safety so you can preserve food confidently.For even more safety tips and common canning questions answered, visit the blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/canning-mistakes-to-avoid/
Should you water your garden every day? The short answer is probably not. In this episode, we're breaking down one of the most common gardening questions and helping you understand how to water your garden for healthier plants, deeper roots, and better harvests.You'll learn:• How often most gardens actually need water• Why daily watering can weaken plants• The difference between deep watering and shallow watering• The best time of day to water• How soil type changes your watering schedule• Signs you may be overwatering or underwatering• How mulch and healthy soil reduce watering needs naturallyWhether you garden in raised beds, containers, or a large in-ground garden, these simple principles will help you stop guessing and start watering with confidence.Read the full article here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/best-time-to-water-garden/Thanks to Farmhouse Teas for sponsoring this podcast! Be sure to check out all our Homesteading Family favorites, including the Persnickety Peach Chai for your summer iced tea! If you want to give it a try, Farmhouse Teas is offering 10% off your order with the code HSPODCAST. It's a one-time use discount and good for one per customer, so be sure to use it wisely: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FHTeas-FavoritesTime Stamps:0:00 - Intro1:27 - Chit Chat5:00 - Farmhouse Teas6:52 - Main Topic~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MORE ABOUT US!WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we're living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideoGrow, Preserve & Thrive with us!Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamilyInstagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamilyRumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamilyA few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHytYour Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshopYou know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you're in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.
What happens when you raise boys with earth-based traditions, rites of passage, and the wilderness as their classroom? Tim Corcoran has spent 25 years answering that question. He's the founder of Twin Eagles Wilderness School in North Idaho, a rites of passage guide, wilderness mentor, and father of two sons. He's mentored kids from age 6 through adulthood, taken over 100 men through vision quests, and built a community where families stay for 15 years because of the impact on their children. In this conversation with Jon Vroman, Tim breaks down what rites of passage actually are, why boys need challenge and mentorship from men beyond their fathers, and what 25 years of nature-based mentoring has taught him about raising grounded, confident, capable young men. Front Row Dads is partnering with Tim for an exclusive father-son wilderness adventure this fall. → https://frontrowdads.com/fatherson In This Interview: → Why earth-based traditions are needed now more than ever to raise boys into men → What a rite of passage actually is and why the term is widely misused → The difference between initiation and rite of passage and why it matters → Why Tim said no to leading rites of passage for 7 years until the community was ready → What the father-son wilderness adventure looks like (5 days, no screens, no phones, real challenge) → The developmental path from age 6 through vision quest and why each stage builds on the last → Why boys need a village of men and not just one father to model after → What happens when you initiate emotional maturity in boys at 13 instead of waiting until 45 → Jon's personal experience at the father-son trip and what it revealed about his own edges This Conversation Is For You If: → You're a father raising boys and you want more than sports and school to shape who they become → You've been looking for a meaningful father-son experience that goes deeper than a vacation → You want your son to be grounded, emotionally mature, and ready to lead before he leaves home → You believe boys need challenge, nature, and trusted men in their lives → You're an entrepreneur or business owner and you want your son to see you do hard things Next Step: Front Row Dads is partnering with Twin Eagles Wilderness School for an exclusive father-son wilderness adventure this fall. Limited to 10 families. If you want to experience what Tim has been building for 25 years with your son, details are here: → https://frontrowdads.com/fatherson Connect With Tim Corcoran: Twin Eagles Wilderness School: twineagles.org Purpose Mountain (adult vision quests & purpose discovery): purposemountain.com
How do we preserve family, community, and truth in a culture that seems to be moving faster and faster away from them?In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, I sat down with my friend Rory Groves for a thoughtful conversation about modern culture, technology, family economy, and what many families are sensing right now: that something important has been lost.Using the republished book Henry and the Great Society as a starting point, we talked about how modernization changed family life, community, work, and even the way we think about self-sufficiency. We also discussed why history matters and how looking backward can help us move forward with more intentionality.This conversation touches on: Family economy and durable living The tension between independence and community Why intentionality matters more than ever Building culture for future generations Encouragement for families trying to live differently in uncertain times I really appreciated Rory's perspective and his heart for helping families think deeply about what it means to build a life that lasts.Links Mentioned:- Grab your copy of Henry and the Great Society here: https://homeward.press - Find Rory's book, Durable Trades here: https://www.thegrovestead.com/product/durable-trades/- Learn more about the Gather and Grow events here: https://gatherandgrow.us
Owen Benjamin was probably the smartest, wisest person in Hollywood so of course he got canceled harder than anyone in the history of the entertainment business. That's when he found the secret to happiness. (00:00) From Hollywood Comic to Cultural Exile (16:56) Was Someone Orchestrating Owen's Cancellation? (23:56) Truth, Fame, and Sin (42:30) The Daily Wire, the Gay Community, and Taboo Humor (1:07:29) How Is Owen Still Reaching People After Being Cancelled? A classically trained pianist turned comedian, Owen Benjamin weaves sharp-witted satire with deep dives into the complexities of the human condition. His unique blend of musical talent and unfiltered storytelling invites listeners to laugh through the chaos from his farm in North Idaho. His new book, “How to Slay a Wizard,” offers an instruction manual on how to not fall for the current spells that confuse the world. Ladle.tv for his podcast and comedy specials. OwenBenjamin.com Paid partnerships with: Hallow prayer app: Get 3 months free at https://Hallow.com/Tucker American Financing: NMLS 182334, http://nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.327% for well qualified borrowers. Call 800-685-5696 for details about credit costs and terms. Visit http://AmericanFinancing.net/Tucker. Joi + Blokes: Use code TUCKER for 50% off your labs and 20% off all supplements at https://joiandblokes.com/tucker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After years of pushing hard on our homestead, we reached a point where we had to ask a tough question: Is everything we're doing actually sustainable?Last year, we intentionally slowed down. Not completely, but enough to take a step back and evaluate what was working and what wasn't.And what we learned changed how we're approaching this year in a big way.In this episode, we're sharing the real-life changes we're making on our homestead. The projects we're moving forward with, the systems we're simplifying, and a few things we're choosing to let go of entirely.Because here's the truth most people don't talk about... You don't have to do everything to build a successful homestead.
If you've ever felt like you need to learn everything before starting a garden, you're not alone.In today's episode, we're simplifying the process and showing you how to start a garden without getting overwhelmed.Gardening is a journey. And the truth is, you don't need perfect soil, perfect seeds, or perfect knowledge to begin. You just need a few key principles and a willingness to learn as you go.This episode is all about helping you take that first step with confidence.In this episode we cover: Why your first garden should be a practice garden The 5 essential elements for a successful garden What beginners often overthink (and can safely ignore) How to build confidence through small, simple steps Resources Mentioned Check Out the Traditional Skills Academy: https://traditionalskillsacademy.com Grab your Homestead Kitchen Magazine subscription here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/podcast-magazine To track the sun, use the SunSeeker app You don't need to have it all figured out to start gardening. Just get something in the ground. Learn as you go. And remember… this is your practice garden.
Are your chicken eggs coming into the house dirty, especially during mud season?In this episode of Everyday Homesteading, Carolyn is joined by Amy, cofounder of Good Egg, to talk about how to keep eggs clean starting in the coop—and how to properly handle fresh eggs once they're in your kitchen.We're covering everything from nesting box strategies to the right (and wrong) way to wash eggs, plus how storage methods affect shelf life. If you've ever wondered whether to wash your eggs, how long they last, or how to keep them cleaner in the first place, this episode will give you clear, practical answers.In this video, you'll learn:- How to keep eggs clean in the coop (even during mud season)- The difference between clean, dirty, and washed eggs- What the egg bloom is and why it matters- How to wash eggs safely without pulling bacteria inside- The best ways to store fresh eggs for longer shelf life- Whether you're new to backyard chickens or have been raising hens for years, these simple systems will help you bring cleaner eggs into your kitchen and use them more efficiently.- Read the full blog post here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/how-to-keep-eggs-clean/- Learn more about Good Egg products and use coupon code "15OFFHSFAMILY" for 15% off your purchase: https://goodeggstuff.co/hsf - Grab my FREE guide for preserving eggs here: https://classes.homesteadingfamily.com/PreservingEggs- Thanks to Farmhouse Teas for sponsoring this episode. Click the link to check out all of Homesteading Family's favorites, and be sure to use coupon code "HSPODCAST" for 10% off your order: https://homesteadingfamily.com/FHTeas-FavoritesTime Stamps:0:00 - Introduction2:42 - Farmhouse Teas6:20 - Main Topic~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~MORE ABOUT US!WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we're living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideoGrow, Preserve & Thrive with us!Visit us on our blog: https://www.homesteadingfamily.comFacebook at https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamilyInstagram: https://instagram.com/homesteadingfamilyRumble: https://rumble.com/HomesteadingFamilyA few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHytYour Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshopYou know that every month, we send out a physical magazine to over 10,000 subscribers? Each issue has seasonal recipes, fresh inspiration for your kitchen, practical homesteading tips, and traditional wisdom from seasoned homesteaders. This magazine equips you to thrive on your homestead, whether you're in the city, a suburban neighborhood, or on 40 acres. Subscribe today for just $9 a month.