• 28 minutes 11 seconds
    S19: E18: Why I’m Paying Attention to the 2027 Food Shortage Warnings

    You may have seen the headlines warning about possible food shortages in 2027, but how much should we actually be worried?

    In this episode, I’m digging into what’s behind those warnings, some of the very real cracks in our modern food system, and why I think they’re worth paying attention to without spiraling into doom-and-gloom prepping. I’ll share why margin has become my motto lately and give some practical action steps for helping becoming prepared without stress and panic. Because I firmly believe the goal isn’t to predict the future, but about how to become a little less fragile no matter what happens next.

    Podcast Episode Highlights:

    • Why folks are currently freaking out about possible 2027 food shortages
    • Doing a deeper dive about the news headlines & modern farming issues
    • Becoming aware of our modern food system flaws & changes
    • Why I'm not big into the 'doom and gloom' prepper lifestyle
    • Why 'margin' is my current motto
    • Questions to ask yourself to prepare yourself without stress
    • Action Step #1: don't panic, but pay attention
    • Action Step #2: do food storage based on the foods you actually use
    • Action Step #3: don't just build the inventory, build the skills
    • Final thoughts

    Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

    Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU

    –> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.

    Find details on my new food storage system here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/p/i-lost-my-pantry-freezers-and-garden

    Check out my NEW cookbook here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-cookbook

    Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Food Storage & Food Supplies:

    OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:


    Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

    28 September 2026, 8:00 am
  • 53 minutes 28 seconds
    S19: E17: Can I Save My Horrible Garden Soil? My Conversation with a Soil Scientist

    After the worst garden season I’ve ever had, I had the pleasure of chatting with soil scientist Dr. Caitlin Youngquist on my podcast to help me figure out what was actually going on beneath the surface.

    We dig into my soil test results, tips for adding organic matter to the soil, and whether no-dig or tilling makes sense in a struggling garden. We also talk about soil testing, possible herbicide contamination, and the most common garden soil struggles. If your garden is struggling and you’re not sure what to add—or what to stop adding—this episode will help you think about your soil much more clearly.

    Podcast Episode Highlights:

    • Common categories of garden struggles
    • Looking at Jill's garden soil test results
    • Thinking about salts in the soil
    • Talking about phosphorous, nitrogen, etc.
    • Tips for adding organic matter to the soil
    • No-dig method, tilling, etc. and how might change things
    • A closer look at compost
    • Discussing soil tests
    • Talking about herbicides and soil contamination issues
    • Final thoughts

    Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

    Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU

    –> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.

    Dr. Caitlin Youngquist offers a membership based community for Wyoming homesteaders on Patreon. In it, you can dive into topics just like this, with monthly live learning sessions, groups forums, and conversations with experts from around the state. Check out the free resources there that she posted, and consider joining the fall cohort. They kick off with their first live event for the fall cohort on October 12th. Most of what they discuss is relevant for anyone homesteading in the mountain west - not only Wyoming. Learn more here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/DrCaitlin

    For those looking for soil testing help, please visit Caitlin Youngquist's site here: https://www.dirtworkswyo.com/category/services. 

    For more information about biochar, wool pellets, alkali soils, and soil testing, please visit: https://www.dirtworkswyo.com/blog

    She also share videos about soil and compost on YouTube (@DirtWorksWyoming), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dirtworkswyo/), and TikTok (@dr_caitlin)

    Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Soil Health:

    OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:


    Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

    21 September 2026, 8:00 am
  • 24 minutes 6 seconds
    S19: E16: Data Centers & Dead Soil: What Are We Willing to Sacrifice for Progress?

    What does progress cost us and how do we decide when the price is too high?

    In this episode, I’m thinking about the great Wendell Berry, my recent garden and soil struggles, the rise of data centers, and the way we’ve learned to value land. I’m exploring the tension between exploitation and stewardship, progress and preservation, and the important difference between asking whether we can do something and whether we should. 

    Podcast Episode Highlights:

    • Pondering progress these days
    • Thinking about Wendell Berry and his influence
    • What my recent garden woes has made me think more about
    • Thinking about the value of land
    • Exploitation vs. nurture
    • Cycle of life vs. straight line
    • Thinking about contradictions, criticisms, and either/or
    • Asking questions matters
    • CAN we do something vs. SHOULD we do something
    • What does progress cost us?
    • Final thoughts

    Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

    Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU

    –> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.

    Check out my Substack essays here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/

    Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Deep Thoughts on the Land:

    OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:


    Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

    14 September 2026, 8:00 am
  • 31 minutes 51 seconds
    S19: E15: What I'm Doing Differently on Homestead #2

    When I started my first homestead in 2008, I had plenty of enthusiasm and absolutely no patience. Nearly two decades later, I’m beginning again on a new piece of ground, but this time I’m not starting from scratch; I’m starting from experience.

    In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest lessons shaping how I approach my new home and 20 acres, from making slower decisions and resisting the urge to do more, to building for real life instead of the fantasy version of homesteading. We’ll also talk about comparison, asking better questions, and why starting over can look very different when you know yourself better.

    Podcast Episode Highlights:

    • What I've learned about my life lately 
    • Starting over vs. starting from experience
    • Point #1: Making slower decisions
    • Point #2: More isn't always better
    • Point #3: Real life and not fantasy homestead
    • Point #4: Don't compare 
    • Point #5: Asking different questions
    • Final thoughts

    Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

    Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU

    –> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.

    Check out my Substack essays here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/

    Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Life Knowledge:

    OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:


    Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

    7 September 2026, 8:00 am
  • 33 minutes 53 seconds
    S19: E14: How My Books Actually Happened: Writing, Agents + Book Deals

    If you’ve ever wondered how a book goes from a half-formed idea in your head to something sitting on a bookstore shelf, I’m pulling back the curtain on exactly how it happened for me.

    In this episode, I’m walking through my experience with agents, book proposals, pitching publishers, advances and royalties, writing, photography, and the surprisingly long road to publication. I’ll also explain the different publishing paths available and what authors actually need to know about marketing once the book is finished. This isn’t an exhaustive guide to publishing—it’s the real story of how my books came together and what I’ve learned along the way.

    Podcast Episode Highlights:

    • Why I'm talking about my experience on writing and selling books
    • Most common types of ways to publish your book
    • How you get paid from publishing companies
    • The process of turning a book idea into a book
    • Details on having an agent
    • Details on writing a book proposal
    • Pitching to publishers
    • The long process to actually getting the book published
    • How I do my writing process and photography for the book
    • What you need to know about marketing your book
    • Final Thoughts

    Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

    Learn more about Toups and Co. here: https://toupsandco.com/pages/prairie25

    First time buyers can use the code Prairie25 to get you 25% off your first Toups order.

    Find my cookbook here: http://homesteadcookbook.com/

    Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose book here: http://oldfashionedbook.com/

    If you're interested in joining my small group business coach/mentorship program, email me at: [email protected]

    OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:


    Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

    31 August 2026, 8:00 am
  • 38 minutes 44 seconds
    S19: E13: How Running a Restaurant Taught Me to Spend Less on Groceries

    Grocery prices keep climbing, but most of the advice I’ve heard for spending less still seems to boil down to “use coupons” and “don’t grocery shop while you’re hungry.” After years of running a restaurant, I’ve started thinking about my household food economy very differently.

    In this episode, I’m sharing the practical strategies I’ve picked up from the restaurant world and how they’ve changed the way I shop, cook, stock my pantry and freezer, and even think about the garden. Because spending less on groceries isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about building a food system that actually works for your life.

    Podcast Episode Highlights:

    • High grocery prices, lame advice, food economy thoughts, etc.
    • Strategy: focus on price per meal
    • Strategy: don't forget the waste-adjusted price
    • Strategy: buy ingredients, not intentions
    • Strategy: build an anti-takeout pantry
    • Frugality doesn't need to mean purity
    • Strategy: buy in bulk BUT keep these things in mind
    • Strategy: be careful about how much you shop
    • Learn the 'clean out the fridge' formats
    • Stop making everything from scratch
    • Careful about using your freezer
    • Thinking about the garden for your grocery bill
    • Let's talk about protein
    • Final thoughts

    Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

    Learn more about Toups and Co. here: https://toupsandco.com/pages/prairie25

    First time buyers can use the code Prairie25 to get you 25% off your first Toups order.

    Find my cookbook here: http://homesteadcookbook.com/

    Check out Azure Standard here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU

    Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/

    Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Food:

    OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:


    Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

    24 August 2026, 8:00 am
  • 41 minutes 27 seconds
    S19: E12: Midlife Skincare: What ACTUALLY Works

    In this episode, I’m talking with Emilie Toups of Toups & Co. about what actually happens to our skin as we age and why so many mainstream skincare products may not be helping.

    We dig into a simple, natural skincare routine that anyone can start doing at home plus how these options compare to mainstream ingredients like retinol. Emilie also shares how to make the switch to natural skincare without getting overwhelmed and what we can do beyond topical products to nourish our skin from the inside out. And of course, we get into the bigger question underneath it all: how do we care for aging skin without making aging itself the enemy?

    Podcast Episode Highlights:

    • How and why our skin changes over time
    • Why aren't mainstream skincare products working?
    • What actually works for our skin
    • Step #1: Oil cleansing
    • Step #2: Gentle serums
    • Step #3: Tallow
    • Oil cleansing issues to keep in mind
    • Natural products vs. retinol
    • Addressing the critics of tallow
    • Facial toner details
    • How to switch from mainstream skincare to natural products without overwhelm
    • What to do (besides skincare) to nourish your skin
    • Deep thoughts on aging

    Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

    Learn more about Toups and Co. here: https://toupsandco.com/pages/prairie25

    First time buyers can use the code Prairie25 to get you 25% off your first Toups order.

    Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Natural Skincare:

    OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:


    Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

    17 August 2026, 8:00 am
  • 30 minutes 10 seconds
    S19: E11: The Worst Garden of my Entire Life

    I’ve had some epic garden failures over the years, but nothing quite like this one. And judging by what I’m hearing, I know I’m not the only person whose garden has struggled this year.

    In this episode, I’m sharing the three main problems that seem to have created the worst garden of my life and also what I’m learning as I try to unravel them. No polished success story here, just real-time troubleshooting in hopes it helps someone else who is currently wallowing in their own gardening woes.

    Podcast Episode Highlights:

    • A quick glance at my gardening history
    • What I noticed about my new place before I started planting
    • What happened in my garden so far this year
    • Problem #1: Herbicide contamination
    • Problem #2: Soil Fertility issues
    • Problem #3: Critters
    • Final thoughts

    Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

    Learn more about Toups and Co. here: https://toupsandco.com/pages/prairie25

    First time buyers can use the code Prairie25 to get you 25% off your first Toups order.

    Find Redmond's Soil Test Kit here: http://theprairiehomestead.com/soiltest

    Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Soil:

    OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:


    Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

    10 August 2026, 8:00 am
  • 35 minutes 28 seconds
    S19: E10: A Different Way to Buy Groceries: Inside Azure Standard

    As food prices continue to rise, buying the cheapest option isn’t always the same as spending wisely.

    In this episode, I'm chatting with Diana Strayer from Azure Standard. Together, we explore how Azure Standard helps folks access nutrient-dense food, how you can really save money through bulk buying, and also how to shop their sales pages strategically. Our conversation offers a great practical look at purchasing food more economically without sacrificing quality.

    Podcast Episode Highlights:

    • Prices are rising and what we can do about it
    • What Azure Standard is all about
    • How Azure can be helpful for both rural and urban areas
    • The importance of nutrient-dense food
    • The difference between buying cheap and buying economically
    • Saving money with bulk food
    • Examples of food you can buy at Azure
    • Saving with Azure's various sales pages
    • How Azure Cash works
    • How to make money with Azure
    • Final thoughts

    Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

    Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU

    --> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.

    OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:


    Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

    3 August 2026, 8:00 am
  • 28 minutes 50 seconds
    S19: E9: It Takes Guts to be Bad at Something

    Being a beginner as an adult is humbling, awkward, and sometimes downright embarrassing—but it also takes a surprising amount of courage.

    In this episode, I’m sharing a few recent experiences that reminded me just how vulnerable it feels to learn something new, why other people can be so quick to criticize, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with not being good at something yet. I'll share some tips and encouragement and also explain why your beginner status may actually be one of your greatest advantages. 

    Podcast Episode Highlights:

    • Why I'm passionate about adults trying new things
    • My real life examples
    • Why some people are critical when others are newbies
    • Why we are afraid to try new things
    • Don't forget to stay humble
    • The rollercoaster of emotions when learning something new
    • How to change your perspective 
    • How being a beginner can actual be a bonus when learning a new skill
    • Final thoughts

    Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

    Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU

    --> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.

    Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/

    OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:


    Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

    27 July 2026, 8:00 am
  • 21 minutes 51 seconds
    S19: E8: My House Is Hot. Here's What We're Eating (and What I'm Learning)

     My house is hot this summer—and after more than a decade of central air, I’m realizing just how accustomed I’ve become to comfort.

    In this episode, I’m sharing how the heat has made me more aware of my surroundings, more appreciative of certain things, and more thoughtful about what “old-fashioned on purpose” really means in everyday life. I’m also talking about what we’re eating during these sweltering days, including the simple meals and low-heat cooking strategies that are keeping us fed without turning the kitchen into an oven.

    Podcast Episode Highlights:

    • My house is hot this year and I'm not used to it
    • Becoming more aware
    • Becoming more appreciative
    • What Old-Fashioned on Purpose really means
    • What (and how) we're eating during the summer

    Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

    Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU

    --> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.

    Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/ 

    OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:


    Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

    20 July 2026, 8:00 am
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