- 52 minutes 3 secondsThe Farmhouse Edit: Reverse Meal Planning, Stock-Up Staples & Grocery Hacks for Real Life | Christine of Frugal Fit Mom
I’m chatting with Christine from Frugal Fit Mom all about feeding your family well on a budget—without stressing over perfection. Christine shares her tried-and-true strategies for keeping grocery costs low in today’s economy, including how she stocks her pantry, finds the best meat deals, and plans meals based on what’s already on hand. We also dive into the hidden costs of organic and local food, why she skips most grocery delivery services, and how you can still enjoy fun foods without blowing the budget. Whether you’re shopping for two or ten, this episode is full of real-life tips you can start using today.
In this episode, we cover:
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Why Christine avoids Instacart and prefers Walmart Pickup for cost savings
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The key pantry staples she stocks up on—and how that helps reduce impulse grocery runs
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Her method for spotting true stock-up prices on meat and stretching it to feed a large family
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How she feeds a family of five (including three teen boys) on as little as $200/month
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A realistic starting point for grocery budgeting: $150 per person per month
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Why she generally skips organic (aside from milk) and how local sourcing can dramatically increase grocery costs
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How reverse meal planning works and why it saves more than traditional recipe-first planning
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Tips for making frugal meals taste amazing with salt, fat, and acid
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Christine’s go-to bread recipe (not sourdough!) and how she keeps it soft for days
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Her rule for buying fun foods like chips and ice cream—only when they’re 50% off
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How shopping less frequently helps avoid overspending (even for perishables)
View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
RESOURCES
Check out Christine’s banana bread recipe
Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube
Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course
Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series
Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy
Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook
CONNECT
Christine Ashby of Frugal Fit Mom | Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest
Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast? A guest you’d like me to interview? Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.
31 May 2026, 4:00 am -
- 1 hour 1 minuteThe Farmhouse Edit: Save Hundreds on Groceries and Reduce Food Waste: Produce Storage Tips | Amy of The Cross Legacy
In today’s episode, I’m welcoming back Amy Cross from The Cross Legacy to dive into a topic that’s more important than ever: saving money on groceries and keeping produce fresh for longer. Amy shares her tried-and-true methods for making fresh food last weeks (even months!), simple strategies for reducing food waste, and how she’s kept her grocery budget the same despite rising prices. We’re talking practical tips you can apply whether you’re feeding a large family, preparing for garden harvests, or just trying to make your grocery trips stretch a little farther. I learned so much in this conversation — I know you will too!
In this episode, you’ll hear:
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How to wash and store berries, grapes, and fresh herbs to make them last for weeks
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The right way (and wrong way) to use vinegar, glass jars, and paper towels to extend produce life
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Which foods need metal lids versus plastic lids for best storage
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Tips for organizing your fridge to save space and prevent food waste
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How to pair "produce buddies" like lemons and avocados for longer freshness
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Why some fruits and veggies spoil each other (and how to store them separately)
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How Amy keeps her grocery budget at $135 per person per month
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Smart grocery shopping habits: focusing on versatile, multi-use ingredientsHow batch cooking and strategic freezer storage simplify busy weeks
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Creative ideas for using up leftovers and cutting down on food waste
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How Amy is preparing for a move while keeping her food systems running smoothly
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Why food security and long-term storage matter — and how to build it gradually
View full show notes on the blog + watch on YouTube.
Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!
ABOUT AMY
Amy is an urban homesteader who teaches her audiences how to care for their produce and reduce food waste. As the Founder and CEO of The Cross Legacy, she has made it her mission to share her food hacks through social media. Her content has been featured in publications around the world and her viral Strawberries in a Jar hack has been shared over 18 million times.
Amy helps families and communities save money on groceries - most notably by eating what they buy. The average American household throws away 30 to 40% of the food they purchase. To help combat this issue, she wrote a bestselling book, The Zero Waste Produce Guide which outlines her directions for how to wash and store produce items so that they will last for weeks. At a time when our food costs are the highest, it is so imperative that food waste statistics trend downward. This starts in the family home. An accomplished speaker, author, and influencer, the information Amy shares helps families save money, reduce food waste, and be able to afford fresh produce.
RESOURCES
Buy Amy’s new book Zero Waste Produce Guide (Code: FARMHOUSE15 for 15% off)
Amy’s first appearance on my podcast
Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube
Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course
Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series
Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy
Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook
CONNECT
Amy Cross of The Cross Legacy | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Pinterest | TikTok
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest
Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast? A guest you’d like me to interview? Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.
29 May 2026, 4:00 am -
- 48 minutes 57 secondsThe Farmhouse Edit: Q&A: My Approach to Date Nights, Clutter, Sourdough & Large Family Life + More Home Build Decisions
In this solo Q&A episode, I’m diving into your most-asked questions about motherhood, homemaking, and our new farmhouse build. From figuring out how to prioritize marriage when you have little ones, to managing clutter and paper piles, to designing a kitchen that actually works for a real family—I’m sharing what’s working (and what’s not) in our home right now. I also cover topics like breastfeeding while pregnant, sourdough fermentation timing, pantry organization, and how we’re thinking through long-term homesteading plans. If you're navigating the beautiful chaos of family life while trying to live intentionally, this episode is for you.
In this episode, we cover:
- Navigating weddings and events while co-sleeping and breastfeeding a baby or toddler
- Normalizing having a great marriage with less “perfect” marriage moments in busy seasons
- How to have a relaxing in-home date night and why it might actually be better
- Kitchen and pantry flow: am I worried it will be inconvenient to keep the fridge inside the pantry?
- Design uncertainty and the challenge of visualizing space before living in it
- Listener tip: what two products every mom should have on hand for allergic reactions
- Fermenting water kefir safely without explosions
- Plans to plant fruit trees and long-term property development goals
- How I avoid countertop clutter and what we do with important documents to keep them from piling up
- Naturally weaning a toddler when I become pregnant with the next child
- Why I am choosing old-house charm even if it's not always the most practical or convenient
- Is it better to long ferment sourdough bread with a small amount of starter?
- Troubleshooting issues with gritty texture in bread made with freshly-milled flour
- How I handle going out in public with kids who are constantly getting their clothes dirty
View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Listen to my conversation with Katie Voetberg on episode 190 of the podcast
Check out my conversation with Katie & Elisha on their podcast, Now That We’re a Family
NTWAF episode on their recent home build
Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube
Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course
Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series
Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy
Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook
CONNECT
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest
Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast? A guest you’d like me to interview? Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.
28 May 2026, 3:25 pm - 56 minutes 49 secondsThe Farmhouse Edit: Why Moms Feel So Overwhelmed (And What to Do About It) | Hannah Keeley
In this episode, I’m chatting with with America’s #1 Mom Coach, Hannah Keeley, to unpack the truth behind mom brain. We explore why motherhood rewires the brain, how overstimulation and anxiety show up, and what moms can do to reclaim clarity, peace, and joy in their daily lives.
Whether you’re a mom of littles, teens, or somewhere in between, this conversation is full of practical encouragement and real-life strategies for thriving—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
In this episode, we cover:
- What “mom brain” really is (and how it changes your brain physically)
- Common symptoms: forgetfulness, anxiety, overwhelm, distraction
- The faith-filled path to releasing control and worry
- Why productivity doesn't always fix your stress
- “Bow tying” and other practical hacks for completing tasks
- How to gently reclaim your focus and your peace
View full show notes on the blog + watch full episode on YouTube.
RESOURCES
Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube
Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course
Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series
Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy
Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook
CONNECT
Hannah Keeley | Website | Mom Mastery | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok | Twitter
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest
Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast? A guest you’d like me to interview? Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.
18 May 2026, 4:00 am - 1 hour 47 secondsThe Farmhouse Edit: Real Food, Real Life: Homesteading & Motherhood with Meg of Hollar Homestead
In this episode, I’m joined by Meg of Hollar Homestead to talk about what it really looks like to raise a large family on a homestead. From cooking from scratch and homeschooling rhythms to livestock management and letting go of perfection, Meg offers a refreshingly honest take on simple, intentional living.
We are diving into:
- Starting a homestead with pigs and raised beds
- Stepping away from dairy cows (for now)
- Nourishing meals for large families
- Letting kids cook and carry the load
- Emergency prep after Hurricane Helene
- Encouragement for moms in busy seasons
📝 Full show notes + links to everything mentioned in this episode
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube
Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast? A guest you’d like me to interview? Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.
Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!
12 May 2026, 7:10 pm - 45 minutes 17 secondsThe Farmhouse Edit: Designing our forever farmhouse, prioritizing outdoor time as a family, getting out of the house with littles, and more Q&A!
In today’s Q&A episode, I’m sharing exciting updates on our farmhouse build, including the unique pantry design I’ve been working on and how we’re planning for long-term living in our new home. I also dive into how I manage those pesky ticks and mosquito bites while prioritizing plenty of free-range outdoor time for my kids. Plus, I answer your questions about managing daily chores with littles in tow and how to stay motivated to decorate when you know your living situation is temporary. If you're looking for inspiration in homemaking, family life, and parenting, this episode is packed with practical tips and relatable insights.
In this episode, we cover:
- Progress on our new farmhouse build, with the basement completed and framing expected soon
- Answering your questions about the pantry design with lots of windows and a plan for climate-controlled food storage
- Planning to ensure the new farmhouse is fully functional for long-term living
- Tick and mosquito prevention tips for families who prioritize outdoor time year-round
- Tips for balancing daily chores with raising young kids and prioritizing outdoor time
- Finding the right balance between social opportunities and creating a calm, stress-free home
- Addressing myths about big families: does having a lot of kids rob them of enough parental attention?
- How I approach making our temporary home cozy without investing in major projects
View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Listen to Abbie of M is for Mama on her podcast and follow on Instagram
Check out Abbie Halberstadt’s two books: M is for Mama and Hard is Not the Same Thing as Bad
Check out Jennifer Pepito’s two appearances on my podcast here and here
Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube
Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course
Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series
Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy
Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook
CONNECT
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest
Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast? A guest you’d like me to interview? Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.
7 May 2026, 5:22 am - 1 hour 6 minutesThe Farmhouse Edit: Mortgage-Free Homestead Living: DIY Cottage of Your Dreams! | Natalie of Home of Hollands
I hear from many of you who have a dream of living a homestead lifestyle on your own property out in the country. Natalie and her family had a similar dream, and they were determined to do it without taking on a mortgage. Rather than opting for an RV or tiny home, they turned a shed into the cottage of their dreams. Natalie joins me in this episode to share about the process, answer frequently asked questions, and talk through their long-term vision. I hope Natalie’s story inspires your creativity and resourcefulness as you work toward your own dreams!
In this episode, we cover:
- What led Natalie and her family to sell their property in Texas and build a 750 sq. ft. shed home in South Carolina
- Making a small house work for a large family is easier than you may think
- Why a shed house is the perfect solution for families who dream of living on land
- What costs should you factor into a shed home build?
- These long-term options make a shed home worth the investment
- What it’s really like living with four young boys in a tiny house
- Answering the most common questions about Natalie’s shed home
- Logistics of moving a large family with farm animals
View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!
ABOUT NATALIE
Natalie Holland is a believer, wife, mama to four boys, and stylist turned homemaker. Together with her husband they built a little cottage out of a shed. They work as a team with Natalie taking care of design and Jordan executing her vision. Natalie is passionate about sharing ways to create beauty in everyday life through homemaking.
RESOURCES
See the tour of Natalie’s shed home here!
Get your copy of Natalie’s cottage build and design guide
Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube
Sit in my FREE masterclass to learn the secrets to becoming a full-time blogger
Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course
Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series
Learn how you can earn a full-time income from home with my Create Your Blog Dream course
Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy
Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook
CONNECT
Natalie Holland of Home of Hollands | Website | Instagram | YouTube
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest
Do you have a question you’d like me to answer on the podcast? A guest you’d like me to interview? Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.
28 April 2026, 4:00 am - 44 minutes 33 seconds334. Goodbye, Simple Farmhouse Life | Why I’m Ending the Podcast and What’s Next…
After six years of podcasting, I’m sharing why this will be the final episode of the Simple Farmhouse Life podcast. I’m also giving a personal life update, what’s next for my business, and answering a few of your questions on sourdough, from-scratch cooking, and motherhood!
In this episode, we cover:
- The decision to sunset the podcast after six years and the thought process behind finally letting it go
- A look at the natural course of business: years of building, a season of maintaining, and now intentionally pruning
- An exciting home building update: nearing the end of our long build and preparing to move within weeks
- Q&A on cooking from scratch and fermenting foods even in a very small space like an RV
- Practical ideas for making sourdough work in a colder home and how to adjust timing based on temperature
- Encouragement around speech development and the wide range of “normal” seen across my nine children
- A look back at cloth diapering in earlier years versus choosing convenience in a different season
- Thinking through room sharing in a large family and why personality and season matter more than exact age
- How to handle sick kids, competing needs of small children, and getting through hard moments when you don’t have extra help
- One final goodbye and what’s next for us
View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course
Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series
Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook
CONNECT
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest
21 April 2026, 8:00 am - 44 minutes 16 seconds333. Teaching Kids About God Through Nature + Finding Biblical Rest in Everyday Life | Eryn Lynum
There’s something powerful about slowing down and helping our kids see God’s hand in the world around them. In this conversation, Eryn shares how nature and Scripture work together, along with simple ways to bring that into your everyday family life. We also explore God’s design for rest, looking at how rhythms in creation reflect His intention for work and rest to go hand in hand. This episode will leave you with a fresh perspective on both your own daily rhythms and the world right outside your door. Join us for this encouraging conversation!
In this episode, we cover:
- Erin’s journey into nature study and why she began teaching the Bible through creation
- The idea that God gave us both Scripture and nature to reveal who He is
- How small shifts in our everyday language can help kids naturally see God in the world around them
- Creative ways to connect things in nature (like animals and plants) back to the gospel message
- The difference between true nature study and modern science, and why slowing down to observe matters
- Why outdoor time doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing and how even a few minutes can be meaningful
- What actually happens when kids push past that initial “I’m bored” phase outside
- A completely different way to think about rest, and why God designed us to start from it
- How building in rhythms like Sabbath can lead to more peace, focus, and even productivity
- Real-life examples from creation that mirror God’s design for work and rest working together
- Letting go of rigid plans and embracing everyday opportunities for nature and learning
- Favorite books, apps, and resources for teaching kids faith and science side by side
View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Identify birds by sight or sound with the free Merlin Bird ID app
Make plant and insect identification easy with the free iNaturalist app
Check out these biblically grounded nature books for kids by Kayla White:
Explore the Marvels of Creation series from Master Books:
For a full, biblically grounded science curriculum, check out Apologia Science, including their popular zoology series
Listen to Nat Theo: Nature Lessons Rooted in the Bible, a podcast that brings science and theology together for kids and families
Dive deeper with the Nat Theo Club, featuring full curriculum and unit studies
Shop Eryn’s current books and preview her upcoming releases
Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course
Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series
Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook
CONNECT
Eryn Lynum | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Podcast
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest
7 April 2026, 8:00 am - 49 minutes 14 seconds332. What Modern Culture Gets Wrong About Boys: How to Raise Strong, Capable Sons | Rebekah Lovell, Author of Boyhood Resurrected
There’s been a subtle shift in how our culture views boys, and in this conversation, we’re diving into where we’ve gone wrong and how to reclaim the narrative. From understanding their natural wiring to navigating the tension between safety and risk-taking, we talk through practical ways to raise boys who are both capable and caring. If you’re raising boys of any age and want encouragement and practical ideas, join us for this conversation!
In this episode, we cover:
- What sparked the message behind Boyhood Resurrected and the modern cultural shift that has changed how boys are viewed and treated
- The difference between “daring and heroic” boyhood and the passive, muted version many boys are being shaped into today
- Why a boy’s energy, risk-taking, and drive for adventure are not problems to fix but qualities to steward well
- The tension many moms feel between protecting their sons and allowing the kind of risk that actually builds strength and confidence
- Practical ways to introduce healthy danger in age-appropriate ways, from climbing trees to using real tools with guidance
- Simple daily rhythms that build spiritual and emotional strength without over-structuring family life
- How work, responsibility, and even boredom play a key role in shaping boys into capable young men
- The connection between modern schooling struggles and the natural way boys are wired to move, learn, and engage
- Addressing whining, laziness, and resistance in a way that is clear, consistent, and doesn’t escalate the emotional tone of the home
- Finding the balance between raising strong boys and nurturing tender hearts without tipping into fragility
- Why limiting screens is essential for boys and how to replace digital stimulation with real-life adventure and creativity
- Practical ideas for occupying boys of every age when outdoor options are limited
- Encouraging brotherhood instead of rivalry through shared space, mutual respect, and avoiding comparison
View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Grab your copy of Boyhood Resurrected: Igniting a Revival of Daring and Heroic Boys and learn more at boyhoodresurrected.com
Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course
Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series
Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook
CONNECT
Rebekah Lovell | Website | Instagram | X
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest
24 March 2026, 8:00 am - 58 minutes 16 seconds331. Should Kids Have Smartphones? Rethinking Screens, Social Media, and Teens | Clare Morell, Author of The Tech Exit
Smartphones, social media, and interactive screens are something many parents today are thinking carefully about, especially when it comes to their kids. In this episode, I’m joined by Clare Morrell to talk about what the research shows regarding how these technologies affect developing brains and family life. We discuss practical ways families can approach technology differently, from trying a 30-day tech detox to delaying smartphones and modeling healthier phone habits as parents. If you’re looking for thoughtful perspective and practical ideas for navigating screens in your home, this conversation will be the encouragement you need!
In this episode, we cover:
- Why smartphones and social media apps are intentionally designed to capture kids’ time, attention, and data
- The brain science behind dopamine hits and why interactive screens are uniquely addictive for children
- Why even short amounts of screen time can affect kids’ mood, focus, and behavior throughout the day
- The surprising limitations of parental controls and why they rarely give parents real oversight
- Distinguishing between passive technology (like watching a movie) and highly stimulating interactive media
- How excessive screen stimulation can dysregulate a child’s nervous system and mimic ADHD-like symptoms
- What families experience during a 30-day digital detox and the behavioral changes many notice within weeks
- Ground rules for a family tech reset, including which devices and activities are removed during detox
- Why addressing our own phone habits as parents—and modeling healthier technology boundaries—plays a critical role in helping kids succeed
- Alternative phone options that allow teens to communicate without introducing smartphone distractions
- How some families delay smartphones until late high school or adulthood and what they observe long term
- Navigating cultural pressures—from youth groups to employers—that assume every teen has a smartphone
- The bigger vision behind a “tech exit”: raising kids who prioritize real-world skills, creativity, and relationships over digital consumption
View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Get your copy of Clare’s book The Tech Exit at TheTechExit.com
Explore free resources to accompany the book, including screen-free activity ideas, a group discussion guide, and a tech-exit checklist
Follow along with more resources and updates at ClareMorell.substack.com
Interested in the Wisephone mentioned in this episode? Use code CLARE for $20 off
Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course
Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series
Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook
CONNECT
Clare Morell | Website | Instagram | Substack | X
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest
10 March 2026, 8:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App