Remember those carefree days of childhood when you dreamed of being in charge of your own life? Well, the reality of adulthood can be quite different. Sometimes it’s not as easy when someone isn’t “the boss of you”.

“No one is coming to save you,” is a mantra often echoed in the prepping community, but I’ve found it to be one that applies to everyday life as well. It’s a wake-up call to acknowledge that if we want to see change in our life, we must be the ones to make it happen. Today I’m challenging you to stop waiting for motivation, which can be fleeting, and instead focus on the discipline required to take action.

I’ve recently been stuck in a lot of “I’m gonnas” that never move forward, and I’ve had to work through that with some honesty. So today I’m giving practical steps to overcome procrastination and get unstuck. Let’s talk about making a decision, breaking down goals into ultra-manageable steps, and setting deadlines. By simplifying tasks, we can avoid the overwhelm that often leads to inaction.

Whether it’s making your own vanilla extract, cleaning out the garage, or finally remembering to call that family member or friend, today I’m encouraging you to take that first step, however small, to build momentum on the things you want to do.

With a little discipline and planning, we can turn our “I’m gonna” into “I did.” Don’t miss the main topic that starts at time stamp 7:55!

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Has your passion for homesteading shifted?

In episode 307 of the Farmish Kind of Life podcast, I’m talking about the evolving landscape of homesteading. Once defined by an all-consuming passion, some homesteaders are now experiencing a shift. It’s got them wondering if their excitement has faded or if they’ve simply moved on to other interests.

Today I’m sharing my thoughts on why this change is happening, while reflecting on the pandemic’s influence and the natural ebb and flow of enthusiasm. I also dig into the complexities of identity, community, and personal growth within the world of homesteading.

Is homesteading just a phase? Or is it possible to embrace it as a part of a broader lifestyle? Let’s redefine what homesteading means to us and how to find joy in the journey, even when the spark feels different.

Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for anyone looking to find balance in their life. Tune in and discover how to embrace the journey of lifesteading—building a life that includes more than just chickens, sourdough, and tomatoes.

The main topic starts at 7:54. Hope you find today’s episode helpful!

Want to incubate chickens this year? Check out this video on how I built a homemade incubator from a cooler (and it can even be run as a 12 volt setup!)

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Small but mighty is definitely a thing. 

In today’s episode, I share five tiny (but powerful!) phrases I’ve decided to live by in 2025. These short and sweet phrases, written on my office whiteboard, have given me clarity, perspective, and sanity as I wander through what this year has already set on my plate.

Today I’m talking about:

These phrases are itty bitty but they pack a powerful punch. I hope you find them helpful in your own journey this year. Main topic starts at 8:59!

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Have you ever felt the need to constantly explain or defend your life choices? It’s exhausting. In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the liberating realization that it’s absolutely okay to be misunderstood.

We all want people to think positively about us—it’s human nature. But here’s the thing: not everyone deserves an explanation for your decisions. Not everyone needs to “get” you, and guess what? That’s completely fine.

Today, I’m challenging the belief that we have to justify ourselves to everyone we encounter. Instead, we’ll talk about setting boundaries around who actually matters in these conversations. And here’s the kicker: sometimes, the most freeing thing you can do is simply let people misunderstand. Life goes on, the sun still rises, and you stay true to yourself.

Misunderstandings are just part of being human. I hope today’s episode helps you let go of the need to be understood by everyone and instead get down to living life on your terms.

Main topic starts at 7:32. Don’t miss it!

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Ever tried tackling a homestead project with someone only to wonder if you’re secretly speaking different languages? In this week’s episode, we’re diving into something that affects every partnership—whether you’re building a rabbitry, fixing a fence, or just figuring out dinner: the wildly different ways our brains work.

Learning styles, strengths, weaknesses—we all have them, and they’re not always the same. My husband’s mechanical and spatial genius often clashes with my strengths in communication and writing, leading to some interesting moments over the years. After 26 years of knowing each other (14 of them spent doing projects on the farm), we’ve learned to navigate our differences, embrace what makes us unique, and find ways to work together without losing our minds.

Tune in as I share some honest stories, lessons learned, and tips for making it work when your partner just doesn’t get it. (Main topic starts at 7:04)

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I know. It’s a somewhat cliché topic for the beginning of another year. Then again, it seems to be something we have to keep revisiting. (Hmm… ever asked yourself why that is?)

Today we’re talking about clutter, the search for simplicity, the hell yes or no principle, and making space for what matters most. Whether it’s the physical chaos of a disorganized barn, the mental overload of our to-do lists, or the emotional weight of strained friendships that have run their course, clutter takes many forms and can obscure what truly matters.

It’s time to chop through the mess of physical, mental and emotional bedlam. And if we attack it correctly, maybe we won’t be talking about this AGAIN next year. (Main topic starts at 9:18)

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Today, we’re tackling the importance of being honest about the year that’s ending before diving into our plans and dreams for the new year. And the best way to reflect on the past year with honesty and realism will have you using a tool you might not expect—your smartphone.

This episode is inspired by a mind-shifting podcast I recently listened to (thank you, Mel Robbins!) which challenged me to reassess what I think is happening in my life versus what is actually happening. 

(Yikes. They’re two VERY different things.)

After listening to Mel’s recent podcast episode, I was prompted to take a hard look at my own year through the lens of my (get this!) my smartphone’s camera roll. This exercise revealed a BIG difference between the year I thought I had and the year I actually had. It was a slap in the face wake-up call to the realities of my life, my priorities, and the changes I need to make moving forward.

By scrolling through your photos (or calendar app, or whatever works for you), you’ll see the year you truly experienced, not the one you imagined. This can lead to some profound realizations about yourself and your life. For me, it highlighted areas where I need to be more intentional with my time and relationships. It also revealed some personal truths that were super hard to face but necessary for growth.

I encourage you to try this exercise and see what it reveals about your own life. It’s a powerful way to set more realistic and meaningful goals for the new year. (Main topic starts at time stamp 7:03)

Mel Robbins’ podcast episode 247, “How to Make This Year the Best Year: Ask Yourself These Seven Questions.”

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I started my website in 2009. I published my first book in 2012. I started my podcast in 2018. YouTube joined my to-do list somewhere in there.

In today’s episode of the Farmish Kind of Life podcast, we’re diving into something I like to call the “life cycle of information platforms”. Because here’s the thing: platforms like ebooks, podcasting, blogging, YouTube, social media platforms (and more) undergo a predictable cycle of rise, saturation, and decline.

Creators and audiences alike perpetuate this cycle. So, today we’re talking about some of the reasons behind these shifts — like oversaturation, creator burnout, and audience fatigue. Platforms initially attract users with low barriers to entry and easy-to-use tools, leading to an absolute flood of content. However, as competition increases, it becomes harder for creators to stand out, which leads to both a decline in content quality AND audience interest.

But this episode isn’t just about technology—it’s a reflection of us as people and of life itself. All this tech talk absolutely holds lessons about life cycles and patterns. Put your thinking cap on and let’s dig in. (Main topic starts at 8:54)

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Today’s episode is all about choices—specifically, 10 that you can make this holiday season to navigate get togethers with grace, humor, and humility. (Main topic starts at 7:48.)

From remembering to pack patience to choosing humor over hostility, I offer practical advice to help you keep hold of your peace and sanity amid the holiday craziness. Hopefully this (somewhat) light-hearted yet (definitely) insightful episode can encourage you to focus on the positive, set healthy boundaries, and remember that you control your energy and reactions.

I know, I know. It sounds like a poster you would see in your 6th grade classroom, but it’s true: We can’t always control the actions of others, but we can choose how we respond. That isn’t something to roll your eyes at, it’s actually supposed to be empowering! Take charge of your holiday experiences.

And why is that important?

It’s because other people—especially children—are watching and learning from us. And you, my friends, are going to go out there and be the positive change you want to see during the holiday season.

I hope today’s episode gives you much to consider, helps you to file situations in the “correct column”, and inspires you to sprinkle a little more awesome where people are too stuck to do it themselves.

Hot Dog Bun Recipe

The Farmish Collection (snail mail newsletters!)

Where I’m at: Facebook page, Telegram chat group, Discord group, TikTok, YouTube

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I had no idea that a quick grocery shopping trip and my son’s choice of cooking oil would lead me to such a deep, uncomfortable realization about my own perspectives… and privilege. 

The truth is, our current circumstances often cloud our memories of past struggles. Different stages of life (or other situations) can make us forget where we once were and so we fail to keep grace and empathy in our interactions with others. (Main topic starts at 6:53)

Today I’m encouraging you to embrace the gray areas of life and acknowledge that not everything is black and white. Let’s look beyond our current realities and to remember that everyone is on their own unique path, facing their own set of challenges and triumphs.

I hope this episode will help you reflect on your own journey and the paths of those around you. At the end of the day, life isn’t a competition, and various “right and wrongs” are relative, at best. We’re all just people trying to figure It out, and I think there’s a certain beauty in that shared experience.

Where I’m at: Facebook page, Telegram chat group, Discord group, TikTok, YouTube

Monthly Snail Mail Newsletter: Subscribe here

Books I Wrote: Non-fiction books, Fiction books

Join my Facebook group: The Get By Guys and Gals Group

Buy my shirts!: The Farmish Kind of Life Bonfire Store