So I posted a photo of the inside of my barn recently. A random busy day. Mid-project. Chaotic mess. It wasn’t staged. It wasn’t curated. It wasn’t meant to impress anyone.

But ohhh buddy, the internet had thoughts.

Some people saw that photo and felt seen. They messaged me saying “thank you,” or “this made me feel normal,” or “this is exactly what my barn/kitchen/life looks like right now and I needed to know I wasn’t the only one.”

And then there were the others. The ones who called me lazy. Disgraceful. A terrible homesteader. (One person actually called me a “typical Amish slob,” which I’m still not sure how to process. Impressive creativity, I guess?)

So in today’s episode, I’m talking about what it means to be real online. Because this whole messy barn thing?

It wasn’t about the barn.

It was about the fact that we live in a world where it feels risky to tell the truth. Where saying “this is what my life looks like right now” might get you support… or it might get you absolutely roasted by strangers who think they know better.

I think we need more “messy barn moments.” Not just barns, either. Kitchens with dishes stacked. Gardens with weeds. Lives in mid-process. Because when we share those honest pieces of our lives, we create space for other people to breathe.

So if your metaphorical barn is messy today, friend? You’re in good company. Keep showing up. Keep doing the work. And if you feel like sharing the messy middle of your journey with the rest of us—go for it.

That’s where the good stuff lives anyway.

Don’t miss the main topic, starting at time stamp 4:26

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As life gets busier, especially on a homestead, it’s easy to fall into the trap of taking on all responsibilities, believing that it’s more efficient. And sometimes it is. But this mindset can lead to significant issues when unforeseen events occur.

Today I’m tackling the weighty issue of being the one who does everything. The recent very unexpected passing of my father-in-law highlighted the challenges of carrying too much responsibility within a household. Today I’m talking about the importance of sharing tasks, teaching others, and recognizing the unseen burdens we often take on.

This episode will not only encourage you to consider the implications of doing it all alone, but I hope it will also make you think about the potential isolation that “doing it all” it can create. Let’s learn how to foster collaboration and ensure that everyone is equipped to step in when needed, because the truth is, you can’t be the system and the backup plan at the same time.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that life is unpredictable, and we must prepare ourselves and our loved ones for the unexpected. By sharing the weight of responsibilities, we create a more resilient family and community. 

Don’t miss the main topic that starts at time stamp 5:50!

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“I wish things were like they used to be.”

In today’s 309th episode of the Farmish Kind of Life podcast, I dig into the nostalgia of “the good old days” and examine our longing for a simpler past. Whether it’s the warmth of family gatherings, the simplicity of life without modern distractions, or the stronger sense of community, nostalgia often paints a picture of a time that seems idyllic compared to the chaos of today. But can we truly recreate those simpler times in 2025? And how accurate is our rose-colored view of the good ol’ days, anyway?

If you’re feeling the weight of modern life, I encourage you to let go of whatever guilt you have about not living up to an idealized version of the past. Instead, find balance—it is TOTALLY okay to embrace the conveniences of today while honoring the values that matter most to us.

We can’t go back in time, but we can adapt and create a life that reflects the best of both worlds.  Don’t miss the main topic that starts at timestamp 7:37!

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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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