In this compelling conversation, Darin and Monica Strong share what they learned from building their early homestead in the wrong order and how those lessons now shape their approach to preparation, community, and faith. They explore what “building your ark” looks like today— from prioritizing food storage to decentralizing your resources and refusing to homestead in isolation. With bold conviction, they urge us to cultivate discernment in this cultural moment, listen for God’s leading, and remember that growing our faith is the most important step we can take toward being prepared for what is next.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Darin & Monica realized they built their first homestead out of order and what they now believe every new homesteader needs

• A fresh take on “building your ark”: how Noah’s obedience, timing, and spiritual posture are reflected in the modern homesteading movement

• Why long-term food storage is the first layer of peace, not panic, and how one bulk order can jump start your preparedness plan

• What happens when you acquire animals before infrastructure (including the milk cow story that changed their plans!)

• A call to break out of isolation and rebuild the kind of agrarian, interdependent communities our great-grandparents lived in

• How homesteaders are decentralizing their food sources and reclaiming territory

• Why homesteading often looks “irrational” from the outside and how that mirrors Noah building an ark before rain existed

• Discernment for this cultural moment: knowing when to stay, when to move, and how to listen for God’s voice above the noise

• A bold reminder that faith (more than skill, money, or land) is the foundation of resilience in the storms ahead

• Encouragement for the families feeling stirred or called into something new and why obedience now matters for what comes next

Thank you to our sponsors!

KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction

Premier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert advice

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Gain access to the conference videos mentioned in this episode by becoming an HOA member

Find out if there’s an Azure Standard drop near you!

Check out the previous HOA episode with AJ Richards

Snag your REFORMER hat here

CONNECT

Darin & Monica Strong | Website | Instagram | YouTube | X

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

GET MORE FROM THIS EPISODE

Watch this episode on YouTube:

View full show notes and transcript on the blog: https://homesteadersofamerica.com/e52-before-the-storm-preparing-your-homestead-and-heart-for-what-is-to-come-darin-monica-strong/

The future of real food in America depends on ordinary families choosing to understand where their food comes from.  In this episode, AJ Richards shares why our current food system is more fragile than it seems and how both homesteaders and everyday consumers can be part of restoring it. From the impact of big corporations and foreign imports to the growing need for local connection and community resilience, this conversation sheds light on what is really at stake AND how each of us can spark meaningful change. This is an important conversation you won’t want to miss out on!

In this episode, we cover:

- AJ’s southern Utah ranching roots, Bundy family heritage, and winding path from Army deployment to city life to running a USDA slaughterhouse in Wyoming

- Why the 2020 food supply crisis became the catalyst that inspired FromTheFarm.org

- The story behind building a platform that reconnects consumers directly with local farmers and ranchers

- How the mission has grown into nearly 100 producers across 35 states with a heart for ministry and stewardship

- Why decades of beef industry consolidation left independent ranchers struggling to survive

- How social media has become a tool for exposing corruption and educating consumers about the food system

- The ripple effects of imported beef policies and how they’re impacting American producers

- A discussion on new hope for first-generation ranchers willing to innovate and build community connections

- Why the NCBA’s alignment with big industry has created frustration among small producers

- Thoughts on land and water buyouts across the West and how corporate control is reshaping agriculture

- The importance of USDA partnerships aimed at restoring grazing rights and strengthening local processing

- What to know about the screw-worm threat at the southern border and ongoing prevention efforts

- A reminder to follow God’s prompting, stay grounded in community, and keep using your voice for change

Thank you to our sponsors!

KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction

Premier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert advice

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Learn more about the rancher advocacy group mentioned in this episode, R-CALF

CONNECT

AJ Richards | Website | Instagram | Instagram  Facebook | X | YouTube

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

GET MORE FROM THIS EPISODE

Watch this episode on YouTube:

View full show notes and transcript on the blog: https://homesteadersofamerica.com/e51-the-future-of-real-food-and-the-beef-herd-of-america-aj-richards-of-from-the-farm/

Even if you eat real food, live an active lifestyle, and try to do everything “right,” you could still be missing one key mineral that supports nearly every system in your body. In this episode, Nathan of Mitigate Stress explains why magnesium deficiency is so common today, what makes magnesium bicarbonate different from other forms, and how easily it can be incorporated into your daily routine. Nathan shares how restoring this essential mineral transformed his own health after years of unexplained fatigue and inflammation. His story is evidence that sometimes the missing piece to better energy, sleep, and calm is simpler than we think. Join us for this conversation to learn why magnesium matters more than you realize and how to start replenishing it naturally!

In this episode, we cover:

- How a sudden case of Bell’s Palsy at age 18 launched Nathan’s journey to uncover the root of his health struggles

- The wake-up call that came later: debilitating inflammation, fatigue, and pain despite a “healthy” lifestyle

- Why the search for answers led him through vegetarianism, bodybuilding, and finally back to real food and faith

- The story behind founding Mitigate Stress and the mission to create the most natural, absorbable magnesium in the world

- What makes magnesium bicarbonate unique and why most forms of magnesium don’t actually absorb well

- The crucial role magnesium plays in stress reduction, hormone balance, energy, sleep, and overall vitality

- Simple ways to incorporate magnesium bicarbonate, sprays, and baths into your daily rhythm for better recovery and calm

- How mineral deficiencies develop in our modern food supply (even for homesteaders) and the role of supplementation in nutrition

- The connection between faith, physical health, and community— how returning to God transformed Nathan’s wellness journey

- A conversation about living more intentionally and addressing root causes instead of quick fixes, both in health and homesteading

Thank you to our sponsors!

McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock

Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Check out and shop the specific supplements mentioned in this episode:

Magnesium bicarbonate Master Mineral Drink daily supplement

Magnesium Oil Spray

Magnesium Bath Flakes

Pure Shilajit tablets, capsules and more

CONNECT

Nathan Colonna | Website | Instagram | YouTube

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

GET MORE FROM THIS EPISODE

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/icK8np6TW_s
View full show notes and transcript on the blog: https://homesteadersofamerica.com/?p=127890

Could the simple act of spending more time outside be the key to restoring health, peace, and connection in your home?  In this episode, Ginny Yurich shares how embracing long days outdoors not only transformed her entire motherhood experience but also sparked the global 1000 Hours Outside movement.  From letting go of rigid schedules to reclaiming childhood from screens, Ginny’s story points us back to the simple, grounding rhythms of home, health, and family life that brought us to homesteading in the first place.

In this episode, we cover:

• Ginny’s early struggles with rigid parenting schedules and exhausting days with little ones

• How Ginny first stumbled upon Charlotte Mason’s recommendation of spending 4–6 hours outside each day

• What marked Ginny’s first good day as a mom and how it changed her family’s trajectory

• The birth of 1000 Hours Outside to reclaim childhood from screen time

• How her family’s health transformed by being outside each day– kids eating, sleeping, and playing better, fewer doctor visits

• Why natural light and outdoor rhythms are essential for eyes, sleep, and overall wellness

• Tools for families: trackers, coloring sheets, and a mobile app to make goals fun

• Shifting from traditional homeschooling to a slower, life-centered approach

• Homeschooling without constant testing—kids will thrive, learn deeply, and pursue real-world goals

• Reflections on industrialization, homesteading, and restoring family life at home

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you to our sponsors!

KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction

Premier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert advice

ABOUT GINNY

Ginny Yurich is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder and CEO of 1000 Hours Outside; a global movement, media company and lifestyle brand with a mission centered around reclaiming childhood, reconnecting families and helping people live a fuller life.

She is the host and producer of the extremely popular The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, a keynote public speaker, zinnia enthusiast, and published author.

Holding a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, Ginny and her husband, Josh have been married for over 21 years and are lifelong Michiganders. They love raising their five children on their little hobby farm in “The Great Lakes State.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Get your hands on the REFORMER merch Amy is wearing in this podcast episode

Track your family’s hours outside using these resources on Ginny’s website

Grab your copy of Ginny's book, Homeschooling: You're Doing It Right Just By Doing It

CONNECT

Ginny Yurich | Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | Podcast
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

From scaling a handful of pre-sold meat chickens into a profitable farm business to running classes, events, and online courses that now support her household, Beth Declercq has mastered the art of making a homestead pay for itself all while raising eight children at home. In this episode, she shares how she focuses on core income streams, grows profitable ventures, and even employs her own kids through the family’s LLC to teach them skills and keep more of what they earn. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your homestead into a sustainable source of income without stepping away from family life, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Listen in!

In this episode, we cover:

• Beth’s path from city living to a thriving 10-acre homestead with her husband and eight kids

• How a focus on real food in 2011 grew into a diverse, mostly self-sufficient farm

• Creating a dedicated “scullery” to handle the mess of preservation, milking, and butchering outside the main kitchen

• Setting a goal for the homestead to be financially independent—and the strategy that made it happen

• Scaling from 100 pre-sold meat chickens to 750 a year, with profits funding the rest of the farm

• Focusing on core enterprises—meat chickens, on-farm events, herd shares, and poultry processing—rather than striving to make every element profitable

• Paying kids for their work in the family’s LLC-run enterprises as both a tax strategy and life skill

• Hosting entry-level classes and community gatherings to generate income and build relationships

• Turning repeated questions from followers into online courses and a membership that now supports their household income

• Encouragement for homestead dreamers to start small, accept imperfect beginnings, and build skills and income streams before they’re urgently needed

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating

McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Subscribe to the Homesteaders of America magazine

CONNECT

Beth Declercq | Website | Instagram | Facebook

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

Beloved HOA speaker and returning podcast guest RuthAnn Zimmerman is back to share what life looks like right now on her family’s 21-acre homestead in Iowa. We start with a glimpse into their summer rhythms—overflowing gardens, plenty of fresh milk, and kids’ morning chore routines—but quickly move into deeper ground.  RuthAnn reflects on the beauty that homesteading has given her family beyond just homegrown food.  She offers gentle encouragement for parents who feel stretched thin and reminds us that we don’t have to do it all.  At the heart of it, RuthAnn shares why this lifestyle is about so much more than food— it's about faith, family, and building a legacy rooted in relationship.

In this episode, we cover:

• A look at summertime on the Zimmermans’ Iowa homestead— garden abundance, milk cow abundance, and finding the balance between chores and downtime

• Kids having morning meltdowns? The simple morning routine RuthAnn’s kids never skip to support mood and energy

• What RuthAnn discovered about her true passions through book writing (spoiler: it’s not actually homesteading!)

• The real reason the Zimmermans started and grew their 21-acre homestead— it wasn’t just about food

• Encouragement for young moms in the thick of it— you won’t always be in this season, and you’re right where you need to be

• A mindset shift for when life feels overwhelming: you don’t have to do it all

• Why knowing your “why” matters in homesteading; knowledge alone won’t carry you through

• How homesteading can be the perfect foundation for building strong relationships with your kids, even when the tasks don’t feel fun

• Why gaining real-life skills is just as valuable (or more!) as gaining formal education

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + ⁠watch this episode on YouTube⁠⁠.

Thank you to our sponsors!

KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction

Premier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert advice

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Listen to RuthAnn’s previous episode on the HOA podcast

Pre-order The Heart of the Homestead through ChristianBook and use code RuthAnn to get 40% off

Check out the pre-order bonuses for The Heart of the Homestead

Browse RuthAnn’s recipes here

CONNECT

RuthAnn Zimmerman | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

Joel Salatin is back to share why he’s taking a bold stand against federal overreach—and what really happens when the government comes knocking. From eye-opening bird flu extermination tactics to a surprising call from RFK Jr., Joel breaks down the growing pressure on small farms, who’s profiting, and the natural solutions being ignored. He also challenges the myth of total self-sufficiency and makes a compelling case for building strong, local community ties. Whether you're in the thick of farming or just passionate about food freedom, this conversation will inspire you to think differently—and take action right where you are!

In this episode, we cover:

• Why Joel is taking a hard stand against federal overreach on his farm

• The shocking methods used in bird flu extermination

• How a sheriff’s bold promise gave Joel the confidence to push back

• The surprising call Joel got from RFK Jr. and how it sparked national momentum

• Why small farms are getting squeezed out—and who’s profiting most

• Natural, non-vaccine treatments for bird flu that no one wants to talk about

• The real reason some hatcheries are canceling your meat bird orders

• Why building your “farm team” might matter more than being self-sufficient

• Practical ways to serve your community now—so they’ll show up when it counts

• What really happens when the government shows up without a warrant

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this video on YouTube.

Thank you to our sponsors!

McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock

Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Watch The Lunatic Farmer by Angel Studios

CONNECT

Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

In this episode, Kate Tietje, founder of Earthley Wellness, shares her inspiring journey from a mom experimenting with herbal remedies to leading a thriving natural wellness company. Kate shares how her daughter’s health challenges sparked her passion for herbalism, the rapid growth of Earthley, and her commitment to clean, effective products. Discover her top herbal remedies for cold and flu season, favorite herbs like calendula and ginger, and tips for incorporating natural wellness into your life. Whether you're an herbalist, a homesteader, or simply curious about holistic health, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how Earthley is revolutionizing natural wellness with transparency and education!

In this episode, we cover:

• Kate’s journey into herbalism, inspired by her daughter’s health challenges

• How Kate started Earthley Wellness, from blogging to launching her first product

• Rapid growth of Earthley Wellness and its milestones since 2015

• Impact of the 2020 pandemic on the demand for natural remedies

• Incredible testimonials from customers about Earthley’s life-changing products

• Discussion of Earthley’s top-selling products and how they can help your family: Good Night Lotion, Feel Better Fast, and Elderberry Elixir

• Challenges faced by Earthley, including FDA scrutiny and media criticism

• Kate’s self-taught herbalism journey and her favorite educational resources

• Recommended herbs for cold and flu season: elderberry and mullein

• Kate’s top two favorite herbs: calendula and ginger, and their versatile uses

• Earthley’s commitment to clean, additive-free products through the “Revive and Restore Promise”

• Kate’s book Natural Remedies for Kids and how it can serve your family

• Closing thoughts on empowering consumers with education and holistic wellness

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!

KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction

Premier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert advice

ABOUT KATE

Kate and Ben are parents to 6 children, ranging from 16 years down to 6.5 years. They are a homesteading, homeschooling family who have an extensive garden, including herbs! They love teaching their kids to enjoy and be good stewards of the Earth, on and off the job. 

Kate loves medical freedom, sharing natural remedies, developing real food recipes, and gentle parenting. Her goal is to teach you how to live your life free from Big Pharma, Big Food, and Big Government by learning about herbs, cooking, and sustainable practices. 

Kate is the author of Natural Remedies for Kids and the owner and lead herbalist at Earthley.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Check out Earthley’s many offerings on their website

Some best-selling products: Good Night Lotion, Feel Better Fast, Elderberry Elixir

Herbalism books and authors:

- Books by Rosemary Gladstar

- Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun S. Weed

- The Herbalist's Way: The Art and Practice of Healing with Plant Medicines by Nancy & Michael Phillips

- Books by Matthew Wood

- Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine by David Hoffman

- Natural Remedies for Kids by Kate Tietje

Recommended for cold and flu: elderberry syrup DIY kit, elderberry tincture, DIY elderberry recipe, Cough B Gone

Earthley’s Revive and Restore Promise

Check out Kate’s blog filled with education and recipes

CONNECT

Kate Tietje | Website | Facebook

Earthley Wellness | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

As a homesteader who values organic and sustainable farming practices, Adam looked around and wondered why he couldn’t find these same principles applied to the production of honey.  He made it his mission to learn everything he could about raising honeybees with the most natural methods possible.  Today, he writes and teaches homesteaders how to start their own honeybee farms.  In this conversation, we chat about selecting and building a hive, keeping bees through the winter, the adaptability of naturally-raised bees, and more.  We hope this episode leaves you feeling empowered to start on your own beekeeping endeavor!

In this episode, we cover:

• What makes Adam’s natural and organic beekeeping methods different from conventional practices

• Tips for maintaining healthy bees through the cold winter months

• Making an argument for why horizontal hives are better than vertical hives for the backyard beekeeper

• A few options for those who want to create their own DIY horizontal bee hive

• Adam’s encouragement for those who dream of starting or growing their homestead

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you to our sponsors!

McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock

Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating

ABOUT ADAM

Bee Kept is located in Middle Tennessee and is founded by Adam and Leslie Martin. Their bee adventure started using all of the traditional methods taught and promoted by beekeepers and bee clubs all over the western world. After failing miserably in their first season of beekeeping, they used these failures as opportunities to learn outside-of-the-bee-box thinking with their beekeeping methods. They learned God’s Creative Intelligent Design for honey bees and more natural and sustainable beekeeping practices. The rest is history! 

Since then their bees have enjoyed great success in overwintering without feeding sugar water or treating for pests, and they have naturally begun to share what they have learned with others.  Adam loves teaching others about bees almost as much as he loves the bees.  

If you have tried keeping bees and failed, or if you are just learning and wanting to get into it, Adam will inspire you to get going!   Adam teaches that anyone can learn how to trap feral bees, keep them in a low to no maintenance system, and manage the colonies in horizontal hives that are better for the bees and the beekeeper!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Check out Adam’s new book,Bee Kept With Wild And Free Honey Bees by Adam Martin

Free plans to build the Langstroth Long Hive

Come see Adam in May at our Learn to Homestead in a Weekend event

CONNECT

Adam Martin of Bee Kept | Website | Instagram | Facebook

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

If you have had the privilege of hearing Jill speak at one of our events in the past, you know what a powerhouse she is when it comes to all things homesteading.  Not only is she an expert in a variety of homestead pursuits – market gardening, cut flower gardening, sourdough, and more – she is a very creative and intentional businesswoman.  And she does it all on only four acres!  If you have a desire to use your small acreage to provide both food AND income for your family, don’t miss this episode.  We cover a lot of ground in this episode, so buckle up!

In this episode, we cover:

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Earthley.com | Clean, natural, and affordable herbal remedies and body care that support health and wellness naturally 

Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating

ABOUT JILL

Jill Ragan is a small farmer and online educator, balancing life as a wife and mother of four beautiful children, three girls and one boy. Her journey into growing food began when she saw a largely unmet need in our society; with broken food systems, unfortunate waste, and an overall lack of connection to our Earth. She started growing food for her family instead of sourcing it from the grocery store, reducing waste as much as possible, and learning how to compost. Shortly thereafter, Jill began teaching others how important it is to do the same for themselves. She started documenting the simple changes she was implementing to contribute to the health of our planet and has since grown an extensive following on YouTube’s Whispering Willow Farm channel. 

Jill now grows food full time on a much larger scale on her family’s tiny but mighty home farm. She teaches others daily and takes advantage of any opportunity to demonstrate how even the smallest environmental action can make a significant impact. With passion and personality, Jill is committed to sharing her hard-earned knowledge with anyone and everyone she can.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Join us at our annual Homesteaders of America event in October 2025

CONNECT

Jill Ragan of Whispering Willow Farm | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest