As some of you know by now, I am no longer homeschooling my kids. In this podcast episode, I'm talking all about our homeschool experiences, our journey from homeschool to public school, how I'm handling the change, and some of my deep thoughts and concerns that I have about school and about raising kids. 

Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

Podcast Episode Highlights:

• Homeschooling background
• Our homeschooling routine
• Why we went from homeschool to public school
• Homeschooling older kids vs. younger kids
• Reflecting on our education decisions for our kids
• My grief process and thoughts 
• How it's working for my kids
• My shifting thoughts on public school
• My concerns about homeschooling today
• Final thoughts

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

My old podcast episodes on school:

• S15: E10: What I’m Using for Homeschool Curriculum this Year (and a Plea) 
• S7: E2: What We’re Using for Homeschool Curriculum This Year
• Episode 153: The Homeschool Curriculum I’m Using This Year
• How Being Homeschooled Helped Me Later In Life 
• My Non-Fancy Homeschool Routine 
• What If My Kids Fall Behind?? (And other Homeschooling Questions) 
• The Hardest Thing We’ve Ever Done: The Charter School Tell-All

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

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!

I'm now going on five years of owning a restaurant in one of the smallest towns in Wyoming.

It’s one of the most gratifying things I’ve ever done. It’s also one of the most exhausting.

I’m proud of what we’re building in our little corner of Wyoming. I’m proud of the food. I’m proud of the place. I’m proud that people walk in and feel nostalgia, comfort, a sense of belonging… a remembering.

But in this podcast episode, I’m going to say the parts I usually don’t say out loud because, well… I feel like it. And some of it just needs to be said.

Podcast Episode Highlights:

• Backstory of our small-town restaurant 
• Confession #1: The Locals Are Our Lifeblood (And Also… a Lot)
• Confession #2: I Wish We Could Rate Customers
• Confession #3: We’re Not Trying to Make Your Life Hard with Our Limited Hours
• Confession #4: Staffing Is… Complicated
• Confession #5: I’m Not Getting Rich Off This
• Confession #6: We Care a Lot About What We Serve You 
• Final thoughts...

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/

Sign up for my Substack here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/

Learn more about Chugwater Soda Fountain here: https://www.chugwatersodafountain.com/

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

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!

In the past, I've shared about mainly the homestead part of myself on this podcast. Not because I was hiding the rest of me—but because the rest didn’t really fit the homestead narrative. 

But lately… it’s been shifting. The homestead part of me is still woven into my days, but it’s not the headline anymore. It’s moved to the background, and other parts of me are finally coming up for air.

So this feels like the perfect time for a reintroduction and a closer look at some of my rough edges.

Podcast Episode Highlights:

• Why I'm doing a reintroduction
• My deep connection to horses 
• Hot or cold personality
• My beauty routine
• My thoughts on pop culture
• Move fast, think fast, talk fast, etc.
• How I talk and how I look
• My clothes preference
• My intolerance for current Instagram trends about women
• My thoughts on homestead content right now
• What I love to read
• My thoughts on politics and religion
• Final thoughts on rough edges

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/

Sign up for my Substack here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

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!

Folks always ask me how I "do it all" but the truth is, that I don't. Listen in as I talk about I do NOT have a balanced life and what I do instead.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• My thoughts on 'balance' in life
• My summer as an example
• Dealing with guilt and the aftermath 
• Learning how to say 'No'
• Thoughts on using a team for help
• Details on how I use my planner 
• Final thoughts

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: http://www.prairieplanner.com/

Sign up for my Substack here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/

See more details on how I use my planner here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2025/11/my-un-instagrammable-planner-system.html

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

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!

Hey friends, I’m Back! (Sorta). I thought I'd share some of my deep thoughts on why I've been quiet lately and what you can expect from me in the future. Listen in as I share updates on my life as well as my shifting perspectives on homesteading, purpose, and more.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• The reason that I've been quiet for six months...
• A personal shift in my life
• Deep thoughts about my online presence
• Shifting from mentor to connection
• My shifting opinions on "homesteading" these days
• Transitioning from homeschool to charter school
• The Simple Life isn't the Finish Line
• Showing you all the pieces instead of just a brand
• Final updates and thoughts

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: http://www.prairieplanner.com/

Sign up for my Substack here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

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!

Homesteading has seasons—sometimes it's front and center, and other times it takes a backseat. In this episode, I’m sharing how our life looks different right now, why that’s okay, and how I’ve made peace with the inevitable FOMO. 

We’ll chat about the honeymoon stage of homesteading, shifting priorities, and the simple ways I’m keeping it woven into our daily life, even when it’s not the main focus. If you’ve ever felt guilty for stepping back, this one’s for you!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• My upcoming cookbook project 
• Homesteading is trendy now
• Why homesteading is taking a backseat in my life now
• Thinking about my cow Oakley
• Prepare for your own shifts in life
• The main three shifts in the homestead life
• My current calling
• Homesteading becoming a tool instead of an identity
• How burnout can happen
• Doing less but in more meaningful ways
• Simplifying and systemizing 
• Not feeling guilt for shifting 
• Final thoughts and encouragement

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com

• Use the code HOMESTEAD to save 20% on your order

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

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!

When we start gardening, it’s easy to focus on the plants—but what if we’re missing the bigger picture? Today, I’m chatting with Gregg Forster of Wisconsin Mineral Solutions about why soil health is the key to nutrient-dense food and thriving farms. 

We dive into how industrial agriculture has depleted our food’s nutritional value, what homesteaders might be getting wrong, and the simple changes that can make a big difference. Whether you’re growing a backyard garden or running a farm, this episode will change the way you think about soil, sustainability, and the future of our food.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Gregg's background and how he got into this business
• The nutritional value of fresh produce
• What contributes to nutritional loss in our food
• How this nutritional loss affects our health
• What we need to nurture in our soil
• Step 1: Soil Tests
• Step 2: Adding amendments the right way
• Step 3: Adding diversity to your soil
• Red flags in your garden that there's a problem
• How to prevent problems in the first place
• How long does it take to get results
• Final tips and thoughts from Gregg

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Gregg Forster and his services here: https://www.wisconsinmineralsolutions.com/

Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453

Check out Redmond's Soil Testing Kit here: http://theprairiehomestead.com/soiltest

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

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!

Ever wondered if raised beds are really worth the hype? In this episode, I sit down with Scott Wilson from Gardening with Scott to dig into the good, the bad, and the surprising when it comes to raised bed gardening. We chat about how to build beds from free/cheap materials, how to fill beds without breaking the bank, how to keep soil healthy year after year, watering strategies, and some genius hacks for getting the most out of every square foot. 

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just thinking about building your first bed, this episode is packed with practical, no-nonsense advice!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• What Scott's garden looks like
• Talking about raised beds (uniform vs. natural)
• Are raised beds the best option for gardening?
• How to fill raised garden beds
• Talking about hügelkultur
• How to replenish the nutrients in raised beds overtime
• Till vs.  no-till for raised beds
• Mulch, amendments, and more
• Watering the raised beds
• What you should and should NOT grow in a raised beds
• How to make a garden raised bed for cheap or free
• Scott's favorite thing to grow in a raised bed
• Final tips and thoughts on raised beds

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Follow Scott Wilson on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWsI0LmiDyezbnN2JCL4P9w

Find Scott on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/gardenerscott/

Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

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!

In this episode, I welcome back Mike Vaona, the engineer-turned-baker behind Rosehill Sourdough, to chat about his recent deep dive into fresh-milled flours. We cover a range of topics, from tweaking hydration levels and the surprising effects of oxidation to the differences between ancient, heritage, and modern wheats. 

Mike also shares his thoughts on nutrient loss over time, his favorite gluten-free flour, and best practices for baking with fresh-milled flour. This is one deep dive you won't want to miss!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Mike's current adventures with fresh-milled flours
• How Mike has changed his mind on sifting, hydration, and more
• A closer look at oxidation and the process of improving bread
• Different wheat berry compare/contrast (bracket competition)
• Heritage, ancient, and modern wheats
• Thoughts on having the best of both worlds
• Best practices with freshly-milled flour

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Mike and Rosehill Sourdough (and get 10% off!) through this link: https://rosehillsourdough.com/cp/Jill

Find your nearest mill for wheat berries here: https://amyhalloran.net/mills/

Listen to Mike's first episode on the podcast here: Season 15: Episode 7: A More Efficient Way to Sourdough

Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.com

• Use code HOMESTEAD to save up to $300 on your air doctor system

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

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!

In this episode, I chat with Mimi Smith-Dvorak, author of Too Many Eggs, a cookbook packed with over 800 ways to use eggs. We dive into the history of eggs, the current egg drama, creative ways to use up a surplus (including flavoring them in the shell!), storage tricks, and even some unexpected non-culinary uses. 

If you’ve ever found yourself with more eggs than you know what to do with, this episode is for you!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• A closer look at Mimi's cookbook
• Feeding the chickens
• Thoughts on current shortages of eggs and prices
• Favorite ways to use eggs
• Favorite historical tidbit about eggs
• Best practices for making mayonnaise
• Making practical recipes with eggs
• The disaster stories with eggs
• How to tell if an egg has gone bad
• History of eggs and refrigeration
• Non-culinary uses for eggs
• Final thoughts from Mimi

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Mimi Smith-Dvorak and her book Too Many Eggs here: www.toomanyeggs.com

Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com

• Use the code HOMESTEAD to save 20% on your order

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

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!