2024 was nothing like I expected—but somehow, it turned out even better than I could have hoped. It was a rollercoaster of a year, filled with some of the hardest lessons I’ve faced so far. 

While it wasn’t always easy, looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. In this episode, I’m sharing the challenges, struggles, and valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way. Tune in to hear the journey!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• My predictions of 2024 failed...
• The book that influenced me this year
• Our business plans this year 
• The hard lesson on 'Surrender'
• The inspiring quote I leaned into this year
• The hard lesson on responsibility and risks
• The hard lesson on seasons...
• The hard lesson on pressure
• Learning that the people you need come at just the right time
• Final thoughts

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about the Old-Fashioned on Purpose Planner here: www.prairieplanner.com 

The podcast episode I did with Kate Kavanaugh on her podcast Mind, Body, and Soil: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-complexity-of-simplicity-with-jill-winger/id1615122217?i=1000670634958

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 sit down with Bob Quinn, a Montana farmer and the driving force behind Kamut wheat, to chat about his journey from conventional farming to becoming a pioneer in regenerative agriculture. 

We dive into the story of how he rediscovered this ancient grain, Kamut's healing properties, and the creative ways he's helped to boost the economy of his small rural community. Bob’s passion for farming and his vision for a better food system will leave you inspired and hungry for change—literally!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Bob Quinn's background and thoughts on cheap food
• Looking at food costs in a different way
• How to bring value back into our communities that have been affected
• Bob's journey with Kamut wheat
• Nutrient content and health benefits of Kamut wheat
• Talking about other ancient grains
• A closer look at gluten sensitivities
• Tips for using Kamut in your cooking
• Industrial system vs. conventional system
• How Bob uses his greenhouse

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Bob Quinn and the Quinn Institute here: https://quinninstitute.org 

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'm joined by Melissa Dowbiggin, the Sugar-Free Coach and founder of Be Free and Eat. I learned so much from this conversation! 

Listen in to learn how to tell if you are dealing with a sugar addiction (it's more prevalent than you think!), the surprising reasons our body's crave sugar, how to overcome the cravings, which natural sweeteners are best, and lots more!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• The effects of sugar on our bodies
• Genetics and addiction connection
• History of processed sugar
• How to learn if you have a sugar addiction
• How the things you eat and drink affect your cravings for sugar
• Politics and big companies and sugar
• How to break a sugar addiction
• How sugar is depleting calories
• Tips for doing a sugar detox
• Thoughts on the different types of sugar
• Natural remedies and supplements to support a sugar detox
• Symptoms of insulin resistance
• Strategies for dealing with sugar in social gatherings
• Resources from Melissa

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Melissa Dowbiggin here: www.befreeandeat.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!

In this episode, I’m sitting down with David Stelzer, the founder of Azure Standard, to get real about what’s in our food. We dive into the hot topics of glyphosate, GMOs, and other hidden ingredients that many of us unknowingly consume. 

David sheds light on what we should be avoiding and why, plus he shares tips for making cleaner, healthier choices. It’s an eye-opening chat that’ll make you think twice about what’s in your pantry!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• The background of David and Azure Standard 
• Changes that David has noticed in the organic food movement
• How to navigate organic foods for your groceries
• Finding affordable organic foods
• Advice for beginners to the world of organic food
• Talking about sugar and oils
• A closer look at glyphosate & chemicals & GMOs in our foods
• Details about Azure Standard

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Azure Standard here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU

Learn more about the Old-Fashioned on Purpose Planner here: www.prairieplanner.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!

Wyoming has been on fire lately... and while our homestead hasn't been in danger, we've had plenty of grassfires in our surrounding area. As such, I've been thinking a lot about how we can better prepare our property, our animals, and ourselves in the event of a fire. 

I'm joined today about wildfire mitigation specialist Madison Huges to discuss this and more. Join us as she shares how we can prepare our homesteads for fire, how to create an evacuation plan for our animals, the benefits of wildfire, and how intensive grazing (which you're probably already doing) can be one of the best tools we have in this realm.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Madison's background in homesteading and wildfires
• Wildfire 101: what you need to know
• How to help reduce your chances of wildfire
• Benefits of wildfire
• A closer look at wildfire cycles and forest layers
• How to prepare and plan for wildfires

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.com

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

Here are some links and resources that were suggested by Madison Huges:

• FireSmart Canada: https://firesmartcanada.ca/ 
• FireSmart Ranch and Farm Wildfire Guide: https://firesmartbc.ca/resource/farm-ranch-wildfire-preparedness-an-introduction/
• US Forest Service Wildfire page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/fire
• US Forest Service fire web map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/fire/information
• Canadian fire web map: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map 

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!

A homestead is full of moving parts and when you combine that with the complexity of typical modern life, well... things get complicated fast. As our life has become more full over the years, I've learned to lean heavily on my planner to keep all the balls in the air.

Today I'm getting specific and sharing my most useful rhythms and routines for using a planner to keep our busy life flowing.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• How I 'live and die' by my planner
• 2 ways I use my planner
• My vision-casting week and word for the year intention
• Writing down my big goals (homestead, personal, business)
• How I map out our weeks
• Being consistent with it (why it helps so much)
• Breaking down big projects
• Mapping out & planning the garden
• What I map and plan for my kitchen and food
• Using a habit tracker
• Final thoughts on using a planner

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com

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

Order your Old-Fashioned on Purpose Planner here: www.prairieplanner.com

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!

Curiosity is an underrated skill, especially when it comes to exploring topics that challenge our comfort zones. 

Today, I'm joined by one of my favorite content creators, Will Reusch—a brilliant educator who brings nuance to tough conversations. If you're looking to build bridges, tired of social media’s polarization, or want to encourage critical thinking in your kids, this episode is for you!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Will's background
• Some thoughts about the education system
• Pondering both sides of an issue
• How to move from being strictly dogmatic to "sitting in the grey"
• Conversation vs. debate
• Principles vs. ideology
• Historical perspective on polarization trends
• The issues with social media (and how to combat it)
• Finding common ground and having intellectual humility...
• Tips for communicating with strong opinions, angry people, etc.
• Thinking about the Crisis of Meaning
• Parenting our kids on these topics
• How to help us kids build resilience today
• Will's mission with Patterdox

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

• Learn more about Will Reusch here: https://williamreusch.com and www.patterdox.com
• Learn more about The Old-Fashioned on Purpose Planner here: www.prairieplanner.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!

What can history teach us about planting our gardens TODAY in 2024? In this episode, we sit down with Carol, the editor in chief of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, to explore the ancient practice of gardening by the moon. 

We dive into the best cold-hardy plant varieties (cold-hardy kiwis, anyone?), tips for dealing with unpredictable weather, and how to use the almanac to plan ahead for a successful growing season. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical insights to help your garden thrive year-round.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Brief history of The Old Farmer's Almanac
• How the Farmer's Almanac figures out the weather predictions
• Gardening with the Moon...
• Looking at specific plants and the moon
• Weather challenges and advice for gardeners
• Gardening in the cooler seasons and cooler climates
• Connecting with your community for gardening
• Unique varieties of fruits/veggies for cold climates
• Recent trends in gardening
• A closer look at The Old Farmer's Almanac

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about The Old Farmer's Almanac here: www.almanac.com

Learn more about The Old-Fashioned on Purpose Planner here: www.prairieplanner.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!

We homesteaders often joke about our farms being our gym, but what do you do when homestead chores are causing you pain? And how can we ensure that we stay physically fit as long as possible to keep pursuing this lifestyle we love so much?

Functional Strength and Fitness Coach Rory O'Brien is joining me today to answer these questions and more. We talk about how our modern muscles can suffer from "amnesia," a 10-15 minute routine you can weave into your busy days, how to build a minimalist home gym, and lots more!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Rory O'Brien's background and interest in functional fitness
• Pros and cons in the physical aspects of the homestead lifestyle
• Issues that modern life can put on our bodies
• How to eliminate "modern amnesia" in our bodies
• How to add exercises to your day
• Benefits of functional fitness for homesteaders
• Myths and reality about movement
• Examples of practical routines for homesteaders to add to their daily lives
• How to build a minimalist home gym
• How to reduce specific injuries from happening

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Rory O'Brien here: www.iamguardianstrong.com and https://www.instagram.com/guardianstrongfitness/

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!

Our life is.... weird and different. We're entering a season that I never saw coming, yet it's wonderful in it's own way. However, it's taken me a while to come to terms with it. 

In today's personal episode, I'm sharing what I've been wrestling with lately, as well as giving updates on the soda fountain, our beef company, and more.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Personal updates
• Deep thoughts on the seasons...
• The shifts and seasons happening in our lives right now
• The new word of the year for me
• The lesson I'm learning right now
• The end of one era and start of a new one
• Final thoughts on the unknown and upcoming adventures

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com

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

Order your Old-Fashioned on Purpose Planner here: www.prairieplanner.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!