Sourdough bread made with freshly-milled flour. It's many a homesteader's dream, but those whole wheat loaves can easily turn into a nightmare if you're not prepared. 

I am so excited to be joined by Mary of The Rose Homestead in today's episode. She's mastered the art of baking light, fluffy loaves with freshly-milled whole wheat flour and she's sharing her secrets with us. I learned SO much and I know you will too!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Mary's background and how she got passionate about whole wheat sourdough
• Why whole wheat sourdough is harder
• Why bother with whole wheat if it's harder?
• Where do you get wheat berries and favorite types
• Favorite grain mills and tips for using them
• Absorption details for freshly milled flour
• Explaining autolyse 
• Weighing vs. measuring flour
• Tips for kneading the dough
• A closer look at the rising period for bread
• Controlling the sourness of the bread
• Tips for getting a good rise of whole wheat breads
• Talking about einkorn and also favorite whole wheats
• Maintaining a sourdough starter
• Final thoughts on baking

Podcast Episode Resources and Links Mentioned

Learn more about Mary here: therosehomestead.com

Learn more about the Modern Homestead Conference here: https://modernhomesteading.com/

Get weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter

My homesteading tutorials & recipes: www.theprairiehomestead.com

Our Wyoming-raised, grass-finished beef: http://genuinebeefco.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 been accused of being a "fun hater?" If so, you're not alone. In fact, it seems to be a common trait in those of us drawn towards old-fashioned things. 

Find out the difference between fun vs. flow and why your fun-hating ways may actually be a superpower.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Perceptions of 'fun'
• How an interview made me think about 'fun'
• Modern definitions of 'fun'
• Older definitions of 'fun'
• What brings me the most fun and joy
• The idea of a 'flow state'
• Why I think the homesteading movement is growing like it is
• How I find flow in my life
• Final thoughts on 'fun'

Podcast Episode Resources and Links Mentioned

Learn more about the Modern Homestead Conference here: https://modernhomesteading.com/

Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose book here: http://oldfashionedbook.com/

Get weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter

My homesteading tutorials & recipes: www.theprairiehomestead.com

Our Wyoming-raised, grass-finished beef: http://genuinebeefco.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! 

Note: Due to privacy reasons, Reesa has deleted her website.

Even though I live ON-grid with electricity and running water, sometimes I day-dream about what it'd be like to live completely off-grid in a tiny cabin. And today's guest does exactly that! 

This conversation with Reesa of Morning Star Mama is packed-full of creative strategies and tactics for DIY-ing a small home and living off-grid. I love Reesa's out-of-the-box approach and I know you will too!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• What inspired Reesa in her off-grid lifestyle
• How she started her off-grid life
• Details on lighting, electric, sheet rock, heating, etc.
• Off-grid water details
• Talking about composting toilets
• Why off-grid doesn't need to mean inconvenient 
• Looking at refrigeration for food
• Details on cooking
• Hardest part of being off-grid
• Raising kids on an off-grid homestead
• Advice for someone wanting to go off-grid

Podcast Episode Resources and Links Mentioned

Get weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter

My homesteading tutorials & recipes: www.theprairiehomestead.com

Our Wyoming-raised, grass-finished beef: http://genuinebeefco.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! 

It's no secret-- I am an unfit sourdough parent. I often forget to feed it and I regularly leave it in my fridge for 8 months at a time. Yet-- even through my sourdough faux paus, I'm able to maintain a starter that creates delicious bread and more. 

In today's episode I'm confessing my sourdough sins and sharing my sourdough CPR method for bringing neglected starters back from the dead.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• My sourdough bad habits
• My typical sourdough routine
• My most recent sourdough starter disaster
• How I revived my sourdough starter
• Signs that indicate your sourdough starter is active again
• Signs that indicate you cannot save your sourdough starter
• How to save and preserve a sourdough starter (esp. when you need a break)
• Wet vs. dry starter method
• Final thoughts and tips on sourdough

Podcast Episode Resources and Links Mentioned

My Instagram reel on reviving an old sourdough starter: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2swSt6PXvi/

Find my free sourdough pdf resource here: https://meet.theprairiehomestead.com/no-stress-sourdough-main

My sourdough starter tutorial: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2020/03/make-sourdough-starter.html

My sourdough bread tutorial: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2020/04/sourdough-bread-recipe.html

My favorite ways to use up a sourdough discard: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2021/12/my-5-favorite-ways-to-use-sourdough-discard.html 

Get weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter

My homesteading tutorials & recipes: www.theprairiehomestead.com

Our Wyoming-raised, grass-finished beef: http://genuinebeefco.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


Podcast Feedback

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!

There's a lot of fear floating around the homestead community lately. 

In today's episode I'll share my history with paranoia, how it ultimately will hurt your homestead, and why I no longer subscribe to fear-based homesteading.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Thoughts about the term' homestead'
• Concerns about current shifts in what 'homestead' means
• Why I think fear has creeped into the homestead movement
• My background with paranoia-based culture
• Cycles, perspectives, and a closer look at history
• Reading suggestions
• Preparedness and pleasure vs. fear and panic
• Confirmation bias and issues with social media
• Occam's razor principle
• Baader-Meinhof phenomenon
• Final thoughts on being aware and asking questions

Podcast Episode Resources and Links Mentioned

Get weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter

My homesteading tutorials & recipes: www.theprairiehomestead.com

Our Wyoming-raised, grass-finished beef: http://genuinebeefco.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

The world of whole wheat can be ridiculously overwhelming: Hard, soft, winter, spring, red, white... and that doesn't even take into account all the different varieties out there. 

In today's episode I'm sharing my helpful whole wheat framework that will not only cut through the noise, but also empower you to finally tackle that whole wheat baking (without making bread bricks in the process).

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Common perception about whole wheat
• Whole wheat framework that I created to help
• W.H.O.L.E. acronym for deciphering wheat
• Wheat seasons
• Hue of the wheat
• Origin of the wheat (varieties of wheat)
• Level of hardness in the wheat
• Extraction of wheat
• Tips for beginners
• Where to find whole wheat berries
• Final thoughts on whole wheat

Podcast Episode Resources and Links Mentioned

Join my weekly newsletter here: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter

Struggling to find wheat berries? I get mine from Azure Standard

Are you a visual learner? Check out my blog post for the W.H.O.L.E. graphic here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2024/02/unlocking-the-wheat-berry-puzzle.html

My other podcast episodes and blog articles on wheat include:

• Season 11: Episode 14: My Long Road Back to Whole Wheat Flours
• Season 11: Episode 6: Ancient Grains: Your New Best Friend in the Kitchen
• Episode 107: Flour Shortages, Grain Mills, & Whole Wheat
• Episode 105: ALL Your Sourdough Questions: Answered!
• Episode 89: My 5 Favorite Ways to Use Up Sourdough Discard
• Episode 72: How to Make Your Own Sourdough Starter
• Episode 44: How to Start Using Einkorn Flour
• Wheat Berries and Grinding Your Own Flour (blog article)
• Troubleshooting Sourdough (blog article) 

Get weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter

My homesteading tutorials & recipes: www.theprairiehomestead.com

Our Wyoming-raised, grass-finished beef: http://genuinebeefco.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

Last year we decided to stop watching TV for 6 months. In the process we learned a lot of new skills and made the internet very angry. 

Today I'm breaking down our decision in detail and sharing my best tips for doing your own tech fast.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Backstory on our TV fast
• Details on what was involved in our TV fast
• Our kids reaction to this fast
• What we were doing instead of watching TV
• What we learned after 3 months of a TV fast
• What worries me about watching TV
• Viral video and how the world reacted 
• Advice for parents who want to do a TV fast
• Why boredom is a good thing sometimes
• Final thoughts on our TV fast

Podcast Episode Resources and Links Mentioned

Get weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter

My homesteading tutorials & recipes: www.theprairiehomestead.com

Our Wyoming-raised, grass-finished beef: http://genuinebeefco.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

A homestead that funds itself... that's the dream, isn't it? We've covered a number of income-producing ideas on the show over the years, and I have another one for you today. 

I'm joined by the brilliant Marjory Wildcraft as she outlines how you can turn seed-saving into a viable and profitable income stream to add to your homestead this year.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Marjory Wildcraft's background and interest in growing food
• What is the 7 Hour Business concept for funding a backyard farm (and why it's important)
• Tips for seed saving
• A closer look at what seeds you can save (types of seeds)
• Different techniques for seed saving (depending on the type of plant)
• Range of viability of seeds
• The business side of seed saving
• Final thoughts on seed saving

Podcast Episode Resources and Links Mentioned

Learn about Marjory Wildcraft's Backyard Food Production webinar: http://www.backyardfoodproduction.com/

Jill's favorite seed company: http://theprairiehomestead.com/seeds

Get weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter

My homesteading tutorials & recipes: www.theprairiehomestead.com

Our Wyoming-raised, grass-finished beef: http://genuinebeefco.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

How do you know when to PERSEVERE and when to PRUNE?? We recently listed the soda fountain for sale, which has (understandably) caused a stir. 

Today I'm sharing the decision making process that got us to this point and how you can use several old-fashioned principles to help you focus on what matters around your life and homestead.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Why we bought the soda fountain in the first place
• What was involved in Phase One in our soda fountain project
• Figuring out if we should do Phase Two or not...
• How a book helped us decide what to do
• Focusing on the word 'streamline' this year 
• Details about the Chugwater Soda Fountain
• Life lessons for all entrepreneurs and homesteaders
• My challenge(s) to you for your own life

Podcast Episode Resources and Links Mentioned

Learn more about the Chugwater Soda Fountain here: http://chugwatersodafountain.com/forsale

Get weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter

My homesteading tutorials & recipes: www.theprairiehomestead.com

Our Wyoming-raised, grass-finished beef: http://genuinebeefco.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

"How do you find a community of like-minded people who share your beliefs?" I get this question a lot and my answer might surprise you. 

It also prompted some interesting discussion on social media, so I'm diving into all the nuance and messy, community-building truth in this podcast episode.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Why community is a pillar of the old-fashioned on purpose lifestyle
• Common questions about creating community
• Tensions and drama that occurred recently about community on social media
• Community vs. inner circle (and the topic of influence)
• Personal foundational beliefs vs. community connections
• Challenge yourself to be slightly uncomfortable (why that can be a good thing)
• Why it's good (and also old-fashioned) to push against polarization 

Podcast Episode Resources and Links Mentioned

Get weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter

My homesteading tutorials & recipes: www.theprairiehomestead.com

Our Wyoming-raised, grass-finished beef: http://genuinebeefco.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

Most homesteaders are frustrated with the modern healthcare system, but disentangling ourselves from it is easier said than done. 

I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Amber Belt today as we discuss how to safely and effectively take charge of your health. Dr. Belt offers an empowering (and balanced) approach to dealing with homestead first aid, acute issues, colds and fevers, and lots more. Grab your notebook and pen— this episode is packed full of info!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Dr. Belt's background in holistic medicine
• Looking at how mistrust in conventional medicine began
• Why modern medicine doesn't look at the big picture
• Biggest gaps in proactive healthcare
• How to start becoming aware of health struggles
• Best tips and equipment for families for handling minor health struggles
• How to naturally boost our immunity and health
• Hormone issues in modern culture
• Favorite old-fashioned remedies
• Final thoughts and tips on being prepared for health issues

Podcast Episode Resources and Links Mentioned

Learn more about Dr. Amber Belt here: www.sagesirona.com

Follow Dr. Amber Belt on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/dramberbelt/

Get weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter

My homesteading tutorials & recipes: www.theprairiehomestead.com

Our Wyoming-raised, grass-finished beef: http://genuinebeefco.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