Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 45 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  It’s official, the frost has come, and the summer is finally gone. For many people, this is a time of year that brings with it seasonal depression. In my life, I’ve experienced deeper levels of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), however, I’ve found ways to embrace these slower months and cultivate cozy.  There’s a concept that comes from the Danish culture called Hygge. It’s defined as “a quality of coziness and...

Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 43 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  Though I generally focus on sharing all things homesteading, food growing, gardening, raising animals, as well as using food (enjoying it, preserving it and sharing it), today's podcast is largely about the mindful relationship with the earth and each other. The theme of anything that I do... at least I hope, is to be mindful. To make conscious choices in consumption, interaction and engagement. I don't want to waste my...

Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 42 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  This life can be a journey that's both exhilarating and frustrating. We want to learn all the new things and go to the deepest depths possible (but it always goes deeper), all the while never forgetting just how far we've come and being proud of the changes we've made over the days, months and years. I hope this podcast can be an encouragement to you to continue on, keep pushing forward, but always remembering where you've...

Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 41 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  I’m back with an all-new podcast today, and I have a special guest in the studio with me. Chrissy Marsh, from The Hope Homestead, is with me today to discuss her journey from homesteading in Australia to now homesteading in America.  She and I have many commonalities that started us on our path of a more natural lifestyle, which ultimately led us both to homesteading. Come listen to her journey of acclimating to the U.S....

Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 40 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  If talking about feelings and obscure things isn't your jam, I encourage you to hang with me for just a minute. In today's podcast, I’m sharing a bit of my own mindset and how I experience wonder on a daily basis. Living life with my eyes open to the beautiful world around me. Though it’s not always easy, and I’m still a work in progress, I think it’s something that’s so important, especially in regards to the relationships...

Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 39 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. This is a very special episode, as I have Miah’s Nana with us today. We actually recorded this in December 2022, and I thought I had lost the audio files. You’ll never know how thankful I was when I came across it the other day, and I know many of you have been looking forward to listening to this episode as much as I have been to share it.  Join me and Nana as we discuss what it was like for her growing up in Newfoundland...

Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 38 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  In this podcast, I’m discussing the necessity and importance of accepting differences and embracing diversity in the homesteading community. I’m sharing how I haven’t been showing up 100% as my authentic self and how that’s affected me over the past few years.  I’m also sharing what I’m doing about it now and how I’m speaking back against those who made me make this decision.  For more information and any links mentioned...

Hey, y'all! Join me for episode 36 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast. Today I have Leah from Homestead-ish with me, and we’re discussing what it looks like to embrace uncomfortable.  Both Leah and I know deeply that there’s something profound when following our own path, even when those around us are following a different path. Following God’s guidance can come with sacrifices, but when you know you're where God wants you to be, those sacrifices don't seem as big.  I hope you find today’s...

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 35 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  Daniel is back, joining me on the podcast today as we discuss creativity and how it goes hand in hand with our lives. We are all image-bearers of our Creator in our own unique way. I hope you find this podcast encouraging to embrace your creativity and let it loose in whatever way that looks. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here. Or to join our Patreon to get early access to all our podcast...

I am very much a dreamer that is living in extraordinary fulfillment of some of the dreams that, at one point, were completely impossible for me. Because of this, I’m much braver now than I was before. I believe when we share our story, it's like opening up the fruit of that dream and sharing the seeds with someone else. We can say this was sown in the garden of my heart and grew in my life, and it actually produced something. Let me share it with you! Join me for today’s podcast (episode...

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 33 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  Join me for a very special episode with my dear “family friend” Daniel. We’re discussing his journey to Beulah, how God has moved in his life over the years, as well as the special place he has in our life.  For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here. Or to join our Patreon to get early access to all our podcast episodes, monthly live Q&As with Miah and me (including past lives), and to be...

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 30 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  In today’s episode, Miah and I are discussing the art of hosting well. Beyond just the art of it, we’re discussing why it’s important, especially as homesteaders.  I’ll be the first one to say that hosting isn’t easy. It doesn’t come naturally to me, and there are some times when I’d rather not and just curl up at home alone. But there are so many benefits of hosting, including building relationships and community.  We...

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 29 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  In today’s episode, I’m speaking to those of you who have ever experienced seasons of overwhelm. These words are words to myself and a reminder that these seasons come and go. In this podcast, I share how to recognize these seasons of overwhelm and what to do about them when they come. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here. Or to join our Patreon to get early access to all our podcast...

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 28 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  In today’s episode, I’m talking about my favorite topic, once again… homesteading! The reasons why different people get into homesteading vary greatly. While my reasons may not be your reasons, I think there are oftentimes many commonalities between those who do step into this journey. Let me share my “why” with you in hopes you find some encouragement along the way. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the...

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 27 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  In today’s episode, I’m discussing the home dairy. What dairy animal is best for your specific circumstances, what variables go into deciding which dairy animal to choose, and the basic information everyone should know before bringing home a dairy animal. These are the tips I wish I would have known before bringing home our eight dairy goats years ago!  For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here....

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 26 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Lisa from Homesteading and Hungry. We’re discussing all things homesteading, from being new to the homestead lifestyle and the unexpected things we had to get used to, to learning how to utilize the ingredients we're growing or raising on the farm and turning them into a meal.  You'll love listening to my chat with Lisa as much as I loved our visit. She's one of a kind and doing a great...

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 25 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  In today’s episode, join me for the audio version of a video I published on YouTube back in 2022. The background sound you will hear is of me sitting on the porch, shelling peas, as I share the areas I think are most important to begin preparing for now. I’m also sharing why I don’t prepare out of fear but out of faith.  For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here. Or to join our Patreon to get...

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 23 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  In today’s episode, I’m talking about getting prepared to share at The Homestead Festival at Rory Feek's farm Hardison Mill. It never fails, every time I get prepared to go speak at one of these events, the “imposter system” creeps in. Because I know I'm probably not alone in this feeling, I'm sharing how I stop my mindset, refocus my heart, and realize that there’s intention in how I’m living, how we’re living, and that’s...

Hey, y'all! Welcome to episode 22 of the Roots and Refuge Podcast.  In today’s episode, I’m sharing a YouTube devotional throwback in podcast form. The original video is called “What's that in your hand? (Responding to the Alarm).” The truth remains that there's no better time than now to look at what's in your hand, then ask yourself what you can do with what you already have. It's so easy to look at what others are doing or what others have and become discontent with where we are, but...