The Homestead Education Podcast

The Homestead Education Podcast

Everyone deserves an agricultural education — to understand food, land, and responsibility at a scale that fits real life. Hosted by Kody Hanner, agricultural educator, homeschool mom of six, and lifelong rural advocate, The Homestead Education Podcast explores how accessible, small-scale agricultural education can build capable people, strengthen families, and create resilient local food systems. Drawing from generations of rural knowledge, educated in animal science, and years of teaching families outside traditional systems, Kody breaks down complex food and education topics into practical, usable skills for homes, classrooms, and communities. Each week, you’ll hear honest conversations about food systems, small-scale agriculture, homeschooling, and real-world education — designed for families, educators, and anyone who believes we shouldn’t outsource our lives. Whether you live on acreage, in town, or somewhere in between, this podcast will help you understand where your food comes from, why it matters, and how practical agricultural knowledge can create meaningful change.

Episodes

March 31, 2026 36 mins

Sugaring isn’t just for the Northeast anymore. And the truth is — there are opportunities for food, resources, and self-sufficiency sitting right in our own backyards… if we’re willing to look a little closer.

In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with David Knudson of Montana Maple Works to talk about the surprising world of tapping trees for syrup in the Western U.S. — and what it really takes ...

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Food systems are shifting. Farming is shifting. And the reality is — making a living in agriculture today looks nothing like it used to.

In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with Lexi Wright of the Farming on Purpose podcast for a real conversation about what it actually takes to make farming work in today’s economy — from direct-to-consumer sales to managing multiple income streams and navigati...

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Food systems are shifting. Education is shifting. And in 2026, the question isn’t if things need to change — it’s how we do better moving forward.

In this Season 7 kickoff episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner takes a hard look at the current state of agriculture, the rise of AI and digital influence, and the growing disconnect between people and their food.

From the dilution of farming practices under trending la...

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Food and agriculture have never been louder — and clarity has never been harder to find.

As we move into 2026, grocery prices are rising, agricultural education is being shaped by broken systems, and AI is changing how information spreads. So how do we actually do better?

Season 7 of The Homestead Education Podcast is focused on rebuilding agricultural education at a human scale — not to turn everyone into farmers, but to raise peo...

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In this episode, I share an update on Ranger, our Great Pyrenees livestock guardian who is still missing, and how our family is moving forward while holding onto hope. I also talk about our plan to bring home a new working male dog, what we’re looking for in a ranch-ready name, and how we’re navigating the emotions of change while keeping the homestead running.

Then I dive into my annual New Year reflection, including my word-of-th...

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In this episode, I’m talking about working dogs—and what happens when one goes missing. After a brief life update, I share the story of our livestock guardian dog, Ranger, and the events leading up to his disappearance. From late-night disturbances to injuries on multiple dogs, this episode explores the reality of relying on a guardian dog to protect a farm and the emotional weight of not knowing what happened.

I also address commo...

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In this episode, Kody sits down with Lindy Bryant of Northwoods of Idaho—Air Force veteran, disaster response specialist, and creator of the Grab and Go Binder and Survival in a Bottle kits.

They break down real-life preparedness for normal people: families, single parents, seniors, urban dwellers, and rural homesteaders who want to be ready for power outages, job loss, medical emergencies, and everyday “mini disasters” long before...

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In this episode, Kody chats with Katie Olthoff, co-founder of Chop Local and Chop Local University, about helping farmers sell meat directly to consumers in today’s market. Katie shares how she transitioned from teaching elementary school in rural Iowa to building an online farmers' market that connects producers with buyers nationwide. Together, they unpack the difference between custom-exempt and retail meat sales, how inspection...

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In this episode, Kody tackles one of the most complex and often misunderstood topics in America: the food stamp system and its impact on personal responsibility, nutrition, and self-sufficiency. She traces its origins from FDR’s 1939 program to today’s SNAP, uncovering how a system designed to feed the hungry gradually created a culture of dependency. Drawing from her own experience as a single mother who once relied on food assist...

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In this episode, Kody sits down with Greg and Kristen Leininger, founders of Steader, to share how their own homesteading challenges sparked the idea for a faith-led, community-driven app built to reconnect local food systems. They open up about turning that vision into a working platform that helps neighbors buy, sell, and trade. From their family’s journey toward a simpler, purpose-filled life to their mission of helping others l...

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In this episode, Kody sits down with author Brian Combs of The Homestead Kids to share how a dad’s bedtime stories, written to help his newly adopted daughters navigate a big move, grew into a faith-led adventure series that’s turning reluctant readers into eager book finishers. Brian opens up about weaving Scripture naturally into wholesome homestead tales, why he designed the books with full-color chapter illustrations, 14-point ...

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In this episode, Kody sits down with Jennifer Wheeler, co-founder of Grass Fed Skin, to share the inspiring story of how she and her husband, Eric, followed God’s calling to leave their established healthcare careers and build a family-run, faith-led skincare business. Jennifer opens up about the moment she felt led to start something new, the early days of crafting tallow balm at home, and how their simple, natural product has tra...

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In this episode, Kody Hanner opens up about one of the most important (and overlooked) parts of homesteading life — building real, lasting community in rural areas. From her own experiences moving before COVID to discovering how neighbors rallied in times of crisis, Kody dives deep into the why and how behind connection, support, and mental wellness on the homestead.

Whether you’re new to country life, raising your kids off-grid, o...

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In this episode, Kody shares what’s been happening on her homestead and in her business — from breeding season and beef prices to the big leap into running a full in-house print shop. She opens up about the real-life challenges and triumphs of raising livestock, growing a business, and raising a family — all while staying rooted in her mission to reshape agricultural education for the next generation.

Kody also reflects on why “Agr...

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In this episode, I’m joined by Cheryl Daley—homeschooling mom, speaker, author and host of The Homeschool How To Podcast. Cheryl is passionate about helping parents recognize how culture and education are shaping their children, often by design, and equipping families to stand firm in their faith.

With years of homeschooling experience and a heart for encouraging other parents, Cheryl shares how families can guard their children’s ...

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In this episode, I’m joined by Katie J Trent—bestselling author of Dishing Up Devotions, Recipes for a Sweet Child, and A Merry and Bright Adventure, and founder of the Family Faith-Building Academy & Community. Katie’s mission is simple yet powerful: make discipleship easier—and deliciously fun—for busy homeschooling families.

With over 15 years of experience in counseling, ministry, and church planting, Katie shares how hands...

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In this episode, I’m joined by Mary Bryant Shrader—author of The Modern Pioneer Cookbook and The Modern Pioneer Pantry, and the host of Mary’s Nest on YouTube, where she shares over 700 videos on nourishing, traditional cooking from scratch.

Mary opens up about her journey from homeschooling mom to a trusted voice in traditional food. Her books aren’t just cookbooks—they’re hands-on guides for anyone ready to make simple, wholesome...

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In this episode, I am joined by Amanda Nigg—better known as Farm Fit Momma—a homeschooling mom and entrepreneur who built a business that fits her life and family, not the other way around. Amanda shares her real-life journey of growing a purpose-driven brand while raising kids, managing homeschooling, and staying rooted in faith.

From early-morning bookkeeping to balancing client work during naptime, Amanda opens up about the flex...

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In this episode, I sit down with Alex McRae, founder of Alair Ag Drones and co-founder of Nature Shield Pest & Lawn, to explore how drone technology is revolutionizing modern agriculture. Raised in rural Idaho, Alex blends his love for farming and aviation to support sustainable, healthy land practices. From crop dusting with drones to navigating FAA certifications, he shares how innovation is helping small farms thrive.

But th...

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In this episode, I welcome Dennita and Mimi from The One-Room Red Schoolhouse in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. This unique, faith-based one-room schoolhouse blends traditional academics with hands-on homesteading and entrepreneurial education. Tune in as they discuss their mission, how they structure their days, and why practical, nature-based learning is essential in today’s world.

Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build...

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