The Homestead Education

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In this episode, I talk with Tiffany Michaels of Sparrow Homeschool about using real-world experiences to teach history, geography, and faith. With over 15 years of homeschooling experience and a background in social work, Tiffany brings a thoughtful and hands-on approach to education.

She shares how travel through the Pacific Northwest shaped her curriculum, inspired connections to Indigenous history, and supported a Christian wor...

In this episode, I’m opening up with a little encouragement and honesty—because homesteading doesn’t have to be picture-perfect to be meaningful. I’m talking about redefining what homesteading looks like when money’s tight, and how purpose-driven hustle can still lead to big wins.

I share real, practical tips on cutting costs through cooking from scratch, bartering and trading, offering labor in exchange for goods or knowledge, and...

In this episode, we’re joined by Stacey Carpenter of Hop’n Ridge Ranch — a dedicated homesteader, entrepreneur, and educator who’s building a thriving life rooted in purpose and practicality. Stacey shares her journey of starting a homestead from the ground up and how she’s turned her passion into a full-fledged business and educational platform.

We talk about the realities of balancing family, farming, and finances — from raising ...

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Kilpatrick of Farm on Central, a seasoned farmer, educator, and advocate for sustainable small-scale agriculture. Michael shares valuable insights into the world of urban farming, how to thrive within city limits, and why smart marketing is key to farm success.

We dig into the real struggles small farmers face — from navigating confusing regulations to staying afloat financially — and Michae...

In this episode, we explore the return to traditional skills like chicken processing, pig butchering, and local food production. We talk about the legacy of 5th generation farming, the role of midwives in rural communities, and the growing desire for self-reliance. Plus, get a sneak peek at the upcoming Montana Homesteaders Festival in Plains, MT—packed with workshops, demos, and community connection.

Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It T...