Old Fashioned On Purpose

Today, I’m exploring the power of identity and how it shapes us, anchors us, and sometimes quietly begins to confine us. Even the identities that are good and meaningful can become cages when we cling to them too tightly or start to outgrow the version of ourselves they were built around. In this episode, I unpack how to recognize when an identity is supporting you versus trapping you, the questions worth asking when everything starts to feel different, and the very real grief that can come with letting an old version of yourself go. Podcast Episode Highlights: Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: https://mealcraftmethod.com/--> Use the code PODCAST for a $15 off discount on Meal Craft Season 18: Episode 6: The Magic of Not BelongingOTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: https://jillwinger.substack.com/www.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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!

Learning to rope at 40 has humbled me in all the best and worst ways, because nothing exposes your ego faster than being a beginner in front of people who’ve been doing something their whole lives. In this episode, I’m talking about a phrase I’ve been repeating to myself in the branding pen: embarrassment is the cost of entry. We’ll explore what this phrase means, why so many of us feel threatened by embarrassment, our addictions to competence, the messy stage of growth, and the wonderful rewards that come from stepping out of our comfort zones. Podcast Episode Highlights: Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: https://jillwinger.substack.com/https://mealcraftmethod.com/--> Use the code PODCAST for a $15 off discount on Meal Craft OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: https://jillwinger.substack.com/www.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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 podcast episode, I’m sharing what I’d do if I were starting an online business from scratch in 2026. I'll chat about my own business story, what’s changed in the online world, and the core principles I believe still matter most. If you’ve been dreaming about starting an online business of your own, this episode should give you some tips and encouragement as you start your own business adventure. Podcast Episode Highlights: Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: https://mealcraftmethod.com/--> Use the code PODCAST for a $15 off discount on Meal Craft Get the 5 Minute Dinner Decision (free download)OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: https://jillwinger.substack.com/www.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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 podcast episode, I’m sharing details on how I’m cooking these days. I'll explain why rigid recipes and traditional meal plans just don’t work well for our full, ever-changing family life. We’ll talk about the strategies and principles I lean on instead, including how to make peace with a more flexible approach to food, and why giving yourself permission to experiment can be so freeing. I’m also diving into the art of using leftovers creatively, wasting less, and building meals from what you already have on hand. Let's chat about how to start cooking with more confidence, less stress, and a whole lot more real life in mind. Podcast Episode Highlights: Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: https://mealcraftmethod.com/--> Use the code PODCAST for a $15 off discount on Meal Craft https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySUhttps://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2021/10/how-to-store-and-use-bulk-pantry-goods.htmlhttps://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2021/09/how-to-store-a-years-worth-of-food-for-your-family-without-waste-and-overwhelm.htmlOTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: https://jillwinger.substack.com/www.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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 podcast episode, I'm going to share the books that have been most impactful on my life. I’ve read a lot of books over the years, but these are the ones that truly changed me. They influenced how I see the world, how I make decisions, and even how I understand myself. Podcast Episode Highlights: Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Find links to my favorite books here: https://bookshop.org/shop/theprairiehomestead Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/ OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: https://jillwinger.substack.com/www.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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!

After reviving the oldest operating soda fountain in the state of Wyoming, I can tell you firsthand that there is something deeply meaningful about bringing an old place back to life. Yet, like most things we romanticize from a distance, it’s usually a whole lot less romantic up close. Since buying the soda fountain five years ago, I’ve had a lot of people ask about following in my footsteps. So in this podcast episode, I pulled together a few of the lessons that I feel are the most important when it comes to running a small-town business. Here we go. Podcast Episode Highlights: Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/ Learn more about Chugwater Soda Fountain events here: https://www.chugwatersodafountain.com/ OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: https://jillwinger.substack.com/www.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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!

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what old-fashioned living might look like for me in the coming year and beyond. I’ve been considering which skills and rhythms I want to embrace, and which ones I need to release. In this podcast episode, I’m sharing that thought process with you. My hope is that it helps you take stock of your own life and figure out which parts of the old-fashioned lifestyle you truly love, and which parts you may be holding onto simply because you think you should. Podcast Episode Highlights: Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/ Learn more about Azure Standard here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: https://jillwinger.substack.com/www.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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!

For the first time in almost 20 years, I'm not planting a garden. In this podcast episode, I'm sharing what happened in my garden last year and why I'm taking a break. I'll also share some deep thoughts about obligation and what I'm going to do with my garden space for the upcoming season. Podcast Episode Highlights: Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.com Where I get my garden soil tested: http://theprairiehomestead.com/soiltest Where I buy my garden seeds (especially cover crop seeds): http://theprairiehomestead.com/seeds OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: https://jillwinger.substack.com/www.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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!

I’ve been wanting to talk about this for a while…but the risk of sounding like a crotchety old gatekeeper, I haven’t… In this podcast episode, I'm sharing my thoughts on what happened to the modern homesteading movement and why I've been feeling so turned off by it lately. Podcast Episode Highlights: Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/ Sign up for my Substack here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/ Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: https://jillwinger.substack.com/www.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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!

If you’ve been listening or following me for a while, then you already know that horses have been a love of mine since childhood. In this podcast episode, listen in as I talk about my horse journey, from childhood to present times. Along the way, I'll sprinkle in lots of deep thoughts on life lessons as well as ALL the details of my horse adventures (and what's coming next). Podcast Episode Highlights: Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/ Sign up for my Substack here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/ Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.com OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letterwww.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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!

I’ve never really belonged. Not in the dramatic, “nobody understands me” way. More in the quiet, lifelong way—like I’ve always been standing half a step outside of whatever circle I’m supposed to slide into. But I’ve finally realized something that would have shocked my younger self: Not belonging isn’t a problem. It’s an invitation. Listen in to my podcast episode to learn more about my thoughts on the magic of not belonging. Podcast Episode Highlights: Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/ Sign up for my Substack here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/ Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letterwww.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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!

As some of you know by now, I am no longer homeschooling my kids. In this podcast episode, I'm talking all about our homeschool experiences, our journey from homeschool to public school, how I'm handling the change, and some of my deep thoughts and concerns that I have about school and about raising kids. Give it a listen and let me know what you think. Podcast Episode Highlights: Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: My old podcast episodes on school: S15: E10: What I’m Using for Homeschool Curriculum this Year (and a Plea)S7: E2: What We’re Using for Homeschool Curriculum This YearEpisode 153: The Homeschool Curriculum I’m Using This YearHow Being Homeschooled Helped Me Later In LifeMy Non-Fancy Homeschool RoutineWhat If My Kids Fall Behind?? (And other Homeschooling Questions)The Hardest Thing We’ve Ever Done: The Charter School Tell-AllOTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letterwww.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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!

I'm now going on five years of owning a restaurant in one of the smallest towns in Wyoming. It’s one of the most gratifying things I’ve ever done. It’s also one of the most exhausting. I’m proud of what we’re building in our little corner of Wyoming. I’m proud of the food. I’m proud of the place. I’m proud that people walk in and feel nostalgia, comfort, a sense of belonging… a remembering. But in this podcast episode, I’m going to say the parts I usually don’t say out loud because, well… I feel like it. And some of it just needs to be said. Podcast Episode Highlights: Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/ Sign up for my Substack here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/ Learn more about Chugwater Soda Fountain here: https://www.chugwatersodafountain.com/ OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letterwww.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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 the past, I've shared about mainly the homestead part of myself on this podcast. Not because I was hiding the rest of me—but because the rest didn’t really fit the homestead narrative. But lately… it’s been shifting. The homestead part of me is still woven into my days, but it’s not the headline anymore. It’s moved to the background, and other parts of me are finally coming up for air. So this feels like the perfect time for a reintroduction and a closer look at some of my rough edges. Podcast Episode Highlights: Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/ Sign up for my Substack here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/ OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letterwww.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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!

Folks always ask me how I "do it all" but the truth is, that I don't. Listen in as I talk about I do NOT have a balanced life and what I do instead. Podcast Episode Highlights Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/ Sign up for my Substack here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/ See more details on how I use my planner here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2025/11/my-un-instagrammable-planner-system.html OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letterwww.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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!

Hey friends, I’m Back! (Sorta). I thought I'd share some of my deep thoughts on why I've been quiet lately and what you can expect from me in the future. Listen in as I share updates on my life as well as my shifting perspectives on homesteading, purpose, and more. Podcast Episode Highlights Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/ Sign up for my Substack here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/ OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letterwww.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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!

Homesteading has seasons—sometimes it's front and center, and other times it takes a backseat. In this episode, I’m sharing how our life looks different right now, why that’s okay, and how I’ve made peace with the inevitable FOMO. We’ll chat about the honeymoon stage of homesteading, shifting priorities, and the simple ways I’m keeping it woven into our daily life, even when it’s not the main focus. If you’ve ever felt guilty for stepping back, this one’s for you! Podcast Episode Highlights Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letterwww.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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!

When we start gardening, it’s easy to focus on the plants—but what if we’re missing the bigger picture? Today, I’m chatting with Gregg Forster of Wisconsin Mineral Solutions about why soil health is the key to nutrient-dense food and thriving farms. We dive into how industrial agriculture has depleted our food’s nutritional value, what homesteaders might be getting wrong, and the simple changes that can make a big difference. Whether you’re growing a backyard garden or running a farm, this episode will change the way you think about soil, sustainability, and the future of our food. Podcast Episode Highlights Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Learn more about Gregg Forster and his services here: https://www.wisconsinmineralsolutions.com/ Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453 Check out Redmond's Soil Testing Kit here: http://theprairiehomestead.com/soiltest OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letterwww.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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 wondered if raised beds are really worth the hype? In this episode, I sit down with Scott Wilson from Gardening with Scott to dig into the good, the bad, and the surprising when it comes to raised bed gardening. We chat about how to build beds from free/cheap materials, how to fill beds without breaking the bank, how to keep soil healthy year after year, watering strategies, and some genius hacks for getting the most out of every square foot. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just thinking about building your first bed, this episode is packed with practical, no-nonsense advice! Podcast Episode Highlights Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Follow Scott Wilson on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWsI0LmiDyezbnN2JCL4P9w Find Scott on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/gardenerscott/ Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453 OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letterwww.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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 welcome back Mike Vaona, the engineer-turned-baker behind Rosehill Sourdough, to chat about his recent deep dive into fresh-milled flours. We cover a range of topics, from tweaking hydration levels and the surprising effects of oxidation to the differences between ancient, heritage, and modern wheats. Mike also shares his thoughts on nutrient loss over time, his favorite gluten-free flour, and best practices for baking with fresh-milled flour. This is one deep dive you won't want to miss! Podcast Episode Highlights Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Learn more about Mike and Rosehill Sourdough (and get 10% off!) through this link: https://rosehillsourdough.com/cp/Jill Find your nearest mill for wheat berries here: https://amyhalloran.net/mills/ Listen to Mike's first episode on the podcast here: Season 15: Episode 7: A More Efficient Way to Sourdough Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.com OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letterwww.theprairiehomestead.com@jill.wingerhttp://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadhttps://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!