Old Fashioned On Purpose

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!

In this episode, I chat with Mimi Smith-Dvorak, author of Too Many Eggs, a cookbook packed with over 800 ways to use eggs. We dive into the history of eggs, the current egg drama, creative ways to use up a surplus (including flavoring them in the shell!), storage tricks, and even some unexpected non-culinary uses. If you’ve ever found yourself with more eggs than you know what to do with, this episode is for you! Podcast Episode Highlights Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Learn more about Mimi Smith-Dvorak and her book Too Many Eggs here: www.toomanyeggs.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!

If you live in a cold northern area, you may have assumed growing fruit and nuts was out of the question, but I'm happy to tell you that it's not! In this episode, I chat with St. Lawrence Nurseries about the best cold hardy fruit and nut tree varieties, common planting mistakes, and essential care tips for success. We cover watering, fertilizing, pruning, and more to help you cultivate a thriving orchard—even in harsh winters. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced grower, this episode is packed with practical advice! Podcast Episode Highlights Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453 Learn more about St. Lawrence Nursery here: https://www.slngrow.com/ Email St. Lawrence Nursery at: trees@slngrow.com Follow St. Lawrence Nursery here: https://www.instagram.com/sln_grow/ 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!

What if the light around you is messing with your health more than you realize? In this episode, the amazing Johnna Sutton of Sutton Nutrition is back to talk about how artificial light, blue light exposure, and circadian rhythms impact our energy, sleep, and overall well-being. We dive into how to adjust your routine with the seasons, why cold winter temps are good, and practical steps to use light to have more energy and better sleep. If you've ever felt out of sync but couldn't figure out why, this conversation is for you! Podcast Episode Highlights Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453 Follow Johnna’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suttonoutdoorsmt/ Montana Functional Health: https://mfhcare.com/ and Johnna's article here: https://mfhcare.com/article/get-your-light-right/ Listen in to my other interview with Johnna Sutton here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-17-episode-2-the-missing-piece-mastering-nutrition-for-the-homesteader 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 sit down with Noelle Johnson, aka the AZ Plant Lady and author of Water Smart Gardens, to uncover practical tips for making your garden more water-efficient without sacrificing beauty or productivity. We dive into time-saving watering strategies, the best veggies to grow in dry climates, creative rainwater collection ideas, and whether your lawn really deserves all that water. If you're ready to grow smarter, not harder, this conversation is packed with advice you won’t want to miss! Podcast Episode Highlights Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453 Learn more about Noelle Johnson here: https://www.azplantlady.com/and here: https://www.instagram.com/az.plant.lady/ Find Noelle's book The Water Smart Garden here: https://amzn.to/3QebPSD 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!

Curious about foraging but not sure where to begin? In this episode, I chat with Whitney of Appalachian Forager about the essentials of starting your foraging journey, including how to get started foraging, how to safely identify wild mushrooms, best practices for preparing them, and tips for preserving your harvest. Whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your connection with the wild, Whitney is a wealth of wisdom! Podcast Episode Highlights Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.com Learn more about Whitney here: https://appalachianforager.com/home and check out her Instagram account here: https://www.instagram.com/appalachian_forager/ Check out Whitney's new book Go Forth and Forage here: https://amzn.to/4hmkmiq 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 chat with Dana K. White, author and creator of A Slob Comes Clean, about the surprising connections between decluttering and homesteading. We dive into Dana’s practical strategies, including the Container Concept and her no-mess decluttering method, to help you create a more functional and peaceful home. Whether you’re managing a homestead or just tackling everyday clutter, Dana’s tips will inspire you to simplify and reclaim your space. Podcast Episode Highlights Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: Learn more about Dana K. White here: www.aslobcomesclean.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!

Why bother? It's a question I've certainly asked myself, and perhaps you have too. In an age where cheap, convenient food is everywhere, why take the time to cook from-scratch? Is it worth it? Are we wasting our time and fooling ourselves? In this episode, we're exploring this question as I share an excerpt from my book, Old-Fashioned on Purpose. It’s a heartfelt reminder of why home cooking still matters, even in today’s world of convenience and industrial ingredients. Podcast Episode Highlights Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode: http://oldfashionedbook.com/https://amzn.to/3DZdQzh https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453OTHER 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!