Homesteading Made Easy I Joyfully Prepared

Celebrating episode 200 and four years of podcastingWhy Wendi started the podcast and what Joyfully Prepared is really aboutMilling grain and baking whole wheat bread as a lesson in learning through failureA simple, everyday definition of anti-fragilityHow homesteading naturally builds anti-fragile skillsSkill stacking and why learning one skill makes the next easierBuilding a fence solo and choosing hard things on purposeRecognizing and shifting out of victim thinkingAsking the question that changes everything: “What can I do with what I have right now?”Creating anti-fragile moments intentionally in low-stakes spacesApplying anti-fragility to quilting, real estate, and everyday lifeWhy preparedness creates calm and reduces panicUsing a transformation journal to document growth and progressA gentle reminder that being clumsy and unfinished is part of becoming capable________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Container Gardening Course - https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/containergardeningcoursePodcast Episode: Mastering the Art of Skill Stacking for Ultimate Preparedness 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

Why homesteading is about skills, not landHow homesteading looked before it had a trendy nameGrowing up with a garden, jars on the shelf, and clothes on the lineWhy homesteading skills are an investment and a form of self-careSetting a boundary around learning and practicing skillsWhy food is foundational to confidence and self-relianceStarting with one meal, one recipe, or one jarThe blackberry jam story and learning by doingWhy confidence comes from proximity, not over-researchingLetting systems reveal themselves through repetitionFinding mentors and learning in communityHow homesteading skills transfer to apartments, RVs, and everywhere elseWhy skills can never be taken away from youRelearning skills and getting back into rhythmHomesteading as an adventure and a lifelong practiceA warm welcome into the homesteader identityMentioned Resource:🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

Welcome to the last episode of 2025. Instead of forcing goals or rushing a fresh start, we do something softer and more realistic: a homestead reset. We walk through three simple categories — keep, release, pause — to clear space in your mind, your home, and your heart before the new year begins.In this episode:• why resets feel better than resolutions• how tiny habits and “showing up” actually built your year• what worked for you in 2025 (hint: more than you think)• how releasing expectations makes room to breathe• pausing without quitting• why January is a recovery month for moms• how journaling keeps you honest about your growthSimple reflection invitation:Write down 3 things you’ll keep, 3 you’ll release, and 3 you’ll pause as you move into 2026.That tiny list is a reset. It’s space. It’s permission.Reminder:The Joyfully Prepared New Year begins February 1st.January is for recovery, naps, leftovers, and slower days.🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

In this episode of The Joyfully Prepared Podcast, I’m sharing what happened when I didn’t hit the goals I set at the beginning of the year and why that didn’t mean the year was a failure. As I looked back, I realized something surprising. My life changed in big, meaningful ways I never planned, and I would have forgotten most of it if I hadn’t written it down.This episode is an invitation to slow down and notice what actually changed in your life, even if your goals didn’t turn out the way you expected. Growth doesn’t always look like accomplishment. Sometimes it looks like becoming kinder to yourself, stronger in your faith, or more aware of what truly matters. You’re not behind. You’re becoming. And that kind of growth matters.Joyfully Prepared LibraryA growing collection of classes, guides, and resources focused on self-reliance, homemaking skills, preparedness, and mindset.The Bean BookA practical guide to buying, storing, preparing, and using dried beans in everyday meals.The Wheat BookA beginner-friendly guide to wheat, including storage, preparation, and ways to use wheat to feed your family well.Transformation Journal PagesSimple printable pages to help you track daily wins, spiritual insights, and personal growth.Future Transformation Journal GroupA possible upcoming group experience focused on journaling, reflection, accountability, and growth.

Inside This EpisodeWhy we’re officially starting the new year on February 1The magic of treating January as a recovery monthWhy moms need breathing room before setting goalsHow to choose one tiny, steady goal for the new yearWhat you want more of in your home and lifeWendi’s two-year decluttering story and why slow progress still countsLearning one skill a year versus overwhelming yourselfWhy a February start gives your brain permission to calm downThe One Thing Challenge for FebruaryEncouragement for setting boundaries and making space for yourselfMentioned in This EpisodeBooksRun app for decluttering books (add your affiliate link)Previous episode about prioritizing yourselfA February 1 Pep TalkYou are not behind.You are not late.You are allowed to rest.And a February 1 start is still a start… honestly, it might be the best one.Next WeekWe’ll continue our year-end series with a gentle look at what we learned this past year… and what we’re ready to release moving into 2026.🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

Inside This EpisodeA warm, real talk about unmet goalsWhy homesteading is more about mindset than landThe honest reasons we get stuck: tiredness, overwhelm, fear, perfectionismMy personal stories about sourdough and the overwhelming quiltHow to recognize your tiny wins and let go of guiltWhy starting your “new year” on February 1 might be the most freeing thing everA nightly practice to track your progress and stay groundedFree DownloadTransformation Journal PageA simple printable to jot down your daily wins, mercies, miracles, and next-day goals.Podcast Episode: You Prioritize What You LoveYour Gentle ReminderYou didn’t fail.You didn’t fall behind.You’re learning, growing, and building the life you want in small, beautiful ways.Next WeekWe’ll talk about simple homesteading resolutions you can actually keep — especially if you’re joining the “New Year Starts February 1” club.🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

In This Episode• Why gratitude works even when life feels upside down• How gratitude is a skill, not just a personality trait• The difference between reacting and dwelling• Why negativity is the “easy slope” our brains love• How God teaches us through opportunities to grow• Wendi’s “I’ll just be grateful” mantra• Funny but true gratitude list items• How gratitude strengthens resilience and self-reliance• Why controlling your thoughts changes everything• A simple challenge to jumpstart your own gratitude practiceTakeaways• Gratitude interrupts the mental spiral and rewires your thoughts.• You don’t have to pretend hard things aren’t hard. You just don’t have to stay there.• Small moments of gratitude move you closer to God’s solutions.• Your brain will follow your lead if you tell it what to look for.• Fun gratitude items make the practice easier to stick with.Wendi’s InvitationsMake a list of your top 5–10 “go-to gratitudes.”Use the mantra: “I’ll just be grateful.” Let it flip your brain into gratitude mode.Links🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

In this episode:• Why beans are one of the most budget friendly foods• How beans support digestion, fullness, and steady energy• Why many people avoid beans and how to make them easier• How soaking reduces phytic acid and improves nutrition• The simple steps for preparing dried chickpeas• How to make crispy chickpeas in the air fryer• How to use beans in everyday meals• Why learning small kitchen skills builds confidence and self reliance• A reminder that simple skills make your home feel steadier• Bean Guide and Workbook Download  Crispy Chickpea Steps:Rinse and sort one cup of dried chickpeasSoak 8–12 hours with plenty of waterRinse, then cook on stovetop or Instant PotDrain and dry wellSeason and air fry until crispConnect with Wendi:Share the episode with a friend and tag Wendi if you try the recipe or start experimenting with beans at home. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

🧡 Key Takeaways“Making” is a form of grounding and emotional reset.The kitchen (or any creative space) can become a personal sanctuary.Skill-building strengthens self-reliance: first yourself, then family, then community.Bread baking teaches patience, nourishment, and unseen transformation.Preparedness is not fear—it’s calm readiness.Story HighlightsBartering fire cider for plants with a regenerative gardener.“I am a maker.” Naming what lights you up.Bread as a teacher of patience, presence, and provision.🔨 Simple Steps to TryIdentify your sanctuary spot (kitchen, garden, studio, gym).Schedule 30 minutes a week to make or create something there.Notice how your mind quiets while your hands move.Journal what brings you the most calm and energy.MentionedFire cider basicsBread baking as a starter skillSkill stacking in everyday lifeCalls to ActionPeek inside the Joyfully Prepared Library for videos, books, and guides: bread, beans, water bath canning, meat canning, emergency prep.Send Wendi your requests for future lessons and resources.🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.comTimestamps00:00 Meme that sparked the episode02:00 The barter story and “I am a maker”07:30 Noise, doom scrolling, and nervous systems12:30 Kitchen as sanctuary and your version of it17:30 Three principles of self-reliance21:30 Bread as skill stacking and provision27:00 Preparedness as peacekeeping31:00 Your turn. Choose a sanctuary and make something

In this episode, you’ll learn:🌿 What fire cider is and how it supports your immune system🔥 The healing properties of each ingredient — from garlic’s germ-fighting power to turmeric’s sunny anti-inflammatory boost🫙 How to easily make your own batch at home (no measuring perfection required)💛 Creative ways to use your finished fire cider — in dressings, marinades, or as a daily wellness shot♻️ How to repurpose the strained herbs, roots, and spices into chutneys, spice blends, and compost goldFavorite quote from Wendi:“It’s not cold and flu season — it’s being indoors, eating sugar foods season. So let’s fix that with a little jar of spicy joy.”Mentioned in this episode:Onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, horseradish, lemon, rosemary, hot peppersApple cider vinegar and raw honeyThe Joyfully Prepared Library — resources for learning herbal and homesteading skillsInstagram: @joyfulprepperListen & Subscribe:🎧 Joyfully Prepared PodcastShare your fire cider!Tag @joyfulprepper on Instagram or post in the Joyfully Prepared Facebook group with a picture of your creation. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

In this episode:[00:00] Sponsored by Soup—itself![00:01] Why soup is magical (and universal)[00:02] Colonial sailors and the potbelly stove story[00:03] Valley Forge, bread ovens, and 24-hour soup for soldiers[00:05] Wendi’s favorite soups (potato, split pea, Pasta Fagioli)[00:06] How soup becomes a meal, a freezer backup, and a comfort food[00:08] Mission in Finland: makkara and potato soup on a budget[00:10] Stretching soup to feed more and save money[00:11] Simple formula for making soup without a recipe[00:12] Why soup is self-reliance in a bowl[00:13] Sharing soup as an act of loveMentioned Recipes:🥔 Potato Soup🍲 Split Pea Soup🍜 Pasta Fagioli (Olive Garden style)Resources: 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com

In this episode:How compensating blessings reveal God’s love and timingThe connection between self-reliance and divine serviceTwo real-life examples of God using small acts to create big blessingsWhy journaling can help you see God’s hand in your daily lifeThe quote that changed Wendi’s understanding of giving and receivingHow to recognize the unique ways God speaks to youEncouragement to use your talents (even the small ones!) to lift othersMentioned in this episode:Transformation Journal Episode (link placeholder)🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.comFavorite Quote:“Without self-reliance, one cannot exercise these innate desires to serve...Food for the hungry cannot come from empty shelves...Spiritual guidance cannot come from the spiritually weak.”—Marion G. Romney

In this episode, you’ll hear:🌻 The simple but powerful truth that we all prioritize what we love—and what that reveals about our choices🧵 Wendi’s real-life story of learning to quilt (and the frustration of not sewing a straight line!)🍞 How learning new skills—like breadmaking or canning—can be an act of self-love and growth🎂 What cake decorating taught her about trying new things… even when they don’t “stick” long-term💖 A spiritual reflection on God’s “fingerprints” in the small, daily mercies of life🙏 Encouragement to replace shame-filled “shoulds” with grace, patience, and progressMentioned in this episode:SafeWaterDrop.com – your water purification solution for home and emergency prepJoyfullyPreparedLibrary.com – join the membership for videos, books, and guides on canning, meal planning, food storage, and herbal projects🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper👩‍🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.comFavorite Quote:“You are doing the very best you can right now—and God is working with you.”Call to Action:Take inventory of what you truly love. Then, choose one small thing to prioritize this week that brings you joy or helps you grow. Maybe it’s learning to bake bread, canning jam, or simply resting well. You deserve to be at the top of your own priority list.

[00:00] A warm welcome to listeners around the globe (still waiting for Antarctica!)[02:00] The stressful lead-up to moving from New Jersey to Florida[08:00] How their Great Pyrenees, Aphrodite, became the unlikely guide to the right home[15:00] Grief and trust: losing Aphrodite just months after moving[20:00] Recognizing God’s orchestration in life’s chaos[27:00] Why kindness to yourself matters in seasons of stress[35:00] Journaling, scripture, and prayer as tools for realignment[42:00] Living Isaiah 55:8–9: learning God’s thoughts and walking in His waysScripture Reference: Isaiah 55:8–9Key Takeaway: Even when the world feels chaotic, God’s vision is higher and His plan is greater than what we can see.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:The highlights of the East Tennessee Homestead Alliance FestivalSkills demonstrated: soap making, yogurt making, candle making, lockpicking, tomahawk throwing, animal processing, and moreFamily-run businesses selling soap, skincare, honey, teas, and handmade productsWhy these events are valuable for inspiration, community, and learning new skillsWendi’s classes on food preservation (including dry pack canning) and building a waste-free pantry through meal planningEncouragement to start small and use resources like the Joyfully Prepared Library to keep growing your skillsLinks to vendors and sponsors mentioned, including Azure Standard, goat milk products, and Garden Grown BeautyResources & Links Mentioned:Joyfully Prepared LibraryAzure StandardGarden Grown Beauty (regenerative skincare)Appalachian Wiggle Butts - Goats Milk Lotions and Soaps 

When your child gets sick, it’s easy to feel helpless. But sometimes the best remedies are the simple, old-fashioned ones already in your kitchen. 🌿In this episode of the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin shares the three herbal preparations every mom needs to know:🧅 Onion Poultice – a soothing chest remedy that helps ease congestion and promote rest.🧄 Garlic Honey – nature’s antibiotic paired with honey’s throat-soothing sweetness.🍵 Herbal Teas – calming, immune-supporting blends like chamomile, peppermint, sage, and thyme.Along the way, Wendi tells the story of how she supported her daughter through a tough illness with these time-tested remedies (plus a few extras like elderberry syrup, mullein, and manuka honey). You’ll hear the practical tips, the “mom hacks” (hello, freeze-dried onions at 4am!), and the encouragement you need to feel more confident caring for your family naturally.Resources & Links:The Power of Elderberries -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joyfully-prepared/id1510423135?i=1000693455933Elderberry Syrup Kit - https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/elderberryJoyfully Prepared Library -https://www.joyfullypreparedlibrary.comMeal Planning Worksheet - https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planningJoyfully Prepared Realtor - https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/Website - https://joyfullyprepared.comInstagram - https://instagram.com/joyfulprepperFacebook - https://www.joyfulprepgroup.comSafe Water Drop - https://www.safewaterdrop.com

New things are happening around here, and I can’t wait to share them with you! In this episode, I’m talking about my upcoming speaking event, the Joyfully Prepared Library, my new focus as the Joyfully Prepared Realtor, and why now is the perfect time to start preparing for the holidays — with peace, not overwhelm.Joyfully Prepared Library -https://www.joyfullypreparedlibrary.comMeal Planning Worksheet - https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planningJoyfully Prepared Realtor - https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/Website - https://joyfullyprepared.comInstagram - https://instagram.com/joyfulprepperFacebook - https://www.joyfulprepgroup.com

Do you ever keep a running list in your head to prove how tired you are? Wendi calls it the Proof of Exhaustion List, and in this episode she shares what’s on hers and why we do it.But this isn’t just about being tired—it’s about choosing strength. Wendi reflects on her recent workouts, her surprisingly strong wrists, and how everyday chores like gardening and breadmaking build hidden resilience. You’ll also hear insights from her time studying with herbalists in Italy, why muscle strength matters as we age, and encouragement for women to prioritize their bodies as gifts from God.In this episode, you’ll hear:What the “Proof of Exhaustion List” is (and why it’s so relatable)Why strength training is essential for women, especially through menopauseHow everyday homemaking builds strength without us realizing itLessons from herbalist Margi Flint on hand strength and agingEncouragement to make strength part of spiritual and physical preparednessResources & Next Steps:Visit JoyfullyPrepared.comJoin the Joyfully Prepared Facebook group to share your own “Proof of Exhaustion List”Email Wendi your strength training wins or encouragement for other momswendi@joyfulprep.com

Life has a way of drifting toward chaos—whether it’s towels in a heap, laundry piling up, or one too many plates wobbling on sticks. In this episode of the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi unpacks:The story of the red towel and why her brilliant “mom system” didn’t work out.Why entropy isn’t personal failure—it’s just how the world works.The plate-spinning analogy and how it mirrors our daily lives.Why giving yourself grace (and even a nap or a cry) is essential.How to eliminate plates, delegate responsibilities, and simplify what remains.Ways to combat entropy with rest, laughter, and practical action.You’re not a hypocrite. You’re not failing. You’re a mom with a lot of plates—and you’re doing better than you think.

Packing lunches every morning. Cooking dinner every night. Which is more stressful? Honestly, it’s a tie—except lunches feel like a daily pop quiz, and dinner is more like a final exam.In this episode, I’m sharing:Cushion meal ideas that save your sanity during the first weeks of schoolHow to turn rotisserie chicken into multiple easy mealsFreezer night tips that work for both store-bought and homemadeSheet pan, breakfast-for-dinner, and salad bar ideas that require minimal effortMy simple Mix + Match Lunch Formula (protein + veggie + fruit + fun item)How to involve kids in lunch packing without adding more chaosYou’ll also hear two things I love and use myself:https://ufeelgreat.com/c/bergin  A chlorogenic tea and medical-grade fiber drink that’s helped me manage appetite, support gut health, and improve energy and focus ([link in show notes])SafeWaterDrop.com – my go-to for year-long water purification in one tiny tabletResources mentioned in this episode:Meal Planning Worksheets – plan dinners and lunch packing in one spot so you’re not scrambling ([link])My Facebook group: Joyfully Prepared – come share your own meal planning wins and get supportSafeWaterDrop.com – year-long water purification in one tabletYou’ve got this, mama. Keep lunches simple, dinners doable, and give yourself the cushion you deserve this back-to-school season.