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The Cottager's Podcast
The Cottager's Podcast
Author: Mathew & Carissa Winters
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© 2026 Mathew & Carissa Winters
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The Cottagers Podcast, in association with Cottage Pastures, is on a mission to inspire, support and promote agricultural pursuits characterized by farming and homesteading. We are inspired by our Catholic Faith and believe agriculture is a great means to illuminate the beauty of that faith in the world today. Join us as we talk about farming, homesteading, the Catholic faith and more!
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On this episode of the Cottager's Podcast, Mathew met with Dr. Taylor Marshall to discuss homesteading, family life and more. For more information about Dr. Taylor Marshall: Dr. Taylor Marshall's YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@DrTaylorMarshall… Website: http://taylormarshall.com Pre-Order Dr. Taylor Marshall's Upcoming Book: "Christian Patriot: 12 Ways to Create One National Under God" https://ChristianPatriotBook.com For more information about Cottage Pastures and the Cottager's Podast visit https://www.cottagepastures.com. Please direct all inquiries to hello@cottagepastures.com.
This episode features Shawn and Beth Dougherty. You might have heard our prior episode with the Doughertys discussing low-input farming, but this episode focuses much more on dairy cows. One of my favorite questions that came up was whether or not a dairy cow must be fed grain - this questions and more are covered throughout the episode and we hope you find the discussion inspring and of value to you, wherever you are in your homesteading journey.To learn more about Little Way Farm and Homestead, including the farm or for other Podcast episodes - please check out littlewayhomestead.com, or email us at hello@littlewayhomestead.com. ___Shawn and Beth Dougherty have been farming together since the 1980'sUsing intensive grazing as the primary source of food energy, the Doughertys raise dairy and beef cows, sheep, farm-fed hogs, and a variety of poultry, producing most of the food, and feed, on the farm. Their ongoing project is to identify and test the potential for operating a farm and homestead with minimal off-farm inputs.They are the authors of The Independent Farmstead, actively contribute to Plain Value magazine, have written for Mother Earth News, Hobby Farms and more. They have been featured in various interviews, podcasts, and conferencesShawn and Beth promote an outline of farming and homesteading that is inspiring to us as we consider the ways we engage in a stewardship model which considers homesteading, farming and the Catholic Faith.We are excited to bring you this interview as a production of Little Way Farm and Homestead. If you are interested in helping this podcast grow and reach a larger audience, please consider leaving a review wherever you are listening to the episode, and share with someone you know!Helpful Links:The Independent Farmstead by Shawn and Beth Dougherty https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/the-independent-farmstead/The One Cow Revolution Website https://one-cow-revolution.com/For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead including the farm, podcast, and upcoming events, check out https://littlewayhomestead.com/.For media inquiries, advertising, speaking request, guest referrals, consulting and more - email us at hello@littlewayhomestead.com.
On this episode of the Little Way Farm and Homestead Podcast, Mathew and Carissa share their excitement for the upcoming Springtime growing season. During this episode they discuss things to consider when preparing to plant seeds for the springtime, helpful tips from their own experiences at the farm and more. There is so much to consider when beginning a garden and considering growing some of your own food that it is imperative we take time to consider what we want to grow, how we want to use what is grown, and schedule the planting, growing and harvesting tasks so that we can be successful and have an enjoyable experience. Real Estate for Life is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org. And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.Link: https://realestateforlife.org/___For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead including the farm, podcast, and upcoming events, check out https://littlewayhomestead.com/.For media inquiries, advertising, speaking request, guest referrals, consulting and more - email us at hello@littlewayhomestead.com.
On this episode, I had a solo-interview with Suzan Sammons, author of The Stations of the Cross in Slow Motion, A Daily Devotion for Lent. This is a powerful interview that reminds me of the importance of building a homestead on the proper foundation - prayer and the Sacraments. Like any other pursuit in life, the development of a productive homestead is truly lacking if it is not characterized by a strong presence of prayer. Suzan discusses her new book, but also provides great insight into prayer in the home, fasting, and commentary on some of our historical practices concerning Lent. This is an interview that I hope you find encouraging and inspiring as we prepare for the upcoming Lenten Season. If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider leaving a review or sharing it with a friend. And if you'd like to message us directly, please feel welcomed to email us at hello@littlewayhometead.com.Order Suzan's new book, The Stations of the Cross in Slow Motion, A Daily Devotion for Lent: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-stations-of-the-cross-in-slow-motion/---Real Estate for Life is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org. And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.Link: https://realestateforlife.org/___For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead including the farm, podcast, and upcoming events, check out https://littlewayhomestead.com/.For media inquiries, advertising, speaking request, guest referrals, consulting and more - email us at hello@littlewayhomestead.com.
In this episode, I had a unique opportunity to speak with Brandon Sheard and Ross McKnight We recorded this episode ahead of The Art of Foie Gras, presented by Ross and Brandon at Backwater Foie Gras in Louisiana. In this episode we cover an array of topics including meat production, culture, the Catholic faith, hands on learning and more. This was a great interview and presents another example of the Catholic Faith active in the world today.If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with someone you know.Guest Notes:Ross McKnight of Backwater Foie Gras offers courses to help instruct people in homesteading and farming methods. Be sure to consider joining Ross and team at Backwater Foie Gras during an in-person course including the upcoming Art of Foie Gras at https://backwaterfoiegras.com/foiegrasclass.Check out the Backwater Foie Gras website at: https://backwaterfoiegras.com/Brandon Sheard of Farmstead Meatsmith is known for his excellent demonstrations and training in animal butchering. You can find information about upcoming, on-farm courses at the Farmstead Meatsmith Website: https://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/.Upcoming Farmstead Meatsmith Events: https://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/upcoming-classes/Additional Notes:If you're looking to stock up on beef - consider purchasing from Ripley Cove Farms. You can find them at https://ripleycovefarms.com/. Be sure to use code LITTLE WAY for 10% off your order.Real Estate for Life is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org. And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.Link: https://realestateforlife.org/___For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead, including the farm, podcast, and upcoming events, check out https://littlewayhomestead.com/. For media inquiries, advertising, speaking request, guest referrals, consulting and more - email us at hello@littlewayhomestead.com.
Ross & Dorothy McKnight, of Backwater Foie Gras, are an inspiration and pioneering Catholic couple. They have built a reputable farming business without a background in farming or homesteading. This was an exciting interview where we learned about Foie Gras, the McKnight's journey to farming and manners in which the Catholic Faith can be unpacked on the homestead. The Mcknight's interview is one that echoes many themes in our own lives - that a lifestyle firstly inspired by the Catholic Faith, is good. That raising children on a homestead is beneficial and that a life in pursuit of Heaven is always worth living. We are inspired by this interview, and not just about our newfound understanding of Foie Gras, but about the need for perseverance and continually striving to respond to God. Additional Notes:Backwater Foie Gras offers courses to help instruct people in homesteading and farming methods. Be sure to consider joining Ross and team at Backwater Foie Gras during an in-person course including the upcoming Art of Foie Gras.Real Estate for Life is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org. And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.Link: https://realestateforlife.org/For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead, including the farm, podcast, and upcoming projects, check out LittleWayHomestead.com.
On this episode we spoke with Eric and Suzan Sammons about raising children, developing strong Catholic families, and more. Eric and Suzan Sammons are the parents of seven children. Suzan is the author of The Stations of the Cross in Slow Motion: A Daily Devotion for Lent which will be available through Sophia Institute Press in January of 2024) She is a homeschooling mother and editor of several Catholic publications and has published numerous articles in Catholic outlets on topics including child-rearing and education, the dignity of the unborn, holistic health, and Catholic spirituality. Eric Sammons is the Editor-in-Chief of Crisis Magazine and the author of eight books, including Deadly Indifference: How the Church Lost Her Mission and How We Can Reclaim It. Together, they wrote The Jesse Tree: An Advent Devotion.This episode reminds us of the importance of consciously striving to build a home that supports the flourishing of the Catholic faith, in the home, on the homestead, and everywhere. We are excited to bring you this episode as a production of Little Way Farm and Homestead and hope you find it as inspiring as we do. Other Notes:Crisis Magazine: https://crisismagazine.com/Purchase the Jesse Tree: An Advent Devotion by Eric and Suzan Sammons at: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-jesse-tree/More from Eric Sammons, including links to his books: https://ericsammons.com/___Check out more from Little Way Farm and Homestead, including information about the Farm and More at Littlewayhomestead.com.
Shawn and Beth Dougherty discuss low-input farming, starting points with animals on the homestead and the Catholic Faith.Biography for Shawn and Beth Dougherty:Shawn and Beth Dougherty have been farming together since the 1980’sUsing intensive grazing as the primary source of food energy, the Doughertys raise dairy and beef cows, sheep, farm-fed hogs, and a variety of poultry, producing most of the food, and feed, on the farm. Their ongoing project is to identify and test the potential for operating a farm and homestead with minimal off-farm inputs.They are the authors of The Independent Farmstead, actively contribute to Plain Value magazine, have written for Mother Earth News, Hobby Farms and more. They have been featured in various interviews, podcasts, and conferences Shawn and Beth promote an outline of farming and homesteading that is inspiring to us as we consider the ways we engage in a stewardship model which considers homesteading, farming and the Catholic Faith.We are excited to bring you this interview as a production of Little Way Farm and Homestead. If you are interested in helping this podcast grow and reach a larger audience, please consider leaving a review wherever you are listening to the episode, and share with someone you know!Helpful Links:The Independent Farmstead by Shawn and Beth DoughertyThe One Cow Revolution Website
As the winter approaches, we find it important to review what went well at the farm and homestead over the past year. We are also excited from two other members of our family and what they found enjoyable about the farm and homestead. Want to learn more about homesteading, farming and the Catholic faith? Check out the Little Way Farm and Homestead Website at www.littlewayhomestead.com. Know someone who you think would be a good guest on the podcast? Have a question or comment about homesteading, farming and the Catholic faith you want us to address? Send us a message at hello@littlewayhomestead.com. Are you looking to find land and move to a homestead? Consider using a Pro-Life Real Estate company! We know it is important to have great help when purchasing a new home. We also know that your real estate agent and brokerage being aligned with you and your pro-life stance makes a big difference. Check out Real Estate for Life at https://realestateforlife.org/ and let them know Mathew and Carissa at Little Way Farm and Homestead sent you!
Does the Homestead need to be a source of income? This is a conversation we believe is probably more important than many realize. We hope you find encouragement and support in the discussion as you further explore the development of your homestead.
How was the past year on the homestead? Carissa reflects on the past year including discussion about things that went well and challenges along the way. Checkout Littlewayhomestead.com for more details and information about Little Way Farm and Homestead.
On this episode of the Little Way Farm and Homestead podcast, Mathew and Carissa discuss various misconceptions about homesteading. The following misconceptions were discussed during this episode:1.) Homesteads require a lot of land2.) Homesteads must be off-grid3.) Homesteading involves late nights and early mornings4.) Your Homestead must look like one you've seen on social media5.) You must be self-sufficient6.) Homesteads need to be in a remote location7.) Homesteads are disorganized and cluttered8.) Homestead land is smelly9.) Homesteading is lonely and your children will be unprepared to live in the world10.) Homesteading means you must homeschool
On this episode of the Little Way Farm and Homestead Podcast we become introduced to Mathew and Carissa. During the conversation we will hear about the journey Mathew and Carissa took from the city to the countryside.
On this interview, Mathew interviewed Michael Thomas of Sharon. For many people Michael might be familiar due to his work with the Catholic Land Movement, but are you familiar with his entry into homesteading, orchard or shepherding work? Tune into the episode and feel welcome to reach out with any questions. This is a great interview with Michael and one that is hopefully inspiring to many people considering the homesteading lifestyle.
Jeff Putnam is a Writer, Dad, Catholic and small time Homesteader. Mathew and Jeff discussed the importance of hard work and much more. Jeff is an author with a sizable online following. He discusses the importance of hard work, his experience with the Catholic Faith, notes considering using goats for vegetation management and much more. Learn more about Jeff, check out his books and more: X Profile: https://x.com/TheJeffPutnamWebsite: https://jputnambooks.com/
On this episode of the Little Way Farm and Homestead Podcast, Mathew and Carissa have a genuine and honest conversation. Discussing farm updates, their developing experiences of rural living and the the evolving maturity that comes with pursuing a vocation of marriage. This conversation begins light hearted and becomes a bit more serious around the midway point. It's a conversation of hope and one that acknowledges the potential for disorder and fatigue, as well as fun in life. This episode, we hope, leaves you inspired to keep focused and pursuing a life that God calls you to. For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead including the farm, podcast, and upcoming events, check out https://www.littlewayhomestead.com/For media inquiries, advertising, speaking requests, guest referrals, consulting and more - email us at hello@littlewayhomestead.com
On this interview, Mathew met with Devin Rose, author of Farm Flop: A City Dweller's Guide to Failing on a Farm in Two Years Or Less. This is a hopeful and cautious interview and one which will hopefully be of great inspiration as you consider your current and future homesteading goals.Are you looking to order garlic for your homestead this year? At Little Way Farm and Homestead we sell a hardneck variety of garlic known as "Music." You can find availability and shipping information at our website - littlewayhomestead.com.Do you have a great homesteading story to share? Send us an email at hello@littlewayhomestead.com. Let us know!For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead including the farm, podcast, and upcoming events, check out https://www.littlewayhomestead.com/For media inquiries, advertising, speaking requests, guest referrals, consulting and more - email us at hello@littlewayhomestead.comHow to Fail at Homesteading & Keep Going w/ Devin Rose
Mathew interviewed Ken and Jennifer Zalewski of Pierced Hearts Homestead. They had a great conversation about starting a homestead including some good information about starting out. Be sure to check out Pierced Hearts Homestead at https://piercedheartshomestead.com/._____Are you looking to order garlic for your homestead this year? At Little Way Farm and Homestead we sell a hardneck variety of garlic known as "Music." You can find availability and shipping information at our website - littlewayhomestead.com. Real Estate for Life https://realestateforlife.org/ is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org. And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.Do you have a great homesteading story to share? Send us an email at hello@littlewayhomestead.com. Let us know!For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead including the farm, podcast, and upcoming events, check out https://littlewayhomestead.com/ For media inquiries, advertising, speaking requests, guest referrals, consulting and more - email us at hello@littlewayhomestead.com
Mathew & Carissa discussed a pitfall that can damage the success and experience of homesteading - striving to homestead the way others do. This episode also discussed farm and homestead updates from Little Way Farm and Homestead during May of 2024. Want to support us at Little Way Farm and Homestead? Be sure to join th email list for farm updates, events, inventory availability and new releases! You can join the email list by visiting the Little Way Farm and Homestead Contact Page.Real Estate for Life is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org. And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.Do you have a great homesteading story to share? Send us an email at hello@littlewayhomestead.com. Let us know!For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead including the farm, podcast, and upcoming events, check out our website!For media inquiries, advertising, speaking requests, guest referrals, consulting and more - email us at hello@littlewayhomestead.com
Mathew interviewed Thomas Van Horn, one of the authors of The Liturgy of the Land: Cultivating a Catholic Homestead. They spoke about bees, authorship and much more. Be sure to check out The Liturgy of the Land: Cultivating a Catholic Homestead by Jason Craig and Thomas van Horn_____Check out Fidei.Email and use code "LittleWay" for a discount. We recently switched our farm's email address to Fidei Email after learning it is owned and built by a Catholic. Fidei Email represents much of what we hope our partners represent - a commitment to the Catholic Faith including the way the business operates. We cannot recommend Fidei Email enough and we hope you choose to switch to Fidei Email from your current email provider.We recently switched our farm's email address to Fidei Email after learning it is owned and built by a Catholic. Fidei Email represents much of what we hope our partners represent - a commitment to the Catholic Faith including the way the business operates. We cannot recommend Fidei Email enough and we hope you choose to switch to Fidei Email from your current email provider.Real Estate for Life is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org. And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.Link: https://realestateforlife.org/Do you have a great homesteading story to share? Send us an email at hello@littlewayhomestead.com. Let us know!For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead including the farm, podcast, and upcoming events, check out https://littlewayhomestead.com/ For media inquiries, advertising, speaking requests, guest referrals, consulting and more - email us at hello@littlewayhomestead.com






