Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World

If you've been trying to figure out how to reduce inflammation in the body naturally but feel like you're chasing ten different solutions at once, this episode is for you. You don't need more supplements. You don't need a harsher detox. You don't need more discipline. You need the right order. In this 500th episode, I'm breaking down why inflammation feels so hard to fix and walking you through a simple, foundational framework to stabilize your body first — before you add intensity. We'll talk about: Why inflammation is a systems issue (not just one food or one supplement) The biggest mistake most women make when trying to heal How blood sugar swings, stress, sleep, and nervous system overload all connect What to focus on first (and what not to do yet) Signs your body is starting to respond This isn't about perfection. It's about stabilization. If you've been exhausted, inflamed, overwhelmed, and unsure what actually matters most, I want to help you simplify so your body can finally begin to heal. For more information, check out the blog post that accompanies this podcast: https://melissaknorris.com/500 And be sure to join me for the Whole Health Reset challenge! We start March 9: https://melissaknorris.com/health 

For the first time ever, genetically modified seeds have been made available to the common gardener for home use. I've been hearing from many home gardeners how excited they are to grow this new variety of tomato in their home garden, which to be honest, surprises me. Which makes me wonder if everyone knows exactly what GMO seeds are, and if we ought to be concerned? In today's podcast, I'm diving into the nitty gritty of what classifies a seed as GMO, or Hybrid, or F1 Hybrid. I'm also explaining self-pollination, open-pollination and what you need to know as a home-gardener to successfully seed save. But more importantly, I want to discuss the place of GMO seeds in the home-garden. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit melissaknorris.com/419. Azure Standard is the sponsor for this podcast. For first-time Azure customers, get 10% off your first order of $50 or more with coupon code "Melissa10" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

When raising grass fed beef there are key things you need to know on butcher day to get the most out of your cow. What to do before the butcher arrives and what cuts to ask for, and some are going to surprise you. How to get the best flavor on your meat and our favorite ways to prepare these lesser heard of cuts. Get the show notes and resources at https://melissaknoris.com/214 including our Freezer Space for Meat Guide, so you know exactly how many feet of freezer space you need per animal. Get Melissa's newest book with bonuses at http://Familygardenplan.com

Learn how to make money homesteading with 12 ways to earn a homestead income and real cash from your farm, even if you only own a small amount of land. Melissa share's real ways they've used to earn income from their homestead as well as how family and friends take their skills and land to earn them money and how you can too. For resources and links go to https://melissaknorris.com/151

Are you eating healthy, exercising, and still struggling to lose weight? For many women—especially in their late 30s and 40s—the issue may not be calories at all. It may be insulin resistance and blood sugar imbalance. In today's episode, I'm talking with Ruth Soukup about the hidden blood sugar loop that keeps so many women stuck with fatigue, cravings, and stubborn weight gain. Ruth shares how she lost nearly 50 pounds by focusing on metabolic health instead of traditional dieting, and we talk through practical steps you can begin using today to stabilize blood sugar and support hormone balance naturally. If you've felt frustrated with diet advice that no longer works, this conversation may be exactly what you need to hear.  What You'll Learn: What insulin resistance is and why it's so common today  Why dieting harder often backfires  How blood sugar imbalance affects hormones and metabolism  Foods that help stabilize blood sugar  Why walking after meals can help regulate glucose  How small daily habits can restore metabolic flexibility  For more information, be sure to check out the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/502 Resources Mentioned: The Whole Health Reset: https://melissaknorris.com/the-whole-health-reset Thin Adapted System with Ruth: https://thinlicious.com/program 10 Day Sugar Detox with Ruth: https://www.getthinlicious.com/detox If you found this helpful, be sure to subscribe for more conversations on traditional living, health, homesteading, and from-scratch skills.

Winter is often described as the slow season, but what if that isn't actually true? In this episode, we're sharing the honest reality of what winter really looks like on a homestead and why slow living doesn't happen automatically. Instead, it's something we must create intentionally. We talk about how winter shifts from growing and harvesting to planning and evaluating, how to adjust your homestead to match your current season of life, and why creating small pockets of margin can make a powerful difference in your health, stress levels, and sustainability. In this episode, you'll learn: Why winter isn't truly a slow season How to evaluate what worked in your garden and pantry The importance of creating intentional margin How small habits can restore energy and clarity Why slow living starts with honest evaluation If you've ever felt like you're constantly busy, even in winter, this episode will help you create a more sustainable, intentional pace. Listen now and start building margin into your homesteading life. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/501

Have you ever tried winter sowing… only to wonder if you were doing something wrong? In today's episode, I'm chatting with Luke from MIgardener all about winter sowing, what it is, how it works, and who it's really best for. I'll be honest with you — I haven't had success with winter sowing in my northern garden when it comes to warm-season vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. But after this conversation, I'm looking at it differently. Instead of trying to make it replace my indoor seed-starting system, I'm shifting how I'll use it this year — especially for medicinal herbs, culinary herbs, and perennials (particularly those that benefit from cold stratification). In this episode, we talk through: What winter sowing actually is Which crops thrive with this method Why warm-season crops struggle Cold stratification and why it matters How to handle watering and ventilation Dense planting tricks for lettuce How to simplify your seed-starting system If you've ever felt overwhelmed by seed-starting calendars, grow lights, and timing everything perfectly, this episode may give you a refreshing perspective. Gardening doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes we just need to work with nature instead of trying to outsmart it. And if you're growing herbs and flowers this year, you may want to give winter sowing a try right alongside me. Links Mentioned: My blog post on winter sowing (with full step-by-step instructions and what I'm testing this year): https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/how-to-winter-sow-seeds/ My cold stratification chart for medicinal and perennial herbs: https://melissaknorris.com/cold-stratification-of-seeds/ MIgardener's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/MIgardener MIgardener seed shop: MIgardener.com FREE gardening tips! Email gardenhelp@migardener.com Luke's blog post on winter sowing: https://migardener.com/blogs/blog/winter-sowing-tips-for-the-impatient-gardener

Have you ever wondered if the oils sitting in your pantry might actually be contributing to inflammation? In this episode, I'm diving into one of the most overlooked pieces of the inflammation puzzle: the types of fats we're using every day. Many of the oils marketed as "healthy" may actually be disrupting omega balance, stressing the gut, and keeping inflammation quietly simmering in the background. I'm breaking down: • What makes certain seed oils inflammatory • Why the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio matters so much • Which fats I personally avoid • The traditional, stable fats I use instead • How to confidently read ingredient labels at the store This conversation builds directly on the last two episodes where I shared our personal health journey through a cancer diagnosis and what chronic inflammation really looks like in the body. If you haven't listened to those yet, I encourage you to start there: 👉 Chronic Inflammation: Why It Happens & What to Do About It https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/chronic-inflammation/ 👉 When Your Health Forces You to Stop (and What to Do Next) https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/when-your-health-forces-you-to-stop/ 👉 Learn more about the Whole Health Reset here: https://melissaknorris.com/the-whole-health-reset/ 👉 For more information and any links mentioned in today's episode, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/498 Thank you to Azure Standard for sponsoring this episode. I trust them for high-quality, minimally processed pantry staples and traditional fats that align with how I feed my family. You can explore their oils and bulk foods, plus get 15% off your first order of $100 or more with coupon code "Melissa15": https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard  As always, this isn't about fear or perfection. It's about understanding your body, noticing patterns, and making simple changes that add up over time.

If you feel tired but wired, wake up exhausted even after a full night's sleep, or feel like your body isn't responding the way it used to, this episode is for you. Chronic inflammation isn't just about inflammatory foods. It's a signal that your stress response, blood sugar, sleep rhythms, and metabolism are out of sync. In today's episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I'm breaking down the hidden drivers of inflammation that many women, especially over 35, are experiencing but don't always recognize. We'll talk about: Why inflammation is a signal, not the root problem How blood sugar swings and insulin resistance impact sleep and hormones What waking between 2-4 a.m. can really mean Why under-eating protein and over-training can make things worse How stress, cortisol, sleep, and metabolism are all connected This isn't about doing more, dieting harder, or following the latest wellness trend. It's about understanding how your body works as a whole and learning how to support it in a sustainable way. Whether you're just starting your health journey or feel like you've tried everything, this episode will help you see the bigger picture and take your next step with clarity and confidence. 👉 Learn more about the Whole Health Reset here: https://melissaknorris.com/the-whole-health-reset/ 👉 For more information and any links mentioned in today's episode, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/497

I'm so grateful to be back with you after stepping away from the podcast last fall. In this episode, I'm sharing honestly about why I needed to pause and what unfolded during that time. Over the past several months, I was walking through my own physical limitations while my husband received an unexpected kidney cancer diagnosis. It was a season that forced us to slow down, reevaluate our pace of life, and take a hard look at how we were caring for our health. In this episode, I talk about what this journey taught me about inflammation, stress, nutrition, and why true healing requires more than just changing what's on your plate. I also share how small, consistent changes can create real, lasting improvement, even in the middle of a full and busy life. This episode marks the beginning of a new season of the podcast, with a renewed focus on stewardship, sustainable health, and building a life that supports both your homestead and your well-being. If you're in a hard season right now, I hope this conversation encourages you and reminds you that you're not alone. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/496

In this throwback episode, we revisit a conversation that is perfect for anyone looking around their home thinking, "Something has to change." I sat down with Tracy Lynn to talk about decluttering in a way that truly lasts — not just a weekend cleanup that slides back into chaos, but real systems that create peace and order for the long haul. One of Tracy's insights that stuck with me is that clutter is loud. Even in a quiet home, visual clutter speaks to you all day long. It distracts you, drains your energy, and adds mental noise you may not even realize is there. And if you've ever decluttered only to have everything slowly creep back in, you know just how frustrating that cycle feels. Tracy shares how to break that pattern by pairing decluttering with habit-building. Her month-by-month approach is simple but incredibly effective — each space is tackled in the season where it naturally fits. For example, she recommends organizing the office in March, when many of us are already sorting paperwork for tax season. It's about aligning your home rhythms with your real-life routines so decluttering feels doable, not overwhelming. If you're longing for a home that feels calm, functional, and easy to maintain — or if your clutter has just been feeling a little "too loud" lately — this episode will give you the clarity and encouragement you need to make lasting change. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/495

In this powerful throwback episode, we revisit one of the most meaningful and eye-opening conversations I've had on the homestead. I sat down with Dr. Shannyn Pearce to talk about what's really going on underneath the struggles so many women face — thyroid issues, adrenal overload, hormone imbalance, and the subtle warning signs that often go unnoticed. We dig into the everyday symptoms many of us tend to brush off: fatigue, unexplained weight gain, mood swings, inflammation, and food sensitivities. I share parts of my own journey, including how I got off thyroid medication, uncovered hidden food reactions, and learned to listen to my body in a deeper, more intentional way. Dr. Shannyn also explains why individualized lab work matters, how "normal" ranges don't always reflect what's optimal for you, and how adrenal and hormonal shifts can quietly influence your well-being long before bigger issues surface. Most importantly, this episode focuses on real, actionable steps — from managing stress and removing inflammatory foods to supporting the adrenals and giving your body the time and grace it needs to heal. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything "right" yet still don't feel like yourself, this conversation will give you clarity, hope, and a practical path forward. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/494 ✨ Sponsor: This throwback episode is sponsored by Azure Standard. Their Azure Well line of high-quality supplements and herbs is a wonderful resource for supporting thyroid, adrenal, and overall hormonal health naturally. Save 15% off your first purchase of $100 or more with the code MELISSA15   

In this throwback episode, we're revisiting one of the most foundational lessons for anyone who wants to grow more of their own food — not just a handful of tomatoes or a quick salad garden (though that's a great place to begin!), but a true, abundant harvest that feeds your family. I'm sharing the nine core principles I've relied on for nearly twenty-seven years of gardening here on our homestead. These steps will help you create consistent, reliable harvests no matter what the season throws your way. If you've ever struggled with uneven yields, wished your garden produced more predictably, or wanted a clear roadmap for planning a productive garden, this episode lays out the framework you've been missing. We'll cover the habits and systems that set you up for long-term success — understanding your soil, planning your garden space intentionally, choosing the right varieties, and building a repeatable method you can use year after year. Whether you're gardening in a small backyard, a suburban lot, or a larger homestead, these nine steps will help you grow more food with less overwhelm. It's an episode worth revisiting each season as you plan ahead for 2026 and beyond. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/493

In this throwback episode, I'm revisiting one of my favorite herbal conversations with my friend and renowned herbalist Rosalee de la Forêt. This discussion truly changed the way I approach herbal medicine. Instead of treating herbs like Western medicine — one symptom, one herb — Rosalee helps us understand why herbalism is so much more personal and intuitive. Together, we walk through how to recognize your body's signals and determine whether what you're experiencing is hot, cold, damp, or dry. Understanding your own energetics is the key to choosing herbs that actually work for your body and supporting your immune system in a deeper, more effective way. If you've ever wanted to use herbs with confidence, especially during cold and flu season, this episode is the perfect place to begin. I've also created an Herbal Energetics Wheel to help you match the right herbs to your constitution. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/492

In this throwback episode, we revisit a listener coaching call where we break down how to begin homesteading without jumping into overwhelm. We talk through the basics of planning raw land, observing sunlight and frost patterns, mapping out future zones, and using temporary setups like grow bags and portable fencing as you learn what works best. You'll also hear practical advice for easing into homesteading step-by-step so you can build a sustainable, thriving homestead at a pace that fits your season of life. Whether you're dreaming of your first garden or planning your next big project, this timeless conversation will help you move forward with confidence and clarity. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/491

In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, we're discussing the continual rise of feed costs and what my family does to mitigate these costs as much as possible. I'm sharing some of the breakdowns (at the time of the recording), how much feed is needed per animal and even some different feed options to consider. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/490

In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Kaylee Richardson from The Honeystead to discuss all things herbal medicine. Kaylee shares some of the herbs she's currently using and her favorite "must-have" herbal remedies. In the blog post that accompanies this podcast, there are a handful of additional podcasts I've done on the must-have herbal remedies to always have on hand and even how to grow a medicinal tea garden. Since the time of this recording, Kaylee has published a book, The Beekeeper's Apothecary that is a must-have in every home library. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/489

In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with a member of the Pioneering Today Academy and we walk through how to plan out her garden year. While this strategy session was specific to her needs, there are a lot of great tips that can help when planning out your garden for next year. And, the fall is the best time to plan while the summer garden is fresh in our memory. So, enjoy this throwback episode and have fun dreaming about getting your hands back in the soil next spring.   For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/488   

In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with RuthAnn Zimmerman to discuss what life looks like on a busy homestead with lots of children. How do we practically get meals on the table when life seems chaotic? How do we prioritize relationships through the business of life? And, how do we cook for larger groups of people for holidays and special events. I think you'll enjoy this conversation as much as I did.  For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/487  This episode is sponsored by Azure Standard, one of my favorite ways to stock up on bulk grains, organic produce, and pantry staples without spending hours driving from store to store. Azure makes it easy to live intentionally while still working smarter in the kitchen. Right now, you can get 15% off your first order of $100 or more when you use code "Melissa15" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard  

In this throwback episode, I'm sharing all of my must-have favorites for around the homestead. Whether it's the best kitchen tools I can't believe I ever lived without, my go-to clothing items for working outdoors on the homestead, or even those larger items we all like to save for buying on Black Friday doorbuster deals.  Imagine I'm pulling up a chair at your kitchen table, sipping a cup of coffee and sharing all my favorite items that are tried and true winners. Let's make those Black Friday purchases items we'll look back on with fondness for years to come.  For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/486