Homesteading ideas for a Joyful Life: Joyfully Prepared

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.

In this episode, you’ll hear:A poetic reframe: hard things as gifts to your future selfThe herbalist’s story of “We don’t take away—we give”How journaling helped Wendi rewire her mindsetA powerful gym moment and how simple phrases changed everythingA sweet story about chickens, wasps, and newfound confidencePractical examples of uplifting self-talk in everyday tasks7 journal prompts to gently shift from deprivation to devotionMentioned in this episode:SafeWaterDrop.com – my favorite no-fuss water purifierRosalee de la Forêt – herbalist and authorThe Joyfully Prepared Facebook group – come share your insights with me! ✍️ Journal Prompts What am I giving myself by doing this hard thing?What have I tried to take away in the past—and how might it feel to give something better instead?When I think about a habit I want to change, what is my self-talk around it?What am I truly craving underneath the habit—comfort, connection, energy, space?Who taught me how to talk to myself—and who do I want to sound like now?Where in my life am I ready to shift from deprivation to devotion?What are three things I gave myself this week—on purpose or not—that helped me feel more whole? 

Episode 179 – Proof You’re Still Doing Great (Even If You Missed a Week)Hey friend—today’s episode is short, honest, and from the heart. I missed releasing an episode last week. First time in over three years. And guess what? I didn’t panic. I rested. And now I’m here to talk about what that taught me. 💛In this episode, I share:Why I skipped an episode after 179 weeks straightA reminder that rest isn’t failureWhat baseball taught me about streaks and starting againA few of my personal wins (and sweat-soaked Florida thoughts)Gentle journal prompts to help you reflect and restWhy being loved has nothing to do with productivity📒 Journal Prompts from the Episode:Where in my life am I feeling the most tired right now?What’s one small way I can offer myself grace today?What story am I telling myself when I need a break—and is it true?What’s one tiny thing I can do today that helps me feel grounded or restored?What have I already done this week that I’m proud of—even if it’s small?💧 Special thanks to our sponsor: SafeWaterDrop.comKeep your emergency water supply safe and drinkable—especially during hurricane season. I use Madidrop myself and recommend it for every emergency kit.🫶 You are not behind. You are not lazy. You are loved.

✨ What if five minutes at the end of your day could be the most powerful mindset shift you’ll make all week?Today I’m sharing my transformation journal—a simple, four-part daily practice that’s helped me see progress, even on the hardest days.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why I started this journal after a “Rapid Transformation” challenge with Dr. Benjamin HardyThe four prompts I use every night:1️⃣ At least three wins (even tiny ones)2️⃣ Remembering a mercy or miracle from the day3️⃣ A transformation that happened, big or small4️⃣ Three goals for the next day to support your bigger dreamsReal-life examples from my own journal entries (including shower wins, rainstorms, and battling giant Florida roaches 🪳)How this practice helps you celebrate your growth, notice God’s blessings, and stay focused on what matters most💧 Special thanks to our sponsor: SafeWaterDrop.comI keep Madidrop in my own emergency kit for safe, purified water when it counts most. Check them out at SafeWaterDrop.com.📝 Links I mentioned:Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s books (Be Your Future Self Now, The Gap and the Gain, 10x Is Easier Than 2x) My website: joyfullyprepared.comTikTok for my garage clean-out adventures: @WendiBerginI’d love to hear if you try this transformation journal for yourself! Send me a message at joyfullyprepared.com and let me know how you’re making it your own.You are worth celebrating, my friend. 💛

In this heartfelt episode, Wendi Bergin opens up about why she chose the name Joyfully Prepared and what being the Joyful Prepper truly means to her.She shares how preparedness runs deep in her family history—from her grandfather’s 1,800 jars of food in 1938, to her own teenage canning adventures. But she also gets honest about how, as a young mom, her preparedness message was once rooted in fear and “doom and gloom.”A single question from a friend during a playdate forced Wendi to rethink everything: “Why do you always talk about the doom and gloom?”That moment planted the seed for change.Today, she explains how she transformed her approach, why she believes preparedness is an act of love and faith, and why failure (and laughter) have an essential place in this lifestyle.Whether you’re new to preparedness or a seasoned homesteader, this episode is an invitation to trade panic for planning, fear for faith, and perfectionism for grace.Listen in and discover:Why success isn’t as funny (or as helpful) as failureHow being prepared can bring real peace of mindThe importance of letting go of control and making space for graceWhy you deserve to be joyfully preparedJoin Wendi for an honest, encouraging conversation that will remind you: you can’t plan for everything—but you can always choose to show up with love.Website: www.joyfullprepared.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/joyfulprepInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfulprepper/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfreliantmoms/I

When the power goes out, clean water becomes priceless.Today we’re talking about the one thing you can’t live without during hurricane season: water.We’ll break down:How much water you actually need for your familySmart ways to store water, even in small spacesWhy you also need a plan to bring water in when your stash runs outThree simple steps to making questionable water safer: filter the chunks, reduce turbidity, and purify it (boil, bleach, or Madidrop!)If you want peace of mind when the storm hits, this episode will help you get there—without panic, perfection, or blowing your budget.🎁 Grab the free 12-Week Hurricane Prep ChecklistCollapsible Water Container JugWater Bob Bathtub LinerMadiDrop -  www.safewaterdrop.comWater Bricks - Water Storage Containers 

What if getting prepared didn’t feel overwhelming?This week, I’m walking you through my free 12-Week Hurricane Preparedness Checklist—designed for real families, real budgets, and real life.Inside this episode:Why a 12-week countdown gives you calm (not chaos)The 4 categories that keep prep simple and focusedHow to customize the checklist for your family using the “prep profile”What’s on the back of the checklist (yep, we’re talking toilets and freezers)The joy of checking off just one small thing at a time🎁 Download the checklist at joyfullyprepared.comLet’s make preparedness feel like peace—not panic.Download 12-week Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

In this episode, we cover:What a 72-hour kit is—and why I call it a Peace of Mind BagA not-so-hypothetical story about Tic Tacs and no flashlight (you’ll feel seen)What to pack for you, your family, your pets, and even your carWhy packing extra underwear can feel like a survival superpowerA 5-item challenge to help you take quick action todayWhere to grab my free printable checklists to make it even easier🎒 Download the Peace of Mind Bag Checklists (for humans, pets, and cars):👉Bug Out Bag Checklist for Emergencies👉 Bug Out Bag for Pets👉Thrive Life Freeze-dried Food👉Pet Travel Bag

In this episode:✅ Wendi’s real-life hurricane prep stories (what worked + what flopped)✅ Why knowing what you have — and where it is — matters so much✅ How to prep food for maximum comfort and minimum stress✅ The #1 mindset trap moms fall into during storm prep✅ A fun 10-minute game to get your hurricane gear checked + ready✅ Encouragement to prep from a place of peace, not fearMentioned resources:Hurricane lamps, generators, and alternate cooking gearHurricane Lamp LinkSimple snacks + comfort foods that help keep spirits upPreparing as a family and involving kids in the processPodcast Episodes:The #1 Food Storage Myth: Why People Won't Eat Just Anything When They're HungryThe Biggest Food Storage Challenge: How to Keep Picky Eaters & Your Family Happy  

In this episode of Joyfully Prepared, Wendi continues the story she began in part one, opening up about how God helped her reframe her identity and healing journey after a season of deep heartbreak.You’ll hear how she:Discovered that her purpose was not just motherhood — but her identity as a daughter of GodBegan to reframe her experiences, seeing them as things that happened for her, not to herLearned to shift from guilt and comparison to gratitude and strengthStarted weaving movement, meditation, and creation into her daily healingFound the freedom to love herself and others better, without carrying the crushing weight of over-responsibilityIf you’ve ever wondered how to reframe your pain or questioned your worth when motherhood feels overwhelming, this episode offers hope, perspective, and practical encouragement.