Episode Description: Join host Jeremy Rivera as he sits down with Ryan Steva, founder of The Homestead Consultant, to explore how modern homesteading can work for everyone - from apartment dwellers to large property owners. Ryan shares his journey from a life-changing health crisis to becoming a Cookeville area home inspector and homesteading consultant, offering practical insights on sustainable living, energy independence, and building resilient systems.

Show Notes: [00:01 ] - Introduction to Ryan Steva and The Homestead Consultant
[00:37 ] - Ryan explains his approach to homesteading and working with clients
[01:17 ] - Discussion of modern homesteading: from urban spaces to full properties
[03:04 ] - Ryan shares his first gardening experience and learning from failure and challenges of being a Cookeville service area business
[04:42 ] - Deep dive into problems with current food systems
[07:12 ] - Ryan's personal health crisis and discovering food as medicine
[11:24 ] - Breakdown of different homesteading areas (food, energy, permaculture)
[13:36 ] - Detailed explanation of permaculture design principles
[14:33 ] - Discussion of efficient farming systems and soil management
[21:18 ] - Practical approaches to home energy production
[23:12 ] - Creative solutions for direct solar applications
[29:03 ] - Emergency preparedness vs. practical skills development
[31:07 ] - Inside look at Ryan's consultation process
[34:25 ] - Key skills for beginning homesteaders
[39:13 ] - Information about classes and how to connect with Ryan

Featured Links:

• Website: thehomesteadconsultant.com


• YouTube Channel: The Homestead Consultant

Key Topics:

• Modern homesteading approaches


• Sustainable agriculture practices


• Direct solar applications


• Permaculture design principles


• Emergency preparedness


• Skill development for beginners

Guest Contact: Ryan Steva offers free classes in the Tennessee area (including Sparta, Cookeville, Spencer, and Lebanon) and can be reached through his website thehomesteadconsultant.com

Referenced Podcasts & resources:

• Jack Sherell, Cookeville's The Asphalt Team


• Save Fry Oil - A commercial restaurant cost savings company