Old Fashioned On Purpose

Latest Episodes:

S18: E5: I Quit Homeschooling. And It Was Hard. Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

As some of you know by now, I am no longer homeschooling my kids. In this podcast episode, I'm talking all about our homeschool experiences, our journey from homeschool to public school, how I'm handling the change, and some of my deep thoughts and concerns that I have about school and about raising kids.

Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

Podcast Episode Highlights:

Homeschooling background
Our homeschooling routine
Why we went from homeschool to public school
Homeschooling older kids vs. younger kids
Reflecting on our education decisions for our kids
My grief process and thoughts
How it's working for my kids
My shifting thoughts on public school
My concerns about homeschooling today
Final thoughts

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.com

Use code HOMESTEAD to save up to $300 on your air doctor system

My old podcast episodes on school:

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

S18: E4: Unfiltered Confessions of a Small-Town Restaurant Owner Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

I'm now going on five years of owning a restaurant in one of the smallest towns in Wyoming.

It’s one of the most gratifying things I’ve ever done. It’s also one of the most exhausting.

I’m proud of what we’re building in our little corner of Wyoming. I’m proud of the food. I’m proud of the place. I’m proud that people walk in and feel nostalgia, comfort, a sense of belonging… a remembering.

But in this podcast episode, I’m going to say the parts I usually don’t say out loud because, well… I feel like it. And some of it just needs to be said.

Podcast Episode Highlights:

Backstory of our small-town restaurant
Confession #1: The Locals Are Our Lifeblood (And Also… a Lot)
Confession #2: I Wish We Could Rate Customers
Confession #3: We’re Not Trying to Make Your Life Hard with Our Limited Hours
Confession #4: Staffing Is… Complicated
Confession #5: I’m Not Getting Rich Off This
Confession #6: We Care a Lot About What We Serve You
Final thoughts...

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com

Use the code HOMESTEAD to save 20% on your order

Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/

Learn more about Chugwater Soda Fountain here: https://www.chugwatersodafountain.com/

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

S18: E3: A Reintroduction, of Sorts Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

In the past, I've shared about mainly the homestead part of myself on this podcast. Not because I was hiding the rest of me—but because the rest didn’t really fit the homestead narrative.

But lately… it’s been shifting. The homestead part of me is still woven into my days, but it’s not the headline anymore. It’s moved to the background, and other parts of me are finally coming up for air.

So this feels like the perfect time for a reintroduction and a closer look at some of my rough edges.

Podcast Episode Highlights:

Why I'm doing a reintroduction
My deep connection to horses
Hot or cold personality
My beauty routine
My thoughts on pop culture
Move fast, think fast, talk fast, etc.
How I talk and how I look
My clothes preference
My intolerance for current Instagram trends about women
My thoughts on homestead content right now
What I love to read
My thoughts on politics and religion
Final thoughts on rough edges

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.com

Use code HOMESTEAD to save up to $300 on your air doctor system

Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

S18: E2: How I Don't Balance My Life (And What I Do Instead) Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

Folks always ask me how I "do it all" but the truth is, that I don't. Listen in as I talk about I do NOT have a balanced life and what I do instead.

Podcast Episode Highlights

My thoughts on 'balance' in life
My summer as an example
Dealing with guilt and the aftermath
Learning how to say 'No'
Thoughts on using a team for help
Details on how I use my planner
Final thoughts

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com

Use the code HOMESTEAD to save 20% on your order

Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: http://www.prairieplanner.com/

See more details on how I use my planner here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2025/11/my-un-instagrammable-planner-system.html

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

S18 E1: I’m Back! (Sorta) Why I’ve Been Quiet Lately... Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

Hey friends, I’m Back! (Sorta). I thought I'd share some of my deep thoughts on why I've been quiet lately and what you can expect from me in the future. Listen in as I share updates on my life as well as my shifting perspectives on homesteading, purpose, and more.

Podcast Episode Highlights

The reason that I've been quiet for six months...
A personal shift in my life
Deep thoughts about my online presence
Shifting from mentor to connection
My shifting opinions on "homesteading" these days
Transitioning from homeschool to charter school
The Simple Life isn't the Finish Line
Showing you all the pieces instead of just a brand
Final updates and thoughts

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.com

Use code HOMESTEAD to save up to $300 on your air doctor system

Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: http://www.prairieplanner.com/

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

S17: E13: When Homesteading Takes a Backseat Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

Homesteading has seasons—sometimes it's front and center, and other times it takes a backseat. In this episode, I’m sharing how our life looks different right now, why that’s okay, and how I’ve made peace with the inevitable FOMO.

We’ll chat about the honeymoon stage of homesteading, shifting priorities, and the simple ways I’m keeping it woven into our daily life, even when it’s not the main focus. If you’ve ever felt guilty for stepping back, this one’s for you!

Podcast Episode Highlights

My upcoming cookbook project
Homesteading is trendy now
Why homesteading is taking a backseat in my life now
Thinking about my cow Oakley
Prepare for your own shifts in life
The main three shifts in the homestead life
My current calling
Homesteading becoming a tool instead of an identity
How burnout can happen
Doing less but in more meaningful ways
Simplifying and systemizing
Not feeling guilt for shifting
Final thoughts and encouragement

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com

Use the code HOMESTEAD to save 20% on your order

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

S17: E12: The Underground Reason Your Garden isn't Thriving (and What You Can Do About It) Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

When we start gardening, it’s easy to focus on the plants—but what if we’re missing the bigger picture? Today, I’m chatting with Gregg Forster of Wisconsin Mineral Solutions about why soil health is the key to nutrient-dense food and thriving farms.

We dive into how industrial agriculture has depleted our food’s nutritional value, what homesteaders might be getting wrong, and the simple changes that can make a big difference. Whether you’re growing a backyard garden or running a farm, this episode will change the way you think about soil, sustainability, and the future of our food.

Podcast Episode Highlights

Gregg's background and how he got into this business
The nutritional value of fresh produce
What contributes to nutritional loss in our food
How this nutritional loss affects our health
What we need to nurture in our soil
Step 1: Soil Tests
Step 2: Adding amendments the right way
Step 3: Adding diversity to your soil
Red flags in your garden that there's a problem
How to prevent problems in the first place
How long does it take to get results
Final tips and thoughts from Gregg

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Gregg Forster and his services here: https://www.wisconsinmineralsolutions.com/

Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453

Check out Redmond's Soil Testing Kit here: http://theprairiehomestead.com/soiltest

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

S17: E11: Raised Beds: Worth It or Overrated? A Deep Dive with Gardener Scott Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Ever wondered if raised beds are really worth the hype? In this episode, I sit down with Scott Wilson from Gardening with Scott to dig into the good, the bad, and the surprising when it comes to raised bed gardening. We chat about how to build beds from free/cheap materials, how to fill beds without breaking the bank, how to keep soil healthy year after year, watering strategies, and some genius hacks for getting the most out of every square foot.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just thinking about building your first bed, this episode is packed with practical, no-nonsense advice!

Podcast Episode Highlights

What Scott's garden looks like
Talking about raised beds (uniform vs. natural)
Are raised beds the best option for gardening?
How to fill raised garden beds
Talking about hügelkultur
How to replenish the nutrients in raised beds overtime
Till vs. no-till for raised beds
Mulch, amendments, and more
Watering the raised beds
What you should and should NOT grow in a raised beds
How to make a garden raised bed for cheap or free
Scott's favorite thing to grow in a raised bed
Final tips and thoughts on raised beds

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Follow Scott Wilson on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWsI0LmiDyezbnN2JCL4P9w

Find Scott on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/gardenerscott/

Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

S17: E10: Freshly Milled Flour: Myths vs. Facts Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I welcome back Mike Vaona, the engineer-turned-baker behind Rosehill Sourdough, to chat about his recent deep dive into fresh-milled flours. We cover a range of topics, from tweaking hydration levels and the surprising effects of oxidation to the differences between ancient, heritage, and modern wheats.

Mike also shares his thoughts on nutrient loss over time, his favorite gluten-free flour, and best practices for baking with fresh-milled flour. This is one deep dive you won't want to miss!

Podcast Episode Highlights

Mike's current adventures with fresh-milled flours
How Mike has changed his mind on sifting, hydration, and more
A closer look at oxidation and the process of improving bread
Different wheat berry compare/contrast (bracket competition)
Heritage, ancient, and modern wheats
Thoughts on having the best of both worlds
Best practices with freshly-milled flour

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Mike and Rosehill Sourdough (and get 10% off!) through this link: https://rosehillsourdough.com/cp/Jill

Find your nearest mill for wheat berries here: https://amyhalloran.net/mills/

Listen to Mike's first episode on the podcast here: Season 15: Episode 7: A More Efficient Way to Sourdough

Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.com

Use code HOMESTEAD to save up to $300 on your air doctor system

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

S17: E9: Too Many Eggs and Not Enough Ideas? We’ve Got You Covered Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I chat with Mimi Smith-Dvorak, author of Too Many Eggs, a cookbook packed with over 800 ways to use eggs. We dive into the history of eggs, the current egg drama, creative ways to use up a surplus (including flavoring them in the shell!), storage tricks, and even some unexpected non-culinary uses.

If you’ve ever found yourself with more eggs than you know what to do with, this episode is for you!

Podcast Episode Highlights

A closer look at Mimi's cookbook
Feeding the chickens
Thoughts on current shortages of eggs and prices
Favorite ways to use eggs
Favorite historical tidbit about eggs
Best practices for making mayonnaise
Making practical recipes with eggs
The disaster stories with eggs
How to tell if an egg has gone bad
History of eggs and refrigeration
Non-culinary uses for eggs
Final thoughts from Mimi

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Mimi Smith-Dvorak and her book Too Many Eggs here: www.toomanyeggs.com

Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com

Use the code HOMESTEAD to save 20% on your order

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

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