Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World

Latest Episodes:

Throwback: 9 Simple Steps to Grow an Abundance! | 493 Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

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

Throwback: Best Herbal Home Remedies for Cold and Flu w/ Rosalee De La Foret | 492 Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

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

Throwback: Avoid Overwhelm - Choosing What's Right for Your Homestead | 491 Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

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

Throwback: Stock Up to Save $$$ NOW How Much Feed Per Animal Per Day | 490 Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

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

Throwback: Medicinal Herbs & Their Uses with Kaylee Richardson | 489 Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

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

Throwback: How to Create a Gardening Plan for More Harvest and Less Stress | 488 Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

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

Throwback: Mennonite Traditions for Simple Meals & Stronger Families | 487 Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

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

Throwback: Favorite Must Have Homestead Items | 486 Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

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

Throwback: How to Get Everything Done in a Day Without Wasting Time or Getting Distracted | 485 Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

In this throwback episode, I'm chatting with my friend Anne Briggs from Anne of All Trades about real life homesteading, what it takes, what works, and how to keep moving forward even when life gets busy. Anne left the tech world and dove into homesteading, and over the past decade she has learned everything from blacksmithing and woodworking to raising goats and building her own furniture. As of 2025, Anne is now a new mom and learning how to reevaluate her daily life and rhythms to fit into motherhood.

In this episode, you'll hear:

A fresh word from Anne on how things have changed since becoming a mom.
How Anne learned new trade skills by teaching herself and seeking out mentors.
Why the phrase "don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle" helps her stay grounded.
Why starting with goats might not be the smartest first move (and yes, she shares some hilarious stories).
Simple time management tools for the homestead, including how she uses the Pomodoro technique and limits phone distractions.
How small, consistent steps add up to big results over time.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done or wondered how to balance work and homesteading, this conversation will encourage you to start where you are and keep going. Join me for an honest, practical talk with Anne about what it really looks like to build a hands-on, meaningful homestead life.

For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/485

Throwback: Creating a No-Waste Kitchen w/ Mary's Nest | 484 Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I'm sitting down with my dear friend Mary Shrader from Mary's Nest to talk about how we can all build a kitchen where nothing goes to waste. Mary has such a gift for making traditional cooking approachable and fun, and in this episode she shares how her parents inspired her to live a homemade lifestyle long before it was popular.

Together we walk through practical ways to make the most of every ingredient, from turning veggie scraps into flavorful broth to keeping a "scrap bag" in your freezer. We also talk about the mindset behind a no waste kitchen. It's not about perfection, it's about taking small, simple steps that fit into your real life.

You'll learn how to use what's in your fridge before it spoils, how to build a well stocked pantry that saves time and money, and how to create meals that make the most of what you already have on hand.

If you've ever felt frustrated by throwing out food or wondered how to stretch your groceries a little further, this episode will give you the encouragement and know how to make your kitchen a place of abundance and creativity. You can find more information and any links mentioned here: https://melissaknorris.com/484

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Pioneering Today Podcast – Homesteading in a Modern World

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected