Old Fashioned On Purpose
385 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1.7K ratingsHave you felt it? Something is rippling through humanity at this moment. It's a stirring... a longing... a remembering. A sense that we are more capable than we’ve been led to believe. We want to feel alive, not sedated.. but we've lost our way. We've traded a life intertwined with nature for asphalt and artificial lights. We've swapped natural movement for a sedentary existence. We've given up food from the earth in favor of food from the factory. We've sacrificed our traditional skillsets for apps and gadgets. But while our overdose on modernity may have made us sick, there is an antidote. Join best-selling author and mentor, Jill Winger, each week as she digs into a different facet of the old-fashioned on purpose lifestyle.
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Episodes
35. How to Use Essential Oils for Cooking
October 25, 2019 08:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBCooking with oils tend to be looked at as a no-no in the culinary world. However, with a little practice and some care, essentials oils have become a vital addition to my kitchen cabinet. Today we’re going to investigate how to asses any dangers with essential oils, the efficacy of cooking with them, and the incredible flavor benefits from good oils. Most important, you’ll learn how to separate the good oils from the bad so to ensure you’re putting quality oils in your food. Some highlights...
34. How & Why to Cook with Maple Syrup
October 23, 2019 08:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBHave you ever wondered how you can eliminate sugar from your recipes replace it with 100% natural sweetener that’s actually good for you? This might seem like something made I just made up, but I promise you this is a real ingredient that you can start using immediately. Today I’m joined by homesteader, author, photographer, and maple syrup expert, the incomparable Michelle Visser. Michelle walks us through the incredible process of how to make syrup from beginning-to-end. She also digs deep...
33. The 3 Fats You'll NEVER Find in My Kitchen (and what I use instead)
October 21, 2019 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MBFor many health conscious individuals out there, fat might as well be a four letter word. The sheer thought of using fat to cook might even send chills up your spine. Fear not my friends. Not only do the right fats add a ton of flavor, but many are even good for you. I did a ton of research while building my ideal homestead kitchen, and fat was the common ingredient tying the best recipes together. Listen today to find out all of my favorite fats and receive an incredible offer on my fa...
32. 5 Kitchen Tools I Can't Live Without
October 18, 2019 08:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBLet’s face it. The modern kitchen isn’t built for the homestead lifestyle. Even after several renovations, my relatively small kitchen requires several key tools to create maximum functionality. If you’ve ever wondered the key items I simply can’t live without, well today is your day. From dutch ovens to wooden spoons and everything in between, load up on these simple tools to make your daily food preparation a breeze. Some highlights from the episode: Why cast iron is a must have ...
31. How We Found Animals for Our Homestead
October 16, 2019 08:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBIt’s no secret. Out of all the aspects of homesteading, the animals are the one thing I can’t live without. Today I’m going to walk you through everything you need to consider prior to adding your first animals to your homestead. You’ll learn where to buy, what to look out for before buying, why quality is always the best route, and so much more. Discover why bloodlines not only lead better animals, but also more dollars in your pocket. Even if you currently have animals on your homeste...
30. Why Homesteading Matters (The Homestead Manifesto)
October 14, 2019 08:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MBWithout a doubt, by far the question I get asked the most is how I got started in homesteading. In reality, the better question to ask is why does homesteading even matter in the first place? In today’s episode, I take a deep dive into why homesteading serves such an important purpose in today’s ever increasing technological world. The truth is, no amount of convenience can replicate or replace the satisfaction that comes from homesteading. Some highlights from the episode: How soil c...
29. 4 Things to Consider Before You Buy a Homestead
October 11, 2019 08:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBIf you’re on the verge of stepping into the homestead life, this episode is a must listen. Today I’m diving into the most important issues to consider before making an investment in a property. Find out why thinking small can leave you stuck, why climate considerations matter, and why overall lifestyle is important to keep at the front of mind. No matter if you’re purchasing your first homestead or if you’re on the lookout for an upgrade, you’ll find plenty of information to help you make...
28. How to Use a Crock for Fermenting
October 09, 2019 08:00 - 20 minutes - 14.5 MBFermented foods can be a polarizing topic. For quite some time, they literally left a bad taste in my mouth. Have you ever experienced this yourself? It wasn’t until I ventured into the world of crocks that I finally cracked the fermentation code. No matter what side of the fermentation fence you sit on, today’s episode will provide a thorough guide to help you get started. Some highlights from the episode: Different kinds of fermentation tools Why food should stay below the brine...
27. How to Extend Your Growing Season
October 07, 2019 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.43 MBWinter is slowly creeping up on us, especially here in Wyoming. After our first frost last week, I knew it was time to start prepping for the season ahead. That being said, we don’t have to give in and close up shop at the first sign of winter. There are a number of different tactics we can utilize to squeeze the last bits of life from our gardens. In fact, the tips I’m outlining in today’s episode have the potential to extend the life of your garden by 6-8 weeks! Pretty incredible, rig...
26. Cover Crops: Your Garden's Best Kept Secret
October 04, 2019 08:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBToday I’m here to provide you a very organic, extremely affordable way to fertilize your soil, suppress weeds, increase organic matter, and prevent erosion. I know what you’re thinking-- This sounds way too good to be true! I’m happy to tell you, this is very, very real. On this special episode I’m joined by Parker from True Leaf Market, the non-GMO seed company that is literally a dream come true for homesteaders like you and I. I've ignored cover crops for YEARS because I had a hard tim...
25. How (& Why) to Can Apples at Home
October 02, 2019 08:00 - 17 minutes - 12.5 MBApples hold a special place in my heart. This incredible fruit is the very first thing I ever canned on my own. In today’s episode I detail my favorite way to preserve apples for the long-haul. Find out which apple varieties are the best for canning and why naturally sweet apples are always the best choice. Today’s episode will teach you how you can create incredibly tasty, crispy apple slices with minimal use of sugar. Some highlights from the episode: The best types of apples for ...
24. How to Prep Your Garden for Winter
September 30, 2019 08:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBThe seasons are changing. Depending on the part of the country you’re in, winter can mean vastly different things. While it’s great to enjoy the current harvest, a homesteader always has to plan ahead with the upcoming season in mind. On today’s episode I dig deep into my favorite tactics on preparing for winter, including amending your soil, cleaning up your plants, adding compost, and so much more. Use this episode to get prepared for the cold weather so you can make it through winter ...
23. How to Dig Up & Store Potatoes for Winter
September 27, 2019 08:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBPotatoes are by far my favorite vegetable. I’d imagine it’s pretty safe to say I’m not alone in my affinity for spuds. No, it’s not even due the fact I was born in Idaho, better known as the home of the potato. My favorite part of harvesting potatoes is the act of digging them up. It’s like treasure hunt every time. Today’s episode is dedicated to everything potatoes. From harvesting to storing to preparing and everything in between, this will prepare you and your family for the coming...
22. How to Preserve Fresh Herbs for Later
September 25, 2019 08:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBHerbs have always seemed to be hit or miss for me. While I love the flavor fresh herbs bring to my cooking, I tend to either have more than I know what to do with or none at all. If you’v ever experienced this problem, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. I detail my four favorite methods of preserving herbs for the long haul. Many of you are likely aware of dried herbs. While I do cover dried herbs, I dive into three other techniques that are less common but just as effective. ...
21. How to Pickle Any Vegetable
September 23, 2019 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.85 MBIf you’re anything like me, you’re always searching for different ways to maximize the yield from you harvest. While I love canning, sometimes the volume of your harvest simply doesn’t warrant going through the process. On today’s episode I’m detailing my favorite way of quickly preserving even the smallest amount of vegetables. Listen to find out the entire process of quick-pickling, the tools you’ll need to pull it off, and some of my favorite recipes. Some highlights from the episod...
20. How We're Raising Our Kids Like It's 1955
September 20, 2019 08:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBOn today’s episode, you’re going to learn how Christian and I are managing to raise old-fashioned kids in the modern technological world. How our we accomplishing this? Mostly by providing our kids with unstructured time. It turns out that allowing time for your children to be bored will actually increase their creativity. Who knew? Listen to find out why letting go of your kids is actually the best thing you could ever do as a parent. Some highlights from the episode: How and why we...
19. How to Start a Homestead When You Feel Overwhelmed
September 18, 2019 08:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBWhen is the “simple life” not always simple? For those of you transitioning into the homestead lifestyle, it’s pretty much all the time. From barn construction to dairy goats to him baked bread and so much more, it’s a never ending cycle of building and improving. How do I know? I’ve been there. Even with all the homesteading experience Christian and I now have, we still find ourselves overwhelmed at times. Today I’m going to demystify the process of starting a homestead and provide ev...
18. How to Cook from Scratch When You Have No Time
September 16, 2019 08:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBWhether or not you are currently a homesteader, I’m willing to bet that we both share this common problem. Time is our most valuable commodity, and usually the first and easiest thing to sacrifice is a good home cooked meal. Today I’m here to not only explain why you don’t have to sacrifice cooking from scratch but also provide the tools you need to make your home cooked meals a reality. Some highlights from the episode: Why humans are born to create Why menu planning will save you ti...
17. How We Started a Homestead on One Income
September 13, 2019 08:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MBWhen Christian and I first started out, we were relying on his single income as an electrician. By staying out of debt and focusing on doing anything we could do to earn extra money, it allowed us to build our homestead piece-by-piece. Regardless of where you’re at financially, it’s possible to get into the homestead game. Before you begin on your journey there’s some key things you should know. First and foremost, it’s going to take a serious amount of discipline along with rock solid i...
16. Dairy Goats vs. Milk Cows: Which is Best?
September 11, 2019 08:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBToday I’m going to be taking a deep dive into one of the more controversial topics on the homesteading front. Although both dairy goats and milk cows are viable options, find out why Christian and I eventually moved to milk cows and sold our goats. Learn the main differences when it comes to cost, pasture space, transportation, and overall taste of milk. If you are considering entering the world of home dairy or contemplating making a switch, this episode will provide everything you need ...
15. How We Built Our Raised Garden Beds
September 09, 2019 08:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBGreetings friends and family! Back in episode 3 I explained the benefits of raised garden beds and why we chose to use them on our homestead. Today I’m going to talk about several different options on how you can create raised beds on your own. You’ll also get a detailed explanation on how we built own very own, incredibly unique raised beds made out of steel. I’m hoping this episode will make it clear that there’s no right or wrong way to build a raised bed, it simply comes down to find...
14. Is Home-Canned Food Less Nutritious?
September 06, 2019 08:00 - 11 minutes - 8.08 MBEating fruits and vegetables fresh off the vine is always the preferred method for optimum nutritional value. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to consume our fresh foods before they go bad. So what’s the best way to preserve the harvest? Research shows that proper canning is the best way to ensure nutrients remain locked in your foods as long as possible. Listen today to discover everything you need to know about the shelf-life of nutrients when it comes to preserved foods. Some ...
13. Our Biggest Homesteading Mistakes
September 04, 2019 08:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBWe all make mistakes. Let me tell you, Christian and I have made quite a few on our homesteading journey. In today’s episode, I’m going to dive into the top 5 mistakes we’ve made over the last few years. These learning experiences are sure to save you time, money, and headaches in the process. No matter if you own a homestead, are interested in becoming a homesteader, or simply enjoy learning about the lifestyle, there are valuable lessons to learn throughout. Some highlights from the e...
12. 5 Canning Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make
September 02, 2019 08:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBAs we’re approaching harvesting season on the homestead, it’s crucial to be prepared for the bounty of food that’s about to roll in. Whether it’s coming from your own garden, a farmers market, or other local producers, understanding how to properly preserve the harvest will provide wonderful meals for months to come. Today we’re going to focus on my favorite method of food preparation: canning. In particular, I’m presenting the 5 most common mistakes people make when it comes to canning....
11. Weed Control Tips for the Organic Garden
August 30, 2019 08:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBHave you ever struggled to keep your weeds at bay? It’s one of the most common problems for any homesteader. I don’t know about you, but I sure don’t want to be spending three hours a day in my garden just to keep my weeds under control. Over the years I’ve tried dealing with this issue in many different ways. Today I’m here to share my most effective tips in weed control. These will not only save you time, but they will also give you peace of mind. Make sure to stay tuned for my favor...
10. 5 Tips for Making Crunchier Pickles
August 28, 2019 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.6 MBAre you tired of dealing with soft, squishy pickles? I’m sure I’m not the only one who has dealt with this problem. After years of experimentation and fighting with different recipes, I’ve collected these 5 simple tips to take your pickles to the next level. We’ll learn why small cucumbers are the best, why immediate canning leads to crunchy pickles, and why the blossom end might be our biggest enemy. You’ll also hear about my favorite way to keep pickles fresh for the long-haul. Some ...
9. Natural Fly Control Strategies
August 26, 2019 08:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBYes, it’s that special time of year that we all love: Fly Season! For all of my fellow homesteaders currently in the throes of fly season and the ones about to experience it, I’m here to deliver my top four strategies on how to mitigate our pesky little friends. I provide in depth details on each strategy and all of the necessary links to access the tools mentioned in the episode. My Top Four Strategies for Natural Fly Control: Fly predators: “Good" bugs fighting “Bad” bugs. Get your f...
8. The Surprising Truth About Canning Tomatoes
August 23, 2019 08:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBWho knew canning tomatoes was such a controversial subject? When you stumble across canning discussions on Facebook or in other homestead groups, this seems to be one of the most hotly contested topics. Why you might ask? Primarily because many canning organizations challenge certain traditions in terms of how foods should be canned. Fear not my friends. In today’s episode, I share a simple solution that will allow you to utilize any canning method you desire. I also dig deep into the diffe...
7. How to Help Your Garden Recover from Hail
August 21, 2019 08:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBHail is one of the most destructive forces when it comes to the health and well-being of your garden. If you’re anything like myself, you can relate to the devastation of walking outside and seeing your garden in tatters following a hail storm. Unfortunately, a recent storm crushed months of hard work, time, and money. Even though I was bummed and initially wanted to quit gardening, it ultimately wound up creating a positive shift in my attitude. Today I’m going to outline several strat...
6. All You Ever Needed to Know About Compost Tea
August 19, 2019 08:00 - 13 minutes - 9.55 MBFirst and foremost, let me ease your concerns. I’m not here to give you a recipe a special morning beverage made from compost. Today you’re going to learn about a special fertilizer that is sure to produce miracles in your garden. You’ll learn the difference between aerated and non-aerated tea, why non-aerated tea is my weapon of choice, and how you can make it for free. Listen to find out why compost tea is one of the best ways to give your plants a 100% organic boost! Some key highli...
5. Canning Safety: What You Need to Know about Botulism
August 16, 2019 20:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBBy far the number one fear I hear the most in regards to canning concerns food poisoning. Better known as botulism, this phenomenon has the potential to cause some very serious health problems. While botulism has the can be extremely dangerous, I’m here to provide some guidance to help you mitigate any possible risk. From acidity to temperature to different types of canning, listen to find a comprehensive guide on canning safely. Some key highlights from today's episode: • The ...
4. How to Take a Vacation When You Have a Homestead
August 14, 2019 08:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBOne of the most common concerns I hear from people looking to get into homesteading is what happens when you need to leave or take a vacation? While we want all of the joys that a homestead provides, certainly there can be issues when needing to be away for a prolonged period of time. Fear not my friends, I'm here to explain how you can leave your homestead without a great deal of worry. Listen today to find out how we prepare for trips away from the homestead. This episode is sure to in...
2. How to Can Jam Without Using Tons of Sugar
August 12, 2019 08:00 - 21 minutes - 15.2 MBIt’s summertime, and beyond the beautiful weather, it means that all of the amazing fruits are in season. What does in-season fruit mean? Jam of course! While I love to make jam, I’ve always found that most jam and jelly recipes are loaded with added sugar. If you’re anything like me, you want to use as little added sugar as you can. Today I’m going to teach you how to easily create incredible tasting jams with having to overload them with white sugar. Some key highlights from today's...
3. Why We Chose to Garden in Raised Beds
August 12, 2019 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.7 MBHave you ever wondered if raised beds were the answer to your garden issues? When Christian and I started our first garden on our homestead, we began with a traditional in-ground garden. After a somewhat comical mistake involving manure, we quickly had a yard growing in our garden. Certainly not an ideal situation. Though a temporary solution worked for a while, we discovered a deeper issue as a result of previous pesticide use. Enter raised beds. Listen today to find out if raised beds...
1. How 2 City Kids Became Homesteaders
August 07, 2019 20:00 - 31 minutes - 22 MBWelcome to the very first episode of Old Fashioned On Purpose! My name is Jill Winger, and on today's episode I'm thrilled to share with you my very unlikely foray into homesteading. You'll hear why growing up as city kids didn't prevent my husband and I from achieving our goal of owning milk cows, cultivating our own gardens, building our own farm, and so much more. If you've ever had any interest in homesteading, don't miss your chance to peek in on my journey. Before you know it you'...