Peaceful Heart FarmCast
96 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratingsHomestead podcast where the conversation revolves around the value of tradition; traditional food prep and storage, traditional cooking, and of course, traditional artisan CHEESE. Topics discussed here are designed to create new perspectives and possibilities for how you might add the taste of tradition to your life.
My husband and I work a small farm and are building a farmstead creamery. We practice sustainable living and produce farmstead and artisan cheese, hand-made in small batches. You can find more information at www.peacefulheartfarm.com.
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Episodes
Reblochon Raw Milk Cheese is Coming!
June 03, 2020 23:01 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBReblochon raw milk cheese is coming. There are other new cheeses that I will be making over the next few months, but this one is the one I’m most excited about. It gives me a chance to enhance my cheesemaking and affinage skills. And I love learning and practicing new things. It enlivens my soul to create new things. What about you? Do you like learning? If you ever find yourself saying, “I’m bored”, it’s time to expend some energy learning something new or doing something you’ve never done ...
Cicadas in Southwestern Virginia
May 28, 2020 01:30 - 18 minutes - 13.4 MBThe cicadas in Southwestern Virginia are out and about. It happens once every 17 years. It’s truly a phenomenal occurrence. I can’t wait to get to that topic today. But first, welcome to all new listeners and welcome back to veteran homestead-loving regulars. That you for stopping by the FarmCast for every episode. It wouldn’t be a show without you. I appreciate you all so much. I’m so excited to share with you what’s going on at the farm this week including all about the cicadas. Our Vi...
Does Parental Grief Ever End?
May 21, 2020 02:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBA bit of a poignant topic in today’s podcast is “Does parental grief ever end?” I have that and lots more to talk about today. Welcome each and every one of you, new and vets. Thank you so much for tuning in for each episode. I appreciate you all so much. The homestead brings joy to daily life and I want to share some of it with you. Our Virginia Homestead Life Updates Every day brings some new incident for me to add to my memories of homestead life. Today, it’s the donkeys and sheep t...
Raw Milk Cheese
May 13, 2020 22:19 - 23 minutes - 16.9 MBToday I want to talk about our raw milk cheese and cheesemaking. We have 4 different types of cheese and I am working on a 5th. I am so glad the small cheese cave is nearing completion so we will have a place to store all of them. If you are new to the podcast, welcome. It’s great to have you. And a shout out to the veteran homestead-loving regulars who stop by the FarmCast for every episode. You all make this show possible. I have so much exciting news this week. Let’s get to it. Our...
Spring Lambs and Goat Kids
May 06, 2020 21:02 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBIt’s spring in Virginia and we have calves, lambs, a goat kid and baby quail. So much is going on. This is true of every spring. After a sleepy winter, spring brings rapid growth and renewed life. I want to take a minute and say welcome to all the new listeners and welcome back to the veteran homestead-loving regulars who stop by the FarmCast for every episode. I appreciate you all so much. I’m so excited to share with you what’s going on at the farm this week. Our Virginia Homestead Lif...
Getting Back on Track
April 25, 2020 01:40 - 34 minutes - 24.2 MBI’ve been off track on a few things in my life and today’s podcast is about getting back on track. No matter what activity or goal in which you are off track, there are ways to get it back together. Let’s talk about that. Welcome new listeners and welcome back veteran homestead-loving regulars. I appreciate you all so much. Today’s Show Homestead Life Updates Getting Back on Track – a Recipe for Success Homestead Life Updates First item of note, I’m changing the podcast format. As...
COVID19 - In the Year of Our Lord 2020
March 25, 2020 01:00 - 30 minutes - 21.8 MBCOVID19, in the year of our Lord 2020 it’s affecting us all in one way or another. This podcast format will be a little different. This episode is going to be a farmstead update only. Because of the emotional charge around this pandemic virus, I have lots of things I want to talk about regarding the homestead and our life here. I also want to take a few minutes to talk you with about how we are doing here and how we are affected by the current world situation. No recipe today. I’d love to ...
You Can Make Your Own Cheese - Part 2
March 11, 2020 04:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MBYou Can Make Your Own Cheese – Part 2. In the last podcast, I introduced this idea of making your own cheese and talked about what you would need regarding equipment including pots and vats, milk storage, forms and molds, supplies such as cheesecloth and mats, weights and presses and miscellaneous tools like measuring cups and cheese waxing setups. I’ll leave a link in the show notes so you can check that episode out if you haven’t heard it yet. Today’s episode completes the topic. As alwa...
You Can Make Your Own Cheese - Part 1
February 05, 2020 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBYou can make your own cheese just as well as anyone. A few years ago, I offered a piece of my cheese for tasting to a coworker. Her response was, “cheese can be made?” I’m not sure what she thought about how cheese got to the grocery store. I regret not asking her though I was sensitive to not making her feel uncomfortable about not knowing how cheese is produced. I’ve heard kids sometimes think their food simply comes in cans and boxes. Meat appears in the cooler section by magic. There is ...
Nose to Tail Beef
January 20, 2020 05:00 - 51 minutes - 35.9 MBNose to tail beef is an important topic for those supporting local, sustainable, regenerative agriculture. I get lots of questions on it. Buying a large quantity of beef can be a daunting prospect. Sure, you know it’s going to help your local farmer. And you know your local farmer is working hard for you, the animals and the environment. But what do you do with all that meat? What are the different cuts and what makes them different? How does a side of beef get broken down? What should you e...
7 Tips for Using a Traditional Slow-Cooker
December 31, 2019 00:07 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBUsing a traditional slow-cooker has taken a back seat to Instapot-type pressure cookers and air fryers. But I still use mine and today’s podcast is all about “why”, “when,” and “how.” In fact, I have 7 tips on using a traditional slow-cooker. I want to take a minute and say welcome to all the new listeners and welcome back to the veteran homestead-loving regulars who stop by the FarmCast every episode. I appreciate you all so much. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are set up fo...
Popular Cheeses
December 05, 2019 01:08 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBFor a little change of pace, Popular Cheeses is today’s topic as I’m sure I’ve worn you all out with all of those raw milk podcasts. The recipe today is a fun, quick and easy method of making your own fresh cheese, or as the Mexican cheese lovers call it, queso fresco. I want to take a minute and say welcome to all the new listeners and welcome back to the veteran homestead-loving regulars who stop by the FarmCast for every episode. I appreciate you all so much. I’m so excited to share wit...
From Raw Milk to Ultrapasteurized Milk
November 21, 2019 23:37 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBRaw Milk to Ultra-Pasteurized Milk and everything in between is the topic of today’s podcast. I’m going to talk all about all sorts of milk and milk products. I’ll give a brief definition of each one along with various commentary about development and uses of these nutrient-dense sources of food. But first, I want to welcome each and every new listener. I hope you enjoy this content and share it with your friends and family. And as always, a heart-felt welcome back to the veteran homestead...
Is Raw Milk Dangerous?
October 21, 2019 04:05 - 27 minutes - 19.3 MBIs raw milk dangerous is a question that many are asking. There is a surge in desire for this luscious and nutritious food – but what about all of the horrible stories of tragedies and loss connected with consuming raw milk? That’s our topic of the day. But first, I want to welcome everyone who is a new listener. I hope you enjoy this content. And as always, a heart-felt welcome back to the veteran homestead-loving regulars who stop by the FarmCast every week. I appreciate you all so much....
Why is Raw Milk So Hard to Find?
October 03, 2019 04:15 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBPeople are looking for raw milk but why is raw milk so hard to find? That’s the topic of today’s podcast. It’s a complicated topic and I’ll break it down into three categories as well as make suggestions regarding what you can do about it. I’m very excited about today’s topic. Raw milk is a passion of mine. I hope all of you who are new listeners will enjoy this podcast. I appreciate your stopping by and welcome your feedback. And a warm welcome back to the veteran homestead-loving regular...
How Long Should Raw Milk Last?
September 26, 2019 04:05 - 33 minutes - 23.6 MBHave you asked yourself the question, “How long should raw milk last?” It’s a good question and I’ll address it today, and provide a great ice cream base recipe. You won’t have to worry about the cream lasting a long time. Your cream won’t last long because the ice cream recipe uses it up. Homemade ice cream is the perfect complement to an early autumn day that feels like summer is still hanging on. Welcome new listeners and welcome back veteran homestead-loving regulars. I appreciate you ...
Weston A Price Diet Basics
September 18, 2019 04:05 - 30 minutes - 21.5 MBToday I’m going over the Weston A Price Diet Basics. They champion raw milk and have a lot of great information on their website. I’ll put a link in the show notes to their website. Before I launch in to today’s info, I want to take a minute to say welcome to all the new listeners and welcome back to you veteran homestead-loving regulars who stop by the FarmCast every week. I appreciate you all so much. I’m so excited to share with you what’s going on at the farm this week. Today’s Show ...
Normande vs Jersey: the Cost
September 05, 2019 23:00 - 37 minutes - 26.3 MBWe have made some really startling discoveries lately regarding the cost of milking cows and I want to share that with you today. Normande vs Jersey – the cost is the main topic for today. Both are traditional breeds. What’s the difference and how does that affect the cost of raising them. Today’s Show Homestead Life Updates Normande vs Jersey – The Cost Skillet Chicken with Neufchatel Spinach Artichoke Sauce Homestead Life Updates Life is getting back to normal on the homestead. ...
Traditional vs Modern Medicine
August 26, 2019 04:05 - 32 minutes - 23.3 MBTraditional vs Modern Medicine; where do I begin? Some of you are new and I want to welcome you to the show. I hope you enjoy the content and will share with others. For my regulars, you’re probably wondering where I have been. I’ve missed doing the podcast but it became impossible for me to continue because my health took a very bad turn. I just had a bout with a perforated appendix and associated abdominal infection. I’ll get to all of that. Today I’m going to contrast traditional medicine...
Am I Allergic to Quail Eggs?
July 21, 2019 04:00 - 32 minutes - 22.9 MBWe are raising quail for eggs – or are we? Maybe we are raising quail for meat. Or perhaps it is a combination of the two. That’s the topic of today’s podcast. Settle in and let’s get cracking on figuring this out. But first, it is important for me to take some time to say welcome to each and every new listener and a heartfelt thank you and welcome back to veteran homestead-loving regulars who stop by the FarmCast every week. I would not have a show without you. And I’m so excited to share...
When and How to Use Activated Charcoal
July 14, 2019 04:15 - 28 minutes - 20.2 MBToday at the farmer’s market speaking from one herbalist to another, I was reminded that activated charcoal is a simple treatment to use. That will be my topic for today. It has been years and years since I’ve been sick with anything and even longer since I’ve had any kind of stomach or gastrointestinal illness. Activated charcoal can help. But first, welcome to all the new listeners and welcome back veteran homestead-loving regulars. That you so much for stopping by the FarmCast. I apprec...
The Traditional Family Cow
July 07, 2019 04:15 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBThe Traditional Family Cow is the topic of today’s podcast. She has just about been pushed out of existence. Lots of us are trying to revive this wonderful, quality food source. I want to take a minute and say welcome to all the new listeners and welcome back to you veteran homestead-loving regulars who stop by the FarmCast every week. I appreciate you all so much. I’m so excited to share with you what’s going on at the farm this week. Today’s Show Homestead Life Updates The Tradition...
After the Storm
June 23, 2019 18:46 - 33 minutes - 26.4 MBIt has been a wild and crazy few days and there are more to come. Today’s podcast will be short. We do not have internet and won’t have it for 5 more days for a total of 8 days. If you are new, welcome. Thank you so much for tuning in and I hope you’ll engage and comment as we go along. And as always, welcome back to the veteran traditional homestead-loving regulars who stop by the FarmCast every week. I appreciate you all so much. I have so much to share about the farm this week that it i...
Peaceful Heart - Peaceful Mind
June 16, 2019 04:15 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBIs a peaceful heart and peaceful mind possible in this wacky world? I’m waxing philosophical today. I hope you find this podcast educational and entertaining at the very least. As always, I want to take a minute and say welcome to all the new listeners and welcome back to veteran homestead-loving regulars who stop by the FarmCast every week. I truly appreciate you all so much. Today’s Show Homestead Life Updates Peaceful Heart – Peaceful Mind Parmesan Peas Homestead Life Updates ...
The Tradition of Father's Day
June 09, 2019 04:15 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBThe Tradition of Father’s Day is the topic for today. It’s two weeks away for those of us here in the US. But first, let me take a minute to say welcome to every new listener and welcome back to the veteran homestead-loving regulars who stop by to listen to the FarmCast every week. I appreciate you all so much. I’m so excited to share with you what’s going on at the farm this week. And a fantastic recipe for grilling on Father’s Day. Today’s Show Homestead Life Updates The Tradition o...
Why We Drink Raw Milk
June 02, 2019 04:05 - 39 minutes - 27.8 MBThe consumption of dairy products has been a mainstay for as long as mankind has been able to capture and milk animals of all kinds. Sheep, goats, cows, bison, water buffalo, donkeys and horses. All are still milked to this day. There may be others. These are the ones of which I am aware. I want to talk about this tradition that has helped our species thrive and develop over the centuries and millennia. But first, I want to take that blessed moment to say welcome to all the new listen...
What is A2A2 Milk
May 26, 2019 04:15 - 30 minutes - 22.9 MBYou have heard me talk about A2A2 milk. Some of you may not know what that means. You may wonder if it really matters to you and your family. I’m going to fill you in on some of that information today. First let me say welcome to all the new listeners and welcome back to you veteran homestead loving regulars who stop by the FarmCast every week. I appreciate you all so much. I’m so excited to share with you what’s going on at the farm this week, a little bit about A2A2 milk and a great and ...
Our Virginia Life
May 19, 2019 04:15 - 35 minutes - 47 MBThis week I want to share our dream with all of you. Perhaps you’ve been dreaming the dream as well and just don’t think you can get there. Sometimes it takes time—a lot of time. But it is so worth it. I encourage you to start today. Welcome new listeners. It’s so good to have you. And welcome back veteran homestead-loving regulars. Thank you for stopping by the farmcast every week. I appreciate you all so much. I’m super excited to share with you what’s going on at the farm this week and ...
Cooking on the Hearth
May 12, 2019 04:15 - 38 minutes - 27.6 MBThis week’s topic brings back memories of days gone by and just might stir up the desire in you to cook over an open fire. Well perhaps not you. Maybe someone you know. In any case, I thank you all for listening and hope you find this information useful. Thank you, thank you to all of you veteran homestead-loving regulars and welcome to all of you new listeners out there. Let me know what you’re interested in and I’ll see if I can come up with some compelling dialogue. Today’s Show Home...
The Tradition of Mother's Day
May 05, 2019 04:05 - 49 minutes - 34.8 MBHappy Mother’s Day and welcome to all the new listeners and a shout out to all of the veteran homestead-loving regulars who stop by the FarmCast every week. I appreciate you all so much. There is a ton of stuff going on at the homestead right now and I’m so excited to share it with you. As Mother’s Day is quickly approaching that’s what I’m going to focus on this week. It’s a particularly important topic for me and I’m going to get a little more personal this week and share the mistakes I ma...
Traditional Healing Wisdom
April 29, 2019 04:05 - 42 minutes - 30.1 MBTraditional Healing Wisdom has been with us since the beginning of time. Exploring where we are with that today is my main topic for this edition of the Peaceful Heart FarmCast. I want to take a minute and say welcome to all the new listeners and welcome back to all of the veteran homestead-loving regulars who stop by the FarmCast every week. I appreciate you all so much. I’m so excited to share with you what’s going on at the farm this week. Today’s Show Homestead Life Updates Tradit...
The Taste of Cheese
April 21, 2019 04:05 - 47 minutes - 33.7 MBI want to take a minute and say welcome to all the new listeners and welcome back to the veteran homestead-loving regulars who stop by the FarmCast every week. I appreciate you all so much. I’m so excited to share with you what’s going on at the farm this week. There’s a lot going on. It’s spring. Lambs are coming. Calves are coming. Plants are sprouting. There is not enough time in the day to get everything done. This will go on for a while. I love it. It’s so good to be alive. Today’s ...
The Tradition of Dairying
April 14, 2019 04:05 - 42 minutes - 30 MBThe tradition of dairying has been around for thousands of years. Today, in the United States, the number of small dairy farms continues to decline. The desire for the fresh and nutritious commodity we call milk remains steady and is mostly fulfilled by gigantic mega-dairies. As with anything else, the bigger it gets, the cheaper it gets. But the other side of the coin is that the bigger it gets, the less concerned the producer is with the nutrition and health of the livestock. They simply ...
The Basics of Cheesemaking
April 07, 2019 04:05 - 39 minutes - 27.8 MBThis episode focuses on the basics of cheesemaking. This is in preparation for the next episode which is about why cheese tastes the way that it does. It’s all milk. Why are cheese different? Today’s Show Homestead Life Updates The Basics of Cheesemaking Easter Leg of Lamb Homestead Life Updates We are still trying to get Dora trained for milking. This morning she didn’t even come to the milking shed. Tomorrow is another day. The new halter that is just the size for her has arrived...
What Makes Food Taste So Good?
March 31, 2019 04:00 - 30 minutes - 21.9 MBWhat Makes Food Taste So Good? is the topic of today’s show. The truth is, it is much more than taste. I’ll provide some details as to what taste is as it relates to our bodies. The sense of smell and touch also are needed to understand flavor. Today’s Show Homestead Life Updates What Makes Food Taste So Good? Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus Homestead Life Updates First, I’ll talk about all the stuff I planted in the garden this week. Two days in a row, four hours each day, sunburn...
What Does It Mean To "Get In Touch With The Land?"
March 24, 2019 04:00 - 28 minutes - 20.6 MBSpring has finally arrived. At least the spring equinox has passed. I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders. Looking forward to sharing the homestead life with you. Today it’s about “getting in touch with the land”. Today’s Show Homestead Life Updates What Does It Mean To “Get in Touch with The Land?” Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe Homestead Life Updates Retraining cows Now that spring is approaching, we are preparing to begin the milking cycle once again. I’m excited. I can’t wa...
Food Preservation Techniques
March 17, 2019 04:00 - 34 minutes - 24.8 MBFood preservation techniques is the focus of this FarmCast. You may learn some new lingo. There is also a great deal of information about how food preparation and presentation has evolved over time. History leads us from one place to the next. As the need arises, the world updates traditions to adapt. Today’s Show Homestead Updates Garde Manger and Food Preservation Making Home Made Butter Homestead Updates We like to keep a close eye on the sheep when lambs are about to be born. L...
Cooking Through the Ages
March 10, 2019 05:00 - 35 minutes - 25.2 MBIn today’s show, we are going to talk about: Cooking Through the Ages. The conversation today – and every day – revolves around the value of tradition; traditional food prep and storage, traditional cooking, the new traditional farming practices, and of course, traditional artisan CHEESE. Topics discussed here are designed to create new perspectives and possibilities for how you might add the taste of tradition to your life. Today’s Show Homestead Life Updates Cooking Through the Ages...
Why Normande Cows
March 04, 2019 15:48 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBIn today’s show, we are going to talk about the milk cows that we have chosen for our central enterprise of cheesemaking – Normande Cows Today’s Show Topics Homestead Life Updates The Normande Cow Breed Crème Fraîche Recipe Homestead Life Updates Scott has been out pruning trees for a couple of days, but taking a nap now. It’s raining. AGAIN. Yesterday and the day before were filled with getting the trees in shape. There are 80 plus trees in our small orchard. Apples, peaches, ch...
Cheese Makes You Happy!
February 24, 2019 05:00 - 31 minutes - 22.5 MBThe topic for today is how cheese makes you happy! That's right. There is evidence that the nutrition in cheese can actually affect your mood among other things. I'm pleased to bring you this great news today! Today’s Show Homestead Life Updates Cheese and Nutrition Nutritional content Cheese tastes good Facts about fat content Lactose intolerance Why cheese makes people happy Cheese Fondue Recipe Homestead Life Updates Scott is working hard on getting the creamery built....
History of Cheese
February 23, 2019 21:41 - 24 minutes - 19.1 MBThe history of cheese. Exactly how did cheese get started? What's the tradition there? Overview -- Farm Updates -- History of Cheese -- Lemon Cheese Recipe Farm Updates I don’t have a lot to report today about the farm. A bit about hay, the creamery and a story about the goats and their antics. Hay and Creamery Scott laid the first row of blocks for the walls of the creamery. Yay!!! He is off getting more hay today. He will be back at it tomorrow and every day as long as the we...
Peaceful Heart FarmCast Intro
February 11, 2019 00:35 - 30 minutes - 23.4 MBToday’s Peaceful Heart FarmCast is about how we came to live the homestead life and how we decided to create a small artisan cheese business. TODAY’S TOPICS: What happened last year, where did I go? Peaceful Heart FarmCast Updates on the farm and creamery Preview of upcoming topics Homestead Recipe What Happened Last Year, Where Did I Go? First, I want to address what happened last year and where I am at the present time. I was podcasting regularly, twice a month. And even tho...
Podcast Reboot
February 03, 2019 22:28 - 8 minutes - 7.56 MBPodcast Reboot Hello everybody. Melanie Hall here. Hope you are doing well. Are you ready for the podcast to get going again? I sure am. One change you’ll notice is that going forward I’ve rebranded the podcast. The name changed from Village Wisdom Podcast to Peaceful Heart FarmCast. If you’re a subscriber, you don’t need to do anything . . . I’ve updated all the links so you’ll still get the podcast automatically in iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play Music or wherever you listen. But you wil...