Simple Living Made Simple Podcast artwork

Simple Living Made Simple Podcast

68 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago -

Join Stephanie, wife, mother and blogger as she helps you incorporate simple living and self-sufficiency skills and knowledge into your busy life with the goal of refocusing your life towards what really matters, your family. Along the way you will boost your confidence so you can start being more self-reliant and decrease your dependance on stores and commercial products. Topics cover gardening, cooking from scratch, food preservation, making your own products, and other alternative ways of living. Come share an appreciation for creating a homemade and homegrown life through simple living.

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Episodes

67. Gluten Free Living with Sharon McCaskill R.D.N.

October 02, 2023 04:37 - 37 minutes - 35.1 MB

This week I had a chat with Sharon McCaskill who is an Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and founder of the blog, "The Helpful GF" all about switching to a gluten free diet with as little stress as possible. Any change in diet or lifestyle can be a challenge not only in implementing the changes but also making them stick. Sharon has first hand knowledge with gluten free diets as her husband has celiac disease. In this episode we talked all about the following: - What it really means to b...

66. Digging Deeper with Jill Winger of the Prairie Homestead

September 25, 2023 00:00 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MB

This week is an awesome episode with Jill Winger of the Prairie Homestead.  Jill is a well known homesteader, author, entrepreneur, rancher, mother and wife.  She is one of the first people I started following and reading when I was interested in living a more simple life.  She has a new book Old Fashioned on Purpose: Cultivating a Slower, More Joyful Life, being released 9/26/23 and is taking preorders until then. You can buy at any bookstore or preorder here: Old Fashioned on Purpose by Ji...

65. Saving the Forgotten with Sara Jo of Bryarton Farm

September 11, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 70.4 MB

I am so excited to share with you this powerful episode with Sara Jo of Bryarton Farm. We covered many topics in this episode but the them throughout was "Saving the Forgotten".  Sara Jo's take on this is beautiful, encouraging, and inspiring. We talked all about the restoration of her beautiful historic farmhouse and her family's beautiful adoption story of her two daughters from India. It was truly eye opening and inspiring. Please go check her out on these platforms: Bryarton Farm Insta...

64. Navigating New Dietary Restrictions

August 28, 2023 00:00 - 18 minutes - 17.6 MB

We are doing a very strict elimination diet and it has been rather difficult. Since I focus on stocking my kitchen with whole food ingredients, being faced with having to eliminate several of our family's staple foods has been challenging. Join me as I discuss these new dietary restrictions that we have been faced with and how we are navigating finding new alternatives for meals and snacks.

63. Handcrafted Holiday Gifts you can make in August

August 14, 2023 00:00 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MB

Anyone got the Holiday season itch? I typically do not like to start preparing for a holiday way before the actual season starts. I really despise seeing Christmas stuff in stores in October, however considering holidays gifts early in the year can help you out later in a lot of ways! In this episode, I talk about a few Handcrafted and Homemade Holiday gifts that you can start making today with some of the harvest you have in your garden and really take some of the stress off when the holi...

62. Simple Sewing with Naomi Fata

August 07, 2023 00:00 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MB

In this week's episode, I got to speak with Naomi from Love Stitches​. Learning to sew has been on my list of projects to start for a long time but it always seems overwhelming and difficult to get started. After speaking with Naomi about how to get started regardless of where you are in your life, I am ready to jump in! Join us for our conversation in this week's episode. Websites mentioned in this episode: Big Duck Canvas https://www.bigduckcanvas.com/ for slipcover fabrics Natures F...

61. Practical Gardening with Kids

July 31, 2023 00:00 - 33 minutes - 30.8 MB

I am really excited for today's Simple Living Made Simple Podcast guest! In this week's episode, I got to speak with Alicia DeVore from Create My Garden. We talked all about growing gardens and kids. This was such a fun episode because it was recorded early in the gardening season and even though I am just releasing it now, it is still relevant and timely. You can check out Alicia on Instagram or at her blog Create My Garden. Alicia DeVore is a garden teacher/coach and the founder of the...

60. We are Back! Updates and other ramblings.

July 24, 2023 03:07 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MB

Thank you for sticking it out here while I was gone! It has been a busy couple of months! I took a little hiatus after I gave birth to our fifth in April and it took much longer than expected to get back to it. My evenings and mornings have been unpredictable and I can never guarantee I will have time available to do work on the podcast or social media. We are starting to all settle back into a schedule so that is great! In this episode, I share with you updates from our garden, what I a...

59. What is the deal with Azure Standard?

April 03, 2023 00:00 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MB

If you follow any homesteaders on Instagram or You Tube, you may have heard of Azure Standard Market. I have tried it out a few times and I talk all about it in today's episode. I talk about how it works, what a drop location is, and the things I have ordered! Azure Standard is great for ordering bulk goods to cook from scratch and build your food supply. This short and sweet episode should help you place your first Azure Standard order if you are interested! You can get started with your ...

58. Cooking with Wild Game with Danielle from the Homebound Hippie

March 27, 2023 00:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MB

Have you ever prepared venison or elk? I certainly have not! That is why I invited Danielle from the Homebound Hippie to the podcast this week. Danielle is wonderful at cooking with wild game and I learned so much during this interview. She gives a ton of information about how to get started cooking with wild game and sheds light on how different it may or may not be from chicken or beef. Danielle from the Homebound Hippie is a full time homemaker and homesteader living a slow and simple ...

57. Building a Sustainable Homestead with Angela Ferraro-Fanning of Axe and Root Homestead

March 20, 2023 00:00 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MB

In this episode I had the opportunity to talk with Angela Ferraro-Fanning of Axe and Root Homestead about her new book: The Sustainable Homestead.  I love this new book because it truly acts like a blueprint for building a functional and thriving homestead.  This book is beautiful, inspiring, and a great resource for anyone looking to purchase a homestead property or to develop their own land into a permaculture paradise. It was such a fun conversation and I learned so much. Check out this e...

56. Homemade Condiments - Monthly Swap Series March 2023

March 13, 2023 00:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MB

I am back with the March Monthly Swap series! I am doing a Monthly Series where I focus on swapping something that would normally be store bought with a homemade version. Each month I will have a specific focus so that I do not get overwhelmed and can master it in 30 days. The month of March is focused on swapping store bought condiments for homemade, from scratch ones! Over the next 30 days, I am working to swap out packaged condiments with homemade versions. There are a few condiments t...

55. The Container Victory Garden with Maggie Stuckey

February 27, 2023 01:03 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MB

Gardening season is upon us and if you are looking for a way to grow your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs but worry that you do not have enough space, container gardens may be perfect for you!  Don't miss this episode where I got the awesome opportunity to speak with Maggie Stuckey, author of the Container Victory Garden: A Beginner's Guide to Growing your own Groceries.   We discussed how beneficial and versatile a container garden it and how it can solve so many small space problems. ...

54. Laying Chickens: Get your own flock this year! with Brandi from the Mother Hen Homestead

February 20, 2023 01:00 - 50 minutes - 46 MB

Are you looking for a way to beat those high egg prices? Have you thought about raising chickens but haven't gotten the nerve to do it? This year is your year my friends! It is easier than you think and this episode is all about how to get started. I got to talk with Brandi from the Mother Hen Homestead about how your can get started with your own flock of laying chickens this year! So much great information for those just starting out! Don't miss this episode! Brandi is first and foremo...

53. The Many Healing Benefits of Real Food with Katie from Homesteading RD

February 13, 2023 01:00 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MB

In this episode, I got to speak with Katie from the Homesteading RD over on Instagram. She shares an immense amount of super valuable content and knowledge about all areas of homesteading.  I love following her for her insight on real food and functional medicine.  We talk all about the broken medical system as it pertains to nutrition and recovery from illness.  We also talk about how to get started making the switch to real food. This was such a valuable and real conversation, you don't w...

52. Garden Planning 2023

February 06, 2023 01:00 - 17 minutes - 23.8 MB

Spring is almost here! I know it might not feel like it but it really isn't that far away. You know what that means.... time to start planning your garden! I can honestly say that after 10 years of gardening, I am starting off this year with a sense of confidence that I haven't felt before! In this episode I talk about what we are planning to put in the ground this year and some changes and updates we are making. In this episode, I also talk about a really great FREE training that Jill f...

51. Homemade Cleaners - Monthly Homemade Swap Series February 2023

January 30, 2023 01:00 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MB

I want you to join me for something new I am doing this year! I am doing a Monthly Series where I focus on swapping something that would normally be store bought with a homemade version. Each month I will have a specific focus so that I do not get overwhelmed and can master it in 30 days. The month of February is focused on swapping all of our cleaners for homemade versions! I talked about it briefly in a previous podcast episode but I really dive in deep in this week's episode. My plan ...

50. Creating Memorable Seasons and Holidays with Ashley Murphy

January 23, 2023 01:00 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MB

I have always had a hard time keeping up with ever changing seasons and holidays. Decorating and making these times exciting for the kids is fun but I always lack inspiration and motivation to keep it up all year long while also keeping it simple and affordable. That is why I invited my real life friend Ashley on for this episode. Ashley Murphy of Ashley Murphy Family on Instagram covers all areas of celebrating family life. In this episode we talk all about celebrating holidays and seasons ...

49. The Toy Rotation Strategy that Saves my Sanity

January 16, 2023 01:00 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

Are you drowning in toys and feel like you can't get out from under them? I used to be so overwhelmed by the toy mess in our house that I was tempted to get rid of all of them and never buy another toy again. They were all of the house, in every room, and it seems like no matter how many toys my kids had, they were always bored and never played with any of them. I don't know how I originally started utilizing a toy rotation system but once I did it was a total game changer and sanity chan...

48. Our Goals and Intentions for 2023

January 09, 2023 01:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MB

Happy New Years! I sincerely hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday and are excited for 2023! I am not one to really make new year's resolutions but I do think it is important to set goals and intentions for the upcoming year.  There is a lot I am not sure about yet and a lot of goals since mulling around in my head but I have a few that I am really certain of. In this week's episode of the Simple Living Made Simple Podcast, I am talking about a few of our 2023 goals and focus. ...

47. Being a Hopesteader with Corina of the Hopewell Homestead

January 02, 2023 01:00 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MB

Let's start off the new year with a really great episode and guest! Corina from The Hopewell Homestead is one of my most favorite homesteading and simple living experts to follow on Instagram. So it was such an awesome experience to get to speak with her in this episode of the Simple Living Made Simple Podcast. We talk all about homecentric and holistic living, as well as, what it means to be a Hopesteader and build the homestead life you dream of. It was such a fun and inspiring conversat...

46. Make your Own Cheese with Robyn from Cheese from Scratch

December 12, 2022 01:00 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MB

In this episode, I got to speak with Robyn from Cheese from scratch all about the basics of home cheesemaking. She breaks down all you need to get started and clears up common misconceptions and questions when it comes to making your own cheese.  We talk about what kinds of cheese to start with, cheese making science, and how to get over your hesitations and start making your cheese in your own home today! Robyn is the creator of Cheese From Scratch, an online business that empowers and tea...

45. 5 Things that I do when I am overwhelmed

December 05, 2022 01:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MB

After a few months break, I am back! I had to take an unexpected few weeks off because teething babies and sick kids took over our house.  I am back with an episode all about 5 things that I do to help keep my sanity when I am overwhelmed with life's unexpected events.  These 5 things help me recharge and get back on track quickly. 

44. Building Trading Relationships with Kate from Venison for Dinner

September 19, 2022 00:00 - 34 minutes - 32.3 MB

This week on the Simple Living Made Simple Podcast we are talking all about building trading relationships and how to become more community sufficient, instead of just self-sufficient! My guest this week is awesome and the perfect person to talk about this topic. I got the awesome opportunity to speak with Kate from Venison for Dinner about her many trading relationships, how she leverages her family's skills and knowledge and how she keeps herself rich and plentiful by utilizing the skill...

43. Loving and Appreciating Old Homes with Paige from Farmhouse Vernacular

September 05, 2022 00:00 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MB

Do you love old homes? I do! If you are interested in historically accurate renovations, decorating old farmhouses, antiquing and thrifting that you are probably familiar with my guest this week, Paige from Farmhouse Vernacular. Paige has one of my favorite You Tube channels and I was so excited to have her on the podcast this week. In this week's episode we talk about: How you can figure out the age of your old home, Resources for historically accurate home design, The difference betw...

42. 5 Things we are Doing to Help with Rising Food Costs

August 29, 2022 10:47 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MB

Are you experiencing the pinch at the grocery store or at the gas pump? Over here we are for sure. Don't worry, we've got this and will get through it. I certainly don't have the answers but I can tell you a few ways that I have made adjustments to a few things in our life to help lessen that pitch, even if just a little. Tune into this week's episode to hear a few ways that we have cut some costs in our house recently.

41. The Art of Homemaking with Shelby from Simple Homemaker Meals

August 22, 2022 00:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

I got the awesome opportunity to speak with Shelby from Simple Homemaker Meals this week and it was so much fun! We talked about modern homemaking, getting all of the things done, and simple meal planning. Follow her over on Instagram where she shares awesome recipes and tips for getting it all done. Simple Homemaker Meals Instagram Shelby is the creator of Simple Homemaker Meals, a space designated to recipes, sharing her joy in homemaking and learning lost skills along the way, like ga...

40. Fall Gardens and Planning for Next Year with Jill McSheehy

August 15, 2022 00:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

You don't want to miss this episode with Jill McSheehy from the Beginner's Garden. Jill has always been my go to experts on vegetable gardening because her content is so easily digestible and she does a great job presenting it so that new gardeners can learn. I listen to her podcast and watch her you tube videos all the time so speaking with her for this week's podcast episode was awesome! I was definitely a little star struck if I am being honest. This conversation was so much fun. We d...

39. Summer updates and shifts in perspective

August 08, 2022 00:02 - 10 minutes - 9.45 MB

After a brief hiatus for the 2022 garden season we are back for episode 39!  In this episode, I share with you updates from our garden, chickens, and kitchen, as well as, some shifts in my perspective as it comes to homesteading, proving for my family, and boosting our food supply.

38. Practical Cooking and Easy Meal Planning with Kris of Healthy Mama Kris

May 23, 2022 03:20 - 1 hour - 60.2 MB

Join me in my conversation with Kris from Healthy Mama Kris all about practical cooking, easy meal plans, and making your food taste better. Kris is a trained chef, culinary nutritionist and founder of Healthy Mama Kris, where she helps moms stress less about food through delicious weeknight-friendly recipes, simplified meal planning, meal prep and confident cooking. She encourages women worldwide to uncomplicate eating and find joy in balanced living through her digital courses, cooking c...

37. Garden Update Spring 2022

May 16, 2022 01:35 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MB

Short and sweet episode where I discuss our garden, chickens, and other projects as we kick-off the spring season. I talk about: What I planted this year The weird things my chickens are doing My goals for this year.

36. How to eat Keto and make a successful lifestyle change with Cheryl from Heal, Nourish, Grow

May 02, 2022 03:17 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MB

This episode I got the chance to talk with Cheryl from Heal, Nourish, Grow all about real food, eating Keto, and how to be successful at making a lifestyle change. If you are interested in living a more simpler lifestyle and making a real shift towards healthy whole foods, you do not want to miss this episode! Cheryl is the founder and editor of Heal Nourish Grow, an ultimate wellness, healthy lifestyle and advanced nutrition site. She helps others develop the confidence and habits to crea...

Join the Self-Sufficient and Free Academy

April 25, 2022 02:39 - 13 minutes - 12 MB

This episode is a little different than most others, as I am talking all about my newest program the Self-Sufficient and Free Academy.  The 12 month mentorship program that will take you from being dependent on stores, government run systems, and commercial products to being self-reliant, self-sufficient, and independent. This high touch, comprehensive program has everything you need to transform your family's food security and ability to take care of your own needs and wants.  You can fin...

35. Homesteading with joy and curiosity with Sarah of Well Folk Revival

April 11, 2022 03:00 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MB

I had the opportunity to talk with Sarah from Well Folk Revival this week, and it was an awesome conversation! Join me for this episode of the Simple Living Made Simple Podcast to discuss the following: Tips for those of you interested in starting to homestead yourself How to serve your community by offering homesteading classes in the community How to embrace lifelong learning and apply pure joy to your homesteading endeavors. It was such an awesome and inspiring discussion that you do...

34. Practical Self-Sufficiency with Jenny Veleke

April 04, 2022 00:00 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MB

I got the awesome opportunity to speak with Jenny Veleke of the Funky Farm Girl Podcast all about practical self-sufficiency. Jenny was such a fun guest! We discussed how her family made the move to being more self-reliant, how she stocks a from-scratch pantry, and why she loves raising quails. Check out her awesome podcast The Funky Farm Girl Podcast for valuable content on simple living, gardening, and cooking from scratch!

33. Why you should start living seasonally.

March 28, 2022 00:00 - 11 minutes - 11 MB

One of the best ways to reduce the overwhelm that can come along with simple, self-sufficient living is to start living more seasonally!  They all kind of go hand in hand.  Join me for this episode to discuss the following: The three "S"s Why living seasonally is way more than just food The benefits of living more seasonally How to get started! There are so many benefits of seasonal living that you really should consider working it into your everyday life!

32. Common Simple Living Myths and Misconceptions

March 21, 2022 00:00 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MB

Join me in this episode many myths and misconceptions about simple living and homesteading.  When I talk to people about starting to be more self-sufficient, there are a couple of reasons that I hear time and time again as to why it won't work for them. Here I address these misconceptions and explain why they should not be holding you back. In this episode I talk about: Why you don't need a ton of property to grow your own food. How you can get started without a ton of money. The best t...

31. Taking control of our family's food

March 14, 2022 00:00 - 13 minutes - 12.9 MB

In this episode, I am discussing food freedom and my family's journey to become less dependent on stores and commercial products for our food and instead grow and make our own food. With food shortages and food prices increasing, more people are looking for ways to take back control over their food to ensure that they are able to provide for their families.  Growing your own food, cooking from scratch, and purchasing from local sources for all of your food needs is more important now than e...

30. My Freedom Framework: The 4 Areas of Self-Sufficiency

March 07, 2022 01:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MB

In this episode, I am going to breakdown self-sufficiency into 4 areas. I call this my "Freedom Framework" because I truly believe that self-sufficiency affords us options in the way we choose to live our life.  In my opinion, freedom is having options and the ability to choose which of those options work best for you and your family. The 4 areas of this Freedom Framework are Food, Home, Family, Health. Categorizing self-sufficiency skills into these categories really helps me teach them an...

29. Getting Prepared with Morgan from Rogue Preparedness

February 28, 2022 01:00 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MB

Are you prepared for emergencies? What if you had to evacuate your house quickly, do you have everything you needed easily accessible? What if your electric goes out for an extended period of time, what would you do? I don't like to approach these topics from a place of fear, but instead from a place of resilience and confidence! In this episode, I speak with Morgan from Rogue Preparedness all about how you can better prepare yourself and your family in the event of an emergency. Morgan p...

28. Planning a Garden Timeline

February 21, 2022 01:00 - 9 minutes - 8.67 MB

Planning a garden for this year? One of the most important things to plan and have set before you even break ground is a garden timeline.  Freeze dates, seed starting dates, planting dates, harvesting dates..... so many dates to keep track of! In this episode, I go through why these dates are important and how to make your garden planning manageable!

27. 5 Things You Can Do Today to Boost Your Self-Sufficiency.

February 08, 2022 19:41 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MB

If you are looking for placing to start in your simple living journey, this will help! I cover 5 ways your can start being more self-sufficient and boost your family's food supply starting today.

26: Getting Started Knitting with Krista

January 03, 2022 04:21 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

Join me in this episode where I talk with Krista from Knitsy Knits all about knitting!  Learn how to get started knitting this winter.  Krista and I discuss her career as a professional knitter, how to get started, why knitting is not just a seasonal hobby and some of the many projects that you can start learning today. Find out more about Krista and her courses here: Explore with Knitsy

25. Natural Cleaning for the Holidays

December 13, 2021 01:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MB

Whether it is deep cleaning your house before decorating, or cleaning for that holiday party you are hosting (and cleaning up afterwards), cleaning seems to be something that is done a lot more during the holidays. In the episode, I talk about how to make three super easy homemade cleaners you can make today. Listen to learn how to make an All-purpose spray, Antibacterial hand soap, and Toilet bowl cleaner.

24. Natural Holiday Decor

December 06, 2021 04:20 - 9 minutes - 9.03 MB

Christmas Decor does not not have to be crazy expensive.  In my opinion, the best holiday decor can be found right your your own backyard.  The possibilities are endless if you know what to look for.  Check out this short and sweet episode for some natural and classic holiday inspiration!

23. How to Create a Family Mealtime Routine

October 18, 2021 04:07 - 21 minutes - 28.9 MB

Do you and your family make time to sit down and enjoy meals together? Sometimes when I talk to people about cooking from scratch, their very first obstacle is how to even start eating as a family! If this is you and you struggle with getting everyone to the dinner table at the same time and want to make your dreams of having a happy family dinner a reality, In this episode I cover: how to create a family mealtime routine that works for you and your family. how to easily transition ever...

22. Fall garden duties for a better spring garden

October 04, 2021 00:00 - 10 minutes - 9.46 MB

It is finally fall time and the summer garden is winding down. Before you completely turn to your indoor, winter chores and duties for the season, there are a few fall garden duties that you should consider now that will make your life a lot easier next spring.  Check out this episode for a list of things you should be doing this fall in your garden.

21. 10 Ingredients you need for a Natural Home

September 27, 2021 00:00 - 17 minutes - 24.5 MB

September is a transition month in our home, when we start to move our focus away from the garden and food preservation to more inside the house. This is how seasonal living works for us. Spring to Summer is heavy gardening, August - September is food preservation, and then we transition to a more kitchen/household focus. One of the important aspects of simple living for us is eliminating the need to purchase chemical cleaners from the store. I have not bought a commercial all-purpose spr...

20. When your Hen Starts Laying Eggs

September 13, 2021 00:00 - 14 minutes - 13.8 MB

Finally! Your hens just started laying eggs. So exciting! Join me in this episode to discuss everything you need to know to get started with fresh eggs.  When can you expect your hens to start laying?  Do you wash them? Refrigerate them? My hens just started laying and I have been doing a lot of research, I share it all with you in this episode!

19. Garden Update - Transition to Fall Garden

August 30, 2021 00:00 - 15 minutes - 14.7 MB

Join me for a quick garden update where I discuss our transition plans from our summer garden to our fall garden. I discuss what plants we are planting and how we deal with overlapping spaces. We also have a few new updates to our chicken coup as well.