Homesteaders of America

• E49: Transform Your Family Culture with These Two Foundational Decisions | Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside

  Could the simple act of spending more time outside be the key to restoring health, peace, and connection in your home?  In this episode, Ginny Yurich shares how embracing long days outdoors not only transformed her entire motherhood experience but also sparked the global 1000 Hours Outside movement.  From letting go of rigid schedules to reclaiming childhood from screens, Ginny’s story points us back to the simple, grounding rhythms of home, health, and family life that brought us to homesteading in the first place.In this episode, we cover:Ginny’s early struggles with rigid parenting schedules and exhausting days with little onesHow Ginny first stumbled upon Charlotte Mason’s recommendation of spending 4–6 hours outside each dayWhat marked Ginny’s first good day as a mom and how it changed her family’s trajectoryThe birth of 1000 Hours Outside to reclaim childhood from screen timeHow her family’s health transformed by being outside each day– kids eating, sleeping, and playing better, fewer doctor visitsWhy natural light and outdoor rhythms are essential for eyes, sleep, and overall wellnessTools for families: trackers, coloring sheets, and a mobile app to make goals funShifting from traditional homeschooling to a slower, life-centered approachHomeschooling without constant testing—kids will thrive, learn deeply, and pursue real-world goalsReflections on industrialization, homesteading, and restoring family life at homeView full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.Thank you to our sponsors!KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and constructionPremier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert adviceABOUT GINNYGinny Yurich is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder and CEO of 1000 Hours Outside; a global movement, media company and lifestyle brand with a mission centered around reclaiming childhood, reconnecting families and helping people live a fuller life.She is the host and producer of the extremely popular The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, a keynote public speaker, zinnia enthusiast, and published author.Holding a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Michigan, Ginny and her husband, Josh have been married for over 21 years and are lifelong Michiganders. They love raising their five children on their little hobby farm in “The Great Lakes State.”RESOURCES MENTIONEDGet your hands on the REFORMER merch Amy is wearing in this podcast episodeTrack your family’s hours outside using these resources on Ginny’s websiteGrab your copy of Ginny's book, Homeschooling: You're Doing It Right Just By Doing ItCONNECTGinny Yurich | Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | PodcastHomesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

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• E48: Making Your Homestead Pay for Itself While Building a Family-Centered Life | Beth Declercq of Intentional Homesteading

  From scaling a handful of pre-sold meat chickens into a profitable farm business to running classes, events, and online courses that now support her household, Beth Declercq has mastered the art of making a homestead pay for itself all while raising eight children at home. In this episode, she shares how she focuses on core income streams, grows profitable ventures, and even employs her own kids through the family’s LLC to teach them skills and keep more of what they earn. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your homestead into a sustainable source of income without stepping away from family life, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Listen in!In this episode, we cover:Beth’s path from city living to a thriving 10-acre homestead with her husband and eight kidsHow a focus on real food in 2011 grew into a diverse, mostly self-sufficient farmCreating a dedicated “scullery” to handle the mess of preservation, milking, and butchering outside the main kitchenSetting a goal for the homestead to be financially independent—and the strategy that made it happenScaling from 100 pre-sold meat chickens to 750 a year, with profits funding the rest of the farmFocusing on core enterprises—meat chickens, on-farm events, herd shares, and poultry processing—rather than striving to make every element profitablePaying kids for their work in the family’s LLC-run enterprises as both a tax strategy and life skillHosting entry-level classes and community gatherings to generate income and build relationshipsTurning repeated questions from followers into online courses and a membership that now supports their household incomeEncouragement for homestead dreamers to start small, accept imperfect beginnings, and build skills and income streams before they’re urgently neededView full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.Thank you to our sponsors!Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eatingMcMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flockRESOURCES MENTIONEDSubscribe to the Homesteaders of America magazineCONNECTBeth Declercq | Website | Instagram | FacebookHomesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

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• E47: Homestead With Heart: Build a Family Legacy without the Pressure of Perfection | RuthAnn Zimmerman

  Beloved HOA speaker and returning podcast guest RuthAnn Zimmerman is back to share what life looks like right now on her family’s 21-acre homestead in Iowa. We start with a glimpse into their summer rhythms—overflowing gardens, plenty of fresh milk, and kids’ morning chore routines—but quickly move into deeper ground.  RuthAnn reflects on the beauty that homesteading has given her family beyond just homegrown food.  She offers gentle encouragement for parents who feel stretched thin and reminds us that we don’t have to do it all.  At the heart of it, RuthAnn shares why this lifestyle is about so much more than food— it's about faith, family, and building a legacy rooted in relationship.In this episode, we cover:A look at summertime on the Zimmermans’ Iowa homestead— garden abundance, milk cow abundance, and finding the balance between chores and downtimeKids having morning meltdowns? The simple morning routine RuthAnn’s kids never skip to support mood and energyWhat RuthAnn discovered about her true passions through book writing (spoiler: it’s not actually homesteading!)The real reason the Zimmermans started and grew their 21-acre homestead— it wasn’t just about foodEncouragement for young moms in the thick of it— you won’t always be in this season, and you’re right where you need to beA mindset shift for when life feels overwhelming: you don’t have to do it allWhy knowing your “why” matters in homesteading; knowledge alone won’t carry you throughHow homesteading can be the perfect foundation for building strong relationships with your kids, even when the tasks don’t feel funWhy gaining real-life skills is just as valuable (or more!) as gaining formal educationView full show notes and transcript on the blog + ⁠watch this episode on YouTube⁠⁠.Thank you to our sponsors!KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and constructionPremier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert adviceRESOURCES MENTIONEDListen to RuthAnn’s previous episode on the HOA podcastPre-order The Heart of the Homestead through ChristianBook and use code RuthAnn to get 40% offCheck out the pre-order bonuses for The Heart of the HomesteadBrowse RuthAnn’s recipes hereCONNECTRuthAnn Zimmerman | Website | Instagram | YouTube | FacebookHomesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

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• E46: Government Overreach, Local Action, and Real Food Defense | Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms

  Joel Salatin is back to share why he’s taking a bold stand against federal overreach—and what really happens when the government comes knocking. From eye-opening bird flu extermination tactics to a surprising call from RFK Jr., Joel breaks down the growing pressure on small farms, who’s profiting, and the natural solutions being ignored. He also challenges the myth of total self-sufficiency and makes a compelling case for building strong, local community ties. Whether you're in the thick of farming or just passionate about food freedom, this conversation will inspire you to think differently—and take action right where you are!In this episode, we cover:Why Joel is taking a hard stand against federal overreach on his farmThe shocking methods used in bird flu exterminationHow a sheriff’s bold promise gave Joel the confidence to push backThe surprising call Joel got from RFK Jr. and how it sparked national momentumWhy small farms are getting squeezed out—and who’s profiting mostNatural, non-vaccine treatments for bird flu that no one wants to talk aboutThe real reason some hatcheries are canceling your meat bird ordersWhy building your “farm team” might matter more than being self-sufficientPractical ways to serve your community now—so they’ll show up when it countsWhat really happens when the government shows up without a warrantView full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this video on YouTube.Thank you to our sponsors!McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flockNutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eatingRESOURCES MENTIONEDWatch The Lunatic Farmer by Angel StudiosCONNECTJoel Salatin of Polyface Farm | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

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• E45: Empowering Families with Simple Herbal Wellness | Kate Tietje of Earthley Wellness

  In this episode, Kate Tietje, founder of Earthley Wellness, shares her inspiring journey from a mom experimenting with herbal remedies to leading a thriving natural wellness company. Kate shares how her daughter’s health challenges sparked her passion for herbalism, the rapid growth of Earthley, and her commitment to clean, effective products. Discover her top herbal remedies for cold and flu season, favorite herbs like calendula and ginger, and tips for incorporating natural wellness into your life. Whether you're an herbalist, a homesteader, or simply curious about holistic health, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how Earthley is revolutionizing natural wellness with transparency and education!In this episode, we cover:Kate’s journey into herbalism, inspired by her daughter’s health challengesHow Kate started Earthley Wellness, from blogging to launching her first productRapid growth of Earthley Wellness and its milestones since 2015Impact of the 2020 pandemic on the demand for natural remediesIncredible testimonials from customers about Earthley’s life-changing productsDiscussion of Earthley’s top-selling products and how they can help your family: Good Night Lotion, Feel Better Fast, and Elderberry ElixirChallenges faced by Earthley, including FDA scrutiny and media criticismKate’s self-taught herbalism journey and her favorite educational resourcesRecommended herbs for cold and flu season: elderberry and mulleinKate’s top two favorite herbs: calendula and ginger, and their versatile usesEarthley’s commitment to clean, additive-free products through the “Revive and Restore Promise”Kate’s book Natural Remedies for Kids and how it can serve your familyClosing thoughts on empowering consumers with education and holistic wellnessView full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and constructionPremier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert adviceABOUT KATEKate and Ben are parents to 6 children, ranging from 16 years down to 6.5 years. They are a homesteading, homeschooling family who have an extensive garden, including herbs! They love teaching their kids to enjoy and be good stewards of the Earth, on and off the job. Kate loves medical freedom, sharing natural remedies, developing real food recipes, and gentle parenting. Her goal is to teach you how to live your life free from Big Pharma, Big Food, and Big Government by learning about herbs, cooking, and sustainable practices. Kate is the author of Natural Remedies for Kids and the owner and lead herbalist at Earthley.RESOURCES MENTIONEDCheck out Earthley’s many offerings on their websiteSome best-selling products: Good Night Lotion, Feel Better Fast, Elderberry ElixirHerbalism books and authors:- Books by Rosemary Gladstar- Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun S. Weed- The Herbalist's Way: The Art and Practice of Healing with Plant Medicines by Nancy & Michael Phillips- Books by Matthew Wood- Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine by David Hoffman- Natural Remedies for Kids by Kate TietjeRecommended for cold and flu: elderberry syrup DIY kit, elderberry tincture, DIY elderberry recipe, Cough B GoneEarthley’s Revive and Restore PromiseCheck out Kate’s blog filled with education and recipesCONNECTKate Tietje | Website | FacebookEarthley Wellness | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | PinterestHomesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

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