Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World

Have you ever tried an herb and thought, "This just doesn't work"? The problem may not be the herb itself. It may be the timing, the dose, the preparation, or whether that herb actually matches what your body needs in that moment.
In this episode, I'm breaking down one of the biggest mistakes people make when using herbs for medicine: treating every stage of an illness the same way.
We'll look at why the herbs I reach for at the very first sign of a cold may be different from what I use once symptoms are full-blown, why preparation methods matter, and how to think about supporting your immune and lymphatic systems as symptoms change.
I'm also sharing how I use echinacea at the first signs of illness, why I prefer to have remedies prepared before cold and flu season arrives, and the First Signs Tincture that has become one of the most-used remedies in our family's home medicine cabinet.
If you want to feel more confident choosing the right herb, at the right time, in the right form, this episode will help you understand what to look for before automatically reaching for the same remedy every time.
Learn more here:
https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/how-to-use-herbs-and-natural-remedies-at-home/
Links Mentioned:
• Join my LIVE herbal challenge October 5-7, 2026, where we'll make three herbal remedies together, step-by-step, including my First Signs Tincture:
https://melissaknorris.com/herbchallenge
• Watch or listen to Podcast #519 for more information on Herbal Energetics here:
https://melissaknorris.com/519
• Grab my FREE Herbal Energetics Chart here:
https://melissaknorris.com/herbalenergetics
• Thank you to Azure Standard for sponsoring this week's podcast. Be sure to check out Azure's great herb selection to start stocking your home apothecary! If you're brand new to Azure Standard, you can save 15% on your first order of $100 or more to a drop location with code "MELISSA15" at checkout:
https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

What's the herbal equivalent of aspirin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen?
It's one of the most common questions people ask when they first start learning about medicinal herbs, and it makes sense. Most of us have been taught to identify a symptom and then reach for something designed to make that symptom go away.
But herbalism works differently.
In this episode, I'm sharing why simply swapping a pharmaceutical for an herb can cause us to miss one of the most important parts of herbal medicine: looking at the whole person, not just the symptom.
We'll talk about how herbal actions and herbal energetics work together, why two people with the same cold may benefit from completely different herbs, and how hot, cool, dry, and moist patterns can help guide the herbs you choose.
I'll also explain the difference between acute and chronic conditions, why your overall health, lifestyle, medications, and existing conditions matter when choosing herbs, and why "natural" does not automatically mean harmless.
You'll hear how my own approach to herbal medicine changed from trying to find an herbal replacement for every over-the-counter medication to learning how to match the right herb to the right person.
If you want to build a natural medicine cabinet you actually know how to use, this episode will give you an important foundation.
Links Mentioned:
Join my LIVE herbal challenge October 5-7, 2026, where we'll make three herbal remedies together, step-by-step: https://melissaknorris.com/herbchallenge

Grab my FREE Herbal Energetics Chart here: https://melissaknorris.com/herbalenergetics

Thanks to Toups & Co for sponsoring this podcast! If you'd like to check them out (and save 25% on your first order), head over to https://melissaknorris.com/toupsandco and use coupon code MELISSA25 for 25% off your order.

Is your skincare routine actually helping your skin, or are you just chasing the next quick fix?
In this episode, I'm joined by Emilie Toups, founder of Toups & Co., to talk about natural skincare for aging skin and what really changes as we move through our late 30s, 40s, and beyond.
We're digging into why skin can become drier and thinner as we age, how hormones and lifestyle may play a role, and why healthy skin starts with more than what you put on your face.
We also break down some common skincare ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, AHAs, bakuchiol, retinol, tallow, fragrance, and those confusing "natural" and "botanical" labels you see on products.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why your skin changes as you age

Why there's no 10-day miracle fix for aging skin

How nutrition, sleep, hydration, and lifestyle support healthy skin

Skincare ingredients that sound scary but can actually be beneficial

Why Emilie prefers bakuchiol as an alternative to retinol

What "natural fragrance" really means

Why sourcing and processing matter when choosing tallow skincare

How often to use facial masks and exfoliating products

What to consider when choosing sunscreen and sun protection

The best place to start if you want to simplify your skincare routine

If you've noticed your skin changing and aren't interested in complicated routines or unrealistic anti-aging promises, this conversation will help you take a simpler, more informed approach to caring for your skin.
Links Mentioned:
Read the Blog Post: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/why-your-skin-changes-after-40/

Toups & Co. (Use coupon code "MELISSA25" to save 25% off your entire order (new customers only OR coupon code "PIONEERING" for 10% off if you're not a first-time customer): https://melissaknorris.com/toupsandco

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, Who does it all belong to?
Most of us naturally think of our homes, businesses, gardens, and finances as our own. But what if the Bible paints a different picture? What if we're not owners at all, but stewards of everything God has entrusted to us?
In this episode, I'm joined by David Stelzer, president of Azure Standard and author of Seeds of Hope. Together, we explore the biblical difference between stewardship and ownership, what it means to build a God-led business, and how trusting God's principles can transform the way we approach our homes, homesteads, finances, and daily lives.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why seeing God as the true Owner changes everything.
• The biblical principle of stewardship versus ownership.
• How Azure Standard has built a business guided by faith and biblical values.
• What Scripture teaches about Sabbath rest for both the land and ourselves.
• How an abundance mindset replaces fear and scarcity with trust in God's provision.
• Practical ways to faithfully steward what God has placed in your hands.
Whether you're managing a backyard garden, raising a family, running a business, or simply seeking to live more faithfully, this conversation will encourage you to view every area of your life through the lens of biblical stewardship.
Resources Mentioned:
Grab all the resources on the accompanying blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/517 

Seeds of Hope by David Stelzer: https://amzn.to/4wiHGEE 

Azure Standard: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard 

Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this podcast. If you're looking to shop from a company you can trust has your best interest in mind, give Azure Standard a try. Be sure to use coupon code MELISSA15 on your first order of $100 or more (delivered to a drop location only) and start stocking your pantry with wholesome foods without all the junk. https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

The 2026 Modern Homesteading Conference is officially in the books, and in this episode I'm sharing some of my favorite moments from an unforgettable weekend. From incredible testimonies of lives changed through homesteading to behind-the-scenes stories of organizing the event, I'm reflecting on the power of learning, serving, and gathering together in person.
I also share why our first-ever Cowboy Church became the most meaningful part of the weekend, the exciting news that the Modern Homesteading Conference will return in 2027, and why Katie Milhorn and I felt called to launch the new Heritage Revival Conference for women.
Finally, I open up about one of the hardest seasons my family has faced over the past year, what God has been teaching me through it, and why sometimes obedience means recognizing when a season has come to an end so He can lead us into the next one.
Resources Mentioned
2027 Modern Homesteading Conference
Purchase tickets: https://modernhomesteading.com
Use coupon code MKN15 for 15% off Adult General Admission tickets.

Heritage Revival Conference
Learn more and reserve your spot: https://heritagerevivalevents.com

Get all the details and more at the accompanying blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/516

This episode is brought to you by Azure Standard, my favorite source for stocking a real-food pantry. If you've been wanting to build your pantry or save money by buying in bulk, now is a great time to try them. Use coupon code Melissa15 to receive 15% off your first order of $100 or more when you have it delivered to an Azure Standard drop location. https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard