Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World

In this throwback episode, we're revisiting one of the most foundational lessons for anyone who wants to grow more of their own food — not just a handful of tomatoes or a quick salad garden (though that's a great place to begin!), but a true, abundant harvest that feeds your family. I'm sharing the nine core principles I've relied on for nearly twenty-seven years of gardening here on our homestead. These steps will help you create consistent, reliable harvests no matter what the season throws your way. If you've ever struggled with uneven yields, wished your garden produced more predictably, or wanted a clear roadmap for planning a productive garden, this episode lays out the framework you've been missing. We'll cover the habits and systems that set you up for long-term success — understanding your soil, planning your garden space intentionally, choosing the right varieties, and building a repeatable method you can use year after year. Whether you're gardening in a small backyard, a suburban lot, or a larger homestead, these nine steps will help you grow more food with less overwhelm. It's an episode worth revisiting each season as you plan ahead for 2026 and beyond. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/493

In this throwback episode, I'm revisiting one of my favorite herbal conversations with my friend and renowned herbalist Rosalee de la Forêt. This discussion truly changed the way I approach herbal medicine. Instead of treating herbs like Western medicine — one symptom, one herb — Rosalee helps us understand why herbalism is so much more personal and intuitive. Together, we walk through how to recognize your body's signals and determine whether what you're experiencing is hot, cold, damp, or dry. Understanding your own energetics is the key to choosing herbs that actually work for your body and supporting your immune system in a deeper, more effective way. If you've ever wanted to use herbs with confidence, especially during cold and flu season, this episode is the perfect place to begin. I've also created an Herbal Energetics Wheel to help you match the right herbs to your constitution. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/492

In this throwback episode, we revisit a listener coaching call where we break down how to begin homesteading without jumping into overwhelm. We talk through the basics of planning raw land, observing sunlight and frost patterns, mapping out future zones, and using temporary setups like grow bags and portable fencing as you learn what works best. You'll also hear practical advice for easing into homesteading step-by-step so you can build a sustainable, thriving homestead at a pace that fits your season of life. Whether you're dreaming of your first garden or planning your next big project, this timeless conversation will help you move forward with confidence and clarity. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/491

In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, we're discussing the continual rise of feed costs and what my family does to mitigate these costs as much as possible. I'm sharing some of the breakdowns (at the time of the recording), how much feed is needed per animal and even some different feed options to consider. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/490

In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Kaylee Richardson from The Honeystead to discuss all things herbal medicine. Kaylee shares some of the herbs she's currently using and her favorite "must-have" herbal remedies. In the blog post that accompanies this podcast, there are a handful of additional podcasts I've done on the must-have herbal remedies to always have on hand and even how to grow a medicinal tea garden. Since the time of this recording, Kaylee has published a book, The Beekeeper's Apothecary that is a must-have in every home library. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/489