Homestead-ish

Send us Fan Mail If you've ever thought about adding ducks to your homestead, this episode is for you. We sit down with Marc and Katy Metzer of Metzer Farms, one of America's premier family-owned waterfowl hatcheries, to talk all things ducks, geese, and waterfowl. We cover everything from choosing the right breed and setting up your brooder to keeping ducks healthy, managing water without creating a muddy mess, and whether ducks really need a pond. Along the way, we discuss the advantages of ordering directly from a hatchery, how ducks can benefit your garden, and the important conservation work Metzer Farms is doing to preserve rare waterfowl breeds. Whether you're dreaming about your very first waterfowl or already have a flock waddling around your backyard, this conversation is packed with practical advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of duck enthusiasm. What You'll Learn Why buy directly from a hatchery How to choose the best duck breed for your goals Brooder setup mistakes to avoid The secret to cleaner brooders and less water mess Why niacin is so important for growing ducklings Housing ducks with chickens successfully Do ducks actually need a pond? Best duck breeds for egg production Using ducks for pest control and regenerative gardening How Metzer Farms is helping preserve endangered waterfowl breeds Connect with Metzer Farms Follow Metzer Farms on IG @ metzerfarms Visit www.metzerfarms.com for a wealth of information and resources including What Duck Breed is Right for You ? Connect with Homestead-ish Follow Homestead-ish on IG @ homesteadish_pod Connect with Kristin @ growingpaines_ Connect with Devon @ devonballardhudson 🌱 As always, stay curious and a little bit wild!

Send us Fan Mail What exactly is happening inside a sourdough starter? Why do some starters seem to have their own personality? Does a 100-year-old starter really make better bread? And what role do billions of invisible microbes play in creating the flavors, aromas, and rise we love in sourdough? In this episode of Homestead-ish , we sit down with Dr. Margaret Wallen, Assistant Professor of Biology at Indiana University Southeast, to explore the fascinating science behind sourdough fermentation. What began with her family's century-old sourdough starter, affectionately named "Baby," has evolved into a multi-year research project investigating the microbial communities that make each sourdough culture unique. Together, we explore the relationship between wild yeast and bacteria, why no two starters are exactly alike, and what Dr. Wallen's research reveals about how sourdough cultures establish themselves and maintain stability over time. We also discuss practical tips for home bakers, including how to revive sluggish starters, the role of whole wheat flour, and common misconceptions about fermentation. Beyond bread, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on our relationship with the microbial world and why understanding bacteria may be one of the keys to building healthier people, healthier food systems, and a healthier planet. Connect With Dr. Margaret Wallen Learn more about Dr. Wallen's research and how to connect HERE . Connect with Homestead-ish Follow Homestead-ish on IG @ homesteadish_pod Connect with Kristin @ growingpaines_ Connect with Devon @ devonballardhudson 🌱 As always, stay curious and a little bit wild!

Send us Fan Mail If you're looking for a quick list of seed-saving hacks, this probably isn't that episode. In a world that encourages us to consume information as quickly as possible, today's conversation invites you to slow down. Noel of Homestead Culture joins us for a thoughtful discussion about seed saving, homesteading, and what it means to develop a deeper relationship with the plants that feed us. While you'll definitely walk away with practical tips for saving seeds in your own garden, we hope you'll leave with something even more valuable: a glimpse into the joy, wonder, and reverence that Noel and his family bring to this timeless practice. Together we explore: 🌱 How Noel's family transitioned from suburban California to a homesteading life in Southern Oregon 🌱 The story behind Homestead Culture and how a simple fascination with seeds grew into a seed-saving business 🌱 Beginner-friendly crops for new seed savers 🌱 The differences between heirloom, hybrid, and open-pollinated seeds 🌱 Common seed-saving mistakes and how to avoid them 🌱 Finding joy, abundance, and connection through homesteading This episode is a reminder that some knowledge can't be rushed. Like a good meal, a thriving garden, or a season spent tending plants, some conversations are meant to be savored. Whether you're an experienced gardener or have never saved a seed in your life, we think you'll enjoy spending an hour in Noel's world. Homestead Culture Resources Connect with Homestead Culture on IG @ homesteadculture Free Crash Course into Seed Saving "Everything you need to know to start saving seeds" https://homesteadculture.com/saveseeds/ Seed Resources Lots of articles & stories about seeds in one place. For definitions of Heirlooms, Hybrid, Open Pollinated, scroll to the section titled "Seeds and Diversity" https://homesteadculture.com/seed-resources/ Our Seed Offerings Perennial vegetables, flowers, herbs, & diverse mixes. https://homesteadculture.com/shop/ Connect with Homestead-ish Follow Homestead-ish on IG @ homesteadish_pod Connect with Kristin @ growingpaines_ Connect with Devon @ devonballardhudson 🌱 As always, stay curious and a little bit wild!

Send us Fan Mail This week on Homestead-ish , we’re joined by our friend Shelly Tyler of Fiddlewood Farm & Forest School in Owensboro, Kentucky for a conversation that goes far beyond meat rabbits. Content Note: In this episode, we have a candid conversation about raising meat rabbits for food, including some detailed discussion of the harvesting and processing process. We know this topic may not be for everyone, so we wanted to give sensitive listeners a heads up. Shelly shares her unexpected journey from physical therapist and functional medicine practitioner to homesteader, forest school founder, and rabbit raiser. Together, we explore how slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and learning forgotten skills can transform not only our health, but the way we live and raise our families. We also dive deep into the realities of raising meat rabbits — from setup and care to harvesting, processing, and the emotional complexity of raising your own food. This episode contains honest discussion about animal processing and homestead meat production. Follow Shelly and Fiddlewood Farm & Forest School for more from her homestead journey! Connect With Us Follow Shelly Tyler of Fiddlewood Farm & School @ fiddlewood.farm Connect with Kristin @ growingpaines_ Connect with Devon @ devonballardhudson Follow Homestead-ish @ homesteadish_pod

Send us Fan Mail This week’s episode is a little different. After missing our first Thursday release in two full seasons (life happens!), Devon hops on solo for a brief in-between episode to share a personal update and an exciting glimpse into her forthcoming book, Backyard Climate Activist: Healing the Planet from Home . Drawing from a recent Substack essay, Devon explores the heart behind the Backyard Climate Activist framework and shares the seven “R’s” that shape the book’s philosophy: Rewild Reconnect Refuse Reduce Reuse Recycle Rot In a world where the climate crisis can feel overwhelming and impossible to solve alone, this episode is a reminder that meaningful change often begins much closer to home than we think. We’ll be back next week with a full episode and guest interview, but in the meantime, we hope this conversation leaves you feeling inspired, grounded, and hopeful. Mentioned in this episode: Backyard Climate Activist: Healing the Planet from Home (forthcoming)! Stay-tuned to be the first to get your hands on a copy! Devon’s Substack essay: “ How to Be a Backyard Climate Activist: 7 Ways to Heal the Planet from Home ” Clarissa Pinkola Estés' Letter to a Young Activist Kiss the Ground by Josh Tickell Connect with us: Follow along for more conversations about homesteading, sustainability, reconnecting with nature, and creating a more hopeful future from right where we are. Follow the Homestead-ish IG page Connect with Devon on IG Connect with Kristin on IG

Send us Fan Mail What happens when modern medicine isn’t enough, and you’re willing to explore everything to help someone you love? In this episode of Homestead-ish, we sit down with Jubilee of Wellness founder Michele Finn—aromatherapist, CBD wellness guide, caregiver, and now Devon’s neighbor at The District—to talk about what it really looks like to blend holistic healing with Western healthcare. Michele shares the deeply personal story of caring for her mother through an 11-year battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and how that journey led her into the world of aromatherapy and cannabis-based wellness. Together, we explore how essential oils, CBD, THC, and CBG can support the body, the importance of proper education and safety, and why healing doesn’t have to be an either/or conversation. One of the most powerful moments in this episode is Michele’s story of a critical turning point in her mother’s illness when traditional treatments had reached their limits, and cannabis helped restore comfort, function, and dignity in a moment that felt nearly hopeless. This conversation is a reminder that healing isn’t always linear and sometimes the most meaningful care comes from combining tools, not choosing sides. Connect With Us Visit Michele locally at Jubilee of Wellness at The District Artisan Market & Patio and at the New Albany Farmers Market Shop online: JubileeofWellness.com About Dr. Ethan Russo Connect with Kristin @ growingpaines_ Connect with Devon @ devonballardhudson Follow Homestead-ish @ homesteadish_pod This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or wellness routine.

Send us Fan Mail There’s a version of homesteading we all dream about...slow mornings, fresh food, a life rooted in intention. And then there’s the part no one really talks about: What happens when you need to leave? In this catch-up episode, we’re sharing what life looks like on our homesteads right now, from scaling up kombucha production and experimenting with no-dig potatoes, to navigating loss in the flock and the very real challenge of finding someone to care for your animals when you’re away. It’s part life update, part honest conversation, and part figuring-it-out-as-we-go. 🐓 In This Episode: Scaling small-batch kombucha into larger production No-dig / no-till potato planting with straw Losing a beloved chicken and caring for a sick flock The realities of farm sitting and leaving your homestead Upcoming guests + events 🌿 Connect & Resources Connect with Kristin @ growingpaines_ Connect with Devon @ devonballardhudson Follow Homestead-ish @ homesteadish_pod Purchase the Homesteading as Resistance Tee on Etsy Attend the Land, Love, & Self-Reliance Festival

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Homestead-ish, we’re joined again by Jess Robison of Acton Food Forest, who returns to share how her approach to gardening has evolved in a new season of life, now as a mom of three! Instead of trying to “do it all,” Jess has leaned into a more time-efficient, realistic, and sustainable way to grow food, one that works with her life, not against it. We talk about what it looks like to let go of perfection in the garden and embrace practices that are not only easier, but often more aligned with nature. Time-efficient gardening isn’t just about convenience, it’s about accessibility. When we remove the pressure to do gardening “perfectly,” we open the door for more people to participate in growing food, reconnecting with nature, and becoming part of the solution! 🌿 Connect & Resources Follow Jess on Instagram @ actonfoodforest or TikTok @actonfoodforest Weeds and What They Tell Us by Ehrenfried E. Pfeiffer Connect with Kristin @ growingpaines_ Connect with Devon @ devonballardhudson Follow Homestead-ish @ homesteadish_pod Share this episode with a friend who “doesn’t have time” to garden!

Send us Fan Mail Spring is waking up on the homestead, and in this episode Devon and Kristin share what’s happening in their backyards, from goat breeding updates to welcoming new baby chicks . Then they dig into one of the most exciting parts of the gardening season: starting seeds indoors. The conversation focuses on soil blocking , a method of seed starting that eliminates plastic waste and encourages strong root development. Devon and Kristin share their different approaches to soil blocking, the equipment they use, and how beginners can get started without investing in expensive tools. They also discuss lighting setups, heat mats, watering techniques, seed depth, and when to start seeds in their Zone 7A climate . Along the way, they share practical lessons learned from years of trial and error...including why starting seeds too early can sometimes cause more problems than it solves. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned grower looking to refine your system, this episode offers simple, practical tips to help your seedlings thrive! 🌿 Connect with Us Devon on IG @devonballardhudson Kristin on IG @growingpaines_ ⭐ If You Loved This Episode Please follow, rate, and share with a like-minded friend. It helps this small but mighty podcast grow.

Send us Fan Mail Season 2 is here! 🌱 After a long winter, Kristin and Devon are back behind the mic reflecting on what the season has taught them and why small acts of homesteading can feel especially meaningful in uncertain times. In this episode, they share honest updates from their homesteads, including: Kristin’s ongoing home build on her forested land (and the patience it’s requiring) Devon’s journey growing Basil & Blossom Co. and navigating winter health and energy The very relatable mystery of chickens who simply… stop laying eggs in winter Living seasonally and honoring winter as a slower, restorative time Why planting, tending, and creating can be quiet acts of hope How to stay grounded without disconnecting from what’s happening in the wider world Together, they explore the tension many of us are feeling right now — wanting to stay informed and engaged while also protecting our peace and capacity. This conversation is an invitation to: ✨ find rest without guilt ✨ tend something small and meaningful ✨ and remember that hope often looks like showing up anyway As Madeleine L’Engle wrote, “Planting onions that spring was an act of faith in the future…” We’re glad you’re here for Season 2 . 💛 🌿 Connect with Us Devon on IG Kristin on IG Basil & Blossom Co’s Kombucha Kitchen Devon on Substack ⭐ If You Loved This Episode Please follow, rate, and share with a like-minded friend. It helps this small but mighty podcast grow.

Send us Fan Mail In this bonus episode, we sit down with Tim Frost of Hoosier Forager , a certified wild edible mushroom ID expert, to explore the surprisingly simple world of growing mushrooms at home . Tim breaks down the easiest kits for beginners (hello, oysters and lion’s mane!), explains how indoor cultivation actually works, and shares practical tips on harvesting, cooking, and even making tinctures. We also talk about why mushroom grow kits make some of the best sustainable gifts —for kids, classrooms, and curious adults alike. If you’ve ever been mushroom-curious, intimidated by foraging, or eager to get more nutrients growing in your kitchen, this episode is your starting point! Resources Mentioned North Spore Holiday Gifts page including this adorable Polar Bear Lion's Mane Kit Tim's Linktree Foraged.com (for Tim’s dried mushrooms & upcoming spice line) Check out our new Homestead-ish tee design on Etsy Follow along on Instagram: @ homesteadish_pod @ devonballardhudson @ growingpaines_

Send us Fan Mail This week, we’re popping into your feed with something a little different — a bonus episode all about Devon’s Community Kombucha Kitchen Kickstarter and the big leap she’s taking with Basil & Blossom Co. In this mini-episode, Devon and Kristin chat about: 🌿 Why Devon decided to move her kombucha production into a commercial kitchen space at The District in downtown New Albany — and how sometimes the universe gives you that extra push to finally make the leap. 🏡 The limitations of cottage food laws and how they can make it tough for small farmers and homesteaders to grow their businesses. 🥕 The importance of community-based food systems — connecting with where our food comes from, supporting local makers, and creating spaces that nourish both people and planet. 💛 How you can become part of this story by supporting the Kickstarter campaign and helping bring this community kombucha hub to life! Whether you’re a fellow homesteader, a lover of local food, or someone dreaming of taking your own next big step — this conversation is full of heart, honesty, and hope. 🎧 Listen now to hear the behind-the-scenes story and learn how you can help build something truly special for our local food community. 👉 Support the campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/basilblossom/building-basil-and-blossom-cos-sustainable-kombucha-kitchen 👉 Follow along on Instagram: @ homesteadish_pod @ devonballardhudson @ growingpaines_ 👉 Love Kombucha? Follow the Basil & Blossom Co Business Page on Facebook

Send us Fan Mail In our Season 1 finale of Homestead-ish , we welcome special guest Amy Bauer (@frontyardveggies) for a wide-ranging conversation on sustainable living, homemaking, and the shifting cultural landscape of homesteading. We kick things off with a lighthearted chat about Goodwill bins thrifting strategies and our mutual admiration for THE QUEEN, Martha Stewart. We especially dive headfirst into the shift in the political landscape we’ve seen in the sustainable living/homesteading space, including everything from scratch cooking and gardening as forms of empowerment and resistance, to how the wellness and "crunchy" lifestyles sometimes get co-opted into fear-based or alt-right narratives, Amy's personal philosophy on sustainable living, and so much more! This episode closes with reflections on Season 1 — what we’ve learned, where the movement is headed, and how we can stay rooted in purpose, curiosity, and connection even in polarizing times. What’s Next We’re taking a short hiatus before Season 2, but you can catch up on past episodes and follow us on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and plenty of sustainable living inspiration. What topics do you want to see for Season 2? Drop us a text at the link at the top of the show notes! Links & Mentions Find Amy on IG at Amy Bauer, @ frontyardveggies Merlin Bird ID App Silent Spring by Rachel Carson Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode, Kristin sits down with her 81-year-old great Uncle Denny to reminisce about farm life through the ages. Uncle Denny is a natural storyteller, and his tales will have you laughing, learning, and feeling inspired by the simplicity (and ingenuity!) of old-time homesteading. From the story of transporting a cow in the back of his VW Beetle, to how he first got into chicken keeping more than 70 years ago when he brought some chicks home from his 4th grade classroom, Uncle Denny reminds us that homesteading wisdom never goes out of style. Along the way, he shares his tried-and-true chicken keeping advice and practical gardening tips that have stood the test of time. This episode is full of humor, heart, and timeless lessons for anyone who loves the homestead-ish life. Pull up a chair, grab your coffee, and get ready for a good laugh and some homestead inspiration from Uncle Denny’s farm! Let’s Connect! Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IG Drop us a text at the link at the top of the show notes!

Send us Fan Mail 🎉 Episode 10! 🎉 Join Kristin and Devon for our tenth episode of Homestead-ish as we share life updates, garden stories, and a candid look at the ups and downs of homestead-ish living. This week, we dive into: Buying land and building a homestead responsibly as a steward of the land Back-to-school germs and go-to herbal remedies Facing homesteader burnout (and what keeps us going) Living seasonally—finding contentment in each season and why it matters for the planet Tune in, laugh along our “bunny trails,” and celebrate the beauty (and honesty) of messy, seasonal rhythms on the homestead. Let’s Connect! Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IG Drop us a text at the link at the top of the show notes!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant and inspiring duo behind Bundle Sticks Farm, a small but mighty craft farm and education center in Southern Indiana. Elizabeth Tobey and Brian Geier bring a wealth of knowledge, intention, and soul to everything they do—from growing craft materials and raising sheep to hosting crafting/educational gatherings that reconnect people to the land. Together, we explore: The origin story of Bundle Sticks Farm What regenerative agriculture means to them, how they practice it on their farm, and simple ways you can integrate regenerative principles at home The lost art of broom making, basket weaving, dried floral wreaths and more Why education and community engagement are essential pillars of their work—and how they’re teaching reciprocity and reconnection with the land About Our Guests: Elizabeth Tobey (she/her) is a crafter-of-many-trades, a skilled facilitator and communicator, and an unwavering social justice advocate. She grew up unschooled on a small family farm in Oregon and her family's history includes California cattle ranching and Bay-area artists and craftspeople, both legacies that live on in her today. Brian Geier (he/him) is a history nerd, former professional sauerkraut maker, and passionate farmer who will always say yes to getting in water. He grew up in the woods of Wayne County, Indiana, and is largely of German descent with a family tree that traces back to New Albany & Lanesville in the late 1800's and to the Rhine River area in what is now Germany before that. His last name, Geier, means vulture in an old Germanic language, a fact that he is most proud of. Let’s Connect! You can connect with Bundle Sticks on their website , IG , or join their newsletter ! Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IG Drop us a text at the link at the top of the show notes! If you loved this episode, share it with your friends and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Tag us @homesteadish_pod on Instagram—we love seeing your homestead-ish adventure!

Send us Fan Mail In this flavor-packed episode of Homestead-ish, Kristin turns the mic around and interviews our very own fermented foodie and co-host of this podcast, Devon! Devon shares how she first fell down the rabbit hole of fermentation, what fermentation actually is, and why it’s about so much more than tangy veggies and fizzy drinks. In advance we ask that you please pardon our pickle innuendos! We talk: Beginner-friendly ferments you can try at home today How the benefits of fermentation extend far beyond gut health The deeper connection between preserving food and preserving the planet Devon’s upcoming virtual workshop: Kombucha, Kefir, and Kraut, Oh My ! An Intro to the Art of Fermentation Whether you’re new to homesteading or already have a countertop full of bubbling jars, this conversation will leave you inspired, empowered, and maybe just a little hungry. Let’s Connect! Sign-up for Devon’s fermentation workshop: Kombucha, Kefir, and Kraut, Oh My! Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IG Drop us a text at the link at the top of the show notes! If you loved this episode, share it with your ferment-curious friends and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Tag us @homesteadish_pod on Instagram—we love seeing your bubbling jars and backyard adventures!

Send us Fan Mail In this fun and heartfelt episode of Homestead-ish, Devon and Kristin sit down to chat about what’s happening on their homesteads this summer—from garden wins, to a new livestock guardian puppy, to pest problems (including a simple, game-changing squash bug egg hack you’ll want to try!). But the real stars of this episode? Our kids! With five boys between us, ages 2 to 10, we hand over the mic to hear what life on a homestead is really like—from the good, the gross, to the adorable. We also open the floor to YOU—our amazing listeners! We’re gearing up for a special episode with Kristin’s Uncle Denny, a lifelong farmer and homesteader, and we want your questions. What do you want to ask someone who’s been growing food and raising animals for decades? Tune in for summer updates, sweet (and chaotic) kid moments, and the perfect mix of homestead-ish honesty and humor. Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IG!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Homestead-ish, we’re joined by our second guest and kindred spirit, the fantastic Jess Robison of Acton Food Forest, whose homesteading journey was sparked by a single, sun-ripened tomato. We explore how that one small gift turned into a multi-passionate lifestyle. In our lively conversation we discuss everything from ADHD as a superpower, to what a food forest actually is, our "why" as politically progressive homesteaders, how to successfully navigate the infamous Goodwill bins, and more! Follow Jess on Instagram: @actonfoodforest Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IG!

Send us Fan Mail Homestead-ish hits the road and attends the Homestead Festival in Columbia, TN. An annual two-day event, the Homestead Festival combines music with meaningful homesteading-related experiences. It features speakers, demonstrations, and vendors focused on sustainable living, including homesteading, farming, and related skills like herbal remedies and animal husbandry. In this episode, recorded on the way home with our hearts full and our brains buzzing, we share a candid recap of the weekend: a play-by-play of our experience, standout speakers, surprising takeaways, hilarious mishaps, lessons learned, and more. Listen and find out where Homestead-ish aligns (and doesn't align) with the mainstream Homestead movement! Thinking of going next year? We've got you covered with tips on how to prepare and get the most out of the experience. Links: thehomesteadfestival.com Get the Official (and also extremely comfy) Homestead-ish Tee on Etsy ! Food Inc Documentary RuthAnn Zimmerman on IG Mandi Pickering of Wilk Oak Farms on IG Kaylee Richardson of the Honeystead on IG Natural beekeeping with Suburban Sodbusters on IG High Tunnels with mindfulfarmerarkansas.com Darryl Patton, the Southern Herbalist Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IG!