Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World

Getting your house in order starts with more than stocking your pantry and learning practical skills. It starts with equipping your mind!

In Part 3 of our Getting Your House in Order series, I'm sharing five biblical ways to strengthen your mindset, replace fear with faith, and prepare yourself for whatever lies ahead.

In this episode, we'll cover:

📖 Reading God's Word and asking the Holy Spirit for guidance

🎶 How praise and worship can impact your mind and body

🙏 The power of prayer and what scientific research reveals about its physical effects

💬 Speaking God's promises over your life and renewing your thoughts

🤝 Why fellowship with other believers is so important

Preparedness shouldn't come from a place of fear, but from faith, wisdom, and good stewardship. Let's talk about how to equip our minds so we're prepared spiritually as well as physically.

Links Mentioned:

- We Were Never Meant to Live Unprepared: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/getting-your-house-in-order/

- Do Not Delay – Stop Putting Things Off: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/5-areas-to-get-your-house-in-order/

- Healing Herbs in the Bible: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/healing-plants-of-the-bible/

- Efficacy of Prayer Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33544510/

- Join the Pioneering Today Academy so you can be a part of our "Get Your House in Order" year-long challenge: https://melissaknorris.com/pioneering-today-academy-waitlist/

Thank You to Our Sponsor!

Thank you to Toups & Co for sponsoring today's podcast episode! If you'd like to try their Frankincense Tallow Balm face cream, visit https://melissaknorris.com/toupsandco and use code Melissa25 to get 25% off your first-time order.

If I had to start my pantry completely over tomorrow, there are only three grains I'd buy for all my baking and cooking. And two of the grains most beginner guides recommend aren't even on my list!

When you first start milling your own flour, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices. Hard red wheat, hard white wheat, soft white wheat, spelt, einkorn, rye... the list goes on!

But after nearly 20 years of grinding my own flour, I've learned you don't need a pantry full of different grains to make delicious homemade bread, cookies, cakes, and pastries.

In today's episode, I'm sharing the three grains I always keep stocked, why I prefer them, and how to choose the right grain for whatever you're baking.

In this episode, we'll cover:

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🌾 The three grains I'd buy if I were starting from scratch.

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🍞 The difference between hard and soft wheat, and red and white wheat.

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🧁 Which grains work best for bread, cookies, cakes, and biscuits.

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🥖 How fresh-milled flour affects sourdough starters and rising times.

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💰 The two budget-friendly grains I'd recommend for beginners.

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🫙 Why storing whole grains makes so much sense for a well-stocked pantry.

Whether you're brand new to fresh-milled flour or you've been grinding your own grains for years, I hope this episode helps simplify your baking and gives you the confidence to get started.

Resources Mentioned

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Different Types of Flour: Which Is Best for Baking? – My complete guide to choosing flour for different baked goods: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/best-flours-for-baking-flour-guide-101/

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Baking With Fresh-Milled Flour: 6 Tips for Success – Helpful tips for adjusting recipes and getting better baking results: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/grinding-flour-6-fresh-flour-baking-tips/

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Ancient Grain Einkorn: Health and Baking Guide – Learn how einkorn differs from modern wheat and how to bake with it: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/ancient-grain-einkorn-baking-guide/

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How to Choose a Grain Mill and Grind Flour at Home – What to know before purchasing a grain mill: https://melissaknorris.com/how-to-choose-a-flour-mill-grind-your-own-whole-wheat-flour/

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Where to Buy Grains in Bulk – My favorite sources for wheat berries, spelt, einkorn, and other grains: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/where-to-buy-grains-in-bulk/

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Sourdough Baking Tips and Tricks – Tips for working with sourdough and choosing the right flour: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/sourdough-baking-tips-tricks-for-success/

Ready to start milling your own flour? Shop NutriMill: https://melissaknorris.com/nutrimill Use coupon code MELISSA20 for $20 off selected collections.

For the past several months, I've felt the Lord laying a message on my heart: Get your house in order.

For our family, that has meant deepening our relationship with Him and taking a fresh look at how we're caring for our home and pantry.

I'm not predicting a catastrophe, and I don't believe we're called to live in fear. But I do believe there's wisdom in paying attention, preparing with intention, and being good stewards of what God has given us.

In this episode, I'm sharing:

- 🏡 What getting my house in order means for my faith, home, and pantry

- 🌱 Lessons from my dad's Great Depression childhood about preparing with wisdom

- ✝️ Trusting God's provision and seeking His direction without fear

- 🥫 How I'm evaluating our pantry and food storage

- 🤍 Why our family has intentionally created more margin and rest

- 🙏 The importance of listening when God puts something on your heart

Resources Mentioned

- Kitchen organization tips: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/how-to-organize-build-your-homestead-food-storage-kitchen/

- 8 Tips for Bulk Food Storage: https://melissaknorris.com/8-tips-for-bulk-food-storage/

- Lessons Learned From Eating Only From Our Food Storage: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/8-lessons-learned-eatingonlyfromfoodstorage/

- Heritage Revival: https://heritagerevivalevents.com/

- Modern Homesteading: https://modernhomesteading.com/ -

For more details and resources, check out the accompanying blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/5-areas-to-get-your-house-in-order/

This isn't about fear. It's about asking the Lord where we need to grow, what we need to prepare, and where we may have become too comfortable or dependent. My hope is that this episode encourages you to prayerfully look at your own home, faith, food supply, and family and ask: Is there anything I've been putting off that I need to take care of now?

This episode is a little different than what I normally share, but it's a message that has been on my heart for months: Get your house in order!

After walking through a difficult season with my family, the Lord has been teaching me more about listening for His voice, following His direction, and preparing from a place of wisdom rather than fear.

In this episode, I'm sharing what that looks like for me both spiritually and practically, from strengthening our walk with the Lord to making sure our pantry and home are well prepared.

We'll talk about what Scripture says about preparation and provision, why food storage and cooking from scratch still matter, and how to prepare wisely without letting fear drive our decisions.

For more details, visit the blog post: https://melissaknorris.com/521

Resources Mentioned:

🌱 Heritage Revival Women's Conference https://heritagerevivalevents.com

🌱 Modern Homesteading Conference https://modernhomesteading.com

Thank you to Azure Standard for sponsoring this week's podcast. Be sure to check out Azure's great bulk options (like grain, flour, salt, rice, popcorn and sugar!) for stocking your pantry for the year! 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

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:

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Join my LIVE herbal challenge October 5-7, 2026, where we'll make three herbal remedies together, step-by-step: https://melissaknorris.com/herbchallenge

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

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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:

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Why your skin changes as you age

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

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

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Skincare ingredients that sound scary but can actually be beneficial

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Why Emilie prefers bakuchiol as an alternative to retinol

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What "natural fragrance" really means

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Why sourcing and processing matter when choosing tallow skincare

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How often to use facial masks and exfoliating products

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What to consider when choosing sunscreen and sun protection

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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:

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Read the Blog Post: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/why-your-skin-changes-after-40/

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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:

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Grab all the resources on the accompanying blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/517

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

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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

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2027 Modern Homesteading Conference Purchase tickets: https://modernhomesteading.com/Use coupon code MKN15 for 15% off Adult General Admission tickets.

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

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

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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

Summer meals don't have to mean heating up the kitchen or staring into the fridge wondering what to make.

In this episode, I'm sharing my favorite strategies for Summer Meal Planning, including how to let your garden write the menu, batch-cook proteins for multiple meals, use simple meal templates instead of complicated recipes, and make the most of seasonal produce before it goes to waste.

Whether you're harvesting armloads of zucchini or just trying to get dinner on the table after a busy day, these practical tips will help you simplify summer cooking and enjoy the abundance of the season.

📖 Read the full blog post and get all the tips, meal ideas, and resources here: https://melissaknorris.com/podcast/summer-meal-planning-made-easy/

In this episode, you'll learn:

🌱 Why summer meal planning should look different than winter meal planning

🥒 How to let your garden and seasonal produce guide your menu

🍗 The best proteins to batch-cook for quick weeknight meals

🥗 Simple meal templates that eliminate dinnertime decision fatigue

🍕 Easy ways to use garden vegetables in salads, bowls, pizzas, and frittatas

☀️ Tips for keeping your kitchen cool during hot weather

🧺 How to reduce food waste and make the most of your harvest

This podcast is sponsored by Azure Standard. If you're stocking up on pantry staples, organic ingredients, spices, pasta, grains, beans, or other homesteading essentials, Azure Standard is one of my favorite places to shop. They also now offer direct-to-home delivery in some areas, making it even easier to access quality food and supplies if getting to a drop location is difficult. First-time customers can get 15% off their first order of $100 or more (to a drop location) with coupon code "MELISSA15": https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard

#SummerMealPlanning #MealPlanning #GardenToTable #SeasonalCooking

Have you ever wondered which plants are actually mentioned in the Bible and what significance they held in biblical times?

In this episode, we're taking a closer look at 16 healing plants of the Bible, including familiar names like frankincense, myrrh, hyssop, aloe, mustard, and cinnamon. We'll explore where these plants appear in Scripture, what they symbolized, and the traditional ways they were used throughout history for healing, cleansing, worship, and daily life.

We'll also discuss the four ways healing is described in the Bible and why understanding the role of plants as one of God's "means" can give us a deeper appreciation for both Scripture and creation.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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The four biblical ways healing occurs

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Why hyssop became a symbol of cleansing and purification

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The surprising medicinal remedy used for King Hezekiah

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How herbs were valuable enough to be tithed in biblical times

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The traditional uses of frankincense, myrrh, aloe, saffron, wormwood, and more

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Common themes among biblical plants, including digestive support, respiratory health, wound care, and worship

Whether you're interested in biblical history, herbalism, homesteading, or simply understanding God's Word more deeply, this episode offers a fascinating look at the plants woven throughout Scripture.

Resources Mentioned:

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Healing Plants of the Bible Reference Guide

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Free Herbal Energetics Download

This episode is sponsored by Earthley.

Earthley creates herbal remedies and wellness products designed to support your family's health naturally. Melissa highlights Earthley's Vitality Oil, a blend featuring black seed oil, hemp seed oil, anise seed, and rosemary to support immune health, liver function, energy, and natural detox pathways.

Visit Earthley and use coupon code PIONEER10 to save 10% on your order (excluding sale items).

Why are so many people being drawn to homesteading right now?

In today's episode, I'm sharing a more personal reflection on what I've witnessed during my 15+ years teaching homesteading and traditional skills. While many people initially come to homesteading for healthier food, self-sufficiency, or preparedness, I've noticed something deeper happening beneath the surface.

Again and again, people tell me they feel called by God to this lifestyle.

In this episode, I share my own story of how God called me into teaching traditional skills, why I believe more people are returning to gardening, food preservation, and self-reliance, and how stewardship, community, and faith all play a role in the modern homesteading movement.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

• Why homesteading continues to grow • The deeper reasons people are drawn to traditional skills • Stewardship, preparedness, and biblical wisdom • Why community matters more than isolation • The story behind our local Cowboy Church • How faith and homesteading often intersect • Upcoming events and opportunities to gather together

Whether you're new to homesteading or have been living this lifestyle for years, I hope this conversation encourages you to thoughtfully consider what is drawing you to these skills and how they can serve your family, community, and faith.

Resources & Links:

🌱 Modern Homesteading Conference: https://modernhomesteading.com🌱 Heritage Revival Women's Conference: https://heritagerevivalevents.com🌱 How my mom fed our family on $100 a month podcast episode: https://melissaknorris.com/504 🌱 Grab all the details and any other links mentioned in the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/513

Verse of the Week: 2 Timothy 1:9

What are the best crops for a Pacific Northwest vegetable garden?

In today's episode, I'm sharing the crops and varieties that have truly earned their place in my Pacific Northwest vegetable garden after 26 years of gardening in a cool, short-season climate.

Over the years, I've become much more intentional about what I grow. I want crops that reliably produce, preserve well, and are foods we actually eat throughout the year. Some vegetables continue to thrive season after season, while others simply aren't worth the time, effort, or garden space in our northern climate.

In this episode, I'm walking you through:

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The vegetables I plant every single year

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My favorite tried-and-true varieties

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The crops I've stopped growing and why

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What performs best in cool summer climates

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How I decide what deserves space in my garden

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My rule for experimenting with new varieties

Whether you garden in the Pacific Northwest or another northern growing region, I hope this helps you feel more confident choosing crops that will actually thrive where you live.

Resources & Links:

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🌱 Full blog post: https://melissaknorris.com/512

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🌱 Plated by Season Magazine: https://melissaknorris.com/homestead-foundations/

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🌱 Potato experiment video mentioned in this episode: https://melissaknorris.com/i-left-my-potatoes-in-the-ground-for-5-years-without-replanting/

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Verse of the Week: John 4:10

Every spring, I sit down and plan out our entire food preservation year so harvest season doesn't completely take over my life. After more than 25 years of preserving food, I've learned that the key isn't preserving everything… It's preserving the foods we actually eat in ways that work for our schedule and lifestyle.

In this episode, I'm walking you through exactly how I plan our preserving season, how I avoid overwhelm during peak harvest months, and the practical system I use to decide what's worth preserving and what's not.

If you've ever found yourself drowning in tomatoes in August, staring at jars you never use, or feeling burned out by canning season, this episode is for you. 💛

In This Episode

🍅 Why reactive preserving leads to stress and waste 🫙 How I do a pantry inventory every spring 📓 Why writing down your preserving goals matters 🥒 The foods I preserve most for our family 🌱 How our family's eating habits have changed over the years 🗓️ How I map out preserving season month-by-month ⏰ My "small pocket" method for preserving with a busy schedule 🫐 Which foods freeze beautifully before preserving 🥬 How I decide the best preservation method for each crop 👩‍🌾 Why preserving with community makes everything easier

Resources Mentioned

📘 Grab the bundle from this week's podcast sponsor, Homestead Living. It includes my book, Everything Worth Preserving, Jill Winger's Old Fashioned On Purpose Planner and Carolyn Thomases book, Freeze Drying the Harvest, all for just $89.99 (including FREE shipping!): https://homesteadliving.com/seasonal-food-strategy-subscriber-offer-2026/ 🥒 Pickled Asparagus Recipe: https://melissaknorris.com/best-pickled-asparagus-easy-canning-recipe/ 🍅 Fermented Salsa Recipe: https://melissaknorris.com/fermented-salsa/ 🥒 Garlic Dill Pickles Recipe: https://melissaknorris.com/best-homemade-pickles-recipe/ 🥒 Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe: https://melissaknorris.com/pioneering-today-bread-butter-refrigerator-pickle-recipe/ 🌿 Rhubarb Strawberry Jam Recipe: https://melissaknorris.com/pioneering-today-how-to-make-strawberry-rhubarb-jam/ 🥔 Root Cellaring in the Ground Tutorial: https://melissaknorris.com/how-to-harvest-and-store-potatoes/ 🫘 Leather Britches Green Beans Tutorial: https://melissaknorris.com/leather-britches-green-beans/

Scripture Mentioned

📖 Luke 10:5-7 (AMP)

You can grab all the resources and remedies mentioned in this episode here: https://melissaknorris.com/511

Summer means more time outside… and more sunburns, bug bites, bee stings, scrapes, and itchy skin. In today's episode, I'm sharing the herbal remedies for summer that I always keep stocked in our home apothecary before we need them.

These are the natural remedies I personally reach for first when it comes to: 🌿 Sunburn relief 🦟 Mosquito bites & itchy skin 🐝 Bee stings & wasp stings 🩹 Cuts, scrapes & wound healing 💜 Bruises & sore tissue

We're talking about practical herbalism you can actually use in everyday life with simple remedies like lavender, aloe vera, plantain, calendula, yarrow, chamomile, arnica, and more.

Thanks to Earthley for sponsoring today's podcast. Grab 10% off your order with coupon code "PIONEER10" (excluding sale items): Earthley.com

RESOURCES MENTIONED: 🌞 Earthley Sun Shield: https://www.earthley.com/products/sun-shield 🦟 Earthley Pest Aside: https://www.earthley.com/products/pest-aside 🩹 Wound Healing Salve: https://melissaknorris.com/homemade-wound-healing-salve-recipe/ 🌿 Lavender Essential Oil (and roller bottles): https://melissaknorris.com/lemon-lavender-peppermint-essential-oils

📖 Verse of the Week: Matthew 13:43

You can grab all the resources and remedies mentioned in this episode here: https://melissaknorris.com/510

If this video helped you, make sure to subscribe and share it with a friend who wants to build a home apothecary and start using homemade herbal remedies.

#HerbalRemedies #NaturalRemedies #HomeApothecary #MelissaKNorris #Herbalism #NaturalFirstAid #Homesteading #HerbalMedicine #SummerHerbs

Are you building a pantry that actually feeds your family, or just collecting random jars and bulk foods?

In this episode, I'm sharing how to build a well-stocked pantry that supports everyday meals, long-term food storage, and from-scratch cooking without overwhelm. We're talking about the foundational pantry staples I prioritize first, how to stock foods your family actually eats, and why a practical pantry should serve you now, not just "someday."

I'm also sharing:

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The 5 foundational pantry categories I always keep stocked

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How to slowly build food storage on a budget

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Why pantry rotation matters

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The difference between emergency food storage and a working pantry

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What to know about storing fats, grains, beans, salt, and preservation basics

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Important canning safety reminders for vinegar and dried beans

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My best tips for creating real meals from pantry staples

Whether you're just starting your pantry journey or looking to make your food storage more practical, this episode will help you build a pantry that truly works for your family.

Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring today's podcast. For first-time customers, use coupon code "MELISSA15" for 15% off your first order of $100 or more: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard/

Resources Mentioned:

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Fresh Ground Flour Resources

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Sourdough Resources

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Safe Canning Resources

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Pressure Canning Beans

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Home Apothecary & Medicinal Herbs

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Long-Term Food Storage Tips

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Verse of the Week: Job 22:25-28

If this video helped you, make sure to subscribe and share it with a friend who wants to build a healthier pantry and cook more from scratch.

You can grab all the resources mentioned in this episode here: https://melissaknorris.com/509

If you've ever wanted to start a medicinal herb garden but felt overwhelmed by where to begin, this episode is for you.

In today's podcast, I'm walking you through exactly how I plan a medicinal herb garden in a simple, practical way. We're talking about which herbs to grow first, how to choose ones your family will actually use, and how to begin building a home apothecary without needing a ton of space or experience.

I'm also sharing some of my favorite beginner-friendly herbs like lemon balm, chamomile, calendula, and peppermint, along with how I use them in our daily life for things like calming support, digestion, and first aid.

One of the biggest shifts that helped me gain confidence with herbs was understanding why to use a certain herb, not just following a recipe. That's where herbal energetics comes in, and I've created a free herbal energetics chart to help you get started.

You can grab that free chart and find all the resources mentioned in this episode here: https://melissaknorris.com/508

Whether you're planting your first herb or expanding your garden, I hope this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to take that next step.

Because truly, you don't need to grow everything. You just need to start.

Thanks to the sponsor of today's podcast, Earthley Wellness! Use coupon code "PIONEER10" at checkout for 10% off your order: https://earthley.com/

Can you really feed your family on $100 a month?

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the system my mom used to feed our family well on a very small grocery budget and why it still works today. While the 1980's equivalent to $100/month is now around $300-$400/month, we can achieve this today. This isn't about couponing, deprivation, or living on rice and beans. It's about a simple, intentional way of cooking from scratch, buying in season, and preserving food your family actually eats.

After sharing my mom's story, so many of you asked how it actually worked. In this episode, I break down the exact system behind it so you can begin applying it in your own kitchen right now.

We're talking about how to:

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Lower your grocery bill without sacrificing quality

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Use seasonal food to your advantage

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Build a pantry that supports real meals

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Avoid waste and make every ingredient count

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Start creating a food system that works for your current season of life

I also share what's different today compared to when I was growing up, including time constraints, the loss of generational knowledge, and how to bridge that gap with the tools we have now.

If you've ever felt like feeding your family well on a budget isn't possible, this episode will show you a different way forward.

This is about more than saving money. It's about building a kitchen that nourishes your family, supports your values, and gives you confidence in what's on your table.

Listen now and start building your system today.

For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/507

📌 Don't forget: I'm hosting a FREE 5-Day Seasonal Food Preservation Workshop (April 20–24) where I'll walk you step-by-step through building your own customized plan. 👉 Sign up here: https://melissaknorris.com/five

If you've ever had a jar not seal, a ferment go questionable, or food spoil before you could use it, this episode is for you.

Food preservation can feel overwhelming, especially with so much conflicting advice out there. In this episode, I'm walking you through the most common mistakes I see with canning, fermenting, dehydrating, and food storage and how to fix them so you can preserve food safely and confidently.

We'll talk about:

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The truth about botulism and food safety

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Why tested recipes matter

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What causes jars to not seal or lose their seal

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How to tell the difference between mold and kahm yeast

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Simple ways to prevent spoilage when dehydrating and storing food

The goal is not perfection. It's confidence. And once you understand what's actually happening, you'll be able to troubleshoot and preserve food with peace of mind.

For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/506

📌 Don't forget: I'm hosting a FREE 5-Day Seasonal Food Preservation Workshop (April 20–24) where I'll walk you step-by-step through building your own customized plan.

👉 Sign up here: https://melissaknorris.com/five

Have you ever bought canning supplies with the best intentions… only to let them sit unused? Or watched beautiful, homegrown food go to waste because you didn't have the time or plan to preserve it?

In this episode, I'm sharing the real reason most people struggle with food preservation—and it's probably not what you think.

It's not a lack of motivation. It's not a lack of skill. It's a systems problem.

Today, I'm walking you through the mindset shift that will change everything when it comes to preserving food for your family. We'll talk about:

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Why reactive preserving leads to overwhelm and failure

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The "August ambush" and how to avoid it

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How to shift from a grocery store mindset to seasonal living

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The simple 3-question system to build a sustainable food preservation plan

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How to finally stock your pantry with confidence (without burnout)

If you've ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, this episode will help you move forward with clarity and purpose.

📌 Don't forget: I'm hosting a FREE 5-Day Seasonal Food Preservation Workshop (April 20–24) where I'll walk you step-by-step through building your own customized plan. 👉 Sign up here: https://melissaknorris.com/five

For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/505