A Tiny Homestead

In this episode of A Tiny Homestead, Mary talks with Teri Turner of nocrumbsleft about cooking, creativity, food, and the joy of learning as you go.
Teri shares how her love of food and cooking unexpectedly grew into a successful online business. She talks about becoming a self-taught cook, creating recipes, working with seasonal ingredients, and why she believes you should start by cooking what you actually love to eat.
Mary and Teri also talk about learning from mistakes in the kitchen, making recipes your own, cooking with whatever ingredients you have available, and why there is no single "right" way to cook.
The conversation turns toward holiday cooking, Thanksgiving traditions, homemade stuffing, cranberry sauce, casseroles, and creative ways to change up recipes you may not normally enjoy.
They also discuss teaching children to cook, building confidence in the kitchen, and the importance of giving kids the skills they need to take care of themselves.
Most of all, this conversation is about following your interests, trying new things, making mistakes, and discovering that cooking can be both practical and incredibly rewarding.
In this episode:
How Teri Turner found her way into food blogging
Why cooking what you love is a great place to start
Learning cooking skills through experimentation
Why recipes are guidelines, not rules
Making delicious food with whatever you have available
Thanksgiving traditions and favorite dishes
Creative twists on traditional recipes
Teaching kids to cook and become more independent
Why it's okay to make mistakes in the kitchen
Finding joy in cooking real food
Learn more about Mary and A Tiny Homestead at atinytinyhomestead.com and follow Teri Turner and nocrumbsleft on social media.
This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company.
https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/
https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/
www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead
If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment.
Or just buy me a coffee 
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Carol Connare, editor of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, is back on the podcast for a fun and wide-ranging conversation about weather, gardening, nature, and the new 2027 edition of the almanac.
Mary and Carol talk about unusual weather patterns, long-range forecasting, El Niño, changing weather signals, and why this year has left even longtime weather watchers feeling a little confused.
They also get into home remedies and useful plants, including ginger, lemon balm, elderberry, aloe, comfrey, and witch hazel. Mary shares some favorite family remedies and memories from raising her kids.
Plus, they talk about growing apples, tomatoes, watching birds and insects, the signs nature gives us, and why slowing down and paying attention to the natural world can reveal some pretty amazing things.
Carol also shares the story behind the almanac's "Best Days" calendar and what happened when editor Tim Goodwin decided to follow it for an entire year.
If you've ever wondered what nature is trying to tell you, this conversation is full of stories, traditions, gardening wisdom, and plenty of weather talk.
Find more from The Old Farmer’s Almanac at almanac.com.
Find Mary at atinyhomestead.com.
This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company.
Good Egg
https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/
https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/
www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead
If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment.
Or just buy me a coffee 
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What happens when your husband suggests raising fallow deer while you're in labor? For Becky Compton of BRC Fallow Deer in Kansas, it eventually led to a whole new way of farming.
Mary talks with Becky about raising fallow deer alongside cattle, rabbits, bees and a garden. Becky shares how her family got started with deer, what makes fallow deer different from whitetails, and why fawning season is her favorite time of year.
They also talk about bottle-feeding baby deer, teaching children responsibility through farm life, the importance of safety around bucks during rut, and the many ways fallow deer can be raised as an alternative livestock option.
And yes, Mary gets plenty of answers to her very important questions about baby deer, including what they sound like!
Learn more about Becky and BRC Fallow Deer at brcdeer.com and on social media at BRC Fallow Deer.
Thanks for listening to A Tiny Homestead!
This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company.
Good Egg
https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/
https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/
www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead
If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment.
Or just buy me a coffee 
https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes
 

What do Naked and Afraid, homesteading, gardening, wild foods, and curiosity have in common? A lot more than you might think!
In this episode, Mary talks with Alexandra of Barefoot and Breathing in upstate New York about her unforgettable experience on Naked and Afraid, living off the land, teaching children where their food comes from, and discovering just how resourceful we can be when we have to be.
Alexandra shares stories about surviving in the Colombian jungle, starting fires with flint and steel, making a heated bed from hot coals, raising animals, gardening, natural dyeing, and learning homesteading skills through travel and hands-on experience.
They also talk about wild berries, chickens, kittens, ducklings, cooking, getting kids connected to food and nature, and why you don't need livestock or a huge garden to start homesteading.
The biggest lesson? Homesteading can look different for everyone. It can be as simple as cooking from scratch, growing a few plants, learning about wild foods, or becoming more curious about the natural world around you.
Alexandra reminds us that experience and curiosity are two of the greatest teachers, and sometimes the most interesting paths in life begin when we simply say yes.
Find Alexandra at Barefoot and Breathing:Instagram: @barefootandbreathingWebsite: barefootandbreathing.net
Learn more about A Tiny Homestead at atinyo­homestead.com.
This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company.
Good Egg
https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/
https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/
www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead
If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment.
Or just buy me a coffee 
https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

What does homesteading look like in Florida? Mary talks with Jess from The Coastal Homestead about raising three homeschooled kids, keeping chickens, gardening, raising golden doodles, and starting a flower farm on one acre in Central Florida.
Jess shares what it's like to homestead without traditional seasons, how she prepares for Florida's growing season, and why she started breeding golden doodles. They also talk about puppy genetics, raising puppies with young children, the joys of watching a mama dog with her babies, and the importance of giving puppies a good start.
Of course, Mary and Jess spend plenty of time talking about dogs, including Maggie, Mary's Australian shepherd, and the many ways our animals become part of our families.
The conversation also touches on something bigger: learning to let go of other people's opinions and being confident in the choices that work for your own family.
Jess also shares her new garden mail club, which sends seasonal seeds, growing guides, tips and fun extras right to your mailbox.
Find Jess at The Coastal Homestead:Instagram: @the_coastal_homesteadWebsite: thecoastalhomestead.netFacebook: The Coastal Homestead
Thanks for listening to A Tiny Homestead!
 
This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company.
Good Egg
https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/
https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/
www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead
If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment.
Or just buy me a coffee 
https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

Mary welcomes Diane Graber of Montana Country Homesteading back to the podcast for a conversation about something Diane is passionate about: helping women build skills, create income, and become more financially prepared for whatever life may bring.
Diane shares how women can turn their talents, passions, and homesteading resources into income. They also talk about cooking from scratch, preserving food, stretching a grocery budget, using what you already have, upcycling, and finding creative ways to make life work without spending more money.
The conversation also turns to parenting, teaching children practical skills, the satisfaction of a job well done, and the importance of getting kids outside and involved in everyday life.
At the heart of the conversation is community. Diane explains why connecting with other women, sharing knowledge, and helping one another can make a tremendous difference.
Mary and Diane's conversation is full of practical ideas, personal stories, and encouragement to become more capable, resourceful, and connected.
Learn more about Diane and Montana Country Homesteading at MontanaCountryHomesteading.com or find the community on Facebook.
Find Mary at ATinyHomestead.com.
This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company.
Good Egg
https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/
https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/
www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead
If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment.
Or just buy me a coffee 
https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

In this episode, Mary chats with Nikki from Purely Chickens about backyard chickens, homesteading, raising kids around animals, and how a pandemic-era chicken coop video turned into a thriving business and more than a million social media followers.
Nikki shares her journey from kindergarten teacher to chicken expert, her experience raising multiple flocks, and what she has learned about caring for chickens through the seasons. They also talk about winter chicken care, deep bedding, keeping chickens comfortable in cold weather, and the realities of caring for goats, geese, and other animals.
Mary and Nikki also discuss the importance of helping children connect with gardens, farms, animals, and the food they eat. Nikki shares how her own children help with the chickens, garden, and family food projects.
Plus, Nikki talks about her books, including Chicken Keeping Pure and Simple and her upcoming book, A Healthy Home Flock.
And of course, there is plenty of chicken talk, a few stories about ducks and geese, and some good laughs along the way!
Find Nikki and Purely Chickens on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Learn more about A Tiny Homestead at atinyhomestead.com.
This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company.
Good Egg
https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/
https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/
www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead
If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment.
Or just buy me a coffee 
https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

In this episode of A Tiny Homestead, Mary talks with Caitlin and Joe of Our Humble Homestead in Garland, Maine.
What began with a garden and a desire to provide healthier food for their family has grown into a working homestead with Jersey cows, chickens, turkeys, a farm stand, and a growing connection to their local community. Caitlin and Joe share how their homestead evolved from focusing on self-sufficiency to embracing the idea of community sufficiency.
They talk about raising and caring for animals, making their own milk, cheese and butter, the realities of processing livestock, and why respecting the animals that provide food is so important.
The conversation also takes a fun turn into Jersey cows, barn cats, kittens, and the personalities of the animals that become such an important part of farm life.
Most of all, this episode is about faith, food, community, stewardship, and the sometimes difficult realities of living a more connected life.
Find Our Humble Homestead on Facebook at Our Humble Homestead, on Instagram at For Me and My House, and online at ourhumblehomestead.net.
Find A Tiny Homestead at atinyhomestead.com.
This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company.
https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/
https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/
www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead
If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment.
Or just buy me a coffee 
https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

In this episode of A Tiny Homestead, Mary talks with Andrea from What the Farmer’s Wife Reads in Owatonna, Minnesota.
Andrea shares what life is like on her family’s fifth-generation dairy farm, where they milk around 250 registered Holstein cows. She also talks about raising calves, farm life, family, and how a love of books eventually led her to create a space where she can combine reading with her farming life.
The conversation turns to favorite authors and childhood books, the importance of helping children discover a love of reading, and why parents should advocate for their children when it comes to education. Andrea also shares her plans for a farm-inspired mystery book subscription, complete with books, treats, stickers, and bookmarks.
It’s a warm conversation about farming, books, family, animals, and finding the things that bring a little joy to everyday life.
This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company.
https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/
https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/
www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead
If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment.
Or just buy me a coffee 
https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

Fall is here, and Mary is joined by Leah Peterson, also known as Clear Creek Ranch Mom, for a conversation about one of their favorite times of year: harvest season.
Mary and Leah talk about preserving the abundance of fall, including canning, freezing, pickling, drying herbs, and making the most of whatever produce is available. They share practical tips for beginners, including why you don't have to preserve everything in one day, why you don't need a garden to get started, and how buying produce in season can make preserving more affordable.
They also talk about food security, the satisfaction of eating food you've grown or preserved yourself, and why traditional food skills are worth passing on to the next generation.
The conversation turns to affordable beef recipes and creative ways to stretch a pound of ground beef with rice, pasta, beans, vegetables, and good seasoning.
And because it is harvest season, Mary and Leah have an important reminder for everyone driving in the country: slow down and give farm equipment plenty of room on the road.
This episode is full of practical ideas, memories, laughter, and encouragement to slow down, get back into the kitchen, and enjoy the simple satisfaction of making and preserving food for your family.
In this episode:
Preserving the fall harvest
Canning, freezing, pickling, and drying
What to do when your garden doesn't produce as expected
Beginner-friendly preserving ideas
Stretching beef and cooking on a budget
The importance of food security
Cooking and preserving as a family
Passing traditional skills to the next generation
Harvest season and gratitude
Farm equipment safety on rural roads
Finding joy in simple, homemade food
Find Leah at Clear Creek Ranch Mom on Facebook.
Find Mary at A Tiny Homestead.
This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company.
https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/
https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/
www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead
If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment.
Or just buy me a coffee 
https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes