Homesteaders of America

E55: Homesteading: A Calling Beyond Food | Lucas Mack of Kubota

The homesteading movement is awakening something deeper than a desire for fresh food or self-sufficiency.  In this episode, I sit down with Lucas Mack of Kubota to talk about the spiritual pull drawing people back to the land and back to God.  We explore how working with soil, seed, and stewardship quiets the noise and brings clarity about truth, responsibility, and purpose.  This conversation is a reminder that homesteading is not just a health and lifestyle choice.  It is a return to order, meaning, and building a life according to God’s design.In this episode, we cover:- The surprising ways that Kubota’s mission and heart extends far beyond tractors- How Kubota supports food production, clean water, and land stewardship around the world- Lucas’s early wake-up call about food security after seeing firsthand how fragile grocery supply chains can be- How small steps like gardening, foraging, and growing food begin to shift mindset and priorities- How returning to the land naturally leads people to deeper questions about truth, responsibility, and faith- Why working with the land forces honesty— things either grow or they don’t, and the reasons matter- Why modern systems distract us from these questions, while homesteading brings clarity and purpose- The strong biblical connection between land, stewardship, seed, and human responsibility- The difference between dirt and living soil, and why healthy soil is central to real regeneration- A hopeful vision for rebuilding local food systems and stronger communities- Encouragement to choose life, cultivate hope, and build where God has planted youView full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.Thank you to our sponsors!McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flockNutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eatingRESOURCES MENTIONEDVisit Kubota’s websiteFollow Kubota’s instagramCONNECTLucas Mack of Kubota | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | XHomesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

E54: Traditional Skincare from the Homestead: Soapmaking, Animal Fat, and Family Business | Wendy & Karlyn Hartman

Wendy and Karlyn Hartman share how their family turned homestead resources like goat milk, lard, and tallow into effective, traditional skincare products that support true skin health. From simplifying cold-process soapmaking to explaining why animal fats have been trusted for centuries, they break down what actually works and why so many people struggle with modern commercial products. We also dive into Karlyn’s quest to perfect natural deodorant, what makes shelf-stable soap, and the blessing of building a family business centered on growth, unity, and learning through the ups and downs of homestead life!In this episode, we cover:- Wendy and Karlyn Hartman’s homesteading journey and how they grew from beginners into educators and business owners- Building a family-run skincare business using resources produced directly on their homestead- Why traditional animal fats like lard and tallow have been used for centuries in soap and skincareThe key differences between lard, tallow, and modern commercial skincare ingredients- How goat milk supports skin health, moisture absorption, and barrier repair- Why many people tolerate animal-based fats better than common plant oils- A simplified approach to soapmaking that makes it accessible and safe for everyday homesteaders- What lye is, why it’s necessary, and how it fits into traditional soapmaking- How cold-process soap cures, how long it lasts, and why it’s shelf-stable- How Karlyn developed a natural, aluminum-free deodorant after reacting to conventional products- Encouragement for homesteaders walking through hard seasons and learning through experienceThank you to our sponsors!KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and constructionPremier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert adviceRESOURCES MENTIONEDPurchase Wendy & Karlyn’s book, Soaping Clean with Dairy and Fats from the HomesteadCheck out the products mentioned in this episode (and more!) at the Adoratio Farms Online Shop CONNECTWendy & Karlyn Hartman | Website | Instagram | InstagramHomesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestGET MORE FROM THIS EPISODEWatch this episode on YouTubeView full show notes and transcript on the blog

E53: What Off-Grid Living Really Looks Like (and Why It’s More Accessible Than You Think) | Jeff Burkinshaw of Gridlessness

Off-grid living isn’t simply about escaping modern life. It’s about freedom and family. In this conversation with Jeff, we take a practical look at the daily realities of off-grid life, the role of community and financial freedom, and how simple systems and adaptable skills make this lifestyle sustainable long-term. Jeff describes off-grid living as a spectrum, so if there is any part of you that wants to be slightly less reliant on the grid than you are now, join us for this informative episode!In this episode, we cover:What off-grid living actually looks like in daily life: power, water, heatSome specific challenges of off-grid living, from raising chicks to storing food without reliable powerA look at the role of community and shared resources over total self-sufficiencyWhy off-grid living is more accessible today than it has ever beenAn aspect of off-grid living that we don’t talk about enough– freedom from the financial “grid”How bartering and alternative forms of currency can strengthen your local communityThe simple systems that make off-grid living sustainable long-termWhy it is important to gain skills, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and stay flexible when modern solutions aren’t availableThe incredible impact of raising your family close to land, work, and responsibilityView full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.Thank you to our sponsors!McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flockNutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eatingABOUT JEFFJeff Burkinshaw is the author of Gridlessness - Finding Freedom Off-Grid and creator behind the Gridlessness Youtube channel. Jeff and Rose and their 5 girls have lived the off-grid homestead lifestyle since 2007.  They’ve explored all aspects of home and homestead construction, self-sufficiency, homeschooling, hunting and fishing, wilderness adventures and generally living like millionaires off-grid.Jeff is an electrical engineering technologist with professional experience in utility scale power systems but has a deep personal interest in small scale micro-hydro and other off-grid power systems.RESOURCES MENTIONEDGrab a copy of Jeff’s book here: Gridlessness: Finding Freedom Off-GridCONNECTJeff Burkinshaw | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | XHomesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

E52: Before the Storm: Preparing Your Homestead and Heart for What is to Come | Darin & Monica Strong

In this compelling conversation, Darin and Monica Strong share what they learned from building their early homestead in the wrong order and how those lessons now shape their approach to preparation, community, and faith. They explore what “building your ark” looks like today— from prioritizing food storage to decentralizing your resources and refusing to homestead in isolation. With bold conviction, they urge us to cultivate discernment in this cultural moment, listen for God’s leading, and remember that growing our faith is the most important step we can take toward being prepared for what is next.In this episode, we cover:How Darin & Monica realized they built their first homestead out of order and what they now believe every new homesteader needsA fresh take on “building your ark”: how Noah’s obedience, timing, and spiritual posture are reflected in the modern homesteading movementWhy long-term food storage is the first layer of peace, not panic, and how one bulk order can jump start your preparedness planWhat happens when you acquire animals before infrastructure (including the milk cow story that changed their plans!)A call to break out of isolation and rebuild the kind of agrarian, interdependent communities our great-grandparents lived inHow homesteaders are decentralizing their food sources and reclaiming territoryWhy homesteading often looks “irrational” from the outside and how that mirrors Noah building an ark before rain existedDiscernment for this cultural moment: knowing when to stay, when to move, and how to listen for God’s voice above the noiseA bold reminder that faith (more than skill, money, or land) is the foundation of resilience in the storms aheadEncouragement for the families feeling stirred or called into something new and why obedience now matters for what comes nextThank you to our sponsors!KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and constructionPremier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert adviceRESOURCES MENTIONEDGain access to the conference videos mentioned in this episode by becoming an HOA memberGet a copy of Monica's Azure Standard Pantry Stock ListFind out if there’s an Azure Standard drop near you!Check out the previous HOA episode with AJ RichardsSnag your REFORMER hat hereCONNECTDarin & Monica Strong | Website | Instagram | YouTube | XHomesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestGET MORE FROM THIS EPISODEWatch this episode on YouTube:View full show notes and transcript on the blog: https://homesteadersofamerica.com/e52-before-the-storm-preparing-your-homestead-and-heart-for-what-is-to-come-darin-monica-strong/

E51: The Future of Real Food and the Beef Herd of America | AJ Richards of From the Farm

The future of real food in America depends on ordinary families choosing to understand where their food comes from.  In this episode, AJ Richards shares why our current food system is more fragile than it seems and how both homesteaders and everyday consumers can be part of restoring it. From the impact of big corporations and foreign imports to the growing need for local connection and community resilience, this conversation sheds light on what is really at stake AND how each of us can spark meaningful change. This is an important conversation you won’t want to miss out on!In this episode, we cover:- AJ’s southern Utah ranching roots, Bundy family heritage, and winding path from Army deployment to city life to running a USDA slaughterhouse in Wyoming- Why the 2020 food supply crisis became the catalyst that inspired FromTheFarm.org- The story behind building a platform that reconnects consumers directly with local farmers and ranchers- How the mission has grown into nearly 100 producers across 35 states with a heart for ministry and stewardship- Why decades of beef industry consolidation left independent ranchers struggling to survive- How social media has become a tool for exposing corruption and educating consumers about the food system- The ripple effects of imported beef policies and how they’re impacting American producers- A discussion on new hope for first-generation ranchers willing to innovate and build community connections- Why the NCBA’s alignment with big industry has created frustration among small producers- Thoughts on land and water buyouts across the West and how corporate control is reshaping agriculture- The importance of USDA partnerships aimed at restoring grazing rights and strengthening local processing- What to know about the screw-worm threat at the southern border and ongoing prevention efforts- A reminder to follow God’s prompting, stay grounded in community, and keep using your voice for changeThank you to our sponsors!KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and constructionPremier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert adviceRESOURCES MENTIONEDLearn more about the rancher advocacy group mentioned in this episode, R-CALFCONNECTAJ Richards | Website | Instagram | Instagram  Facebook | X | YouTubeHomesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | PinterestGET MORE FROM THIS EPISODEWatch this episode on YouTube:View full show notes and transcript on the blog: https://homesteadersofamerica.com/e51-the-future-of-real-food-and-the-beef-herd-of-america-aj-richards-of-from-the-farm/