Never Buy Garden Seeds Again: Seed Saving Secrets Every Homesteader Needs
Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World
Release Date: 09/19/2025
When Your Health Forces You to Stop — Here’s What Actually Matters | 496
Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World
I’m so grateful to be back with you after stepping away from the podcast last fall. In this episode, I’m sharing honestly about why I needed to pause and what unfolded during that time. Over the past several months, I was walking through my own physical limitations while my husband received an unexpected kidney cancer diagnosis. It was a season that forced us to slow down, reevaluate our pace of life, and take a hard look at how we were caring for our health. In this episode, I talk about what this journey taught me about inflammation, stress, nutrition, and why true healing requires more...
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Throwback: Decluttering Your Home (Month by Month) with Tracy Lynn | 495
Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World
In this throwback episode, we revisit a conversation that is perfect for anyone looking around their home thinking, “Something has to change.” I sat down with Tracy Lynn to talk about decluttering in a way that truly lasts — not just a weekend cleanup that slides back into chaos, but real systems that create peace and order for the long haul. One of Tracy’s insights that stuck with me is that clutter is loud. Even in a quiet home, visual clutter speaks to you all day long. It distracts you, drains your energy, and adds mental noise you may not even realize is there. And if you’ve...
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Throwback: Thyroid, Adrenal Glands, and Hormones w/ Dr. Shannyn | 494
Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World
In this powerful throwback episode, we revisit one of the most meaningful and eye-opening conversations I’ve had on the homestead. I sat down with Dr. Shannyn Pearce to talk about what’s really going on underneath the struggles so many women face — thyroid issues, adrenal overload, hormone imbalance, and the subtle warning signs that often go unnoticed. We dig into the everyday symptoms many of us tend to brush off: fatigue, unexplained weight gain, mood swings, inflammation, and food sensitivities. I share parts of my own journey, including how I got off thyroid medication, uncovered...
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Throwback: 9 Simple Steps to Grow an Abundance! | 493
Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World
In this throwback episode, we’re revisiting one of the most foundational lessons for anyone who wants to grow more of their own food — not just a handful of tomatoes or a quick salad garden (though that’s a great place to begin!), but a true, abundant harvest that feeds your family. I’m sharing the nine core principles I’ve relied on for nearly twenty-seven years of gardening here on our homestead. These steps will help you create consistent, reliable harvests no matter what the season throws your way. If you’ve ever struggled with uneven yields, wished your garden produced more...
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Throwback: Best Herbal Home Remedies for Cold and Flu w/ Rosalee De La Foret | 492
Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World
In this throwback episode, I’m revisiting one of my favorite herbal conversations with my friend and renowned herbalist Rosalee de la Forêt. This discussion truly changed the way I approach herbal medicine. Instead of treating herbs like Western medicine — one symptom, one herb — Rosalee helps us understand why herbalism is so much more personal and intuitive. Together, we walk through how to recognize your body’s signals and determine whether what you’re experiencing is hot, cold, damp, or dry. Understanding your own energetics is the key to choosing herbs that actually work for...
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Throwback: Avoid Overwhelm - Choosing What’s Right for Your Homestead | 491
Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World
In this throwback episode, we revisit a listener coaching call where we break down how to begin homesteading without jumping into overwhelm. We talk through the basics of planning raw land, observing sunlight and frost patterns, mapping out future zones, and using temporary setups like grow bags and portable fencing as you learn what works best. You’ll also hear practical advice for easing into homesteading step-by-step so you can build a sustainable, thriving homestead at a pace that fits your season of life. Whether you’re dreaming of your first garden or planning your next big project,...
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Throwback: Stock Up to Save $$$ NOW How Much Feed Per Animal Per Day | 490
Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World
In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, we’re discussing the continual rise of feed costs and what my family does to mitigate these costs as much as possible. I’m sharing some of the breakdowns (at the time of the recording), how much feed is needed per animal and even some different feed options to consider. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here:
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Throwback: Medicinal Herbs & Their Uses with Kaylee Richardson | 489
Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World
In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Kaylee Richardson from The Honeystead to discuss all things herbal medicine. Kaylee shares some of the herbs she’s currently using and her favorite “must-have” herbal remedies. In the blog post that accompanies this podcast, there are a handful of additional podcasts I’ve done on the must-have herbal remedies to always have on hand and even how to grow a medicinal tea garden. Since the time of this recording, Kaylee has published a book, that is a must-have in every home library. For more...
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Throwback: How to Create a Gardening Plan for More Harvest and Less Stress | 488
Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World
In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with a member of the Pioneering Today Academy and we walk through how to plan out her garden year. While this strategy session was specific to her needs, there are a lot of great tips that can help when planning out your garden for next year. And, the fall is the best time to plan while the summer garden is fresh in our memory. So, enjoy this throwback episode and have fun dreaming about getting your hands back in the soil next spring. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: ...
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Throwback: Mennonite Traditions for Simple Meals & Stronger Families | 487
Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World
In this throwback episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast, I sit down with RuthAnn Zimmerman to discuss what life looks like on a busy homestead with lots of children. How do we practically get meals on the table when life seems chaotic? How do we prioritize relationships through the business of life? And, how do we cook for larger groups of people for holidays and special events. I think you’ll enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: This episode is sponsored by Azure Standard, one of my favorite ways to...
info_outlineSeed saving is one of the most valuable skills a gardener can learn, and in this episode I’m joined by Don Tipping of Siskiyou Seeds to dive deep into the why and how of saving your own garden seed. We’ll cover the difference between open-pollinated, heirloom, and hybrid varieties, which crops are best for beginners, how to prevent cross-pollination, and tips for harvesting, drying, and storing seeds so they last for years.
Don also shares how seed saving helps you develop plants uniquely adapted to your microclimate, creating the heirlooms of tomorrow. Whether you’re brand new to seed saving or looking to refine your skills, this conversation will inspire and equip you to grow a more resilient, self-sufficient garden.
For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/481
This podcast is sponsored by Redmond Real Salt. Did you know Redmond sells much more than just salt? I love their bentonite clay powder and it’s a must-have in our house because we use it for wound care. Check out all of Redmond’s products at melissaknorris.com/redmond-salt and use code "PIONEERING" at checkout for 15% off your order.