Pioneering Today
Want to get back to the basics of raising your own food, cooking from scratch, preserving the harvest, and knowing how to do it yourself? Join 5th generation homesteader, Melissa K. Norris, on the #3 ranking Home and Garden Podcast, Pioneering Today where we share how to raise, cook and preserve your own food with old-fashioned skill sets and wisdom for a more natural and self-sufficient home, with, or without, the homestead. We cover organic gardening, home food preservation from canning, dehydrating, fermenting, root cellar, and more, traditional cooking skills, organic and natural home and body care recipes, natural health, growing and building your own natural medicine cabinet, foraging, livestock, and everything else you need for modern homesteading.
info_outline
EP: 428 Start Using These NOW for Your Animals | Herbal Remedies for Livestock & Animals w/ Doc Jones
04/26/2024
EP: 428 Start Using These NOW for Your Animals | Herbal Remedies for Livestock & Animals w/ Doc Jones
I know last week I said I’d be taking a break from podcasting, and while that’s still true, I just couldn’t leave you all hanging for three whole weeks. So this week and next week I have a couple of special podcast episodes that originally aired as video interviews over on YouTube with Dr. Patrick Jones from Homegrown Herbalist. In this podcast, he’s sharing his wisdom of herbal medicine and veterinary care. Sharing what herbs are safe for animals (and which should be avoided or used with caution). If you’d like to learn more from Doc Jones, he’ll be at this year’s in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho June 28-29, 2024. You can hear him teach and shop his herbal remedies at his booth. We can’t wait to see you there and we hope you enjoy this episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast. To learn more, visit the blog post here:
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/30989318
info_outline
EP: 427 Save Big on Animal Feed: Historical Fodder for Today w/ Deanne Converse
04/19/2024
EP: 427 Save Big on Animal Feed: Historical Fodder for Today w/ Deanne Converse
Join me with my guest Deanne Converse as we discuss ways to become more self-sustainable with our livestock feed costs. Deanne is sharing her years of experience in feeding livestock without the feed store. With the rise in feed costs over the past few years, this is one podcast you won’t want to miss. We’re not only talking about how to feed cattle, but chickens, pigs, sheep, goats and more. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit . This post is sponsored by . If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, don’t wait!
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/30876293
info_outline
EP: 426 Homesteading 101 Series (Back to the Basics): Livestock
04/12/2024
EP: 426 Homesteading 101 Series (Back to the Basics): Livestock
Join me as I continue on in this Homesteading 101 Series (Back to the Basics). Today’s episode is all about the basics of raising livestock, and I’ll heavily focus on cattle. If you’ve ever wanted to raise your own grass-fed, grass-finished beef then this is the podcast for you. I’m giving you all the basics you need in today’s episode, plus many links for additional resources. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit . This post is sponsored by Azure Standard. If you’re not yet raising your own beef cattle and are looking for good quality beef, look no further than Azure Standard. They offer sustainably sourced beef products from frozen cuts of beef to, my favorite, beef jerky! We've purchased their beef jerky for my son and husband to take as snacks on their long days of work and it’s delicious. They also carry many A2/A2 dairy products that you'll want to check out. For , you can use code “Melissa10” to get 10% off your first order of $50 or more. Be sure to sign up for my Homestead Skills Summit, April 22-26, 2024. Each day of the week we’ll focus on a different homesteading topic, with live Q&A and prizes and a final live Q&A session on Friday to wrap up the week. Join here:
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/30791953
info_outline
EP: 425 Seed Freedom & Resilience Why Open Pollinated Is More Important than Ever Siskiyou Seeds
04/05/2024
EP: 425 Seed Freedom & Resilience Why Open Pollinated Is More Important than Ever Siskiyou Seeds
Join me and my guest, Don Tipping from Siskiyou Seeds as we discuss the history of seeds and seed saving and how it’s changed over the past 100 years. Our conversation takes a deep dive into how seed companies source their seed (this may surprise you!) and how to know you’re getting quality seeds with the exact characteristics you want. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit . This post is sponsored by Azure Standard. If you’re in need of garden starts, be sure to check out Ellie’s Eden plants. They have a large selection of vegetable, herb and flower starts and they’re fantastic quality. For , you can use code “Melissa10” to get 10% off your first order of $50 or more. Be sure to sign up for my Homestead Skills Summit, April 22-26, 2024. Each day of the week we’ll focus on a different homesteading topic, with live Q&A and prizes and a final live Q&A session on Friday to wrap up the week. Join here:
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/30689408
info_outline
EP: 424 Growing Fruit Trees Fast with Susan Poizner
03/29/2024
EP: 424 Growing Fruit Trees Fast with Susan Poizner
Join me and my guest, Susan Poizner, as we discuss the basics of growing fruit trees. With a few tips under your belt, you’ll know what fruit tree varieties will work best for your climate, when to plant your trees, and the nine tips for getting your fruit trees to grow fast! Susan also covers some mistakes to avoid when planting new fruit trees and we briefly cover how to protect your trees from disease (or rehabilitate neglected trees). For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/30572808
info_outline
EP: 423 Homesteading 101 Series (Back to the Basics): Gardening
03/22/2024
EP: 423 Homesteading 101 Series (Back to the Basics): Gardening
Join me as I continue on in this Homesteading 101 Series (Back to the Basics). Today’s episode is all about the basics of gardening. Which ultimately means understanding the basics of soil. You don’t have to be a soil expert, or a biochemist to understand how to know if your soil is good (or how to amend it, if needed). However, if you don’t pay attention to your soil quality, it doesn’t matter how many other gardening skills you acquire, you’ll continue to struggle if your soil quality is poor. I’m giving you all the basics you need in today’s episode, plus many links for additional resources. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit . Azure Standard: I want to thank for sponsoring this podcast. One of my favorite things about Azure is every spring they offer incredible garden starts! So, if you find yourself behind the curve of starting seeds indoors, you can order starts from Ellie’s Eden. They have vegetable starts, flower starts, herb starts… so many options! For first-time customers, you can get 10% off your first purchase of $50 or more using coupon code “Melissa10” at checkout.
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/30484068
info_outline
EP: 422 The Medicinal Benefits of Mushrooms with Dr. Christopher Hobbs
03/15/2024
EP: 422 The Medicinal Benefits of Mushrooms with Dr. Christopher Hobbs
Join me for this podcast interview with Dr. Christopher Hobbs as we discuss the health benefits of mushrooms. The benefits are vast, and when you consider that you can easily grow mushrooms at home (or forage for them nearly everywhere), it gets even more exciting. Ever since I found healing from stomach acid and ulcers by changing the food I ate, I've continued down the rabbit hole of using our food and herbs as medicine. Join me with Dr. Hobbs as we discuss the best mushrooms for their medicinal purposes, the benefits of consuming mushrooms, and how mushrooms may be a great way to get some extra prebiotic fiber into our diets. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit . Check out my live class on 3/20/24 all about growing and foraging for mushrooms here: American Blossom Linens: I want to thank for sponsoring this podcast. You may think of linens and bedsheets as a basic item, but they're a staple in most homes. If you want heirloom quality sheets that will last a lifetime, American Blossom Linens is for you. I've found in many areas of the homestead, by investing in higher quality items (yes, they generally cost more up front), I inevitably save money in the long run. This is definitely true for my sheet set from American Blossom Linens. I’ve had my sheets for two and a half years and they’re only getting softer and softer. Use coupon code "PioneeringToday20" to get 20% off your first set of sheets at:
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/30376408
info_outline
EP: 421 Growing Nut Trees on a Homestead Scale (What You Need to Know)
03/08/2024
EP: 421 Growing Nut Trees on a Homestead Scale (What You Need to Know)
One of the crops that’s easily overlooked for growing a sustainable food source on the homestead is the nut tree. As with fruit trees, once a nut tree is established, it can produce food for your family for decades (and even generations) to come. Learn which nut trees are best for your homestead needs with David Hughes from Rock Bridge Trees. He’s sharing his best tips on nut tree care and maintenance, harvesting and even pest control. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit . Azure Standard: I want to thank for sponsoring this podcast. If you don’t yet have nut trees of your own, Azure is a fantastic source for buying nuts in bulk. It’s the only place I’ll buy my nuts because I trust their sourcing and quality control practices. Not only does Azure Standard carry whole nuts, they also carry a wide variety of nut butters and other such products. For first-time customers, you can get 10% off your first purchase of $50 or more using coupon code “Melissa10” at checkout.
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/30282223
info_outline
EP: 420 Homesteading 101: Back to the Basics Series
03/01/2024
EP: 420 Homesteading 101: Back to the Basics Series
Join me for this podcast series on Homesteading 101: Back to the Basics. We know countless people are joining this homesteading movement, and I would like to hold the door open and welcome you in. In this series we’ll be discussing the five pillars of homesteading: gardening, livestock, homestead cooking, preserving and herbal medicine. Though this series won't be a comprehensive step-by-step on how to start a homestead, it should help answer some of those basic questions many people have when venturing into a new aspect of homesteading. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit . American Blossom Linens: I want to thank for sponsoring this podcast. You may think of linens and bedsheets as a basic item, but they're a staple in most homes. If you want heirloom quality sheets that will last a lifetime, American Blossom Linens is for you. I've found in many areas of the homestead, by investing in higher quality items (yes, they generally cost more up front), I inevitably save money in the long run. This is definitely true for my sheet set from American Blossom Linens. I’ve had my sheets for two and a half years and they’re only getting softer and softer. Use coupon code "PioneeringToday20" to get 20% off your first set of sheets at:
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/30142568
info_outline
EP: 419 GMO Seeds & The Recent Changes You Need to Be Aware Of
02/23/2024
EP: 419 GMO Seeds & The Recent Changes You Need to Be Aware Of
For the first time ever, genetically modified seeds have been made available to the common gardener for home use. I’ve been hearing from many home gardeners how excited they are to grow this new variety of tomato in their home garden, which to be honest, surprises me. Which makes me wonder if everyone knows exactly what GMO seeds are, and if we ought to be concerned? In today’s podcast, I’m diving into the nitty gritty of what classifies a seed as GMO, or Hybrid, or F1 Hybrid. I’m also explaining self-pollination, open-pollination and what you need to know as a home-gardener to successfully seed save. But more importantly, I want to discuss the place of GMO seeds in the home-garden. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit . Azure Standard is the sponsor for this podcast. For first-time Azure customers, get 10% off your first order of $50 or more with coupon code "Melissa10" at checkout: https://melissaknorris.com/azure-standard
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/30070918
info_outline
EP: 418 What You NEED to Know About Bug Out Bags
02/16/2024
EP: 418 What You NEED to Know About Bug Out Bags
Are you under the impression that you live in a pretty secure area, free of threats from natural disasters or wide-spread emergencies? I invite you to listen to today’s podcast and you may reconsider just how prepared you and your family are. Emergencies happen in the blink of an eye, and if you’re not ready, they can be catastrophic. Join me with Jeff Anderson from Warrior Life as he shares his knowledge of being prepared and how to pack a “bug out bag” (also known as a “go bag”). He’ll share what must-haves each bag needs, plus some items to avoid. Grab his FREE class here: . For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/29971748
info_outline
EP: 417 Don't Wait! Planning Your Medicinal Herb Garden
02/09/2024
EP: 417 Don't Wait! Planning Your Medicinal Herb Garden
Now is the time to be thinking about your medicinal herb gardens. When planning to stock your herbal medicine cabinets, the planning starts well before harvest. Whether you’re growing your own medicinal herbs, just getting started with an herb garden, or purchasing herbs, tinctures, or other herbal remedies already made, now is the time to plan to stock up for the year. Come listen to this episode as I share my tips on how to plan, buy seeds, starts or cuttings, or purchase products from trusted and reputable sources. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit . To grab the
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/29862133
info_outline
EP: 416 Truth About Meat Labels & Regenerative Farming with White Oak Pastures
02/02/2024
EP: 416 Truth About Meat Labels & Regenerative Farming with White Oak Pastures
With meat labeling laws being changed right before our eyes, it's getting harder and harder to trust where our meat is coming from, and how it was raised and processed. Will Harris and his daughter Jenni from White Oak Pastures share the steps consumers can take to regain control over the food industry. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/29762673
info_outline
EP: 415 The Gut-Brain Connection w/ Dr. Mayer
01/26/2024
EP: 415 The Gut-Brain Connection w/ Dr. Mayer
Let's dive into the gut-brain connection and how to improve our gut for better overall health and wellness. If you've been around here for any length of time, you know we discuss the importance of our gut health. 70-80% of our gut health is located in our gut. So what we eat, food-wise, not only affects our digestion and overall health, but our immune system. The amazing thing is that it goes beyond our immune system because it impacts the way our brain communicates with all the other systems in our body. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/29650293
info_outline
EP: 414 Health Update & the Need for Margin in Our Lives
01/19/2024
EP: 414 Health Update & the Need for Margin in Our Lives
This week I’m sharing my health update (post surgery) as well as my battle with a 35 day virus(es). I’m also sharing my need for margin, and some of the health changes I’m making in 2024. If you find yourself nearing burnout, don’t wait until it finally happens to make necessary changes in your life. This is so important not only for mental health, but our physical health as well. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/29519418
info_outline
EP: 413 What Happens in Winter When You Double Your Cattle Herd
12/15/2023
EP: 413 What Happens in Winter When You Double Your Cattle Herd
This past week we were running our cattle herd through the system for getting tags (which helps track lineage), castration and overall wellbeing. Having a larger operation has meant some changes for these practices. If you’re thinking about raising cattle, I highly recommend you listen to today’s podcast as I’m sharing some of the differences between owning one, nine or 20+ head of cattle. I also discuss the differences between banding or cut castration and why we switched. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/29068368
info_outline
EP: 412 The Nourishing Asian Kitchen with Sophia Eng
12/08/2023
EP: 412 The Nourishing Asian Kitchen with Sophia Eng
Join me with Sophia Eng, author of The Nourishing Asian Kitchen, as we discuss her journey into homesteading, motherhood, homeschooling, blogging and becoming a cookbook author. No doubt you’ve heard of the Nourishing Traditions cookbook by Sally Fallon. Sophia took her inspiration from there and recreated over 100 traditional Asian recipes that had been passed down for generations in her family. But instead of using processed ingredients, she used only real whole foods. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/28979863
info_outline
EP: 411 My Health Update and Need for Surgery
11/17/2023
EP: 411 My Health Update and Need for Surgery
As promised, in today’s episode I’m spilling the beans on the health issues I’ve been having for the past few years. Turns out, what I thought was a damaged muscle turned out to be a tumor. By the time you’re hearing this, I should be happily recovering from surgery and will be sure to give you an update once I’m able. In this episode, I’m also sharing my frustrations about the broken medical system (hint: they match my frustrations about the broken food system) and sharing encouragement on ways to be your own advocate. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/28675938
info_outline
EP: 410 Our Broken Food System
11/10/2023
EP: 410 Our Broken Food System
I’ve been traveling for the past two weeks. In fact, in about a 14 day period, I was only home a few of those days. What I noticed was the huge lack of healthy food available in many parts of the United States. I’ve become quite accustomed to what’s available in my own slice of the world, and I can easily forget that not everyone has available to them what I do here. So what is it that we need to focus on today in order to fix our broken food system? Listen to this podcast episode and hear my own thoughts on the changes I want to see start happening, and how you can be a part of that change. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/28571263
info_outline
EP 409: How Much $$ Can YOU REALLY Make Homesteading
10/27/2023
EP 409: How Much $$ Can YOU REALLY Make Homesteading
Welcome back to part two of my series on answering your questions. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a bit more of the “behind-the-scenes” of what it takes to run my business. From how much time per day I spend on my job, to how many people I have working with me. Plus how to create a homestead that can sustain itself financially and all the different ways that can look. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/28359962
info_outline
EP: 408 - Answering Your Questions: Homesteading Edition
10/19/2023
EP: 408 - Answering Your Questions: Homesteading Edition
Welcome back to another episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast. In today’s episode, I’ll be answering your questions from social media. All these questions pertain to homesteading, so we’re calling this the “Homesteading Edition” and I’ll be back next week to answer more of your questions pertaining to the financial side of homesteading and running a business. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/28359944
info_outline
EP: 407 - Creating a No-Waste Kitchen w/ Mary's Nest
10/13/2023
EP: 407 - Creating a No-Waste Kitchen w/ Mary's Nest
Have you ever wondered how people manage to grocery shop, cook from-scratch meals for their family, and have no waste coming out of their homes? They make it look so easy! Though it might not be easy, it is simple. Join me for today’s podcast with special guest, Mary Shrader from Mary’s Nest as we discuss the skills that were passed down to us from our parents who lived through the Great Depression. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/28292654
info_outline
EP: 406 Can You SAFELY Can Previously Frozen Foods?
10/06/2023
EP: 406 Can You SAFELY Can Previously Frozen Foods?
Have you ever wondered if it’s safe to can previously frozen foods? I’m here to tell you it is, but with a few caveats. There are certain foods I wouldn’t feel comfortable canning after it has been frozen (and I’ll share why in the podcast), but there are also a few things you want to consider before tossing those precious veggies into the freezer. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/28226042
info_outline
EP: 405 Medicinal Herbs & Their Uses with Kaylee Richardson
09/15/2023
EP: 405 Medicinal Herbs & Their Uses with Kaylee Richardson
Come hang out with me and Kaylee Richardson (from The Honeystead) as we discuss our favorite medicinal herbs and their uses. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/27962679
info_outline
EP: 404 Herbal Secret - Do this Daily to Reduce Stress & Overwhelm
09/08/2023
EP: 404 Herbal Secret - Do this Daily to Reduce Stress & Overwhelm
What is an adaptogen and why should you consider incorporating them into your daily routine? Learn about adaptogen herbs and how they can be used to help support your body on a daily basis, including what adaptogens to use, where to buy them, and how to use them. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/27897768
info_outline
EP: 402 Bridging Heritage and Health: Hunting 101
08/25/2023
EP: 402 Bridging Heritage and Health: Hunting 101
Join me for today’s episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast with hunting expert Chris Gilmour. For many, hunting brings up negative connotations or even sadness. My guest can completely understand that as he wasn't raised with hunting as I was. In fact, he was even a vegetarian for eight years! Listen in to this episode because we’re discussing all things hunting, from the various hunting styles, how much it costs to get into hunting, how to find the best places to hunt, and where you can join Chris for a hunting course. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/27834930
info_outline
EP: 401 Preserving Food When it's Too Hot to Can
08/18/2023
EP: 401 Preserving Food When it's Too Hot to Can
Today’s episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast is all about how to preserve food when it’s too hot to can (even canning outdoors). For many of us, August comes with some extreme heat. This isn’t always great for our garden, especially during the peak of the harvest. Learn how to make sure your harvest doesn’t go to waste and that you can preserve all that garden goodness without heating up your house in the process. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/27782304
info_outline
What is a Working Bee & How it's Relevant in Our Lives Today
08/11/2023
What is a Working Bee & How it's Relevant in Our Lives Today
Today’s episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast is a special one with a local friend of mine, Andrea. Andrea is co-host of the Ancestral Kitchen Podcast and is shedding light on a very interesting topic of a “working bee.” In today’s episode, she’s sharing what a working bee is, how it can be different based on whatever your particular interests or needs, and how they are extremely relevant and needed in today’s day and age. Have a listen because I think you’re going to find this episode very encouraging and inspiring. Maybe you’ll start a working bee of your own? For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/27707685
info_outline
Truth Behind Seed Oils & Pressing Your Own
08/04/2023
Truth Behind Seed Oils & Pressing Your Own
Today’s episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast is with author Bevin Cohen. He’s spearheaded the movement for at home pressing of seed and nut oils and loves to share his years of knowledge and experience with us. If you’ve ever wondered about the health of seed oils, this podcast may surprise you! And, find out why I’ll be growing mamoth sunflowers in my garden next year! For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/27640485
info_outline
EP: 403 Foraging for Wild Medicinal Herbs with Dr. Patrick Jones
08/04/2023
EP: 403 Foraging for Wild Medicinal Herbs with Dr. Patrick Jones
Join me for today’s episode of the Pioneering Today Podcast with Dr. Patrick Jones. He’s sharing his wisdom for harvesting, preserving and using wild medicinal herbs that can be found right in our own backyard. If you’re interested in herbal medicine, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. For more information and any links mentioned in this episode, visit .
/episode/index/show/melissaknorris/id/27897411