Best Brittany Cook Podcasts (2025)

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Iron Flame: Chapters 37-50 | The Sorrengails Go To Cordyn 1:35:36

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2h ago1:35:36

1:35:36

Hey, readers~! We hope you’re ready for more dragons and magic because there’s a lot to discuss this week. Not only do we have new characters to discuss - Tic-tac? - but Violet also faces new challenges in the form of wardstones and runes! And possibly… a new rival? Plus, we question what Violet’s true signet is. Surely it isn’t as simple as lightn…

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Ep 131. You Can't Homestead When it Hurts 17:31

12h ago17:31

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In this episode, we’re getting real about something that doesn’t get talked about enough: how your physical health impacts your ability to homestead, parent, and keep a household running. We’re not machines—we do this work with our bodies, and when we’re in pain, low-energy, or just plain burnt out, everything feels harder. That’s why I’m ditching …

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Upping the Cozy Factor 15:45

1d ago15:45

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Today, we’re diving into how to up the cozy factor in your home. One of the best compliments someone can give is to say your home feels cozy. So what does that mean, and how can you create that feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation in your space? Today, I’m sharing my favorite tips and ideas for creating intentional, cozy spaces—from furniture…

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175. Mouth Breathing: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Dr. Hilary Fritsch 51:36

5d ago51:36

51:36

What if your child’s mouth breathing, restless sleep, or even focus issues weren’t behavioral—but biological? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with a pediatric airway dentist to explore the critical (and often overlooked) role of airway health in childhood development. We talk about how things like tongue ties, narrow palates, and poor oral …

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Ep 130. FREE and Easy Prepper Tasks to Do in Summer 18:17

4d ago18:17

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☀️ What if prepping didn’t feel overwhelming—or expensive? In this episode, we’re diving into six completely free ways to boost your preparedness this summer. While fall and winter tend to feel like the “typical” prepping seasons, summer offers its own unique energy: longer days, lighter routines, and a little more breathing room. I’m sharing pract…

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Jeff Kerr: Our First Amendment Right to Receive Communications (from Monkeys) 30:14

5d ago30:14

30:14

"It is a scientific fact that these macaques, like all other primates, including humans, are communicating. They communicate in much the same way we do - facial expressions, vocalizations, body postures, those kinds of things." - Jeff Kerr Jeff Kerr is PETA foundations Chief Legal Officer. I asked him to come on the show to talk about one of PETA’s…

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174. The Kind of Decluttering That Actually Lasts—with Julia Ubbenga 55:21

7d ago55:21

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The Kind of Decluttering That Actually Lastswith Julia Ubbenga Julia Ubbenga is a minimalist. I’m not.But I read her new book Declutter Your Heart and Your Home from cover to cover—and I was both challenged and changed. In this episode, we talk about what it really means to live with less—less clutter, less noise, less pressure—and how that can cre…

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Iron Flame: Chapters 17-36 | The Heist. The Torture. The Revolution. 1:32:32

7d ago1:32:32

1:32:32

Welcome back, readers~ This time around, we get into more of the lore behind Navarre’s magic system and how the dragons power their magic. Where are the hatching grounds? Do different dragon colors have different magic, or different sources for magic? We also discuss the logistics of the scribes and who could secretly be a venin. We’re getting into…

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Ep 129. 3 Ways to Simplify Your Homestead Right Now 16:18

8d ago16:18

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If you’re feeling a little stretched thin lately, this episode is for you. We’re talking about three simple ways to take the pressure off your homestead routines—starting today. These are things we’re doing right now to reclaim a little breathing room while still making progress on the things that matter most. Whether you’re deep in garden season, …

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Flavor Without the Fuss: How Melissa Knific Brings Meals to the Everyday Table 32:06

9d ago32:06

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In this week’s episode, I’m diving into one of the most requested topics—meal planning and prep—and I brought in a total pro to help us out! I'm joined by Melissa Knific, a busy mom, recipe developer, and cookbook author whose work has been featured everywhere from The New York Times to HelloFresh to Rachael Ray In Season. She knows firsthand the s…

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Ep 128. Things I Would Do Differently With a Rental House Garden 21:12

12d ago21:12

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Have you ever held off on starting a garden because you were in a rental or temporary living space? In this episode, I’m sharing all the things I wish I had known back when we were in military housing—before we settled into what we think is our forever home. If you're renting or just feeling unsure about investing in a garden you might not have for…

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Iron Flame: Chapters 1-16 | Violet's Broken Trust and Varrish's Rise 1:37:30

14d ago1:37:30

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Hey readers! In episode 1 of Iron Flame, we begin to see the consequences of the characters actions. Not only does the truth of the venin hang over the heads of those involved at Resson, but Violet wrestles with keeping the secrets she is now being entrusted with. Or is she? Xaden doesn’t seem too keen on letting her in… Can we blame him? Plus, maj…

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Isabella La Rocca Gonzalez: Censored Landscapes 31:41

15d ago31:41

31:41

"The one that really surprised me was the organic humane Certified Egg Farm. I thought Humane Certified would at least mean that I would see some chickens running around somewhere, but it looked exactly the [00:00:30] same as any other egg facility. They were just big warehouses. You don't see a chicken anywhere in sight. And then I learned, of cou…

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Ep 127. Herbal First Aid for Summer that I Actually Use 15:00

15d ago15:00

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Summer adventures often come with scrapes, bug bites, and garden mishaps, so today we're sharing our real-life herbal first aid remedies that keep our family comfortable and safe all season long. Learn how easy it is to prepare a natural first-aid kit, starting with two must-have items: a powerful wound-healing salve and a gentle but effective bug …

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Habit Stacking for the Homemaker 16:23

16d ago16:23

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This episode is all about habit stacking—what it is and how you can use it to make homemaking feel easier and more efficient. I’m sharing real-life examples from our home and routines to help spark ideas for pairing simple tasks together and making the most of passive moments throughout your day. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: https://buymeacoffee.com/utpod …

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John Kinder: World War Zoos 42:33

18d ago42:33

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John Kinder is the director of American studies and a professor of history at Oklahoma State University. And he is an author. His most recent book is called World War Zoos: Humans and Other Animals in the Deadliest Conflict of the Modern Age. John’s book tells a story most of us have never heard: what happened to the world’s zoos—and the animals in…

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Ep 126. Creating a Homestead Summer Bucket List 21:36

19d ago21:36

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Feeling the May rush? Me too! Between preschool graduations and gardening, it's been busy around here. So, to lighten things up, I created a stress-free Summer Homestead Bucket List filled with manageable, fun projects. Join me as I share ideas like growing new tea herbs, frying zucchini blossoms, hosting dreamy garden dinners, crafting citronella …

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Fourth Wing: Chapters 31-39 | Loyalty, Lies, and Liam's Last Moments at Resson 1:18:50

21d ago1:18:50

1:18:50

As we get into this week’s episode, we’re starting to notice a theme…Yarros cares a LOT about trust and loyalty. And this one’s a doozy - who can we trust? And what happens when those we love keep things from us or turn against us? Thus begins the ongoing war of secrets in the Empyrean series. This week we discuss signets, hierarchies, and love los…

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Back from Break and Getting After It 18:51

21d ago18:51

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Dusted my mic off...literally and I am BACK! It feels so good to be back with y'all, sharing what I've been up to, learning and putting into practice!By Brittany Duncan

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Ep 125. 5 Garden Rules I Do Not Follow 14:12

22d ago14:12

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Feeling the late spring overwhelm creeping into your garden season? You're not alone! Between end-of-school chaos, planning summer fun, and diving headfirst into gardening, it's completely normal to feel behind. In today's episode, I'm sharing the gardening "rules" I joyfully ignore and explain why gardening with flexibility and curiosity often bea…

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Ep 124. Is it really cheaper to Homestead in the Suburbs? 18:08

26d ago18:08

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We all love the idea of saving money through homesteading—but is it actually cheaper to DIY everything when you live in the city or suburbs? In this episode, we break down the real numbers behind some popular homesteading tasks using actual prices from our area. From making your own butter and yogurt to growing a garden and baking sourdough, we’re …

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Fourth Wing: Chapters 22-30 | Steamy Sparring Matches and Unknown Signets 1:17:41

28d ago1:17:41

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Hey readers! Hang in there. This episode is a doozy. We may have gone off the rails this time. Ton of theories come tumbling out about all the ways Violet and Xaden's lives have become intertwined. We could discuss theories for days. Are the gods part of this? Was the romance part of Sgaeyl and Tairn's master plan? Could Xaden's father possibly be …

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173. From Outrage to Understanding: My Unexpected Conversation with Mary Ruth Boehmer 38:34

28d ago38:34

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Mary Ruth Organics collaborated with the brand Liquid Death in a temporary collaboration for their nighttime formula. They released the "ad" on social media that included chainsawing clowns (murder) and dark imagery and messaging that really rocked the online space. The collaboration seemed to make zero sense for those of us who have been users of …

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Ep 123. Seasonal Eating in Spring (What to Eat from the Garden in May) 13:19

29d ago13:19

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Springtime eating often leaves us wondering what's fresh beyond the classic salad—but May has plenty to offer! In today's episode, we're exploring vibrant and delicious ways to enjoy the seasonal produce that May brings to our kitchens. We'll also dive into some early preserving projects. Plus, we're discussing why now is the ideal time to clear ou…

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Ep 122. Stress-Free Summer Planning: Balancing Fun, Family & Homesteading 30:42

1M ago30:42

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Summer means longer days, less structure, and more opportunities—but without planning, it can quickly turn overwhelming. In this episode, we share practical tips to create a relaxed, memorable summer without the stress or guilt about unfinished tasks. You’ll learn: Why creating a brain dump works better than traditional bucket lists How to organize…

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Richard (Kudo) Couto: The Hidden Horror Behind a Billion-Dollar Brand 42:18

1M ago42:18

42:18

“I used to be the largest dairy consumer on the planet. I used to eat so much dairy and meat. The more that I looked into the dairy industry, the more that I saw that it was the singular, most inhumane industry on the planet, that we've all been lied to, including myself, for years. I always believed that the picture on the milk carton, the cow sta…

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Fourth Wing: Chapters 8-21 | Tairn Has Entered The Chat 1:03:07

1M ago1:03:07

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One girl, two dragons, and an academy full of enemies. Survive the Gauntlet? Check. Live to see the next sparring session? Check. Bond with a legendary war dragon? Also check! Sleep? Absolutely not. And it's all just barely begun! Join us this week to discuss.By Lillian Kim, Christy Crabtree, Brittany Cook

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Ep 121. Living More with Less: Centering Life Around Family with Jillian from Sprouting Arrows 37:30

1M ago37:30

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In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Jillian from Sprouting Arrows to talk about something at the heart of the Homestead Challenge: remembering your why. Even though our paths look a little different—she homeschools, I don’t; she’s deeply driven by her faith, I have a different approach—we’re both working toward the same goal: creating a life …

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Ep 120. Wild and Useful Backyard Weeds You Can Actually Use this Spring 14:54

1M ago14:54

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Spring has officially arrived, and with it… a whole lot of weeds. But what if I told you that some of those wild plants popping up in your yard right now are actually useful herbs? In this episode of The Homestead Challenge, we’re talking about 8 common backyard “weeds” that show up in early spring—like violets, chickweed, stinging nettle, garlic m…

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172. Confident in the Kitchen: My 8 Best Tips for Elevating Your Everyday Cooking 42:26

1M ago42:26

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This episode is my audio version of my contribution to the 2025 For the Love of Homeschooling Homesteading & Skillful Living Mega Bundle – available now through April 25, 2025 Get your mega bundle here: https://www.fortheloveofhomeschooling.com/?ref=loribeth What makes me a passionate home cook? Lori Beth Auldridge is a homeschooling mom of 4 & pas…

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Meredith Blanchard: We’ve Cured Cancer in Mice for Decades 54:41

1M ago54:41

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“There's a drug called vioxx that was found to be safe and effective in animal trials, so they moved it on to preclinical trials in humans. Once on the market, that drug caused 88,000 people to have heart attacks and killed 38,000 people.” Meredith Blanchard We have some big news at Species Unite. In January and February, our team traveled to Bainb…

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Fourth Wing: Chapters 1-7 | Meeting Violet Sorrengail & Entering Basgiath War College 1:02:09

1M ago1:02:09

1:02:09

Welcome back readers! We're finally on to the Empyrean series. We love these books and they are so dear to us as friends - and boy, do we have a lot to say about them. Join us for an exploration of dragons, signets, and some questionable discussions about Jack Barlow. We had so much to say we cut this episode in 2! WARNING: We discuss Fourth Wing a…

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Ep 119. Progress Over Perfection: A Realistic Approach to Homesteading 13:47

1M ago13:47

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Ever feel stuck trying to make your homestead perfect? I've been there! In today's episode, I'm sharing personal stories and practical tips about why embracing progress over perfection can transform your homesteading journey from stressful to joyful. In this episode, you'll hear: Why "done" truly is better than "perfect," and how simple tasks (like…

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Ep 118. Containers vs. Raised Beds vs. In-Ground Gardens. Where Should You Plant What? 21:50

2M ago21:50

21:50

Deciding where to plant things can feel like a total mystery—especially when Instagram says one thing and your neighbor’s doing another. So let’s talk it through, without the pressure to get it “perfect.” In this episode, I’m breaking down the pros and practical uses for containers, raised beds, and in-ground gardening—plus how I decide where to pu…

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Rob Read: When the Ocean Bleeds 48:55

2M ago48:55

48:55

“One year, we actually offered the Faroe Islanders One million pounds to stop the hunts. 1 million pounds, which would go to promoting whale and dolphin tourism to the islands and marine conservation education to Faroese kids in schools. And the Faroese response to our offer was the most emphatic no you've ever had in your life. They actually held …

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Season 2 Trailer | Exploring the Empyrean Series! 21:17

2M ago21:17

21:17

🔥Welcome to Season 2 of The Midnight Readers Podcast! 🔥 After diving deep into the Zodiac Academy series, we’re turning our focus to Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series—Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm. Expect passionate reactions, in-depth discussions, and wild theories about this thrilling world of dragons, war, and rebellion! Subscribe and jo…

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Ep 117. Why Meal Planning is the Foundation of a Busy Homestead 18:39

2M ago18:39

18:39

When most people start homesteading, they jump straight to the fun stuff—sourdough, chickens, herbal remedies. But here's the truth: If your kitchen isn’t in rhythm, everything else feels harder. In this episode, I’m sharing why meal planning is the foundation of a sustainable, low-stress homestead—especially if you’re busy, in a season of life wit…

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Ep 116. Low-Maintenance, High-Reward Plants for the Garden 17:11

2M ago17:11

17:11

Tired of babysitting your garden all summer long? In this episode, we’re digging into the real MVPs of the garden—the plants that practically take care of themselves. I’m sharing a list of weird, wonderful, and wildly easy plants that give you an amazing harvest without demanding much of your time or energy. Whether you're short on bandwidth, just …

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171. Understanding Cortisol: A Chat with Holistic Health Coach Evgeniia Arasim 1:01:12

2M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

Today’s Sponsor: Homesteading & Skillful LivingMega Bundle 2025 Evgeniia’s Bio: Evgeniia Arasim is a homeschooling mama and holistic health coach dedicated to helping fellow homeschooling moms overcome burnout through movement, nourishing food, andmindset work. Originally from Russia, she grew up in a competitive school and sports environment but c…

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Andrew Stein: Living with Lions 46:39

2M ago46:39

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“If we march into that village and we start trying to persecute people for using poison, something that's very illegal, nobody's going to talk to us. We're not going to find out where the poison came from. We're not going to be able to shut anything down. We should take the approach that people are using poison because they're desperate, because th…

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Zodiac Academy: Restless Stars Part 5 1:25:02

2M ago1:25:02

1:25:02

Alas, the finale has arrived. For our last episode, we’re discussing quite a number of brand new tricks. The twins and their cadre have joined the last battle and we were on the edge of our seats at every turn! We got clay soldiers, fire tornadoes, bone rituals, and unreasonably powerful tiny dragons. But will we get final goodbyes for our favorite…

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Ep 115. The 3 Biggest Mistakes I Made Trying to Do It All on the Homestead 18:08

2M ago18:08

18:08

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the three biggest mistakes I made when I first started homesteading in the city—and what finally helped me stop burning out and start building a lifestyle that actually felt good. Whether you’re just getting started or you've been at this a while, I hope this episode feels like a big exhale. I’ll also walk you throug…

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Ep 114. Garden Cues and Habit Stacks: How to Actually Remember to Water Your Plants 13:33

2M ago13:33

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Let’s be honest — remembering to water the garden can be really hard when life is full of kids, work, laundry piles, and approximately one zillion other things. In today’s episode, we’re talking about realistic, no-pressure strategies to help you keep your garden alive and thriving without needing a perfect routine. I’m sharing my favorite habit st…

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Zodiac Academy: Restless Stars Part 4 1:23:44

2M ago1:23:44

1:23:44

Welcome back folks! We’re closing in on the end. It’s bittersweet! In this episode some unexpected allies join the cause and many of the plans we had no clue about come to fruition. We loved discussing the beginning of the war (battle… singular?) and all the preparations! Some gifts are given, and protagonists say their potential goodbyes to their …

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Ep 113. The Secret to Actually Following Through on Your Homestead Plans 22:40

2M ago22:40

22:40

Do you ever start a season full of homestead goals—sourdough, gardening, preserving—and then lose steam halfway through? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing the real reason so many of us struggle to follow through on our homesteading plans, and a simple mindset shift that will help you stay consistent (even when life gets busy). We’ll br…

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Jaap de Roode: Doctors by Nature 43:08

2M ago43:08

43:08

"But it makes a lot of sense especially when you think about how traditional healers and shamans have worked, they haven't felt that separation from nature like Western medics do. And so to rely on the knowledge of other species actually makes a lot of sense. It's probably a lot more than we know at the moment." - Jaap de Roode Jaap de Roode is a b…

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Ep 112. Everything You Need to Know About The Homestead Collective (and Why It's Different) 14:20

2M ago14:20

14:20

Welcome to The Homestead Collective! In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes tour of everything waiting for you inside this supportive, no-pressure homesteading community. Whether you’re brand new or just want to get oriented, this episode will help you: 🌿 Understand the heart behind The Homestead Collective 📦 Learn what’s included (mon…

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Zodiac Academy: Restless Stars Part 3 1:32:31

2M ago1:32:31

1:32:31

This week on the Midnight Readers Pod, we discuss some of our favorite topics around here: love, destruction of our enemies, dizzying acid trips in a muggy swamp, and embarrassing moments between siblings. This is Zodiac Academy, and it's still going strong. While there's some problems with the narrative end of this series, we are thrilled to see o…

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Smelly Trash, Clean Living and Loving Lunches with Leftovers (There's a Better Way) 24:40

2M ago24:40

24:40

I’m sharing some of my favorite homemaking hacks in the second installment of the "There’s a Better Way" series! From a clever trick to keep your trash bins smelling fresh to using the EWG Healthy Living app to choose safer household products, I’m diving into simple changes that make a big impact. Plus, I’m sharing how I turn leftovers into easy, d…

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Ep 111. 2 Things I am Focusing on Right Now on my Homestead to Move the Needle the Most 10:45

2M ago10:45

10:45

Spring is here, and if you’re feeling pulled in too many directions on your homestead — you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m sharing the two areas I’m focusing on right now and how I’m narrowing in on what actually matters most (even when I really want to do it all). I’ll also tell you about an exclusive 30-minute workshop I’m hosting this week t…