Best Melissa K Norris Podcasts (2025)

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Don’t Transplant These Crops—Why Direct Seeding Works Better w/ Don Tipping 50:13

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6d ago50:13

50:13

Join me with Don Tipping from Siskiyou Seeds as we discuss direct sowing methods for seeds. You’ll also want to catch his tips on how to keep weeds out of the garden, and his brilliant hack for using a flamethrower without ruining your seedlings. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/469 G…

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Outdoor Kitchens for the Homestead Why and How to Build Your Own 58:32

6d ago58:32

58:32

On today’s podcast episode, Harold and Rachel dive into the world of outdoor kitchens—why they’re a game-changer for homesteaders and how to design one that fits your needs and budget. From saving energy and simplifying canning to creating community spaces and preparing for emergencies, we cover the benefits, layout ideas, tools, materials, and rea…

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“It’s Just Who I Am” Is a Lie: What Your DNA Really Says About You with Dr. Tyler Panzner 49:14

7d ago49:14

49:14

“I used to think overwhelm was just who I was. But what if that story was written in my DNA—and I could edit it?” In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tyler Panzner, a PhD geneticist who’s on a mission to help people understand their bodies on a cellular level—literally. We met at Mindshare and hit it off in one of those rare, spark-filled conversa…

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Lard for Sunburn & SPF? What They Don’t Tell You About Skin Care 49:32

13d ago49:32

49:32

Join me with Farrow Skincare’s Charles Mayfield as we discuss the benefits of tallow and lard for skincare, especially pre-sun and post-sun skincare. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/468 Check out Farrow Skincare and get 15% off your purchase with coupon code “Melissa15”: https://farr…

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The Feminine Blueprint: Why Ancestral Cultures May Hold the Key to Modern Women’s Health with Mary Ruddick PT 1 37:33

14d ago37:33

37:33

What if the definition of a “strong woman” we’ve been given in the West is all wrong? In this conversation with the incredible Mary Ruddick whos’ often called the “Indiana Jones of Health”, we go deep into ancestral perspectives on female health, strength, and identity. Mary has lived with and studied traditional cultures across the globe, and what…

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Chewing the Fat About Our Homesteads: A Season of Change and Growth 57:32

14d ago57:32

57:32

In this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold and Rachel have a good old-fashioned homestead chat. They covered everything from sore backs to swales, compost piles to creating memories—things every homesteader can relate to. Find the full show notes and links mentioned at https://redemptionpermaculture.com/chewing-the-fat-about-our-hom…

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Thinking About Getting a Herding Dog? WATCH THIS FIRST 44:14

20d ago44:14

44:14

If you're looking to get a farm dog, you may be wondering which farm dog breeds are best. This can vary based on many factors, from your needs, your property and your time commitment to training the dog. Listen to this podcast interview with Jordyn Kelly from Working Aussies Homestead. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast…

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Protecting Your Family from Chronic Health Triggers, Hidden Ingredients, and a Medical System Built to Keep You in the Dark | Melissa Crispell 1:01:02

21d ago1:01:02

1:01:02

Today we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the least regulated health spaces out there: the supplement industry. I sat down with Melissa Crispell—traditional naturopath, nutrition specialist, and president of Pure Essentials—to uncover the dirty secrets hiding in your so-called “natural” supplements. Melissa spent over 15 years teaching practit…

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What Do We Owe Our Parents? Duty, Dementia, and First-Gen Identity in a Polarized World | Sophia Nguyen Eng 1:02:07

28d ago1:02:07

1:02:07

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my fellow San Jose native, Sophia Nguyen, for a conversation that’s as personal as it is powerful. We go deep into what it means to truly honor your elders—especially in a culture like the Vietnamese one, where family and generational responsibility are foundational. Sophia shares the emotional journey of …

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Garden Paths From A Permaculture Perspective 57:06

28d ago57:06

57:06

In this podcast episode, we explore how garden paths can do so much more than provide a place to walk—they can support soil health, manage water, grow food, host wildlife, and even tell a story. Designed with permaculture in mind, paths become a powerful tool for creating a productive and regenerative garden. From living groundcovers and composting…

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EP #466 Preserve More, Waste Less: Proven Homestead Tips for Long-Lasting Success 42:51

1M ago42:51

42:51

Join us for this month’s Homestead Kitchen Round Table as we talk about our favorite preservation methods and tips for getting our fresh produce preserved for the year while minimizing the stress. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/466 Be sure to sign up for the upcoming Homestead Kitch…

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The More I Cleaned Out My Pantry, the Better I Got – From Sick to Sovereign with Mira Dessy 52:51

1M ago52:51

52:51

If you’ve ever thought you were eating “clean” and still found yourself dealing with nagging health issues, this episode is gonna crack things wide open for you. I’m joined by the legendary Mira Dessy—The Ingredient Guru—and let me tell you, this conversation changed how I look at every single label in my pantry. Mira’s journey from multiple autoim…

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Grow More in Less Space: How to Garden Vertically 27:54

1M ago27:54

27:54

On today's podcast episode, Rachel talks about something that can totally change your garden — growing vertically! Whether you have a tiny backyard, a small deck, or just a balcony, vertical gardening is a fun way to grow more food and flowers without needing tons of space.Find the full show notes and links mentioned at https://redemptionpermacultu…

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Cancer Was Next – Melissa K. Norris on How Modern Food Nearly Broke Her and Homesteading Brought Her Back 55:44

1M ago55:44

55:44

What if living more ancestrally didn’t mean giving everything up—but instead meant gaining something back? In this episode of Everyday Ancestral, I’m joined by Melissa K. Norris—modern homesteader, author, and host of the Pioneering Today podcast—for a deep dive into what it really means to blend old-world wisdom with a modern lifestyle. Melissa an…

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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Broth (And Maybe a Little More!) 50:33

1M ago50:33

50:33

In this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Rachel talks all about broth. From simple meat stock to rich bone broth and even vegetable-based options, she breaks down the different types, their benefits, how to make them, and why they’re a staple in so many homestead kitchens. Whether you're new to broth or looking to fine-tune your process,…

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EP #465 - Mennonite Traditions for Simple Meals & Stronger Families w/ Ruthanne 1:08:01

2M ago1:08:01

1:08:01

We’re continuing the conversation of from-scratch cooking today with RuthAnn Zimmerman. Both of us agree that cooking from scratch does not mean you’re slaving away in the kitchen all day long, nor does it mean everything you eat has to be made from scratch. Listen to today’s podcast on implementing Mennonite traditions to create simple meals and s…

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The Hidden Vision Crisis Holding Our Kids Back — Dr. Bryce Appelbaum on How Functional Eye Health Transforms Learning, Focus, and Family Wellness 1:01:01

2M ago1:01:01

1:01:01

What if your child’s struggles with reading, focus, or headaches weren’t behavioral—but visual? In this deeply personal episode of Everyday Ancestral, I sit down with my friend and functional eye doctor, Dr. Bryce Appelbaum—someone who completely transformed my daughter’s life and, honestly, how our whole family sees health. Bryce is a neuro-optome…

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More Than Just Homesteading, Finding Deeper Purpose in What You Grow: Guest Ryan Blosser 47:26

2M ago47:26

47:26

In this podcast episode, we explore a refreshing new take on permaculture through the lens of Mulberries in the Rain, a deeply personal and story-driven book by Ryan Blosser and Trevor Piersol. Unlike traditional how-to guides, this book weaves together memories, relationships, and life lessons with plants—making permaculture feel alive, heartfelt,…

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How to Get Homemade Meals on the Table When You're Busy - EP #464 25:57

2M ago25:57

25:57

Struggling to make healthy, from-scratch meals during a busy week? In this episode of the Homestead Kitchen Round Table, Melissa is joined by Rachel, Michelle, and Sophia to share real-food batch cooking tips, time-saving kitchen strategies, and practical meal-planning ideas for busy families—whether you’re cooking for two or ten. Say goodbye to la…

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The Wellness Industry Is Gaslighting People — And They Don’t Even Know It: Dr. Abby Kramer Exposes the Truth About Supplements 59:12

2M ago59:12

59:12

Friends, this one’s a wake-up call. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Abby Kramer—a chiropractor, holistic physician, and co-founder of Fringe—to pull back the curtain on an industry that’s quietly misleading millions of health-conscious folks: the supplement world. We talk about the hidden fillers, flavorings, and proprietary “natural” blends i…

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Cooking from Scratch Tips for Busy Homesteaders with Guest Melissa K. Norris 1:14:31

2M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

In this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, we’re joined by the amazing Melissa K. Norris—homesteader, author, and founder of the Pioneering Today Podcast! Melissa shares practical, real-life tips for cooking from scratch, even during the busiest seasons on the homestead. From batch cooking to freezer-friendly favorites and mastering one do…

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Modern Food is Failing Us — Dr. Bill Schindler on Ancestral Eating, Industry Deception, and the Healing Power of Fermentation - Part 2 1:06:17

2M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

Dr. Bill Schindler is one of the most grounded and visionary voices when it comes to food—not just what we’re eating, but how disconnected we’ve become from the process. This is Part 2 of our conversation, so if you haven’t yet listened to Part 1, I highly recommend you scroll down and check that out first—the link’s below. In this episode, we go e…

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Permaculture Fences: Creating Boundaries with Purpose and Functionality 45:02

2M ago45:02

45:02

Fences serve many roles on a homestead—keeping livestock in, keeping predators out, marking property boundaries, and providing privacy. However, in permaculture, we strive to make everything serve multiple functions. Well-designed permaculture fences can do much more than just create a barrier; it can become an integral part of the ecosystem, enhan…

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EP:463 Timing is Everything: The Secret to More Powerful Herbal Remedies 41:56

2M ago41:56

41:56

Enjoy this podcast interview with Bevin Cohen as we discuss many medicinal herbs, their uses and the best time to harvest various herbs for the most medicinal properties. Though this post isn't an extensive look at each herb, if you'd like to learn more, be sure to grab a copy of Bevin's book, Herbs in Every Season to learn more! In his book, he sh…

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Modern Food is Failing Us — Dr. Bill Schindler on Ancestral Eating, Industry Deception, and the Healing Power of Fermentation - Part 1 53:10

2M ago53:10

53:10

Dr. Bill Schindler is a food archaeologist, chef, and ancestral nutrition expert who has traveled the world studying how our ancestors truly nourished themselves. In this conversation, we dig into how the modern food industry has stripped our meals of nutrients, flavor, and tradition—and what we can do to fix it. Bill lays it all out—most ‘healthy’…

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Tips For Starting And Operating A Homestead On A Small Budget 44:08

2M ago44:08

44:08

Embarking on the journey of starting a homestead from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially when considering the possible costs involved. However, it’s possible to live the homesteading lifestyle with a small budget.These tips will guide you through the top lessons I've learned from starting and operating a homestead on a small budget and helpe…

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EP: 462 Foraging Freedom: Find Wild Mushrooms & Cut Your Grocery Bill 49:52

3M ago49:52

49:52

From a preparedness standpoint, knowing how to identify and properly harvest and prepare wild edibles means you'll be able to feed yourself (and your family) if ever the need arises. In this podcast interview, Whitney (The Appalachian Forager) and I are discussing some common foraging basics to keep you safe, as well as some basic mushroom identifi…

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Modern Toxins vs. Ancestral Health: How Mold and Lyme Disease Disrupt Wellness with Dr. Brandy Cummings 50:53

3M ago50:53

50:53

Dr. Brandy Cummings is not your typical nutritionist. She’s a former blackjack dealer turned root-cause health expert who understands what it’s like to feel dismissed by conventional medicine. After losing her first pregnancy to severe mold exposure and battling a wave of debilitating symptoms—weight gain, vertigo, anxiety, and hormone imbalances—s…

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Designing & Implementing Permaculture/Regenerative Systems with Takota Coen 1:34:41

3M ago1:34:41

1:34:41

Everyone dreams of a thriving homestead—a place where fresh food is just steps away and animals live in harmony with the land. Permaculture offers a way to design that dream and help it grow over time. In this podcast episode guest Takota Coen—who has spent years learning, experimenting, and helping others—gives us advice on things to consider to d…

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Herbal Wisdom Roundtable: Our Best Remedies & Why They Work 30:09

3M ago30:09

30:09

Join me for another Roundtable podcast with my guests Michelle, Rachel and Sophia as we discuss all things herbalism. From growing new varieties of medicinal herbs to how to get our resistant family members to use herbal remedies. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/461…

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Raw Dairy, Red Meat, and Saturated Fats Healed Me – Will Witt on Breaking Free from Fake Health 54:47

3M ago54:47

54:47

Will Witt is living proof that questioning mainstream health advice can be life-changing, especially when the truth is buried under layers of misinformation. For those seeking a return to ancestral wisdom and self-reliance, his journey is a wake-up call. Diagnosed with gout at just 24, he was told to cut out red meat and eat more vegetables—but tha…

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Planning A Holistic Garden: A Sustainable Approach to Feeding People, Livestock, Pollinators, and Soil 49:26

3M ago49:26

49:26

The Modern Homesteading Podcast - Episode 275 A well-planned garden can provide more than just food for people—it can support livestock, pollinators, and soil health all at once. A Four-Fold Holistic Food Garden integrates these elements, creating a balanced ecosystem that maximizes productivity and sustainability. By focusing on these four key are…

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EP: 460 Mastering Money on the Homestead: Budgeting & Debt-Free Living with Popcorn Finance 41:36

3M ago41:36

41:36

Join me for this podcast interview with Chris Browning of Popcorn Finance as we discuss the importance of budgeting, saving and planning for the future. He’s sharing his best tips for how to get out of debt and create a life that will sustain your homesteading dreams for the future. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, v…

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Fix Your Metabolism, Save Your Heart: Dr. Philip Ovadia on Preventing Disease the Natural Way 48:29

3M ago48:29

48:29

For generations, our ancestors thrived without heart disease plaguing their communities—so what changed? Dr. Philip Ovadia has spent decades performing open-heart surgeries, but after struggling with obesity and losing 100 pounds himself, he realized the real key to preventing heart disease isn’t surgery—it’s fixing metabolic health before disease …

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EP: 459 Why Organizing Won’t Fix Your Clutter (Do This Instead) with Dana K White 44:49

3M ago44:49

44:49

Join me for this podcast interview with Dana K White from A Slob Comes Clean! We’re talking about the multiple reasons why your home may continue to get cluttered and how to change your mindset to finally stay on top of it all. For more information and any links mentioned in today’s podcast, visit https://melissaknorris.com/459…

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Leaves With Surprising Uses (Besides Food) for Your Homestead 1:09:19

3M ago1:09:19

1:09:19

When we think of leaves, we often picture them as the green parts of plants that we compost or occasionally toss into the cooking pot. However, many leaves offer a wealth of unique benefits beyond simple culinary uses. They can help improve soil health, provide natural pest control, serve as crafting materials, and even support herbal remedies—all …

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From Picky Eating to Gut Healing: Kate Pope on Nourishing Your Child the Ancestral Way 55:00

3M ago55:00

55:00

Ever feel like feeding your kid is a constant battle? Like no matter what you try, they only want the same five foods? Kate Pope gets it—and she’s here to flip the script on how we nourish our children the way our ancestors did. After her own health struggles led her to uncover the power of gut health, she became a Holistic Chef, Nutritional Therap…

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Reversing Osteoporosis: The Truth About Bone Loss & Strength with The Bone Coach, Kevin Ellis 43:46

3M ago43:46

43:46

Kevin Ellis, aka Bone Coach™, is here to share his proven system for stopping bone loss, reversing osteoporosis, and building lifelong bone strength. Diagnosed with osteoporosis in his late 20s, he refused to accept the usual ‘take calcium and wait’ advice. Instead, he developed a science-backed osteoporosis treatment plan that has helped thousands…

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Exploring Seed Starting Soil and Tray Options 1:02:21

3M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

Starting seeds indoors can be a rewarding step in gardening. It allows you to get a head start on the growing season, select the best plant varieties, and save money compared to buying seedlings. However, success depends on a few key factors, two of which are the right soil mix and the proper seed trays. In this episode, we’ll explore the best soil…