Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Homesteading Made Simple I Joyfully Prepared
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| Learning to Knit: Let Go of Perfectionism & Find Joy with Alice O'Connell | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:45:33 | |
Have you ever wanted to learn something new but talked yourself out of it because you were afraid you wouldn't be good at it? You're not alone! This week, I'm joined by the absolutely delightful Alice O'Connell of Learn to Knit Online. Alice spent years working as a British television and theater actress before discovering knitting as a way to stay calm, grounded, and awake during long days on set. What started with a rather lumpy scarf eventually became a lifelong passion for teaching others. And let me tell you, Alice has some incredible stories to share! In this episode, we talk about:
We also share some personal stories about learning new skills, including my own adventures in quilting and learning to knit mittens and socks while serving as a missionary in Finland. One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is that we don't have to be perfect at something to find joy in doing it. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give ourselves is permission to learn, make mistakes, laugh, and celebrate the little victories along the way. So grab two sticks and some yarn, and come join us!
Here's what I want from you this week: make something. Knit a wonky row, bake a lopsided loaf, plant one pot of herbs. It doesn't have to be pretty. It has to be yours. Then send me a picture. I mean it. Ceramics, bread, a scarf with a hole in it — I don't care what it is. DM me on Instagram at @joyfulprepper, post it in the Joyfully Prepared Facebook group, or send it through the website. You will get the biggest cheer you can imagine, because I know you're doing your best. And share this one with the friend who says, "Oh, I could never do that." She can. She just needs someone to tell her it's okay to be messy first.
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| Two Is One, One Is None: Why Backups Matter with Greg Peterson | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:47:45 | |
Have you ever thought you were prepared for an emergency, only to discover that something you were counting on didn't work? That's exactly what happened to Greg Peterson during Hurricane Helene. His generator failed. His backup battery failed. And suddenly, the old preparedness saying "Two is one, one is none" became very real. But preparedness doesn't have to be complicated, expensive, or frightening. In this conversation, Greg and I talk about what it really means to live a prepared life. We share stories, laugh about our collections of pressure canners and dehydrators, and explore how small, everyday choices can make a tremendous difference when life takes an unexpected turn. In this episode, we talk about:
Preparedness isn't about collecting enough stuff to survive every possible disaster. It's about learning to live in a way that gives you confidence, peace, and the ability to help others. Start with what you have. Learn something new. Build a little at a time. And don't forget to test that generator! Connect with Greg PetersonGreg is the founder of The Urban Farm and host of The Urban Farm Podcast, where he shares inspiring stories and practical knowledge about growing food, urban farming, and creating stronger communities. Listen to The Urban Farm Podcast: Available on your favorite podcast platform. Greg Peterson, The Urban Farm Podcast — https://www.urbanfarm.org/blog/podcast/ Connect with WendiExplore homesteading, food storage, canning, and preparedness resources at Joyfully Prepared . Find more episodes of Homesteading Made Simple on your favorite podcast platform and YouTube.
Mentioned in this episode
Free from me
Safety references worth bookmarking
Find me
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| Why Does Everything Fall Apart When You Stop? | 15 Sep 2026 | 00:20:30 | |
Why does everything seem to fall apart the minute we stop working on it? It started for me with a red towel. That towel reminded me of a brilliant organization system I created years ago for my seven kids. Everyone got their own color. No more missing towels. No more confusion. Except, of course, it didn't quite work that way. And that's what got me thinking about entropy. Things naturally move toward disorder. Dishes pile up. Laundry returns. Weeds grow. Houses need repairs. Our bodies need care. And somehow there is always another meal to make. It doesn't mean we're doing it wrong. In this episode, we're talking about what happens when you have too many plates spinning and why constantly trying harder may not be the answer. We'll talk about: • Why organization requires ongoing energy You already know how to spin a lot of these plates. The question might not be, "How do I get better at keeping all of them spinning?" It might be, "Why am I spinning all of these plates in the first place?" Mentioned in this episode: Joyfully Prepared Library -https://www.joyfullypreparedlibrary.com Meal Planning Worksheet - https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning Joyfully Prepared Realtor - https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ Website - https://joyfullyprepared.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/joyfulprepper Facebook - https://www.joyfulprepgroup.com Safe Water Drop: SafeWaterDrop.com
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| Iridology & Homesteading: An Old-School Approach to Health | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:42:22 | |
Can someone really look into your eyes and learn something about what’s happening inside your body? I’ve been fascinated by iridology for years, so I invited naturopath and iridologist Dr. Angel Hill to finally help me understand it. Angel is a second-generation naturopath who has studied thousands of eyes during her career. She explains how iridology works, what she looks for in the iris, and why she considers it a non-invasive, non-diagnostic tool for helping her clients understand their bodies. We also get into a much bigger conversation about taking responsibility for our health and learning some of the signals our bodies may be giving us. In this episode, we talk about: • What iridology is and how Angel uses it Angel also shares three simple practices she recommends people start with:
This conversation reminded me of something I believe deeply about homesteading: self-reliance isn’t just about growing food, preserving the harvest, or preparing for emergencies. It’s also about learning how to care for the body God gave us. Connect with Dr. Angel Hill
Angel also has a video explaining iridology, including examples of eyes and some of the things she looks for. Iridology Video Connect with WendiMeal Planning Worksheet - https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning Joyfully Prepared Realtor - https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ Website - https://joyfullyprepared.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/joyfulprepper Facebook - https://www.joyfulprepgroup.com Joyfully Prepared Library -https://www.joyfullypreparedlibrary.com
A quick note: Iridology is considered a complementary or alternative health practice and should not be used to diagnose disease or replace appropriate medical care. | |||
| Who's Actually Homesteading in 2026? | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:25:08 | |
42% of American homesteaders came from zero farming background. No grandparent with a garden, no summer on somebody's farm. Nothing. And 28% of them are doing this on less than one acre. Homesteaders of America just released their 2026 survey — over 4,000 homesteaders, compared against the survey they ran in 2022. So for the first time, we can see what actually changed in four years. Retirement nearly doubled. Full-time employment dropped. Land got smaller, not bigger. And every single reason people gave for homesteading got strongerbetween the day they started and today. I read the whole thing twice, because apparently I'm that person now. But here's why I cared: I have people sitting across from me trying to decide whether to buy a piece of land, and almost all of them say some version of the same sentence — "I feel like I'm the only one." This report says: no, honey. You're the majority. I'm Wendi Bergin — homesteader, realtor, and the host of Homesteading Made Simple. Preparedness brings peace, not fear. This one's a foundation episode; I'll be pulling threads out of it for weeks. We talk about:
If you've ever wondered whether you're too late, don't have enough land, or don't know enough to call yourself a homesteader, this episode is for you. The land is the container. What matters is whether that container fits the life you actually want to live. Start where you are. Learn one skill. Then another. Preparedness brings peace, not fear.
Come find me
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| When Do You Get to Call Yourself a Homesteader? | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:27:19 | |
When do you actually get to call yourself a homesteader? Is there some committee that sends you a certificate? 😂 I've realized that I have a funny habit of doing the thing and then still telling myself I'm not quite the real deal. So in this episode, I'm opening up my Transformation Journal and looking back over the last eight weeks of life. We're talking about:
We are very good at finishing something and immediately moving the goalpost. But sometimes we need to stop, look backward, and notice the evidence. You may already be becoming the person you've been trying so hard to become. Ask yourself: What evidence from the last eight weeks shows who you're becoming? A few things worth writing down
Links
Come find me If you don't keep a journal yet, don't buy anything. Grab whatever notebook is already in the drawer and write down three wins tonight. That's the whole assignment. And then tell me what you're becoming — I really do want to know. https://joyfullyprepared.com/contact-me/ If this one landed, send it to the friend who does more in a week than anyone you know and still says she "hasn't really gotten around to anything."
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| Would You Date This Homestead? Red Flags Before You Buy | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:27:15 | |
Nobody puts a picture of the barn in the listing and says, "We're not completely sure what's holding this thing up." Buying a homestead is a lot like dating — and today we're playing Would you date this homestead? We're past the basics. You know your price, your location, your acreage. This is what happens after the property catches your eye: what the listing photos aren't showing you, what to look for when you finally walk the land, the deed restriction that nearly cost us the property we loved, and the plumbing problem hiding under our slab that no inspection caught. I'm Wendi Bergin — Realtor, homesteader, and someone who has crossed a beautiful property off her own list more than once. Preparedness brings peace, not fear. That applies to buying land too. Chapters
A few things worth writing down
Links
Come find me If you're thinking about buying a homestead here in Florida, I would love to help you. If you're buying somewhere else, I can still help you interview an agent in your area who knows that "room for chickens" is not enough information. Reach out before you commit to that charming farmhouse with the questionable fence — https://joyfullyprepared.com/contact-me/ And if this one was useful, send it to the friend who's been sending you Zillow listings at eleven at night. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| Too Many Tomatoes? Preserve the Harvest | 11 Aug 2026 | 00:46:31 | |
Greg Peterson says the only place that lack lives is between our ears — and if you've ever stood in your kitchen staring at 50 pounds of tomatoes, you know he's right. We talk about what to do with all of it. Greg hosts The Urban Farm Podcast (he just passed episode 1,000), and this one runs on both our feeds. We get into the harvest mindset, the one mistake that turns abundance into panic, and a long list of ways to put tomatoes, zucchini, and basil up for winter — including a few I'd never tried until this year. If you're new here: I'm Wendi Bergin, and I believe preparedness brings peace. Not fear. Peace. Chapters
A few things worth writing down
Links
Come find me Homesteading Made Simple / Joyfully Prepared — wherever you listen, and now on YouTube. If this one helped, share it with the friend whose counter is currently buried in zucchini. Joyfully Prepared Library -https://www.joyfullypreparedlibrary.com Meal Planning Worksheet - https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning Joyfully Prepared Realtor - https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ Website - https://joyfullyprepared.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/joyfulprepper Facebook - https://www.joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| Everybody Needs a Carol | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:21:10 | |
Some days the news is too much. The food industry is working against us, the wars won't stop, the education system is a mess, and there's a phone in your pocket demanding you pay attention to all of it. You can't fix any of that today. But you can create peace, calm, and rest inside your own home — and that starts with you. Wendi's friend Carol was her cheerleader through years of raising seven kids and homeschooling them. On the days Wendi called crying that she was a horrible mother, Carol told her the truth: you're doing a great job. Even on the day she sat on the couch and did nothing, Carol said, "I think that was your best today." This episode is Wendi being your Carol. In this episode:
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." — Isaiah 55:8–9 Mentioned in this episode:
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| BeanTok: Why Everyone Is Suddenly Eating Beans | 28 Jul 2026 | 00:25:22 | |
Welcome to BeanTok! Apparently, the internet has finally discovered what homesteaders and prepared families have known for years—beans are pretty amazing. In this episode, we're separating the hype from the helpful, exploring why beans are suddenly trending on TikTok, and talking about how one inexpensive pantry staple can improve your health, simplify meal planning, and save money on groceries. Today's Joyfully Prepared Takeaways
Cook one pound of dried beans. Use them in at least two different meals this week. If you're feeling adventurous, blend a few cannellini beans into your morning protein shake—you just might surprise yourself! Resources Mentioned
Remember, preparedness doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes it begins with something as simple as learning to use what's already in your pantry. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/
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| What Type of Homestead Manager Are You? | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:20:20 | |
Ever feel like everyone else has a beautiful planner and a color-coded freezer inventory while you're just... remembering things? A Facebook question about staying organized turned into something better: proof that there are four completely different ways to run a homestead, and all of them work. Find out which kind of homestead manager you are — and why your natural wiring is the strength you should be building on, not fighting. What you'll learn
Most of us are a little bit of several. Play to your strength
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| Choosing the Right Food for Every Emergency | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:23:14 | |
In this episode you'll learn:
Buy one freeze-dried meal and taste-test it with your family. Decide together whether it's something you would actually want to eat during an emergency. Then take a look at your pantry and see if you're building all three layers of preparedness. Remember: Preparedness isn't about buying everything. It's about making thoughtful decisions that bring peace. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| How to Make Better Homestead Decisions | 07 Jul 2026 | 00:21:04 | |
Have you ever bought something because everyone else said you needed it? This week, Wendi shares the surprising lessons from a heated Facebook discussion asking, "What's the biggest waste of money on a homestead?" While the original answer was raised garden beds, the comments revealed something much deeper: every homestead is different, and wise decisions depend on your unique circumstances. In this episode, you'll learn:
Whether you have a suburban backyard, a few acres, or a working farm, this episode will help you make thoughtful, intentional decisions that fit your family and your goals. Remember: Preparedness isn't about buying what everyone else buys. It's about making thoughtful decisions that bring peace to your life. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| Two Successes and a Failure (A Six-Week Update) | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:20:27 | |
🌟 Highlights & takeaways
Is there someone you admire that you could simply ask, "Can I come visit you? I want to see you in your element and learn more about you." Imagine how much lovelier the world would be if we did more of that.
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| Hurricane Prep Without the Panic | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:14:13 | |
Hurricane season is underway, and this replay is your permission slip to prep without the panic. Wendi breaks hurricane readiness into a 12-week countdown to calm — a little at a time, on a real-life budget, tailored to your actual family. Whether you're prepping for a hurricane, a winter ice storm, or just the power going out, these baby steps train your brain to be ready before you need to be. What you'll learn in this episode:
Chapters / Timestamps:
Mentioned / Linked Resources:
Connect with Joyfully Prepared:
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ Remember: you're not alone, and preparing can feel good — not scary. | |||
| Small Homestead Income Ideas for Real Life | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:20:22 | |
In today’s episode, we’re talking about peaceful, practical homestead income ideas for real life. Not giant farm empires. Just simple, thoughtful ideas that may help support your family while building skills, capability, and confidence along the way. We discuss:
Wendi also shares encouragement for women who feel overwhelmed by modern homesteading culture online and reminds listeners that peaceful progress still counts.
Download the free printable guide: This simple companion guide includes:
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| How I Fed 7 Kids With Simple Ingredients | 09 Jun 2026 | 00:19:47 | |
Wendi shares why she believes old-fashioned kitchen skills are becoming important again as families navigate rising grocery prices, busy schedules, and financial stress. From whole chickens and dry beans to whole grains and food storage, this episode explores practical ways to stretch food, reduce overwhelm, and create more peace at home.
Simple Stove Top Beans
This week, try learning one practical kitchen skill:
Tiny skills build confidence.
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| How to Make Progress When You Feel Overwhelmed | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:17:23 | |
What if real change doesn’t happen through giant bursts of motivation… but through tiny repeated stitches over time? In this heartfelt and humorous episode, Wendi Bergin shares her idea for a “15-Minute Summer” after realizing that spending just 15 minutes a day learning to quilt would give her nearly 18 hours of practice before her daughter returns to school. That simple realization opened the door to a bigger conversation about overwhelm, motherhood, preparedness, burnout, perfectionism, and why the brain often resists massive projects but responds well to tiny manageable steps. Using quilting as a metaphor for life, Wendi explores how meaningful things are often built slowly: She also shares the psychology behind small habits, including how small wins create momentum in the brain and why manageable goals help reduce emotional resistance and procrastination. The episode takes a deeper turn into disappointment and unmet expectations with the phrase: Wendi discusses how cognitive reframing and emotional resilience can help us continue showing up for our lives even when plans fall apart, routines get messy, or progress feels slower than expected. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, discouraged, or emotionally exhausted, this episode is a gentle reminder that tiny stitches still matter. Your life does not need a giant overhaul overnight. Maybe you just need the next 15 minutes. Connect with Wendi Bergin and share your own “15-Minute Summer” goal at wendi@joyfulprep.com Joyfully Prepared Library -https://www.joyfullypreparedlibrary.com Meal Planning Worksheet - https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning Joyfully Prepared Realtor - https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ Website - https://joyfullyprepared.com Instagram - https://instagram.com/joyfulprepper Facebook - https://www.joyfulprepgroup.com
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| You’re Doing Better Than You Think You Are | 26 May 2026 | 00:25:14 | |
Do you ever feel like you’re not accomplishing enough? Like everyone else is moving forward while you’re just trying to survive the laundry, the dishes, the caregiving, the stress, and everyday life? In this episode, I want to encourage you that you are probably doing much better than you think you are. Today I’m sharing stories and reflections from the past several weeks around the Bergin homestead and talking about why keeping a “Transformation Journal” has completely changed the way I see growth, progress, preparedness, and everyday life. We talk about:
This episode is really about learning to notice the small victories: Because preparedness is not just about food storage and emergency supplies. It is also about becoming: Transformation Journal Page - https://d11n7da8rpqbjy.cloudfront.net/joyfulprep/30670081_1779712764440Transformation_Journal_Page-2.pdf Joyful Grain Method Book - https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/grain 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| Why I’m Talking More Seriously About Preparedness | 19 May 2026 | 00:19:35 | |
This week’s episode is a little different. Wendi shares a more serious and realistic conversation about preparedness, rising prices, and the importance of paying attention to what’s happening around us without falling into fear or panic. From increasing oil prices to hurricane season in Florida, this episode explores why preparedness is becoming more important for everyday families and why “sticking our heads in the sand” doesn’t actually create peace. But this conversation is not about doom and gloom. It’s about learning how to become more steady, more capable, and more prepared in a calm and practical way. Wendi talks about:
She also shares a personal story about preparing for a hurricane in Florida, praying through fear, and finding peace even when circumstances felt uncertain. Throughout the episode, Wendi reminds listeners that preparedness does not have to be extreme to matter. Small peaceful actions count. Buying a few extra groceries, learning a skill, checking flashlights, storing water, or building a simple first aid kit can all help create more calm and resilience at home. This episode is for anyone who wants to prepare realistically without becoming fearful, overwhelmed, or obsessed with worst-case scenarios. Preparedness brings peace. Joyfully Prepared Kitchen Helper: https://www.joyfullyprepared.com/gpt 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| 3 Herbs Every Woman Should Know | 12 May 2026 | 00:18:44 | |
Today we’re keeping herbalism simple. Not “buy 47 jars and memorize Latin names” simple. 😄 In this episode of the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi shares three gentle, beginner-friendly herbs every woman should know and why these simple plants can become part of a calmer, more grounded life. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by herbalism, natural remedies, or all the information online, this episode is your reminder that you do not need to know everything to begin. Wendi walks through:
She also explains:
This episode also includes simple encouragement for mothers and caregivers who spend so much time taking care of everyone else that they forget to support themselves. Additional herbs mentioned: You’ll also hear:
✨ Key Reminder From This Episode: If you’re local to Central Florida, Wendi also shares details about her beginner herbal class where students can touch, smell, and learn practical uses for herbs in a simple, non-intimidating environment. Email: wendi@joyfulprep.com 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| Prepared, Not Panicked: A Real-Life Hurricane Lesson | 05 May 2026 | 00:09:33 | |
A Story That Changes Everything
Wendi shares a personal experience from Hurricane Isabel in 2003 that reshaped how she views preparedness and self-reliance. The Power of Taking ActionA family friend drives five hours after a hurricane to get what his family needs instead of waiting for help.
You don’t have to prepare for everything. Instead:
You can be affected by a situation without becoming stuck in it. There’s a difference between:
Simple things that make a big difference:
It’s okay to pause and feel it. Then ask: That question is where self-reliance begins. The Bigger MessagePreparedness is not about control. It allows you to:
Preparedness brings peace.
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| I Was a Doomsday Prepper… Until This | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:23:31 | |
Preparedness has a reputation problem. For many people, it feels intense, overwhelming, or even fear-based. But what if preparedness was never meant to feel that way? In this episode of the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin shares a personal story that reshaped her entire approach to preparedness. After being called out for sounding “doomsday” during a simple playdate conversation, she realized something important: fear doesn’t help families feel prepared… it creates more stress. That moment became the foundation of her mission today. Wendi now teaches a different approach to preparedness—one rooted in peace, confidence, and simple, practical action. _____________________________________________________ What You'll Learn in This Episode
The 5 Pillars of Preparedness Wendi breaks preparedness down into five simple, approachable areas: 1.Food Storage and Food Security Create a reliable backup plan for meals, tight budgets, and busy days. Learn how building a pantry with foods your family actually eats can bring immediate peace of mind. 2. Emergency Preparedness Prepare for short-term disruptions like power outages and storms with simple, practical tools like water, light, and backup cooking options. Butane Stove - https://a.co/d/07OrReeV 3. Skill Development Build confidence through skills like cooking from scratch, food preservation, gardening, and herbal remedies. Skills are long-term preparedness that never run out. 4. Preparedness Gear Use tools intentionally. Focus on quality over quantity and learn how to use what you own so it actually supports your life. 5. Financial Preparedness Create margin and awareness in your finances so you can navigate unexpected expenses and rising costs with more confidence and less stress. A Simple Challenge to Get Started Don’t try to do everything. Pick one pillar and take one small step this week:
Preparedness is built slowly… one decision at a time. Preparedness Isn't About Becoming Extreme It’s about creating a home that feels:
Even when life isn’t. Resources and Next Steps If you’re ready to build preparedness in a simple, step-by-step way without overwhelm: 👉 Explore the Joyfully Prepared Library https://www.joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 👉 Visit: https://joyfullyprepared.com Wendi Bergin teaches homesteading skills, food storage, and self-reliance in a way that feels approachable, realistic, and rooted in everyday life. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| Truth About Your Food (And What To Do) w/ Judith Horvath | 21 Apr 2026 | 00:59:52 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Judith Horvath to talk about what it really looks like to grow your own food… without overwhelm. What started as trying to help her kids with food sensitivities turned into building a farm, learning regenerative agriculture, and helping others reconnect with where their food comes from. We talk about:
This is a conversation about starting where you are, learning as you go, and building a life that feels more grounded, capable, and joyful. 🔗 Connect with JudithRegenerative Ag Design: regenerativeagdesign.com
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| How Messy Progress Turns Into Real Results | 14 Apr 2026 | 00:19:36 | |
In today’s episode, Wendi celebrates four years of podcasting with a heartfelt and honest update on life, business, and growth over the past six weeks. She shares:
Progress isn’t neat, organized, or perfect. It’s built in the middle of real life. If things feel messy, you’re probably closer than you think.
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| Why Chickens Are Easier Than You Think | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:32:31 | |
In This Episode:
Buff Clucks - Use code PREP10 to save 10% off your order | |||
| My Failure Taught Me This About Preparedness | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:20:30 | |
A very honest “I forgot sunscreen” moment Why denial sometimes sneaks into our planning Making meaningful memories with family… even when things go wrong What a serious sunburn actually feels like (and why it sneaks up on you) What to do when the ship store is sold out of aloe Using herbal knowledge in real life: Black tea for pulling heat from the skin Chamomile for calming irritation Peppermint for a cooling sensation How to make a simple tea compress (fomentation) for sunburn relief Why skills matter more than having the “perfect” supplies A small win: having a basic first aid kit on hand A surprising lesson from a leaking jar of jam in Grand Cayman Why proper sealing matters in home food preservation Trusting your instincts when something feels “off” with food A quick reminder about safe canning practices (and when to throw food away) The bigger takeaway: preparedness is a mindset, not perfection Why sunscreen belongs in your 72-hour kit Learning to think through problems and respond with what you have
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| Stop Assuming Someone Else Will Be Prepared | 17 Mar 2026 | 00:14:58 | |
n this episode, Wendi shares a more pointed but encouraging message about preparedness, responsibility, and community. After hearing people joke for years about showing up at her home during a crisis, she explores the deeper mindset behind that statement and why it matters. Preparedness isn’t about fear or hoarding supplies. It’s about becoming someone who is useful, capable, and ready to contribute when life becomes difficult. In This Episode• Why the phrase “I’m coming to your house if something happens” reveals a deeper mindset Preparedness is not about hiding away with supplies. Preparedness is about becoming someone who is useful when things get hard. Resources MentionedJoyfully Prepared Library Visit:
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ Share the EpisodeIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or family member. Preparedness grows stronger when more people learn, contribute, and support their communities. | |||
| 3 Things to Know Before Buying Land for a Homestead | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:19:15 | |
In this episode, Wendi shares three foundational principles for choosing property for a homestead. Homesteading dreams often begin with land, but many buyers focus on the house and overlook important details about zoning, soil, water, and long term sustainability. Wendi explains how the right property can support a self reliant lifestyle while the wrong property can limit what is possible. In This Episode• Why five acres does not always mean freedom Wendi also shares stories from her own homesteading journey and explains why she became a Realtor to help others find property that truly supports the life they want to build. If you are dreaming about land, gardens, chickens, or a future homestead, this episode will help you think through the foundation before you buy. Episode 111 - Building Resilient Homes for Uncertain Times Episode 199 - How to Start Homesteading Without Land
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com 🏡Real Estate: https://joyfullyprepared.com/realestate/ | |||
| Biggest Canning Mistakes I See Every Year | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:24:28 | |
Biggest Canning Mistakes I See Every Year
Canning competitions aren’t just about ribbons. They’re about courage, skill stacking, community, and stewardship. As Chairperson of the Food Preservation Division at the Florida Strawberry Festival, Wendi shares what really happens behind the scenes — from checking processing times to guiding judges through taste evaluations. What Wendi Learned This YearMany new canners don’t realize food has changed over time Modern tomatoes are often lower in acid than older varieties USDA guidelines evolve because food and agriculture evolve pH matters because botulism cannot grow in high acid foods Water bath vs pressure canning isn’t optional — it’s science Modified recipes require modified processing methods Jars must be washed after processing and rings removed before storage Clean, classic flavors often win over complex combinations Common Mistakes That Lead to DisqualificationIncorrect processing times Using water bath when pressure canning is required Adding low-acid ingredients like corn or extra onions without adjusting processing Not following jar size guidelines Leaving rings on and failing to wash jars after sealing Behind the Judging TableJudging is social and collaborative. Judges talk, compare notes, and influence each other. Over three years, a pattern has emerged: Simple, balanced, classic flavors tend to win. Strawberry jam. That doesn’t mean creative flavors are wrong. It simply means familiar flavors are easier for a group to agree on. Wendi’s EncouragementEntering a competition is skill stacking in action: Learning to can Following a tested recipe Filling out paperwork Showing up prepared Receiving feedback Even if you don’t win, you gain: Confidence Experience Community connection Improved technique And that matters more than the ribbon.
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| Surviving Survivor w/ Liz Wilcox | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:49:54 | |
What we cover
Why Wendi wanted the survival side of Survivor, not just gameplay The bathroom reality: no toilet paper, “Coconut Grove,” and leaf roulette The pre game survival briefing and what it does and does not teach you Fire making in Fiji, and why moisture makes everything harder Why digging a fire pit is basically impossible on volcanic rock The rule about losing flint, and how banking embers can save you Wildlife risks and what they warned contestants about The surprising reason bigger fish are discouraged What they actually ate: crabs, small fish, worms, and the hunt for fruit Food allergies on the island and how that changes everything The stingray moment: how it was caught, how it was killed, and how it got ruined Bug bites, scent differences, and why some people get wrecked and others do not Parasites, water concerns, and what contestants do after the show The deeper lesson Liz brought home: receiving grace, not just giving it Wendi’s closing message: skills are a bank account that never depletes Memorable moments and quotes“Survivor is real baby. They do not give you toilet paper.” “Do not boil a stingray.” “Skills are what brings freedom.” “You can never deplete the reservoir of skills.” Listener questionWould you go on Survivor? Liz Wilcox
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| How Small Homestead Skills Create Big Confidence | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:24:18 | |
In This Episode: Why Wendi is identifying as a quilter before making her first quilt The power of practicing simple foundational skills like sewing straight seams Raising and processing 42 meat chickens and what that teaches about confidence How tweaking systems makes homesteading smoother over time A Florida cold snap that damaged the food forest and what resilience looks like Losing a rooster and making the next right decision for the homestead Combining flocks and preparing for a new generation of laying hens Bringing home two bottle-fed baby goats and trying a new approach Why self-reliance is a form of self-care How skills compound and build lasting confidence Referenced Episodes: Episode 203: Raising Meat Chickens Connect with Wendi: 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com Email: wendi@joyfulprep.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| Raising Meat Chickens: Questions People Always Ask | 10 Feb 2026 | 00:37:51 | |
If you’d like a more in-depth, step-by-step series on raising and processing meat chickens, let me know. I’m happy to go deeper if that would be helpful. You can reach me through my website or by email. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| Homesteading on a Budget | 03 Feb 2026 | 00:20:54 | |
When Wendi moved her family to Florida, she left behind something she now deeply misses. That realization became the heart of this episode. In this episode, we talk about:Why homesteading value lives in skills, not stuff How to homestead on a budget without waiting for “someday” Learning to see abundance in your home, yard, and even clutter Why buckets, tools, pallets, and scraps matter more than aesthetics The power of foraging and learning what already grows around you How weeds like dandelions are only weeds until you know their purpose Building functional chicken coops and pens without expensive materials Growing food from seeds and turning small starts into food or income Using grocery scraps like tomatoes, onions, and radishes to grow more food Why mistakes are part of building self-reliant confidence How resilience is formed through learning, trying, and adjusting A gentle invitation to learn skills inside the Joyfully Prepared Library: www.joyfullypreparedlibrary.com This episode is for anyone who feels drawn to homesteading but worries they cannot afford it. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| Gardening Feels Hard Until You Do This | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:21:08 | |
Why Container Gardening Works Almost Anywhere Choosing Containers Without Buying Anything New Soil Basics Without the Overwhelm Beginner Plants That Are Hard to Kill Why Mulch Makes Container Gardening Easier Where to Find Good Seeds
** Joyfully Prepared Container Gardening Workbook **
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| How Homesteading Builds Confidence Through Failure | 13 Jan 2026 | 00:22:39 | |
Celebrating episode 200 and four years of podcasting Why Wendi started the podcast and what Joyfully Prepared is really about Milling grain and baking whole wheat bread as a lesson in learning through failure A simple, everyday definition of anti-fragility How homesteading naturally builds anti-fragile skills Skill stacking and why learning one skill makes the next easier Building a fence solo and choosing hard things on purpose Recognizing and shifting out of victim thinking Asking the question that changes everything: “What can I do with what I have right now?” Creating anti-fragile moments intentionally in low-stakes spaces Applying anti-fragility to quilting, real estate, and everyday life Why preparedness creates calm and reduces panic Using a transformation journal to document growth and progress A gentle reminder that being clumsy and unfinished is part of becoming capable ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Container Gardening Course - https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/containergardeningcourse Podcast Episode: Mastering the Art of Skill Stacking for Ultimate Preparedness 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| How to Start Homesteading Without Land | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:18:37 | |
Why homesteading is about skills, not land How homesteading looked before it had a trendy name Growing up with a garden, jars on the shelf, and clothes on the line Why homesteading skills are an investment and a form of self-care Setting a boundary around learning and practicing skills Why food is foundational to confidence and self-reliance Starting with one meal, one recipe, or one jar The blackberry jam story and learning by doing Why confidence comes from proximity, not over-researching Letting systems reveal themselves through repetition Finding mentors and learning in community How homesteading skills transfer to apartments, RVs, and everywhere else Why skills can never be taken away from you Relearning skills and getting back into rhythm Homesteading as an adventure and a lifelong practice A warm welcome into the homesteader identity Mentioned Resource: 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| How to Make Space Before You Start Again | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:16:18 | |
Welcome to the last episode of 2025. Instead of forcing goals or rushing a fresh start, we do something softer and more realistic: a homestead reset. We walk through three simple categories — keep, release, pause — to clear space in your mind, your home, and your heart before the new year begins. In this episode: Simple reflection invitation: Reminder: 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| What I Learned From Not Reaching My Goals This Year | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:23:35 | |
In this episode of The Joyfully Prepared Podcast, I’m sharing what happened when I didn’t hit the goals I set at the beginning of the year and why that didn’t mean the year was a failure. As I looked back, I realized something surprising. My life changed in big, meaningful ways I never planned, and I would have forgotten most of it if I hadn’t written it down. This episode is an invitation to slow down and notice what actually changed in your life, even if your goals didn’t turn out the way you expected. Growth doesn’t always look like accomplishment. Sometimes it looks like becoming kinder to yourself, stronger in your faith, or more aware of what truly matters. You’re not behind. You’re becoming. And that kind of growth matters. Joyfully Prepared Library The Bean Book The Wheat Book Transformation Journal Pages Future Transformation Journal Group | |||
| How to Make February 1 Your Real New Year | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:13:25 | |
Inside This Episode Why we’re officially starting the new year on February 1 The magic of treating January as a recovery month Why moms need breathing room before setting goals How to choose one tiny, steady goal for the new year What you want more of in your home and life Wendi’s two-year decluttering story and why slow progress still counts Learning one skill a year versus overwhelming yourself Why a February start gives your brain permission to calm down The One Thing Challenge for February Encouragement for setting boundaries and making space for yourself Mentioned in This EpisodeBooksRun app for decluttering books (add your affiliate link) Previous episode about prioritizing yourself A February 1 Pep TalkYou are not behind. We’ll continue our year-end series with a gentle look at what we learned this past year… and what we’re ready to release moving into 2026. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| If You Spent More Time Surviving Than Homesteading | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:15:02 | |
Inside This Episode A warm, real talk about unmet goals Why homesteading is more about mindset than land The honest reasons we get stuck: tiredness, overwhelm, fear, perfectionism My personal stories about sourdough and the overwhelming quilt How to recognize your tiny wins and let go of guilt Why starting your “new year” on February 1 might be the most freeing thing ever A nightly practice to track your progress and stay grounded Free DownloadTransformation Journal Page Podcast Episode: You Prioritize What You Love Your Gentle ReminderYou didn’t fail. We’ll talk about simple homesteading resolutions you can actually keep — especially if you’re joining the “New Year Starts February 1” club. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| Simple Way to Reset Your Mind Quickly | 25 Nov 2025 | 00:21:52 | |
In This Episode Takeaways Wendi’s Invitations Make a list of your top 5–10 “go-to gratitudes.” Use the mantra: “I’ll just be grateful.” Let it flip your brain into gratitude mode. Links 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| How Beans Make Healthy Eating More Affordable | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:21:24 | |
In this episode:
Crispy Chickpea Steps: Rinse and sort one cup of dried chickpeas Soak 8–12 hours with plenty of water Rinse, then cook on stovetop or Instant Pot Drain and dry well Season and air fry until crisp Connect with Wendi:
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| How Homemaking Can Help You Feel Grounded Again | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:25:06 | |
🧡 Key Takeaways “Making” is a form of grounding and emotional reset. The kitchen (or any creative space) can become a personal sanctuary. Skill-building strengthens self-reliance: first yourself, then family, then community. Bread baking teaches patience, nourishment, and unseen transformation. Preparedness is not fear—it’s calm readiness. Story Highlights Bartering fire cider for plants with a regenerative gardener. “I am a maker.” Naming what lights you up. Bread as a teacher of patience, presence, and provision. 🔨 Simple Steps to Try Identify your sanctuary spot (kitchen, garden, studio, gym). Schedule 30 minutes a week to make or create something there. Notice how your mind quiets while your hands move. Journal what brings you the most calm and energy. Mentioned Fire cider basics Bread baking as a starter skill Skill stacking in everyday life Calls to Action Peek inside the Joyfully Prepared Library for videos, books, and guides: bread, beans, water bath canning, meat canning, emergency prep. Send Wendi your requests for future lessons and resources. 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com Timestamps00:00 Meme that sparked the episode 02:00 The barter story and “I am a maker” 07:30 Noise, doom scrolling, and nervous systems 12:30 Kitchen as sanctuary and your version of it 17:30 Three principles of self-reliance 21:30 Bread as skill stacking and provision 27:00 Preparedness as peacekeeping 31:00 Your turn. Choose a sanctuary and make something | |||
| Fire Cider Benefits and Simple Recipe for Beginners | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:17:33 | |
In this episode, you’ll learn: Favorite quote from Wendi: “It’s not cold and flu season — it’s being indoors, eating sugar foods season. So let’s fix that with a little jar of spicy joy.” Mentioned in this episode: Onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, horseradish, lemon, rosemary, hot peppers Apple cider vinegar and raw honey The Joyfully Prepared Library — resources for learning herbal and homesteading skills Instagram: @joyfulprepper Listen & Subscribe: Share your fire cider!
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| Soup: Lessons from History’s Coziest Meal | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:13:13 | |
In this episode: [00:00] Sponsored by Soup—itself! [00:01] Why soup is magical (and universal) [00:02] Colonial sailors and the potbelly stove story [00:03] Valley Forge, bread ovens, and 24-hour soup for soldiers [00:05] Wendi’s favorite soups (potato, split pea, Pasta Fagioli) [00:06] How soup becomes a meal, a freezer backup, and a comfort food [00:08] Mission in Finland: makkara and potato soup on a budget [00:10] Stretching soup to feed more and save money [00:11] Simple formula for making soup without a recipe [00:12] Why soup is self-reliance in a bowl [00:13] Sharing soup as an act of love Mentioned Recipes: Resources:
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com | |||
| Quiet Ways God Connects Us | 14 Oct 2025 | 00:18:19 | |
In this episode: How compensating blessings reveal God’s love and timing The connection between self-reliance and divine service Two real-life examples of God using small acts to create big blessings Why journaling can help you see God’s hand in your daily life The quote that changed Wendi’s understanding of giving and receiving How to recognize the unique ways God speaks to you Encouragement to use your talents (even the small ones!) to lift others Mentioned in this episode: Transformation Journal Episode (link placeholder) 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com 📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com 🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning 🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate 📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper 👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com Favorite Quote: “Without self-reliance, one cannot exercise these innate desires to serve... | |||
| You Prioritize What You Love | 07 Oct 2025 | 00:21:35 | |
In this episode, you’ll hear: 🌻 The simple but powerful truth that we all prioritize what we love—and what that reveals about our choices 🧵 Wendi’s real-life story of learning to quilt (and the frustration of not sewing a straight line!) 🍞 How learning new skills—like breadmaking or canning—can be an act of self-love and growth 🎂 What cake decorating taught her about trying new things… even when they don’t “stick” long-term 💖 A spiritual reflection on God’s “fingerprints” in the small, daily mercies of life 🙏 Encouragement to replace shame-filled “shoulds” with grace, patience, and progress Mentioned in this episode: SafeWaterDrop.com – your water purification solution for home and emergency prep JoyfullyPreparedLibrary.com – join the membership for videos, books, and guides on canning, meal planning, food storage, and herbal projects 🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com Favorite Quote: “You are doing the very best you can right now—and God is working with you.” Call to Action: | |||
| God's Vision is Greater Than Your Sight | 30 Sep 2025 | 00:17:09 | |
[00:00] A warm welcome to listeners around the globe (still waiting for Antarctica!) [02:00] The stressful lead-up to moving from New Jersey to Florida [08:00] How their Great Pyrenees, Aphrodite, became the unlikely guide to the right home [15:00] Grief and trust: losing Aphrodite just months after moving [20:00] Recognizing God’s orchestration in life’s chaos [27:00] Why kindness to yourself matters in seasons of stress [35:00] Journaling, scripture, and prayer as tools for realignment [42:00] Living Isaiah 55:8–9: learning God’s thoughts and walking in His ways Scripture Reference: Isaiah 55:8–9 | |||
| Homestead Festival Takeaways | 23 Sep 2025 | 00:13:08 | |
In this episode, you’ll hear about: The highlights of the East Tennessee Homestead Alliance Festival Skills demonstrated: soap making, yogurt making, candle making, lockpicking, tomahawk throwing, animal processing, and more Family-run businesses selling soap, skincare, honey, teas, and handmade products Why these events are valuable for inspiration, community, and learning new skills Wendi’s classes on food preservation (including dry pack canning) and building a waste-free pantry through meal planning Encouragement to start small and use resources like the Joyfully Prepared Library to keep growing your skills Links to vendors and sponsors mentioned, including Azure Standard, goat milk products, and Garden Grown Beauty Resources & Links Mentioned: Garden Grown Beauty (regenerative skincare) Appalachian Wiggle Butts - Goats Milk Lotions and Soaps
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