Explore every episode of the podcast Homestead-ish
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2, E3: Gardening When You Have No Time (But Still Want to Grow Food) with Jess Robison | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:52:18 | |
In this episode of Homestead-ish, we’re joined again by Jess Robison of Acton Food Forest, who returns to share how her approach to gardening has evolved in a new season of life, now as a mom of three! Instead of trying to “do it all,” Jess has leaned into a more time-efficient, realistic, and sustainable way to grow food, one that works with her life, not against it. We talk about what it looks like to let go of perfection in the garden and embrace practices that are not only easier, but often more aligned with nature. Time-efficient gardening isn’t just about convenience, it’s about accessibility. When we remove the pressure to do gardening “perfectly,” we open the door for more people to participate in growing food, reconnecting with nature, and becoming part of the solution! 🌿 Connect & Resources Follow Jess on Instagram @actonfoodforest or TikTok @actonfoodforest Weeds and What They Tell Us by Ehrenfried E. Pfeiffer Connect with Kristin @growingpaines_ Connect with Devon @devonballardhudson Follow Homestead-ish @homesteadish_pod Share this episode with a friend who “doesn’t have time” to garden! | |||
| S2, E2: Seed Starting & Soil Blocking Tips & Tricks! | 11 Mar 2026 | 01:02:39 | |
Spring is waking up on the homestead, and in this episode Devon and Kristin share what’s happening in their backyards, from goat breeding updates to welcoming new baby chicks. Then they dig into one of the most exciting parts of the gardening season: starting seeds indoors. The conversation focuses on soil blocking, a method of seed starting that eliminates plastic waste and encourages strong root development. Devon and Kristin share their different approaches to soil blocking, the equipment they use, and how beginners can get started without investing in expensive tools. They also discuss lighting setups, heat mats, watering techniques, seed depth, and when to start seeds in their Zone 7A climate. Along the way, they share practical lessons learned from years of trial and error...including why starting seeds too early can sometimes cause more problems than it solves. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned grower looking to refine your system, this episode offers simple, practical tips to help your seedlings thrive! 🌿 Connect with Us Devon on IG @devonballardhudson Kristin on IG @growingpaines_ ⭐If You Loved This Episode Please follow, rate, and share with a like-minded friend. It helps this small but mighty podcast grow. | |||
| E7: Homstead-ish Kids! Summer Updates and Candid Convos with our Kiddos | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:49:58 | |
In this fun and heartfelt episode of Homestead-ish, Devon and Kristin sit down to chat about what’s happening on their homesteads this summer—from garden wins, to a new livestock guardian puppy, to pest problems (including a simple, game-changing squash bug egg hack you’ll want to try!). But the real stars of this episode? Our kids! With five boys between us, ages 2 to 10, we hand over the mic to hear what life on a homestead is really like—from the good, the gross, to the adorable. We also open the floor to YOU—our amazing listeners! We’re gearing up for a special episode with Kristin’s Uncle Denny, a lifelong farmer and homesteader, and we want your questions. What do you want to ask someone who’s been growing food and raising animals for decades? Tune in for summer updates, sweet (and chaotic) kid moments, and the perfect mix of homestead-ish honesty and humor. Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IG! | |||
| E6: Ish Happens: A Conversation with Jess Robison of Acton Food Forest | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:59:55 | |
In this episode of Homestead-ish, we’re joined by our second guest and kindred spirit, the fantastic Jess Robison of Acton Food Forest, whose homesteading journey was sparked by a single, sun-ripened tomato. We explore how that one small gift turned into a multi-passionate lifestyle. In our lively conversation we discuss everything from ADHD as a superpower, to what a food forest actually is, our "why" as politically progressive homesteaders, how to successfully navigate the infamous Goodwill bins, and more! Follow Jess on Instagram: @actonfoodforest Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IG! | |||
| E5: Hot Takes, Our Homestead Festival Recap | 12 Jun 2025 | 01:01:29 | |
Homestead-ish hits the road and attends the Homestead Festival in Columbia, TN. An annual two-day event, the Homestead Festival combines music with meaningful homesteading-related experiences. It features speakers, demonstrations, and vendors focused on sustainable living, including homesteading, farming, and related skills like herbal remedies and animal husbandry. In this episode, recorded on the way home with our hearts full and our brains buzzing, we share a candid recap of the weekend: a play-by-play of our experience, standout speakers, surprising takeaways, hilarious mishaps, lessons learned, and more. Listen and find out where Homestead-ish aligns (and doesn't align) with the mainstream Homestead movement! Thinking of going next year? We've got you covered with tips on how to prepare and get the most out of the experience. Links:
Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IG! | |||
| E4: Beekeeping Beginnings- Learn from Kristin's First Year as a New Beek | 29 May 2025 | 00:48:48 | |
Sometimes the best way to learn a new skill is from someone who has recently taught themselves! In this episode Devon interviews Kristin on her first year as a "beek" (that's beekeeper slang for new beekeeper, lol). Kristin shares her lessons learned and things to consider when considering keeping bees including equipment must haves vs "nice to haves", what she wishes she would have known getting started, and more! Resources: Complete Beekeeping Short Course As always you can connect with Kristin on IG @growingpaines_ and Devon @devonballardhudson | |||
| E3: Wild and Edible! A Conversation with Foraging Expert, Tim of Hoosier Forager | 15 May 2025 | 00:59:43 | |
Kristin and Devon chat with their very first pod guest, wild edible mushroom identification expert, Tim of Hoosier Forager! Tim is a wealth of knowledge, and no subject is off limits. Tune in to learn how to get started foraging, how to forage safely and responsibly, Tim's favorite foraging finds, how foraging might help us heal our planet, and more! Connect with Tim on IG @hoosierforager Shop Tim's foraged goods at Hoosier Forager Outpost Love Tim's content? Buy him coffee! A Few of Tim's Super Helpful Instagram Posts (which we reference in the pod): As always you can connect with Kristin on IG @growingpaines_ and Devon @devonballardhudson | |||
| E2: Spring Homestead Updates & Sustainable Gardening Hacks | 01 May 2025 | 00:49:37 | |
It's the most wonderful time of the year...for gardeners and homesteaders!! After a long winter, Devon and Kristin discuss what's going on around the homestead and share their top gardening sustainability hacks. Grow your own food more sustainably from seed to harvest! Plus, we discuss our plans to attend the Homestead Festival in Columbia, TN this June!! Connect with us: Follow our podcast on IG: @homesteadish_pod Connect with Kristin on IG: @growingpaines_ Connect with Devon on IG: @devonballardhudson As mentioned in this episode, check out @blossomandbranchfarm on IG What kind of composting is right for your home? Take the quiz: What Kind of Composting is Best for Your Home? | |||
| Homestead-ish E1: Who is Homestead-ish and What Are We About? | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:23:17 | |
Welcome to the Homestead-ish Podcast! Join us - Kristin and Devon - as we reconnect with nature and each other through the homesteading movement. In every episode, we share our journey of rediscovering the skills of our great-grandparents, uncovering sustainable practices, and learning how to heal our planet one step at a time. Perfect for non-traditional enthusiasts eager to cultivate traditional skills and meaningful connections, this podcast offers a space for everyone to engage. Tune in and become a part of our community dedicated to preserving our natural resources for generations to come. Don't miss out—subscribe now and start your homestead-ish adventure with us! Follow our podcast on IG: @homesteadish_pod Connect with Devon on IG: @devonballardhudson Connect with Kristin on IG: @growingpaines | |||
| Season 2 Kickoff: Planting Onions — An Act of Hope & Resistance | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:43:26 | |
Season 2 is here! 🌱 After a long winter, Kristin and Devon are back behind the mic reflecting on what the season has taught them and why small acts of homesteading can feel especially meaningful in uncertain times. In this episode, they share honest updates from their homesteads, including:
Together, they explore the tension many of us are feeling right now — wanting to stay informed and engaged while also protecting our peace and capacity. This conversation is an invitation to: ✨ find rest without guilt ✨ tend something small and meaningful ✨ and remember that hope often looks like showing up anyway As Madeleine L’Engle wrote, “Planting onions that spring was an act of faith in the future…” We’re glad you’re here for Season 2. 💛 🌿 Connect with Us Basil & Blossom Co’s Kombucha Kitchen ⭐ If You Loved This Episode Please follow, rate, and share with a like-minded friend. It helps this small but mighty podcast grow. | |||
| BONUS Episode! Beginner Mushroom Growing & Gift Guide: Hooser Forager on Kits Anyone Can Grow! | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:49:39 | |
In this bonus episode, we sit down with Tim Frost of Hoosier Forager, a certified wild edible mushroom ID expert, to explore the surprisingly simple world of growing mushrooms at home. Tim breaks down the easiest kits for beginners (hello, oysters and lion’s mane!), explains how indoor cultivation actually works, and shares practical tips on harvesting, cooking, and even making tinctures. We also talk about why mushroom grow kits make some of the best sustainable gifts—for kids, classrooms, and curious adults alike. If you’ve ever been mushroom-curious, intimidated by foraging, or eager to get more nutrients growing in your kitchen, this episode is your starting point! Resources Mentioned
Follow along on Instagram: @homesteadish_pod @devonballardhudson @growingpaines_ | |||
| BONUS Episode! Devon's Opening a Community Kombucha Kitchen (Plus, How You Can Be a Part of It) | 22 Oct 2025 | 00:22:25 | |
This week, we’re popping into your feed with something a little different — a bonus episode all about Devon’s Community Kombucha Kitchen Kickstarter and the big leap she’s taking with Basil & Blossom Co.
👉 Love Kombucha? Follow the Basil & Blossom Co Business Page on Facebook | |||
| E12 Season Finale: Common Ground with Amy Bauer of Front Yard Veggies | 25 Sep 2025 | 01:03:28 | |
In our Season 1 finale of Homestead-ish, we welcome special guest Amy Bauer (@frontyardveggies) for a wide-ranging conversation on sustainable living, homemaking, and the shifting cultural landscape of homesteading. We kick things off with a lighthearted chat about Goodwill bins thrifting strategies and our mutual admiration for THE QUEEN, Martha Stewart. We especially dive headfirst into the shift in the political landscape we’ve seen in the sustainable living/homesteading space, including everything from scratch cooking and gardening as forms of empowerment and resistance, to how the wellness and "crunchy" lifestyles sometimes get co-opted into fear-based or alt-right narratives, Amy's personal philosophy on sustainable living, and so much more! This episode closes with reflections on Season 1 — what we’ve learned, where the movement is headed, and how we can stay rooted in purpose, curiosity, and connection even in polarizing times. What’s Next We’re taking a short hiatus before Season 2, but you can catch up on past episodes and follow us on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and plenty of sustainable living inspiration. What topics do you want to see for Season 2? Drop us a text at the link at the top of the show notes! Links & Mentions
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| E11: Story Time with Uncle Denny! Entertaining Stories & Wisdom from Homestead-ish's Fav Uncle | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:49:55 | |
In this special episode, Kristin sits down with her 81-year-old great Uncle Denny to reminisce about farm life through the ages. Uncle Denny is a natural storyteller, and his tales will have you laughing, learning, and feeling inspired by the simplicity (and ingenuity!) of old-time homesteading. From the story of transporting a cow in the back of his VW Beetle, to how he first got into chicken keeping more than 70 years ago when he brought some chicks home from his 4th grade classroom, Uncle Denny reminds us that homesteading wisdom never goes out of style. Along the way, he shares his tried-and-true chicken keeping advice and practical gardening tips that have stood the test of time. This episode is full of humor, heart, and timeless lessons for anyone who loves the homestead-ish life. Pull up a chair, grab your coffee, and get ready for a good laugh and some homestead inspiration from Uncle Denny’s farm! Let’s Connect!
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| Life Seasons & Living Seasonally: A Candid Convo with Co-Hosts Kristin & Devon | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:53:22 | |
🎉 Episode 10! 🎉 This week, we dive into:
Tune in, laugh along our “bunny trails,” and celebrate the beauty (and honesty) of messy, seasonal rhythms on the homestead. Let’s Connect!
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| E9: Reconnecting with the Land with Bundle Sticks Farm | 07 Aug 2025 | 01:00:28 | |
In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant and inspiring duo behind Bundle Sticks Farm, a small but mighty craft farm and education center in Southern Indiana. Elizabeth Tobey and Brian Geier bring a wealth of knowledge, intention, and soul to everything they do—from growing craft materials and raising sheep to hosting crafting/educational gatherings that reconnect people to the land. Together, we explore:
About Our Guests: Brian Geier (he/him) is a history nerd, former professional sauerkraut maker, and passionate farmer who will always say yes to getting in water. He grew up in the woods of Wayne County, Indiana, and is largely of German descent with a family tree that traces back to New Albany & Lanesville in the late 1800's and to the Rhine River area in what is now Germany before that. His last name, Geier, means vulture in an old Germanic language, a fact that he is most proud of. Let’s Connect!
If you loved this episode, share it with your friends and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Tag us @homesteadish_pod on Instagram—we love seeing your homestead-ish adventure! | |||
| E8: Kombucha, Kefir, and Kraut, Oh My! Why you should be fermenting and how to get started | 24 Jul 2025 | 00:36:32 | |
In this flavor-packed episode of Homestead-ish, Kristin turns the mic around and interviews our very own fermented foodie and co-host of this podcast, Devon! Devon shares how she first fell down the rabbit hole of fermentation, what fermentation actually is, and why it’s about so much more than tangy veggies and fizzy drinks. In advance we ask that you please pardon our pickle innuendos! We talk:
Whether you’re new to homesteading or already have a countertop full of bubbling jars, this conversation will leave you inspired, empowered, and maybe just a little hungry. Let’s Connect!
If you loved this episode, share it with your ferment-curious friends and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Tag us @homesteadish_pod on Instagram—we love seeing your bubbling jars and backyard adventures! | |||