Ever wish you had a mentor to help you make healthier, real food choices, one small step at a time? Someone to whisper encouragements in your ear? Someone who has been taking small steps for over a decade, learned a lot about real food, non-toxic living, and a holistic approach to wellness along the way?
Tune in every Monday as your host, Michelle Visser—former junk food addict, turned homesteader and medicinal gardener—offers you encouragement and practical insights on the Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy podcast.
We dive deep into topics like avoiding processed foods, incorporating whole foods into your diet, milling fresh flour, and understanding the powerful benefits of fermented foods, medicinal drinks, and other healthy, gut-friendly options. We explore topics, often with thought-provoking guests, from the importance of healthy fats and natural sugars to practical tips on gardening, creating simple recipes, and stocking your kitchen with the best pantry staples.
Whether you're looking to improve your immune system, learn how to nourish your body with real, nutrient-dense foods, or discover better, nontoxic options, join in every episode and gain actionable advice for making sustainable, healthier choices.
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Simple Doesn't Mean Easy, a podcast by Michelle Visser - Stats, Episodes and Rankings - My Podcast Data
240. Is Coffee Actually Healthy? A Doctor Reveals The Truth
Monday, September 28, 2026 • Duration 39:32
What if you could keep your morning coffee—but make a few simple changes to make it a better choice?
If coffee is part of your daily routine, you’ll want to hear this conversation with women’s functional medicine practitioner Dr. Lori.
She breaks down what to look for when choosing your coffee, including mycotoxins, oxidation, pesticides, organic certifications, sourcing, freshness, and storage.
You’ll also learn why “organic” may not tell the whole story, why grinding your beans fresh matters, how to store your coffee, and how your caffeine intake may affect you differently than someone else.
Most importantly, you’ll walk away with practical ways to make better coffee choices—without necessarily giving up the morning ritual you love.This episode's sponsors:
https://soulyrested.com/trueleaf
https://soulyrested.com/coffee
https://soulyrested.com/teas/
Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/
Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
239. I Tried 3 Ways to Grow Cover Crops—Here's What I'd Do Now
Monday, September 21, 2026 • Duration 24:26
If you never thought cover crops were for small backyard gardens, this episode is for you.
Dive into the FREE Soil Challenge I created for you: https://soulyrested.com/cover/
Michelle shares what she's learned after experimenting with 3 different ways of using cover crops in her own garden over the past 6 years—including what worked beautifully, what she didn't love, and the method she's currently using.
You'll learn how cover crops can improve soil health, add organic matter, support the living organisms in your soil, and help set your garden up for a more productive growing season.
And if you live somewhere with a short growing season, don't assume cover crops aren't practical for you. Michelle talks specifically about the challenges of gardening in a colder climate and how she's adapted her approach.
Most importantly, this episode will help you see that you don't need a huge garden, acres of land, or a complicated system to start improving your soil. Even a small garden—or containers on your back deck—will benefit when you start thinking differently about your soil.
****. ****. ****
Use code FALLBAKING to stack 50% off the current sale price of Fresh Flour University: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/ykg2mfgxyx
****. ****. ****
This episode's sponsors:
https://soulyrested.com/trueleaf
https://soulyrested.com/coffee
Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/
238. This Might Be the Best Food News I’ve Heard All Year
Monday, September 14, 2026 • Duration 23:11
This episode is a little different from the discouraging food-industry news we often hear. This is an encouraging story about what happens in real world examples of replacing ultra-processed food with fresh, whole foods.
You’ll hear what several military bases are doing differently, why soldiers are actually lining up to eat the new food, and the surprising numbers showing that feeding people better may actually cost less, not more.
If you've ever thought that real food is too expensive, too complicated, or impossible to serve on a large scale, this episode offers a powerful real-world example that may change the way you think about real food forever.
And perhaps most encouraging of all, it's a reminder that real food can win when we make it delicious, accessible, and worth choosing.
This episode's sponsors:
I love Grand Teton Ancient Grains. Find out my favorites and how I use them:
https://soulyrested.com/wholegrain
https://soulyrested.com/trueleaf
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
This episode of Simple Doesn't Mean Easy is for anyone who feels like they're carrying too much, thinking too far ahead, or struggling to find gratitude in a difficult season.
Two very different stories uncover a surprisingly simple lesson about gratitude.
Sometimes we need to step back and see the bigger picture. Other times, looking too far ahead only makes us feel more overwhelmed, and we need to focus on the one simple step directly in front of us.
As you listen, you'll be encouraged to look closer about the season you're currently in.
You'll walk away with a simple mental framework you can return to whenever life feels overwhelming—and hopefully a renewed awareness of the small, beautiful things that are already happening right in front of you.
Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz
Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/
236. A Wheat Farmer Reveals What’s Really Happening in Your Flour
Monday, August 31, 2026 • Duration 52:02
What if milling your own flour is only part of the story?
If you're going to the trouble of buying a grain mill and making fresh-milled flour for your family, have you ever stopped to wonder where those wheat berries came from and how they were grown?
In this episode, we’re going behind the scenes of a regenerative organic family farm with sixth-generation farmer Jade Koyle of Grand Teton Ancient Grains in Idaho.
Jade shares what actually happens in the fields where your wheat is grown—and I think you're going to look at your flour very differently after this conversation.
You'll come away from this episode with a better understanding of your wheat, your flour, regenerative farming, ancient grains, and why knowing your farmer might be one of the most important steps you can take when you're trying to improve the food you're feeding your family.
Your flour doesn't begin in your kitchen.
It begins in the soil.
And once you understand what happens there, you may never look at a wheat berry the same way again.
This episode's sponsors:
https://soulyrested.com/wholegrain/
https://soulyrested.com/coffee
https://soulyrested.com/trueleaf/
Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here:https://soulyrested.com/pantry/
Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/
FREE resources:
Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
235. Is Your Coffee Actually Clean? What You Need to Know About Organic, Mold & Pesticides
Monday, August 24, 2026 • Duration 48:17
How much do you actually know about the coffee you're drinking every day?
In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany Gardner, COO of Java Planet Organic Coffee Roasters, to uncover what we should really be looking for when choosing coffee.
You'll discover:
- how organic certification works,
- why shade-grown and bird-friendly coffee matter,
- how farming practices can affect the quality of your coffee,
- why mold and heavy-metal testing has become such an important conversation.
You'll also discover something that might completely change the way you think about decaf coffee.
Most importantly, this episode will help you become a more informed coffee shopper. Instead of being overwhelmed by labels and marketing claims, you'll walk away knowing which questions to ask, what certifications to look for, and why knowing the source of your coffee matters.
Because just like the food we put on our tables, the quality of what we put in our morning cup definitely matters.
This episode's sponsors:
Meet Grand Teton Ancient Grains & discover my personal favorite grains they grow and how I use each one here:
https://soulyrested.com/wholegrain
https://soulyrested.com/coffee
https://soulyrested.com/teas
Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/
234. What the FDA’s New Food Chemical Proposal REALLY Means
Monday, August 17, 2026 • Duration 32:45
What if the solution to America's food problems isn't waiting for the government to fix what's on grocery store shelves?
In this episode, we delve into the confusing world of GRAS—“Generally Recognized as Safe”—ingredients and explain what a new FDA proposal could actually mean for the chemicals, additives, preservatives, dyes, sweeteners, and other ingredients making their way into our food.
But more importantly, we look beyond the headlines and understand why food reform is so complicated—and why simply celebrating a government announcement may not be enough.
You'll come away with a clearer understanding of what's happening, why there are still so many loopholes, and what you can actually do right now to make a difference for your family.
And the answer isn't throwing away everything in your pantry. It's taking one simple step at a time: becoming more informed, making one better substitution, learning to make more foods yourself, and ultimately using your purchasing power to tell food companies what you want.
If you look around at what everyone else is doing and feel overwhelmed by all the things you should be doing—eating better, exercising more, sleeping more, taking care of your family better, improving your home, growing your food, building better habits, deepening your relationships—you may need this reminder: you don't have to do it all.
Today we're breaking down the 5 pillars that need your attention. Just 5.
But more importantly, we're talking about how to make progress without turning healthy living into another source of stress.
If you're in a difficult season, or a waiting season, this episode's for you too. Sometimes we're so focused on the next thing that we fail to recognize how far we've already come. And sometimes the season that feels like it's breaking us is actually preparing us for what's next.
You'll be encouraged to slow down, notice the good that's already in your life, take one small step at a time, and focus on what's right in front of you instead of worrying about everything else.
And don't miss the final section, where Michelle dives into the surprising physical and mental benefits of gratitude and shares what she feels is truly the greatest ways to simplify everything.
Starting to mill your own flour is exciting—until you're faced with the overwhelming question of which wheat berries to use. In this episode, Michelle simplifies the process by sharing the exact 3-grain starter kit she recommends for beginners.
Dive into misconceptions and incorrect common advice that often falls short, how to confidently choose ancient and heritage grains, and where each grain shines in baking.
You'll also learn the perfect gateway grain, why Rouge de Bordeaux is Michelle's favorite bread wheat, and what ancient grain is one of the most fascinating ones to experiment with.
Whether you're buying your first grain mill or simply want healthier, more flavorful bread, this episode gives you a practical roadmap for getting started.
Key Takeaways from this Episode:
* Why choosing wheat berries is often harder than choosing a grain mill.
* The common beginner advice that's wrong and too simplistic.
* A simple 3-grain "starter kit" helps new millers gain confidence without buying dozens of grains.
* Why spelt is an ideal all-purpose ancient grain for beginners and the best recipes to use it in.
* Why a heritage hard wheat like Rouge de Bordeaux makes exceptional sandwich bread.
* Why einkorn is a fun grain to experiment with, especially for people seeking ancient grains and those with gluten sensitivities.
* How using different grains increases flavor variety and nutritional diversity.
* Resources for sourcing quality wheat berries and even purchasing freshly milled flour from farmers if you don't yet own a grain mill.
231. The Hidden Cost of AI: What We're Losing Without Real Experts
Monday, July 27, 2026 • Duration 31:24
Have you noticed AI showing up everywhere? Are you tired of wondering if the advice you're watching or reading is even coming from a real person? As artificial intelligence becomes woven into nearly every part of our lives, it's getting harder to know who—or what—you can trust.
In this episode, we explore both the incredible benefits and the hidden drawbacks of AI, why convenience isn't always worth the trade-off, and why real-life experience still matters in a world increasingly driven by algorithms.
You'll also discover simple ways you can help preserve authentic voices online and ensure the creators you trust continue to be found.
If you've ever felt like the internet is becoming less personal and more artificial, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, encouraged, and empowered to make a difference.
Michelle shares the surprising story of an Instagram reel that unexpectedly went viral, bringing almost 20,000 new followers and revealing just how many people are feeling overwhelmed by the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.
Today real human knowledge, personal experience, and authentic relationships are becoming more valuable than ever. Join in as we draws parallels between convenience in technology and convenience in food, encouraging you to think critically about both.
Grab your own Flour Power tshirts! https://soulyrested.dashery.com/
This episode's sponsors:
https://soulyrested.com/botanicals
https://soulyrested.com/coffee
https://99counties.com/
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Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase
Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz
Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/
All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase
Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/
FREE resources:
Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz
Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto
All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase
Hear from a former Big Food insider about how processed foods are deliberately engineered to make us crave them.
Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/
Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/
FREE resources:
Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz
Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/
All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase
Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/
Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/
FREE resources:
Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz
Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/
All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase
This episode's sponsors:
https://soulyrested.com/trueleaf
https://soulyrested.dashery.com/
https://soulyrested.com/coffee
Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/
Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/
FREE resources:
Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz
Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/
All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/
Go here to get special offers for podcast listeners in your inbox: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/
FREE resources:
Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz
Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/
All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll love ours too! Ancestral Kitchen, Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris, Simple Farmhouse Life with Lisa Bass, Pantry Chat with Homesteading Family, Sue's Healthy Minutes with Sue Becker, Old Fashioned on Purpose with Jill Winger, The Wildly Capable Show with Liz and Joey Haselmayer, ZOE Science & Nutrition, Maintenance Phase
