They say you’re the average of the five people you hang around the most, which makes me wonder what that says about someone who spends most of her time talking to cows and chickens.
But to take it one step further, I’d add that you’re also the average of the information you consume the most.
Since moving to the middle-of-nowhere 15 years ago, I’ve been inspired to start businesses, learn new skills, take daring leaps, and push past obstacles all thanks to ideas I learned from books, courses, and mentors who probably don’t even know I exist.
These days, podcasts and books are my learning tools of choice, mainly because you can listen to podcasts while milking cows and mucking stalls, which makes for some interesting mental combinations.
But I’m pickier than a cat with its food.
When it comes to podcasts, I like meaty shows that make me think harder than figuring out why the chickens got out again. Fluffy, surface-level conversations aren’t my jam—I like deep dives and paradigm-challenging topics that make my brain work up a sweat.
Here are a few of my current favs:
The Homestead Challenge by Brittany Gibson
Now this gal knows her stuff! Brittany’s got this refreshing approach to homesteading that’s more “let’s make this work in real life” and less “let me show you my perfect Instagram setup.” She talks about suburban homesteading, cooking from scratch, and sustainable living without making you feel like you need to quit your day job and move to a commune. Her podcast is like having a conversation with a smart friend who’s figured out how to homestead without losing her mind—which is exactly what most of us need to hear.
Beyond the Crop by Jenna Ochsner and MP Sass
These two dig deep into regenerative agriculture and soil health in ways that make my farm-girl heart sing. They’re not afraid to get into the nitty-gritty science, but they explain it in terms that don’t require a PhD to understand. If you want to learn about building soil, improving pastures, and working with nature instead of against it, this is your jam.
Simple Farmhouse Life by Lisa Bass
Lisa’s got this calm, steady way of talking about homesteading that’s like a warm hug after a long day of chores. She covers everything from cooking to cleaning to managing a household with a bunch of kids, and she does it without making you feel like you’re failing at life. Her approach to from-scratch living is practical and doable, which is exactly what busy homesteaders need.
The Vine Podcast by Madison Wetherhill
Madison brings a fresh perspective to sustainable living that I really appreciate. She talks about topics like food sovereignty, traditional skills, and creating community in ways that feel relevant to modern life. Her interviews are thoughtful, and she asks the kind of questions I wish I’d thought of.
Cowgirls Over Coffee by Thea Larson
This one’s pure fun—Thea interviews women in agriculture and rural life, and every episode feels like sitting around the kitchen table gossiping with your neighbor. She covers everything from ranch life to business ownership, and the stories are always entertaining and inspiring.
Christmas Morning by Bramble Jam Podcast Network
Okay, this one might seem like a weird addition to a homesteader’s podcast list, but hear me out. This show is all about finding magic in everyday moments and creating traditions that matter. As someone who’s trying to raise kids who appreciate simple pleasures, I find their conversations about intentional living and celebrating small moments really valuable.
You may be surprised by the absence of more traditional homesteading podcasts on my list, but here’s the thing—I see most of the above topics as simply an extension of my homesteading journey, which has taught me how to:
1. Question the status quo like a detective investigating a crime
2. Think for myself instead of following the herd
3. Push against broken systems that don’t serve real people
So yes, it starts with chickens and sourdough bread, but if you keep pulling that thread, it culminates in something much bigger than just knowing how to milk a cow. And that’s part of the reason I love this old-fashioned path so much—it’s not just about producing your own food, it’s about developing the skills to think critically about everything in your life.
The thing about podcasts is they can fill your head with ideas while your hands are busy with work. I’ve gotten some of my best homestead inspiration while listening to shows that had nothing to do with farming, because they made me think about problems differently or showed me perspectives I’d never considered.
That’s the beauty of consuming content that challenges you instead of just confirming what you already believe. It’s like cross-training for your brain—the mental equivalent of doing squats to improve your deadlift.
So whether you’re looking for practical homesteading advice, thought-provoking conversations, or just some good company while you’re doing chores, these shows have got you covered.
Just don’t blame me if you start getting weird looks from your family when you try to explain soil microbiology over dinner, or when you suddenly have strong opinions about regenerative agriculture practices.
P.S. If you’ve got podcast recommendations that fit this list, send them my way. I’m always looking for shows that make me think differently about life, farming, and everything in between. Just don’t recommend anything that requires me to agree with everything they say—where’s the fun in that?
