The Homesteader Who Created a National Holiday

On this episode of Southeast Iowa Today, John Bain sits down with Dani Murphy, founder of National Homesteader’s Day. Together with her daughter Tatum, Dani owns Preppin Mama, a local shop on the square in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. What began as a personal journey for their family—to reconnect with slower living, real food, and the practical skills once passed from generation to generation—grew into something much larger. In this conversation, Dani shares how she turned that passion, and the widespread interest she discovered across the country, into a national holiday. Join us as we explore the story behind National Homesteader’s Day and look ahead to its first celebration, set for August 15, 2026, in Central Park in Mount Pleasant.