PODCAST · education
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
by Michelle Visser
Are you longing to simplify things just a little, amidst the crazy, loud, distracting clutter of life? That's where I was just 5 years ago, when my family started on this crazy ride toward simplifying things. Since "simple" is almost never synonymous with "easy," I was pretty much a failure at everything I tried. But along the way I learned that it's not only okay, but actually GOOD that simple joys require hard work. So I'm here to be your Encouragement Mentor in this sometimes difficult effort to simplify. Because we can do this, guys. Together.
Episodes
-
242. 3 Culinary Herbs For Cold & Flu Season (Beyond Cooking!)
In this episode, herbalist and plant medicine maker, Shannon Mayernik of Mayernik Kitchen, joins Michelle to explore the often-overlooked world of medicinal culinary herbs. Discover the traditional herbal uses of 3 familiar favorites: sage, basil, and oregano. Shannon shares how she works with...
-
241. Worried About Glyphosate? Here's What You Can Actually Do About It
In this deep dive into glyphosate and atrazine, we discuss why these chemicals are used in modern agriculture, and look at the foods that are deeply affected. But this isn't an episode designed to leave you scared of your food. In fact, the biggest takeaway is the opposite: you have more control...
-
240. Is Coffee Actually Healthy? A Doctor Reveals The Truth
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,...
-
239. I Tried 3 Ways to Grow Cover Crops—Here's What I'd Do Now
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…
more -
238. This Might Be the Best Food News I’ve Heard All Year
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...
-
237. What my dog taught me about gratitude
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…
more -
236. A Wheat Farmer Reveals What’s Really Happening in Your Flour
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…
more -
235. Is Your Coffee Actually Clean? What You Need to Know About Organic, Mold & Pesticides
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...
-
234. What the FDA’s New Food Chemical Proposal REALLY Means
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,...
-
233. The 5 Habits That Actually Matter
Feel like you're never doing enough? 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,...
-
232. Wheat Berry Advice I Disagree With
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...
-
231. The Hidden Cost of AI: What We're Losing Without Real Experts
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…
more -
230. The Truth About Ultra-Processed Foods (And Why Consumers Are Fighting Back)
For years it felt like Big Food was winning—but the latest market data tells a different story. If you've ever wondered whether your everyday food choices really matter, this episode offers hope—and proof that they do. In this episode, learn about encouraging research showing that Americans are...
-
229. 15 ways to do things differently this summer
What if the best way to celebrate summer—and even strengthen your family—is by slowing down? As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we explore a different kind of patriotism today—one rooted in family, food, and connection. We break down 15 practical ways families can spend less time on...
-
228. The Truth About Backyard Chickens (What No One Tells Beginners)
Thinking about getting backyard chickens? There are 3 problems you really need to know about first. Most people see the fresh eggs, cute chicks, and homestead charm—but few talk about the challenges that catch new chicken owners completely off guard. What happens when your hens suddenly stop…
more -
227. The Truth About Grief, Gratitude, & Healing
What if the very things you're rushing past today become the things you'd miss most tomorrow? In today's episode, you'll be challenged to see your relationships, struggles, and everyday moments through an entirely new lens. Through powerful stories of loss, grief, gratitude, and resilience…
more -
226. The Hidden Danger of Chronic Stress No One Talks About
In this eye-opening episode, you'll learn how chronic stress and anxiety sometimes manifest in surprising and even frightening physical ways. You'll discover why understanding these warning signs matters, what to do when a loved one experiences sudden confusion or memory loss, and how knowledge…
more -
225. Why Doing It All Is Breaking Women (And How to Build a Life That Matters)
Rachel McCord appeared to have everything: successful businesses, national media recognition, celebrity connections, and a thriving career. Then at just 32 years old, she received shocking news—she needed open heart surgery with significant risks. Facing her own mortality forced Rachel to...
-
224. Why Your “Clean” Skincare May Not Be Clean
It's time to get to the truth about the booming tallow skincare industry. Why did tallow products explode in popularity? How can you spot fake or low-quality tallow balms online? And are many mainstream skincare products doing more harm than good? Lily Wilmoth, founder of Hearth and Homestead,...
-
223. Why Your Fresh Flour Bread Fails & the Fix That Changes Everything
In this episode of the Simple Doesn't Mean Easy podcast, Michelle Visser shares two game-changing techniques that can completely transform fresh milled flour bread baking. Michelle explains why fresh flour often produces dense, hard bread when used like commercial flour and breaks down the…
more -
222. The Secret to Nutritious Breakfasts (that you never knew!)
Join Michelle today for practical tips on making nutritious, real food breakfast options at home, with recipes and tips to help you incorporate more real food into your daily routines. Key Topics: Nutritional benefits of fresh flaked oats How commercial oats are processed and lose nutrients…
more -
221. 99% of Cereals Have This… And It’s Still Legal
What does the 2026 Farm Bill mean for you? In this eye-opening episode, Michelle breaks down the shocking prevalence of glyphosate in everyday foods and 4 Things you never knew about glyphosate (spoiler alert: It's even worse than you thought.) This episode explains how glyphosate impacts health,...
-
220. The Truth About Seed Oils + How to Make Your Own Healthy Cooking Fat
In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle breaks down the truth about cooking fats—and why many commonly used oils may be harming your health. She explains the dangers of hydrogenated seed oils, including their link to inflammation and chronic disease, and shares why switching to...
-
219. The Truth About Ancient Grains, Gluten & Modern Wheat
Is gluten really the problem? What if the real story starts long before your flour hits the kitchen? In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, we go straight to the source—literally. Michelle sits down with a multi-generational wheat farmer and miller to uncover what’s changed in our grain…
more -
218. How to Break Junk Food Addictions: The 30-Day Reset That Works
In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle sits down with Glenn Livingston, a former food industry insider turned expert in binge eating and food addiction recovery. After struggling with his own compulsive eating and reaching nearly 300 pounds, Glenn reveals how processed foods are...
-
217. Why ‘Daily Bread’ Matters: Faith, Food Security & Letting Go of Control
In this deeply personal Easter episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle shares a powerful reflection on faith, hardship, and the true meaning of provision. Walking through a painful season involving a loved one’s wrongful incarceration, she explores the Biblical story of manna and what it...
-
216. She Reversed ‘Chronic Illness’—Doctors Missed This Root Cause
In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle sits down with holistic health educator Karen “Zuzu” Arms to explore the powerful connection between the nervous system and chronic illness. Through deeply personal stories—including their daughters’ serious health struggles—they uncover how...
-
215. How Food Is Secretly Affecting Your Child’s Behavior (What Moms Need to Know)
In this episode, Michelle sits down with Amy Sprouse, a holistic health educator who studied public health at Johns Hopkins, to explore the powerful connection between gut health, nutrition, and children’s behavior. They break down details about processed foods' effects on children that you…
more -
214. Big Food Is Engineering Your Cravings (Former Insider Reveals How)
In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle Visser speaks with former food industry consultant Dr. Glenn Livingston, who once advised major food corporations on how to sell more processed foods. Dr. Livingston reveals how processed foods are intentionally engineered to keep consumers...
-
213. 7 things no one tells you about the ingredients in commerical bread.
In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle Visser breaks down a major problem with current dietary guidelines: the confusing advice to eat more “whole grains.” Most shoppers assume that choosing whole wheat bread at the grocery store means they are making a healthier choice. But…
more -
212. Fresh Flour Isn’t Perfect (Here’s What No One Tells You)
Are whole grains as healthy as we think? Join me as we break down what really happens when you grind wheat berries into fresh milled flour. We'll discuss two nutrients that are almost entirely LOST when we mill fresh flour. But don’t panic. We'll also go over some simple solutions, from what you...
-
211. Another Thing the New Food Pyramid Got Wrong
In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle breaks down why eggs may be the most underrated high-quality protein available today. With 97% digestibility and all nine essential amino acids, eggs provide complete protein in one simple, affordable food. But the real surprise? Eggs are one…
more -
210. The Truth About the Food Pyramid + How I Preserved $6,000 in Real Food
Are expensive “healthy” snacks actually wrecking your gut — and your budget? Let's down the new food pyramid and dietary guidelines — what they got right, what still needs work, and why avoiding ultra-processed foods is the biggest win for your health. But here’s the practical part: instead of…
more -
209. The FDA Got Gluten Wrong — Why Gluten-Free Foods May Be Making You Sicker
Is gluten really the problem—or have we been blaming the wrong thing all along? This week, the FDA made headlines with a new move on gluten labeling, and many people celebrated it as a major win. But today we're going to break down why this decision won’t actually make us healthier—and may even...
-
208. This 1 Ingredient Is Wrecking Your Health (It’s in Almost Everything)
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cate Shanahan—family physician, biochemist, and bestselling author—to uncover the hidden dangers of modern vegetable oils. Dr. Shanahan explains how eight commonly used seed oils disrupt cellular communication, fuel oxidative stress, and drive chronic…
more -
207. 3 Big Problems With the New Food Pyramid No One Is Talking About
In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle Visser breaks down three major flaws in the new food pyramid—including what it gets dangerously wrong about fruits, vegetables, meat, and especially grains. While applauding the new emphasis on protein, healthy fats, and real food, Michelle...
-
206. The Truth About Wood Heat (It’s Not What You’ve Been Told)
Wood heat has been labeled dirty, dangerous, and outdated—but is it true? In this episode, Michelle talks with Patrick Sieben, certified heater mason and Vice President of the Masonry Heater Association of North America, to unpack the myths surrounding wood burning. Patrick explains how masonry...
-
205. How to eat better NOW & save money too, with Ruthann Zimmerman
We don't need to rely on the grocery store, even if we will never live on a farm. Would you like to eat better and rely less on Big Food & grocery stores? Do you know you need to change the way you view food but don't know where to start? Do you know what to do if you want avocados but don't live...
-
204. The Crazy Things You Need to Know About Maple Syrup
Does your head sometimes spin over sugars? Are you never quite sure if ANY sugar is good at all? Is there a sweetener that could be labeled the best sweetener? What's the truth behind the chemical makeup of maple syrup? Does the fact that it's processed (aka boiled down) mean it's lost nutrients?...
-
203. Yes, they're putting human hair & duck feathers in our bread
Have you ever wondered when and why the U.S. government started regulating our flour? And what "enriching" it really entails? In this episode, Michelle delves into the history and nuances of flour with Gary Leavitt, President of Nutrimill. Join us as we explore the significance of flour, the...
-
202. Overcoming Fear in Food Choices
Do you ever feel like you face so many dilemmas surrounding your food choices? Let's break down some of the historical context of dietary laws, and the impact of fear on our relationship with food. Let's not fear food but embrace joy and gratitude during the holidays. Please check out our…
more -
201. 3 Christmas Breakfasts they'll love & stress-free holiday cooking tips
Favorite (simple!) Christmas breakfast recipes. And practical cooking tips to make Christmas morning enjoyable, nutritious, and stress-free. I'll walk you through three main recipes: a Potato and Egg Skillet, a Sour Cream Coffee Cake, and my Grandmom's Cheese Souffle, each designed to be easy to...
-
200. Navigating mental health & finding hope in the midst of depression, with Nate Pickowicz
Have you ever battled intense depression? Struggled to face a new day? Felt beaten down with difficulties? With Nate Pickowicz, today's guest and my friend and pastor, learn to access the causes of depression and distinguish between feeling sad versus true spiritual depression. Then walk through...
-
199. How to Simplify Christmas This Year & Treasure it More
Do you long to create a few intentional and meaningful holiday traditions? Would you like this holiday season to be one that promotes family togetherness, community involvement, and reflection on what's genuinely valuable? But you don't have the bandwidth for how complicated that can all be to...
-
198. 5 Easy Steps for a Simple Holiday
Are you often wanting to simplify the holiday season but find yourself sucked up in the busyness of it all without meaning to? In this episode we'll talk about focusing on intentional gift giving, keeping the fun alive, repurposing unique things, and creating meaningful experiences with family....
-
197. Ditch Store Oats: Mill Your Own for Max Nutrition
Maybe you already know all the nutritional reasons to bake with fresh flour, but did you know the same benefits go hand-in-hand with flaking oats at home? The lousy results of processing flour mirror the same results with oats you buy at the store: old-fashioned oats, rolled oats, and quick oats...
-
196. The 1 thing you really need to improve your family table
Today we’re talking about the most important thing to do if you want to improve what goes on your family's table, if you want to be able to make real food conveniently. I’m also sharing an extensive, totally free resource with you and BONUS loads of discount codes on all the best ingredients. And...
-
195. The Ultimate Guide to Sugars (& which ones are killing us), with David Stelzer of Azure Standard
Processed sugars are killing us. In today's episode, David Stelzer explains why they will never sell conventional refined white sugar (it's insane). David is the founder of a family-run food supply company who has been working to change the broken food system in the U.S. And I'm picking David's...
-
194. These 12 Appliances Will Uplevel Your Kitchen
If you're not into gadgets that only get used a few times a year... if you only want appliances that serve you well taking up space in your kitchen... if you're looking for a few ways to make Real Food more convenient... These 12 appliances might be just what you're looking for. They changed the...
-
193. 8 things you can make better yourself
Here's a long list of pantry staples that you can make better yourself. Find all the links mentioned in this episode right here: https://soulyrested.com/2022/10/26/8-things-you-can-make-better-yourself-s4-e10/ Please check out our sponsors: Blue Alpine Freeze Dryers. Use code SOULYRESTED and find...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Are you longing to simplify things just a little, amidst the crazy, loud, distracting clutter of life? That's where I was just 5 years ago, when my family started on this crazy ride toward simplifying things. Since "simple" is almost never synonymous with "easy," I was pretty much a failure at everything I tried. But along the way I learned that it's not only okay, but actually GOOD that simple joys require hard work. So I'm here to be your Encouragement Mentor in this sometimes difficult effort to simplify. Because we can do this, guys. Together.
HOSTED BY
Michelle Visser
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Simple Doesn't Mean Easy have?
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy currently has 243 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Simple Doesn't Mean Easy about?
Are you longing to simplify things just a little, amidst the crazy, loud, distracting clutter of life? That's where I was just 5 years ago, when my family started on this crazy ride toward simplifying things. Since "simple" is almost never synonymous with "easy," I was pretty much a failure at...
How often does Simple Doesn't Mean Easy release new episodes?
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy publishes regularly with 243 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Simple Doesn't Mean Easy?
You can listen to Simple Doesn't Mean Easy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Simple Doesn't Mean Easy?
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy is created and hosted by Michelle Visser.
URL copied to clipboard!