Homestead-ish

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when modern medicine isn’t enough, and you’re willing to explore everything to help someone you love?In this episode of Homestead-ish, we sit down with Jubilee of Wellness founder Michele Finn—aromatherapist, CBD wellness guide, caregiver, and now Devon’s neighbor at The District—to talk about what it really looks like to blend holistic healing with Western healthcare.Michele shares the deeply personal story of caring for her mother through an 11-year battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and how that journey led her into the world of aromatherapy and cannabis-based wellness.Together, we explore how essential oils, CBD, THC, and CBG can support the body, the importance of proper education and safety, and why healing doesn’t have to be an either/or conversation.One of the most powerful moments in this episode is Michele’s story of a critical turning point in her mother’s illness when traditional treatments had reached their limits, and cannabis helped restore comfort, function, and dignity in a moment that felt nearly hopeless.This conversation is a reminder that healing isn’t always linear and sometimes the most meaningful care comes from combining tools, not choosing sides.Connect With UsVisit Michele locally at Jubilee of Wellness at The District Artisan Market & Patio and at the New Albany Farmers MarketShop online: JubileeofWellness.comAbout Dr. Ethan Russo Connect with Kristin @growingpaines_Connect with Devon @devonballardhudsonFollow Homestead-ish @homesteadish_podThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or wellness routine.

Send us Fan MailThere’s a version of homesteading we all dream about...slow mornings, fresh food, a life rooted in intention.And then there’s the part no one really talks about: What happens when you need to leave?In this catch-up episode, we’re sharing what life looks like on our homesteads right now, from scaling up kombucha production and experimenting with no-dig potatoes, to navigating loss in the flock and the very real challenge of finding someone to care for your animals when you’re away.It’s part life update, part honest conversation, and part figuring-it-out-as-we-go.🐓 In This Episode: Scaling small-batch kombucha into larger production  No-dig / no-till potato planting with straw  Losing a beloved chicken and caring for a sick flock  The realities of farm sitting and leaving your homestead  Upcoming guests + events 🌿 Connect & ResourcesConnect with Kristin @growingpaines_Connect with Devon @devonballardhudsonFollow Homestead-ish @homesteadish_podPurchase the Homesteading as Resistance Tee on EtsyAttend the Land, Love, & Self-Reliance Festival

Send us Fan MailIn 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 & ResourcesFollow Jess on Instagram @actonfoodforest or TikTok @actonfoodforestWeeds and What They Tell Us by Ehrenfried E. PfeifferConnect with Kristin @growingpaines_Connect with Devon @devonballardhudsonFollow Homestead-ish @homesteadish_podShare this episode with a friend who “doesn’t have time” to garden!

Send us Fan MailSpring 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 UsDevon on IG @devonballardhudsonKristin on IG @growingpaines_⭐If You Loved This EpisodePlease follow, rate, and share with a like-minded friend. It helps this small but mighty podcast grow.

Send us Fan MailSeason 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:Kristin’s ongoing home build on her forested land (and the patience it’s requiring)Devon’s journey growing Basil & Blossom Co. and navigating winter health and energyThe very relatable mystery of chickens who simply… stop laying eggs in winterLiving seasonally and honoring winter as a slower, restorative timeWhy planting, tending, and creating can be quiet acts of hopeHow to stay grounded without disconnecting from what’s happening in the wider worldTogether, 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 anywayAs 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 UsDevon on IGKristin on IGBasil & Blossom Co’s Kombucha KitchenDevon on Substack⭐ If You Loved This EpisodePlease follow, rate, and share with a like-minded friend. It helps this small but mighty podcast grow.

Send us Fan MailIn 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 MentionedNorth Spore Holiday Gifts page including this adorable Polar Bear Lion's Mane KitTim's LinktreeForaged.com (for Tim’s dried mushrooms & upcoming spice line)Check out our new Homestead-ish tee design on Etsy Follow along on Instagram: @homesteadish_pod @devonballardhudson @growingpaines_

Send us Fan MailThis 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. In this mini-episode, Devon and Kristin chat about: 🌿 Why Devon decided to move her kombucha production into a commercial kitchen space at The District in downtown New Albany — and how sometimes the universe gives you that extra push to finally make the leap.🏡 The limitations of cottage food laws and how they can make it tough for small farmers and homesteaders to grow their businesses.🥕 The importance of community-based food systems — connecting with where our food comes from, supporting local makers, and creating spaces that nourish both people and planet.💛 How you can become part of this story by supporting the Kickstarter campaign and helping bring this community kombucha hub to life!Whether you’re a fellow homesteader, a lover of local food, or someone dreaming of taking your own next big step — this conversation is full of heart, honesty, and hope.🎧 Listen now to hear the behind-the-scenes story and learn how you can help build something truly special for our local food community.👉 Support the campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/basilblossom/building-basil-and-blossom-cos-sustainable-kombucha-kitchen👉 Follow along on Instagram: @homesteadish_pod @devonballardhudson @growingpaines_👉 Love Kombucha? Follow the Basil & Blossom Co Business Page on Facebook 

Send us Fan MailIn 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 NextWe’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 & MentionsFind Amy on IG at Amy Bauer, @frontyardveggiesMerlin Bird ID AppSilent Spring by Rachel CarsonCheck out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson

Send us Fan MailIn 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!Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IGDrop us a text at the link at the top of the show notes! 

Send us Fan Mail🎉 Episode 10! 🎉 Join Kristin and Devon for our tenth episode of Homestead-ish as we share life updates, garden stories, and a candid look at the ups and downs of homestead-ish living.This week, we dive into: Buying land and building a homestead responsibly as a steward of the land  Back-to-school germs and go-to herbal remedies Facing homesteader burnout (and what keeps us going) Living seasonally—finding contentment in each season and why it matters for the planet Tune in, laugh along our “bunny trails,” and celebrate the beauty (and honesty) of messy, seasonal rhythms on the homestead. Let’s Connect!Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IGDrop us a text at the link at the top of the show notes! 

Send us Fan MailIn 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:The origin story of Bundle Sticks Farm What regenerative agriculture means to them, how they practice it on their farm, and simple ways you can integrate regenerative principles at homeThe lost art of broom making, basket weaving, dried floral wreaths and moreWhy education and community engagement are essential pillars of their work—and how they’re teaching reciprocity and reconnection with the landAbout Our Guests: Elizabeth Tobey (she/her) is a crafter-of-many-trades, a skilled facilitator and communicator, and an unwavering social justice advocate. She grew up unschooled on a small family farm in Oregon and her family's history includes California cattle ranching and Bay-area artists and craftspeople, both legacies that live on in her today. 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!You can connect with Bundle Sticks on their website, IG, or join their newsletter! Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IGDrop us a text at the link at the top of the show notes! 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!

Send us Fan MailIn 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:Beginner-friendly ferments you can try at home todayHow the benefits of fermentation extend far beyond gut healthThe deeper connection between preserving food and preserving the planetDevon’s upcoming virtual workshop: Kombucha, Kefir, and Kraut, Oh My! An Intro to the Art of FermentationWhether 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!Sign-up for Devon’s fermentation workshop: Kombucha, Kefir, and Kraut, Oh My!Check out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IGDrop us a text at the link at the top of the show notes! 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!

Send us Fan MailIn 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!

Send us Fan MailIn 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: @actonfoodforestCheck out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IG!

Send us Fan MailHomestead-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:thehomesteadfestival.comGet the Official (and also extremely comfy) Homestead-ish Tee on Etsy!Food Inc DocumentaryRuthAnn Zimmerman on IGMandi Pickering of Wilk Oak Farms on IGKaylee Richardson of the Honeystead on IGNatural beekeeping with Suburban Sodbusters on IGHigh Tunnels with mindfulfarmerarkansas.com            Darryl Patton, the Southern HerbalistCheck out homesteadish_pod on IG, and as always you can find Kristin at growingpaines_ and Devon at devonballardhudson on IG!

Send us Fan MailSometimes 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

Send us Fan MailKristin 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 @hoosierforagerShop Tim's foraged goods at Hoosier Forager OutpostLove Tim's content? Buy him coffee!A Few of Tim's Super Helpful Instagram Posts (which we reference in the pod): Shagbark - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA67KtAOJQc/?igsh=MXV3YzZlb3c1YTZ0Ng==Enoki vs Galerina - https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzCkXOCrGrL/?igsh=ODViYndrNHA0b2V2Freezing Chicken of the Woods- https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxX1YxdukWg/?igsh=MWUyZm0xZjRvcW85YQ==Buffalo Chicken of the Woods - https://www.instagram.com/reel/CujkOn_vLh4/?igsh=MXFtcjJ5NGRmcGFkbw==Winter Oyster ID - https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1e7RVjLLRK/?igsh=aXgyc2M1dmZqajF4Morel ID - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI4sjARuTN0/?igsh=ZGszY3BzMjc5dWNwReciprocity Example - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC9lCIeOl-2/?igsh=MTRzM2pwcWE0eDgzMw==Spore Print - https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1CkhmAL97z/?igsh=MW5kcDIwOTZqNGd6cw==As always you can connect with Kristin on IG @growingpaines_ and Devon @devonballardhudson

Send us Fan MailIt'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_podConnect with Kristin on IG: @growingpaines_Connect with Devon on IG: @devonballardhudsonAs mentioned in this episode, check out @blossomandbranchfarm on IGWhat kind of composting is right for your home? Take the quiz: What Kind of Composting is Best for Your Home?

Send us Fan MailWelcome 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_podConnect with Devon on IG: @devonballardhudsonConnect with Kristin on IG: @growingpaines