The Homestead Education Podcast

In a world increasingly driven by screens, automation, and artificial intelligence, hands-on learning has never been more important. In this episode, agricultural educator Trent Van Leuwen shares how experiential learning, field trips, student entrepreneurship, and real-world agricultural experiences are helping students develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and career readiness. Whether you're a homeschool parent, teacher, or agriculture advocate, this conversation offers practical ideas for bringing meaningful hands-on education to today's students.

Key Topics:

Trent's background growing up on a dairy farm and his journey into agricultural education

Differences between urban/suburban and rural agricultural experiences

The importance of vocabulary and foundational knowledge in agriculture

Unique programs at Mackey High School, including fish hatcheries, greenhouse projects, and fish monitoring

The role of community, authenticity, and passion in effective farm tours and field trips

Strategies for teaching ag without traditional farm access, including creative lab solutions

The significance of teaching financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career pathways in ag

Cross-disciplinary collaborations between ranchers and fish biologists to promote sustainable practices

The impact of experiential learning on students’ future careers and community involvement

The "Keep Growing" philosophy about overcoming failures and continuous learning

Connect with Trent

Take a Little Field Trip (Book) - https://amzn.to/4fq3CXE

Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Trent-Van-Leuven-Educator-Author-61580158103061/

Podcast Links and Resources

Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum

Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/

Kody's Links

Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education 

Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Living Freely on the Fringes: Embracing Authenticity and Freedom in Homesteading & Homeschooling

In this episode, Kody Hanner shares her raw, honest journey of redefining success, identity, and freedom within the homestead and homeschool lifestyle. She explores the pressures of social media, the importance of authenticity, and how to stay true to ourselves without falling into societal traps or comparisons. This episode is a powerful reminder that true freedom comes from living in alignment with your values, beyond public approval or perfect appearances.

 

Key Topics:

The shift from chasing societal success to embracing personal authenticity on the homestead

The pressure to perform and curate a perfect life online versus real, messy life

How living on the fringes offers freedom and independence from mainstream expectations

The importance of privacy and choosing what to share in a digital age

Redefining success based on real-world outcomes like capability, health, and joy

Overcoming the comparison game—garden wins, follower counts, and perfectionism

The emotional journey of living through hardship, illness, and rebuilding purpose

The significance of community, family, and land in cultivating a meaningful, free life

Resources & Links:

Homestead Education Curriculum - http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum

Homestead Family Reading List - https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/

Connect with Kody:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/homestead_education 

Facebook - https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation 

Share your thoughts:

Feel inspired? Leave a review or comment on social media. I’d love to hear how you’re reclaiming your freedom and authenticity in your homesteading and homeschooling journey.

Preserving Food, Farming Wisdom, and Building Resilience with Jeremy and Stacy Hill.

 

Discover how Jeremy and Stacy Hill from Gooseberry Bridge Farm combine traditional farming, food preservation, and resilient homesteading to reconnect with nature and community. This conversation offers practical insights for anyone interested in food sovereignty, sustainable living, and farm business strategies.

 

Main topics include:

The evolution of a homestead into a full-time farm business

The mental and practical foundations for successful food preservation

Navigating the regulatory landscape of agro-tourism

The importance of seasonality and small batch preservation

Cultivating a resilient mindset for farm life and self-sufficiency

In this episode:

The story behind "The Preserver’s Garden" and food preservation as a catalyst

How their personal journey led them from hobby gardening to a thriving farm

The benefits and challenges of managing a 5,000 sq ft garden and multiple income streams

The role of seasonality in preserving food effectively year-round

How to start small with preservation projects like jam-making

The importance of understanding your "why" to sustain homesteading efforts

Insights into Missouri's friendly policies supporting farm-based tourism

Practical tips on growing what works and managing the farm’s seasonal rhythm

The cultural shift needed to value and pass down agricultural skills

Resources & Links:

The Preserver's Garden by Jeremy & Stacy Hill: https://amzn.to/4eCbd6y 

Gooseberry Bridge Farm: https://www.gooseberrybridge.com/ 

Missouri Grown program: https://missourigrownusa.com/ 

Connect with Jeremy & Stacy:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gooseberrybridgefarm/?__pwa=1 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gooseberrybridge 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gooseberrybridgefarm 

Connect with Kody Hanner:

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

GET YOUR FREE HOMESTEAD FAMILY READING LIST HERE: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/

This episode dives into the crucial need to redefine agriculture education for today's society. I share my personal journey, insights into food systems, and why foundational knowledge about where our food comes from is more vital than ever—regardless of whether you’re a farmer or not.

The disconnect between conventional agriculture education and real-world needs

Why understanding food, soil, and farm systems is essential for everyone

How COVID, supply chain disruptions, and AI are shifting perspectives on local and small-scale farming

The historical evolution of agricultural education and its current shortcomings

Practical steps to incorporate meaningful agriculture lessons into homes and communities

The importance of fostering purpose, resilience, and responsibility in the next generation

The role of homeschooling, community involvement, and local sourcing in building a stable food future

Resources & Links:

Courses and curriculum for agricultural literacy: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum

Homesteading Summer Courses — 25% off mini courses with code SUMMER25: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/coupon-code/SUMMER25/sc-page/summer-on-the-homestead-kickoff-sale/

Homestead Family Reading List: https://thehomesteadeducation.myflodesk.com/homestead-reading-list

Connect with Kody Hanner:

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/homestead_education 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/homesteadeducation 

Remember: agriculture is the foundation of civilization. Reimagine how we teach and connect with it to build resilient, purpose-driven generations.

Discover how blacksmithing is alive and evolving through the stories of Will Branson and David Walker from Fire Iron Forge. This episode explores the journey from childhood passions to building a thriving craft business, emphasizing the importance of niche markets, community, and continuous growth in the trade.

Watch the YouTube Episode Here: https://youtu.be/JJf-G0mLZCc

Main Topics:

The origins of blacksmithing passions and how childhood influences shape careers

Building a blacksmithing school and cultivating a community of diverse students

The importance of finding a niche in a dying art and marketing it effectively

The role of hands-on, experiential learning in developing confidence and purpose

How blacksmithing serves as a meaningful outlet for all ages and genders

Practical tips on starting blacksmithing at home and the realities of equipment costs

The significance of continuous learning and staying a "forever student"

Resources & Links:

Fire Iron Forge - https://fireironforge.com/

Athol Ironworks - https://atholironworks.com/ 

Abana - Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America - https://abana.org/ 

California Blacksmith Association - https://www.calsmith.org/ 

Connect with Athol Iron Works or Fire Iron Forge

Athol Iron Works Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AtholIronworks 

Athol Iron Works Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/atholironworks/

Fire Iron Forge Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fireironforge 

Fire Iron Forge Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fire_iron_forge/

Kody's Links

Homestead Education Curriculum: https://thehomesteadeducation.com

Shop Books & Resources: https://thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Join the Email List for Resources & Updates: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/subscribe

Follow Along

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thehomesteadeducation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

This episode underscores that blacksmithing is not just a craft, but a lifelong journey of growth, community, and purpose. Whether you're starting at home or seeking to turn your passion into a business, Will and David’s insights provide a compelling blueprint for success in the art of the forge.