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Have you ever dreamed of collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard? Raising your kids around chickens, gardens, and the rhythm of honest work? Maybe you’ve caught yourself searching “how to raise baby chicks,” “chicken breeds for beginners,” “how to homestead with children,” or “God-centered family farm life.” Friend, you are not alone—and you are exactly where you’re meant to be. I’m Tori Gass and welcome to Chickens and Farming Made Easy, a podcast where we blend practical chicken-keepi ...
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Join me as we get our hands dirty. Whether it's farm and garden work, construction and carpentry, cooking and food preservation, or bushcraft and survival skills, you will find something that inspires your creativity. We learn from some true masters of their crafts. Other times we jump head-first into a project, figuring it out as we go. We explore an endless variety of skills, trades, and crafts using both traditional and modern tools and methods.
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Learn with Jimmy DiResta in this episode of Mother Earth News and Friends to build with confidence and transform every project from a simple sandwich to a complex workshop into a creative opportunity. We discuss everything from the evolution of his workshops and property to growing pawpaw trees and making everything from knives to chicken coops. Mo…
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Dreaming of starting a homestead but think you don’t have enough land? The truth is, you don’t need acres to live more self-sufficiently—you can begin right where you are! In this episode, I’ll share 3 simple tips to start your own mini-farm or micro-homestead—even if all you have is a backyard, a balcony, or just a few containers on the porch. We’…
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this episode, I share how I started raising chickens with no experience—and the 3 beginner-friendly tips that will help you avoid common mistakes, save money, and enjoy the journey from day one. Whether you live in the city, suburbs, or country, you’ll learn how to start a backyard chicken coop, choose the right breeds for your family, and create a…
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Eric Stromberg shares the key benefits of raising quail, such as their small size, low noise, and prolific egg-laying capabilities. The conversation also covers topics like housing, feeding, and the process of raising quail for both meat and eggs. More from Mother Earth News and Friends 🌳 Podcasts https://www.motherearthnews.com/Podcast/ 🌳 Articles…
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Thinking about raising meat chickens in your backyard but feeling a bit overwhelmed? You’re not alone! In this episode of Chickens and Farming Made Easy, I break down 5 quick, essential tips every beginner needs before getting started with meat birds. Whether you’re dreaming of fast-growing Cornish Cross chickens or the hardier Freedom Rangers, I’l…
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Do you wish you could start a garden—but feel stuck with limited space, no time, and little experience? You're not alone! In this episode of Chickens and Farming Made Easy, I’m sharing my best small-space gardening tips and composting hacks that any busy mom can do—no acreage required. Whether you’ve got a balcony, a backyard, or just a porch, this…
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Are you dreaming of escaping the 9–5 and turning your homestead into a full-time income? In this episode, I share how I built a life and livelihood through chickens, gardens, value-added goods, and faith—no matter the size of your property. I’ll walk you through: Profitable homestead ideas, from backyard chicken eggs and chicken breeding to jams, s…
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Think you need acres of land to start your homestead? Think again! In this episode of Chickens and Farming Made Easy, Tori Gass from Lost Sheep Farm breaks down how to start micro-homesteading with chickens and small-space gardening, even if you have no backyard or acreage. Learn which chicken breeds thrive in tiny spaces, discover space-saving coo…
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Delve into sustainable pest control and soil health in this episode of the Mother Earth News and Friends podcast with J.B. Williams, a chemical engineer. Williams shares insights on using natural, essential-oil based products as alternatives to synthetic chemicals, emphasizing their safety and effectiveness. More from Mother Earth News and Friends …
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If I had to start over from scratch—after all the messes, miracles, and muddy lessons—these are the three things I’d do differently when starting a homestead. Whether you’re dreaming of chickens and tomatoes or life just threw you a hard reset, this episode is full of real talk, practical tips, and God’s truth to guide you forward. I’m sharing how …
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Thinking about raising backyard chickens with your family, but not sure if everyone’s ready? In this episode, we’re talking about the 3 most important things to do before starting a flock, especially if you're raising chickens with kids or trying to convince your spouse to say yes. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to decide if chickens ar…
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Are you dreaming of a backyard homestead that nurtures your family, grows your faith, and brings fresh eggs to your table? In this episode, we dive deep into how to build a faith-filled family farm life centered on God’s principles and simple, sustainable chicken keeping. Whether you’re new to backyard chickens or a seasoned homesteader, you’ll dis…
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Thinking about raising backyard chickens but have no idea where to start? You are not alone! In this episode, I’m sharing how I got started with raising chickens at home for the very first time—with zero experience—and I’m giving you the 3 most important tips for beginners, plus one powerful bonus step that will make your chicken-keeping journey ea…
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On this episode of Mother Earth News and Friends, Catherine O'Brien, an AKC Bronze Breeder of Merit, discusses with Kenny Coogan the unique temperament, intelligence, and care of Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, highlighting their role as effective livestock guardians. She shares insights on breeding for instinct and sound temperament, as well as practical…
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How to Start Raising Chickens: 5 Steps You Can Take Right Now Are you ready to start raising chickens but not sure where to begin? In this no-fluff, faith-filled episode, we walk you through 5 simple steps to start your backyard chicken flock—even if you don’t have a coop yet! Whether you’re dreaming of fresh eggs, thinking about raising chickens f…
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In this episode of the Mother Earth News and Friends podcast, join host Kenny Coogan as he discusses "The True Cost of Chickens" with Francesca Duval, founder and owner of Alchemist Farm. Duval, with 35 years of experience, shares insights on unexpected chicken expenses, DIY coop ideas, and predator prevention. Learn about protecting your flock fro…
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What if your chicken coop could become a classroom—and your backyard chores, a doorway to lifelong lessons? In this heartwarming and faith-rooted episode, we dive into the beauty of raising children and chickens side by side. From collecting eggs in mismatched rain boots to wrangling toddlers while hauling feed, we’re exploring how backyard farm li…
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Getting ready to butcher your own chickens at home? 🐔 This episode is your ultimate guide to the must-have tools and supplies for butchering chickens—perfect for beginners, backyard chicken keepers, and homesteaders alike. In this episode of Chickens and Farming Made Easy, I’m breaking down every single tool you need to process meat chickens safely…
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So you’re thinking about raising chickens? Or maybe you’ve already brought home a few hens and now you’re wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into. In this episode of Chickens and Farming Made Easy, I’m sharing the 3 biggest things I wish I had known before starting with chickens—lessons that could save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustra…
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Join host Josh Wilder and culinary anthropologist Daniel "DJ" James, a visual storyteller passionate about the narratives of our food system. This isn't just about marketing; it's about helping farmers, growers, and even backyard gardeners become the captivating storytellers they already are. More from Mother Earth News and Friends 🌳 Podcasts https…
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Are you ready for the end times? Whether it’s the last days or just a hard season, there’s a lot we can—and should—be preparing for. In today’s episode, we’re starting with that big, bold question: What if the world really is ending? But then we’re digging deeper. We’ll talk about what it means to be spiritually ready, how to steward our homesteads…
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Discover how to create the perfect outdoor cat enclosure, or "catio," that keeps your feline friends safe while adding a beautiful, artistic element to your garden. Join Catio Queen Cynthia Chomos as she shares tips on DIY catio designs, cat-safe gardening, and the many benefits of a catio for both pets and their owners. More from Mother Earth News…
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Thinking about raising chickens but feeling overwhelmed by the unknown? You're not alone. In this episode, we tackle the biggest fears new chicken keepers face—from choosing the right breed and building your first coop to surviving your first predator scare and figuring out what grit even is. Whether you're worried about cost, mess, or accidentally…
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In this episode, we dive into how to build and weatherproof your chicken coop to withstand rain, snow, wind, and all kinds of weather challenges. Whether you’re dealing with soaking rains, freezing winters, or blustery winds, you’ll learn practical tips to keep your flock safe, dry, and cozy all year round. We’ll cover materials, design ideas, drai…
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Deciding between laying hens and meat birds can feel like choosing between two very different adventures on your homestead. In this episode, we’ll help you figure out which type of chicken best fits your goals—whether you’re after fresh eggs daily or planning to raise birds for meat. We’ll cover the key differences in care, space, and timing, plus …
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Thinking about adding some clucking friends to your backyard but not sure where to start? In this episode, we’ll walk you through the basics of starting your very own backyard chicken flock, perfect for beginners. From choosing your first chickens and setting up a simple coop to understanding their daily care and feeding needs, you’ll get all the t…
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Thinking about raising backyard chickens but don’t know where to start? Wondering how to balance farm life, faith, and a whole bunch of feathered friends without losing your mind (or your morning coffee)? Welcome to Chickens and Farming Made Easy—the go-to podcast for beginner chicken keepers, homesteading dreamers, and busy families looking to bui…
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Discover in this episode of Mother Earth News and Friends what vital efforts to conserve rare poultry, from the comeback of the Beltsville Small White Turkey to the concerning decline of the delicate Booted Bantam. Learn from guest Jeannette Beranger of The Livestock Conservancy how you can help preserve biodiversity and support heritage breeds aga…
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Award-winning author and TV host Steven Raichlen, known for his expertise in barbecue, delves into the versatile world of griddling in this episode. He shares insights from his new book, "Project Griddle," discussing how to use various griddles for everything from smoky shrimp and Wagyu steak to full breakfast spreads and vegetarian dishes, emphasi…
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This episode of the Mother Earth News and Friends podcast features herbalist Bevin Cohen discussing the use of herbs in cooking and medicine. Cohen explains the importance of seasonal herbalism and the benefits of various herbs such as dandelions, stinging nettles, plantain, and lemon balm. More from Mother Earth News and Friends 🌳 Podcasts https:/…
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Ready to learn about the best bedding for your backyard chickens? This episode of the Mother Earth News and Friends podcast dives into "The Pros and Cons of Chicken Coop Bedding," an article by Kenny Coogan originally featured in Backyard Poultry Magazine. Join the conversation as they explore the various options available to keep your feathered fr…
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This podcast episode features Bruce and Elaine Ingram as they read the "7 Foraging Finds" article and clafouti recipe. The Ingrams delve into the world of foraging for wild edibles, highlighting nutritious and delicious foods that can be found in the wild. They also share tips on identifying, harvesting, and preparing wild foods like watercress, da…
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In this episode, Patrice Lewis, a self-sufficiency expert, discusses her article "Is Gardening Financially Worth It?" with Mother Earth News Lead Editor Ana Skemp and offers advice on making gardening economically worthwhile, from selecting high-yield plants to employing cost-saving strategies. They share their experiences and tips on successful ga…
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In this episode we discuss preventing various predators from harming poultry, including chickens, ducks, and geese. Expert Erin Snyder identifies both daytime and nighttime threats, offering practical advice on securing coops, protecting waterfowl, and understanding predator behavior. More from Mother Earth News and Friends 🌳 Podcasts https://www.m…
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In this podcast episode of "Mother Earth News and Friends" Darryl and Patty Ward, the owners of Sow Right Seeds, an heirloom seed company, discuss sustainable seed sourcing and gardening practices with Mother Earth News Lead Editor Ana Skemp. The conversation delves into the benefits of heirloom and open-pollinated seeds, practical advice for home …
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