Pioneering Today Podcast - Homesteading in a Modern World

In this throwback episode, we revisit a conversation that is perfect for anyone looking around their home thinking, "Something has to change." I sat down with Tracy Lynn to talk about decluttering in a way that truly lasts — not just a weekend cleanup that slides back into chaos, but real systems that create peace and order for the long haul. One of Tracy's insights that stuck with me is that clutter is loud. Even in a quiet home, visual clutter speaks to you all day long. It distracts you, drains your energy, and adds mental noise you may not even realize is there. And if you've ever decluttered only to have everything slowly creep back in, you know just how frustrating that cycle feels. Tracy shares how to break that pattern by pairing decluttering with habit-building. Her month-by-month approach is simple but incredibly effective — each space is tackled in the season where it naturally fits. For example, she recommends organizing the office in March, when many of us are already sorting paperwork for tax season. It's about aligning your home rhythms with your real-life routines so decluttering feels doable, not overwhelming. If you're longing for a home that feels calm, functional, and easy to maintain — or if your clutter has just been feeling a little "too loud" lately — this episode will give you the clarity and encouragement you need to make lasting change. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/495

In this powerful throwback episode, we revisit one of the most meaningful and eye-opening conversations I've had on the homestead. I sat down with Dr. Shannyn Pearce to talk about what's really going on underneath the struggles so many women face — thyroid issues, adrenal overload, hormone imbalance, and the subtle warning signs that often go unnoticed. We dig into the everyday symptoms many of us tend to brush off: fatigue, unexplained weight gain, mood swings, inflammation, and food sensitivities. I share parts of my own journey, including how I got off thyroid medication, uncovered hidden food reactions, and learned to listen to my body in a deeper, more intentional way. Dr. Shannyn also explains why individualized lab work matters, how "normal" ranges don't always reflect what's optimal for you, and how adrenal and hormonal shifts can quietly influence your well-being long before bigger issues surface. Most importantly, this episode focuses on real, actionable steps — from managing stress and removing inflammatory foods to supporting the adrenals and giving your body the time and grace it needs to heal. If you've ever felt like you're doing everything "right" yet still don't feel like yourself, this conversation will give you clarity, hope, and a practical path forward. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/494 ✨ Sponsor: This throwback episode is sponsored by Azure Standard. Their Azure Well line of high-quality supplements and herbs is a wonderful resource for supporting thyroid, adrenal, and overall hormonal health naturally. Save 15% off your first purchase of $100 or more with the code MELISSA15   

In this throwback episode, we're revisiting one of the most foundational lessons for anyone who wants to grow more of their own food — not just a handful of tomatoes or a quick salad garden (though that's a great place to begin!), but a true, abundant harvest that feeds your family. I'm sharing the nine core principles I've relied on for nearly twenty-seven years of gardening here on our homestead. These steps will help you create consistent, reliable harvests no matter what the season throws your way. If you've ever struggled with uneven yields, wished your garden produced more predictably, or wanted a clear roadmap for planning a productive garden, this episode lays out the framework you've been missing. We'll cover the habits and systems that set you up for long-term success — understanding your soil, planning your garden space intentionally, choosing the right varieties, and building a repeatable method you can use year after year. Whether you're gardening in a small backyard, a suburban lot, or a larger homestead, these nine steps will help you grow more food with less overwhelm. It's an episode worth revisiting each season as you plan ahead for 2026 and beyond. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/493

In this throwback episode, I'm revisiting one of my favorite herbal conversations with my friend and renowned herbalist Rosalee de la Forêt. This discussion truly changed the way I approach herbal medicine. Instead of treating herbs like Western medicine — one symptom, one herb — Rosalee helps us understand why herbalism is so much more personal and intuitive. Together, we walk through how to recognize your body's signals and determine whether what you're experiencing is hot, cold, damp, or dry. Understanding your own energetics is the key to choosing herbs that actually work for your body and supporting your immune system in a deeper, more effective way. If you've ever wanted to use herbs with confidence, especially during cold and flu season, this episode is the perfect place to begin. I've also created an Herbal Energetics Wheel to help you match the right herbs to your constitution. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/492

In this throwback episode, we revisit a listener coaching call where we break down how to begin homesteading without jumping into overwhelm. We talk through the basics of planning raw land, observing sunlight and frost patterns, mapping out future zones, and using temporary setups like grow bags and portable fencing as you learn what works best. You'll also hear practical advice for easing into homesteading step-by-step so you can build a sustainable, thriving homestead at a pace that fits your season of life. Whether you're dreaming of your first garden or planning your next big project, this timeless conversation will help you move forward with confidence and clarity. For more information and any links mentioned, visit the blog post here: https://melissaknorris.com/491