The Homestead Education Podcast

Kody Hanner and Ron Hanner share a raw, practical story about marriage, parenting, homesteading, and rebuilding health after Ron was told he had end-stage liver disease and might have only a year to live. What follows is a story of fear, grit, and gradual change that led their family to rethink food, home life, and what it means to fight for one another. This episode matters because it connects nutrition, mindset, family systems, and healing in a way that feels lived in rather than theoretical.
In this episode:
Kody and Ron explain how they met, blended two families, and quickly built a new life together in Oregon
Ron describes the shock of being told he was "a little cirrhotic" and later diagnosed with compensated end-stage liver disease at 35
They talk through the emotional fallout, including fear, withdrawal, PTSD, and the strain the diagnosis put on the marriage
Kody shares how the doctor’s vague advice to pursue a more natural lifestyle became the first thing she could grab onto
They break down the drastic changes they made to food, including cooking from scratch, avoiding preservatives, and sourcing cleaner ingredients
The move to homesteading in North Idaho becomes a major turning point as they begin producing more of their own food
Ron explains how he managed chronic pain and disability through a spinal cord stimulator instead of narcotics
They discuss homeschooling, family meetings, chore systems, and how they learned to make the whole household part of the process
Kody and Ron share how they moved toward cleaner living with homemade cleaners, tallow and lard, fewer artificial scents, and more herbal remedies
The episode closes on their broader message: be proactive, be intentional, and do not hide from the hard things
Ron's Links
Hanner Homestead: www.hannerhomestead.com
Hanner Homestead IG: www.instagram.com/thehannerhomestead
Hanner Homestead FB: www.facebook.com/thehannerhomestead
Kody's Links
Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum
Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/
Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education 
Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation
Raising Self-Sufficient Kids Book - https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/raising-self-sufficient-children/

Kody Hanner and Ron Hanner share a raw, practical story about marriage, parenting, homesteading, and rebuilding health after Ron was told he had end-stage liver disease and might have only a year to live. What follows is a story of fear, grit, and gradual change that led their family to rethink food, home life, and what it means to fight for one another. This episode matters because it connects nutrition, mindset, family systems, and healing in a way that feels lived in rather than theoretical.
In this episode:
Kody and Ron explain how they met, blended two families, and quickly built a new life together in Oregon
Ron describes the shock of being told he was "a little cirrhotic" and later diagnosed with compensated end-stage liver disease at 35
They talk through the emotional fallout, including fear, withdrawal, PTSD, and the strain the diagnosis put on the marriage
Kody shares how the doctor’s vague advice to pursue a more natural lifestyle became the first thing she could grab onto
They break down the drastic changes they made to food, including cooking from scratch, avoiding preservatives, and sourcing cleaner ingredients
The move to homesteading in North Idaho becomes a major turning point as they begin producing more of their own food
Ron explains how he managed chronic pain and disability through a spinal cord stimulator instead of narcotics
They discuss homeschooling, family meetings, chore systems, and how they learned to make the whole household part of the process
Kody and Ron share how they moved toward cleaner living with homemade cleaners, tallow and lard, fewer artificial scents, and more herbal remedies
The episode closes on their broader message: be proactive, be intentional, and do not hide from the hard things
Ron's Links
Hanner Homestead: www.hannerhomestead.com
Hanner Homestead IG: www.instagram.com/thehannerhomestead
Hanner Homestead FB: www.facebook.com/thehannerhomestead
Kody's Links
Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum
Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/
Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education 
Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation
Raising Self-Sufficient Kids Book - https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/raising-self-sufficient-children/

Kody Hanner shares a solo episode that mixes personal life updates from a wildfire-filled summer with a practical rundown of major agriculture and food safety headlines. She also closes with a long reflection on county fairs, 4-H, and how local agricultural education shapes capable, community-minded kids. In this episode, Kody connects homestead life, livestock management, food policy, and youth ag education into one big picture of how agriculture touches daily life far beyond the farm. She also explains why she thinks local food systems matter more than ever when large-scale supply chains, regulations, and public health issues all collide.
Key topics
Kody explains how a major wildfire near her home pulled most of her family into fire duty for much of the summer, leaving her to run the farm, the business, and the home largely on her own.
She gives a homestead update, including 31 piglets across four litters, her mixed pig breeding program, and her goal of growing Hanner Homestead into a recognizable source of quality heritage pork.
She talks about a new Brown Swiss bull calf, A2A2 testing, and how that information helps shape long-term dairy and beef management decisions.
Kody shares poultry plans for the year, including raising meat birds later than usual and using new Idaho laws to make direct retail sales easier.
She introduces her homemade udder balm, which she says has become a practical chafing cream for firefighters and may soon be offered more broadly.
We discuss the Cargill and Tyson meatpacking antitrust and price-fixing settlement, and Kody breaks down how monopolistic control can squeeze farmers while raising consumer prices.
She covers a feedlot study that found unexpected lactation in some cattle and heifers, then walks through possible causes, including hormone implants, high-concentrate grain diets, plant estrogen activity, and mold exposure.
Kody reviews the tension between commercial feedlot management and her own preference for grass-fed livestock and smaller-scale production decisions.
She provides an educational explanation of recent food safety outbreaks, including Cyclospora and Salmonella cases linked to produce, and emphasizes how contamination can occur at many points in the supply chain.
She explains the difference between common public assumptions about imported produce and the actual layers of certification, inspection, sanitation, and testing that major food systems use.
Kody discusses the effort to define ultra-processed foods more clearly and the push to reform the GRAS system, which allows certain additives to bypass deeper review.
She highlights ingredients and additives she sees as problematic, including BHA, BHT, azodicarbonamide, red dye number two, brominated vegetable oil, and other questionable compounds.
The episode closes with a detailed look at county fairs as agricultural education, community infrastructure, youth development, and a major economic force in rural life.
Episode Links
Udder Balm Recipe: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/udder-balm/
The Cargill Lawsuit: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-judge-rules-beef-purchasers-can-pursue-price-fixing-class-actions-2026-07-17/
Lactating Steers: https://members.acresusa.com/lactating-steers-hormonal-implants/
FDA Outbreak Updates: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-multistate-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026
GRAS definition: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/generally-recognized-safe-gras
Homestead Education Links
Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum
Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/
Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education 
Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation
 

How do you teach home economics when most schools don't?
For many families, home economics has become a forgotten subject. But cooking, sewing, meal planning, budgeting, gardening, and creating with your hands are the very skills that build confidence, resilience, and independence.
In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with Jessica Clark of The Lark Life to discuss why practical life skills deserve a place alongside traditional academics—and how families can begin teaching them today.
Jessica shares how teaching her children to cook, sew, quilt, and create has transformed their confidence and given them ownership over their education. Together, they explore why children were designed to be creators rather than passive consumers, and how giving kids meaningful responsibilities helps them develop problem-solving skills that last a lifetime.
Whether you homeschool, attend public school, or simply want to raise more capable kids, this conversation offers practical encouragement for bringing home economics back into everyday family life.
In This Episode
Why home economics is making a comeback
Teaching cooking, sewing, quilting, and practical life skills
Helping children become creators instead of consumers
Building confidence through responsibility and hands-on learning
Why mistakes are one of the best teachers
Raising kids who contribute to the family instead of simply being entertained
Teaching boys and girls the same practical skills
Creating a home where learning happens naturally
Jessica's new Foundations in Quilting curriculum for homeschool families
What "Keep Growing" means and why lifelong learning matters
Key Takeaways
Home economics is about far more than cooking—it's about preparing children for adulthood.
Kids gain confidence when they're trusted with real responsibilities.
Creativity, problem-solving, and resilience are learned by doing, not by watching.
Families don't need expensive equipment or perfect conditions to begin teaching practical skills.
Some of the most meaningful education happens around the kitchen table, in the garden, or beside a sewing machine.
Jessica Clark's Links
Jessica Clark – The Lark Life: www.TheLarkLife.com 
Foundations in Quilting homeschool curriculum (get 20% off with code HE20): https://quilt-lab.teachery.co/foundations-in-quilting-semester-1?a=eaAH2dFT 
Beginner sewing resources and machine basics: https://amzn.to/45caVhj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_lark_life/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577853711059
Kody Hanner's Links
Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum
Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/
Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education 
Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation
Subscribe
If you're passionate about raising capable kids, practical agriculture, and real-world education, be sure to follow The Homestead Education Podcast. Each week, we share conversations that help families reconnect with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive—whether you live on a farm, in town, or somewhere in between.

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. 

In this episode, Alex and Ashley Johnson from Rustic Homestead Living share practical insights on how families can effectively prepare for emergencies—big or small. Whether you're stockpiling food or organizing your emergency plan, their advice makes preparedness accessible and actionable for everyone.
Key topics:
The evolution of homesteading into emergency preparedness education
How to customize 72-hour kits for individual family members and different environments
Rotating and using food storage to prevent waste and spoilage
The importance of a written preparedness plan and binder organization
How to incorporate long-term and short-term strategies, including food storage, medical supplies, and communication tools
Teaching skills to make the most of available ingredients and resources
Tips for storing supplies securely against pests and degradation
Community classes and in-person resources for hands-on learning
The mindset of continuous growth and learning in preparedness and homesteading
Resources & Links:
Rustic Homestead Living Website: https://rustichomesteadliving.com/
Preparedness Binder & Resources: https://rustichomesteadliving.com/store/books-resources/
Start Here: The 7-Day Homestead Preparedness Blueprint helps you build your foundation for self-sufficiency in one week https://rustichomesteadliving.com/start-here/
Connect with Alex & Ashley:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rustichomesteadliving/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/rustichomesteadliving
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