The Homestead Education
Homesteading. Homeschooling. Hard truths — made simple.
I’m Kody Hanner — animal scientist, educator, and homesteader raising my family on forty acres in North Idaho. After years of teaching families across the country how to grow their own food and grow as people, I’m here to bring real-world education back home.
Each week, we’ll talk about how to build a functional homestead, teach practical life skills, and raise kids who can think, work, and thrive — without relying on broken systems. From livestock and gardens to homeschooling and personal growth, you’ll get expert guidance, honest stories, and no-fluff advice you can actually use.
Whether you’re brand-new to self-sufficiency or deep into the lifestyle, this podcast will help you build confidence, purpose, and common sense — one project, one habit, and one conversation at a time.
Follow now to learn how to homestead smarter, educate better, and live free.
Episodes

Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
Tuesday Aug 19, 2025
In this episode, I’m joined by Cheryl Daley—homeschooling mom, speaker, author and host of The Homeschool How To Podcast. Cheryl is passionate about helping parents recognize how culture and education are shaping their children, often by design, and equipping families to stand firm in their faith.
With years of homeschooling experience and a heart for encouraging other parents, Cheryl shares how families can guard their children’s hearts and minds, strengthen their faith foundation, and raise resilient kids in today’s world. We explore how cultural influences affect the next generation, why intentional parenting matters, and practical steps you can take to build a Christ-centered home.
Episode Links
Website: https://thehomeschoolhowto.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089912183883
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehomeschoolhowtopodcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehomeschoolhowto
Grab your copy of Cheryl’s brand-new Homeschool Starter Guide eBook!- https://thehomeschoolhowto.com/product/the-homeschool-how-to-complete-starter-guide/
Get your copy of Let's Talk, Emergencies on Amazon today!
Kody Links
Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/
Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop
Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
In this episode, I’m joined by Katie J Trent—bestselling author of Dishing Up Devotions, Recipes for a Sweet Child, and A Merry and Bright Adventure, and founder of the Family Faith-Building Academy & Community. Katie’s mission is simple yet powerful: make discipleship easier—and deliciously fun—for busy homeschooling families.
With over 15 years of experience in counseling, ministry, and church planting, Katie shares how hands-on family discipleship can weave biblical character traits into everyday life. We explore how to define your family’s faith background, set intentional goals for what you want to teach your kids, and multiply the gifts God has given you.
Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build Yours Today!
Episode Links
Website: https://katiejtrent.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiejtrent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiejtrent/
Purchase Katie's books: Dishing Up Devotions, Recipes for a Sweet Child, and A Merry and Bright Adventure
Grab Katie's 101 Life Skills Bundle FREE: https://katiejtrent.com/lifeskills/
Kody Links
Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/
Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop
Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
In this episode, I’m joined by Mary Bryant Shrader—author of The Modern Pioneer Cookbook and The Modern Pioneer Pantry, and the host of Mary’s Nest on YouTube, where she shares over 700 videos on nourishing, traditional cooking from scratch.
Mary opens up about her journey from homeschooling mom to a trusted voice in traditional food. Her books aren’t just cookbooks—they’re hands-on guides for anyone ready to make simple, wholesome meals at home. We discuss the free K–12 cooking curriculum she created, the value of real-life skills such as rendering lard, making broth, and baking from scratch, and how she teaches in a way that’s encouraging—not overwhelming.
Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build Yours Today!
Episode Links
YouTube: Mary’s Nest
Website: marysnest.com
Purchase her cookbook here: marysnest.com/my-cookbook
Download your free copy of The Modern Pioneer Cookbook Curriculum: https://marysnest.com/cookbook-curriculum/
Facebook: facebook.com/marysnest
Instagram: instagram.com/marysnest
Kody Links
Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/
Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop
Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
In this episode, I am joined by Amanda Nigg—better known as Farm Fit Momma—a homeschooling mom and entrepreneur who built a business that fits her life and family, not the other way around. Amanda shares her real-life journey of growing a purpose-driven brand while raising kids, managing homeschooling, and staying rooted in faith.
From early-morning bookkeeping to balancing client work during naptime, Amanda opens up about the flexibility, discipline, and intentional planning it takes to run a successful business from home.
If you're a homeschooling parent, work-from-home mom, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with relatable insights and encouragement to help you build a business that aligns with your values, your schedule, and your purpose.
Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build Yours Today!
Episode Links
Website: https://www.farmfitmomma.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmfitmomma/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farmfitmomma
Kody Links
Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/
Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop
Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
In this episode, I sit down with Alex McRae, founder of Alair Ag Drones and co-founder of Nature Shield Pest & Lawn, to explore how drone technology is revolutionizing modern agriculture. Raised in rural Idaho, Alex blends his love for farming and aviation to support sustainable, healthy land practices. From crop dusting with drones to navigating FAA certifications, he shares how innovation is helping small farms thrive.
But that’s not all, Alex also discusses his family’s homeschooling journey, how real-world experiences shape their education, and the value of bringing entrepreneurship to the kitchen table.
Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build Yours Today!
Episode Links
Alair Ag Drones Website- https://alairdrones.com/
Nature Shield Pest & Lawn Website- www.gonatureshield.com
Nature Shield Pest & Lawn Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/gonatureshield
Kody Links
Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/
Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop
Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
Tuesday Jul 15, 2025
In this episode, I welcome Dennita and Mimi from The One-Room Red Schoolhouse in Dinwiddie County, Virginia. This unique, faith-based one-room schoolhouse blends traditional academics with hands-on homesteading and entrepreneurial education. Tune in as they discuss their mission, how they structure their days, and why practical, nature-based learning is essential in today’s world.
Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build Yours Today!
Episode Links
Website- https://redschoolhousenetwork.com/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/the_one_room_red_schoolhouse/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/TheRedBarnFarmVA
Kody Links
Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/
Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop
Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
Tuesday Jul 08, 2025
In this episode, I talk with Tiffany Michaels of Sparrow Homeschool about using real-world experiences to teach history, geography, and faith. With over 15 years of homeschooling experience and a background in social work, Tiffany brings a thoughtful and hands-on approach to education.
She shares how travel through the Pacific Northwest shaped her curriculum, inspired connections to Indigenous history, and supported a Christian worldview. From field trips and artwork to tough conversations and humor, Tiffany shows how to make homeschool history meaningful and memorable.
Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build Yours Today!
Episode Links
Sparrow Homeschool Website- https://sparrowhomeschool.com/
Kody Links
Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/
Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop
Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
Tuesday Jul 01, 2025
In this episode, I’m opening up with a little encouragement and honesty—because homesteading doesn’t have to be picture-perfect to be meaningful. I’m talking about redefining what homesteading looks like when money’s tight, and how purpose-driven hustle can still lead to big wins.
I share real, practical tips on cutting costs through cooking from scratch, bartering and trading, offering labor in exchange for goods or knowledge, and sourcing what you need for free or cheap. It’s all about building self-sufficiency and community, on your terms.
Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build Yours Today!
Episode Links-
Homemade Cost Cutting Guide- https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/homemade-cost-cutting/
Business Coaching- https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/business-call/
How to Start a Homestead Business Guide- https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/how-to-start-a-homestead-business-planning-guide/
Kody Links
Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/
Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop
Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
Tuesday Jun 24, 2025
In this episode, we’re joined by Stacey Carpenter of Hop’n Ridge Ranch — a dedicated homesteader, entrepreneur, and educator who’s building a thriving life rooted in purpose and practicality. Stacey shares her journey of starting a homestead from the ground up and how she’s turned her passion into a full-fledged business and educational platform.
We talk about the realities of balancing family, farming, and finances — from raising livestock with intention to teaching others through hands-on experiences. Stacey opens up about the learning curves, the wins, and the mission behind Hop’n Ridge Ranch.
Whether you’re new to homesteading or looking to grow your farm-based business, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to make it work, with tips on marketing, community-building, and staying true to your “why” along the way.
Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build Yours Today!
Episode Links
Find Hop'n Ridge Ranch on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/hopnridgeranch
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/sheep_of_5048
Give Stacey a call at 509-944-5559
Kody Links
Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/
Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop
Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
Tuesday Jun 17, 2025
In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Kilpatrick of Farm on Central, a seasoned farmer, educator, and advocate for sustainable small-scale agriculture. Michael shares valuable insights into the world of urban farming, how to thrive within city limits, and why smart marketing is key to farm success.
We dig into the real struggles small farmers face — from navigating confusing regulations to staying afloat financially — and Michael offers practical, experience-backed advice on how to diversify your income streams to build resilience on your homestead or farm.
Whether you’re a backyard grower, market gardener, or dreaming of your first CSA, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and real talk about the challenges and opportunities in modern farming.
Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build Yours Today!
Episode Links
Find Michael Kilpatrick on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingfarmers/
Get 5% off using this link: https://www.farmoncentral.com/?ref=hteirdlu
Kody Links
Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/
Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop
Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Kody Hanner
Homestead Educator
When I graduated from college I know that I wanted to continue to teach people about agriculture and our food systems. When I began down the homeschool and homestead path, it only made sense to focus on teaching our next generation about the joys of homesteading.
My focus will be on not only how to homestead and homestead, but the mindset and personal growth that will help you on this amazing journey we are taking!
Keep growing!






