The Homestead Education Podcast

In this episode, Kody chats with Katie Olthoff, co-founder of Chop Local and Chop Local University, about helping farmers sell meat directly to consumers in today’s market. Katie shares how she transitioned from teaching elementary school in rural Iowa to building an online farmers' market that connects producers with buyers nationwide. Together, they unpack the difference between custom-exempt and retail meat sales, how inspection laws affect shipping, and why clear pricing and education are key to building trust with customers. Katie also shares insights on simplifying online sales, using email marketing instead of relying on social media, and creative strategies for selling the lesser-known cuts that often sit in farmers’ freezers.
Episode Links
Chop Local Website: https://choplocal.com/
Chop Local University: https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choplocalmeat
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@choplocal
Podcast: Meat Success
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

In this episode, Kody tackles one of the most complex and often misunderstood topics in America: the food stamp system and its impact on personal responsibility, nutrition, and self-sufficiency. She traces its origins from FDR’s 1939 program to today’s SNAP, uncovering how a system designed to feed the hungry gradually created a culture of dependency. Drawing from her own experience as a single mother who once relied on food assistance, Kody offers a compassionate yet challenging perspective on how modern policies, education gaps, and processed food industries have eroded our connection to real food and the skills to provide it.
She reminds listeners that if those in power control the food, they control the people. Through history, statistics, and personal reflection, Kody urges families to reclaim their independence by learning to cook, grow, and nourish themselves. She calls for a return of home economics and small-scale agriculture to schools, stronger nutrition education, and support for farmers—the very people who sustain our nation. This thought-provoking conversation challenges the idea that aid alone can solve hunger and points toward a future where resilience, knowledge, and self-reliance take the lead.
Episode Links
Brand new student planner: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/homestead-student-planner/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/160411704
Porthill Printing website: www.porthillprinting.com 
Porthill Printing social media: @porthillprinting
Book Links:
The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
Omnivores Dilemma
 
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

In this episode, Kody sits down with Greg and Kristen Leininger, founders of Steader, to share how their own homesteading challenges sparked the idea for a faith-led, community-driven app built to reconnect local food systems. They open up about turning that vision into a working platform that helps neighbors buy, sell, and trade. From their family’s journey toward a simpler, purpose-filled life to their mission of helping others live closer to God’s design for food, land, and fellowship, Greg and Kristen show how technology can actually bring homesteaders back together—one trade, seed, or story at a time.
Episode Links
Website: https://www.steader.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steaderapp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steaderapp/
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

In this episode, Kody sits down with author Brian Combs of The Homestead Kids to share how a dad’s bedtime stories, written to help his newly adopted daughters navigate a big move, grew into a faith-led adventure series that’s turning reluctant readers into eager book finishers. Brian opens up about weaving Scripture naturally into wholesome homestead tales, why he designed the books with full-color chapter illustrations, 14-point type, and a dyslexia-friendly edition, and the reader feedback that keeps him writing.
Episode Links
Website: https://thehomesteadkidsbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095518380679
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehomesteadkidsbooks/
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

In this episode, Kody sits down with Jennifer Wheeler, co-founder of Grass Fed Skin, to share the inspiring story of how she and her husband, Eric, followed God’s calling to leave their established healthcare careers and build a family-run, faith-led skincare business. Jennifer opens up about the moment she felt led to start something new, the early days of crafting tallow balm at home, and how their simple, natural product has transformed lives by helping people heal their skin and reduce toxins in their homes.
Episode Links
Use code "WelcomeGFS" at checkout to get 10% off!
Website- https://mygrassfedskin.com/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/grassfedskin
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550030956702
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

In this episode, Kody Hanner opens up about one of the most important (and overlooked) parts of homesteading life — building real, lasting community in rural areas. From her own experiences moving before COVID to discovering how neighbors rallied in times of crisis, Kody dives deep into the why and how behind connection, support, and mental wellness on the homestead.
Whether you’re new to country life, raising your kids off-grid, or transitioning from city living, this episode offers inspiration and tangible ways to find your people — in person, not just online.
Episode Links
Ladies Homestead Gathering: https://www.nlhg.org/
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

In this episode, Kody shares what’s been happening on her homestead and in her business — from breeding season and beef prices to the big leap into running a full in-house print shop. She opens up about the real-life challenges and triumphs of raising livestock, growing a business, and raising a family — all while staying rooted in her mission to reshape agricultural education for the next generation.
Kody also reflects on why “Agriculture Is Everywhere” — how it impacts every aspect of our daily lives, why kids need hands-on life skills now more than ever, and her growing vision to bring agriculture and home economics back to the heart of modern education.
Whether you’re a homeschool parent, small-scale farmer, or simply passionate about where your food comes from, this episode is a reminder that we’re all connected through agriculture.
 
Episode Links
Homestead Economics & Business Mini Course: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/homestead-economics-business-mini-course/
Seasons on the Homestead: Autumn Educational Activity Book: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/seasons-on-the-homestead-autumn-educational-activity-book/
 
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

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

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

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