Cracked Pipe, Air Potatoes, And More; Homestead Happenings for September 5, 2025 - Ep 1078

Ever feel like you are watching the world burn? That is exactly how the Media wants you to feel. Today, Sue Zoldak joins me for a chat about this, Charlie Kirk, and other important things. We will also cover our usual Monday segments. Connect with Sue ZoldakAgency.com Featured Event: Small Motors Maintenance And Repair Class, Saturday at 10 am in Lancaster, TN: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/event/small-engine-maintenance-and-repair-class/ Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast, InvestableWealth.com LFTN Stocking Exchange  – Sign Up Today: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/2025/09/08/lftn-stocking-exchange/ Tales from the Prepper Pantry Fed guests with premade charcuterie sets. Have lamb for sale — just a few sheep left. Gathering herbs for winter remedies and tea blends. Weekly Shopping Report None this week. Frugality Tip None this week. Operation Independence Kicked off a new Resilience Series on the blog: How can we build through hard times? First post is up: Systems Over Everything Main topic – This is a discussion with Sue Zoldak and myself about the Charlie Kirk Assassination, the subsequent reaction and the role media played in it. Most of our discussion centers on the bigger picture problem, as well as what we can do to from here. This is not a play by play break down of the shooting, but rather a discussion about confirmation bias, the incentives of the media and social media, mental health, building community and more. Make It A Great Week.   GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.    Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link        

Ever feel like you are watching the world burn? That is exactly how the Media wants you to feel. Today, Sue Zoldak joins me for a chat about this, Charlie Kirk, and other important things. We will also cover our usual Monday segments. Connect with Sue ZoldakAgency.com Featured Event: Small Motors Maintenance And Repair Class, Saturday at 10 am in Lancaster, TN: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/event/small-engine-maintenance-and-repair-class/ Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast, InvestableWealth.com LFTN Stocking Exchange  - Sign Up Today: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/2025/09/08/lftn-stocking-exchange/ Tales from the Prepper Pantry Fed guests with premade charcuterie sets.   Have lamb for sale — just a few sheep left.   Gathering herbs for winter remedies and tea blends. Weekly Shopping Report None this week. Frugality Tip None this week. Operation Independence Kicked off a new Resilience Series on the blog: How can we build through hard times?   First post is up: Systems Over Everything Main topic - This is a discussion with Sue Zoldak and myself about the Charlie Kirk Assassination, the subsequent reaction and the role media played in it. Most of our discussion centers on the bigger picture problem, as well as what we can do to from here. This is not a play by play break down of the shooting, but rather a discussion about confirmation bias, the incentives of the media and social media, mental health, building community and more. Make It A Great Week.   GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.    Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

  Today, I was joined by Ancap Tim to discuss his journey from high Christian Conservative to Libertarian then to full embracing of the agora. Along the way he realized that opting out is easier from a homestead and has launched his first music album! Don't forget to get your tickets for the SelfRelianceFestival.com, October 4-5 in Camden, TN at the Birdsong Marina! Use coupon code LFTN for $10 off your ticket! Connect with Tim: Website: ANCAPTIM Self Reliance Festival Links Tickets: https://selfreliancefestival.com/product/tickets-2025/ Family Pass (2 adults, unlimited related children under 18): https://selfreliancefestival.com/product/family-pass/ Vendor Space: https://selfreliancefestival.com/product/vendor-booth-2025/ SRF Teens/Youth: https://selfreliancefestival.com/srfteens/ SRF Kids: https://selfreliancefestival.com/srfkids/ Agenda: https://selfreliancefestival.com/agenda/ Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.  Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up

Today, we talk about the homestead revenue stack as well as our usual Monday segments. Featured Event Sept 12: ETNHA Festival near Knoxville, TN https://steveandsandy.com/festival Sponsors Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com Long-term food storage supplies that won’t break the bank. Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Helping entrepreneurs, homesteaders, and freedom-minded folks handle taxes the smart way. Tales from the Prepper Pantry Took a Sunday Down Day to redo short-term storage and move things over to Basecamp for long-term. Counted and organized: 41 mugs (yep, 41). Set up a food plan for the week. Making progress on air potatoes VS Chinese yam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6L-1POLF3Q&feature=youtu.be Built a to-do list of things to gather for winter teas and herbal remedies. Frugality Tip Join the LFTN Stocking Exchange — because life is about more than just saving money. Operation Independence Reached alignment with Tactical on building a double-purpose shed. Sold the old roofing from Basecamp (still have ridge caps available for sale). Main Topic: Avoiding Burnout and Hard Work If you came to hear how to NOT work hard on your homestead and still be successful you have come to the wrong place. We've been talking lately about the need for rest and recovering from burnout --- and then I realized on a walk that hard work is part of homesteading - so burnout is one thing, but hard work another = so where is the line between these two? Many people hesitant to get out and about lately. Stories of burnout are common → led to conversations about resets, weekend retreats, and monthly calls for homesteaders. Giving talks on Build Abundance Not Burnout (like at SRF in October). Realization: some come to hear “how to make it easy,” but building the life you choose is not easy. Burnout comes from: Overcommitting and saying yes to everything. Lack of rest or intentional reset. Poor design → every task feels uphill. No tracking or systems → constant re-doing and searching. Trying to do it all alone without community. Expecting it to be easy and feeling defeated when it isn’t. Design makes things flow, but doesn’t remove the work. Design for future you (20–40 years older). Example: rabbit hutch above garden bed → nutrients flow without transport. Design with profit in mind. Tracking matters (avoids wasted effort). Systems = less friction, but animals still need care, water lines must be buried, harvests preserved, fencing run. Homestead Revenue Stack (Holler Homestead Example) Core Product – Sheep Service Layer – Airbnb experiences, tours, classes Scalable – LFTN Podcast, HomesteadSkills.academy, cookbook Community – Meetups, connecting people Add-ons – Holler Roast Coffee (became its own core product), laminated cheat sheets, small guides, dried herbs Game changer: Add-ons bolt onto existing work. Sometimes the add-on is another person → ties into Holler Hub model (spokes). Each layer still involves hard work. Smart design + add-ons keep that work from tipping into burnout. Honest contrast: the grind is real, but structure turns it into momentum. Hard work is baked into homesteading — there’s no escaping it. Burnout comes when that work isn’t designed well or isn’t supported. The Homestead Revenue Stack shows how to make your effort count: core products require grind, but when you design smart and bolt on add-ons (whether that’s coffee, guides, or community), the same work builds abundance instead of exhaustion. Make It A Great Week. GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.    Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

  Today we talk about the cracked fitting, sheep hijinks, the meetups and more Featured Event: https://steveandsandy.com/festival Sept 12 and 13 Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN Sponsor 2: TheWealthSteadingPodcast InvestableWealth.com Forage Air Potatoes Last Night’s Dinner Watercress Livestock Lamb for sale Rabbit breeding season has arrived Grow Fall Brassicas are in Sweet Potato Leaves Seed Fairy Time When the saute is like wet fabric... Holler Neighbors/Community Meetup and Class Update Painting Basecamp Lodge While the cat’s away Christmas Stocking Project Finances Holler Hub Membership Idea and Grocery - forms Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift! Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

Today, I was joined by Brooke Whipple to discuss building freedom and using land to do so, but we ended up discussing mindset, living in the moment, small versus large decisions and her journey through life. And yes, we also discussed how she and her husband bought the land they could afford, improved it, then leveraged that into a better property. Rinse, repeat. You will thoroughly enjoy this discussion AND you can meet Brooke in person at the SelfRelianceFestival.com, October 4-5 in Camden, TN at the Birdsong Marina! Use coupon code LFTN for $10 off your ticket! Connect with Brooke: Website: https://www.brookewhipple.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealgirlinthewoods Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlinthewoodz/ Book we discussed: The Gap And The Gain: https://www.amazon.com/Gap-Gain-Achievers-Happiness-Confidence/ Book we discussed: Good Energy: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Energy-Surprising-Connection-Metabolism Self Reliance Festival Links Tickets: https://selfreliancefestival.com/product/tickets-2025/ Family Pass (2 adults, unlimited related children under 18): https://selfreliancefestival.com/product/family-pass/ Vendor Space: https://selfreliancefestival.com/product/vendor-booth-2025/ SRF Teens/Youth: https://selfreliancefestival.com/srfteens/ SRF Kids: https://selfreliancefestival.com/srfkids/ Agenda: https://selfreliancefestival.com/agenda/ Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.  Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up

Today we talk about transformational experiences in our lives and why being in person matters, as well as out usual Monday Segments. Featured Event: Small Engines Class With Alan Bechard, Sept 20 at 10am LivingFreeInTennessee.com Don't forget to get your SRF tickets!! Use coupon code LFTN for $10 off: SelfRelianceFestival.com Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com Sponsor 2: StrongRootsResources.com Tales From The Prepper Pantry Frugality Tip Operation Independence Main topic Make it a great week. GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.  Community Follow me on Nostr: npub1u2vu695j5wfnxsxpwpth2jnzwxx5fat7vc63eth07dez9arnrezsdeafsv Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

Today I am joined by the Tactical Redneck to discuss: Redneck Pie, subdividing paddocks, food forest whisperer’s latest action, and old garbage revealed through grazing. Featured Event: Sunday Meetup and Demo From Hoff Grid Meat Company! 1pm this Sunday Sponsor 1: TheWealthsteading Podcast Sponsor 2: AgoristtaxAdvice.com/LFTN Redneck Pie Fall is in the air - winter is coming! SRF is so cool this year Filling in rock wall with mint, oregano, thyme, and a sacrificial rosemary Bean replacements are up Ducks are in full molt Cheese class update (Wild forage, fun, fellowship, reset) Boys are out of jail and in the best paddock over here The loud - paddock garbage revealed through grazing Lambchop Rip cord The roof is DONE at Basecamp Lodge Comfrey in the swales Hoff Grid Meat Company Order for the year (and why we are doing it this way) The AI Class this weekend Sweet potato flowers Time to harvest Goldenrod Passion flowers Rose of sharon Spice berry Time to breed and process rabbits Girls: Subdividing paddocks to increase density Holler Hub/Basecamp Calendar Wednesdays are back The tomato wall problem Finances - cheese class Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift! Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

  Featured Event: SelfRelianceFestival.com Oct 4-5 Sponsor 1: TheWealthsteading Podcast Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift! Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link  

You’ve heard me drop the words “Holler Hub,” but what does that actually mean? Today I’m going off-script to share the real story of what’s happening here, why we built it, and where it’s headed next.  Featured Event Cheesemaking class at the Holler Homestead (with add-on Wild Edible Walk): https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/product/soft-cheese/ Sponsor 1 Strong Roots Resources – Permaculture consulting, education, and more Sponsor 2 AgoristTaxAdvice.com – Helping entrepreneurs, homesteaders, and freedom-minded folks handle taxes the smart way Tales from the Prepper Pantry Mold fog reset in the pantry Making lots of cheese Frugality Tip From Margo Was randomly looking at Etsy and saw someone selling something I was interested in that was local to me. I messaged them and asked about local pick up and cash price. They were very interested in cash money with pick up and I saved some money on my purchase. So ask, it will never kill you, and might save you a few dollars. Operation Independence Inherited “free” chickens for the Holler Hub — and they’re so friendly you can pet them! Main Topic: The Holler Hub Story You Haven’t Heard Yet What is the Holler Hub? Basecamp Lodge as the center of the community Biggest recent change: new roof on Basecamp Ryan Steva dropped off hens Airbnb bedroom rental now open Calendar of upcoming events Classes like cheesemaking, Michelle learning elderberry syrup Grocery buying club next on deck Valerie’s affordable lodge outfitting list Unplanned magic moments: Tactical + visitor campfire talk on alcoholism Looking ahead this year: full calendar, RV spots, cabins, food systems clarity Challenges & reset Working so hard we weren’t resetting ourselves PickTN Store at the State Fair: great exposure, but exhausting Drawing a line: one full day off each week The Holler Hub is where we stop talking about freedom and actually build it — one messy project at a time. Make it a great week! GUYS! Don’t forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. Community FreeSteading Group: https://freesteading.com/groups/living-free-in-tennessee/ Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Twitter: @nicolesauce IG: @nicolesauce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivingFreeInTN Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link