S19: E16: Data Centers & Dead Soil: What Are We Willing to Sacrifice for Progress?

What does progress cost us and how do we decide when the price is too high?In this episode, I’m thinking about the great Wendell Berry, my recent garden and soil struggles, the rise of data centers, and the way we’ve learned to value land. I’m exploring the tension between exploitation and stewardship, progress and preservation, and the important difference between asking whether we can do something and whether we should. Podcast Episode Highlights:Pondering progress these daysThinking about Wendell Berry and his influenceWhat my recent garden woes has made me think more aboutThinking about the value of landExploitation vs. nurtureCycle of life vs. straight lineThinking about contradictions, criticisms, and either/orAsking questions mattersCAN we do something vs. SHOULD we do somethingWhat does progress cost us?Final thoughtsResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU–> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.Check out my Substack essays here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Deep Thoughts on the Land:When the Problem Becomes the Solution (podcast episode)When the Ground Can No Longer Feed Us (blog article)What I’m Doing Differently on Homestead #2 (podcast episode)Breaking Out of the Ag Echo Chamber (podcast episode)OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.comJill on Instagram: @jill.wingerJill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadApply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-applicationDid you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

When I started my first homestead in 2008, I had plenty of enthusiasm and absolutely no patience. Nearly two decades later, I’m beginning again on a new piece of ground, but this time I’m not starting from scratch; I’m starting from experience.In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest lessons shaping how I approach my new home and 20 acres, from making slower decisions and resisting the urge to do more, to building for real life instead of the fantasy version of homesteading. We’ll also talk about comparison, asking better questions, and why starting over can look very different when you know yourself better.Podcast Episode Highlights:What I've learned about my life lately Starting over vs. starting from experiencePoint #1: Making slower decisionsPoint #2: More isn't always betterPoint #3: Real life and not fantasy homesteadPoint #4: Don't compare Point #5: Asking different questionsFinal thoughtsResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU–> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.Check out my Substack essays here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Life Knowledge:Embarrassment is the Cost of Entry (podcast episode)The Incredible Gift of Failure (podcast episode)It Takes Guts to be Bad at Something (podcast episode)When Everything Feels Out of Control, I Do This (blog article)OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.comJill on Instagram: @jill.wingerJill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadApply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-applicationDid you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

If you’ve ever wondered how a book goes from a half-formed idea in your head to something sitting on a bookstore shelf, I’m pulling back the curtain on exactly how it happened for me.In this episode, I’m walking through my experience with agents, book proposals, pitching publishers, advances and royalties, writing, photography, and the surprisingly long road to publication. I’ll also explain the different publishing paths available and what authors actually need to know about marketing once the book is finished. This isn’t an exhaustive guide to publishing—it’s the real story of how my books came together and what I’ve learned along the way.Podcast Episode Highlights:Why I'm talking about my experience on writing and selling booksMost common types of ways to publish your bookHow you get paid from publishing companiesThe process of turning a book idea into a bookDetails on having an agentDetails on writing a book proposalPitching to publishersThe long process to actually getting the book publishedHow I do my writing process and photography for the bookWhat you need to know about marketing your bookFinal ThoughtsResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Toups and Co. here: https://toupsandco.com/pages/prairie25First time buyers can use the code Prairie25 to get you 25% off your first Toups order.Find my cookbook here: http://homesteadcookbook.com/Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose book here: http://oldfashionedbook.com/If you're interested in joining my small group business coach/mentorship program, email me at: [email protected] HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.comJill on Instagram: @jill.wingerJill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadApply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-applicationDid you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

Grocery prices keep climbing, but most of the advice I’ve heard for spending less still seems to boil down to “use coupons” and “don’t grocery shop while you’re hungry.” After years of running a restaurant, I’ve started thinking about my household food economy very differently.In this episode, I’m sharing the practical strategies I’ve picked up from the restaurant world and how they’ve changed the way I shop, cook, stock my pantry and freezer, and even think about the garden. Because spending less on groceries isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about building a food system that actually works for your life.Podcast Episode Highlights:High grocery prices, lame advice, food economy thoughts, etc.Strategy: focus on price per mealStrategy: don't forget the waste-adjusted priceStrategy: buy ingredients, not intentionsStrategy: build an anti-takeout pantryFrugality doesn't need to mean purityStrategy: buy in bulk BUT keep these things in mindStrategy: be careful about how much you shopLearn the 'clean out the fridge' formatsStop making everything from scratchCareful about using your freezerThinking about the garden for your grocery billLet's talk about proteinFinal thoughtsResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Toups and Co. here: https://toupsandco.com/pages/prairie25First time buyers can use the code Prairie25 to get you 25% off your first Toups order.Find my cookbook here: http://homesteadcookbook.com/Check out Azure Standard here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySULearn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Food:How I’m Cooking These Days (podcast episode): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-18-episode-13-how-im-cooking-these-daysWhy Meal Planning Doesn’t Work for You (and what to do instead!) (podcast episode): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-14-episode-21-why-meal-planning-doesnt-work-for-you-and-what-to-do-insteadHow to Find Nourishing Food WITHOUT a Farm (podcast episode): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-11-episode-11-how-to-find-nourishing-food-without-a-farm-with-liz-haselmayerHow to Store a Year’s Worth of Food for Your Family (Without Waste and Overwhelm) (blog article): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2021/09/how-to-store-a-years-worth-of-food-for-your-family-without-waste-and-overwhelm.htmlHow to Store and Use Bulk Pantry Goods (blog article): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2021/10/how-to-store-and-use-bulk-pantry-goods.htmlOTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.comJill on Instagram: @jill.wingerJill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadApply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-applicationDid you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

In this episode, I’m talking with Emilie Toups of Toups & Co. about what actually happens to our skin as we age and why so many mainstream skincare products may not be helping.We dig into a simple, natural skincare routine that anyone can start doing at home plus how these options compare to mainstream ingredients like retinol. Emilie also shares how to make the switch to natural skincare without getting overwhelmed and what we can do beyond topical products to nourish our skin from the inside out. And of course, we get into the bigger question underneath it all: how do we care for aging skin without making aging itself the enemy?Podcast Episode Highlights:How and why our skin changes over timeWhy aren't mainstream skincare products working?What actually works for our skinStep #1: Oil cleansingStep #2: Gentle serumsStep #3: TallowOil cleansing issues to keep in mindNatural products vs. retinolAddressing the critics of tallowFacial toner detailsHow to switch from mainstream skincare to natural products without overwhelmWhat to do (besides skincare) to nourish your skinDeep thoughts on agingResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Toups and Co. here: https://toupsandco.com/pages/prairie25First time buyers can use the code Prairie25 to get you 25% off your first Toups order.Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Natural Skincare:How to Opt-Out of Toxic Mainstream Skincare with Emilie Toups (podcast episode): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-7-episode-10-how-to-opt-out-of-toxic-mainstream-skincareWhen the Old Ways Make More Sense (blog article on using tallow on your skin): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2023/03/when-the-old-ways-make-more-sense.htmlHow to Make Tallow Body Butter (blog recipe for making your own tallow skincare): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2022/04/how-to-make-tallow-body-butter.htmlOTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.comJill on Instagram: @jill.wingerJill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadApply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-applicationDid you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

I’ve had some epic garden failures over the years, but nothing quite like this one. And judging by what I’m hearing, I know I’m not the only person whose garden has struggled this year.In this episode, I’m sharing the three main problems that seem to have created the worst garden of my life and also what I’m learning as I try to unravel them. No polished success story here, just real-time troubleshooting in hopes it helps someone else who is currently wallowing in their own gardening woes.Podcast Episode Highlights:A quick glance at my gardening historyWhat I noticed about my new place before I started plantingWhat happened in my garden so far this yearProblem #1: Herbicide contaminationProblem #2: Soil Fertility issuesProblem #3: CrittersFinal thoughtsResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Toups and Co. here: https://toupsandco.com/pages/prairie25First time buyers can use the code Prairie25 to get you 25% off your first Toups order.Find Redmond's Soil Test Kit here: http://theprairiehomestead.com/soiltestPrevious Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Soil:The Worst Garden of My Entire Life (recent blog article with garden/house pictures about my current garden problems): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2026/08/the-worst-garden-of-my-entire-life.htmlI Think I Poisoned My Garden (blog article about my previous hay mulch problem): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2016/08/curled-tomato-leaves.htmlThe Mystery of the Poisonous Potting Soil (podcast episode about my previous potting soil problem): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-10-episode-12-the-mystery-of-the-poisonous-potting-soilHow Fall in Love with Your Soil (podcast episode about soil problems): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-12-episode-10-how-fall-in-love-with-your-soilHow to Feed Your Soil a Whole Food Diet (podcast episode for healing bad soil): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-12-episode-12-how-to-feed-your-soil-a-whole-food-dietWeeds, Pests, & Herbicides: Overcoming Your Worst Organic Gardening Woes (podcast episode with tips for bad garden years): https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-13-episode-4-weeds-pests-herbicides-overcoming-your-worst-organic-gardening-woesOTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.comJill on Instagram: @jill.wingerJill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadApply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-applicationDid you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

As food prices continue to rise, buying the cheapest option isn’t always the same as spending wisely.In this episode, I'm chatting with Diana Strayer from Azure Standard. Together, we explore how Azure Standard helps folks access nutrient-dense food, how you can really save money through bulk buying, and also how to shop their sales pages strategically. Our conversation offers a great practical look at purchasing food more economically without sacrificing quality.Podcast Episode Highlights:Prices are rising and what we can do about itWhat Azure Standard is all aboutHow Azure can be helpful for both rural and urban areasThe importance of nutrient-dense foodThe difference between buying cheap and buying economicallySaving money with bulk foodExamples of food you can buy at AzureSaving with Azure's various sales pagesHow Azure Cash worksHow to make money with AzureFinal thoughtsResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU--> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.comJill on Instagram: @jill.wingerJill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadApply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-applicationDid you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

Being a beginner as an adult is humbling, awkward, and sometimes downright embarrassing—but it also takes a surprising amount of courage.In this episode, I’m sharing a few recent experiences that reminded me just how vulnerable it feels to learn something new, why other people can be so quick to criticize, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with not being good at something yet. I'll share some tips and encouragement and also explain why your beginner status may actually be one of your greatest advantages. Podcast Episode Highlights:Why I'm passionate about adults trying new thingsMy real life examplesWhy some people are critical when others are newbiesWhy we are afraid to try new thingsDon't forget to stay humbleThe rollercoaster of emotions when learning something newHow to change your perspective How being a beginner can actual be a bonus when learning a new skillFinal thoughtsResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU--> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.comJill on Instagram: @jill.wingerJill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadApply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-applicationDid you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

 My house is hot this summer—and after more than a decade of central air, I’m realizing just how accustomed I’ve become to comfort.In this episode, I’m sharing how the heat has made me more aware of my surroundings, more appreciative of certain things, and more thoughtful about what “old-fashioned on purpose” really means in everyday life. I’m also talking about what we’re eating during these sweltering days, including the simple meals and low-heat cooking strategies that are keeping us fed without turning the kitchen into an oven.Podcast Episode Highlights:My house is hot this year and I'm not used to itBecoming more awareBecoming more appreciativeWhat Old-Fashioned on Purpose really meansWhat (and how) we're eating during the summerResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU--> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/ OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.comJill on Instagram: @jill.wingerJill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadApply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-applicationDid you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

As you all probably know by now, my life has been a tad bit crazy lately. So I did the ultimate unplug from reality recently by participating in a horsemanship clinic for 10 days. Of course, that means that when I got back to 'normal', things were a tad overwhelming.In this episode, I’m sharing what happens when worries turn into a negativity spiral, why our brains aren’t built to juggle everything at once, and the simple action steps that I take to conquer fear and overwhelm.Podcast Episode Highlights:How I unplug when life is crazyWhat happened after I returned to normal lifeThe negativity spiral problemWe aren't supposed to multi-taskGet rid of the vague with mappingMy real life examplesAction cures fearFinal thoughtsResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU--> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout. Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose planner here: https://www.prairieplanner.com/OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.comJill on Instagram: @jill.wingerJill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadApply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-applicationDid you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!