Tag Archives: homesteading

Episode-1131- Melanie Sorrentino on Tiny Houses

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Modern Survival| 39 Comments
Episode-1131- Melanie Sorrentino on Tiny Houses [ 55:57 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Melanie's Husband and their Tiny House

Melanie’s Husband and Their Tiny House

When Melanie Sorrentino and her husband was 26 & and 24 respectively they saved $24,000 in 18 months. This was while her husband was making $10 an hour and she was waitressing in Dallas. They went from spending 100% of our money to saving enough money to buy our tiny house and land.  Amazingly after all that they ended up having to help family with most of that savings.

Despite the set back, they pressed on.  They now own 4.7 acres in the Ozarks of Arkansas and live full time in their tine 150sqft home in the woods.  They are now establishing the homestead, adding livestock, creating a small business and live life in a truly free way.

Melanie joins us today to discuss  how they live comfortably in a tiny home with no plumbing and have transitioned from city live to life on a homestead.

Resources for today’s show…

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-1071- Raising Quail for Eggs and Meat with MoonvalleyPrepper

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Modern Survival| 95 Comments
Episode-1071- Raising Quail for Eggs and Meat with MoonvalleyPrepper [ 1:30:15 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Coturnix Quail Eggs with a Chicken Egg for Scale.

Coturnix Quail Eggs with a Chicken Egg for Scale.

MonvalleyPrepper (aka Brad Davies) is a long time member of the TSP audience and community.  A few months ago he chimed in on a comments thread  here at the TSP Blog about raising quail  When I heard the shear volume of production in such a tiny foot print I knew I had to get him on the air.

It got better though!  Next, I heard he lived in the suburbs, had neighbors on either side.  That inspire of that he was able to produce in the range of 20,000 eggs a year and hundreds of meat animals.  Now get this his neighbors didn’t even know they were there!

Once I heard all that I knew how important this could be for other preppers.  I also realized it might be a solution for many of our members that want to homestead in the city or the burbs and not call down the wrath of code enforcement officials or blue hairs running the local HOA.

Join Us Today As We Discuss…

  • The basic process from start to finish
  • Setting up housing and equipment
  • Getting incubation of your eggs right
  • Inputs and outputs of the system
  • Specific suburban issues to consider
  • Using quail tractors or going large scale
  • Breeding to improve stock and culling to curb undesirable traits
  • Avoiding common getting started/first season mistake
  • Some specific equipment and feed recomendations

Additional Resources for Today’s Show

Bird Specific Resources for Today’s Show

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-1066- Paul Wheaton on Paddock Shift Chicken Management

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Modern Survival| 59 Comments
Episode-1066- Paul Wheaton on Paddock Shift Chicken Management [ 1:29:49 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Paul Wheaton of RichSoil.com

Strap yourself in today folks for a great episode of TSP. Paul Wheaton is such an awesome source of knowledge on so many great topics.

Today we discuss raising chickens in a paddock shift system and why Paul considers it to be the ultimate method for raising chickens.

Make sure to check out Paul’s two awesome websites Permies.com and Richsoil.com. You can also connect with Paul on Facebook.

Today we also discuss ducks vs. chicken.  Our differing views on irrigation and using tanks in a permaculute system.

We also provide an update on the Holzer designed permaculture system in Montana and discuss why some big names in permaculture seem to turn into jerks.

Resources for Today’s Show

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-1041- Mark Hamilton on Homesteading and Running a Micro Business

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Modern Survival| 21 Comments
Episode-1041- Mark Hamilton on Homesteading and Running a Micro Business [ 1:00:10 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Mark, His Wife Anna and Faithful Companion Lucy.

Mark, His Wife Anna and Faithful Companion Lucy.

Mark Hamilton was born in Ohio and did a 6 year stint in US Navy.  From there he moved on to copier repair doing that for over a decade.  He also went to for photography and video work and for a time wedding videography and miscellaneous  construction jobs and worked as a  substitute teacher  Today he feels he has found his true passion as a full time homesteader and micro business operator.

Mark joins us today to discuss modern day homesteading along with how he and his wife are making supplemental income from a chicken waterer micro business.  We also discuss chicken pastures, deer deterrents, high density fruit orcharding, mini root cellars and a varitety of his projects.  Along with how people can get started with a modern homestead, a micro business or both and the role the web and blogging can play in doing that.

Additional Resources for Today’s Show

Mark’s Links

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-1014- Hand Tools and Homestead Gear

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Modern Survival| 63 Comments
Episode-1014- Hand Tools and Homestead Gear [ 1:13:07 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
A Husqvarna 450 with an 18 Inch Bar is my go to Chainsaw

A Husqvarna 450 with an 18 Inch Bar is my go to Chainsaw

I think it is a good time to look at some common hand tools and homestead gear specifically with winter approaching.  Winter presents quite a few opportunities for repair and maintenance.

First, I am not sure why but winter is when many things that have always worked decide it is time to break down.  It is like they want a rest from the action just like everyone else or something.

Second, many of the tasks we have to do frequently in the Spring, Summer or Fall are not necessary in winter.  Even for those of us that garden, you very seldom need to water an weed.  So many of the things that get put off during the busy season are prime for getting done in the slower months.

Third, a lot of maintenance work just sucks to do when it is 100 plus degrees outside.  Doing them in a warm garage or shop or doing them on a sunny winter day is just a lot more fun then sweating your brains out.

Fourth, winter can get boring and wear you down.  Days are short, nights are long and once hunting season is over cabin fever can set in hard and fast.  Doing maintenance, repairs, upkeep and projects in this time helps us stay positive and be up and running full out when spring arrives.

Join Me Today as We Discuss…

  • Tools I think should be on every homestead
    • The Chainsaw (gas is primary but electrics have a place)
    • Rechargeable/Power Tools
      • Drill (make sure to have plenty of bits)
      • Reciprocating Saw
      • Circular Saw
      • Cut Off Tool
      • Impact Driver
      • Jig Saw
      • Grinder
    • A good axe and a good hatchet
    • A good sickle or corn knife
    • Shovels, Hoes, etc.
  • Hand Tools that Everyone Should Have
    • Hammer (at minimum sledge, mini sledge and claw)
    • Socket Set
    • Screw Driver Set
    • A set of driver tips and hex keys
    • Wrench Set
    • Adjustable Wrench
    • Channel Locks
    • Vice Grips
    • Chisels
    • Wire Brushes
    • Planing tools
    • Tape Measures, rulers, yardsticks, etc
    • Level
    • Square
    • Cross and Rip Saws
    • Hack Saw
    • C-Clamps
    • Pipe Wrench
    • Pliers of All Common Form
    • Files
    • Sharpening stones
    • Lots of nails, screws, bolts, washers, etc.
  • Some Real Nice to Have Stuff
    • Log splitter
    • A press
    • A scythe
    • A shop vac

Resources for today’s show…

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-1009- Permaculture Lessons and Observations from 2012

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Modern Survival| 39 Comments
Episode-1009- Permaculture Lessons and Observations from 2012 [ 1:23:25 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Today I want to take a look back at much of what we have learned in regard to permaculture over the mostly now passed year.  In 2012 I attended two major permaculture events, planted over 35 trees, experienced my first full season with hugulkultur beds and more.

I also received huge numbers of questions by email about permaculture that have taught me that many good permaculturists are often lousy at explaining big picture reality, myself included.  To examine that we will discuss the most common question about large scale permaculture I get today.

Join me today as we discuss…

  • What is Permaculture for those new to the concept
  • Why I think we should call most US hugulkultur simply “woody beds”
  • Why I think woody beds work so well and it ain’t what everyone says
  • What we need to start teaching the permaculture youth crowd, reality
  • Why Permaculture courses need the addition of “hard skills”
  • The missed opportunity in small scale urban design
  • Where grain fields fit into the equation
  • How can you practice permaculture/polyculture on a large scale
  • The future of permaculture at the individual level
  • The future of permaculture at the commercial level
  • Why a full working acre may be optimum for small family concerns
  • The animals I see as the “best bets” for working families

Resources for Today’s Show…

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-1006- Aaron Batteen on the Economics of Farmland

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Modern Survival| 19 Comments
Episode-1006- Aaron Batteen on the Economics of Farmland [ 1:07:45 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Today we Examine the Economics of Farmland

Today we Examine the Economics of Farmland

Aaron Batteen is a full time working student studying economics at Boise State University.

He is also the author of a blog called Laymanomics.com where he breaks down complex economic concepts into every day layman terminology.

Aaron has done extensive research into the economic future of farmland and other productive land as an investment.

Today Arron and I examine this concept from several angles including, institutional investor, small time investor, homesteader, gentleman farmer and several others.

Join Us Today as We Discuss…

  • What’s going on with farmland from an investment stand point
  • How do we determine the value of farmland
  • Why is it a mistake to just say “farmland” as though it is a single commodity
  • What is the future for farmland from a value perspective
  • What makes farmland different from other real estate
  • How can individuals invest in farmland without millions of dollars
  • How is homesteading actually a “investment in productive land”
  • Are we seeing a return of the “gentleman farmer”
  • What are some of the best areas to acquire land
  • What are some of the worst areas to acquire land
  • Is farmland in a bubble or is that an over simplification

Additional Resources for Today’s Show

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-1002- The Why, What and How of Modern Homesteading

Posted on October 19, 2012 by Modern Survival| 44 Comments
Episode-1002- The Why, What and How of Modern Homesteading [ 1:14:05 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
The Classic View of "Homestead" is not the Only Option

The Classic View of “Homestead” is not the Only Option

There is an old saying, “what’s old is new again”.  While a fashion minded yuppie may be referring to something like a brief return of the awful concept of bell bottom jeans or some such nonsense, there is a real meaningful component to the statement.

When we are unhappy, when we know something is wrong we try to think back to happier times and make part of what they had part of what we have today.  Why do you think “I Love Lucy”, “Andy Griffith” and even “The Three Stooges” enjoyed a lot of rebirth after 911? Why do you think one network plays “A Christmas Story” for 24 hours strait every Christmas?

This is particularly playing out today in the homesteading and back to the land movements.  Something is different this time though, people seem to be doing it for a new reason, while seeking the lessons of the past, they are actually looking to the future.  Rather then nostalgia driving a quaint idea, we seem to have realized, there is “a better way to do things”.

Join Me Today as We Discuss….

  • The Why of Modern Homesteading
    • Saving Money
    • Improving Health (mental and phyical)
    • Taking Control
    • Building Value in our Homes and Communities
  • The What of Modern Homesteading
    • Food Production
    • Animals That Have Jobs
    • Creation of Income
    • Development of Skills
    • Energy Independence (even by percentage)
    • Resource Identification
  • The How of Modern Homesteading
    • Gardening/Permaculture and Irrigation
    • Food Preservation Methods
      • Fermentation
      • Dehydration
      • Canning
      • Flash Freezing
      • Jerky/Biltong
      • Brewing/Vinting
    • Foraging
    • Barter and Buying from the Local Economy
    • Animal Husbandry
    • Tool Maintenance
    • Planning/Scheduling Activities and Upkeep
    • Record Keeping
    • Community Development

Resources for Today’s Show…

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-995- Jackie Clay of Backwoods Home Magazine on Off Grid Homesteading

Posted on October 10, 2012 by Modern Survival| 27 Comments
Episode-995- Jackie Clay of Backwoods Home Magazine on Off Grid Homesteading [ 53:32 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Jackie and her husband, Will, are lifetime homesteaders who live on a self-reliant 120 acre wilderness homestead in northern Minnesota.  They are happily off grid and raise about 90% of their own food.

Jackie is also a contributing writer to “Backwoods Home Magazine” which features both her articles and the popular “Ask Jackie” column which answers questions on all aspects of low-tech homesteading.

Jackie is also the author of several books including “Growing and Canning Your Own Food” and “Jackie Clay’s Pantry Cookbook”.  She joins us today to discuss developing a self-reliant homestead.

Resources for Today’s Show…

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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Episode-915- Efficient Vegetable and Protien Production on Small Homesteads

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Modern Survival| 48 Comments
Episode-915- Efficient Vegetable and Protien Production on Small Homesteads [ 1:10:29 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
Buff Orpington an Efficient Dual Purpose Bird

Buff Orpington an Efficient Dual Purpose Bird

I get a lot of questions from recent paleo converts as to how do I homestead and prep with paleo in mind.  Since I have decided that large amounts of rice and bean are not as useful to me as moderate amounts of meat and veggies, well things have actually gotten a lot easier, not harder.

Today I want to discuss building efficient food production systems, most, not all of this can be done on small homesteads like suburban lots, some of what we will discuss will require at least a few acres but as usual pick and choose what works for you.

Join me today as we discuss…

  • Top picks for efficient protein production
    • Hens or ducks (mostly for eggs)
    • Rabbits
    • Aquaponics (not all it is cracked up to be)
    • Aquaculture
  • Top efficient trouble free crops and what to do with them
    • Cucumbers
    • Sweet potato
    • Jerusalem Artichoke
    • Ground Nut
    • Old grains, Amaranth, Quinoa, Millet, Sorghum, Old Corn, Sunflower
    • Weeds, plantain, lambs-quarters, dandelion, chickweed, etc
    • Cow pea, black eyed pea, etc.
    • Okra
    • Underutilized greens, huauzontle, New Zealand spinach, malabar spinach, orach, vegetable amaranth
    • Peppers (yep)
    • “Green” beans
    • Winter squash (butternut and long neck beat borers) “hull-less seed pumpkins” jury is still out

Resources for Today’s Show…

Links for Seeds on Many of the Items I discussed

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.

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