Published · By Anna Chesley · 23 Comments
Call me a late adopter, but I've recently discovered the joy of podcasts. With two little ones to keep my eyes on, I don't make much time for watching youtube videos, no matter how useful. But podcasts - those are another story. It's so easy to tune in while I'm doing other things, and I feel like I'm learning something while I'm making dinner, building cardboard castles, or cleaning the kitchen.
Over the last few months, I've checked out a LOT of different homesteading/farming podcasts. There are so many good ones, but a handful have really become my favorites. I gravitate to ones that draw on the experiences of many different experts, in a variety of homesteading-related fields; are inspiring and upbeat; have decent audio so they're easy to hear while doing other tasks; and have an engaging host. Also, since I have a very attentive two year old, no potty mouths allowed. Let's just say that while I was happy to explain the meaning of the word "polyculture" to a curious toddler the other day, defining four-letter words is very much not on my agenda. Here are the ten that have become my favorites this year.
My Top 10 Favorite Homesteading Podcasts of 2016
- Farmer to Farmer
This excellent show will be a staple among my podcast subscriptions for as long as it continues. It features down-to-earth conversations with experienced farmers from across the country, focusing on the "big ideas and practical details" that make a farm successful. - Digital Homesteading
I particularly value the focus on community with this podcast. Highlighting the voices of a diverse group of "rural world changers", its episodes are filled with strategies and inspiration for building rural business and community. I've especially enjoyed the episode titled, "Fill a Room, Not a List". - The Permaculture Podcast
I really like that this one is short, and keeps each episode well-focused on a topic. It draws on the knowledge and experience of an extremely wide array of authoritative voices in the permaculture movement, and is a source of so much good information. - Homesteady - Stories of homesteading, farming, hunting, and fishing
With a focus on sustainability, host Austin Martin explores the wide variety of ways a modern Homesteader can be self-sufficient. While show length varies greatly, they're well-produced, organized, and informative. - Living Homegrown Podcast with Theresa Lee
Though this one is geared for folks with limited access to land, Theresa's instructive and no-nonsense approach to all manner of skills and know-how will serve any homesteader well. With her engaging personality, and well-chosen guests, this is the show I'd listen to if my Mom were visiting. - Sustainable World Radio - Ecology and Permaculture Podcast
This podcast keeps its pulse on the goings-on in fields as diverse as ecology, permaculture, organic gardening, sustainability, natural building, regenerative farming andethnobotany. My favorite episode so far? "How to Create a 'Fruit-Full' Food Forest." (Sept. 3, 2016) - The Modern Homesteading Podcast
A good solid how-to podcast, Modern Homesteading covers a lot of very practical homestead projects and skills very well. I've found the episode on rainwater catchment systems especially helpful. - The Survival Mom Radio Network
With a strong prepping flavor, the hosts of these shows are all women, representing a broad spectrum of experience and expertise. A favorite episode of mine is the one on "10 Lost Skills Worth Finding" - Self-Sufficient Life with Tim Young
This one's brand new, but shows so much promise, I had to include it. Focusing on interviews with homesteaders making self-sufficient incomes in a variety of ways, it's always upbeat and inspiring. - Mountain Woman Radio
Hosted by off-grid mountain woman, Tammy Trayer, this is another show that's going to be on my subscription list as long as it continues. With a focus on preparedness and self-reliance, and drawing on the wisdom of a strong variety of guests, this one always leaves me feeling like I've just had an inspiring heart-to-heart over coffee in my livingroom.
Those are my current favorites. I'd also love to hear from you! What other homesteading podcasts should I be loading on my iPad? Do you have some favorites that might not be specific to homesteading, but support a self-sufficient life? I'm always looking for new suggestions!
Anna Chesley
Website | + posts
Anna Chesley is a freelance writer living a homestead lifestyle, with a special love for family travel, old books, vintage skills, and seaside living. In addition to founding Salt In My Coffee, she runs the website, New England Family Life, as well as The 1800's Housewife, a website devoted to re-creating authentic 1800's recipes.
More Lifestyle
- Homesteading Skills Young Children Love to Learn
- Practical Hygge Tips for February
- 12 Affirmations That Help When The World Is Scary
- 12 Fun Ways to Opt Out of Black Friday
Reader Interactions
Comments
Mark Henry says
oh nice... Thanks for sharing
Reply
Kirsten says
One of my favorites is Pioneering Today with Melissa K. Norris. Thanks for the great list!
Reply
Christianne says
Thank you for this post. I recently discovered podcasts as well and was looking for some more, so perfect timing! I have been listening to the Modern Homesteading Podcast and the Self-Sufficient life. I will check out your other suggestions! Did you listen to Pioneering Today wit Melissa K. Norris? Also one of my favorites!
Love, ChristianneReply
Anne in the Kitchen says
I have to work off of our farm, and I have an hour and a half commute. I've listened to three of your recommended podcasts already, and they made the drive so much more motivating and enjoyable. Thanks, for the great information!
Reply
Anna says
Anne, I'm so very glad you've been enjoying them! My husband has a very long commute as well, and good listening fodder is a Must. I just checked out your lovely website - I need to try those ham and goat cheese mini quiches! Thanks so much for your kind words, and have a wonderful evening!!
Reply
PK says
I am not in the habit of listening to podcasts, but one of my friends has been a guest on USA Prepares a few times.
Reply
Anna says
Oh, thank you so much for the tip! I will have to check it out!!
Reply
Rob says
Great list. I look forward to listening to some of these podcasts I haven't head before.
Reply
Anna says
Thanks Rob! Happy listening!! = )
Reply
Art says
I was talking to a third generation farmer when I first heard the term, "public job," referring to a non farm job. This turned my view of farming upside down as I saw that they are looking out at the world. The farm is the thing, everything else is other.
Anyway, I have a one hour commute to my "public job" three days a week and have been meaning to start listening to podcasts so I can learn while I drive. Now I know where to start. Thanks.
Reply
Anna says
Art, I love that perspective, and you put it so well - "The farm is the thing, everything else is the other." Beautiful! My husband has a long commute as well, almost 2 hours, 3-4 days a week. He's been so grateful for podcasts and audiobooks - they really do make the drive so much better!
Reply
Jasmine says
Oh my gosh, I love all of these! I'm like you and haven't jumped on the podcast train yet, but I did just move into my first home so I want to get into homesteading! Thank you for sharing these!
Reply
Anna says
Jasmine, congrats on your first home!! That is the best feeling! Best wishes to you in your homesteading endeavors!!
Reply
Kim says
I really want to check out The Survival Mom and The Modern Homesteading podcasts! I love finding new podcasts to listen to, so this list was great. Thanks for sharing!
Reply
Anna says
Hi Kim! I really love both of those - I hope you enjoy!! Happy listening! = )
Reply
JoJo says
I used to host a weekly podcast. Great fun!
Reply
Anna says
Hi JoJo! It really does sound like fun - it's definitely something I'd like to learn how to do one of these days!!
Reply
Aust says
Anna, Thanks for sharing our show! I am always listening to Jack Spirko of the Survival Podcast... Maybe another you might enjoy?
Reply
Anna says
Absolutely my pleasure, Aust!! Thank you so much for the delightful listening fodder - always love your show! And thanks so much for the Survival Podcast recommendation - can't wait to check it out!
Reply
Harold Thornbro says
Great list Anna! Thanks for including my podcast (Modern Homesteading Podcast) among your favorites. The Beginning Farmer, The Urban Farm Podcast, Sow Edible Permaculture Podcast and The Urban Farm and Garden Show are some others I enjoy listening to as well.
Reply
Anna says
Harold, thank YOU for the very kind comment, and for many hours of high-quality listening!! I SO enjoy your show! And thanks so very much for the great recommendations!!
Reply
Todd McCree says
I'm a fan of Great Escape Farms podcast. It talks about unique edible plants, permaculture gardens, and homesteading.
Reply
Anna says
Todd, I can't wait to check it out. I'm queuing it up right now! Thanks so much for the recommendation!
Reply
