With over ten years experience making a home, author and mom of eight, Lisa Bass, shares her love for from scratch cooking, natural living and all things handmade. As a full-time blogger and homeschooler, Lisa also mixes in a little mom life and business tips.
How do you know if you’re ready to have kids? Is buying a grain mill really worth it? Do you need a mixer to experiment with sourdough? These are just a few of the questions we’re tackling in this week’s 40th birthday Q&A. I’m sharing a quick update on our farmhouse build, what newborn life looks like right now, and how my older kids have naturally discovered their interests. We also chat about practical rhythms like afternoon time, laundry stains, raw milk basics, freshly-milled flour, and making sourdough without a mixer. Join me for this conversation about the everyday homemaking routines…
Homemaking doesn’t pause when major life changes take place; it simply looks different. In this conversation, K shares how her family is learning to build stability and peace in the midst of transition, moving off-grid to a 1,300-square-foot cabin in Alaska. We dive into the practical side of daily life without modern conveniences: hauling water, using solar power, and finding new rhythms for cooking, laundry, and homeschooling, while reflecting on the mindset shifts that make it possible to find joy in the challenges. This episode is for you if you need a reminder that even in stressful…
What if the best way to raise capable kids is to let them work and create beside you? Casey and Jason Cashell share how restoring their 1859 Virginia estate has shaped their family through hands-on learning, hard work, and entrepreneurship. They talk about giving kids real responsibility, letting them learn through mistakes, and helping them turn their skills into small businesses. Their story offers practical encouragement for parents who want to raise hardworking kids and homes full of purpose and partnership.In this episode, we cover:- How Jason and Casey found and restored an 1859…
Building a new home that feels like it’s been here for a hundred years has been a labor of love (and a learning curve!). In this solo episode, I’m sharing the latest updates from our farmhouse build, what’s been harder (and more rewarding) than expected, and the details that are truly making our home look historic. From kitchen plans and farm goals to my favorite baby wrap, birth method, and thoughts on balancing homemaking and entrepreneurship, this conversation is a mix of practical tips and real-life reflection from my current season of life.In this episode, we cover:- An update on where…
Parenting doesn’t necessarily get easier as the years go on, but the demands change. In this conversation, Sarah of Our Tribe of Many shares what life looks like as a mom of 11, from toddlers to young adults, and how her perspective on motherhood has transformed along the way. She shares their process of designing a home with future generations in mind, finding confidence in the homeschooling journey, and learning to release control as her kids grow into independence. We also talk about common misconceptions about large families, how to redefine your “wins” in overwhelming seasons, and the…
What if the path to a peaceful home isn’t found in having more and doing more, but in less? In this episode, I’m chatting with Sarah Therese, a young mom of five who shares her journey of creating a peaceful, intentional home in the midst of real family life. We talk about how living with less first shaped her perspective, the simple systems that keep her family of seven running smoothly every day, and how she keeps her heart grounded in motherhood amid all the noise. Join us for an encouraging conversation about rhythms, rest, and building a home that truly serves your family.In this…
I’m back behind the mic with baby Miriam in my arms, sharing her birth story and what life has looked like in this new season. She was my earliest and smallest baby yet, and my first experience with breast milk jaundice. I’m chatting about postpartum rhythms, how my perspective has shifted after years of motherhood, and a few listener questions on everything from diet and mold prevention to couches, business growth, and sourdough. Tune in for this catch-up on life lately in our family of eleven!In this episode, we cover:Sharing Miriam’s birth story — my earliest baby yet and one of my…
Homeschooling six kids while running a thriving food blog is no small feat, but Laura of Joy Food Sunshine shares how she’s made it work without losing sight of her priorities. From the postpartum depression that first pushed her to start blogging, to the viral chocolate chip cookie recipe that still ranks #1 on Google, Laura opens up about building a business alongside motherhood. We talk about sharing responsibilities with her husband, letting go of perfectionism, setting boundaries, and creating content rooted in real life. This conversation is packed with encouragement for moms who want…
Boyhood today looks very different than it did a generation ago, and many moms are wondering how to raise sons who thrive in a culture that often works against them. In this conversation with Molly, we talk about why so many boys are struggling and how we as moms can ground them in faith, family, and belonging. We dive into practical ways to recognize your son’s unique wiring, reframe weaknesses as strengths, and guide him through big emotions, school struggles, and everyday responsibilities. From the resilience built around the family dinner table to the importance of one-on-one connection…
While waiting on baby #9, I’m sharing one last solo chat before stepping into the newborn season! From why I’m hoping for a daytime labor and how mindset shapes birth pain, to what the Christmas season really looks like in a big family, this episode is a mix of my personal reflections and practical advice. I dive into my approach to teething, first foods, picky eaters, sourdough routines, and even how I’ve kept up with full-time content creation without burning out. If you’ve ever wondered how I approach motherhood rhythms with a house full of kids, this one pulls back the curtain a bit!In…
Homesteading isn’t just about raising your own food— it’s about building a life where relationships, rhythms, and real community come first. In this conversation with RuthAnn, we dig into everything from screen-free parenting to the myth of “not enough time,” the health wake-up call that reshaped her family’s lifestyle, and the true meaning of the village for moms today. If you’ve ever wondered how to slow down and find joy in the ordinary while strengthening your home, join us for this conversation!In this episode, we cover:Why homesteading is about more than food on the table— prioritizing…
Homesteading isn’t just about raising your own food— it’s about building a life where relationships, rhythms, and real community come first. In this conversation with RuthAnn, we dig into everything from screen-free parenting to the myth of “not enough time,” the health wake-up call that reshaped her family’s lifestyle, and the true meaning of the village for moms today. If you’ve ever wondered how to slow down and find joy in the ordinary while strengthening your home, join us for this conversation!In this episode, we cover:Why homesteading is about more than food on the table— prioritizing…
Creating a sense of history and place on raw land takes vision and patience, and garden designer Tessa Pinner shares how to make it both practical and beautiful. We chat about designing outdoor “rooms,” why smaller spaces can sometimes be easier than wide-open acreage, and how trees, fences, and timeless materials add history and charm. Tessa offers simple, long-term strategies to beat overwhelm and cultivate outdoor spaces that truly feel like home, whether you’re on acreage or working with a small backyard.In this episode, we cover:Creating a sense of place on raw land through thoughtful…
Life in this season feels full of change– new babies, teenagers gaining independence, and the daily rhythms that keep our large family moving forward. In this episode, I share my real experiences with co-sleeping, freshly milled wheat, toys and clutter, pregnancy challenges, car seats, and the everyday questions you’ve asked about homemaking and homesteading. I also talk about the farmhouse build alongside my sister, our different approaches to decision-making, and the long-term dreams I have for life on the farm. Join me for this Q&A style conversation where your questions guide the…
Homeschooling isn’t just about academics. It’s about shaping character, habits, and family culture in the everyday moments. In this conversation with Erin from Gentle + Classical Press, we talk about what the early years can look like without the pressure of early academics, how to raise children who know how to use their free time well, and why consistency matters more than perfection. You’ll hear encouragement for the overwhelmed mom, perspective on kids’ different personalities, and practical ways to build a gentle and classical foundation in your home. If you’re looking for fresh vision…
Juggling motherhood and entrepreneurship comes with unique challenges and unique rewards. In this episode with Lily of The Flour Barn, we talk about running a thriving micro bakery while managing a blog, YouTube channel, and teaching schedule. From setting boundaries and avoiding burnout to slowing down and auditing systems for smarter growth, Lily shares the rhythms that keep her business sustainable and her home life prioritized. We cover her weekly workflow, stress-reducing systems, lessons from five years of menu refinement, and when to choose freshly milled whole grains vs. white flour.…
If you could use a refreshing perspective on education in your home, this episode is for you! Whether you are already a homeschooling parent or you are considering it, Julie’s wisdom on delight-directed learning will encourage you to embrace a homeschooling life that truly serves your family and your unique children. We can reject the societal pressures to prioritize academic achievement and instead tune into the innate desires and giftings of each of our children. Join us for this rich discussion full of practical advice and inspiring vision!In this episode, we cover:What a typical school…
At 34 weeks pregnant, I’m sharing all the latest on our home build, pregnancy with baby #9, and what life is like in this full season. Even though progress on the house feels slow, I’m finding peace in the extra time to make intentional decisions, and we are loving how our unique vision is coming to life. I talk about chimney brick, roofing surprises, and the proportions that make it feel like an old homestead. I also reflect on how textbook this pregnancy has been compared to my others and answer a few listener questions about storm windows and monitoring during labor.In this episode, we…
Birth doesn’t have to be something to fear. I sat down with Lana from Girl, Teach Me to talk about seeing labor as a God-designed process, not an emergency. We covered choosing the right midwife, why changing your mindset around pain is so powerful, and how to respond to people who think you are choosing home birth to get a “trophy”. Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, this episode is full of honest, empowering wisdom for walking into birth with peace!In this episode, we cover:Lana’s story: how a college nutrition class sparked her love for birth and led to Girl, Teach MeBirth as…
If you are feeling tired, foggy, reactive to everything you eat, and you’re not sure where to even begin, this episode is for you! I’m joined by Christa from Less Stressed Life to unpack some of the most confusing and overwhelming health topics moms face: sluggish thyroid, hidden stress, food sensitivities, and nervous system overload. Christa shares her holistic, systems-based approach to healing that prioritizes nourishment, nervous system support, and practical tools over endless restriction and fear. If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” but you still don’t feel like yourself,…
From laundry bottlenecks to housing market realities, I’m diving into your current questions in the midst of our busy build season. I’m sharing why we skip chore charts and budgets, how I fix sticky whole grain dough, and what postpartum has typically looked like for me. I also talk through common questions about our debt-free journey of homeownership, why two washers wouldn’t help our laundry system, and how we’re handling homeschool without a dedicated schoolroom. Plus, my go-to sourdough recipes this summer that keep us well-fed without keeping me in the kitchen all day!In this episode,…
From calorie-counting culture to kitchen confidence, Jillian Hankins shares her journey toward joyful, nourishing meals made with real ingredients. We chat about embracing food freedom, raising kids who eat what’s served, and the rhythms that make homemade meals feel doable—even three times a day. With tips for balancing your plate, using seasonal produce, making simple sauces, and working with your natural energy, this conversation is full of encouragement for simplifying healthy eating and making it work for real family life.In this episode, we cover:Jillian’s journey from junk food to…
If you’ve ever dreamed of leaving the suburbs for a slice of quiet country life, this episode will speak right to your heart. Author Melissa Ferguson joins me to share the real-life inspiration behind her new children’s book, Our Friendly Farmhouse—a sweet and whimsical reflection of her family’s journey from cul-de-sac to countryside. We talk about building a home from scratch, traveling with a big family, and slowly creating a homestead that feels peaceful, practical, and full of charm. Melissa offers encouragement and budget-friendly tips for anyone in the thick of building, dreaming, or…
Life is full right now—between preparing for a new baby, building our dream home, and navigating the everyday rhythms of raising a big family. In this Q&A episode, I’m sharing how we’re handling baby sleep, toddler bedtime battles, room sharing, and pool days with non-swimmers—plus a few thoughts on off-grid readiness, Instant Pot meals, and how I’m embracing this once-in-a-lifetime season, even when it feels overwhelming.In this episode, we cover:A real-life update on what it’s like building a house with toddlers (hint: it’s not relaxing)Thinking about generators, drafts, and wood stoves……
So many of us worry we’re not doing enough when it comes to homeschooling—but what if simply choosing this path is already a powerful step in the right direction? In this encouraging conversation, I talk with Ginny Yurich of 1000 Hours Outside about her newest book and the deep confidence that can come from stepping outside the system. We explore how real learning often looks like play, boredom, creativity, and curiosity—how our kids naturally fill in the gaps over time, and how the freedom to pursue their own interests can lead to unexpected and incredible outcomes. If you’ve ever doubted…
After a health scare in her twenties, Melissa K. Norris returned to her roots with traditional, from-scratch cooking—and never looked back. In this episode, she shares the simple swaps that make a big difference, her favorite freezer and batch-cooking tips, and why it’s easier than you think to build nourishing kitchen rhythms. We also chat about her updated cookbook Home and Handmade, a practical and inspiring guide for anyone wanting to cook with real ingredients and a whole lot of heart. Tune in for encouragement and doable ideas to make old-fashioned cooking work in your modern life!In…
Pregnancy, Motherhood & Homebuilding: A Summer Life UpdateDescriptionBuilding a house from scratch has been such an adventure—full of surprises, lessons, and all the little details that bring a space to life. I’m sharing where we are in the process, how we’re blending old and new to create a home with real character, and answering your questions about pregnancy, motherhood, and home birth. If you’re in the thick of family life or just love chatting all things home and babies, I think you’ll really enjoy this summer life update!In this episode, we cover:Framing progress on the build and why…
I’m chatting with Christine from Frugal Fit Mom all about feeding your family well on a budget—without stressing over perfection. Christine shares her tried-and-true strategies for keeping grocery costs low in today’s economy, including how she stocks her pantry, finds the best meat deals, and plans meals based on what’s already on hand. We also dive into the hidden costs of organic and local food, why she skips most grocery delivery services, and how you can still enjoy fun foods without blowing the budget. Whether you’re shopping for two or ten, this episode is full of real-life tips you…
In today’s episode, I’m welcoming back Amy Cross from The Cross Legacy to dive into a topic that’s more important than ever: saving money on groceries and keeping produce fresh for longer. Amy shares her tried-and-true methods for making fresh food last weeks (even months!), simple strategies for reducing food waste, and how she’s kept her grocery budget the same despite rising prices. We’re talking practical tips you can apply whether you’re feeding a large family, preparing for garden harvests, or just trying to make your grocery trips stretch a little farther. I learned so much in this…
In this solo Q&A episode, I’m diving into your most-asked questions about motherhood, homemaking, and our new farmhouse build. From figuring out how to prioritize marriage when you have little ones, to managing clutter and paper piles, to designing a kitchen that actually works for a real family—I’m sharing what’s working (and what’s not) in our home right now. I also cover topics like breastfeeding while pregnant, sourdough fermentation timing, pantry organization, and how we’re thinking through long-term homesteading plans. If you're navigating the beautiful chaos of family life while…
About Simple Farmhouse Life
With over ten years experience making a home, author and mom of eight, Lisa Bass, shares her love for from scratch cooking, natural living and all things handmade. As a full-time blogger and homeschooler, Lisa also mixes in a little mom life and business tips.
Simple Farmhouse Life is a English leisure & travel podcast from Lisa Bass. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
