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The Coop: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Homestead Living
Educational and inspirational conversations with the homesteaders who are at the forefront of the modern homesteading movement.
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- 2 weeks ago1h 19m
Ep 25: Why Animal Foods Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Diet w/ Abey Scaglione
In Episode #25 of The Coop, Anna sits down with Abey Scaglione (a farmer, writer, and the author of Radical Farm: Animals, Food, and Our Future) for a thoughtful conversation about food, farming, and what truly nourishes both people and the land.Abey shares her journey from becoming a vegetarian at age 13, through trying out veganism and even raw veganism and “fruitarianism,” to embracing a diet centered around nutrient-dense animal foods … especially when she wanted to start a family.She describes feeling constantly hungry and preoccupied with food on plant-based diets, and how adding high-quality meat, dairy, and eggs brought satiety, better energy, and a renewed relationship with eating.Now living on Salt Spring Island, Abey and her family raise sheep, cattle, turkeys, and chickens while growing vegetables, fruit, and medicinal plants. Through her hands-on experience, she has come to see the vital role animals play in regenerative farming … building soil health, increasing biodiversity, and creating truly sustainable systems.Abey doesn’t shy away from the bigger questions facing our food system today. She explores why animal agriculture is often demonized, while pointing out the environmental and health costs of large-scale monocrop agriculture and ultra-processed plant-based foods.Whether you eat meat or not, this episode invites you to look deeper at where your food comes from, challenge popular narratives around animal vs. plant-based eating, and consider what truly nourishes both people and the planet.Where to find Abey: https://www.radicalfarmbook.com/https://www.instagram.com/abeyonthefarm/
- 4 weeks ago1h 19m
Ep 24: How to Grow Real Food That Actually Feeds Your Family w/ David The Good
In episode #24 of The Coop, Anna Sakawsky sits down with David The Good to discuss survival gardening: practical, low-input ways to grow abundant, calorie-dense food that truly feeds your family.David shares his journey from a childhood gardener to author, YouTuber, permaculture gardener, and nursery owner in South Alabama. He emphasizes that survival gardening isn’t about panic mode or doomsday prepping, but about building the skills and systems so you can reliably produce food when it matters most. The core principle: suit your garden to your climate. Don’t force plants that don’t belong, look at what traditionally grew in your area, what commercial farms grow successfully, and what thrives with your rainfall, soil, and conditions.He stresses focusing first on high-calorie staples suited to your region … whether potatoes and corn farther north or plantains, cassava, and yams in warmer climates. David encourages experimentation, saving seeds from what performs best in your backyard, and using simple, durable tools like a good machete, broad hoe, and broadfork. He also shares his “compost everything” philosophy, including burying animal remains and using weeds and waste to build soil fertility through compost teas and direct application.Throughout the conversation, David reminds listeners that gardening success comes from observation, adaptation, and steady improvement over time rather than perfection or complicated systems. Whether you’re just starting or scaling up, the goal is resilience: growing food you can count on while enjoying the process.This episode is packed with grounded wisdom for anyone wanting to move beyond hobby gardening toward real food security and self-reliance.
- Jun 19, 20261h 2m
Ep 23: Healthy Homemade Alternatives to Soda & Coffee w/ CeAnne Kosel
In Episode #23 of The Coop, Anna Sakawsky sits down with longtime friend and fellow homesteader CeAnne Kosel of Farmhouse Teas to talk about creating delicious, better-for-you drink alternatives at home.CeAnne shares how her journey began with growing calendula flowers and expanded into making teas, salves, and eventually healthier replacements for coffee and soda. After developing a sugar allergy that caused her throat to swell and becoming sensitive to caffeine, she started experimenting in the kitchen. What began as personal necessity turned into a thriving business creating healthy, flavorful herbal tea blends and flavorings for homemade sodas, kombucha, and more.In this conversation, Anna and CeAnne discuss:How CeAnne developed her popular “Not Coffee” alternative and a wide variety of soda syrups (vanilla cream, root beer, fruit flavors, and more)The basics of making kombucha, water kefir, and ginger bugs as fizzy drink optionsPractical tips for busy families … including how to store ferments when life gets hecticWhy homemade versions can be more budget-friendly and taste better than store-bought optionsThe importance of starting simple and finding what works for your family’s tastes and scheduleIf you’ve been wanting to move away from conventional sodas and coffee without feeling deprived, this conversation will give you the inspiration and practical starting points you need.
- Jun 5, 202652 min
Ep 22: Why Community Is the Most Important Part of Homesteading
Homesteading can feel incredibly rewarding … but it can also feel lonely when you’re the only one in your neighborhood growing food or raising chickens.In Episode #22 of The Coop, host Anna Sakawsky reflects on why true self-sufficiency has always depended on community, and how we can start building stronger local networks today.Drawing from real-life examples (like neighbors helping clear snow, friends with excavators stepping in, and the power of sharing garden extras) Anna shows how investing in relationships with those around us creates resilience that no lone homesteader can achieve on their own.She also shares practical encouragement for connecting with like-minded people, whether through online groups, local events, or simply reaching out to neighbors with some offerings from the garden or chicken coop.This episode is a timely reminder that homesteading was never meant to be done in isolation. The strongest, most resilient homesteads are the ones surrounded by good neighbors and a supportive local community.
- May 22, 20261h 9m
Ep 21: The Economics of Homesteading w/ Jessica Spiers
In a time when grocery prices keep climbing and the world feels increasingly uncertain, many families are asking a simple question: how can we stretch what we have further while building something that lasts?In Episode #21 of The Coop, Anna sits down with Jessica Spiers (homesteading and homeschooling mother of nine) for a deeply practical conversation about how modern homesteading is stepping in to fill the gap left by traditional home economics.Jessica shares how the old principles of home economics (planning, production, prevention, price comparison, and resourcefulness) are more relevant today than ever. She explains how these timeless ideas naturally overlap with homesteading, helping families save money, reduce waste, involve their children in meaningful work, and become better stewards of their resources.Whether you have acreage or none at all, Jessica’s wisdom shows that homesteading doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming.It’s about making intentional choices with what you already have, teaching kids real skills through everyday tasks, and shifting from a mindset of pure consumption to thoughtful production.
- May 8, 20262h 1m
Ep 20: Jacob Lauser on Navigating the Legal Side of Homesteading
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re allowed to keep chickens, sell eggs from your backyard, build a shed, or start a small homestead business … this episode is essential listening.In Episode #20 of The Coop, Anna sits down with Jacob Lauser (lawyer, homesteader, and founder of Homesteaders.Legal) for a practical, no-nonsense conversation about the legal realities every homesteader should understand.Jacob shares his unique perspective as someone who has both practiced law and lived the homesteading life. He explains how to research zoning and land-use rules before (and after) buying property, what to watch for with livestock regulations, cottage food laws, water rights, HOA restrictions, and the realities of selling produce, eggs, or value-added products.Rather than acting as a roadblock, Jacob encourages homesteaders to become informed so they can work within the system when possible … finding legal pathways instead of constantly fighting it. He stresses the importance of doing your due diligence: checking official sources, talking to locals, understanding your county’s specific rules, and knowing when to consult a knowledgeable attorney.Whether you’re dreaming of buying land, already raising animals, or thinking about turning your homestead into a small business, this episode will help you avoid common legal pitfalls and make smarter, more informed decisions.In this episode, Anna and Jacob discuss:Key things to research before buying land (zoning, restrictions, water rights, and more)Rules around livestock (chickens, goats, cows, and other animals)Cottage food laws, selling produce/eggs/meat, and starting a small homestead businessHow to work with the system instead of constantly fighting itPractical advice for staying compliant while still enjoying the freedom of homesteading
- Apr 24, 20261h 22m
Ep 19: Susan Poizner on Growing Fruit Trees with Confidence
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping outside and picking fresh, juicy fruit straight from your own trees (but felt intimidated by pruning, rootstocks, pollination, or where to even begin) this episode is for you.In Episode #19 of The Coop, Anna sits down with Susan Poizner, orchardist, author, educator, and founder of OrchardPeople.com, for a warm, practical conversation that takes the mystery out of growing fruit trees.Susan shares why most big-box store trees set beginners up for disappointment and explains how choosing the right variety and rootstock for your climate and space can eliminate up to 60% of future problems. She walks through the importance of bare-root trees, proper planting techniques, and why the first 3–5 years are critical for shaping a strong, productive tree.The conversation dives into cross-pollination (why some trees need a partner and others don’t), the difference between open-center and central-leader pruning, and how timing your pruning cuts makes a big difference in tree health and fruit quality. Susan also explains why grafted trees are the norm and how they allow us to grow exactly the fruit we want … without waiting 5–7 years to see what a seedling produces.Whether you have room for just one small dwarf tree on a patio or are dreaming of a backyard orchard, this episode gives you the knowledge and confidence to get started the right way. Susan’s passion is contagious, and her straightforward advice makes growing fruit trees feel exciting and totally doable … even for complete beginners.If you’re ready to move beyond “someday” and actually plant your first fruit tree this season, don’t miss this conversation.
- Apr 10, 202648 min
Ep 18: Anna Sakawsky on Her Homesteading Journey & What Homesteading Really Means
In this solo episode of The Coop, Homestead Living Editor-in-Chief Anna Sakawsky shares her personal story for the first time.From growing up as a city kid in Vancouver with almost no exposure to homesteading, to the stressful travel-agent days that sparked her desire for a slower, more connected life, Anna opens up about the path that led her here.She talks about how her travels abroad unexpectedly taught her to cook creatively and make do with what was available, and the early days with her husband Ryan … learning to turn simple ingredients into meals on a tight budget.Most importantly, Anna addresses the big question: What does homesteading actually mean in the modern world? She shares her thoughts on the confusion around the term, why definitions vary, and who this lifestyle is really for.Whether you’re just starting out or have been at it for years, this honest conversation will give you a clearer picture of the heart behind Homestead Living and The Coop.In this episode, Anna discusses:Her city upbringing and limited early exposure to homesteadingThe travel-agent job that sparked her desire for changeHow traveling and living abroad shaped her skills and perspectiveEarly married life with Ryan: learning to cook creatively on a tight budgetWhat homesteading means (and doesn’t mean) todayWhy there’s debate around who counts as a “real” homesteader
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Educational and inspirational conversations with the homesteaders who are at the forefront of the modern homesteading movement.
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