In today’s episode of Homegrown Hopes, we dive into the wonderful world of medicinal herbs! Whether you have a sprawling homestead or a cozy apartment balcony, growing your own herbs is an affordable and rewarding way to take control of your health and well-being. Join me as I share my top beginner-friendly herbs, tips on how to grow them, and simple ways to start using them for common health concerns like stress, digestion, and skin care.
In this episode, we cover:
If you're ready to start growing your own medicinal herb garden and unlock the healing potential of plants, this episode is for you!
Disclaimer:I’m not a medical professional, and this post is for informational and educational purposes only. This is not medical advice, and you should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or managing chronic conditions.
What if the key to feeling better wasn’t found in a prescription bottle, but right on your plate? In this episode, I’m joined by Mandy Nix, RD, LDN, MS, a functional dietitian who helps people uncover the root causes behind their health struggles and heal through personalized nutrition.
Mandy explains what functional nutrition really means, how it goes beyond meal plans, and why there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all health. From gut health to inflammation to hormone balance, we dig into how your unique body, story, and environment all play a role—and how the right foods can help your body restore and thrive.
In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ What functional nutrition actually is
✅ Why personalized nutrition is essential for healing
✅ How food can address root causes, not just symptoms
✅ The connection between gut health, inflammation, and overall wellness
✅ Simple, practical tips for nourishing your body well
About Mandy Nix:
Mandy Nix, RD, LDN, MS, is a functional dietitian who focuses on whole-person healing through food and lifestyle. Her approach is personalized, root cause-focused, and designed to help clients create sustainable wellness, not just short-term fixes.
Resources & Links:
🎟️ Join Us at the Holistic Homestead Conference!
If you enjoyed this conversation and want to dive even deeper into homestead nutrition, we’d love to see you at the Holistic Homestead Conference! Mandy and I will be teaching a hands-on class called Nutrition on the Homestead, where we’ll share practical ways to nourish your family with homegrown and locally sourced foods.
The conference is happening May 17, 2025 — it’s a full day of learning, community, and connection with fellow homesteaders. Tickets are on sale now, so grab yours and come spend the day with us!
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/
Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
Winter is the perfect time to slow down, grab a warm drink, and cozy up with a good book. There’s just something about the shorter days and chilly evenings that make reading feel even more special. In this episode, I’m sharing my winter reading list—a mix of stories that feel like old friends, ones that transport you to another time, and a few that just beg to be read by the fire. If you love books that draw you in and linger with you long after you turn the last page, this episode is for you.
In This Episode, We’ll Cover:
📖 Why winter is my favorite time to read physical books over audiobooks
📖 My love for Free Little Libraries and swapping books within the community
📖 A breakdown of my favorite winter reads, from historical fiction to lyrical, magical storytelling
📖 Reflections on books that feel like old friends and the stories that left a lasting impact
Read The Full Blog Post Here
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
📚 Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin
📚 The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
📚 Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
📚 The Caretaker by Ron Rash
📚 Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield
📚 The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan
📚 The Sweet Blue Distance by Sara Donati
📚 The Girl on the Mountain by Carol Ervin
📚 Atonement by Ian McEwan
I also share thoughts on movie adaptations vs. books (hello, Atonement and A Winter’s Tale!) and why some books resonate deeply—especially those set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, my home.
📚Shop My Winter Reading List– Find all of my favorite winter reads on my Amazon Storefront.
📚 Follow Along on Instagram – Let’s chat books!
📚 Join My Newsletter – Never miss an update!
What’s on your winter reading list? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/
Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
Shop My Amazon Storefront
https://shorturl.at/7iHgI
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫
https://www.mandynixnutrition.com/
Background Fiddling by my son Creek ❤️
Thanks for supporting my show!
We’re kicking off year two of the podcast in a brand-new space—our forever home!
In this episode, I’m curled up in my cozy new living room, surrounded by my favorite Facebook Marketplace finds (yes, includingthe green velvet couch) and reflecting on this long-awaited transition. I’m sharing the story behind our move, a few thrifting adventures, and my thoughts on embracing a slower, more intentional winter season. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s chat about fresh starts, home, and embracing the beauty of a slow season—choosing rest over hustle.
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/
Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
Shop My Amazon Storefront
https://shorturl.at/7iHgI
Thanks for supporting my show!
In this episode of Homegrown Hopes, we sit down with Meagan Joy—a third-generation beekeeper and rancher, whose life is deeply rooted in family, farming, and faith.
Meagan shares her story of growing up on a ranch learning timeless lessons she learned from both her father and her grandfather’s humble approach to beekeeping, and how her family is keeping tradition alive through their farm.
From harvesting raw, unfiltered honey to raising premium Texas Wagyu beef, Meagan talks about balancing heritage with modern challenges and fostering community through intentional living.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE SEASONS OF BEEKEEPING GUIDE
https://www.leecohoney.com/shop/p/seasons-of-beekeeping-guide
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/
Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 Meagan
Website: https://www.leecohoney.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leecohoney
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leecohoney/
Thanks for listening!
Do you have boxes of old photographs or random image files on your computer that you'll get to "someday"? If so, you definitely want to listen to my chat with Shanna of GingerSnaps Photo Management! She is a busy mom herself, so she understands just how daunting this task can be. In this episode, she discusses ways to get organized, her favorite products and software, and tips for preventing yourself from getting in over your head again. If it still feels like too much for you to tackle, she can do it for you!
As the heart behind GingerSnaps, Shanna is passionate about helping people organize, preserve, and enjoy their memories. She lives in Ontario, Canada on a farm with her husband and two sons and has a love for capturing everyday moments.
WHERE TO FIND CAITLIN
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/
Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
WHERE TO FIND SHANA
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gingersnaps.ca
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/gingersnaps.ca/
WEBSITE: https://www.gingersnaps.ca
YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@photobookmaster?si=xcZ4Wj0cHn1Mgd_L
PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.ca/gingersnaps_ca/
FOREVER CLOUD STORAGE: https://www.forever.com/ambassador/shanna-koetsier
SUBSCRIBE TO HER EMAIL LIST https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/344529/81387257267750525/share
Thanks for supporting my podcast!
Join me as I chat with Rachel Hester, author of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘋𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺 𝘚𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘱, about the incredible benefits of sheep milk and why these versatile creatures are the original dairy animal. Learn how this nutrient-dense milk is perfect for small farms and homesteads, offering a healthier, more sustainable option for dairy lovers. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧Blog: https://homegrownhopes.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopesPodcast: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥Website: https://www.whoopsydaisyfarm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoopsydaisyfarm/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088451235571Email: whoopsydaisyfarm@gmail.comGet Rachel's Book The Guide to Homestead Dairy Sheephttps://amzn.to/4eW7QEY This season sponsored by Rannsak.comJOIN THE RANNSAK COMMUNITYhttps://www.rannsak.com/Thank you for supporting this podcast!
Pour a cup of something warm, and cozy up as we chat about practical ways to transition your homestead from summer to fall. We are covering coat closets to coops, and daydreaming about pumpkin covered porches.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Fall Diffuser Blends
https://homegrownhopes.com/essential-oil-diffuser-blends-for-fall-and-winter/
Whole Roast Chicken Recipe
https://homegrownhopes.com/whole-roast-chicken/
My Favorite Venison Recipes
https://homegrownhopes.com/how-to-cook-venison-neck-roast/
https://homegrownhopes.com/venison-lettuce-wraps/
https://homegrownhopes.com/homemade-venison-sausage/
https://homegrownhopes.com/wild-game-wednesday-deer-chili/
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopesPodcast: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/ Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
JOIN THE RANNSAK COMMUNITY
https://www.rannsak.com/
Thanks for supporting the show!
Dive into the world of functional medicine with my dear friend Christy Richman. She has been my personal sounding board and guide to natural wellness for years, and is a wealth of knowledge. If you're interested in getting to the root of issues, rather than just putting a bandaid on the symptoms, this episode is for you!
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopesPodcast: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/ Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
Where to Find Christy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracelife_wellness/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceLifeWellness
Email: christy@nursenaturaloils.com
This season sponsored by Rannsak.com
JOIN THE RANNSAK COMMUNITY
https://www.rannsak.com/
Thank you for supporting this podcast!
Join me as I chat with Jessi and Pat Sherman about how their family's bucket list vacation sparked a dream that has grown into a revolutionary business.
JOIN THE RANNSAK COMMUNITY
https://www.rannsak.com/
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopesPodcast: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/ Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
Where to Find Jessi & Pat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_rannsak.com_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rannsak/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rannsak/
X: https://www.twitter.com/_rannsak/
Summer is a great time to reconnect with your kids, and to reevaluate where you want to spend your energy. In today's episode, I'm sharing tips for how we are trying to make the most of summer and minimize the chaos.
In this episode we discuss:
Resources Mentioned:
My podcast on slowing down in a busy season:
If The Devil Can't Make You Bad He'll Make You Busy
My favorite devotional for moms:
Mom Heart Moments by Sally Clarkson
My favorite family devotionals:
Rooted by Treehouse Schoolhouse
Our 24 Family Ways by Clay Clarkson
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/
Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
In the midst of a busy season of life, it can be easy to lose focus and feel like a frazzled mess. (Speaking for myself here).
In this episode we discuss:
Resources Mentioned:
Episode 3: Proactive Planning - Simple Steps for Weekly and Monthly Prep
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/
Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
Every family is unique, and today I'm sharing my family's unique homeschool journey including learning styles, curriculum choices, and family values. (Stay tuned until the end for a little guest asking for her chance to "do a little talk thing".)
TICKETS TO THE HOLISTIC HOMESTEAD CONFERENCE (Save 15% with code HOMEGROWN15) https://holistichomesteadconference.com/
What Does Homeschool Pre-K Look Like?
https://homegrownhopes.com/homeschool-preschool/
4th Grade Homeschool Curriculum Choices
https://homegrownhopes.com/my-homeschool-curriculum-choices-for-4th-grade/
The Good and the Beautiful Homeschool Curriculum
https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/
Treehouse Schoolhouse Homeschool Curriculum
https://treehouseschoolhouse.com/HOMEGROWNHOPES
Ambleside Charlotte Mason Curriculum
https://www.amblesideonline.org/
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/ Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
Mandy and I feel so passionately about natural living education, that we have started the Holistic Homestead Conference, and you can save on tickets now! 𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞: 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐍𝟏𝟓 to save 15%
https://holistichomesteadconference.com/
𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐌𝐄 Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopes
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/
Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃 MANDY https://www.henryriverfarms.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/henryriverfarms
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandynixnutrition/
A laid-back chat about what I'm growing, my favorite (free) gardening resources, and what to start growing if you're brand new to gardening.
TICKETS TO THE HOLISTIC HOMESTEAD CONFERENCE (Save 15% with code HOMEGROWN15) https://holistichomesteadconference.com/
Spring Cottage Garden Tour
https://youtu.be/_5BXCGPLgZ0?si=vXxmtA9Pi9On8Cej
Learn to Grow Potatoes
https://youtu.be/06T7e1dMeRU?si=GyfJZUdqQ1XhdA__
Creating a Raised Bed Garden
https://youtu.be/SYifR_rb2n0?si=H5FByr6TemVGxP1h
Spring Raised Bed Garden Tour
https://youtu.be/St5YFTUEOeU?si=CwQqdkhctOuttMtz
The Tea Garden
https://youtu.be/OwGZ-ccGRSI?si=7riFRodSY6zIm3pg
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/ Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
Join me as I share our family's tradition of Sunday suppers, and reflect on the importance of coming together in fellowship, and around a good meal.
TICKETS TO THE HOLISTIC HOMESTEAD CONFERENCE (Save 15% with code HOMEGROWN15) https://holistichomesteadconference.com/
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/ Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
Join me as I chat with Katie of The Caterpillar Project about her family's journey from traditional living, to becoming completely off-grid. Spoiler: she even roofed her own house! If you've been intrigued by the off-grid lifestyle, you'll want to listen to this episode and give Katie a follow. TICKETS TO THE HOLISTIC HOMESTEAD CONFERENCE (Save 15% with code HOMEGROWN15) https://holistichomesteadconference.com/ 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopesPodcast: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/ Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 Katie
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the.caterpillar.project/
Shop:
https://market.caterpillarproject.com/
Thank you so much for listening and supporting my podcast!
Time in the garden can be a peaceful escape, but it can also become a dreaded place of endless chores. In this episode, I share practical ways to welcome your children into the garden that will instill a lifelong love of growing, as well as an appreciation, rather than a dread of the hard work that goes along with it.
TICKETS TO THE HOLISTIC HOMESTEAD CONFERENCE (Save 15% with code HOMEGROWN15) https://holistichomesteadconference.com/
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/ Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
In today's episode, I'm sharing small things that I have found to have a big impact when it comes to creating a space and a schedule that calls you to slow down and enjoy the magic in ordinary days.
TICKETS TO THE HOLISTIC HOMESTEAD CONFERENCE (Save 15% with code HOMEGROWN15) https://holistichomesteadconference.com/
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/ Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
Join me as I chat with Brittany of The Homestead Challenge as she shares practical advice for creating a modern homestead that fits your needs and goals, no matter where you live. TICKETS TO THE HOLISTIC HOMESTEAD CONFERENCE (Save 15% with code HOMEGROWN15) https://holistichomesteadconference.com/
GET BRITTANY'S FREE 2024 HOMESTEAD GOAL PLANNER https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/why-i-homestead-and-goals-for-2021/ 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧
Blog: https://homegrownhopes.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homegrownhopesPodcast: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomegrownHopes/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homegrownhopes/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/homegrownhopes/ Email: caitlin@homegrownhopes.com
𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐲
Blog: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thehomesteadchallenge
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-homestead-challenge-podcast-suburban-homesteading/id1723637897
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadchallenge
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanylgibson/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thehomesteadchallenge/ Thank you so much for listening and supporting my podcast!