They say you’re the average of the five people you hang around the most.
But to take it one step further, I’d add that you’re also the average of the information you consume the most.
Since moving to the middle-of-nowhere 15 years ago, I’ve been inspired to start businesses, learn new skills, take daring leaps, and push past obstacles all thanks to ideas I learned from books, courses, and mentors.
These days, podcasts and books are my learning tools of choice.
But I’m picky…
When it comes to podcasts, I like meaty shows that make me think. Fluffy, surface-level conversations aren’t my jam– I like deep dives and paradigm-challenging topics.
Here are a few of my current favs:
Cylinder Radio by William Reusch
As our world becomes increasingly polarized I’ve become fascinated with our human tendencies towards confirmation bias and blind allegiance (both on the left AND right). William does an excellent job of getting out of the echo chamber on tough topics. I so appreciate his calm, curious approach.
Mind, Body, and Soil by Kate Kavanaugh
Kate is a gifted interviewer and brings a wealth of perspective to each episode. I love and she and her gets get DEEP on topics around regenerative ag, nutrition, culture, and more.
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
I’ve never read Harry Potter nor had an interest in the franchise. However, I’m intrigued by this new podcast and the message it offers regarding the dangers of black-and-white thinking and how we can unwittingly be influenced by culture. (Not one to listen to when kids are in earshot)
Honestly with Bari Weiss
I admire Bari and her ability to ask hard questions of BOTH sides. (If you’re noticing a theme here, you’d be correct…) Listening to her and her guests has expanded my thinking and helped me ask better questions many times (and no… I don’t agree with every episode— that’s part of the beauty of it.)
Sold a Story
A look into why so many children in public schools are struggling to read. Even though I’m a homeschool mom and don’t have kids in the system, I found the investigation into the inner workings of the “reading industry” fascinating.
BEMA Discipleship by Marty Solomon
Not your typical Bible podcast… If you’ve listened to my podcast, you know I have a long, messy faith journey. But BEMA has given me a new appreciation for scripture and has helped me to cast off so much of the baggage attached to the text.
You may be surprised by the absence of homesteading podcasts on my list. But I see most of the above topics as simply an extension of my homesteading journey, which has taught me how to:
1. Question the status quo
2. Think for myself
3. Push against broken systems
So yes, it starts with chickens and sourdough bread, but if you keep going it culminates in something much bigger. And that’s part of the reason I love this old-fashioned path so much.
I also listen to many of these kinds of podcasts. Fascinating and terrifying when we begin to see how easily manipulated we can be when we do not dive deeper into other points of views and not just the ones we agree with. Discernment and understanding nuanced thinking seems to be losing a lot of ground at the moment.
I always enjoy your opinions of raising capable children (I am childfree, but I agree ? with your take on this). I love your discussions about regenerative farming and the importance of supporting those who embrace and incorporate that into their food production. You are an amazing and inspirational human all around.
Thanks Jill:)
Thank you for your direct messages. I appreciate your way of life, even though at this stage of my life (I’m 75) ot would be practically impossible to take on that way of life all on my own. Since my eyesight has declined, I am no longer supposed to drive. That has been a devastating blow. I now have to depend on my daughter and sometimes my two granddaughters to shlep me around, mostly for groceries and doctor appointments. I now live in a senior community in my own apartment. All that to say, I am from generations of farmers. I was born on a farm in Nebraska. I still have a very strong connection to that way of life and all that it entails. I so wish, with all my heart that I could do what you are doing and what other homesteaders do. I just want to get out and get my hands in the dirt, to smell the earth and appreciate and enjoy God’s creation. Anyway, I just stumbled on your blog and will keep up with your journey, and live vicariously through my laptop. Thank you for posting and sharing your life with us. It means a lot. God bless!