Old Fashioned On Purpose

A cookbook takes years to create—and a lot can change between the first recipe test and the day you finally hold the finished book in your hands.
In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes for my NEW cookbook, The Old-Fashioned on Purpose Cookbook, from the Easter eggs and meaningful photos, to the story behind the cover and the role the Soda Fountain played in it all. I’m also addressing the elephant in the room: why there are photos in this book that reflect a chapter of my life that has since ended. This book captures a moment in time, but more than any book I’ve written before, it feels unmistakably like me—and I want to tell you why.
Podcast Episode Highlights:
The long process/journey of creating a new book
My life is always changing
Fun Easter Eggs in this cookbook
Why these photos are so special to me
The Soda Fountain and my cover photo
Why this book is ME
The Elephant in the room (aka divorce)
My thoughts on endings 
Final thoughts
Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:
Find my NEW Cookbook here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-cookbook
Check out the Youtube version (with visual aids) here: https://youtu.be/F87xSeJW_fs
Learn more about my Soda Fountain dinners here: https://www.chugwatersodafountain.com/
Find my first cookbook here: http://homesteadcookbook.com/
Check out my nonfiction deep-thought book here: http://oldfashionedbook.com/
Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on my Books:
I’ve Been Too Chill About This (blog article about Pre-Order specials(!!) for my new cookbook)
How My Books Actually Happened: Writing, Agents + Book Deals (podcast episode)
Behind the Scenes of Writing a Homestead Cookbook (podcast episode)
5 (Surprising) Lessons I Learned from Writing a Book (podcast episode)
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:
Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

You may have seen the headlines warning about possible food shortages in 2027, but how much should we actually be worried?
In this episode, I’m digging into what’s behind those warnings, some of the very real cracks in our modern food system, and why I think they’re worth paying attention to without spiraling into doom-and-gloom prepping. I’ll share why margin has become my motto lately and give some practical action steps for helping becoming prepared without stress and panic. Because I firmly believe the goal isn’t to predict the future, but about how to become a little less fragile no matter what happens next.
Podcast Episode Highlights:
Why folks are currently freaking out about possible 2027 food shortages
Doing a deeper dive about the news headlines & modern farming issues
Becoming aware of our modern food system flaws & changes
Why I'm not big into the 'doom and gloom' prepper lifestyle
Why 'margin' is my current motto
Questions to ask yourself to prepare yourself without stress
Action Step #1: don't panic, but pay attention
Action Step #2: do food storage based on the foods you actually use
Action Step #3: don't just build the inventory, build the skills
Final thoughts
Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:
Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU
–> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.
Find details on my new food storage system here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/p/i-lost-my-pantry-freezers-and-garden
Check out my NEW cookbook here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-cookbook
Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Food Storage & Food Supplies:
How Running a Restaurant Taught Me to Spend Less on Groceries (podcast episode)
How I’m Preparing Our Homestead for Supply Chain Hiccups (podcast episode)
How to Store and Use Bulk Pantry Goods (blog article)
How to Store a Year’s Worth of Food for Your Family (Without Waste and Overwhelm) (blog article)
Top Tips For Storing Vegetables Without a Root Cellar (blog article)
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:
Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

After the worst garden season I’ve ever had, I had the pleasure of chatting with soil scientist Dr. Caitlin Youngquist on my podcast to help me figure out what was actually going on beneath the surface.
We dig into my soil test results, tips for adding organic matter to the soil, and whether no-dig or tilling makes sense in a struggling garden. We also talk about soil testing, possible herbicide contamination, and the most common garden soil struggles. If your garden is struggling and you’re not sure what to add—or what to stop adding—this episode will help you think about your soil much more clearly.
Podcast Episode Highlights:
Common categories of garden struggles
Looking at Jill's garden soil test results
Thinking about salts in the soil
Talking about phosphorous, nitrogen, etc.
Tips for adding organic matter to the soil
No-dig method, tilling, etc. and how might change things
A closer look at compost
Discussing soil tests
Talking about herbicides and soil contamination issues
Final thoughts
Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:
Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU
–> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.
Dr. Caitlin Youngquist offers a membership based community for Wyoming homesteaders on Patreon. In it, you can dive into topics just like this, with monthly live learning sessions, groups forums, and conversations with experts from around the state. Check out the free resources there that she posted, and consider joining the fall cohort. They kick off with their first live event for the fall cohort on October 12th. Most of what they discuss is relevant for anyone homesteading in the mountain west - not only Wyoming. Learn more here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/DrCaitlin
For those looking for soil testing help, please visit Caitlin Youngquist's site here: https://www.dirtworkswyo.com/category/services. 
For more information about biochar, wool pellets, alkali soils, and soil testing, please visit: https://www.dirtworkswyo.com/blog
She also share videos about soil and compost on YouTube (@DirtWorksWyoming), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dirtworkswyo/), and TikTok (@dr_caitlin)
Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Soil Health:
Ancient Grains: Your New Best Friend in the Kitchen (previous podcast episode with Dr. Caitlin Youngquist)
The Worst Garden of My Entire Life (blog article with image of Jill's current soil test and more details on her current garden struggles)
Data Centers & Dead Soil: What Are We Willing to Sacrifice for Progress? (podcast episode)
How to Feed Your Soil a Whole Food Diet (podcast episode)
How Fall in Love with Your Soil (podcast episode)
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:
Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

What does progress cost us and how do we decide when the price is too high?
In this episode, I’m thinking about the great Wendell Berry, my recent garden and soil struggles, the rise of data centers, and the way we’ve learned to value land. I’m exploring the tension between exploitation and stewardship, progress and preservation, and the important difference between asking whether we can do something and whether we should. 
Podcast Episode Highlights:
Pondering progress these days
Thinking about Wendell Berry and his influence
What my recent garden woes has made me think more about
Thinking about the value of land
Exploitation vs. nurture
Cycle of life vs. straight line
Thinking about contradictions, criticisms, and either/or
Asking questions matters
CAN we do something vs. SHOULD we do something
What does progress cost us?
Final thoughts
Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:
Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU
–> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.
Check out my Substack essays here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Deep Thoughts on the Land:
When the Problem Becomes the Solution (podcast episode)
When the Ground Can No Longer Feed Us (blog article)
What I’m Doing Differently on Homestead #2 (podcast episode)
Breaking Out of the Ag Echo Chamber (podcast episode)
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:
Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

When I started my first homestead in 2008, I had plenty of enthusiasm and absolutely no patience. Nearly two decades later, I’m beginning again on a new piece of ground, but this time I’m not starting from scratch; I’m starting from experience.
In this episode, I’m sharing the biggest lessons shaping how I approach my new home and 20 acres, from making slower decisions and resisting the urge to do more, to building for real life instead of the fantasy version of homesteading. We’ll also talk about comparison, asking better questions, and why starting over can look very different when you know yourself better.
Podcast Episode Highlights:
What I've learned about my life lately 
Starting over vs. starting from experience
Point #1: Making slower decisions
Point #2: More isn't always better
Point #3: Real life and not fantasy homestead
Point #4: Don't compare 
Point #5: Asking different questions
Final thoughts
Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:
Learn more about Azure Standard and their non-GMO, wholesome food options (especially bulk food) here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU
–> Join Azure Standard for FREE and enjoy 15% off your first order of $100 or more. Simply use promo code OLDFASHIONED15 at checkout.
Check out my Substack essays here: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Previous Podcast Episodes & Blog Articles on Life Knowledge:
Embarrassment is the Cost of Entry (podcast episode)
The Incredible Gift of Failure (podcast episode)
It Takes Guts to be Bad at Something (podcast episode)
When Everything Feels Out of Control, I Do This (blog article)
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:
Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/
Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!