Living Free in Tennessee - Nicole Sauce

Today is Monday, January 23, 2017 and this is episode 20 of Living Free in Tennessee. When I think back to that first episode, all the ums and edits, the starts and restarts, it is with lots of gratefulness. I am grateful for that special friend who helped me get the one piece of equipment I needed to grow from built-in computer mic to a nice recording setup. Grateful for my friends over on the TSP Zello channel who have kept me going through that low point we all get to on a podcast. And to Jack Spirko and Nick Ferguson who probably have no idea that they inspired me to get off my bum and do something for myself last summer as I was watching all the other parts of my world start to crumble. And then there is Ford. You know who you are. That day I was going to trash the whole project you asked me a simple question: "When is the next podcast coming out?" That simple question was what it took to make me ask myself. "Am I really gonna do this thing? Why? Where could I take it if I did it right? How can I arrange my schedule to make room for this?" And a week later, Living Free in Tennessee became something that happens on a schedule rather than a weekend afterthought. Today, I will depart from the normal homesteading stories and share with you some of the lessons I have learned about launching a podcast. A few of you have asked me questions about podcasting because you are interested in starting one and I though, why not share my top lessons learned with everyone? Maybe this episode can help one or two of you start telling your stories. Now, you may be wondering how this relates to self reliance and homesteading --- or freedom for that matter. There is a quiet revolution that has been happening in rural communities all over our country. One where people are realizing that simplicity is good for the heart and soul, good for the body. One where people are opting out of the expensive rat race that leads so many into debt - and opting in to lives of hard work and healthy living. One where people who have very different political and spiritual perspectives manage to come together in their communities and redefine how our political leaders and the media seem to want to define us. One where people are quietly deciding to get along with one another despite sometimes disagreeing, despite differences. THESE are the stories we need to share with the world. The stories of a family whose crop got taken out by a tornado and the next day a bunch of neighbors came over to help them replant. Or the Nashville flood of 2010 where folks jumped in their boats to snatch people and pets off roofs. Or the kid with leukemia near here who was going to be locked in a sterile room with just the hospital tv for months, whose family could not afford a computer, and the community gave him a iPad. These are the stories that give me hope, and these are the real pieces of a peaceful revolution of people who have opted out of hysteria and negativity and are doing something to make a real difference. What mother nature is providing Oyster Mushrooms Stinging Nettle Watercress First EGGGGGG!!! Tales from the Prepper Pantry The weekly squash - week 5: No squash this week - I just can't this week. So Ford shared a baked spaghetti squash idea. Search for the rotten potato...remembering to look at the things in the root cellar Root vegetables! The Blue Cheese Beet Bake Venison tacos (Green chili) 8 Lessons Learned From Starting a Podcast Just Do it Use what you have on hand Define your core and stick to it Not all podcast hosts are the same - find a good one and learn what they do well Four areas to consider: Equipment, Content, Production, Marketing Content (and delivery) is the most important - as long as you don't foul up the rest Network, network, network Block time and be consistent Area 1: Getting started with technology What do you already have? Computer with built it mic? Cellphone that records? High end recording setup? Hand held recorder? Whatever it is - just use that and get started!! Recommendations from another podcaster: Nick Ferguson "I asked some professionals and got a studio condenser mic, desk stand, Scarlet Solo, and I record directly into Adobe Audition. That's basically it. Pretty simple but not cheap. If I had to go cheap, then I'd get one of those blue yeti mics and record into adobe audition. The biggest thing is acoustic control of the room. Sound absorbing panels 360 degrees around you with panel above. Simple cheap cubicle panels work." What I use Mic: Rode NT1-a Box: Focusrite scarlett solo Macbook air (A computer of some kind) Boom mic stand - cause I can't locate my desktop one Area 2: Content development Define the core of what your podcast will cover, and stick to that. Choose something you LOVE. Try an interview - it yields lots of content Approach the podcast like a great presentation: Hot beginning, Hot Landing and don't mess up the middle (Steven Spielberg?). Integrate stories and metaphors. Integrate them all the time. ALL THE TIME. Check and triple check your facts - then realize that the random phantom will take over while you are recording and you might still say the wrong thing - don't stress, just admit it and fix any errors in future podcasts. We are all human. X number of tips is a great way to focus your content. Consistent segments are great Area 3: Production Less editing is better - especially at the beginning You do not need a huge file. In fact this will bite you in the bottom - 128kbp/s mp3 is just fine. What I use: Garage Band Libsyn Area 4: Marketing and promotion Keep it simple to start, stick to your core (Or nothing, just do it and build one thing at a time) Resource for promoting your podcast: http://podcastersroundtable.com/2014-nmx-presentation-how-to-grow-your-podcast-audience-from-100s-to-1000s/ What I Have: Facebook, Twitter, Website Coming soon: Youtube Got something to say? Email me at nicolesauce@gmail.com, or drop a comment over at livingfreeintennessee.com. Next week we will be back to our usual homesteading and independence topics. But until then - go out - and make it a great week! Song: Sauce "Special"

With episode 20 looming large I decided to talk longer about some of our regular segments today and to review ten things that new homesteaders should consider as they start working on a their piece of land. We have a new development! Samantha the Savings Ninja has agreed to give us a monthly savings segment. I asked her a question about couponing because I am just now relearning how to use them in the modern age of rewards cards, cell phones and rapidly intensifying technology. Do you have a question for Samantha? Send me an email with the subject line: LFTN Savings Ninja and I'll see about getting your question on the next show. Things to ask a consultant before bringing them to your property: Who have they worked with before and what do those folks say about them? How forthcoming with their experience are they? Have they done a PDC or are they rather new to the discipline? Will they let you come visit their farm before you decide? (which can tell you what they have implemented.) What mother nature is providing The last cabbage & a lesson on broccoli Kale Oyster Mushrooms Stinging Nettle (Gathering hikes will keep me walking) Watercress is back 2 eggs a day (No yay) Tales from the Prepper Pantry The weekly squash - week 4: Roasted Butternut Squash Bake. Ingredients: Olive oil, garlic, salt, smoked paprika - Link to the spice mix I use. Roast at 425 for 25 minutes Place in a casserole dish with mozzarella and butter wedges. Broil until there is a nice top crust. The story of the ham. 1) Ham, mashed and green beans 2) Sliced for sandwich meat 3) Ham Tetrazzini 4) Ham, cabbage and cheese Bierocks 5) Ham and field peas (Ham and beans) Pickled appetizers - ends up turning into farmer's platter dinners. Stories from the Holler The greenhouse roof - is back together. For now. Hunting season is over The bee inspection Lessons learned from the gravity honey extraction method Samantha's Saving Ninja Segment Ten Things the New Homesteader Should Keep in Mind KISS Build your network Set Simple, Attainable goals Journaling is one of the most valuable things you can do for long term success Profit is not evil - bartering is great but sometimes you need cash to pay the tax man Failing forward is a thing, so is failing, you will do both The internet is full of great learning opportunities - and also crap - learn the difference Seek systems and system thinking to make things easy over time Build in time for you, your relationship and for living Take time to re-read your journals and assess progress - and don't be afraid to adjust the plan Lessons learned from Toby Hemenway This week: Chapter 3 The Week AFTER Next Week: Chapter 4 Observation about this chapter: Lots of examples of designs from which to learn, which I found very helpful (even though they are more centered toward a city setting. Five steps in creating your garden Observe Visioning Plan Develop Implement Zones Questions to ask yourself What are your priorities when you use your yard? Do you want a great "hangout space? Is food production your number one goal? Do you need to look good and fit into a neighborhood? Do your children need a good, flat play space? How does the sun hit your property at different times of day and different times of the year? With that information, what sorts of hazards do you need to plan for (safety, deer population, flooding areas, super dry areas, wind patterns? What plants do you just really love and want to have in my yard? Which ones do you hate? How much time will you realistically spend tending the outdoor space? Song: Sauce, Calling My Name ..make it a great week!

With a fresh year in front of us, I thought we could take some time today to review a strategy for planning your spring garden. We will also talk about three minor changes you can make this week to set yourself up for a great year. It's a great time to tap into your perception of a fresh start to change just one thing. We often underestimate the power of how a few small changes can have a long term impact for the better for us, our families and those around us. What mother nature is providing Water and snow (Duck Story) Oyster Mushrooms - frozen solid Stinging Nettle Carrots! Tales from the Prepper Pantry The weekly squash - week 3: Sauteed Spaghetti Squash Olive oil, garlic, basil --- add parmesan and salt at the end. Using left overs - Venison Stroganoff: 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 3 cups diced fresh mushrooms, flour, oil/fat, white wine, milk, cream (or stock and sour cream) Cow Update - It fit! And we had the easiest processing ever - here is what we did Cabbage and grated sweet potato salad - tastes great! Starting Sauerkraut Stories from the Holler The greenhouse roof - GRRR Spectacular Walks - but wear orange Three changes you can make for a great year Decide the 1 thing you want to do best this year Set a weekly time to reflect on your progress and set a small, attainable forward step Remember the small things are the most important. Lessons learned from Toby Hemenway Book: http://amzn.to/2i79w6x This week: P 21-35 The Problem is the solution What battles are you fighting? How can you change your approach to tap into Nature's natural progression? The three ecological principles The niche, the succession, biodiversity Succession Pioneer plants Perennial plants Young forest Old forest What will I do here? Abandon tilling (already done here) Mulch Plant communities Next week: P 36-67 Garden Planning Strategy - Go big, then back off Find all the things you want - then take time to get real. Shared buying advantages for seeds Bed preparations - for real man Sharpen, polish and otherwise assess your gardening tools Make it a great week!

Today we will talk about how we did with our family strategic plan this year, begin diving into a book I've been reading about home-scale permaculture, and talk a bit about where I hope to see this show go in the coming months. Big news my friends - we have made it to Stitcher! We are on iTunes too! Today is Monday, December 26, 2016 and this is episode 17 of Living Free in Tennessee. We are on a week off here at the Holler Homestead. For years, the week between Christmas and New Year's has been our time to rest up, think about the past, plan for the future, clean out and reset ourselves. What mother nature is providing Mushrooms Fingers crossed: Stinging Nettle Watercress Tales from the Prepper Pantry The weekly squash - week 3: Butternut Squash Soup Apples are getting soft - so it is time to make applesauce - and begin to eat the canned fruits. Incoming cow means reorganizing the Pantry because of how the onions are stored. Lessons learned from Toby Hemenway Gaia's Garden: http://amzn.to/2ikwnrE Are you interested in joining me in this journey? Well, get yourself a copy of his book and we will read a section per week and talk about what we learned. Check your library, friends houses, or buy it on Amazon (above). First up - P1-20 Next week: P 21-35 What next year may bring A marketing cleanup - sis you know I am a marketing expert? How would you? This show is a mess! Monetizing strategy - we need one Focus on building the audience first Find ways to add value for listeners so that we can cover our own costs Build in the Holler Homestead project - more on that in the future Our first youtube video series: Learn to can food at home in 5, 6, 8 videos (Outline is not done so I am not sure how many) Seasonal eating in Tennessee book Want to ask a question or give me feedback on the show? I would love to hear from you! Email nicolesauce@gmail.com or leave a comment over at the website at nicolesauce.com. And if you are an iTunes listener….. The week between Christmas and New Years is a great time to reassess if you are lucky enough to be able to make some time. Freedom ain't hard - and our little adventure into producing more for ourselves from what we have here as been a freeing time - giving us a bit of flexibility, and the ability to help those around us. So go out there, and make it a great week!

Listed to a reading of The Night Before Christmas - both the traditional version and one from down under. Merry Christmas all!

Today is Monday, December 19, 2016 and this is episode 16 of Living Free in Tennessee. 12/20 Update: re-recorded the first 5 minutes due to unpleasant audio. What mother nature is providing Cabbage Persimmons Mo' Mushrooms The watercress is still here! Using the Prepper Pantry Venison Braised Cabbage Recipe on crack: Venison Braised Cabbage Bierock The weekly squash - week 2: Spaghetti spaghetti squash Stories from the Holler A postoffice story Neighborhood Break In Maybe a new neighbor? Kittens Interview with Samantha Comfort First steps to getting your finances ready to save more money Three tips to save money now: Store Rewards Programs, Get smart on using credit card rewards programs, Find ways to get cash back. Ibotta upromise.com Zello Channel... Christmas Dinner from the pantry Roemertopf Chestnut Dressing Potato pancakes Cabbage salad with Watercress Persimmon Chutney Home baked rolls Green bean casserole with wild mushroom sauce and homemade "funions" Holler roast coffee Christmas Cookies and goodies for dessert Which reminds me of my grandma's story from the depression (Pig heart). On Dec 24, we will have the reading of the Night Before Christmas for anyone interested!

Winter is coming and so are the holidays this week at the Holler Homestead. Today we will go over this week's pantry tip, talk about winterizing the homestead and I'll share 5 country gift ideas. What mother nature is providing Cabbage Venison - bacon wrapped loin Mushrooms Using the Prepper Pantry Why is it called the prepper pantry? Potato soup (Bacon) Protection from freezing Honey Extraction The weekly squash - week 1: Roasted butternut squash Tip on how to cube it without losing a finger tip Winter is coming Cabin draining Duck water Pump house Attic Root Cellar Bad Windows Screened in porch Five Country Gift Ideas: Look around - what do you have or what can you make that would be special? 1.Chestnuts with a pretty instructions sheet 2. Fancied up preserves, canned goods, or other homemade items like vanilla extract 3. SachetsLavendar on Amazon.... 4. Repurposed country items: horse hames, horseshoes, etched bottles 5. Meal in a jar (Take any recipe, put the dried parts in the jar. Write fancy instructions to make the meal by adding the non-dry items. Lentil soup example... Ingredients 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil (NO) 2 cups chopped onions (YES) 2 cups chopped carrots (YES) 4 cloves garlic, minced (YES) 1 teaspoon ground cumin (YES) 1 teaspoon ground coriander ((YES) 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (YES) 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (YES) 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper (YES) 6 cups vegetable broth or reduced-sodium chicken broth (NO) 2 cups water (NO) 3 cups chopped cauliflower (about 1/2 medium) (NO) 1 3/4 cups lentils (YES) 28-ounce can diced tomatoes (NO) 2 tablespoons tomato paste (YES) 4 cups chopped fresh spinach or one (YES) 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (YES) 2 tablespoons lemon juice (NO) Cook on low until done - salt to taste. Pro-prepper resource for this: http://rainydayfoodstorage.blogspot.com/p/meals-in-jar-recipes.html Song: Grandpa's Song by Sauce

Holler Homestead living is the topic of the day. Today is Monday, December 5, 2016 and this is episode 14 of Living Free in Tennessee. With the production of the Center Hill Sun absorbing the whole weekend, I thought it would be a good day to talk about what day to day life is looking like in December. Show Sponsor: The Genesis House http://www.genesishouseinc.com/ What mother nature is providing Watercress Mushrooms The super kale plant Stories from the prepper pantry Easy pantry management - load from the back, take from the front! The Survival Podcast Recommended Episode: http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com/1759-food-storage, FOOD STORAGE FOR MODERN SURVIVALISM First thing's first: Soft potatoes, potatoes with eyes, squash that looks at me wrong, soft onions The last week of Watercress -time to freeze it for winter stews Using up the canned goods from 2015 - by pulling them out Stories from the Holler The fires in the Smokies - 13 people dead so far New Chestnut Recipe The WOODSTOVE Tennessee Food Summit - Joel Salatin and Jeff Poppin Update on the new duck and chicken hoop coop TN Food Summit --- Joel SalatinInform betterCreate LoyaltyBecome storytellers and teachers: Or food coaches Three things you can do to start taking control of your food Establish a regular family meal Build your pantry Find risk points: In the next two months, are there times that will be very busy? Where are they, how can you prepare something now to deal with that. Yes winter is nigh, go out and make it a great week!

Today we will talk about how to tap into one of the easiest foods to grow on your land in our area: Chestnuts! Specifically how to harvest, store, grow and prepare them. What mother nature is providing Drought - That means all the usual mushrooms that we harvest at this time of year are not blooming. The good side of this is that firewood has seasoned on the forest floor over the summer and is dry and easy to burn - Creek mint Venison What we are preserving this week Stocks and stews The final set of frozen summer tomatoes Before the freeze: harvested comfrey and other herbs and they are hanging to dry in the kitchen Preparing Chestnuts (Look you can buy them on Amazon!) Scoring: I like to use this tool. It operates like a stamp and makes me fear less for my fingers! Roasting Boiling The open fire method Three ways to eat chestnuts Roasted Added to stuff: Casseroles (like the dressing, tuna, etc), breads you are baking, dressing Chestnut griddle cakes: 1 cup milk, 2 eggs, 4 cups chestnuts (in shell)