You don’t need land to be a homesteader. You need skills. In this episode, Wendi gently reframes what homesteading really is and who it’s for. Drawing from her childhood, her mom’s garden, and her own journey learning and practicing skills, she shares why homesteading has never been about a property or a label. It has always been about learning how to feed people, care for a home, and build confidence through doing. Wendi walks through three things she would do differently if she were starting out today, focusing on skill-building as self-care, starting with food, and getting close to mentors sooner. Along the way, she reminds listeners that confidence comes from practice, not perfection, and that homesteading skills travel with you no matter where you live. If you’ve ever wondered whether you “count” as a homesteader, this episode is a warm reminder that you probably already are.

In this final episode of 2025, we slow down and do a gentle homestead reset together. Instead of racing into a new year with pressure and perfection, we take a calm moment to figure out what we want to keep, release, and pause so we can walk into 2026 feeling lighter and more grounded. I share how this practice helped me through a year of goals, disappointments, growth, health challenges, and ongoing learning. You’ll hear real-life examples of how journaling, reflection, and tiny daily habits shaped my year more than any giant plan ever could. By the end, you’ll have a simple reset practice you can write down today and return to anytime things feel heavy.

This episode is a gentle truth-telling moment. You didn’t hit all your goals this year. And yet… your life changed in ways you never planned. You walk through the power of keeping a simple Transformation Journal and how it revealed patterns, growth, healing, and real wins you would have otherwise forgotten. You talk honestly about heartbreak, shame, faith, health struggles, unexpected callings, becoming a realtor, teaching, creating books, and learning how to put yourself first without guilt. This episode is an invitation. Not to hustle harder. But to notice what actually changed. Because transformation doesn’t always look like goal completion. Sometimes it looks like becoming a different person.

This week on the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, we’re doing something a little rebellious but honestly… kind of necessary. We’re moving New Year’s Day to February 1. January is now officially our recovery month. A whole month to breathe, rest, wander around eating leftovers, and remember where we left our planners. In this episode, I talk about why women need a slower start, how one tiny goal can change your whole year, and why February is the perfect time to actually think about what you want more of in your home and your life. I share the story behind my own long-term goals, including my two-year decluttering journey, what’s finally clicking in my brain, and why gentle steps are more powerful than giant ones. Whether you want more peace, more confidence in the kitchen, or more space to rest, this episode invites you to let January be soft… and let February be your true beginning. One goal. One direction. And a whole lot of compassion for yourself.

This week on the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, we’re taking a gentle, honest look at the goals we didn’t quite get to this year and the little wins we might’ve forgotten about. I’m talking about what held many of us back, why homesteading really begins in the heart, and how small steps still count as real progress. You’ll hear my own stories about overwhelm, learning sourdough again, and even the quilt that tried to break my spirit. We’ll talk about letting go of guilt, recognizing the good you did do, and creating tiny rhythms that help you move forward. I’m also sharing a simple “transformation journal” you can download to help you notice your daily wins and stay aligned with who you’re becoming. You’re not behind. You’re just human. And we get to start fresh together.

This episode drops you straight into gratitude mode. You walk through why gratitude isn’t just a nice idea but a real skill you can build, the same way you’d learn to bake bread or plant a garden. You share stories about your kids, the way negativity spreads without trying, and how practicing thankfulness can interrupt that spiral. You talk about choosing your thoughts, letting God guide your mindset, and why gratitude opens the door to resilience and real self-reliance. You share your own mantra, your “top two gratitudes,” and invite listeners to build their own gratitude list. The whole episode is an encouragement to choose a brighter inner world, even on the messy days.

Beans don’t get much attention, but they should. In this episode, we take a calm, simple walk through why beans matter, how they help your health, and how they stretch your grocery budget in ways most people don’t realize. You’ll learn how to prepare chickpeas from scratch, why soaking matters, how to cook them without stress, and how to turn them into crispy little snacks. This is real food, real savings, and a gentle nudge toward everyday self reliance.

Wendi shares a favorite meme about “bread rising, soup simmering, and jars cooling” and explores why the quiet work of our hands steadies us. She tells the story of bartering fire cider for plants, reflects on being a “maker,” and explains how simple kitchen work becomes self-care, family care, and community care. Through stories of bread baking and sensory overload, she reminds listeners that preparedness is really peace in action.

In this cozy, spicy episode of The Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin dives into one of her favorite herbal traditions — fire cider. She shares how this zesty, vinegar-based tonic can boost your immune system, clear congestion, and bring warmth back to your winter days. You’ll learn exactly how to make your own batch at home, why each ingredient (from garlic to ginger to horseradish) plays an important healing role, and how to reuse those leftover herbs and veggies so nothing goes to waste. It’s a cheerful, no-stress guide to old-fashioned kitchen medicine — the kind of self-reliance that makes you feel capable, connected, and a little bit spicy yourself.

This cozy episode of The Joyfully Prepared Podcast is all about one of the simplest and most magical meals you can make: soup. Wendi shares stories from history, from her mission in Finland, and from her own kitchen about why soup is both practical and powerful. From colonial sailors who traveled with a potbelly stove to make soup at sea, to soldiers at Valley Forge warming themselves with bread and broth, soup has always meant comfort, nourishment, and resilience. Wendi reminds us that soup doesn’t need to be fancy—just water, vegetables, and love. It’s affordable, forgiving, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding your family, stocking your freezer, or sharing a jar with a friend, making soup is an act of care and self-reliance. By the end, you’ll be inspired to pull out your pot, chop an onion, and let the aroma of comfort fill your home.

In this heartfelt episode of The Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin shares an unexpected insight she discovered about self-reliance—and how God uses our unique talents, skills, and quirks to bless others. From a pharmacy worker who saved her $100 to a friend inspired by her Transformation Journal, Wendi weaves together personal stories that reveal how heaven orchestrates everyday miracles. She reminds us that self-reliance isn’t just about independence—it’s about being prepared to give. Drawing from Marion G. Romney’s timeless quote, Wendi flips the script: instead of focusing on what we don’t have, she invites us to recognize how much we already do. By developing our gifts and drawing closer to God, we become His hands in someone else’s story. With warmth, humor, and a dash of Aunt Rose’s lemon bars, Wendi helps us see that God is the ultimate matchmaker—pairing our abilities with the needs of others in miraculous ways.

In this heartfelt and reflective episode of The Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin shares a lesson sparked by a question she received while teaching at the East Tennessee Homesteaders Alliance Festival: “How do you manage your time and accomplish so much?” Her answer—“I prioritize what I love”—unfolds into a tender reminder that our daily choices reflect what we value most. Wendi shares personal stories about learning new skills like quilting and cake decorating, the messy joy of imperfection, and the spiritual beauty of seeing God’s “fingerprints” in everyday moments. Through humor, honesty, and warmth, Wendi invites listeners to put themselves back on their own priority list, to learn new things simply because they bring joy, and to see self-reliance as a form of self-care and divine partnership.

In this heartfelt episode of the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi shares the story of her family’s big move to Florida—a season full of chaos, doubt, and even heartbreak. From searching endlessly for the right house to losing their beloved Great Pyrenees, Aphrodite, she shows how God’s hand was orchestrating every detail. Wendi reminds us that chaos—whether global or inside our own homes—isn’t the end of the story. Through prayer, scripture study, journaling, and practicing kindness toward ourselves, we can align with God’s higher thoughts and discover peace even in messy seasons. This episode is both tender and encouraging, with just the right dash of Wendi’s trademark humor (and promises of chocolate for her reviewers).

In this episode of the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi shares her takeaways from teaching and attending the East Tennessee Homestead Alliance Festival. From lockpicking and yogurt-making to goat milk soap and regenerative skincare, she recounts the variety of skills, vendors, and people that made the event so inspiring. Wendi also highlights her own classes on food preservation and building a waste-free pantry, offering listeners practical ideas they can apply at home. Whether you’re just getting started with self-reliance or deep into the homestead lifestyle, this episode will spark ideas, connect you to community, and remind you that preparedness can be joyful.

In this episode of the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin shares three herbal preparations every mom needs to know—simple, effective remedies you can make right in your own kitchen. From the soothing power of an onion poultice for coughs, to the immune-boosting punch of garlic honey, to the comfort of herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, sage, and thyme, you’ll learn how to turn everyday ingredients into trusted, natural remedies for your family. These old-fashioned, home remedies for colds and sore throats are easy to prepare, gentle enough for kids, and strong enough to become staples in your family’s natural medicine cabinet. Wendi walks you through the ingredients, methods, and her own tips from years of experience as a mom and herbalist—so you’ll feel confident, prepared, and empowered the next time sickness hits your home.

n this episode, Wendi shares what’s been going on in her world as she steps into new opportunities. She talks about her upcoming presentations at the East Tennessee Homesteading Alliance Festival where she’ll be teaching on food preservation and waste-free meal planning. Wendi also introduces the Joyfully Prepared Library — her brand-new resource hub full of how-to videos, guides, and downloads — and shares how it can help you build confidence in your preparedness journey. As a newly minted Realtor, Wendi opens up about her focus on homesteading properties in Florida and her ability to connect families outside of Florida with trusted Realtors in their own state. Finally, she encourages listeners to begin preparing now for the holiday season, reminding busy families (especially moms) to take care of themselves and create peaceful systems amidst the chaos of school, sports, and holidays.

In this episode of the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin opens up about two things on her mind: the “Proof of Exhaustion List” we all keep in our heads and the importance of building physical strength as women. From the funny mental tally of tasks we use to justify being tired to the unexpected wrist strength gained through kneading bread, weeding gardens, and even cleaning chicken coops, Wendi shares personal reflections on motherhood, self-care, and resilience. She emphasizes why strength training isn’t just about fitness—it’s about equipping women to meet daily challenges, prevent injuries as we age, and show up stronger for ourselves and our families.

In this episode, Wendi shares a funny but profound story about a red towel and how it became a reminder of entropy—the natural tendency toward disorder. Through the powerful analogy of spinning plates on sticks, she explores why organization always seems to fall apart, how exhausting it can feel to keep everything going, and why we don’t need to spin every plate ourselves. Listeners will walk away encouraged to: Give themselves grace when things fall apart. Simplify and eliminate unnecessary “plates.” Delegate responsibilities to family, friends, or outside help. Recommit to what truly matters while taking better care of themselves. This episode is a reminder that entropy is real, but so is your strength, your effort, and your ability to choose peace.

Back-to-school season can feel like a daily pop quiz followed by a final exam—lunches in the morning, dinners at night, and everyone’s running on low energy. In this episode, Wendi Bergin shares her favorite “cushion meals” to make the first weeks of school easier, plus a simple mix-and-match lunch formula to keep kids happy and fed without exhausting mom. You’ll also hear a personal tip that’s been boosting Wendi’s energy and focus, and a quick preparedness item that brings peace of mind when packing water for school or sports.

What if hard things weren’t hard at all—just quiet gifts wrapped in discomfort? In this episode, Wendi shares a mindset shift that turns self-talk into self-kindness. Inspired by a lesson from herbalist Rosalee de la Forêt and a sweaty moment in the gym, this heartfelt episode explores how changing your inner dialogue can make space for resilience, strength, and gratitude. You’ll also get a set of reflective journal prompts to help you practice this shift in your everyday life—one gentle thought at a time.