The Homestead Education Podcast

How do you teach home economics when most schools don't?
For many families, home economics has become a forgotten subject. But cooking, sewing, meal planning, budgeting, gardening, and creating with your hands are the very skills that build confidence, resilience, and independence.

In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with Jessica Clark of The Lark Life to discuss why practical life skills deserve a place alongside traditional academics—and how families can begin teaching them today.

Jessica shares how teaching her children to cook, sew, quilt, and create has transformed their confidence and given them ownership over their education. Together, they explore why children were designed to be creators rather than passive consumers, and how giving kids meaningful responsibilities helps them develop problem-solving skills that last a lifetime.

Whether you homeschool, attend public school, or simply want to raise more capable kids, this conversation offers practical encouragement for bringing home economics back into everyday family life.

In This Episode

Why home economics is making a comeback

Teaching cooking, sewing, quilting, and practical life skills

Helping children become creators instead of consumers

Building confidence through responsibility and hands-on learning

Why mistakes are one of the best teachers

Raising kids who contribute to the family instead of simply being entertained

Teaching boys and girls the same practical skills

Creating a home where learning happens naturally

Jessica's new Foundations in Quilting curriculum for homeschool families

What "Keep Growing" means and why lifelong learning matters

Key Takeaways

Home economics is about far more than cooking—it's about preparing children for adulthood.

Kids gain confidence when they're trusted with real responsibilities.

Creativity, problem-solving, and resilience are learned by doing, not by watching.

Families don't need expensive equipment or perfect conditions to begin teaching practical skills.

Some of the most meaningful education happens around the kitchen table, in the garden, or beside a sewing machine.

Jessica Clark's Links

Jessica Clark – The Lark Life: www.TheLarkLife.com 

Foundations in Quilting homeschool curriculum (get 20% off with code HE20): https://quilt-lab.teachery.co/foundations-in-quilting-semester-1?a=eaAH2dFT 

Beginner sewing resources and machine basics: https://amzn.to/45caVhj

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_lark_life/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577853711059

Kody Hanner's Links

Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum

Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/

Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education 

Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Subscribe
If you're passionate about raising capable kids, practical agriculture, and real-world education, be sure to follow The Homestead Education Podcast. Each week, we share conversations that help families reconnect with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive—whether you live on a farm, in town, or somewhere in between.

In a world increasingly driven by screens, automation, and artificial intelligence, hands-on learning has never been more important. In this episode, agricultural educator Trent Van Leuwen shares how experiential learning, field trips, student entrepreneurship, and real-world agricultural experiences are helping students develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and career readiness. Whether you're a homeschool parent, teacher, or agriculture advocate, this conversation offers practical ideas for bringing meaningful hands-on education to today's students.

Key Topics:

Trent's background growing up on a dairy farm and his journey into agricultural education

Differences between urban/suburban and rural agricultural experiences

The importance of vocabulary and foundational knowledge in agriculture

Unique programs at Mackey High School, including fish hatcheries, greenhouse projects, and fish monitoring

The role of community, authenticity, and passion in effective farm tours and field trips

Strategies for teaching ag without traditional farm access, including creative lab solutions

The significance of teaching financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career pathways in ag

Cross-disciplinary collaborations between ranchers and fish biologists to promote sustainable practices

The impact of experiential learning on students’ future careers and community involvement

The "Keep Growing" philosophy about overcoming failures and continuous learning

Connect with Trent

Take a Little Field Trip (Book) - https://amzn.to/4fq3CXE

Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Trent-Van-Leuven-Educator-Author-61580158103061/

Podcast Links and Resources

Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum

Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/

Kody's Links

Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education 

Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Living Freely on the Fringes: Embracing Authenticity and Freedom in Homesteading & Homeschooling

In this episode, Kody Hanner shares her raw, honest journey of redefining success, identity, and freedom within the homestead and homeschool lifestyle. She explores the pressures of social media, the importance of authenticity, and how to stay true to ourselves without falling into societal traps or comparisons. This episode is a powerful reminder that true freedom comes from living in alignment with your values, beyond public approval or perfect appearances.

 

Key Topics:

The shift from chasing societal success to embracing personal authenticity on the homestead

The pressure to perform and curate a perfect life online versus real, messy life

How living on the fringes offers freedom and independence from mainstream expectations

The importance of privacy and choosing what to share in a digital age

Redefining success based on real-world outcomes like capability, health, and joy

Overcoming the comparison game—garden wins, follower counts, and perfectionism

The emotional journey of living through hardship, illness, and rebuilding purpose

The significance of community, family, and land in cultivating a meaningful, free life

Resources & Links:

Homestead Education Curriculum - http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum

Homestead Family Reading List - https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/

Connect with Kody:

Instagram - https://instagram.com/homestead_education 

Facebook - https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation 

Share your thoughts:

Feel inspired? Leave a review or comment on social media. I’d love to hear how you’re reclaiming your freedom and authenticity in your homesteading and homeschooling journey.

Preserving Food, Farming Wisdom, and Building Resilience with Jeremy and Stacy Hill.

 

Discover how Jeremy and Stacy Hill from Gooseberry Bridge Farm combine traditional farming, food preservation, and resilient homesteading to reconnect with nature and community. This conversation offers practical insights for anyone interested in food sovereignty, sustainable living, and farm business strategies.

 

Main topics include:

The evolution of a homestead into a full-time farm business

The mental and practical foundations for successful food preservation

Navigating the regulatory landscape of agro-tourism

The importance of seasonality and small batch preservation

Cultivating a resilient mindset for farm life and self-sufficiency

In this episode:

The story behind "The Preserver’s Garden" and food preservation as a catalyst

How their personal journey led them from hobby gardening to a thriving farm

The benefits and challenges of managing a 5,000 sq ft garden and multiple income streams

The role of seasonality in preserving food effectively year-round

How to start small with preservation projects like jam-making

The importance of understanding your "why" to sustain homesteading efforts

Insights into Missouri's friendly policies supporting farm-based tourism

Practical tips on growing what works and managing the farm’s seasonal rhythm

The cultural shift needed to value and pass down agricultural skills

Resources & Links:

The Preserver's Garden by Jeremy & Stacy Hill: https://amzn.to/4eCbd6y 

Gooseberry Bridge Farm: https://www.gooseberrybridge.com/ 

Missouri Grown program: https://missourigrownusa.com/ 

Connect with Jeremy & Stacy:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gooseberrybridgefarm/?__pwa=1 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gooseberrybridge 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gooseberrybridgefarm 

Connect with Kody Hanner:

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

GET YOUR FREE HOMESTEAD FAMILY READING LIST HERE: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/

This episode dives into the crucial need to redefine agriculture education for today's society. I share my personal journey, insights into food systems, and why foundational knowledge about where our food comes from is more vital than ever—regardless of whether you’re a farmer or not.

The disconnect between conventional agriculture education and real-world needs

Why understanding food, soil, and farm systems is essential for everyone

How COVID, supply chain disruptions, and AI are shifting perspectives on local and small-scale farming

The historical evolution of agricultural education and its current shortcomings

Practical steps to incorporate meaningful agriculture lessons into homes and communities

The importance of fostering purpose, resilience, and responsibility in the next generation

The role of homeschooling, community involvement, and local sourcing in building a stable food future

Resources & Links:

Courses and curriculum for agricultural literacy: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum

Homesteading Summer Courses — 25% off mini courses with code SUMMER25: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/coupon-code/SUMMER25/sc-page/summer-on-the-homestead-kickoff-sale/

Homestead Family Reading List: https://thehomesteadeducation.myflodesk.com/homestead-reading-list

Connect with Kody Hanner:

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/homestead_education 

Facebook: https://facebook.com/homesteadeducation 

Remember: agriculture is the foundation of civilization. Reimagine how we teach and connect with it to build resilient, purpose-driven generations.