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Living Free in Tennessee - Nicole Sauce artwork

Living Free in Tennessee - Nicole Sauce

Nicole Sauce·1000 episodes

BusinessManagementSocietyCulturePhilosophyHomesteadingSelf-relianceRecurring segmentsGuest conversations50-75 minPractical advice

Helping you live the live you life you choose on your terms. Living Free in Tennessee chronicles how we build our homestead, develop independence, plan and manage time and grow and preserve food sustainably - from a woman's point of view.

Why listen

Living Free in Tennessee is a hands-on homesteading and self-reliance show from Nicole Sauce, mixing solo advice, guest conversations, and recurring coffee chats from the Holler Homestead. Listeners get practical talk about food preservation, livestock, gardening, preparedness, entrepreneurship, community building, and the mindset needed to build a more independent life. It is best for people who like real-world lessons from someone actively doing the work, not polished lifestyle content.

Series(1)

Episodes

1 hr 46 min
Jun 2, 2026Episode 1140
First Tuesday Coffee With John Willis and Nicole Sauce

Join us at 9:30am CT for our monthly coffee chat. Jack Spirko is out of town so he will be out this month. Connect With Us: SOETacticalGear.com LivingaFreeinTennessee.com

56 min
May 19, 2026Episode 1138
We Applied the #My3Things Method To The Whole Homestead - EP 1138

Rise & Restore Event (June 26 – Bowling Green, KY): Sponsors: Agorist Tax Advice [Strong Roots Resources](https://strongrootsresources.com) Today we talk about how Tactical and I stepped away from the Holler Homestead for a full day and applied the #My3Things framework to the bigger Holler Hub/Holler Homestead vision. We've been staring at this massive dream for a while now: regenerative systems, community spaces, rentable stays, owner stewards, events, classes, nutrient-dense food, healing, connection. People who experience it often change for the better. But the idea is also so massive, that it is crushing. So we took a hard pause. We borrowed a quiet place from friends, sat down with whiteboards, notebooks, and all the accumulated ideas floating around in our heads, and forced ourselves to narrow the focus. What came out of that process was clarity and clearer priorities. Tales From The Prepper Pantry Prepped the homestead for two weeks away by organizing freezer meals, emergency food, and making a walkthrough video for Tactical Garlic scapes are harvested and garlic harvest is right around the corner Herb drying season is officially underway with oregano, thyme, sage, raspberry leaves, lemon balm, and more Discussion about properly cooking lean cuts like tri-tip roast without drying them out Why local pork producers struggle when customers only want bacon and sausage Thoughts on cooking whole-animal cuts like pork shoulder, roasts, and pork steaks Updates on pantry usage, freezer rotation, and feeding more people through workshops and community dinners Operation Independence Looking seriously at scaling Holler Roast Coffee with a larger roaster Discussing the realities of expanding into a more formal production facility Why coffee continues to fuel nearly everything happening at the Holler Homestead Considering reopening consulting calls to help people navigate personal and business crossroads Egg sales may officially become a thing because the chickens are dramatically overachieving Reflections on how community support has helped stabilize the homestead through injuries, growth, and transition Using the #My3Things framework to simplify the larger Holler Hub vision into actionable priorities The heart of today's episode, though, is this: sometimes the vision gets so big that you stop moving. The answer isn't abandoning the dream. The answer is getting brutally honest about what matters right now. That's what #My3Things helped us do. I think this process may have saved us from building ourselves straight into burnout. Make it a Great Week

1 hr 10 min
May 15, 2026
Homestead Happenings for May 15, 2026 - EP 1139

Today, I am joined by the Tactical Redneck for a homestead happenings show! Featured Event: Wild Edible Walk this Sunday! Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN Sponsor 2: HollerRoast.com

44 min
May 12, 2026Episode 1134
Homestead Happenings for May 8, 2026 - EP 1137

Today, I am joined by the Tactical Redneck for a homestead happenings show!

2 hr 3 min
May 8, 2026Episode 1126
First Tuesday Coffee With John Willis and Jack Spirko - Ep 1136

Today we have our first Tuesday Coffee Chat with John Willis of SOE Tactical Gear and Nicole Sauce of Living Free in Tennessee. These discussions are always a wildcard and can go anywhere. We usually hit on some current events of course. We also tend to talk about things like entrepreneurship, homesteading and a ton more. In general we try to inspire you a bit, make you laugh a few times, entertain you and teach you a thing or two along the way. Sponsors Today: Wealthsteading.com DiscountMylarBags.com

50 min
May 6, 2026Episode 1135
Less Talking, More Doing - EP 1135

Today we talk about how to stop feeding fear, survive beginner discomfort, and build confidence through action. We'll also cover our usual Monday segments. Sponsors Sponsor 1: HollerRoast.com, small-batch coffee roasted in a Tennessee holler for people who get things done. Sponsor 2: StrongRootsResources.com
Practical preparedness gear for uncertain times. Tales from the Prepper Pantry * Spring Workshop wrapped up strong * Lots of hands-on learning in the kitchen * Reminder that skill comes from repetition, not podcasts * Homestead season is now fully underway * Time to plant, preserve, repair, and move Operation Independence Every real skill you build gives you more options. Cooking from scratch. Growing food. Preserving harvests. Fixing gear. Building side income. Leading community. Main Topic of the Day: Less Talking, More Doing This Is Not About Sauerkraut

48 min
Apr 28, 2026Episode 1134
Homestead Coffee Chat With The Tactical Redneck - EP 1134

Today, I am joined by the Tactical Redneck for a discussion of life on a homestead. Sponsor 1: StrongRootsResources.com Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN

54 min
Apr 20, 2026Episode 1133
Creating Systems For Generational Homestead With Sandy Eplett - EP 1133

Today, I am joined by Sandy Eplett to to talk about setting up systems that fit the season of your life to create your generational homestead. Featured event: The Homestead Event - April 24 & 25 in the Knoxville area. Sponsor 1: The Wealthsteading Podcast Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com

45 min
Apr 10, 2026Episode 1129
Why Garden Planners Don't Work - EP 1132

Today, we discuss those cool, simple garden planning memes and why they don't actually work - and what to do about it. Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast, InvestableWealth.com

55 min
Apr 6, 2026Episode 1131
Homestead Coffee Chat With The Holler Neighbors - EP 1131

Today, I am joined by multiple folks in the holler for a discussion of life on a homestead. Sponsor 1: StrongRootsResources.com Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN

2 hr
Apr 1, 2026Episode 1129
LAST Tuesday Coffee With John Willis and Jack Spirko - EP 1130

Today we have our first Tuesday Coffee Chat with John Willis of SOE Tactical Gear and Nicole Sauce of Living Free in Tennessee. These discussions are always a wildcard and can go anywhere. We usually hit on some current events of course. We also tend to talk about things like entrepreneurship, homesteading and a ton more. In general we try to inspire you a bit, make you laugh a few times, entertain you and teach you a thing or two along the way. Sponsors Today: Wealthsteading.com DiscountMylarBags.com

1 hr 7 min
Apr 1, 2026Episode 1129
Homestead Coffee Chat With The Tactical Redneck - EP 1129

Today, I am joined by the Tactical Redneck for a discussion of life on a homestead. Sponsor 1: StrongRootsResources.com Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN

49 min
Mar 28, 2026Episode 1116
You Are The Story You Tell Yourself - EP 1128

Today, we discuss story and how in strongly influences our success or failure. Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast, InvestableWealth.com

1 hr 11 min
Mar 20, 2026Episode 1126
SHEEP!!! Homestead Happenings for March 20, 2026 - EP 1126

Join us for an update on the sheep, all the sheep, milking sheep, bottle babies, sleep deprivation. Featured Event: Foraging on the Farm at Blueberry Hill Farm in Knoxville, March 22 Sponsor 1: Wealthsteading.com Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN

1 hr 12 min
Mar 10, 2026Episode 1118
Lessons From Five Years Of Sheep Birthing Season - EP 1124

Today, we talk about lessons learned after four (or five?) seasons of birthing lambs at the Holler Homestead. We will also cover all our usual Tuesday segments like Tales from the Prepper Pantry, Seasonal Forage and more. Featured Event: Refuge Ruckus is this weekend! ONLY 50 TICKETS LEFT! https://www.refugeruckus.com/ Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN Sponsor 2: AbovePhone.com: https://abovephone.com/?above=104 Coupon Code LiveFreeTN Tales from the Prepper Pantry Used up beef from the been canning webinar of 2022 (Beef stew) Will be harvesting the first lettuces soon from the outside gardens Giving all storage here a big facelift with the help of Opalyn Cutting up 3 Eyes of Round RIP Claire the Fridge (The freezer/fridge combo) Frugality Tip From Nicole Freeze dried meals with a thermos, OR lunch pail thermos Operation Independence 3 Beef Rounds for the workshop Main topic: Lessons learned from 5 birthing seasons Make a management decision >rotation vs single pasture and medications >Interventions vs survival of the fittest >Hair vs wool Finding strong Stock Pasture Birthing Bag >gloves >Lube >thermometer >towels >Alcohol or other sterilizer (Basiic first aid is already at the pasture) Home Lamb Support Kit >Colostrum >Bottles >Milk Replacer >Pee pads from Sam's club >Dog crate >Diapers if you will go this route >Lamb-dedicated towels >Hair dryer or heat lamp >Temperature probes >Heating box >Sous Vide >Mason jars >Funnel >thermometer >more gloves >lamb probiotics Things to prepare for in birthing >Stuck lamb >Breach Lamb >Sideways lamb >Cold Lamb >Dopey lamb >Low milk production from mom >Lamb not breathing >prolapse Great resources >All Creatures Great and Small, etc >Laura Lawson Lamb Problems another references >get a sheep mentor BACON CLASS

46 min
Mar 6, 2026Episode 1123
Lambwatch 2026 and GSD: Homestead Happenings - EP 1123

Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: Looking for lamb births, getting rapid forward progress on the homestead, and more. Featured Event: March 14 Makin' Bacon from 10am-12pm - LivingFreeinTennessee.com Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com Sponsor 2: TheWealthsteadingPodcast.com Make it a great week! GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!   Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

2 hr 7 min
Mar 3, 2026Episode 1122
First Tuesday Coffee Chat - Ep 1122

Want to come to the Holler Homestead and learn to make bacon? Makin' Bacon is March 14th at 10 am and space is limited. Join us for a First Tuesday Coffee with John Willis of Special Operations Equipment, Nicole Sauce of The Living Free in Tennessee Podcast, and Jack Spirko of The Survival Podcast. Connect with us! SOETacticalGear.com LivingFreeinTennessee.com TheSurvivalPodcast.com

1 hr 1 min
Feb 25, 2026Episode 1120
The Leadership Vaccuum That Almost Burned Me Out - EP 1120

We are going to talk today about what happens when your project, your homestead, your business — whatever you are building — hits the point where it can't grow unless you step into leadership. Not louder. Not bossier. Just clearer. And what it costs when you avoid that moment. We'll also cover our usual Monday segments. Featured Event Monthly Meetup at Basecamp Lodge Saturday, 12pm–3pm Potluck + Seed Exchange (bring seeds if you've got them) RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1246004124202741 Bring a dish. Bring seeds. Bring yourself. Sponsors Sponsor 1: StrongRootsResources.com Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Tales from the Prepper Pantry Considering a community lard pig buy – Kune Kunes available Breaking the bad habit of buying vegetables at the store — diving back into freezer and canned goods Seeking wet cat food by the pallet — anyone? Gardens getting up and running Recipe Favorite: Dutch Oven Chicken Root Bake Forage Update Watercress Dandelion Stinging Nettle Dead Nettle Chickweed Comfrey Everything is waking up. Frugality Tip Buying at the right time of year makes a big difference. Before the Super Bowl: buy a TV on sale. After the Super Bowl: buy the returned open-box TVs on clearance. Last year we snagged a small smart TV originally priced at $125 for $37. Brand new. Open box. Check your local clearance sections for open-box returns. Often brand new. Happy savings, y'all. Operation Independence Turkey Tail season is upon us. There may be real opportunity there. We're going to find out. Main Topic of the Day From Personality-Driven to Framework-Driven Yesterday I sat down and drilled into every project and business I run. Income-generating. Money-costing. Even things like helping when someone in the community is ill — and yes, we should mention the Jeffrey Dheeres fundraiser. Everything fit into three buckets: Nicole Sauce centered Holler Homestead centered Weird outliers The outliers go on the chopping block first. But the bigger realization was this: I have been avoiding a leadershi

1 hr 3 min
Feb 17, 2026Episode 1119
Feb 17 show: Your Community Building Goals Are Wrong - EP 1119

Today, we will explore the concept of building community, but not from a pure numbers standpoint. Many people measure community in numbers, not quality. We will discuss a better way to create community around you that makes the whole network mightier. Featured Event: Spence MAG Meetup: This Sunday. Contact Brad for information. [email protected] Sponsor One: RarePlantStore.com Sponsor Two: https://abovephone.com/?above=104 (This is an affiliate link) Tales From The Prepper Pantry >11 years ago, crepe night for Fat Tuesday and we were snowed in >Rebuilding the pantry system after working through the "stuff" this winter (Why I did this) >Scaling from 2 to 5 - growing pains >Audit your canning supplies >German Food Day Frugality Tip From Margo I have a friend up North whose library has passes you can check out for discounted admission to museums.  So check out your local library and see what they have to offer. Operation Independence Barrels for sale, grocery club update Main Topic We talk about community all the time with some of you saying there is no one around you, and others seeking to start your own community. Often, communities fail because they have the wrong goal. How do you know your community is successful? >number of people >length of community >etc I like to think about the goals differently: How many surface relationships do we house versus inner circle trust. >>explain this Total participants is meaningless if you don't house quality relationships. Singular selfishness versus selfish community Why I think we got off course (TOP DOWN COMMUNITY) Why do I support other networks? What then should our goals be? Does the community do what it says and say what it does? Does the community have a high number of quality, close relationships? Does the community refrain from bad-mouthing other similar communities AND each other? What makes a series of small pods mighty? So ask yourself, WHO is in my inner circle and, in the words of Brad, would I leave a car at the base of my driveway with $1000 cash in there if they asked without needing to know why?

57 min
Feb 13, 2026Episode 1118
Aligning, Seedlings and Spring: Homestead Happenings - EP 1118

Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: The season has become warmer but we are not out of the winter woods yet! Learn what we are doing to get ready for growing season. Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN Sponsor 2: TheWealthsteadingPodcast.com Make it a great week! GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!   Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

1 hr 13 min
Feb 10, 2026Episode 1117
Homestead Friends - EP 1117

Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: Friends, spring, and what we are experimenting with on the homestead. Featured Event: Farm Freedom Summit, February 7 Sponsor 1: StrongRootsResources.com Sponsor 2: DiscountMylarBags.com Make it a great week! GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!   Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

2 hr 34 min
Feb 3, 2026Episode 1116
First Tuesday Coffee Chat

Join us for a First Tuesday Coffee with John Willis of Special Operations Equipment, Nicole Sauce of The Living Free in Tennessee Podcast, and Jack Spirko of The Survival Podcast. Connect with us! SOETacticalGear.com LivingFreeinTennessee.com TheSurvivalPodcast.com

1 hr 7 min
Jan 30, 2026Episode 1115
Ten Weird Homesteading Things That Seem Normal To Us - EP 1115

Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: 10 Weird Things That Happen To Homesteaders That We Think Are Normal. Featured Event: LFTN Spring Workshop April 23-25 - Tickets go on sale on January 31 at 9am central! Sponsor 1: The Wealthsteading Podcast: InvestableWealth.com Sponsor 2: DisvountMylarBags.com Make it a great week! GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!   Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

59 min
Jan 27, 2026Episode 1114
Anxiety Is Unused Capability - EP 1114

Anxiety often shows up when our capability isn't being used in the real world. Building skills, systems, and doing meaningful work creates calm, stability, and a steadier life in 2026. Jan 31st, 9am Central, tickets go on sale for the LFTN Spring Workshop! Sponsor: StrongRootsResources.com Sponsor: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Opening Thought Who has felt anxious in the last few weeks?? Stop trying to feel better Build a life that steadies you Anxiety = unused capability Holler Hub: people working together Being useful calms people Idaho skiing Weather, terrain, attention Know when to push, when not to Preparedness without panic Winter storm came through Systems absorbed stress Humans stayed calm That's what preparedness is for Choose what grows Skills, systems, people Pull what destabilizes you Spring Workshop Hands-on Calm isn't something you wait for Calm is something you build 2026 = steady people

1 hr 1 min
Jan 23, 2026Episode 1113
ICEMEGEDDON and The Rat's A$$- Homestead Happenings - EP 1113

Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: Ice preps, Squeaks updates, and more Featured Event: LFTN Spring Workshop April 23-25 - Tickets go on sale on January 31 at 9am central! Sponsor 1: The Wealthsteading Podcast: InvestableWealth.com Make it a great week! GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!   Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Right Affiliate Link

55 min
Jan 21, 2026Episode 1112
Save Your Wife and Kids With The Combat Midwife - EP 1112

Today, I am joined by Jessica Arno, The Combat Midwife, to discuss keeping women and children alive when you can't just drive to the hospital. More that that, we will discuss how building these skills is a foundation for improving health even if you CAN drive to the hospital.  Sponsors AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN DiscountMylarBags.com Resources https://combatmidwife.com/ https://livingfreeintennessee.com/

1 hr 3 min
Jan 13, 2026Episode 1110
Progressing LFTN's Food Forest: Start Through Maturity With Kerry Brown - EP 1110

Today, I am joined by Kerry Brown from Strong Roots Resources to talk through the new approach we are taking with the LFTN food forest and how he is using mother nature to progress the system through to maturity one season at a time. Tapping into what we know about the soil and conditions here, native plants, what the people in our community want to eat, and working toward a system that does not require many hours to maintain. When you work with nature, you develop systems that you can help along rather than battle with constantly. Sponsor 1: DiscountMylarBags.com Sponsor 2: StrongRootsResources.com Featured Event: March 7 Combat Midwife Training

59 min
Jan 9, 2026Episode 1109
Baby Rabbits, Squeaks's Mouse, Home Alone and More- Homestead Happenings - EP 1109

Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: Rabbits, Domestic Day, Helpers and more! Featured Event: PickTN Products Conference - Jan 15-17. Holler Roast featured Jan 15 in the morning. Homestead Panel at lunch on Jan 16. Come support small food! https://www.picktnconference.com/ Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast: InvestableWealth.com Make it a great week! GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!   Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: https://odysee.com/$/invite/@livingfree:b Advisory Board The Booze Whisperer The Tactical Redneck Chef Brett Samantha the Savings Ninja Resources Membership Sign Up Holler Roast Coffee Harvest Ri

1 hr 18 min
Dec 31, 2025Episode 3
REPLAY: Choose Your Focus with #My3Things

Let's Get Ready For 2026 Today we discuss how to apply the SWOT method to your own life plan, cover our usual Monday segments on pantry management and financial progress, and cover a question from a listener about erosion.

52 min
Dec 30, 2025Episode 2
REPLAY: Develop Your Purpose with #my3things

Let's get ready for 2026 with this replay episode! Today is another #my3things episode with the primary focus being to develop your purpose. We will also include the usual Monday segments.

55 min
Dec 29, 2025Episode 1
REPLAY: Establishing Your Vision, #My3Things, Step One

Let's get ready for 2026! Today, we talk about what the #my3things method is, why a strategic plan for yourself and your life is a powerful tool, and we cover how to create a vision statement for your life strategic plan. (Or your family strategic plan). This is the first in a series of episodes explaining how to use the #my3things method to become more successful, productive and to build the life you choose on your terms.

6 min
Dec 24, 2025Episode 1112
An Intellectual Night Before Christmas

Today, we have the first in our Night Before Christmas series, beginning with Leos: The Intellectual Night Before Christmas. Join us each night at 5pm leading up to Christmas

6 min
Dec 23, 2025Episode 1111
The Australian Night Before Christmas

Tonight we have a reading of the Australian version of The Night Before Christmas by Aussieroo of the TSP Zello Group. Join us each night at 5pm leading up to Christmas.

5 min
Dec 22, 2025Episode 1110
The Redneck Night Before Christmas

Join us for the another version of The Night Before Christmas for the Redneck version, read by The Tactical Redneck. Join us each night at 5pm leading up to Christmas

5 min
Dec 21, 2025Episode 1109
The Night Before Yule

Tonight we have a reading of the Pagan version of The Night Before Christmas by Mia of the LFTN Community. Join us each night at 5pm leading up to Christmas.

8 min
Dec 20, 2025Episode 1108
Cajun Night Before Christmas

Tonight we have a reading of the Cajun version of The Night Before Christmas by The Ellender Family - listeners of LFTN. Join us every day at 5pm for a reading of a different version of the poem, "The Night Before Christmas."

1 hr 20 min
Dec 17, 2025Episode 1107
Stop Letting Other People Decide Who You Are - EP 1107

Today is the last solo show of 2025. We examine something you may not want to look at: being too sensitive to criticism and ultimately letting other people decide who you are rather than be who you were meant to be. We will also do a final run through our usual Tuesday segments.Featured Event: Combat Midwife Class. March 7 at the Basecamp Lodge. Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: StrongRootsResources.com LFTN UPDATE: Tonight at 6pm is the last Tour Livestream on Youtube with all the festival crews. Nicole is closed BUT - The Night Before Christmas Series starts soon and will run every night ending on Christmas Eve. My3Things Series after Christmas. See you January 2, 2026 I did a thing…. Tales From The Prepper Pantry Beef Math 715 hanging weight Cow 1: 370 pounds: $285 + $2307. $7 a pound 750 hanging weight Cow 2: 325 pounds: $376 + $2420. $8.60 a pound Getting ready to put out pickled things from this year at the Christmas event – we will see what ends up on the table. Pre-making burger patties, breakfast sausage and meatloafs for convenience Next year I hope to have more cured meats! Frugality Tip The day after Christmas is coming. Need I say more? Featured Forage We had a deep freeze and nothing is left, right? WRONG! Now is a time to look at things below ground. One of my favorites at this time of year requires that you look for the plant in the fall, mark where it is, then dig: Jerusalem Artichoke. Cleaning Favorite recipe: Steamed into a mash with butter, garlic, salt and pepper. Complements a steak beautifully without the glycemic impact of mashed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_artichoke for a picture. These grow themselves and a little care will allow you to have many - but be careful about that many! Operation Independence PickTN store at the Dickens of a Christmas last weekend - SOLD OUT of tins! But you can still order them online: https://www.picktnstore.com/ The Exhausting Game No One Wins - Letting Other People Live Your Life For you GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/Cook-What-Have-Nicole-Sauce/dp/1073

1 hr 5 min
Dec 12, 2025Episode 1106
Lamb Roast, Surprise Venison, Leaf Mulch and More - Homestead Happenings - EP 1106

Today, I am joined by the Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead: the sheep acting "a little eminent," a surprise community deer drop, and the brass water faucet we dug up while doing chores. We'll cover ongoing projects like the compost bin design, the memory garden plan, the hillside garden reset, mushroom experiments, rabbit breeding, and the ever-important Operation Leaf Collection. We'll wrap up with holiday touches around the Tajmaholler, the new Canoe Rose Bed, alternate routes home, and how we're gearing up to cook a whole lamb. Featured Event: Dec 20 LFTN Christmas Reception - LivingFreeinTennessee.com Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast: InvestableWealth.com Are the Sheep Really eminent? Community Deer Drop from a neighbor Found Treasure: Brass Water Faucet Explain the Compost Bin Design Planning a Memory Garden Operation Leaf Collection Hillside Garden Reset In Process Mushroom Experiment update Ghost Light Disappointment Rabbits Bred Canoe Rose Bed Christmas Lights and Tajmaholler Alternative Routs Home Preparing to cook a whole lamb   Make it a great week!   GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce. It makes a great Christmas Gift!   Community Mewe Group: https://mewe.com/join/lftn Telegram Group: https://t.me/LFTNGroup Odysee: <a href= "http

1 hr 6 min
Dec 9, 2025Episode 1105
Word Of The Year - EP 1105

Today, we will talk about the word of the year, how mine went in 2025, why to even choose one and how it related to building the life you choose on your terms. We will also cover our usual Tuesday segments Featured Event: Tonight. 6pm, So You Bought a Whole Pig — Now What? How to read and navigate the cut sheet Ways to save money by doing certain cuts at home Planning storage so nothing goes to waste Light overview of the odd bits and what to ask the butcher for Sponsors 1: Strong Roots Resources — StrongRootsResources.com Sponsor 2: Discount Mylar Bags — DiscountMylarBags.com Tales from the Prepper Pantry Two cows added to the freezers Garlic planted; raised beds mulched Mushroom tent producing well Mushroom coffee block experiment looking promising Burning through green beans at an alarming rate Featured Forage: Watercress Slow moving water - check water quality Fresh green for salads until it gets too too cold Great in a cream of watercress soup or saute as well Tastes like radished Operation Independence The Venison Story Main Topic of the Day: Word of the Year What is the word of the year Why choose one What is the dark side of the word of the year What is the upside of the word of the year How does it fit in with #my3Things My 2025 WOTY update: Enrich SRF changes Holler Hub and Smaller Events Lessons: Focus on fewer things to do them better, invest in learning, sometimes you must take a financial hit to set a better foundation, Holler Roast Holiday progress, RESULT: stronger inner circle network & connection with God My 20

58 min
Dec 6, 2025Episode 1104
Coffee Taste Test, "Down Time" And A Helper - EP 1104

Today, I am joined by the Tactical Redneck to talk about updated from the Holler Homestead! Featured Event: Dec 20 LFTN Christmas Reception - LivingFreeinTennessee.com Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast: InvestableWealth.com

1 hr 49 min
Dec 3, 2025Episode 1103
First Tuesday Coffee With John Willis and Jack Spirko

Join me for the December first Tuesday chat with John Willis and Jack Spirko.

56 min
Nov 28, 2025Episode 1102
Holleriffic Thanksgiving and Stubborn Ewe - EP 1102

Today, I am joined by the Tactical Redneck to talk about Holler Thanksgiving, the stubbornest Ewe and more! Featured Event: Dec 20 LFTN Christmas Reception - LivingFreeinTennessee.com Sponsor 1: AgoristTaxAdvice.com Sponsor 2: The Wealthsteading Podcast: InvestableWealth.com

54 min
Nov 26, 2025Episode 1101
Chipmunks and Accepting Help - EP 1101

Today we're talking about something that matters more than most of us care to admit: accepting help, and more importantly — taking responsibility for the role we play when help doesn't go the way we imagined. Featured Event Dec 9 – Member Webinar (also available to purchase) "So You Bought A Whole Pig, Now What?"
Details + sign-up: https://livingfreeintennessee.com/event/so-you-bought-a-whole-pig-now-what-webinar/ Sponsors  Strong Roots Resources If you want solid, boots-on-the-ground homesteading and preparedness consulting, these are your people.
👉 StrongRootsResources.com Holler Roast Coffee Coffee for Doers — roasted right here at the Holler Homestead.
👉 HollerRoast.com Tales from the Prepper Pantry * Pantry challenge update * Pulling from the pantry for Thanksgiving * Using up the last of the 2024 cow – recipes Frugality Tip from Margo "When you are looking at making a large dollar purchase, check multiple websites. I came across an offer that was impossible to refuse. With a purchase of $1000 or more, online only, they were giving a $100 gift card. So we ordered online and picked up in store and got $100 to spend later. With a little time spent looking around, you never know who wants to give you extra money for buying what you were going to buy anyway.
Happy Savings Y'all
Margo
p.s. This was Northern Tool" Operation Independence * 4 lbs of blue oyster mushrooms — testing the market Main Topic: Accepting Help (and Why It Matters) We're talking about help — asking for it, accepting it, and dealing with the truth that when people "do it wrong," it's usually because we didn't set them up for success. This is also where homesteading meets real life meets Thanksgiving — and yes, there will be a cat-and-chipmunk story.

55 min
Nov 26, 2025Episode 1100
Homestead Happenings for November 21, 2025 - EP 1100

Today I am joined by the Tactical Redneck for an update from the Holler Homestead all about sheep, communication, late fall and more. Featured Event: LFTN Christmas Reception: https://livingfreeintennessee.com/event/lftn-christmas-reception-3/ Sponsor 1: StrongRootsResources.com Sponsor 2: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/LFTN

1 hr 15 min
Nov 18, 2025Episode 1099
The Power of Showing Up Nervous

Today, we are diving deep into what it truly means to be fearless—whether you're launching a business, standing up to the local government, or just trying to live a sustainable life. Featured Event: Mark your calendars for the Dec 20 LFTN Christmas Reception—sign up now! Sponsors: Wealthsteading Podcast: InvestableWealth.com DiscountMylarBags.com Tales from the Prepper Pantry Broccoli rip cord TSP left over saute Peppers from Rick Ready for whole cows Shopping Report: Should we reboot this segment? Who wants to start going to Aldi on a weekly basis? Frugality Tip I was randomly looking at Etsy and saw someone selling something I was interested in that was local to me. I messaged them and asked about local pick up and cash price. They were very interested in cash money with pick up and I saved some money on my purchase. So ask, it will never kill you, and might save you a few dollars. Operation Independence 3-Month Rental at Basecamp: $800/month, Event Rental Launch Main Topic: Fearless Living – The Two Sides of "Go For It" We are talking about two forms of courage today: Professional Courage (to launch and critique) and Personal Courage (to be vulnerable and stand up). 1. The Courage to Launch and Critique: The Farm-to-Table AAR The Farm-to-Table Dinner was a huge "Go For It" moment. The real courage is in the fearless honesty of the After Action Review (AAR): Is this financially viable? $155 - 13/hour The Diagnostic Tool: The Homestead Revenue Stack We put the Dinner through our Homestead Revenue Stack to analyze where it sits and what it needs to succeed. The Dinner sits primarily in the Service Layer (Dinner/Class). AAR Findings & Action Plan Logistics Check: Reality vs. plan mismatch. Example: "Sunset on paper vs. Sunset in the holler (30 min BUBBLE)." Venue Needs: The oven/stove at BC needs an upgrade. Experience Flow: Need better arrival/mingling flow. <

1 hr 58 min
Nov 14, 2025Episode 1097
Tuesday Coffee With John Willis and Jack Spirko - EP 1097

Join us for our monthly conversation about the world, business, and whateer strikes yall's fancy!

34 min
Nov 13, 2025Episode 1096
Redneck Shepherd Edition - Homestead Happenings

Join the Tactical Redneck for an update from the Holler Homestead. While the cat's away the sheep will escape.

55 min
Nov 4, 2025
Homestead Revenue Stories, SRF - EP 1095

Today, we hear the session that I hosted at the Self Reliance Festival about developing your revenue on your homestead, including stories from the network.

49 min
Oct 31, 2025Episode 1094
Homestead Happenings for October 31, 2025 - EP 1094

Today, I am joined by The Tactical Redneck to discuss updates from the Holler Homestead, sheep chaos, wine cap mushrooms and more. Featured Event: November 15 Farm To Table Dinner: https://www.livingfreeintennessee.com/product/farm-to-table/ Sponsors: The Wealthsteading Podcast Discount Mylar Bags

1 hr
Oct 28, 2025Episode 1093
Stop Forcing It: The Mushroom Lesson - EP 1093

Sponsors Discount Mylar Bags: DiscountMylarBags.com Agorist Tax Advice: AgoristTaxAdvice.com/lftn Episode Links Farm-to-Table Dinner – Nov 15 LivingFreeinTennessee.com/product/farm-to-table North Spore Martha Tent (Affiliate): northspore.sjv.io/N9qEe2 LFTN Christmas Stocking Exchange: Sign Up Here Holler Roast Coffee: HollerRoast.com Summary Sometimes the best thing you can do—whether it's growing food or running a business—is stop forcing it. This week I share what mushrooms taught me about systems, patience, and letting things grow on their own. In this episode: Why I started cultivating mushrooms and how it ties to the Holler Roast coffee-grounds waste stream Early failures with DIY bins and Tennessee humidity The easy automated setup that finally worked First-round lessons (including a moldy pink oyster experiment) Cooking payoff: duck-fat blue oysters worth the wait And the big picture—how the "don't force it" mindset applies to business and life You don't make mushrooms grow, you make it easy for them to show up. Same goes for your business. The Takeaway Mushrooms—and systems—thrive when you build the right environment and step back. Stop forcing it, build your setup, and let the good stuff show up. Make it a great week! GUYS! Don't forget about the cookbook, Cook With What You Have by Nicole Sauce and Mama Sauce.