We have more things saving us time than probably any generation before us.

So where the heck did all that saved time go?

Because somehow, we're still rushing. We're still exhausted. We're still saying we don't have enough time.

This week on Womenfolk Revival, we're sitting down to talk about something we've both been noticing in our own lives: somewhere along the way, we started treating normal human effort like something we needed to escape.

Cooking became a chore. Growing food became a hobby. Making things became a craft. Walking became exercise. Sitting outside became self-care.

Things that were once simply part of living became things we had to intentionally add back into our lives.

And it made us wonder: have we confused an easier life with a better life?

Why has modern convenience saved us so much time, yet somehow left us feeling busier, more distracted and more exhausted than ever?

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Meara and Maggie explore slow living, modern convenience, convenience culture, digital distraction, traditional skills, meaningful work, intentional motherhood, family connection and the quiet ways modern life may be separating us from actually participating in our own lives.

We have machines that wash our clothes and our dishes. We can have food brought straight to our door. We can buy almost anything without ever leaving the house.

We have more things saving us time than probably any generation before us.

So where the heck did all that saved time go?

Because somehow, we're still rushing.

We're still exhausted.

We're still saying we don't have enough time.

This week on Womenfolk Revival, we're sitting down to talk about something we've both been noticing in our own lives:

Somewhere along the way, we started treating normal human effort like something we needed to escape.

Cooking became a chore.

Growing food became a hobby.

Making things became a craft.

Walking became exercise.

Sitting outside became self-care.

Things that were once simply part of living became things we had to intentionally add back into our lives.

And it made us wonder:

Have we confused an easier life with a better life?

Why hasn't modern convenience given us more free time?

Before we even get into that conversation, we're trying something new.

Quite a few of you have told us that you want to hear more about us, not just the topic we're discussing that week, but what's actually happening in our homes and our lives.

So we're pulling up our chairs a little earlier and catching up before we get into the episode.

And this week, there was plenty to catch up on.

Maggie somehow managed to turn a barefoot family hike into a six-hour adventure lost in the woods.

Meara is still moving into her family's new little homestead, had their first fire outside, is making plans for the garden and is preparing to bring her older girls home for homeschooling.

We're talking about fall, old books, bread making, gardens, family life, slowing down and everything else that naturally comes up when two friends sit down at the table together.

Eventually, it brings us right back to the question at the heart of this episode:

What if some of the work we're constantly trying to eliminate isn't getting in the way of living? What if some of that work IS the living?

Can a harder life sometimes feel more meaningful?

Since moving onto land, Meara's life has technically gotten harder.

There is always something that needs to be cleaned, planted, moved, fixed, planned or taken care of.

But something else is happening too.

The days feel fuller.

The family is outside more.

They're making things.

Planning things.

Working toward something together.

They're talking more and listening to one another more.

Instead of simply existing in the same house, one person on a phone, another watching television, everyone waiting for the day to pass, they're participating in their own lives.

And Maggie has experienced much of the same thing as her family has intentionally slowed down and brought older skills and rhythms back into their home.

We talk about milling grain by hand, baking bread, hanging laundry in the sun, growing food, puzzles, old-fashioned games, looking at the stars, sitting outside, allowing ourselves to be bored again and teaching our children that everything in life isn't supposed to happen instantly.

What has technology taken away from our everyday lives?

We also talk about our phones and what happened to all those little empty spaces we used to have.

Waiting somewhere?

Phone.

Sitting in the car?

Phone.

Standing in line?

Phone.

When was the last time we simply sat somewhere and had absolutely nothing to do?

Because boredom wasn't always useless.

Sometimes that empty space was where we thought.

Noticed.

Imagined.

Created.

Figured things out.

And maybe our children need some of that space too.

Does boredom help children become more creative and capable?

We want our kids to make things, grow things, wait for things, mess things up and try again.

We want them to experience what happens when something is difficult and they finally figure it out for themselves.

That moment of realizing:

I did that.

That's how we begin to understand what we're capable of.

It's how children build confidence.

It's how people learn patience.

It's how skills are passed down.

And it's one of the reasons we're becoming more interested in traditional skills, simple living, homeschooling, growing food, making things by hand and raising capable children.

Is convenience bad?

No.

None of this means we're throwing out the washing machine and rejecting every modern invention we own.

Absolutely not.

We like convenience too.

Sometimes convenience genuinely gives us more room to live.

There are times when an electric grain mill makes a whole lot more sense than sitting there turning a hand crank.

There are days when the washing machine is exactly what we need.

The question isn't whether convenience is good or bad.

The question is whether it's helping us live our lives,or slowly replacing our participation in them.

We want convenience to help us live. We don't want convenience to replace our living.

And underneath all of this is something even deeper for us.

Our connection to our families.

Our connection to the earth.

Our connection to our Creator.

Maybe we weren't meant to rush through every ordinary part of life just so we could hurry up and get to the next thing.

Maybe making dinner matters.

Maybe caring for our homes matters.

Maybe sitting outside with a cup of coffee matters.

Maybe tending a garden matters.

Maybe learning a skill mat...

We thought Womenfolk Revival would be a podcast about slow living, intentional living, natural living, forgotten skills, motherhood, faith, homemaking, ancestral wisdom, and reconnecting with the ways women once lived.

We thought we'd be talking about the revival.

We didn't realize we'd start living it.

In this six-month check-in, we're looking back at where we were when Womenfolk Revival began, what's actually changed in our lives, what we've learned, what we still haven't figured out, and where we're going from here.

And when we really started comparing our lives then to our lives now...we realized a lot more has changed than we thought.

We're cooking more food from scratch. We're learning skills that once intimidated us. Maggie is hand-milling grains, making homemade stock and becoming more comfortable in the kitchen. Meara has moved her family onto acreage, started building the little homestead she'd dreamed about, pulled her kindergartner from online school, and begun homeschooling her children through everyday life.

Breakfast has become a lesson in measuring and math.

Old books have become treasures.

Cooking has become something our children participate in.

Homeschooling has made us rethink what learning actually looks like.

And slowing down has forced us to confront something neither of us expected:

Why are we so uncomfortable doing nothing?

Why do we feel like every minute of our day needs to be productive?

Why does a five-year-old need hours of structured work before we believe she's accomplished enough?

Why do we need to check fifteen things off a list before we believe we've accomplished enough?

Somewhere along the way, modern life taught many of us that being busy means we're doing life right.

But what if it doesn't?

What if slowing down isn't about doing nothing?

What if it's about finally having enough space to notice what we're doing, and decide whether it actually matters?

That's been one of the biggest surprises of this journey.

When Womenfolk Revival began, we thought returning to old ways meant learning traditional skills: making bread, growing food, cooking from scratch, becoming more self-sufficient, reconnecting with nature and remembering knowledge that previous generations took for granted.

Six months later, we're realizing it's much bigger than that.

This isn't about recreating the past. It's about returning to yourself.

It's learning to make something with your hands again.

It's thinking for yourself.

It's raising your children according to what makes sense for your family.

It's reconnecting with your Creator.

It's spending time outside.

It's rebuilding community.

It's questioning the things you've always done simply because everyone else was doing them.

And it's deciding what pieces of modern life you actually want to carry forward.

Because you don't have to become a homesteader.

You don't have to homeschool.

You don't have to mill your own flour, make sourdough, grow every vegetable you eat or throw away every modern convenience.

There isn't one correct way to live a slower, more intentional life.

That's something we've learned from each other too.

We're at completely different stages with different skills. One of us may know something the other hasn't even attempted yet—and the women listening to us undoubtedly know things neither of us has learned.

That's the village.

Womenfolk Revival was never supposed to be two women standing behind microphones telling everyone else how to live.

We're learning too.

We're experimenting.

We're changing our minds.

We're failing at things.

We're laughing about it.

We're trying again.

And we're discovering that some of the things we've spent years searching for weren't actually missing.

They were buried underneath schedules, productivity, convenience, expectations and the constant pressure to keep moving.

Six months ago, we thought we were starting a podcast about women coming back to themselves.

We didn't realize we were going to become part of the story too.

And perhaps that's the biggest thing that's changed.

We don't know exactly where Womenfolk Revival will be six months from now.

We don't have a perfectly mapped-out content plan.

We don't have all the answers.

And we don't want to.

We want to keep meeting women.

Keep asking questions.

Keep learning forgotten skills.

Keep challenging the things we've accepted as normal.

Keep reconnecting with the women who've already joined us around these microphones.

And keep seeing where this revival takes us.

Whether you've been here since our first episode or you're discovering Womenfolk Revival today, we're glad you're here.

This is our six-month check-in.

No giant lesson.

No perfectly packaged transformation.

Just two best friends looking around and realizing...

Wow. We really have changed.

And next week, we're taking this conversation somewhere we have a feeling a lot of women are going to relate to:

When Did Living Become So Much Work? | The Convenience Trap

Because after cooking from scratch, caring for property, homeschooling, making things ourselves and trying to live more intentionally, we've caught ourselves saying:

"This is so much work."

But is it?

Or have we become so accustomed to convenience that normal parts of living now feel like work?

Maybe the goal was never to remove every bit of effort from our lives.

Maybe some of the work...

is the living.

Until next time,

Stay rooted. Stay wild.

Meara + Maggie
 Womenfolk Revival

One day, we're going to be the elders.

And when our children and grandchildren look back, what will they know because they knew us?

Somewhere along the way, generations of knowledge stopped being passed down. Not just the practical things our grandmothers and elders knew how to do, but the stories behind them who taught them, why they did things a certain way, what they learned through hardship, and what they understood about family, land, community, patience, resourcefulness, and simply showing up for one another.

We live in a time when we can ask Google or AI almost anything.

How do I grow this?

How do I preserve that?

How do I make bread?

What plant is this?

And we'll probably get an answer.

But an answer isn't the same thing as inherited knowledge.

A recipe online can't tell you why your grandmother made it, who taught her, what was happening in her family when she learned it, or what she changed during the year the garden didn't produce enough.
Knowledge has a history.

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Maggie and Meara talk about what our elders knew that many of us were never taught — and why maybe our generation is the one that needs to start learning it again.

Meara shares what she learned simply by watching her mother care for the people she loved: staying beside her husband after a major heart attack, advocating for him, asking questions, paying attention, and later making sure her own mother was cared for after a stroke.

Nobody sat Meara down and said, This is how you care for someone.

She learned because she watched her mother live it.

And that opens a much bigger conversation between Maggie and Meara about caregiving, aging parents, family history, growing food, preserving knowledge, self-reliance, modern convenience, technology, motherhood, and the skills and stories we want our own children and grandchildren to carry forward.

Because this isn't about pretending the past was perfect.

It wasn't.

And it isn't about throwing away modern medicine, technology, washing machines, or everything progress has given us.

It's about asking a different question:

What was worth keeping?

Maybe our elders understood patience because everything wasn't immediate.

Maybe they understood resourcefulness because sometimes there simply wasn't more.

They knew how to stretch food, make something from almost nothing, work with their hands, grow things, wait, tell stories, care for people, and make do with what they had.

And maybe some of the inconveniences we've worked so hard to eliminate were teaching us something.

An aging parent walking slowly through the store.

A little child wanting to help cook when you could do it twice as fast yourself.

Someone who needs you to sit beside them when there's nothing you can do to fix what's happening.

We're obsessed with saving time.

But what are we saving all that time for if we don't have time for each other?

Maybe some of the things we've been calling interruptions to life are actually life.

And as Maggie realizes during this conversation, eventually there isn't going to be an older person there to ask.

It has to become us.

If nobody taught us, maybe we become the women who relearn it, so our children don't have to start from zero.

So instead of only asking:

What am I going to leave my children?

We're asking:

What am I leaving IN my children?

What will they know because they knew us?

What stories will they remember?

What will their hands know how to do?

Who will they know how to care for?

And someday, when one of our children or grandchildren is asked, “How did you know that?”

Maybe they'll be able to say:

“Someone I loved taught me.”

In This Episode

Maggie and Meara talk about:

• Generational knowledge and the wisdom of our elders
• Forgotten and disappearing traditional skills
• What our grandmothers knew that many of us weren't taught
• Caring for aging parents and showing up for family
• Learning by watching the women who came before us
• Family stories and preserving the history behind what we know
• Gardening, growing food, homemaking, and practical skills
• Self-reliance without rejecting modern life
• Google and AI versus lived and inherited knowledge
• Patience, resourcefulness, and learning to make do
• Why convenience isn't always the same thing as progress
• Raising children who know how to care, create, grow, and provide
• Becoming the elders our children and grandchildren will someday remember
• What it really means to leave a legacy

Join the Womenfolk Revival Community

Come continue the conversation with us in the Womenfolk Revival Facebook Community.

We're building a space for women who want to live more intentionally, relearn what was worth keeping, share what we're learning, and pass something meaningful forward.

Womenfolk Revival Facebook Community:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1ZsSWdug6T/

If this episode made you think of another woman, send it to her.

And if you've been coming back to listen with us each week, follow Womenfolk Revival on your favorite podcast platform, like the episode, and share the show.

Coming Next Week

Somehow, it has already been six months since we started Womenfolk Revival.

Next week, we're sitting down for something a little different:

Where We Are Now | Six Months of Womenfolk Revival

Where were we when we started?

Where are we now?

What's changed in our lives?

What have we learned?

What did we think Womenfolk Revival was going to be, and what has it actually become?

And where are we going from here?

No big lesson. Just the two of us sitting down six months later and talking about where this whole thing has taken us.

Stay rooted. Stay wild.

We spend our lives trying to find ourselves while filling nearly every quiet moment with someone else's voice.

So what happens when we finally turn down the noise and listen?

In this episode of Women Folk Revival, we talk about something that can happen when you begin slowing down and becoming quieter: you start noticing everything.

You notice how distracted people have become. How often people aren't really listening to one another. How quickly we respond before we've even understood what someone is saying. How much rushing, reacting, opinions, phones, and constant stimulation have become such a normal part of everyday life that we don't even realize how loud it has become.

And sometimes, once you become quieter yourself, everyone else's noise suddenly feels a whole lot louder.

Meara opens up about how this has been showing up in her own life, including a recent interaction where she felt like she had explained something clearly, only to realize the person on the other end wasn't actually hearing what she was saying. It was frustrating. It was a trigger. And it would have been very easy to keep pushing, keep explaining, and let that frustration take over.

Instead, she stopped.

Not because it didn't bother her.

Not because she suddenly became perfectly peaceful.

But because she's learning something that is much harder than simply slowing down:

Noticing something doesn't mean you have to respond to it.

That realization becomes a much bigger conversation about what happens when we stop reacting to everything around us.

We don't have to fix everything we notice.

We don't have to make everyone understand us.

We don't have to have an opinion about everything.

And we don't have to allow someone else's frustration, distraction, or chaos to follow us into the rest of our day.

But that doesn't mean we never get irritated.

We are human.

We still have triggers. We still have bad days. We still get annoyed when someone isn't listening, when someone misunderstands us, or when something seems completely obvious to us and somehow isn't to someone else.

The difference is learning to recognize what is happening inside of us before we react.

Sometimes the most peaceful thing we can do is simply notice it, take a breath, and let it be.

We also talk about what happens when becoming quieter allows you to see yourself more clearly.

Because slowing down doesn't just make you notice other people.

It makes you notice yourself.

You may start noticing how tired you really are. What isn't working in your life anymore. What you've been tolerating. What brings you joy. What you've been missing. Your creativity. Your intuition. Your relationship with your Creator. Your relationships with the people closest to you.

And sometimes that can be uncomfortable.

When you finally become quiet enough to hear yourself, you may discover that you're not exactly who you thought you were.

But that can be a gift.

Because once you can see yourself honestly, you can actually begin to change.

We also talk about community and how much harder it can be to give people grace when we've become disconnected from one another. When we don't know the people around us, it's easy to assume the worst. We don't know what someone is carrying. We don't know what happened before they walked into the room. We don't know what kind of day they're having.

And sometimes choosing not to react isn't about letting someone "win."

It's about choosing your own peace.

It's about remembering that you can see someone's chaos without stepping into it.

Because there is a difference between noticing and judging.

There is a difference between being present and becoming hyper-aware of everything everyone else is doing wrong.

We don't want slowing down to turn into another form of chaos.

We want it to give us the ability to choose.

To pause.

To listen.

To notice.

And then decide what actually deserves our energy.

Maybe peace isn't about never being bothered.

Maybe peace is being able to say:

This bothered me. And I'm still okay.

As we become quieter, we may begin seeing things we didn't see before. We may notice the distractions, the rushing, the constant noise, and even the ways we've participated in it ourselves.

But we don't have to carry everything we notice.

Sometimes we can simply see it, take a breath, and come back to our own lives.

And maybe that's what we're really learning to do.

Not escape the noise.

Not make the whole world slow down.

Just learn how to live our lives without letting all of that noise pull us out of them.

So the next time something gets under your skin, pause before you respond.

Take a breath.

And ask yourself:

Does this actually need me?

Because sometimes...

it doesn't.

And that's okay.

Next week on Women Folk Revival, we're going a little deeper into something we've been thinking about since we started slowing down: the things our elders knew how to do that we weren't always taught.

The knowledge that used to be passed from one generation to the next.

The skills that were part of everyday life.

The wisdom we may have lost because we stopped practicing it, stopped teaching it, or simply stopped paying attention.

Because maybe some of the things we're searching for today aren't new at all.

Maybe our elders already knew.

The elders knew something we forgot.

Come join us in our Women Folk Revival Facebook community and continue the conversation with us.

Facebook community page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/www.womenfolkrevival.transistor.fm/

Stay rooted and stay wild.

What if returning to your Creator doesn't mean leaving your everyday life behind?

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, we talk about what happens when we begin to slow down enough to notice the Creator in the life we're already living. The dishes. The garden. Our children. A quiet cup of tea. A meal at the table. The ordinary moments we so often rush right past.

Maggie and Meara talk about the growing disconnect between modern life and the natural world, how busy and distracted we've become, and why reconnecting with our Creator doesn't have to mean checking another box on the calendar.

We talk about gratitude, intention, prayer, nature, putting the phone down, being present with our families, and remembering that returning doesn't have to be a huge life-changing moment. Sometimes it's simply stopping for a breath and remembering.

You don't have to have everything figured out.

You don't have to change your entire life overnight.

Sometimes, you just have to slow down enough to notice what's already there.

Because maybe we were never meant to choose between the Creator's world and our own.

Maybe we've been living in His world all along.

In this episode, we talk about:
• Reconnecting with our Creator in everyday life
• Why modern life can leave us feeling disconnected
• Finding God in nature and ordinary moments
• Gratitude and daily remembrance
• Slowing down and becoming more intentional
• Creating moments of prayer and gratitude with our children
• Putting the phone down and being present
• Reconnecting with family, community, and the natural world
• Why change doesn't have to happen overnight
• Learning to live with more intention, one small step at a time

If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe and follow Womenfolk Revival on your favorite podcast app and come join our Facebook community.

Facebook Community Page
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BttLY7Q9p/

Stay rooted. Stay wild.

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Maggie and Meara explore our growing disconnect from creation, the natural world, and the slower rhythms we were designed to live by. Together they discuss how modern life, constant busyness, technology, and consumer culture have pulled us away from intentional living, and why returning to nature may be one of the most powerful steps toward peace.

You'll hear an honest conversation about slow living, simple living, intentional living, faith, reconnecting with nature, raising children who appreciate the outdoors, homesteading, stewardship of creation, natural remedies, and practical ways to cultivate a more peaceful life.

Whether you're beginning your slow living journey, dreaming of a homestead, seeking a deeper relationship with your Creator, or simply longing to slow down, this episode offers encouragement and one simple challenge you can begin today.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why modern life leaves us feeling disconnected
• How slow living can reduce stress and overwhelm
• The importance of reconnecting with nature and creation
• Simple ways to practice intentional living every day
• Teaching children to appreciate the outdoors
• Why caring for creation matters
• Small habits that can help you find peace again

🌿 Join the conversation!

Be sure to follow and join our Womenfolk Revival Facebook Community, where women come together to encourage one another, share their slow living journeys, ask questions, and continue these conversations beyond the podcast.

Join the Womenfolk Revival Facebook Community

🎙️ New episodes are released every Wednesday at 5:00 AM Eastern.

If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another woman who is longing to return to the simple things.

Stay Rooted + Stay Wild!

Between motherhood, marriage, homemaking, work, endless to-do lists, and the demands of modern life, many women slowly lose touch with the creative part of themselves. The woman who once loved making, building, baking, painting, gardening, learning, and creating simply for the joy of it.

In this heartfelt episode of Womenfolk Revival, Maggie and Meara explore why women have always been natural creators and how modern culture has quietly shifted us from creating with our hands to consuming everything around us. They discuss traditional homemaking, modern homesteading, intentional motherhood, slow living, creativity, handmade homes, family traditions, and the importance of making space for the things that nourish your own soul.

Together they share personal stories about rediscovering creativity through podcasting, gardening, painting, herbalism, baking from scratch, and building meaningful homes filled with intention instead of perfection. They also discuss overcoming guilt, why every hobby doesn't need to become a business, and how creating something with your own hands reconnects you with generations of women who came before you.

If you've ever wondered what happened to the woman you used to be, or you're longing for a slower, more peaceful, and intentional way of living, this conversation is for you.

In this episode you'll discover:

• Why women were created to create, not just consume
 • Rediscovering yourself after motherhood and caregiving
 • How creativity helps restore joy and purpose
 • Traditional homemaking and modern homesteading
 • Slow living and intentional living
 • Why handmade homes tell meaningful stories
 • Overcoming guilt and making time for yourself
 • Gardening, baking, herbalism, and creating with your hands
 • Building family traditions that leave a lasting legacy
 • Living with intention instead of chasing productivity

🌿 Join our growing Womenfolk Revival Facebook Community:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1JmCijDpPp/

We'd love to connect with you as we encourage one another, share traditional skills, recipes, gardening tips, homemaking inspiration, natural living, and build a village of women returning to a slower, more intentional way of life.

If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another woman who needs this reminder today.

Stay Rooted + Stay Wild

What if success isn't measured by everything you've accomplished...

...but by whether you've built a life that allows you to truly be yourself?

In this special episode of Womenfolk Revival, we welcome Dr. Carla Caturia, educator, speaker, coach, and founder of House of RISE, for a heartfelt conversation about identity, emotional resilience, parenting, and the hidden cost of constantly striving for more.

After spending more than twenty years in education, Dr. Carla began noticing a troubling pattern. Many of the students who appeared successful on the outside were quietly carrying anxiety, perfectionism, pressure, and self-doubt. That realization led her to step away from the traditional education system and dedicate her work to helping children, teens, and families build confidence, emotional resilience, and a deep sense of self-worth.

Together we explore:

🌿 Why achievement should never define your worth

🌿 Raising resilient children in a performance-driven world

🌿 Helping kids develop emotional intelligence and confidence

🌿 Public school, homeschooling, and creating environments where children can truly thrive

🌿 Letting go of old identities and embracing new seasons of life

🌿 Why slowing down may be one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and our families

🌿 Faith, surrender, and learning that you don't have to prove your worth to anyone

Whether you're a parent, educator, caregiver, or simply someone learning to rediscover who you are beneath life's expectations, this conversation offers encouragement to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember what truly matters.

Because the greatest success isn't building a life that impresses everyone else...

It's building a life that doesn't cost you yourself.

Connect with Dr. Carla Caturia

🌿 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlacaturia

🌿 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlacaturia/

🌿 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarlacaturia

Join the Womenfolk Revival Community

Our conversations don't end when the episode does.

Join our growing community of women who are choosing slower living, intentional motherhood, natural wellness, meaningful conversations, and lives deeply rooted in what matters most.

❤️ Facebook Community:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18qopQRafZ/

If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs this reminder today.

Stay rooted. Stay wild.

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, we're sharing the honest reality of homesteading, slow living, and returning to a life that feels more intentional. We've killed plants, failed at sourdough, wasted money on projects, questioned ourselves, and learned that building a meaningful life isn't about getting everything right. 

It's about slowing down, learning as you go, and embracing the beauty of ordinary moments.

We talk about why so many women today feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, and disconnected from the life they truly want. Together we explore the growing desire to garden, bake bread, raise chickens, grow food, reconnect with nature, and create a home that feels peaceful instead of rushed. We also discuss the reality behind the beautiful social media images of homesteading and why comparison often steals the joy from the journey.

Whether you dream of a farmhouse on acres of land or simply want to plant a few flowers on your porch, this conversation is for you. Slow living is not about perfection or having everything figured out. It is about choosing intentional moments that bring you closer to your family, your Creator, your community, and the life you were designed to live.

In this episode we discuss:

Slow living and intentional living

The truth about homesteading beyond social media

Why women are craving a slower pace of life

Beginner gardening mistakes and what they taught us

Learning sourdough without the pressure of perfection

Backyard chickens and knowing when you're truly ready

Finding peace in everyday moments

Building community instead of trying to do everything alone

How nature teaches patience, resilience, and contentment

Practical ways to start living more intentionally today

If this episode encouraged you, we would love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use the reminder that it's okay to slow down.

Come join our Womenfolk Revival community where women from around the world are encouraging one another to live more intentionally, reconnect with simple living, and return to what matters most.

Facebook Community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenfolkrevival

Website:
https://womenfolkrevival.com

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We are so grateful you're here.

Stay Rooted + Stay wild

Maybe you've noticed the brain fog. The irritability. The changes in your sleep, energy, mood, or weight. Maybe you've even asked yourself, "What is wrong with me?"
But what if the better question is...

"What is my body trying to tell me?"
In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Meara and Maggie explore why so many women are running on empty and why rest has become something we feel like we have to earn.

They talk about the pressure women carry to constantly produce, care for everyone else, and keep pushing through exhaustion while ignoring the signals our bodies are sending us.

Together, they discuss the confusing overlap between perimenopause, thyroid health, chronic stress, emotional overwhelm, and the mental load women carry every day.

This conversation is not about finding a quick fix.
It is about slowing down long enough to listen.

In this episode, we explore:
• Why women often push through exhaustion instead of resting
• Why rest is not laziness and why our culture makes us feel guilty for needing it
• How perimenopause symptoms can overlap with stress and thyroid concerns
• Brain fog, fatigue, mood changes, anxiety, sleep struggles, and feeling unlike yourself
• The invisible mental load women carry every day
• Why symptoms are often connected to multiple factors, not just one cause
• How tracking symptoms can help you advocate for yourself with your healthcare provider
• Supporting your body through nutrition, whole foods, and foundational health habits
• The role of nutrients like iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron in thyroid support
• Why listening to your body is a form of self-care, not weakness

Many women spend years asking:
"Why can't I handle what I used to?"
"Why am I so tired?"
"Why don't I feel like myself?"
Maybe the answer isn't that you are failing.
Maybe your body has been trying to get your attention.

Whether you're navigating perimenopause, menopause, motherhood, caregiver fatigue, thyroid concerns, chronic stress, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the pace of modern life, this episode is an invitation to slow down, listen, and reconnect.
Because healing does not always begin with doing more.
Sometimes it begins with rest.

🌿 Womenfolk Revival is a faith-rooted podcast exploring women's health, natural wellness, traditional wisdom, motherhood, slow living, homemaking, herbalism, and intentional living. Through honest conversations and shared experiences, we create a space where women can reconnect with themselves, their homes, and the rhythms that nourish them.

Join our Womenfolk Revival Facebook Community for resources mentioned in this episode, including symptom tracking tools, healthcare
discussion guides, provider resources, and continued conversations:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BkQnr2UW5/

If this episode encouraged you, follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another woman who may need this reminder.

Rest is not laziness.

 It is listening.

Stay Rooted & Stay Wild 🌿

When was the last time you sat outside and watched a sunset without reaching for your phone?

When was the last time your children were bored long enough to create something from their own imagination?

In today's world, screens are everywhere. They're in our homes, our pockets, our restaurants, our waiting rooms, and often in the hands of even the youngest children. Yet while technology has connected us to more information than ever before, many families are beginning to wonder what we may be losing in the process.

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, we explore the lost art of boredom and why unstructured time may be one of the most important gifts we can give our children. We talk about growing up before smartphones, creating games from nothing, building forts, spending hours outdoors, and learning how imagination flourishes when children aren't constantly entertained.

We also discuss how screens affect more than just children. They impact parents, relationships, conversations, awareness, and our ability to be fully present with the people we love most.

This isn't a conversation about throwing away technology or rejecting modern life. It's about becoming more intentional with our attention and creating homes where connection, creativity, conversation, and family rhythms still have room to grow.

Throughout the episode, we share personal stories about raising children without personal devices, attachment parenting, co-sleeping, family movie nights, fort building, and the simple moments that often become the memories our children carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Because at the end of the day, our children probably won't remember what was trending online.

They'll remember how home felt.

In This Episode

• Why boredom is not a problem to solve
• How imagination develops through unstructured play
• The impact of screens on childhood and family connection
• Raising children without phones and social media
• Family rhythms that encourage creativity and togetherness
• The importance of eye contact, conversation, and presence
• Why childhood memories are often built from simple moments
• Fort building, family movie nights, and creating a sense of belonging
• Attachment parenting, co-sleeping, and connection-focused family life
• Reclaiming attention in a distracted world

Key Takeaways

• Boredom is often the birthplace of creativity.
• Children do not need constant entertainment to thrive.
• Presence matters more than perfection.
• Family connection is built in ordinary everyday moments.
• Technology is a tool, but it should not replace real life.
• The memories that last are often the simplest ones.

🌿 Join our Womenfolk Revival Community:
Womenfolk Revival Community 

📖 Follow the Womenfolk Revival Facebook Page:
(2) Facebook

🎙️ Visit us online:
 Womenfolk Revival Website

Come share your experiences, family rhythms, homeschooling journeys, intentional living practices, and the simple moments that are helping you build a meaningful life.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with a friend, leaving a review, and following the podcast so you never miss an episode.

Until next time...

Stay rooted. Stay wild.

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, we welcome Leah Renee for a thoughtful conversation about motherhood, homebirth, homesteading, traditional living, and the growing desire many women feel to slow down and return to a more meaningful way of life.

Together, we explore the beauty of living with intention, creating a home centered around family, learning practical skills that have been passed down through generations, and finding peace in a culture that constantly encourages us to do more, buy more, and become more.

Leah shares her experiences and insights on choosing a different path, one that values connection over convenience, presence over perfection, and purpose over productivity. Whether you're already homesteading, dreaming of a slower lifestyle, raising children, or simply feeling called back to a simpler way of living, this conversation offers encouragement and inspiration for the journey.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Homebirth and trusting the birth process
• Homesteading and traditional skills
• Intentional motherhood and family life
• Creating a slower, more peaceful home
• Reclaiming ancestral wisdom in a modern world
• Living with purpose and conviction
• Building community and connection
• Finding freedom outside of society's expectations
• The beauty of simple living
• Returning to the rhythms that sustain families

Connect with Leah:
https://www.leahrenee.co/

Watch full episodes and shorts on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@WomenfolkRevival

Visit Womenfolk Revival:
https://womenfolkrevival.com

If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who may be longing for a slower, more intentional way of life.

Stay Rooted + Stay Wild!

Modern women have never been more connected, and yet many feel more isolated than ever.

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Meara and Maggie explore the disappearance of the village and why so many women are longing for deeper connection, stronger communities, and meaningful relationships in a world that often feels disconnected and overwhelmed.

Together, they discuss the loss of multi-generational living, the impact of technology and social media on modern relationships, why children need boredom and unstructured play, and how women can begin rebuilding the support systems that previous generations often took for granted.

From motherhood and marriage to friendship, family, and community, this conversation explores what it means to create a life rooted in connection rather than constant productivity.

Because perhaps the village isn't something we find.

Perhaps it's something we build.

In This Episode

•  Why motherhood was never meant to be done alone 
•  The disappearance of the village in modern life 
•  Why so many women feel disconnected despite social media 
•  The importance of friendship and community for mothers 
•  Multi-generational living and family support systems 
•  Why children need boredom, creativity, and unstructured play 
•  Screen time, technology, and meaningful connection 
•  Building intentional relationships in adulthood 
•  Learning to ask for and receive help 
•  Reclaiming community in a fast-paced world 

Key Takeaways

The Village Isn't Something You Find

Many women spend years searching for the perfect support system, but true community is often built one conversation, one friendship, and one act of kindness at a time.

Connection Matters More Than Ever

Technology allows us to communicate constantly, yet many people feel more isolated than previous generations. Human connection remains essential for emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

Children Need More Than Entertainment

Boredom creates space for creativity, imagination, problem-solving, and independent thinking. Some of the most meaningful childhood experiences happen when screens are turned off.

Women Need Other Women

Whether married or single, mothers or not, women thrive when they have meaningful relationships, support, and community with other women.

Small Steps Matter

A text message, a phone call, an invitation for coffee, or an honest conversation can be the beginning of rebuilding the village.

Resources Mentioned

•  Multi-generational living and family support systems 
•  Community building and intentional friendship 
•  Slow living and family rhythms 
•  Creative play and child development 
•  Digital boundaries and screen-free family time 

Discussion Questions

1.  What does "the village" mean to you? 
2.  Do you feel more connected or more isolated than previous generations? 
3.  How has technology changed the way you build relationships? 
4.  What role does boredom play in your family's daily life? 
5.  What is one small step you could take this week to build stronger community? 

Episode Highlights

"The village isn't something you find. It's something you build."
"We're not craving perfection. We're craving connection."
"Children don't always need us to fill every moment for them."
"Women were never meant to carry everything alone."
"Connection matters."

Connect With Womenfolk Revival
🌿 Website: Womenfolk Revival

🌿 Facebook: Womenfolk Revival Facebook Page

🌿 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts

🌿 Share this episode with a friend who may need encouragement today

🌿 Leave a review to help more women discover Womenfolk Revival

About Womenfolk Revival

Womenfolk Revival is a podcast about slow living, traditional skills, natural health, homemaking, family rhythms, faith, and reclaiming the wisdom that once helped families thrive. Through honest conversations, practical knowledge, and thoughtful reflection, Meara and Maggie explore what it means to live more intentionally in a fast-paced modern world.

Closing

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, sister, mother, daughter, or another woman who may be longing for deeper connection and community.

Together, we can keep rebuilding the village, one conversation at a time.

Stay rooted. Stay wild.

Have we forgotten some of the most nourishing foods our grandparents relied on every day?

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, we explore the traditional kitchen practices that once formed the foundation of family nourishment. From homemade bone broth and nourishing stocks to slow-cooked meats, healthy fats, collagen-rich foods, and mineral-dense meals, we discuss how generations before us used simple ingredients to support their families long before supplements and convenience foods existed.

As modern life has shifted toward convenience, many of these traditional practices have quietly disappeared. Yet homemade broth remains one of the simplest and most affordable ways to bring deep nourishment back into the home.

Sometimes the answers we're searching for aren't found in a supplement aisle, they're found in the pantry we forgot.

In This Episode We Discuss
The difference between nourishment and convenience
Why homemade bone broth was once a kitchen staple
Natural sources of collagen, minerals, and healthy fats
How traditional foods supported family wellness
Using leftover bones and scraps to reduce waste
Simple ways to begin making homemade broth
The connection between traditional nourishment and modern health concerns
Why food once served as both medicine and daily sustenance

We also touch on the work of Weston A. Price and the insights from traditional cultures that relied on whole foods, animal-based nourishment, and seasonal cooking.

Quotes from the Episode

"Have we been throwing away the most nourishing parts of our food, then buying them back in supplement form?"

"Sometimes the answers we're searching for aren't found in a supplement aisle, they're found in the pantry we forgot."

"For generations, people were getting nourishment from everyday foods, eggs, butter, cream, slow-cooked meats, and broth."

Key Takeaway

Sometimes returning to simple things isn’t about doing more, it’s about remembering.

Remembering that nourishment doesn’t always come from a bottle. Some of the most valuable foods are already in our kitchens, waiting to be used.

FAQ

What is bone broth?
Bone broth is made by slowly simmering bones and connective tissue to create a mineral-rich, nourishing broth often used in soups, cooking, or drinking on its own.

Is homemade broth actually healthy?
Yes. Traditional broth contains minerals, gelatin, and nutrients that support digestion, joint health, and overall nourishment when made from quality ingredients.

What’s the difference between broth and stock?
Stock is typically made primarily from bones, while broth can include both meat and bones. Both serve as a flavorful, nutrient-rich base for cooking.

How do you use bone broth in everyday meals?
It can be used to cook rice, make soups, stews, sauces, or simply sipped warm as a nourishing drink.

Do I need special ingredients to make it?
No. Most broths can be made using leftover bones, vegetable scraps, water, and basic kitchen staples.

Related Topics
Traditional homemaking
Slow living
Natural health
Holistic wellness
Healthy fats
Bone broth
Homemade stock
Ancestral nutrition
Nourishing traditions
Family wellness
Modern homesteading
Closing Thought

Returning to traditional nourishment isn’t about rejecting modern life, it’s about remembering what once worked, and deciding what still serves us today.

If You Enjoyed This Episode

Follow Womenfolk Revival, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who is curious about simple, traditional ways of living.

Stay Rooted + Stay Wild

The Fat Revolution: When Did We Become So Afraid of Fat?

Butter. Ghee. Tallow. Cream.
For generations, families around the world cooked with traditional fats that were available through their climate, culture, and local food systems. Somewhere along the way, many of us began fearing the very foods our grandparents considered ordinary.
In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Meara and Maggie explore traditional fats, ingredient labels, food culture, and why simple foods often contain fewer ingredients than the products filling modern grocery store shelves.
We discuss:

•  Butter, ghee, tallow, and traditional cooking fats 
•  Reading ingredient labels and asking better questions about our food 
•  Traditional kitchens and ancestral foodways 
•  Cooking with intention instead of perfection 
•  Small changes families can make without overwhelming their budget 
•  Why traditional food looks different around the world 
•  Nourishing our families with simple, recognizable ingredients 

This conversation isn't about perfection. It's about becoming more aware, asking questions, and taking small steps toward understanding where our food comes from.

Episode Highlights
Meara and Maggie open with a simple but powerful observation: traditional fats were once normal, everyday ingredients, not something controversial or confusing.
They break down what fats like tallow, ghee, and butter actually are, and how they’ve been used across cultures for centuries.

Maggie shares how tallow can come from different animals depending on region and availability, while Meara reflects on how quickly something unfamiliar can feel intimidating, until it becomes part of daily life.
A recurring theme throughout the conversation is this:

Modern food has become more complicated than it needs to be.

Both hosts talk about reading ingredient labels and noticing how many modern products contain long lists of additives, while traditional foods often contain just one or two ingredients.
Food Labels, Trust & Modern Confusion
One of the most striking parts of the conversation is how often both hosts now flip over food packaging before buying anything.
Meara shares how she’s started asking:

•  What is this? 
•  What’s in it? 
•  What purpose does it serve? 

Maggie points out how many products that seem “normal” contain ingredients most people wouldn’t recognize, or expect.
They also reflect on the difference between countries, noting how the same brands often contain fewer ingredients overseas than in the United States.
The conversation isn’t about fear, it’s about awareness.
Traditional Fats in the Kitchen
The episode explores how fats like butter, tallow, coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil are used in everyday cooking.
Meara shares how she uses:

•  Butter for cooking fish and chicken 
•  Ghee or tallow for high-heat meals 
•  Coconut oil for popcorn 

Maggie talks about making popcorn from scratch on the stovetop and finishing it with butter and mineral salt, turning a simple snack into something nourishing and intentional.
They both emphasize that traditional cooking fats aren’t complicated—they’re practical.
Small Changes, Not Perfection
A major takeaway from this episode is that change doesn’t have to be extreme.
You don’t need to throw everything out.
 You don’t need a perfect pantry.
 You don’t need to overhaul your entire diet overnight.
Instead:

•  Start by reading ingredient labels 
•  Choose simpler versions of everyday foods 
•  Swap one cooking fat at a time 
•  Notice how real foods make you feel 

As Maggie puts it, it’s about deciding what matters and making gradual changes that fit your life and budget.
Why This Matters
The conversation goes deeper than food.
It touches on:

•  Health and energy 
•  Modern convenience culture 
•  Trust in food systems 
•  The loss of traditional knowledge 
•  Reconnecting with ancestral food practices 

Meara reflects on how traditional kitchens weren’t built around perfection—they were built around feeding families well with what was available.
Final Reflection
Before closing, the hosts encourage listeners to do one simple thing:
Next time you’re at the grocery store, turn a package around and read the ingredients.
Do you recognize them?
 Do you understand them?
 Or have they become unfamiliar?
That small act of awareness is where change begins.
Because sometimes the simplest foods really are the most nourishing.
Important Note
This episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Dietary needs vary from person to person. Please consult your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have existing medical conditions.
Resources: Ohio Traditional Food & Fat Sources
Looking for grass-fed beef, tallow, raw dairy, or local farms in Ohio?

•  OEFFA (Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association): https://grow.oeffa.org
•  OEFFA Organic Farm Directory: https://www.oeffa.org/countymap.php
•  Real Milk Ohio Farm Directory: https://www.realmilk.com/farm-directory/wpbdm-region/ohio/
•  Raw Milk Finder – Ohio: https://getrawmilk.com/browse/US/Ohio
•  Raw Milk Sources Near Cincinnati/Hamilton Area: https://getrawmilk.com/search/Hamilton%2C%20Ohio

When purchasing fats, ask:

•  What was the animal’s diet? 
•  How was it raised? 
•  How was it processed? 
•  Is it minimally processed? 

FAQ
What are traditional cooking fats?
Traditional fats include butter, ghee, tallow, lard, and animal fats that were commonly used before modern seed oils became widespread.
Is fat actually good for you?
Yes—fats play an essential role in hormone health, brain function, and nutrient absorption, especially fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
What is tallow?
Tallow is rendered fat, typically from beef or sheep, used for cooking, skincare, and even candle making.
Can I cook everything with tallow or butter?
Many foods can be cooked with traditional fats, but variety is helpful. Olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil also have their place depending on heat and use.
Do I need to change my entire diet to eat healthier fats?
No. Small swaps and gradual changes are more sustainable than overhauling everything at once.
Stay rooted. Stay wild.

What if it’s an echo?

For generations, families passed down more than names and dates—they passed down ways of living, tending land, growing food, preserving harvests, and building community.

Somewhere along the way, many of those rhythms faded.

But what if the longing so many women feel today isn’t random?

What if it’s an echo?

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Maggie and Meara explore their ancestry journeys and the surprising ways they connect to the lives they’re building today.

Meara shares how discovering her Austrian, Slovenian, Nigerian, and West African roots helped her understand a missing piece of her identity after being adopted.

Maggie reflects on uncovering the traditions and values woven through her own family history and how those discoveries mirror the things she has always felt called toward.

Together, they discuss traditional living, food preservation, herbal knowledge, community, family traditions, and why so many women seem to be longing for a return to practical skills, meaningful connection, and life closer to the land.

This conversation isn't about DNA percentages or family trees.

It’s about asking what wisdom is worth carrying forward.

Because maybe some human needs never really change.

And maybe some echoes are worth listening to.

Episode Highlights

In this conversation, Maggie and Meara explore:

•  Ancestry and identity beyond DNA tests 
•  The emotional experience of discovering biological roots 
•  Austrian, Slovenian, Nigerian, and West African heritage connections 
•  Germanic and Celtic influences on traditional living 
•  Food preservation, herbal remedies, and seasonal living 
•  The importance of community and the “lost village” 
•  Why so many women feel drawn back to homemaking skills and land-based living 
•  The difference between modern isolation and ancestral community life 
•  What it means to carry forward meaningful traditions 

Ancestry, Identity & The Search for Belonging

Meara shares her experience of being adopted and how, for most of her life, she didn’t feel a strong need to search for her biological roots.

But something shifted over time.

As she began exploring ancestry more deeply, she discovered connections to Austrian, Slovenian, Nigerian, and West African heritage, and with it, something clicked.

Not just names or locations, but a sense of familiarity in how those cultures lived:

•  Seasonal rhythms 
•  Farming and food preservation 
•  Community-based living 
•  Practical, land-connected skills 

For her, it wasn’t just information, it was recognition.

Maggie shares her own experience of uncovering family lineage and noticing how certain values and instincts in her life seemed to align with the way her ancestors once lived.

Living Closer to the Land

A major theme in this episode is how many ancestral cultures shared similar rhythms of life, even across continents.

Both hosts reflect on:

•  Living by the seasons 
•  Preserving food for winter 
•  Relying on herbal knowledge and home remedies 
•  Building skills that supported the household directly 
•  Living within close-knit communities 

These weren’t trends, they were survival, structure, and culture.

And today, many women feel themselves naturally drawn back to those same patterns.

The Lost Village

One of the strongest threads in this episode is the idea of the “lost village.”

Meara reflects on how modern motherhood can feel isolating compared to traditional community structures where:

•  Children were raised collectively 
•  Elders passed down knowledge 
•  Families lived in close proximity 
•  No one carried everything alone 

Maggie adds that even in modern life, the absence of community places a heavy emotional load on women, especially mothers.

The longing for connection isn’t nostalgia, it’s a response to isolation.

Why Traditional Skills Keep Coming Back

Throughout the conversation, both hosts notice a pattern:

Even without being taught these skills growing up, they both found themselves drawn to:

•  Gardening 
•  Herbal remedies 
•  Homemade food and preservation 
•  Cooking from scratch 
•  Ingredient awareness 

Maggie reflects on how plants in ancestral cultures often served multiple purposes:
 food, medicine, dyes, and symbolism.

Meara shares how natural remedies like garlic, ginger, onion syrup, and herbal teas felt familiar, even without being passed down directly.

The question becomes:
 Are we learning these things again… or remembering them?

Modern Life vs. Ancestral Rhythm

The episode doesn’t romanticize the past, but it does question the cost of modern isolation.

Maggie reflects on how she once struggled to find meaningful female friendships that aligned with her values.

Meara shares how friendships shift over time, and how connection is less about sameness and more about shared respect and alignment.

Both agree:
 Community still matters, but it may look different today as people rebuild it intentionally.

Final Reflection

Before closing, Maggie and Meara invite listeners to notice what keeps pulling at them:

•  The skills you want to learn 
•  The foods you want to make 
•  The kind of home you want to build 
•  The community you wish existed 

Instead of ignoring those pulls, start small.

Learn one thing.
 Practice it.
 Share it.

Because maybe those desires aren’t random.

Maybe they’re echoes.

And maybe some echoes are worth following home.

Important Note

This episode is intended for reflection and educational discussion only. Individual experiences with ancestry, identity, and lifestyle will vary. Always follow what is right for your personal situation and values.

Join the Community

Continue the conversation here:
 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18cFornVr4/

We’d love to hear:

•  Your ancestry story 
•  Traditions from your family 
•  Skills you feel drawn back to 
•  The “echoes” you’ve noticed in your own life 

FAQ

What does “the call back home” mean in this episode?
It refers to the feeling many people experience of being drawn toward simpler, more traditional ways of living and connecting with ancestral patterns.

Is this episode about genealogy or DNA testing?
No. It uses ancestry as a starting point but focuses more on identity, cultural memory, and lifestyle patterns.

Why do so many women feel drawn to traditional skills?
The episode explores the idea that this may come from both cultural memory and a response to modern disconnection from land, food, and community.

Is the goal to return to the past?
No. The focus i...

Ever find yourself realizing your shoulders are tense, your jaw is clenched, and your mind won’t slow down?

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Meara and Maggie explore simple, traditional ways women have supported the nervous system for generations. From calming herbs known as nervines to humming, breathwork, grounding, and EFT tapping, they discuss practical tools that can be used throughout everyday life when stress begins to take over.

Meara shares her perspective as a nurse on why it’s important not to dismiss physical symptoms as “just stress,” while Maggie discusses breathwork, movement, and the small practices that help bring the body back into balance.

Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, caregiving, a busy household, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this conversation offers gentle reminders that sometimes the smallest practices can make the biggest difference.

In This Episode

• What nervines are and why they’ve been used traditionally for nervous system support
 • EFT tapping and how it may help interrupt racing thoughts
 • Grounding and spending time outdoors
 • Humming and the connection between breath, vibration, and relaxation
 • Simple breathing techniques for stressful moments
 • Why many women become shallow breathers over time
 • The importance of knowing your health baseline and working with your healthcare provider
 • Essential oils traditionally used to create a calming environment

Resources Mentioned

• EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques)
 • Grounding / Earthing
 • Breathwork and Box Breathing
 • Vagus Nerve Support Practices
 • Edgar Cayce A.R.E.
 • Mountain Rose Herbs

EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques)

Research suggests EFT may help reduce anxiety, stress, and burnout symptoms in some individuals.

•  NIH / PubMed Research Library: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
•  National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/

Breathwork & Slow Breathing

Studies suggest slow breathing may help regulate the autonomic nervous system and support relaxation responses.

•  NIH Research Database: https://www.nih.gov/
•  Cleveland Clinic – Breathwork & Stress Relief: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22666-breathwork

Humming & Vagus Nerve Support

Humming may naturally lengthen the exhale and support vagal tone associated with relaxation.

•  Cleveland Clinic – Vagus Nerve Overview: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21279-vagus-nerve
•  Cleveland Clinic – Stress & Nervous System Regulation: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/

Grounding / Earthing

Research is still emerging, but some studies explore potential effects on stress, sleep, and inflammation.

•  NIH Research Portal: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
•  Overview of Grounding Research: https://www.nih.gov/

Edgar Cayce A.R.E.

A research and education organization inspired by Edgar Cayce’s work.

•  Edgar Cayce Association for Research & Enlightenment (A.R.E.): https://www.edgarcayce.org/

Herbal & Natural Wellness Resources

•  Mountain Rose Herbs: https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

Episode Conversation Highlights

Maggie and Meara explore how simple nervous system tools—many of which women have used intuitively for generations—can support emotional regulation in real time.

They discuss how movement, humming, and intentional breathing can interrupt stress patterns, especially during overwhelming or chaotic moments.

Meara shares how shallow breathing can become more common during stress, and introduces box breathing (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) as a grounding tool that can be used anywhere, even in the car.

Maggie reflects on learning structured breathwork and how awareness of movement and breath can shift the body out of a stress response.

They also emphasize the importance of not dismissing physical symptoms and working with healthcare providers when something feels off—especially when anxiety overlaps with physical sensations.

Essential Oils Mentioned

Traditional calming oils discussed include:
 • Frankincense
 • Sandalwood
 • Myrrh
 • Vetiver
 • Cedarwood
 • Patchouli

Final Thoughts

Small practices matter.

Whether it’s breathwork, grounding, herbs, or simply noticing your own body, these tools are meant to support, not overwhelm you.

Start simple. Pay attention. Come back to your breath.

And remember: you can support your nervous system while also staying connected to modern healthcare when needed.

If you’re enjoying these conversations, follow Womenfolk Revival wherever you listen so you don’t miss future episodes.

And if this episode helped you, share it with another woman who might need a reminder to slow down and reconnect with herself.

Stay Rooted & Stay Wild 🌿

In this episode, we dive into:
• loose leaf tea vs tea bags
• infusions vs decoctions
• tannins, oxalates, and milk tea
• herbal teas for calm and wellness
• traditional tea preparation methods
• the hidden problems with convenience culture

What started as a simple conversation about tea quickly turned into a full-on “tea identity crisis.”

We explore the surprising truth that green, black, oolong, and pu-erh teas all come from the same plant (Camellia sinensis), and how traditional cultures used different steeping methods to support the body in different ways.

We also break down:
• why adding milk to black tea was actually a smart traditional practice
• the concerns surrounding plastic-filled tea bags
• loose leaf tea and herbal infusions
• simple ways to return to slower, more intentional rhythms at home

Somewhere in the middle, this episode became less about tea and more about the overwhelm of modern life, the “microwave generation,” and the small practical ways we can start reclaiming old skills without burnout.

From calming overwhelmed kids to struggling through hand-crank grain mills, we’re talking about real-life slow living, intentional motherhood, natural wellness, and taking baby steps back toward the old ways.

Welcome to Womenfolk Revival, where we are deeply rooted and wildly intentional.

RESOURCES + TEA BRANDS MENTIONED

Traditional Medicinals
https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/

Numi Organic Tea
https://numitea.com/

Pukka Herbs
https://www.pukkaherbs.com/

Yogi Tea
https://yogiproducts.com/

Clipper Teas
https://www.clipper-teas.com/

Loose Leaf Tea Infuser Example
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stainless+steel+tea+infuser

Reusable Cloth Tea Bags
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=reusable+cloth+tea+bags

Research on Microplastics in Tea Bags
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b02540

Learn More About Herbal Infusions vs Decoctions
https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/herbal-infusions-and-decoctions

WHAT TO AVOID

• “Silky” pyramid tea bags unless clearly labeled plastic-free
• Heat-sealed or thermosealed tea bags without clarification
• Cheap generic tea bags that may contain polypropylene plastic

THE SIMPLEST PLASTIC-FREE OPTION

Switching to loose-leaf tea with a stainless steel infuser or reusable cloth tea bag is one of the easiest ways to reduce plastic exposure and reconnect with traditional preparation methods.

 🌿 Support Womenfolk Revival
If you'd like to support the podcast and help us continue sharing traditional wisdom, homemaking, herbalism, and intentional living, you can support us here: https://buymeacoffee.com/womenfolkrevival

Stay Rooted + Stay Wild!

What happens when women begin reconnecting with the healing knowledge that once lived in kitchens, gardens, and family traditions for generations?

In today’s episode of Womenfolk Revival, we open up our personal home medicine cabinets and share the traditional herbal remedies and plant preparations we actually use in everyday life.

From soothing onion honey for nighttime coughs to tulsi infusions for nervous system support, we explore the beauty of simple ingredients, intentional living, and learning one plant at a time.

Inside this episode, we discuss:

🌿 Yarrow for traditional wound support
🌿 Garlic honey ferments & traditional oxymels
🌿 Tulsi (Holy Basil) for emotional grounding & perimenopause support
🌿 Herbal infused oils for tired joints & overworked hands
🌿 Red onion honey syrup for seasonal nighttime comfort
🌿 Plantain, calendula, elderberry, lavender & other traditional folk remedies
🌿 Building a slower, more intentional home apothecary

We also discuss herbal safety, foraging awareness, and working alongside qualified healthcare professionals when needed.

📚 Research & Educational Resources Mentioned:

Honey & Cough Support (Mayo Clinic)
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-can-honey-help-with-coughs/

Honey for Acute Cough in Children (Cochrane Review)
https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD007094_honey-acute-cough-children

American Botanical Council
https://www.herbalgram.org/

Tulsi Scientific Review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11521583/

Mountain Rose Herbs Educational Library
https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/

🌿 Join the Womenfolk Revival Community:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16kyJfbcQC/

Important Reminder:
This podcast episode is intended for educational, historical, and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before beginning herbal products, especially if pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or managing chronic health conditions.

Until next time…

Stay Rooted + Stay Wild

From black walnut trees and apple trees to elderberries, comfrey, yarrow, sunflowers, heirloom corn, grapevines, garlic, strawberries, and more, we explore how one plant can serve multiple purposes through food, medicine, shade, wildlife support, natural remedies, preservation, companion planting, and self-sufficiency.

This conversation is raw, unfiltered, and deeply rooted in the belief that modern life has disconnected many of us from the natural world and that healing often begins by slowing down, growing something with intention, and learning how nature works together.

Whether you’re interested in homesteading, medicinal plants, holistic living, regenerative gardening, herbal medicine, ancestral wisdom, pollinator gardens, food forests, slow living, or creating a more intentional life for your family, this episode is for you.

Be sure to follow and join our Facebook community page here: Womenfolk Revival Facebook Community

Next week, we’re diving into creating a self-sustained medicine cabinet and turning powerhouse plants into usable everyday remedies.

Stay Rooted + Stay Wild!

As mothers, we’ve heard it all. But what if picky eating isn't a behavior to be managed, but a biological signal to be understood?

Today on Womenfolk Revival, we sit down with Lena Livinsky, a holistic pediatric feeding specialist and speech-language pathologist. Lena shares her powerful "aha moment" with her own son that shifted her perspective from policing the dinner plate to healing the gut. We dive deep into the "hidden" root causes of food refusal, from the impact of C-sections on the microbiome to the surprising way common "superfoods" might be taxing your child's system.

Whether you’re a mom in the thick of mealtime battles or just looking to understand the connection between biology and behavior, this episode is a reminder that nourishment is about more than vitamins on a plate,it’s about peace in the room.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Biology over Behavior: Why picky eating is often a symptom of a nervous system in "fight-or-flight."
• The Microbiome Connection: How birth stories (including C-sections) and environmental toxins shape a child's palate.
• The "Powerhouse" of Meat Stock: The difference between bone broth and meat stock, and how it acts as a "reset button" for the gut and brain.
• Plant Toxins 101: A look at oxalates and lectins, and the "lost art" of neutralizing toxins in our vegetables.
• The Tree of Connection: How shifting from "policing" to "connecting" changes the energy of your home.

Connect with Lena Livinsky:

Stop the mealtime battles and start trusting the process.

• Freebie: 5 Habits to Help Your Picky Eater
• Website: www.lenalivinsky.com

Join the Womenfolk Revival Community:

We are building the village that the modern world forgot. Come share your story, your struggles, and your wins with us.

• Facebook Group: Join the Womenfolk Revival Community

Stay Rooted. Stay Wild. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with a mama who needs to hear that she isn't alone.

If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond, this episode uncovers the hormone shift no one is really talking about. 

In this conversation, Maggie and Meara break down what’s actually behind that constant fatigue, mood swings, and feeling off and why it’s not just about getting older. 

From the hidden role of cortisol to declining progesterone levels, they explain how your body is changing and what that means for your energy, stress response, and overall vitality. 

You’ll also learn simple, natural ways to support your body through this transition, including: 
How cortisol impacts your daily energy (and why burnout feels different now) 
The connection between progesterone, stress, and emotional regulation Why coffee may be working against you 
The importance of protein, blood sugar balance, and hydration
Gentle movement habits like walking that actually restore energy 
Early signs of perimenopause most women miss 

This episode is your reminder that your energy isn’t disappearing it’s shifting.
And with the right lifestyle changes, you can feel grounded, steady, and vibrant again. 

✨ Share this episode with a friend who’s been feeling the same way and start reclaiming your energy naturally! 

Stay Rooted + Stay Wild. 

In this episode, we’re breaking down what it really means to create a living home ecosystem—a home that supports your health instead of working against it.

We move beyond the “scrub everything sterile” mindset and talk about how modern homes are often filled with hidden toxins like endocrine disruptors, PFAS, and other forever chemicals and what you can do to start changing that.

In this episode, we cover:

•  what a non toxic home actually looks like (and where to start) 
•  common household toxins and hormone-disrupting chemicals to avoid 
•  simple non toxic swaps for cleaning, laundry, and daily living 
•  how to support your family’s health through natural home practices 
•  the idea of a “living home” and why your environment matters more than you think 

We also share some of the unconventional shifts we’ve made in our own homes, from rethinking hygiene and cleaning habits to exploring more traditional, holistic ways of supporting our families.

If you’re drawn to slow living, holistic health, and creating a home that truly nurtures your family, this episode will give you a grounded place to begin.

In this episode, we’re breaking down how to start small-space homesteading, even if all you have is a patio, balcony, or a few buckets.

From unexpected setbacks (like chemical spraying) to creative solutions, we’re sharing what it really looks like to grow your own food in containers, grow bags, and 5-gallon buckets without perfect conditions.

In this episode, we cover:

•  how to start container gardening for beginners 
•  growing food in buckets, grow bags, and small spaces 
•  how to pivot when your environment isn’t ideal 
•  organic and chemical-free ways to protect your food 
•  using medicinal herbs like tulsi and feverfew at home 
•  why “weeds” like dandelions can actually improve your soil 

Whether you’re interested in urban homesteading, apartment gardening, or just want to take a step toward self-sufficiency, this episode will help you start growing food right where you are.

You don’t need perfect land, you just need a place to begin.

Resources & Links:
Connect with the Village: Join our community and see photos of the "Medicine Bin" and our Fuji and Macintosh trees on our
Facebook page and our Facebook Community page

Sources Mentioned: Rare Seeds (Missouri), Strictly Medicinal (Oregon), and Everwild (California).
Stay Rooted: Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help our village grow!

Stop pulling weeds and start picking medicine!

In this episode of the Womenfolk Revival, Meara and Maggie guide you through your very own backyard pharmacy.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a renter facing a sprayed yard, you’ll learn how to identify and use the powerful healing plants growing right under your feet.

We do a deep dive into herbalism for beginners, specifically focusing on:

• Purple Dead Nettle: A favorite natural antihistamine.
• Mullein: Traditional support for lung health and respiratory wellness.
• Dandelion & Violet: Common "weeds" with incredible nutritional and medicinal value.
• Chickweed, Yarrow, and Comfrey: Essential foundations for any home apothecary.

From traditional homemaking skills to intentional living, discover how to reclaim your health by learning the language of the land and growing exactly where you are planted.

⚠️ Important Safety Note: We wrap up with a vital reminder on positive plant identification and why you must consult a physician before using herbs if you are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants). Even a single dose of certain herbs can cause serious interactions.

Join the Movement

• Facebook Community: Join the Womenfolk Revival Group – Share your finds and connect with other women on the journey.
• The Main Page: Follow Womenfolk Revival for daily updates and traditional living tips.

The Renter’s Pivot: Portable Gardening Gear

If you're renting and can't forage your yard, you can still grow your own apothecary! Here are the exact supplies I use for my container garden:

• Heavy-Duty Fabric Grow Bags: Get the grow bags here – Perfect for building a portable medicinal garden.
• 15-Variety Medicinal Herb Seed Pack: Get the seeds here – A great starter kit for your backyard pharmacy.

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Meara and Maggie shift the perspective on housekeeping. We’re moving away from "chores" and returning to the ancestral skill of creating a protected, intentional space for our families to thrive.

From identifying the "silent disruptors" hiding in your air fresheners and laundry soap to reclaiming the kitchen as the heart of nurturing, we discuss how to manage a home that functions for real life mud, projects, homeschooling, and all. 
It’s time to stop striving for "magazine-perfect" and start building a haven that reflects your soul and honors the Creator’s design.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

The Silent Disruptors: What synthetic fragrances, harsh LEDs, and chemical cleaners affect your family’s hormone health and peace.
Ancestral Cooking: Why the stove and the slow-simmering pot are the ultimate tools for nurturing (and why we’re ditching the microwave).
Organization for Real Life: Prioritizing functionality over aesthetics so your family has the freedom to be creative and messy.
Bringing the Wild In: Using nature’s "daily gifts" and air-purifying plants to create a living, breathing decor.
The Creator’s Disinfectant: Simple, "old way" tips like sun-sanitizing rugs and opening windows to refresh your space.

Resources & "Goodies" for the Village:

We want to help you start your "Sanctuary" journey today! Access our curated guides and shop our trusted essentials:

🌿 The Womenfolk Shop: Visit our Curated Favorites Page for the exact third-party tested, toxin-free detergents and cleaners we use in our own homes.

📋 The Non-Toxic Swap List: See our full list of vetted brands that won't disrupt your hormones at womenfolkrevival.com/the-womenfolk-shop.

📥 Free PDF Downloads: Join our Womenfolk Revival Facebook Community to download our DIY Recipe PDF and Guide to Air-Cleaning Plants in the "Files" section.

Join the conversation & grab your PDFs: Facebook Group Link

Explore the full movement at: https://womenfolkrevival.com

Stay Rooted. Stay Wild.   

In this deeply moving episode of Womenfolk Revival, Meara and Maggie are joined by their very first guest, author Ingrid Hanson-Popp (Cellophane Farm and Becoming an Orphan).

We explore the raw, spiritual transition of becoming an "adult orphan" and the unique weight of the caregiving season. Ingrid shares how her childhood roots on a dairy farm taught her the power of Sabbath rest and truth-telling—and how those same roots gave her the strength to face the "double loss" of her parents.

We’re pulling back the curtain on the "Independence Wall" we build to protect ourselves from abandonment and discussing how to finally soften that wall to trust the Creator.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The "Double Loss": Navigating the transition of losing both parents and reclaiming your sense of belonging.
• Breaking the Independence Wall: Why we become our own "protectors" and how to shift from a "vacuum" mindset into a "team" mindset.
• Ancestral Roots & Farm Life: Lessons on perseverance, the "old ways" of manual labor, and the grounding power of family chores.
• The Caregiver’s Team: Practical advice on letting go of perfection, asking for help, and building a community network for aging parents.
• Walking by Faith: Moving from "gutting it out" to trusting the Creator to hold us in every life transition.

Connect with Ingrid: Find her powerful books, Cellophane Farm: Life in the Slow Lane and Becoming an Orphan: Lovingly Letting Our Parents Go, at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and wherever books are sold.

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, we challenge modern views on household management and explore the transformative power of "Rhythm Over Schedule." We discuss moving away from rigid time blocks and toward a "Living Day" that honors your family’s natural energy, reduces decision fatigue, and creates a sanctuary of rest.

We share our personal journey—from our experiences with Montessori to navigating online homeschool—and why we believe sleep is the non-negotiable foundation of a peaceful home. 

Join us as we discuss transitioning "chores" into a lifestyle of shared responsibility and gratitude, helping children gain independence while building a sustainable family culture.

Join our Facebook Community to download your free guides:

• Life Skills Activities & Daily Rhythm Guide for Kids
• Daily Rhythm Schedule Example for Kids
• Adult Life Skills & Personal Growth Chart
• Advocacy Tool Kit (from Episode 3!)

Connect with us here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/173jYYeFkq/

Women Folk Revival is a holistic living podcast for women and mothers who feel called to a slower, more intentional, and faith-centered way of life.

Hosted by Maggie, a natural mother, homemaker, and homeschooler, and Meara, a licensed practical nurse, holistic health coach, mother of seven, and grandmother, this podcast is an invitation to step away from overwhelm and return to what truly matters.

Through heartfelt conversations, practical wisdom, and faith-led encouragement, we explore what it means to live deeply rooted and intentionally in today’s fast-paced world.

On this podcast, we explore:

• Slow Living – Choosing presence over pressure and embracing peaceful, intentional rhythms
• Holistic Wellness – Caring for your mind, body, and soul through natural and faith-based practices
• Homemaking + Self-Sufficiency – From-scratch living, traditional skills, and creating a rooted home
• Faith-Centered Living – Aligning your daily life with biblical values and deeper purpose
• Unconventional Living – Breaking free from cultural expectations to live a quieter, more meaningful life

If you’ve been searching for a holistic living podcast, Christian podcast for women, or encouragement in slow motherhood and intentional homemaking—you’re in the right place.

New episodes release every Wednesday at 5:00 AM Eastern.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and your favorite podcast platforms
 📌 Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode

 🌿 Connect with Us 

• Website: Visit Womenfolk Revival
• Our Facebook community: Womenfolk Revival | Facebook
• Facebook Page:(2) Facebook

Stay Rooted + Stay Wild.

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Meara and Maggie have an honest conversation about what it means to become your own health advocate. We explore how to recognize changes in your body, prepare for medical appointments, ask thoughtful questions, and make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed by the endless stream of health information available today.

Rather than telling you what to think, this episode is about helping you build confidence in how you think about your health. We share personal experiences from our own journeys, discuss the importance of listening to your body while seeking evidence-based information, and talk about the balance between intuition, curiosity, and professional medical guidance.

We also introduce the Womenfolk Revival Advocacy Toolkit, a collection of free resources designed to help you organize your health information, track symptoms over time, prepare for appointments, and find healthcare providers who are the right fit for you, whether you're in the United States or elsewhere in the world.

Whether you're searching for answers, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to become a more informed advocate for your own well-being, this episode is an invitation to slow down, ask better questions, and remember that your voice matters in your healthcare journey.

💛 Download the FREE Womenfolk Revival Advocacy Toolkit by joining our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CtH72YiLD/

🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday at 5:00 AM Eastern.

Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and visit https://womenfolkrevival.com to join the revival, discover resources, and connect with women who believe in learning, growing, and rising together.

In this episode of Womenfolk Revival, Maggie and Meara explore the moment modern life became too much and why simple living is not a trend, it’s a lifestyle for mothers.

From social media pressures to jam-packed schedules, convenience culture, and constant stimulation, modern motherhood can pull women away from what matters most. We share personal turning points, the overwhelm, and the slow unraveling that happens when we try to live at the speed of the world.

In this episode, we explore:

• Returning to a slower, intentional rhythm rooted in faith, nature, and presence
• Raising children with less constant stimulation and more connection
• Relearning seasonal living and resisting the cost of convenience
• Choosing presence and connection over chaos

Simplicity isn’t about doing less, it’s about living with purpose. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or stretched too thin, this conversation is your reminder that you can slow down, step outside, and begin again.

 💬 Join our Facebook community for more conversation and connection:
 https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Ar8AAtDZn/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Stay Rooted. Stay Wild.

In this episode:

• The Mission of the Revival: Helping women embrace a natural way of life.
• The Art of Unlearning: Letting go of societal habits to find peace.
• Community & Motherhood: Why “the village” matters.
• The Microwave Challenge: A small step to slow down and reconnect with food.

🎧 Next Week: Why Simple Living Matters for mothers today.

Stay Rooted & Stay Wild!