Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
Episodes
217. Why ‘Daily Bread’ Matters: Faith, Food Security & Letting Go of Control
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this deeply personal Easter episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle shares a powerful reflection on faith, hardship, and the true meaning o...
216. She Reversed ‘Chronic Illness’—Doctors Missed This Root Cause
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle sits down with holistic health educator Karen “Zuzu” Arms to explore the powerful connecti...
215. How Food Is Secretly Affecting Your Child’s Behavior (What Moms Need to Know)
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michelle sits down with Amy Sprouse, a holistic health educator who studied public health at Johns Hopkins, to explore the powerful c...
214. Big Food Is Engineering Your Cravings (Former Insider Reveals How)
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle Visser speaks with former food industry consultant Dr. Glenn Livingston, who once advised majo...
Episode 213. 7 things no one tells you about the ingredients in commerical bread.
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle Visser breaks down a major problem with current dietary guidelines: the confusing advice to ea...
212. Fresh Flour Isn’t Perfect (Here’s What No One Tells You)
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Are whole grains as healthy as we think?Join me as we break down what really happens when you grind wheat berries into fresh milled flour. We'll d...
211. Another Thing the New Food Pyramid Got Wrong
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle breaks down why eggs may be the most underrated high-quality protein available today. With 97%...
210. The Truth About the Food Pyramid + How I Preserved $6,000 in Real Food
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Are expensive “healthy” snacks actually wrecking your gut — and your budget?Let's down the new food pyramid and dietary guidelines — what ...
209. The FDA Got Gluten Wrong — Why Gluten-Free Foods May Be Making You Sicker
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Is gluten really the problem—or have we been blaming the wrong thing all along?This week, the FDA made headlines with a new move on gluten labeling,...
208. This 1 Ingredient Is Wrecking Your Health (It’s in Almost Everything)
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cate Shanahan—family physician, biochemist, and bestselling author—to uncover the hidden dangers of modern v...
207. 3 Big Problems With the New Food Pyramid No One Is Talking About
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle Visser breaks down three major flaws in the new food pyramid—including what it gets dangerou...
206. The Truth About Wood Heat (It’s Not What You’ve Been Told)
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Wood heat has been labeled dirty, dangerous, and outdated—but is it true?In this episode, Michelle talks with Patrick Sieben, certified heater mason...
205. How to eat better NOW & save money too, with Ruthann Zimmerman
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We don't need to rely on the grocery store, even if we will never live on a farm.Would you like to eat better and rely less on Big Food & groc...
204. The Crazy Things You Need to Know About Maple Syrup
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Does your head sometimes spin over sugars? Are you never quite sure if ANY sugar is good at all? Is there a sweetener that could be labeled the best s...
203. Yes, they're putting human hair & duck feathers in our bread
29 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered when and why the U.S. government started regulating our flour? And what "enriching" it really entails? In this episode,...
202. Overcoming Fear in Food Choices
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever feel like you face so many dilemmas surrounding your food choices? Let's break down some of the historical context of dietary laws, an...
201. 3 Christmas Breakfasts they'll love & stress-free holiday cooking tips
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Favorite (simple!) Christmas breakfast recipes. And practical cooking tips to make Christmas morning enjoyable, nutritious, and stress-free. I'll ...
200. Navigating mental health & finding hope in the midst of depression, with Nate Pickowicz
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever battled intense depression? Struggled to face a new day? Felt beaten down with difficulties? With Nate Pickowicz, today's guest and ...
199. How to Simplify Christmas This Year & Treasure it More
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you long to create a few intentional and meaningful holiday traditions? Would you like this holiday season to be one that promotes family togethern...
198. 5 Easy Steps for a Simple Holiday
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you often wanting to simplify the holiday season but find yourself sucked up in the busyness of it all without meaning to? In this episode we'...
197. Ditch Store Oats: Mill Your Own for Max Nutrition
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Maybe you already know all the nutritional reasons to bake with fresh flour, but did you know the same benefits go hand-in-hand with flaking oats at h...
196. The 1 thing you really need to improve your family table
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re talking about the most important thing to do if you want to improve what goes on your family's table, if you want to be able to make...
195. The Ultimate Guide to Sugars (& which ones are killing us), with David Stelzer of Azure Standard
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Processed sugars are killing us.In today's episode, David Stelzer explains why they will never sell conventional refined white sugar (it's ins...
194. These 12 Appliances Will Uplevel Your Kitchen
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're not into gadgets that only get used a few times a year... if you only want appliances that serve you well taking up space in your kitche...
193. 8 things you can make better yourself
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Here's a long list of pantry staples that you can make better yourself.Find all the links mentioned in this episode right here: https://soulyreste...
192. Ignore these garden mistakes at your own risk
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm coming clean and sharing all the many mistakes I made in my gardens this year.We'll talk about pacing and planning, watering and fer...
191. Crazy things I grew in my garden this summer that I won't even eat
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'm sharing some gardening experiences, focusing on the mistakes she made throughout the season. She discusses the importance of ...
190. How to win blue ribbons at your county fair & why you should get your kids in on it too
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join in on the insightful conversation with Terry Vesci, author of The Lavender Companion and multi-Best-of-Show ribbon winner at numerous county fair...
189. 3 kitchen tools I'm using on repeat (& a bonus one too)
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
These are the top 3 tools that I'm using in my kitchen because we all need a few game-changers in our life. We'll chat about the value of thes...
188. How 90% of our cheese was developed by Pfizer, a discussion with Robyn Jackson of Cheese From Scratch
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know all cheese is, essentially, made with 4 ingredients? And did you know that one of those ingredients has been outsourced to Pfizer? Okay, ...
187. The truth about cover crops that no one talks about
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Now is the time to plant your cover crops! But if you’re where I was a few years ago, you have no idea how to do it. In today’s episode we talk ab...
186. Add herbs to your everyday (how & why), with Rachelle Robinett
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does the thought of making your own herbal medicine intimidate you? Maybe you know that herbs can help with everything from physical ailments to emoti...
185. Fermenting (& adding nutrients to your foods) with Kirsten Shocke
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fermentation is the only food preservation method that actually ADDS nutrients to your food. (Did you know canning can lose up to 50% of the nutrients...
184. Why we were in the ER last weekend & how it changed our lives
18 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know stress isn't good for your health, but learn from our experiences and don't let this happen to you... Today I'm sharing why we sp...
183. Cheese Making: A Beginner's Guide, Robyn Jackson, Cheese From Scratch
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Think cheesemaking is too complicated for you? Think you need to own a cow before you can make your own cheese?Both are far from the truth. Dive into ...
182. Stop Wasting Your Food, with Amy Cross
04 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You're wasting 40-60% of the food you buy, if you're not doing these things.Amy Cross, founder of The Cross Legacy, shares her journey from st...
181. Is your dental floss toxic?
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I switched to this floss about a year ago and I'm never going back.In Episode 9 of Season 5, I talked with the holistic dentist who created this f...
180. Hormones, Natural Plant Remedies & An Herbal Medicine Cabinet, with Sam Coffman
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're talking with renowned Registered Herbalist & Special Forces Medic (Green Beret, 18D) Sam Coffman. Sam breaks down 8 specific herba...
179. Plant medicine–anecdotal or scientific? with Sam Coffman
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you have ever wondered how to align herbal medicine with traditional medical practices, this episode is for you, with Sam Coffman, a green beret an...
REPLAY: 8 Things You Should Be Making Yourself (S4 E9)
14 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know some foods would be better homemade, instead of out of a box... but this episode will call out 8 things that you genuinely, easily CAN make y...
REPLAY: One Drink You Seriously Need to Ditch (s3 e11)
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You already know this isn't the best thing to be drinking, but you need to hear WHY...And we don't just leave you there. In this episode we al...
178. 2 inspiring stories you've never heard, in honor of Independence Day
30 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you in the middle of a difficult or confusing “next step”? Not sure if it’s “worth the effort”? Not sure if you should even bother with ...
177. My Current Favorite Drink to Start the Day
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I pair this drink with a high protein breakfast and I’m golden.In episode 171 we talked about why electrolytes are so important. But this episode we...
176. The Truth About Healthy Fats
23 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode also provides a detailed guide on how to render lard at home, emphasizing its versatility and health benefits. Complete Guide to Renderin...
175. Eleven ways to use my favorite cooking fat
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s mini episode in our One Simple Thing Series let’s chat about the best unrefined, all-natural fat to use in your kitchen... Lard.Every w...
174. The NEW Dirty Dozen List & how to grow 5 at home
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we dive into the newly released Dirty Dozen list. Let's break down details about the top three items on the list—spinach, strawberries, an...
173. The best popcorn seasoning EVER
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Air-popped Popcorn is SUCH a healthy delicious snack. Popcorn is a whole grain, so it's loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In today’s mi...
172. Ten things you need to know BEFORE you get chickens
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michelle shares her journey into chicken ownership, providing valuable insights and tips for you, if you're a potential chicken o...
171. A healthy twist on a childhood favorite treat
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A sugary childhood candy obsession that you can enjoy guilt-free today, with a healthy twist?Ummm, yes, please!In today’s mini episode in our One Si...
170. Seven ways to ditch plastic (& an alarming reason you should)
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're talking about a study published in April that linked the deaths of 356,238 people in ONE year to one very specific thing that you most...
169. The real reason soil testing is so important
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Soil testing is more important than you think. In today's short episode I share my story and tell you how a soil test literally kept me from destr...
168. 4 Game-Changing Tips for Grilling Meat (that you’ll wish you knew years ago)
26 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered if your grilled meat could be tastier?Just in time for Memorial Day, we're walking through. 4 simple steps to fool-proof, d...
167. The best way to make the best kombucha (One Simple Thing)
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever thought about trying to make a drink that could replace soda & improve your gut health? Do you buy expensive bottles of kombucha now...
166. 5 Pantry Must-Haves you should be buying in bulk
19 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you want to have more essentials stocked in your pantry but you're not sure what to start with? Today we walk through the 5 items I've rece...
165. The Dirt on Growing Food (a Friday Favorite)
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know you should be feeding your soil if you want your garden to feed you well?In today’s mini episode in our Friday Favorite Series let’s ...
164. When He's Team Cheetos & You're Team Kale
12 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you wanting to do all the right things to improve your family's food while it seems hubby is the #1 Junk Food Fan?Today's episode gives yo...
163. Do Small Changes Really Matter? with Mel Matthews
05 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Buying in bulk, sourcing quality ingredients, embracing real food and different journeys towards healthier eating are just a few of the many topics we...
162. Food dyes, the FDA & what it all really means
28 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If some details about food dyes and artificial ingredients and the FDA all left you scratching your head this last week, this episode will help you so...
161. Unpacking the truth about fresh flour
07 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As you work towards improving the food you put on your family table, do you ever feel like maybe you're doing things the HARD way? Or started in t...
160. Reclaiming the art of fresh flour
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you wondered what's the hype about fresh milled flour? Or maybe you've wondered if you're gluten sensitive and are trying to understa...
159. Loneliness is the true epidemic & social media is not the cure
24 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Are you exhausted from the illusions of social media? Craving quietness but not sure how to create it? Craving meaningful friendship but not sure how ...
158. Why cheap meat should scare you
17 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Would you like to be able to decipher the marketing ploys of the food industry? Would you like to know how to feed your family better quality meat whi...
157. Ancient grains, modern milling & why they put duck feathers in our bread
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michelle delves into the history and nuances of flour with Gary Leavitt, President of Nutrimill.Together, Gary and Michelle explore t...
156. Make Money While Growing Food
03 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Would you like to grow your own food with zero cost? Maybe you'd like to grow your own food for free AND make a profit as well?This episode detail...
155. Two Free Gardening Tips You Need to Know
17 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does "free" often seem too good to be true? At least when it comes to gardening, free often seems ineffective at best, yes? Today Michelle is ...
154. 3 Things to Know Before Planning Your Garden
10 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What 3 things should you think about before you plant a garden this spring? This episode dives into all 3 things. It starts by emphasizing the importa...
153. Revolutionizing Ag, 1 box of meat at a time, with Christian Ebersol of 99 Counties
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode may forever transform your dinner table. It will definitely give you new insights into some small, regenerative family farms across the m...
152. The truth about strength training I wish I had known sooner, with Cai Hepner
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The truth about strength training I wish I had known soonerDoes strength training intimidate you? Seem unimportant? Or impossible? Not sure if it matt...
151. Red Dye No. 3 ban & what it REALLY means
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we discuss the recent FDA announcement banning Red Dye Number 3, reflecting on the broader implications for food safety and consumer awareness. ...
150. The 3 Phases of Making a New Habit
13 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode we discuss the 3 distinct steps toward making a new habit, offering practical strategies you've probably never thought of f...
149. Can you form a habit in just 21 days?
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Please check out our sponsors at:https://soulyrested.com/soap/https://soulyrested.com/seeds/Today we're talking about YOUR thoughts on New Year...
148. Why I'm NOT feeling self-sufficient this holiday season
16 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Please check out our sponsor: https://www.hearthandhomesteadstore.com/ and use code SOULYRESTED to save $$Thanks for watching!👉Click here to subscr...
147. 6 simple ways to fight seasonal depression
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Please check out our sponsors: https://www.hearthandhomesteadstore.com/ Use c ode SOULYRESTEDsoulyrested.com/flourThe Tulsi Basil tea I love: https:/...
146. Shopping Small Businesses, 4 benefits & a warning
02 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're talking about the importance of intentional holiday spending, particularly focusing on supporting small businesses over large retailer...
145. The Truth About Cofactors & Heavy Metals in Real Food
25 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Toxicity and heavy metals in our real food? In today's episode we're discussing the importance of real food, the role of antioxidants like glu...
144. Understanding heavy metals in real food
18 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Let's explore the myths surrounding heavy metals in real food and discuss some practical tips for reducing exposure to these metals. We'll dis...
143. Three questions to ask about your food
11 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the importance of simplifying food choices and understanding 3 key things about real food. We dive into how to not be misl...
142. Are heavy metals in salt killing us? | Debunking 3 Myths with Darryl Bosshardt
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're joined by renowned salt expert, Darryl Bosshardt, who is debunking 3 common myths surrounding salt. We discuss the misconce...
141. Cover crops & all the things I never understood (part 2 of 2)
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The backyard gardener's Guide to Cover Crops: https://soulyrested.com/cover-crop-home-garden/See part 1 here: https://youtu.be/62hPMJMB7lcFind my ...
140. Cover crops & all the things I didn't know...
21 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode (part 1 of 2 ) we break down the reasons to plant cover crops in home gardens and how to choose which types might be best for your soi...
139. Why I will never can tomatoes again
14 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, we're simplifying food preservation, making a case against canning, and discussing how to streamline the dehydration proce...
138. Five botanicals you need this flu season, with Shannon Mayernik
07 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Delve into the medicinal properties of 5 botanicals that can help boost immunity and relieve cold & flu symptoms this fall and winter. Discover wo...
137. Being content--the hardest and yet the easiest thing of all
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Contentment--a challenging yet simple aspect of life. Let's explore how we can adopt a mindset of gratitude & recognize the blessings in our l...
136. Six ways to be a homesteader without a farm
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Want to be a homesteader but it's not possible for you now? This episode is for you!Today we're talking about the importance of simplifying li...
135. Four things you need to know about your dog's food
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Simple Doesn't Mean Easy podcast, we discuss the importance of simplifying pet care, particularly focusing on dog nutrition...
134. Honey Bees: the gateway bugs, with Hilary Kearney
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join Michelle and Hilary Kearney, the author of the book 'Heart of the Hive', as they talk about the many reasons you've never even though...
133. Preserving Food (the BEST way)
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're talking all about my absolute favorite way to preserve food. We talk about why dehydrating is my go-to method and we highli...
132. Is antifreeze in ice cream?
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is antifreeze in ice cream? And how can we do our own research, question our sources, and know what battles to fight? Most importantly, did you know y...
131. Why we can't trust ingredients that are "generally recognized as safe"
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the FDA's approval process and the loopholes that allow potentially harmful ingredients to be included in the food we ...
130. You CAN overcome your addiction to junk food & soda
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I honestly discuss my journey towards eating better, specifically my battle with Coke Zero.I share my recipe for making homemade Coke...
129. 4 simple things that have upleveled my garden
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share 4 simple changes that have unleveled my garden. Everything I mentioned in this episode can be found at SoulyRested.com/soil T...
128. Moisturizers shouldn't harm your immune system or cause birth defects
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Michelle discusses the importance of using non-toxic facial products and shares three of her favorite non-toxic solutions. She highli...
127. Make These 11 Small Changes to Uplevel Your Life
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode (#127) Michelle shares a list of 11 pretty simple changes that can make a huge difference in the quality of your life.Michelle provide...
126. Something you need to know about your hair products
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss the importance of using non-toxic hair products.Go here for links and codes on the products mentioned: https://soulyrested...
125. Turning 55 & admitting I’m still a conundrum
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re talking about the importance of accepting oneself as a conundrum, starting each day right, prioritizing authenticity and indi...
124. Finding Non-Toxic Hair Products (& money-saving tips)
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For more information: https://soulyrested.com/nontoxic/Code SOULYRESTED saves $$ on these nontoxic hair products: https://www.evolvh.com/?rfsn=7783670...
123. How to Choose Your Teas & how to make tea blends
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's conversation, Marlena Schnyder discusses the benefits of choosing organic teas, as well as the importance of sourcing food and drinks f...
122. Think you're ready to be a homesteader?
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this mini podcast episode, Michelle Visser discusses the qualities and skills needed to be a homesteader. She presents a quiz with eight questions ...
121. One tiny flower gives Big Pharma a run for its money | with Brigitte Mars
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm talking with Brigitte Mars, author of Dandelion Medicine.Find the book here: https://amzn.to/45UckIGHow to forage dandelions and dehydra...
120. The founding father you never knew about & his chestnut tree
06 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
More about William Whipple and the chestnut tree Bill and I discovered here: https://soulyrested.com/a-great-reason-to-plant-a-tree/Grab my Pantry Che...