The Roots and Refuge podcast is available on all major streaming platforms.
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/roots-and-refuge-podcast/id1669328823
My friend Morgan’s Channels:
Gold Shaw Farm: https://www.youtube.com/@GoldShawFarm
Morgan Gold Stories Told: https://www.youtube.com/@morgangold
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WHERE TO FIND US (Some of the links here are affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we’ll receive a small commission but the price remains the same – OR BETTER – for you! Be sure to check for any mentioned discount codes.)
– Our Website: https://rootsandrefuge.com
– Sign up for our newsletter: https://rootsandrefuge.com/yt-signup
– Join our Patreon to get early access to podcasts and other information, plus monthly LIVES with me and Miah: https://patreon.com/rootsandrefuge
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– Shop our Stickers & Shirts: https://rootsandrefuge.com/yt-shop
– Order my first book, “First Time Gardener”: https://rootsandrefuge.com/yt-ftgbook
– Order my second book, “First Time Homesteader”: https://rootsandrefuge.com/first-time-homesteader-yt
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– Email Us: rootsandrefuge@yahoo.com
– To drop us a line:
PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
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28 Comments
Hey darlings!
We are doing well post-Helene. Still no power, but we are really finding our stride and exploring how we can adjust our home and farm to weather these types of events in the future.
I'm still shooting content daily to document this time, but I wanted to upload this video to take the opportunity to get ahead as I work on compiling a list of trusted places people can donate for hurricane relief, specifically in the heavily impacted areas of WNC and ETN. If you have any organizations you can vouch for, please email information to rootsandrefuge@yahoo.com
Thank you!
Ah, the Nearings! I was part of the 60's and 70's movement that followed them. I don't know if you can really 100% live off the land, but I never really aspired to do that, although I know some of my friends did want to live on a homestead and make it work with that alone. My husband and I were musicians, and made money doing that, and also we did lawncare, and made a good amount of money from that. We did grow a lot of our own food, and had chickens and meat birds, but mostly what we wanted to do was live in the country, and eat seasonally, and put up some food. Not by any particular standard, really.
Along the way, we did have a kid who was a math kid, what?? How did that happen, and also there were other things about our lives that didn't fit the image. And yeah, mudrooms that are a mess, and I'm always apologizing for my tiny, cluttered little house, when it is freaking BEAUTIFUL outside in my garden…and my friends probably feel the same embarrassment about something in their homes. But it's real!
I wonder if you guys see yourselves as kind of "friend-twins", since you do so many things at the same time (like starting the 2nd Youtube channels), the way you both are very introspecive, and you've both now gone through a disaster almost at the same time. I have a dear friend who is my serendipidouse friend. Things always seem to happen to us at the same time. I see you guys that same way, and it's pretty darned special.
🌻
Glad you enjoyed our beautiful state and I hope that you are able to recover swiftly from the hurricane.
I just realize your Friend Morgan is Goldshaw homes. Sweet guy been watching him awhile.
Awwww … I love Morgan too! #releasethequackin 😆💚
I grew up in Amherst, NH. My mom made everything..we had a week with no power. In the middle of winter. Now, I'm in the SW, and its all different.
Loved seeing you two together!
Mom bought produce at a local farm, and made wool braided rugs..She thought the canned veggies and fruit were amazing at the grocery store. She had a piece of wood for a doll so she was POOR!
I’ve been following you both since your beginnings. I remember that video where you talked about seeds. I watched you both create wonderful homesteads and I’m so in love how you both inspired me. Do I have a farm? No. Do I want to buy a farm. Also no. I’m 63 and don’t have the stamina to do that like I once did. I live on a 1/3 acre have 13 raised beds and 8 hens. Here’s the thing, I love my little mini backyard farm. Since I’m raising food for myself for the most part it’s plenty. I still add a little more each season so when I retire everything will be in place. Next year I am hoping to raise meat chickens. I also forage sometimes and I love shellfishing. Even though I started gardening over 50 years ago, I still learn so much from you both. All these words just to say thank you! I appreciate you both! Nice seeing you both at HONE! ☮️
Love your transparency!
Hubby worked off the homestead for the first three years. Then he had a brain injury and there was no income for 18 months… talk about. Hustling 😂
We lived off food storage.
Now we’ve small fixed income which gos to the luxury items. Otherwise we are close to self sufficient. But it took us 17 years.
We have a friend who was an early back lander. Has the perfect organic farm. Built the most beautiful post. N beam home.
He had a huge inheritance to set it all up. Envy reigned for a while, but now I have a great deal of admiration for all he taught about organic.
But we’ve found pure joy when we look at our hard won accomplishments.
We have hosted volunteers for many years and made sure they see the blips!
❤
Jess, and Morgan, You need to remember that many of your viewers are living in the city, and know Tech, but not reality! They live in a digital world. I was lucky to have an Aunt and Uncle that were homesteading in Iowa. I got to spend weekends with them and my 3 male cousins on their farm. I am still waiting for my farm, but growing what I can and staying in my classroom, with my teacher, Jess to guide me! Hugs to both of you! Zanna
Not a favorite person in Vermont that goldshaw
Back again. Balance. Heck ya!
We have our luxuries, internet, tv, freezers, propane cook stovebut we’re set up and have th skill set to do without.. got an amazing library , wood cook stove , canned foods….
The balance between the two is so rewarding. It fills me with gratitude when I look around.
Great discussion guys!❤
Film all podcasts please
I was a back to the lander in the 70’s. With 5 kids. You still have taxes Kids need school things. We needed jobs. Finances were thin!
I'm 26 and still figuring out what I want to do with my life. Your insightfulness encourages and calms me in a way. I started growing kale, basil and mint this year (I don't have access to a yard) and it has been so fulfilling to eat what I've grown, as well as deal with the challenges of caring for plants. I also went from cooking a few things to trying a variety of things to get more confident in cooking (including your dutch baby pancake recipe!). Just wanted to let you know the positive impact you've had on my life 😊
Both of you please lookup the Pagan Wheel of the Year. Because you have just described it perfectly. These beliefs have been around for many thousands of years.
The beauty of your life is you, your family and your story. Dishes in the sink is normal. At 81 I have no desire to judge what you are or what you are doing. Frankly it is none of my business! I enjoy what you share. That is being free.
I appreciate the insights into having a channel and the challenges!
I am beside myself!!, seeing my two favorite "online people" together in one video.
Jess, you and Morgan have, in your own ways changed my life. I'm not like either of you (I'm a retired executive and committed suburban gardener). In your own ways, each of you have (and continue to) shape my view of balanced and sustainable life.
I didn't remember him till I heard his voice.
Two of my favorites!! Thank you!!❤️
I'm going to go make apple cider with my mom this weekend, so excited! -Fluffy Bloomers
Taking a few minutes to relax and shuck green bean seeds and listening to this video. It just hit me that I have enough seeds to last a decade from just one 4 x 4 bed that also shared with peppers. I’m finding the continuity of the topic and my mundane tasks very poetic.
So I was one of those 60's/70's hippies who bought all the Rodale books, had a well-read copy of the Whole Earth Catalogue, etc. and dreamed of the homestead life. We bought a really old house in the country with a little land, put in a big vegetable and herb garden and I aspired to become an herbalist with a business. And kids came along, I stayed home with them and baked bread and I decided I would homeschool – Holt and all that. But my kids really wanted to go to school, and so they did (and loved it). I went back to work and my budding career was one that I really enjoyed and fulfilled another part of my soul. Volunteer work in a totally different area turned into a side gig that I was also passionate about. For a long time I felt regret that I hadn't pursued some of my early dreams, but now that I look back on my life, I see that I did what I was meant to do. Am still gardening and making things with herbs and flowers and that continues to fulfill a creative part of my being. Still bake bread and cook from scratch. My career (in health care) was something that was equally fulfilling and a part of my identity. Some of my volunteer work that centered on teaching and guiding children to fulfill their potential and become good human beings also scratched another itch. Along the way I have learned how to be resilient and prepared to weather life's storms, both physically and emotionally. It is definitely not all or nothing, there is room for so much balance in your life between old dreams and new dreams and the wisdom that comes with experience. Does it bring you excitement or joy or fulfillment – that is your north star. How you find those things in your life – that is a question that may take some time to fully answer. Was I technically a homesteader – no. But over the years, we did a lot of little pieces of it and that was enough for me. I love that you guys support the homesteading movement, but are honest and transparent about what all that actually involves so that others can be honest with themselves and look at the life with a wide and clear lens, not just rose-colored glasses. Life is often very hard, no matter what, but you need enough of those good feelings to carry you through it all and feel satisfied when it is all said and done. (and yes, I need an editor.) Thank you both for time well spent online.
The laughter at the end was the best! great video podcast !
Here’s why I am a Patreon supporter on Roots and Refuge. I love that Jess who has a strong faith can have such a wonderful relationship with Morgan, who is a self proclaimed agnostic! Coming from a “Christian” background I love that I have never seen Jessica be judgmental. I have unsubscribed to many channels in the “homestead” venue because of their religious views. I believe that God is love and that Jesus never looked down on anyone.
Thanks for sharing this video!
Two of my favorite YT Homesteaders together, YAY!