a farmish kind of life by Amy Dingmann

What happens to the things you care about when life gets hard? Today I’m talking about what the last few months taught me about homesteading, priorities, pressure, and things we think matter… until they don’t.

After four (unexpected) months away, I’m back today to share a quick explanation on what’s been happening, why I disappeared (trust me, it was valid!) and where things go from here.

Today we're talking about how to be a light and how that doesn't mean turning yourself into kindling.

Since going back to work outside the home, I’ve noticed something: so many of folks live in constant emergency mode. They're rushing, panicking, and treating every single task like life or death. Like every single thing is something that has to be solved or done right now...

Did you know the word "priority" didn't have a plural form for over 500 years? We're not supposed to have more than one "most important" thing.

Sometimes gratitude doesn’t look like sunshine and sparkles. Sometimes it looks like realizing the things that used to wreck you... kind of don’t anymore.

Ever notice how some people fall apart when life gets messy, but others suddenly find this weird, laser-focused calm? Let's talk about that.

In this episode of The Farmish Front Porch, we’re talking about what happens when people become pixels and opinions, and how to bring the human part back to our conversations. This isn't about quitting the internet. It’s about remembering what it was supposed to be: a way to connect, to help, to remind each other we’re not alone.

We need to start showing up again in real rooms, with real people, at the speed of a pot of coffee.

In this episode, I’m talking about why we equate simplicity with old-fashioned living, why that doesn’t always make sense, and how the “simple life” in 2025 might look very different than it did in 1925.

In this episode, we’re talking about what we might have lost when comfort became our default. We’ll ask the hard questions about progress, ease, and if this whole "people are getting so soft" has always been the assumption, regardless of what generation we're in.

Comfort food means something different to everyone, but have you ever stopped to wonder why?

Know what I've been thinking about? I'm starting to wonder if I've got too many chickens.

Sometimes you reach a point in life where everything starts to shift, and the path that used to make sense suddenly… doesn’t. How do you move forward when you're not sure which path to take? You stop for a second and figure out where you are before you move forward.

After a couple weeks of unexpected health stuff, I found myself thinking a lot about the promises we often hear in the homesteading and simple living world. Namely, the insinuation that if you just live “right,” you’ll never get sick.

Modern life has done a pretty good job of making movement optional. We sit to work, sit to relax, sit to eat, sit to connect—and we wonder why we feel off. But the truth is, we were made to move.

The fast, easy option doesn’t always feed your soul. In this episode, we’re talking about the difference between getting it done and feeling filled up—whether that’s in your homesteading life, your work, your food, or your everyday routine.

When we start homesteading—or when we start anything, really—we usually build some kind of system to make things run smoothly. And sometimes that system works great… until it doesn’t. So today I’m sharing three mistakes I’ve made lately when it comes to my life/prepping/homestead systems and how I’m reassessing and trying to pull things back together.

Regardless of what you call this kind of life you’re living—homesteading, the farmish life, the simple life—I’m here to tell you there are a lot of things you don’t have to do in order to be part of the club.

In this episode, we’re talking about the realities of midlife on the homestead. The rhythm of your life changes, but I rarely hear people talk about how to wrap your head around those changes...

Let’s talk about how our fears evolve, how we adapt, and why it’s okay if your biggest homesteading worry today is very different than what it used to be.

Today I'm talking about the strange pressure that can build on either end of the homesteading spectrum—from doing it all to doing almost nothing—and how to find the honest, grounded middle.

Today I’m talking about over-information. The constant barrage of updates, alerts, and hot takes that don’t make us safer—they just make us more anxious. It’s not that we shouldn’t be informed. It’s that we’ve forgotten how to live without the noise. So… let’s talk about finding peace in a world that thrives on panic.

So you want to grow your own food, but every time you search “how to start a garden,” you end up buried under 47 tabs of advice that makes it sound like you need a degree, a greenhouse, and three years of soil samples before you can put a tomato plant in the ground. Can't we just find out about easy gardening... for actual beginners?

I posted a photo of the inside of my barn recently. A random busy day. Mid-project. Chaotic mess. It wasn’t staged. It wasn’t curated. It wasn’t meant to impress anyone. But ohhh buddy, the internet had thoughts. So let's talk about it...

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that life is unpredictable, and we must prepare ourselves and our loved ones for the unexpected. By sharing the weight of responsibilities, we create a more resilient family and community. 

Can we really go back to the good old days? This episode dives into nostalgia and how to adapt old-fashioned awesome for modern life.

Whether it’s making your own vanilla extract, cleaning out the garage, or finally remembering to call that family member or friend, today I'm encouraging you to take that first step, however small, to build momentum on the things you want to do.

Has your passion for homesteading shifted? In episode 307, I’m digging into why some homesteaders are feeling less all-in, how the pandemic shaped our enthusiasm, and what it means to embrace homesteading as part of a broader lifestyle. Let’s talk about identity, community, and why it’s okay if your spark feels different. :)

These short and sweet phrases, written on my office whiteboard, have given me clarity, perspective, and sanity as I wander through what this year has already set on my plate.

Have you ever felt the need to constantly explain or defend your life choices? It’s exhausting. In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the liberating realization that it’s absolutely okay to be misunderstood.

Ever try building a chicken coop or rabbitry with someone who thinks completely differently than you? In this week’s episode, I’m talking about how my husband’s mechanical, spatial brain clashes with my word-loving, communicative one—and how we’ve learned to embrace our differences (mostly without losing our minds). Tune in for honest stories, lessons learned, and tips for working with someone who just doesn’t understand things the way you do.

Today we’re talking about clutter, the search for simplicity, the "hell yes or no" principle, and making space for what matters most.

A simple exercise recently revealed a BIG difference between the 2024 I thought I had and the 2024 I *actually* had. It was a slap in the face wake-up call to the realities of my life, my priorities, and the changes I need to make moving forward.

Today we're diving into something I like to call the “life cycle of information platforms”. Because here’s the thing: platforms like ebooks, podcasting, blogging, YouTube, social media platforms (and more) undergo a predictable cycle of rise, saturation, and decline. But this episode isn’t just about technology—it's a reflection of life itself.

Today’s episode is all about choices—specifically, 10 that you can make this holiday season to navigate get togethers with grace, humor, and humility.

The truth is, our current circumstances often cloud our memories of past struggles. Different stages of life (or other situations) can make us forget where we once were and so we fail to keep grace and empathy in our interactions with others.

Ever considered that your simple lifestyle choices might actually be... acts of rebellion? Things like staying home to raise a family, choosing what you eat, or being content with what you have can be seen as going against mainstream expectations. What if these choices are not about following the rules but rather about challenging the status quo?

The truth is, most people just aren't thinking about us as much as we think they are. They're wrapped up in their own lives, just as we are in ours.

Today we are stepping away from the ballot box and empowering you to take control of your own life and well-being.

In our modern world, the concept of aging often gets a bad rap. Which, when I think about it, is pretty odd—since not everyone is lucky enough to be able to do it. 

Today I ponder how those of us still in the modern world can integrate technology (specifically our phones, the internet, and social media) into our lives without letting it take over.

You might have a ton of online friends (people you talk to everyday!) but chances are your online friends live too far away to let your dog out or help fix your flat tire. In today's episode, I'm highlighting the need for strong, local relationships that go beyond online connections.

Whether you’re exhausted by the choices, confused by conflicting information, frustrated by the costs, or just trying to do the best you can, this episode is for you.

Life is a road of unexpected twists and turns. Today’s episode gives perspective on maintaining balance between urgent tasks and the chaos of real life.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the abundance of your harvest, this week’s episode is for you.

We all carry hidden stories, knowledge, and experience. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their empathy and understanding.

Tune in to this week’s podcast as I talk about how barn cats and barking dogs taught me a little something about human nature, and how it applies to our interactions in these current polarizing times.

Join me as I compare survival skills to “who you are as a person”, and why the way you live and treat people now matters more than ever.

With more ways than ever to interact with others, it's time to make deliberate choices in how we connect.

Have you ever felt like you don't belong? In this episode, I share an insightful story about a stray cat named Alexander who recently wandered onto my farm and taught me a powerful lesson on confidence and belonging. Tune in to learn how embracing who you are can change your perspective and help you walk into any room like you belong there.

What's one thing we often forget to do as homesteaders? Acknowledge the things we've already accomplished.

It doesn't matter if you've been homesteading one day or one lifetime, these five pieces of advice about life as a homesteader will help you out.

What happens when you challenge yourself to use the food already available on your homestead or in your pantry, rather than constantly buying new groceries?

Two lists and a timer has made all the difference in my productivity! Will this method work for you?

Are you on the right path, or is there a disconnect between what you say you want and what you're actually doing?

My thoughts after attending a recent homesteader event. I talk about the importance of finding your tribe, the realization that "I hate people" often means you're just with the wrong crowd, and how the essence of community transcends the initial “thing” that brings people together.

Are you falling for the illusion of savings that are actually draining your wallet? Let's delve into common scenarios where what seems like a good deal is actually costing you more money in the long run.

Strapped for cash but still want to be prepared for life's unexpected twists and turns? Today I talk about some practical ways to prep without breaking the bank.

I truly believe that we should prepare and become self-reliant not just for ourselves, but so we can be in a position to help others.

By the end of this episode, you might question the true cost of convenience and whether the time we've "saved" has genuinely enriched our lives.

Today I take you through the nitty-gritty of raising chickens and why it's important to question conventional wisdom. From chick starter to incubators to butchering, this episode is packed with some feather rufflin' questions and insights.

Hang out with me today for a candid discussion on adapting your farm plans, embracing change, and doing what makes sense for your homestead.

Have you ever wondered if you're truly ready for a crisis? This week I dig into the five most common – and wildly inaccurate – survival strategies that people believe will save them if “society collapses.”

Have you ever caught yourself saying "I want that life"? After 13 years on our homestead, I’m here to tell you that the life you desire is a result of consistent, heart-driven decisions made over time.

Our ancestors didn't have access to the endless supplies we do today; they thrived on creativity and the ability to adapt. I think we need a reminder about what it truly means to be resilient, and that perhaps the best tool for surviving tough times can't be bought or sold.

Don't get caught up in the fear frenzy – instead, focus on building a life that's both resilient and enjoyable, no matter what headlines scream.

Ever feel like the world's craziness is too much to handle? Unsure how to take it all in, what to focus on, or what to care about? In today’s episode, I share three essential questions to help you navigate life's turmoil.

Why do we suck at being social? Why are relationships supposedly harder now? I go deep on this question in today's podcast.

Are you using introversion as an excuse? I’m calling out fellow introverts in today’s podcast episode. It's spicy, insightful, and might just spark a change in you.

Are you constantly tweaking and changing your life, sometimes altering what’s already working? In episode 265 of the Farmish Kind of Life podcast, you’re invited to ponder the age-old adage, "if it ain't broken, don't fix it," and consider how it applies to homesteading—and life in general!

A reality check about the messiness of life, the trade-offs we make, and the ”side dishes” that come with every opportunity we pursue in the buffet of life.

Habits and behaviors define our lives. If you’re really honest with yourself… what are you repeating?

I like to call this "Amy, you need to remedy this previously remedied situation", otherwise known as "what happens when you backslide from financial attentiveness".

Let’s get wildly honest, shall we? Today’s episode talks about what I think is the most important thing to find in your life to help you move forward. Oh sure, we talk about being honest and real all the time, but here’s what it *really* looks like, and why it really matters.

Getting ready to head off to your holiday celebrations? Here's the ONE thing I want you to remember at those gatherings when you don't know how to handle everyone else's brand of crazy.

The magic of Christmas is just as present now as it was back then. And if we don't stop focusing on what WAS, we're gonna miss what IS.

It might be unconventional, but I don’t think of Christmas as the season of giving. I frame it a little differently, which explains all the awesome AND the stress of the season.

We always bring this up during the holidays... when it’s really something that slides into our life *more* in all the small daily things we do and bring into our life.

Listen in on a funny story about me, a tractor, and how we all need a reminder to take on the skills that suck.

Here are some basic tips for saving money on your food bill—most of which we absolutely already know, and also absolutely need to be reminded of.

Let's talk about the slippery slope of monetizing everything we do, think, or say. When a potential dollar hangs over everything, at what point is enough, enough?

What do you need that you don't already have right now? Do the things you've crammed in fit with where you actually want to be? Tough questions...

A revolution doesn't always rush in with fire and noise. Here are two things you can do to bring about the best world for you and yours.

Simplicity, priorities, and how life was very different back when your only option was to wait awhile for a cup of coffee.

In this episode of the Farmish Kind of Life podcast, I talk about my upcoming new project The Lifesteaders, how it's the same as and different from A Farmish Kind of Life, and where we all go from here.

Today's podcast episode is about owning the choices you make and accepting the sometimes-hard-to-swallow pill that says you are the solution to your own problems. Let's talk about control, things that happen to you, and what saying "you have a choice" is definitely not insinuating.

We often spend time trying to remedy the things we can't... at the expense of ignoring the things we can. Let’s talk about life, how it happens, and what we can do about it.

A different perspective on the problem of being told you need to "find yourself". What if there's nothing to find... because it's all there?

Being a control freak doesn't always look like you think it should. Let's take a different perspective on the illusion of control.

I don’t know what lifesteading means in your specific situation but lifesteaders are all about living a full, honest life... within and apart and aside from whatever you equate HOMEsteading with.

Today I chat about Parkinson's law and the idea that a task will swell or shrink to fit the time we've allowed for it. I've learned a few things since having "less time" that are pretty eye opening as it relates to my day, as well as life in general. This episode goes deeper than how to get more done in your day and asks some big questions about Life.

Ever tried to go back to "what was"? Here's my own story about realizing it’s not possible, even with the best intentions, and what you should do instead.

This is about you realizing you're a lot of different things, but you don't have to be everything all at once. You are what you are right now

You're online, creating and consuming content. Podcasts. Videos. Social media posts. Let me ask you a question: DO YOU KNOW WHY?

For those of you stressing out about how much you're doing or how it all fits with "homesteading", this piece is all the perspective you need.

You're not dead yet. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. What do you want to do that you haven't already done?

Today is an audio replay of the fourth episode of the Spicy Sisters; a monthly livestream chat between myself and Nicole Sauce of Living Free in Tennessee.

Today I chat about the image we portray to the world, and offer perspective on how that image helps, hurts, or maybe doesn't even matter.

Today is a possibly uncomfortable truth bomb view on the whole concept of what high school gave us a glimpse of.