The Coop

Ep 21: The Economics of Homesteading w/ Jessica Spiers

In a time when grocery prices keep climbing and the world feels increasingly uncertain, many families are asking a simple question: how can we stretch what we have further while building something that lasts? In Episode #21 of The Coop, Anna sits down with Jessica Spiers (homesteading and homeschooling mother of nine) for a deeply practical conversation about how modern homesteading is stepping in to fill the gap left by traditional home economics. Jessica shares how the old principles of home economics (planning, production, prevention, price comparison, and resourcefulness) are more relevant today than ever.  She explains how these timeless ideas naturally overlap with homesteading, helping families save money, reduce waste, involve their children in meaningful work, and become better stewards of their resources. Whether you have acreage or none at all, Jessica’s wisdom shows that homesteading doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. It’s about making intentional choices with what you already have, teaching kids real skills through everyday tasks, and shifting from a mindset of pure consumption to thoughtful production.

Ep 20: Jacob Lauser on Navigating the Legal Side of Homesteading

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re allowed to keep chickens, sell eggs from your backyard, build a shed, or start a small homestead business … this episode is essential listening. In Episode #20 of The Coop, Anna sits down with Jacob Lauser (lawyer, homesteader, and founder of Homesteaders.Legal) for a practical, no-nonsense conversation about the legal realities every homesteader should understand. Jacob shares his unique perspective as someone who has both practiced law and lived the homesteading life. He explains how to research zoning and land-use rules before (and after) buying property, what to watch for with livestock regulations, cottage food laws, water rights, HOA restrictions, and the realities of selling produce, eggs, or value-added products. Rather than acting as a roadblock, Jacob encourages homesteaders to become informed so they can work within the system when possible … finding legal pathways instead of constantly fighting it. He stresses the importance of doing your due diligence: checking official sources, talking to locals, understanding your county’s specific rules, and knowing when to consult a knowledgeable attorney. Whether you’re dreaming of buying land, already raising animals, or thinking about turning your homestead into a small business, this episode will help you avoid common legal pitfalls and make smarter, more informed decisions. In this episode, Anna and Jacob discuss: * Key things to research before buying land (zoning, restrictions, water rights, and more) * Rules around livestock (chickens, goats, cows, and other animals) * Cottage food laws, selling produce/eggs/meat, and starting a small homestead business * How to work with the system instead of constantly fighting it * Practical advice for staying compliant while still enjoying the freedom of homesteading

Ep 19: Susan Poizner on Growing Fruit Trees with Confidence

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping outside and picking fresh, juicy fruit straight from your own trees (but felt intimidated by pruning, rootstocks, pollination, or where to even begin) this episode is for you. In Episode #19 of The Coop, Anna sits down with Susan Poizner, orchardist, author, educator, and founder of OrchardPeople.com [http://orchardpeople.com/], for a warm, practical conversation that takes the mystery out of growing fruit trees. Susan shares why most big-box store trees set beginners up for disappointment and explains how choosing the right variety and rootstock for your climate and space can eliminate up to 60% of future problems. She walks through the importance of bare-root trees, proper planting techniques, and why the first 3–5 years are critical for shaping a strong, productive tree. The conversation dives into cross-pollination (why some trees need a partner and others don’t), the difference between open-center and central-leader pruning, and how timing your pruning cuts makes a big difference in tree health and fruit quality. Susan also explains why grafted trees are the norm and how they allow us to grow exactly the fruit we want … without waiting 5–7 years to see what a seedling produces. Whether you have room for just one small dwarf tree on a patio or are dreaming of a backyard orchard, this episode gives you the knowledge and confidence to get started the right way. Susan’s passion is contagious, and her straightforward advice makes growing fruit trees feel exciting and totally doable … even for complete beginners. If you’re ready to move beyond “someday” and actually plant your first fruit tree this season, don’t miss this conversation.

Ep 18: Anna Sakawsky on Her Homesteading Journey & What Homesteading Really Means

In this solo episode of The Coop, Homestead Living Editor-in-Chief Anna Sakawsky shares her personal story for the first time. From growing up as a city kid in Vancouver with almost no exposure to homesteading, to the stressful travel-agent days that sparked her desire for a slower, more connected life, Anna opens up about the path that led her here. She talks about how her travels abroad unexpectedly taught her to cook creatively and make do with what was available, and the early days with her husband Ryan … learning to turn simple ingredients into meals on a tight budget. Most importantly, Anna addresses the big question: What does homesteading actually mean in the modern world? She shares her thoughts on the confusion around the term, why definitions vary, and who this lifestyle is really for. Whether you’re just starting out or have been at it for years, this honest conversation will give you a clearer picture of the heart behind Homestead Living and The Coop. In this episode, Anna discusses: * Her city upbringing and limited early exposure to homesteading * The travel-agent job that sparked her desire for change * How traveling and living abroad shaped her skills and perspective * Early married life with Ryan: learning to cook creatively on a tight budget * What homesteading means (and doesn’t mean) today * Why there’s debate around who counts as a “real” homesteader

Ep 17: Eve Kilcher on the Real, Messy Truth About Modern Homesteading

Eve Kilcher is no stranger to homesteading life.  As a former star on Discovery Channel’s Alaska: The Last Frontier and a dedicated homesteader herself, she’s lived the reality of trying to balance it all: growing food, raising animals, and managing a homestead while also juggling the demands of modern life. In this honest conversation, Eve and host Anna Sakawsky talk about the gap between the romanticized version of homesteading we often see online and what it actually feels like day to day … especially in Alaska, where summer is short and manic and winter is the complete opposite. This conversation is about the realities of dealing with overwhelm as a modern homesteader, the hard choices we have to make sometimes, and the beauty of learning to let go when something no longer serves you. Eve shares her decision to get rid of her goats this year, the mental juggle of motherhood and homesteading, how she and her husband, Eivin, have compromised and made tough decisions on what to keep and what to let go of, and why she believes community and working together is more important than trying to do it all alone. If you’ve ever felt the pressure of trying to keep up with homestead life while dealing with all of the other demands of modern life (especially while watching other people online make it look so easy), this episode is for you.