From Suburbia to Self-Sufficiency: Carolyn Thomas on Building a Thriving Homestead and Family

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For this very first episode of Everyday Ancestral, I can’t imagine a better person to join us than Carolyn Thomas. Carolyn and her husband, Josh, have transformed their lives through homesteading, going from a suburban lifestyle in Los Angeles to a thriving family homestead. Together, they’ve built something truly special: a place where family, faith, and self-sufficiency meet, right alongside a deep commitment to teaching others. Carolyn brings us her story with a warmth that makes it feel like a chat with an old friend—and she gives us so much to think about as we start on this journey together.

What We Talked About

I knew this was going to be a powerful conversation, but hearing Carolyn’s story firsthand really hit home. In this episode, Carolyn opens up about:

• Small Starts, Big Changes: Carolyn’s story began with a simple desire to eat better and live with intention. One decision at a time, she and her family slowly built a life centered around self-sufficiency and connection. It’s a reminder that we don’t need to wait for the perfect time to start making changes—small steps can lead to something big.

• Daily Choices and Living Intentionally: Carolyn reminds us that homesteading isn’t just about working the land; it’s about the meaning behind it. Living intentionally, as she describes, is bringing purpose to the everyday moments and the routines that make a house feel like a home.

• The Heart of Family and Community: For Carolyn, it’s all about family and the community you build around you. She explains how her family found their roles and strengths in working together and how this lifestyle has brought them closer.

Hearing Carolyn talk about these things feels especially meaningful, and I’m thrilled to have her help us set the tone for Everyday Ancestral. It’s a reminder that there’s beauty in reconnecting with simplicity, even when life is busy.

A Few Thoughts to Keep with You

Carolyn’s insights are filled with wisdom, and here are some pieces that I found especially memorable:

1. Choose One Simple Thing: Whether it’s cooking one meal from scratch or planting a garden, Carolyn reminds us that simple choices are powerful.

2. Embrace Mistakes: Carolyn doesn’t hide the fact that there were learning curves—and sometimes flops! She encourages us not to wait for the “perfect setup” but to start where we are, mistakes and all.

3. Value Connection: Above all, Carolyn reminds us that while homesteading is about independence, it’s also about strengthening bonds—with family, with friends, and with a supportive community.

Links and Resources to Explore

Carolyn’s knowledge comes from years of real-life experience, and she’s put together a wonderful collection of resources to help others find their way in homesteading:

• Homesteading Family Website: Visit Homesteading Family for Carolyn and Josh’s blog, resources, and classes on homesteading basics like bread-making, canning, and herbal medicine.

• Freeze-Drying Class & Book: Carolyn’s latest project includes a class on freeze-drying and her book, Freeze Drying the Harvest, which you can find on her website or on Amazon.

• YouTube Channel: For those wanting to dive deeper, Carolyn and Josh’s Homesteading Family YouTube Channel covers everything from gardening to animal care with a welcoming, hands-on approach.

  Listen to the Full Episode – Available now on   Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.

  
  

A Simple Invitation

I’m so glad to start this podcast with such a warm, real conversation. Carolyn’s journey is one that brings us back to what truly matters in life: family, community, and living with purpose. If you’re ready to begin or continue your own journey with ancestral practices, join us by listening to this episode. And don’t forget to subscribe to Everyday Ancestral so we can keep sharing this path together, one story at a time.