The Redeeming the Dirt Podcast

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Your garden can look amazing while your life quietly runs on empty, and that’s exactly why we wanted to hit pause and talk about “fruit that lasts.” 

I’m Noah Sanders, and this is a catch-up from our family, our farm, and the work God keeps pressing on my heart: stop chasing what looks impressive and rebuild life from the roots up. If you care about Christian homesteading, faith-based farming, and land stewardship that actually holds together over time, this one is a needed reset.

In this episode I share h...

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What if the real power of a homestead isn’t the lifestyle but the launchpad it creates for mission, discipleship, and community? We sit down with Brayden Waller to explore how a family can move from “getting the farm in order” to setting sail with a clear, others-first purpose—without losing the heart of home along the way.

Brayden shares his family’s unexpected path: leaving a high-hour job for presence, homeschooling for formation, and relocating into an Amish community for simplicity and togetherness. He explains how refusing control while welcoming outside te...

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A quiet country church. A knock on the side door. And a question that won’t leave us alone: what if Jesus is outside, patiently waiting to be invited in? 

In this episode I share something a bit different; a guest sermon I gave at our church a few weeks ago to help fill in for our pastor. After a brief farm and family update, we will listen to my sermon on Revelation 3:14–22, the letter to Laodicea, to explore the uneasy distance between liking Jesus and actually following him.

We un...

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What if the most “successful” version of your life is the one that brings your faith and family back to the center? We sit down with author and homesteader Rory Groves to rethink success through the lens of calling, freedom, and the family economy. Rory shares how moving from a tech career to a 10-acre homestead reshaped his metrics—from income and scale to presence, purpose, and work his kids can inherit. We unpack insights from Durable Trades, the research behind family-centered vocations that have endured for centuries, and why chasing scale can quietl...

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What happens when biblical stewardship principles meet challenging southern clay soil? Amanda Nelson's journey from reluctant teenage gardener to community trainer offers a compelling answer.

Amanda's path began with a simple question: how would her family survive if grocery stores became unavailable? This prompted her first gardening attempts, which quickly led to frustration as north Georgia's notoriously difficult soil—clay mixed with nearly impenetrable chert rock—seemed determined to resist her efforts. Just when she was ready to quit, an unexpected introduction to mulch gardening and later, Foundations for Farming principles, tran...

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What happens when churches embrace agriculture as ministry? Frank Sindler, Executive Director of Equipping Farmers International, reveals how biblical farming principles are transforming both landscapes and lives across the Global South.

The numbers tell a striking story: approximately 70-80% of Christians in developing nations are farmers, yet for decades, mission efforts have overlooked this crucial aspect of discipleship. While churches planted throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America continue growing rapidly, many struggle with chronic food insecurity and dependence on Western funding. This disconnect between faith and farming has limited the church's...

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Step into the rich soil of discipleship as we explore the profound connections between farming and the Great Commission with Curtis Sergeant, a discipleship multiplication expert whose methods have catalyzed movements resulting in millions of believers and churches worldwide.

Curtis shares his remarkable journey from an unreached island in China to establishing a training center that has equipped disciple-makers in 174 countries. The key? A simple, reproducible approach that mirrors agricultural principles—where multiplication is the natural outcome of healthy growth.

For those called to agriculture, this conversation reveals that yo...

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Embrace a radical shift in your gardening approach as we dive deep into the concept of no-till gardening! This episode illuminates how you can cultivate a flourishing garden without the use of a tiller. Listeners will meet Johann, a seasoned farmer with extensive experience from Malawi, who shares invaluable insights on the significance of soil life and encouraging sustainable practices that honor God's creation.

Explore the challenges and rewards of preparing your garden plot with minimal disturbance to the earth. We discuss the importance of understanding the delicate ecosystems beneath our...

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In this episode of the Redeeming the Dirt Podcast, we explore the important connection between agriculture and a Christian worldview, discussing how biblical principles can inform and transform farming practices. You will hear insights from Micah Humphreys, a professor at the College of the Ozarks, emphasizing stewardship and the role of faith in nurturing God's creation while encouraging listeners to engage in agriculture with hearts of humility and obedience to God.

In our conversation we cover topics like:

• Understanding the necessity of a Christian worldview in agriculture
• The role...

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What if faith in Jesus could transform your everyday routines and responsibilities? This episode of the Redeeming the Dirt podcast challenges you to rethink how your Christian beliefs can permeate all aspects of life, especially in agriculture. Join me, Noah Sanders, as we unpack the concept of missional stewardship—where faith meets practical living. Discover how the biblical call to stewardship and discipleship can not only redeem our relationship with Creation but also reflect a life of surrender and purpose that glorifies God.

Explore how living as a missional steward isn't ju...

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Food and farming matters to God because they are part of his design and creation and impact the life and health of every person on earth. But Satan also cares, because the control of food and farming brings opportunities and power for his agenda of death, theft, and slavery. As we seek to be faithful to steward the land and serve others, it is important that we understand the battle we live in so we can accurately walk in truth and live effective lives. In this episode I talk with filmmaker and speaker...

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As we seek to follow God, even in stewarding the land, we must be motivated by faith in his wisdom and guidance. Many people are feeling called to build 'ark' homesteads as a protection against times of judgement and difficulty. Sometimes it can be discouraging and be easy to second guess what we are doing, but we must always return to acting in faith, even when it seems foolish. The roles people are called to may be different, and not everyone is called to 'build an ark', but we must persevere in faith...

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In the United States most of us receive our daily necessities of food, water, energy, shelter and sanitation from the 'grid', a complex system of production and distribution. This grid is a historically unprecedented economic system that is characterized by specialization, centralization, complication, and communication. It is incredible in its ability to create and supply a wide range of services and products. However, it also creates a society of consumers who don't need many practical skills or relationships with local people. Many of us would likely die if the fragility of the 'grid...

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We live in an age where the family is viewed primarily as a unit of consumption. Families consume entertainment together, take vacations together, eat out together, and buy gifts for each other on birthdays and holidays. And these are great things to do together. But historically and biblically families were also productive and worked together to create valuable products and services through family households, homesteads, businesses and farms. Families that worked together with a common desire to serve others had unity and were at the foundation of healthy economies. 

For many o...

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The new opportunities and potential of artificial intelligence are making waves in the digital world even as many of us are busy working in our gardens in the world of nature. We can ignore AI tools like ChatGPT, but they will impact our families and farms directly or indirectly whether we like it or not, the same way the internet and cell phones have. It is important that we understand the technology,  it's ramifications, and intentionally engage or disengage from it so that we avoid negative consequences and view it as the powerful t...

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It can be exciting to think about using gardens to serve and teach people in our community. But it can also be daunting. The good news is that we aren't designed to do it alone! In this episode I do a panel interview with members of the leadership team of the Well-Watered Gardens of Johnson County . They have created a wonderful model of collaborating with local organizations, volunteers, and churches to impact their community through a half dozen Well-Watered Gardens. I hope that their story will inspire you to gather your own team! 

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In 2021 Scott and Beth Sherman were sent by their pastor to a Foundations for Farming training where they learned about the Well-Watered Garden Project. After returning to their church in Naples, Florida they started a church community garden where they have trained over 200 people to 'Garden God's Way'. As a result they have created a vibrant community, grown the church, and introduced people to Jesus for the first time. Imagine what it would be like if churches all over the country were able to start similar projects? 

To learn more about t...

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Does agriculture have a place in ministering to and helping the poor and marginalized in developed nations? In this interview I speak with Nick and Anna Heasman, whose family has been using gardening to work with long-term unemployed people. They have a vision and calling to implement the principles of Foundations for Farming in the UK and we get to hear some of the amazing journey God has them on. 

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Does the lifestyle that we lead really matter as a Christian? How can we be good stewards not only in agriculture, but in the choices we make as consumers? In this episode I talk with Sarah and Nelson Phero about their journey in starting Hospitality Spring Farm and how their lifestyle has enabled them to share Christ with their community and people from abroad.

You can purchase Sarah's book, Stewards of the Earth: A Call to More Sustainable Living at the following link. 
https://www.hospitalityspringfarm.com/hospitality-spring-publications/

Y...

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As many of us look to grow some of our own food in these times of threatening food shortages, energy often comes up on our radar as something else we depend on. In this episode of the Redeeming the Dirt Podcast Noah speaks with Jack Dody who has been living off-grid and helping others design off-grid systems around the world for decades. Jack shares practical advice and tips on real world systems and helps us recognize the importance of Christian community for true resilience. 

Check out Jack Dody's website at: http://w...

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Today there is a movement of Christians being called back to the land who are starting homesteads, but with a desire to shine for Jesus. In this episode I am joined by Josh Thomas from The Homestead Family to talk about homesteading, why God cares about it, the modern Christian homesteading movement, and tips for people getting started. Josh and his family homestead in Idaho and serve countless people with their super helpful educational resources. He attended the 2018 Redeeming the Dirt Conference and we have been friends since then. You will find links...

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In a time when socialism is gaining more support the idea of private property, even in the church, can tend to be viewed as selfish and unnecessary.  Does God care about private property? As Christian farmers how should we view ownership of the land? Shouldn't we just have everything in common? In this important episode Noah Sanders interviews Ben Freeth about his experience standing up for property rights in a country where they were violently stripped away. They discuss the bibical basis for private property and share practical application tips for homesteaders and f...

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As we look around and see the unprecedented times we live in what should be our response as Christians? In this episode of the Redeeming the Dirt Podcast we take a look at the reality of the battles we face today both generally and in agriculture. We also wrestle with our responsibility as Christians to stand firm in these changing times as we seek to be prepared for the return of Jesus.

To view the text of the "Stand Firm" poem I shared at the end you can click here.
<...

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Plowing and tilling has become such a part of farming and gardening that many of us can't imagine how you would prepare a garden or grow crops any other way. But in this episode I share how caring for the soil God's way and mimicing his models in creation can have great benefit and result in greater profit.

I want to thank the Mid-Ohio Growers Conference who invited me to give this workshop and who generously gave me permission to share it with you! I highly recommend their annual conference and...

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How much land do you need to have a profitable farm operation? On this podcast episode I share some lessons we have learned that enabled our 1/4 acre market garden to be more profitable than when we cultivated more land. Whether you have access to a lot of land or just a little, I hope you will learn something from this session that will help you more fully utilize what you have, be more profitable, and have greater JOY!

I want to thank the Mid-Ohio Growers Conference who invited me to give...

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Often our biggest struggle as we seek to excel in agriculture isn't our lack of practical knowledge or skill, but finding the time to apply what we know. Juggling everything that needs to be done on the farm can be overwhelming and rob us of the joy we desire to experience. 

So how do we steward the time God has given us? Do we really have enough time for everything he has given us to do? 

In this audio excerpt from the Faithfully Focused Farmer Masterclass I am going to...

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Often our biggest struggle as we seek to excel in agriculture isn't our lack of practical knowledge or skill, but finding the time to apply what we know. Juggling everything that needs to be done on the farm can be overwhelming and rob us of the joy we desire to experience. 

So how do we steward the time God has given us? Do we really have enough time for everything he has given us to do? 

In this audio excerpt from the Faithfully Focused Farmer Masterclass I am going to...

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Often our biggest struggle as we seek to excel in agriculture isn't our lack of practical knowledge or skill, but finding the time to apply what we know. Juggling everything that needs to be done on the farm can be overwhelming and rob us of the joy we desire to experience. 

So how do we steward the time God has given us? Do we really have enough time for everything he has given us to do? 

In this audio excerpt from the Faithfully Focused Farmer Masterclass I am going to...

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We live in an era of communication unprecedented in recent history. Through our phones we can literally talk to people around the globe anytime we want for practically free! But as we wrap up our series on preparing for times of crisis, I want to share briefly about developing an alternative communication option that we can use for our families and communities. In this episode I give some personal updates before describing a little about Ham (or Amateur) Radio and why my wife and I recently got our licenses and several radios in...

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In the US and other developed countries it is very easy to assume access to grid electricity on our farms and homestead. But are we able to continue operating when it’s not available for short or long periods of time? Should we set up an off grid System to produce our own electricity? Or should we use electricity at all? My wife Dorothy and I discuss our low grid approach for appreciating but not depending on electricity in order to be in a better position to help others in times of crisis.

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2020 has seen a global plague and increased violence. Is famine also on the horizon? Today I share a few thoughts and scriptures related to famine and our response as Christian food producers.

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In this episode I share some updates from my farm and some encouragements and thoughts related to the US elections happening tomorrow. 

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Water may seem like a boring podcast topic. But water is essential to life, and our farms cannot function without it. How resilient is our source of water? Do we have more than one source of water? How can we be a better steward of the water on our farms? As Christians we should be motivated by gratitude to utilize every possible drop of water on our farms. Life depends on it. 

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As followers of Jesus who are called to steward the land, how can we practically make disciples in our own community? We are often busy and don't know where to start. But in this episode I share about a simple resource called a 'Well-watered Garden' and how it can be a powerful modelling and teaching tool for everyday farmers and gardeners. In this episode I am honored to interview the man who originally developed the idea of the Well-Watered Garden, Brian Oldreive. Brian is the founder of Farming God's Way and Foundations for...

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One of the most fundamental skills needed to be truly sustainable and resilient during tough times on our homesteads and farms is the ability to save seeds. Whoever controls the food controls the people, and whoever controls the seed supply controls the food supply. So our freedom is very closely tied to our ability to produce and save seeds within our own community. Today I am excited to share with you an incredible interview with experienced seed saver, Craig Schaaf, who is a homesteader and market gardener that lives totally off-grid with his...

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Many people believe that food supplies, a good homestead, health, skills, or weapons are the key to surviving in times of trouble. But although these things can be useful and wise to obtain depending on your circumstances, they are a poor thing to trust in if you are motivated by fear or self-preservation. In this podcast I share about the key that God promises will result in Him protecting us in times of trouble, violence, and sickness. 

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In the space of a few short months the lock downs and food supply disruptions due to Covid-19 have made a huge impact on the demand for locally produced food. It has also shown the fragility of our efficient, but un-resilient, industrial food supply. In this interview with Joel Salatin we talk about how the last few months have changed the local food system, the important role Christian food producers have in this time, and practical things we can be doing to weather hard times ahead. 

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Covid-19, civil unrest, political chaos . . . we definitely live in a time of crisis. But God is not surprised by any of this and we have an opportunity to join Jesus in his adventure of bringing hope and healing to the hurting. As Christian farmers and gardeners we have an important and urgent role to share the love of Jesus by serving and equipping our communities to be more resilient in times of disruption. This episode is an introduction to a series of podcasts I hope to create that will share ways we can...

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Some have called him the most famous and influential farmer of our day. Renowned worldwide for his innovation in regenerative land stewardship and animal husbandry, Joel Salatin is a household name among small farmers, foodies, and health conscious families. Many of us who are now tending the land owe our inspiration to the writing and speaking of this faithful farmer. A self described 'Christian libertarian environmentalist capitalist lunatic farmer', Mr. Salatin speaks most often to environmentally conscious crowds who would in no way describe themselves as Christians. But his genuine and down to...

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There is a growing number of people today who didn't grow up farming, but are interested in making a transition from their current career to agriculture. But there are a lot of challenges related to a transition like this, both in the heart and perspective as well as in the learning curve of skills and acquisition of resources. In this episode of the Redeeming the Dirt Podcast I talk with Ray Tyler of Rose Creek Farms who made a career change to farming. Lots of great wisdom from Ray in this episode and...