Simple Doesn't Mean Easy

What if you could keep your morning coffee—but make a few simple changes to make it a better choice?

If coffee is part of your daily routine, you’ll want to hear this conversation with women’s functional medicine practitioner Dr. Lori.

She breaks down what to look for when choosing your coffee, including mycotoxins, oxidation, pesticides, organic certifications, sourcing, freshness, and storage.

You’ll also learn why “organic” may not tell the whole story, why grinding your beans fresh matters, how to store your coffee, and how your caffeine intake may affect you d...

If you never thought cover crops were for small backyard gardens, this episode is for you.

Dive into the FREE Soil Challenge I created for you: https://soulyrested.com/cover/

Michelle shares what she's learned after experimenting with 3 different ways of using cover crops in her own garden over the past 6 years—including what worked beautifully, what she didn't love, and the method she's currently using.

You'll learn how cover crops can improve soil health, add organic matter, support the living organisms in your so...

This episode is a little different from the discouraging food-industry news we often hear. This is an encouraging story about what happens in real world examples of replacing ultra-processed food with fresh, whole foods.

You’ll hear what several military bases are doing differently, why soldiers are actually lining up to eat the new food, and the surprising numbers showing that feeding people better may actually cost less, not more.

If you've ever thought that real food is too expensive, too complicated, or impossible to serve on a large scale, this episode offers a powerful re...

This episode of Simple Doesn't Mean Easy is for anyone who feels like they're carrying too much, thinking too far ahead, or struggling to find gratitude in a difficult season.

Two very different stories uncover a surprisingly simple lesson about gratitude.

Sometimes we need to step back and see the bigger picture. Other times, looking too far ahead only makes us feel more overwhelmed, and we need to focus on the one simple step directly in front of us.

As you listen, you'll be encouraged to look closer about the season you're currently...

What if milling your own flour is only part of the story?

If you're going to the trouble of buying a grain mill and making fresh-milled flour for your family, have you ever stopped to wonder where those wheat berries came from and how they were grown?

In this episode, we’re going behind the scenes of a regenerative organic family farm with sixth-generation farmer Jade Koyle of Grand Teton Ancient Grains in Idaho.

Jade shares what actually happens in the fields where your wheat is grown—and I think you're going to look...

How much do you actually know about the coffee you're drinking every day?

In this episode, we sit down with Tiffany Gardner, COO of Java Planet Organic Coffee Roasters, to uncover what we should really be looking for when choosing coffee.

You'll discover:

- how organic certification works,

- why shade-grown and bird-friendly coffee matter,

- how farming practices can affect the quality of your coffee,

- why mold and heavy-metal testing has become such an important conversation.

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What if the solution to America's food problems isn't waiting for the government to fix what's on grocery store shelves?

In this episode, we delve into the confusing world of GRAS—“Generally Recognized as Safe”—ingredients and explain what a new FDA proposal could actually mean for the chemicals, additives, preservatives, dyes, sweeteners, and other ingredients making their way into our food.

But more importantly, we look beyond the headlines and understand why food reform is so complicated—and why simply celebrating a government announcement may not be enough.

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Feel like you're never doing enough?

If you look around at what everyone else is doing and feel overwhelmed by all the things you should be doing—eating better, exercising more, sleeping more, taking care of your family better, improving your home, growing your food, building better habits, deepening your relationships—you may need this reminder: you don't have to do it all.

Today we're breaking down the 5 pillars that need your attention. Just 5.

But more importantly, we're talking about how to make progress with...

Starting to mill your own flour is exciting—until you're faced with the overwhelming question of which wheat berries to use. In this episode, Michelle simplifies the process by sharing the exact 3-grain starter kit she recommends for beginners.

Dive into misconceptions and incorrect common advice that often falls short, how to confidently choose ancient and heritage grains, and where each grain shines in baking.

You'll also learn the perfect gateway grain, why Rouge de Bordeaux is Michelle's favorite bread wheat, and what ancient grain is one of the mo...

Have you noticed AI showing up everywhere? Are you tired of wondering if the advice you're watching or reading is even coming from a real person? As artificial intelligence becomes woven into nearly every part of our lives, it's getting harder to know who—or what—you can trust.

In this episode, we explore both the incredible benefits and the hidden drawbacks of AI, why convenience isn't always worth the trade-off, and why real-life experience still matters in a world increasingly driven by algorithms.

You'll also discover simple ways you...

For years it felt like Big Food was winning—but the latest market data tells a different story.

If you've ever wondered whether your everyday food choices really matter, this episode offers hope—and proof that they do.

In this episode, learn about encouraging research showing that Americans are choosing more minimally processed food options. Find out what may be leading to this trend and why this consumer shift matters.

Your grocery dollars influence the food industry, and even one small change at a time...

What if the best way to celebrate summer—and even strengthen your family—is by slowing down?

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we explore a different kind of patriotism today—one rooted in family, food, and connection. 

 We break down 15 practical ways families can spend less time on screens and more time creating meaningful memories together through simple real-food activities all summer long.

From fruit picking and homemade syrups to kombucha, sun tea, dehydrating food, freeze-drying, hiking, picnics, and coffee shop adventures, this episode offers yo...

Thinking about getting backyard chickens? There are 3 problems you really need to know about first.

Most people see the fresh eggs, cute chicks, and homestead charm—but few talk about the challenges that catch new chicken owners completely off guard. What happens when your hens suddenly stop laying strong eggs? How do you deal with parasites without spending a fortune? And can you really protect your flock from predators?

In this episode, Michelle shares the hard-earned lessons she's learned after more than a decade of raising chickens. You'll learn ev...

What if the very things you're rushing past today become the things you'd miss most tomorrow?

In today's episode, you'll be challenged to see your relationships, struggles, and everyday moments through an entirely new lens. Through powerful stories of loss, grief, gratitude, and resilience, you'll discover why the smallest moments in life often matter the most—and why many of us don't realize it until it's too late.

You'll hear heartfelt reflections from people who have lost someone they love, learn practical ways to find hope when life feels overwhelming, and uncover a surprising lesson in...

In this eye-opening episode, you'll learn how chronic stress and anxiety sometimes manifest in surprising and even frightening physical ways. You'll discover why understanding these warning signs matters, what to do when a loved one experiences sudden confusion or memory loss, and how knowledge can help bring calm during a medical crisis.

You'll also walk away with practical, research-backed strategies for managing anxiety, lowering stress levels naturally, improving resilience, and supporting your overall health.

From simple techniques to lifestyle habits that can make a significant difference, this episode is...

Rachel McCord appeared to have everything: successful businesses, national media recognition, celebrity connections, and a thriving career. Then at just 32 years old, she received shocking news—she needed open heart surgery with significant risks. Facing her own mortality forced Rachel to reevaluate everything she believed about success, achievement, motherhood, faith, and purpose.

In this powerful conversation, Rachel shares how trauma, striving, and perfectionism quietly shaped her life, the three life-changing questions she asked herself before surgery, and the framework she now uses to make every major decision. This episode is an invitation to stop ch...

It's time to get to the truth about the booming tallow skincare industry. Why did tallow products explode in popularity? How can you spot fake or low-quality tallow balms online? And are many mainstream skincare products doing more harm than good?

Lily Wilmoth, founder of Hearth and Homestead, explains the science behind skin health, the importance of fat-soluble vitamins, and why ancestral skincare methods are making a comeback.

We dive deep into ingredient transparency, FDA loopholes, synthetic fragrances, and the growing movement toward regenerative farming and natural wellness.

And we break down some...

In this episode of the Simple Doesn't Mean Easy podcast, Michelle Visser shares two game-changing techniques that can completely transform fresh milled flour bread baking.

Michelle explains why fresh flour often produces dense, hard bread when used like commercial flour and breaks down the science behind hydration, bran, and gluten development. She introduces listeners to the powerful techniques of Tangzhong and Yudane, showing how these methods improve softness, texture, rise, and shelf life naturally—without additives or preservatives.

The episode also dives into choosing the right wheat berries, understanding wh...

Join Michelle today for practical tips on making nutritious, real food breakfast options at home, with recipes and tips to help you incorporate more real food into your daily routines.

Key Topics:

Nutritional benefits of fresh flaked oats

How commercial oats are processed and lose nutrients

Simple methods to make your own flaked oats at home

Recipes for nutritious oatmeal and granola

The impact of food processing on nutrient content

This episode's sponsors:

One of my favorite...

What does the 2026 Farm Bill mean for you? In this eye-opening episode, Michelle breaks down the shocking prevalence of glyphosate in everyday foods and 4 Things you never knew about glyphosate (spoiler alert: It's even worse than you thought.)

This episode explains how glyphosate impacts health, hormones, and nutrient absorption, and explores its links to infertility and chronic disease.

The episode also analyzes the controversial 2026 Farm Bill, including a last-minute public push and what it really means.

Michelle shares her own personal perspective on the...

In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle breaks down the truth about cooking fats—and why many commonly used oils may be harming your health. She explains the dangers of hydrogenated seed oils, including their link to inflammation and chronic disease, and shares why switching to traditional fats like lard, butter, and tallow can make a meaningful difference.

Michelle walks listeners step-by-step through how to render lard at home, simplifying what often feels like an intimidating process. She also explains the nutritional benefits of pasture-raised lard—especially its vitamin D content—and how...

Is gluten really the problem?

What if the real story starts long before your flour hits the kitchen?

In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, we go straight to the source—literally. Michelle sits down with a multi-generational wheat farmer and miller to uncover what’s changed in our grain over time—and why ancient grains like einkorn are making a comeback.

You’ll hear what’s happening in the soil, how modern wheat has been altered for efficiency (not nutrition), and why freshly milled flour behaves completely differently in your baking.

In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle sits down with Glenn Livingston, a former food industry insider turned expert in binge eating and food addiction recovery.

After struggling with his own compulsive eating and reaching nearly 300 pounds, Glenn reveals how processed foods are deliberately engineered to trigger cravings at a neurological level—making overeating feel impossible to control.

In today's episode:

In this deeply personal Easter episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle shares a powerful reflection on faith, hardship, and the true meaning of provision. Walking through a painful season involving a loved one’s wrongful incarceration, she explores the Biblical story of manna and what it reveals about our modern obsession with self-sufficiency.

From food storage and wheat berries to the limits of prepping, this episode challenges the idea that we can fully provide for ourselves. Instead, it offers a refreshing perspective on daily dependence, community support, and trusting God through uncertainty.

In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle sits down with holistic health educator Karen “Zuzu” Arms to explore the powerful connection between the nervous system and chronic illness.

Through deeply personal stories—including their daughters’ serious health struggles—they uncover how many conditions may be rooted in nervous system dysfunction rather than isolated symptoms.

They break down why inflammation isn’t always the enemy, how diet directly impacts cellular and neurological health, and why modern medicine often misses the bigger picture.

This conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers a fresh perspective on...

In this episode, Michelle sits down with Amy Sprouse, a holistic health educator who studied public health at Johns Hopkins, to explore the powerful connection between gut health, nutrition, and children’s behavior.

They break down details about processed foods' effects on children that you haven't thought about yet—and what parents can do about it.

Amy shares a fresh perspective on why kids today aren’t just “overstimulated,” but often physically under-stimulated, and how this imbalance affects the nervous system. The conversation also dives into the role of the microb...

In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle Visser speaks with former food industry consultant Dr. Glenn Livingston, who once advised major food corporations on how to sell more processed foods.

Dr. Livingston reveals how processed foods are intentionally engineered to keep consumers eating. From strategic packaging and advertising psychology to subtle flavor variations within a single bag of chips, food companies use sophisticated techniques to trigger our brain’s natural instincts for variety and reward.

The conversation also explores how marketing claims—such as “made with avocado...

In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle Visser breaks down a major problem with current dietary guidelines: the confusing advice to eat more “whole grains.”

Most shoppers assume that choosing whole wheat bread at the grocery store means they are making a healthier choice. But Michelle explains that many commercial breads labeled “whole wheat” are still made from refined flour and contain a long list of dough conditioners, preservatives, and emulsifiers designed for industrial baking.

She explores the hidden ingredients often found in store-bought bread, how they affec...

Are whole grains as healthy as we think?

Join me as we break down what really happens when you grind wheat berries into fresh milled flour. We'll discuss two nutrients that are almost entirely LOST when we mill fresh flour.

But don’t panic.

We'll also go over some simple solutions, from what you eat with your bread to what grains you mill for your bread.

If you care about feeding your family nutrient-dense food — this episode is essential list...

In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle breaks down why eggs may be the most underrated high-quality protein available today. With 97% digestibility and all nine essential amino acids, eggs provide complete protein in one simple, affordable food.

But the real surprise? Eggs are one of the most bioavailable sources of lutein — a powerful carotenoid that protects eye health, filters blue light, and helps reduce age-related macular degeneration.

Michelle also compares free-range eggs to conventional store-bought eggs, explaining differences in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin E, and yolk...

Are expensive “healthy” snacks actually wrecking your gut — and your budget?

Let's down the new food pyramid and dietary guidelines — what they got right, what still needs work, and why avoiding ultra-processed foods is the biggest win for your health.

But here’s the practical part: instead of just saying “stop eating processed food,” Michelle shares 3 powerful food preservation methods that make real food convenient, affordable, and long-lasting:

✔️ Fermenting for gut health

✔️ Dehydrating for space-saving storage

✔️ Freeze drying for healthy snacks you'll crave

You’ll hear how she preserved over 300 quart...

Is gluten really the problem—or have we been blaming the wrong thing all along?

This week, the FDA made headlines with a new move on gluten labeling, and many people celebrated it as a major win. But today we're going to break down why this decision won’t actually make us healthier—and may even make things worse.

If you’ve gone gluten-free and still don’t feel great…

If you’ve been told gluten is toxic…

If you rely on “gluten-free” foods to feel better…

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cate Shanahan—family physician, biochemist, and bestselling author—to uncover the hidden dangers of modern vegetable oils. Dr. Shanahan explains how eight commonly used seed oils disrupt cellular communication, fuel oxidative stress, and drive chronic disease. This episode unpacks the flawed history behind cholesterol fear, the role of industry influence, and why traditional fats like butter, lard, and tallow are making a comeback.

This conversation will empower you with practical steps to take control of your family's health—starting in your own kitchen.

In this episode, you’ll learn...

In this episode of Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy, Michelle Visser breaks down three major flaws in the new food pyramid—including what it gets dangerously wrong about fruits, vegetables, meat, and especially grains.

While applauding the new emphasis on protein, healthy fats, and real food, Michelle explains why food sourcing is the missing piece of the conversation. She unpacks why not all produce is nutritious, how meat labeling has misled consumers for years, and why fresh-milled flour made from properly sourced grains should not be lumped in with refined carbohydrates.

Wood heat has been labeled dirty, dangerous, and outdated—but is it true?

In this episode, Michelle talks with Patrick Sieben, certified heater mason and Vice President of the Masonry Heater Association of North America, to unpack the myths surrounding wood burning. Patrick explains how masonry heaters, commonly used across Europe, burn wood so efficiently that they produce little to no smoke, use far less fuel, and provide steady, radiant heat.

Find out why wood heat has been demonized, how improper burning practices skew the data, and why countries li...

We don't need to rely on the grocery store, even if we will never live on a farm.

Would you like to eat better and rely less on Big Food & grocery stores? Do you know you need to change the way you view food but don't know where to start? Do you know what to do if you want avocados but don't live where they grow?

Learn how to eat seasonally and locally.

Learn how to take on nutrition as your own responsibility for your family. (It's...

Does your head sometimes spin over sugars? Are you never quite sure if ANY sugar is good at all? Is there a sweetener that could be labeled the best sweetener? What's the truth behind the chemical makeup of maple syrup? Does the fact that it's processed (aka boiled down) mean it's lost nutrients?

If you've ever had questions about all-natural sugar, this episode is for you.

How to make maple syrup: https://soulyrested.com/category/making-maple-syrup/

The Reverse Osmosis filtering system I mentioned: https://soulyrested.com/ro/

Grab my Pantry Checklist...

Have you ever wondered when and why the U.S. government started regulating our flour? And what "enriching" it really entails? In this episode, Michelle delves into the history and nuances of flour with Gary Leavitt, President of Nutrimill.

Join us as we explore the significance of flour, the techniques of milling, and the devastating nutritional impact "enriched" flour has had on multiple generations. Find out about the shift from whole grains to processed foods, the role of government regulations in flour production, and the modern implications of consuming refined flour.

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Do you ever feel like you face so many dilemmas surrounding your food choices? Let's break down some of the historical context of dietary laws, and the impact of fear on our relationship with food. Let's not fear food but embrace joy and gratitude during the holidays.

Please check out our sponsors:

COFFEE: https://soulyrested.com/coffee/

MASONRY HEATER: https://soulyrested.com/cook (find the masonry heater and brick oven for baking bread and pizza)

TEAS: https://soulyrested.com/teas/

Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my...

Favorite (simple!) Christmas breakfast recipes. And practical cooking tips to make Christmas morning enjoyable, nutritious, and stress-free. I'll walk you through three main recipes: a Potato and Egg Skillet, a Sour Cream Coffee Cake, and my Grandmom's Cheese Souffle, each designed to be easy to prepare and perfect for Christmas morning.

Christmas breakfast can be simple and enjoyable. Preparation ahead of time makes cooking easier on Christmas morning. The Potato and Egg Skillet is a versatile dish for any occasion.

Sour Cream Coffee Cake can be made the night before for convenience...