The Cottager's Podcast

Hosted by Mathew & Carissa Winters

Business Education Kids Family Parenting Religion Spirituality

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

About the show

The Cottagers Podcast, in association with Cottage Pastures, is on a mission to inspire, support and promote agricultural pursuits characterized by farming and homesteading. We are inspired by our Catholic Faith and believe agriculture is a great means to illuminate the beauty of that faith in the world today. Join us as we talk about farming, homesteading, the Catholic faith and more!

Listen to episodes

38 recent

May 11, 2026Episode 744 min

Maple Syrup: A Family Labor of Love with Tim Cermak

Most people underestimate the hard work, history, and heart behind their favorite maple syrup—and many are shocked to learn how much effort goes into every single drop. In this episode, Tim Cermak of Sugarbush Creek Farm in Middlefield, Ohio, breaks down the fascinating journey from a childhood fascination sparked by a children's book to a multi-generational family business that’s shipped syrup to all 50 states—and beyond. Tim reveals the secrets of making authentic, 100% pure maple syrup, from harvesting over 2,200 trees in Northeast Ohio to using modern tech like reverse osmosis while honoring traditional methods.

May 4, 2026Episode 633 min

Homesteading and Building a Village with Jason Craig

Matthew is joined by author and homesteader, Jason Craig to discuss the challenges and joys of homesteading in today's consumerist, suburbanized culture, by reconnecting to our natural roots in family, community, and the land itself. This conversation explores the deep reasons behind the modern interest in small farming and homesteading, emphasizing natural human inclinations, cultural roots, and practical steps for starting a land-based lifestyle.

April 27, 2026Episode 532 min

Trusting in the Good Shepherd with Matt and Rachel Langer

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rachel and Matt Langer as they share their journey from mink farming to establishing Lumen Christi Farm, a nonprofit dedicated to farming, faith, and community service. Discover how faith, resilience, and a love for farming transformed their lives and created a sanctuary for spiritual and agricultural growth.

April 20, 2026Episode 444 min

How the Catholic Land Movement Connects Faith, Land, and Community with Michael Thomas

This conversation explores the history, mission, and current developments of the Catholic Land Movement, emphasizing its spiritual and practical significance for modern Catholics interested in land stewardship, community building, and faith-based agriculture.

April 13, 2026Episode 344 min

Homesteading and Focusing on Eternity with Greg Cello

In this conversation, Mathew and Greg Cello discuss the journey of establishing a homestead, the importance of family and community, and the role of faith in their lives. Greg shares his experiences transitioning from military life to homesteading, emphasizing the significance of rooting oneself in a community and the lessons learned from working the land. They explore the challenges and joys of parenting in a homesteading environment, the value of writing and sharing insights, and the aspirations for the future, including plans for sheep and wool production. The conversation highlights the connection between land stewardship, family legacy, and spiritual growth.

March 4, 2026Episode 132 min

Embracing the Cottager Lifestyle

Mathew and Carissa discuss the evolution of their farm, Cottage Pastures, and the podcast itself. They share updates on their operations, including the growth of garlic and other products, and the importance of distinguishing between homesteading and farming. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in farming, the impact of seasonal changes, and their plans for improving efficiency and resource management on the farm. The hosts emphasize the significance of building systems and laying a strong foundation for future success in both farming and homesteading.

December 13, 202355 min

Plant Biology, Gardening, Cultivars & More with Dr. Doug Darnowski

This interview was conducted between Mathew (Little Way Farm and Homestead) and Dr. Doug Darnowski of Sts. Therese and Isidore Farm College. The discussion covered an array of topics pertaining to growing plants and plant biology. This interview is fast-paced and opens the opportunity for consideration of how to best plan, cultivate and harvest crops for homesteading. Check out Sts. Therese and Isidore Farm College by Clicking Here.Additional Notes:Real Estate for Life is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org [https://realestateforlife.org/] And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.Link: https://realestateforlife.org/For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead, including the farm, podcast, and upcoming projects, check out LittleWayHomestead.com.

August 16, 202335 min

Episode 3: Getting Started - Four Things to Consider Before or Early On in the Development of Your Homestead

Mathew and Carissa discuss four things to consider as you begin, or prepare to begin, the development of your Homestead.

November 7, 202351 min

Animal Harvesting, Discipline In Abundance And Domestic Order With Brandon And Lauren Sheard

Brandon and Lauren Sheard are the operating duo of Farmstead Meatsmith. Journeying together into an appreciation for artistry and mastery of animal husbandry, slaughter and butchery, their commitment to the Catholic Faith shines as a theme of inspiration enveloping an openness to Grace.Episode Introduction:"Brandon Sheard came into traditional livestock harvesting after studying Shakespeare in graduate school.With no experience in butchery or agriculture, he quit his job at Whole Foods Market, and started work on a small, multi-species and pasture-based farm in the Pacific Northwest. After two years of working on the farm and managing the butcher shop, Brandon left and started Farmstead Meatsmith with his wife Lauren who had journeyed with him from academia to agriculture.Today the Sheards live in northeastern Oklahoma with their nine children, teaching the art of animal harvesting and provisioning on the domestic scale. You can learn the craft of artful slaughter at Farmsteadmeatsmith.com where they host the Meatsmith Membership and post a full calendar of undiluted, hands-on classes in animal harvesting according to the traditions of the peasant home.We are excited to bring you this interview as a production of Little Way Farm and Homestead. If you are interested in helping this podcast grow and reach a larger audience, please consider leaving a review wherever you are listening. And, for more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead, or to contact us, please visit www.LittleWayHomestead.com."Other Notes:Farmstead Meatsmith Website: https://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/Upcoming Farmstead Meatsmith Events: https://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/upcoming-classes/Membership Courses: Farmstead Meatsmith MembershipFarmstead Meatsmith Podcast: A Meatsmith HarvestFarmstead Meatsmith Youtube Channel: Farmstead Meatsmith

May 20, 2025Episode 149 min

Homesteading with Dr. Taylor Marshall

On this episode of the Cottager's Podcast, Mathew met with Dr. Taylor Marshall to discuss homesteading, family life and more. For more information about Dr. Taylor Marshall: Dr. Taylor Marshall's YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@DrTaylorMarshall… Website: http://taylormarshall.com Pre-Order Dr. Taylor Marshall's Upcoming Book: "Christian Patriot: 12 Ways to Create One National Under God" https://ChristianPatriotBook.com For more information about Cottage Pastures and the Cottager's Podast visit https://www.cottagepastures.com. Please direct all inquiries to hello@cottagepastures.com.