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

In this debut episode of Everyday Ancestral, I sit down with Carolyn Thomas, the dynamic co-founder of Homesteading Family, to explore her inspiring journey from suburban mom to homesteading powerhouse. 

Carolyn reveals how she and her husband, Josh, traded convenience for self-sufficiency, building a life centered around intentional choices, sustainable practices, and an ever-growing homestead bustling with ten kids. We talk about what first sparked Carolyn’s desire for a natural lifestyle and how she learned to preserve food, grow her family’s resilience, and balance homesteading with modern life. 

This conversation is packed with insights on cultivating a life rich in connection, health, and purpose—right in the heart of Idaho. Join us as Carolyn shares what it takes to thrive as a homesteader and why this path offers so much more than just food security.

What We Talked About:

From Suburbia to Self-Sufficiency – How one life-changing event led Carolyn’s family to a sustainable life in Idaho.

Homesteading from Scratch – Carolyn’s first steps to create a healthier, self-sufficient lifestyle.

Family, Faith, and Connection – How Carolyn stays focused on what matters in a disconnected world.

Running a Busy Homestead – The teamwork and routines that keep her family of ten thriving.

Ancestral Wisdom with Modern Tools – Carolyn’s approach to blending tradition with convenience.

Staying Strong and Avoiding Burnout – Carolyn’s strategies for balance, energy, and finding joy in the everyday.

Links and Resources to Explore:

Homesteading Family website: https://www.homesteadingfamily.com
Freeze Drying the Harvest by Carolyn Thomas – Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/Freeze-Drying-Harvest-Preserving-Food-Modern/dp/1963008995

Visit https://eatpluck.com/everydayancestral/ for full show notes, resources and links. Stay tuned for more ancestral living tips and inspiration!

Get 20% off your first order of Pluck Superfood Seasonings with the code EA20 at https://eatpluck.com/