In this episode, I share an update on Ranger, our Great Pyrenees livestock guardian who is still missing, and how our family is moving forward while holding onto hope. I also talk about our plan to bring home a new working male dog, what we’re looking for in a ranch-ready name, and how we’re navigating the emotions of change while keeping the homestead running.

Then I dive into my annual New Year reflection, including my word-of-the-year approach (reemerge, redefine, and bringing it home), what’s shifting in our family and business, and why executive functioning matters for both kids and adults. I explain how homesteading naturally builds real-life skills through purpose, cause and effect, and responsibility, share details about my free Executive Functioning for Homestead Kids download, and give an update on our student planners—plus the launch of the new Junior Homestead Student Planner.

Episode Links

Homestead Student Planners: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/student-planner/

Grab your freebie here!

Kody Links

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/

Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, I’m talking about working dogs—and what happens when one goes missing. After a brief life update, I share the story of our livestock guardian dog, Ranger, and the events leading up to his disappearance. From late-night disturbances to injuries on multiple dogs, this episode explores the reality of relying on a guardian dog to protect a farm and the emotional weight of not knowing what happened.

I also address common misconceptions about working dogs, especially livestock guardian breeds like Great Pyrenees—how they’re raised, why they live differently than house pets, and why pet standards don’t always apply to working roles. Drawing from my background with hunting, herding, and farm dogs, I explain the difference between livestock guardians and farm guardians and invite listeners to think critically about breed-specific needs, farm protection, and respectful support during hard seasons.

Episode Links

Homestead Education Shop: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop/

Hanner Homestead: https://hannerhomestead.com/shop/

Porthill Printing: https://porthillprinting.com/

Livestock Guardian: https://amzn.to/4j08Riq

Herding Dogs: https://amzn.to/3L3Vkts

Herding Dogs on the Homestead: https://amzn.to/48FctTn

Kody Links

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/

Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, Kody sits down with Lindy Bryant of Northwoods of Idaho—Air Force veteran, disaster response specialist, and creator of the Grab and Go Binder and Survival in a Bottle kits.

They break down real-life preparedness for normal people: families, single parents, seniors, urban dwellers, and rural homesteaders who want to be ready for power outages, job loss, medical emergencies, and everyday “mini disasters” long before a comet hits the earth.

From emergency binders and car kits to bartering, community support, and skill-based prepping, this conversation will help you rethink preparedness as a practical, affordable, and deeply caring way to protect your family.

Episode Links

Website: https://www.northwoodsofidaho.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthWoodsOfIdaho

Get it on Amazon: Do It Yourself: Grab-N-Go Binder

Lindy's Book: The Single Person's Guide to Preparedness: Prepping for One!

Kody Links

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/

Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation