Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
Michelle Visser
Are you longing to simplify things just a little, amidst the crazy, loud, distracting clutter of life? Are you longing to be "Souly Rested"? That's where I was when my family moved from busy suburbia to a rural New England farm and started on this crazy ride toward simplifying things. Since "simple" is almost never synonymous with "easy," I was pretty much a failure at everything I tried. But along the way I learned that it's not only okay, but actually GOOD that simple joys require hard work. So I'm here, along with many insightful guests, to encourage you in this sometimes difficult effort to simplify. Because we can do this, guys. Together.
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Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Simple Doesn't Mean Easy episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Simple Doesn't Mean Easy for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Simple Doesn't Mean Easy episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Social Media's Impact on Your Health, with Chris Martin (S5, E11)
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
06/19/23 • 55 min
Today Chris Martin, content marketing editor at Moody Publishers, is joining us. Chris is the author of Terms of Service: the Real Cost of Social Media & The Wolf in Their Pockets. Chris has been studying and writing about social media for over half a decade and you're going to enjoy his practical, encouraging insights.
In this episode
- Does Social Media actually impact our health?
- The average person is using social media for 2 1/2 hours every day and multiple studies have linked social media use to depression, anxiety, loneliness and suicide.
- Social Media use leads to feelings of inadequacy, self-absorption, distraction, sleep disruption, and keeps us from developing real-life relationships.
- So whether we want to admit it or not, our social media usage DOES impact our health.
- 95% of young people use social media and devoting a huge amount of time to it
- How studies have shown that teens face double the risk of mental health issues because of social media use and habits
- 3 ways to look at social media (and why 2 are wrong)
- The connection between TV of the 60s and today’s social media platforms
- How entertainment went from a 1-way street to a 2-way one
- Why social media is not simply a teenager problem
- The most common thing kids want to be today when they grow up
- Practical suggestions to limit the impacts of social media
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Terms of Service: The Real Cost of Social Media
Amusing Ourselves to Death, by Neil Postman
Techwise Family, by Andy Crouch
To snag Michelle's Master Class on DIY kombucha at less than HALF PRICE
Ways to spend less time on social media:
- Show yourself that the unpredictable (therefore addicting) results of social media are pretty predictable on your mood: For 1 week, 1x a day write down how you feel (from 1 to 10) before scrolling social media and again after.
- Plan a real-life gathering with friends.
- Make time to get outside.
- Make exercise a "have to" and put it on the calendar.
- Find a place you'd love to volunteer a few hours a week.
- Spend time, face to face, with one friend every week.
Follow Today's Guest on twitter: @chrismartin17
For more information: https://soulyrested.com/2023/06/19/social-medias-impact-on-our-health-with-chris-martin-s5-e11/
101. Love Language of the Family Table with Stacy Lyn Harris
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
03/11/24 • 37 min
In this episode, Stacy Lyn Harris & Michelle Visser discusses the importance of setting priorities and boundaries, the beauty of Southern culture, the power of storytelling, the journey of writing a book, and the impact of busy schedules on family connection.
Stacy emphasizes the significance of gathering around the family table and the role it plays in creating a sense of belonging and identity.
She also highlights the need for intergenerational relationships and the value of traditions in nurturing family bonds.
She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for discussions and the impact that food can have on conversations.
Stacy also shares tips for outdoor dining and highlights the value of simple conversations.
She discusses how cooking is a love language and offers tips for encouraging moms to prepare nutritious meals for their families.
Stacy also shares advice on meal planning and preparation, including making excess and freezing meals for busy days.
Overall, this conversation explores the challenges and rewards of maintaining strong family connections around the family table in a busy and fast-paced world.
A Few Takeaways:
-Conversations around the table have the power to inspire and shape individuals.
-Food can enhance conversations and create a comforting and grounding atmosphere.
-Creating a safe space for discussions allows for deeper and more meaningful conversations.
-Preparing ahead of time can help moms provide nutritious meals for their families.
FREE resources:
Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz
Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/
My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu
My website: https://soulyrested.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/
All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/
Where to find Stacy Lyn Harris:
https://stacylynharris.com/
https://www.facebook.com/stacylynharris/
https://www.instagram.com/stacylynharris/
https://www.youtube.com/user/GameandGarden
Stacy's NEW book: Love Language of the South https://amzn.to/3VcRz7H
The Best Sugars to Use (and what sugars to avoid), with David Stelzer of Azure (S7, E3)
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
11/13/23 • 75 min
Sugar is foundational to life and provides energy, but refined/processed sugars can damage our health.
In this episode, I'm talking with David Stelzer, founder and CEO of Azure Standard about why Azure does not carry conventional refined white sugar (it's insane really).
And I'm picking David's brain about every detail of all the sweetener options that I might choose .
David dives into why conventional sugar production utilizes damaging practices like glyphosate spraying, artificial fertilizers, and burning leaves.
We talk about how Azure Standard aims to maintain a higher standard and not compromise on questionable ingredients. -
David explains why it's best to transition your family's diet through a progression, not radical changes. And he describes how Azure carries products to help folks transition from standard American diet to healthier options.
Detailed show notes for this episode: https://soulyrested.com/2023/11/13/the-best-sugar-to-use-and-what-sugar-to-avoid-with-david-stelzer-of-azure/
Sponsors for this episode:
Please check out this amazing family-run food supplier who has been working to change the broken food system in the U.S. by putting more power into the hands of the consumer:
Find out more about Azure, an independent food supply chain that is fixing a broken food system and providing high-quality food and other products to families across the United States, here: SoulyRested.com/azure
Use code soulyrested10 for 10% off your first order of $50 or more, delivered to a drop near you. Go here to find your nearest drop location.
Related Links mentioned in podcast:
Using maple syrup in place of sugar: How to bake with maple syrup https://soulyrested.com/2019/03/26/the-best-substitute-for-sugar-in-baking/
Drinks well sweetened: 5 healthy drinks you should be drinking https://soulyrested.com/2023/03/05/top-5-healthy-drinks-you-should-be-drinking-s4-e11/
The best hot chocolate: Healthy Instant Hot Chocolate Mix https://soulyrested.com/2022/10/04/healthy-hot-chocolate-mix/
Free, downloadable Pantry Checklist https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/4e5b01de-a4a4-4354-99d2-5c986e43a5b0
3 Things I Wish I Knew About an Empty Nest
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
10/23/23 • 43 min
In this week's episode of the Simple Doesn't Mean Easy podcast, host Michelle Visser dives into the topic of being an empty nester. She shares her unique experience of having an empty nest at different points over the years as her daughters temporarily moved out and back in, rather than all leaving at once.
Michelle explains that while she and her husband didn't do regular "date nights" when the kids were young, they made sure to spend meaningful one-on-one time with each family member, including each other, even if it wasn't alone time or a true "date."
She advises parents to start reconnecting more with your spouse as the kids become teenagers, while the kids are still at home and suggests some ways to do that.
Now that she's experiencing a true empty nest, Michelle loves having more time for fostering new friendships, personal hobbies, and even running her podcast. However, she notes you do have to be intentional about making time for these things.
Her best advice? It rings true for every season of life, not just the empty nest phase... Work hard at maintaining a positive attitude, focused on what's good - reflecting on what's true, noble, right, pure, lovely and praiseworthy even in the hard and difficult days.
Ultimately, Michelle didn't do anything specifically to prepare for empty nest life, but yet feels her overall choices as the kids were growing up, in the end, helped her usher in this new stage graciously.
She encourages listeners to enjoy the season you're in, invest in your family, and you'll naturally invest in your spouse too, which will, in the end, prepare you for the Empty Nest.
7. Don't Waste Your Isolation
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
04/09/20 • 27 min
As I record this, the U.S. is in the midst of a surreal situation like none of us have ever lived through before. Severe isolation in the midst of the worldwide Covid-19 outbreak. Today I'm sharing a long list of good things that have or may result from this horribly scary, trying, heart-wrenching time. Today, we're spending a few minutes focusing on the joy. And I'm sharing YOUR stories that you have shared with me that have made me cry & smile on some very hard days.
Those links I promised:
That list of special coupons for the SoulyRested tribe is here: SoulyRested.com/coupons
Inspiration for family fun when you're stuck at home: https://soulyrested.com/athome/
Games my family LOVES: https://soulyrested.com/2020/03/28/popular-family-games/
My friend, Samantha, who I mentioned... the Canadian beekeeper with the To Kill a Mocking Bird story... can be found on ig right here.
Some wonderful plays and musicals you can watch for free, at home, during the coronavirus shutdown:
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdmPjhKMaXNNeCr1FjuMvag/videos
One adopt-a-grandparent program: https://chdliving.co.uk/adopt-grandparent
The Getty Museum’s art challenge: https://www.sadanduseless.com/recreated-art/
Podchaser, the podcast platform that is donating money to Meals on Wheels during the coronavirus shutdown, explains their charity drive here.
Go here to leave a review for the Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy podcast: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/simple-doesnt-mean-easy-1029245
I’ll be watching and will be sure to reply so we can DOUBLE the donation!
Please join me on SoulyRested.com as well as:
Enjoy my ecourses at 1/2-off all month long:
Find my book here: Sweet Maple
And get behind-the-scenes info and resources for all we do here by supporting the show (and making me humbly elated) over on Patreon.
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/simpledoesntmeaneasy)
Quality Time With our Kids Improves our Health, with Sarah Roof (S5, E17)
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
08/07/23 • 38 min
Are you ready to ditch the hurry? Embrace the slow? And enjoy your child(ren)? Listen in as we analyze these very things.
In this episode with Sarah Roof, of Simplyy_Sarah_, we dig deep into the importance of connecting deeply with each child, often. And, referencing multiple studies, Sarah points out, throughout this episode, why daily connections points between a parent and a child improves everyone's healthy.
In this episode:
* Research suggests that stress levels can significantly impact our physical and mental health
* How does intentionally slowing down and engaging in meaningful activities with our kids help reduce stress and improve our overall health as mothers/parents?
* Millennial moms are more likely to experience anxiety, depression & stress than any other generation of moms
* Do moms rarely or never take time for their own health?
* The best ways for a mom to take care of herself
* Is "self care" what our peers and society tell us it is?
* Parents who are devoted to regular family time report lower stress and higher levels of happiness
* Great ways for a family to loose track of a few hours and just spend time together
* Why intentional connection time with our kids improves mom's health, as well as the children's.
* The many benefits of sitting down at dinner together as a family
* Practical strategies to carve out time for slow and intentional time with kids
* What "connection points" are with our children and how to create them
* Fighting societal pressures to constantly be busy and achieve more
* How society’s demand for productivity leads to LESS
* How embracing a slower pace of life and prioritizing quality time with our kids help us redefine our definition of success and well-being
* What age is too old for a child to have "connection points" with mom in a day?
Amazing ways that quality time with our kids improves a parent's health
Planning a special dinner night once a week
* The rhythm of theme nights planned regularly
* How immersing ourselves in a moment offers the sweet spot of happy hormones and less stress
How spending 20-30 minutes in nature results in a deep drop in cortisol levels
More about Sarah Roof, today's guest:
Sarah is a wife and mama who is on a journey to ditch the hurry and embrace a slower-paced life. Married to her (homeschool) highschool sweetheart, she and their little family live on a small piece of land about 50 miles east of Kansas City. Through her popular Instagram account, Simplyy Sarah, she encourages other mamas to reclaim motherhood from busy culture’s narrative, find beauty and purpose in the midst of the mundane, and to savor the slow and simple life.
Follow Sarah Roof:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyy_sarah_/
Sarah's store, where you can sign up for the monthly newsletter: https://stan.store/SimplyySarah
Research articles Sarah mentioned:
https://www.mother.ly/news/2023-state-of-motherhood-survey/
https://www.today.com/parents/today-survey-pandemic-parenting-finds-moms-are-burnt-out-t217123
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8263013/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/a-20-minute-nature-break-relieves-stress
Redmond Salt, Today's Sponsor:
Redmond Real Salt... because salt should be simple.
It shouldn’t contain artificial additives or unhealthy pollutants.
So look where your salt comes from. I have only used Redmond salt for many years, and I know exactly where it comes from... a mine in Utah, created by an ancient sea bed.
Zero chance of pollution which is exactly the way I love my salt, thank you.
Use code SOULYRESTED for 15% off—grab the 25-lb bag cause it never goes bad and it never has pollutants and it’s loaded with more than 60+ trace minerals. Plus, shipping is FREE if you're spending over $30. Can't beat that!
132. Is antifreeze in ice cream?
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
08/26/24 • 40 min
Is antifreeze in ice cream? And how can we do our own research, question our sources, and know what battles to fight?
Most importantly, did you know you can make your own homemade maple ice cream with just 4 ingredients, in just 25 minutes?
Listen to the end for the recipe for how to add one unique ingredient to your maple ice cream to make it amazing... and a unique ice cream variety you could never find in the store.. with or without anti-freeze.
The episode is brought to you by the best garlic & more (save with code SIMPLE)-- Territorialseed.com/simple -- https://www.pjatr.com/t/TUJGR0xNRkJGTElKSExCR0tORUxI?url=https%3A%2F%2Fterritorialseed.com%2Fpages%2Fsimple-doesn-t-mean-easy-podcast
Make Ice Cream with me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOMk02Ujf3o&t=2s
My recipe for Maple Ice Cream: https://soulyrested.com/make-maple-ice-cream/
My recipe for Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: https://soulyrested.com/mint-chocolate-chip-ice-cream-with-no-refined-sugar/
The helpful resource I mentioned for analyzing the ingredients in foods and personal care products in your life: https://www.ewg.org/
One study we discuss in this episode: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/ethylene-propylene-glycol/propylene_glycol.html
Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/
FREE resources:
Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz
Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/
My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu
My website: https://soulyrested.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/
All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/
Surprising Ways to Relieve Stress, with Jill Winger (S5, E5)
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
05/08/23 • 25 min
Why are we so stressed? How does it impact our health? And our cortisol levels? And why does it all matter?
Explore these answers and dive into quite possibly the easiest solutions to some pretty nasty modern-day health concerns in today's episode, while I chat with my friend of many years: Jill Winger.
Watch or read more about this episode: https://soulyrested.com/2023/05/08/surprising-ways-to-relieve-stress-podcast-with-jill-winger-s5-e5/
Where to find Jill Winger?
Her book: Preorder Old-Fashioned on Purpose here
Her podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/old-fashioned-on-purpose-podcast
Her instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jill.winger/
Her blog: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/
CONNECT
Blog: https://soulyrested.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOLRbLo4lnwJ2nPiL2xtB8g
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested...
SPECIAL OFFER FOR PODCAST VIEWERS
Today’s episode is sponsored by Redmond Ag. Find out about their soil test kit that has me so excited (and grab a great discount!) here: https://soulyrested.com/soil/
For links to everything mentioned in this episode: Search "S5 E5" at soulyrested.com.
GET MORE FROM THIS EPISODE
Listen in to (or watch on youtube) a previous episode right here--8 Things you never thought of that are Better Homemade: https://soulyrested.com/2022/10/26/8-things-you-can-make-better-yourself-s4-e10/
MORE RESOURCES
Get an autographed copy of my book, Sweet Maple, all about delicious real food, here:
https://terrific-cherry-777.myflodesk.com
Support our small family farm and wear simple living encouragement: https://soulyrested.com/gear/
And find all episodes of the Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy Podcast at https://soulyrested.com/podcast/
To leave a review of this episode or the podcast in general, go to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simple-doesnt-mean-easy/id1502035061
And remember, It’s easy to forget how blessed we are to live this life. So enjoy the simple, everyday efforts. It’s not easy, but it’s a good life.
147. 6 simple ways to fight seasonal depression
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
12/09/24 • 20 min
Please check out our sponsors:
https://www.hearthandhomesteadstore.com/ Use c ode SOULYRESTED
soulyrested.com/flour
The Tulsi Basil tea I love: https://www.farmhouseteas.com/products/tropical-tulsi-sweet-tea?&sca_ref=5448651.EpqqY2Gmea
Use code SOULYRESTED to save $$
My medicinal hot chocolate mix: https://soulyrested.com/healthy-hot-chocolate-mix/
Find all 6 medicinal ingredients we're talking about in this episode here: https://soulyrested.com/botanicals/
Thanks for watching!
👉Click here to subscribe for new videos: https://www.youtube.com/michellevisser?sub_confirmation=1
Grab my Pantry Checklist (loaded with discounts on my favorite ingredients) for free right here: https://soulyrested.com/pantry/
FREE resources:
Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz
Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/
My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu
My website: https://soulyrested.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/
All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/
About Michelle Visser
Hi, so nice to meet you! I’m Michelle, a former processed food junkie turned real-food enthusiast.
My husband and I live on a small New England farm and sugarbush with a lot of gardens. But I’m passionate about helping folks have more real food in their lives, no matter where they live. No farm or garden required.
Popular topics on my channel include:
Real food
Pantry staple recipes
From scratch cooking
Tea blends & how to make them
Sugarmaking
The Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy podcast
Visit https://soulyrested.com/ for more, and subscribe to my YouTube channel to get new videos from me: https://www.youtube.com/michellevisser?sub_confirmation=1
👋Find me in all the places:
My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu
My website: https://soulyrested.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/
Podcast: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/
CONTACT: michelle@soulyrested(dot)com
7 Things You Can Make (Better) Yourself (S4, E9)
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy
10/05/22 • 5 min
Grab all the resources and recipes mentioned in this episode right here: soulyrested.com/2022/10/04/7-things-you-can-make-better-yourself/
Grab the free pantry supply list (and listen to episode 1 for how to use it) here: SoulyRested.com/pantry
Dive into my free ecourse on fresh flour: https://soulyrested.com/flour/
Find my book, Sweet Maple, all about delicious real food, here: https://amzn.to/2OiAqWI (on Amazon) or here: https://bookshop.org/a/5810/9781493037773 (that link supports small businesses)
And find all episodes of this podcast at SoulyRested.com/podcast
To leave a review of this episode or the podcast in general, go to soulyrested.com/podcast and click “apple podcasts.”
To access my Subscriber Resource Library go here: https://soulyrested.com/snag-free-ebooks/
Please join me at SoulyRested.com ( https://soulyrested.com/ ) as well as:
instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested )
facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested/ )
pinterest ( https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/ )
youtube ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOLRbLo4lnwJ2nPiL2xtB8g )
And remember, It’s easy to forget how blessed we are to live this life. So enjoy the simple, everyday efforts. It's not easy, but it's a good life.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Simple Doesn't Mean Easy have?
Simple Doesn't Mean Easy currently has 149 episodes available.
What topics does Simple Doesn't Mean Easy cover?
The podcast is about Leisure, Home & Garden, How To, Podcasts and Education.
What is the most popular episode on Simple Doesn't Mean Easy?
The episode title 'Practical Ways to Make Real-Food Meals More Convenient (S4, E4)' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Simple Doesn't Mean Easy?
The average episode length on Simple Doesn't Mean Easy is 32 minutes.
How often are episodes of Simple Doesn't Mean Easy released?
Episodes of Simple Doesn't Mean Easy are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Simple Doesn't Mean Easy?
The first episode of Simple Doesn't Mean Easy was released on Mar 3, 2020.
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