Episodes
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When the power goes out, itâs easy to feel overwhelmedâespecially when hungry kids are staring at you like youâre the generator. In this episode, Wendi shares:
What to do in the first 10 minutes of a power outageNo-cook and minimal-cook emergency meal ideasCozy ways to make a stressful moment feel like a family adventureHer favorite tools, gear, and prep-ahead tipsWhy progress matters more than perfection in preparednessA gentle mindset shift for navigating storms with gracePlus, she shares how to turn this experience into a confidence builder for the next time. Youâll leave feeling encouraged, empowered, and ready for whatever comes next (even if itâs just snack board dinner by lantern light).
đ Mentioned in this episode:
Printable- No Power Meal Checklist
Wendiâs free Facebook group: Joyfully Prepared
Freeze Dried Food Basics
Meal Planning Worksheet
Butane Stove
Butane Fuel
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In This Episode, Wendi Shares:
A personal birthday reflection filled with joy, tenderness, and encouragement
A message to her younger selfâand to every woman feeling stretched too thin
Why joy isnât always loud, and how to find it in quiet moments
How to redirect your thoughts toward peace and abundance
The spiritual heart of true self-reliance (and the trap of entitlement)
How to gently model accountability for your children
One simple practice you can start this week to shift from fear to joy
Takeaway Quote:
âTake a few minutes each day to put your face to the sunshine and breathe. You are a joy. Period.âMentioned in This Episode:
The book Stop Believing Everything You Think
Wendiâs favorite grounding practices for emotional and spiritual preparedness
Connect with Wendi:
Website: joyfullyprepared.com
Free Facebook Group: Joyfully Prepared Community
Instagram: @joyfullyprepper
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Episodes manquant?
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In this episode, youâll learn:
What companion planting is (and why itâs not just for garden nerds)
Why herbs are the ultimate multitaskers in your garden
How to place herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint to support your fruits and vegetables
The best culinary and medicinal uses for 9 powerhouse herbs
Wendiâs favorite tips and fun analogies that make gardening feel doable and delightful
Herbs covered in this episode:
Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, Sage, Oregano, Lavender, Bay Laurel, ParsleyMentioned in this episode:
Download the Printable Herb Companion Guide
Container Gardening Course for Beginners
More resources at joyfullyprepared.com
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Key Points:
Insanely Long Shelf Life: Lasts 5â10 years when stored properlyâno more tossing forgotten eggs.
Always in Stock: Your emergency stash of kitchen goldânever run out of eggs for recipes.
No Refrigeration Needed: Store them in your pantry, perfect for power outages or camping.
Versatile Use: Works well in scrambled eggs, omelets, quiches, bread, pancakes, and more.
Eliminates Food Waste: Avoid cracked or forgotten eggsâjust scoop and go.
Great for Preparedness: Perfect for long-term food storage and meal prepping.
Safe to Eat Raw: Great for homemade mayo, salad dressings, and safe cookie dough indulgence.
Budget-Friendly Over Time: Saves money through zero waste, long shelf life, and fewer trips to the store.
Travel-Friendly: Lightweight, easy to pack, and no risk of breaking.
Bulk Buy Convenience: Stock up and forget about weekly egg runs.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Website: www.joyfullyprepared.com
Facebook Group: www.joyfulprepgroup.com
Thrive Life Freeze-dried egg powder: http://joyfulprep.thrivelife.com/dried-egg.html
Egg Powder Info Guide: Essential Guide to Freeze-dried Powdered Eggs
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Intro: A gentle reminder that preparedness is about progress, not perfection.
The Myth of Perfection in Preparedness: Letting go of unrealistic expectations and appreciating the power of taking small steps.
Small Steps = Big Empowerment: Inspired by The Gap and The Gain, recognizing the progress youâve made and celebrating those gains.
Letting Go of Perfection: Embracing preparedness as a mindset and living with intention.
Conclusion: Youâre already doing so much good. Keep going, keep giving yourself grace, and celebrate every step you take. đ
Website: www.joyfullyprepared.com
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What We Cover in This Episode:
đ˝ď¸ Why wheat, beans, oil, salt & sugar arenât âenoughâ on their own
đ Key Takeaways:
đŹ How food fatigue & digestion issues make long-term survival harder
đž How to store and actually cook with wheat, beans, oil, salt & sugar
𼌠What to add to your food storage for a well-balanced pantryâď¸ Wheat can be sprouted for fresh nutrients & cooked whole for variety.
âď¸ Beans are great, but they take time to cook & can cause digestive issues.
âď¸ Oil is essential for cooking & nutrition but has a short shelf life.
âď¸ Salt isnât just for flavorâitâs critical for health & food preservation.
âď¸ Sugar is useful for more than sweetsâit helps with fermentation & morale.đĄ Whatâs one food storage item you think people overlook? Drop a comment or hit replyâIâd love to hear your thoughts!
đ§ Listen Now: [Insert Link]
đ Join My Membership! â [Insert Link]
đ Follow me on Instagram for more tips! â [Insert Link] -
𧸠Why Kids Reject Food Storage Meals
đ Food Neophobia (Fear of New Foods)
Kids are wired to resist new foodsâitâs a survival instinct!Taste buds are more sensitive, making new flavors overwhelming.Stress makes picky eating worse. If they wonât eat it now, they wonât eat it in an emergency.â How to Make Food Storage Work for Kids:
đľ Why Elderly Adults Struggle with Food Storage
âď¸ Store what they already eat
âď¸ Introduce food storage meals now
âď¸ Keep familiar seasonings & comfort foodsđ Aging & Taste Research (2014)
Taste buds fade, making food bland or unappealingLoss of smell changes how food tastesDry, chewy, or high-fiber foods are harder to eat & digestStress & illness reduce appetiteâ How to Make Food Storage Work for Elderly Adults:
âď¸ Store soft, easy-to-digest foods
âď¸ Use natural flavor boosters
âď¸ Rotate familiar meals into their routineđĄ Join My Membership! â https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/mealplan
đ Follow me on Instagram for more tips! â https://www.instagram.com/joyfulprepper/Website: www.joyfullyprepared.com
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đš What Youâll Learn in This Episode:
âď¸ Why the Minnesota Starvation Experiment proves food fatigue is real
âď¸ How Survivor contestants struggle with hunger, yet still refuse certain foods
âď¸ Why kids and elderly adults are the most likely to reject unfamiliar food
âď¸ How food storage can fail if itâs built around âsurvival foodsâ instead of real meals
âď¸ Simple ways to make sure your food storage is actually usableđš Key Takeaways:
â Food fatigue is realâpeople lose their appetite if they eat the same food repeatedly.
â Even starving people refuse foodâhistory and research prove it!
â Sudden diet changes can cause digestive distressâyour body isnât used to new foods overnight.
â Your familyâs food storage should match what they already eatâstore what you eat and eat what you store!đš Resources & Links:
đ Join my Meal Planning Membership! â Meal Planning Membership
đ Free Food Storage Meal Planning Worksheet â Meal Planning Worksheet
đ Join my Facebook Group: Easy Meal Planning for Busy Moms â www.joyfulprepgroup.comđď¸ Want More? Subscribe & Review!
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who could use some meal planning and food storage tips! Your support helps more people find the podcast.
#FoodStorage #MealPlanning #SurvivalFood #SurvivorTVShow #FoodFatigue #EmergencyPreparedness #StockYourPantry #BusyMomLife
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Have you ever opened your fridge or pantry, seen random ingredients, and thought, "Thereâs nothing to eat!"? Youâre not alone! Meal planning and food storage go hand in hand, and in this episode, Iâm sharing my simple, stress-free approach to making meal planning work for your real lifeâeven on your busiest days.
You'll learn:
âď¸ Why meal planning and food storage are the perfect pair (and how they make your life easier).
âď¸ The Top 10 Meals Methodâthe easiest way to simplify meal planning.
âď¸ How to stock your pantry with the right ingredients (without wasting food or money).
âď¸ How to keep meal planning flexibleâso it works for picky eaters, food allergies, or busy schedules.Join My NEW Meal Planning Membership! đ
If you need extra support and a simple system that actually works, Iâve got exciting news! Iâve just launched a brand-new, low-cost membership for busy moms who want meal planning to feel easy, flexible, and stress-free.
For just $9/month, youâll get:
đ One LIVE monthly community call to plan meals together & get your questions answered.
đ Printable templates & pantry guides to help you stay organized.
đ A private Facebook group for support, ideas, and motivation.Join now at â JoyfullyPrepared.com
Resources & Links:
đ Join the Meal Planning Membership â JoyfullyPrepared.com
đ Download my FREE Meal Planning Worksheet â https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning
đ Website: https://www.joyfullyprepared.comPodcast: https://www.joyfullyprepared.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfulprepper
Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/wendi-bergin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wenbergin
Email: [email protected]
đŹ Have a question or topic request? Email me at [email protected]
đď¸ Loved this episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend!#MealPlanning #FoodStorage #BusyMomLife #StressFreeDinners #JoyfullyPrepared
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What Youâll Learn in This Episode:
â Why elderberries are a must-have plant for your garden
â How Wendi started making her own elderberry syrup (and now sells DIY syrup kits!)
â The health benefits of elderberries and elderflowers
â Best practices for growing and caring for elderberries
â Tips for harvesting elderflowers and berries
â How to use elderberries for syrup, tea, gummies, and more
â Ideas for selling elderberry productsâfrom cuttings to syrup kits
â What you need to know about cottage food laws for selling homemade productsđż Get Wendiâs DIY Elderberry Syrup Kit â https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/elderberry
Timestamps for Easy Navigation:
đą Learn More About Growing Elderberries â
đŹ Connect with Wendi on Social Media â www.joyfulprepgroup.comđ˘ 00:00 â Introduction: Why Elderberries?
đ˘ 04:15 â How Wendi Got Started with Elderberries
đ˘ 08:30 â The Health Benefits of Elderberries & Elderflowers
đ˘ 14:45 â How to Grow Elderberries (Planting & Companion Plants)
đ˘ 22:10 â Best Tips for Harvesting & Processing Elderberries
đ˘ 30:05 â What to Make: Syrup, Gummies, Tea & More
đ˘ 38:40 â Selling Elderberry Products & Cottage Laws
đ˘ 45:00 â Final Thoughts & Encouragementđ If you loved this episode, subscribe & leave a review to help more people discover the power of elderberries!
đ Share this episode with a friend who loves gardening or herbal remedies! -
Guest: Tiffany Donaghu | Founder of Set Apart Organizing
Website: setapartorganizing.comFacebook Community: The Organized Home for Kingdom LivingInstagram & Facebook: @SetApartOrganizingTopics Covered:
âď¸ Tiffanyâs personal journey from homemaker to professional organizer
âď¸ The three-step process to decluttering and organizing your home
âď¸ How to get your family on board with an organizational system
âď¸ The surprising spiritual connection between clutter and peace
âď¸ Why our flesh desires to consume and how that affects our spaces
âď¸ Simple, actionable tips for getting started today
âď¸ The importance of holy habits and family roles in maintaining orderTakeaways & Insights:
đš Your home should be an oasis of peace, not a source of stress.
đš Decluttering isnât just about stuffâitâs about clearing your mind and heart.
đš Getting your family involved means defining roles and creating clear systems.
đš Saying âyesâ to too much in life can leave no room for the things that matter.
đš Sometimes, the best self-care is setting up systems that free your time and energy.Links Mentioned:
Set Apart Organizing WebsiteJoin Tiffanyâs Free Facebook Groupđ§ Listen now and start reclaiming your homeâand your peace!
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Key Takeaways:The Banter with God: Wendi humorously recounts a conversation where she realizes she just wants to "eat, drink, and be merry" without challengesâbut God has a greater purpose for growth.Shame and Self-Worth: A conference discussion on shame leads to a powerful realization: shame convinces us we are unworthy of love, blessings, and good things.Receiving Blessings with Gratitude & Worthiness: Wendi experiences an incredibly "flowy" day full of blessings, but still struggles with believing she deserves them.Motherhood and Nurturing: As women, we are called to nurture and uplift others, but we must also learn to care for ourselves and let go of shame-based thinking.A Message of Encouragement: You are deeply loved, you are seen, and you are absolutely worthy of all the good things in your life.Connect with Wendi:
đ Email: [email protected]
đż Website: joyfullyprepared.com
đ Facebook Group: Joyfully PreparedIf this episode resonated with you, Wendi would love to hear your story. Reach out and share your journeyâbecause you are magnificent.
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When the weather turns cold, thereâs nothing quite like the smell of soup simmering on the stove or fresh bread baking in the oven. In this episode of The Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin shares her favorite tips for creating warm, comforting meals with minimal effort and maximum joy. From nostalgic family traditions to practical pantry staples, Wendi dives into the heart of what makes comfort food so special.
What You'll Hear in This Episode:
The power of comfort food: more than just nourishment, itâs a way to create warmth, love, and tradition in your home.Wendiâs childhood memories of her mom making bread and "scones" (aka fry bread) and how those flavors inspired her own cooking.How to stock your pantry with essential staples like beans, rice, pasta, tomato sauce, and spices to make comfort meals anytime.Tips for meal planning and building food storage to always have ingredients on hand, even during chilly days.Freezer-friendly ideas for soups, casseroles, and batch cooking to save time and reduce stress.Wendiâs love for nostalgic recipes like chicken and dumplings, cinnamon rolls, and split pea soupâand why even her husband âstealsâ her leftovers!Cozy Highlights:
Discover how comfort food can bring families together and pass on cherished traditions.Learn how to simplify meal prep by keeping versatile ingredients in your pantry and freezer.Hear Wendiâs funny story about her split pea soup plans and how to store soups for easy, nourishing meals.Fun historical tidbits about the importance of bread and soup for armies and sailors in the past.Links Mentioned:
Meal Planning with Food Storage Workshop
Meal Planning Workshop Series
Souper Cubes (for freezing soups and casseroles)
Souper Cubes 1 Cup Silicone Freezer Molds - Soup Cubes Perfect for Freezing Broth, Rice, Leftovers and More - Silicone Freezer Trays with Lids for Meal Prep - Aqua - 2-Pack
Recipe for Wendiâs "Company Casserole"Company Casserole Recipe - Food.com
Whatâs your favorite comfort food? Share your recipe with Wendi! Send her a message and let her know what dish warms your heart and home.
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In this special episode of Joyfully Prepared, Wendi sits down with Dr. Danielle McGeough, professor, mom, recovering overachiever, and host of the Plan, Goal, Plan podcast. Together, they explore the art of planning as a joyful, playful, and restorative act that brings clarity, alignment, and purpose. From decorative planning with stickers to intentional journaling, Danielle shares how planning became her way to rediscover herself while managing life as a new mom.
Wendi and Danielle also dive into the intersection of self-reliance and creativity, sharing personal stories about their transformative journeys. They discuss the value of learning skills, how to navigate mental resistance, and the importance of distinguishing between rest and restoration.
This episode is filled with humor, practical insights, and heartfelt encouragement for moms (and anyone) looking to create a more intentional and fulfilling life.
What Youâll Learn in This Episode:
How Danielle turned planning into a playful, restorative activity.Why self-reliance is a collaborative endeavor, not a solo journey.The difference between rest and restorationâand why both are essential.How learning a skill, like baking bread, can bring unexpected fulfillment.Overcoming mental resistance to create a life aligned with your values.Dr. Danielle McGeough
Website: https://www.plangoalplan.com/Connect with Wendi:
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @joyfulprepper
Facebook Group: Joyfully Prepared
Website: https://joyfullyprepared.com/Join the Conversation:
How do you define resilience? Share with Wendi by email or in the Facebook group!Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review. -
Decluttering Your Kitchen and Simplifying Meal Planning as Self-Care
In this episode, Wendi dives into how decluttering your kitchen and simplifying meal planning can be acts of self-care. Learn why a clean kitchen can bring joy and how to start creating spaceâphysically and mentallyâthrough meal planning. Wendi shares actionable steps to use food storage as a foundation for stress-free meals and offers tips for building a system that supports you and your family.Key Takeaways:
Self-care includes practical actions that create peace and calm in your life.Start meal planning by identifying one go-to family meal.Build a rotating food storage system over time to reduce stress and increase preparedness.Links and Resources:
Meal Planning WorkshopMeal Planning Food Storage WorksheetConnect with Wendi:Email: [email protected]: @joyfulprepperFacebook Group: Joyfully PreparedWebsite: https://joyfullyprepared.com/Action Steps:
Identify one family meal and write down its ingredients.Check your pantry to see what you already have.Begin building a stockpile for that meal, one ingredient at a time.Join the Conversation:
What is your go-to family meal? Share with Wendi by email or in the Facebook group!Subscribe & Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review. -
Here to expect on the podcast:
Wendy's personal challenges with kitchen management.A systematic approach to decluttering the kitchen, tackling one cabinet at a time.The importance of meal planning and preparation, particularly using food storage effectively.How is kitchen management a form of self-care?And much more!Resources:
Meal Planning Worksheet - https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning?fbclid=IwAR13DUuKIA_sVi286pBMaEDZaV9Pk0OFOn_t2Qb2v552z1ldiPqUftfahsg
Recipe for Split Pea Soup - https://www.acouplecooks.com/instant-pot-split-pea-soup/
Thrive Life Freeze Dried Food - https://www.thrivelife.com/
Connect with Wendi Bergin!
Website: https://joyfullyprepared.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/joyfulprep
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfulprepper/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfreliantmoms/
Download Home Storage Checklist: https://www.joyfullyprepared.com/52weeks
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Here to expect on the podcast:
Wendi's journey of personal transformation throughout 2023-2024. How to set goals from your future self's perspective rather than your present state.Understanding that transformation drives goal-setting, not the other way around.How Wendi managed setbacks and adjusted her expectations while maintaining focus on her desired transformations.And much more!Resources:
Be Your Future Self Now by Dr. Benjamin Hardy https://bit.ly/4g70iQm
Connect with Wendi Bergin!
Website: https://joyfullyprepared.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/joyfulprep
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfulprepper/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfreliantmoms/
Download Home Storage Checklist: https://www.joyfullyprepared.com/52weeks
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Connect with Wendi Bergin!
Website: https://joyfullyprepared.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/joyfulprep
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfulprepper/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfreliantmoms/
Download Home Storage Checklist: https://www.joyfullyprepared.com/52weeks
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Here to expect on the podcast:
Use a journal to record daily wins, transformations, and goals for personal growth.New skills Wendy learn last November.Wendy's spiritual growth and her relationship with God.A personal story about transforming a "bad day" into "unexpected experiences," demonstrating growth in perspective and attitude.And much more!Resources:
Podcast Episode with Carol Little - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/carol-little-winter-wellness-preserving-herbs-made-simple/id1510423135?i=1000673793577
HerbGals - https://studiobotanica.teachable.com/p/herbgals
How to Make Vanilla Extract with Sara Anderson - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sara-anderson-how-to-make-vanilla-extract/id1510423135?i=1000567791605
IndriVanilla Website: https://indrivanilla.com/
IndriVanilla Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/IndriVanilla/
Connect with Wendi Bergin!
Website: https://joyfullyprepared.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/joyfulprep
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfulprepper/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfreliantmoms/
Download Home Storage Checklist: https://www.joyfullyprepared.com/52weeks
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Here to expect on the podcast:
The importance of learning from failures.Acquiring new skills can enhance your ability to support those around you in difficult times.Continuously improving preparedness strategies ensures you're always ready for unexpected challenges.The value of community support and the need for multiple redundancies in preparedness plans.Benefits of maintaining internet access.And much more!Resources:
Jackery Solar Generator - https://bit.ly/3B8dm95
Rocket Stove - https://bit.ly/4ie203T
Butane Stove and fuel - https://bit.ly/4i9XQKx
Butane Fuel - https://bit.ly/41a2bao
Water Bottle Pump - Cozy BlueWater Dispenser, Portable Water Bottle Pump for Universal 3, 4 and 5 Gallon with USB Electric Charging and Automatic Off Switch (Black)
Water bottle silicon covers - 3 and 5 Gallon Water Jug Cap, Silicone Reusable Replacement Cap, Non Spill Bottle Caps for 55mm Bottle Water Dispenser Caps - Pack of 3
Well hand pump - https://www.lehmans.com/product/stainless-steel-deep-well-pump-head/
Starlink: https://www.starlink.com/
The Ministry for the Future - https://bit.ly/4g2fCgW
Scenario Planning Worksheet - https://joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/scenario
Connect with Brad Lancaster - https://www.harvestingrainwater.com/
Permaculture Institute of North America - https://pina.in/
Connect with Judith Horvath: https://www.fairhillfarm.com/
Connect with Greg Peterson: https://www.urbanfarm.org/
Connect with Wendi Bergin!
Website: https://joyfullyprepared.com/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/joyfulprep
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfulprepper/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selfreliantmoms/
Download Home Storage Checklist: https://www.joyfullyprepared.com/52weeks
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