Sign up for the free event - Traditional Skills Summit Sept 12-15th https://www.schooloftraditionalskills.com/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=1&affid=20 In this episode, we talk about our upcoming Martinmas Goose class, all the events Brandon is participating in, our thoughts on The Church and the Land by Fr. Vincent McNabb, the four causes, and leaving the cities. Announcements: Support our podcast on Patreon ! Production of each episode takes hours of work, filming, and editing. Becoming a pa...
Sep 01, 2022•1 hr 7 min
Episode 78: The Virtue of Pig Killing; Brandon’s talk at The Prairie Troubadour 2022 Symposium The Virtue of Pig Killing; Brandon’s talk at The Prairie Troubadour 2022 Symposium. From sonnets to Cottage Economy, from Thomas Aquinas to selling cured meats, Brandon distills much of what we've been discussing over the years into this talk. Announcements: Support our podcast on Patreon ! Production of each episode takes hours of work, filming, and editing. Becoming a patron can help us keep our epis...
Aug 05, 2022•1 hr 18 min
In this episode, we chat with Ross McKnight of Backwater Foie Gras about the practical element of gavage, why gavage isn't force-feeding, breed of duck, feed used, legally selling farm products, prose, and poetry. Announcements: Support our podcast on Patreon ! Production of each episode takes hours of work, filming, and editing. Becoming a patron can help us keep our episode quality high and allow us to continue filming. Become a patron today at https://www.patreon.com/meatsmith . Our 3-Day Lam...
Jul 23, 2022•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 77
In this episode, we chat with Ross McKnight of Backwater Foie Gras about how he began his farming journey, why he chose foie gras, tradition and moving to the land, and the mortification of farming. Announcements: Support our podcast on Patreon ! Production of each episode takes hours of work, filming, and editing. Becoming a patron can help us keep our episode quality high and allow us to continue filming. Become a patron today at https://www.patreon.com/meatsmith . Our 3-Day Lamb Harvest cours...
Jun 14, 2022•1 hr 4 min
In this episode, we chat about the breakdown of the family farm, private property, the notion of the Soul, The Church and Farming and Russian Farming by Denis Fahey, William Cobbett, and more. Introduction and Announcements: Support our podcast on Patreon! Production of each episode takes hours of work, filming, and editing. By becoming a patron, you will help us keep our episode quality high and allow us to continue filming. You can find us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/meatsmith . Memb...
May 28, 2022•56 min
In this episode, we continue our conversation on moving from Washington State to just outside Tulsa, Oklahoma. We chat about the changing landscape, packing up our business, and tipping our slaughter truck. Introduction and Announcements: Family Pig classes are happening in the Fall on Sept 29th-Oct 1st, Oct 13-15th, and October 27-29th. Our classes make incredible gifts for anyone interested in the whole processing narrative. From the kill to butchery to cookery, the experience gained at Family...
Mar 03, 2022•57 min
In this episode, we review The Church and Farming and The Rulers of Russia and the Russian Farmers by Denis Fahey. We also chat about The Prairie Troubadour , our Membership program, and our sense faculties as they relate to farming and all life. Introduction and Announcements: Family Pig classes are happening in the Fall on Sept 29th-Oct 1st, Oct 13-15th, and October 27-29th. Our classes make incredible gifts for anyone interested in the whole processing narrative. From the kill to butchery to ...
Feb 12, 2022•1 hr 2 min
In this episode, we chat about animal family groups, cow, pig, and goat hegemony, natural law vs. naturalism, suffering, and Mass. Introduction and Announcements: Family Pig classes are sold out for Spring 2022. Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when we schedule the next round of classes. Our classes make incredible gifts for anyone interested in the whole processing narrative. From the kill to butchery to cookery, the experience gained at Family Pig is unparalleled. Support our podcast...
Jan 22, 2022•50 min
In this episode, we chat about Brandon's recent travels to teach classes in other states, family farms, and land management trends. Introduction and Announcements: We have two Family Pig classes in Spring 2022. Our classes make incredible gifts for anyone interested in the whole processing narrative. From the kill to butchery to cookery, the experience gained at Family Pig is unparalleled. Support our podcast on Patreon ! Production of each episode takes hours of work, filming, and editing. By b...
Jan 06, 2022•1 hr 4 min
In this episode, we talk more about moving to Oklahoma, tradition, and leaving behind what our kids will want to inherit. Introduction and Announcements: We have two Family Pig classes in Spring 2022. Our classes make incredible gifts for anyone interested in the whole processing narrative. From the kill to butchery to cookery, the experience gained at Family Pig is unparalleled. Support our podcast on Patreon ! Production of each episode takes hours of work, filming, and editing. By becoming a ...
Dec 04, 2021•57 min
In this episode, Brandon talks with Daniel Firth Griffith of the Robinia Institute in The Conversationalist Webinar Series. The topics discussed range from descaling agriculture to Aristotle. Introduction and Announcements: Support our podcast on Patreon! Production of each episode takes hours of work, filming, and editing. By becoming a patron, you will help us keep our episode quality high and allow us to continue filming. You can find us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/meatsmith . Famil...
Nov 13, 2021•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 69
In this episode, Brandon and Lauren talk about culture, the medieval village, the virtues of the intellect, science and First Principles, and the intelligence of farmers. Introduction and Announcements: Support our podcast on Patreon! Production of each episode takes hours of work, in both filming and editing. By becoming a patron, you'll help us keep our episode quality high and allow us to continue filming. You can find us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/meatsmith . Membership -- a gift ...
Nov 03, 2021•47 min•Season 1Ep. 68
In these episodes, Brandon and Lauren talk about their decision to move to Tulsa, Oklahoma. From practical things like needing more room in the home and on the farm to the spiritual necessity of being closer to the Mass. Introduction and Announcements: Support our podcast on Patreon! Production of each episode takes hours of work, in both filming and editing. By becoming a patron, you'll help us keep our episode quality high and allow us to continue filming. You can find us on Patreon at https:/...
Sep 19, 2021•52 min•Season 1Ep. 67
In these episodes, Brandon and Lauren discuss Natural Law, what it is, and how it is observable on the farm. In part 2, they continue to illustrate Natural Law with livestock death and how urbanization erases the weight of Natural Law upon us. Introduction and Announcements: Support our podcast on Patreon! Production of each episode takes hours of work, in both filming and editing. By becoming a patron, you'll help us keep our episode quality high and allow us to continue filming. You can find u...
Jul 14, 2021•44 min•Season 1Ep. 66
In these episodes, Brandon and Lauren discuss Natural Law, what it is, and how it is observable on the farm. They also share the new direction the podcast is going, pork shares availability, and the last Summer Family Pig Class. Introduction and Announcements: Last Summer Family Pig class is almost sold out! September 2nd-4th. Membership -- a gift that gives all year long! Dozens of Brandon's videos Forum topics are now categorized for easy browsing! 60-day free trial available! Promo code: "60d...
Jun 19, 2021•48 min•Season 1Ep. 65
In these episodes, Brandon and Lauren discuss fasting and how fat compliments it so beautifully. They share their experiences with fasting, how it has enhanced their lives, and some of the meaning behind it. In Part 2, they talk about the challenges of living in an abundant and convenient world. Help us produce more episodes by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/meatsmith Show notes for Episodes 63 and 64: https://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/episodes-63-64-fasting-fat-and-fasting-with-...
May 14, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 64
In these episodes, Brandon and Lauren discuss fasting and how fat compliments it so beautifully. They share their experiences with fasting, how it has enhanced their lives, and some of the meaning behind it. They also suggest ways that fat can be incorporated into one's practice of fasting. In the way of side topics, Brandon shares what he has been up to on the farm; and Brandon and Lauren muse over the unique personality characteristics and culinary delights of geese. Introduction and Announcem...
Apr 01, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 63
In this episode, Part 2 of a 2 part series, Lauren and Brandon discuss the benefits and challenges of taking on various farm "side' gigs (pigs, broilers, goat kids, rabbits, beef, sheep, duck eggs, vegetables). They highlight important factors that need to be taken into consideration in deciding which endeavors to invest in: what your locale is, what your land is suited for, and what your customers want and will buy.
Feb 01, 2021•51 min•Season 1Ep. 62
In this episode, part one of a two part series, Brandon and Lauren share the complexities of trying to deal with a broken slaughter truck, during the middle of harvest season, while living on an island, with seven kids in tow. They discuss methods of cooking goose to reach its highest and best expression; making carnitas from previously frozen meat and sausage from cured back fat; and their parental desire to build seasonal family traditions to pass along to their children. Brandon and Lauren al...
Dec 22, 2020•50 min•Season 1Ep. 61
In this episode, part 2 of a 2 part series, Brandon and Lauren discuss: their new geese project; pastrami; and the new free Farmstead Meatsmith content they've posted on YouTube which includes several videos on the artful harvesting of poultry.
Dec 06, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 60
In this episode, Brandon and Lauren share the big "new things" in their lives: a new baby, new geese, and a new tractor! Learn how Brandon is putting his tractor to use in ways he never anticipated and how having a competent and efficient tool affects your psychology. Brandon discusses methods of fattening poultry, including the art of gavage; and Lauren shares the numerous benefits of a Farmstead Meatsmith membership. Introduction and Announcements: CHRISTMAS IS COMING! Family Pig Classes -- Fu...
Nov 13, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 59
In this episode, Brandon and Lauren discuss: methods of cooking lean meats - barding, larding and confit; preserving (and tenderizing) a side of beef by hanging it; how it is that beef can be both dry and juicy at the same time; and how to make a deliciously tender meal from a tough cut of meat. Introduction and Announcements: FREE - Murray Carter's Blade Sharpening Fundamentals film now available free of charge on YouTube! FAMILY PIG CLASSES -- a great Christmas gift! Registration now open for ...
Sep 25, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 58
In these episodes, Brandon and Lauren discuss: Murray Carter's Blade Sharpening Fundamentals film (now available free of charge on YouTube; Brandon's refined method of making lower-salt bacon; the human connection to pigs and bacon; and feasting and fasting. Introduction and Announcements: FREE - Murray Carter's Blade Sharpening Fundamentals film now available free of charge on YouTube! FAMILY PIG CLASSES -- a great Christmas gift! Registration now open for our January 2021 classes! To Harvest a...
Aug 28, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 57
In this episode, Part 2 of a two-part series, Brandon and Lauren talk about slaughtering goat kids and sheep, what rennett is and what it is used for, and the art of duck gavage. They also delve into more philosophical topics such as: humane slaughter vs. natural death, the danger of compassion in the slaughter, and why eating meat is brazen. Introduction and Announcements: To Harvest a Pig Nicely is now available FREE of charge on our YouTube channel! Membership is open! 60-day free trial avail...
Jun 16, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Introduction and Announcements: To Harvest a Pig Nicely is now available FREE of charge on our YouTube channel! Membership is open! 60-day free trial available! Promo code: "60daytrial" New content available on lamb tartare and cabrito Membership forum topics now categorized for easy browsing! Join us for one of our upcoming spring Family Pig classes! Help us produce more episodes by supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/meatsmith. Part 1 Show Notes: Carnitas, 2:08 Utilizing lard, 7:...
May 15, 2020•58 min•Season 1Ep. 55
This is Part 2 of a two-part series. In this episode, Brandon and Lauren share what has worked well in their homeschooling and parenting efforts. They provide a glimpse into a typical day -- how they balance school, chores, meals, and business. They discuss: how homeschooling and self-sustainability are a natural extension of their lifestyle; the critical roles virtue and self mastery play within the home; and how technology needs to be harnessed to the role of tool - not enslaver. As a final to...
Apr 26, 2020•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 54
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. In these episodes, Brandon and Lauren respond to the unexpected and rapid changes that the Coronavirus has thrust upon families across the world, and the way that they operate on a daily basis. As a couple that has the benefit of having both worked from home and home-educated their children for several years now, Brandon and Lauren offer their "two cents," providing encouragement and advice and reminding us that, as parents, we have always had the role of bei...
Apr 17, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 53
In this episode, Part 2 of a two part series, Brandon and Lauren continue explaining how they worked through a whole side of beef, removing chunks of meat as needed over a three month period of time; without freezing any of it. Brandon will convince you that the best way to eat beef is — VERY aged, and offers suggestions on how to entice your family to eat it (despite its colorful mold). Finally, Brandon and Lauren share their three time-tested, and proven, pillars of beef cookery; and their pre...
Apr 10, 2020•56 min•Season 1Ep. 52
In these episodes, Brandon and Lauren explain why they finally broke down and bought a side of beef for their family; why Brandon decided not to freeze any of it; and how they worked through the side of beef removing chunks of meat, as needed over a three month period of time. Brandon will convince you that the best way to eat beef is -- VERY aged, and offers suggestions on how to entice your family to eat it, despite the colorful mold. Finally, Brandon and Lauren reveal their three time-tested ...
Mar 29, 2020•58 min•Season 1Ep. 51
In this episode, Part 2 of a two-part series, Brandon and Lauren talk about their own kitchen principles and habits. They relate how most of these habits have come along slowly; although cooking and eating all three meals together, daily, as a family, is something they've been doing since before they were married. Brandon and Lauren describe mealtimes as anchors to their day — “like monastery bells ringing us in”. Learn what typical breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snack-times look like for the...
Mar 24, 2020•57 min•Season 1Ep. 50