In this power-packed episode of the Call to Farms podcast, Tim Eng—aka The Homesteading Agent —and his wife Sophie, author of The Nourishing Asian Kitchen , break down the state of the U.S. housing market as of June 2025 —and what it means for homesteaders and families alike. 📈 Is the market cooling… or just on pause? 🏡 What’s really happening with home prices, mortgage rates, and why aren’t buyers moving? 🌱 How does homestead-ready land compare to residential real estate right now? We dive i...
Jun 20, 2025•24 min
In this episode of Call to Farms , join Sophie and Tim as they break down the housing market for May — both in their East Tennessee region and across the country. There's been an uptick in buyers looking to homestead, but it's a tale of two camps: those who sat on the sidelines too long and are now feeling priced out, and those who have the funds but little preparation, looking to homesteading as a fast-track solution to growing economic uncertainty. We unpack what this means for sellers, what b...
May 30, 2025•38 min
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Call to Farms Podcast , we sit down with our good friend Ilia Jackson of Mini Mint Farms to hear her incredible journey from fast-paced Silicon Valley life to full-time trailer living—and ultimately settling into a thriving homestead in Middle Tennessee. Ilia shares how she and her family navigated the search for the right land, built a beautiful barndominium from the ground up, and dove headfirst into raising mini Jersey cows. As a true Jill-of-all...
May 09, 2025•59 min
In this inspiring episode of the Call to Farms Podcast , we sit down with Melissa K. Norris—homesteader, author, and beloved voice in the homesteading community— to talk about her brand-new book Home and Handmade . Melissa shares the heart behind her latest work, her personal journey from generational homesteader to modern-day teacher and mentor, and even answers a fun listener question about her favorite homesteading chore (you might be surprised!). Whether you're just getting started or have b...
May 03, 2025•50 min
This week’s episode is a little different, and deeply personal. While traveling back to Cali for the funeral of her favorite uncle, Sophie recorded this solo episode to honor his memory and share the powerful influence he had on her life. From childhood moments that shaped her resilience to the values that led her and Tim to pursue homesteading, Sophie opens up in a way that’s raw, heartfelt, and full of gratitude. And to answer your question before it even comes up - no , Tim did not smuggle a ...
Apr 15, 2025•24 min
Hey Friends, welcome back to Call to Farms. In today’s episode, we’re diving into a major shift we’ve seen in just the last month in the housing market—and how it’s being shaped by global events and national economic turbulence. Tariffs just rocked the economy. The stock market’s been swinging like crazy. And if you’ve been feeling that uncertainty in your gut—whether you’re a buyer, seller, or homesteader—you’re not alone. What we cover in this episode : What changed in the housing market from ...
Apr 15, 2025•37 min
In this episode, Tim and Sophie dig into the latest housing market trends as of March 2025 and share real insights into what their buyers are looking for. Sophie, who comes from the fast-paced tech world of Silicon Valley, brings her love for data to the table—breaking down trends and buyer behavior in a way that's both informative and encouraging. They also share some real-life stories from their clients: families, veterans, off-grid dreamers, and folks just starting their homesteading journey....
Mar 21, 2025•47 min
In the final installment of our three-part series featuring Sophia's mother's extraordinary journey, we witness her resilience as she plants roots in American soil. After escaping Vietnam during the Fall of Saigon and navigating the challenges of refugee life, Mom faces her next great adventure—building a life in a completely foreign culture. Join Tim "The Homesteading Realtor" and Sophia "The Homesteading Lender" as they guide listeners through Mom's captivating stories of adaptation and determ...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Join Tim and Sophia Eng, the Homesteading Realtor team, as they break down the latest shifts in the housing market. In this episode, they analyze how President Trump's first 90 days in office have created significant ripple effects throughout the economy—particularly on interest rates and unemployment figures—and what these changes mean for both buyers and sellers in today's real estate landscape. With their unique perspective as both homesteaders and real estate professionals, Tim draws on his ...
Mar 09, 2025•14 min
What happens when a West Point grad and Army officer trades in his uniform for a healing touch? Dr. Stanton Hom’s journey from serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom to becoming a leader in medical freedom and chiropractic care is nothing short of extraordinary. In this powerful episode of Call to Farms , Tim, the Homesteading Realtor, and Sophia, Sprinkle with Soil, sit down with Dr. Stan to explore his radical career shift, his passion for helping families reclaim their health, and his dedication ...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 41 min
In this powerful continuation of our family history series, we welcome back a very special guest - MOM - for Part 2 of her firsthand account of living through the communist takeover of Vietnam. This episode takes us deeper into her extraordinary journey of survival and resilience, spanning nearly two decades of her life from age 7 to 26. As we gather with our children to hear their grandmother's story, she shares intimate details of what daily life was like during the fall of Saigon and the prof...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 9 min
Hey, Friends! Welcome back to Call to Farms ! This episode is a must-listen for anyone on a journey to better health, detoxification, and holistic healing. We're sitting down with Phil Wilson, founder of Relax Saunas, to uncover the science-backed benefits of far infrared therapy—a natural, powerful way to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and detox heavy metals from the body. We dive deep into: ✅ How far infrared therapy supports detoxification, cellular health, and even structured water ...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 22 min
In this episode of Call to Farms , Tim and Sophie break down the latest housing market trends, interest rate shifts, and the impact of early policy changes under the new administration. As real estate professionals selling homes across multiple states, they share firsthand insights on how buyers and sellers are reacting to economic shifts. Is now a good time to buy, or should you wait? Tune in for a practical, no-nonsense discussion on what’s happening on the ground and what it means for homeste...
Feb 05, 2025•29 min
In this special episode of Call to Farms , we sit down with Mom for Part 1 of our journey into exploring our ancestry. As we work to preserve our family's history, we want to ensure our children understand where we came from—especially as we embrace a return to traditional and natural living through our regenerative homestead. Mom shares powerful stories of her childhood in Vietnam, reflecting on life under French rule, the rise of Communist control, and the turmoil of the Civil War in the 1950s...
Jan 31, 2025•44 min
Welcome to a special episode of The Call to Farms Podcast, where we explore the historic inauguration of President Donald J. Trump and the sweeping executive actions he signed within his first 24 hours in office. Together, we unpack how the new administration's policies are poised to shape the 2025 housing market, with a focus on what this means for homesteaders, real estate investors, and families pursuing the American Dream. This episode also serves as a chance to reintroduce ourselves—Tim and...
Jan 22, 2025•45 min
In this episode of the Call to Farms Podcast, Sophie and Tim dive into the latest updates on the 2025 housing market, exploring trends and opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. They share practical tips for conserving energy and resources on the homestead. On a lighter note, the duo reflects on the joys of slowing down with family, playing board games and foosball, and embracing simple moments that bring connection during the colder months. Lastly, they tackle the art of home organization,...
Jan 16, 2025•32 min
In this inspiring episode of Call to Farms, we’re joined by Daniel Salatin of Polyface Farms, who shares invaluable insights for homesteaders at every stage of the journey. Discover how to find community and get plugged into networks that can lead to exclusive land lease opportunities. We define what it means to homeschool our children, what success looks like, and how to leave a legacy through family and farming. Daniel also touches on making your farm profitable while contributing to society i...
Jan 08, 2025•53 min
Join us as we dive into the key housing market trends of 2024 and share our predictions for 2025—all from a homesteader’s unique perspective. In this episode, we reflect on the year’s biggest milestones, both in real estate and on the homestead, including lessons learned from balancing market shifts with sustainable living. We’ll also discuss what rising mortgage rates, limited inventory, and shifting buyer priorities mean for homesteaders, investors, and veterans in the coming year. Don’t miss ...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 3 min
In this episode of Call to Farms , we’re diving into the beauty of imperfection and how slowing down to embrace life’s flaws can bring unexpected joy. Sophie shares how pottery has become a creative outlet for her and her daughter, allowing them to bond, laugh at their failures, and create meaningful pieces for their homemade dishes. We’ll explore how crafting with intention helps us focus, slow down, and find fun in the process—even when things don’t go as planned. Plus, Sophie reflects on her ...
Dec 20, 2024•30 min
In this episode of Call to Farms, Tim and Sophie sit down with Hakeem Anwar—a technologist, activist, educator, and entrepreneur—who is on a mission to revolutionize how we use technology. After leaving a corporate career as a software engineer to support activist movements, Hakeem discovered the internet’s true power lies in uniting people under a shared cause. However, after experiencing mass censorship and cyberattacks, he realized the need for technology that protects free thinkers. Hakeem f...
Dec 17, 2024•51 min
In this episode of Call to Farms , Sophie and Tim share the latest updates from their homestead journey, highlighting the whirlwind of relocating to a new property during the winter season. From organizing their home for efficiency (with some expert help in the kitchen!) to winterizing their setup inside and out, they discuss the triumphs and trials of keeping the homestead running smoothly. You’ll hear about the challenges they’ve faced, including moving their flocks, dealing with unexpected wi...
Dec 12, 2024•27 min
In this episode of Call to Farms , Tim sits down with Chris Trump, a trailblazer in Korean Natural Farming (KNF) and a highly sought-after soil consultant. Chris shares his inspiring journey from conventional farming to natural farming, guided by Master Cho, the father of KNF, and Dr. Elaine Ingham, a renowned soil microbiologist. Chris reveals how natural farming methods rejuvenate lifeless dirt into vibrant, living soil while being both time- and cost-effective—no matter the scale of your oper...
Dec 10, 2024•50 min
In this jam-packed episode of Call to Farms , Tim and Sophie dive into the latest real estate trends heading into December, breaking down how the recent elections are shaping the market and what savvy homesteaders should be watching. They’ll reveal the current interest rates, what these numbers mean for buyers and sellers, and how to position yourself for success as we head into 2025. Sophie gives a recap of her recent book tour, sharing highlights and takeaways from connecting with readers and ...
Dec 03, 2024•37 min
In this episode of Call to Farms, Tim sits down for a one-on-one conversation with Josh Thomas, founder of The School of Traditional Skills and co-founder of Homesteading Family with his wife, Carolyn. Continuing the discussion on faith, food, and farming that began at this year's Modern Homesteading Conference, Tim and Josh dive deep into the journey that led the Thomas family to homesteading in their pursuit of the American Dream. As one dad to another, Josh and Tim discuss the values of paren...
Nov 12, 2024•56 min
In this episode of Call to Farms , Sophie welcomes Sally Fallon Morell, the founding president of the Weston A. Price Foundation and a champion of traditional nutrition. Sally has been at the forefront of the traditional foods movement for decades, and her groundbreaking cookbook, Nourishing Traditions , has sold over 600,000 copies, challenging conventional nutritional wisdom. We'll dive into Sally’s journey, exploring how she discovered the work of Dr. Weston A. Price and what motivated her ...
Oct 23, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 45
In this episode, Tim and Sophia break down the latest trends in the housing market, with a focus on how recent events have impacted East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. They also dive into the ongoing hurricane relief efforts in the region, highlighting the resilience and response of communities. Tim and Sophia reflect on their own homestead journey, sharing how the call to simplify, return to traditional farming practices, and prioritize family has shaped their past year. From Silicon Val...
Oct 13, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 44
In this engaging episode, we sit down with our friends Shawn and Beth Dougherty, veteran homesteaders who have been farming together since the 1980s. For the past 20 years, they’ve been cultivating their 27-acre farm in eastern Ohio—land officially deemed “not suitable for agriculture.” Despite the odds, Shawn and Beth have transformed this landscape into a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem using sunlight, rainfall, and intensive grazing as their primary inputs. Their farm supports dairy and b...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 47 min•Season 1Ep. 48
In this episode, Sophia sits down with Robyn Jackson, founder of the Milkmaid Society, an inspiring online community for homesteaders passionate about dairy. Robyn shares her journey from raising dairy cows on her Canadian farm to mastering the traditional art of clabber cheesemaking. With her upcoming book Homestead Cheesemaking set to release in Spring 2025, Robyn is on a mission to teach others how to craft fresh, natural cheese right from the homestead. Tune in to learn the secrets of making...
Sep 19, 2024•45 min•Season 3Ep. 43
In this quick "car chats" episode, Tim and Sophie discuss the state of the current housing market and why you should not wait on the sidelines. The interest rates are trending down with the Feds promising to lower them further, and a mass movement of buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines are entering the market now. Together, we've experienced these rollercoaster markets but real estate remains one of the more stable investments to hedge your bets on. We continue to actively help our cli...
Aug 30, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 41
In this episode, Tim and Sophie discuss the state of the current housing market and why you should not wait on the sidelines. The interest rates are trending down with the Feds promising to lower them further. Many buyers seem to be waiting for the rates to drop further or for the Presidential Election to occur, but regardless of whether you are an investor, first time homebuyer, etc. it's an opportune time to find your ideal property or homestead and make that purchase now. Together, we've expe...
Jul 31, 2024•30 min
