Shows
The Happy Homesteadmaker18. The Myth of Self-SufficiencyToday, Neva is debunking one of the biggest myths in homesteading: self-sufficiency.Homesteading is often sold as a "do it all yourself" lifestyle. But the idea that anyone can be 100% self-sufficient is simply not true. True homesteading isn’t about doing everything alone—it’s a frame of mind, a way of living that values hard work, learning, and connection.Neva has seen how chasing total self-sufficiency leads to burnout and a narrow view of what homesteading is meant to be. No one was created to do it all. Homesteading was never meant to be an iso...2025-04-2919 minThe Happy Homesteadmaker17. One Way to Decrease ScreentimeNeva grew up with very little screen time—TV had specific hours, and you watched what was on. That was it. Fast forward to today, and screens are everywhere, all the time. It’s not just the kids. The demand for our attention has gotten louder, more persistent, and more exhausting.So if you’ve found yourself thinking, “We need a break” or “This just doesn’t feel good anymore”—you’re not alone.One thing that’s helped us? Creating a rhythm. Nothing fancy. Just a simple routine with two anchors: what we do, and when we do it....2025-04-2227 min
Lost Girls PodcastS2, Episode 5: What is going on?! (With the planets!) w/ Denise!Send us a textThe Lost Girls Podcast, hosted by Neva and Maria, features Denise Hancock, a nurse educator and astrologer from New Orleans. Denise shares her experiences with astrology, holistic nursing, and her passion for teaching. Throughout the episode, they discuss a variety of topics including astrology, personal growth, and the metaphysical community in New Orleans. Denise discusses her multifaceted career and how traditional and modern astrology have shaped her practice. She highlights the significance of astrological events and how they intertwine with personal lives while also indicating the broader societal implications of current astrological changes...2025-04-211h 25
Lost Girls PodcastS2: Episode 4: Art, Painting, and Community with Linda FabrySend us a textIn this episode of the Lost Girls Podcast, hosts Neva and Maria are joined by Linda Fabry, an intuitive artist known for her unique method called “paint gazing.” The podcast explores Linda’s journey as an artist, her creative processes, and the therapeutic aspects of her art. Linda began her professional art career in 2001, initially using eBay to sell her works while caring for her son. She later pursued a degree in art therapy, which influenced her transition into paint gazing—a form of scrying that combines intuition with art creation. Through this techniqu...2025-04-151h 16The Happy Homesteadmaker16. Quit Your Job and Get to WorkIf you’ve been aching to leave your job and be home full time, this episode with Neva might be the nudge you need. She’s not holding back—because sometimes the truth needs to hit hard.The most important work you’ll ever do doesn’t come with a paycheck. It happens within the four walls of your home.Neva shares how she once tied her value to a job title and income. She thought working outside the home meant she was contributing. But over time, she realized that was a lie. Real value isn’t in i...2025-04-1547 min
Lost Girls PodcastS2. Episode 3: Energy Work and Cleansing with Athena SeyeSend us a textIn this episode of the Lost Girls Podcast, hosts Neva and Maria welcome Athena Seye, a transformational healer, author, and mother. Together, they explore themes of healing, energy work, and maintaining boundaries while navigating through personal traumas and societal challenges. Athena discusses her work as a body worker and psychic, emphasizing the importance of setting intentions, transformation, and addressing energy vampire dynamics. The hosts delve into discussions about psychic protection, the healing journey, the complexities of relationships, and the significance of compassion and boundaries in their professional and personal lives. As they unpack...2025-04-1359 minThe Happy Homesteadmaker15. Three Books to Inspire Your Homesteading JourneyYou don’t need to be living off the grid or raising chickens just yet to get something out of a good homesteading book. If you’ve been thinking about the lifestyle, these reads aren’t about giving you a strict to-do list—they’re more like a mindset shift.Neva is sharing three books to consider if you’re curious about homesteading—or just craving a little more simplicity in your life.1. The Backyard Homestead This one is packed with inspiration. If you’ve got even a small patch of land (or just a dream), T...2025-04-0817 minThe Happy Homesteadmaker14. Top 3 Ways to Deal with Extra EggsSpring and summer bring warm weather, longer days, and—if you’ve got chickens—more eggs than you know what to do with. It starts with a few extras here and there, and before you know it, you’re drowning in eggs, wondering how many omelets one family can eat.In this episode, Neva is finally sharing her go-to recipes for making the most of the egg overload. French toast and egg salad are staples, but what about something a little different? Whether you’re looking for new ways to cook with them or considering a small project li...2025-04-0120 minThe Happy Homesteadmaker13. Three Simple Ways to Put Pulled Weeds to Good UseWith homesteading comes gardening, and with gardening comes weeds. But instead of tossing them aside, there are a few simple ways to make those pulled weeds work for you. Neva shares her three favorite ways to turn weeds into something beneficial.One option is to repurpose them in a way that benefits other parts of your homestead. Whether they serve a practical use or support the natural cycle of your space, weeds don’t have to go to waste.Another idea is to let nature do the work. Over time, weeds break down and can be...2025-03-2512 minThe Happy Homesteadmaker12. #1 Lesson in MarriageNeva is approaching 30 years of marriage, and if there’s one lesson that has stood the test of time, it’s this: I don’t own him. As a military wife, Neva learned early on to figure things out on her own. But she also realized marriage is a team effort. You share the same mission, but you each have different roles.Marriage isn’t about control. It’s about trust, respect, and working with each other, not against each other. There will be checks and balances, but never fault. Keeping score only creates distance.The bigges...2025-03-1818 min
Lost Girls PodcastS2, Episode 2: GayWakening Movies. The Mummy, Road to El Dorado and others!Send us a textIn Season 2 of the Lost Girls Podcast, hosts Neva and Maria delve into their experiences with media that they describe as having ignited their queer awakenings. They discuss a variety of movies, characters, and themes, reflecting on the complex feelings that arose during their formative years relating to sexual orientation and identity. The podcast highlights how cultural representations in film, particularly during the late 90s and early 2000s, impacted their understanding of sexuality, gender, and self. From discussing specific films like “The Mummy” and “Aladdin,” to exploring themes of gender identity in “Mulan,” the hosts sh...2025-03-1646 minThe Happy Homesteadmaker11. Starting Seeds Without a GreenhouseAre you itching to start your garden but don’t have a greenhouse? You don’t need fancy equipment to get your seeds growing! There are plenty of creative ways to start your garden, even without a greenhouse.Some gardening methods are carefully planned—greenhouses, temperature-controlled rooms, and specialized tools. But sometimes, the urge to start planting sneaks up on you.In today’s episode, Neva shares how you can start your garden, even if you don’t have all the fancy tools. No greenhouse? No problem. She dives into simple, effective ways to create the right...2025-03-0413 min
Lost Girls PodcastS2, Episode 1: We're Back, Witches!Send us a textSummaryIn this episode of the Lost Girls Podcast, hosts Neva and Maria kick off Season Two with their characteristic humor and chaos. They delve into the concept of choosing a “word of the year” that reflects their personal growth and intentions for the upcoming year. Neva shares her journey to selecting the word “surrender,” which she defines not as submission but as a means of letting go of control and trusting the flow of life. Maria reflects on her previous word, “stability,” and discusses her evolving thoughts on what her nex...2025-03-0358 minThe Happy Homesteadmaker10. A Few of Our Unintentional Family TraditionsSome traditions are intentional—birthday pancakes, holiday movie marathons, first-day-of-school pictures. Others sneak up on us, forming quietly over the years until one day, we stop and ask, Why do we always end up here on May 4th?When I started my homestead journey, I wasn’t thinking about traditions. I was thinking about what I could do with this land, how I could make it work for our family. But over time, certain rhythms formed—little things we do every year, in the same season, without even planning it.In today’s episode, Neva shares s...2025-02-2514 min
Navigating NevaS2 PreviewNavigating Neva is back for Series Two! Your host, Neva Nicole, returns with special co-host Wes King from Wesley King Consulting. In this behind-the-scenes video, we’re testing our new equipment as we gear up for the next exciting series!For those who don’t know, Navigating Neva started as a water safety audio podcast back in 2021, and we’ve been working hard to bring you something new and improved. This series isn’t the full launch yet — just a sneak peek of what’s coming. Neva Nicole is ready to dive back in, and we’re bringing you...2025-02-2023 minThe Happy Homesteadmaker5. #1 Must Have Homestead AnimalStarting a homestead can feel overwhelming, but where do you even begin? If you’re considering adding animals to your homestead, chickens are an excellent first choice.Today, Neva is here to help clear up some of the jargon you might encounter and give you the details on where to start. She shares her favorite breeds for beginners, including Rhode Island Reds, Barred Rocks, and Buff Orpingtons. These breeds are hardy, friendly, and great egg-layers—making them perfect for those just getting started.Most importantly, Neva provides some encouragement. Starting your homestead with chickens is a re...2025-01-2115 minThe Happy Homesteadmaker3. If I Were Starting From Scratch as a HomemakerAre you thinking about starting a homestead, or maybe you’ve already taken the first steps? It’s an exciting adventure, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. There’s so much to learn, and let’s be honest—it doesn’t always go as planned. But starting from scratch is a chance to build something meaningful, one intentional step at a time.In today’s episode, Neva shares her reflections on what she’d do differently if she could start over. She opens up about the mistakes she made and the lessons she learned along the way. From ma...2025-01-0718 minThe Happy Homesteadmaker2. Overview of How to Mind Your MANORSThe concept of a “happy homestead” is more than just a place to live. It’s a mindset and a lifestyle that brings purpose, joy, and fulfillment to every corner of your home. It’s about intentionally shaping your environment, your relationships, and yourself to create a space where everyone thrives. But how do you do that?In today’s episode Neva teaches listeners how to mind their MANORS. An acronym that is a framework for living intentionally both inside and outside of your home. By focusing on key areas such as managing your mindset, nurturing relationships, and optimiz...2025-01-0715 minThe Happy Homesteadmaker1. In the Beginning God Created the HomesteadmakerWelcome to the first episode of Happy Homesteader! In today’s episode, Neva is here to encourage and uplift homemakers who are done with the pressure to be perfect. If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling too much or doubted your worth in this role, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you.Neva shares her personal story of growing up in a broken family, the struggles of balancing motherhood with a busy career, and the moments when she felt like she was failing at it all. She talks about how society doesn’t always val...2025-01-0738 min
Lost Girls PodcastEpisode 18: Yule Miss Us ;) - Winter Solstice and YuletideSend us a textIn the final episode of Season 1, Neva and Maria tackle Winter Solstice, Yule, Classist Yule Cats, and what's bringing them joy.Thank you to all of our listeners! We love and appreciate you and hope you tune back in sometime in February!! 2024-12-2454 minLost Girls PodcastEpisode 17: Clairabilities: Can you Taste the Spirit World?Send us a textNeva coined a new term: Clairabilities! Neva and Maria discuss the different kinds of Clairvoyant abilities and how they manifest and the stories they have had when experiencing some of them over their lifetimes. They get weird, freaky, and straight up chilly! And if you'd be so kind as to follow our socialsFacebookInstagramPatreonYour hosts are Neva and Maria.Lost Girls Podcast is Produced and Edited by Maria Ruscitti, LLC. Neva Row...2024-11-1857 minLost Girls PodcastEpisode 15: Practical Magic, Buffy, and Freaking Fern GullySend us a textNeva and Maria talk about the TV Shows and Movies with witchy representation for them and were essential to them growing up. They cover movies like Practical Magic, Hocus Pocus, and shows like Buffy, Charmed, and some other not to obvious choices! What shows and movies influenced your spiritual growth??And if you'd be so kind as to follow our socialsFacebookInstagramPatreonYour hosts are Neva and Maria.Lost Girls Podcast is Produced and Edited by Maria Ruscitti, L...2024-10-0655 min
Talking WritingMinaa B on Healing Trauma Through Community CareTW Managing Editor Neva Talladen interviews Minaa B, author of Owning Our Struggles, which is available for purchase now on our Bookshop page. Her work focuses on taking responsibility for one’s self in order to enjoy the benefits of healing, including taking a look at one’s own personal development, one’s community, and the social justice issues that one may have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. In this week’s episode, Neva and Minaa dive into what Mina means by healing trauma through community care and how her readers can implement her ideas in their everyday...2024-09-0642 min
Sementes das EstrelasCONVERSAS INFORMAIS COM NEVA- Deuses da Mitologia Grega/ Submundo de Hades/ Deus Apolo...Nesse podcast Neva nos trouxe esclarecimentos acerca dos deuses gregos, e uma mensagem especial do Deus Apolo que se fez presente na gravação.2024-09-0625 minLost Girls PodcastEpisode 14: Teaching Frustrations, and Special GuestsSend us a textNeva and Maria talk with special guest Gelia (Neva's sister), who is also a teacher, about the frustrations of teaching nowadays, how and what makes it better, and all of our experiences as teachers. Neva is a teacher who has since left the profession and now works with her state department doing training. Maria is a classroom teacher, and Gelia was a classroom teacher and has moved up to an admin role in her school. We look at how cell phones, Academies, and pandemics impacted us and our students. Pl...2024-08-261h 08Lost Girls PodcastEpisode 13: Spirituality Ethics Say What?!Send us a textNeva and Maria talk about Spirituality Ethics, and what does that mean? How do you determine right from wrong in an ephemeral space? We talk about it, catch up, and make some jokes! And if you'd be so kind as to follow our socialsFacebookInstagramPatreonYour hosts are Neva and Maria.Lost Girls Podcast is Produced and Edited by Maria Ruscitti, LLC. Neva (she/they) is a multi-faceted creator whose work blends spirituality and art. They work as...2024-08-191h 01Lost Girls PodcastEpisode 12: You Going to Cry About it? (A.K.A. Shadow Work)Send us a textIn this Episode Neva and Maria dive into Shadow Work and how much it makes us want to cry but how necessary it is to become a whole authentic person. Disclaimer: WE ARE NOT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS. Please seek out a medical and mental health pro if you are experiencing any symptoms of depression or anxiety. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call or Text 988WebsitePsychology Today Article for Shadow WorkInner Child Oracle DeckAnd if you'd be so kind a...2024-07-0746 minLost Girls PodcastEpisode 11: Did I Make Poison?Send us a textIn this week's episode, Neva and Maria discuss the second half of "WHICH WITCH" and different kinds of magical paths and ways to focus your own magic and practice. Things like how NOT to poison your partner, regional dictions, don't make the witches mad, and other hilarious stories. And why it's a good idea to ALWAYS unload in a Hobby Lobby. For the Chumb a Wumba Song Reference Click HereBlack Forager Instagram (She's amazing, go follow!) Take a listen! Leave a comment! And if you'd b...2024-07-0152 min