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Something remarkable is happening in American kitchens. As I pull two dozen Madeleines from my oven, I'm reminded that we're witnessing a return to fundamentals — 71% of Americans are embracing home cooking with purpose, saving an average of $91 monthly while building skills that matter.

This culinary renaissance spans all demographics. Families like Sarah's prioritize chemical-free meals for their children, while singles discover cooking as self-care, with more than half learning techniques through social media. The benefits extend beyond health and savings — cooking creates community resilience. In my own Northwoods cabin, I've experienced how homemade treats become valuable currency, bartered for fresh eggs and produce from neighbors. These exchanges strengthen local bonds while providing a hedge against uncertainty.

The heart of this episode is my family's cherished Madeleine recipe — delicate French sponge cakes that are surprisingly simple to master. I walk you through each step, from properly preparing the shell-shaped molds to achieving that perfect golden color. These buttery treats require minimal sugar and basic ingredients, making them an ideal introduction to scratch cooking. Between recipe instructions, I share how my adventure sports lifestyle complements my cooking practice, creating a holistic approach to wellness and self-reliance.

Beyond recipes, we explore how cooking skills provide crucial resilience during challenging times. The 2020 lockdown reminded us all how quickly supply chains can falter — those with cooking knowledge adapted more easily. Whethe

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Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

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The timeless practices of foraging and wildcrafting are experiencing a modern renaissance. Since the early 2010s, these ancient skills have been steadily gaining popularity, but the 2020 pandemic sent interest soaring as people sought meaningful connections to nature and greater self-reliance during uncertain times.

Foraging—the gathering of wild foods—and wildcrafting—harvesting plants for medicinal or craft purposes—offer more than just practical skills. They provide a gateway to a simpler, more grounded way of living that younger generations increasingly crave. As one young influencer notes on social media, these practices reflect "a deep desire for mindful living and connection to the natural world."

The journey into ethical harvesting begins with understanding plant reproduction and ecological balance. Experienced foragers emphasize never taking more than 10% from even abundant patches and completely avoiding sparse areas. This consciousness extends to wildcrafting medicinal plants, where sustainability ensures these resources remain available for future generations.

Ready to connect deeply with nature while building practical self-reliance skills? Download our free medicinal plant terminology list and subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when part two of this series drops. Whether you're seeking nutritious wild foods, traditional plant medicines, or simply a mindful escape from our digital world, foraging offers a path to greater connection with the land—and yours

Support the show

Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

Sign up for our newsletter for more health tips and natural health news.

We want to hear from you. Take a three-question survey. Tell us about your biggest health challenge. We'll do the research and publish helpful information about the topics that interest you the most.

Find us on X-Formerly Twitter @NNBLBlog

Email us at Antoinette@NNBL.Blog

Website https://nnbl.blog/new-normal-big-llfe-blog/

Thanks for listening & Live Strong, Explore Boldly, Be Ready!

We'd be grateful if you shared this podcast with someone who needs it.

Send us a text

A dark trend is silently devastating teen boys across America. Sextortion — digital blackmail using intimate images — has become a weapon in predators' arsenals, leaving thousands of young men and boys trapped between shame and fear. Behind screens and fake profiles, criminals manipulate teens into sharing personal content, then threaten to expose them unless demands for money or more images are met.

The statistics are alarming. The FBI documented over 7,000 sextortion cases targeting minors in 2022 alone, with at least 20 teens dying by suicide as a direct result. Boys are particularly vulnerable, often suffering in silence rather than reaching out for the support that could save them. The psychological toll is immense — victims withdraw from activities they love, distance themselves from friends, and carry a burden no young person should bear.

But there's power in knowing you're not alone and not at fault. This episode walks through the four critical steps to fight back: never pay the extortionist, tell someone you trust immediately, preserve all evidence, and report to authorities who stand ready to help. We outline specific resources including the FBI hotline and image removal tools that work without judgment or questions. For parents and friends, we provide guidance on recognizing warning signs and starting those difficult but potentially life-saving conversations. The predators count on silence and shame — but knowledge, community support, and courage are stronger weapons. Whether you're currently facing this nightmare or want to protect yourself and those you love, this episode provides the actionable strategies needed to turn victims into survivors.

Support the show

Hi friends, welcome to the new normal, Big Life Podcast! We bring you natural news and stories about nature that we hope will inspire you to get outside and adventure, along with a step-by-step plan to help you practice what you’ve learned and create your own new normal and live the biggest life you can dream. I’m your host, Antoinette Lee, the Wellness Warrior.

Sign up for our newsletter for more health tips and natural health news.

We want to hear from you. Take a three-question survey. Tell us about your biggest health challenge. We'll do the research and publish helpful information about the topics that interest you the most.

Find us on X-Formerly Twitter @NNBLBlog

Email us at Antoinette@NNBL.Blog

Website https://nnbl.blog/new-normal-big-llfe-blog/

Thanks for listening & Live Strong, Explore Boldly, Be Ready!

We'd be grateful if you shared this podcast with someone who needs it.