Biggest Canning Mistakes I See Every Year

Biggest Canning Mistakes I See Every Year

Author: Wendi Bergin March 3, 2026 Duration: 24:28
Have you ever thought about entering a canning competition… but talked yourself out of it? In this episode, Wendi pulls back the curtain from her role as Chairperson of the Food Preservation Division at the Florida Strawberry Festival. After receiving 41 jars from first-time canners, seasoned homesteaders, teens, and small business owners, she shares what she learned from behind the judging table. From common safety mistakes to the surprising trend of what actually wins, this episode is equal parts encouragement and education. You’ll learn: Why modern tomatoes aren’t the same as Grandma’s A simple explanation of pH and why it matters The real reason some jars are disqualified Why removing your rings after processing is essential What judges actually gravitate toward How to enter with confidence, even if you’re new If you’ve ever wanted to grow your skills, build confidence, and participate more deeply in your community, this episode will inspire you to bring your best jar this year. Do it well. Do it safely. Do it joyfully.

Wendi Bergin hosts Homesteading Made Simple I Joyfully Prepared, a space where the romanticized idea of off-grid living meets the reality of a busy schedule. This podcast is built on the understanding that building a self-reliant life happens in small, consistent steps rather than dramatic leaps. You'll hear conversations that dig into the tangible skills of gardening, food preservation, and kitchen efficiency, all framed around integrating them into the life you already have. Wendi’s approach is notably calm and practical, stripping away the overwhelm often found online. Episodes serve as a guide to building a pantry, understanding food storage, and cultivating a resilient mindset without requiring a hundred acres. The focus is always on the achievable, emphasizing that homesteading is less about a location and more about a set of purposeful, daily choices. Tune in for a common-sense companion on the path to preparedness and greater self-reliance, wherever you happen to be planting your roots.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Homesteading Made Simple I Joyfully Prepared
Podcast Episodes
Fire Cider Benefits and Simple Recipe for Beginners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:33
In this cozy, spicy episode of The Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin dives into one of her favorite herbal traditions — fire cider. She shares how this zesty, vinegar-based tonic can boost your immune system, clear…
Soup: Lessons from History’s Coziest Meal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:13
This cozy episode of The Joyfully Prepared Podcast is all about one of the simplest and most magical meals you can make: soup. Wendi shares stories from history, from her mission in Finland, and from her own kitchen abou…
Quiet Ways God Connects Us [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:19
In this heartfelt episode of The Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin shares an unexpected insight she discovered about self-reliance—and how God uses our unique talents, skills, and quirks to bless others. From a pha…
You Prioritize What You Love [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:35
In this heartfelt and reflective episode of The Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin shares a lesson sparked by a question she received while teaching at the East Tennessee Homesteaders Alliance Festival: “How do you…
God's Vision is Greater Than Your Sight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:09
In this heartfelt episode of the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi shares the story of her family’s big move to Florida—a season full of chaos, doubt, and even heartbreak. From searching endlessly for the right house to l…
Homestead Festival Takeaways [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:08
In this episode of the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi shares her takeaways from teaching and attending the East Tennessee Homestead Alliance Festival. From lockpicking and yogurt-making to goat milk soap and regenerati…
Three Herbal Preparations Every Mom Needs to Know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:42
In this episode of the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin shares three herbal preparations every mom needs to know—simple, effective remedies you can make right in your own kitchen. From the soothing power of an oni…
Behind the Scenes: What’s New with Joyfully Prepared [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:51
n this episode, Wendi shares what’s been going on in her world as she steps into new opportunities. She talks about her upcoming presentations at the East Tennessee Homesteading Alliance Festival where she’ll be teaching…
Mom Strength You Didn’t Know You Already Had [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:08
In this episode of the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi Bergin opens up about two things on her mind: the “Proof of Exhaustion List” we all keep in our heads and the importance of building physical strength as women. Fro…
Simple Ways to Find Calm in Chaos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:30
In this episode, Wendi shares a funny but profound story about a red towel and how it became a reminder of entropy—the natural tendency toward disorder. Through the powerful analogy of spinning plates on sticks, she expl…