On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold talks with Sophia Nguyen Eng about her family’s journey into homesteading, including leaving Silicon Valley to move to the Appalachian Mountains, going back to their roots in food and farming, and growing and cooking nutrient-dense foods using Asian techniques.
The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 227 – November 8, 2023
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Sophia Nguyen Eng is a first-generation Vietnamese-American and first-generation regenerative farmer. Sophia left a successful career in growth marketing in Silicon Valley to start a five-acre permaculture farm in the Appalachian region of eastern Tennessee.
Sophia is the author of The Nourishing Asian Kitchen cookbook and the founder of the website Sprinkle with Soil, and podcast host at Call To Farms. Her practical approach to whole foods cooking and gardening is inspired by the complexities of raising two children and caring for her elderly parents with unique medical needs.
Links
- Pre-Order Cookbook: https://bit.ly/nourishingasian
- Website: https://www.sprinklewithsoil.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sprinklewithsoil
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sprinklewithsoil
- Substack: https://sprinklewithsoil.substack.com
- Podcast: http://www.thecalltofarms.com
- Homesteading Realtor: https://www.homesteadingrealtor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesteadingagent
- Freedom Fundings: https://www.freedomfundings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomfundings
- Eng, Sophia Nguyen (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages – 12/07/2023 (Publication Date) – Chelsea Green (Publisher)
- Fallon, Sally (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 674 Pages – 05/15/2025 (Publication Date) – Newtrends Publishing, Inc….
Last update on 2025-05-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Embracing a Holistic Homesteading Journey: Sophia Ing’s Transformation from Tech to Farming
Introduction: In this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, host Harold Thornbro was joined by Sophia Ing, a former tech professional who has made a transformative journey into homesteading. Sophia shared her unique story, from her initial inspiration to her current endeavors in sustainable living and community building.
From Silicon Valley to Sustainable Living: Sophia’s Homesteading Journey Sophia Ing’s transition from a tech-centered lifestyle in Silicon Valley to a self-sufficient homesteader is both fascinating and inspiring. Her journey began with the birth of her daughter and a simple desire to make homemade applesauce, leading to a deeper exploration of food quality and sustainable practices. This exploration was further fueled by the 2020 pandemic, highlighting the importance of food self-sufficiency.
Overcoming Barriers and Learning from the Past Sophia highlights the challenges she faced in her transition, including the steep learning curve of homesteading and the cultural gap between her Vietnamese heritage and her new lifestyle. Her story underscores the importance of embracing one’s cultural roots and learning from the wisdom of past generations.
Building a Sustainable Homestead: Techniques and Strategies In her pursuit of a sustainable lifestyle, Sophia and her family have implemented various techniques, including raising poultry, growing vegetables, and implementing regenerative farming practices. She emphasizes the importance of local resources, community support, and learning from others with similar values.
The Power of Community in Homesteading Sophia’s story underscores the crucial role of community in successful homesteading. Moving to Tennessee, she found a supportive network of like-minded individuals, which has been instrumental in her family’s adjustment to this new way of life.
Educating Others: The Nourishing Asian Kitchen Cookbook Sophia’s passion for sustainable living extends to educating others. She has written a cookbook titled “The Nourishing Asian Kitchen,” which combines traditional Asian recipes with nourishing, sustainable practices. This book aims to inspire others to embrace cooking with homegrown, healthy ingredients.
Conclusion: Sophia Ing’s journey from the tech world to homesteading is a testament to the transformative power of sustainable living. Her story is a source of inspiration for anyone seeking a more self-sufficient, environmentally conscious lifestyle. Through her cookbook and continued advocacy, she is making a significant impact in the homesteading community.
