Photo: Granger Smith Podcast
For many, the idea of leaving behind the daily grind for a self-sufficient lifestyle is just a dream. But for Jeremy and Melissa, it became a reality. Once living a conventional life outside of Portland, Oregon—Jeremy as a police officer and Melissa as a stay-at-home mom—they found themselves stuck in a cycle of working to get by but never getting ahead. The desire for something different started small, with a focus on self-sufficiency through gardening and raising meat rabbits. That small passion project eventually led to a life-changing decision: moving their family to an off-grid homestead in the remote mountains of Idaho.
Taking that leap of faith wasn’t easy. Selling their home, quitting a stable job, and uprooting their four children felt risky, but they believed it was the right path. They faced immediate challenges—harsh winters, living in a cramped trailer, and making major lifestyle adjustments. But they also found incredible rewards. Their children thrived in homeschooling, they embraced a simpler life, and their YouTube channel, GOOD SIMPLE LIVING which started as a hobby, became a way to share their journey with the world. As Melissa put it, “We had this retirement plan of retiring in Idaho… but I called him at work one day and I said, ‘I think we should go, and we should YouTube it.’”
Their story is a testament to the power of faith and determination. They took what was supposed to be a 10- to 15-year plan and made it happen almost overnight. It wasn’t easy, and at times, it felt downright impossible. But through perseverance and a belief that they were being led toward a better life, they made it work. Today, they continue to build their homestead while inspiring others to follow their dreams, no matter how daunting they may seem.
Want to hear the full story straight from Jeremy and Melissa? Check out this week’s episode of the Granger Smith Podcast on the iHeartRadio app!
