Ditch The Store

Hey everyone, and welcome to Episode 145 of Ditch the Store ! We’re officially a week into 2026 (can you believe it?), and after a cracking start with last week’s beginner episode, this week I’m diving into the big question: What even is homesteading? Because let’s face it — everyone seems to have their own definition. From off-grid living to growing herbs on a balcony, homesteading can mean very...

Happy New Year and welcome to Episode 144 of the podcast! We’re kicking off 2026 by going back to basics — because let’s face it, a lot’s changed in the last couple of years and it’s time for a reset. This month on the podcast, we’re talking all things beginner homesteading — where to start, what to think about before diving in, what you absolutely don’t need, and how to avoid that slap-in-the-fac...

It’s Christmas Day, and if you’re tuning in — thank you. Whether you’re milking goats, cooking a roast, working a shift, or hiding from the in-laws with your earbuds in — this episode’s for you. I’m looking back on 2025 with real honesty. It was the year where plans went pear-shaped: a knee replacement, a broken leg, a dog attack, and a veggie garden that never even got planted. But amongst the ch...

🎙️ EP 142 – My Farm Accident (Warning: Graphic Content) This episode is raw, real and straight from the paddock. I’m sharing the full story of my recent farm accident — from a routine neighbourly favour to an emergency dash in the ambo and major surgery. It’s not pretty. It’s not polished. But it’s important. Farm accidents do happen. And if you’re working with animals, you need a plan for what to...

It’s time to talk about the stuff under your boots — soil . Industrial farming has turned living earth into lifeless dirt, and the fertiliser companies are cashing in on the damage. In this episode, we dig into how Big Ag broke the soil — and how you can fix it in your own backyard. 🌾 In this episode: What’s really killing our soils The fertiliser myth that’s keeping farmers broke How to bring yo...

The backyard veggie patch isn’t just about saving a few dollars — it’s about taking back control of your food. In this episode, we’re talking about why growing even one tomato plant is a quiet act of rebellion against a food system that’s broken, overpriced, and overprocessed. 🌱 In this episode: Why growing food matters more than ever The truth about supermarket dependence How home gardening buil...

Every goat keeper faces it sooner or later — Barber’s Pole Worm , the bloodsucking parasite that can take down even the healthiest doe overnight. In this episode, we’re diving deep into how to recognise, prevent, and manage Barber’s Pole Worm without relying on constant chemical drenches. 🐐 In this episode: What Haemonchus contortus actually is — and why it’s so dangerous Early warning signs and...

Raw goat’s milk is one of the most talked-about — and sometimes controversial — topics in the homesteading world. In this episode, we’ll unpack the benefits, the risks, and how to handle raw milk safely so you can decide if it’s right for your homestead. 🥛 In this episode: Nutritional benefits of raw goat’s milk vs cow’s milk Safety concerns and how to reduce risks with good hygiene How to store...

So you’ve got goats — now it’s time to fill the bucket! In this episode, we’re walking through exactly how to milk a goat, from the first squeeze to storing that fresh milk in your fridge. 🐐 In this episode: When to start milking after kidding Setting up your milking space and equipment Step-by-step milking routine (without the fuss) Hygiene tips for safe, long-lasting milk How to store and handl...

Sometimes goat kids can’t stay on mum — and that’s when bottle-feeding steps in. In this episode, we’re covering everything you need to know about raising bottle babies with confidence. 🍼 In this episode: When and why to bottle-feed (rejection, multiples, weak kids, or management choice) Colostrum and the first 24 hours Feeding schedules and what to feed Preventing bloat and scours Bonding and tr...

Episode 135: Doe-Raised Kids When goat kids arrive, you’ve got two choices: raise them on mum or step in with a bottle. In this episode, we’re talking about the natural way — letting kids stay with their doe. 🐐 In this episode: The benefits of doe-raised kids: natural growth, immunity, and less work for you The challenges: sharing milk, weaning, and taming How to manage kids while they’re on mum...

So, you’ve got your goats — now it’s time to plan for baby goats! 🐐 In this episode, we’re walking through the full kidding journey, from breeding and pregnancy right through to birth, kid care, and weaning. I’ll talk through what age to breed, how to choose between bucks and artificial insemination, signs of labour, what to expect during birth, and how to care for those squishy little newborns o...

You don’t need a fancy goat barn or electric fortress to keep goats safe — but you do need to plan ahead. In this episode, we’re getting practical about what your dairy goats actually need when it comes to shelter, fencing, and paddock layout. I cover shelter ideas for different weather, what makes a fence truly goat-proof, and how to protect your herd from predators (without breaking the bank). W...

Not all dairy goats are created equal — and choosing the right breed can make a big difference to your homesteading success. In this episode, I walk you through the most common dairy goat breeds in Australia (and a few lesser-known ones), comparing milk production, cream levels, personality, and how much space they really need. Whether you're feeding a big family or just want rich milk for cheese,...

Thinking about adding a dairy goat to your homestead? In this episode, we chat through everything you actually need to know before you bring one home. I share the story of why we got goats in the first place (spoiler: it started with my son’s supposed lactose intolerance), plus the real-life pros, cons, and must-haves when it comes to owning dairy goats. We’ll talk costs, fencing, daily care, milk...

Some jobs feel too big to tackle — baked-on oven grime, greasy BBQ plates, rusty tools, even that sad-looking cast iron pan. But you don’t need toxic sprays or expensive “specialty” cleaners to get results. In this week’s Natural Cleaning Series finale, we’re diving into the heavy hitters with safe, affordable, and effective DIY methods. 🔥 In this episode: Why oven sprays, degreasers & rust r...

Glass cleaners are one of the most over-marketed — and overpriced — products in the cleaning aisle. In this week’s Natural Cleaning Series episode, we’re ditching the ammonia fumes, single-use plastic, and streaky finishes for a safe, affordable, and effective homemade solution. 🪟 In this episode: Why ammonia-based cleaners aren’t great for your lungs, skin, or septic The hidden cost (and waste)...

Episode 128: Bathroom Cleaning Without the Toxins Your bathroom might sparkle, but at what cost? In this episode of the Natural Cleaning Series , we’re tackling one of the most chemical-heavy rooms in the house — the bathroom. From bleach sprays to mould removers, we’ll break down the hidden health and environmental risks, and show you how to swap them for safe, affordable, and effective DIY alter...

Ditch the Store, Clean the Sink Store-bought dish soaps and dishwasher tabs might leave your dishes shiny, but what else are they leaving behind? In this episode of our Natural Cleaning Series , we're diving into what’s really in conventional dishwashing products — from synthetic fragrances and surfactants to phosphates and formaldehyde-releasing compounds. We’ll also chat about how these chem...

🎧 Episode 126: Homemade Laundry Products The Load Down: Homemade Laundry Products That Actually Work Got sensitive skin? Sick of spending a fortune on detergents that smell like a fake rainforest? In this episode, we’re getting stuck into homemade laundry solutions that actually work . We’ll chat through: The chemicals hiding in supermarket laundry products (and what they’re doing to your skin an...

This week on Ditch the Store , CJ dives into the essential oils that actually pull their weight in a clean home. These aren’t just for diffusers — we’re talking mold-fighting, degreasing, deodorizing powerhouses . ✅ Top 5 oils that clean AND smell amazing ✅ How to use and store them safely ✅ What’s safe for kids and pets ✅ How to build your own blends 🎁 Join our mailing list at: www.mojohomes...

Ep. 124 – One Spray to Rule Them All: My Simple All-Purpose Cleaner You don't need a dozen overpriced bottles under your sink — you just need one. In this episode, CJ shares her go-to DIY all-purpose spray recipe that’s safe, powerful, and actually works. Whether you’re wiping down the kitchen, sprucing up the bathroom, or disinfecting surfaces — this is your everyday hero. ✅ The recipe (and...

Sick of bleach fumes and overpriced “miracle sprays”? In this episode of Ditch the Store , CJ reveals how to deep clean your home naturally and effectively using just 3–5 ingredients. From oven grime to mold and grout, you’ll get the real-life, homesteader-approved methods that actually work. ✅ Oven paste recipe ✅ Mold-fighting vinegar & tea tree spray ✅ Grout scrub trick ✅ Disinfection wi...

Ever gotten a headache while cleaning? Or worse—passed out from your shower spray? In this episode, CJ and the Handy Helper break down the dirty secrets of store-bought cleaners: the hidden toxins, the health risks, and why they’re especially dangerous for kids and pets. You’ll learn what chemicals to avoid, how they impact your hormones and lungs, and how to start ditching the store—one bottle at...

This week’s a special one — we’re jumping off the sourdough and diving into something a little feathery and a whole lot of fun 🐔 In this one-off episode, I sit down with my partner to chat about why I genuinely believe every suburban backyard should have chickens. We’re unpacking the benefits (eggs, compost, pest control, and kids learning responsibility), busting a few chicken-keeping myths, and...