The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living

Do you ever start a season full of homestead goals—sourdough, gardening, preserving—and then lose steam halfway through? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing the real reason so many of us struggle to follow through on our homesteading plans, and a simple mindset shift that will help you stay consistent (even when life gets busy). We’ll break down what I call the Accountability Triangle—c...

Welcome to The Homestead Collective! In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes tour of everything waiting for you inside this supportive, no-pressure homesteading community. Whether you’re brand new or just want to get oriented, this episode will help you: 🌿 Understand the heart behind The Homestead Collective 📦 Learn what’s included (monthly themes, private podcast episodes, printable...

Spring is here, and if you’re feeling pulled in too many directions on your homestead — you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m sharing the two areas I’m focusing on right now and how I’m narrowing in on what actually matters most (even when I really want to do it all). I’ll also tell you about an exclusive 30-minute workshop I’m hosting this week to help you do the same! This private workshop will...

These days, more and more people are quietly stepping back from homesteading — selling off animals, downsizing, or giving up entirely. After reading an article on the Guardian called “Why I Quit My Homestead Dream Just as Farmer Tradwives Became Mainstream,” I knew I had to sit down and talk about this growing trend… and why I’m determined to do things differently. In this episode, I’m sharing my...

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of garden season? In this episode, I’m sharing 10 things you can do right now—even if it’s still cold and gloomy—to set your garden up for success and avoid that last-minute spring scramble. I’ve learned from experience that waiting until the weather is nice is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with simple, practical steps...

Ever felt like you're trying to figure out homesteading all by yourself? You're not alone—and more importantly, you're not supposed to be. In this episode, we're talking about something crucial but often overlooked in homesteading: the power of community. I'll share: Why trying to do it all on your own can hold you back Practical ways local community connections can transform your homesteading jou...

Homesteading should feel joyful, not exhausting—but let’s be real, the pressure to “do it all” can be overwhelming. If you’ve ever felt like your to-do list is never-ending, or that you’re falling behind, this episode is for you! Today, I’m sharing 6 simple shifts to help you reset, refocus, and keep homesteading sustainable and fulfilling (without guilt or burnout). If you’re feeling stretched to...

Spring is right around the corner, and before the busy garden season kicks in, now is the perfect time to tackle a few quick and easy homesteading tasks that will set you up for success. In this episode, I’m sharing seven simple things you can do in 10 minutes or less to make sure your home, kitchen, and garden are ready for the months ahead. From organizing your canning supplies to stocking your...

Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to do it all when it comes to homesteading, low-tox living, and making healthier choices for your home? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re talking about realistic homesteading—how to prioritize what truly matters for your family while letting go of perfection. 👉 Why low-tox living doesn’t have to be all or nothing 👉 The truth about budget-friendly homest...

If winter has you itching to get your hands in the dirt but the weather isn’t cooperating, this episode is for you! Today, I’m sharing what herbs I’m growing this year and how I actually use them (for teas, tinctures, and skincare!). Plus, we’re chatting about where to buy high-quality herb seeds, which herbs not to plant unless you want them taking over your garden (looking at you, mint!), and wh...

Get the Prompts -> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/chatgpt-for-your-homestead/ AI on a homestead? Yep, we’re going there! In this episode, I’m breaking down how tools like ChatGPT can actually support your homesteading journey—without replacing the heart and soul of it. Whether you’re looking for creative homestead name ideas, garden planning tips, or even a way to organize your endless to-do...

Fermenting your own food sounds intimidating—but trust me, it’s way easier than you think! In this episode, I’m breaking down the simple steps to get started with fermentation, even if you’ve never done it before. We’ll start with the easiest, most foolproof ferment (hello, sauerkraut!), move on to pickles (because you already know what they should taste like!), and then dive into some fun experim...

Is your kitchen stressing you out? A cluttered pantry, messy counters, and the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” question can make cooking feel like a chore. But small changes can have a big impact! In this episode, I’m sharing 5 simple, actionable steps to create a kitchen that feels calm, functional, and ready for real-life homesteading. These quick fixes take less than 10 minutes each but will help...

The Homestead Collective Waitlist -> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/waitlist   There’s something about having a farm that forces you into a routine. You wake up, you go outside, you move your body, and you take care of something that depends on you. It’s an ancestral rhythm that feels so… right. But in the city (or even just modern life), it’s way too easy to roll out of bed, grab your phone...

Have you ever felt like homesteading just isn’t an option for you? Maybe you don’t have acres of land, a big garden, or endless free time. Maybe you’re wondering: ➡ Where do I even start? ➡ Can I really homestead in a small space? ➡ Do I have to do everything from scratch to call myself a homesteader? If any of that sounds familiar, I’ve got something for you. 🎙️ Here’s what you’ll learn: ✔ What h...

Are you jumping on the bio-hacking bandwagon? What is bio-hacking? Biohacking is the practice of making small, intentional lifestyle changes to optimize physical and mental performance. It often includes techniques like sauna therapy, cold plunges, targeted nutrition, and detox protocols to enhance well-being and longevity. Brooke of the ​Wellness Farm Chat podcast​ and I had a great conversation...

We are sick. Like, major flu vibes over here. There are a few things I am doing (both naturally AND not) to help! Using oregano oil is one! I am talking about an oregano-infused olive oil here, not the essential oil. On today's episode I briefly go over oregano's properties and how to use this simple oil at home for some respiratory support. Listen now to learn about all of the benefits of oregano...

I've never talked about this before. MONEY. Gah. The subject can be so taboo. But here's the thing. Finances are SO very entwined into our values as homesteaders that I wanted to talk about it. Whether you are trying to quit your 9-5 to stay home... Buy the acreage you've always dreamed of... Get out of debt so you can finally buy that truck load of soil that your garden so desperately needs... Al...

I always think it is SO interesting to see what people are actually doing in their daily lives. I decided I would walk you through my day and share all of the non-toxic and nutritious swaps that I've made in my daily life as I am on this natural-living / homesteading journey. Listen now to hear all about my morning routine, skincare routine, and more!   Join the Facebook Community -> https://ww...

I had the privilege to chat with Rachael of  Our Handcrafted Home  all about  seed starting on the podcast this week. I made a TON of mistakes last year and I wanted to make sure to get this info out so you don't make all the same mistakes I did. I hope you learn something new and feel inspired to start some seeds indoors this year in order to extend your garden season. Don't forget to check out R...

There is a major difference between using essential oils and using whole herbs. While they both have their place, there are reasons I use whole herbs 99% of the time. Today I want to explore the differences to help enhance your herbal safety knowledge.   Join the Facebook Community -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity Grab all my freebies -> https://bit.ly/homest...

Let's explore herbal safety basics for your family’s natural wellness journey. Learn how to research and vet herbs effectively, avoid AI-written or poorly sourced books, and discover the best places to buy herbs. I’ll also cover child dosage guidelines, highlight essential drug interaction cautions, and share tips on integrating herbal remedies into a non-toxic lifestyle without sacrificing modern...

Canning is on everyone’s mind this year, especially after so many of you scored new canners for Christmas. In this episode, I share my early canning (both water bath canning and pressure canning) experiences and the 10 first things I ever canned—plus some helpful tips to get you started on your own preserving journey. Whether you are an experienced canner or you are adding it to your homestead goa...

Whether it's your first year or your 50th year homesteading, setting goals can be a helpful way to make sure you DO THE THING! Reflect with me on the goals I made my first year homesteading and learn how I made those goals a reality (for the most part).   Goal Planner Join the Facebook Community -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity Grab all my freebies -> https:/...

While homesteading is always trending in my book, and also intrinsically about not following trends, I thought it would be fun to explore the top homesteading trends for 2025! Check out my predictions! Let me know your thoughts in the Facebook Community!   Join the Facebook Community -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity Grab all my freebies -> https://bit.ly/home...