The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living
Do you feel like you want to cook from scratch, grow more of your own food, or live intentionally—but never have the time or energy to do it all? Tried diving headfirst into homesteading only to end up overwhelmed, burnt out, or wondering where to even begin? You’re not alone. If you’re ready to build a homestead life that actually works with your modern, busy schedule—this podcast is for you. Inside The Homestead Challenge, you’ll find time-saving routines, realistic strategies, and practical tips to help you simplify home systems, grow what you can, and start living from scratch—without the pressure to do it all perfectly. Hey friend. I’m Brittany—crunchy mom, city homesteader, and your go-to for making slow living possible in real life. I tried the all-at-once approach to homesteading… and crashed hard into burnout. Turns out, trying to master everything at once just wastes time, money, and a whole lot of mental energy. But here’s the good news: homesteading doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can do this in small steps that make a big impact. If you’re ready to create a from-scratch lifestyle with more rhythm and less chaos—grab that sourdough starter from the back of the fridge... it’s time to rise. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
Episodes
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Ep 19. Grit & Growth: Overcoming Homestead Fears and Failures
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Tuesday Feb 27, 2024
Whether you're daunted by the prospect of failure or success, homesteading fears can be REAL. I received a thought-provoking question from a Facebook follower and I couldn't resist talking about this topic right away (because I think it hits home for all of us).
In this episode, I explore the complex emotions that come with change – from the unsettling fear of failure to the surprising apprehension of success, and even the daunting impostor syndrome. Why does success sometimes scare us as much as failure?
Let's confront these fears head-on. What happens when our worst fears come to life?
This episode isn't just about homesteading – it's about growth, resilience, and the courage to face our fears.
Homework:
Make the lists of fears you either had starting out or still have, then make a list of your fears once you get started? Take time to let them sink in and truly think about whats worse. I don’t think you will struggle to make your dreams come true if you look at the alternatives.
Links Mentioned:
Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap
Links for all of my favorite products
Instagram
The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community
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Friday Feb 23, 2024
Ep 18. Homesteading Hills That I Am Not Going To Die On
Friday Feb 23, 2024
Friday Feb 23, 2024
People have some seriously strong opinions online over homesteading things. Whether it be politics, sustainability, health claims... the list goes on and on. Don't get me wrong! I AM HERE FOR THAT! I am here for homesteaders speaking out about things no one else is talking about. What I am not all about? YOU thinking that you have to die on all of these hills. That is tiring and honestly, impossible.
There are some hills that I personally am not willing to die on, but you might! Make sure you are prioritizing what actually matters to you most for your own homestead. In today's episode, I wanted to chat about some things that I decided to let slide a bit so I can focus on what's important most to me.
Homework: Join the Facebook group and tell me the hill you would die on. What do you want to scream from the rooftops?
Links Mentioned:
Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap
Links for all of my favorite products
Instagram
The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community
Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Ep 17. 5 Ways to Homestead When You Are Sick
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
I don't know how it got us again, but the family has gone through another round of colds. I thought we were done for the season! Alas, I wanted to think of things I could check off my homestead to-do list from the couch.
In today's episode, I am going to chat about 5 ways you homestead while you are sick, so all of your systems don't crumble, you stay organized, and you don't come back from illness to a hot mess house! If you found any of these tips helpful, please leave a 5-star written review. It would mean the world to me.
Homework: Make an extra of one of your meals this week that freezes well and put it in the freezer to have on hand.
Links Mentioned:
Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap
Links for all of my favorite products
Instagram
The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community
Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Ep 16. 7 Things You Can Do Right Now to Start Your Garden Season Off Right
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Friday Feb 16, 2024
Join me as I prepare to make this spring gardening season the best one yet! Remember, a little planning today leads to a lush, thriving garden tomorrow.
Why is now the perfect time to start garden planning? So you don’t get overwhelmed this garden season! HELLO! There is actually so much you can do right now. Today I am going to share my top 7 ways to prep your garden so you have your best season yet.
🌻 Let's get our hands dirty and get to it!
HOMEWORK- Make a plan to start your garden NOW instead of waiting until grow season.
Links Mentioned:
Spring Gardening Tips
Free Raised Bed Plans
Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap
Links for all of my favorite products
Instagram
The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community
Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Ep 15. Systemizing Your Suburban Homestead with Chelsi Jo
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Before you add anything else to your homestead task list, you MUST get your home management systems in order. Chelsi Jo of the Systemize Your Life podcast is here to help us do just that.
She walks through her systems as a crunchy mama and talks about where you can start to organize your own life and say goodbye to the overwhelm through a flexible, automated system suited to your own homestead (yes, even if your schedule is chaotic!).
These systems have made me feel like I gained time in my days (and space in my brain!) and I hope they work for you too! Check out where to find Chelsi in the links below.
Links Mentioned:
Listen to the Systemize Your Life Podcast
Check out the Systemize Your Life Home Management System
Get Your Free Homesteading Roadmap
Links for all of my favorite products
Instagram
The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community
Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
We often appear busy, but are we truly productive? Let’s discuss the dilemma of wanting to learn and implement new homesteading techniques but often failing to take action.
In this episode, I will discuss:The Perfectionist Trap: Understanding how the fear of imperfection can lead to inaction.
The Learning-Implementing Gap: The cycle of endless learning without application.
The Cost of Inaction: The immediate and long-term costs of procrastination, particularly how it affects our mental health and sanity.
Overcoming Procrastination with DWPP: Learn the four-step method to effectively tackle procrastination in homesteading tasks.
Homework:
For those caught in the perfectionist trap: Start small and give yourself grace. Try it anyway!
For the constant learners: Take a day off each week from podcasts, YouTube, audiobooks, etc. Use this time for implementation.
Links Mentioned:
Ger Your Free Homesteading Roadmap
Links for all of my favorite products
Instagram
The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community
Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Ep 13. 5 Canning Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Canning is still a thing! We can and preserve food in order to make healthier choices, save a little cash, and have FUN! So why in the world did I find myself crying over canning during my first canning season?
I made a few mistakes that definitely made things harder on myself. Canning really is NOT hard! And it is not scary.
Listen to this episode for my canning confessionals and learn from my mistakes so your first-time canning can be stress-free!
HOMEWORK- If you want to can this year, make a plan for getting all your gear. Do you need to add it to the budget? If you are an experienced canner, share your favorite canning convenience meals in the Facebook Group!
Links Mentioned:
All of the Canning Tips
Favorite Books on Home Food Preservation
Links for all of my favorite products
Instagram
The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community
Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Friday Feb 02, 2024
Friday Feb 02, 2024
I want to help you conquer the clutter and create a kitchen that works for YOU (not the way Pinterest tells you it should look).
In this episode, I uncover:
Why tackling your kitchen now is key before the busy spring/summer season hits.
Forget one-size-fits-all solutions: Learn how to design a system that reflects your preferences and lifestyle based on the Clutterbug Organizing Styles.
Actionable tips for each style: Learn hacks, storage solutions, and strategies to transform your kitchen.
Let's get your kitchen under control and create a space you love that FUNCTIONS! Be sure to head over and Take the Clutterbug Quiz!
P.S. Share this episode with a friend who could use some kitchen organization magic!
Links for all of my favorite products
Instagram
The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community
Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Ep. 11 Transitioning to Natural Skincare with Faithful Family Farmer
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
Today, we have a special guest – Emily from Faithful Family Farmer, a powerhouse who's successfully navigating the realms of homesteading, motherhood, and running a thriving skincare business.
Curious about ozonated skincare? Emily breaks it down for us, explaining what it is and how it stands out amongst other natural skincare.
Moving through the process of transitioning from conventional skincare to embracing natural alternatives can be scary! But it is so worth it (or at least we think so!).
Emily wears multiple hats – not only is she the brains behind a successful skincare line, but she also manages a full-fledged homestead. We get a glimpse into her homestead life, complete with animals, gardens, and more.
A big thank you to Emily for joining us on this episode!
LINKS MENTIONED
Shop Faithful Family Farmer Skincare
Follow Emily on Instagram
Follow Brittany on Instagram
The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community
Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Friday Jan 26, 2024
Ep 10: Favorite Homestead Bulk Buys on Amazon
Friday Jan 26, 2024
Friday Jan 26, 2024
Now, before you start questioning my homesteader credentials, let me share my Azure Standard story and talk about why I still shop on Amazon sometimes. Don't hate me for shopping on Amazon – I've got some valuable insights to share!
We ALL know we should be shopping locally first. But sometimes, ya girl just needs a good deal or I need something FAST!
Have you ever got that random last-minute itch to learn to do something and want to do it NOW? Sadly, Amazon can be an okay option to lean into those urges.
Listen in for my top 8 bulk buys!
HOMEWORK- Tell me what I am missing. Any good deals that I should know about? I would love to share them with everyone!
Links Mentioned:
Links for all of my favorite products
Instagram
The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community
Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic