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

Ep 108. What No One Tells You About Homesteading (The Hardest Part)

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 journey
How online communities offer instant support, inspiration, and a feeling of belonging
We'll dive deep into how finding your community—whether in person or online—can truly change your homesteading experience. It's time to trade isolation for connection, frustration for encouragement, and overwhelm for practical support.
Resources:
Loving my content? Buy me a coffee ☕☕☕ >>> https://buymeacoffee.com/brittanylgibson
Join the FREE 5 Day Pantry Challenge >>> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/pantry/
Join the waitlist for The Homestead Collective >>> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/waitlist/
 
Let's Connect! I'd love to hear about your homesteading journey—have you ever felt like you were doing this alone? DM me on Instagram (@brittanylgibson) or reply to my email newsletter. Remember, you weren't meant to homestead alone—and together, we'll build thriving, supportive communities that help us grow.
Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who needs to hear it!

Ep 107. 7 Signs You're on the Edge of Homestead Burnout (and How to Stop It)

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 too thin or worried you can’t keep up, this episode will give you practical, low-pressure solutions to make homesteading work for you.
 
Thanks for being here, friend. 💕Brittany
Loving my content? Buy me a coffee ☕☕☕ >>> https://buymeacoffee.com/brittanylgibson
Join the FREE 5 Day Pantry Challenge >>> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/pantry/
Join the waitlist for The Homestead Collective >>> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/waitlist/

Ep 106. 7 Homesteading Tasks to Do Before Garden Season that Take 10 Minutes or Less

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 freezer with easy meals, these small but mighty tasks will help you feel prepared and stress-free when planting season arrives.
Thanks for being here, friend. 💕Brittany
 
Loving my content? Buy me a coffee ☕☕☕ >>> https://buymeacoffee.com/brittanylgibson
Join the FREE 5 Day Pantry Challenge >>> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/pantry/
Join the waitlist for The Homestead Collective >>> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/waitlist/

Ep 105. Low-Tox Living without the Overwhelm: No Pressure Homesteading in a Real World

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 homesteading and accessibility👉 Practical ways to reduce toxins in your home, food, and garden👉 The problem with perfection culture in the natural living space👉 Encouragement to focus on progress, not perfection
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not “homesteading hard enough,” this episode is your reminder that small changes matter. Whether you’re pressure canning homegrown produce, swapping out artificial fragrances, or just doing your best to feed your family healthier meals, you’re making a difference.
 
Starting with Non-toxic cleaners: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/all-natural-cleaning-supplies/
Eat Organic on a budget: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/healthy-budget-friendly-grocery-haul/
 
Thanks for being here, friend. 💕Brittany
Loving my content? Buy me a coffee ☕☕☕ >>> https://buymeacoffee.com/brittanylgibson
Join the FREE 5 Day Pantry Challenge >>> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/pantry/
Join the waitlist for The Homestead Collective >>> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/waitlist/

Ep 104. All of the Herbs I am Planting this Year and How I Use Them

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 why you don’t need to stress about GMO seeds.
 
📢 Resources Mentioned:🔗 Join The Homestead Collective waitlist → https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/waitlist
🔗 Herb Buying Guide-> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/wild-harvested-vs-organic-herbs/
🔗 Comfrey Bath Tea-> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/bath-tea-with-comfrey/
 
 

Ep 103. How to Use ChatGPT to Enhance Your Homestead

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 list, AI can help streamline the process so you can spend more time doing and less time researching.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🌿 How to use ChatGPT to name your homestead (because it's fun!)📋 How AI can help organize your thoughts and homesteading projects🥕 Using AI for garden planning, pest control, and companion planting🥫 Food preservation tips and how AI can help you make quick decisions💰 How AI can support homestead businesses with marketing and content creation🛑 The biggest AI mistakes to avoid (because fact-checking is key!)
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the information out there, this episode will show you how to use AI as a tool—not a replacement—for the skills and wisdom that make homesteading so special.
 
Thanks for being here, friend. 💕Brittany
Loving my content? Buy me a coffee ☕☕☕ >>> https://buymeacoffee.com/brittanylgibson
Join the FREE 5 Day Pantry Challenge >>> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/pantry/
Join the waitlist for The Homestead Collective >>> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/waitlist/

Ep 102. Don't Fear the Funk. A Beginner's Guide to Fermenting Vegetables

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 experiments like spicy jalapeños and fermented carrots. Plus, I’ll share some common fermentation mistakes and how to avoid them so you can feel confident in your fermenting journey.
 
Thanks for being here, friend. 💕Brittany
Fermenting Supplies
Sauerkraut Recipe
 
Loving my content? Buy me a coffee ☕☕☕ >>> https://buymeacoffee.com/brittanylgibson
Join the FREE 5 Day Pantry Challenge >>> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/pantry/
 
💡 Want to learn more homesteading skills with a like-minded community?Join the waitlist for The Homestead Collective! This private space is all about practical homesteading, food preservation, and sustainable living—without the pressure of doing it all perfectly. Sign up here → https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/waitlist/

Ep 101: From Chaos to Calm. The Emotional Side of Your Kitchen and Pantry

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 you:✔ Reduce kitchen stress and decision fatigue✔ Make meal prep easier (without overcomplicating it)✔ Create a pantry that actually works for you
Ready for a deeper pantry refresh?
Join my FREE 5-Day Stock Your Kitchen Pantry Challenge! In just a few days, you’ll go from an unorganized, frustrating pantry to a well-stocked, practical system that saves time and money.
💡 Sign up here: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/pantry
 
Want even more homesteading support? Get on the waitlist for The Homestead Collective, my private community for practical, no-pressure homesteading.
📩 Join the waitlist: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/waitlist
 
✨ Let’s turn your homestead into a place of ease, not overwhelm!

Ep 100. 5 Ways to Incorporate a Farm Chore Routine in the City

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, and stay inside all morning. Especially in the winter (guilty ✋).
That’s why I recorded this new episode—so we can bring that fulfilling, farm-style routine into our everyday lives.
In this episode, I’ll walk you through practical ways to create a morning routine that gets you outside, moving, and connected to nature—even if you don’t have land or animals to tend to. (Because you don’t need a farm to live like a homesteader.)

Ep 99. Mindset Shift- Homestead Anywhere, at Any Scale

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 homesteading actually means today (hint: it’s not just for people with farms)✔ The biggest myths holding you back from self-sufficiency✔ How to start homesteading no matter your space or situation✔ Quick, actionable steps to shift your mindset and start seeing progress
Homesteading doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It’s about small, sustainable steps that make a difference. Let’s do this together.
 
Join the Facebook Community- https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity