Afleveringen
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This summer hasn’t felt quite as peaceful as I hoped—and maybe you’re feeling the same. In this episode, I’m opening up about the stress I’ve been feeling lately, even while trying to do all the things to slow down. If you’ve ever felt like natural living was starting to feel more stressful than supportive, this conversation is for you.
We’ll walk through what I call my “ladder of intervention”—a gentle framework I use to decide when to reach for lifestyle changes, herbal support, or something stronger. I’m also sharing my go-to stress tea recipe, the story of how I got off anxiety meds with herbs, and a brand-new tincture recipe that supports your nervous system and your heart.
Links + Resources:🌿 Make the Calm Heart Tincture:https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/heart-tincture/
🍵 Get the Stress + Anxiety Herbal Tea Recipe:https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/best-herbal-tea-recipe-for-anxiety/
📱 DM me on Instagram: @brittanylgibson
If this episode gave you some peace or a fresh perspective, would you share it with a friend who might need it too? Or leave a quick review to help more homesteaders and natural living mamas find the show?
Thanks for being here, friend. We’re in this together. 💛
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Whether you're staring at empty patches in your garden or waiting for your ferments to finish bubbling, this lifestyle is full of waiting. And in a culture that celebrates overnight success and 30-second videos, that can feel extra hard.
But what if the waiting is actually part of the growth?
In this episode, I'm sharing:
Why waiting is one of the hardest parts of homesteading
How impatience has shown up for me lately (spoiler: I’ve replanted seeds way too early)
Real-life encouragement for those of us in the messy middle of any project
Simple things you can do while you wait that actually move you forward
Why slow success is more satisfying—and sustainable—than quick wins
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Whether you're waiting on seeds, sourdough, or just a quieter season in life—this one’s for you.
🧑🌾 Come connect!
Say hi on Instagram: @brittanylgibson
Join the community: The Homestead Collective Facebook Group
📣 Leave a review if you loved this episode—it truly helps others find the podcast and keeps this community growing.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Ready to finally start canning—or actually stick with it this time? This is the year we let go of perfection and start preserving food in a way that’s doable, satisfying, and not totally overwhelming. In this episode, I’m sharing why I started canning, the real reasons you might want to give it a go, and the simplest ways to begin—whether you’re working with homegrown tomatoes or a bucket of u-pick strawberries.
I also talk through some of my biggest canning mistakes (like impulse produce purchases without a plan ), why it helps to prep now before the harvest hits, and the beginner-friendly recipes that I think everyone should try first.
What You’ll Learn:The real-life reasons to start canning (and why it’s not just about saving money)
What you actually need to get started (hint: not a root cellar or 1,000 jars)
Why planning ahead is the #1 thing that makes canning feel manageable
Easy beginner recipes like jam and tomato sauce—and why small batches count
My favorite tools, tips, and honest lessons learned over the past few years
Mentioned in This Episode:Ep. 13 – Canning Mistakes I’ve Made So You Don’t Have To
Ep. 91 – The First 10 Things I Ever Canned (and Why)
Canning Tips + Tools I Use
My Amazon Storefront: Canning Favorites
👉 Leave a 5-star written review if this episode was helpful—it means so much and helps others find the show!
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If your garden feels a little behind, messy, or flat-out disappointing this year—you are not alone. In this episode of The Homestead Challenge, we’re talking all about releasing perfectionism in the garden so you can enjoy the process, learn as you grow, and stop comparing your reality to picture-perfect plots on Instagram.
Whether your tomato starts failed, your trellis dreams didn’t happen, or you’re still throwing seeds in the dirt a month later than you planned—this is your permission slip to keep going.
🌱 What We Cover in This Episode:
Why even seasoned gardeners have setbacks (spoiler: I might need new tomatoes)
Reframing the idea that there’s a “right way” to garden
Creative ways to use what you have—containers, trellises, and all
When it’s totally okay to buy a few plant starts (even if you wanted to grow from seed!)
The beauty of direct sowing and learning through trial and error
How your garden space—no matter the size—can still nourish your soul
👩🌾 Join the Conversation:Come post your “imperfect” garden wins with us in the Homestead Challenge Facebook Community. It’s a no-pressure space full of encouragement and real-life garden chat.
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In this episode, we’re getting real about something that doesn’t get talked about enough: how your physical health impacts your ability to homestead, parent, and keep a household running. We’re not machines—we do this work with our bodies, and when we’re in pain, low-energy, or just plain burnt out, everything feels harder.
That’s why I’m ditching the all-or-nothing intensity of 75 Hard and doing my own version: 10 Weeks Hard. It’s a realistic, flexible challenge focused on consistency and wellness—not aesthetics or perfection. I’m sharing my five personal rules, why they matter, and how you can modify them to fit your own life.
Whether you're thinking about starting something similar or just need a nudge to prioritize your health this season, this episode is for you.
🧡 What We Cover:
Why I’m not doing 75 Hard—but still wanted a challenge
The 10 Weeks Hard rules I’m following
What “real food” actually means to me (hint: it’s flexible!)
Why one workout has to be outdoors
The mindset shift that makes all of this feel empowering, not punishing
How I’m tracking progress and inviting you in
📝 Want to Try This Too?You don’t have to follow all five rules—just pick one or two that would make you feel better and start there. If you're doing your own version, tag me on Instagram @brittanylgibson or come tell us about it in The Homestead Collective!
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☀️ What if prepping didn’t feel overwhelming—or expensive?
In this episode, we’re diving into six completely free ways to boost your preparedness this summer. While fall and winter tend to feel like the “typical” prepping seasons, summer offers its own unique energy: longer days, lighter routines, and a little more breathing room.
I’m sharing practical things you can do right now—without needing to buy a single thing—that will give you more peace of mind at home.
These ideas are perfect for beginners or anyone who wants to be more prepared without falling down a rabbit hole of fear or conspiracy theories. (Not our vibe.)
🌿 What we cover in this episode:Why summer is secretly a great time for prepping
The power of inventory + decluttering (aka finding the gear you forgot you had)
Fun ways to rotate water and test your emergency supplies
Skills > Stuff: easy activities to practice for self-reliance
Free downloads + printables to help organize your plans
How to loop in your kids and build family safety habits
Community preparedness ideas
Where to actually find free gear
Plus a few of my favorite low-cost summer habits—like garage sale treasure hunting and side-of-the-road scores 🙌
📌 Mentioned in this episode:🆓 Free Printable: Emergency Prep Checklist
🧺 My Amazon Prepper Favorites Storefront
🧯 Past episodes on prepping:
Ep 75. Prepared for Unrest? How City Homesteading Gives Us an EdgeEp 71. 6 Ideas for Winter Homestead PreparednessEp 68. National Preparedness Month for Normal PeopleEp 67. Stop Consuming and Start Learning Preparedness SkillsEp 62. What a Tree Falling on My House Taught Me About Emergency PreparednessEp. 48 How to Have a Prepper Stash Without the ConspiracyJoin the conversation in our Facebook community📲 Follow me on Instagram: @brittanylgibson -
If you’re feeling a little stretched thin lately, this episode is for you.
We’re talking about three simple ways to take the pressure off your homestead routines—starting today. These are things we’re doing right now to reclaim a little breathing room while still making progress on the things that matter most.
Whether you’re deep in garden season, juggling family life, or just feeling a bit behind, this episode is your permission slip to make things easier.
In this episode, we cover:
Why “doing less” isn’t giving up—it’s getting smarter
A mindset shift that can simplify everything
The one small change that made a big difference in our weekly rhythm
What we’re letting go of this season (and what we’re focusing on instead)
Links & Resources:
Join The Homestead Collective → Click here
Join the FREE Facebook Community
Follow along on Instagram: @brittanylgibson
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Have you ever held off on starting a garden because you were in a rental or temporary living space? In this episode, I’m sharing all the things I wish I had known back when we were in military housing—before we settled into what we think is our forever home.
If you're renting or just feeling unsure about investing in a garden you might not have for long, this episode is for you. From containers that are worth the splurge to mistakes I wouldn’t make again, I’m walking you through how to garden smarter (not harder) when space and time are limited.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why I regret building an in-ground raised bed at a rental house
What I’d use instead (hello, galvanized beds + elevated planters!)
My love for grow bags and how they make gardening so flexible
Thoughts on GreenStalks—are they worth it, and when?
What to grow when you can’t grow everything: my "feel rich" picks
Why learning in a rental garden actually helped me long term
How to support your food storage goals even if you can’t grow much
Links & Resources:
🌿 Join The Homestead Challenge Community on Facebook
🎧 Check out the Garden Party Podcast – May 21st episode
🛍️ Shop My Amazon Storefront for Garden Containers Mentioned
Let’s Connect:Tag me on Instagram @brittanylgibson if you’re gardening in a rental or small space—I’d love to cheer you on and see what you’re growing!
And if you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you left a 5-star written review. Your support helps this podcast reach more like-minded gardeners. 💛
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Summer adventures often come with scrapes, bug bites, and garden mishaps, so today we're sharing our real-life herbal first aid remedies that keep our family comfortable and safe all season long. Learn how easy it is to prepare a natural first-aid kit, starting with two must-have items: a powerful wound-healing salve and a gentle but effective bug spray.
Resources Mentioned:
Wound Salve Recipe (step-by-step)
Homemade Herbal Bug Spray Recipe
Aloe Soap for SunburnJoin The Homestead Collective:
Ready for deeper dives and live workshops? Join us in The Homestead Collective Membership!
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Feeling the May rush? Me too! Between preschool graduations and gardening, it's been busy around here. So, to lighten things up, I created a stress-free Summer Homestead Bucket List filled with manageable, fun projects. Join me as I share ideas like growing new tea herbs, frying zucchini blossoms, hosting dreamy garden dinners, crafting citronella candles, and making homemade kombucha.
Plus, I'm diving into the mindset of sustainability over survival—reminding us all that homesteading should be joyful, not stressful. Whether you're an experienced homesteader or just starting out, this episode is sure to inspire a relaxing, fulfilling summer.
Links: The Homestead Collective
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Feeling the late spring overwhelm creeping into your garden season? You're not alone! Between end-of-school chaos, planning summer fun, and diving headfirst into gardening, it's completely normal to feel behind.
In today's episode, I'm sharing the gardening "rules" I joyfully ignore and explain why gardening with flexibility and curiosity often beats chasing perfection. From skipping strict crop rotations to planting earlier than recommended (hello, impatience!), discover how embracing imperfection might just be the secret to enjoying your garden more than ever.
Your garden doesn't have to be picture-perfect to be wonderful. Let’s garden imperfectly together!
Join the conversation:Head over to our Facebook community (The Homestead Challenge) to share your own garden adventures and see what others are up to.
Happy gardening!
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We all love the idea of saving money through homesteading—but is it actually cheaper to DIY everything when you live in the city or suburbs? In this episode, we break down the real numbers behind some popular homesteading tasks using actual prices from our area. From making your own butter and yogurt to growing a garden and baking sourdough, we’re taking a close look at what really saves money—and what’s worth doing for other reasons like quality, sustainability, or self-sufficiency.
Spoiler: Sometimes the savings are real—and sometimes, it’s more about the why behind what we do.
Resources Mentioned:Pantry Stocking Challenge – Free 5-Day Series
Join The Homestead Collective for more support, tools, and no-pressure progress
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Springtime eating often leaves us wondering what's fresh beyond the classic salad—but May has plenty to offer! In today's episode, we're exploring vibrant and delicious ways to enjoy the seasonal produce that May brings to our kitchens.
We'll also dive into some early preserving projects. Plus, we're discussing why now is the ideal time to clear out last year’s pantry and freezer goods, with practical tips and inspiration for deliciously using up your stored harvest.
Resources Mentioned:
How to Make Chive Salt
Chive-Infused Oil Tutorial
Join us on Facebook to share your favorite spring recipes and preserving projects!
Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps others find seasonal inspiration too!
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Summer means longer days, less structure, and more opportunities—but without planning, it can quickly turn overwhelming. In this episode, we share practical tips to create a relaxed, memorable summer without the stress or guilt about unfinished tasks.
You’ll learn:
Why creating a brain dump works better than traditional bucket lists
How to organize your summer activities into two easy categories: Fun (family memories) and Projects (home & homestead tasks)
A simple strategy for designing a family-friendly summer calendar that reduces stress and adds predictability
Easy homestead project planning to stay productive without burnout
Practical dinner solutions for those busy, outdoor-filled days
Quick household routines to keep things functional, peaceful, and manageable throughout the summer
Tune in to simplify your summer plans and focus on what truly matters: fun, family, and a balanced homestead life.
Mentioned in this episode:
The Homestead Collective Membership for more practical resources, accountability, and community support
Connect with Brittany:
Instagram: @brittanylgibson
Website: thehomesteadchallenge.com
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share, and leave a review—it helps us reach more homesteaders like you!
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In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Jillian from Sprouting Arrows to talk about something at the heart of the Homestead Challenge: remembering your why.Even though our paths look a little different—she homeschools, I don’t; she’s deeply driven by her faith, I have a different approach—we’re both working toward the same goal: creating a life that centers around family, simplicity, and purpose.
Jillian shares her family's journey from living on two incomes (and unknowingly overspending) to thriving on less than $50,000 a year—all while growing closer as a family and living more intentionally. We dive deep into real-world tips for living frugally, finding joy at home, breaking free from consumer culture, and overcoming the pressure to "keep up" with others online or in real life.
Whether you're dreaming of stepping back from the rush, spending more time with your family, or finding ways to live fully without overextending yourself—this conversation will encourage you and show you what’s possible.
What we cover in this episode:
Jillian’s journey to frugal living and her mindset shifts along the way
How living with less has brought more joy, health, and connection to her family
Practical ways to save money without feeling deprived
Homesteading on a tight budget: creative ways to build a garden and make from-scratch living affordable
Managing technology use and building peaceful, present rhythms at home
Handling extracurricular activities in a way that doesn’t overwhelm your family life
Tips for battling comparison—both online and in real life
Why remembering your why makes all the difference when you're tempted to quit
Resources Mentioned:
Brittany: The Homestead ChallengeJillian: Sprouting Arrows
Enjoyed this episode?If this conversation encouraged you, take a screenshot and tag us on Instagram!You can find me at @brittanylgibson and Jillian at @sproutingarrows.
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Spring has officially arrived, and with it… a whole lot of weeds. But what if I told you that some of those wild plants popping up in your yard right now are actually useful herbs?
In this episode of The Homestead Challenge, we’re talking about 8 common backyard “weeds” that show up in early spring—like violets, chickweed, stinging nettle, garlic mustard, and more—and how you can use them safely and simply in your homestead routines.
You’ll learn:
Which backyard weeds are edible or medicinal (and which are invasive)
How to tell them apart from lookalikes without getting overwhelmed
Which herbs are helpful for spring allergies, skin soothing, and more
Why it’s totally okay not to use every single wild plant you find
Whether you’re brand new to foraging or just curious about what’s sprouting near your garden beds, this episode will give you confidence and clarity as you learn what nature is offering right in your own yard.
✨ Mentioned in this episode:
Nettle Lemonade Recipe on the Blog
Violet Face Serum
👉 Ready to start noticing what’s growing around you?Tune in, take a walk with me, and let’s dig into some springtime inspiration.
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Ever feel stuck trying to make your homestead perfect? I've been there! In today's episode, I'm sharing personal stories and practical tips about why embracing progress over perfection can transform your homesteading journey from stressful to joyful.
In this episode, you'll hear:
Why "done" truly is better than "perfect," and how simple tasks (like assembling shelves!) can illustrate this mindset.
How perfectionism often disguises itself as endless research, leading to burnout or inaction.
Real-life examples of how imperfect actions, from gardening to cooking, yield meaningful growth and satisfaction.
Encouragement to embrace the "homemade-ish" approach and why every step forward counts, no matter how small.
Mentioned in this episode:The Homestead Collective – Join our monthly membership for support, resources, and practical ways to incorporate homesteading skills into your busy life.
The Homestead Challenge Facebook Group – Share your imperfect (and joyful!) homesteading progress with our supportive community.
Remember, your family doesn't need perfection—they just need you to show up. So let's embrace the imperfections and enjoy the journey!
Share your imperfect homesteading wins with us! We’d love to see your progress in the Facebook group.
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Deciding where to plant things can feel like a total mystery—especially when Instagram says one thing and your neighbor’s doing another. So let’s talk it through, without the pressure to get it “perfect.”
In this episode, I’m breaking down the pros and practical uses for containers, raised beds, and in-ground gardening—plus how I decide where to put what in my own small-space garden.
We’ll chat:
What to plant in containers (and why peppers love my grow bags!)
The crops that thrive in raised beds (especially if you’ve got heavy soil)
When to give in-ground gardening a go—and how to make it work without fancy gear
Why you have to experiment in your space and not just copy what works for someone else
How I’m planning my garden this year (hint: it’s a mix of whimsy, practicality, and learning as I go)
Whether you’re just getting started or want to make better use of the space you’ve got, this episode will help you feel more confident in choosing what goes where—with plenty of encouragement to try, fail, and try again.
🎧 Listen in and then come share what you’re planting where this year inside our free Homestead Challenge Facebook Group!
✨ Want support, ideas, and encouragement each season? Join The Homestead Collective — our private membership to help you build homesteading rhythms that actually fit your life.
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When most people start homesteading, they jump straight to the fun stuff—sourdough, chickens, herbal remedies. But here's the truth:If your kitchen isn’t in rhythm, everything else feels harder.
In this episode, I’m sharing why meal planning is the foundation of a sustainable, low-stress homestead—especially if you’re busy, in a season of life with limited time, or balancing a million things at once.
🌱 Whether you’re just getting started or trying to finally feel like you’re doing the thing—this episode will help you reset, simplify, and build a foundation you can grow on.
Mentioned in this episode:
👩🌾 Join the Meal Plan Momentum challenge (free!) inside our Facebook group👉 The Homestead Challenge Facebook Group
✨ Want to go deeper and build systems that stick?Check out The Homestead Collective
Enjoyed this episode?Please hit subscribe/follow, leave a quick review, and share it with a friend who’s trying to juggle real life and homesteading dreams. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to do it all perfectly to make it work.
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Tired of babysitting your garden all summer long? In this episode, we’re digging into the real MVPs of the garden—the plants that practically take care of themselves.
I’m sharing a list of weird, wonderful, and wildly easy plants that give you an amazing harvest without demanding much of your time or energy. Whether you're short on bandwidth, just starting out, or simply want to build a more sustainable setup, these low-maintenance picks are for you.
Resources & Links Mentioned:
Learn more about The Homestead Collective: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/collective
Join our free community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity
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