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

Brittany Gibson - Beginner Homesteader

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

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  • 215 episodes
  • Updated July 21

Episodes215

Newest first
  • Jan 24, 2025 · 25 min

    Ep 94. Beginners Guide to Indoor Seed Starting with Rachael from Our Handcrafted Home

    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 Rachael's Guide to Seed Starting over on her blog. Check out https://ourhandcraftedhome.com/ for more!

  • Jan 21, 2025 · 12 min

    Ep 93. Why I Use Herbs Instead of Essential Oils

    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/homesteadfreebies

  • Jan 17, 2025 · 27 min

    Ep 92. Herbal Safety Basics: How to Research and Vet Herbs for Your Family

    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 medicine. Don’t miss this foundational guide to confident herbalism for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike! Links Mentioned: Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity #1 Mistake I Made When Starting Herbal Tinctures: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/alcohol-for-herbal-tinctures/ Herb Buying Guide: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/wild-harvested-vs-organic-herbs/ Books for Beginner Herbalists: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/7-best-books-on-herbalism-for-beginners-without-the-overwhelm/ Herbs for Kids: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbs-for-kids/ Herbal Supplies: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/gifts-for-beginner-herbalists/

  • Jan 14, 2025 · 22 min

    Ep 91. The First 10 Things I Ever Canned

    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 goals this year, I hope this episode helps! Be sure to listen to Ep 13: 5 Canning Mistakes I Made So You Don’t Have To Join the Facebook Community -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity Grab all my freebies -> https://bit.ly/homesteadfreebies

  • Jan 10, 2025 · 24 min

    Ep 90. How to Make Goals for Your First Year Homesteading

    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://bit.ly/homesteadfreebies

  • Jan 7, 2025 · 19 min

    Ep 89. Top 10 Predictions for Homesteading Trends in 2025

    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/homesteadfreebies

  • Jan 3, 2025 · 20 min

    Ep 88. Harvesting Lessons and Growing Forward for a BIGGER 2025

    In this episode, we’re looking back at 2024 to see what “fruit” we gathered + seeds sown, celebrating the progress—big or small—that shaped our homesteads and our lives. Then, we dive into choosing a Word of the Year to guide us through 2025. Listen in and let’s cultivate a “bigger,” more meaningful homestead life this year! Join our Facebook community ->www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ Check out the Freebie library-> https://bit.ly/homesteadfreebies

  • Dec 30, 2024 · 18 min

    Ep 87. My Sourdough Starter and Other Things I am Leaving Behind in 2024

    Welcome to The Homestead Challenge! In this episode, I’m sharing all the things I’m letting go of in 2024—starting with my sourdough starter (yep, it’s time to admit I’m not using it!). Links & Resources Mentioned Freebie Library: https://bit.ly/homesteadfreebies Connect With Me on Social Media: @brittanylgibson Thank You for Listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow and leave a review. It really helps The Homestead Challenge reach more folks who want to live a simpler, more self-sufficient life. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

  • Dec 20, 2024 · 18 min

    Ep 86. 9 Ways to Prepare Your Home The Weekend Before Christmas

    The holidays are magical, but they can also catch us off guard! In this episode, I’m sharing my top tips for stress-free holiday home preparedness, all with a no-pressure homesteading twist. Whether you’re dealing with unexpected guests, last-minute host gifts, or the frenzy of Christmas morning, this episode has you covered. Get practical, low-stress solutions to handle holiday surprises with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—making memories. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

  • Dec 17, 2024 · 16 min

    Ep 85. 5 Best Herbal Gifts to Give to People Who Aren’t That Crunchy

    Sometimes we forget that everyone might not want to live the same non-toxic, crunchy lifestyle we live (and that's okay!). But you might be itching to make some herbal gifts or need something last minute. These 5 ideas are something even the non-crunchy folk will enjoy (at least I think!). LINKS MENTIONED https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/chamomile-bath-salts/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/evergreen-bath-salts/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbal-infused-lip-balm-without-beeswax/ Sign up for my email list to get your Free Herbal Salve E-Book (with the calendula salve recipe): https://thehomesteadchallenge.kit.com/a9dc7c0be5

  • Dec 13, 2024 · 30 min

    Ep 84. Best and Worst Amazon Garden Buys of 2024

    Check out my Storefront for all GARDEN products mentioned >>> https://amzn.to/3ZRT64U As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please visit my privacy + disclosure page for more details. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

  • Dec 10, 2024 · 23 min

    Ep 83. The Best and Worst Amazon Kitchen Buys of 2024

    Check out my Storefront for all kitchen products mentioned >>> https://amzn.to/3OKhRd4 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please visit my privacy + disclosure page for more details. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com

  • Dec 5, 2024 · 21 min

    Ep 82. How to Have a More Sustainable Holiday on the Homestead

    If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of a "sustainable Christmas," you're not alone. The truth is, creating a sustainable holiday isn't about perfection—it's about making small, meaningful choices that add up to big impact over time (and the MINDET that allows all those things to happen). Get your copy of BOTANICAL ANTHOLOGY now From November 25 – December 10, grab the Winter edition digital download plus bonus e-books (All About Turmeric + Herbal Cookie Tray and Herbal Advent Calendar) for just $16. The price will go UP after 12/10! Prefer a physical copy? Order the print version on Amazon for $26. Just email me for all the details to get your free e-books if you order the print copy! brittany@thehomesteadchallenge.com @brittanylgibson

  • Dec 3, 2024 · 26 min

    Ep 81. 5 Ways to Make Homesteading Easier in Winter

    Winter homesteading can be HARD. But there are a few ways to easily incorporate homesteading principles into your home to further your personal goals. Get your copy of BOTANICAL ANTHOLOGY now From November 25 – December 10, grab the Winter edition digital download plus bonus e-books (All About Turmeric + Herbal Cookie Tray and Herbal Advent Calendar) for just $16. The price will go UP after 12/10! Prefer a physical copy? Order the print version on Amazon for $26. Just email me for all the details to get your free e-books if you order the print copy! brittany@thehomesteadchallenge.com @brittanylgibson

  • Nov 27, 2024 · 15 min

    Ep 80. Gratitude for the Harvest: What This Year's Garden Taught Me

    Get your copy of BOTANICAL ANTHOLOGY now From November 25 – December 10, grab the Winter edition digital download plus bonus e-books (All About Turmeric + Herbal Cookie Tray and Herbal Advent Calendar) for just $16. The price will go UP after 12/10! Prefer a physical copy? Order the print version on Amazon for $26. Just email me for all the details to get your free e-books if you order the print copy! brittany@thehomesteadchallenge.com @brittanylgibson

  • Nov 15, 2024 · 18 min

    Ep 78. Seven Wellness Products I am Loving Right Now

    Oooo these are a few of my favorite things! While I will always recommend making items for wellness first, sometimes it is nice to treat yourself. You can't pour into your homestead from an empty cup! Join the Email List -> PRODUCTS MENTIONED 👉Get A​G1 here and get a year's supply of Vitamin D3+K2 and 5 free travel packs with your order. Zarbee's Baby Grape Cough Syrup Primally Pure Body Care Primally Pure (get $10 off!) Faithful Family Farmer Lymphatic Salve LMNT Red light therapy Kindle Oasis

  • Nov 12, 2024 · 16 min

    Ep 77 Good, Better, Best: Choosing the Right Non-Toxic Home Fragrance FOR YOU

    Choosing the right non-toxic fragrance for your home is confusing! I hope to simply the decision for you so you can make your own choice about candles and fragrances in your home! Links Mentioned: Instagram The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic

  • Nov 1, 2024 · 18 min

    Ep 75. Prepared for Unrest? How City Homesteading Gives Us an Edge

    Today I'm exploring how city homesteaders have a unique advantage when preparing for potential civil or economic unrest (whether you think that is really going to happen or not). From food preservation and sustainable gardening to practical resourcefulness and mindful homemaking, city homesteading fosters self-sufficiency, resilience, and adaptability—even without large land or livestock. Tune in to discover essential preparedness skills that every urban homesteader can rely on, and learn how to create a more secure, calm, and resourceful lifestyle in uncertain times. Whether you’re in a small apartment or suburban home, this episode is packed with insights for staying prepared in the modern world. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/podcast-launch/