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

Oct 29, 2024 · 18 min
Ep 74. Holiday Homemaking- 10 Things I am Saying YES to this Holiday Season
I’m sharing all the things I’m intentionally saying YES to this year—from accepting help to creating cozy moments. This season can feel like a whirlwind of parties, hosting, and endless to-dos, but I’m here to remind you that it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In this episode, I’ll show you how a few simple “yeses” (wowza that is a weird word) can make your holiday season on the homestead more meaningful and stress-free. https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
Oct 25, 2024 · 21 min
Ep 73. Homesteading Q&As from a City Homesteader
I asked your burning homesteading questions on Instagram and in our Facebook group, and today I am sharing the answers! If you want in on the next Q&A be sure to DM me any questions you have! Saurkraut Recipe: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/homemade-sauerkraut-learn-to-ferment-from-a-total-newbie-i-promise-its-not-that-scary/ Herbalism Supplies: https://www.amazon.com/shop/brittanylgibson/list/GO7KI2IV86OD?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_P759C43CHW52S5JJ5PX2 Common Bath Bomb Mistakes: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/common-bath-bomb-mistakes/ Instagram The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Oct 22, 2024 · 23 min
Ep 72. Homesteading for Busy People: 5 Steps to Do It All Without Losing Your Mind
No matter how much we try to slow down, this busy modern world catches up to us quickly. Today, I wanted to give encouragement to those who really feel the bustle (and not the good hustle). I truly believe you can have the homestead of your dreams if you follow these steps. Homesteading for busy people is possible, you might just have to change a few things and do the work. Links Mentioned: Instagram The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Oct 18, 2024 · 22 min
Ep 71. 6 Ideas for Winter Homestead Preparedness
Preparedness is still on the mind as we are squirreling away the harvest for winter. There are a few cheap and easy ways to prepare for the months ahead so that your home is ready for winter and you can enjoy the cozy winter vibes without worry. Be sure to come join our Facebook group and send me your questions for an upcoming Q&A episode! ->>> https://www.facebook.com/share/g/dfaUvLkbxDnC1uon/
Oct 8, 2024 · 14 min
Ep 70. Autumn Foraging for Black Walnuts
Emergency preparedness is not only a hot topic, but it seems as though it might actually be necessary. For me, learning skills and foraging is a cheap and amazing way to feel prepared in a peaceful way. With the stress of the world, foraging can bring so much peace, and the skills you learn along the way may just come in handy someday! Autumn foraging is fun as you get to be in nature as the leaves begin to change, and the black walnuts begin to fall. Black walnuts are super easy to forage and can be a powerful tool in your home herbal medicine kit. Links Mentioned: Instagram The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Sep 20, 2024 · 24 min
Ep 69. What is The Homestead Challenge? An Insight Into Homestead Blogging
The Homestead Challenge has been around for 4 years now (wow!). It started out as a blog and has grown into this amazing podcast community. Thank you to everyone who listens and who is sharing your own homestead challenges with us along the way. I truly don't think I would challenge myself to keep doing the thing THIS long if it weren't for you. Links Mentioned: Instagram The Homestead Challenge Facebook Community Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Sep 17, 2024 · 20 min
68. National Preparedness Month for Normal People
September is National Preparedness Month, and with it being an election year, preparedness seems to be all the rage! However, I am not into all of that doomsday stuff. What about when your kid gets a boo-boo at the park? Are you prepared for that? In this episode, I share the first place I started prepping and what I have on hand for everyday issues. My Favorite Prepper Gear on Amazon -> https://www.amazon.com/shop/brittanylgibson/list/3RTQ45EMYE85Z?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfbrittanylgibson_BYCRP17AKDDR14P9Q6D9 The #1 Mistake I Made When Making Tinctures -> https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/alcohol-for-herbal-tinctures/
Sep 6, 2024 · 25 min
Ep 67. Stop Consuming and Start Learning Preparedness Skills
As we enter fall, I am deeply convicted to get away from consuming and start using what I have... stewarding all that I've been given... and learning all that I can learn. Preparedness doesn't have to mean buying a ton of things. There is so much we can do and learn to be good stewards of our stuff. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please visit my privacy + disclosure page for more details. Digital Botanical Anthology -> https://bit.ly/THCBADigital Physical Copy Botanical Anthology -> https://amzn.to/4dPRRIm Sign up for my newsletter: https://exceptional-builder-2607.ck.page/ad0b995cf0
Sep 3, 2024 · 22 min
Ep 66. How to Actually Start Using the Herbs you’ve Gathered
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please visit my privacy + disclosure page for more details. Digital Botanical Anthology -> https://bit.ly/THCBADigital Physical Copy Botanical Anthology -> https://amzn.to/4dPRRIm
Aug 30, 2024 · 22 min
Ep 65. Getting the Homestead Ready for Fall
There are a few things you can do on the homestead to get ready for the fall season. This is my favorite time of year, so there are a few things I am incorporating into my regular routine in order to be ready! Do you have anything special you like to do this time of year? Links Mentioned: https://instagram.com/brittanylgibson www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Aug 23, 2024 · 12 min
Ep 64. My Favorite Herb for Transitioning to Fall
Are you starting to get those fall vibes? I sure am. Nothing marks the harvest season to me like goldenrod. Its abundant yellow hues paint the landscape this time of year. Not only is it pretty, but it has some pretty great herbal uses to fill your homestead pantry as well. Links Mentioned: https://instagram.com/brittanylgibson www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Aug 20, 2024 · 15 min
Ep 63. The Differences Between Chamomile and Feverfew and How to Use Them
Next up in the herbal stash challenge are two pretty little herbs: chamomile and feverfew! These are two garden favorites that are excellent to grow and have in your personal homestead herbal stash. Links Mentioned: https://instagram.com/brittanylgibson www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Aug 13, 2024 · 21 min
Ep 62. What a Tree Falling on My House Taught Me About Emergency Preparedness
Yikes! Emergency preparedness is SUCH a hot topic in an election year. But... spoiler alert... it's probably the little everyday things that most of us will experience that you need to prepare for. There are also many things you can do to prep that are completely free! Being a prepper doesn't mean you have to prep for an apocalypse. Maybe it's just a big old oak that comes crashing down! Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Aug 6, 2024 · 14 min
Ep 61. 5 Ways to Reduce Kitchen Food Waste
Most homesteaders are concerned about saving food and saving money. Listen to these 5 ways to reduce your food waste that are EASY and effective. Links Mentioned: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/blackberry-vinegar/ A Farm to Keep-> https://youtu.be/WasIGsKRCAk?si=TL-4I7_N1tyfILgf www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Aug 2, 2024 · 20 min
Ep 60. I didn't know what to say
Thank you for 60 episodes of The Homestead Challenge. I know homesteading isn't the hottest topic anymore, but we are still doing the thing! For many of us, we have learned so many lessons, found new habits and ways of life, and maybe even made some mistakes along the way. In today's episode, I share my heart on social media, politics, and loving your neighbor (and probably some other stuff too). Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Jul 26, 2024 · 12 min
Ep 59. All of the Uses for the Common Weed Plantain
Plantain (not the funky banana kind) can be found in sidewalk cracks, fields of grass, the side of the road, and more. It is a healing herb and is very gentle, yet effective. Listen in for all of the ways I use plantain in my own herbal medicine stash. Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Jul 23, 2024 · 16 min
Ep 58. Natural Sunscreen and Sun Protection Options for a Toxic-Free Summer
This episode explores Natural Sunscreen and Sun Protection Options for a Toxic-Free Summer. From the foods you eat to what you put on your skin, there are good, better, and best options when it comes to natural summer sun protection! Links Mentioned: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/raspberry-leaf-and-chamomile-summer-cooling-spray/ www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Jul 19, 2024 · 13 min
Ep 57. How to Use Echinacea as an Herbal Remedy in Your Home
Echinacea is abundant in many neighborhoods as many people are beginning to recognize the importance of planting wildflowers. Not only are they beautiful, but purple coneflowers are incredibly useful too! Join in our Herbal Stash challenge and gather your own echinacea as we start to build our own home apothecaries for the fall and winter ahead. Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Jul 16, 2024 · 21 min
Ep 56. Homesteading Really Does Get Easier
I never thought it would happen. But I turned around, and I realized that I actually am doing the thing. And I am not stressed. Homesteading can be so daunting when it is brand new to you, but practice really does make progress. When we learn and fail, take it all on and start getting our hands dirty, we are eventually given the homestead of our dreams. Join the Facebook Community! Get $14 off your peach truck order! https://refer.thepeachtruck.com/brittanygibson
Jul 12, 2024 · 14 min
Ep 55. The 3 Easiest Ways to Preserve Your Garden Harvest That Still Provide a Creative Outlet
The abundance of the garden can be overwhelming. As a newer homesteader, canning was simply too stressful to even think about. Now, I love to can, but sometimes I simply don't feel like it or don't have the time. There are so many easier ways to preserve some of your harvest (I've talked about them in other episodes), but simply freezing or dehydrating can be a little boring. As I am on a lifelong journey to consume less, I want to create MORE! Today I want to talk about 3 really easy ways to preserve that are also fun and creative (not to mention pretty!). Other Preserving Episodes to Listen to: Ep 45. 9 Cheap and Easy Methods for Preserving Your Garden Harvest Ep. 13. 5 Canning Mistakes I Made So You Don't Have To Links How to Start Fermenting Veggies https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/category/recipes-and-meal-plans/food-preservation/