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

Jul 9, 2024 · 13 min
Ep 54. The Magic of Mullein: An Easy Herbal Remedy Found Right in Your Neighborhood
Mullein is a super common herb found right in your neighborhood. As we are quickly approaching the fall, I thought it would be fun to get our homesteads prepared by building up our at-home herbal remedy stash. Twice a month I will explore an herb to add to your home herbal medicine chest so we can be prepared for the cold and flu season ahead, stress-free. Links Mentioned: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/garlic-mullein-herbal-oil/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbal-allergy-tea-recipe/ View My Favorite Herbal Supplies on Amazon -> https://amzn.to/4c5or7s www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Jul 2, 2024 · 23 min
Ep 53. Gaining Peace By Giving Myself Permission to Be a Homemaker
Ah! I am nervous about putting this episode out into the world friends. Today I want to dive into all of the guilt and feelings I have had about quitting work to become a homemaker and later a stay-at-home mom. I always expected myself to be a career woman/boss babe, and I found myself very anxious and stressed all of the time. It turns out that leaning into my femininity (why does this still make me cringe?) has brought me a ton of peace. This won't be the same for every person, but if you are struggling with feelings about being a homemaker or longing to become one, but feel the societal pressure to work, I hope this episode brings you some solidarity. Links Mentioned www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://instagram.com/brittanylgibson Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Jun 28, 2024 · 18 min
Ep 52. How to Make an Herbal Salve with a Common Garden Flower
I am here to chat about my current favorite little flower that I am using topically at home. It's CALENDULA. And no, mine is not yet blooming in the garden. But you can always order from a reputable source. Starwest Botanicals is one of my favorites. I know some of you are very curious to get into herbal medicine. I truly think that topical products and skincare are the best gateway to learn about plants in a safe (and fun!) manner. MINI SALVE GUIDE-> bit.ly/herbalsalve FAVE HERBAL PRODUCTS-> https://amzn.to/4c5or7s Buy Calendula Online -> https://shrsl.com/4l9ry Other Herbal Episodes Ep 3. 2 Herbal Things You Can Make this Week that are Not Scary Ep 34. Six Herbs for Spring Allergies Ep 46. Common Garden Culinary Herbs that Can Be Used as Medicinals
Jun 21, 2024 · 16 min
Ep 51. A New Freezer and A New Kitchen Gadget to Beat the Summer Heat
This heat wave has made me appreciate being inside again. I have many projects that were left neglected as I abandoned them for the lust of garden season. I am not one for the heat, so I have been staying cool while giving the inside of my home some much needed love. From the pantry area of the basement to experimenting with new herbal products, it feels good to spread the love to some of my other homesteading hobbies. Links Mentioned: View My Favorite Herbal Supplies on Amazon -> https://amzn.to/4c5or7s www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Jun 18, 2024 · 17 min
Ep 50. Committing to No Processed Foods for a Month
I can't believe this is Episode 50! I figured it was time to up my homesteading game, so I wanted to do a little challenge. I am committing to no processed foods for a month (well, mostly). Listen in to what this means for me and for how you can join in this challenge to put your health and environmental goals to the forefront of your summer. I am ready for fresh harvested food, local meats, and all that homemade goodness. Join the Facebook Group to Join In -> https://www.facebook.com/share/XF2nZ42oFLEaCNAG/ or Search "The Homestead Challenge"
Jun 14, 2024 · 19 min
Ep 49. Rating My Best Sustainable Swaps 4 Years Later
Sustainable products aren't as "hot" as they used to be. I think people caught on that you should use what you have before buying new! That's definitely the homesteader mentality that I try to get myself into every day. But I have certainly purchased my fair share of sustainable products. Let's look at an old blog post to see if I still love these products as much as I used to to see if they have proven to be truly sustainable. Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Jun 11, 2024 · 23 min
Ep 48. How to Have a Prepper Stash Without the Conspiracy
When people think of homesteaders, they may also relate thoughts of conspiracies and doomsday prepping to the mix. I am not all about that. But I AM about prepping for peace of mind for minor emergencies. In this episode, I am chatting about the minimal prepping that we do in my household to keep the peace and leave the conspiracy behind. View My Favorite Prepping Supplies on Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3XefiWh www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Jun 7, 2024 · 21 min
Ep 47. How I am Living Slow this Summer Even Though I am Bad at Slow Living
Many people desire to live a homestead life when they desire slow living. Slow living can bring us to what is most important. It can allow us to savor the short time we have with our children. It can calm our nervous systems in this busy world. I think many of us desire slow living, but many (including me) are not the best at it. We live in a modern world full of busyness, but there are still simple ways we can slow down our days, despite living fairly normal lives. In today's episode, I share a glimpse into how I am trying to slow down to savor the summer for health and for happiness. Links Mentioned: View My Favorite Herbal Supplies on Amazon -> https://amzn.to/4c5or7s www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Jun 4, 2024 · 15 min
Ep 46. Common Garden Culinary Herbs that Can Be Used as Medicinals
In the homesteading realm, a lot of people are looking to get into medicinal herbs, but it can be intimidating! I think we often discount the common herbs, right from our garden, that have been used throughout time for medicinal purposes. These common culinary herbs pack a punch and are safe and easy to use to start your herbal journey! Links Mentioned: View My Favorite Herbal Supplies on Amazon -> https://amzn.to/4c5or7s www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
May 31, 2024 · 18 min
Ep 45. 9 Cheap and Easy Methods for Preserving Your Garden Harvest
It is almost harvest time this garden season, and I wanted to share some simple methods for preserving your harvest, no matter the size or budget (no fancy freeze dryer required). This episode mostly focuses on herbs, but these tips can be used for many types of veggies and even flowers, too! Links Mentioned: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/drying-peaches/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/how-to-preserve-fresh-herbs/ www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
May 28, 2024 · 16 min
Ep 44. 7 Productive Ways to Rest on the Homestead
Rest AND productivity in the same sentence? I know that can sound confusing, but I truly find that I am most rested when I am doing something a little productive at the same time. Whether it's physical or mental, there are ways to rest your mind and body that can be productive for you in the long run. In this episode, I am going through 7 of my favorite ways to rest on the homestead. Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
May 24, 2024 · 20 min
Ep 43. Is It Okay to Be A Half-Hearted Homesteader?
I think it is safe to say that we all go through different busy seasons. During those busy seasons, you may do more or less homesteading than you'd prefer- and that's totally okay! We need to release unrealistic expectations that we put on ourselves and know that every little bit of "homesteading" that we do in any given season is important, and enough. Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
May 21, 2024 · 18 min
Ep 42. The Pressure to Plant a Native Garden
Instagram can be a great source of garden inspiration, but also pressure! While growing native is WILDLY important (see what I did there), I don't think we need to feel bad about not doing it perfectly. Some things simply make us happy. And no, we cannot singlehandedly wipe out all of the invasives in our area either. It's all a lot. Like many things in life, I think that finding the right balance for you will help you create the happy, pollinator-friendly garden of your dreams. Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
May 14, 2024 · 16 min
Ep 41. Garden Folklore and Myths that Are Actually True
Whether you believe in folklore, wivetales, or garden myths or not, a lot of it is rooted in truth! I scoured the internet for some of te best gardening advice that has been passed down through the generations that are rooted in some science. Do you know of any folklore that has proven to be true in your garden? Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
May 10, 2024 · 15 min
Ep 40. Use these Herbs in Your Garden for Natural Bug Repellent
As we plant our gardens this spring, we need to think about how we will be spending our time outdoors. If you want to eat or even hang out outside, you'll soon be bombarded by some pesky little friends. Whether you plant these herbs in container gardens around your patio or use them in a natural DIY bug spray, you'll be happy you planned ahead for natural bug repellent this season! Links Mentioned: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/diy-herbal-bug-spray/ www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
May 7, 2024 · 22 min
Ep 39. Summer Schedules and Systems for Balancing Homestead Tasks and Family Fun
In today's episode, I talk about changing routines for household tasks (psst... join the Facebook Community and we are all going to share our favorite QUICK and easy summer recipes), family fun and adventures, and even a little self-care (not the woo woo kind, but the kind where you do stuff for "future you" and can thank yourself later). Tune in and really work on adapting your routines for the season so you can have your best summer yet (Seriously. I actually mean that.) www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
May 3, 2024 · 18 min
Ep 38. Things No One Mentions About Companion Planting
Companion planting is among the most popular homesteading and gardening goals from our community this year! Sure, we all know you should plant stuff with other stuff to make it grow better, but why? After researching companion planting, I was left with a few questions that I felt like no one was answering. Hopefully, this clears some of them up! Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic Get $10 off a GreenStalk Vertical Planter
Apr 30, 2024 · 15 min
Ep 37. My 6 Favorite Amazon Garden Finds this Year
Happy Garden Season! Here are my top picks for relatively inexpensive (well, for the most part) Amazon finds for the garden that I have been LOVING this year as I build a garden in my forever city homestead. Get the links: https://amzn.to/47YMD9c Join the Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ Instagram: @brittanylgibson
Apr 26, 2024 · 18 min
Ep. 36 What To Do When You Regret Some of the Homesteading Decisions You've Made
Oof! Regret is hard and hearing, "I told you so" is a hard pill to swallow. But if there is one thing I know for certain: the best way to learn homesteading is to learn by doing it and making mistakes. We are all human and we can change our minds whenever we want as we grow and learn. What is one lesson or regret that you learned the hard way? Episode Mentioned: Ep 5: Homestead Confessions: Expensive Kitchen Gadgets I Regret Buying Links Mentioned: www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic
Apr 23, 2024 · 21 min
Ep 35. Beyond Contentment: Actually LOVING Where You’re At
In this episode, I chat about contentment. But not just waiting around and being okay with where you are at, but still dreaming about your forever homestead. I mean LOVING where you are at, and not even wanting more (well, for the most part). Links Mentioned: https://bit.ly/homesteadchallengegoalplanner www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity/ https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/workwithme Leave Feedback on the Show or Request a Topic