The Rustic Spirits Podcast

We nearly had to go three episodes for this season wrap up Q&A - there were just SO many good questions sent through. In this episode we answer your pressing homesteading questions like; How to set up Off-Grid Solar when you're on the grid, What gear would you buy to start a homesteading Youtube channel, Would we ever host people on our property, How would you homestead if you had little kids.... and so many more.

Well folks, as we wind down closer to the end of the first season of the Rustic Spirits Homestead Podcast, as promised, we've left the last two episodes for your questions to be answered. We asked, and you delivered, and you did not disappoint. We answer some of the toughest questions we've had on this podcast, everything from what solar system we would recommend now, to how to manage your money on a homestead, what do we think of digital ID, and are we just a shill for AI companies since we like to talk about it so much (Spoiler alert, no, but we do have a few things to say about them). This one's going to be a bit of a longer one, and we definitely did not have time to get through all of your questions, so don't forget to hit us in the comments section with the burning questions you want answered about anything to do with homesteading in Australia - we've got one episode left before we take a short 'Spring Break'.Show Notes: Considering Buying Bluetti? Support our Channel by Using our Affiliate Link:https://bit.ly/rustic_spirits_bluettiWant to Support our work AND get Bonus content? Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rusticspiritsco30+ Australian Homesteading Channelshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvUv5PnPBDE

In this episode, Regan & Kirsty talk about the "why" behind their Homestead - their goals and aspirations, and how the world we live in today is shaping (or reshaping) some of those motivations. We talk about what it really means to go into homesteading with a true picture of your finances and how you'll fund this dream as well as what it means to stay connected in meaningful ways to the people that matter most in your world.

It feels like all anyone is talking about at the moment is the dawn of the A.I era - but what does it really mean for most of us? In this episode we reflect on some key talks that have inspired us to think about resilience in new ways as we head into what may be a tumultuous few years ahead. Homesteaders have a unique perspective on preparedness - it's not quite "prepper" but it certainly stands us in better stead than most when systems let us down. Mo Gawdat on Diary of a CEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9a1nLw70p0We're Not Ready for Superintelligence:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KVDDfAkRgcBook - The Fourth Turning, William Strauss & Neil Howe: https://www.amazon.com.au/Fourth-Turning-American-Prophecy/dp/0767900464

In this episode we tell the story of how we found out that our eldest child was being severely bullied in school and how that led our family to consider other forms of schooling, and eventually homeschooling all three of them through to the end of high-school. The challenges and the rewards and how it taught us to view the world of education through a relationship-first approach to education.TED TalksHackschooling makes me happy | Logan LaPlante | TEDxUniversityofNevadahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h11u3vtcpaYDo schools kill creativity? | Sir Ken Robinson | TEDhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtYHow to escape education's death valley | Sir Ken Robinson | TEDhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX78iKhInsc

In this episode, we dive headfirst into some recent revelations we've had about microplastics, why we thought we were actually doing ok with it all, and why it's important to pay attention when you get complacent about this. As a generation who have grown up not question the products we use or how we use them, this was another layer peeled back for us as to why we need to pay attention to what products we use in our everyday life and how it affects our health and wellbeing. Of course, we can't just have a conversation like this without quoting our sources: https://bit.ly/4fhGASw

In this episode, we’re chatting with our long-time friend and fascinating character, Tim Schloss of Schloss Toys.Tim is a wood-worker, toy maker, furniture maker and learner architect who is a champion of lost trades, artisan culture and passing along skills to the next generation.He travels Australia visiting medieval festivals and lost-trades fairs, meeting other like minded artisans who are keeping lost trades alive.Tim has personally impacted us in how we view products, how to purchase items more mindfully and how to appreciate the importance of skills that are often times overlooked by technological advances and mass production.We hope you enjoy this episode.—You can find out more about Tim and Schloss Toys here:https://www.facebook.com/schlosstoyshttps://www.schloss.com.au/More information about the fairs and festivals that celebrate lost trades and artisans:Lost Trades Fair: https://www.losttradesfair.com.au/Off Grid Living Festival: https://www.offgridevent.com.au/Abbey Medieval Festival: https://www.abbeymedievalfestival.com/Winterfest: https://winterfest.com.au/

In this episode we talk about the intricacies of relationships while Homesteading - with your partner, your children and others in your world. If you've already started your Homestead, or are thinking of jumping into the homestead world in the future, this episode is recorded with you in mind!StrengthsFinderhttps://high5test.com/cliftonstrengths-free/Enneagramhttps://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test

This week we’re talking Urban Homesteading and why it doesn’t have to be the case that you own or live on acreage before you start homesteading. In fact you may never occupy a large block and land, and that shouldn’t stop you from pursuing a life of meaning and fulfilment through simplicity and self-sufficiency.Links: https://www.ourcow.com.au/https://www.farmerbutcher.com.au/https://www.goodness.com.au/https://www.tiktok.com/@claudia.bryant/video/7519443646828055815

In this conversation we are talking about what it means to be ready (or as ready as you can be) for crises that come your way. We talk about the different kinds of crises we’ve encountered, our experiences making emergency plans and what it’s taught us about how to face potential threats in the future.

In our latest episode we unpack the essential skills we think every homesteader needs to get started, and why curiosity keeps our homestead exciting for the future! 🌱 We share practical insights, stories from our own experience of learning in the deep end, and the skills we’re curious to learn next. Perfect for both newbies and seasoned homesteaders!

In this episode of the Rustic Spirits Podcast, we dive into the trending topic of A.I.—not because it’s trending, but because it’s here. We explore what this massive acceleration in technological developments means for those of us striving for a simpler life through sustainability and self-sufficiency, without dismissing new technology outright. Where do you draw the line? And how can the homesteading community best support an increasingly displaced society around them?

In this episode of The Rustic Spirits Podcast Regan & Kirsty re-live their experiences from the first few weeks and months after arriving on their 150 acre off-grid property ready to embark on their homesteading adventure. But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows! From stressing out every time the generator ran out of fuel to learning how to detox from conveniences it was dive into the deep-end, that's for sure! The Outpost Homestead: Check out Peter’s inspiring YouTube channel, where he documents his off-grid homesteading journey in Sudan’s hill country. https://www.youtube.com/@TheOutpostHomestead -------------------- Australian Homesteaders Facebook Group: a vibrant community of like-minded Australians sharing tips, stories, and advice on homesteading and off-grid living. Search for “Australian Homesteaders” on Facebook to connect with others on the same journey. Australian Homesteaders Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/australianhomesteaders/ -------------------- “Burn the Boats” Origin: The phrase is often attributed to Hernán Cortés, who reportedly destroyed his ships in 1519 to commit his men to the conquest of the Aztec Empire, symbolizing no turning back. Earlier references exist, such as in Virgil’s Aeneid, where Trojan women burn their boats to force settlement. For more, explore histories of the Spanish conquest or classical literature. -------------------- Gourmet Farmer Series: This Australian TV series, featuring Matthew Evans, inspired our move toward a sustainable, land-based lifestyle. It showcases life on a Tasmanian farm and the joys of growing and cooking your own food. Available on 'Freeview' app. -------------------- Soil by Matthew Evans: Matthew’s book Soil: The Incredible Story of What Keeps the Earth, and Us, Healthy explores the importance of soil health for farming and sustainability. A must-read for homesteaders! Find it at Booktopia, Amazon, or your local bookstore. --------------------

Another sit down with Regan & Kirsty as we dive into all things 'homestead gardening & food security' - a topic that's becoming more and more relevant, even outside of homesteading, as the world's systems of food, health and personal freedoms feel less and less reliable every day.We're only one year into our Homesteading journey, but we've brought nearly 15 years of gardening experience into it. We knew growing our own food was going to be a key ingredient to what we built and what we teach, but we probably didn't realise just how important this message would become. As families and communities suffer under a burdening cost of living crisis and the rising prices of food and nutrition wreack havoc on everyday budgets, we want to share some genuine insights into our own food security plans and just how realistic they are. Show Notes:(not sponsored, just great resources) Dirt to Soil - Gabe Brownhttps://www.amazon.com.au/Dirt-Soil-Gabe-Brown/dp/1603587632Kiss The Ground - Josh Tickellhttps://www.amazon.com.au/Kiss-Ground-Reverse-Climate-Ultimately/dp/1501170252The In-Garden Compost system Kirsty was thinking of: https://subpod.com/collections/subpod-storeOr, Search "in garden compost bin" or "in garden worm farm" for alternatives.Will Harris on Joe Rogan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozNK2sgJmcgJoel Salatin on Jordan Peterson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMjqphoMy0k

this week we're having a chat about handling the wild side of homesteading with good ol’ common sense! We share funny tales of dodging curious bulls and teaching our kids to swing an axe without chopping their toes off. We talk about building guts and smarts through real-life adventures. For homesteaders or dreamers, we dish out tips like grabbing a first aid course, knowing your bushfire plan, and keeping snake bite kits handy. We’re all about raising kids who can climb trees, think fast, and not panic when a pig chases them and their groceries. Tune in, laugh with us, and let’s chat in the comments—how do you tackle homestead risks?

It's probably the question we get most often.. how much does it cost? To start a homestead, to buy machinery, to keep a homestead running, to start with animals and livestock. In this week's episode we share some of our own experiences and takes on what you need to know to make homesteading make sense financially.

We take a look into the journey that prepared us for life in a tiny home and some of the major mindset shifts that had to happen first. From how we went from desiring every new home decor item to learning how to be more like the bower bird. We discuss what it took to design and build our tiny home and how the flexibility of a moveable home allowed us to respond to changing life circumstances quickly. And yes, we even explore the topic of regulations and red tape and ask just how much government oversight into projects like this is enough and have we gone too far?

In this episode we dive into our backstory and take a look at some of the moments in our lives that reoriented us from career-driven, fast-paced, unhealthy and broken towards this life of becoming the 'Rustic Spirits' we are today - a life of Simplicity, Authenticity, Sustainability and Meaning.

Well, we did it - we launched a podcast! After too much good content kept getting left on the cutting room floor we finally decided that the best place to share those deep-dive thoughts and explorations was in a weekly podcast...so here it is. In this, our very first episode, we tackle a strange comment that we've had on more than one occasion now and answer the question, 'Are we Homesteaders, or Hobby Farmers?'.