Off-grid Solar, Janky Farm Sheds & Burning the Boats
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. --------------------
--------
1:24:51
Veggie Gardens, Food Security & the Real Cost of Growing Your Own Food
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
--------
1:11:06
Country Kids, Common Sense & Galactic Empires
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?
--------
1:03:10
Budgets, Stockpiles & Green Tree Frogs
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.
--------
1:02:52
Bower Birds, Tiny Homes & Government Overreach
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?
Welcome to The Rustic Spirits Podcast — where Regan and Kirsty share real conversations about homesteading, off-grid living, and building a life grounded in purpose, resilience, and regeneration.
From their 150-acre bush block in south-east Queensland, they dive into the wins, the mistakes, and the mindset shifts that come with creating a self-sufficient life from scratch. Whether you’re living off-grid, dreaming of it, or just curious about a slower, simpler way of life — this is the podcast for you.
Australia