Ep. 86 Brainstorming Different Homestead Problems

Ep. 86 Brainstorming Different Homestead Problems

Author: Jason Contreras February 14, 2025 Duration: 59:25

Jason, Al, and Ben discuss various topics related to homesteading, including the controversial glyphosate, weather patterns affecting their farms, the challenges of YouTube content creation, and the intricacies of animal husbandry. They share personal experiences with snow, maple syrup tapping, and the construction of new animal shelters, while also addressing the humorous side of YouTube demonetization. The conversation highlights the joys and struggles of homesteading life, emphasizing the importance of community and shared knowledge. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various challenges and experiences related to content creation, building projects, and seasonal changes in their rural lives. They explore the balance between time and quality in video production, the difficulties of sourcing materials and deliveries in remote areas, and the impact of winter on their projects. The discussion also touches on tractor maintenance issues and the excitement of preparing for spring gardening, reflecting on the cyclical nature of their work and the lessons learned over time.

Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand

Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres

Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead

Homestead Shop Talk is a weekly audio podcast hosted by Jason Contreras (@sowtheland), Ben Hollar (@thehollarhomestead) and Al Lumnah (@lumnahacres). Three dudes with different homesteads talking about homestead life, content creation, growing a homestead and building a life worth living for. Thanks for listening!


Grab a cup of coffee and pull up a stool. Homestead Shop Talk feels less like a formal broadcast and more like the weekly conversation happening in a well-used workshop, hosted by Jason Contreras, Ben Hollar, and Al Lumnah. Each brings the distinct perspective of running their own homestead, meaning topics swing naturally from the deeply practical to the broadly philosophical. You’ll hear them troubleshoot a failed crop, debate the best tools for a barn repair, and share hard-won lessons on balancing this demanding lifestyle with family and creative pursuits. The discussion often veers into the realities of content creation, as each host documents their journey online, but the heart of this podcast is about building something tangible and meaningful with your own hands. It’s for anyone who dreams of greater self-sufficiency, whether on acres of land or in a suburban backyard, offering camaraderie and unvarnished advice instead of glossy perfection. Tune in for honest talk about soil, structures, and the slow, rewarding work of crafting a life deeply connected to what you value most.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 101

Homestead Shop Talk
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 85 Frostbite to Sunburn Weather This Week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:21
Jason, Ben and Al discuss the unpredictable weather patterns affecting their homesteads, share updates on various projects including a walk-in cooler and tractor troubles, and delve into the challenges of managing water…
Ep. 84 Back from Texas, Sausage making and a Moose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:18
Jason, Al, and Ben discuss their recent experiences, including Jason's trip to Texas for the APPA Conference, where he learned about pasture poultry production and enjoyed some delicious barbecue. They also delve into Ja…
Ep. 83 I Think Changes Are Coming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:56
Jason, Al, and Ben discuss their recent experiences with homesteading, including the challenges of cold weather, a charcuterie class they hosted, and their plans for tapping maple trees. They share insights on meat proce…
Ep. 82 Biggest Expense on the Homestead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:42
Jason, Al, and Ben discuss their recent experiences with winter weather, including unexpected snowfalls and the challenges of sledding. They also delve into animal care, particularly focusing on the health of Al's pig, S…
Ep. 81 The Week in Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:12
Jason, Ben and Al reflect on their New Year's celebrations, discuss the challenges of cold weather on their homesteads, and share experiences with animal health issues, particularly a prolapsed rectum in pigs. They also…
Ep. 80 What if We Did Get Together [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:26
Jason, Al, and Ben reflect on their holiday experiences, including Christmas dinners and winter weather challenges. They share stories about their homesteading projects, equipment updates, and the impact of sickness duri…
Ep. 79 The Last One of the Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:02
Jason, Al, and Ben reflect on their experiences over the past year, share holiday greetings, and discuss the challenges and joys of homesteading during the winter months. They delve into the guilt associated with downtim…
Ep. 78 Holiday Christmas & Wild Chickens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:19
Jason, Ben and Al discuss their Christmas traditions, the challenges of content creation during rainy weather, and a humorous story about a surprise delivery of wood chips. They also share wildlife encounters, health tip…
Ep. 77 Tools, Learning and Formed Meats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:28
Al, Ben and Jason discuss their Christmas tree traditions, the impact of recent weather changes, innovations in snow removal with a new snowblower, and the challenges of managing livestock, particularly pigs. They share…
EP. 76 It's Part of Country Living [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:34
Jason, Al, and Ben share their Thanksgiving experiences, discussing the various dishes they prepared and enjoyed. They reflect on the evolution of Black Friday shopping, reminiscing about camping out for deals in the pas…