PODCAST · leisure
Ditch The Store
by CJ Steedman
🎙️ Ditch the StoreLife’s too short for store-bought eggs.Tired of soaring prices and supermarket nonsense? This podcast is your cheeky, no-nonsense guide to growing food, raising animals, making homemade goods, and living frugally—whether you’re in the suburbs or on a small farm.New episodes weekly + a new Ditch the Store book every two months to help you break free, one step at a time.Let’s grow it, make it, raise it—and ditch the store.
Episodes
-
Episode 185 - How Real Families Are Ditching the Store
I asked you to send in your stories about how you're ditching the store, and one person did. So this week we hear hers, plus a few real people from around the world who are breaking up with the supermarket in their own way. A jar of hot sauce, fourteen garden beds, a city balcony. Different...
-
Episode 184 - Imagine If Half Your Groceries Came From Home
Picture your weekly shop with half the items in the trolley, half the bill at the checkout, and half the time spent on the whole process. That's what this episode is about — not giving up the supermarket entirely (we are never, ever giving up shop-bought toilet paper), but cutting it back to just...
-
Episode 183 — The 7 Biggest Mistakes New Homesteaders Make
⚠️ THE 7 BIGGEST MISTAKES NEW HOMESTEADERS MAKE (AND HOW TO AVOID THEM)G'day everyone, CJ here, and welcome to episode 183 of Ditch the Store! Today I'm walking through the seven biggest mistakes I see new homesteaders make. I know them all because I've made every one of them, some of them twice....
-
Episode 182 — The Ditch the Store Method
🧾 THE DITCH THE STORE METHOD: A SIMPLE FRAMEWORK TO STARTG'day everyone, CJ here! Before you watch this one, do me a favour: go and find your last supermarket receipt. It might be in the car or the bottom of your handbag. Don't guess what's on it; get the real one. Today I'm walking you through...
-
Episode 181 - What We Learned From the Ditch the Store Challenge
🌱 WHAT WE LEARNED FROM THE FIRST DITCH THE STORE CHALLENGE (and what's coming next!) Hey everyone, CJ here. Last week we ran the very first Ditch the Store Challenge on Skool, and today I'm recapping how it went, what surprised me running it, and — the big news — where this goes from here. In…
more -
Episode 180E — Day 5: Where Do You Go From Here?
DAY 5 of the 5-Day Ditch the Store Challenge: where do you go from here? I'm CJ, and if you've made it to the final day — congratulations! Even if you've only landed two small changes out of the four categories, that's genuinely worth celebrating. Today I'm recapping the big lessons from this…
more -
Episode 180D — Day 4: Building Confidence One Skill at a Time
DAY 4 of the 5-Day Ditch the Store Challenge: building confidence one skill at a time. I'm CJ, and today's episode is about something bigger than any one skill — how real confidence with homesteading actually gets built. I'll tell you about growing up on 400 acres with parents who taught me to…
more -
Episode 180C — Day 3: The Biggest Mistake Beginners Make
DAY 3 of the 5-Day Ditch the Store Challenge: the biggest mistake beginners make. I'm CJ, and today I'm naming it straight up — the single biggest mistake I see when people start homesteading and ditching the store is trying to do too much, too soon, too quickly. Bread, ketchup, BBQ sauce…
more -
Episode 180B — Day 2: Progress Beats Perfection
DAY 2 of the 5-Day Ditch the Store Challenge: progress beats perfection. I'm CJ, back with Day 2 — and today's for anyone whose Day 1 attempt didn't go perfectly. Spoiler: that's most of us, and it still counts. Quick recap for anyone joining late (totally fine to jump in on Day 2), then straight...
-
Episode 180A — Day 1: One Small Change Starts Everything
DAY 1 of the 5-Day Ditch the Store Challenge One small change starts everything. I'm CJ — farmer, homesteader, mum, and full-time off-farm worker — and today kicks off five short daily episodes (under 15 minutes each) walking you through one small, doable change a day. No farm required. Today's...
-
Episode 179 - Frugal Isn't Cheap
For years I thought being good with money meant saying no to everything. Turns out that wasn't frugal — that was just stingy, and it was making me miserable. This week I'm talking about the real difference between frugal and stingy, why it took me years (and a money boot camp) to see it, and what...
-
Episode 178 - Why Most People Never Start
Why Most People Never Start (Ep. 178) | Homesteading, Perfectionism & The Excuses That Hold You BackDESCRIPTIONIt's not that people don't want to grow their own food or stop handing money to the supermarket every week — nobody wants that. Somewhere along the way, "getting started" turns into a...
-
Episode 177 - Eggs Without Cartons The Book
Episode 177: My second book, Eggs Without Cartons, goes live on Amazon this Friday — and I'm too egg-cited not to talk about it, even in the middle of the hardest work fortnight of my year. This week: why I split my chicken books into two (one for meat, one for eggs), three free tips straight out...
-
Episode 176 - Your Spring Ditch The Store Plan
What To Stop Buying Before You Plant Anything DESCRIPTION Spring success doesn't start with buying seedlings — it starts with deciding what you're going to stop buying from the supermarket. In this episode I walk through the exact planning process for a spring garden that actually cuts your…
more -
Episode 175 - The Best $25 You'll Spend in Your Garden
Think $25 can't do much for your garden? Think again. In this episode I break down the exact numbers on why buying seedlings (not seeds) this year could save you well over $200 in grocery money — and I show you every calculation so you can do it yourself. In This Episode Why sometimes buying...
-
Episode 174 - Stop Buying Seeds Every Year
Do you really need to buy new seeds every spring? The answer is… not always. In this episode, we're talking about one of the simplest ways to become a little more self-sufficient—saving your own seeds. I'll explain why seed saving is worth learning, the difference between heirloom and hybrid...
-
Episode 173 – The Secret to Growing More Food Without Buying More Fertiliser
Have you ever wondered why some gardens seem to thrive while others constantly need more fertiliser, more water and more attention? In this episode, we're talking about the biggest mistake many gardeners make – focusing on feeding the plant instead of feeding the soil. I'll explain why healthy…
more -
Episode 172: 10 Ways to Make Every Egg Count (and Buy Less at the Supermarket)
Eggs are one of the most valuable foods you can produce—or buy—but most of us only think about them at breakfast. In this episode, I share 10 practical ways to use every egg well, reduce food waste, save money, and get more value from your backyard chickens (or your local egg supplier). We'll…
more -
Episode 171 - Should You Get Chickens..
Everyone says chickens are the perfect first homesteading animal—but are they? In this episode, I explain why I love chickens, why they're still one of the best additions to any homestead... and why they might not be the first step for everyone. If you're just starting your journey towards...
-
Episode 170 - Fermentation 101 — Sauerkraut & More
Have you ever watched a beautiful cabbage, zucchini, or box of fresh vegetables slowly turn into compost while sitting in your fridge? What if there was a way to preserve that food for months, improve its flavour, support your gut health, and do it all without a freezer, pressure canner, or...
-
Episode 169 - Bird Flu in Australia
Bird flu has officially arrived in Australia, and if you keep backyard chickens, you've probably seen plenty of headlines, social media posts, and opinions flying around. But what does it actually mean for your flock? Should you be worried? Do you need to lock your chickens up? What practical…
more -
Episode 168: Celebrating Yule on the Homestead
Winter has settled in. The garden has slowed down, the chickens are taking their annual leave, and the shortest day of the year is almost here. But what if this wasn't something to endure? What if it was something to celebrate? In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ explores the history of Yule,...
-
Episode 167: Why Your Chickens Have Gone on Strike (and What You Can Do About It)
Have your hens suddenly stopped laying eggs? Before you panic and start questioning your chicken-keeping skills, take a breath. If it's winter, there's a good chance your girls haven't quit their jobs—they've simply gone on annual leave. In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ explains why egg...
-
Episode 166 - What You Can Still Grow in Winter
Southern Tablelands, NSW and cool-temperate Australia — June, July, August LEAFY GREENS Kale: Cavolo Nero / Tuscan Kale, Curly Kale, Red Russian Silverbeet / Rainbow Chard English Spinach: Bloomsdale, Winter Giant — direct sow only Mustard Greens Asian Greens: Bok Choy, Pak Choi, Wombok/Chinese...
-
Episode 165: Frost Protection Basics
Frost season is here — and if you’re in a cold pocket like the Southern Tablelands, you already know it can wipe out a garden overnight. In Episode 165 of Ditch The Store, I’m walking you through frost protection basics: what frost actually is, how to judge your risk, the cheap methods that work,...
-
Episode 164 - Backyard Greenhouses
Winter’s rolling in down here in the Southern Tablelands, so today we’re talking backyard greenhouses — and I don’t just mean the “grab a kit from Bunnings and hope for the best” kind. I break down what a greenhouse actually does (wind management, frost protection, moisture control and…
more -
Episode 163 - Preserving Homegrown Herbs
Fresh herbs from the garden taste nothing like the sad wilted bunch from the supermarket — and if you know how to preserve them, you'll have that flavour all year round. CJ covers drying, freezing, herb butter, herb salt, and infused oils, so nothing from your autumn harvest goes to waste. 👉...
-
Episode 162 - May Garden Jobs
Think there's nothing to do in the garden in May? Think again. CJ covers the autumn cleanup jobs that'll save you a heap of work come spring — from harvesting the last of the season, prepping your soil, getting winter crops in, and planning ahead so you're not scrambling when the weather warms up...
-
Episode 161 - Potatoes, Garlic & Onions
Potatoes, garlic, and onions are three of the easiest, most satisfying crops you can grow — and right now is exactly the right time to plant them. CJ covers everything from soil prep to harvest, so you can stock your pantry for months without spending a fortune at the shops. 👉 Jump on our...
-
Episode 160 - Simple Composting
Think composting is too hard, too smelly, or needs a fancy setup? It doesn't. CJ breaks it down to the basics — greens, browns, and just getting started. Whether you've got a backyard or a farm, this episode will have you composting by the end of the week.👉 Find the Ditch the Store book series…
more -
Episode 159 - Cool Season Gardening
Cool Season Gardening: What to Grow This Winter (and How to Actually Keep It Alive) Think winter means shutting the garden down and waiting for spring? Think again. In this episode, CJ breaks down everything you need to know about cool season gardening — what actually changes in your garden over...
-
Episode 158 - Homestead Easter
Easter on the Homestead: Seasonal Cycles, Real Food & Why You Should Pat Yourself on the Back Easter looks a little different when you're living off the land — especially in the Southern Hemisphere, where it lands smack in the middle of autumn, not spring. In this episode, CJ digs into what…
more -
E 157 – Chicken Problems and Fixes
New to backyard chickens and something suddenly looks… wrong? In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ walks through the most common chicken problems new chicken keepers run into — and the simple fixes that usually solve them. This isn’t a deep dive into complex poultry health issues. Instead, it’s…
more -
E156 - Egg Overload
What do you do when your chickens suddenly produce more eggs than your family can eat? In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ dives into the very real homestead problem of egg overload. If you keep backyard chickens, chances are you’ll eventually walk into the coop and realise you’ve got far more...
-
Episode 155 - Building a Predator-Proof Coop
You don’t need a fancy coop. You need a secure one. In this episode, I walk you through what actually keeps your chickens safe — not what looks pretty on Instagram. We cover: The biggest predator mistakes beginners make Why chicken wire isn’t enough How dogs are often the real problem The 5...
-
🎙 Episode 154: Best Chicken Breeds for Beginners
Not all chickens are created equal. Some are hardy and steady. Some are high-drama divas. And if you're just starting out — you do not need divas. In this episode, I break down the four best chicken breeds for beginners, focusing on: Health and hardiness Calm temperament Reliable egg production...
-
Episode 153 - Why Autumn Is the Smartest Time to Get Chickens
Episode 153: Why Autumn Is the Smartest Time to Get Chickens Thinking about getting chickens? Don’t wait for spring. In this episode, I explain why autumn is actually the smartest time to start your flock — and exactly what to do over the next four weeks to set yourself up properly. You’ll learn:...
-
Episode 152 – More Self-Sufficient in 12 Months
What does a self-sufficient year actually look like? In this episode, CJ shares a practical 12-month roadmap for becoming more self-sufficient — without burnout. From choosing one food to stop buying, to building seasonal rhythms and learning small skills each quarter, this is about steady...
-
Episode 151 - Planning Your First Homesteading Year
CJ covers seasonal planning for your first homesteading year, including what to prioritise in each season, how to avoid doing too much too fast, and why simple routines + record-keeping make everything easier. Main takeaway: keep it small, grow what your family eats, and review what worked so…
more -
Episode 150 - Tools & Supplies You Actually Need to Start
CJ and the Handy Helper cover the real beginner tool list for homesteading, including garden basics, livestock gear, and kitchen/preserving essentials—plus what not to buy yet. They talk frugal strategies like secondhand shopping, repurposing containers, and borrowing tools before investing....
-
Episode 149 – Lammas on the Homestead
Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead🌱 www.mojohomestead.net This week we’re taking a little detour — into the spiritual side of homesteading. Join CJ as she explores Lammas (also known as Lughnasadh) — an ancient Celtic harvest festival that marks the beginning of reaping what we’ve sown....
-
Episode 148 – Homesteading Without Quitting Your Day Job
Podcast: Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead🌱 www.mojohomestead.net This week, CJ gets real about what it takes to build a homestead while still working full-time. She shares personal stories, lessons, and hard-earned tips from managing 120 acres with a shift-working partner, teenagers,...
-
Episode 147 – 12 Beginner Homesteading Mistakes to Avoid
🎧 Episode 147 – 12 Beginner Homesteading Mistakes to Avoid Podcast: Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead🌱 www.mojohomestead.net Let’s be honest — when you’re starting out with homesteading, it’s easy to miss things you didn’t even know to think about. This week, CJ goes through the 12…
more -
Episode 146 – How Much Land Do You Need?
🎧 Episode 146 – How Much Land Do You Need? Podcast: Ditch the Store with CJ from Mojo Homestead🌱 www.mojohomestead.net Ever been told you need a farm to start homesteading? In this episode, CJ sets the record straight. Whether you're in a unit, on a suburban block, or out on five acres — you…
more -
Episode 145 - What Even Is Homesteading?
Hey everyone, and welcome to Episode 145 of Ditch the Store! We’re officially a week into 2026 (can you believe it?), and after a cracking start with last week’s beginner episode, this week I’m diving into the big question: What even is homesteading? Because let’s face it — everyone seems to have...
-
Episode 144 - So You Wanna Be a Homesteader?
Happy New Year and welcome to Episode 144 of the podcast!We’re kicking off 2026 by going back to basics — because let’s face it, a lot’s changed in the last couple of years and it’s time for a reset. This month on the podcast, we’re talking all things beginner homesteading — where to start, what…
more -
Episode 143 - What the Farm Taught Me This Year
It’s Christmas Day, and if you’re tuning in — thank you. Whether you’re milking goats, cooking a roast, working a shift, or hiding from the in-laws with your earbuds in — this episode’s for you. I’m looking back on 2025 with real honesty. It was the year where plans went pear-shaped: a knee...
-
Episode 142 - My Farm Accident
🎙️ EP 142 – My Farm Accident (Warning: Graphic Content) This episode is raw, real and straight from the paddock. I’m sharing the full story of my recent farm accident — from a routine neighbourly favour to an emergency dash in the ambo and major surgery. It’s not pretty. It’s not polished. But...
-
Episode 141 - Soil Wars
It’s time to talk about the stuff under your boots — soil. Industrial farming has turned living earth into lifeless dirt, and the fertiliser companies are cashing in on the damage. In this episode, we dig into how Big Ag broke the soil — and how you can fix it in your own backyard. 🌾 In this...
-
Episode 140 - Rethinking the Backyard Garden
The backyard veggie patch isn’t just about saving a few dollars — it’s about taking back control of your food. In this episode, we’re talking about why growing even one tomato plant is a quiet act of rebellion against a food system that’s broken, overpriced, and overprocessed. 🌱 In this episode:...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
🎙️ Ditch the StoreLife’s too short for store-bought eggs.Tired of soaring prices and supermarket nonsense? This podcast is your cheeky, no-nonsense guide to growing food, raising animals, making homemade goods, and living frugally—whether you’re in the suburbs or on a small farm.New episodes weekly + a new Ditch the Store book every two months to help you break free, one step at a time.Let’s grow it, make it, raise it—and ditch the store.
HOSTED BY
CJ Steedman
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Ditch The Store have?
Ditch The Store currently has 189 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Ditch The Store about?
🎙️ Ditch the StoreLife’s too short for store-bought eggs.Tired of soaring prices and supermarket nonsense? This podcast is your cheeky, no-nonsense guide to growing food, raising animals, making homemade goods, and living frugally—whether you’re in the suburbs or on a small farm.New episodes...
How often does Ditch The Store release new episodes?
Ditch The Store publishes regularly with 189 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Ditch The Store?
You can listen to Ditch The Store on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Ditch The Store?
Ditch The Store is created and hosted by CJ Steedman.
URL copied to clipboard!