The New Homesteaders

Is your digital life just another crop for Zuckerberg's profit farm? Akseli and Liam slice into the age-old analogy of sharecropping to reveal how social media turns us into unpaid laborers feeding AI giants—without even noticing. Spoiler: Facebook isn’t just making you a product, it’s farming your data, family photos, and attention, all while Zuckerberg’s pulling the profit like a royal landowner of the digital age. So, what's the real cost for you and your digital sovereignty?In this episode, we break down the surprisingly old analogy of digital sharecropping from 2006, connecting the dots between traditional landlord-tenant relationships and modern platforms—think Facebook, TikTok, and Google. You'll discover why your social media posts are a form of labor that elevates CEOs, not users, and how open-source tools like Mastodon and Nextcloud could turn the tables in this digital land grab. We explore the moral implications of choosing open source over proprietary ecosystems, and why digital homesteading might be the true way to reclaim personal sovereignty.Tired of the AI feeding frenzy and feeling like a farmhand in your own virtual life? Join us as we discuss how decentralization, federation, and a little DIY tech savvy can make you the landlord.⏰ Timestamps ⏰00:00 - Welcome & wild opener: are you a digital sharecropper?02:17 - The sharecropping analogy: from 2006 to today04:27 - Digital homesteading ideas: Mastodon, Nextcloud, and federated clouds07:44 - Open source vs proprietary ecosystems: moral or practical choice?10:18 - Simple steps to stop being a digital sharecropper this week13:10 - The future of fair and decentralized social media models15:11 - Why community matters and the death of local trust18:41 - How AI, regulation, and law might shape the sandbox of tomorrow22:34 - Can social media ever be fair? Breaking down the broken model27:58 - Hope for engineering solutions: open source projects and grassroots innovation33:19 - Final thoughts: if most people don’t care, does it matter?36:36 - The importance of collective action and how to shrug off learned helplessnessJoin the homestead rebellion:Twitter: @NewHomesteadersWebsite: https://the-new-homesteaders.com/Drop your most unfiltered thoughts below — Akseli & Liam read every comment.

Why You Should Trust NO ONE With Your Data in 2026 | Zero Knowledge & Zero Trust ExplainedIn this episode of The New Homesteaders, Liam and Akseli break down Zero-Knowledge architecture — the only real way to protect your privacy when big tech and governments are harvesting everything.From WhatsApp backups and Google reading your old emails to mandatory facial recognition cameras in new cars, this episode shows why “Trust us” is never enough.### Key Topics:• What Zero-Knowledge really means• Dangers of cloud services, metadata & AI training on your data• Open source vs proprietary software• How to actually secure your files on Google Drive• Why your next car will spy on you### Timestamps:00:07 - Welcome & Episode Overview00:33 - Introducing Zero Knowledge01:00 - Why OneDrive, Gmail & WhatsApp are NOT private01:48 - The Bull & Fish Market Analogy04:24 - Why we need to escape multinational dependency05:20 - OSINT, metadata & your exposed private life07:01 - The problem with “Trust Us” policies09:04 - Open Source vs Proprietary Software10:12 - WhatsApp cloud backup disaster & fake E2EE claims13:40 - Google Gemini reading ALL your emails (Class Action Lawsuit)17:10 - How to use Google Drive with Zero Knowledge (Cryptomator + VeraCrypt)19:29 - BitLocker & Microsoft holding your encryption keys23:05 - 2026 mandatory car cameras & facial recognition30:03 - This affects your whole family32:20 - Final thoughts### Resources & Important Links:• Google Gemini Email Scanning Lawsuit (Thele v. Google, Nov 2025):https://www.classaction.org/media/thele-v-google-complaint_2.pdf• Microsoft Services Agreement (OneDrive, Outlook, BitLocker):https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/servicesagreement• EU Mandatory Car Interior Cameras & Surveillance Law (Regulation 2019/2144):https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019R2144### Recommended Privacy Tools:- Signal (private messaging with disappearing messages)- Cryptomator (encrypt files before uploading to any cloud)- VeraCrypt (open-source full disk encryption)If you’re tired of being the product, start taking back control today.👍 Like | Subscribe | Turn on notificationsAlso available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.#ZeroKnowledge #Privacy #DataSecurity #ZeroTrust #Encryption #OpenSource #CyberSecurity #DigitalPrivacy #Cryptomator #VeraCrypt #Signal #BigTech #HomesteadingNew episodes weekly — practical talk for reclaiming independence in the modern world.

In this episode of The New Homesteaders, Akseli and Liam dive into the hidden world of data brokers and how your personal information is being bought and sold. Discover the impact on your insurance, privacy, and even your daily life. It's a wake-up call for anyone seeking digital independence in a world where 'free' is just a myth.Join the conversation and rethink what “privacy” truly means in the digital age.Join the homestead rebellion:X/Twitter: @NewHomesteaders Website: https://the-new-homesteaders.com/Drop your thoughts below — Akseli & Liam read every comment.

In this episode of The New Homesteaders, we continue our painful but rewarding journey into building a privacy-focused smart home. After battling Matter devices in the last episode, we tackle our first Thread device — the Aqara W100 Climate Sensor — along with firmware flashing, Zigbee/Thread multi-pan issues, and a stubborn Thread Border Router.Expect lots of troubleshooting, Graphene OS drama (again), hardware flow control fixes, hidden settings, and plenty of "why won't this just work?!" moments. We also unbox the Cudy WR3000 OpenWRT-friendly router and the SONOFF Zigbee & Thread Dongle as we work toward replacing our spying TP-Link Deco mesh.Despite the chaos, we finally get a working temperature & humidity sensor — small wins matter!Products Used in This Episode:Aqara Smart Climate Sensor W100 (Temperature & Humidity + Matter/Thread)→ https://amzn.eu/d/09YA4LUcCudy WR3000 AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router (OpenWRT supported)→ https://amzn.eu/d/00DXppdjSONOFF Zigbee 3.0 & Thread Dongle Lite (EFR32MG21)→ https://amzn.eu/d/0cYlCROzIf you're into self-hosted tech, Home Assistant, Proxmox, privacy, or building a smart home without Big Tech spying on you, this series is for you.Keywords: Home Assistant, Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Aqara W100, SONOFF Dongle, Cudy WR3000, OpenWRT, Graphene OS, Proxmox, smart home privacy, homelab, Thread Border Router

The conversation covers the process of setting up a new homestead, using Ventoy for bootable USB, checking hash and security measures, desktop environment preferences, ejecting USB and security concerns, BIOS configuration challenges, benefits of Ventoy for multiple ISOs, hardware specifications, Proxmox installation, selecting hard disk, and IP address configuration, and setting host name and domain. The conversation covers a range of topics, including setting up the hostname, configuring network settings, exploring Matter devices, planning for home automation, and exploring ESP32 devices. It also delves into building a weather station and the capabilities of Home Assistant for controlling infrared devices for TV automation.TakeawaysVentoy allows for multiple ISOs on a single USB stickChecking hash is essential for securityBIOS configuration can be challenging Choosing a memorable domain name makes it easier to remember and access the server.Understanding the role of the DNS server in network configuration is crucial for proper setup.Proxmox does not support WiFi setup out of the box, requiring an Ethernet connection for optimal performance.Matter devices offer a range of benefits and are positioned as a replacement for ZigBee devices.Creating a mesh network with smart lamps and routers enhances the functionality of the ZigBee network.The installation and configuration of Proxmox require attention to detail and may present challenges related to hardware availability.IKEA offers a range of Matter devices, and careful consideration is required when selecting a Matter router.Planning for home automation involves considering a range of devices and creating custom automation modes for specific scenarios.ESP32 devices offer versatility and customization options for a wide range of home automation projects.Home Assistant enables the creation of custom weather stations and the control of infrared devices for TV automation.Chapters00:00 Setting Up a New Homestead07:10 Checking Hash and Security Measures16:18 BIOS Configuration Challenges28:11 Hardware Specifications and Proxmox Installation33:39 Selecting Hard Disk and IP Address Configuration39:02 Setting Host Name and Domain44:19 WiFi Limitations and Proxmox Support50:39 Setting Up ZigBee Router and Mesh Network59:09 Planning for Home Automation

Apologies. The New Homesteaders is having technical difficulties. We will be back next week :)

In this episode, Akseli and Liam discuss privacy and security measures for internet browsing, including browser settings, search engines, browser fingerprinting, password management, and two-factor authentication. They also touch on the future of password authentication and the use of YubiKey for enhanced security. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to privacy and security, including two-factor authentication, email encryption, app tracking, DNS, firewalls, and more. It also delves into specific tools and methods for enhancing privacy and security on various devices and platforms.TakeawaysBrowser settings and privacy features can be optimized to block tracking and third-party cookies.Using private search engines like DuckDuckGo and Brave Search can enhance privacy and reduce tracking.Password managers and strong, unique passwords are essential for online security and should be combined with two-factor authentication for added protection.The future of password authentication may involve alternative methods such as YubiKey for enhanced security. Email encryption and the use of end-to-end encrypted email providers like Tuta and ProtonMail are essential for protecting privacy.Tools like Portmaster and Shutup Windows 10++ provide advanced privacy and security features for Windows users.The importance of using secure DNS providers like AdGuard DNS to block ads and tracking, and the use of firewalls like Portmaster to enhance privacy and security.Chapters00:00 Introduction to YubiKey45:10 Play Store vs. F-Droid01:01:30 Advanced Privacy Tools: Shizuku and Portmaster01:07:47 Routers and OpenVRT Firmware

The conversation covers the topics of Android app verification, side loading, unified attestation, and California's age verification laws. It delves into the impact on custom ROMs, Graphene OS, and the open-source community. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced by users and developers in the context of app distribution and security. The conversation covers a range of topics including age verification laws, the impact of restrictions on children's internet use, and the introduction of Yggdrasil Network as a decentralized alternative to traditional internet infrastructure.TakeawaysAndroid app verification and side loading have significant implications for the open-source community and custom ROMs.Unified attestation and its impact on app distribution and security are a point of contention within the open-source community.California's age verification laws have sparked concerns within the open-source world, particularly in relation to the distribution of open-source software.The challenges faced by users and developers in navigating app distribution, security, and age verification laws are complex and multifaceted. Age verification laws have been proposed in several states, raising concerns about their effectiveness and impact.The conversation highlights the need for educating children about responsible internet use and the potential for decentralized networks like Yggdrasil to offer a new approach to internet infrastructure.Chapters00:00 California's Age Verification Laws and Open Source42:22 Age Verification Laws53:42 Impact on Children's Internet Use01:10:23 Introduction of Yggdrasil Network

Ever wonder if you're just squatting on someone else's server, paying rent to Big Tech overlords for "your" data? Liam and Akseli trade sharp banter about flipping the script: ditching the cloud rental life for a proper DIY homestead in the digital wilds. This episode is your no-BS guide to Nextcloud — the open-source beast that laughs in the face of Google Drive, OneDrive, and their surveillance side hustles.We break down why self-hosting isn't just for neckbeards anymore: full control over files, calendars, photos, encrypted chats, video calls, and more — all with end-to-end encryption and zero corporate backdoors. Liam geeks out on his Proxmox setup (turning a dusty laptop into a fortress via VMs and LXC containers), while Akseli weighs in on hardware reality checks — Raspberry Pi for the minimalists, beefy servers for the power users, all chasing that sweet spot of low energy bills and high sovereignty. We even touch on how entire governments (looking at you, Germany) are going all-in on Nextcloud at scale — proof this isn't fringe anymore.It's philosophy meets practical tech: reclaiming data sovereignty, building federated networks, running local AI without feeding the machine-learning panopticon, and future-proofing with open standards like XMPP. Whether you're a hardcore privacy warrior tired of leaks and lock-in, or just someone who wants their digital life to feel like actual ownership instead of a subscription trap, we walk you through real, actionable steps.Ready to stop renting your freedom and start building your own? Hit play, subscribe for more homestead rebellion fuel, and drop your hottest (or most paranoid) take in the comments — we read 'em all. Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome & banter about quick haircuts and digital sovereignty01:03 - Intro to self-hosted cloud: why DIY beats Big Tech02:47 - What is Nextcloud? Features, uses, and why it’s a game-changer04:52 - Setting up on Proxmox: virtual machines, containers, and hardware tips07:25 - The magic of NextcloudPy and Raspberry Pi integrations09:06 - The power of LXC vs. VMs — resource efficiency for homesteaders11:02 - How governments in Germany are using Nextcloud at scale13:16 - AI tools, image recognition, and how to harness AI locally15:00 - Federated sharing and virtual country possibilities16:57 - Nextcloud’s open-source roots & the importance of true privacy18:30 - The evolution from ownCloud to Nextcloud: no paywalls, total freedom21:02 - Building a privacy-focused digital ecosystem with Nextcloud apps22:40 - AI integrations, chat, and the future of self-hosted communication30:04 - Open standards like XMPP and encrypted messaging future-proofing34:34 - Nextcloud Talk: replacing Microsoft Teams with end-to-end encrypted meetings41:02 - Connecting Nextcloud with Home Assistant for smarter living45:42 - Automations, expense tracking, and the DIY homestead mindset49:33 - Mastodon, federated social networks, and creating your own Twitter55:36 - Future projects: document signing, hybrid licensing, and open-source dominance61:46 - Hosting everything from a vintage laptop: energy efficiency meets power70:38 - Proxmox helper scripts, image hosting, and out-of-the-box DIY solutions78:53 - VPNs, security, and the network of your private digital homestead84:15 - Wrapping up: live independently, control your data, and build your digital homestead Join the homestead rebellion:X/Twitter:@NewHomesteadersWebsite: https://the-new-homesteaders.com/ Drop your most unfiltered thoughts below — Akseli & Liam read every comment.

This episode is a discussion about custom Android ROMs and why people are increasingly interested in them for privacy and security reasons. We talk a bit about the history of custom Android operating systems and how that community developed over time. A big part of the conversation focuses on GrapheneOS — what makes it different, why some people consider it one of the most secure Android-based systems available, and what features it removes or changes compared to the standard Pixel software from Google.We also talk about some of the practical trade-offs, like whether banking apps still work and what kinds of compatibility issues people might run into. Toward the end, the conversation broadens out into the wider privacy movement, the growing demand for privacy-respecting technology, and why younger generations seem to be becoming more aware of these issues. Open-source software comes up a lot as well, especially in terms of how it helps people understand and take control of the technology they use.Takeaways- Custom Android ROMs can offer stronger privacy and security than stock Android- GrapheneOS focuses heavily on security hardening and privacy protections- Some banking apps may not work perfectly depending on how they check device integrity- Interest in privacy-focused technology seems to be growing- Younger users appear to be more aware of privacy issues than previous generations- Open-source software plays a big role in helping people understand and control their devicesChapters00:00 – Introduction to custom ROMs and Android privacy13:24 – A bit of history on custom Android operating systems23:52 – What makes GrapheneOS different30:18 – Adaptive charging and Pixel hardware features47:29 – Banking apps and compatibility questions59:45 – The rise of privacy-focused tech01:13:18 – Open source and growing privacy awareness

The conversation delves into the world of open source smart home technology, emphasizing local control, automation, security, and privacy. It explores the setup, monitoring, and management of a smart home, focusing on energy efficiency, safety, convenience, and security measures.TakeawaysOpen source smart home ecosystemLocal control and automationSecurity and privacy in smart home technologyChapters00:00 Introduction to Open Source Smart Home10:30 Home Energy Management16:25 Geothermal and Home Automation25:31 Home Automation and Safety41:16 Home Automation and Security Measures