Ditch The Store

You don’t need a fancy goat barn or electric fortress to keep goats safe — but you do need to plan ahead.

In this episode, we’re getting practical about what your dairy goats actually need when it comes to shelter, fencing, and paddock layout.

I cover shelter ideas for different weather, what makes a fence truly goat-proof, and how to protect your herd from predators (without breaking the bank). Whether you’re just getting started or tweaking your current setup, this one’s full of helpful tips to keep your goats safe, comfy, and right wher...

Not all dairy goats are created equal — and choosing the right breed can make a big difference to your homesteading success.

In this episode, I walk you through the most common dairy goat breeds in Australia (and a few lesser-known ones), comparing milk production, cream levels, personality, and how much space they really need. Whether you're feeding a big family or just want rich milk for cheese, butter or soap, there’s a breed that’ll suit your setup.

I’ll also share what I wish I knew before I bought my first goat, why I’m lean...

Thinking about adding a dairy goat to your homestead? In this episode, we chat through everything you actually need to know before you bring one home.

I share the story of why we got goats in the first place (spoiler: it started with my son’s supposed lactose intolerance), plus the real-life pros, cons, and must-haves when it comes to owning dairy goats. We’ll talk costs, fencing, daily care, milking, and some common myths that might surprise you.

Whether you’re still dreaming or nearly ready to dive in, this episode will help you work o...

Some jobs feel too big to tackle — baked-on oven grime, greasy BBQ plates, rusty tools, even that sad-looking cast iron pan. But you don’t need toxic sprays or expensive “specialty” cleaners to get results.

In this week’s Natural Cleaning Series finale, we’re diving into the heavy hitters with safe, affordable, and effective DIY methods.

🔥 In this episode:

Why oven sprays, degreasers & rust removers can harm your health and septic system
Simple pantry-staple recipes for:
Oven cleaner paste
BBQ plate degreaser
Lemon & salt rust remover
Gentle cast iron clean...

Glass cleaners are one of the most over-marketed — and overpriced — products in the cleaning aisle. In this week’s Natural Cleaning Series episode, we’re ditching the ammonia fumes, single-use plastic, and streaky finishes for a safe, affordable, and effective homemade solution.

🪟 In this episode:

Episode 128: Bathroom Cleaning Without the Toxins

Your bathroom might sparkle, but at what cost?

In this episode of the Natural Cleaning Series, we’re tackling one of the most chemical-heavy rooms in the house — the bathroom. From bleach sprays to mould removers, we’ll break down the hidden health and environmental risks, and show you how to swap them for safe, affordable, and effective DIY alternatives.

🧼 In this episode:

Why bleach, ammonia, and synthetic fragrances aren’t as “fresh” as they seem

How commercial cleaners affect your skin, lungs, septic...

Ditch the Store, Clean the Sink

Store-bought dish soaps and dishwasher tabs might leave your dishes shiny, but what else are they leaving behind?

In this episode of our Natural Cleaning Series, we're diving into what’s really in conventional dishwashing products — from synthetic fragrances and surfactants to phosphates and formaldehyde-releasing compounds. We’ll also chat about how these chemicals don’t just vanish down the drain — they end up in your soil, your waterways, and potentially… on your cutlery.

🧪 What you’ll learn:

Why natural dishwashing matters for your skin, gut, and garden<...

🎧 Episode 126: Homemade Laundry Products

The Load Down: Homemade Laundry Products That Actually Work

Got sensitive skin? Sick of spending a fortune on detergents that smell like a fake rainforest? In this episode, we’re getting stuck into homemade laundry solutions that actually work.

We’ll chat through:

This week on Ditch the Store, CJ dives into the essential oils that actually pull their weight in a clean home. These aren’t just for diffusers — we’re talking mold-fighting, degreasing, deodorizing powerhouses.

✅ Top 5 oils that clean AND smell amazing

✅ How to use and store them safely

✅ What’s safe for kids and pets

✅ How to build your own blends

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🛒 Farm gear & funny aprons: www.notthefarmerswife.com

🎧 Related Episodes:

Ep. 124 – One Spray to Rule Them All

Ep. 123...

Ep. 124 – One Spray to Rule Them All: My Simple All-Purpose Cleaner

You don't need a dozen overpriced bottles under your sink — you just need one. In this episode, CJ shares her go-to DIY all-purpose spray recipe that’s safe, powerful, and actually works. Whether you’re wiping down the kitchen, sprucing up the bathroom, or disinfecting surfaces — this is your everyday hero.

✅ The recipe (and why each ingredient matters)

✅ The best essential oils for cleaning

✅ What to avoid using vinegar on

✅ Surface-specific tweaks for glass, wood, and stone

✅ Add-ins to mak...

Sick of bleach fumes and overpriced “miracle sprays”? In this episode of Ditch the Store, CJ reveals how to deep clean your home naturally and effectively using just 3–5 ingredients. From oven grime to mold and grout, you’ll get the real-life, homesteader-approved methods that actually work.

✅ Oven paste recipe

✅ Mold-fighting vinegar & tea tree spray

✅ Grout scrub trick

✅ Disinfection without harsh chemicals

✅ What tools and oils are best

✅ What NOT to clean with vinegar

📌 Related Episode – Ep. 122: Toxic Truth: Why You Should Ditch the Chemical Cleaners at the link below https...

Ever gotten a headache while cleaning? Or worse—passed out from your shower spray? In this episode, CJ and the Handy Helper break down the dirty secrets of store-bought cleaners: the hidden toxins, the health risks, and why they’re especially dangerous for kids and pets. You’ll learn what chemicals to avoid, how they impact your hormones and lungs, and how to start ditching the store—one bottle at a time.

✅ Real facts, personal stories, and a few laughs
😷 Health risks (yes, formaldehyde is in your kitchen spray!)
🐾 Why pets and kids are most at risk
💸 Why...

This week’s a special one — we’re jumping off the sourdough and diving into something a little feathery and a whole lot of fun 🐔

In this one-off episode, I sit down with my partner to chat about why I genuinely believe every suburban backyard should have chickens. We’re unpacking the benefits (eggs, compost, pest control, and kids learning responsibility), busting a few chicken-keeping myths, and tackling the common pushbacks around noise, smell and council drama.

We’re also celebrating the launch of my brand new program — Confident Chicken Keeper — which is open for registration now...

You’ve made the loaf, the crackers, the pancakes — now how do you keep them fresh without daily baking marathons? In this practical episode of Ditch the Store, CJ shares her top tips for freezing, storing and preserving sourdough and other baked goods so nothing goes to waste.

Learn how to freeze loaves, slice like a pro, and keep that crust crisp even after defrosting. From school lunches to weekend prep, we’ve got you sorted.

✅ How to freeze and defrost loaves properly

✅ Best way to store crackers, pancakes & more

✅ Avoiding soggy crusts...

Got discard piling up? You’re not alone — and you’re not wasting it either. In this fun and practical episode of Ditch the Store, CJ explains what sourdough discard actually is, why it’s still useful, and how to turn it into delicious everyday snacks.

From crunchy crackers to fluffy crumpets and savoury pancakes, we’re going beyond the loaf to make the most of your hard work and flour stash. Plus — you’ll learn how to store discard safely, stretch your starter, and get creative with no-waste baking.

✅ What is discard and why you shouldn’t to...

What actually is fermentation — and why does it matter so much in sourdough? In this week’s episode of Ditch the Store, CJ takes you beyond the mixing bowl and into the wild world of microbes, gas bubbles, gluten strength and flavour building.

Learn how timing, temperature and technique affect the rise, texture and taste of your bread — plus how fermentation makes sourdough easier to digest (yes, even if you’re gluten sensitive!). We’ll also break down how to fit sourdough around your real life — whether you’re juggling kids, cows or a full-time job.

✅ What “bulk...

This is it — your first proper sourdough loaf! CJ takes you step-by-step through mixing, folding, shaping, proofing, and baking a real, edible loaf of sourdough bread (yes, even if you’re still getting to know your starter). No fluff, no perfectionism — just solid advice from someone who’s made plenty of bricks before nailing the crusty beauty. Let’s bake!

📸 Show me your loaf! Tag @MojoHomestead on Instagram or TikTok — I wanna see that crust crack! 💌 Still need the free starter tracker? Get it at 👉 https://www.ditchthestore.com/sourdoughstarter

🎧 Next episode: Timing the Ferment – Fol...

Plain, strong, wholemeal, rye, spelt… choosing the right flour can feel like a trip through a dusty jungle aisle at the health food store.

In this episode, CJ breaks down what works best for sourdough, what each flour does to your dough, and how to make the most of what you’ve already got in the pantry. Whether you’re baking for health, flavour, or just what’s on hand — this one will help you pick the flour that’s right for your loaf.

📸 Share your starter and flour picks — tag me @MojoHomestead 🎁 S...

In this super practical episode of Ditch the Store, CJ takes you step-by-step through creating your very own sourdough starter from scratch.

You’ll learn exactly what to do, how to troubleshoot the weird smells and goo, and how to use different flours to suit what’s in your pantry. Plus — grab your free 2-week starter tracker to keep yourself (and your new floury friend) on track!

You don’t need a bread-making diploma or a fancy kit — just flour, water, and this episode. CJ walks you through the how, why, and what-the-h...

🎧 Episode 114 – The Sourdough Comeback: Why It’s Worth Your Time

In this episode, I’m kicking off a brand new sourdough series — croaky voice and all! After a rough run with the flu (and a lovely little bonus round of pleurisy), I’m easing back into the swing of things by diving deep into why sourdough is a perfect fit for the homesteader’s kitchen.

You’ll hear about:

The real history of sourdough (we’re talking ancient Egypt to gold rush miners)

Why proper sourdough bread might not upset your gut like store-boug...

In this episode, we’re diving into practical and proven ways to preserve eggs at home — and extend their shelf life for months!
Learn the traditional method of water glassing, how to freeze eggs properly, and explore other long-term storage options like mineral oil coating, dehydrating, and pickling.

I’ll also be answering the most frequently asked questions, including how to safely store eggs, what types of eggs you can preserve, and how to tell if an egg has gone bad.

Perfect for backyard chicken keepers, homesteaders, or anyone wanting to become a little more s...

Ditch the Store Podcast

If you thought chickens were just clucky egg machines, think again! In this episode, CJ dives into the weird and wonderful world of unusual chicken breeds — from fluffy Silkies and curly Frizzles to the jet-black Ayam Cemani and her own beardy Faverolle roosters.

You'll learn:

Which quirky breeds might suit your homestead

What to expect when raising them

Why these “just for fun” chooks might actually have more to offer than you'd think!

Whether you’re looking for colourful eggs, friendly personalities or just wan...

Got questions about chicken coops? You’re not alone — and you’re in the right place.
In this episode, CJ tackles the most common questions she hears from new and seasoned chook-keepers alike. Whether you’ve already got hens or are still in planning mode, you’ll get clear, no-fluff answers to the coop conundrums we all face.

We cover:

How much space your chickens actually need

Whether you can keep hens in a suburban backyard

How to stop your coop from smelling

If you really need a rooster

In this solo episode, CJ dives into why chickens are the ultimate starter livestock for anyone wanting to break up with the supermarket and take back control of their food supply. From skyrocketing egg prices to the simplicity of daily care, chickens are a no-brainer for beginners—whether you're on acreage or in suburbia.

CJ shares her own story of hatching their first chicks (spoiler: she totally messed it up) and how that single decision triggered a full-blown homesteading lifestyle. She covers the real costs of supermarket eggs, why backyard eggs are a nutritional powerhouse, and how ke...

🎙️ Welcome to the very first episode of Ditch the Store (formerly Not the Farmer’s Wife)!

We’re rebranding, not because the old name wasn’t great (shout-out to my son who named it!), but because we’ve outgrown it. This podcast has become more than just me—my handy helper is here, the farm has grown, and so has our mission.

In this episode, we unpack:🛒 Why we’re not anti-supermarket—but definitely pro-self-sufficiency
🥚 Why “Ditch the Store” better reflects our frugal, make-it-yourself, grow-it-yourself lifestyle
🧼 How we’re helping you ditch supermarket products one book, episode, and DI...

🐓 Egg Troubles Solved – Why Your Hens Aren’t Laying and How to Fix It

In this episode, CJ breaks down the most common egg-laying problems faced by chicken keepers. Whether your hens are laying soft-shelled eggs, no eggs, or weird wrinkly "paper bag" eggs, you'll learn why it’s happening and how to fix it.

🔍 What's Covered:

Why your chickens aren’t laying and how to encourage them

How to fix soft shells and wrinkled eggs

When to consider replacing older hens

How to stop egg-eating hens

Understan...

Episode 107: All Weather Hens

In this episode of Not the Farmer’s Wife, CJ Steedman talks about how to care for your chickens in all weather conditions — from freezing winters to scorching summers. She explains how to prevent frostbite and frozen water in winter, how to spot and handle heat stress in summer, and whether supplemental lighting is worth using to boost egg production. CJ also shares tips on adjusting feed and keeping the coop well-ventilated to keep your flock happy and healthy year-round.

If you’re wondering how to help your hens thrive through changi...

In this episode of Not the Farmer’s Wife, CJ Steedman dives into the essentials of keeping backyard chickens healthy. She explains how to spot signs of illness in your hens (like pale combs, weight loss, and breathing problems), handle parasites like mites and worms, and decide when to treat or cull a sick bird. CJ also covers the pros and cons of natural vs. conventional treatments and shares practical tips for improving overall flock health.

If you’re thinking about getting chickens or want to improve your flock's health, this episode is packed with useful advice.

Spotify Episode Description: Raising Chicks for Eggs

🐣 Hatchlings to Hens: Raising Chicks the Right Way

Thinking about raising your own egg-laying hens from chicks? In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into how to raise baby chicks into productive layers, covering everything from buying day-old chicks vs. hatching your own, brooder setup essentials, transitioning to the coop, and when to expect your first eggs.

Join me and the Handy Helper as we chat about:
✅ Where to get your chicks—hatcheries, breeders, or DIY incubation
🔥 Setting up the perfect brooder for warm, ha...

Episode 104: Better Feed = Better Eggs!

🐔 Want healthier hens and better eggs? It all comes down to nutrition! In this episode, I break down the do’s and don’ts of feeding your backyard chickens, why scratch mix is just chicken candy, and how to make sure your flock lays strong, high-quality eggs.

✔️ The right protein levels (16-18%) for egg production – and why more isn’t always better.
✔️ Calcium is key – Weak shells? Try oyster shells or crushed eggshells.
✔️ Grit & digestion – Chickens don’t have teeth, so they need grit to break down food.
✔️ Water matters – No wate...

Episode 103 - Chicken Coop Must-Haves

With rising egg prices, backyard chickens are becoming popular. But before bringing hens home, you need a secure, well-designed coop. This episode covers essential coop features, common mistakes, and practical setup tips.

Top Chicken Breeds

Get Our New Book Now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aPPJPQ

With egg shortages and rising prices, more families are considering backyard chickens as a reliable source of fresh eggs. However, choosing the right breed is crucial for a successful and enjoyable chicken-keeping experience. This guide covers the best beginner-friendly breeds and how to select the perfect fit based on egg production, temperament, climate suitability, and space needs.

Breed selection matters because different chickens have unique traits. Some, likeISA Browns andAustralorps, are prolific layers, while others, likeOrpingtons andPlymouth Rocks, make...

Never Buy Eggs Again

Tired of egg shortages and rising prices? What if you never had to rely on store-bought eggs again? In this episode, we dive into the realities of supermarket eggs—why they’re unreliable, less nutritious, and not as fresh as you think. Then, we explore the benefits of keeping your own backyard chickens, from cost savings and food security to healthier, tastier eggs straight from your coop.

You'll learn:
🥚 How raising chickens ensures a steady, high-quality egg supply
💰 How to save money and reduce grocery store dependence
🌱 Why homegrown egg...

A celebration of our 100th episode, we are so excited to have made it here. And be sure to listen to the end, as we have an exciting giveaway for 5 lucky listeners.

Episode 99 - Processing Chickens: What You Need to Know offers a comprehensive look at how to dispatch and process your own meat chickens safely, humanely, and efficiently. The host begins by sharing their background in raising chickens and explains the key benefits of home processing—such as ensuring food quality and ethical handling, saving money, and fostering a deeper connection to your meals. They also introduce their upcoming book, Ditch the Store: From Brooder to Plate, which covers every step from brooding chicks to putting chicken on the table.

The main portion of the episode focuses on a...

Farming Myths: Debunked

In this episode, we challenge some common misconceptions about farming and its impact on the environment. Get ready to see the truth behind the headlines and find out where the real culprits lie!

Myth 1: Agriculture is the leading cause of climate change
Farming often takes the blame, but according to the EPA, agriculture contributes just 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—far less than transportation (28%) and energy production (25%). Methane from livestock may be potent, but it’s short-lived compared to CO2. Innovations like feeding cows seaweed, which can reduce methane emissions by up t...

Planning 2025 Episode 97: Defining Your Vision and Goals

In this episode of Planning 2025, we dive deep into the heart of homesteading: defining your vision and setting meaningful goals. Whether you're just starting out or refining your approach, we'll help you explore your motivations for homesteading — from self-sufficiency and healthier food to reducing your environmental footprint. We’ll also share inspiring personal stories from fellow homesteaders to ignite your passion and encourage you to take that first step.

Learn how to break your goals into short-term and long-term achievements, prioritize projects effectively, and create a roadmap for succ...

G'day everyone and welcome to another episode of Not The Farmer's Wife!

CJ here solo today—recording on December 29th after a busy Christmas week on the farm. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Here, amidst milking goats and managing livestock, there’s never a dull moment, even with some worming interruptions this week.

In today's episode, I dive into the year’s major agricultural discussions and controversies. Here's a quick look:

Bovaer 10
A methane-reducing feed additive causing consumer backlash, particularly over concerns about long-term safety and tr...

Homesteader Gift Guide for Christmas

High-quality gardening gloves https://amzn.to/3P7w6ZG

Sturdy aprons (especially cheeky ones like yours!) https://amzn.to/3ZL1vpP

Heavy-duty work boots or muck boots https://amzn.to/3P6ZEqa

Wool socks or thermal clothing www.sukworkwear.com.au/

Water bottle https://amzn.to/3DCHjPi

A good-quality pocketknife or multi-tool https://amzn.to/41Iy22p

Hand tools like a Hori Hori knife, pruning shears, or a weeder https://amzn.to/49PZM74

A cast-iron skillet or Dutch...

Today’s episode dives into a topic that isn’t for the faint-hearted: dispatching and processing chickens. If this isn’t your cup of tea, no worries—feel free to skip this one. But for those curious about taking full control of their food supply, stick around for practical tips and advice on humane dispatching, plucking, and preparing your chickens for storage.

Links

Apron for dispatching - https://amzn.to/3DjIjYD

Rubber Plucker Fingers - https://amzn.to/3VDmRUN

Kill Cone - https://amzn.to/3VGN44V

Shrink...