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Welcome to the Cabin. I’m Shawn James, the host of the My Self Reliance podcast and YouTube channel. This is the story of how I am withdrawing from modern society to pursue a free, natural, healthy, meaningful and satisfying life and how you can too. Join me as I build an off grid homestead in the wilderness complete with log cabins, an outdoor kitchen, a wood-fired sauna, lumber mill, vegetable garden, fruit orchard, food forest and haven for wildlife.
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Send us a Text Message. Episode Title and Description: Nissa sits down to talk with Lindsey Baird of Oak and Ash Farm in Belchertown. This is Part 2 of a two part podcast. Introduction: Welcome to the Massachusetts Farm to Table Podcast where we showcase the passionate farmers, food producers, and chefs who are shaping the farm-to-table movement ri…
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Send us a Text Message. Episode Title and Description: Nissa sits down to talk with Lindsey Baird of Oak and Ash Farm in Belchertown. This is Part 1 of a two part podcast. Introduction: Welcome to the Massachusetts Farm to Table Podcast where we showcase the passionate farmers, food producers, and chefs who are shaping the farm-to-table movement ri…
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Send us a Text Message. Episode Title and Description: Nissa sits down to talk with Jody Jess of Buckhill Homestead Farm Introduction: Welcome to the Massachusetts Farm to Table Podcast where we showcase the passionate farmers, food producers, and chefs who are shaping the farm-to-table movement right here in Massachusetts.. Guest Information: Jody…
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Send us a Text Message. Episode Title and Description: Nissa sits down to talk with Terri Lawton of Oake Knoll Farms. Introduction: Welcome to the Massachusetts Farm to Table Podcast where we showcase the passionate farmers, food producers, and chefs who are shaping the farm-to-table movement right here in Massachusetts.. Guest Information: Terri i…
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Send us a Text Message. Episode Title and Description: Nissa sits down to talk with Amanda and Brett Sovick of DeLorenzo Farm in Duxbury where they steward 27 acres using regenerative practices and Permaculture Principles. This is Part 2 of a two-part podcast. Introduction: Welcome to the Massachusetts Farm to Table Podcast where we showcase the pa…
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Send us a Text Message. Episode Title and Description: Nissa sits down to talk with Amanda and Brett Sovick of DeLorenzo Farm in Duxbury where they steward 27 acres using regenerative practices and Permaculture Principles. This is a two-part podcast. Introduction: Welcome to the Massachusetts Farm to Table Podcast where we showcase the passionate f…
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Send us a Text Message. Show Notes: Episode Title and Description: Nissa sits down to talk with Sam Staebner of Whittier Farms in Sutton. Introduction: Welcome to the Massachusetts Farm to Table Podcast where we showcase the passionate farmers, food producers, and chefs who are shaping the farm-to-table movement right here in Massachusetts.. Guest …
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Send us a Text Message. Show Notes: Episode Title and Description: Nissa sits down to talk with Joanie Walker of Walker Farm at Whortleberry Hill in New Braintree. Joanie is a treasure trove of resources for farmers and individuals. Introduction: Welcome to the Massachusetts Farm to Table Podcast where we showcase the passionate farmers, food produ…
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Send us a Text Message. Thanks for listening! If you like this podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and tell other folks about it. If you'd like to suggest a guest for the podcast, drop us a line at massachusettsfarmtotable@gmail.com Join our Facebook group to connect with farmers, markets, chefs, and food producers as well as other folks in …
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In this captivating episode, we sit down with adventurer Jim Baird to delve into his extraordinary journey of self-reliance and outdoor adventures. Jim shares his gripping survival experience on the renowned show "Alone," where he faced the ultimate test of endurance and resilience in the unforgiving wilderness. Listen in as Jim recounts a harrowin…
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Having weathered the trials of drinking from a stream that gifted me giardiasis and tamed the stubborn infertile land of my homestead, I'm here to share the raw truths of off-grid living. Discover how to stockpile the essentials and select the perfect patch of land for self-reliance, while weaving through tales from Ontario's historical homesteads.…
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This episode isn't just about chopping wood and battling fevers; it's a journey through the wilds of my youth, the cabins I crafted with my own hands, and the financial turbulence that eventually steered me back to the homestead dream. With tales that traverse from the tangible—like constructing our abode from the forest's bounty—to the philosophic…
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Imagine stepping into your backyard to be greeted by a thriving garden, bursting with the fruits of your own labor – a dream Hugh, a young permaculture enthusiast, turned into reality. Join me, Shawn James, as I engage with Hugh about his transformation from a family plot in Wales to a seven-acre canvas of biodiversity. We'll share stories of commu…
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When Dan and Candice's paths crossed at a yoga studio market, little did they know that their shared love for the earth would sprout into Live Edge, a beacon of sustainability in the world of woodworking. Their story, a tapestry of environmental stewardship and artistic craftsmanship, unfolds as they recount the growth of their business, from repur…
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Prepare to have your perspective on preparedness reshaped as we sit down with Nate from Canadian Prepper, a voice of reason and guidance in the world of survivalism and self-reliance. Amid the chaos of a global pandemic, Nate's insights on the surge in demand for trustworthy information over basic survival skills and gear reviews underscore the com…
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Ever dreamed of trading your daily grind for a life on the road? Imagine swapping your morning commute for a breathtaking sunrise over the Grand Canyon, or your cubicle for a secluded beach. This week, we're joined by Kellie and Cody, a couple who've done just that. They've taken the leap into a nomadic lifestyle, transforming a truck camper into t…
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In today's episode, Shawn takes us through a typical day at the cabin, dealing with firewood and preparing for the impending snow. As he works, he reflects on the challenges of off-grid living and the many questions he receives about finding affordable property for a self-reliant lifestyle. Shawn shares his own experiences, recounting how he purcha…
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Join Shawn James in this week's episode as he shares insights into his journey of self-reliance, and navigating the challenges of living off the grid in the Canadian wilderness. From leaving the corporate world to crafting an off-grid homestead, Shawn provides a glimpse into the rugged beauty of his lifestyle. Despite setbacks, like a recent podcas…
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This episode is your invitation to join me in the deer woods as I alter my hunting strategy in response to the weather conditions. Prepare to traverse the snow-cloaked grounds in search of fresh tracks, while learning about the intricacies of deer behavior during the breeding season. Back at the cabin, have a buck to process and a succulent moose s…
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Throughout my time on YouTube over the past 8 years, I've shared glimpses of my life with my loyal audience. However, there are 167 hours of my week that still go unshared. Today, I'm clearing up some rumours and sharing what truly goes on in those remaining hours. Ever wonder what it would be like to pack up your life and embark on a journey towar…
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Ever had that one rookie mistake that completely changed the course of your day? That's what I experienced while bow hunting - a single error cost me a buck. Trust me, you're going to want to hear this story and learn from my blunders. In the same vein, we'll also explore some key pointers about hunting, like understanding the rut season, deer beha…
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Join our knowledgeable host as they guide you through the nuances of choosing the perfect wood for your fireplace or stove. Learn the secrets behind identifying hardwoods and softwoods, and discover why each type plays a crucial role in your heating and cooking experiences. Our host shares practical insights on managing heat levels, offering tips o…
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Ever dreamt of surrendering city life to dwell in serene landscapes, live off the land, and cultivate a more profound connection with nature? Allow us to take you on a journey through the verdant trails of self-sustainability as we chat with Chris Gilmore, an inspiring modern homesteader based in central Ontario, Canada. Together with his wife, Chr…
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Join us for a conversation based around foraging, wild cuisine, and traditional food preservation techniques. In this episode, we sit down with the forager and author, Pascal Baudar. He's also a wild food researcher/consultant, culinary alchemist, and brewer. Pascal is also considered one of the top fermentation master in North America with a uniqu…
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Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Laura Gilmour, the owner of Wild Muskoka Botanicals. Laura's journey, from the fields of her grandparents' farm to the landscape of Muskoka, has been a lifelong exploration of nature's bounty. Guided by an Italian mentor and her innate curiosity, Laura's love for wild plants blossomed into a fascina…
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This episode features our guest, John Schneider, a seasoned outdoorsman who was raised on the vast prairies of Canada. This episode explores the world of hunting, fishing, foraging, and sustainable living. Growing up on a farm instilled a deep passion for nature, gardening, and the intricate balance of life. Now, he's embracing a life at sea, setti…
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Shawn shares his personal story, telling his evolution from a construction worker to a self-sufficient, off-the-grid homesteader. His remarkable journey showcases the transformative power of embracing nature, forging your own path, and living a life guided by self-reliance. Shawn delves into his childhood, growing up in rural Canada, where his deep…
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Welcome to the inaugural season of the My Self Reliance podcast, where the journey to self-reliance and independent living unfolds. Join Shawn James as he shares his profound experiences and insights gained from years of planning and crafting a sustainable cabin lifestyle. In this insightful podcast series, you'll explore the essentials of self-rel…
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Homeschool is hard any day of the week, but during this quarantine it’s even more difficult. I heard someone even call it crisis schooling, instead of homeschooling. I’ve gathered 6 tips and tricks from her own experience, and from other veteran homeschoolers that should help make things just a little smoother. 1: Remain calm and be patient (With y…
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In this episode we finish the Intro to Permaculture series by tackling the topics of, Biological Resources, Natural Succession, Energy Cycling, Biodiversity, and Edge. This book (Introduction to Permaculture by Bill Mollison) is an amazing resource for everyone who wants to live a sustainable life. Please come on out to www.havenhomestead.com to he…
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Welcome back everyone! In this episode we continue our series on the Intro to Permaculture. Our topic for today is zones. A design is broken up into 6 zones which consist of zone 0 through zone 5. In this episode we discuss in detail what these zones are and how they fit into the permaculture landscape. Thanks for listening. This episode is brought…
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This is Lindsay's first solo episode. She is such a sweetheart for wanting to help me out while I am adjusting to my new job. She did the recording and i did the editing and posting. This episode is primarily about three phases of food economy. They are: meal planning, planning for and using leftovers, and composting unusable food scraps. we would …
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This is the second part of our Intro to Permaculture series. Today the topics we cover are: Relative Placement of Elements and Many Elements Preform Many Functions. I've found that it is hard to explain a concept without using drawings or visual input of any kind. If any of this is hard to understand, please send me a email and I would be happy to …
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Permaculture is a design science based on natural systems. There is so much to say about permaculture that I couldn't do it justice here in the show notes. In this episode we are kicking off a 4 part series about permaculture. it will be the highlights of the first chapter of the book: Introduction to Permaculture by Bill Mollison Today's episode c…
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In this episode we talk about ways to extent the growing season to get better harvests and beat the frost. We talk about recycling milk jugs and soda bottles, using windows for cold frames, using painters plastic to make a mini greenhouse, and more. After you give this episode a listen let me know what you think about it at www.havenhomestead.com/p…
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Episode 48 is all about homesteading hacks. I have brought 5 to the table. They are: pallet compost bins, pvc gutter with rain catchment, tarp lean-to with rain catchment, keeping gas fresh and on hand, and how we keep cats from using our planters as toilets. I hope this episode helps you save time and money on your way to living a more sustainable…
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This year is going to be a great gardening year! We are going to have some tried and true plant varieties and some new ones. We are going to try mouse melon, turnip, parsnip, two new types of radish, popcorn, vine peach, and some new salad greens. Listen to the episode to hear all about these exciting new varieties. Head on over to www.happyleafled…
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It is time to start thinking about this year's garden. I can't wait for spring! In this episode, I have an information-packed show for you. We talk about what a seed needs to grow and be happy. I also give you some insight into some of the mistakes I have made in my seed starting adventures. Give this show a listen and get ready to GROW! Thank you …
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