Episode 8: Starting a Homestead Youtube Channel

This week Al, Ben and Jason talk about their week and How to start a homestead KZbin channel!
Sow the Land: / @sowtheland
Lumnah Acres: / @lumnahacres
Hollar Homestead: / @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!

[@cathymorasch4164]

I like it when creators are real, show the good, bad and the ugly. Life isn’t perfect, keeping it real is best. You three are great.

[@jrsf222]

I am trusting this channel will grow and if so perhaps the three wives could produce a cookbook‼️

[@MrsPink64]

Oh yeah! Meg, Gina and Lorraine all are great cooks!

[@billstev100]

@@MrsPink64have you tried their food? 👀

[@kingscairn]

Duh uh

[@lindaford5488]

Jason sence of humor., Mag and Ben, content, down to earth, kids, Al straight forward, easy going, , sensible. The truth of failures and successes. Helps others avoid mistakes.

[@faithrada]

Agreed.. one of the most valuable things we can learn from watching serious, dedicated Homesteaders is to learn not only WHAT TO do do but also what NOT to do. Learning from the 'mistakes' of others is a very human PLUS.

[@elaineekberg113]

The metal haul was a blessing from God, Ben! 🥰

[@ShalomShalom-d5c]

Al, why dont you say "modern steaders" anymore? Even tho I saw you build the Post & Beam, I watched the condensed version again- awesome. There are negative people at work too.... Jason you've gotten so much more comfotable 👍. Ben, you are right about 2 qualities, most Celebs hav 2 qualities, some hav 3 & are called "a triple threat." Great podcast!

[@MrBigedtc]

I would bet the people that make negative comments have never built anything, grown their own food or explained how to butcher an animal. Keep up the good work.

[@susanfullerton4763]

I enjoy listening to all of you. You are all coming out of your shells more every week!

[@miephoex]

Getting better guys! Would love some personal stories.

[@christinedehn3257]

Jason, from time to time (semi regular) you could hire Penelope to be your cameraperson. I found all of your channels when your families were just starting the homestead life. You boys, the ladies and the kids were so young and full of energy and dreams. It is wonderful to see the progress you have all made.

[@miephoex]

Love the honesty Al. Love the three ideals for a channel Ben. You guys all look the same so it had better be talent and charm. 😂 It’s working guys.

[@carolynspaulding6322]

Thank you guys so much . My husband died July 14 this year after 53 years of marriage plus a couple of knowing each other and it is like my world ended. I could not see him or talk to him or just be in his presence the very best friend and part of my life. Even if I went to the store or out on errands we would call one another and we were our worlds. Listening to you three men is so like hearing him or seeing him and I smile at your antics of life you are a lifter of my day I look forward to your rants and believe it or not you give me thought for food on dedication loyalty and trust God bless all three of your homes families and endeavors . I do know where my man is just know I am not allowed to see him yet I do ask Jesus to tell him things for me and give him a warm hug those I so miss or the gentle touch on the shoulder or hand or just reach over and touch his leg. Love your wives and give her that affectionate hug tonight for me. A 79 year old lady that loved farmers and gardens and projects and family and mostly his name was Cary.

[@homesteadedman4784]

Hi Carolynspaulding, Your post is very touching, I'm sorry you lost your best friend and husband. My wife and I are closing in on 40 years and I have never really sat down and thought would happen if I lost her. I'm guessing you just taught me. Hang in there and enjoy your family. I'm glad that these 3 amigos as I like to call them are providing some relief for you. Take care, Edman

[@pikehomestead]

Jason, loved your comment about the why - specifically about finding a community of homesteaders. Like you and Ben, we moved from the city a couple of years ago to start homesteading, and now are actually making some of those connections, even though I'm not at a point to be consistent with posting right now. But its so worth it to find someone else on the same path - especially if you are at around the same point in the journey.

[@myurbangarden7695]

I am enjoying your chats and your channels. Thank you for all of the information you provide. I am grateful you discuss the UP and DOWNS, but it seems like a rewarding journey.

[@glengillis7775]

Jason is so interested in the cooler weather. He needs to come to Alberta 🇨🇦 in the winter. That will show him how cold ii is in the winter in Alberta. That will fix him to love his warm weather he has at home. We wear hoodies lots of the year like Al

[@pikehomestead]

Right? We're up near Lac La Biche - every time these guys talk about winter I have to laugh. You don't know real winter!

[@tanyacasey8552]

Y'all are so much alike, but so different,love the wives too,im a Georgia girl ,my daughter is into chickens right now , shes taking care of a lame meat chicken,she couldn't handle the killing of her birds,so she sold them .the lame bird has out lived others .she spoils it ,it talks to you ,her name is lemon ,its 14weeks old.

[@sallyhammond5918]

Great podcast this week guys! I'm enjoying listening to them, thanks.👍

[@Homesteadshoptalk]

Thanks for listening

[@francesbolen257]

Meg's Peppermint soap is the best! Al's channel was the start of my homestead watching. I set my alarm and then sit and wait for Al and Gina!

[@KCttbb]

I would like to hear the three of you discuss your down time. What do you do for fun outside of all the hard work to maintain a homestead.

[@StoneKathryn]

That's a good question. Wouldn't it be sad if they have no "down time" and they have nothing to tell us. They do keep busy.

[@debrezo58]

You guys are ALL talented , cute and charming with beautiful smart wives!💖

[@kathleenpayne1991]

You guys are such an inspiration. Thanks for doing this

[@gaylewatkins4685]

I love your podcast. I never miss an episode. 👏👏👏

[@ShelleyBlaine-u7e]

The world is so complicated now. There are a few angry people out there who spread negativity. Thankfully, you gentlemen don't do that. You film what is going on in your lives and share with the rest of us. What a positive influence you make in our world(s)! Thank you

[@gloriatwiggs467]

My three favorite guys to watch. All three remind me of my three brothers, Al reminds me of my Older brother as he awaken every morning at 3 am also. Jim a Navy man would dress and go off to a small family owned restaurant where they began preparing for their day at 3 am. He would enter find his favorite booth and take out his Bible and read for over an hour before others began arriving for Breakfast. He knew that to seek the Lord first each day would help him develop Wisdom. Jason reminds reminds me of the youngest Brother as Joey a Marine came home to become a smart business man. Now he is doing what he really enjoys and that is as a Pool Commenter and tournament organizer. Barry was also a Marine and made three tours to Viet Nam. He was tall strong and had curly hair like Ben. And like all three of you, he could build anything. I loved to watch him drive a 3 inch nail into a board with his left hand and only one tap and a bam. I really enjoy watching your channels and discovered Al when Olivia was tiny, and when Ben farmed his back yard in California and when Jason fought his battle with his health. No matter what negative comments come your way, I say, "Let Us #PressOnRegardless." Thanking you from South Louisiana.

[@RNX001]

Great channel guys!!🤙🤙

[@anitalee3289]

I know it has to be so hard to show the failures, but it's what makes your channels so authentic and real. I do not watch the channels where it's obvious it's basically fake, as they only show how wonderful things are and how perfect, because they are not. I'm more inspired when I see people persevere and work things out, be humble and learn. Keep it real, gentlemen, you're doing it right! 🙂

[@ginnysulya9805]

Hi again guys, another interesting conversation! So interesting to me how much social media has changed my life and perspective at 64 years old! I don’t watch and listen to be entertained per say but because I am a lifelong learner I very much enjoy watching and learning as well as experiencing life with like minded people no matter what age group! I also enjoy encouraging others to do what they love and be the best they can be! So thanks for sharing your experiences and putting yourselves out there the way you do! Blessings and keep up the great job! 👍👍

[@carolspronk8401]

Love and watch all 3 of your channels. Keep on young men

[@doylerabjohn3435]

Great podcast y'all

[@judythymian3469]

Good job guys

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

Great topic! We have a good tractor/content group that we talk content creation everyday! Tractor Hard! 🚜💪!

[@varkofard7144]

Authenticity and audio (good mike) are most important to me. You can video on a potato and it's forgivable but if audio is bad I'm gone.

[@eyesopenwide9210]

Thank you guys for putting yourself out there. It takes a lot to put your life in the public as you do with your videos. It is reality TV the way reality is suppose to be, (real life not scripted). As for the negative comments just remember some people are not happy unless they bring people to their level (misery loves company). You have to remember to control your emotions and not let someone control them for you. If you let it bother you what someone said then they are taking control over your emotions and no one is worth it. They think they can do better they can start their own KZbin channel. I have to say thank you for not slapping the camera at the end of your videos. To me that is the reason I will not like a video. If KZbinrs can't think of a one of a kind ending to their videos then I can't like the video. The other thing is the sound. I watch so many videos on KZbin and let them know in the comments when I can't hear the video when they zoom in and out, but they seem to not care so I unsubscribe from the channel. Everyone has a different way of doing thing and you and your families bring new ideas to everyone who watches or listens. Thank you again. 😊

[@bhavens9149]

Yeah Grandma!

[@dianecharles881]

Look forward to you guys every Friday night! Thanks Jason for editing the videos!, 😜

[@angelbmann3531]

Thank you. To all of you and all your videos.,

[@deeanderson7358]

Jason your wood working was so nice, I remember you making those items. Ben, It was fun to see Megs grandma in your last video. I am a grandma and to spend time with the grandkids is so special. Al, your shop is looking awesome. I love Ken and the way he jokes around. He has a good channel also. Great video. I was worried you were not having one today, it came later than normal for me. Have a great weekend. Oh and Al, you can start saying GOOD MORNING MODERN STEADERS again. Sure would make me happy. LOL.. God bless

[@ShalomShalom-d5c]

Yah, I miss that!

[@tracyzabelle]

Great job as usual

[@stevealldred4424]

I enjoy this podcast so much! The three of you are so different, and your personalities are so unique! I've been following Al, Gina and Olivia since Olivia was little! I enjoy his building, especially the timberframe garage and barn that he built years ago, but this pole barn, and it's design is very interesting to me. Since the podcast started, we started watching all of your KZbin channels and we enjoy all of them. Thanks for answering questions and taking interest in your viewers!

[@leeannehargrove2700]

I never miss Al’s videos anyway, but I bet this podcast ups the view count in the morning. Hope they at the least do an emergency replacement on those trusses. Know that most of your fans love both the wins and the oops variety. Ben, believe you left out 50 pound of beans and a bushel or two of peppers and tomatoes. Jason, say hi to Randy, the best ever Father-in-law. Yes, we really do see all your videos. Love all of you and your families.

[@margaretbedwell3211]

Thanks for sharing another great video. It is amazing to me how much time y'all spend editing. I know so little about this subject, just happy to know how to get the videos on my screen. I love when your wives are in the videos showing something they are cooking, I love the kids being in the videos, but I also know that when they hit the teen years, they don't want to be on camera any more. I understand that, but I still miss them anyway. Again, thanks for this one, it will help some of the folks out there make the decision to start a channel. Have a Blessed weekend.

[@miephoex]

Really enjoyed meeting the father-in-law Jason. Great family. Al, checked out your videos. Nice job. What’s the next plan for the homestead Ben?

[@karenzorn773]

Great show guys, keep it up.

[@Homesteadshoptalk]

Much appreciated!

[@rebeccacook7924]

❤️❤️❤️

[@kresimirbazijanec3730]

Hey Gang, allways good to see you Al,Jason and Ben 👍❤, any plans for a Live Podcasts? God's Good Blessings to you and your beautiful family's keep up the great work love U guys XOXOXO

[@StoneKathryn]

I so enjoy these shop talks guys! I've learned so much from all of you. I've be doing meat birds and this is my 3rd year because of you guys! Those chicken butchering workshops that Jason and Lorraine do are fun to watch. We do only a few birds a day too because it would be hard to do a ton of birds. We pluck them by hand. Ya Jason, the extra fridge for the milk from your milk cow. I'm so glad you got such a great amount of metal Ben at the auction! I had to tow a trailer about a 1,000 miles so I got the bearings repacked and checked the tires too. Your story was good Ben, only 10 psi. On that trip I was checking the oil on the diesel car I was using and the dip stick tube came off with the dipstick and it hit the alternator on the way out and spot welded a couple times. I was stranded for a day until the shop glued a plug in and I got where I was going. It had to get fixed where I ended up! They had a tough time getting the plug out because they used Locktite. Yes, all that shipping you guys had to do does sound like a nightmare. Jason, don't forget about your Amazon list because it was great to find Lorraine's chicken apron and your shrink wrap bags! Yes, Al the trusses were not built right and the fact that Ken's drone had come down right before it fell apart were both unfortunate. It's good you got the footage. Thanks for showing it Al. That was scary! You guys have put so much in equipment and dedication to produce your KZbin channels. It shows! It's nice that the cell phones are coming in handy taking the videos. Go to is Go-Pro in the rain! Yup, you guys have all made doing videos a job! Thanks for being so dedicated and sharing your lives with us! I so understand when you have to take a break from it. It has to get hard. Daily videos seems to be too much pressure! It sounds like editing is the time crunch for doing videos. Wow Al, only 5 hours of sleep! That's cool that Meg edits and Ben films and they work together on it. I'm so glad you all do these Vlogs! I found you all through Justin Rhodes. It doesn't seem easy to do. I sure hope the good comments outweigh the bad comments! I hope I never made any of you feel bad. We were homesteading before we knew what it was. Our neighbors do things differently and I feel more in tune with your channels than our neighbors. We are the oddballs on out gravel road. Thanks for this video guys!

[@indianacryptid6020]

hey, have a great weekend

[@CUCOBIKE]

Great show guys, keep it up.💯👍

[@rodmackinnon8497]

Great chinwag, you all are top shelf . . . thanks for all the amazing entertainment over the past few years. cheers.

[@dareil2000]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@kingscairn]

Alright - a flock of nekid chickens runnin round 😊

[@jills5939]

Good friends and neighbors there. 🕊

[@reggieedmonds5325]

How did you three guys come together to do this weekly show. It happens you are my three favorite Homesteaders. Started with The Dollar Homestead and then found the others. You have have wives who are invested in the Homesteading life, which in my opinion is the only way you can be successful. My wife wants them to have a similar show. Thanks for the show.

[@dianadriverasbury9130]

Love Ben and Jason. Going to start watching Al now, too. Another good podcast.

[@pathoward5721]

Good job 👍 ❤❤❤

[@mariesheppard3750]

Right now B C Canada is on Fire , House s are burning down , Smoke is going all over the U S A and Canada so sorry for it , Love this new channel I watch all 3 of you all the time

[@ladysmith3988]

Edit, content, and to me, most importantly, great audio. Various creators lose me fast if the audio isn't quality audio. I can live with *tic tic tic* as long as Ben sounds loud and clear. Lol. Series grouped together: the mobile home remodel is a favorite of mine. Start on the first one and let it run.

[@debmichelleparks3538]

This so much! My pet peeve is the ads being so much louder than the video audio. My ears hate it when I can perfectly hear the video and then the ads blare because I have to have my radio turned up to 30 to hear the video. 😳😵‍💫🥴 Having bad audio makes it hard to watch.

[@tracyzabelle]

Freshness makes all the difference in a great cup of coffee

[@annmarie566]

My 3 favorite homesteaders !!!

[@lauraelliott4657]

I’ve been watching Sow the land from the beginning in 2014 then I found Hollar homestead right after they started I want to say it was 2016 or 2017 and I remember this because I was down in my back and laid up for a couple of years before I had back surgery..so I went to there 1st video and started them from the beginning also Al I will be going to your channel and starting from the beginning as well. I’ve always been a hard worker and a outdoors person that loves my plants and gardens but for 3 years I was down with back issues and after surgery it took a full year to recover but thank the good lord I’m back at it. I found Sow the land and the Hollar homestead due to looking on KZbin for something to watch while I was laid up and was searching for NC people doing the things I used to do and I wanted to be able to do so you guys helped with my recovery! Thank you!

[@StoneKathryn]

I hope you're healed up all the way! I'm so glad to hear you got better and are back to doing things again. Take care.

[@AlleghenyHomestead]

I find the most difficult part of running a channel is getting all the work done on the homestead while filming it. Second hardest is the patience required to build a channel from the ground. Great podcast guys!

[@Homesteadshoptalk]

So true!

[@KCttbb]

Failures are learning things

[@IngloriousHomestead]

i've been following all 3 channels for at least a year, and can't understand negative comments. dont't get me wong not all videos get me pumped , but i just press the like to get you guys to keep on running!

[@KatrinaT]

This is the discussion I have been waiting for!

[@kingscairn]

Good casual exchange of important info

[@shirleyfrey8295]

This is very interesting to hear you all speak about your journeys. Personnally I like that your shjare your journeys. Al I habve watched when it was mostly you and at times Olivia. I would see Gina, but she did not play a big part. How enjoyable when Gina quit work and became a part of the big pictuire.She adds so much to your videos. At the same time I really miss Olivia and am hopimg that she eventually is on more often. Jason andBen I have started watching your videos. I love hoe your sons are so supportive to you and your wife. Ben I have only watched a couple videos . Love the difference all three of you bring to the table

[@janetwithers7427]

I like this channel. First time I have caught it. Comfortable and informative. 👍

[@Homesteadshoptalk]

Thanks and welcome

[@debbieshort9660]

Good evening guys.

[@wavytiger1]

audio is very important to me, i cant stand adjusting my audio up and down, also a steady hand, its awful looking at the ground for a long time or getting twirled around a bunch, some people may like the rawness of point and go content but personally i need a bit of "production" like quality

[@terithibault6717]

Al, do you have a coffee sampler pack? I'm a old lady and it would take me a long time to go through regular size bags to figure out what kind I liked best

[@Bex-rg8pj]

Consistency is key for me to watch.

[@diannasgardenmenagerie967]

No, everybody wants to see you overcome the obstacles we all face in some way. I used to think people were like that but the majority keep watching for the best part, you overcoming some problem because it makes us feel like we can to!

[@Diamondranchfarmstead]

The Sony mic is AMAZING!!!! Look into it for sure! You can change directions of how the sound comes into the mic. It’s cool!

[@diamondwfarm2238]

Al, I would be interested in a DARK roast. Maybe you could talk to your lady about it😊

[@jillyd2807]

👏👏👏

[@tinatippin5705]

Sounds like you deal with the same armchair coaching that sports coaches deal with. I could have some really cool things to share with the universe, but I can't see me overcoming all the technical stuff you guys have to know to share it with. My hat is off to you. You aren't only homesteading, but you are film makers and production crews too. I am really proud of you and your families.

[@homesteadedman4784]

Gooood moaning modern steaders haha That's how I greet the Lumnah's each video!! Thank you to the 3 amigos just the podcast I wanted to listen to. I remember Al saying he was up at 3 or 4 every morning cracking the whip. Interesting hearing about the 3 of yours routine. Thanks for taking the time out of your days to do the podcast I really enjoy the behind the scenes part of it. I'm learning to edit, and it takes me forever and a day, but I'm enjoying the learning process of it all. Keep up the good work! Cheers Edman

[@StoneKathryn]

Cool! So you'll be starting a KZbin channel? That would be great!

[@dsmyth9940]

😊🐐 GOATS ARE PUNK RAWK!!

[@bhavens9149]

There is a poem by Rudyard Kipling called IF, he wrote it to his kid, there is a line in there that goes "If you can meet triumph and disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same," I think when you read comments its good to keep that line in mind. Just an idea.

[@silviadias7791]

I'm wondering if that lumber sat on a cargo ship during the plandemic?! I know I'm still finding expired or nearly expired food item in major chain grocery stores. We've recently bought lumber and over half the 2x4's were warped, cracked, broken or had knots in them in the "new" shelf. Makes me wonder where to really good stuff is going!

[@nancys.100]

Ty good info today 🎉

[@brendayokum5666]

Love love love you guys😊

[@LisaRayHoward]

Has any suggested yet that you consider “special guest” episodes?

[@margaretpervier8357]

What does it cost to attend one of Jason’s workshops?😊

[@heatherk8931]

😮 also, i love your podcasts, always interesting and fun. Didn't hit like because i don't want to be the 6 66😅

[@terresiagregg9326]

Great content

[@anitalee3289]

I think it's important to realize that not everyone has the personality to succeed on KZbin. There are SO MANY people who post videos who shouldn't. My husband has to weed through many videos of people posting "How to...." when working on his old car, that the person shouldn't be posting because they don't have an understanding of how to teach people, or how to explain things. I am an avid gardener, and there are SO MANY videos posted about "How to prune..." where the person doesn't really know how to correctly prune the plant, or they don't know how to explain it, etc.

[@kingscairn]

Schedules are much better for getting things done but it becomes a rut of repitition that takes the joy out of things days just bleed intoone another

[@squirrellyacres]

Great podcast you all provided some really good information.

[@kingscairn]

Tires & the forever overlooked - ungreased , wheel bearings

[@ladysmith3988]

Just a suggestion, maybe use Bunker Branding for your t's and more? I'm happy with merch they've made for various youtubers, including Demo Ranch and Joe Robinet.

[@ElaineAMalec]

Love you guys, truly inspirational

[@heleneminger]

Wow, my family has been working on starting a homestead channel. This just randomly showed up, great timing for me.

[@Homesteadshoptalk]

You can do it!

[@kingscairn]

Whoa, looked away and back - you guys switched screen positions

[@sixbanga9524]

Hey guys

[@kayrabey1344]

I used to start my job at 6AM so I would get up at 4:30. I did that long enough to get up at 5:30 now that I’m retired. If I sleep in I will be like Al I will usually be up by 6:30.

[@linalitafarm]

The most time-consuming thing for me is editing videos. It really influences the number of videos that I am able to produce. I also struggle a lot with ideas for videos. I cancel most of my video ideas because I assume nobody will be interested in watching them. By the way, the "experts" are saying that thumbnails have lesser importance now that KZbin plays the first 15 seconds of a video if you hover over it. Now content creators are focusing obsessively on that first 15 seconds of content.

[@garysilver718]

I joined the Army at 18 and had no choice but get up early. I,m 83 and still get up at 5:00 and go to bed at 9:00.

[@kingscairn]

Da dododo do do do do do da dodo do ( revelee )

[@markpashia7067]

Across most of the nation, if a building is for occupation or lived in, it must be graded lumber. So almost any outbuilding like garage, shop, barns, sheds, etc you can use rough sawn ungraded lumber. Unless your area requires those to be engineered or graded. That is mostly city or suburbs. That is due to being close and your building impacting neighbors. Generally rural they mostly care about fire safety and how it looks from the county road. Al is so far back in the woods who cares. Still a good idea to build to code just for your families safety and such but if you worked construction you know what is "right" and what is short cut cheating. Graded lumber is done by batches and the guys doing the inspections are really at the mercy of the workers who stack the bunk of lumber. A lot can be hidden in the middle if they are unethical. if they inspected every board you could not afford the lumber. Just saying. But in Al's case that truss company is cutting corners on "quality control" too. Shame on them. Also I never lifted end trusses without putting on temporary supports. We would clamp a two by four or six onto them while lifting to avoid the bow that happened on that video. Those trusses are designed for being in place, not the forces of lifting up to the place. I never trusted them like Al and Ken do but to each their own. I guess they saved a lot of labor over time not bracing them, but that was not worth the risk for me as a general contractor back in the day. I usually used lumber that needed to be up there anyway so killed two birds with one stone. Usually my angle braces for the truss after it is set.

[@Joanne6103-p]

👍🏿👏🏿

[@deltorres2100]

Plus, I heard that if you don’t stay on a schedule or consistency with KZbin, they will punish you to document and I don’t know what they call it but I’ve heard it from a few other KZbinrs

[@charmainemrtnz]

How would it best benefit you folks. Should I watch on KZbin or listen to the podcast on iHeartRadio? I want to do what will benefit you folks the most.

[@Native935]

the wives should do a talk podcast one day

[@kingscairn]

Barefooten in the kitchen 😊