My Self Reliance Podcast
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.
Episodes
19 episodes
19. Finding Meaning in Life: Family and Outdoor Adventures with Jim Baird
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 ult...
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Season 1
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1:12:28
18. Guide to Buying Cheap Land for Financial Freedom
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 ...
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35:51
17. Preparedness: Affordable First Steps for Beginner Preppers
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 tal...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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19:37
16. How to Start Gardening for Self-Sufficiency with Huw Richards
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 trans...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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1:22:51
15. Turning Passion into Business and Living Nomadically
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 environmenta...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:07:32
14. Preparedness: Thriving in a World of Uncertainty, with Canadian Prepper
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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1:42:21
13. Materialism to Minimalism: The Road to a Nomadic Life
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:17:48
12. How to Achieve Financial Independence: Real Estate Investments and Debt Management
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 af...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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27:35
11. Cabin Life Updates: Preparing the Homestead for Winter, Sourdough and Current Projects
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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16:42
10. Deer Bow Hunting and Wild Game Processing
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 d...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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11:04
09 The Truth Behind the Scenes of My Self Reliance - The Other 167 Hours
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 t...
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27:49
08 Cabin Life: From Missed Bucks to Cook Stoves
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 s...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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12:49
07 Mastering the Art and Science of Firewood: From Gathering to Efficient Burning
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 he...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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24:11
06 Discovering Self-Sustainability and Living Off the Land with Modern Homesteader, Chris Gilmore
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 Ch...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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1:00:08
05 Traditional Food Preservation and Wild Fermentation with Pascal Baudar
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 a...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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1:14:00
04 Foraging for Wild Medicinal Foods, with Laura from Wild Muskoka Botanicals
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 bou...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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1:09:04
03 Starting Over on a Budget - A Self Sufficient Life Aboard a Sailboat
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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1:09:11
02 The Journey to Self-Reliance
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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23:56
01 Embracing Self-Reliant Living for a Fulfilling Life
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 a...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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8:43