E53: What Off-Grid Living Really Looks Like (and Why It’s More Accessible Than You Think) | Jeff Burkinshaw of Gridlessness

2025-12-31

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Off-grid living isn’t simply about escaping modern life. It’s about freedom and family. In this conversation with Jeff, we take a practical look at the daily realities of off-grid life, the role of community and financial freedom, and how simple systems and adaptable skills make this lifestyle sustainable long-term. Jeff describes off-grid living as a spectrum, so if there is any part of you that wants to be slightly less reliant on the grid than you are now, join us for this informative episode!In this episode, we cover:What off-grid living act...

In this episode, we cover:

What off-grid living actually looks like in daily life: power, water, heat
Some specific challenges of off-grid living, from raising chicks to storing food without reliable power
A look at the role of community and shared resources over total self-sufficiency
Why off-grid living is more accessible today than it has ever been
An aspect of off-grid living that we don’t talk about enough– freedom from the financial “grid”
How bartering and alternative forms of currency can strengthen your local community
The simple systems that make off-grid living sustainable long-term
Why it is important to gain skills, adopt a problem-solving mindset, and stay flexible when modern solutions aren’t available
The incredible impact of raising your family close to land, work, and responsibility

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you to our sponsors!

McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock

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ABOUT JEFF

Jeff Burkinshaw is the author of Gridlessness - Finding Freedom Off-Grid and creator behind the Gridlessness Youtube channel.

Jeff and Rose and their 5 girls have lived the off-grid homestead lifestyle since 2007. They’ve explored all aspects of home and homestead construction, self-sufficiency, homeschooling, hunting and fishing, wilderness adventures and generally living like millionaires off-grid.

Jeff is an electrical engineering technologist with professional experience in utility scale power systems but has a deep personal interest in small scale micro-hydro and other off-grid power systems.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Grab a copy of Jeff’s book here: Gridlessness: Finding Freedom Off-Grid

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