Moving from Wagga Wagga to Bungendore changed everything we knew about growing food. We lost over 10 citrus trees to frost, killed multiple fig trees, but accidentally grew a thriving raspberry forest. This is our honest journey adapting to cold climate gardening in regional NSW.

In this episode, we share what failed spectacularly, what thrived unexpectedly, and the hard-won lessons about growing food in Bungendore's harsh frosts and short growing seasons.

You'll Learn:→ Why warm climate gardening skills don't translate to cold climates→ What actually thrives in Bungendore (berries, garlic, brassicas)→ How to adapt composting, seed starting, and soil building for cold conditions→ Strategic planting techniques and microclimate design→ How we now grow 60% of our family's food in summer→ Building community resilience through sharing garden abundance

Whether you're moving to a cold climate region, struggling with frost, or just starting your food growing journey in regional Australia, this episode is packed with practical advice and real experiences.

Topics: Cold climate gardening, permaculture Australia, growing food Bungendore, frost-tolerant plants, sustainable living regional NSW, food security, seasonal eating, composting cold climate, seed starting tips, backyard food production

Hosted by Brent Riseborough - Architect, Energy Assessor, and founder of Conscious Architecture

Curious about what I do outside of the podcast?

Check out: www.conscious-studio.com.au

🏡 The Conscious Living Podcast 🏡

Episode 103 – Getting Started: Your First Steps to Electrify Your Home (Part 2)

Guest: Tim Forcey, bestselling author of My Efficient Electric Home Handbook
We’re back with Tim Forcey for Part 2 of our electrification chat—this time diving into the how. From plug-in appliances to practical upgrades you can do with just a few hundred dollars, this episode is packed with accessible tips to help you get started, stay comfortable, and lower your bills.

In this episode, we cover:

• - The easiest ways to begin your electrification journey

  - Why plug-in appliances can be a powerful starting point

• - Getting off gas on a budget

• - The underrated role of heat pumps in home comfort

• Why you’ll love it:

• - Affordable tips to start improving your home today

• - Practical advice for renters and homeowners alike

• - Empowering steps that don’t require a renovation

  
  

• 🔗 Resources & Links

  ► Join the ⁠My Efficient Electric Home Facebook Group⁠: https://www.facebook.com/groups/996387660405677

  ► Tim’s book: ⁠My Efficient Electric Home Handbook⁠

  ► Our energy-focused design services: ⁠https://www.conscious-studio.com.au⁠

  ► Follow us on socials: ⁠@conscious.arch.studio⁠

  
  

  👍 Enjoyed this episode? Like, follow, and subscribe for more conscious living inspiration.

  
  

  💬 Got a question or comment? Drop it below — we’d love to hear from you.

  
  Small changes. Big impact.

  
  

  Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared on The Conscious Living Podcast are those of the host and guests and are intended for educational and inspirational purposes only. This content does not constitute professional advice – always consult a qualified architect or energy assessor prior to making design or retrofit decisions.

🏡 The Conscious Living Podcast 🏡

Episode 102 – Making the Switch : From Gas to Electric (Part 1)

Guest: Tim Forcey, bestselling author of My Efficient Electric Home Handbook

Join me and energy-efficiency expert Tim Forcey for a grounded, practical chat about why more Australians are getting off gas—and how you can do it too. We bust common myths, unpack what "comfort" really means, and share easy, affordable first steps to improve your home’s performance.

In this episode, we cover:

• - Tim’s journey into home efficiency

• - Why comfort is more than just heating and cooling

• - The real deal on ditching gas

• 
  

• Why you’ll love it:

• - Clear, practical tips for getting off gas

• - Low-cost improvements that boost comfort

• - Insight from one of Australia's most trusted energy voices

  
  

• 🔗 Resources & Links
  ► Tim’s book: My Efficient Electric Home Handbook
  ► Our energy-focused design services: https://www.conscious-studio.com.au
  ► Follow us on Instagram: @conscious.arch.studio

  
  

  👍 Enjoyed this episode? Like, follow, and subscribe for more conscious living inspiration.
  💬 Got a question or comment? Drop it below — we’d love to hear from you.

  Small changes. Big impact.

  Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared on The Conscious Living Podcast are those of the host and guests and are intended for educational and inspirational purposes only. This content does not constitute professional advice – always consult a qualified architect or energy assessor prior to making design or retrofit decisions.

🏡 The Conscious Living Podcast 🏡

Episode 101 – 'Start Here: Small Changes, Big Impact'
Host: Brent Riseborough ( Building Designer , Energy Assessor, and Founder of Conscious Design Studio)

In our very first episode, I’m sharing the personal story that sparked Conscious Design Studio, and this podcast. From growing up in Wagga Wagga to renovating a freezing log cabin in Bungendore, this episode explores how climate, comfort, and a whole lot of trial and error reshaped the way I live, design, and think about what makes a home truly work.

In this episode, we cover:

• - My background in regional NSW + early exposure to building

• - The reality of living in a poorly performing home

• - Our retrofit journey and what we learned as owner-builders

• - The quiet shifts that come with growing your own food and living more consciously

  
  

• 🎧 Why you’ll love it:
  Get a behind-the-scenes look at the story behind the podcast
  Find out why energy-efficiency is only part of the picture
  Hear real, relatable lessons from a designer who’s lived it
  Learn what “living consciously” actually means — and how to start

  🔗 Resources & Links
  ► Learn more about our energy-efficient design services: https://www.conscious-studio.com.au
  ► Follow us on socials for practical tips: @conscious.arch.studio

  👍 If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow, subscribe, or leave a quick review on your favourite podcast platform - it really helps us reach more people and keep the conversation going.

  💬 Let us know in the comments: What’s one small change you want to make at home?

  Small changes. Big impact.

  Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared on The Conscious Living Podcast are those of the host and guests and are intended for educational and inspirational purposes only. This content does not constitute professional advice—always consult a qualified architect or energy assessor before making design or retrofit decisions.