The New Homesteaders

You Should Trust NO ONE With Your Data in 2026 | Zero Knowledge Explained

Why You Should Trust NO ONE With Your Data in 2026 | Zero Knowledge & Zero Trust Explained In this episode of The New Homesteaders, Liam and Akseli break down Zero-Knowledge architecture — the only real way to protect your privacy when big tech and governments are harvesting everything. From WhatsApp backups and Google reading your old emails to mandatory facial recognition cameras in new cars, this episode shows why “Trust us” is never enough. ### Key Topics: • What Zero-Knowledge really means • Dangers of cloud services, metadata & AI training on your data • Open source vs proprietary software • How to actually secure your files on Google Drive • Why your next car will spy on you ### Timestamps: 00:07 - Welcome & Episode Overview 00:33 - Introducing Zero Knowledge 01:00 - Why OneDrive, Gmail & WhatsApp are NOT private 01:48 - The Bull & Fish Market Analogy 04:24 - Why we need to escape multinational dependency 05:20 - OSINT, metadata & your exposed private life 07:01 - The problem with “Trust Us” policies 09:04 - Open Source vs Proprietary Software 10:12 - WhatsApp cloud backup disaster & fake E2EE claims 13:40 - Google Gemini reading ALL your emails (Class Action Lawsuit) 17:10 - How to use Google Drive with Zero Knowledge (Cryptomator + VeraCrypt) 19:29 - BitLocker & Microsoft holding your encryption keys 23:05 - 2026 mandatory car cameras & facial recognition 30:03 - This affects your whole family 32:20 - Final thoughts ### Resources & Important Links: • Google Gemini Email Scanning Lawsuit (Thele v. Google, Nov 2025): https://www.classaction.org/media/thele-v-google-complaint_2.pdf [https://www.classaction.org/media/thele-v-google-complaint_2.pdf] • Microsoft Services Agreement (OneDrive, Outlook, BitLocker): https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/servicesagreement [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/servicesagreement] • EU Mandatory Car Interior Cameras & Surveillance Law (Regulation 2019/2144): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019R2144 [https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32019R2144] ### Recommended Privacy Tools: - Signal (private messaging with disappearing messages) - Cryptomator (encrypt files before uploading to any cloud) - VeraCrypt (open-source full disk encryption) If you’re tired of being the product, start taking back control today. 👍 Like | Subscribe | Turn on notifications Also available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. #ZeroKnowledge #Privacy #DataSecurity #ZeroTrust #Encryption #OpenSource #CyberSecurity #DigitalPrivacy #Cryptomator #VeraCrypt #Signal #BigTech #Homesteading New episodes weekly — practical talk for reclaiming independence in the modern world.

How Data Brokers Secretly Influence Your Life and Change Whole Populations

In this episode of The New Homesteaders, Akseli and Liam dive into the hidden world of data brokers and how your personal information is being bought and sold. Discover the impact on your insurance, privacy, and even your daily life. It's a wake-up call for anyone seeking digital independence in a world where 'free' is just a myth.Join the conversation and rethink what “privacy” truly means in the digital age. Join the homestead rebellion: X/Twitter: @NewHomesteaders Website: https://the-new-homesteaders.com/ [https://the-new-homesteaders.com/] Drop [https://the-new-homesteaders.com/Drop] your thoughts below — Akseli & Liam read every comment.

From Graphene OS Blocks to Thread Border Router Wins

In this episode of The New Homesteaders, we continue our painful but rewarding journey into building a privacy-focused smart home. After battling Matter devices in the last episode, we tackle our first Thread device — the Aqara W100 Climate Sensor — along with firmware flashing, Zigbee/Thread multi-pan issues, and a stubborn Thread Border Router.Expect lots of troubleshooting, Graphene OS drama (again), hardware flow control fixes, hidden settings, and plenty of "why won't this just work?!" moments. We also unbox the Cudy WR3000 OpenWRT-friendly router and the SONOFF Zigbee & Thread Dongle as we work toward replacing our spying TP-Link Deco mesh.Despite the chaos, we finally get a working temperature & humidity sensor — small wins matter!Products Used in This Episode: * Aqara Smart Climate Sensor W100 (Temperature & Humidity + Matter/Thread) → https://amzn.eu/d/09YA4LUc [https://amzn.eu/d/09YA4LUc] * Cudy WR3000 AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Mesh Router (OpenWRT supported) → https://amzn.eu/d/00DXppdj [https://amzn.eu/d/00DXppdj] * SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 & Thread Dongle Lite (EFR32MG21) → https://amzn.eu/d/0cYlCROz [https://amzn.eu/d/0cYlCROz] If you're into self-hosted tech, Home Assistant, Proxmox, privacy, or building a smart home without Big Tech spying on you, this series is for you.Keywords: Home Assistant, Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Aqara W100, SONOFF Dongle, Cudy WR3000, OpenWRT, Graphene OS, Proxmox, smart home privacy, homelab, Thread Border Router

Liam sets up HomeAssistant: "Wait I already have a Smarthome?!"

The conversation covers the setup and configuration of various devices and systems, including Proxmox, Home Assistant, and TailScale. It also includes unboxing and discussing smart home devices. The hosts explore topics related to network configuration, security, and privacy. The conversation covers the setup and configuration of Home Assistant, Tailscale, and Proxmox, as well as the challenges and troubleshooting involved in the process. It also delves into the use of Bluetooth and network permissions in different operating systems. The conversation covers troubleshooting issues with network and smart home device setup, including matters related to VPN, Wi-Fi, and device integration. It also delves into the complexities of mesh networks and router configurations. The conversation covers the exploration of smart home devices, their integration with Home Assistant, and the implications of using closed-source routers. It also delves into the potential use of open-source routers and the challenges of setting up a mesh network. Takeaways * Proxmox and Home Assistant setup * TailScale for VPN * Smart home device unboxing Home Assistant setup and configuration * Tailscale and Proxmox setup challenges * Bluetooth and network permissions in different OS Troubleshooting network and smart home device setup can be complex and require attention to detail. * Understanding VPN, Wi-Fi, mesh networks, and router configurations is essential for successful device integration. Smart home devices can be integrated with Home Assistant for control and automation. * The use of open-source routers and mesh networks can provide enhanced security and privacy for smart home setups. Chapters * 00:00 Setting Up Proxmox and Home Assistant * 32:44 Exploring Proxmox Helper and Home Assistant OS * 45:12 Unboxing Smart Home Devices * 50:59 Configuring TailScale VPN * 01:01:18 Home Assistant Setup and Configuration * 01:26:28 Tailscale and Proxmox Setup Challenges * 01:49:01 Bluetooth and Network Permissions * 02:02:39 Setting Up Home Assistant and Tailscale VPN * 02:09:26 Connecting Matter Devices and Smart Home Integration * 02:28:15 Configuring Wi-Fi and Mesh Networks * 02:47:12 Exploring Matter Device Setup and App Integration * 02:52:45 Navigating Router and Wi-Fi Network Settings * 02:59:38 Understanding Mesh Networks and Smart Home Capabilities * 03:06:06 Deciphering Router Model and Smart Home Device Compatibility * 03:27:19 Implications of Closed-Source Routers * 03:39:25 Setting Up Open-Source Routers and Mesh Networks

Why Installing Proxmox on Old Laptops Can Completely Transform Your Home Server Setup

The conversation covers the process of setting up a new homestead, using Ventoy for bootable USB, checking hash and security measures, desktop environment preferences, ejecting USB and security concerns, BIOS configuration challenges, benefits of Ventoy for multiple ISOs, hardware specifications, Proxmox installation, selecting hard disk, and IP address configuration, and setting host name and domain. The conversation covers a range of topics, including setting up the hostname, configuring network settings, exploring Matter devices, planning for home automation, and exploring ESP32 devices. It also delves into building a weather station and the capabilities of Home Assistant for controlling infrared devices for TV automation. Takeaways * Ventoy allows for multiple ISOs on a single USB stick * Checking hash is essential for security * BIOS configuration can be challenging Choosing a memorable domain name makes it easier to remember and access the server. * Understanding the role of the DNS server in network configuration is crucial for proper setup. * Proxmox does not support WiFi setup out of the box, requiring an Ethernet connection for optimal performance. * Matter devices offer a range of benefits and are positioned as a replacement for ZigBee devices. * Creating a mesh network with smart lamps and routers enhances the functionality of the ZigBee network. * The installation and configuration of Proxmox require attention to detail and may present challenges related to hardware availability. * IKEA offers a range of Matter devices, and careful consideration is required when selecting a Matter router. * Planning for home automation involves considering a range of devices and creating custom automation modes for specific scenarios. * ESP32 devices offer versatility and customization options for a wide range of home automation projects. * Home Assistant enables the creation of custom weather stations and the control of infrared devices for TV automation. Chapters * 00:00 Setting Up a New Homestead * 07:10 Checking Hash and Security Measures * 16:18 BIOS Configuration Challenges * 28:11 Hardware Specifications and Proxmox Installation * 33:39 Selecting Hard Disk and IP Address Configuration * 39:02 Setting Host Name and Domain * 44:19 WiFi Limitations and Proxmox Support * 50:39 Setting Up ZigBee Router and Mesh Network * 59:09 Planning for Home Automation