The Common Sense Practical Prepper

Send a textPropane Adapter- https://tinyurl.com/sak4u678Thermal Camera- https://tinyurl.com/5djj4kbrA nor'easter dumped inches by the hour up north, and it sparked a flood of listener questions about practical preparedness. We took the hint and opened the mailbag, digging into what really saves money, reduces risk, and keeps dinner on the table when the grid blinks.First up: propane without the sticker shock. We compare one‑pound canisters to 20‑pound tanks, explain safe extension hose setups, and walk through refilling methods for those compact bottles—plus the gauges, over‑pressure valves, and simple precautions that make it low‑drama and high‑value. Then we shift indoors with a smart win for home heating: a thermal camera that clips to your phone, revealing drafty windows, leaky outlets, and insulation gaps so you can target fixes and burn less fuel all winter.Cooking off-grid doesn't have to be smoky guesswork. We break down rocket stoves that sip twigs for fast, focused heat, the steady reliability of charcoal cookers, and why operational security matters when flames and food smells carry across the neighborhood. We also tackle one of the toughest challenges: getting a skeptical partner on board. The strategy is simple and kind—frame prepping as insurance, start with tiny, visible wins like a water filter or an extra pack of chicken for the freezer, and let everyday convenience prove the point.We wrap with big news: we're teaching Run Hide Fight at Prepper Camp 2026 in Mill Spring, North Carolina. The schedule repeats across days so you can plan around other classes, and tickets are easier on the wallet when you don't wait. If you value common‑sense preparedness—smarter fuel choices, tighter homes, and calm, repeatable habits—you'll feel right at home here.Enjoy the episode? Subscribe, share with a friend who grills, and leave a quick review to help more people find practical prepping that actually works.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuSupport the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send a textThe small stuff is shouting at us. Slippers at the gate, glazed eyes at work, AirPods at the checkout—comfort has become a uniform, and apathy a reflex. We trace how that shift took hold after remote school and low‑stakes routines, and why it's more than a style complaint: it's a warning light for resilience. When people stop showing up with pride and attention, communities lose the quiet strengths that hold them together when things go sideways.We open with surprising global listener shoutouts, including downloads from Iran, and talk through recent reporting on Starlink access and protest dynamics. From there, we connect headlines to habits, mapping how the “I don't care” mindset shows up in everyday places and bleeds into bigger issues—like trading facts for optics and mistaking a viral stance for real impact. A story from Keith's patrol days drives home a hard truth about accountability: you can't fix fifteen years of drift in fifteen minutes, and you can't outsource grit to institutions that are afraid to set standards.The prepping angle is simple and sobering. In a grid‑down scenario, pajamas won't cook dinner and a feed won't keep watch. People who practice attention, boundaries, and discipline become assets; those trained by endless comfort become liabilities or fuel for chaos. We share practical ways to rebuild backbone now—critical thinking over clips, respectful public norms, small home drills, and family boundaries that turn teens into teammates. If you want more security, start with standards. Gear helps, but mindset leads.If this hit a nerve—or lit a fire—tap follow, share it with a friend who loves real talk, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find us. Where do you see the “I don't care” mindset most, and what's one habit you'll tighten this week?https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send a textPrice shocks don't happen in a vacuum. When silver sprints to $115 and slides back to the 70s, there's a story under the chart—one that starts with spot and premiums at your local coin shop and stretches through rate signals, dollar strength, tariffs, and geopolitics. We walk through a real purchase at the counter, why $2 to $5 over spot can be fair, and how online “deals” can disappear once taxes, high premiums, and weeks-long delivery windows hit the cart.From there, we connect the macro dots. A potential shift at the Fed can loosen credit, push more dollars into the system, and nudge hard assets higher—unless hot jobs data props up the dollar and cools the move. Tariffs add friction to trade and can fuel inflation fears, yet they also trigger defensive buying from nations that want insurance outside the banking system. Meanwhile, industrial demand is no sideshow: EVs, solar, and electronics quietly soak up silver, tying today's price to tomorrow's manufacturing cycle.We also tackle the difference between exposure and ownership. Paper metals and unallocated accounts can track price until too many hands ask for bars at once. Physical rounds, bought locally, settle the question in seconds: you can sell back for cash, even on a volatile day. For preppers, that same round carries barter utility—fuel, staples, or generator time—priced by what neighbors value, not what a screen says. If you're abroad, VAT and import rules change the break-even math, making patience and a wider target range essential.If you're weighing a hedge against policy mistakes, a store of value outside the rails, or a practical trade on macro trends, this walkthrough gives you a clear, grounded map. Subscribe, share with a friend who's eyeing their first ounce, and leave a review to tell us where you think silver goes next.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textWhat happens to our judgment when the feed decides our urgency? Keith takes us from cardboard fort summers and rotary phones to today's algorithm-driven protests to show how growing up offline hardwired real self-reliance—and why that wiring still matters when the grid blinks. This is a story about quiet as a training ground, patience as a superpower, and the practical skills that turn anxiety into action when convenience disappears.We revisit a free-range childhood where the streetlights were curfew, neighbors had their own tools, and learning meant skinned knuckles, not autoplay tutorials. Keith walks through the small mechanics of independence—changing a tire, fixing a tube, making plans without a text—and contrasts them with the speed and certainty of modern social media. He digs into how walkouts can scale in minutes, how influencers and celebrity takes manufacture outrage, and why it's so easy to mistake viral for true when incentives reward heat over clarity. The point isn't to bash technology; it's to right-size it, so tools remain tools and we don't become them.You'll hear practical ways to reclaim your attention and build a preparedness mindset: run no-phone drills, cook from pantry staples, navigate without apps, and practice one hands-on repair before you search a video. Keith also makes the case for family rhythms—shared meals, early mornings, focused work—as the quiet engine of grit. If the phone goes dark or systems wobble, the person who can think clearly, fix simply, and wait patiently becomes the anchor others seek.If this resonates, share it with a friend who could use a nudge toward fewer crutches and more capability. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: what's one unplugged habit you're committing to this week?https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textThe kind of cold that gets into your bones also gets into your house—and reveals every weakness you didn't know you had. After nearly three weeks of single digits, iced-in streets, and sold-out heaters, we put our prep plans under a microscope and turned frustration into a blueprint for resilience. From window drafts that felt like open sashes to the moment an axe, not a shovel, finally cracked the ice, we share the simple fixes and smarter upgrades that kept the heat in and the bills down.We zoom out to the grid that's supposed to keep us warm and ask hard questions about capacity, reliability, and the growing power appetite of data centers. Cities love the jobs and tax base, but the electrical truth is messy: massive new loads on an aging network, and policies that increasingly require facilities to drop off the grid during brownouts so neighborhoods keep the lights on. It's a practical look at infrastructure, not a rant—how underground lines saved parts of the Outer Banks, why Nashville struggled for days, and what that means for your home plan when storms stack up.Back at the house, we map out a layered approach: low-cost weatherstripping and window film that pay off immediately, safe use of propane heaters as a bridge, and longer-term upgrades like pellet stoves and crawl space encapsulation to stabilize temperature and humidity. We talk through stocking strategies before shelves go bare, the real limits of heat pumps in deep cold, and how to turn a harsh winter into a dry run that exposes gaps without becoming a crisis.If you want a practical, no-drama guide to staying warm, cutting waste, and planning around a fragile grid, this conversation is your field manual. Subscribe for more common-sense prepping, share this with a friend who's freezing right now, and leave a review to tell us the one winter fix you swear by.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textPBN Guest Spot - https://youtu.be/ygJEGdGD-jg?si=L4lMdNP3R6O8QD8GCold can be predicted. People can't. That simple truth frames a wide-ranging conversation that starts with a frozen Richmond morning and ends with a blueprint for staying calm when tempers run hot. We talk about the little miss that becomes a big headache—letting a propane tank drift to 40 percent right before delivery schedules jam up—and the simple systems that keep you out of the panic queue. If you've ever wondered how to turn “I should've checked that” into a habit you won't break, this is your playbook.From there, we face a tougher prep: human volatility. We unpack disturbing videos of medical professionals advocating harm and ask a practical question—how do you protect yourself when authority and emotion collide? The answers aren't flashy. Strip politics out of asymmetric situations. Choose routes that bypass flashpoints. Keep your car kit simple and ready: water, calories, gloves, thermal layer, eye protection, and a charged power bank. When protests clog a city grid, patience, planning, and quiet exits beat bravado every time.Amid the noise, community proves its worth. We share how the show's growth came from listeners, not “growth hacks,” and how real preparedness grows the same way—one honest connection at a time. Build small circles. Offer help before you need it. Share principles, not inventories. And when the forecast wobbles between blizzard and blue sky, use it as a stress test for your routines: fuel checks, safe space heating, room consolidation, and pipe protection. Prepping isn't about fear; it's about removing avoidable surprises so you can live more freely, even when the world gets loud.If this resonates, subscribe, leave a quick review, and share the episode with one friend who needs a nudge to check their fuel and tighten their winter plan. Your support keeps this community strong and growing.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textPBN Link-  https://www.youtube.com/live/8NpbTZFOBdA?si=QarLn-swARRj03waWinter Storm Fern looked like a snowmaker, but the lasting threat turned out to be bitter cold, sketchy secondary roads, and a patchwork of power outages that tested patience and planning. We walk through what actually happened across Central Virginia and the Southeast, what the outage data says about restoration timelines, and how to make better day-to-day choices when the forecast swings and the mercury drops. No drama—just clear takeaways you can use to keep your home warm, your food safe, and your family steady.We break down why some interstates were dry while neighborhoods stayed dicey, why heat pumps falter in single-digit temps, and how a pellet or wood-burning insert can take pressure off your HVAC. You'll hear the simple upgrades that paid off fast—like wireless fridge and freezer thermometers to verify cooling and prevent food loss after a repair or replacement. We also talk soberly about winter safety culture: tragic sledding accidents, how nostalgia can cloud risk, and practical ways to keep fun in the snow without flirting with catastrophe.Alongside the storm postmortem, we touch on community and caution. Giveaways bring joy, but scammers listen too, so we share the exact rules for claiming a prize safely and the only email address that will reach out with codes. If you care about resilient living, this conversation centers on small, smart steps: consolidate trips, monitor outages with reliable sources, layer clothing and rooms, and plan for backup heat that actually moves warm air where you need it. If this helped you think differently about winter prep, tap follow, share with a friend who needs a plan before the next cold snap, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textGuest on PBN; https://www.youtube.com/live/vjxX1Sz3AeU?si=mS1rqy60ey4EHPzUThe forecast isn't teasing flakes; it's promising days of freezing rain, sub‑freezing highs, and a real chance of extended power outages. We break down a practical, affordable game plan to keep your home warm, your pipes intact, and your food safe when the grid goes quiet and the cold sets in.We start with the risk picture for Central Virginia and parts of the Plains—why ice is the real threat, how fast indoor temps can crash, and what matters most over the first 48 hours. From there, we map out a heat strategy that actually works: using a kerosene torpedo heater with proper ventilation to push warm air where it counts, closing foundation vents, insulating pipes, and staging blankets and layers. We also get specific about generator readiness—test starts, safe placement to reduce theft and fumes, CO shutoff considerations, and realistic watt budgeting for essentials like lighting and internet.Food and storage come next. A new full‑size fridge is great until the power blinks, so we lean on a 12‑volt compressor fridge, the natural cold outside for sealed bins on a shaded deck, and smart habits to keep a chest freezer cold as long as possible. We talk about the supply crunch already visible in propane lines and grocery aisles, and offer alternatives when stores are picked over. Communication ties it together: local emergency text alerts, satellite internet with a modest power draw, and clear, low‑bandwidth ways to stay connected with neighbors and get reliable updates without draining batteries.Along the way, we share notes from a recent guest spot on the Prepper Broadcasting Network, answer common winter prep questions, and keep the focus on simple steps that punch above their weight. If you're staring down sleet, ice, and bitter cold, this walkthrough helps you act now—before the outage—so the next seven days feel controlled, not chaotic. If this helped, subscribe, leave a quick review, and share this with a neighbor who could use a calm plan before the storm hits.Augason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textThe forecast finally points at Richmond—and not with a gentle nudge. We're staring down a potential foot of snow followed by single-digit cold that turns slush into black ice and routine errands into risk. So we slow things down and map what actually keeps a household safe: fuel, heat, water, food, and the discipline to stay off the roads while the city catches up.We start with the hard realities of central Virginia winter: limited snow removal, contractor-heavy plowing, and a driving culture that speeds up when traction goes down. From there, we dig into what changing models really tell us, why local meteorologists hedge, and how to read the National Weather Service guidance without getting spun by hype. Then we get practical. Fill every tank and stage at least 10 gallons per vehicle at home, top off propane, and grab those small cylinders before shelves empty. Build water reserves that support at least 72 hours, and stock pantry staples—beans, rice, soups, pasta, freeze-dried meals—so you're not competing for the last loaf and carton.Heat is the centerpiece. We walk through zoning rooms with doors and heavy quilts, using south-facing windows for daytime warmth, and making backup heat safe with proper ventilation and detectors. Cooking stays simple with butane stoves, grills, and a Blackstone, all fueled up and used safely. We cover battery banks, flashlights, weather radios, and the balance between solar generators and gasoline units, including testing and exercising your generator before the storm. Outside, we flag the small details that matter: clearing around HVAC units, staging shovels, knowing when salt won't melt, and laying down kitty litter for traction. If you keep backyard chickens, we talk windbreaks and when to bring them into the garage as temps plunge.The theme is calm readiness, not panic. Forecasts will tighten; preparation doesn't need to wait. If this helped you think clearly about winterizing your routine, subscribe, share it with a neighbor who tends to panic-buy, and leave a quick review so others can find us. Then tell us: what's your smartest cold-weather habit that more people should know?https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textA well‑stocked bunker is nice, but a smart, portable toolkit you actually know how to use is better. We take a simple idea—the power of your junk drawer—and turn it into a lean, reliable post‑apocalyptic tool bag you can build this week without emptying your wallet. From raid‑the‑house finds to smart bargain buys, we map the exact steps to move from clutter to capability.We start by auditing what you already own: laces that secure loads, chopsticks that double as splints, whetstones that keep blades sharp, and tapes and glues that fix more than they claim. Then we lay out a compact essentials list—metric and imperial sockets, a 16‑ounce hammer, crosscut and hacksaw, utility knife with spare blades, needle‑nose pliers, adjustable wrench, pry bar, headlamp, tape measure, pocket level, and a multimeter for basic electrical and DIY solar work. You'll hear why rechargeable lights still benefit from a stash of tested AA and AAA batteries, and how a mix of zip ties, paracord, and fastener assortments solves 80 percent of field repairs.Sourcing matters, so we share budget wins from discount tool stores, plus what to grab at yard sales, flea markets, boot sales, and estate sales where old‑school tools outlast modern throwaways. Organization transforms usability: a canvas tool roll keeps everything tight and visible, ammo cans protect bungees and zip ties, and magnetic trays stop screws from disappearing under your car. We also talk practice—learning your multimeter's symbols, testing solar inputs, sharpening blades, and doing small fixes now so you're calm when it counts.If you've been doomscrolling, this is your nudge to do something tangible. Build a capable kit for under $150, stash it next to your get‑home bag, and refine it with each season. Enjoy the show, then subscribe, leave a quick review, and share your must‑have tool or best budget find so we can feature it next time.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textApple Podcast Link https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-common-sense-practical-prepper/id1644780654 Please leave a review, thanks!A hot meal can flip the mood of a hard day, especially when the lights are out and the weather is ugly. We're diving into seven reliable ways to cook without electricity—what to use, when to use it, and how to stay safe while keeping a low profile. From the classic Coleman two-burner and simple butane stoves to propane grills, charcoal, and ultra-efficient rocket stoves, we break down the tradeoffs, fuel needs, and best use cases so you can make dinner happen under pressure.We also explore a quiet, low-signature option many folks overlook: thermal cooking with a heated stone “rock pot.” It's slow, discreet, and fuel-stingy—perfect when you want to avoid broadcasting your supplies. You'll hear practical guidance on ventilation, carbon monoxide risks, and OPSEC tactics like cracking the garage door, using a fan, and choosing recipes that won't send aromas down the street. We share why quick-boil systems like Jetboil shine for morale drinks and water treatment, how to stock extra butane and propane tanks without breaking the bank, and which cookware stands up best to off-grid heat sources.By the end, you'll have a simple plan to build a layered off-grid cooking kit: fast-boil for coffee and sterilization, a compact burner for daily meals, a grill or griddle for volume, and a thermal cooker to stretch fuel in long events. Pair those tools with smart ventilation and a little discretion, and you'll keep your family fed, calm, and safer when storms or outages hit. If this helped you think through your next power outage, tap follow, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—your note helps more people find practical prepping they can actually use.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textCities can change in a heartbeat. One moment you're cruising home, the next you're staring at barricades, fake traffic controllers in vests, and a wave of flashing lights. We unpack how to navigate that pivot with calm, practical steps—no panic, no posturing—so you can get home safely and protect your family when protests and police standdowns collide.We start by demystifying the big three everyone throws around: martial law, Posse Comitatus, and habeas corpus. Understanding who can do what—and who can't—helps you predict the kind of response you'll actually see on the street. From rare historical uses of martial law to the legal limits on the National Guard, we translate legal jargon into street-level implications you can act on. Then we move from concept to concrete: building three alternate routes, using offline maps, and adopting a half-tank fuel rule that buys you time and choices when the main roads lock up.Driving tactics can make or break your exit. We cover scanning several cars ahead, favoring the right lane for shoulder and exits, and leaving a full car-length gap as your emergency out. If traffic freezes, we explain how to secure the vehicle, crack windows to mitigate exhaust buildup, manage fuel, and keep kids calm with simple routines. When it's smarter to abandon the car, a lean get-home bag—with water, calories, first aid, light, and real walking shoes—turns a risky gamble into a planned micro-evac. Back at home, we focus on low profile and high awareness: garage closed, lights on, cameras live, social feeds filtered, and zero “looky loo” behavior.Threaded through all of this is mindset. Preparedness isn't a bunker fantasy; it's calm communication, small daily habits, and knowing when to wait and when to move. If you want a realistic, street-smart framework for handling civil unrest—whether you're stuck on the interstate or sheltering two blocks from the noise—this guide gives you the why and the how.If this helped, subscribe and share it with a friend who drives the same routes you do. Drop a rating and review to help others find the show, and tell us your best alternate-route tip—we might feature it next time.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textA Costco pallet stacked with 5,400 emergency servings sounds impressive, but does the math—and your storage plan—actually work for you? We open with the numbers, then shift to the skills that turn stored food into real resilience: first aid choices that keep small problems small when the lights go out and help is far away.We break down stubborn myths with clear, usable guidance. Butter on burns seals in heat and germs; skip it and use cool water, gentle cleansing, and loose sterile dressings. Snakebite suction and knife cuts don't remove venom; immobilize, keep the limb below the heart, and seek medical care. Hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl alcohol can damage healing tissue when overused, so reach for clean water first and disinfect sparingly. From eyebrow lacerations that bleed like crazy to hard-to-bandage palms, we share calm, step-by-step approaches that reduce panic and conserve scarce supplies.Allergy readiness gets real: check EpiPen expirations, know when to use them, and add antihistamines when appropriate. We make the case for a pulse oximeter in every kit to spot dangerous drops in oxygen saturation during asthma or severe reactions. Shock care is practical and human: lay flat, legs up, warm blanket, steady talk, and grounding questions that pull focus back from the edge. We cover over-the-counter meds—ibuprofen for inflammation, acetaminophen for fever—and how to think about expiration dates, especially for liquids and creams. Most of all, we double down on hygiene: wash hands, use friction if soap is scarce, dry with something clean, and treat wounds early to stay ahead of infection.Ready to prep smarter, not louder? Hit follow, share this with someone who needs a clear first aid plan, and leave a review to help more practical preppers find us.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textSystems don't warn us before they snap—they just do. We kick off the year with a clear-eyed look at what 2025 taught us and how to turn those lessons into practical, affordable readiness for 2026. From a brief digital detox to a high-velocity news cycle—Venezuela's shake-up, grid-challenging winter storms, and shifting global coalitions—we focus on what you can control: your mindset, your pantry, your plan, and your community.We revisit standout moments: how the SNAP disruption actually played out on the ground, why churches and food banks became resilience engines, and which sub-$20 tools beat expensive gear when the power goes out. We unpack the difference between normalcy bias and a true prepper mindset—the kind that keeps momentum and morale when help is hours away. Then we zoom out: mixed economic signals, rate cuts that could loosen credit, tariff ripple effects, and the geopolitical wildcards of China–Taiwan, the Middle East, and the long proxy grind in Ukraine. Arms control timelines add background tension, but panic won't help; planning will.Technology and space push the story forward. AI has moved from buzzword to daily utility, quietly speeding up research and decisions. Robots are crossing from lab demos to real work. A revived space race—lunar flybys, whispers of rare lunar resources, and national competition—underscores how much we now depend on satellites for navigation, timing, and communications. Add a solar cycle peak and a fragile grid, and the case for simple redundancy is strong: stored water, safe heat, reliable lighting, battery banks, and printed contacts. We also map the cultural calendar—Winter Olympics, World Cup, America's 250th—flagging travel strain and local shortages so you can plan around the rush.If you're ready to trade doomscrolling for decisive action, this is your guide. Pick one step to finish by January 15—inventory the pantry, rotate stock, add a case of water, or kit out a get-home bag—and tell us what you chose. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone you want in your resilience circle.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textA flamethrower under the tree might grab attention, but the real spark comes from learning where fun gear ends and practical preparedness begins. We kick off with two gifts that teach bigger lessons: a grill-safe flamethrower that reinforces responsible use, and a GRAYL water filter that proves simple, field-ready purification beats complex systems you won't maintain. From there, we pivot hard into what most people get wrong about prepping: buying more is not the same as being ready.Silver surging toward $80 and copper punching higher can mess with anyone's head. We unpack what price spikes, tariffs, and speculation actually mean for everyday resilience, and why stacking metals rarely fixes household weak points. Instead, we drill into a method: define the disasters you're likely to face, right-size your pantry to those timelines, and turn storage into savings with first-in, first-out rotation. We clear up expiration date myths, explain when a can is truly unsafe, and share how freeze-drying and oxygen absorbers can extend useful life for the foods you'll actually eat.The turning point is mindset. Preppers often chase safety like it's cardio—one more battery, one more radio—until the shelf looks like a warehouse. We offer a reset with a simple audit you can run this week, including shelf-life realities for rice, honey, freeze-dried goods, and frozen meats. To make it stick, we test two barcode-friendly inventory apps—Sortly and Out of Milk—that speed up tracking, prevent duplicate buys, and align the pantry with your grocery list. We close with a sober look at threat intel, why multiple sources matter, and how to prepare without spiraling into panic.If you're ready to swap fear-driven buying for a calm, measurable plan, this conversation is your roadmap. Subscribe, share with a friend who's getting started, and leave a review so more people can build resilience without breaking the bank. What's the first item you'll audit today?https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textYour bug-out vehicle might already be parked in your driveway—and that's the point. We open the mailbag to explore how “gray man” thinking applies to cars, why a lifted truck isn't always the smartest exit strategy, and how a humble sedan can be the quiet hero when roads jam and nerves spike. Then we roll up our sleeves and test budget prep gear from Timu, from baseplate compasses and knot cards to tin-can “SOS” kits and mini first aid packs. What works, what fails, and where should you never gamble on quality?We also dig into a listener's question on Faraday bags with a clear, no-jargon test you can do at home to gauge signal blocking for phones, radios, and satellite messengers. Another listener asks how to bring skeptical parents on board without sounding like doomsday prophets. Our answer: start with shared memories of outages, add one extra gallon and two extra cans at a time, and build a pantry of food your family actually eats. Budget staples like ramen and honey take a starring role here—small costs, long shelf life, big morale.A spike in silver prices sparks a grounded look at supply, demand, and hype, and why preppers should diversify value without chasing headlines. The heart of the episode stays practical: use low-cost marketplaces for backups and training, but pay for vetted medical gear when lives are on the line. A tourniquet is not the place to save a few dollars. If you're ready for clear, real-world prepping—smarter routes, better kits, and calm plans that fit your life—this one's for you.If the show helps you think more clearly about preparedness, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so others can find it. What's the one budget item you trust in your kit?Temu - SOS Kit https://tinyurl.com/2s67dhkj              Compass https://tinyurl.com/36zpva8fAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textA calm crowd can turn dangerous in seconds. We dig into the psychology that makes mobs contagious and share practical, step-by-step moves to help you read exits, beat choke points, and get your family out fast when fear surges. Drawing from hard lessons at Hillsborough, the 1979 Cincinnati concert tragedy, and the 2005 London attacks, we connect the dots between design flaws, human behavior, and the small decisions that determine whether you're stuck in the crush or sliding to safety.You'll learn how conformity and panic signals hijack attention, why the center of the flow becomes a vise, and how to use edges, angles, and body positioning to carve space without fighting the tide. We break down a simple 4-count breathing reset to steady your heart rate, plus field-tested tactics for keeping kids close—belt-loop chains over hand-holding, hands free at chest height, and avoiding dropped items that trigger pileups. If someone falls, we walk through the safest posture, how to protect your airway, and when to surge up and move diagonally to daylight. We also share low-tech tools like glow sticks for nighttime reunions and the habit of choosing two exits and a landmark before any concert, game, or market.Along the way, we address recent investigative failures that show how confusion spreads when authorities miss early, obvious steps, and we pivot to solutions you can control: spotting outward-swinging doors, reading crowd density before it compresses, picking parking and paths that give you clean egress, and practicing calm cues your family can follow. Plus, a heads-up on Prepper Camp 2026: new venue, more classes, easier access, and on-site options for every budget.If this guide helps you think a few steps ahead, share it with someone you'd want beside you in a crowd. Subscribe for more practical preparedness, leave a quick review to help others find the show, and tell us: what's your best tip for moving safely when a crowd shifts?https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textThe cameras rolled, the internet listened, and within hours the story shifted. Fresh surveillance clips and doorbell footage lit up social feeds while officials stood behind podiums with thin answers. We walk you through what changed in the last day: how crowd-sourced gait analysis reached a high-confidence match, why bios and pages suddenly disappeared, and where local leadership stumbled with tone and transparency. It's a case study in crisis communication: when the public has tools and time, vague statements don't calm anyone—they invite more digging.From there, we zoom out to the failures that echo across campuses. Virginia Tech's delayed alert. Michigan State's access lapses. Uvalde's broken locks. These aren't one-offs; they're reminders that alerts, doors, and decisions are systems that either work under stress or fail loudly. We compare stated policies to what actually happened on the ground, including the head-scratching refusal to trigger a siren that the university's own website lists for active shooter scenarios. If you've ever wondered why trust collapses during a crisis, this is the anatomy.We don't end at outrage. We channel it into a practical, repeatable plan for students and parents: two exits in every room, alternate routes across campus, fast cover versus concealment choices, a buddy system for late moves, and clear language for 911. We explain how to report faulty locks with time-stamped notes, push for transparent alert criteria, and demand after-action reviews with real timelines. This is preparedness without paranoia—habits that take seconds to practice and can save lives when minutes matter.If this conversation helps you think sharper and move smarter, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a plan, and leave a quick review. Your feedback helps more families find tools that work when the siren stays silent.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textTwo scenes, two continents, the same sick pattern: quiet signals ignored, then a day broken by violence. We take you inside our process for reading those signals sooner and acting smarter when the story starts to spin faster than the facts.We walk through the Brown University shooting and the Bondi Beach attack at a Hanukkah ceremony, not to rehash play-by-play, but to pull out the lessons that actually change outcomes. You'll hear how “he wasn't right lately” and months of warnings from local rabbis fit a well-documented pattern: most attackers leak intent. We talk about what those leaks look like in real life, how to build quick family check-ins that calm the worst kind of phone call, and why pausing five minutes before posting might be the most lifesaving habit you add this year. We also call out the damage of leaked names, press conferences with no substance, and the seductive myth that complicated training is required to do simple harm.From there, we shift into practical preparedness. We break down a lean, realistic IFAK for everyday carry, how to practice tourniquets and pressure dressings under stress, and the simple venue habits—knowing exits, identifying cover, clocking changes in crowd behavior—that keep you and your people safer. For faith communities, we outline layered security that pairs off-duty officers with trained volunteers, and how even small steps like radios and posted medical kits can change the first two minutes. Finally, we talk about the social aftershocks: protests at vigils, rising tensions, and how to protect space for grief without escalating conflict.If you value clear thinking under pressure and common-sense prepping that respects real life, this conversation will sharpen your eyes and your plan. Follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a calm voice right now, and leave a quick review to help others find it. Your support helps this community stay ready, steady, and useful when it counts.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textA deep freeze is rolling across the East Coast and we're using the cold snap as a stress test for practical preparedness. From closing foundation vents and trickling faucets to moving the flock into the garage, we break down the simple moves that keep a small problem from becoming a costly mess. That real-world lens leads straight into value: when silver rockets past your budget, what actually trades when the grid is down and nerves are up?We walk through a no-nonsense barter list built on human needs and speed: coffee for comfort and caffeine, lighters and waterproof matches for instant fire, batteries for light and comms, and mini liquor bottles that double as morale and basic antiseptic. We add feminine hygiene, heirloom seeds that compound into future harvests, contractor bags and paracord for shelter and sanitation, honey packets for wound care and calories, glow sticks for signaling and kid management, journals and pens for records and calm, condoms for prevention and waterproofing, and compact multi-tools that keep small failures from becoming big ones. Along the way, we address the legal risk landscape around prescription medications, why over-the-counter meds belong in every kit, and how to package and store items so they are trade-ready and durable.Then we get to the heart of it: skills beat stuff. If you can revive a generator, patch a roof, tune a small engine, or mend clothing, you don't just barter—you set terms. But leverage without ethics backfires. Fair dealing builds community memory in your favor; gouging gets you iced out when you need help most. If you're staring at a weather map and a rising silver price, consider this your cue to stock small, useful items, sharpen a practical skill, and invest in a reputation that pays dividends when it matters. If this helped your plan, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a quick review—what's your number one barter pick right now?https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textThe storm hits, the lights die, and suddenly every decision you've made about backup power gets tested. We unpack a clear, common‑sense path to choosing the right generator, matching it to your actual loads, and running it safely without wasting money on features you don't need. From quiet inverter units to heavy‑duty portables and whole‑home standby systems, we break down wattage math, surge demands, and the outlet types that matter when you're trying to keep food cold, rooms lit, and your connection online.We dig into fuels with real trade‑offs: why gasoline delivers the highest output, how propane stores cleanly but trims running watts, and when natural gas is a dream for short outages yet risky during long grid failures. You'll hear practical runtime guidelines, simple fuel rotation habits, and honest pros and cons of tri‑fuel and dual‑fuel designs. We also cover the new wave of features—remote start, cold‑weather battery blankets, Bluetooth load monitoring—and explain which ones improve resilience and which are just shiny.Safety sits at the center. Learn how to use transfer switches or interlocks to avoid deadly backfeeding, why 20 feet of distance and airflow are the rule for placement, and how to bring circuits up methodically to protect your gear. We even map the often‑forgotten chain for home internet—ISP power bricks, routers, and mesh nodes—so your Wi‑Fi survives an outage. If you've ever wondered how many watts you really need, which outlets to look for, or whether that 12,500 “peak” spec is fooling you, this walkthrough delivers clarity you can use before the next blackout.If this helped you get outage‑ready without overspending, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a smarter plan, and leave a quick review with your top must‑run items during a power cut.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textWe unpack how to disappear in plain sight with the gray man concept and why “boring on purpose” is a survival advantage. We also talk silver at $60, practical civilian swaps for tactical gear, and smart barter options when precious metals feel out of reach.• price of silver spiking and budget limits• donations update for the Chesterfield Food Bank• gray man defined as blending with the baseline• three memory triggers to avoid: bright, big, shiny• five rules for a gray loadout• civilian swaps for packs, pants, shirts, belts, boots, watches• why tactical looks draw attention and risk• get-home footwear planning in bad weather• barter ideas: alcohol and tobacco as silver alternativesBe sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episodeWhile you're at it, help spread the word by leaving a rating and reviewhttps://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textA quiet getaway can turn into a resilience test the moment the power dies. We open with a quick correction on government terminology and fast-moving security headlines, then step into a vivid scenario: a historic mountain resort, roads blocked by stormfall, heat climbing, and generators keeping only a sliver of services alive. Using the 2012 derecho that knocked out power for days as a real-world case study, we unpack what actually helps when you are three and a half hours from home and the grid goes down.I share how years in law enforcement shaped my approach to situational awareness without sliding into paranoia: scan exits, plan routes, and keep a flexible mind. From there, we get practical. What belongs in a travel-ready go bag beyond the usual flashlight and water? Why a satellite communicator like the Garmin InReach Mini 2 can be a lifeline when cell towers fade and hotel Wi‑Fi dies. How to power your essentials with compact battery banks and a small solar charger, plus the little details that save you—redundant cables, waterproof pouches, and charge rotation so the right device is ready at the right time.We also talk OPSEC and ethics. Helping others connect with family reduces panic, but broadcasting that you have rare comms or extra power can make you a magnet. I walk through low-key ways to retrieve gear from valet-only parking, when to move at dawn or dusk, where to stage, and how staff naturally switch from hospitality to safety mode. The goal is to stay calm, contribute without courting risk, and protect your household while being a good neighbor when comfort thins out.If you're a traveler, prepper, or just someone who wants fewer surprises, this conversation gives you a simple checklist and a better mindset for blackouts, heat waves, and blocked roads. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who loves the mountains, and leave a quick review so more people can find practical, no-drama preparedness.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textWe step back from the online noise to talk about real leadership under stress and why quiet, decisive action saves lives. Five true stories show how triggers, roles, and rally points turn gear into outcomes.• redefining toxic masculinity toward calm service• what a quiet alpha leader looks like at home• Sanibel evacuation choice before the bridge failed• Texas freeze hospitality and neighbor care• Kentucky flood attic rally point and rescue• Colorado chainsaw escape route under wildfire winds• Tennessee lesson on planning versus stockpiling• how to write triggers, roles, and rally points• assigning backups when someone is away• practicing simple evacuation and link-up drillsIf you want to reach out, practical prep podcast at gmail.com or on the Twitters, Common Sense Practical Prepper or Prep underscore PodcastBe sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. While you're at it, help spread the word by leaving a rating and review.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textLooking for real-world preparedness you can actually afford and use? Keith opens the mailbag and tackles the questions many of us are quietly asking: how to meet other preppers without sounding preachy, how to nudge family toward practical readiness, and how to keep your home warm without risky heaters or sky‑high bills. The throughline is simple and powerful—quiet, steady steps beat flashy gear every time.We start with people. Keith shares smart places to connect with like‑minded folks—camping groups, hiking clubs, garden clubs, and local ranges—plus how to use small, helpful prompts to bring friends into the fold. Online spaces can help too, if you filter for signal over noise. From there we turn to winter: sealing drafts, adding weather stripping, and using window film to stop heat loss before you add more heat. Layering tactics, wool blankets, hot water bottles, and safe hand warmers round out a plan that favors prevention over risk.Small-space living gets its own playbook. Learn apartment-friendly storage tactics using vertical bins, closet dead zones, and simple camouflage so your supplies stay out of sight and out of mind. Then build a budget bug out bag from thrift stores and dollar aisles: a neutral backpack, water and treatment, compact calories, first aid basics, a poncho, socks, a multi-tool, and a reliable flashlight. Keith explains why low-key gear can keep you safer than a tactical look that draws attention, and why patience—plus a short checklist—beats impulse buys. Along the way, we highlight a meaningful give-back: November affiliate proceeds support the Chesterfield Food Bank, reinforcing that resilience grows when communities care for each other.If practical, low-profile prepping speaks to you, hit follow, share this episode with someone who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textWe compare prepper and non‑prepper mindsets through science, stories, and practical steps. We show how planning beats hope, how community reduces risk, and why small skills lower stress when systems fail.• defining prepper vs non‑prepper attitudes• amygdala alerts vs normalcy bias• why hope is not a plan• core pillars: water, food, heat, meds, comms, security• skills that matter: first aid, preservation, radio basics• community networks and resource sharing• psychological benefits: control, mindfulness, resilience• starter kit: 72‑hour supplies and rotation habits• risks of over‑isolation and how to avoid it• simple seasonal checklists and drillsThank you to those who purchased from August and Farms through our affiliate link. All of that money is being donated to the local food bank the first week of December. If you want to reach me, practicalprep podcast at gmail.com. I'm also on the Twitters, prep underscore podcast. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode. While you're at it, help spread the word by leaving a rating and review.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textWe react to Virginia's election results, revisit the attorney general's past texts, and explain how inflamed rhetoric can spill into everyday risks. Then we shift to practical steps you can take tonight: water storage, paper maps, and alternate routes across Virginia's traffic chokepoints.• election results in Virginia and why they matter• recap of the controversial texts and public response• concerns about policy shifts and labeling of dissent• government shutdown effects on travel and services• concrete prepping steps: five gallons of water• route planning beyond I-66, I-95, and tunnels• using paper maps, highlights, and practice drives• mindset: stay calm, adapt plans, avoid panicBe sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episodeWhile you're at it, help spread the word by leaving a rating and reviewhttps://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textThe lights go out, the house starts to chill, and the clock begins to tick on your pipes, your food, and your morale. We walk you through a clear, common-sense plan to ride out a winter blackout without panic or pricey gear. From sealing one warm room to picking the safest heat sources, this guide focuses on what works, what's affordable, and what actually keeps your family safe.We start with the hidden hazards: why pipes burst, how long it really takes for a freeze to happen, and how to buy time with insulation, closed vents, and a slow drip. Then we get into human safety. Hypothermia can creep up fast, especially for kids and older adults, so we break down the early signs and the layering system that helps you hold onto heat. Carbon monoxide gets no second chances, so you'll learn how to position a portable propane heater safely, why ventilation matters, and how to place CO detectors to protect sleeping areas.Gear doesn't have to be expensive to be effective. Bubble wrap on windows, thrifted thermal curtains, towel draft stoppers, and shrink-film kits can slash heat loss dramatically. LED headlamps and crank flashlights free your hands for cooking and repairs. We talk food and power management too: moving perishables into coolers with frozen water jugs, keeping fridge doors shut, and cooking simple, high-protein meals without fresh produce. Black bean burgers, minimalist chili, and quick refrieds prove that shelf-stable can still taste great when it's cold outside.We also tackle generator safety and realistic load planning, plus surge protection to guard electronics. And for those worried about EMPs, we separate myth from fact, sharing simple shielding options like ammo cans lined with cardboard or an unplugged microwave for spare radios, batteries, and medical devices. With a 72-hour mindset, a sealed warm room, safe heat, light you can count on, and honest food that fuels, a winter outage becomes manageable.If this helped you feel more prepared for cold-weather outages, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a plan, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textWe break down a practical, low-cost gear list that keeps you mobile, warm, and visible while steering clear of likely store unrest. A 70-hour Moscow gridlock story drives home why a small, smart vehicle kit matters when weather and distance pin you down.• ten useful items under ten dollars for everyday carry and get-home bags• rechargeable headlamps, ponchos, contractor bags and bandanas for shelter and visibility• water purification tablets vs filters and when each fits• five upgrades under twenty dollars including shovel, bivvy and titanium utensils• vehicle kit priorities for 24-hour standstills in storms• avoiding high-risk stores and intersections during outages• safe road behavior at powerless four-way stops• mindset, placement and rotation of budget gearAs a reminder, with the August and Farms affiliate link, all the proceeds from any sales, any commissions that I make through the month of November, all of those commissions will be donated to the Chesterfield County Food BankBe sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episodeWhile you're at it, help spread the word by leaving a rating and reviewDon't go to Walmart tomorrow if you don't have tohttps://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textWe unpack how a SNAP shutdown ripples from checkout lines to farms, factories and flights, and why local action buys time when policy stalls. We pledge all November affiliate proceeds to the Chesterfield Food Bank and share concrete ways to help now.• correction on school food donations versus lunch funding• pledge to donate 100% of November affiliate proceeds to Chesterfield Food Bank• theory on bipartisan votes to reopen the government• impact of halted SNAP: $8B grocery loss and $12–$15B GDP gap• stress on FAA and air traffic delays• private sector responses: waived fees, meal drives, restaurant initiatives• perishable chain effects: milk dumping, egg surplus, chicken capacity limits• commodity pressure on corn, soy and wheat feeding costs• state-level shocks: Texas, Oregon, Nevada numbers• food banks surging and how to support them100% of the proceeds of anything that I get through my affiliate link through August and Farms will go to the Chesterfield County Food Bank, which is about 10 minutes from my househttps://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textWe break down how the federal shutdown halts SNAP on November 1 and what that means for families, grocers, and food banks. We share clear, practical steps to donate, volunteer, and pressure lawmakers while cutting through outrage bait.• scale of SNAP pause and who is affected• $8 billion November shortfall and back pay limits• 300% surge at food banks and depletion timelines• $23 billion retail hit and likely layoffs• Virginia's temporary support and EU contrasts• risks to schools and petty theft projections• ignoring grifters and outrage bait online• practical donations: proteins, staples, cash• how to call Congress and make your voice count• volunteering locally and working with churchesBe sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episodeWhile you're at it, help spread the word by leaving a rating and reviewhttps://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textThe fastest way to lose a bet with chaos is to assume you can “just run to the store.” When the grid fails or unrest spreads, crowds surge toward the same aisles, alarms, and exits. We map the twelve store types most likely to turn dangerous in a prolonged crisis—dollar and convenience stores, liquor shops, pawn shops, small hardware and auto parts, precious metals dealers, electronics and pharmacies, big box retailers, gun shops, and home improvement giants—and show why the smartest strategy is to never stand in those lines.We speak candidly about human behavior under stress: how sugar, stimulants, and status goods get grabbed before true essentials, and why that mismatch fuels mayhem. You'll hear practical insights on barter value versus real utility; why pharmacies and distribution centers become flashpoints; and how injury data from past disasters reveals the hidden cost of looting. From plywood and propane to radios and first aid, we connect the dots between what disappears first and what actually sustains your family when systems stall.Most important, we pivot from risk to readiness. We share a simple, common-sense blueprint for stocking what you eat, rotating supplies, building a lean medical kit, setting up layered power and lighting, and planning comms that work when cell service doesn't. You'll learn how to craft get-home routes, pack a small bag that matters, and make choices early that keep you far from the frenzy. Preparation isn't paranoia—it's quiet freedom. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review to help more people trade panic for a plan.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textA rental truck idles near a federal gate, commands echo across the asphalt, and then the driver jolts into a pattern we've seen before. We walk step by step through the Alameda U-Haul incident and connect it to a longer history of vehicle rammings against secured facilities—from Langley and Little Rock to Quantico and repeated attempts near the White House. The details matter: rental vehicles, symbolic targets, barrier designs, and the small choices that add or subtract seconds when things break bad.We go beyond the headline to study how security evolves after each event. Hydraulic wedges, reinforced bollards, standoff zones, and traffic choke points shape outcomes long before a driver shifts into gear. Just as important is mindset. The internet rush to cry hoax can turn into a deadly habit. Denial stalls your feet when you need them moving. We break down why treating first reports as real, especially when local, is the safer default—and how to verify fast without feeding panic. We also examine the idea of probing: false alarms and misreads that quietly map responder playbooks and condition communities to ignore alerts.You'll hear a clear, sourced timeline of the Alameda event, an overview of relevant case studies, and a practical set of cues that signal intent: sudden reversals at barriers, rental trucks loitering at perimeter lines, and erratic movement inside narrow approach lanes. We explain investigative delays, including psychiatric holds and round accounting, so you can separate process from conspiracy when updates are thin. The goal is simple and serious: build a common-sense approach to personal safety that works under stress.If this conversation sharpens your plan, tap follow, share it with someone who needs the mindset shift, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find it.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textWe examine credible OSINT warnings about a mid-December threat window and translate them into calm, practical steps that reduce risk in everyday places. We share specific tactics attackers use, how responders operate, and the simple habits that boost your odds of getting home safe.• who Sarah Adams is and what OSINT reveals• why a multi‑wave attack model increases chaos• run hide fight applied to multiple shooters• avoiding secondary devices and decoys• why not to livestream during an incident• verifying real police versus impostors• first responder staging and medical priorities• limits of airport security and peak travel risk• practical situational awareness habits• the line between paranoia and preparationBe sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episodeWhile you're at it, help spread the word by leaving a rating and reviewhttps://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textA major AWS outage knocked out payments, flights, and popular apps, exposing how fragile centralized systems can be. We walk through the failure cascade, why silver demand is surging, and a practical checklist to keep life moving when the cloud stalls.• AWS Virginia zone failure and DNS bug• Payment, travel and streaming disruptions• 911 outages from fiber cuts in the Gulf South• Why central choke points keep breaking• Silver supply strain and industrial demand• Coin shop behavior and premiums on rounds• Cash, radios, maps and local backups• Affordable solar power for communications• Three-day cash drills and neighbor planning• Concrete gear list with realistic costsDo me a favor, like this podcast, share this podcast, and please give me a reviewhttps://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textSilver's leap to $53 forces hard choices for preppers on budgets. We weigh the barter power of junk silver against the opportunity cost of food, water, tools, and skills, and share a pragmatic plan to hold, trim, or wait.• price surge from mid-30s to $53 and what changed• why silver beats cash and gold for small trades• junk silver use for stealth and divisibility• industrial demand from solar and EVs driving the rally• forecasts up to $60–$70 and what that implies• when selling a slice makes sense and why shops pay under spot• alternatives to metals including skills and consumables• a cautious path for new buyers and fixed incomes• personal stance to watch, hold, and protect essentialsFolks, if you want to reach me, Practical Prep Podcast at gmail.com on the Twitters, Common Sense Practical Prepper Podcast, or Prep underscore PodcastBe sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episodeWhile you're at it, help spread the word by leaving a rating and reviewhttps://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textWe compare $300 antibiotic kits with DIY, legal alternatives and show how to build a smarter, cheaper medical cache without cutting corners. We share scripts that work with doctors, telehealth options, and the must-have items that beat hype and handle real problems.• true cost comparison of bundled kits versus generics• what kit pricing includes and why it's expensive• barriers to future-use antibiotic prescriptions• how to ask doctors for standby meds ethically• telehealth routes and consult price ranges• building a DIY cache for $100–$150• why to avoid animal “fish” antibiotics• adding chronic meds and 90-day supplies• storage, labeling, and dosing guidance• resources: Jase, Contingency, My GoToDoc, GoodRxBe sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episodeWhile you're at it, help spread the word by leaving a rating and reviewhttps://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textWe walk through how to build a smart medical cache that actually works when supply chains fail, from core antibiotics and antivirals to chronic meds, storage, rotation, and where to buy legally and safely. We share practical shelf-life facts, compare Jase and Contingency options, and explain why vacuum sealing helps and freeze-drying doesn't.• essential antibiotics, uses, and misuse risks• shelf life, SLEP insights, and storage best practice• tablets vs suspensions and why packaging matters• comparison of Jase Medical and Contingency Medical• antivirals, pain control, and chronic med planning• insulin and cooling strategies for continuity• rotation routines, labeling, and inspection cues• vacuum sealing benefits and freeze-drying pitfalls• budgeting, sales timing, and kit personalizationBe sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episodeWhile you're at it, help spread the word by leaving a rating and reviewAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Augason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textWe pivot to a practical Prepper Camp recap—what gear proved itself, what broke in the real world, and why small upgrades unlock big wins. We also answer a listener's question on supplements and dig into off-grid comms with Meshtastic for simple, local resilience.• Jeep-mounted Timber Ridge tent setup and benefits• Cot failure lessons and why field testing matters• Simple, effective supplement stack for energy and gut health• 12-volt fridge performance and power pairing• Swagman Roll versatility and seasonal kit rotation• Wool blanket choices for vehicle safety and warmth• Meshtastic basics, range factors, and practical uses• How we plan to expand testing and map local coverageBe sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episodeWhile you're at it, help spread the word by leaving a rating and reviewAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Augason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount! https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNu Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Alarms are sounding from someone who's been in the room where it happens. We take a hard, clear look at former CIA targeting officer Sarah Adams' recent warnings—from the so‑called “invisible bomb” designed to slip past today's screening to legal immigration pathways that sophisticated networks may exploit—and translate them into practical steps for everyday listeners who want to be ready without living scared.We start by setting the stakes: Adams' track record spans Al‑Qaeda targeting, on‑the‑ground experience during Benghazi, and later advisory roles that honed her eye for systemic gaps. From there, we unpack the core risks she's raising now: potential threats to aviation and crowded public venues, vetting and information‑sharing failures, and the uncomfortable reality that bureaucracy moves slower than adversaries. Rather than catastrophize, we use these insights to build a calm, capable posture: situational awareness grounded in the OODA loop, small but reliable go‑bags and get‑home bags, and an information diet that favors verified alerts over viral fear.You'll hear how to pressure‑test your routine in airports, malls, concerts, and stadiums; what to include in a minimalist kit that serves for terror threats and natural disasters alike; and why local alert systems, police feeds, and primary sources can out‑perform national noise when minutes matter. We also make the case for community readiness—Stop the Bleed training, first aid basics, neighbor networks—and for respectful civic pressure to improve visa screening, detection technology, and intel‑sharing between federal and local agencies. The throughline is simple: vigilance is not paranoia, and preparedness is a form of care for the people you love.If this deep dive helps you think clearer and act smarter, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others find it. Then pick one step—pack a bag, map your exits, or book a class—and tell us what you chose.Augason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuA bug-out truck that actually gets you out, a homestead that runs like a quiet machine, and the honest truth about the daily grind—this one brings the best of Prepper Camp back home. We break down EJ “Skull Crusher” Snyder's hard-won rules for building a bug-out vehicle you can trust under stress: four-wheel drive when roads vanish, 20–30 gallons of secure reserve fuel, a layered loadout for recovery and navigation, and power redundancy that laughs at dead batteries. Seeing his system on wheels turns “gear” into a plan you can copy in a weekend.Then we shift to Rick Austin's off-grid playbook. Think permaculture food forests that look wild but feed you for years, livestock matched to land, rain catchment measured in hundreds of gallons, and waste turned into value. Rick's energy strategy is a masterclass in design: passive solar, thermal mass, and a wood stove nested in brick to hold and release heat without burning cords of wood or chasing kilowatts. Start small with solar—one panel, one battery—and scale with skill to avoid expensive mistakes.Survivor Jane closes the loop with clarity and grit. Homesteading isn't a postcard; it's two hours of chores before coffee and a dozen micro-decisions that keep animals fed, food preserved, and systems humming. The trade is worth it: more control, more security, and a community that swaps hard-won hacks. We also talk shifting mindsets as supply chains wobble and prices surge (yes, even silver), and why small steps—fuel cans, paper maps, rain barrels, canning jars—compound into calm when the world gets loud.If this resonated, follow along for more common-sense prepping, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review so others can find it. Subscribe for future breakdowns and practical gear checks that keep you ready without going broke.Augason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textWe share a ground-level look at Prepper Camp 2025 at Orchard Lake Campground, from a stormy tent setup to smooth power management, standout vendors, and a community vibe that makes learning easy. Along the way we test real gear, explore Saluda, and rethink EDC vs bug‑out priorities.• Orchard Lake Campground setting and logistics• EcoFlow Delta II, Renogy solar, and 12‑volt fridge performance• Food truck choices, timing, and morale• Saluda's small-town pace and why it matters• Bench-side conversation and community takeaways• 2026 reservations, timing, and Tent City changes• Garmin inReach Mini 2 tracking and battery notes• Starlink and campground Wi‑Fi tradeoffs• Teaser: EDC-first mindset from the bug‑out classAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount! https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textLife can change in an instant. That's what hit me as I returned from the supportive community of Prepper Camp to discover news of two devastating mass shootings occurring within just 24 hours—one at a waterfront restaurant in North Carolina and another at a church in Michigan. The jarring contrast between the empowerment I felt among like-minded preparedness enthusiasts and the harsh reality of these tragedies perfectly illustrates why practical prepping matters now more than ever.Throughout this raw and timely episode, I break down the essentials of the "run, hide, fight" protocol we'd previously discussed, emphasizing how critical these simple steps can be when facing an active threat situation. The statistics don't lie—324 mass shootings recorded this year alone according to the Gun Violence Archive. This isn't paranoia; it's pattern recognition. Those who act fastest in crisis situations have the highest survival rates, which is why knowing your exits and having a plan matters wherever you go.I share details about my most valuable purchase from Prepper Camp: a comprehensive individual trauma kit containing tourniquets, pressure dressings, hemostatic gauze, chest seals, and more. At $190, it wasn't cheap, but what's the value of potentially saving a life when first responders are minutes away and bleeding needs to be stopped in seconds? The "Stop the Bleed" class I attended drove home that these tools aren't for show—they're for those "holy crap" moments that can happen anywhere, anytime.What struck me most about Prepper Camp was how little politics entered our conversations. When preparing for disasters, whether natural or man-made, we're all simply humans helping humans. Take action this week by finding a Stop the Bleed class through your local Red Cross. Research trauma kits and tourniquets. Because ultimately, preparedness isn't about fear—it's about empowerment in a world where the unthinkable happens all too often. Stay safe out there, and take care of one another.https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount! https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuWe're heading to Prepper Camp 2025 in Saluda, North Carolina, for a weekend packed with essential survival skills despite forecasted rain. Excitement is building for classes on ham radio, mesh communications, drone usage, blacksmithing, cast iron restoration, and many more critical preparedness topics.• Prepper Camp runs Friday through Sunday with a full schedule of classes each day• Weather forecasts show rain throughout the weekend with hurricane activity turning away from the coast• Most classes are taught once daily, allowing flexibility to catch sessions despite schedule conflicts• Testing new gear including Starlink satellite internet with the roaming package that can be paused when not needed• Bringing a Renergy 400-watt solar blanket to test solar power collection despite expected overcast conditions• Run Hide Fight podcast reached a wide audience with Australia now the second highest country for downloads• First affiliate commission received from Augason Farms using the podcast's discount codePlease share the podcast and leave a review - it really helps the podcast gain traction on different platforms!Augason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textFBI - Run Hide Fighthttps://youtu.be/iPUhhdBXdfkhttps://youtu.be/TeOdxKozra0Your survival might depend on three simple words: Run. Hide. Fight. These aren't just recommendations—they're a framework developed by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security that could save your life during an active shooter situation.With active shooter incidents occurring weekly across America in public spaces—schools, malls, workplaces, concerts—knowing how to respond isn't paranoia; it's practical preparation. The good news? When people act decisively, survival rates climb to 70-80%. This episode breaks down exactly what to do in those critical moments when seconds matter most.We explore each step of the protocol in detail: running as your first and best option (leave everything behind and move with purpose); hiding strategically (not just cowering, but barricading and positioning yourself tactically); and fighting as a last resort (using improvised weapons and absolute commitment). Through personal experiences from my law enforcement background and FBI training scenarios, I share practical insights you won't find in theoretical discussions.Beyond the protocol itself, we tackle the confusing landscape of mass shooting definitions. From the FBI's intent-focused approach to the Gun Violence Archive's victim threshold of four or more people, these varying definitions create vastly different statistics—from 48 incidents to over 300 in the same timeframe. Understanding these distinctions helps cut through media confusion while keeping focus on what matters: your response remains the same regardless of definition.This is the most important episode I've ever recorded. Please watch the FBI training videos linked in the show notes, carry basic trauma supplies like tourniquets, and share this information widely. Taking just minutes to mentally map escape routes or prepare a simple first aid kit isn't living in fear—it's ensuring you have every chance to go home at the end of the day. Because you deserve that chance.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount! https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuWhen disaster strikes, our most vital lifelines—cell phones and internet—are often the first to fail. This reality leaves families isolated and vulnerable precisely when information becomes most critical. From severe weather events to power outages and beyond, having reliable backup communication methods isn't paranoia—it's practical common sense.This comprehensive guide walks you through practical emergency communication options for every budget and scenario. Starting with affordable one-way devices like NOAA weather radios that provide critical alerts for as little as $20, we explore the differences between license-free Family Radio Service (FRS) and the more powerful General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) systems. Learn why a $35 GMRS license might be your best investment for neighborhood-level emergency coordination.For those seeking more robust solutions, we dive into the world of amateur (ham) radio, where operators become critical community assets during disasters. During recent hurricanes, ham radio operators provided the only functioning communication in devastated areas, helping coordinate evacuations and emergency services when all other systems had failed. Discover which entry-level equipment offers the best value and why antenna quality matters more than radio price.We also explore satellite communication devices that work virtually anywhere on earth, emerging mesh network technologies that create device-to-device connections without infrastructure, and crucial operational security considerations to protect yourself during emergencies. Most importantly, learn why regular practice with your devices before disaster strikes could make all the difference when seconds count.Don't wait until you're in the dark to figure out how you'll reach loved ones or receive critical information. Subscribe now, share with family and friends, and take the first step toward communication resilience that could someday save lives.Augason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textEmergency preparedness requires different bags for different scenarios, with each serving a unique purpose in your overall readiness strategy. We break down the essential differences between bug out bags, go bags, and get home bags to help you prepare effectively.• Bug out bags are for extended evacuations (4+ days) when leaving home during major emergencies• Essential bug out bag items include water, food, first aid, shelter, clothing, and important documents• Maintain seasonal clothing appropriate to your location and current weather conditions• Go bags are lighter 72-hour kits designed for rapid evacuation or immediate emergencies• Keep go bags accessible near exits or in your workplace for quick access• Get home bags stay in your vehicle to help you reach safety if transportation fails• Include comfortable walking shoes, maps, and weather-appropriate gear in get home bags• Determine your gear needs first, then buy an appropriately sized bag• Regular maintenance checks are essential for all emergency bags• All bags should include first aid supplies, fire starting kits, and some form of paymentIf you need to reach me, email practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com or find me on Twitter @prep_podcast. Thanks for listening, and until next time, be careful out there and take care of one another.Augason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount! https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuThe power of preparation transforms stressful situations into smooth experiences, especially during international travel. I share observations from Frankfurt Airport that reveal how anticipation, systems, and self-forgiveness create practical preparedness strategies for everyday life.• Witnessing unprepared travelers struggle with baggage weight limits and battery restrictions at check-in• Speaking a few words of German to show respect to local vendors creates positive connections• Airport chaos from people not understanding boarding procedures despite clear announcements• Three keys to preparedness: anticipate what's coming, build systems that work, and give yourself grace• Preparing the night before travel reduces morning stress and potential problems• Creating checklists and routines makes preparation automatic rather than stressful• Learning from mistakes improves future preparation instead of repeating problemsFor questions or comments, reach me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com or on Twitter @prep_podcast. Be sure to subscribe, and help spread the word by leaving a rating and review.Augason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textWhen disaster strikes and communication networks collapse, are you prepared to reach your loved ones? Satellite communication might be the difference between panic and peace of mind during an emergency. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 offers a reliable lifeline when traditional methods fail. This pocket-sized device weighs just 3.5 ounces but provides global coverage through the Iridium satellite network, ensuring there are no blind spots or dead zones. Whether you're stranded 50 miles from home during a hurricane or lost on a remote hiking trail, this device allows you to share your location, send crucial text messages, and even trigger an SOS alert that connects directly to emergency response teams.For approximately $12 monthly (about "a Starbucks and a half"), you get 50 text messages and location tracking capabilities that create digital breadcrumbs family members can follow. The battery impresses with up to 14 days of standby time or 5 days of continuous tracking. While the device's compact size makes button navigation somewhat challenging for those with larger fingers, the companion smartphone app provides a more user-friendly interface for message composition and device setup.What truly sets the inReach apart is its emergency response capabilities. The SOS feature connects you with Garmin's 24/7 response team who coordinate with local search and rescue services to provide assistance anywhere in the world. Preset messages allow quick communication in various scenarios, from simple check-ins to urgent meet-up instructions when disaster strikes.At approximately $350, the investment might seem significant, but can you really put a price on knowing you'll never be truly cut off from help or loved ones? As newer models emerge (including a $2,000 smartwatch with similar capabilities), this reliable communication tool remains an accessible option for practical preppers. Even if it sits unused most days, the peace of mind it provides is invaluable. Be safe out there, take care of one another, and remember: preparation isn't paranoia—it's prudence.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textA chance encounter with the remains of the Berlin Wall unleashed a flood of unexpected emotions during my vacation in Germany. Walking these streets 35 years after my first visit as a young backpacker, when the city was still divided by concrete and barbed wire, brought history vividly back to life in ways I wasn't prepared for.What does it mean when your neighborhood is suddenly cut in half by armed guards, barbed wire, and bricks laid at gunpoint? How do families cope when they're separated with no means of communication? The resilience of Berliners who lived through the wall's construction reminds us how quickly "normal" can vanish and how humans adapt to unimaginable circumstances. Standing at the spot where I once crossed into East Berlin, I couldn't help but reflect on those who attempted escapes—some successful, many tragically not.This experience has me thinking about modern preparedness challenges. While enjoying the vibrant, unified Berlin of today, with its street festivals and overflowing cafés, I've been contemplating what would happen if a serious situation prevented international travel while abroad. Even a minor air traffic control glitch delayed my flight from Newark—what if something more serious occurred? Do you have backup communication methods when traveling? Could you manage if suddenly cut off from home? These aren't just academic questions for preppers; they're practical considerations for anyone who ventures beyond their comfort zone. I encourage you to travel when possible—whether across the world or just to another state—but always with awareness and contingency plans. The lessons of Berlin's wall continue to teach us about human resilience, the fragility of our connections, and the importance of preparation.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a textAugason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount! https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNuFear itself might be our greatest enemy, but a lack of power during emergencies runs a close second. In this practical exploration of solar generator technology, we break down everything you need to know about these increasingly popular portable power stations that are revolutionizing how preppers approach energy independence.Solar generators represent the perfect marriage of sustainability and practicality – capturing free energy from the sun through panels, converting DC to AC power, and storing it in increasingly efficient batteries. Unlike traditional gas generators with their noise, fumes, and constant fuel requirements, these silent workhorses require minimal maintenance while providing clean, reliable power for everything from smartphone charging to running small appliances. We examine how these systems function, comparing industry leaders EcoFlow and BluEddy, while addressing common concerns about customer service and reliability.Understanding capacity is crucial when selecting a solar generator, so we demystify watt-hours and explain how to properly size a system for your specific needs. Whether you're powering a chicken coop (as our host does), creating a home backup system, or seeking off-grid capabilities for a tiny home, today's solar generators offer remarkable versatility with expanding capabilities as technology improves. While weather dependency remains their primary limitation, we discuss practical workarounds and how lithium iron phosphate batteries now offer thousands of cycles with minimal capacity loss. As battery technology continues its rapid evolution and prices steadily decrease, solar generators are becoming an increasingly attractive option for those seeking energy resilience without the hassles of traditional generators.Ready to harness the power of the sun for your emergency preparations? Subscribe to the Common Sense Practical Prepper podcast for more practical solutions for a self-reliant life, and visit our website where you'll find resources, links to recommended products, and our complete archive of practical prepping advice.Augason FarmsSupport the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.