The Siege of New Hampshire

How does an average Joe (or Josephine) prep on a limited budget? Mic, Jeff, and Brian look into ways to find the funds to prep if you're not a movie millionaire. They discuss some tips and explore some of the pitfalls to avoid. Brian and Jeff also confess to some things they had done wrong over the years.   If you are appreciating these topical episodes, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a monthly member at Buy Me A Coffee, Not into memberships? No problem. A one-time coffee buy at Buy Me A Coffee is great too! All support greatly appreciated.    

Susan, Paul, and Charon spend the night following the three bombers along a power line cut that runs north to the city of Claremont, NH. Charon has kept pace with them but does not want to overtake them. His plan is to let them bed down for the day and set up an ambush a bit farther ahead — catch them as they resume their travels in the evening. Susan still has misgivings about what they will do with the bombers when they catch them. Show Mic you are enjoying this story. Right after you read this, go to  Buy Me A Coffee and buy him a cup of virtual coffee. He will really appreciated it. Monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC are getting advanced chapters of Susan's Raid to read. If you'd like to read ahead, become a member too!  

Having some water stored is one of those prepper basics. What options do you have for getting more water when your stored supply runs low? Mic, Brian, and Jeff explore three options. You might power your electric well pump via batteries and an inverter. You could fetch "wild" water from a nearby body of water. You might put a hand pump on your well. Each plan has its pros and cons. If you are appreciating these topical episodes, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a monthly member at Buy Me A Coffee, One-time coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are a great way show Mic you enjoy this podcast content.

Susan, Charon, and Paul arrive at Basin Farms, near Bellows Falls. The fill in the farmer who is a Coalition operative of their plans to ambush the bombers. Sneaking through Bellows Falls by night, they get ready to cross the river but are stopped by the arrival of the bombers and their boss. Susan sees them receive the explosives and their instructions. The younger bombers worry about venturing into "cannibal country." Enjoying this Novelette? Help keep the stories coming by keeping Mic awake and at the keyboard. Right after you read this, go to  Buy Me A Coffee and buy him a cup of virtual coffee. He will really appreciated it. Monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC are getting advanced chapters of Susan's Raid to read. If you'd like to read ahead, become a member too!

Even if you didn't die in any of the other "dooms", (comet impact, zombies, nukes, etc.) you will still not escape Gray Doom. Everyone gets older. Can on older person, who is not capable of running a mile with a fifty-pound backpack or hand-to-hand fighting, still be a prepper? Mic, Brian and Jeff discuss what prepping for being old or how prepping as an older person might be different. If you are enjoying these topical episodes, show your appreciation by buying MIc a coffee at Buy Me A Coffee, or becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a BMAC monthly member.  

Charon figures to dispatch the three would-be thieves but Susan talks him out of it. She thinks they're not hardened criminals but desperately starving. The men tell of being shut out by the state for having offended some low-level officials. Susan hatches a plan to get the men's identity papers restored. Her plan involves some melodramatics, but it seems to work. Show Mic you are enjoying this story. Right after you read this, go to  Buy Me A Coffee and buy him a cup of virtual coffee. He will really appreciated it. Monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC are getting advanced chapters of Susan's Raid to read. If you'd like to read ahead, become a member too!

If international tensions break out into a wider war, it is likely to fought differently than previous wars. What will be the same is that the home front will become a target. Instead of Zeppelins, enemy bombers, V2 missiles, or Cuban paratroopers invading, the assault on the home front will likely be cyber warfare -- software viruses and backdoors to take down civilian infrastructure. How would prepping for CyberDoom be different than an EMP or CME?   If you are appreciating these topical episodes, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a monthly member at Buy Me A Coffee, One-time coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are great too! All support appreciated.    

Susan, Paul and Charon embark on a road trip up to Bellows Falls to meet a Coalition operative. They have one of Paul's cows in the wagon as cover story for their trip. They face the expected challenge of government checkpoints. In the remote backwoods, they face a different danger -- highway bandits who want to steal their cow.   Enjoying the Susan's Raid story? Help keep the stories coming by keeping Mic awake and at the keyboard, by buying him a virtual coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. Monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC are getting advanced chapters of Susan's Raid to read. Become a member. Read ahead!

Many preppers confess that they feel like they are the only ones in their family, or social group who prep. Making matters worse, some preppers are afraid to let anyone know that they prep, for fear of either being ostracized or worse, becoming a target of the (theorized) starving hordes. Mic, Brian, and Jeff discuss the problem and some options. Link discussed in this episode: Meetup.com -- is not specifically a prepper site, but there may be prepper meetups, or prepper-adjacent events in your area. Ready Your Future Exclusive Email Group -- is an email group of preppers around the US and some overseas. $20/year (to discourage trolls) and access to the bi-weekly Zoom meetups. Membership is open only periodically. Get on the wait-list if membership is closed when you get there. If you are enjoying these topical episodes, show your appreciation by buying MIc a coffee at Buy Me A Coffee, or becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a BMAC monthly member.

In an effort to stop the men who plan to hike into New Hampshire and blow up a railroad bridge, Susan, Paul, and Charon visit Doug. This, so Charon can send a coded message back to his handlers in the Coalition. They reply told of an operative at a farm near Bellows Falls. Now, the three have to concoct a plausible reason for them to be traveling all the way up there (10 hours by horse and wagon). There will be several checkpoints. Charon is less than pleased with Susan's solution. Enjoying Susan's Raid? Help keep the stories coming by keeping Mic awake and at the keyboard. Right after you read this, go to  Buy Me A Coffee and buy him a cup of virtual coffee. He will really appreciated it. Monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC are getting advanced chapters of Susan's Raid to read. If you'd like to read ahead, become a member too!

Brian, Mic, and Jeff take another look at AI. This time, not in the fictional (and tyrannical) form of Skynet or Colossus, but as a here-and-now influence in our lives. Will AI replace humans for many jobs? Will AI tend to isolate people from each other? For preppers, is AI a good thing, or a bad thing? Links: CNBC: Bill Gates says humans won't be needed for most things (after AI) CNN Business: Tech experts worry we'll rely on AI too much Psychology Today: How AI could shape our relationships and social interaction The Stepford Wives: Movie Review If you are appreciating these topical episodes, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a monthly member at Buy Me A Coffee, One-time coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are great too! All support appreciated.    

Susan sneaks out of Boyd's Farm in the dark of night. She meets Charon in the woods outside of the little Deerfield airport. They make their way to the plane without being detected. Charon plants his explosive under the wing, but people start coming from the house. He has to cut the fuse very short and run for cover. The plane explodes just as the people arrive. They put out the subsequent fires quickly. There was no detonation of the Feds' explosive cargo. It was not aboard the plane yet. The airport boss tells the pilot and two helpers that they will have to carry the explosive package in on foot and blow up a bridge themselves. BE the person people ask, "And then what happens?" Monthly members at Buy Me A Coffee or Patreon  get to read many chapters ahead. You can be that person-in-the-know. But, if you're okay with suspense, you can still help keep the stories coming by buying a virtual coffee at BMAC 

Mic, Brian, and Jeff discuss the challenges of staying prepared when traveling long distances. They share a few of their travel "horror" stories too. With TSA's restrictions on what can be brought as carry-on, a prepper is more limited in their travel EDC. The guys discuss what they have done to stay as prepped as they can while traveling. Links: Official TSA page: What's allowed and not allowed in baggage. If you are finding value in these topical episodes, consider buying Mic a one-time cup of virtual coffee at Buy Me A Coffee, You can also become a monthly supporter at Buy Me A Coffee, or. a Patron on Patreon.  

Susan, Paul, and Charon set out to a farm near West Dover, VT with a load of manure. That, as cover for them checking out the small plane that the Coalition sent Charon to deal with. En route, they encounter checkpoint guards and a skeptical farmer who had no idea why they were there. Enjoying Susan's Raid? Help keep the stories coming by keeping Mic awake and at the keyboard, by buying him a virtual coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. Monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC are getting advanced chapters of Susan's Raid to read. Become a member. Read ahead!    

The eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano is one of those mega-disasters that some preppers worry about. Mic, Brian, and Jeff discuss two movies, one with the irresistable title of Volcanic Doom. The second is Supervolcano. The latter actually being about the catastrophic eruption of the Yellowstone volcano. They use those movies as jumping off points to discuss some of the realities of a huge volcanic eruption.  Links: Movie: Volcanic Doom — Free YouTube version. (original title: Magma: Volcanic Disaster (2006) Movie: Supervolcano (2005) BBC/Discovery faux-documentary about the Yellowstone volcano erupting catastrophically. Movie review: Crack in the World (1965) — a similar global crisis as in Volcanic Doom, with a similar solution. (Nukes) Article about 1816: The Year Without a Summer. USGS Page about predicted Yellowstone ash fallout. If you are enjoying these "doom" episodes, show your appreciation by buying MIc a coffee at Buy Me A Coffee, or becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a BMAC monthly member.

Charon's presence is almost discovered by a surprise inspection of area homes following reports of strange sounds over the village of Marlboro. Charon is hidden just in time and inspectors search for clues. After they leave, Charon outlines his mission -- to find and neutralize the small plane that has been hindering Coalition efforts in the backcountry of upstate New York.   Enjoying Susan's Raid? Help keep the stories coming by buying a virtual coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. Monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC are getting advanced chapters of Susan's Raid to read. Become a member. Read ahead!

In a grid-down situation, people will turn to alternate means to cook, for lighting, and to heat their homes. These alternates often involve fire — propane stoves, candles, propane heaters. These pose a higher risk of starting a fire in your home. And, at a time when the fire department probably isn't coming. What can you do? Mic's special guest for this episode is Brian Duff, a prepper and former fire fighter. He, Mic and Jeff discuss grid-down fire dangers. Links: Brian Duff's Mind4Survival.com website. Brian's Book Mind 4 Survival on Amazon. If you are appreciating these topical episodes, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a monthly member at Buy Me A Coffee, You can also buy Mic a one-time coffee at Buy Me A Coffee too. All support appreciated.

Susan and Paul prepare a night landing spot for the Coalition operative. He arrives in a not-quite-dignified landing. It's Charon. They gather up his paraglider gear and return to Paul's house. While Charon urges them to destroy the glider gear so it can't be discovered, Susan feels the gear is too valuable as a resource. She and Paul must figure out ways to hide the gear.   Enjoying Susan's Raid? Show your support by buying a virtual coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. Monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC are getting advanced chapters of Susan's Raid to read. Become a member. Read ahead!

As a nod to winter, Mic, Jeff, and Brian, all watched the 2018 movie, Arctic, starring Mads Mikkelsen. He is the pilot of an airplane that crash-landed somewhere in the arctic. His survival skills have kept him alive for several weeks. When a rescue helicopter arrives, it too crashes due to storm gusts. Only the copilot — a young woman — survived, though gravely injured. He then tries to get her to medical care. The boys key off of this movie to discuss winter preparedness in general. Links: Movie, Arctic — (YouTube free version. What little is said, is dubbed in Portuguese) IMDb Page for Arctic -- Writer, Director, star list. Reviews. WinterReady tips from Ready.gov f you are appreciating these topical episodes, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a monthly member at Buy Me A Coffee, You can also buy Mic a one-time coffee at Buy Me A Coffee too. All support appreciated.

The story opens with Susan and Paul carrying food and water to some livestock hidden in a high woods. They are circumventing a new law that limits how much livestock people can own. Susan tells of discovering that the mysterious regular white van is carrying gasoline. She deduces that the gas is for an equally mysterious airplane the Feds are operating nearby. Back at home, they are visited by a Food Equity Inspector, eager to ensure that no one has more (or better) food than everyone else.  Later, Paul mentions that the Coalition is sending someone to deal with the airplane. You can show your appreciation for these ongoing stories in the Siege universe, by buying a virtual coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. Monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC are getting advanced chapters of Susan's Raid to read. Become a member. Read ahead!  

Mic, Brian, and Jeff discuss the 2014 movie Aftermath: an independent production about a group of average folks who gather in a north Texas farmhouse cellar to try to survive the radioactive fallout from a nuclear war. This is another of those Everybody Dies movies. The boys comment on what the writer did well for conveying prepper knowledge, and where he missed the boat. The biggest boat he missed was assuming that fallout stayed at toxic levels for over a month. Links: The Movie: Aftermath (2014) Free on YouTube The FEMA PrepTalk about the reality of fallout and how to protect yourself.   If you are enjoying these topical episodes with Mic, Jeff, and Brian,, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a monthly member at Buy Me A Coffee, Cups of virtual coffee at Buy Me A Coffee

The final installment in the backstory of Harold Perkins -- the man who had the steel casting expertise to fix that broken locomotive. In this chapter, Red has dropped them off at the woods along the border. They have to travel by night, without lights that passing drones might see. Then, hope that they've stayed on course to meet the people who think they're trading engine parts for a sack of corn.   If you are entertained by these novelettes, you can show your appreciation by buying a virtual coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. Monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC are getting the chapters of the second novelette -- Susan's Raid.  

So much Doom! With inauguration just a short while away, the boys review some of the doom we've been told will befall us all. In a more realistic vein, the threat of terrorists remains, regardless of who sits in the White House. We're told that hacker-terrorists have infiltrated many infrastructure systems. If they strike and take down infrastructure, what is a prepper to do about that? And then, there are winter storms that can take down the grid too, albeit less catastrophically than terrorists, but with greater certainty. Links: Mr. Heater "Buddy" portable propane heater — emergency indoor* heat source. * With sufficient fresh air available. Best used with carbon monoxide detector. News story: Chinese Hackers in Infrastructure -- Jake Sullivan of Biden White House warns Americans of depth and breadth of CCP hacker infiltration.   If you are appreciating these topical episodes, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a monthly member at Buy Me A Coffee, You can also buy Mic a one-time coffee at Buy Me A Coffee too. All support appreciated.

The moment has come. Harold and his family must sneak out of their guarded townhouse and into the secret compartment in James Reddimer's truck. Red manages to involve a guard in restarting the truck as a way of proving his truck was empty. Harold worries about many things as they seem to be traveling no place in particular. The travel authorization provided by Dorn gets them through a checkpoint. Beyond that lie a mile of woods an the New Hampshire border. If you are entertained by these novelettes, you can show your appreciation by buying a virtual coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. Monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC are getting the chapters of the second novelette -- Susan's Raid.    

Mic, Jeff, and Brian all watched the movie Homestead over Christmas week. This is independent Angel Studios' screenplay based on the book series Black Autumn. Originally planned as a series, the first two episodes became a movie. More episodes to follow, says Angel Studios. The boys look at prepper lessons to be learned from the film and touch upon some of the thorny issues a well-equipped prepper is likely to face. While the boys can't help but do a few spoilers, the story goes on in later episodes, so there's not ending (yet) to give away. Links: Black Autumn Book Series on Amazon. Angel Studios' website. Homestead movie trailer Ready Your Future exclusive email group. (membership is closed at the moment, but you can add your name to the waiting list.   If you are appreciating these prepper fiction episodes, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a monthly member at Buy Me A Coffee.

Casting Dorn's part cannot be put off any longer. Red has a one-shot plan to rescue Harold and his family. While it means escaping to "lawless" New Hampshire, it is better than certain death. Their conversation over the details is masked by the roar of the furnace. Red plans to sneak them out that evening. Dorn, however, orders them to be ready to leave in a half an hour. If you are entertained by these novelettes, you can show your appreciation by buying a virtual coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. Monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC are getting the chapters of the second novelette -- Susan's Raid.

With renewed concerns of possible nuclear exchanges (Ukraine/Russia, Iran/Israel) Mic, Brian, and Jeff explore some of the reality behind nuclear blasts and more importantly, fallout. These were fairly topical among Americans during the Cold War, but with the fall of the Soviet Union, nuclear realities have slipped out of the mainstream American consciousness. The catalyst for this episode was a book by journalist Annie Jacobsen, that highlighted how precarious things still are. Below are links to items mentioned in this episode. Links: Annie Jacobsen's book: Nuclear War, A Scenario -- (amazon link) Not promoting her book so much as providing a link if you're interested. A Long-Form Interview with Joe Rogen A print article in the publication Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists The 1983 Made for TV move The Day After (free on YouTube), cited by Jacobsen as influential in amrs talks in the 80s. FEMA PrepTalks about nuclear preparedness and after effects (You Tube) Show your support for the Siege podcasts by buying Mic a virtual cup of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee   If you are appreciating these topical episodes, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a monthly member at Buy Me A Coffee,

While assessing their dismal prospects, (their work is doomed to fail) Harold discovers that a secret resistance organization has a couple of operatives working around the foundry. He recalls a neighbor of his down in Canton Boston telling him about the secret society. Harold confronts one of the operatives to request help. The operative makes no promises but says they will need time. Dorn, however, wants the project to commence the next day. If you've found these stories entertaining, consider buying Mic a virtual coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. Monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC are getting the chapters of the second novelette -- Susan's Raid.  

Mic, Brian, and Jeff discuss how the holidays can be significant for preppers. Part of it is having to maintain one's situational awareness when out in crowded public places. Ne'erdowells seek out crowded places to cause trouble. A more positive holiday feature are the deep discounts. A good time for the shrewd prepper to save on preps. Links: Hot Holiday Offershttps://hotholidayoffers.com/CamelCamelCamelhttps://camelcamelcamel.com/   Show your support for the Siege podcasts by buying Mic a virtual cup of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee Better yet, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a monthly member at Buy Me A Coffee,

Harold and Mario share a lunch of Canton rations (cold mush). They want to discuss their predicament, but are aware that the foundry's office is bugged. Fry, one of the laborers assigned to the project, shares the news that they are to cast a second aluminum blade base. The first crew's casting failed. The rumor is that the first crew were taken out to sea and shot for their failure. You can show your support for the continuation of the stories by buying a virtual coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. Monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC are getting the chapters of the second novelette -- Susan's Raid.

Mic, Brian and Jeff have a roundtable discussion keying off of Todd Sepulveda's November 10th podcast. Todd talked about some people who were prepping for post-election chaos seem to have just stopped prepping since chaos didn't happen. Was that a reasonable response? Because Trump won, will things be safe, secure, and problem free -- at least for the next four years?  The guys weigh in with their two cents (sometimes more). Links to items discussed in this podcast: >> Blog post by Paul T. Martin. (Nov.6) "Many Preppers Are About To Make A Huge Mistake. Don't Be Them" >> Todd Sepulveda's Nov. 10 Podcast discussing Martin's article Available Now!  Book 6: The Summer of Wood & Iron is now available on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback form.

Harold Perkins arrives at a small abandoned foundry well outside of the protective bounds of Canton Boston. He, and another man, have been ordered to cast a new aluminum base for a wind turbine blade. The overseer of this project, a Mr. Dorn, is sternly adamant that failure is not an option. Dorn gets angry when Harold says the small foundry does not have everything they need for Dorn's project.   Thank you to all of you who supported me and encouraged me in the creation and completion of Book 6. Work is underway to get the material processed through Amazon for the Kindle, paperback, and Audible versions. As the story continues through four novelettes, do show your support by buying me a cup of virtual coffee on Buy Me A Coffee. Even better, would be joining the other monthly supporters on Patreon and BMAC. Those members are getting the chapters of the second novelette -- Susan's Raid.  

Mic, Brian, and Jeff look at the Federal Emergency Management Agency in light of the recent hurricanes and aftermath. Did FEMA deserve the bad press it got? Is FEMA actually supposed to rescue people? Mic looks at the old Civil Defense model (pre-FEMA). Brian looks at the current Swedish version of Civil Defense -- which is strong on DIY. Below are links to things discussed in this episode. FEMA website: Ready.gov website James O'Keefe interview with FEMA whistleblower --- Bert the Turtle, Duck and Cover, video: Target You, Civil Defense preparedness film (1950) --- Sweden's Civil Defense program: 19-page Swedish Preparedness PDF (in English):   Show your support for the Siege podcasts by buying Mic a virtual cup of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee Better yet, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a monthly member at Buy Me A Coffee,

Martin and his crew assemble the Ferals for the hike into Manchester. They are blocked by the stocky man and his men who insist on taking some of the Ferals as their own personal slave labor. Stocky's plan is derailed by the Overseer of the Grange. After all of that, the long march into the city begins. Once in the city, the Ferals find opportunities for work and housing. Martin is finally free to return home without the distractions he had endured all summer. This is the final chapter of Book 6: The Summer of Wood and Iron   Thank you to all of you who supported me and encouraged me in the creation and completion of this project. I have appreciated the feedback, the coffees on Buy Me A Coffee, and the regular support on Patreon and BMAC. What's Next? In his outro, Mic discusses his plans for the podcast going forward. Check it out!  

This week, Jeff, Brian and Mic will be discussing a 15-minute intro video by a scientist named Lewis Dartnell, who tries to sort out what humanity would have to know to rebuild civilization after an apocalypse.  Of course, you can't describe everything you'd need to do to rebuild our current civilization in just a short video. Some things he touches on are sound. Some things superfluous. The boys put in their two-cents as to what someone would need to know for post-apocalyptic knowledge. The Link to the Video:   If you want to view the video before the guys discuss it, here is the YouTube link. Humanity After An Apocalypse.   As we near the conclusion of Book 6, let Mic that you you want to hear more of the Siege story by buying virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee Monthly members will be getting previews of what's next. Become a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee,

Martin and Margaret try to manage the sudden horde of Ferals that have settled around the Simmons house. While a solution is found, they put many of the Ferals to work in exchange for a meal of pine fries. A big project to keep most of them busy is digging out an area for a pond along the little stream on the Simmons' property. The work is interrupted by two men who wish to arrest one of the Feral women whom they accuse of stealing a chicken. As we near the conclusion of Book 6, you can show Mic that you've enjoyed the story by buying virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee Monthly members will be getting previews of what's next. Become a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Link for Next Friday Next week, Jeff, Brian and Mic will be discussing a 15-minute intro video by a scientist who tries to sort out what humanity would have to know to rebuild civilization after an apocalypse. If you want to view the video before the guys discuss it, here is the YouTube link. Humanity After An Apocalypse.  

In this episode, Mic, Brian, and Jeff discuss the post-apocalyptic film of 1970, No Blade Of Grass. It is called by some as the British version of the American film Panic In Year Zero. But the story is not about living in the woods, post-SHTF, but looks only at the journey from the big city to their Bug Out Location in the country. The boys try to look past the awkward artsy-ness of the director to discuss the story's events from a prepper's perspective. Links for this Episode: The book that the film is based upon: The Death of Grass (1956) Read online (free) at archive.org The movie No Blade of Grass at Amazon Prime (rental) Description of the movie No Blade of Grass on ClassicScifi.blogspot.com Description of No Blade of Grass on Wikipedia --- With "frost on the pumpkin', virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are especially welcome. Your support helps me keep the Siege story going. Consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, 

Harold and his family arrive in Manchester. The casting process process begins for making a new cylinder head for the ailing locomotive. While they work, Harold shares some of what life was like in the detention camp and some of the mysterious goings on. Once the work was completed, Martin returns home to find a difficult surprise.   You can help keep the Siege stories going. Become a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, one-time virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always appreciated. --    

A counterpoint to the dark Mad Max vision, are stories of people rebuilding after an SHTF event. Mic dips into his old-movies archives to discuss Swiss Family Robinson (1960). Mic, Jeff, and Brian then look at Kevin Costner's The Postman (1997) as a tale of SHTF survivors who grasp at hope that "America" is coming back and begin to assert control over their own lives and defy the local warlord.   Links from films discussed in this podcast Swiss Family Robinson -- The imdb.org listing, cast, reviews, etc. Swiss Family Robinson -- Rent from Amazon, or available on Disney+ The Postman -- The imdb.org listing, cast, reviews, etc. The Postman -- Rent the movie on Amazon if you have Prime   Enjoying these episodes?   Consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee,  Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome.  

Martin was busy tending to his unexpected guests when an urgent radio call came in. The railroad project needed the welding repair done immediately. Martin tried to tell Charles to get his welder up to Manchester and do the welding as he had promised, but the Hendrick brothers had gone to the coast and would not return until Friday. The welder was still at the Hendricks' farm but how could he get it up to Manchester without the truck?   Your support helps me keep the Siege story going. Consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome, especially as the mornings are getting darker and cooler.  

Mic, Brian and Jeff discuss one of the iconic tropes in prepperdom -- the world gone "Mad Max". Formed mostly on the basis of the first two Mad Max movies (and there have been sequels afterward), the chaotic, desolate, and violent world of Mad Max serves as a sort of worst-case archetype for a post-SHTF world.  But, how likely is the world to Mad Max? Can one prep for that? Why aren't there roving gangs of good guys? Join us for the discussion and feel free to share your thoughts too. Links to films referred to in this episode Things To Come (1936) Movie adaptation of H.G.Wells' novel. A world war destroys civilization, sending mankind back to the stone age. Synopsis Captive Women (1951) Movie about post-SHTF barbarism. Synopsis World Without End (1956) Another movie about post-SHTF barbarism, but with astronauts! Synopsis. Mad Max: (first film: 1979) -- Wikipedia synopsis. Watch it free at archive.org. Mad Max 2 (1981) -- Synopsis on imdb.org  Rent at Amazon Prime, YouTube subscription, etc.

Early one morning, the motion alarm that Martin installed in his bean field, goes off. He rushes out to find a mysterious silhouette at the edge. He chases and tackles the person. She turns out to be a member of a group of Feral women who had been hiding in the woods across the road.  Margaret coaxes them into cooperating and relocating to behind the Simmons' house so that they would be safe from the disgruntled townsfolk who are hunting them. The Simmons' do not have enough food for eight new mouths. What can they do? To show Mic that you are enjoying the Siege story, please consider buying Mic a cup of virtual cup of coffee (or two?) at Buy Me A Coffee . To become one of the really cool kids (that all the others envy,) consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee,

The US Government's EMP Commission's report stated that at E.M.P. attack could take out the nation's power grid for over a year. After a year without the grid, said the report, that 60% to 90% of Americans would be dead. None of us can prevent an EMP, a CME, or a terrorist hack, but there are steps we can take to help be in the surviving 10%. Mic, Brian, and Jeff discuss grid-down media and an EMP movie. Links to material the boys discussed: Grid-Down / Power-Up (2021 documentary starring Dennis Quaid) Ted Koppel interview discussing his grid-down book: Lights Out (2015) Ted Koppel's book, Lights Out, on Amazon (2015) Movie, E.M.P. 333 Days (2018) free on Tubi, for rent for $2 on YouTube, Google Play, Amazon Prime.

Martin resumes his chores around the house and checks out Dustin's rabbit snares at the back bean field. He takes a break to help Andy move out to Mara's camp. Andy is thrilled to be rooming with his soul mate. Martin gets back home in time to attend a contentious Grange meeting. Members complain about the Ferals stealing food and spreading disease. A mood of vigilanteism sweeps the meeting.   To check out Mic's post about the recent bobcat attack on his chickens, check out his Buy Me A Coffee page or his Patreon page.  

Mic gives an audio tour around the homestead as things stand at mid-summer.-- the quiet, elderberries that were only mostly-dead, what seems like slow fruiting, the chickens and the sad tale of dropping a tree on top of his low garden. Doh. All that, and news that target shooting is, apparently, a popular spectator sport for chickens. Who knew?   To see photos that go along with this audio tour, visit my Buy Me A Coffee page and click on Posts. If you prefer Patreon, go to my Patreon page and it should be the top post. Both are available to everyone.   If you're enjoying these between-the-chapters episodes or the chapters themselves, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome.  

The train leaves Laconia, making its way down through Tilton and Concord, on its way to Manchester. When they arrive, everyone aboard is surprised to see very little ready for them. The city is oddly open-looking. All the trees are gone. lMartin returns home to an enthusiastic welcome, but the chores he frets over were still not done.   Your support helps me keep the Siege story going. Consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome.

Is it better to prep by trying to be an off-grid homesteader, or a basement stasher of a year's worth of all your consumables? Mic, Jeff, and Brian discuss these two poles of the spectrum of prepping.  Brian goes into a couple of rants about the cons of homesteading. He is also frank about some challenges to the basement stasher. Feel free to email Mic with your two-cents on the issues we discussed. mic (at) mic-roland (dot) com If you're enjoying these between-the-chapters episodes or the chapters themselves, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome.  

Martin is tasked with riding on the front of Engine #6 to inspect the rails as the train leaves Plymouth. He sees two people running on the tracks toward the train. They jump into the brush beside the rails. More people come running down the tracks and jump off at the same place. Shots ring out. Martin signals for the train to stop just before it reaches a small bridge. What he discovers under that bridge was completely unexpected. Please consider showing your support for the Siege stories by becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome. Oh sure, it's a hot summer, but coffee is always appreciated.    

Mic, Brian, and Jeff all watched what might be the first realistic SHTF-Bug-Out movie: Panic In Year Zero (1962). While it is, of course, Hollywood fiction, many of the scenes are directly applicable to today. If you needed supplies, would you steal to get them? If you were confronted by someone you meant you harm, should you 'terminate' them right then? Our three movie-watchers discuss many of the scenes that raise relevant questions for today. Panic in Year Zero Movie: (YouTube Link) Shown in 10 parts. Link is to Part 1. The subsequent parts usually follow automatically, but take note that the new part has the next part number. They don't always follow correctly. But hey, it's free. :-) Give it a try. See for yourself what we were jabbering about. --- If you're enjoying these between-the-chapters episodes or the chapters themselves, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome.  

As the Train rolls into Plymouth, the gunfire begins. Matt and his men are carrying out their plan, but those plans meet their first wrinkle. The Greens have damaged the tracks. The train can't roll through town as a distraction. It is stuck in the middle of town. The men on the train have to take defensive action. Martin catches a pair of Greens attempting to hijack the train and run it off the broken rails. Show your support for the Siege stories. Become a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, one-time virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome. --

What would bugging out to the woods really be like? Mic lays out five historical examples of people surviving in the woods for years. > Nicholas Cresswell, 1770s traveling through the American frontier. > The Lykov family, 1936-78, 42 years in Siberian wilderness. > Max, 1941-43, A young Jewish boy hiding in a Polish forest from Nazis for 2 years. > Christopher Knight, 1986-2013, 27 years in the woods of Maine. > Thomas Johnson, 1989-99, living secretly underground for ten years. If you're enjoying these between-the-chapters episodes or the chapters themselves, consider becoming a Patron on Patreon, or a member at Buy Me A Coffee, Of course, virtual cups of coffee at Buy Me A Coffee are always welcome.