Today is all about products that are awesome for survivalists and preppers.  I will describe the good and the bad of the products, but I think all of them are great.  It is a much different show than I think I have EVER done.  We get to look at over 9 different survival related gadgets that will make your head swim.

Housekeeping:

* Forum: theprepperpodcast.com/forum, topsurvivalforum.com

* first 50 ACTIVE members will be added to the “Founding Fifty”

* the members get a private board on the forum

* and voting rights in the future

* Members are already rolling in, so to secure your spot in the “founding fifty” join today.

* Lots of people are getting active, asking awesome questions, and giving even better answers.  I am really enjoying being involved in this community already!

* Exciting Announcement.  If you want to know about some awesome items that you can use for your first aid kits, many that you already have, and what you don’t have is inexpensive.  I think I will probably limit it to about 50 people.

News in Two Minutes Segment

* Look Alike Weapon Safety Bill

* http://benswann.com/senator-boxer-proposes-look-alike-weapons-safety-bill-to-curb-future-police-shootings/

* Soldiers and Families Push Back against Army Drawdown at Town Halls

* http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/01/22/soldiers-families-push-back-against-army-drawdown-at-town-hall.html

* Government Knows Disasters Are Coming

* http://beforeitsnews.com/survival/2015/01/govt-knows-disasters-are-coming-are-you-prepared-2556246.html

Topic: Awesome Prepper Products to Prepare you Properly in your Post Apocalyptic Prowess

Wanted to add more items to the list, but I wanted to discuss items that would be awesome products for the survivalist that will not break the bank.

The Friendly Swede Adjustable Premium Paracord Bracelet with Fire Starter and Sharp Eye Knife

http://survivalgeartools.com/product/the-friendly-swede-adjustable-premium-paracord-bracelet-with-fire-starter-and-sharp-eye-knife/

A 3-in-1 survival kit:

* Paracord Bracelet

* 17.5 ft (5.3 m) of 500lb paracord

* Important thing in this is that it is ONE SOLID piece of paracord

* The bracelet is also adjustable from 7-9” Wrists

* Flint and steel firestarter

* The toggle is flint

* The loop is steel

* A knife

* The loop has an almost razor knife attached to it

* Not a survival knife, or even a good pocket knife, but can cut rope if you found yourself tied up

Lifetime warranty

It is double strung, so it is really big.

* About the size of a small belt in width

* Not for small people, unless you like bulky bracelets

Today we discuss paracord, the benefits of paracord, the millions of uses of paracord, a few dumb uses of it, and ways to carry it. Before the main topic, I have a product review of Timberland Earthkeepers Boots and A call-in question about different methods of food storage.

Housekeeping

1. If you think that you have everything that you need, you would be wrong!

a. Check out the Survival Gear Tools Store.

b. As of this recording; well over 400 products.

    i. bandages to batteries.

   ii. knives to navigation.

   iii. health to hats.

   iv. and everything in between.

2. Forum: theprepperpodcast.com/forum, topsurvivalforum.com

a. first 50 ACTIVE members will be added to the “Founding Fifty”

    i. the members get a private board on the forum

    ii. and voting rights in the future

b. Members are already rolling in, so to secure your spot in the “founding fifty” join today.3. Exciting Announcement. I am going to have a free webinar available very soon that you can sign up for. I think I will probably limit it to about 50 people.

News in Two Minutes Segment

* venezuelans store

* http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2015-01-09/venezuelans-throng-grocery-stores-on-military-protection-order.html?utm_source=Fortress+Management+Group+News&utm_campaign=8addb09ace-Military+Protection+of+Grocery+Stores%21%21&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_93fe75416c-8addb09ace-95891353

* Red Cross Fire

* http://www.redcross.org/news/press-release/Red-Cross-Campaign-to-Reduce-Home-Fire-Deaths-and-Injuries-in-US

* From the CleverSurvivalist.com Facebook page:

* https://potentnews.com/2014/12/19/pre-crime-software-can-tell-police-who-will-commit-a-crime-based-in-part-on-social-media-posts/

Product Review

Timberland Men’s Earthkeepers 6” Lace-Up Boot

I own the “burnished brown” color.

Seller’s Information

Description:

When a leather boot looks this good, it’s hard to resist. Our flagship Earthkeepers® men’s boots are back and better than ever this season, made with recycled/sustainably sourced materials. We haven’t sacrificed quality or rugged good looks to make these boots eco-conscious, either – their classic style and durable performance will speak for itself over seasons of wear.

Details

● Premium full-grain leather from a tannery rated Silver by the Leather Working Group for its improved water, energy and waste management practices

● 100% recycled PET lining made from recycled plastic bottles is comfortable, breathable and eco-conscious

● 100% organic cotton laces

● Removable anti-fatigue footbed provides all-day comfort and support

● Durable Green RubberTM lug outsole made from 42% recycled rubber provides durability and maximum traction on any surface

● Imported

● Water resistant

My Take:

Caution: my experience was not the same as some other reviews.

“Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal – a commitment to excellence — that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”

~ Mario Andretti

 

SMART Survival Goals

* Specific

* Don’t be vague. Know exactly what you want.

* Don’t say I want more  energy independence. Say, “I want to get 400Watts of Solar Panels and 4 100AH GC2 batteries.”

* Measurable

* You need to be able to measure your results.

* There must be some way to see if you have succeeded.

* For the panels and batteries, it is pretty easy to measure, but you can make it easier to measure if you give yourself specific dollar goals to afford it as well

* In my business, I need to keep up with the arithmetic of visits, listens, and dollars generated. I use statistic software for this.

* Attainable

* Be honest with yourself. Can you actually achieve this goal?

* I could choose something like being FULLY prepared for 5 years, but that isn’t real

* I need to get more attainable in my preps, like getting 2 months worth of food accomplished.

* Saying I want to make a living solely on my business is a little too aggressive for where I am

* I need to make a smaller goal financially

* Relevant

* Does the goal make sense? Will it actually help me achieve what I am trying to do in my field or personality?

* I will not try to be a video game developer, because that is not relevant to my podcast, business, or prepping.

* Time-Bound

* Have some kind of deadline

* Break it down into actionable goals and steps over time

* I want to be 3 months prepared in my food…but by when?

* In a month, six months, 3 years?

* If you get 67% there, it probably isn’t a total failure

* Now you are 2 months prepped with food!

How to achieve your goals

 

 

 

* Break Big Goals into smaller ones

* Smaller goals are easier to achieve and to actually envision

* so maybe instead of getting 3 months of preparedness in 6 months time,

* work on 2 weeks of food preps each month

* Focus on goals every day

* If I don’t keep reminders to tell me to do something daily, then I may forget

* 3 months of preps can be broken down into 1-2 meals each day

* I can keep a sticky on my monitor to keep me at $40 dollars in product sales per day, so I know to work on THAT first.

* Schedule Regular time to work towards goals

* Reminders don’t work unless you schedule time to work on it

* 15 mins a day is two hours a week, and nearly 90 a year

* Use a calendar to schedule days to work on stuff

* Use a kitchen timer to dedicate the time. Set it and FOCUS until it goes off.

* Remove Distractions

* My big problem is distractions. I get very distracted at times.

* Some are important distractions, yet others are not.

* If you can’t remove the distraction, then move yourself away from it. If it is an email or something, just defer it to another time.

* Get help and support

* This is serious, you need accountability.

* You may need a teacher to help you with actions (of which I can do in survival)

* You may need someone that is willing to just follow up with you (which I can do as well)

* Review your progress and adjust

* Frequently check your progress

* Because your goals are measurable, this should be easy.

I give a reading of the biblical account in the book of Luke of the origins of the Christmas Story. I tell the real story of Saint Nicholas.  I give more Christmas history.

Housekeeping:

* Less than a week before christmas.  If you don’t know what to get the prepper in your life, how about knowledge.  I decided to give a discount.  I have multiple training seminars and you can get 15% off of them between now and December 24th.

* theprepperpodcast.com/shop or survivalgeartools.com

* Military, Police, Paramedics, Firefighters, Peace Corps email me for a larger discount

* Lot’s of changes at the shop, stop by and see how busy I have been.

No News Segment

No Product Review

Topic of Discussion:

*

Importance of Christmas

*

Christmas is an extremely important time for me

* Everyone tends to have good will towards others

* This is time of year everyone gives to others

* Doesn’t matter what religion you follow, there is a holiday during this time of year

*

It is an excuse to be happy, and be with your family

*

It is an excuse to shut everything down

* This is why next week Friday, December 26, 2014

* I will either not do a show at all, or

* I will have another throwback episode

* This allows me to give you content you haven’t

* Heard before

* Heard in a while

* Depends on how long you have been listening

* This also allows me  to stop working so hard through the holidays

* So I can spend time with my family

* So I can work on some interesting jobs or items I have in the background

*

It is an excuse to stuff yourself

* Diet all year, but

* During thanksgiving and Christmas, give yourselves an excuse to eat yourself into misery

*

It is an excuse to quiet down

* Contemplate the personal, emotional, physical, and religious ideals that make this time great

* Spend time to think about what is important to you

* Are you happy or joyful with who you are and where you are in life?

* If you were to pass on right now, would you be happy with your dash? (explain)

*

Look around

* Watch the good will others are giving to each other

* Listen for awesome stories about people giving to the less fortunate

*

The holiday season may be a wonderful time of year, but it is also prime time for theft and break-ins.

* Always leave a light on

* Use the LED faux tv: FakeTV FTV-10 Burglar Deterrent

* Car locks while shopping

* Hide purchases

* Trunk

* Car shopping shade

* Lock the doors

* Check your entrances

* Doors

* Garage

* balcony

* Windows

* Homeowners, Renters, Car Insurance

* Know what you have, so you know what is taken

* Allstate Digital Locker

* App that allows you to organize your personal property by room, category, or in item lists. You can also photograph items and attribute a cost and quantity to each one

Today we are discussing bug out bags.  Not what to put in them, but how to choose the correct one, and basics of packing one.

Housekeeping:

* Less than a week before Christmas.  If you don’t know what to get the prepper in your life, how about knowledge.  I decided to give a discount.  I have multiple training seminars and you can get 15% off of them between now and December 24th.

a. theprepperpodcast.com/shop or survivalgeartools.com

b. use promo code

c. Military, Police, Paramedics, Firefighters, Peace Corps email me for a larger discount

2. Lot’s of changes at the shop, stop by and see how busy I have been.

3. Forum: theprepperpodcast.com/forum, topsurvivalforum.com

         a. first 50 ACTIVE members will be added to the “Founding Fifty”

i. the members get a private board on the forum

ii.and voting rights in the future

News in Two Minutes Segment

* A little different today: no links. J.Bradbury is the news.

Product Review

5.11 Men’s TacLite Pro Pant

From the Description:

Purpose Built

Modeled after 5.11’s Tactical Pant, the Taclite Pro Pant offers all the quality and utility you expect from 5.11 apparel.

Like Taclite TDU ripstop tactical pants, the Taclite Pro Pant is crafted from authentic Taclite poly/cotton ripstop fabric for outstanding comfort and performance in hot or humid climates, and features triple stitch reinforcements and extensive bartacking for maximum durability.

An action waistband and full gusseted crotch provide complete freedom of movement, while a Teflon fabric treatment protects against stains, spills, and soil. A double thick seat and knees enhance protection and resilience, the seven-pocket configuration includes 5.11’s signature strap and slash rear pockets, and an integrated D-ring at the hip holds your keys or ID.

At a Glance

* Lightweight, breathable, comfortable

* Ideal for hunting, hiking, and outdoor activities

* Seven pocket configuration

* Signature 5.11 strap and slash rear pockets

* Teflon treatment for stain, soil, and spill resistance

* Action waistband

* Full gusseted crotch

* Hip-mounted D-ring holds keys or ID

Specifications

* 14 oz. Taclite poly/cotton ripstop fabric

* 48 individual bartacks in high stress areas

* Double thick seat and knees (kneepad ready)

* Triple-stitch reinforcement

* Draw cord openings at bottom hem

* YKK zippers

* Prym snaps

My Take

* Most of the one star reviews were complaining because of the 5.11  Men’s TacLite Pro Pant being too big and that they are too hot in tropical climates.

* The rest were just talking about how nice they were.

* I like the fit of these pants.  I have worn them throughout many days, and can tell that the guys at 5-11 have put time into the design.

* The loop on the front is great for a carabineer of keys.  It also has a rear strap that can be used for attaching just about anything.

* The rear pockets are angled to function similar to front pockets, and they make getting in the pocket very easy.

My biggest problems with the 5.11  Men’s TacLite Pro Pant are:

 

Today I am interviewing Brian of Michigan and of the website http://preppingforthefamily.blogspot.com/ where we are covering lots of topics such as:

* Why you should prep

* Top items to keep in your emergency vehicle kit

* The most important things to remember for medical trauma

* Bug Out Bags: How you prepare differently for each member of the family

* Power Outages

* The most important thing to remember if you are a new prepper

* Zombies: A PRACTICAL Look

 

Housekeeping:

* With Thanksgiving over and Christmas on its way, I decided to give a discount.  I have multiple training seminars and you can get 15% off of them between now and December 24th.

* theprepperpodcast.com/shop

* use promo code – christmas14

* Military, Police, Paramedics, Firefighters, Peace Corps email me for a larger discount

* If you would like to be a guest on the podcast

* theprepperpodcast.com/guests

* If you would like to interview me on yours

* theprepperpodcast.com/media

Topic of Discussion:

Brian of http://preppingforthefamily.blogspot.com/

* What made you decide to prep?

* How long have you been in survival?

* What has been your biggest mistake in survival?

* Have you ever had an AHA moment?

* What are the preparedness items you feel you have a good grasp on and why?

* Top 5 things in your vehicle emergency kit and explain each one.

* Plan to be licensed EMT-B in the spring.

* what would you say are the three most important things to remember in medical trauma?

* You have a bug out bag for EVERYONE in the family.  Can you tell me how you differ in packing a bag for you, vs your spouse, and children?

* If there was a power outage that happened right now.  What would you do first?  Why?  How long would you be able to make it comfortably?

* If someone were just starting out as a prepper, how would you recommend they start in preparedness?

* Prep for little things: vehicle break down, tight month financially, power outage

* Check camping gear for essentials

* Give me your definition of a “Zombie”?

* Any links you wish to share with the audience that don’t belong to you?

* Any online resources or apps that you couldn’t live without that you would like to share?

Links:

* http://www.zombieresponseteam.net

* Ham Radio Training

* http://www.hamwhisperer.com/

* Another Source

* http://survivalistprepper.net/

This is about product review (Habit River Shirt), A question about setting up an old bicycle to charge batteries, and a main topic about the millions of uses of aluminum foil.

Show Notes: theprepperpodcast.com/056, theprepperpodcast.com/aluminumfoil

Housekeeping:

* With Thanksgiving over and Christmas on its way, I decided to give a discount.  I have multiple training seminars and you can get 15% off of them between now and December 24th.

* theprepperpodcast.com/shop

* use promo code

* Military, Police, Paramedics, Firefighters, Peace Corps email me for a larger discount

News in 2 Minutes by JBradbury (PreparePDX.com)

Product Review:

Habit River Shirt

Description

The Habit River Shirt features a lightweight fabric with UPF 30+ UV Protection, vented back and fly rod holder.

Specifications

* Lightweight textured fabric

* Vented back with mesh lining

* UPF 30+ UV protection

* Fly rod holder

* Sizes available: M, L, XL, 2X

We recently purchased SamsClub because it felt like a very cool, thin shirt for outdoor activities.  It had a mesh liner inside the shirt to provide some breathability.

When I received the Habit River Shirts:

I thought the orange color shirt was very nice looking

The brown  was ok also

The material for the shirts

Thought it would be breathable.  So, I put it on…

 

After putting it on

extremely lightweight

do well hiking?

Had Sunglass Loop, which was nice

Rod holder around pocket, not around waste.

Sleeves tight when rolled up

Seemed Pretty Comfortable

 

I decided to go hiking in this shirt

along with some 5-11 Tactical Pants

30 lb toddler strapped to my back

Sunny day and around 80-85 degrees F, I had this shirt untucked, a toddler on my back, hiking boots, and 5-11s.

It seemed light enough, but by the time I was done with the hike, I was sweating a great deal.

 

Final Thought

I think this shirt should stay in the camping and fishing community.

It feels like a sauna during strenuous exercises… but it looks nice.

Topic of Discussion:

Community Member Question

Randall from Florida

* Question:

* Need help with electrical side of things.  Alternator on windmill or bicycle (and have kids pedal).  6-cylinder vehicle as running alternator.

* Answer:

* Let’s keep things in the terms of voltage first.

* Most consumer inverters run on 12 volt battery banks, so we want to ensure our battery bank is charged at around 12 volts (actually 13.8 or so)

* If you are setting up solar panels on your battery bank you will use a solar charger to match voltages, since many panels will be at 24V.

* If you will be setting up an alternator, a charger is not needed, however is extremely useful as a means to separate multiple charging circuits. (tangent back to golf cart: explain how solar chargers could be used to segregate the battery pairs)

* (use example how to use solar and alternator to charge a bank in a vehicle)

* A 6 cylinder is very inefficient for an alternator and is not worth the fuel used as a dedicated supply, but it can be tied to multiple alternators, supplying power to multiple circuits.

* It would be cheaper to purchase a generator than all the parts necessary to efficiently use the 6-cyl.

* It IS still a valid option assuming the engine and alternator are free and running.  But it is no more valid than using your own vehicle to do the same thing.

This is about a quick housekeeping, play an SNL clip audio about bills and  (because it is funny) and play episode 1 of my podcast as a throwback.

Show Notes: theprepperpodcast.com/055

Housekeeping:

* This is the day after Thanksgiving

* If you buy at the store you can get the Gun Carrier’s Trauma Kit Seminar for half price (code in podcast) (black14), this will only last until midnight central time on this Monday, Dec 1st at Midnight.

* go to The Firearm Carrier’s Trauma Kit Training or my Shop

* 2500 total downloads per episode, episode 12 I was raving over 400 listeners

* Head over to Itunes to give me a review ITunes, the better my reviews, the more people will find me on ITunes

News in 2 Minutes by JBradbury (PreparePDX.com)

* Russian gunboat diplomacy in Australia’s region

* http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=16875

* NSA Director: China can damage US power grid

* http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/11/20/nsa-director-china-can-damage-us-power-grid/

* Training for the End of the World as We Know It

* http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/10/welcome-to-prepper-camp/381351/

Topic of Discussion:

SNL Skit

Episode #001 Throwback (Original Notes)

* Why do you need to prepare?

* Natural Disasters

* Storms

* Tornados

* Hurricanes

* Floods

* Home Fires

* Coronal Mass Ejections

* Human Disasters

* Fights

* Mugging

* Buglary

* War

* Nuclear Power

* The End of the World as We Know It (TEOTWAWKI)

* Loss of Job

* Loss of Family Member

* EMP

* Nuclear Attack

* Volcanic Eruption

* Celestial Impact

* Why a podcast?

* I have a blog

* can’t interview on it

* Some people are too busy for reading

* make it “on the go”

* About Me?

* As a kid

* Some occupations

* I hope you plan to continue to listen

* This is my second time recording this episode.  After around 40 episodes, I thought this would be a good time to record a better quality introductory podcast.

* Please continue to listen and get the tools for survival.

If you have been listening to my podcast for any length of time:

* Thank you, I value the time that you give me to teach

* I also have a mailing list. Fill out banner on theprepperpodcast.com to get episodes and special deals delivered straight to your inbox, you will also get a free copy of my book, The Honey and The Bee

* Head over to Itunes to give me a review ITunes, the better my reviews,

“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.”

― W.T. Purkiser

 

 

Show Notes: theprepperpodcast.com/054, or theprepperpodcast.com/Thanksgiving2014

Discussion:

* No Product Reviews Today, No questions being answered today.

* I have a large queue of questions to cover, and I will

* Holidays are here, time to slow it down a bit.

*  Take time to enjoy our blessings

* Survivalists always talk about the problems in this nation,

* So many times we forget just how good we have it

* We should take time to talk about how great things can be in the United States, or anywhere.

* Poverty level in the U.S. is more privileged than the “wealthy” in other countries.

* Overall, this country is still not that bad a place to grow up

* You can grow up in poverty and change your outcome

* My story

* I am a good example to the opportunities in this country

* Poor and lacking government assistance

* Explain my home with broken windows and heating up food for my brother

* If this were many other countries, I would still be the trade of my parents.

* I was given a chance to learn (trade, skill, or collegiate)

* I am able to give my children a life of privilege

* I was able to start a business and flop

* I was able to start a business and then develop and grow it

* True our government is corrupt, like all governments

* True they watch our every move

* True the infringe on our rights and steal a percentage of our wealth

* But the fact is this:

* We have the right, privilege and the ability to change our lives based on our desires

* I am on a journey

* Never thought I would be where I am at now

* Not at my destination but I am changing my life in a continuous journey

* Many other countries

* Past and future

* You will grow into the family occupation and social status

* You didn’t choose it, you were pushed into it

* It was chosen for you

* There were very few exceptions

* First I want you to enjoy

* Spending time with family

* Over abundance of food

* A warm home to sleep in

* The electronics and technology that brings this podcast to you

* Next, I want you to give

* Find one person that has less than you

* Give that person something from the heart

* If you have children, teach them how great it feels to help someone less fortunate

* And Now, I want you to

* Listen to my very first thanksgiving on The Prepper Podcast

* A History Lesson of Thanksgiving, the real story of the first thanksgiving, and how it was started

First Prepper Podcast Thanksgiving: 009 True Crafted Story Behind the Pilgrims First Thanksgiving

The Story:

* What is the typical story of thanksgiving?

* 1621

* The feast was actually a hunting party and it lasted 3 days long.

* There was no thanksgiving

* Another view: Genocide

* 1637

* 700 indians killed

* Massachusetts Bay Colony

* Puritans

* Gov.

This is episode 53, and today I am answering all of your questions for the second week in a row.  Everything from batteries to vehicles.  I also have a news segment and product review.

Show Notes: theprepperpodcast.com/053

Housekeeping:

This is Week 2 of me answering all of your questions, If you would like to contact me and leave feedback for the show:

* best method is to call: 978-KNOWS-IT or 978-566-9748

* theprepperpodcast.com… click on the green banner

* theprepperpodcast.com/facebook, twitter, googleplus

* Email me (ken (a) theprepperpodcast (dot) com)

* comments in show notes

JBradbury is BACK!!!

News Segment

* Genetic factors behind surviving or dying from Ebola shown in mouse study

* http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/10/141030142206.htm

* Rapid Geomagnetic Reversal Possibility: Confirmed

* http://youtu.be/Dn357zRnKxs

* Two lost elk hunters rescued SE of Prineville

* http://m.ktvz.com/news/two-lost-elk-hunters-rescued-se-of-prineville/29507442

I have been asked for product reviews…

Product Review:

Rodut (TM) Survival Tactical Belt Military Belt CQB Rigger’s Belt

 

* Amazon:

* Highly durable and versatile tactical CQB rigger belt.

* Suitable for law enforcement and military use.

* Durable metal buckle and hook Adjustable size

* Sturdily constructed and built to last .

* Offers an incredible 7,000 lb. tensile strength .

* Features parachute grade buckles and adapters.

* Colors:

* Black

* OD Green

* Desert Sand Brown

I read good and bad reviews of this belt and decided that it was worth trying.

didn’t seem really thick.

It was, however, exactly what was on the photos.

wanting a good tactical belt for a holster.

The 1 1/2″ Nylon webbing did the job.

You do have to have it snug on your waste if you own a crappy holster that is top heavy and bulky, but with a proper holster, this belt works perfectly.

I put it on and it seemed to retain position extremely well.

For pants that have adjustable bands, this is a great belt to make a comfortable, yet firm fit.

The CQB rigger is just a metal triangular piece that you can tie to or hook a carabineer to for all kinds of tasks.  It also has a Velcro latch to make sure the rigger device stays out of your way for every day movement.

If I had one complaint, it would be the width of the buckle.

This belt can also be used for a makeshift tourniquet if needed.

The next is that I think the hook and latch (Velcro) will give up after quite some time.

I think this is a great belt for the cost.

Shawn from Massachusetts 2nd question

* Question:

* My ideal bug out vehicle? Gas or diesel? Standard or automatic? 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive?  He thinks gas, standard, 4 wheel drive.  Diesel is hard to crank in north and 4 wheel drive for snow.

* Answer: This is a “it depends” type of answer.