Canning Confidence: Don’t Let Fear Ruin Your Pantry | Episode 335

In a Facebook group post, a man shared how comments from a canning discussion left him so alarmed that he considered throwing away all his home-canned goods and dedicating a year to learning from scratch. While caution is good, this story highlights the unnecessary fear that can arise when tackling home canning. Let’s debunk the myths and build some confidence in the process.

In the world of canning, there’s often a divide between those who strictly follow FDA guidelines and those who embrace “rebel canning.” FDA canners meticulously stick to approved recipes and methods to ensure safety, while rebel canners may experiment with non-traditional techniques or recipes. Both approaches have their merits, but it’s essential to understand the risks and science behind what you’re doing. If you’re just starting out, stick to trusted resources like the Ball Blue Book or the National Center for Home Food Preservation until you gain confidence.

The thought of botulism or spoiled food can be intimidating, but the reality is that by following basic safety principles, canning is not as hard—or as risky—as it may seem. Sterilize your jars, use proper processing times, and don’t skip essential steps like acidifying tomatoes when required. Remember, millions of people safely can food every year.

Canning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a good book and a bit of preparation, you can start building your pantry. Begin with simple recipes like jams or high-acid fruits that require water bath canning. Gradually, you can explore pressure canning for low-acid foods.

Home canning is a skill worth learning, and it’s incredibly satisfying to preserve your own food. Don’t let fear paralyze you—take the first step and enjoy the journey!

In Episode 64 of The Kershner Files, Dave provides updates for PMs, Survival Realty, and state specific gun shows. During the standard updates he discusses two new books published by Jonathan Rawles titled ‘Red State Relocation Guide’. One for the western states and the other for the eastern states. Dave also reviews the available workshop dates and classes available from Crop King. After all of the updates, he discusses three articles dealing with parts you can scavenge from abandoned cars, surviving winter power outages, and urban survival. The urban survival article review dovetails into a conversation on threat assessments. Articles/topics discussed:

Support Dave by visiting his Etsy shop at DesignsbyDandTStore

Available for Purchase - Fiction:

When Rome Stumbles | Hannibal is at the Gates | By the Dawn’s Early Light | Colder Weather | A Time for Reckoning (paperback versions) | Fiction Series (paperback) | Fiction Series (audio)

Available for Purchase - Non-Fiction:

Preparing to Prepare (electronic/paperback) | Home Remedies (electronic/paperback) | Just a Small Gathering (paperback) | Just a Small Gathering (electronic)

The Palisades wildfire has drawn significant attention as it rages through the iconic hills of California. Its impact serves as a stark reminder of the challenges wildfires pose, particularly in densely populated and environmentally sensitive areas.

Facts About the Palisades Fire

Preparedness Tips for Wildfire Season

Conspiracy Theories Circulating About the Fire

Broader Implications

This episode explores what the Palisades fire teaches us about surviving and thriving in the face of growing wildfire threats.

In Episode 323, Shelby breaks down the colossal failures that have wiped out California’s coastal community, Pacific Palisades. Shelby continues in the After Show talking about what we have to do as preppers to be ready for urban fires, which is available exclusively to Patreon supporters. Please support our sponsors Survival Garden Seeds, ProOne Water Filters, EMP Shield, Paul Burke - Idaho Realtor, Numanna Foods, Backwoods Home Magazine, and Minutemen Coffee. We are part of the Firearms Radio Network. Learn more about our podcast at Prepping 2-0.com

History is rich with lessons from disasters, showing us what it takes to endure the worst situations. Survivors of events like hurricanes, wars, and economic collapses often share common factors that contributed to their survival.

From the Great Depression to World War II, those who managed resources effectively often fared better. During the Great Depression, families with home gardens and stored food were better equipped to weather food shortages. Similarly, rationing during WWII ensured that essentials like sugar and fuel were stretched to meet needs.

Survivors often adapted to their circumstances in creative ways. During the Dust Bowl, farmers implemented soil-saving techniques like crop rotation and contour plowing. After Hurricane Katrina, survivors repurposed household items, using coolers as flotation devices or water storage. Flexibility in the face of adversity is key.

No one survives alone. In disasters like Hurricane Harvey, the “Cajun Navy” demonstrated how volunteer efforts save lives. During Canada’s 1998 Ice Storm, neighbors shared resources, such as firewood and food, ensuring more people survived the harsh conditions.

Practical knowledge saves lives. Indigenous tribes in the Indian Ocean recognized the signs of a tsunami in 2004 and evacuated to higher ground. Similarly, during New York’s 1977 blackout, people who knew how to safely use candles and manual tools were less vulnerable.

Survivors often credit their mindset for their endurance. Holocaust survivors maintained hope and daily routines. The 33 Chilean miners trapped underground for 69 days stayed calm, organized roles, and rationed supplies to stay alive.

Learning from these historical lessons helps modern preppers strengthen their readiness for any challenge. Are you prepared?

Welcome to another episode of The Jeffers Brief on the Contra Radio Network, where John Jeffers dives into the murky waters of the intelligence community and its evolution into the fourth branch of government. In this riveting episode, John dissects the ongoing controversy surrounding FISA 702 and its effects on American citizens' privacy. Discover how Tulsi Gabbard's change of stance on FISA authorization highlights the complex dynamics of political agendas and the surveillance state.

Explore the alarming expansion of domestic surveillance as John reveals insights on AI code dependencies, surveillance mechanisms, and the lack of accountability within the government. He discusses the potential revocations of security clearances and calls for legislative consequences to counter unauthorized surveillance activities, shedding light on over a million unlawful searches conducted by federal agencies.

Tune in to understand the gravity of these issues as John passionately advocates for constitutional protections and warns of the impending threats to liberty in an ever-surveilled society. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on The Jeffers Brief.

In Episode 200, Dave starts the show by discussing the resignation of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. Oh, happy days! After that, he turns his attention to the first steps the Trump administration plans to take to clean out the deep state rot in the NSC. Dave then provides an update on where some of the gold bars (billions in tax payer dollars) being thrown off the Titanic (EPA) landed and it’s not good… basically $50M went to a terrorist org masquerading as a climate change NGO. From there, he discusses SoCal getting the Maui treatment and all of the latest news and intel from this latest gov’t operation (tinfoil theory: destroy Diddy evidence). Dave closes the show with updates from the UK and the EU regarding the fact that reports are now being leaked about how various governments hid migrant sexual assault data. Articles discussed:

Support Dave by visiting his Etsy shop at DesignsbyDandTStore

Available for Purchase - Fiction:

When Rome Stumbles | Hannibal is at the Gates | By the Dawn’s Early Light | Colder Weather | A Time for Reckoning (paperback versions) | Fiction Series (paperback) | Fiction Series (audio)

Available for Purchase - Non-Fiction:

Preparing to Prepare (electronic/paperback) | Home Remedies (electronic/paperback) | Just a Small Gathering (paperback) | Just a Small Gathering (electronic)

In today’s episode, Patrick discusses how communications systems failed during Hurricane Helene and why the communications situation in western North Carolina and the surrounding mountains deteriorated so quickly compared to a typical hurricane.  We also discuss how amateur and other radio services supported logistics and recovery in the aftermath of the incident. We look at some great successes and failures along with a few lessons learned, including some of the gear in high demand and what skills were needed to keep communications going.  Learn from others' mistakes and what can make a life and death-difference during a cataclysmic natural disaster to improve your communications game from real-world observations and experience, not armchair dystopian fiction.  

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For seasoned preppers, winter brings unique challenges and opportunities. In this episode, Winter Snow Survival 201, we’re diving into what it means to prep for winter from an experienced perspective, focusing on luxuries, consumables, and keeping your spirits high.

Once your basic survival needs are covered, it’s time to explore items that improve comfort and convenience. High-end thermal blankets, gourmet coffee, and advanced snow-clearing tools like snow blowers or ergonomic shovels can make winter storms less daunting. Luxury doesn’t mean waste—it’s about enhancing your resilience and comfort when the snow piles up.

Winter weather puts strain on certain supplies. Now is the time to ensure you’re fully stocked on consumables like road salt, windshield washer fluid, and batteries for flashlights and backup systems. Don’t forget essentials for your heating setup, like propane or wood. These small details can make the difference between an inconvenient storm and a crisis.

Long stretches indoors can take a toll on mental health, even for the best-prepared. Stock up on books, puzzles, and board games, or download movies and audiobooks in advance. Handheld devices or solar-powered chargers ensure your digital content is always accessible. Keeping spirits high during snow-ins is as vital as keeping the lights on.

Winter prepping is about more than surviving—it’s about thriving. By focusing on comfort, consumables, and mental well-being, you’re turning winter from a challenge into an opportunity to strengthen your preparedness mindset.

Tune in to Episode 322 of Survival Punk to learn more about making the most of your winter preparations. Remember: preparedness is a lifestyle, and winter is just another chance to sharpen your skills. Stay warm, stay safe, and stay punk!

In Episode 63 of The Kershner Files, Dave provides updates for PMs, Survival Realty, and state specific gun shows. After that, he discusses a ‘would you’ versus a ‘wouldn’t you’ scenario before delving into winter storm preparedness. Dave closes the show with gold market predictions for 2025 and miscreants preparing to incite riots and chaos at Trumps inauguration. Articles/topics discussed:

Support Dave by visiting his Etsy shop at DesignsbyDandTStore

Available for Purchase - Fiction:

When Rome Stumbles | Hannibal is at the Gates | By the Dawn’s Early Light | Colder Weather | A Time for Reckoning (paperback versions) | Fiction Series (paperback) | Fiction Series (audio)

Available for Purchase - Non-Fiction:

Preparing to Prepare (electronic/paperback) | Home Remedies (electronic/paperback) | Just a Small Gathering (paperback) | Just a Small Gathering (electronic)