Do you think that living off the grid is just too hard? Did you know we have a U.S. Congressman doing just that?

In this episode, I talk with Congressman Thomas Massie, who not only talks the talk about personal responsibility and self-reliance but also lives it… a rare politician indeed!

U.S. Representative Thomas Massie entered Congress in November 2012 after serving as Lewis County Judge Executive. He represents Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District which stretches across Northern Kentucky and 280 miles of the Ohio River.

U.S. Representative Massie attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. During school, he invented a technology that enabled people to interact with computers using their sense of touch, and leveraged that technology to find SensAble Technologies, Inc., which raised over $32 million of venture capital, created 70 jobs, and obtained 29 patents. The hardware and software he developed is now used to design automobiles, jewelry, shoes, dental prosthetics, and even reconstructive implants for wounded soldiers.

In Congress, Thomas serves on two committees: the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and the Committee on Oversight and Reform.

The House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure has jurisdiction over roads, bridges, mass transit, railroads, aviation, maritime and waterborne transit. Thomas’s selection to the Oversight and Reform Committee puts him in a position to hold the federal government accountable to taxpayers. 

Thomas lives on a cattle farm in Kentucky with his wife and high school sweetheart, Rhonda, and their four children.

He’s honored to be able to serve the citizens of Kentucky’s 4th District.

Off-grid Topics Discussed with Congressman Thomas Massie:

* A little about Congressman Massie

* What values were instilled in you growing up that helped develop your political worldview?

* What made him interested in living “off the grid”?

* His do’s and don’ts while trying to live off the grid

* Some of the mistakes he and I made in the beginning of our off-grid projects

* Understanding solar power and its limits

* Why building and living off-grid builds character and keeps things in perspective

* What led him to run for Congress?

* Dealing with his life in Congress

* How are political institutions are failing us

* What has he learned from your time in Congress and what has surprised him the most?

* How focusing on your optimal health, financial freedom and life purpose is the key

* How survives in what we know as the political zoo… U.S. Congress

Episode Resources:

Congressman Massie’s website

Get on the Simple Life Circle here

Get resources and notes for this episode here