Enough To Spare: The Self-Reliance Podcast

Val McQuiston and Logan Johnson share a practical approach to emergency preparedness, including how to make building a year supply of food feel achievable. The episode centers on turning a vague goal into a clear target and a step-by-step system.Using a major Utah earthquake scenario, Val explains why family and community preparedness matters—and how planning ahead can help people respond with greater confidence. The talk introduces three anchors: it’s possible, the number 10, and the commitment “okay, I will.”

• Why people often feel overwhelmed when they try to build a year supply of food
• How a preparedness system can turn a big goal into smaller, manageable steps
• The earthquake scenario and its potential impacts on homes, utilities, communication, and transportation
• The 120 number 10 cans per person per year planning benchmark discussed in the episode
• How lessons from financial planning inspired a step-by-step approach to food storage
• Moving beyond fear-based ideas of preparedness toward becoming a capable, community-minded “guardian”
• Practical steps for preparing your household, including water, emergency plans, and securing heavy items
• The importance of starting with one specific commitment: “okay, I will”

00:00 — Quote on food storage and preparedness
00:18 — Utah earthquake scenario and why preparedness matters
02:44 — Practical first steps for household preparedness
04:02 — Why people get overwhelmed by food storage
06:11 — Val’s personal history with food storage and finances
07:09 — How financial planning systems inspired a preparedness approach
09:05 — Why systems matter more than information
10:03 — The home storage center story
11:03 — The emotional impact of completing a year supply
13:17 — The calorie math behind a year of food storage
14:14 — Introducing the number 10 can
15:06 — Calculating 120 number 10 cans per person per year
16:03 — The commitment phrase “okay, I will”
17:03 — How a clear goal helped Val’s family build their supply
18:26 — Preparing for water, communication, fuel, heat, and more
19:24 — Reframing “prepper” as “guardian”
21:15 — Planning for a commute and communication disruptions
22:43 — The three anchors: possibility, the number 10, and commitment
24:08 — You are the hero, and your community is your tribe
25:13 — Becoming a guardian and provider for others
27:22 — Preparedness as a responsibility worth taking on in advance
29:18 — Final invitation to start today

• Work out how much food your household would need using the episode’s planning benchmark.
• Make an emergency plan, including a family meeting place and an out-of-town contact.
• Store a supply of water for each person in your household.
• Secure furniture, water heaters, and heavy items that could fall.
• Consider what your commute or workplace might mean during an emergency.
• Choose one preparedness step and commit to doing it.

The conversation covers the signs of the times as taught by Jesus, the practical benefits of establishing a target date for food storage goals, and the parallels between food storage and having life insurance. It also emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the unknown and the mental benefits of self-reliance. The conversation delves into the importance of preparedness and self-reliance in the context of religious teachings and prophecies. It explores the significance of having a year's supply of food and the challenges and opportunities associated with achieving this goal. The speakers discuss the relevance of historical events, biblical prophecies, and the current state of the world in relation to the need for physical and spiritual preparedness.

Takeaways

• Signs of the times as taught by Jesus
• Establishing a target date for food storage goals
• Parallels between food storage and having life insurance
• Importance of being prepared for the unknown
• Mental benefits of self-reliance Self-reliance and preparedness are essential in the face of potential calamities and challenges.
• The importance of setting goals, making commitments, and taking practical steps to achieve preparedness is emphasized.

Chapters

• 00:00 Signs of the Times
• 06:24 Importance of Being Prepared for the Unknown
• 21:20 The Call to Preparedness
• 27:59 Interpretations of Prophecies
• 33:54 Sharing the Message
• 45:20 The Path to Salvation

The conversation delves into the use of solar power as a self-reliant and preparedness solution, covering installation considerations, battery backup, system sizing, battery management, financing, and future cost considerations. It also addresses challenges related to system failure and support. The conversation covers the challenges and considerations related to solar panel installation, including hardware failure, warranty issues, inverter replacement, battery concerns, EV charger installation, system maintenance, longevity, financing options, market corrections, EMP considerations, electrical system upgrades, and the empowerment and assistance provided by solar panel installation.

Takeaways

• Solar power as a self-reliant and preparedness solution
• Considerations for solar power installation SolarEdge hardware failure
• Considerations for solar panel installation

Chapters

• 00:00 Financing and Future Cost Considerations
• 22:04 System Failure and Support Challenges
• 27:26 Challenges with Inverter Replacement
• 33:21 Longevity and Warranty of Solar Panels and Batteries
• 39:12 EMP and Electrical System Considerations
• 44:30 Battery Costs and Market Corrections

Keywords

food storage, self-reliance, wheat, grains, gardening, preparedness, community, cash reserves, clothing, medical supplies

Summary

This conversation delves into the principles of food storage and self-reliance, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in both spiritual and temporal aspects. The speakers discuss various food items, particularly grains like wheat, and the necessity of having a year’s supply of food. They explore the significance of gardening, clothing, fuel sources, medical supplies, and the value of community in times of need. The discussion also touches on the importance of cash reserves and the skills needed for self-sufficiency, concluding with a call to action for individuals to prepare and share resources with others.

Takeaways

Food storage is essential for both physical and spiritual well-being.

Wheat and grains should be a staple in food storage plans.

Self-reliance includes having a variety of food sources.

Gardening can significantly enhance food security.

Clothing needs should be anticipated for future shortages.

Fuel sources for warmth and cooking are crucial.

Basic medical supplies should be part of preparedness plans.

Skills like gardening and home repair will be increasingly valuable.

Cash reserves are important, but intrinsic value matters more during crises.

Community preparedness enhances individual survival chances.

Titles

Preparing for the Future: Food Storage Essentials

The Role of Grains in Self-Reliance

Sound bites

"Store grain for at least a year."

"You cannot eat money."

"We do not have to, we get to share."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Food Storage Principles

02:35 The Importance of Wheat and Grains

05:42 Self-Reliance and Food Preparation

08:43 Gardening and Home Production

11:27 Clothing and Anticipating Future Needs

13:47 Fuel and Energy Sources

16:36 Medical Preparedness

19:37 Skills for Self-Sufficiency

22:12 Cash Reserves and Economic Preparedness

25:07 Community and Sharing Resources

28:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This conversation explores the themes of self-reliance, preparedness, and the teachings of Ezra Taft Benson regarding the importance of being prepared for calamities. The speakers discuss the Good Samaritan parable as a metaphor for self-reliance and community support, the historical context of preparedness in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the significance of living righteously and avoiding debt. They emphasize the need for a culture of preparedness and the role of prophets in guiding individuals to be self-reliant and ready for future challenges.

Takeaways

• The Good Samaritan exemplifies self-reliance and community support.
• Preparedness is a recurring theme in church teachings.
• Historical context helps us understand the importance of preparedness.
• Recent events remind us of the need for self-reliance.
• Living righteously is foundational to preparedness.
• Avoiding debt is crucial for financial independence.
• The church welfare program promotes a culture of preparedness.
• Prophets provide guidance on how to prepare for calamities.
• Multiple fulfillments of prophecies can occur throughout history.
• Being prepared brings peace and allows for greater faith.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Self-Reliance and Preparedness

03:06 The Good Samaritan: A Model for Preparedness

07:25 Ezra Taft Benson's Insights on Preparedness

14:45 Prophecies and Calamities: Preparing for the Future

24:08 The Motivation Behind Preparedness: Love, Duty, and Fear

26:32 Creating a Culture of Preparedness

29:45 Principles of Self-Reliance and Financial Wisdom

34:26 The Dangers of Debt and Financial Bondage

38:24 The Importance of Food Storage and Righteous Living

40:32 Final Thoughts on Debt and Financial Independence

46:15 Introduction to Self-Reliance Principles

47:15 Insights from Ezra Taft Benson's Address

LINKS:

"Prepare Ye" Elder Ezra Taft Benson CR 10/1973

THE PREPAREDNESS PROTOCOL

From 72-hour kits to enough food for a year--with enough to spare. This is the introduction to the ten phases in the PREPAREDNESS PROTOCOL and step one on your journey to self-reliance.

Rule of Threes:

• 3 minutes without air
• 3 hours without shelter
• 3 days without water
• 3 weeks without food

#10 Can options

THE PREPAREDNESS PROTOCOL