Mama Bear Survival

Hey there, Mama Bear!

This special episode is packed with exciting updates!

My book Mama Bear Survival: Raising Strong Families in an Uncertain World is officially LIVE and shipping now—just in time for Mother's Day!

I'm celebrating with a massive giveaway valued at over $2,000, featuring some of my favorite brands and partners that support moms, families, and the self-reliance lifestyle.

I also share a bit behind-the-scenes look at the book launch process—from marketing and media interviews to fulfillment and sales—

I also talk about attending the Hunt Fish Outdoors Podcast Summit last month in Texas and the upcoming interviews and episodes that I'll be releasing here very soon.

Plus, if you're thinking about applying to the Women Hunt™ program, now's your chance. Applications are officially open during the month of May. I share a couple tips from my experience applying last year and encouragement for any woman considering this life-changing opportunity.

Key Takeaways:

• Mama Bear Survival is officially available at MamaBearSurvival.com/book

• Buy the book and you can enter the Mother's Day Giveaway with over $2,000 in prizes + the pre-order bonus.

• Hunt Fish Podcast Summit recap + upcoming interviews to look out for

• Women Hunt™ applications are open through May—tips for applying!

Action Items & Next Steps:

• 👉 PLEASE Buy the book! MamaBearSurvival.com/book

• 🎁 After you've purchased, enter the giveaway: MamaBearSurvival.com/giveaway

• 📺 Watch FOX 17 News to see my book launch segment on May 6!

• 🦌 Learn more about Women Hunt™ and apply for the program at: wildsheepfoundation.org/womenhunt

🧡 Stay safe out there, Mama Bear! Follow along on Instagram: @mamabearsurvival

Welcome back, Mama Bears! In this episode, I sit down with Amber Elle—a dedicated homesteader, homeschooling mom, preparedness coach, and content creator.

Amber embodies self-reliance and resilience in motherhood, and today she's sharing practical advice to help you build a safer, more prepared home for your family. Amber's wisdom is the perfect guide for any mom looking to strengthen her family through intentional living and preparedness.

In a world where unexpected events like natural disasters and societal instability are becoming more common, learning how to protect and prepare your family is more important than ever. Amber offers practical and empowering insights that every mom can use to foster resilience and confidence at home.

ALSO... Exciting news! The Mama Bear Survival Book is going to print and pre-orders launch later this month! Stay tuned for updates. Topics Covered

• Why developing skills before stocking supplies is the foundation of family preparedness. As Amber puts it, "You can have a garage full of gear, but if you don't know how to use it, it won't save you."

• How to start homeschooling and homesteading—even if you didn't grow up that way. Amber shares, "We didn't grow up doing this, but step by step, we built a life that feels more secure and fulfilling."

• Practical steps for mothers to build resilience and confidence in uncertain times. "Preparedness isn't about fear; it's about empowerment."

• Simple ways to involve your kids in self-reliance and home defense skills, making it a family lifestyle rather than a chore. "Let your kids get their hands dirty—it builds confidence and capability."

• How to prioritize preparedness without feeling overwhelmed. Amber advises, "Start with what you have. Master the basics before moving on to the big stuff."

Why This Episode Matters

Natural disasters, rising crime rates, and economic instability make preparedness no longer optional—it's essential. Amber Elle breaks down how moms can lead their families with strength, teaching critical survival skills while building a lifestyle rooted in self-reliance. This conversation will inspire you to take the next step, no matter where you are in your preparedness journey.

Top Quotes

• "Skills before supplies. You can't buy your way into being prepared."

• "Preparedness isn't about fear; it's about empowerment."

• "Homesteading and homeschooling weren't part of my childhood, but we built this life step by step."

• "Let your kids get their hands dirty—it builds confidence and capability."

• "Start small. Master the basics before moving on to the big stuff."

Episode Highlights

• [0:04:25] Amber's Journey: Her upbringing and how she transitioned to motherhood and incorporating preparedness into everyday.

• [0:15:40] Simple Steps to Start: How busy moms can begin preparing their families without feeling overwhelmed.

• [0:23:15] Teaching Kids Preparedness: Fun and engaging ways to involve your children without causing fear.

• [0:35:00] Building Mental Resilience: Why mindset matters and how to cultivate it.

• [0:48:30] Managing Motherhood & Homesteading: Amber's strategies for balancing family, preparedness, and a homestead.

Action Steps

1. Choose One Task: Pick one small preparedness task to complete this week—whether it's building a first aid kit or learning a new skill.

2. Connect with Amber: Follow Amber on Instagram @ms.amber.elle and checkout her courses and other offerings and ways to connect.

3. Checkout today's sponsor: the USCCA and listen to this episode on everything personal protection with Rob Chadwick of the USCCA.

4. Join the Mama Bear Community: If this episode inspired you to take steps toward a more prepared and resilient life, share it with another mama! Don't forget to leave a review—it helps us reach more women committed to protecting and providing for their families.

LOVE THIS TOPIC?

• Want to hear more about women in self-reliance? Check out Part 1 of the Women Hunt series here.
• Expecting or new parent? Checkout Episode 5: Pregnancy Prep in Uncertain Times with Brittany Baker of Refuge Medical

P.S. Loved this episode? Screenshot and share it on Instagram, and tag me @emilyrichett and Amber @ms.amber.elle so we can cheer you on! As always, stay safe out there, Mama Bear!

This is the second episode in a special series with Renée Thornton, founder of Women Hunt.

If you missed the first episode, listen to the first part over at episode 17 for a full introduction to Women Hunt.

Today we continue the conversation with Renée Thornton, founder of the Women Hunt™ program, joined by two other graduates from the 2024 class, Jodie Bland and Jessica Braunstein. In this episode, we dive deeper into the transformative experiences at the FTW Ranch, from rifle training to the emotion of the first hunt, and explore how the program impacts lives far beyond the field.

Episode Highlights

• [0:02:00] Introduction of guests and a heartfelt recap of the Women Hunt™ experience.
• [0:15:30] Emily reflects on the challenges and triumphs during rifle training at FTW Ranch.
• [0:24:15] Renée shares insights into the importance of mentorship and the transformation observed during the program.
• [0:33:40] Jodie recounts the emotional depth of supporting Emily during her first harvest and plans to pass on her knowledge to her children.
• [0:42:10] Jessica discusses the seamless training process that prepared her for a successful first hunt and her mission to bring more awareness to hunting's role in conservation.
• [0:50:25] Renée recommends next steps for all women who want to start or continue their hunting and outdoors journeys.

Next Steps

• Learn More About Women Hunt & Connect! Explore the program at the Wild Sheep Foundation and consider applying if you're ready to embark on your hunting journey. Also check out the "Women in Hunting" community and share your story!
• Watch the Blood Origins film Lionheart

In today's episode, we're kicking off a special series featuring the Women Hunt program and Emily's journey venturing into hunting and conservation.

This is the very first episode in a special series with Renée Thornton, founder of Women Hunt© a program under the Wild Sheep Foundation dedicated to guiding women into the hunting and conservation space.

In these episodes, Emily Richett will share behind-the-scenes as she embarks on the journey of becoming a hunter, from the initial application process to her personal motivations for this transformative experience.

Renée shares her story, the mission behind Women Hunt, and what participants can expect as they prepare for intensive training at FTW Ranch in Texas.

Emily and Renée dive into their own motivations and stories. Renée recounts her own journey to becoming a hunter later in life, after realizing the importance of ethically sourced protein and a more direct connection to nature.

Inspired by her experience, she established Women Hunt to provide women with the resources, knowledge, and community to confidently enter hunting. Emily, formerly a vegan, shares how her approach to food sources evolved, inspiring her to become more self-reliant and connected to what she consumes.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where Renée and Emily get back together after the training to detail the experience, lessons learned, and memories gained.

Key Takeaways

• The Path to Hunting: Renée's late-in-life interest in hunting arose from a desire to ethically source protein and reconnect with the outdoors, despite lacking any prior experience or mentors. She highlights the mindset shift and determination it took to build her knowledge from the ground up.

• Creating a Path for Women Hunters: Inspired by her own challenges as a beginner, Renée created Women Hunt as a platform to support women who may feel overwhelmed by the barriers to entering hunting. Her aim was to offer guidance, community, and accelerated learning, compressing what could take years into a supportive, intensive experience.

• Emily's Story of Transformation: Emily shares her shift from being a former vegan focused on animal rights to her renewed approach to food sources, self-reliance, and ethics in meat consumption. She opens up about the application process, the surprise of being selected, and her biggest anticipations and nerves around attending the FTW Ranch training.

• Hunting as Conservation: Renée and Emily discuss how hunting plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation and the misconceptions many have about hunters. Renée explains the ethical dimensions of hunting and how it connects participants to the natural world in a way that respects and sustains wildlife populations.

Episode Highlights

1. [00:05:01] - Renée Thornton shares her story and the foundational purpose behind Women Hunt.
2. [00:14:30] - Details of Women Hunt's programming, including partnerships with expert instructors at FTW Ranch.
3. [00:26:20] - Emily's reflections on her application journey, personal motivations, and hopes for the experience.
4. [00:32:50] - Renée discusses the two main fears for new hunters: handling firearms and ethical harvesting.
5. [00:43:45] - The importance of conservation and responsible hunting practices, as taught in the program.
6. [00:51:08] - Renée's advice for Emily, fellow Women Hunt classmates and any woman interested in hunting

Action Items & Next Steps

• Women Hunt Program Details: For those interested in applying, applications for the 2025 Women Hunt class open May 1st and run through May 31st. Check the Women Hunt website for application details.
• Women Hunt on Social: Follow Women Hunt on Instagram and Facebook to see updates, stories, and insights from women hunters nationwide at @women_hunt
• Mama Bear Survival: Follow Emily's journey into hunting and conservation at mamabearsurvival.com and on Instagram: @mamabearsurvival. Don't forget to order the book (launching soon!).

In today's episode, we're talking about Family Safety & Preparedness with Brittany Baker from Refuge Medical

Introduction In today's episode of the Mama Bear Survival podcast, Brittany Baker joins us again after her initial episode on pregnancy preparedness. She is the Director of Operations at Refuge Medical, a mom of four and a preparedness advocate. In this episode she shares tips for navigating personal safety as a mom, including situational awareness to the importance of personal protection tools. Join us as we dive into some essential strategies for moms to feel empowered and safe during these uncertain times.

Key Takeaways

• Situational Awareness: Keep your "head on a swivel." It's critical to know your surroundings when you're out with kids.
• Code Words: Brittany explains how code words can help kids know when to act quickly and safely without drawing attention.
• Training for Emergencies: Teaching children basic first aid, such as using tourniquets, empowers them to help in emergencies.
• Preparedness Tools: From pepper spray to firearms, Brittany encourages moms to explore personal protection tools they feel comfortable using.
• Meet-Up Plans and Drills: Families should establish emergency meet-up points and practice drills, just like schools do.
• Beware of Over-Sharing: Car decals or other identifying markers can unintentionally reveal personal information, making families easier targets.
• Beware of Over-Sharing: Car decals or other identifying markers can unintentionally reveal personal information, making families easier targets.
• Disaster Relief Efforts: Refuge Medical's recent disaster relief efforts and the challenges of toxic waste and water contamination after Hurricane Helene. The link to the episode Brittany recommended for an update: https://www.youtube.com/live/yJ5trTWpc_8?si=wYMqblg5hd7M4HdO

Action Items & Next Steps

• Get a Kit from Refuge Medical: Use the code "MamaBear" at refugemedical.com to save on high-quality medical kits made in the USA. Looking for emergency prescription kits? Checkout Jase Medical and use code "mamabear" to save.
• Set a Code Word with Your Kids: Establish a code word your family can use for emergencies.
• Practice Situational Awareness: Teach your kids to stay alert in parking lots, stores, and public spaces.
• Plan a Family Meet-Up Spot: Identify safe spots outside your home or in your community where your family can meet during emergencies.

In today's episode, we learn practical steps to getting started with food storage, budget-friendly tips, small spaces & faith-based preparedness.

In this episode of the Mama Bear Survival podcast, Emily talks to Jessica Cardwell, founder of The Faithful Preppers. Jessica shares her journey from being a newlywed with an empty pantry to becoming a thoughtful, faith-based prepper.

We discuss everything from building a sustainable food storage plan to maintaining a preparedness mindset without fear.

Key Takeaways:

• Getting Started: Begin with a three-day plan for both food and water. This simple step can help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed.
• Budget-Friendly Preparedness: Jessica shares her tips for building a pantry without breaking the bank, including how to save money by rethinking everyday purchases.
• Faith-Based Approach: Learn how Jessica integrates her faith into her prepping journey, promoting a mindset of peace and service rather than fear.
• Family Focus: How to involve your family in preparedness activities and make it a fun, educational experience for your kids.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:05:04] Emily and Jessica start the conversation, discussing the initial overwhelm of starting a preparedness journey and how Jessica got into it during the early days of COVID-19.
• [00:18:48] Jessica shares her backstory of returning to an empty home after her husband's internship and how that became a turning point in her life as a prepper.
• [00:30:15] The significance of faith in Jessica's preparedness journey and how her church community encourages a mindset of preparedness without fear.
• [00:38:22] Emily and Jessica discuss practical first steps for food storage, starting with simple, shelf-stable foods and the importance of rotating your stock.
• [00:47:50] Tips on budgeting for preparedness, including how to use current spending habits to fund your preparedness efforts.
• [00:55:15] The importance of mindset: approaching preparedness as a long-term, incremental process rather than a sprint.

Action Items:

1. Start Your Three-Day Plan: Make a checklist of food and water for three days for each member of your family. Start with what you already eat and build from there.
2. Set a Preparedness Budget: Allocate a small portion of your grocery budget to extra items each week—whether it's an extra can of soup or a gallon of water.
3. Check Out Jessica's eBook: Everyday Food Storage is a comprehensive guide to creating a food storage plan that fits your family's needs and lifestyle.
4. Connect with Jessica: Follow her on Instagram @thefaithfulpreppers for more tips and resources and checkout her site at The Faithful Preppers.

Partner:

This episode is sponsored by Refuge Medical: Learn more about the USA-Made First Aid & Emergency kits at refugemedical.com - save with the code: MamaBear

In today's episode, we're talking about personal protection, from firearms to non-lethal defense, and the training all gun owners need with with Rob Chadwick of the USCCA.

In this episode of the Mama Bear Survival podcast, Emily Richett chats with Rob Chadwick, Director of Education and Training for the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), about what it really means to be a responsible gun owner.

Rob shares his journey from law enforcement and FBI agent to advocate for self-defense education and training.

They discuss the importance of continuous learning, preparing your family for self-defense situations, and why having a plan is essential. Whether you're a seasoned gun owner or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights.

Key Points:

• (00:06:15) - The Importance of Ongoing Training: Rob shares why continuous education is crucial for responsible gun ownership and highlights some common misconceptions about carrying a firearm.
• (00:11:30) - Firearms Safety for Kids: Learn about the USCCA's curriculum for children's firearms safety and why it's important for parents to have open conversations with their kids about guns.
• (00:20:25) - Beyond Guns: Non-Lethal Defense Options: Rob shares information about non-lethal self-defense tools like tasers and pepper spray, and why these are valuable options for those who may not feel comfortable carrying a firearm.
• (00:27:15) - Legal Protection & Membership Benefits: Understand the legal complexities of using a firearm for self-defense and the benefits of USCCA membership, including self-defense liability insurance and crisis response support.
• (00:36:10) - Women & Firearms: Emily and Rob discuss the growing number of women embracing firearms for personal safety and how programs like USCCA and Rose by SIG SAUER are helping to break down barriers.

Action Items & Next Steps:

• Learn More with USCCA: Visit the USCCA website to explore their comprehensive training programs, legal protection plans, and resources for both firearm and non-lethal self-defense education.
• Know Your Rights & Laws: Check out the USCCA Reciprocity Map to understand firearm laws as you travel between states and stay updated on changing self-defense legislation.
• Get Involved Locally: Find a USCCA-certified instructor or a self-defense class in your area to start or continue your personal protection training journey.

Join the conversation and follow us on Instagram @mamabearsurvival. Please share this episode with someone who cares about keeping themselves and their family safe!

As always—stay safe out there, mama bear!

In today's episode, we're talking about how to protect our kids in a tech-driven world and from all the dangers of social media, with Nicki Reisberg of Scrolling to Death Podcast.

In this episode of the Mama Bear Survival podcast, Emily Richett sits down with Nicki Reisberg, host of the Scrolling to Death podcast, to dive into the complex world of digital safety for children.

They discuss the real dangers children face online, from social media's effects on mental health to the rising concerns around platforms like Snapchat and Tiktok.

Nicki shares her journey from owning a social media management company to becoming a fierce advocate for protecting kids in the digital age.

Key points:

• (00:05:45) - Social Media's Impact on Mental Health: Nicki explains the correlation between excessive social media use and mental health struggles, including depression and suicidal ideation.
• (00:12:10) - Social Media & Drugs: Nicki discusses the alarming trend of drugs, such as Fentanyl, being sold to teens via Snapchat.
• (00:20:25) - Sextortion Threats: Organized groups exploit social media platforms to manipulate and extort young boys, causing severe consequences.
• (00:30:10) - Protecting Children from Online Predators: Nicki highlights how innocent posts of children can be exploited by predators and emphasizes the need for parents to rethink what they share online.

Action Items & Next Steps:

• Stay updated on the latest digital safety news by subscribing to Nicki's podcast, Scrolling to Death.
• Visit house.gov to find your state representative and make your voice heard about online child safety.
• Delay is the way! Join the movement over at Wait Until 8th to join forces with parents at your school to delay smart phones and social media until 8th grade.
• Join us over on Instagram @mamabearsurvival and please, share the show with a likeminded mama bear!

As always- stay safe out there, mama bear.

In today's episode, we talk about the increasing need for practical, personal protection and some easy ways to achieve it.

In this interview, we talk with Alex Stewart, President of Premier Body Armor, about the growing need for everyday moms and civilians like us, to have practical, personal protection. Our conversation centers around situational awareness, self-reliance, and being more proactive protectors!

Premier Body Armor is a family-owned business with a legacy rooted in armored vehicle manufacturing, where their products saved countless American warfighters' lives. Today, they offer high-quality, USA-made personal protection solutions for everyday life—from backpack inserts and armored laptop cases for school protection to inserts for various bags and home shields. Their bulletproof products provide discreet yet powerful protection for you and your loved ones.

Key points:

• An update on the Mama Bear Survival book- get ready for pre-orders opening soon!
• Some background from military and vehicle manufacturing to law enforcement and civilian products
• Who can benefit from body armor
• Practical uses in schools, at college, or the workplace
• Emily shares a situation when she felt vulnerable and without protection while shielding her children
• Different ways moms and everyday people utilize body armor

Action Items & Next Steps:

• Checkout Premier Body Armor and see if they have an insert for your everyda bag or kids' backpacks
• If you conceal carry in a fanny pack, you'll definitely want to checkout their fanny inserts!
• Join us over on Instagram @mamabearsurvival and please, share the show with a likeminded mama bear!

As always- stay safe out there, mama bear.

In today's episode, we tackle the question: How do we raise critical thinkers and children who can think for themselves and ask questions, in a world that doesn't want them to? (add embed podcast here!)

In this interview, we talk with Katie Kimball of Kitchen Stewardship about how we can raise our children in a world that doesn't share our values and doesn't encourage free thinking. We specifically discuss the concepts of nutrition and food, navigating technology and social media, how to parent when your kids feel different from their peers, and more.

Key points:

• Raising critical thinkers starts at a young age.
• How to navigate being "the only one" when it comes to technology rules and parenting decisions within a friend/school group.
• How to best prepare our children for the world ahead, starting with some basics like kitchen skills.

Action Items & Next Steps:

• Checkout Katie's free Life Skills Now summer camp
• It's a free virtual camp over the summer where kids will learn those real life skills they aren't being taught in school! There is also an option to buy a recording if you can't attend live and take them at your own pace.
• Join us over on Instagram @mamabearsurvival and please, share the show with a likeminded mama bear!

As always- stay safe out there, mama bear.