In this episode, Chris Richards and Brian discuss the compounding disaster Chris experienced at the beginning of COVID. COVID began to cause societal issues in January 2020. In February 2020, Chris's daughter experienced a significant medical emergency. And, by early March, her son elected to take pictures of the Eifel Tower... no, not in Las Vegas, in Paris, France—just as lock downs were getting ready to start.

If for no other reason, this episode and Chris's story should remind you not to put off your health and preparedness. "Once the time for action. starts, the time for preparedness has ended." I heard those words of wisdom in Brad Garrett's audiobook, Bunker.

For all of the fun and details, be sure to listen to this episode.



Stay safe,

163: One Disaster, Two Disaster, Three with Chris Richards

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In this episode, I sit down with Nikos Katsikanis to explore various facets of preparedness related to civilians caught in a modern war. Our conversation focuses on our personal and professional lives, survival strategies, and broader societal implications of recent events. This episode offers insights into preparedness, resilience, and the importance of community support in an increasingly complex world.

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Preparedness and Survival: War and Disaster Scenarios
Nikos discusses preparedness and survival in relation to the SHTF disaster of warfare. He details how the Russian invasion of Ukraine fueled his interest in preparedness, emphasizing self-reliance and community support. We discussed evacuation challenges and essential supplies like food, water, and sturdy footwear. Nikos underscores knowing one's limitations and relying on others in survival situations.
Ukraine Invasion: Preparedness and Resilience
We explored how Ukraine has coped with the invasion, noting solid ties to Poland and neighboring countries that facilitated aid. Community spirit and self-sufficiency, including farming and gardening, also played a key role. I drew comparisons to significant disasters, emphasizing human resilience.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Impacts and Isolation
In this section, we explore the impacts of the pandemic and government measures. Nikos talks about his frustration with the lockdown mandates and many people's lack of critical thinking when approaching our modern world. He also shares struggles with mental health post-pandemic, and we reflect on the problems of increased isolation in society. 
Critical Thinking: Navigating a Divisive World
With regard to critical thinking, we highlighted its importance in an era of misinformation and fear, amplified by events like COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. We discussed how these events impact mental health and people's ability to analyze information. We also emphasized the role of online communication in dividing opinions and concentrating the elite's power through narrative control.
Societal Issues and Preparedness
We discussed societal issues and the role of government. Nikos shared his experience fleeing a potential invasion, and we emphasized preparedness, including emergency supplies and evacuation plans. We also highlighted the role of communication systems in such situations and discussed the challenge of setting "tripwires" or evacuation triggers, especially for families.
Ukraine Conflict and Refugee Crisis
Our conversation touched on the Ukraine conflict's impact on people and the global response. We talked about refugee aid efforts and the geopolitical dynamics, with Nikos expressing skepticism towards some actors. I emphasized the need to prioritize ordinary people, and concerns arose about corporate interests influencing policies.
Veterans and PTSD Support
Next, we explored PTSD challenges faced by veterans and the lack of adequate support due to financial incentives influencing the pharmaceutical industry and therapists. The conversation shifted to Ukraine, addressing the psychological impacts on soldiers and the lack of support. Spirituality as a form of relief was also considered.
Ukraine War Support Strategies
Nikos and I expressed concern over Ukraine's suffering,

Modern Warfare: A Real World SHTF Event

Join us in this episode with the founder of the Mountain Readiness Expo, Robert ' T' Toombs.

We discuss everything from what started T prepping, to what concerns him most with the world today. We also dive into the importance of building community and networks, along with the benefits of self-sufficiency.

Click the player to listen!



Stay safe,

Mountain Readiness with Robert ‘T’ Toombs

In this episode, we dive deep into survival medicine, exploring the critical importance of being prepared for medical emergencies, especially in light of current events. Joe and Amy Alton help us unravel why it's crucial now, more than ever, to gear up medically for disasters and troubled times that may be heading our way. Listen to the entire episode! 

For more information on medical preparedness, check out DoomandBloom.net. 
Key Points Discussed in This Show:
1. RSV, COVID, and Vaccine Challenges:

 	Overview of RSV and COVID-19 and their impacts on global health.
 	The complexities involved in vaccine development and why it's a challenging task.

2. The Importance of Medical Preparedness:

 	Why preparing for medical emergencies is crucial in today's world.
 	The potential consequences of being unprepared in a health crisis.

3. The Urgency of Prepping in Current Times:

 	Key reasons why medical prepping is more essential than ever.

4. Understanding Survival Medicine:

 	Defining survival medicine and its importance in disaster scenarios.

5. Preparing for Medical Emergencies During Disasters:

 	Strategies to prepare for health-related emergencies in adverse situations.
 	The importance of having a plan and being informed about common medical emergencies.

6. Essential Disaster Medical Supplies:

 	A comprehensive list of must-have medical supplies for disaster preparedness.

7. Necessary Medical Skills for Survival:

 	Critical medical skills everyone should learn for surviving disasters.

The Bottom Line on Survival Medicine
We wrap up the episode by emphasizing the need for readiness in the face of uncertainty. With the proper knowledge, supplies, and skills, one can significantly increase their chances of survival and recovery during and after a disaster. Remember, preparation is vital in survival medicine, and your actions today can determine your resilience tomorrow.
Additional Resources:

 	My Diagnostic Medical Kit (A Paramedic's Personal Gear)
 	12 Best Wound Care Supplies (Survival Medical Kit)
 	What to Keep in Your Trauma Medical Kit

 

Stay safe,

Survival Medicine: Solving Prepping’s Medicine Mystery!

Sean Patrick Tario and I discuss how to Protect Yourself From Big Tech Surveillance. Sean is a former Silicon Valley tech influencer who owns Mark37.com, a company that provides cell phones and computers free from snooping Big Tech data thieves like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and others.

Some of the topics we discuss are:
Building Community


This episode starts with Sean sharing his experiences growing up in Chicago, where his father's journey through different faiths and beliefs instilled in him the value of openness and understanding diverse viewpoints. This lesson went beyond religious beliefs to embrace a broader search for truth in all aspects of life, underpinned by love and empathy.

Sean also discusses how he learned the importance of empathy, awareness of mental health, and the ability to forgive oneself. These themes were emphasized through his work with entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, where personal well-being is often overlooked in the pursuit of money and power. From his mentoring experiences, Sean highlights the necessity of creating a supportive environment that values emotional stability and empathy, crucial for personal development and forging deep connections.

He then highlights the impact of these principles on society at large and advocates for a world influenced by positive energies such as love and gratitude to foster a more empathetic and understanding community—crucial during hard times.
Why Protecting Your Data Matters


Sean and I also discuss the complex world of data privacy and the big tech extensive tracking enabled by our everyday technology. Sean highlights how every piece of information we generate, from the locations we visit to the searches we conduct online, is captured and stored in massive data centers. This data is not only in the hands of big tech companies but also accessible by government agencies, leading to a reality where our privacy is continuously compromised. Sean's analogy comparing our smartphones to weapons constantly monitoring us is very insightful and provides an excellent reminder of how our data is abused. While integral to our lives, our electronic devices also serve as tools for companies and governments to keep tabs on us, turning personal privacy into a concept of the past.

We then examine how our personal data is monetized, turning individuals into products whose information is bought and sold. This system manipulates our choices and beliefs, as the content we are exposed to is carefully curated to influence us. Sean stressed the importance of regaining control over our data to counteract this manipulation. He also warned against being misled by products that offer privacy solutions, like the "Patriot phone," which, upon closer inspection, do not live up to their promises. This discussion with Sean is eye-opening, revealing the extent to which our information is under constant surveillance and emphasizing the need for greater awareness and action towards protecting our data privacy.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself from Big Tech Surveillance


Next, Sean and I discussed the enormous amount of surveillance by big tech corporations and the strategies we can adopt to shield ourselves. One critical strategy revolved around the importance of understanding and taking control over the operating systems of our devices. Sean emphasized that whether it's a smartphone or a laptop, the operating system acts as the brain, dictating the functionality of both hardware and applications.

By default, using mainstream operating systems means entrusting control to Microsoft, Google, or Apple, along with all the data we generate. In opposition to the controlled operating systems, big tech, provides us—open-source alternatives offer a less invasise opportuntiy for our time on the Internet.

How to Protect Yourself From Big Tech with Sean Tario

In today's digital era, the specter of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) threats represents a chilling potential to fundamentally disrupt our interconnected society. EMPs, a byproduct of nuclear detonations, hold the power to disable electronics, cripple the power grid, and plunge modern civilization into chaos. This comprehensive exploration dives into the nature of EMPs, their historical context, operational mechanics, potential impacts on humans and infrastructure, and, crucially, strategies for mitigation and preparedness.

This article draws upon insights from my conversation with Dr. Arthur Bradley, an authority on electromagnetic pulse (EMP) phenomena. With a background as an airborne infantryman and a long-held role as a NASA engineer, Dr. Bradley is one of the most prolific researchers studying EMPs. His extensive research sheds light on the chaos EMPs can unleash and offers guidance on how to brace for such events.
Watch the Entire 90-Minute EMP Episode Here! ⬇️


Let's dive into the basics to better understand the risks and protective measures against EMP threats. The following section, "What is an EMP?" will explain electromagnetic pulses, their sources, and their potential impact on our modern world. Let's go!
Dr. Bradley's Website for EMP Protection Supplies: DisasterPreparer.com
What is an EMP?


Electromagnetic Pulses (EMPs) pose a real danger in the modern digital age. Triggered by nuclear explosions high above the Earth, EMPs can severely disrupt modern society by damaging and destroying electronics, from personal devices to the power grid.
EMPs are an Undeniable Reality
Discovered in the 1950s, the threat of EMPs has grown with our increasing reliance on technology. The increasing nuclear EMP threat raises concerns about our preparedness for such an event. The problem is that an enemy, using an EMP, could down the power grid and destroy vehicles and other critical infrastructure that a modern society needs to function.

The existence of EMPs is undeniable, as evidenced by atomic tests, such as the Starfish Prime test in the 1950s, which revealed their damaging potential. The damage an EMP could inflict is debated, ranging from catastrophic scenarios affecting the power grid and causing widespread chaos to more controlled damage with significant but manageable impacts.

Government and military awareness of EMPs dates back decades, yet measures to harden infrastructure against such attacks have been limited, mainly due to the complexity and cost.

Here's an In-Depth Article on What is an EMP
How Does an EMP Work?


An electromagnetic pulse originates from high-altitude nuclear detonations. The nuclear detonation also unleashes electromagnetic energy capable of damaging electronic systems over vast areas. Due to the potential for catastrophic damage to the power grid, the possibility of EMPs emphasizes the need for preparedness strategies to mitigate this risk.
E1, E2, and E3 Waves
Nuclear EMPs unfold in three distinct phases: E1, E2, and E3. Each phase impacts electronic devices differently. The E1 wave causes immediate and catastrophic damage to delicate electronics. Next, the E2 wave, resembling a lightning strike, hits and causes further damage to delicate electronic devices like cell phones and computers.

The E3 phase produces the same type of burst of energy as a coronal mass ejection (CME). The E3 wave is absorbed and conducted through the power grid's power lines (long conductors). Whereas the E1 and E2 waves damage delicate electronics, the E3 wave damages transformers and the power grid as a whole.
What Would an EMP do to a Human?
An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is generally not directly harmful to humans. While EMP bursts of electromagnetic energy can disrupt or damage electronic equipment and electrical...

163: One Disaster, Two Disaster, Three with Chris Richards

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