Send us a text

The kind of cold that gets into your bones also gets into your house—and reveals every weakness you didn’t know you had. After nearly three weeks of single digits, iced-in streets, and sold-out heaters, we put our prep plans under a microscope and turned frustration into a blueprint for resilience. From window drafts that felt like open sashes to the moment an axe, not a shovel, finally cracked the ice, we share the simple fixes and smarter upgrades that kept the heat in and the bills down.

We zoom out to the grid that’s supposed to keep us warm and ask hard questions about capacity, reliability, and the growing power appetite of data centers. Cities love the jobs and tax base, but the electrical truth is messy: massive new loads on an aging network, and policies that increasingly require facilities to drop off the grid during brownouts so neighborhoods keep the lights on. It’s a practical look at infrastructure, not a rant—how underground lines saved parts of the Outer Banks, why Nashville struggled for days, and what that means for your home plan when storms stack up.

Back at the house, we map out a layered approach: low-cost weatherstripping and window film that pay off immediately, safe use of propane heaters as a bridge, and longer-term upgrades like pellet stoves and crawl space encapsulation to stabilize temperature and humidity. We talk through stocking strategies before shelves go bare, the real limits of heat pumps in deep cold, and how to turn a harsh winter into a dry run that exposes gaps without becoming a crisis.

If you want a practical, no-drama guide to staying warm, cutting waste, and planning around a fragile grid, this conversation is your field manual. Subscribe for more common-sense prepping, share this with a friend who’s freezing right now, and leave a review to tell us the one winter fix you swear by.

https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNu

Augason Farms
Support the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Have a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at [email protected]. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a text

PBN Guest Spot - https://youtu.be/ygJEGdGD-jg?si=L4lMdNP3R6O8QD8G

Cold can be predicted. People can’t. That simple truth frames a wide-ranging conversation that starts with a frozen Richmond morning and ends with a blueprint for staying calm when tempers run hot. We talk about the little miss that becomes a big headache—letting a propane tank drift to 40 percent right before delivery schedules jam up—and the simple systems that keep you out of the panic queue. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn “I should’ve checked that” into a habit you won’t break, this is your playbook.

From there, we face a tougher prep: human volatility. We unpack disturbing videos of medical professionals advocating harm and ask a practical question—how do you protect yourself when authority and emotion collide? The answers aren’t flashy. Strip politics out of asymmetric situations. Choose routes that bypass flashpoints. Keep your car kit simple and ready: water, calories, gloves, thermal layer, eye protection, and a charged power bank. When protests clog a city grid, patience, planning, and quiet exits beat bravado every time.

Amid the noise, community proves its worth. We share how the show’s growth came from listeners, not “growth hacks,” and how real preparedness grows the same way—one honest connection at a time. Build small circles. Offer help before you need it. Share principles, not inventories. And when the forecast wobbles between blizzard and blue sky, use it as a stress test for your routines: fuel checks, safe space heating, room consolidation, and pipe protection. Prepping isn’t about fear; it’s about removing avoidable surprises so you can live more freely, even when the world gets loud.

If this resonates, subscribe, leave a quick review, and share the episode with one friend who needs a nudge to check their fuel and tighten their winter plan. Your support keeps this community strong and growing.

https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNu

Augason Farms
Support the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Have a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at [email protected]. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a text

PBN Link-  https://www.youtube.com/live/8NpbTZFOBdA?si=QarLn-swARRj03wa

Winter Storm Fern looked like a snowmaker, but the lasting threat turned out to be bitter cold, sketchy secondary roads, and a patchwork of power outages that tested patience and planning. We walk through what actually happened across Central Virginia and the Southeast, what the outage data says about restoration timelines, and how to make better day-to-day choices when the forecast swings and the mercury drops. No drama—just clear takeaways you can use to keep your home warm, your food safe, and your family steady.

We break down why some interstates were dry while neighborhoods stayed dicey, why heat pumps falter in single-digit temps, and how a pellet or wood-burning insert can take pressure off your HVAC. You’ll hear the simple upgrades that paid off fast—like wireless fridge and freezer thermometers to verify cooling and prevent food loss after a repair or replacement. We also talk soberly about winter safety culture: tragic sledding accidents, how nostalgia can cloud risk, and practical ways to keep fun in the snow without flirting with catastrophe.

Alongside the storm postmortem, we touch on community and caution. Giveaways bring joy, but scammers listen too, so we share the exact rules for claiming a prize safely and the only email address that will reach out with codes. If you care about resilient living, this conversation centers on small, smart steps: consolidate trips, monitor outages with reliable sources, layer clothing and rooms, and plan for backup heat that actually moves warm air where you need it. If this helped you think differently about winter prep, tap follow, share with a friend who needs a plan before the next cold snap, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNu

Augason Farms
Support the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Have a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at [email protected]. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a text

Guest on PBN; https://www.youtube.com/live/vjxX1Sz3AeU?si=mS1rqy60ey4EHPzU

The forecast isn’t teasing flakes; it’s promising days of freezing rain, sub‑freezing highs, and a real chance of extended power outages. We break down a practical, affordable game plan to keep your home warm, your pipes intact, and your food safe when the grid goes quiet and the cold sets in.

We start with the risk picture for Central Virginia and parts of the Plains—why ice is the real threat, how fast indoor temps can crash, and what matters most over the first 48 hours. From there, we map out a heat strategy that actually works: using a kerosene torpedo heater with proper ventilation to push warm air where it counts, closing foundation vents, insulating pipes, and staging blankets and layers. We also get specific about generator readiness—test starts, safe placement to reduce theft and fumes, CO shutoff considerations, and realistic watt budgeting for essentials like lighting and internet.

Food and storage come next. A new full‑size fridge is great until the power blinks, so we lean on a 12‑volt compressor fridge, the natural cold outside for sealed bins on a shaded deck, and smart habits to keep a chest freezer cold as long as possible. We talk about the supply crunch already visible in propane lines and grocery aisles, and offer alternatives when stores are picked over. Communication ties it together: local emergency text alerts, satellite internet with a modest power draw, and clear, low‑bandwidth ways to stay connected with neighbors and get reliable updates without draining batteries.

Along the way, we share notes from a recent guest spot on the Prepper Broadcasting Network, answer common winter prep questions, and keep the focus on simple steps that punch above their weight. If you’re staring down sleet, ice, and bitter cold, this walkthrough helps you act now—before the outage—so the next seven days feel controlled, not chaotic. If this helped, subscribe, leave a quick review, and share this with a neighbor who could use a calm plan before the storm hits.

Augason Farms
Support the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Have a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at [email protected]. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a text

The forecast finally points at Richmond—and not with a gentle nudge. We’re staring down a potential foot of snow followed by single-digit cold that turns slush into black ice and routine errands into risk. So we slow things down and map what actually keeps a household safe: fuel, heat, water, food, and the discipline to stay off the roads while the city catches up.

We start with the hard realities of central Virginia winter: limited snow removal, contractor-heavy plowing, and a driving culture that speeds up when traction goes down. From there, we dig into what changing models really tell us, why local meteorologists hedge, and how to read the National Weather Service guidance without getting spun by hype. Then we get practical. Fill every tank and stage at least 10 gallons per vehicle at home, top off propane, and grab those small cylinders before shelves empty. Build water reserves that support at least 72 hours, and stock pantry staples—beans, rice, soups, pasta, freeze-dried meals—so you’re not competing for the last loaf and carton.

Heat is the centerpiece. We walk through zoning rooms with doors and heavy quilts, using south-facing windows for daytime warmth, and making backup heat safe with proper ventilation and detectors. Cooking stays simple with butane stoves, grills, and a Blackstone, all fueled up and used safely. We cover battery banks, flashlights, weather radios, and the balance between solar generators and gasoline units, including testing and exercising your generator before the storm. Outside, we flag the small details that matter: clearing around HVAC units, staging shovels, knowing when salt won’t melt, and laying down kitty litter for traction. If you keep backyard chickens, we talk windbreaks and when to bring them into the garage as temps plunge.

The theme is calm readiness, not panic. Forecasts will tighten; preparation doesn’t need to wait. If this helped you think clearly about winterizing your routine, subscribe, share it with a neighbor who tends to panic-buy, and leave a quick review so others can find us. Then tell us: what’s your smartest cold-weather habit that more people should know?

https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNu

Augason Farms
Support the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Have a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at [email protected]. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a text

A well‑stocked bunker is nice, but a smart, portable toolkit you actually know how to use is better. We take a simple idea—the power of your junk drawer—and turn it into a lean, reliable post‑apocalyptic tool bag you can build this week without emptying your wallet. From raid‑the‑house finds to smart bargain buys, we map the exact steps to move from clutter to capability.

We start by auditing what you already own: laces that secure loads, chopsticks that double as splints, whetstones that keep blades sharp, and tapes and glues that fix more than they claim. Then we lay out a compact essentials list—metric and imperial sockets, a 16‑ounce hammer, crosscut and hacksaw, utility knife with spare blades, needle‑nose pliers, adjustable wrench, pry bar, headlamp, tape measure, pocket level, and a multimeter for basic electrical and DIY solar work. You’ll hear why rechargeable lights still benefit from a stash of tested AA and AAA batteries, and how a mix of zip ties, paracord, and fastener assortments solves 80 percent of field repairs.

Sourcing matters, so we share budget wins from discount tool stores, plus what to grab at yard sales, flea markets, boot sales, and estate sales where old‑school tools outlast modern throwaways. Organization transforms usability: a canvas tool roll keeps everything tight and visible, ammo cans protect bungees and zip ties, and magnetic trays stop screws from disappearing under your car. We also talk practice—learning your multimeter’s symbols, testing solar inputs, sharpening blades, and doing small fixes now so you’re calm when it counts.

If you’ve been doomscrolling, this is your nudge to do something tangible. Build a capable kit for under $150, stash it next to your get‑home bag, and refine it with each season. Enjoy the show, then subscribe, leave a quick review, and share your must‑have tool or best budget find so we can feature it next time.

https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNu

Augason Farms
Support the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Have a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at [email protected]. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a text

Apple Podcast Link https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-common-sense-practical-prepper/id1644780654 Please leave a review, thanks!

A hot meal can flip the mood of a hard day, especially when the lights are out and the weather is ugly. We’re diving into seven reliable ways to cook without electricity—what to use, when to use it, and how to stay safe while keeping a low profile. From the classic Coleman two-burner and simple butane stoves to propane grills, charcoal, and ultra-efficient rocket stoves, we break down the tradeoffs, fuel needs, and best use cases so you can make dinner happen under pressure.

We also explore a quiet, low-signature option many folks overlook: thermal cooking with a heated stone “rock pot.” It’s slow, discreet, and fuel-stingy—perfect when you want to avoid broadcasting your supplies. You’ll hear practical guidance on ventilation, carbon monoxide risks, and OPSEC tactics like cracking the garage door, using a fan, and choosing recipes that won’t send aromas down the street. We share why quick-boil systems like Jetboil shine for morale drinks and water treatment, how to stock extra butane and propane tanks without breaking the bank, and which cookware stands up best to off-grid heat sources.

By the end, you’ll have a simple plan to build a layered off-grid cooking kit: fast-boil for coffee and sterilization, a compact burner for daily meals, a grill or griddle for volume, and a thermal cooker to stretch fuel in long events. Pair those tools with smart ventilation and a little discretion, and you’ll keep your family fed, calm, and safer when storms or outages hit. If this helped you think through your next power outage, tap follow, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—your note helps more people find practical prepping they can actually use.

https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNu

Augason Farms
Support the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Have a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at [email protected]. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a text

Cities can change in a heartbeat. One moment you’re cruising home, the next you’re staring at barricades, fake traffic controllers in vests, and a wave of flashing lights. We unpack how to navigate that pivot with calm, practical steps—no panic, no posturing—so you can get home safely and protect your family when protests and police standdowns collide.

We start by demystifying the big three everyone throws around: martial law, Posse Comitatus, and habeas corpus. Understanding who can do what—and who can’t—helps you predict the kind of response you’ll actually see on the street. From rare historical uses of martial law to the legal limits on the National Guard, we translate legal jargon into street-level implications you can act on. Then we move from concept to concrete: building three alternate routes, using offline maps, and adopting a half-tank fuel rule that buys you time and choices when the main roads lock up.

Driving tactics can make or break your exit. We cover scanning several cars ahead, favoring the right lane for shoulder and exits, and leaving a full car-length gap as your emergency out. If traffic freezes, we explain how to secure the vehicle, crack windows to mitigate exhaust buildup, manage fuel, and keep kids calm with simple routines. When it’s smarter to abandon the car, a lean get-home bag—with water, calories, first aid, light, and real walking shoes—turns a risky gamble into a planned micro-evac. Back at home, we focus on low profile and high awareness: garage closed, lights on, cameras live, social feeds filtered, and zero “looky loo” behavior.

Threaded through all of this is mindset. Preparedness isn’t a bunker fantasy; it’s calm communication, small daily habits, and knowing when to wait and when to move. If you want a realistic, street-smart framework for handling civil unrest—whether you’re stuck on the interstate or sheltering two blocks from the noise—this guide gives you the why and the how.

If this helped, subscribe and share it with a friend who drives the same routes you do. Drop a rating and review to help others find the show, and tell us your best alternate-route tip—we might feature it next time.

https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNu

Augason Farms
Support the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Have a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at [email protected]. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a text

A Costco pallet stacked with 5,400 emergency servings sounds impressive, but does the math—and your storage plan—actually work for you? We open with the numbers, then shift to the skills that turn stored food into real resilience: first aid choices that keep small problems small when the lights go out and help is far away.

We break down stubborn myths with clear, usable guidance. Butter on burns seals in heat and germs; skip it and use cool water, gentle cleansing, and loose sterile dressings. Snakebite suction and knife cuts don’t remove venom; immobilize, keep the limb below the heart, and seek medical care. Hydrogen peroxide and isopropyl alcohol can damage healing tissue when overused, so reach for clean water first and disinfect sparingly. From eyebrow lacerations that bleed like crazy to hard-to-bandage palms, we share calm, step-by-step approaches that reduce panic and conserve scarce supplies.

Allergy readiness gets real: check EpiPen expirations, know when to use them, and add antihistamines when appropriate. We make the case for a pulse oximeter in every kit to spot dangerous drops in oxygen saturation during asthma or severe reactions. Shock care is practical and human: lay flat, legs up, warm blanket, steady talk, and grounding questions that pull focus back from the edge. We cover over-the-counter meds—ibuprofen for inflammation, acetaminophen for fever—and how to think about expiration dates, especially for liquids and creams. Most of all, we double down on hygiene: wash hands, use friction if soap is scarce, dry with something clean, and treat wounds early to stay ahead of infection.

Ready to prep smarter, not louder? Hit follow, share this with someone who needs a clear first aid plan, and leave a review to help more practical preppers find us.

https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNu

Augason Farms
Support the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Have a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at [email protected]. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.

Send us a text

Systems don’t warn us before they snap—they just do. We kick off the year with a clear-eyed look at what 2025 taught us and how to turn those lessons into practical, affordable readiness for 2026. From a brief digital detox to a high-velocity news cycle—Venezuela’s shake-up, grid-challenging winter storms, and shifting global coalitions—we focus on what you can control: your mindset, your pantry, your plan, and your community.

We revisit standout moments: how the SNAP disruption actually played out on the ground, why churches and food banks became resilience engines, and which sub-$20 tools beat expensive gear when the power goes out. We unpack the difference between normalcy bias and a true prepper mindset—the kind that keeps momentum and morale when help is hours away. Then we zoom out: mixed economic signals, rate cuts that could loosen credit, tariff ripple effects, and the geopolitical wildcards of China–Taiwan, the Middle East, and the long proxy grind in Ukraine. Arms control timelines add background tension, but panic won’t help; planning will.

Technology and space push the story forward. AI has moved from buzzword to daily utility, quietly speeding up research and decisions. Robots are crossing from lab demos to real work. A revived space race—lunar flybys, whispers of rare lunar resources, and national competition—underscores how much we now depend on satellites for navigation, timing, and communications. Add a solar cycle peak and a fragile grid, and the case for simple redundancy is strong: stored water, safe heat, reliable lighting, battery banks, and printed contacts. We also map the cultural calendar—Winter Olympics, World Cup, America’s 250th—flagging travel strain and local shortages so you can plan around the rush.

If you’re ready to trade doomscrolling for decisive action, this is your guide. Pick one step to finish by January 15—inventory the pantry, rotate stock, add a case of water, or kit out a get-home bag—and tell us what you chose. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone you want in your resilience circle.

https://augasonfarms.com?sca_ref=9315862.VpHzogdDNu

Augason Farms
Support the podcast. Click on my affiliate link and use coupon code PODCASTPREP for 10% discount!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Have a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at [email protected]. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.