Mama Bear Survival

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.

• (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.

• 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!

In this episode, we dive into the crucial topic of water preparedness and the importance of having a reliable water supply both for emergencies and everyday use. We take a look at the different reasons why water can become an inconvenient or even life-threatening issue as well as the strategies to increasing our water preparedness.

• We can only live a few days without water. We talk about how much you need to prepare for and the best ways to start.
• During major weather events or disasters, it has taken days or even weeks for help to arrive. We talk about how controlling our water plans is part of the mama bear mindset and building up self-reliance.
• Three steps to take this week so you can have a 2-week supply for your whole family, including:
• Step 1: Starting with accessible options like bottled water for immediate readiness.
• Step 2: Investing in reliable water filtration systems for long-term sustainability.
• Step 3: Building a larger water supply with storage tanks for extended contingencies.

• Do the math on how many gallons of water you and your family will need for 14 days.
• Follow the other couple of steps to get your quick water backstop ready.
• Make sure you are on the email list here and I will send you the free water guide with all of this information and more broken down very easily!
• Tune in to the very next episode for more on our water and overall preparedness with Travis from American Reserves.

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.

• 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."

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.

• "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."

• [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.

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.

• 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 Unce...

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 HuntTM 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.

• [0:02:00] Introduction of guests and a heartfelt recap of the Women HuntTM 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.

• 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

"Because Mama Bear survival isn't just a passive feel-good podcast. This show is really going to take listeners on a journey this year and I hope that you'll join me for it."

Are you ready to adventure together this year? Here are some of the topics Emily discusses in this first episode.

• Emily's journey from a career in media to entrepreneurship
• 2020 - the year that changed everything (for the better)
• Waking up to freedom & family
• Planning for your family's secure future
• Self-reliance and survival skills for modern mothers
• Cultivating a self-sufficient lifestyle and community

Some of the upcoming episodes include expert guests and topics in personal protection, defense, firearms, situational awareness, prepping, food and water storage, emergency medical and first aid, preparing for pregnancy and postpartum, fighting the war on children, parenting in a digital age and more!

Guests include: Lena Miculek, Tim Larkin, Landon Starbuck, 1000 Hours Outside, Brittany Baker, Refuge Medical, SIG Sauer, American Reserves and more.

Be sure to get on the list and get notified when new episodes and survival resources launch!

Go to mamabearsurvival.com and hop on the email list!

Until next time,

Stay safe out there, Mama Bear!