17. Preparedness: Affordable First Steps for Beginner Preppers

01/19/24 • 19 min

This episode isn't just about chopping wood and battling fevers; it's a journey through the wilds of my youth, the cabins I crafted with my own hands, and the financial turbulence that eventually steered me back to the homestead dream. With tales that traverse from the tangible—like constructing our abode from the forest's bounty—to the philosophical, pondering our role within our families and the natural world, this conversation is a call to embrace the resilience that self-reliance gifts us.
Then there's the practical side of things—you know, the nuts and bolts of making it through unexpected hardships. I'll take you back to the days of my naiveté, holed up in a remote cabin with nothing but a shotgun, my dog, and a sparse pantry. Learning the hard way, I realized the immense value of being prepared. In sharing the essentials of food and water storage, from the five-gallon buckets of grains that could mean survival, to the security of a trusted water filter, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom. As we talk about the peace of mind that comes from a well-stocked larder and the freedom found in self-sufficiency, you'll come away with actionable insights that ensure you're ready for whatever life throws your way.

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My Self Reliance YouTube Channel-
https://youtube.com/@MySelfReliance?si=d4js0zGc5ogYvDtO
Shawn James Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5L_M7BF5iait4FzEbwKCAg
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Previous Episode

16. How to Start Gardening for Self-Sufficiency with Huw Richards

Imagine stepping into your backyard to be greeted by a thriving garden, bursting with the fruits of your own labor – a dream Hugh, a young permaculture enthusiast, turned into reality. Join me, Shawn James, as I engage with Hugh about his transformation from a family plot in Wales to a seven-acre canvas of biodiversity. We'll share stories of community-driven farming, and I'll reveal how my new book marries the art of gardening with the science of cooking, thanks to insights from Chef Sam Black. Our conversation promises to be a treasure trove for anyone looking to embrace the virtues of self-sufficiency and unearth the potential of their own green space, no matter the size.
As we wander through the world of gardening, we'll touch upon soil's pivotal role as the foundation of a bountiful harvest, sharing secrets on crafting nutrient-rich compost and the marvels of natural farming techniques. I'll share my firsthand experience with methods like Korean natural farming and the wonders of wood chips in creating a lush, productive garden bed. Discover how to coax the most out of nature's offerings and consider the benefits of a tree and grass-centric food system that can revolutionize the way we approach our own food production.
Wrapping up our pastoral journey, we'll reflect on the broader implications of gardening – how it anchors us to nature and knits communities together. I'll share perspectives on community sufficiency and the transformative power of seed saving. Gain practical advice on converting even the smallest of lawns into a food haven and learn why every setback in gardening is but a stepping stone to greater yield. For seasoned gardeners and aspiring green thumbs alike, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to cultivate not just a garden, but a life enriched by the bounty and balance of nature. Join us, as we plant ideas that will grow into a legacy of resilience, taste, and togetherness.

The Self-Sufficiency Garden Book:

https://www.regenerative.press/book-store/p/pre-order-self-sufficiency-garden
YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@HuwRichards?si=8HoBRYecCV87X3L9
Instagram:
instagram.com/huwsgarden

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Next Episode

18. Guide to Buying Cheap Land for Financial Freedom

Having weathered the trials of drinking from a stream that gifted me giardiasis and tamed the stubborn infertile land of my homestead, I'm here to share the raw truths of off-grid living. Discover how to stockpile the essentials and select the perfect patch of land for self-reliance, while weaving through tales from Ontario's historical homesteads. As your guide, I'll recount the saga of reclaiming soil, the dance with local wildlife, and the art of cultivating a sustainable life from the ground up.
Venture with me into the world of sustainable livestock farming, where the pastoral idyll meets the economic grindstone. You'll hear firsthand the peaks and valleys of managing cattle, the surprises in raising pigs, and the conundrums of poultry farming. I'll unravel the financial narrative behind organic feed, the paradox of egg production, and the personal reckonings with the true cost of home-grown meat. If you're contemplating the balance between sustainability and practicality, prepare for an expedition through the pastures of experience.
Finally, we'll step back to survey the expanse of sustainable homesteading, weighing the importance of infrastructure investments against the backdrop of a 70-acre rotational grazing operation. You'll glean strategies for intensive soil improvement, how to incorporate wildlife habitats into your farm design, and how blending hunting, fishing, and foraging with cultivation can forge a self-sufficient lifestyle. Join me as we craft a vision of land stewardship that nourishes both our families and the ecosystems we inhabit. Remember to subscribe and ring that notification bell for a continuous journey into the serene embrace of cabin life.

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My Self Reliance Podcast - 17. Preparedness: Affordable First Steps for Beginner Preppers

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.161

I'm still feeling under the weather .

Speaker 100:00:03.040

Every Christmas I tend to seem to get colder flu from family , and this year was no exception .

Speaker 100:00:13.000

Sounds like it's been going around everywhere with everybody . I haven't seen anybody really since , or other than families . You know us , I don't know . Two