Turning a Hobby into a Career – Epi-3384

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Patrick MacKnight found himself at a crossroads in life, a choice between Biomedical Research and Ball Python Breeding. In the end, he came down on following his passion, monetizing a hobby, and turning it into a career.  MacKnight has a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, but he diverged from the conventional path, captivated by the world of ball pythons.

His scientific background has been instrumental in his reputable breeding approach, blending traditional techniques with innovative, science-backed methods. Recently joining forces with Capital Reptiles and Andre Kosovych, they aim to elevate the industry, showcasing that passion and profession can intertwine, creating a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm.

He joins us today to discuss taking that hobby you have passion for and turning it into a successful entrepreneurial venture.

Resources for today’s show…

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Order Extra Copies of Jim Shockey’s Book – For TSP-23

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Okay guys and gals so I made a deal with Jim’s agent and a small book store Jim will be doing a signing at to get every TSP-23 Student a copy of Jim’s new book, “Call Me Hunter”.  These books will all be signed by Jim with a specific numbering for this event.  Such as…

Jim Shockey
TSP-23
#1 of X

Well I talked to the publisher and we can also order extra copies.  So if you want more than one, if you are coming and not a paying student, etc. you can order extra copies.  I am making no money on these, once signed and delivered 35 bucks is about my cost.

So to be clear, if you are a paying student you are getting one copy at the event at no additional cost.  Any anyone coming can order copies or extra copies for 35 dollars each.  I need to get these paid for and a final count soon though so you have until close of business 1700 CST Friday the 29th to order your copies.

And just to be abundantly clear you or someone you know must be coming to the workshop if you want a signed copy of Jim’s book from this numbered series.  I am sorry but I am just not in the individual shipping business.  For those coming I would also say this is a heck of an opportunity or a really unique gift for any of the outdoors people in your life.  So if you are coming to TSP-23 or have someone that can pick up copies for you, this is a really unique opportunity that won’t come around again any time soon.




Easy Fermenter Wide Mouth Lids – Item of the Day

The Survival Podcast Posted on by 8

Every day I bring you an item on Amazon that I personally use or has been purchased by many members of the audience and I have researched enough to recommend.

Today’s TSP Amazon Item of the day is the Easy Fermenter Wide Mouth Lid in a 5-piece set. This is a game-changer for anyone who loves fermenting their own foods at home. It’s a simple, yet highly effective tool that takes the guesswork out of the fermentation process, ensuring you get perfect results every time.

The Easy Fermenter Wide Mouth Lid is not just any lid it is one best of its kind. Made from stiff, durable plastic with a thick, leak-proof gasket, this lid is built to last.  One of the standout features of this lid is the Simplified Date Tracker. Timing is crucial in fermentation, and this date setter keeps track of when your fermentation started, so you always know when it’s almost complete. No more guesswork, just perfect tasting batches every time.

Another feature that sets this lid apart is the Integrated Easy Release Tab. We’ve all experienced the frustration of trying to open a jar that just won’t budge. With these lids, opening your jars will be as easy as pie. After patiently waiting for your ferment to be ready, you deserve a stress-free day!

The Easy Fermenter Wide Mouth Lid also features a unique waterless airlock system. This means you don’t have to worry about constantly checking and refilling water levels in your airlock. It’s a hassle-free solution that allows you to focus more on the joy of fermenting and less on the technicalities.  All while turning any wide mouth standard ball jar into a perfect fermentation vessel.

What’s more, these lids are compact and can be easily tucked away. They are a fraction of the size of those clunky three-piece airlocks, meaning you can store your jars almost anywhere a mason jar can fit. Say goodbye to a cluttered countertop and hello to more space for your fermented products.  And the best part?  They are super economical at only 15 bucks for a 4-pack & they’re 100% BPA Free and comes with a money-back guarantee. So, if you’re not completely satisfied with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund.

So, if you’re a fan of fermented foods and love making them at home, the Easy Fermenter Wide Mouth Lid is a great tool to add to your kitchen. It’s the perfect tool to help you create delicious, healthy, and perfectly fermented foods every time with total confidence.  Give it a shot today and you won’t be disappointed.

Remember you can always find all of our reviews at TspAz.com

P.S. – You can also get this kit with 4 glass weights for only a few bucks more.  You may want to consider this option as the weights help keep everything under the brine.  And you know the old fermentation saying right?  “Keep it under the brine and everything will be fine.

And if you’re new to fermentation this book is about the best getting started book you will ever find.

Listener Feedback for 9-26-23 – Epi-3383

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:31:01 — 26.0MB)

Today I will cover a variety of your questions and comments.  Many were sent to me via email, if you do that for a future show remember to always put TSPC in the subject line, ask your question or make your point in one clear sentence then hit return a few times and give me your details for the best chance to get on air.

I also picked up some of this from various comments on social media, my YouTube videos, etc.  Today we discuss biochar, back yard livestock, bankrupt cities, BRICS, cooking meat, batteries on the cheap, fishing, colleges closing down, ChatGPT and more.

Join Me Today to Discuss…

  • Would a 60 degree walled “fire brick rectangle” be a good biochar kiln
  • Would I mostly recommend a “back yard livestock” approach to homesteading over gardening at this point
  • What does it look like when a city goes bankrupt – link 
  • Stop listening to people who tell you BRICS doesn’t matter, they are all “backwater countries” etc.
  • Where can you find “good” temps for meat cooking target temps
  • How to properly run and manage a deep litter system in a chicken coup
  • A listener’s tip on getting stupid cheap batteries – link
  • How to find places to fish near your home
  • As predicted more US colleges are risk of closing or having to “merge” – link
  • An interesting hack for using ChatGPT to plan meals, etc. – link
    `

Resources for today’s show…

Sponsors of the Day

Video Version of Today’s Show

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon.

Join the MSB Today

Join the MSB Today

Want all the Early TSP Episodes?

Remember in addition to discounts to over 80 vendors who supply stuff you are likely buying anyway, tons of free ebooks and video content, MSB Members also get every edition of The Survival Podcast ever produced in convenient zip files in blocks of 24. More info on the MSB can be found here.

Frigidaire Portable Ice Maker – Item of the Day

The Survival Podcast Posted on by 1

Every day, I bring you an item on Amazon that I personally use, or that has been purchased by many members of the audience and which I have researched enough to recommend.

Today’s TSP Amazon Item of the day is the Frigidaire Portable Ice Maker. This compact device offers incredible value, capable of producing up to 26 pounds of ice daily. From the moment you fill it, you can expect the first drop of ice (on the large setting) in about 12-13 minutes. Once the cycle begins, my testing shows that you’ll receive another drop approximately every 9 minutes and 20 seconds, like clockwork.

This serves both as a lifestyle convenience item and a prepper tool. For everyday use, consider this: priced around 100 dollars, if you’re currently buying bagged ice at roughly 2 dollars a bag, after 50 bags, this machine essentially pays for itself. If you consume a lot of ice, your refrigerator’s ice maker might not keep up. With this device, you can always have ice available. Check out the video below to understand its operation, as there are some limitations to be aware of.

From a prepper’s perspective, it’s outstanding. If you have extra freezer space, fill the gaps with bags of ice. As you use them, simply replace them. It’s quick, simple, and cost-effective. If there’s a power outage, you’ll have a significant ice reserve. With any backup power source, you can also continue ice production.

Here’s the kicker: it’s energy-efficient, much more so than a fridge/freezer combo. My tests showed an initial surge of about 430 watts, but during cycles, it fluctuates between a mere 4 watts to about 110-120 watts. This means you can easily run it off a modest 800-watt power inverter connected to your car battery while idling.

Most of you know I advocate for having a generator, ideally two (since “2 is 1 & 1 is none”) for backup power. With one, you can power this alongside your other essentials, and any decent generator will hardly notice the load. This allows you to keep many items cold, and you might even assist your neighbors.

I’m so fond of this product that I’m contemplating purchasing a second one. While I don’t need two for daily use, having one in the workshop would be a game-changer, reducing the number of trips staff make for “ice runs”. Plus, if one fails, the backup is ready to go.

The best part? It’s portable and lightweight, making it convenient for occasional users to store away. You might want to switch it off at night (see the video for reasons). If you’ve visited my place, you’d know about my impressive outdoor kitchen and its large ice maker. So, why this one? The large one malfunctioned, freezing up with unresolved issues. Replacing it was prohibitively expensive, reminiscent of a “I’m coming, Ethel” heart attack moment from the “Sanford and Son” show.

I secured mine for a mere 88 dollars. I could purchase ten of these, and if each lasts four years, I might outlive their combined lifespan, reaching 91 years old. Remember my frequent discussions about the price-to-value ratio? That’s how I made this decision. The outdoor unit lasted about 3 years before problems arose. A combination of Texas summers and hard water eventually did it in. I won’t repeat that mistake, especially at a price higher than my first car!

So, check out the Frigidaire Portable Ice Maker today. I believe you’ll appreciate its presence in your home. And remember, it’s portable! Whether you’re planning a fishing weekend at an Air BnB or a hunting trip with friends, just throw it in your truck, plug it in, and watch the ice accumulate.

For a detailed overview of its functionality, power consumption, and limitations, refer to the video below.

* Remember you can always find all of our reviews at TspAz.com

P.S. – There were some comments from people who owned and powered used (non stop daily use) these types of ice makers for 3 or more years before they slowed down and or died.  Any electronic device has something called “MTBF” or mean time between failures.  That said the key to long life for an ice machine is cleaning.

So it made me realize I should have included a link to this stuff in the original review.  Use it about every 60 days as directed and your machine will make it to old age vs. middle aged.  Also things like only running it when you need it, turning it off at night as per the video will drastically lengthen life.

Check Out the Video to See How it Works, Its Limits and Power Demands

Saving Future Generations from Self Inflicted Slavery – Epi-3382

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Let me pose a question to you: do you genuinely believe that future generations will experience anything close to the freedoms we still enjoy today? Can you envision the liberties children had in, say, 1985, ever being reinstated? Have you pondered the gradual erosion of freedom in our nation?

I’m referring to a time long, long ago. It was once said of the Native Americans, before the founding of our nation, that “never have there ever been a people who were so free.” While this holds some truth, it isn’t entirely accurate, as various peoples have experienced such freedom at different points in history.

Consider the Mazi of Africa, the Aboriginals of Australia, and the Tribes of the Amazon, to name just a few. Indeed, all tribal peoples in hunter-gatherer societies enjoyed remarkable freedom. And as we know from history, the advent of civilization often disrupted their way of life.

However, this episode isn’t about pointing fingers at “the white man” for altering the lives of native peoples. The focus here isn’t on skin color; rather, it’s on the State as an entity. As we delve into today’s discussion, we will arrive at a rather unsettling conclusion: that government, in all its forms, is inherently antagonistic to liberty.

Join Me Today to Discuss

  • What is liberty, what is freedom
  • What is the history of freedom and its relationship with government
  • How our children have be programmed to accept control
    • No value to privacy – slowly desensitized by the system
    • Respect authority based on titles vs actions and earned respect
    • Systematically placed into unserviceable debt (student loans, credit cards, etc)
    • Taught that degrees equal education
    • They have been made overly comfortable
    • They have been taught to value “protection” above vigilance
    • They have been taught that prejudice of one amounts to privileged for another
    • This is all by design, the lunatics are running the asylum
  • What you never realized about the movie/book 1984
    • It won’t be dark and bleak, rather it is shinny and well lit
    • We carry our own screens and while permitted to turn them off we don’t
    • The Party, is simply “The Parties”
    • We are self editing the dictionary
    • The endless war is as much domestic as it is foreign
  • What can we do about this
    • Teach children that freedom is precious and doesn’t come from the state
    • Teach them skills so that they can adapt where others fail
    • Help them define what freedom is for them, don’t dictate it to them
    • Encourage independent learning and systems thinking
    • Teach them that failure is necessary if one is to succeed
    • Instill the spirit of insurrection in them
  • Is there any hope, are we the last “free” generation
    `

Resources for today’s show…

Sponsors of the Day

Video Version of Today’s Show

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon.

Join the MSB Today

Join the MSB Today

Want all the Early TSP Episodes?

Remember in addition to discounts to over 80 vendors who supply stuff you are likely buying anyway, tons of free ebooks and video content, MSB Members also get every edition of The Survival Podcast ever produced in convenient zip files in blocks of 24. More info on the MSB can be found here.

 

Victorinox 6-Inch Semi Stiff Boning Knife

The Survival Podcast Posted on by  

Every day, I bring you an item on Amazon that I personally use, or that has been purchased by many members of the audience and which I have researched enough to recommend.

Today’s TSP Amazon Item of the day is the Victorinox 6-Inch Semi Stiff Boning Knife. I recently did Episode 3366 of my podcast entitled Butcher Your Budget with DIY Meat Cutting. I featured this knife in that episode and many of you picked one up, so given how great it is, I decided to add it to the TspAz catalog.

Let’s start out with the purpose and function of a knife like this and how it teams up for processing meat with the 8 Inch Breaking Knife I previously reviewed.  Right in the name this knife excels at “boning” which is why if you look at it, it is quite similar to a common fillet knife for fish.  The curve in the blade is my personal preference for this type of knife as I feel it allows more finesse in fine boning work.

So why “semi stiff” vs. stiff or flexible.  Think Goldilocks here, not to hard, not to soft, just right.  We want some flex at times when working close to a bone on a shoulder or say deboning a chicken thy or breast.  At the same time by being semi stiff unless you use a significant amount of pressure it will stay straight.  What this results in is precision cutting because the tip of the blade remains perfectly aligned with the handle and your hand.  Translation you know exactly where you are cutting at all times.  If you watch videos of professionals breaking down, trimming and deboning cuts you will see them consistently preferring the “semi stiff” version of a boning knife.

So let’s get on to the second main use of this type of knife, trimming.  While I often trim thick fat caps with my breaking knife, a knife like this one is really great for finer trimming, especially removal of silver skin and such which requires very fine work, more like removing the skin from a fish that simply reducing the amount of fat and leaving some behind.

So moving on to price-to-value ratio this one has it.  At just over twenty bucks (on sale at 21.99 as of 9-12-23) you are getting a tool that will serve you for decades if you take proper care of it.  The Victorinox name really speaks for itself on quality.  High end steel, Swiss quality, etc. You just can’t do better especially at this price point.

So if you really want to take your meat cutting and/or game and livestock processing up a notch, consider adding the Victorinox 6-Inch Semi Stiff Boning Knife to your kitchen and of course it pairs perfectly with the Victorinox 8 Inch Breaking Knife and a good honing steel.

P.S. – If you want this boning knife with a wooden handle as referenced in the video below you can get it at this link.  It will cost more, it does look better, but I actually prefer the rubber handle when dealing with large and at times slippery cuts.  Doesn’t hurt that it has the same steel, performs the same way and costs a lot less either.

P.S.S. – The vendor I am linking to has the knife on sale today but is now down to less than 20 in stock, if they are sold out and you don’t mind paying a little more here is a second vendor with the same knife for sale.

Video Review of this Knife

 

Virtual Passes for the Self Reliance Festival are Now Available

The Survival Podcast Posted on by  

If you can’t come to Camden, TN next month for the Self Reliance Festival where there will be a ton of great presentations you still don’t have to miss out on it.

With the Self Reliance Festival Digital Pass, you can join in on the action from your own computer. You’ll be able to watch all the cool stuff happening at the festival live on your screen all day.  And guess what? You can even ask questions to the speakers through your digital host.

Once the event is over, you’ll get access to a bunch of videos with all the presentations. So, get ready for an awesome time.  So Grab Your Virtual Pass today if you can’t come to the on site event it is the next best thing!

P.S. – There are still regular on site tickets available and a few VIP tickets left as well if you can come in person.

Expert Council Q&A for 9-22-23 – Epi-3381

The Survival Podcast Posted on by 1

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:19:50 — 22.8MB)

Today on The Survival Podcast the expert council answers your questions on government, CoVid, public speaking, wood heat, composting, the 4th turning, diesel generators, meat cutting and more.

Make sure if you submit content for an expert council show you do the following….

  1. Email it to me at jack @ thesurvivalpodcast.com
  2. Put TSPC Expert in the subject line
  3. Ask you question and state the expert you have the question for in one coherent sentence
  4. Hit the return key a few times and then give all the details you think are necessary

Following that procedure makes it about 100X more likely your question will get though screening and sent on to one of our experts.  All expert council members can be found on the Meet the Expert Council Page.

Join Me Today to Discuss…

  • In the Ron Paul Liberty Highlights
    • Sen. Paul vows to block more funding for Ukraine – Dr. Paul and Dan McAdams
    • CoVid authorities think Americans have the memory of a goldfish – Chris Rossini
  • Getting public speaking gigs with people you don’t know – Nicole Sauce
  • How to best move wood heat around your home with stoves or fire places – Ben Falk – Ben’s Book
  • Composting with chickens and concerns about pass though toxins in large animal maneur – Geoff Lawton
  • Thoughts on the concept of “The 4th Turning” – Prof. CJ Kilmer
  • The benefits of diesel generators – Tim “Toolman” Cook
  • How to find subprimals for cutting up your own steaks and roasts, etc.  – Jack
    `

Resources for today’s show…

 

Sponsors of the Day

 

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon.

Join the MSB Today

Join the MSB Today

Want all the Early TSP Episodes?

Remember in addition to discounts to over 80 vendors who supply stuff you are likely buying anyway, tons of free ebooks and video content, MSB Members also get every edition of The Survival Podcast ever produced in convenient zip files in blocks of 24. More info on the MSB can be found here.

Thoughts on the Future of TSPC – Epi-3380

The Survival Podcast Posted on by 4

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:20:46 — 23.1MB)

Don’t worry I am not going anywhere.  When ever I do announce an episode like this one I get emails and DM’s that are like “dude is everything okay”.  Look guys and gals, I am old but not that old.  We have been here 15 years and I plan to be around at least 15 more, barring any run away gravel trucks or something like that, old timers will get the joke.

That said there will be some significant changes announced today so you don’t want to miss this one.  Overall though it will be more like a “State of the Podcast” address.  We will discuss the way we got here, where we are going and some things I hope will make us better then we have ever been, as podcast and as a community.

Join Me Today to Discuss…

  • The early years, how it started and how we got here
  • Why I have always built this show the way I have
  • When I started doing the expert council shows I thought it would give me a day off, it really hasn’t
  • Why I may soon go to 4 shows a week
    • I don’t think anyone listens to every show anymore if you do you are the minority
    • I put out more total content in 3 shows now than I did with 5 in the beginning
    • I do get tired, run out of ideas some weeks and sometimes just don’t want to do a show sometimes
    • More to the point, I get great ideas for solo shows and don’t have the time to prep them
    • I want to do more “projects” like meat curing, etc. and record them
    • What is the point of all the work if you can’t call the shots, and I don’t want employees
    • I want more time with my grandkids and to help my wife with how much she does for them
    • To be clear I am not asking permission but I do hope people understand
  • Some things I want to do going forward
    • Some sponsor changes are coming, this may open up some new spots
    • I plan to do more interviews on other podcasts etc. (growth mode again)
    • I may go to two interviews a week, more likely two every other week
    • I want to do more “how to content” fishing, cooking, etc (this takes prep time)
    • I may do some more appearances if it allows bonus travel with my wife
    • I may do a show a month not you YouTube where no censorship can touch me
    • I want to stack more value into MSB with more partners
    • I want to start doing some shot content that is more than show excepts
    • I do want to start building some courses, the aquatics one WILL NOT be first
    • Lets take a look at the TspAz Item of the Day early today and how it plays into all this
  • My commitment to you
    • I will be the same J.E.R.K. I have always been, some things will never change
    • I will continue to speak the truth, I will never “sell out” and the opportunities do come
    • The TSP one word brand is “integrity” and that won’t ever change
    • I will keep challenging you to focus on what you actually control
    • I will keep pushing you to
      • Learn something new daily
      • Challenge yourself constantly
      • Never waste your dash
  • Here is to 15 more years, at least, there is nothing in life I want to do more than what I do right now, thank you

 

Resources for today’s show…

Sponsors of the Day

Video Version of Today’s Show

Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon.

Join the MSB Today

Join the MSB Today

Want all the Early TSP Episodes?

Remember in addition to discounts to over 80 vendors who supply stuff you are likely buying anyway, tons of free ebooks and video content, MSB Members also get every edition of The Survival Podcast ever produced in convenient zip files in blocks of 24. More info on the MSB can be found here.