The Shit is Hitting the Fan – Epi-3409

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Today I am back after a great Thanksgiving break but the world itself seems to be charging forward to a destination that would make Orwell’s 1984 look like a holiday itself.

Today we discuss Ireland’s new insane law that threatens to jail people for “misgendering”, massive layoffs in trucking logistics, the most cringe ad ever from Moderna.  We also talk about the Biden regime gaslighting Americans into fighting with their family during Thanksgiving, 40% interest rates in Turkey, Japan shows the US its’ future and more.

Join Me Today to Discuss…

  • In Ireland they may put you in jail now if you misgender someone online of possess a mean meme – link – link2 – link3
  • Massive layoffs in logistics because we have more trucks than freight – link
  • A Moderna ad you would think is satire for the “spike vaxx” but nope, it is real, they paid for this – link
  • Biden/Harris campaign makes X post on how to fight with your family during thanksgiving, the ratio is brutal – link
  • Bloomberg says “inflation will fall” because Japan shows our future, they are right and this is why it is bad news – link
  • Interest rates in Turkey are now 40% to “stop inflation” – link
  • Things we all need to be thinking about doing right now
    • Building additional income streams
    • Producing food
    • Reducing the cost of the food we buy while increasing quality
    • Personally educating our children even if we don’t home school
    • Forming “underground networks” – use things like Nostr
    • Increasing home security, opsec, situational awareness, etc.
    • Having payment options other than a bank account
    • Improving our personal health
  • Just remember this is the way of things, this is the cycle, we are just getting the power stroke in the cycle
    `

Resources for today’s show…

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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.

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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.

TspAz Gift Ideas for Christmas 2023

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Every year I bring you a list of some of the most popular and great gift ideas from the TspAz catalog.  Here is what we have this year.

  • The EDC RazorLite Knife from Outdoor Edge – I love these knives and carry either it or its bigger brother all the time.  While I love my expensive customs for always having a scalpel on hand that you don’t mind roughing up a bit these are just awesome.
    `
  • StreamLite Flashlights – While the ProTac Dual Fuel has become my favorite light, I also still love the MicroStream and have one in my EDC belt kit.  I also still give away tons of the Stylus Pros to spread prepping and the USB Rechargeable one is great to.  Pretty much you can’t go wrong with this brand.
    `
  • Knipex Cobra Pliers – The absolute best channel lock style pliers I have ever found.  German engineered, never slips, amazing tools.  The smallest ones have become part of my EDC, the larger ones are one of my most valued hand tools.  These are pricey but they are the absolute best.
    `
  • Anker Soundcore Earbuds, Speakers and Head Phones – Anker is the best value electronics brand on the market.  Whether it is the awesome Soundcore Speakers you can Pair, the best Earbuds for the money on the market or the amazing sound quality of the Q20 headphones, any music or podcast lover will love these.
    `
  • Victorinox Meat Cutting Knives – Whether it is the 8 inch breaking knife or the 6 inch boning knife I have sold a ton of these this year and everyone loves them.  Hey if you really like someone get them a set of both.  These are the tool professional meat cutters use and they are very affordable.
    `
  • Anker Fast Charger – This is so new i don’t even have a write up for it yet but it is going to be my go to stocking stuffer this year.  This thing is super fast and not much more expensive than the shitty ones they sell at box stores.  One thing I love is it is powerful enough to charge the new MacBooks, many USB chargers are not.
    `
  • UTG Ranger Field Bag – This is one of the items I have been recommending the longest and I have no plans to stop.  I found this in 2010 when I was traveling a lot for prepper conventions.  It is rugged, cheap and HUGE.  You could smuggle small adult humans in this thing.
    `
  • Stainless Steel Insulated French Press by Secura – These just look beautiful and once you go French Press with coffee it is hard to turn back.  Pair this up with a coffee grinder and some good whole bean coffee and any coffee lover will thank you.  I gave one of these to my nephew while he was in law school one Christmas, he still says it is one of the best and most practical gifts he’s ever gotten and he still uses it daily.
    `
  • The LizzQ Pellet Smoker Tube – Every person with a grill needs one.  Even if you have a smoker these still have a place for everyday use.  I make a ton of stuff with mine including my cold smoked and then sous vide for 24 hours briskets.  Toss in say an assortment of pellets for extra points with this gift.
    `
  • Nanch 22 Piece Precision Screwdriver Set – A great little tool set that will even fix your eyeglasses but has far more utility unlike the little pieces of junk they sell as eye glass screwdrivers.  I find myself reaching for this kit a few times a month even though I actually bought it for my wife Dorothy.
    `
  • Etek City 4 Pack of LED Lanterns – One of the single best deals you will ever find, they are even on sale at the time of this post.  Give a set of 4 for only 20 bucks or give them as single units for one of the coolest 5 dollar stocking stuffers you will ever find, and batteries are included.  Yes, really.
    `
  • The American Boys Handy Book – Published in 1882 before safety police were everywhere it is a fascinating look back at what the world was like 140 years ago.  Tons of cool stuff for kids to do, there is a girls version as well.  The politically correct hate this book that is reason enough to give one to every kid you know.  It is a lot of fun to read with kids too, find projects to do with them, etc.
    `
  • The Herbal Medicine Makers Handbook – If you know someone who loves herbs and wants to learn more about their medicinal use this is the book.  If I was personally limited to one book on herbs, this would be my choice.  It is like a full course on home herbalism but very easy to follow and very approachable.
    `
  • Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book – Any gardener and fan of founding father Thomas Jefferson will love this amazing historical look at the time and life of Jefferson outside of the world of politics.
    ‘
  • Instant Pot Sous Vide Circulator – I recommended the Anova for years but they just went stupid on price.  I tested this one and now have been using it for over a year and it just works perfectly.  Any foodie will love this and sous vide is easy to do and will change everything about your cooking.

 

Bonus this year – Some of these may not be great gifts but I thought I would just provide a list of the top 10 best selling items on TspAz this year.  This is by total units sold not by total dollars in sales.

  1. Black Flag Fly Window Traps – told you some were crappy gifts.
  2. Cable Matters 6 Outlet Surge Protector – honestly I’d be happy if I was given one of these and I own 4 already
  3. Streamlight Microstream – it made both lists for a reason
  4. Galvanized Metal Raised Garden Beds – I literally sold these 100% out on Amazon currently unavailable. Some of the other sizes are really good too though.
  5. Soundcore Anker Life P2 True Wireless Earbuds – Another item that made both lists and once again for a very good reason.
  6. South Chicago Packing Wagyu Beef Tallow – It will change your life just a little bit if you start cooking with it.
  7. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Battery, 5 Ah, 2-Pack – We have a lot of fans of team Yellow and Black at TSPC.  When these go on sale (like right now at 45% off) it makes sense to pick them up.
  8. Easy Fermenter Lids – These sold amazingly well, no complaints and they do make a good gift too.
  9. Zazzy Adjustable Rope Hangers – A great little item though possibly not the greatest gift unless it was asked for.
  10. Veggetti Spiral Vegetable Slicer – A super awesome kitchen tool that many foodies would love and cheap enough for stocking stuffer status.
    `

So there you go a list of my personal picks for Christmas gifts and a bonus list of the top selling items on TspAz for 2023.  Remember you can find all my reviews at TspAz in category specific listings.

An Interview with John McCann – Friday Flashbacks – Epi-5

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:18 — 12.4MB)

Today’s episode of Friday Flashbacks was originally Episode-290- An Interview with John McCann and was originally recorded on 10-5-09.  The show notes for the original episode with all relevant resources can be found here.

Welcome to Friday Flashbacks, after 15 years and hundreds of interview shows we decided to run them as flash backs ever Friday, beginning with the oldest of them going forward.  There is a tremendous library of wisdom in all the great interviews we have done over the years.  So sit back and enjoy, whether this is your first or second time around with todays episode I am sure you will enjoy today’s episode and learn a lot from it.

Resources for TSP Listeners

 

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.

The Thanksgiving Special for 2023 – Epi-3408

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:46 — 5.7MB)

Today one day before the great American Holiday we stop and pause to think about what we have to be thankful for.

Two years ago I rerecorded the original portion of this show into much better audio quality, I do hope you enjoy it. If you would like to hear the first version of it as it was recorded in my car you can find the original that was published on Nov. 26, 2008 here.

The beauty of this show is I feel it is something you can share with friends and family. The real history of Thanksgiving is actually a lot more interesting and special then many of the myths.

Tune in today to hear…

  • Why much of what we learn about Thanksgiving is wrong or at least inaccurate
  • How Thanksgiving was at one time considered a “damn yankee holiday”
  • How Thanksgiving became a way for our nation to heal and reunite
  • How the date of Thanksgiving has often been moved around and why
  • The truth about those big buckles the pilgrims wore and all that black clothing
  • What feasting meant 100 years ago to our prior generation that we have forgotten

 

Additional Resources for 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. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show.

Vevor Commercial 10 Inch Meat Slicer – Item of the Day

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Special Notice – The Vevor 10 inch meat slicer is on a black Friday early deal today at 18% off.  That will save you about 50 bucks today on this awesome item that if used correctly can pay for itself in a few months.

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 Vevor Commercial 10 Inch Meat Slicer. This powerhouse of a slicer is the perfect addition to any homestead kitchen.  Imagine the convenience of slicing through your favorite meats with the precision of a professional deli, right in your own home. The adjustable thickness control allows you to customize each slice from paper-thin to 0.6 inches thick, ensuring that your sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and meal preps are elevated to a new standard of excellence.

But it’s not just about the convenience or the professional results; it’s also about the savings. By purchasing larger, unprocessed cuts of meat and slicing them yourself, you’re cutting out the middleman and the extra costs associated with pre-sliced products. Over time, the Vevor meat slicer doesn’t just pay for itself; it turns into an investment that keeps on giving. You’ll notice the difference in your wallet as well as your palate.

Moreover, the ease of cleaning and maintenance means that you won’t be spending your valuable time trying to keep this slicer in top condition. It’s designed with simplicity in mind, featuring removable parts for a quick wash, and a built-in sharpener to keep the blade razor-sharp for smooth slicing every time.

There are two things I want to make you aware of on this subject of cleaning and maintenance. One really great one, and the other not bad, but it was unexpected and honestly, while a simple fix, it is something you should be aware of.

First, the really great one, the one that made me buy it in the first place. All slicers must be broken down and cleaned, which means removing the blade. Now think about this: you have a 10-inch round, very sharp blade that is sharp everywhere. And I mean 360 degrees all around. Well, duh, right? Right up until you need to remove it, clean it, and put it back on. Okay, where are you going to grab it? Most people suggest a cut-resistant glove set. These are okay for prep work, but when handling equipment, starting screws, they make the job harder.

Well, the Vevor has two holes with tapped threads about halfway between the center and the edge. There is also a small adjustment knob on the back; you can simply remove that knob, screw it into either hole, and you have a handle. What a great, functional, and simple idea. All of the companies making these things should totally rip off that idea. The ER docs doing stitches will endorse this idea, I am sure.

Next, the not-so-good one, and really, it is just more of an irritating fact. In the lead-up to the workshop, I had three pieces of Basturma I had made. It is a hard-cured beef made traditionally in Turkey and surrounding countries, also called Pastrama at times. Here’s a short video of how it is made. I grabbed one and tried the first use of the slicer. It bluntly sucked; the blade was dull as crap. This bugs me, QA much, Vevor?!

However, I flipped around the sharpening cover on the top, pinched the buttons, and ran it for about 30 seconds. Flipped it back around, and it turned three half eye of round hunks of Basturma into super thin, buttery deliciousness in a matter of minutes. Hence, if you order one, it MIGHT arrive dull, but you will need to learn to sharpen it anyway, and it literally takes less than a minute and no skill to do.

So even shipped with the dull blade, I am full-on endorsing this one. I looked at a few others that were in this level of performance. The least expensive was over 100 dollars more, some were 200-300 dollars more, and none had the tapped hole in the blade.

So, whether you’re a culinary enthusiast looking to add that professional touch to your dishes, or a savvy shopper keen on maximizing value and taste, the Vevor Commercial 10 inch meat slicer is your kitchen’s new best friend. Make the smart choice and invest in one today; your taste buds, and your budget, will thank you.

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

See This Video for Info on the Blade Removal and the Sharpening

Surviving Thanksgiving with Chef Keith Snow – Episode-3407

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Today’s episode was originally, Episode-557- Surviving Thanksgiving with Chef Keith Snow and originally aired on Nov. 23rd 2010.  The notes below are the original notes from that episode.

Remember while Rewind Shows are commercial free you can always support our show by Joining the MSB or simply by doing your Amazon.com shopping though TspAz.com

Tune in today for a special edition of The Survival Podcast with Chef Keith Snow.  Keith is the creator of HarvestEating.com which focuses on eating seasonally and cooking with food you can grow in your backyard of obtain locally.  He is also a daily listener to our show and shares many common ideals with the Survival Podcast audience.  So I thought who better to bring on the air in preparation for Thanksgiving then Chef Keith.   Whether you are going though having the “in laws” or just want to have the best Thanksgiving meal you ever cooked, today’s show is for you.

Let me tell you folks you are going to want a pen and paper for note taking on today’s episode!

Tune in today to learn…

  • The simple steps to perfect turkey
  • Gravy that doesn’t come from an envelope or a jar
  • Three variations on stuffing that will blow your family away
  • Simple cranberry sauce that doesn’t come from a can
  • A duck for Thanksgiving with an amazing spice blend
  • Using chestnuts and pecans for a great taste twist
  • How to properly cook stand alone drumsticks for extra dark meat
  • A way to make squash something special instead of sweet baby food
  • Mashed potatoes that won’t believe until you try them
  • Wine selections for Turkey Day
  • A desert that is so simple to make but totally amazing and unexpected

 

Additional Resources for 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. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air

What is Modern Survivalism Really All About – Epi-3406

The Survival Podcast Posted on by 2

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:30:34 — 25.9MB)

Every day I get an email from some company that wants something from the TSP community.  They want to promote some new gadget or gizmo, on occasion it is something really new, cool and useful.   More often then not though it is some repackaged crap or over priced assembly of commonly available components.

Since I have told off just about every major network executive like those making the horrible crappy “Doomsday ________” shows they contact me less frequently but it still happens.  They are always looking to discuss the “end of the world” and do a good job of feigning false support of the idea.

Additionally of my 200-500 daily emails a good portion are new audience members that are in a huge state of fear.  Most just found out recently that everything isn’t okay and super and that real threats exist.  They are generally focused on one or two major threats and freaked out.  The ones who have been listening to Alex Jones are generally the worst.

These are three very different groups of people, but they all have the same problem, they don’t really know what real survivalism is all about.  Yep real survivalism, but I call it modern survivalism, today we discuss why.  In short to me, modern survivalism is a lifestyle that builds redundancy first around our needs, then around our wants and lastly around luxury so that we can live a better life.

Join Us Today As We Discuss…

  • The bullshit statement, “I am not a prepper I am a real survivalist”
  • What my real goals are for my nation and the rest of the world for that matter
  • Why reactionary prepping is dangerous and counter productive
  • How to decouple from fear based action
  • Balancing the reality of true threats with common sense
  • Why I decline the vast majority of sponsors, partners, etc. who approach me
  • Why understanding needs is important
    • Food
    • Water
    • Shelter
    • Energy
    • Security
    • Sanitation and Health
  • Why living life effectively when times are good is the best form of preparedness
    • Insure your needs have redundancies
    • Build real wealth in every way you can
    • Bet neither on failure or success, either way you will lose
    • Develop skills and knowledge daily
    • Learn from others but don’t try to be who they are
    • Trust yourself more then anyone else, including me
    • Learn from the past, live in the now, plan for the future
      `

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.

Do You Know about the Amazon Outlet Website?

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Okay so previously I wrote an article explaining the Amazon ReNewed program.  It is basically returned items that you can get at a discount, for more here is that article.

Today though I have something new for you and JUST IN TIME for the holidays.  It is called the Amazon Outlet.  What is that exactly.  Unlike ReNewed which is returned items and won’t come with manufacturers warranties, etc., these are all brand new unopened items.

In general they are items Amazon feels they have excessive stock of and they want to reduce inventory.  So they deeply discount these items.  It should be noted that sometimes a item on the outlet will be marked down but looking it up in the regular Amazon search will show that item without the discount.  It is one of those things you have to know about to use effictively.

The good news is all you have to do is go to the Amazon Outlet via this Link and search for what you want to find.  You won’t always find what you are looking for on sale but it is worth a moment to look and check both the ReNewed and Outlet results.  I have added links to both to TspAz.com for your connivance when reading our reviews and such.

Some of the Deals at the Outlet are Really Amazing so check it out today.

Syantek Remote Control Light Switch Kit – Item of the Day

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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 Syantek Remote Control Light Switch Kit.  These things are just awesome and for under 30 bucks they provide a lot of convenience.  The set comes with two remotes and 5 individual switches.

They are pretty intuitive but here is how they work.  You plug one of these into an outlet, then you plug in what ever you want to control remotely into it, you just installed it, you are done.  Now if it was unit one, when you push “on” for unit one, what ever is plugged into it comes on, when you push off, it goes off.

I know some of you are thinking, oh gee another gadget so people can sit on their ass and not even walk across the room to turn on a light.  Now hold on, here are a few uses that make a lot of sense.

For one we have a floor lamp that is behind the couch, to get to it you have to walk around the back and contort yourself in an odd position to get to it.  It isn’t a huge deal but it is a pain in the ass and it is also the best place for the lamp.  Install one of these and no more contortionist activities to turn on the lamp.

When I first found these our grandson was too short to reach the wall switch in the bathroom, so I installed a small light, popped in one of these.  No more, “I’m scared to go to the bathroom alone” stuff.  Ended the excuse cold and he learned to see to his own needs.  He also enjoyed using a remote to turn on lights.

I shoot videos at my desk and I have some pretty heavy lights that make the room work well for that.  Say I want to shoot a video on the fly, push a button they come on, then off.  Not a big deal but when it comes to my work with as much as I do I try to be as efficient as possible.

A few years back I put some really nice string lights in the rafters of my main shop building.  The outlets that power them are for the garage door openers.  I popped in a couple of these, each switch runs two sets so I have zoned mood lighting now.  Nice for TSP Workshops and movie nights out in the shop, etc.  Basically any time the LED shop lights are just over kill and too bright.

How about your annual Christmas lights?  For us our tree is one of those pre lit jobs.  Dorothy has some weird form of OCD around lights on Christmas trees, (okay honestly she is a Christmas tree Nazi, really) that is unsettling. So I got a pre lit job to end it!  After that she started building her annual “Christmas Forest” (seriously check out that link it is really cool).  She has like 30 of those small tinsel trees she wire tied lights to and a bunch of other small trees.  It really is beautiful but it is almost impossible to get to the wall and shut it off.  Not with one of these, I just hit 2 and 3 when we go to bed and the forest is dark.

How about a shop with a light on the far end?   Some of you likely have older parents with mobility problems, hey less than 30 bucks to make their life a little easier right?  I put two cheap box fans in the roof of my back shop and can just turn them on for circulation in warm weather with a button push.  I mean those cheap ass box fans that you can get for about 10 bucks BTW.

Okay you electric Nazis that hate phantom loss of electronics that are plugged in but not on.  This can really add up, but if you put one of these in the connection and test it with a Kill a Watt, you will find they draw 1/10th of a watt in standby which is almost nothing.  Over a year that would cost about 10 cents in electricity, where some devices can cost 20-30 dollars a year in “vampire draw” or even more.  With that alone they can pay for themselves. 

So if you have any lights or other electronic devices you would like to be able to turn on and off as easily as you do a TV, check out the Syantek Remote Control Light Switch Kit today.  I do use my nifty mechanical timers a lot too but sometimes on demand is what you really want.

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

P.S. – If you are thinking didn’t Jack used to recommend something like this from Etek City and doesn’t Jack love Etek City?  You are correct on both counts.  And if Etek still made something like this I would still be recommending them.  This year when Dorothy broke out the Christmas stuff we could not find her outlets (likely because some Jerk reappropriated them for other things).  So I was like, I will just order more.  Welp, nope!  Etek stopped making them.  So I read reviews, etc. and found that these by Syantek are well thought of (4.6 stars with over 700 ratings).  I ordered a set and put them though their paces.  They work just fine so they are my official replacement recommendation.

 

An Interview With Listener Barb Harrington – Friday Flashbacks – Epi-4

The Survival Podcast Posted on by  

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:32 — 14.2MB)

Today’s episode of Friday Flashbacks was originally Episode-281- An Interview With Listener Barb Harrington and was originally recorded on 9-21-09.  The show notes for the original episode with all relevant resources can be found here.

Welcome to Friday Flashbacks, after 15 years and hundreds of interview shows we decided to run them as flash backs ever Friday, beginning with the oldest of them going forward.  There is a tremendous library of wisdom in all the great interviews we have done over the years.  So sit back and enjoy, whether this is your first or second time around with todays episode I am sure you will enjoy today’s episode and learn a lot from it.

Resources for TSP Listeners

 

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.