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Episode-1190- Holy Crap I Just Found Out Everything Isn’t Super – Part 1 — 49 Comments

  1. Man I have missed you! Been sick and trying to play catch up so have not listened in ages. Yup wasn’t long into the show I was laughing. Newbies! So very funny. I can laugh because we were one. I had always had a ‘what IF’ way of looking at things in a small way. You just cleared the fog gave me a voice and the courage to develop what I knew was the right thing to do. Then I hit hubby with it right between the eyes. oops. hind sight truly is 20/20 lol

    I remember that first night I had hubby listen to your show. Yup panic hit. I mistook it for excitement. We finished the pod cast and the next thing I knew we were in the middle of the grocery store with 2 carts full of food!. Hahaha. I think the spending spree oh wait I mean investment phase lasted about a month or so. Man it was crazy. Had to have everything now. Everything was so overwhelming. So many questions. Shop till you drop. yeah no; you didn’t drop till you brought it all home and had to put it away. We stood there in the middle of the room with our mouths hanging open looking at each other asking “Now what?”

    Hahaha My my my have we ever come a long way. All the mistakes. All the panic. All the “HOLY CRAP!” moments. HAHAHAH NEWBIES!

    My advice yes get off your duffs and do something but small easy consistent steps to following a logical well thought out plan. One that is economically efficient and effective. That will save many hours and days of craziness. Plus you will get to where you want to be faster because you wont have to try to undo and redo over and over and over and over. Might very well save family conflict too. That’s another story /lesson for another time.

    Thanks for the memory check Jack! I will be chuckling at myself all day.

  2. Jack,

    Fantastic episode !

    I now have a specific starting point episode I can direct friends and family to when they give me the “look”- you know, the “why do you have two heads?” look.
    Or the panic look of “OMG! I am not prepared for anything -what do I do?! ”

    Thanks man, for all you do, always listening, just super busy.

  3. I noticed you mentioned “corruption” @ almost 20 minutes in.

    If you’re willing to consider the possibility that how you interact with government agents determines whether you consent to being governed or not, I suggest looking at the website I linked.

    “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”

    “Most people want to believe somebody else is in charge. Then they don’t have to take responsibility. Then they have the supreme pleasure of perpetually complaining that somebody else is in charge, and it? would be better if only they were in charge.”

    “We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.”

    “This of course is the way to talk to dragons, if you don’t want to reveal your proper name (which is wise), and don’t want to infuriate them by a flat refusal (which is also very wise). No dragon can resist the fascination of riddling talk and of wasting time trying to understand it.”

    “So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains, and we never even know we have the key.”

    “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.”

  4. Awesome show! I found a couple holes in my basic preps. It seams I may have skipped a couple basics and went right into more advanced stuff, I have beef in the pasture but not much in the way of beans and rice.

    Listening to this episode I had a thought.

    What if you or someone interested in doing this put together a sort of E-course on Survival 101? By just taking those past episodes that would be relevant and sent an automated email each week with a new part of the survival 101 course.

    You could set it up so that it automatically started sending them to new subscribers to your email list. I am pretty sure that Aweber has a way to do that. Then whenever you had a situation where a newbie had a “Holy Crap” moment you could refer them to your free survival course.

    That would be a great way to revitalize some older content and get some good SEO juice going. I’m sure you already have oodles of SEO juice but hey it’s just a thought.

  5. Fan-fricken-tastic episode today. Despite listening to TSP for over two years and learning a lot..I haven’t really *done* that much. That changes with this show.

    I made a google doc as a worksheet to this episode. Anyone can view it here and use File > Download as to download a version in various formats. I’ll update it following tomorrow’s show.

    Thank you Jack. The beginning may have brought out exactly how freaked out I’m feeling (to the point of getting a bit teary..) but I have a plan now.

  6. This is a podcast you will reference to your friends and new listeners for a long time to come. Great show.

  7. Great episode listened 3 times already gonna listen again in a few minutes. I’ve been a listener for about 2 two now. Been prepping sporadically since I started following your show. However I never felt focused due to the amount of preps needed in order to feel at ease. This show has hit a cord with me and has me focused. Thank you for a great show can’t wait for part 2.

  8. Jack, I’m dying to know where you’re finding 5 gallon gas cans for $7. I bought my last one on special at a big box retail home improvement store for $20 with the new, atrociously-designed “EPA Approved” spout on it. God, what I wouldn’t give for one with a real spout on it. The steel ones that really store well are up past $50 down here in the Houston area and real jerrycans simply aren’t available from what I’ve seen.

  9. I just checked Walmart website. 5 gal plastic can $44. And that is the one with the stupid push down spout.

  10. Since becoming a regular listener of your podcast 2 years ago, and having my own “holy crap” moments, I have been carefully pushing and pulling my wife with me into a more modern survivalist lifestyle. Episode 1190 couldn’t have been better timed for me.

    Thanks again Jack.

  11. Just listened to this episode – great stuff, and probably the single best episode Jack has done in terms of an overall summary for getting prepared. It was like a trip down memory lane for me; these were the same steps I went through over the course of about a year, although at a much slower pace as my brain pieced together this stuff bit by bit . . .

    Then hurricane Sandy hit, and along with the rest of the state we were knocked down for two weeks: no electricity, no available fuel to purchase, no heat, no hot water, few stores open, roads impassible due to downed trees and power lines, etc. All with three little kids, including a newborn, in our house.

    I was lucky that I had my “holy crap!” moment before that regional disaster.

    You never know when something like that is going to hit you. An episode like this one is pure gold for someone to jump-start their preparations without panic and wasteful spending.

  12. newbie question… is it ok to store those filled gas cans in the cellar of the house? Minimal heat in the winter and no cooling in the summer.

    • NO, keep the gas out of the house. The gas fumes are heavier than air, so if you have any venting of the gas in the basement/cellar and it gets to your furnace (usually located in the basement) then your house will go BOOM!

      Besides if you keep food in your cellar (what is should be used for) you don’t want to keep the gas in same place do you?

      • OK, still trying to figure this out. No garage and no shed. Just where do I put 6 cans of gasoline?

    • Cathleen,

      Go to lowes.com and search ‘outdoor storage’. There are some 130 gallon deck boxes for reasonable prices that you can put in the back yard and store your cans of gas in. I have done this before, and I just padlocked a chain around it to keep anyone out of it. You will see what I mean when you look at them. Hope this help.

    • Cathleen,

      I don’t have a shed or a garage either, so I went through this same issue. I purchased this outdoor storage box:

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030GG2GC/ref=oh_details_o09_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

      And I use it to store gasoline, kerosene, and my supply of 1lb propane bottles. I found this box, unlike many others, is tall enough for the gas cans (and even a 20lb propane bottle) and have plenty of room length and width wise as well. I keep it well away from the house, in the shade. It has worked well so far.

      Hope that helps.

  13. RE: Generators: Propane.
    I have both a gas and a propane generator. Propane stores much better long term. As for batteries. I have 10,000 maH low self discharge AccuLoop (D). And a Maha MH-C808M Charger. I just can’t seem to get a good price in Canada for Eneloops, and have settled on Immedion and AccuLoop’s

  14. Fantastic show Jack and one I will listen to again and again. Although I have been awake for a few years now I still don’t have half the things mentioned in the show sorted yet. I am now going to concentrate on the list and work my way through it to make sure I have a good foundation on which to build my self reliant future.
    Not just a show for new preppers, there is something to learn for all of us in this episode.
    Thanks again
    aman

  15. This is my first time here and listening to this podcast, I cannot help but to think that as a Christian and believer in Christ that I don’t have these worries. The “end” is not going to be armagedon, its not going to be economic collapse, Its not going to be some insane weather outbreak. Its going to be when Christ comes back and hell reigns for 7 years. Either you go with him to heaven or you go to hell. Thank God that its that simple and that there isn’t this long crazy mad dash to buying all sorts of supplies, gear, and all that to survive what is or is not going to happen. A relationship with God is what will save you. John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Its amazing what truths can be found in the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” Want an affordable, effective, promise filled, truth filled survival guide? C heck out your local Holy Bible. Matthew 24:36 “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. What more could you possibly want or need? Especially if what you are looking for is a guide and the truth. If you’re looking for what to do to prepare for “the end”, it can all be found in one book. That’s it. 🙂 Luke 21:11 “There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.”

    • Jessy,
      I’m a believer as well, and I’ve been listening to TSP for 2 years. I believe your statement is based on a a very 1980’s+ United-States centric view of life where things have been generally easy.

      Have you ever been to a second or third world country? I will be working in an orphanage next year where they use Permaculture and many of the things discussed on TSP to SURVIVE!

      Have you studied history and seen how the foolishness of men has resulted in horrible starvation, struggle or casualties?

      Have you watched the news and see natural disasters? Hurricane Sandy took town the grid for many days, and people who implemented strategies discussed on TSP were able to take care of their families AND provide comfort, shelter, food and warmth to their neighbors. Being able to take care of ourselves and render aid to others is very Biblical.

      Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt and God used that to provide for millions of people by storing up for hard times. God is not a stranger to prepping. In spite of verses like:

      “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” -Matthew 6:26

      Sometimes it’s tough to know how it all fits together, and I do believe that God provide for his people. However, in my life, I’ve SPENT much of his provision on other things and not been a great steward. I don’t believe God is obligated to subsidize my mistakes, but rather he will help me grow and guide me through them.

      I believe you are well intended, but consider the parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. God honors good stewardship.
      “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”

      You cannot be so heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good. Please consider investing the time to understand people before you presume to know what is best and preach to them.

      At the end of the day…do you want to make your warm-fuzzy argument to your hungry child when you are sitting in a freezing cold dark house in the middle of a hurricane with very little food or water, no power, etc.?

      If you don’t have anyone in your life worth providing for and protecting, then you have a problem.

    • Jessy,
      These comments are generally not a place for theological discussions but I think we have a few things to set straight.
      “But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” James 2:18

      I think many people will be annoyed by your profoundly simplistic view of the world, and I do not believe you have represented God well to the TSP community. Likewise, I hope that no one here will heckle you or give you a hard time because they will be guilty of not representing their views well either.

      The title of this episode indicates it’s for people who have just realized that their ability to provide for themselves and their families is at risk. This is a fundamental need of all mankind so pretending it’s unnecessary doesn’t make it so.

      However, I can accept that you have not yet realized that caring for the sick, needy and less fortunate is a cornerstone of what we do here.

      Step one, avoid becoming sick, needy or less fortunate so that people who really need that help can get it.
      Step two, be a good steward of the resources we have and develop a surplus.
      Step three, think beyond ourselves and try to help others do step 1 and 2.

      Welcome to the community. I hope you continue to listen and merge your Biblical views with a deeper understanding of the people and the world around you.

      • Good response, MentalArson.

        I’m respectful of the beliefs of others, but I think one thing we can all agree on is that it is not possible to help others in need unless you are in a position to be able to help.

        We are not preparing for the end of the world, but for the many challenges and unexpected events that we will face over our lifetimes. In a time of such challenges, I want to be able to help others; my loved ones first and foremost, but others in my community as well, if I can.

        I don’t care what belief system you follow — that’s probably something we can all agree would be a good thing.

    • @Jessy –
      @MentalArson is right.. its hard not to heckle.

      So briefly.. every Christian since Christ left has thought that he was ‘just about’ to show up, and that they were living in the ‘end times’. (Check the history) Guess what, they were all wrong.

      And, as this is your first episode.. TSP isn’t about getting ready for Armageddon. Its about be prepared for the normal things that happen to people on an everyday basis.

      Job loss, illness, death of a loved one, economic depressions, earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.

      The Rapture is not going to ‘save you’ from having to deal with these everyday parts of life.. and while your faith is a critical part of helping you to deal with said disasters, its not a substitute FOR preparation.

      Do you have faith that food will appear in your cupboards tomorrow? Or do you go to the store and buy food?

      always IMHO

      • @Insidious
        I’m too wordy. You nailed it.
        I do have faith that God will help me through difficulties….but I don’t have faith the grocery store will always be stocked with high quality food I can afford.

  16. I guess I was a little quick to jump the gun. Seems to be one of those horrible traits I have and know it. I hope I can give you all a genuine and sincere apology and hope that it will be accepted and not be a black mark against me. For some reason I get worked up with certain things (maybe that’s a good thing?) and I know a few people who are so concerned with every little thing, regarding every little government figure in the world, and every little move being made that some of them consume their entire days on Drudge Report as if they were to be imitating their wives and trying to watch soaps and read tabloids to consume as much gossip as possible about every one and what they are up to. I guess to me this seems silly and even a waste of time. Kind of like when you read the cover of one of those magazines that say “Guess who was spotted at the beach in a bikini only weeks after having a baby?” I can never help but to think “People care about that crap?” lol This site does look like it has a lot of valuable information and truth be told, some of it may even apply to me. Being a storm chaser, having an amateur radio license, a “go bag” user, solar panel user, gardener and very much someone who does like to help others, despite my horrible first impression. I even want to dedicate my garden to grow stuff specifically for the food pantry at my church. I guess for some reason I listened to this one pod cast and instantly thought the wrong thing and again for that I apologize. I will be listening more as I do have an interest in some of this stuff, now that I have looked deeper, and am kind of excited to see whats in store. But it seems I have a lot of ground to cover.

    • @Jessy
      “Being a storm chaser, having an amateur radio license, a “go bag” user, solar panel user, gardener”
      My friend you’re much further along than most, and I assure you this community has much to offer you if you live, let live and build relationships.

      I used to listen to a talk radio podcast every day…but it just drove me nuts to hear about all the waste and irresponsible choices made at every level of government. Now, I only check in to get a sense of the progress of the coming storm, but otherwise I am focused on making the most of the circle of influence I have and putting my own house in order. Success is contagious.

    • Jessy — Welcome aboard, brother. Hope you stick around, learn from, and contribute to this community.

      Regarding your comment about how some people you know are “so concerned with every little thing, regarding every little government figure in the world, and every little move being made” — that’s actually something Jack touched on recently (maybe in Part 2 of the Holy Crap set of podcasts?), i.e., about how some people waste time worrying about a whole bunch of stuff over which they have NO control (e.g. what some clown politician recently did), while ignoring the stuff over which they DO have control. So I think you’ll find much to agree with around here.

    • One of my favorite Jack-isms is,
      “They say we must learn from the past or we are doomed to repeat it.
      In reality stupid people will repeat the same mistakes over and over again.
      We must learn from the past so that when they do, we’ll have some idea of how to deal with it.”

      Watching the news or listening to talk radio is useful to help get a sense of what the stupid people are doing to wreck things. …kinda like watching a weather report to figure out if you need to board up your windows before a bad storm.

      For example, if these bone-heads get us into war in Syria against Russia and Iran…what will that do to fuel prices and further destabilization of the Middle East.

      Being completely unaware of current events under the “God is in control” banner seems a bit simplistic because we know we live in a fallen world where God lets people make free will choices that often have negative consequences. On the other hand, I agree that obsessing about it daily is useless and crippling.

      The Survival Podcast and the community that surrounds it is about living a better life if things go bad or even if they don’t. I love that mission statement because it generally keeps us out of the tin foil hat brigade and focused on solutions….but we wouldn’t need solutions unless we were aware of the problems.

  17. What was the brand (and link) of the emergency lights that were recommended. They plug into 110volt and come on then there is a power loss, not just when it gets dark.

    Awesome series AGAIN!

    Thanks Jack.

    • We just bought 2 different ones and got them yesterday. The $10 Amerelle Power Failure Light is not a nightlight but should come on when the power goes out. Hasn’t yet, of course,but I assume it is ok. The $26 Lite Saver is a night light as well as power failure light. We put it in the hallway in place of the old simple night light we had. The night light came on automatically as the hallway darkened in the evening. When I got up in the night (I’m old) it was so bright that it hurt my eyes. I may move it, not sure yet.