The Human Path

In today's podcast, Sam Coffman discusses - at an overview level - the concept of community, intentional community and electronic communication. He disusses a range of topics that include:The importance of foreign language if you plan on bugging out to a foreign country.Differences in culture between Germany and the USA.Preparedness in Germany.The purpose of prepping.How community and smaller-scale economy can take place of having to store massive amounts of suppliesThe differences between corporatism vs. true capitalismEcology and Old world plant medicine abundance in GermanyThe relationship between gardening and understanding our planet's resourcesThe relationship between plant medicine and humansAwareness and necessary closeness to the planet as we gain more skillsCreating intentional communitiesAttitude and how it shapes a community mindsetCommunication, pre- and post-disasterHAM (amateur) radio and building community without the internetThis fall, we have several courses that cover preparedness and post-disaster communication and preparedness.==========================SHTF Radios and Communication; 2-HR Intro Class, Austin, August 6th, 6:30 pm, online signupSHTF Radios and Communications: HAM Radio Human Repeaters, August 24th, online informationFirearms for Home Defense, August 17th, online informationVehicle Self-Defense, August 18th, online infoThe Scout Prepper, August 18th, online info

In today's podcast, Sam Coffman and Lisa Ganora discuss a number of topics regarding plant medicine in today's world. They talk about subjects such as: The Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and what has been happening at Lisa's school since she took over the school a year ago The idea of community around an herbal school and a healing tradition Different ways to learn about western herbalism, and how to go about doing this on an individual level:  The value of individual experience in learning herbalism Changing the culture of health care in America Relating to plants on a personal level when you have an injury or illness:  Experiencing the healing Are herbs as powerful as modern pharmaceuticals?  If so, how? Do we have the constitutional right to choose our own form(s) of health care?  Is medical licensing effective at all? What are some of the major obstacles to changing lifestyle and health in America? Can we use plants to help us out with the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria? How does Lisa's diverse background make her into a better herbalist?  From folk medicine to organic chemistry? Don't miss Part 1 of this podcast. Check it out right here. To find out more about the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism, visit their site at:  http://clinicalherbalism.com

In today's podcast, Sam Coffman and Lisa Ganora discuss a number of topics regarding plant medicine in today's world. They talk about subjects such as: The Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism and what has been happening at Lisa's school since she took over the school a year ago The idea of community around an herbal school and a healing tradition Different ways to learn about western herbalism, and how to go about doing this on an individual level:  The value of individual experience in learning herbalism Changing the culture of health care in America Relating to plants on a personal level when you have an injury or illness:  Experiencing the healing Are herbs as powerful as modern pharmaceuticals?  If so, how? Do we have the constitutional right to choose our own form(s) of health care?  Is medical licensing effective at all? What are some of the major obstacles to changing lifestyle and health in America? Can we use plants to help us out with the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria? How does Lisa's diverse background make her into a better herbalist?  From folk medicine to organic chemistry? Check out Part 2 of this podcast right here To find out more about the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism, visit their site at:  http://clinicalherbalism.com

In today's podcast, Sam Coffman talks with clinical herbalist Thomas Easley from Alabama. Thomas and Sam have a very enlightening and inspiring conversation about herbal medicine. They discuss topics such as: Post disaster herbalism in Haiti Emergency and Acute-Care Herbalism The history of Eclectic Herbalism Appalachian herbal medicine What kinds of herbs are located in the coastal plains?  Is there enough medicine in this ecosystem to be able to cover all aspects of herbal care? The uses of Gelsemium for pain and what kinds of herbal pain management approaches are out there? The use of Datura for pain and Thomas' very interesting experience with its use in Haiti The cultural disconnect between the planet, medicine, food and humans Western science, energetics and herbalism Thomas Easley's site is located at:  www.eclecticherbalist.com Check out everything new going on at The Human Path! www.thehumanpath.co

In today’s podcast, Sam Coffman talks with his former Green Beret buddy, Mykel Hawke. This is an introductory podcast, and one that we hope to continue on a more regular basis, so in this podcast, we learn more about Mykel, to include: What is the history behind the Green Beret Survival Manual that Mykel wrote? Is it still in print?  Why is it a good book to buy if you want an overall picture of survival? What projects does Mykel have going on? What products (knives, hats, etc.) does Mykel have out right now? What is the latest on his upcoming survival show with Travel Channel? Why is land navigation so important and how does it play into the new show with Mykel and his wife? What land navigation classes do we have coming up at The Human Path, and why should you be interested in learning and practicing this skill? Join Mykel and Sam in the future as they discuss more survival topics and skills. Upcoming Land Navigation course on March 16th Spring Scout Training Cours

In today’s podcast, Sam Coffman is interviewed by Ed Corcoran from Survival and Beyond.  Sam and Ed discuss general survival topics such as: The concept of “civilization” and how we have lost touch with who we are as humans The idea behind The Human Path as a school The importance of the topic of community as part of any realistic survival training Herbal medicine and its place in a post-disaster or remote setting Modern medicine as compared to herbal or natural medicine Wilderness vs. Urban survival and cummunity sustainability Speculation on what might be most likely looming in our future as a species What role does our culture play in forming our perception of reality? Find out what's going on at The Human Path!Our class calendar Facebook pag

In today's podcast, Sam Coffman discusses the path of the Scout at The Human Path. The scout is the eyes and the ears of a team.  However, there is a lot more to it than just that.  In this episode Sam talks about questions and subjects such as: What does it mean to say that the scout is related to the realm of the "mind?"  What exactly is the mind and how does it relate to being a scout? What kinds of skills does a scout learn in the level 1 course? What are some of the skills taught in some of the elective/peripheral scout classes? What are the minimum physical conditioning requirements to enter the Level 1 scout course? Why is land navigation and orienteering off of a map and compass so important for scout? What are some of the different types of OpFor (opposing forces) exercises and scout games do you get to take part in during scenarios? What are the real-world applications of scout?  How does scout training apply to being an advance party for post-disaster or remote-location work for Herbal Medics? Next up is the 2013 Urban Scout Intensive Program. This begins on June 8th. For information, visit the website to learn more about the urban scout program. 2013 Scout Elective Classes Scout Awareness, Aug. 25th, 2013. Information and sign up. Scout Caches,  Aug. 11th, 2013. Information and sign up. Scout Prepper, Aug. 18th, 2013. Information and sign up

In today's podcast, Sam Coffman discusses the role of the Combat Medic and what it takes to become a combat medic through The Human Path. The Combat Medic fulfills a role that is vital to the real-world mission of Herbal Medics.  In todays discussion, Sam addresses topics and questions such as: What is the difference between "Combat Medic" and "Herbal Medic" Why are self-defense and tactics a core component of the Combat Medic Specialty, along with Herbal Medicine and Wilderness First Aid? what does it mean that the Combat Medic is based off of the relationship between us and our bodies? How can understanding martial arts help a person become a better healer? There are many roles that a Combat Medic plays on a team - Herbal Medic, Security, Resource Management, Health Care Oversight, Herbal Pharmacy, to name some of the most important ones.  What are these roles and how do they play a part in the mission of Herbal Medics? What are the prerequisites to take the Level 1 Combat Medic classes?  What electives/peripheral classes? Combat Medic courses are in motion! January 5th: Herbal Sports Medicine,  Fitness, Chi Kung and Nutrition (no pre-requisite needed) January 6th: Dealing With Infection Using Only Herbs (no pre-requisite needed) January 11th: Herbal Clinic, for members January 12-13th: Wilderness First Aid Certification, 16 hr. course. (no pre-requisistes needed) Winter 2013 Schedul

In today's podcast, Sam Coffman talks about the path of the Hunter Gatherer. He discusses and answers questions such as: Where does the concept of the Hunter Gatherer come from, and why is it such an important aspect of any survival training? What specific skills can you look forward to learning in the Level 1 Hunter Gatherer course as well as all of the myriad of Hunter Gatherer electives? Is the Level 1 Hunter Gatherer course difficult? What is the Level 1 Hunter Gatherer test like? What can you expect from the Level 2 core courses in any specialty and how does that work? How can learning Hunter Gatherer skills make you better at survival in general? Why do we have different instructors for each specialty and how does that make the school more intense and create a richer learning environment? What is the difference in food and nutrition between food that grows wild off the land vs. domestic food in our grocery stores, and how does that affect students in the Hunter Gatherer core course? The Hunter/Gatherer course, beginning January 5/6th, 2013. The Wilderness Tracking Certification Program, beginning January 12th, 2013. The full Winter 2013 Class Calendar For more information about the school, classes and programs, visit the website at www.thehumanpath.com.

In today's podcast, Sam Coffman discusses the entire structure of classes and programs at The Human Path. He addresses many of the questions that people have about how the program is structured at The Human Path, to include: What are the differences between core classes and peripheral or elective classes? What are the 4 paths or specialties that a person can follow within the core curriculum? What specific things do students learn in each of the specialties? What makes The Human Path so different from other survival schools? How does learning these skills make a difference in day-to-day life? What is the difference between Urban and Primitive tracks of instruction? What are the "Four A's" of survival that are a part of the core curriculum? How does a student move up from level 1 to level 2 in a specialty? How are concepts like teamwork, leadership and community taught as part of the classes? The next Urban Core Basic class is January 25 - 27th, 2013. Check out the Winter 2013 schedule for the next 2-3 months!

In this podcast, Sam Coffman discusses The Human Path growth, classes and real-world action during 2012, as well as the direction for 2013 and beyond. Sam answers questions such as: What kinds of learning experiences were developed throughout 2012 and what can we look forward to in 2013? How has the breadth of the curriculum has been defined over the past few years at The Human Path? What exactly does that breadth of information include? How have The Human Path instructors evolved with the school? Why is it necessary to implement testing and selection procedures for higher level classes and real-world teams?  What might that testing procedure look like, and at what point in the different levels will we see it? As we focus in the 4 areas of our curriculum delivery - Lecture, Hands-on, Scenario and Real-world missions – how does this all merge to create an ideal learning and even life-changing environment? How did Nicaragua figure into learning experience during 2012, and what's next? What can we expect to see in 2013 in regards to real-world missions and new classes? Our new calendar for 2013 is up online here

In today's podcast, Sam Coffman talks about herbal treatment approaches to West Nile Virus. He addresses questions such as: How is West Nile Virus transmitted? What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus? What percentage of people get these symptoms? At what point is West Nile Virus dangerous enough to be life threatening? What medicinal herbs can be used to help our bodies heal quickly and eliminate this virus? What are the organ systems we are most concerned with helping with herbs to get rid of a West Nile Virus infection? What methodology can you use in coming up with an effective herbal formula for West Nile Virus? To learn more about Herbology and working with field herbal medicine, check out the upcoming fall course, The Herbal Medic. Classes will begin in both the San Antonio and Austin area the week of September 10th.

Learning a Foreign Language QUICKLY! In today's podcast, Sam Coffman discusses some very useful shortcuts in learning a foreign language. He covers topics such as: What are "loanwords" and how can you use these to maximize your vocabulary very quickly? What is a way to get past having to memorize verb conjugations and tenses? What is the structure of language in general, and how is it different to learn as an adult vs. as a child? What's wrong with some of the language learning DVD's and CD's that are on the market?  How are some of them getting away with false advertising? What are the most important types of words to learn first in order to maximize your ability to speak and understand as quickly as possible? What is one daily drill you can do that will absolutely skyrocket your ability to speak a foreign language? Does grammar matter? Is there a difference learning a foreign language if you already speak 2 languages, and have learned one of them as an adult? For another resource on learning language quickly, check out my good friend Mykel Hawke's book, "The Quick and Dirty Guide to Learning Languages Fast

In today's podcast, Sam Coffman discusses a recent news story in which a woman's medicinal and food garden were destroyed by an HOA and the city. He covers topics such as: How can we prepare our own medicinal gardens to avoid falling prey to this kind of ignorance? What are some of the different types of urban camouflage gardening (Guerilla Gardening)? What are the different height levels and how can we create a medicinal garden in the front yard that uses this to help fit the garden in with HOA and municipal idiot-regulations? What are some very good medicinal plants that grow as ground cover and can replace a yard? What are some very good medicinal plants that are high ground cover, low-herbaceous level? What are some good medicinal herbaceous plants and how can we fit that into our yard in a way that doesn't stand out? What is the concept behind forest gardening and how can that help us be more prepared? What is the advantage of using local plants? To learn more about using medicinal plants that you can grow, as well as harvest locally in the wild, sign up for the next Herbology Level 1 class here Related Items: More information about the incident discussed in this podcast about the mowed-down garden, news report Companion Article, 'On Your Side of the Fence' Upcoming class in Austin, TX: 'Cooking With Wild Edibles', July 26th

Today's podcast with Sam Coffman and Rick Worden of Rise and Shine Rabbitry, wraps up their discussion about healing herbs and food for rabbits.  For those of you raising rabbits, Sam and Rick get into details on specific herbs and health issues with rabbits, such as: herbs to stimulate appetite and milk production in rabbits what is wool-block and how can you easily prevent it with simple herbs what is the best tonic herb for rabbits garlic as a treatment for pinworms or roundworms and a clever way to give it to rabbits that don't like it the difference in life-span between a wild and domesticated rabbit what is a great uterine tonic herb for pregnant doe later in her gestation? rosemary, catnip and some geranium: how they work as a natural pest control on the cages how you can use canned 100% pumpkin to ease gut blockages how to keep rabbits cool in high summer heat Learn more about herbs for humans at the next herbology level 1 class here. Also, check out our earlier podcast on rabbitry and creating your own sustainable meat food source, Episode #100, The Self Sustaining Food. Episode # 116: The Rabbit and The Herb (part one).