The Chip Monk Family Survival Podcast

Last summer I did a review of one of my all-time favorite movies: the 1984 survival-y film "Red Dawn".  Today I discuss an Australian movie with a similar theme based on a book sharing the same name: "Tomorrow When the War Began".  I discuss the overall plot, some Survival/Preparedness aspects that jumped out at me, and why I think it's a worthwhile movie for those interested in Disaster Readiness themes. Amazon.com listing for "Tomorrow When the War Began"

Today your humble host discusses his experience over the past year reading the entire "Walking Dead" graphic novel series from beginning to end.  While most certainly a quite un-"family-safe" piece of media, it is an interesting and potentially startling look at Survival and Preparedness that some people might benefit from reading.  (NOTE: I must emphasize the fact that this series is filled with adult content and is not going to be for everyone.  However, I have had numerous questions about whether I have read the series and thus made the choice to read and review this material for listeners in the audience who might be interested.)

Today we look at a very good method for gardening in limited spaces: Square Foot Gardening.  Listen in as I share my experiences with this method and my plans for employing it this summer, as well as for some suggestions on other techniques for growing food in limited spaces.  (NOTE: I am not an expert on this method so what I share is my own perspective in adapting SFG to my family's situation.  I encourage you to seek additional info beyond what I cover today....) Hear it from the inventor himself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5Lu-7FIj (*this is the video of today's audio clip) And a link to the book at Amazon.com: The All-New Square Foot Gardening Youtube video of "Square Foot Gardening 101" (BTW.... Extra bonus points if you recognize the fact that the opening and closing music for today's episode is garden-themed.... ;) )

Today your host answers listener questions about the following: * Choosing a good but inexpensive scope for your Ruger 10-22 * Thoughts on the Finnish Mosin Nagants (the podcast I mentioned on the show is here: Gun Review Podcast: Finish Mosin-Nagant Rifle ) *RVs as "lifeboats" (Jack Spirko did a whole episode on this topic a while back: TSP-RVs As a Survival Prep ) *Building a camp fire *Hardtack recipe (Here are a few other recipe options) *Converting a garden shed to a dwelling *Shipping container house *Building a cargo pallet bed

Recently I was thinking about some of the other "niches" of survival firearms that might exist but are seldom discussed.  In the process of thinking about such things I found myself considering the idea of a revolver in a potent caliber (such as the .44 magnum) as a multi-use but yet still reasonably compact survival firearm option.  As my thinking progressed I decided to do a review of the famous Smith Wesson Model 29 revolver and look at it from a different perspective: That of the game-getter/self-defense/multi-role gun. http://www.gunblast.com/SW-29Classic.htm http://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/smith-wesson-model-29/ http://www.castbullet.com/reload/44shot.htm (Cool survival idea about making your own .44 Magnum shotshells) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGc1k97agIw

Today I do something a little different and share with you a written piece I have encountered in a number of Survival/Preparedness forums over the past few years.  If someone doesn't see the need to store extra food/water/medical supplies, etc. after listening to this I'm not sure that anything will get through to them.  So set aside your normalcy bias and listen to the following piece read by your good buddy Chip: http://www.truckline.com/Newsroom/White%20Papers/When%20Trucks%20Stop%20America%20Stops.pdf

As I may have previously shared I am not a fan of the horror genre in general (my secondary interest in the the Survival/Preparedness aspects of "Zombie Apocalypse" stories notwithstanding) but occasionally there are stories in that niche that intentionally or accidentally touch on disaster readiness.  The 1990 miniseries The Stand (based on Stephen King's exceptionally lengthy novel) falls into that category as it deals with a massive pandemic that wipes out almost every human on Earth and then focuses on the after affects of such an ordeal.  If you can remove the supernatural elements (ie. Randall Flagg, etc.) you are left with an interesting story along the lines of Earth Abides that is worth exploring (if you can get past the fact that parts of the story are definitely NOT family friendly).  While I think it's worth adults watching for the same "what would I do in that situation" considerations I've discussed in the past, there are some creepy parts (consider who the author is) and I am definitely not recommending it for all listeners. Check out our forum: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/

Today I share some recent experiences trying out a target system from a new company based out of Utah: Precision Target.  I had a blast (pardon the pun) with this target system and found that it provided some specific aspects of what I am looking for when it comes to firearms training.  The ability to have consistent feedback really seemed to improve the shooting of myself and my buddy who was with me and this rugged target stood up to our abuse with ease. Here is the company's information if this Chip-recommended target system looks like the kind of setup you would be interested in: Precision Target 3275 N 750 E Layton Utah Phone 801-389-4334 Www.precisiontarget.net

Today I spend a little time discussing the idea of finding things that fit under the general idea of "Survival Training".  This idea was prompted by the following thread and is an important topic to look at as there is a lot more to Survival/Preparedness than just acquiring "survival stuff": http://offgridsurvival.com/survivaltraining/ Check out our forum at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/

Today I look at the sad truth that we have seen an increase in "Mass Casualty" events in recent years, ranging from scenarios like the London Underground bombings to the Mumbai attacks.  While an uncomfortable topic to consider the potential reality of these events occurring with more frequency in the future makes it worth exploring. Check out our forum at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/

Today I wanted to share with listeners some more ideas on starting out on the Preparedness journey.  As I never claim to be an expert I tried to seek out some additional ideas beyond the steps my own family has taken and I came across some "good stuff".  With new listeners coming on board all the time I like to occasionally take things back to basics and look at "Baby Steps to Preparedness".

Today we look at the following topics as requested by listeners: *Storing salt (and sugar) in bulk *Seeds for "cooler climates" * Useful FEMA Publications * Building a worm composting bin * Choosing a multi-role/all-around rifle * Why black powder? * Media bias and the Trayvon Martin shooting

Quite a while back I mentioned that I wanted to watch and review the movie Contagion, a big-budget Hollywood production detailing a potential pandemic.  Well, between having young kids and a crazy-busy schedule I was not able to watch it at the theater but this past week as part of my Survival Fiction arc I decided to plop down $1.20 at the Redbox machine in town and check it out.  Today I share my experience viewing it along with some specific Survival/Preparedness aspects it touched on. Check out our forum at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/

Hooray!  We have made it to Episode #300!  I can't honestly say that I saw this when I began this project a year and a half ago but man am I glad to see this podcast still going strong.  My heartfelt thanks to all of you listeners for making it so! Anyway, today I am going to use this special milestone to talk about the history of Survivalism as I believe it is very important to know your roots and understand where you have come from to get a good grasp on where you are going.  So pull up a virtual chair, sit back and let's discuss the background of this movement and what it tells us about the world we live in today. Don't forget to check out our forum at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ NOTE: Here is the link for the article I mentioned towards the beginning of the episode: http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2009/12/27/survivalism-lite.html

Today's episode sees your good ol' buddy Chip discussing a few issues pertaining to self-sufficient food production including: *Crop rotations *Mushroom harvesting *Keeping out garden raiders *Having a family milk cow And other similarly exciting issues!