The Chip Monk Family Survival Podcast

Today I discuss the first of three Survival/Preparedness movies that I watched a week or so ago (the 2011 production Take Shelter) focusing on the Preparedness aspects brought up throughout this story and the depiction of the potential disaster it portrayed. Don't forget to check out our great forum: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/

Today I discuss one of the great discussion topics in Survival Firearms: the AR vs AK debate.  On this episode you will hear me discuss various considerations on both sides of the argument and how I eventually came to my own perspective on the matter.  While I expect listeners to have differing viewpoints it might be useful for others to hear my thoughts in order to clarify their own. A good comparison between the two at the Box O' Truth: http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu10.htm NOTE: I think I misspoke when talking about the acceptable accuracy of the AR vs AK.  With the lights coming off and on in my house my notes were (obviously) coming in and out of visual focus at the same time.  To clarify, an AR is most often going to be more accurate than an AK (although I have seen counter-examples) and ARs with an MOA of 1 or 2 are not uncommon (some are even sub-MOA).  In contrast an AK with an MOA of 2"-3" is considered pretty good for defensive rifle purposes (many are going to be 5-6 or worse with Wolf ammo and their original sights).  Either is more than sufficient in my mind for most defensive uses the average person would ever have, even in a Without Rule of Law/Civil Unrest scenario. Check out our forum at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com

Today I wanted to walk listeners through the process by which your humble host keeps an eye out for "Trigger Events".  By that I mean to describe situations that develop around us that can lead to disaster scenarios, perhaps sometimes when we don't even recognize the potential for such developments. Here is a good blog post that covers some specific examples of potential "Trigger Events": http://modernsurvivalblog.com/current-events-economics-politics/events-that-could-trigger-a-national-emergency/ Youtube video of Leon Penetta mentioned on today's show Youtube video of FBI Head Mueller discussing if US Citizens can be killed on our own soil New York Times hit piece on 'Preppers' (read some of the comments for signs that at least some people out there are waking up) A couple good sites for keeping tabs on events: *Drudge Report (general news aggregate site) *Survival Blog (daily survival articles and news links) *Above Top Secret (for nutty conspiratorial stuff with occasional useful news percolating up to the top) Check out our forums at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com

Today we discuss what Chip considers the MOST important survival consideration: How to access water no matter what is going on around you.  And believe it or not, one of the sources to consider is the very air you breathe. Don't forget to check out our forum at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ (Also, for those of us in the Pacific Northwest there's a brand new forum just starting up that I thought I'd let you all know about: http://northwestpreppingcommunity.freeforums.org/index.php

Today we discuss a bit more about bartering focusing on items people in Preparedness circles often neglect to think about as potential options for trading.  Hopefully hearing some of the ideas I throw out will get you thinking about your own specific situation

Today on the podcast we look at another potential source of protein in the Survival/Preparedness diet: rabbit.  Yes, I know it's a hard thought to consider, but if the option is to not survive it's something you might want to at least consider... (NOTE: I do some housekeeping for the first few minutes and get to the primary topic at around the 5:00 mark.  Just FYI...

Today we look at some considerations relating to choosing a good, reliable portable radio for survival purposes.  Specifically we look at why do you need one, what features should it have, and additional aspects of selecting the right radio for your survival plan. NOTE: The specific model I mention as a good option is the: Kaita KA35

Today we look at ways to maximize the use of cheapy Dollar Store and second hand-type establishments to gather many of the important survival/preparedness items you and your family might need in a disaster. While not advocating purchases from the "Made In China" megachains, I do want to point out some useful resources available to those on a budget.

Today we look at a few methods for starting seeds as we head towards the beginning of the early planting season.  As I say on the show, I don't consider myself anything of a gardening "expert" but I don't mind sharing the things we've tried and what seems to work and what appears to be less effective. ALSO: For the first half of the program I discuss what I call "Survival Soup", a simple but tasty approach to eating what you find...

Today we build upon the idea of the "bug out bag" and the "Armageddon Pack" idea with the "Doomsday Box", which is probably going to be completely different from what you anticipate.  So listen in as we discuss how to pack for "The End of the World As We Know It". Also, we look at specific considerations to keep in mind when bugging out with kids

Today I share my experience last weekend of watching an episode of the new National Geographic show "Doomsday Preppers" and some of the thoughts it generated in Chip's little brain.  There are a few spoilers (if you haven't seen the episode) as I do discuss the elements of the program that are informative to Survival/Prep-minded people and share why I think it is a program worth watching. National Geographic page for "Doomsday Preppers" Original stand-alone episode of "Doomsday Preppers" Sample 2012 Episode of "Doomsday Preppers" on Youtub

Today we discuss some of the important Survival/Preparedness issues of the present and take a peek forward a few months down the road to see what might be on the horizon.  Remember, as always, that this is just one person's perspective and that I don't expect you to share my viewpoints or concerns.  Rather I believe that hearing another set of thoughts on potential events can help inform your own approach to understanding our crazy world

On this episode of the Chip Monk Family Survival Podcast your host looks at the ways your viewpoints on survival/preparedness matters can shift over time, as you focus on the changing circumstances that life always throws at people.  I share some personal experiences along these lines as well as how to keep your master focus pointed at what truly matters

Today I talk about a book that I grew up with, later found on the shelf of multiple used book stores/thrift stores, and that still seems to have some practical applications in the present day.  "Fighting Chance: Ten Feet to Survival" is about both individual nuclear preparedness and civil defense on a larger scale and offers practical information about the construction of nuclear shelters. Amazon.com has a page on this particular book if captures your interest

Today I review a solid option for a "do-almost-all" sidearm: the Glock 27.  While I have discussed these fine handguns in the past today finds me taking a slightly different approach on the topic and looking at some considerations that don't always come to mind with "survival guns"