The Chip Monk Family Survival Podcast

Today we look back at the 1840s Irish Potato Famine and a couple of basic lessons we can draw from it as far as the need for biodiversity and saving seeds.  Considering the developments of modern agribusiness it's vital to think about some of the factors discussed today as you consider methods of ensuring a long-term food supply for you and your loved ones

Today we discuss the idea of concealment in a Survival/Preparedness scenario and a few basic methods of achieving the goal of becoming a "low observable" individual.  I realize that the paintball experiences I talk about on this episode are not the same as 'real' war (or even warfare simulation) but the basic principles of trying to make yourself less visible are universal and I hope this will be a useful introduction to the topic

On today's episode we discuss an important topic that is sometimes overlooked in Survival/Preparedness circles: the selection and maintenance of binoculars as optics for survival purposes.  Whether it's the ability to locate a food source out in the woods or being able to spot potential danger a good distance off, binoculars serve an important function in a Survival Plan

Today your humble host brings you up to speed on what has been transpiring over the past two weeks since I last posted an episode.  From snowstorms to floods to multiple power outages, Chip regales you with true tales of the fantastic "attack of the weather" in his region and some startling lessons he took away from the experience

On today's episode of the CMFSP we discuss a few things to keep in mind when storing food for long-term purposes as well as talking through some of the options you have available.

One aspect of Survival/Preparedness that is often overlooked is the ability for you and I to figure out things to do to pass the time if we are ever in a disaster.  One of the things that helps the human mind cope with adversity is having something to do, preferably something useful, but something none the less.  On this episode I discuss selecting hobbies that are both a "pastime" and useful in a Survival/Preparedness sense as well as simply having things on hand to keep you occupied and/or busy during a long-term departure from "normal life"

On today's episode I discuss the very first "Survival" fiction book I ever read: Pat Frank's seminal novel "Alas, Babylon".  I give an overview of the plot, some survival lessons presented in the storyline, and other preparedness-related concepts related to this great work of fiction. Amazon.com link for "Alas, Babylon

It's good to be back podcasting and I apologize for the brief hiatus.  On today's episode we discuss a number of questions submitted by email covering a variety of topics including: *What does Chip think of the new .22 mag pistol from Keltec (the PMR-30)? * How do I take care of my pets in a survival scenario? (Also, How to Make Homemade Dog Food) * What are some "Survival Jobs" that are Recession/Depression-resistant? * Is there potential for another worrisome strain of flu on the horizon?  (One centralized resource to take a look at: http://www.flu.gov/) * How does Chip approach cutting and storing firewood? (Another good link: Info on Cutting Firewood

Today we look at a simple breakdown of the physical keys to bear in mind in order to ensure being physically ready for a specific disaster you might anticipate occurring or just the unknown future in general.* *Of course, it goes without saying that before starting any sort of fitness regimen you need to make sure you are in suitable shape to safely undertake such a course of action.

On today's episode Chip does a run-down of some of the things going on in the world today and both the threats some of those things pose as well as simple steps to try to help your family be a little bit more prepared. Articles I mention today include: http://www.timeslive.co.za/world/2011/12/12/norway-butter-shortage-threatens-christmas-treats http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/12/12/verizon-apologizes-for-bogus-emergency-text-message-sent-to-nj-residents/ http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/wonkbook-the-real-unemployment-rate-is-11-percent/2011/12/12/gIQAuctPpO_blog.html http://ca.news.yahoo.com/latvias-largest-bank-fights-off-depositor-run-rumours-103638265.html http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-drone-arrest-20111211,0,324348.story

On today's episode we look at a topic discussed in some level of detail recently over at Survivalblog.com: The idea of relocating to another area in advance of a societal collapse.  We consider some of the issues that come up with the idea of making a major move as well as the potential downside to staying in your current region. A book on this topic (which I have not yet read) by Joel and Andrew Skousen Please stop by and register at our forum located at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ Don't forget to check out our blog at http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com

Today your humble host discusses a few steps you can do to make your house a bit better protected against incursions from potential adversaries.  The idea is, in a very real sense, to make your home your castle and have a sense of being fortified against multiple possible threats. Manual Download Link: http://jumbofiles.com/asaslq8xvccx/CMFSPEP272MAKINGYOURHOMEYOURCASTLE.mp3.html Please stop by and register at our forum located at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ Don't forget to check out our blog at http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com

On today's episode we discuss the 2004 movie "The Day After Tomorrow" (based on the book "The Coming Global Superstorm") and look at the survival lessons present in this somewhat alarmist piece of fiction. Manual Download Link: http://jumbofiles.com/newldi81srtd Please stop by and register at our forum located at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ Don't forget to check out our blog at http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com/

On today's episode Chip answers some of the backlog of questions from listeners.  Included are the following topics: * Building fences with easily available resources * Hog farming for a protein source * Walking as exercise and as a physical prep * Thoughts on William Johnstone's "Ashes" series * Choosing a 30-30 rifle * Thoughts on the FR8 7.62 NATO surplus rifle * Selecting .22 ammo * Uses of Ziploc-type baggies for survival Manual Download Link: http://jumbofiles.com/qon8lmq40kn1 Please stop by and register at our forum located at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ Don't forget to check out our blog at http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com

On today's show we look back roughly 100 years ago at the events of April 14/15, 1912 when the World's Greatest Luxury Liner slipped beneath the waves taking over 1500 souls with it.  We consider the implications of that event, how it shocked the world into a new era (that accelerated with the coming of World War I two years later) and what we in the modern age can learn from this dreadful occurrence.  (Also, remember, as I discussed yesterday much of life is about perspective. The sinking of the Titanic was a miracle to the lobsters in the ship's kitchen.) Manual Download Link: http://jumbofiles.com/tbfhamdk8nw1 Link to the Youtube video discussed on the episode Music for today's episode from the Internet Archive and used under the Creative Commons License Please stop by and register at our forum located at: http://chipmonk.forumotion.com/ Don't forget to check out our blog at http://thechippermonk.blogspot.com