ITRH Urban Survival Podcast

Episode 101: The Season II Finale

Aaron Frankel — Sun, 12 May 2013 23:00:11 +0000

Hosts Aaron and Jason wrap up Season II with special guest Darrell of FloridaHillBilly.com.

Darrell has been a long time listener and friend to the show. And he’s got way more farming experience than we do. So tune in and enjoy the great tips, fun poked at us, and how a well endowed duck killed Darrell’s hens.

But wait, someone said Season Finale!

Yes, that’s correct. We’re taking the bulk of the summer off to recharge our prepper batteries. And work on some projects to make Season III even better than I and II. (Crazy, we know.)

ITRH will be airing best of reruns till we return. And when August 26th 2013 rolls around (when Season III starts) we’ll have all kinds of cool interviews, stories, and, of course, urban farming updates.

But in the mean time, don’t forget to listen to this episode now.

Topics:

All over the map. But fun and educational as always.

Episode Resources:

Darrell’s great blog: FloridayHillbilly.com
How to raise Quail
Quail Egg Scissors
Red Claw Crawfish
Green Earth Survival School
Metal Rainwater Harvesting Tanks in Houston

Episode 100: Bitcoins Explained (maybe)

Aaron Frankel — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:59:09 +0000

In this episode hosts Aaron and Jonathan explain and discuss the latest alternative currency. And watching its future is going to be one heck of a roller coster ride.

Bitcoins, you may have heard about them in the news recently. It’s a new form of currency that’s been making some big headlines (some positive, some negative, and some off in space). But the topic has many people asking all kinds of questions:

What are Bitcoins really? How do you get them? What impact will they have on the global economy? And will it replace Gold and Silver as the currency and value store of preppers?

Join us as we mine the topic for answers too…

Digital crypto-currency… What’s that?
Bitcoins
Bitcoin mining
Where they came from.
Why they are of interest to preppers.
Online privacy using Bitcoins.
Bitcoins as an investment.
And much much more…

Please note: This is a very technical and complicated topic to tackle. We’ve done our best to break this down in an easy to understand interesting way–that also applies to survival in a modern age. However, we DO NOT recommend that this be your only source of information on the topic.

Some of the statements made are meant for general practical purposes of explanation. Given the complicated nature of the topic, consider that there are caveats to everything we cover.

There is a tremendous amount to know about Bitcoins. And anyone putting any money into them for any reason should investigate the topic thoroughly. We make no claims, future predictions, or assurances about the future of them. (Use at your own risk.)

Resources:

Quick vides that explain Bitcoins simply. (And possibly better than we do.)

Episode 99: Owning Your Survival

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:00:47 +0000

In this episode hosts Aaron and Jason share a simple system for owning your own survival…

It’s been a while since there’s been a Survival CHI episode. And while 99 isn’t a full episode on the topic, it does harken back to the CHI roots. In this episode Aaron and Jason share a simple system for mastering any situation, problem, or concern.

But this simple technique doesn’t just get you through tough survival situations. It also can be used to get you through everyday issues.

Join us as we discuss…

Show Topics

What it means to own a problem or concern.
The 9 steps for problem solving.
Examples of how propper planning and execution can save you time–and maybe your life.

Resources from this episode:

Episode 98: Listener Questions

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:00:20 +0000

In this episode hosts Aaron and Jonathan answer common and pressing listener questions.

Over the last few weeks we’ve had a lot of email come. And to the truth is, we’ve been extremely busy.

So we had a thought: Rather than just answer the emails individually, let’s share the answers with all the listeners. And in this episode we do just that…

But one in particular is something we ourselves have really wrestled with since the very beginning of the show. And today’s answer might clear it up for you. It definitely made the answer clear to us.

Just some of this episodes questions:

What is the intersection between Libertarianism and survival (in Aaron and Jonathan’s opinion.)
What’s the state of the TWAS?
What’s really causing the ammo shortage?
How long the ammo shortage will last?
What do you think about the Homeland Security Tanks?
What is the best .22 ammo and what’s the best .22 rifle?

Show Resources:

The truth about DHS’s MARPs
Snoops Fact Check Report on DHS Bullets and Tanks / MARPs (And a few tid bits on civil unrest preparations to wind you back up

Episode 97: Guns N Bunnies

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:00:10 +0000

In today’s episode hosts Aaron and Jason share their single biggest mistake on the farm.

And what it’s cost them.

But they also share the new found joy over when a farm finally becomes productive. It’s the joyous moment when you realize your production levels are are a point of surplus.

The hosts also do a follow up to Jonathan and Aaron’s previous discussion on ammo shortages. What may be really causing it. And how you can avoid being sucked into it.

Join us as we discuss:

What to consider first when planning an urban farm.
An update on the shipping pallet planters.
What rabbit over production looks like.
What egg over production looks like.
What’s causing the ammo shortage

Resources:

Florida Hilly Billy

Episode 96: Guns, Ammo, and Tin Foil Hats

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:00:43 +0000

Hosts Aaron and Jonathan take a fresh look at rifle calibers in the wake of gun hysteria and play with their tin foil hats.

Ammo is in short supply (no duh, right). But if you know where to look and how, it’s actually not as bad as you think. In this episode we share tips, tricks, and resources for navigating the shortages.

But the search for bulk ammo has also given us a unique opportunity to observe something: What ammo sells out first. For years survivalists have assumed that NATO calibers were the way to go. The assumption was that these calibers would be in plentiful supply. However, current ammo shortages give us a glimpse into what happens when the majority of people are using a particular caliber. And it shows us what quality calibers are actually in relatively plentiful supply.

Plus, a special discussion on tin foil hats. The preppers who love them. And how to take them off to get a clear look at what may really be going on–or not.

Topics:

Brief update of proposed new federal gun laws.
Finding bulk handgun ammo
Finding bulk rifle ammo
New thoughts on calibers to store and why
This seasons latest fashions in tin foil hats.
…And how to take your tin foil hat off.

Resources:

Episode 95: ITRH Farm Update & New Project

Aaron Frankel — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 22:36:53 +0000

Hosts Aaron and Jason give an update to the urban farm project and discuss the debut of a huge new project.

After two years of gaffs, mistakes, and lots of folly, Aaron and Jason have suddenly reached the completion of the livestock portion of their urban farm. Now they look to the future for perfecting their rabbit stock. And they look forward to the start of the Aquaponics project.

And the wacky urban farmers start planning for a five year project close to every preppers desire…

Join us as we discuss…

Topics:

Raising meat pen rabbits in the city.
What’s a bunny Bar Mitzvah? (Note: Rabbits are not kosher… as it turns out)
How tasty are Ameraucana Chickens?
Dealing with large scale water storage on an urban farm.
Planning for the prepper’s dream in a way that benefits you today. OR if things go wrong.

Resources:

Bento (User friendly iOS Database and Desktop Mac OSX app).
Bryant’s Woodforest Pet Supply

Episode 94: The 2013 New Year Show

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 11:00:45 +0000

Hosts Aaron and Jonathan do a survival year end review–ringing out 2012 and ringing their hands of 2013.

The raise is on. Will 2013 be worse for liberty, financial health, and over all well being?

As we close out 2012 and head into 2013 the outlook isn’t bright for the new year.

Tune is as we cover…

Topics:

The bleak outlook for liberty in 2013.
The expansion of the Patriot Act.
Gun control: It’s not just AR-15s.
How violence is actually on the decline.
The one trick ponies in Washington.
Financial cliff
Estate Tax
Capital Gains Tax
What to expect: Our outlook for 2013.

Resources:

Episode 93: Apartment Survival

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:00:44 +0000

Hosts Aaron, Jonathan, and Jason discuss preparing in an apartment and a new home.

It’s a long over due highly requested episode. And it sets the record for our longest episode ever. Because it’s such a large topic.

Survival in an apartment is fraught with difficulties, limitations, and needed reality checks. But it’s not impossible. And there are measures that can be taken to ensure you’re able to survive.

Moving into a new home offers a fresh pallet for a prepper to work with. But it brings up all kinds of new things to consider. Because your are starting all over.

Join us as we cover apparent prepping and prepping in a new home…

Topics:

Setting realistic expectations while preparing in an urban setting.
Apparent security concerns and methods.
Thoughts on picking a location both for homes and apartments.
Conventional and unconventional means of egress from an apparent.
Food and water storage in small spaces.
Cooking after a disaster or collapse.
Zombie dear…

Resources:

Episode 92: ITRH Future & Winter Preps

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:00:06 +0000

In this episode Aaron shares a special announcement about the future of ITRH and discusses the basics of prepping for winter.

This is by no means an exhaustive check list. But it is our bi-annual run through of what you should be doing to preppare for the season. And it’s a great way to get your mind focused on what you need to be doing to ensure that your shelter and gear are in working order.

Often as preppers we check something off our list to then stuff it away in a closet, think it’s done, and forget it. If you’re new to prep it’s a great place to start. And if you’ve been around for a while it’ll serve as a good reminder.

Join us as we discuss…

Show Topics:

Listener contributions.
A special don’t miss announcement.
Prepping your house for winter.
Prepping your car for winter.
Prepping your bags for winter.

Show Resources:

Special Project Appleseed Message from Scout:

Hey Guys, I want to invite you out to Davilla Texas, December 22/23 for the last Appleseed of 2012 in Texas. It will be a great time to get out of the house, and onto the line, and get some trigger time in.

While everyone else is slurping those stinky hot wine drinks and listening to Christmas carols….uhh, you can be running half a thousand rounds through your favorite rifle and making sure your ability to make the shot when it counts, is honed and ready.

Maybe you are getting a rifle under the tree on that special day, and maybe you can talk your own special Santa into letting you open it early and take it out on the line for a spin.

Regardless, we will be here, and I hope you will show up too. Davilla is in Central Texas near Temple, Cameron, Waco. Only an hour from Austin, two hours from Houston, two from San Antonio and two from the DFW area.

We will shoot all day Saturday at 25 meters, learning the skills and techniques needed to get your groups down to four minutes of arc using the short distance to allow rapid feedback on shots. That means working on your rifle skills until you can put ten rounds into a postage stamp at 82 feet in thirty seconds. Easy right?

On Sunday, if you bring your center fire, and are shooting down to 6-8 minutes of arc, we will go to the actual distance range and get everyone data for their rifles at 100, 200, 300 and 400 meters, then get you shooting an actual distance AQT.

An AQT, at 25 meters or 400, is four stages, three positions, with magazine changes and multiple targets under time constraints. It doesn’t get much more “practical rifle” than that, right?

Hope to see you guys there!
Scout

Info-
http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=28832
To register-
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3347062153

Episode 91: Libertarian Rant & Surviving the Next Four Years

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:00:19 +0000

In this episode Aaron and Jonathan deliver a post election Libertarian rant, surviving the next four years, and some topics guaranteed to piss some of you off.

Liberty is the cornerstone of survival. And in this post election cycle many people are concern (if not terrified) about what the next four years means for their survival.

But the reality is, we viscerally didn’t like either mainstream candidate. And we believe the road map to survival hasn’t changed, perhaps the pace is just quickened. Because they all sink.

So this episode dives into the fundamentals that may keep you safe and sound for the next four years. And keeps you safe and sound beyond the next four years.

And today we may piss off some of you. Maybe even to the point of never listening again. But… It’s going to be that kind of show today.

Listen now as we discuss…

Survival Topics:

What happened to last week’s show?
What does the next four years mean for survival?
Blue Hats vs Green Hats
Personal fiscal responsibility.
Politics, the new religion.
Personal responsibility of staying informed.
Letting the information drive your passion. And not let your passion drive how you’re informed.
Who’s Gary Johnson?
Free pizza and 15 minutes more recess.
Personal responsibility to get involved.
Inactivity is activity.

Resources:

Episode 90: Surviving The Zombie Apocalypse

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:59:54 +0000

Hosts Aaron and Jason wrap up part III of Surviving X with Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse.

Zombies fiction has become a huge part of the survival community. They are an unpredictable, terrifying, and exceptionally difficult enemy to compat. And this makes them the perfect survival mental exersize.

It’s no wonder why they’re so popular.

And in this episode we cover our ideas for surviving a Zombie outbreak. (After we catch Jason up to speed on what Zombies are, since he’s a “real survivalist”).

Topics:

What is a zombie, in the most basic terms.
Things that bother us about Zombies.
Weapons choices for combating Zombies.
Gorilla Warfare for dealing with Zombies.
Community’s role is surviving Zombies.
Bugging Out vs Bugging In
Bug Out Vehicle considerations.

Resources:

Episode 89: Surviving X Part II

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:00:53 +0000

Hosts Aaron and Jonathan are joined by Ron Davis for part II of the Halloween Series Surviving X.

For those new to the show–or those that just haven’t been paying attention, we doing a Halloween Fictional Survival Scenario series. And in this episode we explore a fictional survival scenario: Surviving the Invasion of the Brain Bugs.

Playing the what if survival game with friends is always fun. But more importantly, it all just goes to show that the basics apply. And it doesn’t matter if it’s natural disasters, economic collapse, or brain bugs from outer space.

Join us as we dive into…

Brain Bugs from outer space.
Oat Meal weapons.
Communication methods for survival.
Team building
Survival Planning
Bug Out Route Planning

Episode 88: Part 1 of Surviving X

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:00:03 +0000

Hosts Aaron and Jonathan discuss surviving the collapse of the United States.

For the month of October we’re going to exercise one fictional survival scenario a week. It’s a fun way to play through ridiculous situations. And a great way to have some fun.

But don’t let that detract from the deeper message of each episode. While silly, each one shows how it’s really all about the basics.

Join us as we rally the Roving Horde Armada, pull anchor, and set sail for a better place with…

Topics:

Planning an evacuation
Building a basic supply list.
Knowing when to bug out.
Picking a bug out vehicle.
Choosing a bug out location.
Developing a long term personal sustainability plan.
…and answer the question: can you make Whiskey from Coconuts?

Resources:

Episode 87: Building a Survival Community

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:00:53 +0000

Hosts Aaron and Jonathan discuss selling others on getting into the preparedness lifestyle.

Long gone are the days of survivalists being hermits. Modern survivalists have come to understand the importance of building communities around themselves.

But convincing other people to prepare–especially those in or inner most circles–can be tricky business. We’ll make it easy for you.

So join as has we cover…

Episode Topics:

Lead by example.
Focus on things that make you life better were things are good or bad. “Does this make my life better or worse?”
Argue with facts, logic, and knowledge.
Bait the hook and feed slowly as apposed to info dump. Otherwise, you just overwhelm people.
Don’t preach.
Demand nothing.
Don’t be an alarmist.

…and the In The Rabbit Hole Roving Horde sticker. Get it now here:

ITRH Roving Horde

Resources:

Episode 86: Prepared in 7 Days

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:00:05 +0000

Hosts Aaron and Jonathan discuss how fast is too fast to prepare, common mistakes, and the lessons from experience.

More and more people are opening to the idea of being prepared. And As we get closer to the 2012 Presidential Election, Myan 2012 “Doomsday” date, and bad economy continues that pace quickens. So to does the number of “Get Prepared Quick” gimmicky products that hit the market.

So how do we prepare in a thoughtful anxiety free way that really will get us through tough times? Find out in this episode.

Join us as we discuss…

Show Topics:

How fast is too fast to prepare?
Can you be prepared in 7 days or less?
Survival Gear without Survival Skills
Food Storage
- Copy Canning
- Jon’s personal story of using stored food
- Jonathan’s food storage method vs Aaron’s
- Perishable, Non Perashible, and Long Term Food storage.
Water Storage
- The myth of water storage and concrete.
- Can water go bad?
- Storing water in plastic containers.
- Water purification and filtration methods.
- How much water to store.
- Where to store water.
- Other emergency water sources.

Episode Resources:

USDA Record Low Crop Production
Episode 67: Survival Gear
Berkey Water Filtration (This is not an endorsement and we have no association with linked company)
Reliance 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container
Reliance 7 Gallon Rigid Water Container with Filter

Episode 85: Surviving The News Media

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 10:00:04 +0000

Hosts Aaron and Jonathan weigh in on the TV Show Revolution and give their thoughts on surviving the news media.

Getting information has never been more difficult. In this day and age with so many choices of where to get your news how do we decide? Do you only get it from one source that confirms your opinions? Or do you get it from many that inform your opinions?

Your survival may depend on it!

Join us as we share our thoughts on…

Topics:

The Revolution
Issues in the Middle East
How news media exclude stories because of bias
Freedom of Speech
John Stossel’s mustache …and hair
Filtering News
Obese Wiener Dog Epidemic
Being responsibly informed

Resources

Reason Magazine / TV

Episode 84: Urban Farming Update

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 10:00:55 +0000

Hosts Aaron and Jason discuss the latest lessons learned from their adventures in Urban Farming.

When it comes to matters of self-sufficiency few are as important as being able to feed yourself. Over the last nearly two years Aaron and Jason have endeavored to see what it takes to have a farm in an urban environment.

The lesson?

Farmin ain’t easy! But it sure is a lot of fun–when you do it with friends.

Join us as we explore lessons learned over the last 6 months…

Topics:

The state of the ITRH Urban Farm
Understanding the importance of hands on experience
The information you can’t get from books.
Automatic rabbit watering systems
Chicken coup design
Planning and use of space.
Restrictions of urban live stock
The advantages of a good survival mentor
Gear vs Skill
Lessons in NOT over engineering

Resources:

Episode 83: My Lemonad Stand

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 10:00:01 +0000

Hosts Aaron and Jonathan discuss starting, building, and growing a business.

There’s been much to do recently about small businesses. Children’s lemonade stands have become a big symbol of that sentiment, in particular.

But what does it really take to open a business? How do we avoid the common pitfalls that lead to failure in business? …And what does it really mean to be in business for yourself?

But most importantly, how do we get to go fishing in the middle of the week–every week!?

Join us as we share our experiences, thoughts, and clear a path for your liberty…

Topics:

Getting a business funded by “Family, Friends, and Fools”
Focussing on the customer with more than lip service.
Your product: What it is and isn’t.
Marketing: The secret sauce you forgot.
Automation, Operations, and cost savings.
Misconceptions and hard truths about being self-employed.
Employees and herding cats.
Working for your own benefit and benefiting others.
Giving vs Giving Back and why it’s important to understand the difference.
Dictating your own liberty.

Resources:

Elance
I Love Marketing Podcast
Business Podcast (5 Minutes with Jack)
Episode 27: Finding, Keeping, Growing, and Creating a Job

Episode 82: Social Engineering

Aaron Frankel — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 10:00:10 +0000

Host Aaron interviews Christopher Hadnagy author of Social Engineerying: The Art of Human Hacking.

In past episodes we’ve spoken about developing interpersonal skills. In a similar vein is the seemingly darker concept of Social Engineering. But there is a tremendous amount that can be learned both to protect and for other positive uses.

…And did you know your smart phone is telling stalkers where you are?

Join us as we hack human-beings…

Topics:

What Social Engineering is.
How Nigerian scams work.
Other scams after disasters.
Lessons in how NOT to get scammed.
Communication Flow Models
Pretexting
Dangers on social media.
Neuro Linguistic Programing
The danger of smart phones and GPS.