E143: Lessons from 60 years in Preparedness

In this episode, we sit down with LONG time listener, ITRH forum moderator, resident old coot, and friend, NavyJim. He’s going to share with us how he and his wife have stayed engaged in preparedness since the 50s. We’ll also discuss how prepping has changed over the decades. And we’ll even talk about his take on preppers in the media as someone who’s been in broadcasting since he had to ride a dinosaur uphill both ways in the snow to the gun store. (Also known as 1967.)

Join me as we explore these questions:

• Over the years, how have you seen survival and preparedness change?
• What commonalities persist both good and bad?
• What did survivalists worry about in the 1950s
• How much have those things concerning preppers changed over the years?
• Do you think there’s any difference other than label between Retreaters, Survivalists, and Preppers?
• It seems there’s been a large resurgence of interest in survival in the last few years. What’s been your take on it as someone that’s been in it for so long?
• Has there ever been a time that the media paid as much attention to survivalists as they do now?
• Why do you think that is?
• Why do you think we’re almost always painted in a negative light?
• What do you make of the “prepper reality shows”?
• Do you think the media’s current fascination with preppers will subside anytime soon?
• In a broader general sense, how is journalism changing?
• So what keeps you in prep, Jim?
• What worries you most right now and in the future?
• ITRH had an episode some time ago on what we coined as the “prepper dip.” Have you ever experienced this or has preparedness been a constant for you?
• How have you stayed engaged with preparedness for so long?