Tag: PRN

PRN Episode #19 Interview Lamar Alexander

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For today’s show David interviews Lamar Alexander (of prepper fame, not the former Tennessee Governor.) of Simple Solar Homesteading and author of many books on tiny house living as it relates to being more self-sufficent.

When life threw Lamar some lemons, he made more than lemonade, he refined the recipe and then decided to share it with others.

What Lamar did, was design and build a small off grid cabin for under $2000.00. He lives there full time, and has learned to thrive off of a simple (but not spartan) lifestyle. Mr. Alexander is quick to point out that he lives a full life, and does not want for anything, has as much free time as he desires, and by developing multiple streams of self-reliant income coupled with a simple lifestyle has managed to save enough to live on for an indefinite period.

I really admire Lamar and his work, and have bought some of his books on sustainable living. You can learn more about him and his designs at his website www.simplesolarhomesteading.com/

The show is scheduled for Monday at 10pm central time at this link.

If you cannot listen on Monday, you can always download the podcast for listening at your own leisure.

May 26, 2013
PRN Episode #18 Top Bar Beekeeping for Preppers

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Beekeeping can be as simple or complex, as expensive or inexpensive as you make it. It just depends on what your goals, budget, and willingness to work.

In today’s show, David talks about the basics of top bar beekeeping. This is a simple method of keeping bees that only requires a bare minimum of gear. Therefore, it is well suited to the preparedness/self reliant lifestyle.

There are some drawbacks to beekeeping this way, the most observable is that you get less honey and more wax than with “traditional” box style hives, but, as David explains, that may be a plus.

This is a very valuable resource that preppers should not discount, as honey is invaluable both as a sweeter, a base for alcohol, and as a medicine. The wax also has hundreds of very important uses in it’s own right.

I have several beehives, both the traditional as well as a Top Bar Hive I am experimenting with. I think that there is a lot to be said for TBH beekeeping, but their is not a lot of support in my area.

The show is scheduled for Monday at 10pm central time at this link.

If you cannot listen on Monday, you can always download the podcast for listening at your own leisure.

May 19, 2013
PRN Episode #17 Raising Rabbits

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Tonight’s show s about raising rabbits for meat rather than as pets or as show animals.

I have raised meat rabbits for the past 3 or 4 years, but it runs in my family. My late Paternal Grandfather made his living raising and processing rabbits and quail near Baton Rouge Louisiana.

As prepper livestock, rabbits are hard to beat. They have a high feed to meat ratio, are quite, prolific breeders, and since they are small there is less waste when refrigeration is non-existent.

Right now I am experimenting with rabbit tractors. In the tractor the rabbits are free to graze and breed naturally. We talk about the pros and cons of this. As well as many other issues with the keeping of small livestock in suburban environments.

I find it does take some work. Rabbits take management. The work is worth it. I have a bunch of rabbit articles on this site. Pound for pound its one of the best prepper projects you can do.

The show is scheduled for Monday at 10pm central time at this link.

I have a couple good articles on this topic throughout my site and I believe rabbits are a great prepper protein option.

If you cannot listen on Monday, you can always download the podcast for listening at your own leisure.

May 12, 2013
PRN Episode #16 Interview Barefoot Builder

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Tonight’s show features Christina Ott, also known as the Barefoot Builder. At the age of 23 Christina built her own home mortgage free using a construction technique called cob. This ancient building method has been used on several continents and provides some special benefits to those wanting to become self-reliant.

Would you be interested in a house that you can build yourself, out of materials found on your own land, without special tools, for hundreds instead of thousands of dollars?

What if this house was bullet-proof, earthquake proof, impervious to fire, rot, or termites. If it was low-footprint and sustainable, and required very little external heating or cooling? What if it was invisible from the air?

Over the next hour, Christina discuss what cob is, educates away common misconceptions, talks about zoning and building code issues. and shows a simple test you can perform on your own land to learn if your land is cob material…

You can learn more about Christina the Barefoot Builder at her website www.barefootbuilder.com. You can also visit her YouTube channel and watch her ballistic testing of cob at https://www.youtube.com/ShortMtnCat

The show is scheduled for Monday at 10pm central time at this link.

If you cannot listen on Monday, you can always download the podcast for listening at your own leisure.

May 5, 2013
PRN Episode #15 Bill Harrison

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In today’s Shepherd School episode, David interviews Bill Harrison of Hardened Power Systems. Bill has created a variety of portable power units that allow the prepper to store, transport, and use electrical power during austere times.

In this episode Bill and I talk about power. Specifically, how to use it, how to make it, and some things that may be counter-intuitive, but make good sense.

Before this interview, I did not know how inexpensive a basic system could be. A grid tie system that reduces your electric bill can be had for under $1500.00 That is a very reasonable cost. I have seen Bill Harrison’s systems at prepper shows and he makes a very nice system. It is much better engineered than my DIY battery box and I wish I owned a couple of his.

I recommend you visiting his site http://www.portableuniversalpower.com/

The show is scheduled for Monday at 10pm central time at this link.

If you cannot listen on Monday, you can always download the podcast for listening at your own leisure.

April 28, 2013