In The Rabbit Hole

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E208: Understanding Bug-out Bags, Car Bags, and EDC Bags Feb 27, 2017

Show notes

In this episode, Aaron goes back to basics with a short episode on the trio of bags for survival: Bug-out bags, car bags, and EDC Bags. A Bug-out bag is where new peppers tend to focus their early attention.

And they tend to end up looking like something equipped for the zombie apocalypse. But bug-out bags should be much more straightforward. They are intended to allow you fast eagles and sustain you for up to 72-hours.

Your EDC Bag, on the other hand, is the bag you should devote most of your attention. It's the bag:

You're most likely to have with you when something goes wrong
Is used the most
And must be carefully considered due to the restrictions on size and weight

And next in priority is the car bag: A mini-bug-out bag intended to get you back home.

Note: The items in bags for survival are very personal. This episode does not contain an exhaustive list. But it is intended to get you thinking about the right way to view and work with these types of bags.

Bags for Survival Topics Discussed:

Bug-out Bags
- two to three sets of clothes
- Good pair of gloves
- A way to store one to two liters of water
- A way to purify water - tablets or a filter
- A flashlight and batteries
- Phone charger and cables
- An extra credit card and cash
- A liter or matches
- Small first aid kit
- A pack of important papers and copies of identification in a watertight bag
- Multi-tool
- Duct-tape
Car Bag
- Same as Bug-out-bag, but for one to two days
- Think of this bag as the bag you use to get home if you had to leave your vehicle and walk home
- Include a pair of old sneakers or hiking boots
- Extra map in a waterproof bag
- Mole Skins
- The long skinny single strap rectangular bags work well for cars and will usually fit under a seat
EDC Bag
- Water bottle one litter to 1.5 litters
- Emergency money back with a card and cash
- Notepad with emergency contact numbers
- Gloves
- Handkerchief
- A liter or matches
- Small first-aid kit with lip balm and dental floss and Mole Skins
- Small pack of wet wipes
- Emergency sleeping bag - Mylar
- Multi-tool
- Backup battery and charging cables + USB car cigaret lighter adapter
- Optional Items Aaron Mentions
  - Lock picks
  - Hearing protection (I've gotten to the range a few times and used mine)
  - Two extra pistol magazines
  - Signal Mirror
  - Extra locking blade knife

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~ Resources from this episode can be found at:

http://www.intherabbithole.com/e208

E207: Urban Farming for Fun and Profit Feb 20, 2017

Show notes

In this episode, we discuss making a little money through urban farming with your buddy Michael Jordan the Bee Whisperer. It's not as hard as you may think.

Many of us in the preparedness community have small, medium, and even larger urban farms. They're perfect for building survival skills, building a food storage pantry, and becoming more self-reliant with an urban farm. And getting out and putting your hands in some dirt or raising animals can be relaxing.

But what do you do when you start producing excess. You may be sitting on extra cash or a side hustle and not even realize. You just have to like money and be willing to put in some effort.

A few years ago now, we had a very respectable urban farm with chickens and rabbits. When we got to 40 chickens and 40 rabbits we were producing more than we needed or wanted. We talked at length about selling the excess, but selling rabbit meat and eggs proved problematic due to local and federal laws. And we weren't sure where to start.

Urban Farming Topics Discussed

Being aware of laws in your area
What animals work well for urban farming
Different products from your urban farm you can sell
Some of the ways you can sell your products to make an income
How to get around health department laws regarding meet
How to hide bees, chickens, quail, and rabbits, so others do not know you have them
Why a dehydrator is an urban farmers friend
How using FREE Brewer's spent grain is your friend

Become a supporting member here:

http://www.itrh.net

Resources from this episode can be found at:

http://www.intherabbithole.com/e207

E205: Real World Self-Defense and Gun Fighting for Preppers Feb 06, 2017

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Jeanna Cournoyer to discuss self-defense and firearms training. Jeanna is a bit like a female John Wick with a long resume of training in Krav Maga, firearms, and stress training. She also happens to be pretty damn cool.

We dive into reality based training. This is scenario based and "real-world" techniques for hand-to-hand combat situations. And we dive into the murky waters where one must transition from a fist fit to a gun fight. But first, we go into using body language and verbal commands in an attempt to keep things from becoming physical.

~ Self-defense Topics Discussed:

* What is Fear and Adrenal Stress Training? * What's the difference between self-defense and martial arts? * How did Jeanna get into Krav Maga? * What advantages does Krav Maga have over other martial arts for Jeanna? * Is there a difference between Krav Maga taught to civilians and what's taught in the Israeli military? * IS that because it focuses more on arresting techniques? * What limitations are there when it comes to unarmed self-defense techniques? * What are people's biggest aversions to taking a self-defense class? * Are there things women, in particular, should consider when looking at self-defense training? * Why have firearms played such a big role in Jeanna's personal defense training? * Why there is so much interest in women-only classes for women? * Why do women gravitate towards women-only self-defense and firearms classes? * What changes for Jeanna as an instructor, when she's teaching women-only classes? * What parts of firearms' training do women wrestle with versus men? * What aspects of firearms' training do women tend to excel at over men? * Are there calibers that just don't work well for most women and calibers that do work well for most women? * How has having a kid changed the way Jeanna keep firearms in the house? * How does Jeanna deal with a situation where one-half of a couple is hesitant or strongly opposed to the idea of firearms in the home while the other is interested in it?

~ Become a supporting member here:

http://www.itrh.net

~ Resources from this episode can be found at:

http://www.intherabbithole.com/e205

E204: The State of Survival and Preparedness Address 2017 Feb 04, 2017

Show notes

In this episode, Aaron shares his thoughts on the state of the survival and preparedness community. You see, there's been much to do in recent months about a large downturn in the number of people engaged in being prepared. But there's also been a lot of press about liberals flocking to preparedness out of fear of President Trump.

So what's really going on? Are we in a downturn from a false sense of security or are we in an upturn from a likely false sense of doom?

The answer is... sort of both. But not really either.

We'll explain the State of Survival and Preparedness in 2017:

How learning to ride a motorcycle is a lot like becoming a prepper
News of conservatives giving up on being survivalists
News or liberals becoming survivalists
Prepping the smart way and keeping your shirt on
Nav Jim shares the history since the 1960s and questions the future of preparedness (phase plasma rifles and all)

~ Become a supporting member here:

http://www.itrh.net

~ Resources from this episode can be found at:

http://www.intherabbithole.com/e204

E203: Survival Gear Reviews, Thoughts, and 2017 Jan 23, 2017

Show notes

In this episode, you and Aaron sit down together for the annual survival gear review show. He'll share his thoughts guns, holsters, and tools. And you'll hear about survival skills for 2017 and new things around ITRH.

Every year, ITRH does a gear review show. It's nothing formal. We just cover all the things we've purchased, tried out, love, like, dislike, and hate from the last year.

But before we get into the toys there are some thoughts on the rioters at the inauguration.

Talking points:

Rioters and damn fools
Survival gear reviews
Gun reviews
Holsters
Training aids for shooters
Hearing protection
SWAG coming to ITRH
Gear coming to ITRH
ITRH videos
2017 Skills planned
...and more

Links and resources from this episode http://www.intherabbithole.com/e203

Support the show and get membership benefits here: http://www.itrh.net

E202: Revolvers for Survival and EDC Jan 16, 2017

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Carroll to discuss revolvers for survival and EDC. Listeners know Justin from Prepper Opsec. But he also has a passion for revolvers, as it turns out. And in this episode, he shares his journey into the world of revolvers.

Revolvers are a common topic of debate for preppers...

Fans often swear by them. They make claims of revolvers having superior reliability over semi-autos. Then there is the ammo interchangeability with some rifles and the ability of some revolvers to accept several different cartridges of the same caliber. There is also the fact that some revolver cartridges, like the .357, offer a wider range of powered charges allowing for greater flexibility as a hunting round.

But there is the other side of the fence: Detractors. Typically, this category appreciates revolvers but see modern semi-auto pistols as having more advantages: Higher capacity, easier reloading, greater reloading speeds. The semi-auto camp also raise their eyebrows at the claim of greater reliability.

So who's right?

Like all things in survival and guns, the answer is this: It depends.

~ Revolvers for Survival and EDC Topics Discussed: ~

* Why Justin sold all his semi-auto pistols and went all wheel gun all the time * Revolvers as an option in restrictive states * What postal operator fundamentals translate between semi-auto and revolvers * The delicacy of revolver innards * The reality of how reliable revolvers actually are * Why J Frame Revolvers suck for new shooters and first-time revolver owners * What are the best revolvers for new shooters * The Best revolver for EDC * Double action in revolvers vs single action revolvers * Is a bobbed hammer safer * How to train to reload revolvers quickly and in defensive situations * The downside of speedloaders and revolvers for EDC * Using Speed Strips * The downsides of revolvers - Ammo capacity - Slow reloading - concealability and comfort * Advantages of Revolvers - Interchangeability of ammo - lack of magazine dependance - field gun

~ Become a supporting member here:

http://www.itrh.net

~ Resources from this episode can be found at:

http://www.intherabbithole.com/e202

E201: Running & Gunning with WTF Biathlon Jan 09, 2017

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Dan from Waco Tactical Fitness. He shares with us what the WTF Biathlon is, how it started, and why they're a great sport for preppers and shooters.

Let's be honest: preppers love their gear and guns. We buy rifles and handguns of nearly every caliber and flavor. We accumulate mag holders, holster, plate carriers, hydration backs, and tons of more gear.

But it is rare we get the opportunity to test ourselves and gear. Shooters are relegated to standing in a box and shooting at a stationary paper target, in most cases.

And even if we take an expensive class, truly testing our physical condition and gear is limited.

So enter the biathlon: A way to test your body, shooting, and equipment.

Running and Gunning Topics Discussed:

* What a biathlon is * Who and what is Waco Tactical Fitness * How the name came about * WTF Mission * How it all started * The relationship with Appleseed Project * What the courses and courses of fire are like * How a biathlon tests your skills and your gear * The recommended gear and guns for a WTF biathlon * Where the money goes (hint: it's all for the kids)

~ Become a supporting member here:

http://www.itrh.net

~ Resources from this episode can be found at:

http://www.intherabbithole.com/e201

E200: 2017 Predictions Made & Listener Questions Answered Jan 02, 2017

Show notes

In this episode, Aaron makes 2017 predictions and answers listener questions. And there's also a special thank you message to all the listeners from ITRH to start.

You see, ITRH has crossed a major milestone: 200 episodes. Most podcasts don't make it past 6. And the show is now downloaded roughly 50,000 a month. So it seems like we may be doing something right.

~ Topics: ~

* 2017 Predictions - The Hearing Protection Act - National Conceal Carry Reciprocity - Liberal Preppers and nuclear war - The coming troubles of gun manufacturers - What 2017 may mean for ammo availability and pricing - Who Trump will piss off next and why we're laughing * Listener Questions

* Where to start as a new prepper focusing on the basics * The most cringe worthy prepper purchase Aaron has ever made * Can you make insulin in a grid down scenario

~ Become a supporting member here:

http://www.itrh.net

~ Resources from this episode can be found at:

http://www.intherabbithole.com/e200

E199: The Last Tribe author Brad Manuel Interview Dec 26, 2016

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with author Brad Manuel. He'll share with us how he crafted a different kind of post-apocalyptic book. There are no super-elite-range-seals. No ninja warriors. Just regular folks trying to survive. But somehow it still caught the attention of the audio publishers of The Martian. So he might just be on to something.

But The Last Tribe isn't necessarily for everyone for the reasons mentioned above. This is not a high-action prepper book. It's more about character development and overcoming adversity. And it deals with a few issues few if any, other books in the genre attempt.

~ We Discuss: ~

* Who is Author Brad Manuel? * How did he become an author? * Is Brad a prepper? * What drew him to writing apocalyptic fiction? * Why did a reviewer of his book call it the "Life Time TV" of post-apocalyptic books? * Why did he write a book low of violence in a genre dominated by violence? * What's the best advice about making it as an author did Brad ever receive? * What's the best thing Brad has spent, or not spent, money on as a self-published author?

~ Become a supporting member here:

http://www.itrh.net

~ Resources from this episode can be found at:

http://www.intherabbithole.com/e199

E198: Prepping in Apartments and Small Places Dec 19, 2016

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with Alana Barfield. We're going to discuss storage options for apartment dwellers and share a cool James Bond-like DYI project with you.

Prepper Storage Topics Discussed:

* Unconventional storage spaces * Hiding things in plain site * Storage ideas that won't forfeit your renter's deposit * Building a fake wall * Storage options for RVs and Campers * Getting widows to prep

Resouces:

~ Become a supporting member here:

http://www.itrh.net

~ Resources from this episode can be found at:

http://www.intherabbithole.com/e198

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