The next financial meltdown you face may not have anything to do with the stock market! Life can throw curveballs that hit even harder. In this episode, we reveal the unconventional strategies that could save your family and enable you to help others during hard times.

If you "get" the concept of what we are talking about on this podcast but don't know where to start for actually "doing" it in real life, please check out the resource we created for you! The Ready Life Academy:

https://www.thereadylife.com/academy/

Trying to find the perfect property, but it's far away? Here are 8 ways you can research a country home or property online, long before you travel to the property.

If you need to relocate to a country property and need help, you need The Ready Life Academy:

https://www.thereadylife.com/academy Links: -Google Maps: maps.google.com -Zillow: Zillow.com -Google Earth: earth.google.com -Find a well log in all 50 states: https://www.TheReadyLife.com/findlog -USDA Web Soil Survey: websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx

Ever noticed how the birds have a 6th sense for when your fruit is almost ripe and you're about to pick it? The day before you harvest, they move in and wipe it out. Or at least that's the way it seems.

In this episode, you'll get an incredibly simple tip on how to protect your fruit from the birds without resorting to all sorts of elaborate measures like nets or electronic devices.

Overwhelmed? Not sure how to even start getting your family into a more prepared lifestyle in the country? Here's your one-stop resource to make this dream happen:

The Ready Life Academy

https://www.thereadylife.com/academy/

It's one pest that most areas have in common. But they are especially bad in our area, so we have a lot of experience. In this episode, we share a variety of methods we've used to deal with our mosquito problem, what's worked, and what hasn't.

Ready to take your first steps toward indepednence? The Ready Life Academy provides your path to do it the right way:

https://www.thereadylife.com/academy

We have a lot of tools! Many, we rarely (if ever) use. Some, we use periodically. A few, we use regularly. But one tool we use all the time--year-round.

Start your journey to independence, with the training and support to do it right the first time. Join The Ready Life Academy:

https://www.TheReadyLife.com/academy

Here's a fun episode, doing 'a few of our favorite things'...such as exploding popular myths that abound about living off the grid.

You've probably heard some of them. Maybe you've even spread some of them 😉. This is our chance to set the record straight...at least from our perspective.

Take your first step toward independence with The Ready Life Academy:

https://www.TheReadyLife.com/academy

If we were limited to only one thing to protect our homestead, a good dog with proper training would be our first choice.

In this episode, we’re sharing what we looked for in a guard dog and a bit on how we trained her to be so gentle with kids and animals. Some of it is in the dog’s disposition and some is the result of training. Here’s what our experience has been.

Don’t miss another episode:
https://www.thereadylife.com/#subscribe

Boots are an often-forgotten necessity on the homestead. In this episode, we'll show you what we use and we we maintain boots to get a long life out of them

The boot grease I use is Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP:
https://amzn.to/3UvBica

(affiliate link that helps us but doesn't cost you anything)

In this episode, we share an unusual thing we've been using peat moss for on our homestead--with great results.

And if you have chickens, you might want to try it too!

Our favorite poultry supplement: https://the-fertrell-company.myshopify.com/collections/products/products/poultry-show-and-breeder-supplement

Confused about how to start getting more prepared and less dependent on "the system"? This is your tool:

The Ready Life Academy

https://www.TheReadyLife.com/academy

In this episode of The Ready Life Podcast, we'll be pruning some blueberry bushes that are desperately in need of a haircut!

Are you overwhelmed with the "nuts and bolts" how-to details of country living and setting up a homestead that is as independent as possible? The Ready Life Academy is your one-stop source for reliable training, community, and personal help from experienced mentors.
https://www.thereadylife.com/academy

Also, here's the NCSU presentation I mentioned with in-depth info on this method of pruning:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_fglEl9mVo

In this week's episode, we're focusing on Noah and how he prepared for things which were unseen as yet.

There are a LOT of parallels between the story of Noah and our day (Jesus himself said so).

But while Noah built an ark, are you envisioning a "canoe"?

If you want to set up your own little "ark" of refuge for your family and others, but you don't know how, The Ready Life Academy is the tool built for you! And we are finishing up a special huge promotion that will grandfather you in on an amazing deal: https://thereadylife.com/special

One look at the world around us makes it clear WHERE we are and what direction it's taking.  With massive instability everywhere, out-of-control inflation, political volatility like we've never seen, and powerful entities grasping for more and more control over us, it's time to do something about that. In this episode, we unpack what we are dealing with and uncover what we should do about it.

UPCOMING CLASS: Preparation or Presumption - Register here:

https://www.thereadylife.com/class

43 million Americans rely on a private well for water. Almost none of them would be able to access a drop of water when losing utilities.

This week's episode is about the best solution for getting water out of that hole in the ground when you don't have power.

Here's to hand pumps!

Resources:

• Find your well log: TheReadyLife.com/findlog
• Installer Locators: Bison Hand Pumps | Simple Pump

You'll learn about:

• Static Water Level: Can a hand pump reach my water?
• Casing Diameter: Can a hand pump fit in my well
• Finding Your Well Log
• Obstructions: Identify potential issues like well caps, pitless adapters, and torque arresters.
• DIY vs. Professional Installation: Know when to do it yourself and when to call in the pros.
• Hand Pump Types: Differences between shallow and deep well hand pumps.
• Popular Brands: Insight into Bison, Simple Pump, Baker Monitor, and the Apocalypse Pump for emergency use.

We live off the grid and try to be energy efficient. But there are some things you simply have to prioritize--even if they do use a bit of power. In other words, your guilty pleasures.

Want to know what ours is? It's the infrared sauna and we figured out how to make it happen with adding a bunch of extra cost to our off grid power system.

You see, infrared saunas can bring tons of health benefits, but surely you couldn't power one off the grid, right?

Wrong! We have incorporated infrared sauna treatments into our regular schedule for over a year, and we do it all off the grid. Join us from our sauna as we discuss how it works, which one we chose, and how we use it.

The sauna we use: https://www.saunacomfort.com/

Join us in The Ready Life Academy to learn all about making an off grid power system work for you: https://www.thereadylife.com/academy/

In this week's episode of The Ready Life Podcast, we'll tell you all about the things that have worked for us when dealing with burns on the homestead, including this weirdest of remedies. But before you laugh and shrug it off, consider trying it out if you are ever in the position of needing to care for a burn at home. Here's the B&W Burn Salve we use (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3J0FBXn If you want to make your home and family less dependent from "The System" for basic necessities and become more self-sufficient, your ultimate resource is: The Ready Life Academy https://www.thereadylife.com/academy/

In this episode of the Ready Life Podcast, we share our experience with a battery-powered chainsaw. You'll hear it's pros, cons, and why we really like having one on our homestead.

In this episode, we dive into the topic of electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) and how they can affect off-grid living. With insights from retired Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, we discuss what EMPs are, their potential to disrupt modern life, and share our personal plans to protect our off-grid power system. Learn how to live an independent lifestyle with The Ready Life Academy: https://www.thereadylife.com/academy/

This episode discusses the challenges of living in a rural area, specifically on road access and conditions such as mud, snow, and rocky terrain. We share personal experiences, give recommendations, and highlight the adventure of dealing with challenging access to a home or property.

In this week's episode of The Ready Life Podcast, we're diving into the challenges of shade on solar power systems. We'll explore practical solutions to ensure your solar panels get the most sunlight, from strategic placement to tree management. And our focus is on doing a solar shade analysis. Join us for some insightful tips on optimizing your solar setup for peak performance. See you in the video!

The Ready Life Academy (don't miss the upcoming Off Grid Solar Design Accelerator):
https://www.thereadylife.com/academy/

Apps Mentioned:

Theodolite App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/theodolite/id339393884

Dioptra App (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glidelinesystems.dioptra&hl=en_US&gl=US

In this eye-opening episode of The Ready Life Podcast, we dive into the world of sauerkraut, an ancient superfood that's making a modern comeback.

Discover the incredible benefits of this simple, yet powerful fermented food and learn how it can enhance your health, boost your homestead's sustainability, and provide a delicious gateway into the world of food preservation. Whether you're a sauerkraut skeptic or a fermentation fanatic, this episode is packed with insights, tips, and a dash of controversy to get you thinking differently about what's on your plate.

What You'll Learn:

• Why sauerkraut is more than just a condiment: uncover its rich history and health benefits.
• Easy steps to make your own sauerkraut at home and customize it to your taste.
• How embracing ancient food preservation methods can lead to a more independent and sustainable lifestyle.
• The surprising connection between your gut health and your mood.

Join The Ready Life Academy: Ready to dive deeper? Explore our Ready Life Academy for hands-on classes, including an exclusive sauerkraut-making session led by Nancy Meissner. For more information:
https://www.thereadylife.com/academy/

Subscribe for More: Don't miss out on our weekly discussions on self-reliance, homesteading, and living a more independent life. Hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications!

Join Nathan and Heidi in this special episode of The Ready Life Podcast: Kids Edition! These green-thumbed siblings spill the beans on why they're crazy about starting their own seedlings and why you should be too. Tune in as they dish out the dirt on the benefits of DIY seedling projects and share their top tips for success. So grab your gardening gloves and be inspired to start your own seeds this spring.  

Join our Seed Starting Class by signing up in The Ready Life Academy: www.thereadylife.com/academy

In this episode, we share a deeply personal story of how environmental toxins can affect your health, and surprisingly, they can be right inside your home.

We discuss the harmful effects of environmental chemicals, and Lisa's personal struggle with environmental toxicity from living in a modular home. Our story starts with inexplicable illness and the discovery that that a new home was making her sick.

Join us as we dive into the world of environmental toxins and the steps you can take to make your home a safer place as well as equip your body to detox.

Lisa’s e-book (referred to):
https://www.thereadylife.com/toxichomes/

EPA article referenced: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality

Make your home as independent, safe, and prepared as possible, with The Ready Life Academy:
https://www.thereadylife.com/academy/

In this week's episode of the Ready Life Podcast, we explore the use of propane in off-grid living. We tackle common questions about independence when relying on a non-renewable energy source and weigh up the costs of propane versus electricity.

We discuss how treating propane as a convenience can balance independence with off-grid cost-effectiveness and a comfortable lifestyle. We also touch on the subjects of above-ground versus underground tanks and owning versus renting propane tanks. The bottom line is to use propane when it makes sense, but never depend on it for necessary tasks.

Get the details and support you need to be successful off-the-grid, in The Ready Life Academy:
https://www.thereadylife.com/academy/

Imagine a world where you can't buy or sell and you're forced to make do with the no-tech life of yesteryear.

In this episode, we explore ways that you can ensure your family has their basic necessities without requiring any electricity.

While we are big advocates for off grid solar power, not everyone is interested or able to set that up. If you don't it's essential to be able to live without electricity. And that's what this episode is about.

Want to actually do what we're talking about? The Ready Life Academy is your one-stop for the training and experienced help you need to make it happen: https://www.TheReadyLife.com/academy/

In this episode, we are joined by Dave Pruett, MD and his wife Beth, who together founded AMP-3. Pulling from Dr. Dave's 28 years of emergency medicine experience, they discuss key medical emergency preparedness techniques, tools, and training necessary for people living in rural or remote areas.

They share personal experiences and practical advice on handling common emergencies such as severe bleeding, fractures, and potential allergic reactions. They also stress the importance of regular practice, having a plan, and acquiring necessary equipment and training.

This is one episode you can't afford to miss!

Check out the Pruett's website at: https://www.amp-3.net

Also, don't miss Dave's YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@USNERDOC

Don't let your family be dependent on "The System" when the powers that be use the next emergency to make another power grab. Make your family as independent as possible, and be supported each step of the way in The Ready Life Academy:

https://www.thereadylife.com/academy/

Brace yourself for a chilling adventure in this episode of the Ready Life Podcast. We're sharing our story during a -24°F (-33 in some places) Arctic blast in the rugged mountains of North Idaho. From battling frozen pipes to ensuring our animals' safety, it's a real-life winter saga. Tune in to find out how wood heat became our hero and saved many people in the midst of power outages and natural gas shortages. Learn valuable lessons on resilience, self-reliance, and the importance of being prepared for extreme weather. Learn all about heating with wood (and a lot more!) in The Ready Life Academy:
https://www.TheReadyLife.com/academy/

In this episode of the Ready Life Podcast, we provide sound advice on choosing the most energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers for off-grid living.

We explain why energy efficiency is pivotal for off-grid living and delve into how the most unassuming lifestyle changes can significantly reduce power consumption, eventually slashing thousands (or 10,000s) of dollars off the price of an off-grid power system.

This episode also explores other off-grid refrigerator options. If you're off the grid or planning to be off grid soon, this discussion is an invaluable tool for an optimized off-grid lifestyle.

The Ready Life Academy
For greater detail on this and the other popular appliances in your home, you need The Ready Life Academy, which has an entire learning module on this very topic (not to mention an amazing community and vast learning library).

https://www.thereadylife.com/academy

In this episode, we dive into the topic of food storage. It's an aspect often overlooked, but important for everyone regardless of where you live or what your financial status is.

This is NOT another "buy a year's supply of freeze dried food for your bunker" approach. It's a rare but practical method of food storage called the "Rotating Pantry Method" which works on the principle of "Store what you eat, eat what you store."

Here's our personal method for balancing food security with ease of use and saving money.

If you like this approach, don't miss our Food Storage Accelerator in The Ready Life Academy. It's starting tomorrow and you can still get in at:
https://www.thereadylife.com/academy/

In this special '2024 Plan for Preparedness' edition, we're diving deep into our personal strategies for success and clarity in the coming year.

We'll walk you through six pivotal steps that have revolutionized our approach to homesteading preparedness, offering insights and tips that you can apply right away.

Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive. Tune in now and start your journey towards a more successful and clear-headed homesteading life in 2024!

We walk with you through this process in The Ready Life Academy:
https://www.TheReadyLife.com/academy

In our special Christmas episode, we delve into a topic close to our hearts: balancing preparedness with family unity.

Over the years, we've observed the challenges of aligning preparedness or homesteading goals when not everyone in the family shares the same enthusiasm. In this episode, we share 10 practical tips based on our experiences, aimed at fostering understanding and togetherness.

While we work to prepare our family, let's celebrate this festive season with a focus on what truly matters: faith & family.

The Ready Life Academy
Are you concerned about the fragility of "The System" that supplies your basic necessities like water, food, heat, and the power that makes these things work? Or are you concerned about the powers that be making another power grab when the next crisis occurs, and using your dependence on their systems to enforce it?

You know you need to become more independent, but you're held back by lack of time, money, and knowledge. Am I right?

The Ready Life Academy starts with helping you: assess your current situation, determine what your problem areas are, prioritize them, make a plan to improve your situation, learn what you need to know to do it right the first time, get your questions answered, gain friendly accountability to make it happen, and have a community of like-minded friends to cheer you on and share their collective experience with you. And it's all so you can make consistent progress and be far more prepared by the end of 2024 than you are now.

The Ready Life Academy:
https://www.thereadylife.com/academy/

In this episode, we share the journey of 20 years to get to a new beginning that will help you reach your new beginning!

The Ready Life Academy:
https://www.TheReadyLife.com/academy

Discover how we successfully built our solar system without incurring debt, even during the lowest earning period of our marriage. We're excited to share the strategies that not only helped us manage our finances effectively but also empowered us to achieve our homestead dream of owning our place free and clear.

Join us for this episode packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories, perfect for anyone on their path to financial freedom and homestead independence!

CLASS - 2024: The Last Best Year To Get Ready?
https://www.thereadylife.com/2024

It's the thing that almost no one does but everybody should--design your solar power system before buying anything. Why? And what could happen if you don't? Tune into this week's episode to find out.

We share experiences from homes that incorrectly sized their systems, and the challenges they faced as a result. The point is to make your power system fit your lifestyle, rather than the other way around. Messing this up could result in your off grid power system failing miserably or in you spending WAY too much money on it.

We also mention an upcoming webinar and share details on how you can register for it. In the webinar, we'll discuss why we think 2024 is the crucial year for becoming as independent as possible and our 6-step process for making sure 2024 becomes your year to declare independence.

Upcoming Webinar - Register Free:
https://www.thereadylife.com/2024

In this episode, we're diving into the Thanksgiving story, bringing out the lessons of the pilgrims and Squanto and how they tie into our own mantra of 'prepare to share'.

Join us for a mix of storytelling, practical tips, and a bit of Thanksgiving warmth. We’re all about learning from the past to better our present, embracing gratitude, and really living out that 'prepare to share' way of life. Hope you'll tune in and share this journey with us!

Show Notes:

https://www.thereadylife.com/27

Of all the pests we've faced in our garden, one has done more damage than any other. After years of discouraging attempts, we finally have them under control.

And the principles we used to win this battle can be used for almost any pest or disease.

It's all in this episode!

And you can learn principles like this in The Ready Life Academy on-demand, anytime you want. Check it out here:

https://www.TheReadyLife.com/academy/

Dive into an extraordinary tale of winter gardening in one of the most challenging climates in the continental US. Our special guest, Dawn Trammell, shares her inspiring journey of transforming a snow-covered backyard into a productive garden. It's not just about defying the cold; it's about redefining the conventional gardening calendar.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the resilience of nature and the ingenuity of a dedicated gardener. Join us as we explore the unique tips and strategies that make gardening viable, even under several feet of snow. Get ready to be inspired and perhaps start your own winter gardening adventure!

Connect with Dawn at Northwest Homesteader to claim your copy of her in-depth video class on winter gardening:
https://northwesthomesteader.com

Check out our gardening content at:
https://www.susprep.com

Show notes:
https://www.thereadylife.com/26

Step back in time with us in this eye-opening episode as we dive into the health preparedness lessons learned from one of history's deadliest pandemics, the Spanish Flu of 1918.

Discover how a simple yet powerful hydrotherapy remedy known as fomentation treatment offered a beacon of hope during this global crisis. We'll explore the astonishing results people achieved with resources they had at home and discuss how these time-tested methods can be part of your health toolkit today. Join us to unearth the secrets of past generations and arm yourself with knowledge that stood the test of time!

Download the fomentation video and booklet:
https://www.TheReadyLife.com/hydro

Show Notes:
https://www.TheReadyLife.com/25

Leaving aside the politics, civilians living in Gaza are in a mess right now. Little to no water, food, power, or sanitation. Believe it or not, our situation in America could be very similar if the right (or wrong) things happen.

In this episode, we unpack some lessons we can learn from one of the most fought-over places on earth. And as usual, we've got some solutions to propose.

Help Us Help You!

Take a quick questionnaire so we know how we can best help you on your journey to independence:
https://www.thereadylife.com/why?email_id=Pod

Show Notes:
https://www.thereadylife.com/24

It's one of our favorite times of year--applesauce time! Here's what we're up to...

Show Note:
https://www.thereadylife.com/23

Picture a grocery store and all the various departments. Now picture what those departments could look like in your home grocery. It's an exciting thing!

On this episode, Nancy Meissner joins us to discuss what it looks like to have a well-rounded plan for food security.

Food Planning Calculator:
https://www.thereadylife.com/foodplanner

Show Notes:
https://www.thereadylife.com/22

Need a backup generator and can't figure out which one to get? This episode is for you!

In this episode, we are drilling down into generators with some tips to help you choose the right one and avoid a costly mistake on a cheapo generator that dies quickly (best case) or that ruins a bunch of electronics in your home (worst case).

While fuel-powered generators don't provide renewable energy independence, they do have their place. And they can be a great first step for anyone beginning their journey off the power grid. Whether you are on the grid and looking for a backup generator to power your entire home during short blackouts, or you're off the grid with a solar system and need a backup generator to supplement those times when it's really cloudy for days on end, a generator could be a useful tool. Let's choose the right one the first time!

Generator Size Calculator:
https://www.thereadylife.com/generatorsize

Show Notes:
https://www.thereadylife.com/21

Here's your cheat sheet of questions to ask before purchasing a country home or property.

On this episode, we cover 5 of the key questions that need discussion here. But you can also download the full sheet of 20 questions, accompanied by details on why they are important and how to interpret the answers. Just visit the link below...

Download All 20 Questions + Details:
https://www.thereadylife.com/questions

Show Notes:
https://www.TheReadyLife.com/20

Conventional electric water heaters depend on the power grid and use tons of electricity, making them unsuitable for an off-grid solar power system.

Thankfully, we have a number of great off-grid alternatives to choose from. Some are very convenient, while others are totally renewable and independent. Whatever your goals, this episode will equip you with an overview of the options you need to know about.

Show Notes:
https://www.TheReadyLife.com/19

For More Info Visit:
https://www.SusPrep.com

Gas or Diesel can go bad in mere months. Here's the method we used to store gasoline in a hot and humid climate for 6+ years--and it still ran perfectly in the car.

Just to be clear, relying on fuel isn't ideal, but there are times when a fuel-powered device can make life a lot easier. And why not just have a supply of fuel on hand so you can use it? This episode explains how to make sure that fuel doesn't go bad.

Show Notes:
https://www.TheReadyLife.com/18

Wood heat is the most independent heat source there is! But there’s one downside–it needs wood.

Unfortunately, firewood doesn’t usually fall in your lap! And while the cheapest sources require more work, there are really easy options if you're willing to pay more.  And in this episode we share our top 6 sourcesfor where to find firewood.

We’ll also discuss some tips for wood heat alternatives that are not as dependent on the power grid. And on this episode we are giving away a free eBook on heating with wood.

Get your free e-Book "Heating With Wood":
www.TheReadyLife.com/woodheat

Show Notes:
www.TheReadyLife.com/17

Water is often an afterthought when purchasing a home. Here's how to evaluate an existing well so you can do due diligence before signing on the dotted line.

FREE GUIDE - Find Your Well Log In All 50 States:

https://www.TheReadyLife.com/FindLog

Want to move to the country and do it right? The Ready Life Academy is your helping hand to do it right the first time:

https://www.thereadylife.com/academy/

If you need to relocate to the country, one of your first steps should be to make a plan for how you're going to make a living.

In this episode, we pull from our recent Country Living Survey to see how folks are making a living in the country. And we also discuss a systematic plan of action for figuring out what is best for you, when it comes to making a living in the country.

Take our Country Living Survey:
survey.susprep.com

Show Notes:
www.TheReadyLife.com/16

Air conditioning has historically been challenging to handle with an off-grid solar power system. But times have changed and we have great news for you!

But, if you want to go off the grid with air conditioning and do it with a reasonable budget, you'll need to use some strategy. And that's what we've got for you on this episode!

Download "What You Can Do NOW To Start Going Off The Grid"
www.SusPrep.com/offgridnow

Show Notes:
www.TheReadyLife.com/15

Wildfires are a part of life in the western US. It even affects the East at times too. This episode covers what you need to know to start preparing your home for wildfires.

We also present the controversial option of sheltering in place to actively participate in the defense of your home. In the US, Emergency Management typically only gives one option--evacuate and hope your home survives. But today we are questioning if that is truly the only reasonable option and explore other options used in other parts of the world.

We'll look at what you can do to make your home as defensible as possible. And we'll even discuss our low-cost mobile fire attack unit we set up.

And to finish up, we also talk about our favorite wildland fire alert app for staying up with new and existing fires in your area.

Show Notes:
www.TheReadyLife.com/14

Is your well running dry? If you are struggling with a poor well or low-flow spring, this episode is for you!

We'll walk through your most effective options for making a low-yield water source workable. And you might be surprised at how well it can work when you implement the right strategies!

Show Notes:
https://www.thereadylife.com/2023/08/got-water-woes-your-how-to-guide-for-low-yield-water/