The Survival Punk Podcast

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com. It’s a crisp 47-degree morning — not too bad, especially after the 29-degree ones I’ve been talking through lately. Today’s show comes straight from a listener story that could’ve ended badly but turned into a great learning moment for every prepper out there. We’re talking about what to do when your car dies in the middle of nowhere, how to avoid being caught unprepared, and how a simple breakdown can expose the holes in your prepping game. "Lost on a Back Road — Lessons from a Breakdown | Episode 543" The post Lost on a Back R...

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com, and this morning we’re cranking out Part 2 of the Pantry Sauce series. Last time we hit the classics — brown gravy, white gravy, and curry — the stuff that keeps morale high when the pantry’s looking rough. Today, we’re going international and versatile — diving into mustard, tomato, teriyaki, satay, and cheese sauces, all made from long-term storage ingredients. You don’t need fresh milk or fancy condiments — just shelf-stable pantry goods and a little DIY grit. Because bland rice and beans should never break your spirit. "Pantry Sauces That Save the Day (Part 2) | Episode...

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com, and this morning it’s a frosty 29 degrees out — perfect weather for a hot meal. Today’s episode is all about something that might not sound “tactical,” but will absolutely matter when food fatigue sets in: sauces and gravies from your prepper pantry. If you’re living on beans, rice, and shelf-stable staples, flavor fatigue will crush morale faster than hunger. But the good news? With a few ingredients and basic know-how, you can turn bland into brilliant. Let’s dive in. "Pantry Sauces That Save the Day (Part 1) | Episode 541" The post Pantry Sauces That Save...

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com, and today we’re talking about one of the most hyped and misunderstood topics in the prepping world — EMPs: Myth vs. Reality. We’ve all seen it — the bright flash in every apocalypse movie, every car dying on the highway, planes falling from the sky, and people suddenly living in the stone age. But how real is that? How much of what we think we know about EMPs is just Hollywood drama? Let’s dig in and separate the facts from the fearmongering. "EMP Myths vs. Reality | Episode 540" The post EMP Myths vs. Reality | Ep...

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com, and this morning we’re diving into one of my favorite prepper topics: food that lasts for decades. Not the trendy freeze-dried stuff or overpriced buckets — I’m talking about the staples you can buy cheap, store easily, and forget about until you need them. These are the real long-haul preps — the ones that’ll outlast your pantry, your house, and maybe even you. "Shelf Life Secrets — Food That Lasts Decades | Episode 539" The post Shelf Life Secrets — Food That Lasts Decades | Episode 539 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com — back with another cold morning episode at 51 degrees, talking about something every prepper should care about but too many ignore: strength. Not the motivational poster kind — I’m talking real, measurable, physical strength. The ability to pick up heavy things, carry them, and keep doing it. Because when the world goes sideways, that’s not optional — that’s survival. "Build Real Strength | Episode 538" The post Build Real Strength | Episode 538 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com. It’s a crisp 51-degree November morning — and yes, I’m still coughing up half a gallon of crud — but the show must go on. Today’s topic? One every prepper wrestles with sooner or later: When to build it yourself, and when to just buy the damn thing. There’s a fine line between DIY ingenuity and wasting months of your life reinventing something that’s already perfect. Let’s talk about how to know the difference — and why the smartest preppers use both approaches. "DIY or Buy? The Prepper’s Dilemma | Episode 537" The pos...

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com. It’s another chilly 41-degree morning, and today we’re tackling one of the least glamorous but most practical topics in prepping — laundry. It’s one of those things we all take for granted until the grid goes down and suddenly you’re staring at a pile of filthy clothes wondering how to keep your hygiene in check. I’ve never done a full episode on laundry before, and that’s a shame — because clean clothes are critical to morale, health, and long-term survival. "Off-Grid Laundry | Episode 536" The post Off-Grid Laundry | Episode 536 appeared first on Survivalp

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com. It’s a chilly 41-degree morning, and we’re talking about something I’ve never dedicated a full show to — gloves. You’ve probably heard me mention them in passing, but today we’re breaking it down: why you need them, what kinds to keep in your prepping supplies, and how the wrong glove (or no glove) can turn a simple cut into a disaster. "Protect Your Hands, Save Your Hide | Episode 535" The post Protect Your Hands, Save Your Hide | Episode 535 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com, and today we’re talking about something a little fun — and a little dark. Halloween might be over by the time you hear this, but the lessons from horror movies never expire. This episode dives into some of my favorite (and not-so-favorite) horror flicks and what they can actually teach us about survival, mindset, and staying alive when things go bad. "Survival Lessons from Horror Movies | Episode 534" The post Survival Lessons from Horror Movies | Episode 534 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com, and today we’re going to talk about something that every prepper, homesteader, and human deals with — fear and anxiety. But instead of letting it crush you, I’m going to show you how to turn that nervous energy into jet fuel for preparedness. "Why Fear Is Fuel — Channeling Anxiety Into Action | Episode 533" The post Why Fear Is Fuel — Channeling Anxiety Into Action | Episode 533 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com — back again with another dose of practical self-reliance. This week we’re getting into something most folks don’t even think about until it’s too late: navigation. "Find Your Way When GPS Fails | Episode 532" The post Find Your Way When GPS Fails | Episode 532 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com — and today we’re tackling something real scary: what happens when the system that feeds millions grinds to a halt. In this episode we break down how the current federal shutdown is putting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at risk, how many families are walking the tightrope right now, and what you as a prepper can do to stay ahead of the chaos. "The Government Shutdown & The Looming SNAP Cut-Off | Episode 531" The post The Government Shutdown & The Looming SNAP Cut-Off | Episode 531 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

"Where Have All the Antivirals Gone? | Episode 530" The post Where Have All the Antivirals Gone? | Episode 530 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com, and after a few recording hiccups, we’re finally diving into one of the oldest survival skills in the book—bartering. In this episode, I break down how to make trades that actually work, why taxes make bartering awesome, and why every prepper should start practicing the art of the deal now, not after the collapse. "Barter Like a Pro | Episode 529" The post Barter Like a Pro | Episode 529 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Every fall, I drop a “Winter Is Coming” episode, but this one hits different. After five failed recording attempts and a cursed mic, I finally got it done — and I’m diving deeper than just telling you to “buy extra blankets.” This one’s about seasonal strategy, prepping for power loss, and fine-tuning your pantry before the freeze hits. "Winter Is Coming (2025 Edition) | Episode 528" The post Winter Is Coming (2025 Edition) | Episode 528 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

"Troubleshooting: The Greatest Survival Skill | Episode 526" The post Troubleshooting: The Greatest Survival Skill | Episode 526 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Sometimes it’s not the collapse itself that breaks you — it’s realizing you’ll never have ice cream again. In this episode, I dive into the “unpreppable” things we love, why they matter more than we admit, and how to recreate a little bit of normal when the grid’s gone dark. "The Unpreppables: Comforts You’ll Miss (and Clever Workarounds) | Episode 526" The post The Unpreppables: Comforts You’ll Miss (and Clever Workarounds) | Episode 526 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Good morning, folks — James from Survival Punk here. Today’s episode isn’t your usual talk about gear, prepping, or bushcraft. This one hits deeper.
We’re talking about the men’s suicide epidemic — a survival issue that too often goes unspoken. Because let’s be honest, the number one rule of survival is waking up tomorrow. If you don’t do that, nothing else matters. "The Men’s Suicide Epidemic | Episode 525" The post The Men’s Suicide Epidemic | Episode 525 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Freeze drying is the gold standard of long-term food preservation. It works by freezing food solid, then slowly removing the moisture through a vacuum process called sublimation. This turns ice directly into vapor without going through the liquid phase. The end result? Food that keeps its original shape, flavor, and most of its nutrition for up to 25 years or more. "Freeze-Dried Foods: The Prepper’s Powerhouse | Episode 524" The post Freeze-Dried Foods: The Prepper’s Powerhouse | Episode 524 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

When people think of canning, they picture grandmas sweating over giant pots, steam fogging up the kitchen, and dozens of jars popping away on the counter. It doesn’t have to be that complicated. Canning is one of the easiest, most rewarding ways to build long-term food security — and I’m going to show you how to start simple, cheap, and right now. "Canning for Beginners: Easy Wins and Meals in a Jar | Episode 523" The post Canning for Beginners: Easy Wins and Meals in a Jar | Episode 523 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

"The Dehydrating Deep Dive | Episode 522" The post The Dehydrating Deep Dive | Episode 522 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Your everyday carry shouldn’t be static—it should evolve with your life, your gear, and the seasons. In this episode of The Survival Punk Podcast, I talk through my real-world EDC setup, the things that have worked, what’s failed, and the seasonal tweaks that make sense heading into fall and winter. From pocket knives to chapstick, we’re stripping it down to the essentials that earn their place every single day. "Everyday Carry for Fall | Episode 521" The post Everyday Carry for Fall | Episode 521 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Hey, it’s James from SurvivalPunk.com. Today we’re diving into The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe — a book that’s been floating around prepper circles for decades. Written in the late ’90s, it predicted that by the mid-2020s America would face a massive, generation-defining crisis — something on par with the Great Depression or World War II.
Spoiler: we’re here, and it hasn’t quite played out that way. "The Fourth Turning Review — What They Got Right (and Wrong) | Episode 520" The post The Fourth Turning Review — What They Got Right (and Wrong) | Episode 520 appeared first on Su

Today I’m diving into one of the most practical — and misunderstood — survival concepts out there: being a gray man. It’s not about paranoia or cosplay; it’s about understanding how visibility affects safety. Whether it’s riots, protests, or just the wrong place at the wrong time, the more you blend in, the more likely you are to move unnoticed and unharmed. "The Gray Man Concept and When to Stand Out | Episode 519" The post The Gray Man Concept and When to Stand Out | Episode 519 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

James from SurvivalPunk.com dives into cold and flu season prep — the stuff you always wish you had at 2 AM when someone spikes a fever. From over-the-counter basics to herbal backups and even prescription strategies, this episode is all about getting ahead before sickness hits. "Cold & Flu Prepping: Stock Up Before You’re Sick | Episode 518" The post Cold & Flu Prepping: Stock Up Before You’re Sick | Episode 518 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Today, I  dig into fall foraging and the forgotten wild foods still growing as the leaves turn. From acorns to cattails, this episode covers what’s edible, how to identify it safely, and why knowing your local terrain beats hoarding field guides every time. "5 Wild Fall Edibles You Can Find Right Now | Episode 517" The post 5 Wild Fall Edibles You Can Find Right Now | Episode 517 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Inflation’s a beast, and most folks are out there pretending it’s tame. The government massages the numbers, leaves out the essentials, and tells us it’s “only 2 percent.” Meanwhile, everything from bread to bolts costs more, and your paycheck doesn’t go as far. If you’re not getting raises that match inflation, you’re losing money every year—and that’s before taxes bite. "Stretching Every Dollar Like a Prepper | Episode 516" The post Stretching Every Dollar Like a Prepper | Episode 516 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

When people think about prepping, they usually picture food storage, bug out bags, water filters, or maybe a rifle leaning in the corner. What almost nobody talks about—but what can make or break your ability to survive—is footwear. Your boots, socks, and foot care could be the hidden weak point in your entire survival plan. "Don’t Forget Your Feet: The Survival Prep Everyone Misses | Episode 515" The post Don’t Forget Your Feet: The Survival Prep Everyone Misses | Episode 515 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Most investments are a gamble. Stocks go up and down, crypto crashes overnight, and the dollar buys less every year. But silver? Silver just keeps doing what it’s always done—holding value when paper money gets shredded by inflation. Let’s run the numbers, because this one blew my mind. "Why Silver Still Buys a House | Episode 514" The post Why Silver Still Buys a House | Episode 514 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Stress isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a survival factor. When the world feels like it’s cracking at the seams, your ability to manage stress could be the difference between good decisions and bad ones. In this episode of the Survival Punk Podcast, I talk about stress, what’s fueling it right now, and how I deal with it in my own life. "Dealing with Stress in Unstable Times | Episode 513" The post Dealing with Stress in Unstable Times | Episode 513 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Prepping isn’t just about stockpiling gear and food—it’s about doing it smart. Too many preppers sabotage themselves with mistakes that shorten shelf life, waste money, or leave gaps that show up when it matters most. In this episode of the Survival Punk Podcast, I walk through some of the most common prepping mistakes I’ve seen (and made myself) so you can avoid falling into the same traps. "Prepping Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make | Episode 512" The post Prepping Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make | Episode 512 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

This episode isn’t about being violent—it’s about being capable. A dangerous person is someone who has the strength, skills, and mindset to defend themselves and their family at the right level of response. That doesn’t come from just owning a weapon or knowing a technique. It’s a full package: fitness, combative training, and firearms proficiency. "Be Dangerous, Not Violent | Episode 511" The post Be Dangerous, Not Violent | Episode 511 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Growth isn’t comfortable. Sometimes that means tackling difficult history books or even reading the ideas of people you disagree with, just so you know what you’re up against. Understanding the other side makes your own convictions stronger—and prepares you to counter them with clarity instead of slogans. "Always Be Learning | Episode 510" The post Always Be Learning | Episode 510 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

Today’s episode is a little different. It’s part rant, part warning. I’ve been seeing a trend online that flat-out bothers me—and honestly, it’s dangerous. In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, there’s a vacuum of leadership. Kirk wasn’t some firebrand extremist; he was measured, level-headed, and genuinely compassionate. The guy lit up at the sight of a child, and that joy wasn’t fake. "Bad Influence: Don’t Get Sucked In | Episode 509" The post Bad Influence: Don’t Get Sucked In | Episode 509 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

"The Cobra Kai Rules of Survival | Episode 508" The post The Cobra Kai Rules of Survival | Episode 508 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

When it comes to preparedness, food storage and meal planning aren’t just about emergencies at home—they matter on the go, too. Whether you’re a truck driver, a commuter, or just someone trying to make your food preps work for everyday life, you need meals that are affordable, portable, and sustainable. "Survival Food on the Road | Episode 507" The post Survival Food on the Road | Episode 507 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

In the last episode, we tackled the perimeter—fences, bushes, shutters, and yard dogs. That’s your first line of defense. But what if someone pushes past those layers? That’s when inside fortifications matter most. Your doors, windows, and interior safe zones are the final barriers between your family and a threat. "Fortify Your Home: Inside Defense | Episode 506" The post Fortify Your Home: Inside Defense | Episode 506 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

When it comes to home security, most people start with locks and alarms. But real defense begins before anyone even gets to your door. A layered approach means stopping problems at the edges of your property first—making it harder, louder, and riskier for anyone thinking about coming closer. "Fortify Your Home: Perimeter Defense Part 1 | Episode 505" The post Fortify Your Home: Perimeter Defense Part 1 | Episode 505 appeared first on Survivalpunk.

The world feels heavy right now. Between political assassinations, economic chaos, and nonstop bad news, it’s easy to get dragged into the dark places—especially if you’re doomscrolling algorithms that push you toward the extremes. That’s exactly why community is more important now than ever. "Building Community in Dark Times | Episode 504" The post Building Community in Dark Times | Episode 504 appeared first on Survivalpunk.