Prepping

In Episode 67 of The Kershner Files, Dave provides updates for PMs, Survival Realty, but Squarespace was down so there were no gun shows announced this week. Prior to the updates Dave takes a look at some current events that affect the preparedness minded particularly with regard to the loss of benefits for illegal immigrants. From there, he discusses several articles geared toward preparedness in firearms to buy before being banned, DIY water filtration, and overlooked medical supplies. Dave also takes some time to review a beef jerky recipe. Articles/topics discussed:
Spot Prices for Gold (Au) and Silver (Ag) - from the davidjkershner.com website
Survival Realty - featured properties and new listings
State-by-State Gun Shows - from the davidjkershner.com website
Guns You Need To Buy Before The Government Bans Them by Nicholas Oetken from Ask a Prepper
The Best DIY Water Filters by Steve Nubie from Self-Sufficient Projects
How to Make the Best Beef Jerky in the World by 'Guest Contributor' from the Art of Manliness website
The Most Overlooked Medical Supplies You Need by Matt from Ask a Prepper
Support Dave by visiting his Etsy shop at DesignsbyDandTStore
Available for Purchase - Fiction:
When Rome Stumbles | Hannibal is at the Gates | By the Dawn’s Early Light | Colder Weather | A Time for Reckoning (paperback versions) | Fiction Series (paperback) | Fiction Series (audio)
Available for Purchase - Non-Fiction:
Preparing to Prepare (electronic/paperback) | Home Remedies (electronic/paperback) | Just a Small Gathering (paperback) | Just a Small Gathering (electronic)

Chickens for Beginners | Episode 353
Raising chickens is a great step toward self-sufficiency, providing fresh eggs, meat, pest control, and natural fertilizer for your garden. Whether you’re in a rural area or even a more urban setting, chickens can be a great addition to your homestead. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
 
Why Raise Chickens?
Chickens offer numerous benefits beyond just egg production. They help with composting kitchen scraps, reduce insects in your yard, and provide valuable manure for your garden. Plus, raising chickens can be a rewarding experience, especially if you have children who can learn responsibility by caring for them.
Choosing the Right Breed
Not all chickens are the same! Some breeds are better suited for egg-laying, while others are raised for meat. For beginners, hardy, low-maintenance breeds are ideal. Here are a few top choices:
Rhode Island Reds – Great layers, hardy in different climates
Buff Orpingtons – Friendly, good for both eggs and meat
Barred Rocks – Low maintenance, excellent layers
Leghorns – High egg production, but more active and independent
Setting Up a Coop
Your chickens need a safe, comfortable place to live. A well-designed coop should include:
Proper space – At least 2-3 square feet per bird inside the coop and 8-10 square feet in the run.
Roosting bars – Chickens like to perch off the ground while sleeping.
Nesting boxes – One box for every 3-4 hens is sufficient.
Ventilation – Good airflow prevents moisture buildup and respiratory issues.
Predator protection – Use hardware cloth (not chicken wire) to keep out raccoons, foxes, and hawks.
Feeding & Nutrition
Chickens require a balanced diet for optimal health and egg production. Essentials include:
Layer feed – Provides the necessary protein and nutrients.
Grit – Helps chickens digest food properly.
Calcium supplements – Crushed oyster shells or eggshells keep eggshells strong.
Treats – Kitchen scraps and scratch grains can be fed in moderation.
Daily & Weekly Care
Chickens are relatively low maintenance, but daily and weekly care is necessary:
Daily: Fresh food and water, egg collection, general health check.
Weekly: Coop cleaning, refilling grit and calcium sources, deep litter turning.
Common Health Issues
Like any livestock, chickens can develop health problems. Common issues include:
Parasites – Mites and lice can be prevented with diatomaceous earth or poultry dust.
Respiratory infections – Good ventilation helps prevent these.
Egg-binding – Calcium supplements and proper nutrition help prevent laying issues.
Egg Laying & Collection
Most hens start laying around 5-6 months old and produce eggs regularly, depending on breed and season. Expect fewer eggs in winter unless supplemental light is used. Collect eggs daily to keep them clean and fresh.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer: Provide shade, cool water, and dust baths to prevent overheating.
Winter: Insulate the coop, ensure proper ventilation, and keep water from freezing.
Legal & Neighborhood Considerations
Before getting chickens, check your local zoning laws. Some areas limit the number of birds or prohibit roosters due to noise concerns. Keeping good relations with neighbors by maintaining a clean coop and managing noise levels is essential.
Expanding Your Flock
Once you have experience, you may want to add more chickens. Introduce new birds gradually, as chickens establish a pecking order that can cause initial aggression.
Final Thoughts
Raising chickens is a rewarding experience that provides food security and self-sufficiency. With the right setup and care, you’ll enjoy fresh eggs, pest control, and even a little entertainment from your flock. Whether you’re just getting started or thinking about expanding, chickens are a valuable addition to any homestead!

In episode 327, author and prepper, Lindy Bryant talks about the challenges and advantages that single preppers face. We talk highlight her two books: “The Single Person’s Guide to Preparedness” and the companion resource “Grab-N-Go Binder”. Check out her links as well as our sponsors Survival Garden Seeds, ProOne Water Filters, EMP Shield, Paul Burke - Idaho Realtor, Numanna Foods. Learn more about our podcast at Prepping 2-0.com

Making the Change to Homestead Life | Episode 352
In this special episode of the Survival Punk Podcast, my wife and daughter join me to share their experiences transitioning to a homestead lifestyle. We discuss the challenges and rewards of self-sufficiency, the learning curves of baking bread and canning food, and our future plans for expanding our homestead with more plants and animals.
Starting the Homestead Journey
Making the move to a homestead way of life wasn’t an overnight decision. My wife shares her thoughts on what motivated the change—whether it was a desire for healthier food, independence from the grocery store, or simply a love for the simpler life. Adjusting to this lifestyle comes with its own set of obstacles, from learning new skills to rethinking how we acquire and store food.
Baking Bread from Scratch
One of the first skills my wife picked up was baking fresh bread. She talks about her experience trying different recipes, experimenting with various types of flour, and dealing with the inevitable failed loaves. We also discuss why homemade bread is superior to store-bought options, from taste to nutrition, and how it fits into our daily life.
The Art of Canning and Food Storage
Canning has been a huge part of our journey into self-sufficiency. My wife shares her favorite things to can—whether it’s jams, vegetables, or even meats—and some of the mistakes she made along the way. We cover the best equipment for beginners and why food preservation is an essential skill for anyone looking to become more self-reliant.
Future Plans: More Plants and Animals
Looking ahead, we discuss our plans to expand the homestead. From adding new garden beds to growing a wider variety of crops, we’re always looking for ways to increase our food production. Additionally, we talk about the possibility of raising chickens or goats and how we’re preparing for that transition.
Final Thoughts
Homesteading is a journey, and we’re excited to see where it takes us next. My wife and daughter share their advice for anyone considering making the shift, emphasizing the importance of patience, continuous learning, and embracing the lifestyle step by step.
Tune in to this episode for real-life experiences, tips, and insights into making the move to a homestead lifestyle!

Repurposing & Upcycling for Preppers | Episode 351
In a world where waste is abundant and resources can be scarce, learning how to repurpose and upcycle everyday items is a vital skill for preppers. Not only does it save money, but it also enhances self-sufficiency and sustainability. In this episode, we’ll explore creative ways to repurpose common household items for survival, homesteading, and emergency preparedness.
Why Repurposing Matters
Repurposing isn’t just about saving money—it’s about making the most of what you have and reducing waste. In a survival scenario, the ability to adapt and innovate using limited resources can mean the difference between comfort and hardship. By upcycling, you give new life to old materials while keeping them out of landfills.
Household Items with New Uses
Glass Jars – Use them for food storage, DIY oil lamps, or fermenting vegetables.
Plastic Bottles – Turn them into water filters, seed starters, or emergency water storage.
Tin Cans – Create camp stoves, candle holders, or small storage containers.
Old Clothes & Fabric – Repurpose for insulation, rags, or even patching gear.
DIY Fire Starters
Creating homemade fire starters is easy and ensures you always have a reliable way to make fire. Some simple and effective methods include:
Dryer lint and wax-stuffed egg cartons
Cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly
Sawdust mixed with melted wax
Upcycled Water Storage & Filtration
Instead of throwing away old food-grade containers, repurpose them into emergency water storage. Use 2-liter soda bottles for water purification systems or build a rainwater collection system using barrels.
Homemade Tools & Gear
Preppers are known for their ingenuity. With some creativity, you can make survival tools from scrap materials:
Paracord belts – Woven belts or bracelets for emergency cordage.
DIY fishing kit – Use soda can tabs as fishing hooks.
Homemade knives – Repurpose old saw blades into knives or tools.
Garden & Compost Hacks
Gardening is a cornerstone of self-sufficiency, and repurposing materials can make it even more cost-effective:
Turn plastic tubs into self-watering planters.
Use eggshells and coffee grounds as natural fertilizers.
Convert old tires into raised garden beds.
Repurposing Old Electronics
Even broken electronics have valuable parts:
Salvage batteries and wiring for DIY solar setups.
Turn an old car alternator into a small wind turbine.
Use old laptops for emergency communication setups.
Creative DIY Lighting
If the grid goes down, lighting is essential. Some creative upcycling ideas include:
Mason jar solar lights.
Oil lamps using cooking oil and a wick.
Repurposing broken flashlights into LED lanterns.
Final Thoughts
Repurposing and upcycling is more than just a frugal practice—it’s a mindset that helps preppers stay resilient and resourceful. With a little creativity, everyday items can serve multiple purposes, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. Tune in to Episode 351 for a deep dive into these DIY survival skills!

The Life and Survival of Medieval Peasants | Episode 350
Medieval peasants lived a life dictated by the seasons, working the land to provide for their families and fulfill obligations to their lords. Their homes were small, built from wood, wattle, and daub, with thatched roofs. Days were spent plowing, harvesting, tending animals, and performing household chores. While hard and unforgiving, their lifestyle was deeply connected to the land and community.
Food Preservation for Winter
Surviving winter meant meticulous planning and preparation during the warmer months. Without modern refrigeration, peasants relied on traditional preservation methods:
Salting – Meat and fish were packed in salt to prevent spoilage.
Drying – Fruits, vegetables, and meat were dried for long-term storage.
Fermenting – Sauerkraut and other fermented foods provided essential nutrients.
Root Cellars – Underground storage kept root vegetables fresh through winter.
Slaughtering Livestock in Winter
As winter approached, livestock that couldn’t be sustained through the cold months were slaughtered. Cold weather helped preserve the meat, which was then smoked, dried, or salted. Every part of the animal was used, from rendering fat for candles to using bones for broth.
Foraging & Gathering
Wild foods supplemented the diet, including nuts, berries, mushrooms, and herbs like garlic and rosemary. Honey, collected from beehives, served as a sweetener and was used to make mead.
The Peasant Diet: Bread, Porridge, and Ale
Bread – The staple of the medieval diet, made from coarse-ground rye or barley.
Pottage – A thick stew made with grains, vegetables, and occasionally meat.
Ale and Small Beer – A fermented, low-alcohol beverage safer than water.
Feast vs. Famine: The Harsh Reality
A poor harvest could lead to famine. Heavy taxation and food tributes left many peasants struggling. Religious fasting also influenced diet restrictions throughout the year.
Lessons for Modern Preppers
Medieval peasants mastered survival through food preservation, resourcefulness, and seasonal adaptation. Today, preppers can apply these lessons by:
Learning fermentation, drying, and salting techniques.
Growing staple crops and foraging for wild edibles.
Utilizing every resource to minimize waste.
Timing food production and storage with seasonal changes.
Understanding how medieval peasants survived provides valuable insights into self-sufficiency and preparedness in uncertain times.

Self-Sufficiency on a Budget | Episode 349
Living a self-sufficient lifestyle doesn’t have to break the bank. Many people assume that self-reliance requires massive investments in land, equipment, and expensive gear, but in reality, it’s about resourcefulness, prioritization, and making smart financial decisions. In this episode, we explore how to become more self-sufficient while staying within your budget.
Mindset & Strategy
Before diving into practical steps, it’s essential to adopt the right mindset. Self-sufficiency isn’t about spending money—it’s about developing skills, using resources wisely, and focusing on long-term sustainability. Start small, make incremental improvements, and always assess needs versus wants before making purchases.
Food & Water on a Budget
Grow Your Own Food: Seeds are cheap, and container gardening allows you to grow food even in small spaces. Composting provides free fertilizer.
Buy in Bulk: Purchasing staple foods like rice, beans, and flour in bulk can save money in the long run.
Preserve Food: Learn how to can, dehydrate, and freeze food to make the most of seasonal harvests and store sales.
Water Collection: Set up inexpensive rainwater collection and invest in affordable filtration systems for emergency preparedness.
DIY & Skills Over Spending
Learn Basic Repairs: Instead of hiring professionals, learn how to fix things yourself through free online resources.
Repurpose & Upcycle: Use salvaged materials for projects instead of buying new.
Bartering & Trading: Exchange skills, tools, and goods within your community to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Energy & Utilities Savings
Cut Utility Costs: Improve home insulation, use passive heating/cooling methods, and switch to energy-efficient appliances.
Solar on a Budget: Affordable solar-powered lights and generators can reduce dependence on the grid.
Off-Grid Solutions: Simple changes like using wood-burning stoves or propane cookers can lower reliance on expensive electricity and gas.
Budget-Friendly Preparedness
Smart Stockpiling: Look for deals at discount stores, bulk sales, and clearance sections to build your emergency supply.
DIY Essentials: Make your own soap, cleaning supplies, and first aid kits instead of buying pre-made versions.
Thrift Store Finds: Used survival gear, clothing, and tools can often be found at a fraction of the retail price.
Community & Local Resources
Join Local Groups: Farmers’ markets, co-ops, and mutual aid groups can provide fresh food and bartering opportunities.
Free Learning Resources: Utilize YouTube, public libraries, and community workshops to build skills without spending a dime.
Trade & Barter: Network with like-minded individuals to exchange goods and services, reducing reliance on cash transactions.
Final Thoughts
Being self-sufficient doesn’t mean spending a fortune. With smart planning, skill-building, and a bit of creativity, you can take control of your resources while staying within budget. Whether you’re just starting or refining your self-reliance skills, there are always ways to cut costs and increase sustainability.
Stay prepared, stay resourceful, and stay free!
Would you like to see more tips on self-sufficiency? Let us know in the comments or join the conversation on the Survival Punk Podcast!

In Episode 66 of The Kershner Files, Dave provides updates for PMs, Survival Realty, and state specific gun shows. Prior to the updates Dave takes a look at some current events that affect the preparedness minded particularly at the border and in OR and WA. After all of the updates, he discusses an article dealing with post-EMP items people will be searching for. Articles/topics discussed:
Spot Prices for Gold (Au) and Silver (Ag) - from the davidjkershner.com website
Survival Realty - featured properties and new listings
State-by-State Gun Shows - from the davidjkershner.com website
The Most Sought-After Items in Case of an EMP by Eric Beuning from Ask a Prepper
Support Dave by visiting his Etsy shop at DesignsbyDandTStore
Available for Purchase - Fiction:
When Rome Stumbles | Hannibal is at the Gates | By the Dawn’s Early Light | Colder Weather | A Time for Reckoning (paperback versions) | Fiction Series (paperback) | Fiction Series (audio)
Available for Purchase - Non-Fiction:
Preparing to Prepare (electronic/paperback) | Home Remedies (electronic/paperback) | Just a Small Gathering (paperback) | Just a Small Gathering (electronic)

Trump’s Tariffs: What It Means for Preppers | Episode 348
Tariffs might seem like just another political move, but they have real-world effects on prices, supply chains, and everyday goods. In this episode, we’re diving into how Trump’s tariffs impact preppers and what you should be stocking up on before prices rise.
What Are the New Tariffs?
Tariffs are taxes placed on imported goods, making them more expensive to buy. Trump’s latest tariff policies target industries such as steel, electronics, agriculture, and consumer goods. This means price hikes across a wide range of products, from vehicles to food to home essentials.
For preppers, this translates into increased costs for supplies we rely on. Even if you prefer to buy American-made goods, many components still come from overseas, which drives up prices overall.
How Tariffs Affect the Average Person
The most immediate impact of tariffs is price inflation. When businesses pay more for imports, they pass those costs onto consumers. This can result in:
Higher food prices due to increased costs for imported ingredients and fertilizers
More expensive electronics, tools, and vehicle parts
Supply chain disruptions, leading to shortages or delays
As a prepper, planning ahead is key to minimizing these effects.
What Preppers Should Stock Up On
Now is the time to take inventory and stockpile critical supplies before prices jump. Here are the top categories to focus on:
Food
Non-perishables (rice, beans, canned goods, pasta)
Freeze-dried meals and long-term storage foods
Coffee, sugar, and other imported staples
Medical Supplies
Prescription medications (if possible, request 90-day supplies)
First-aid kits, bandages, over-the-counter meds
Antibiotics and essential vitamins
Electronics & Tools
Rechargeable batteries and solar panels
Power tools and hand tools
Radios, flashlights, and generators
Automotive Supplies
Motor oil, filters, and spare parts
Tires and maintenance tools
Fuel stabilizers for long-term storage
Home Essentials
Clothing and shoes (especially for growing kids)
Basic home repair supplies (nails, screws, wood, plumbing parts)
Cleaning products and hygiene essentials
Long-Term Prepping Strategy
While stocking up is important, you also need a long-term strategy:
Buy American-made products to support domestic production and reduce dependency on imports.
Bulk buy before price hikes to save money in the long run.
Learn DIY skills like repairing electronics, gardening, and sewing to increase self-sufficiency.
Look into bartering for goods and services to offset rising costs.
Tariffs may come and go, but preppers know the importance of staying ahead of economic changes. Stock up now, develop new skills, and keep your household prepared for whatever comes next.
What are you stocking up on to prepare for rising prices? Let me know in the comments or join the conversation on the podcast!
Links
Baofeng UV-5R Two Way Radio Dual Band 144-148/420-450Mhz Walkie Talkie 1800mAh Li-ion Battery(Black)

In Episode 326, we talk meat! Learn about conventional and unconventional ways of sourcing meat–both wild and domesticated meat to then butcher and eat. We share economical options to consider and plan for. Patreons–extra for you–Shelby will share a way to source free meat to practice butchery and fill your freezer. Please support our sponsors Survival Garden Seeds, ProOne Water Filters, EMP Shield, Paul Burke - Idaho Realtor, Numanna Foods, Backwoods Home Magazine, and Minutemen Coffee. We are part of the Firearms Radio Network. Learn more about our podcast at Prepping 2-0.com