Why should I care?

Why do people know they should prepare, yet still put it off?In this episode of the Resilient Living Podcast, we explore the psychology behind preparedness—from normalcy bias and complacency to fear, overconfidence, and preparedness paralysis. We’ll look at why people often prepare for unlikely disasters while overlooking the everyday risks they’re most likely to face.Preparedness isn’t about living in fear. It’s about developing the mindset, skills, and confidence to recognize problems, stay calm, adapt, and take action when circumstances change.The goal isn’t to prepare for everything—it’s to become more capable of handling whatever comes next.Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3JUPxSoHbwBy...Ryan Steva / The Homestead Consultant: Website: https://www.thehomesteadconsultant.com/ YouTube:    / channel   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.homestead.co... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehomesteadconsul... Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehomesteadco...Jared Wilson / Resilient Livin: Website: https://www.resilientlivin.com/ YouTube:    / @resilientlivin   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilientlivin/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resilient_living Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ResilientLivin X: https://x.com/Resilient_livin Discord: https://discord.gg/f4KqJ5Y8#Prepper#Prepping#Preparedness#SurvivalSkills#EmergencyPreparedness#SelfReliance#Homesteading#DisasterPreparedness#Resilience#Survival#RuralLiving#PreparedNotScared

Cheap land can look like the perfect shortcut into homesteading, privacy, and independence. But the lowest price per acre is not always the best deal.In this episode, Ryan Steva of The Homestead Consultant and Jared Wilson of Resilient Livin talk through the hidden costs that can turn cheap rural land into an expensive trap. We look at access, water, septic, power, terrain, legal restrictions, distance, fraud risk, and the due diligence steps that should happen before buying land.Cheap land is not always bad. Sometimes the problem is clear, solvable, and already priced into the deal. No grid power, for example, may scare off normal buyers, but a properly designed solar power system can make some properties viable. Other problems, like no legal access, bad title, failed septic options, or unclear boundaries, are a different story.In this conversation, we cover:Why cheap land is often cheap for a reasonThe difference between cheap acreage and usable landLegal access, deeded easements, and driveway costsWater options: wells, springs, rainwater, and storageWhy septic can control the entire property layoutGrid power vs. whole-home solar and generator backupNorth-facing slopes, poor soil, drainage, and usable acreageDistance, logistics, delivery costs, and contractor availabilityWhy you need a rural land realtor who knows what they are doingFraud risk, pressure tactics, and red flags when buying landA simple pre-purchase checklist for rural propertyThe main question is not just, “Can I afford this land?”The better question is:“Can I afford what this land needs?”Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3JUPxSoHbwBy...Ryan Steva / The Homestead Consultant: Website: https://www.thehomesteadconsultant.com/ YouTube:    / channel   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.homestead.co... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehomesteadconsul... Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehomesteadco...Jared Wilson / Resilient Livin: Website: https://www.resilientlivin.com/ YouTube:    / @resilientlivin   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilientlivin/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@resilient_living Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ResilientLivin X: https://x.com/Resilient_livin Discord: https://discord.gg/f4KqJ5Y8#CheapLand #BuyingLand #RuralLand #Homesteading #OffGridLiving #HomesteadProperty #LandBuyingTips #RuralProperty #SelfReliance #TheHomesteadConsultant

Winter is coming—but are you actually ready?Ryan and Jared continue to discuses winter, and the specific challenges to homesteading and general preparedness. Freezing temperatures, power outages, winter storms, blocked roads, frozen pipes, livestock challenges, and increased dependence on stored food and fuel can quickly turn small problems into major emergencies.In this episode of the Resilient Living Podcast, we discuss the essential things you should be considering before winter arrives. From water and heat to food storage, backup power, firewood, livestock care, property maintenance, vehicles, and emergency planning—we break down the practical steps that can help you and your family get through the colder months.This isn't about preparing for the apocalypse. It's about recognizing that winter makes everything harder—and taking action while conditions are still in your favor.Winter is coming. What will you wish you had done before the first major storm?Join us as we ask the question:Winter Is Coming: Are You Actually Ready?Podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resi... https://www.resilientlivin.com/https://x.com/Resilient_livinhttps://www.facebook.com/ResilientLivinhttps://www.instagram.com/resilientlivin/https://www.tiktok.com/@resilient_living / @resilientlivin https://discord.gg/f4KqJ5Y8https://open.spotify.com/show/3JUPxSoHbwBy...Ryan Steva is passionate about building regenerative and resilient homesteads. I am extremely excited to be partnering with others on their unique journey to greater independence, greater resilience and a healthier, happier lifestyle!Podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resi... https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehomesteadco... https://www.instagram.com/the.homestead.co... / channel https://www.tiktok.com/@thehomesteadconsul... https://www.thehomesteadconsultant.com/

Principle in one line: Read the property at the biggest useful scale first. Make the major system decisions second. Choose theindividual components last.1. WATER Big Pattern → elevation, watershed, slope, wet/dry areas, natural flow paths. System Decision → capture vs. drain; storage high or low; gravity flow; overflow path; ponds, swales, tanks, infiltration areas. Details → pipe routes, spillways, basin locations, tank/pond sizing, outlets, valves, crossings. Key point → Do not start with “Where should the swale/pond/tank go?” Start with “What is the water already doing?”2. SUN, SHADE & MICROCLIMATES Big Pattern → seasonal sun path, morning/evening exposure, prevailing wind, heat pockets, shade from buildings/trees/slopes. House sides → east = gentle morning sun; south = strongest/longest solar exposure; west = hot late-afternoon sun. System Decision → garden, orchard, nursery, livestock, work areas, patios, windbreaks, shade trees. Details → individual plant placement, trellises, deciduous shade trees, row orientation, shade cloth.3. SOIL Big Pattern → texture, drainage, moisture behavior, fertility, organic matter, pH. System Decision → what kind of growing system belongs there: annual beds, orchard, berries, pasture, cover crop, woodland edge. Details → species/cultivars, lime or amendments, compost, mulch, spacing, management. Key point → Often it is smarter to fit the plant/system to the soil than force the soil to fit a predetermined plant.DISCUSSION / TRANSITION PROMPTS “What pattern would you want to understand before buying or building anything?” “Where do people most often jump to the detail too early?” “What changes when we move from the whole property down to one zone or one bed?” “If the site is fighting your idea, should the site change—or should the idea change?”Closing takeaway: Good design usually feels obvious after the pattern is understood. Read the land first; let the swale, garden,orchard, pipe, tree, and amendment be the answer—not the starting question.Podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resi... https://www.resilientlivin.com/https://x.com/Resilient_livinhttps://www.facebook.com/ResilientLivinhttps://www.instagram.com/resilientlivin/https://www.tiktok.com/@resilient_living   / @resilientlivin   https://discord.gg/f4KqJ5Y8https://open.spotify.com/show/3JUPxSoHbwBy...Ryan Steva is passionate about building regenerative and resilient homesteads. I am extremely excited to be partnering with others on their unique journey to greater independence, greater resilience and a healthier, happier lifestyle!Podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resi... https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehomesteadco... https://www.instagram.com/the.homestead.co...   / @thehomesteadconsultant  https://www.tiktok.com/@thehomesteadconsul... https://www.thehomesteadconsultant.com/

Winter is coming—but are you actually ready?As fall turns into winter, the challenges of homesteading and preparedness change. Freezing temperatures, power outages, winter storms, blocked roads, frozen pipes, livestock challenges, and increased dependence on stored food and fuel can quickly turn small problems into major emergencies.In this episode of the Resilient Living Podcast, we discuss the essential things you should be considering before winter arrives. From water and heat to food storage, backup power, firewood, livestock care, property maintenance, vehicles, and emergency planning—we break down the practical steps that can help you and your family get through the colder months.This isn't about preparing for the apocalypse. It's about recognizing that winter makes everything harder—and taking action while conditions are still in your favor.Winter is coming. What will you wish you had done before the first major storm?Join us as we ask the question:Winter Is Coming: Are You Actually Ready?

In this episode of The Resilient Living Podcast, we ask a simple question: “What kinds of tech should I use, and much tech is to much?”Whether is gardening or livestock there are so many wonderful technologies that we can use. But how much is too much? We will go over lots of options with their strengths and weaknesses.

In this episode of The Resilient Living Podcast, we ask a simple question: “Why should I care?”Why should you care about preparedness, gardening, fitness, water, food storage, privacy, useful skills, community, and self-reliance? Because resilience isn't about expecting the world to end—it’s about becoming more capable when everyday life doesn't go according to plan.We'll explore the reasons these often-overlooked areas matter, why waiting until you need a skill is too late, and how small steps today can give you more options, confidence, and freedom tomorrow.Jared Wilson seeks to provide Education, Experience and Equipment to people that want to become more resilient in their day to day life as well as for those that want to be prepared for emergencies and disasters Podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resi... https://www.resilientlivin.com/https://x.com/Resilient_livinhttps://www.facebook.com/ResilientLivinhttps://www.instagram.com/resilientlivin/https://www.tiktok.com/@resilient_living   / @resilientlivin   https://discord.gg/f4KqJ5Y8https://open.spotify.com/show/3JUPxSoHbwBy...Ryan Steva is passionate about building regenerative and resilient homesteads. I am extremely excited to be partnering with others on their unique journey to greater independence, greater resilience and a healthier, happier lifestyle!Podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resi... https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehomesteadco... https://www.instagram.com/the.homestead.co...   / channel  https://www.tiktok.com/@thehomesteadconsul... https://www.thehomesteadconsultant.com/

In this live conversation, Ryan is joined by Dakota Lobato from Better Built Dogs to talk about dog training, working dogs, and what owners can do to build a better relationship with their dogs.We’ll talk about how Dakota got into dog training, his approach to working with dogs and their owners, and some of the lessons he’s learned along the way. We’ll also get into protection dogs — what goes into training one and how that differs from the basic training most family dogs need.For the average dog owner, we’ll discuss practical ways to improve obedience, responsiveness, and communication without necessarily turning dog training into a full-time hobby. We’ll also talk about common training problems, what owners can realistically work on themselves, and when professional help makes sense.Finally, Dakota will tell us more about Better Built Dogs, the training services he offers, and how people can work with him if that is the right fit.https://www.tiktok.com/@betterbuiltdogshttps://www.instagram.com/betterbuiltdogs/https://www.facebook.com/betterbuiltdogs/https://betterbuiltdogs.com/Jared Wilson seeks to provide Education, Experience and Equipment to people that want to become more resilient in their day to day life as well as for those that want to be prepared for emergencies and disasters Podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resi... https://www.resilientlivin.com/https://x.com/Resilient_livinhttps://www.facebook.com/ResilientLivinhttps://www.instagram.com/resilientlivin/https://www.tiktok.com/@resilient_living   / @resilientlivin   https://discord.gg/f4KqJ5Y8https://open.spotify.com/show/3JUPxSoHbwBy...Ryan Steva is passionate about building regenerative and resilient homesteads. I am extremely excited to be partnering with others on their unique journey to greater independence, greater resilience and a healthier, happier lifestyle!Podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resi... https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehomesteadco... https://www.instagram.com/the.homestead.co...   / channel  https://www.tiktok.com/@thehomesteadconsul... https://www.thehomesteadconsultant.com/

Everyone in the preparedness and homesteading world has an opinion—but not all of them stand up to scrutiny.In this episode of the Resilient Living Podcast, we're diving headfirst into some of the biggest homestead and preparedness hot takes. Are chickens really the best livestock for beginners? Is freeze-dried food overrated? Should you spend more time in the gym than buying another piece of gear? Is true self-sufficiency even possible?We'll challenge common assumptions, separate marketing from reality, and explain where we agree, where we disagree, and why. More importantly, we'll discuss the practical lessons behind each opinion so you can make informed decisions for your own family, homestead, and preparedness journey.Topics include:Why skills often matter more than equipmentThe myth of complete self-sufficiencyDeep pantries vs. long-term food storageFirearms, medical training, and realistic prioritiesHomesteading mistakes beginners commonly makeThe role of community in resilienceFitness as one of the most overlooked prepsWhy some popular preparedness products aren't worth the moneyAnd plenty of opinions that might make you rethink your approach.Whether you agree with us or not, our goal isn't to win arguments—it's to encourage critical thinking and help you become more capable, more resilient, and better prepared for everyday life.💬 Question of the Week: Which preparedness or homesteading "hot take" do you agree with—or completely disagree with? Let us know in the comments. We'd love to feature some of your responses in a future episode.If you enjoy practical conversations about preparedness, homesteading, self-reliance, and building stronger communities, be sure to subscribe and join us every week for new episodes.Resilient Living — Building resilient communities through education, experience, and equipment.Jared Wilson seeks to provide Education, Experience and Equipment to people that want to become more resilient in their day to day life as well as for those that want to be prepared for emergencies and disasters https://www.resilientlivin.com/https://x.com/Resilient_livinhttps://www.facebook.com/ResilientLivinhttps://www.instagram.com/resilientlivin/https://www.tiktok.com/@resilient_living   / @resilientlivin   https://discord.gg/f4KqJ5Y8https://open.spotify.com/show/3JUPxSoHbwBy...Ryan Steva is passionate about building regenerative and resilient homesteads. I am extremely excited to be partnering with others on their unique journey to greater independence, greater resilience and a healthier, happier lifestyle!https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehomesteadco... https://www.instagram.com/the.homestead.co...   / channel  https://www.tiktok.com/@thehomesteadconsul... https://www.thehomesteadconsultant.com

A layered approach to resilient homestead electricityBuild backup power in layers so that every purchase remains useful as the system grows.OVERVIEW• Reduce and prioritize the load• Add small stored-power systems• Use a small inverter generator efficiently• Add battery capacity and solar charging• Plan fuel storage and fuel diversity• Add larger equipment only for defined loads• Create redundancy and test the complete systemJared Wilson seeks to provide Education, Experience and Equipment to people that want to become more resilient in their day to day life as well as for those that want to be prepared for emergencies and disasters https://www.resilientlivin.com/https://x.com/Resilient_livin  / resilientlivin    / resilientlivin    / resilient_living     / @resilientlivin     / discord  https://open.spotify.com/show/3JUPxSo...Ryan Steva is passionate about building regenerative and resilient homesteads. I am extremely excited to be partnering with others on their unique journey to greater independence, greater resilience and a healthier, happier lifestyle!https://www.amazon.com/shop/thehomest...   / the.homestead.consultant     / channel    / thehomesteadconsultant   https://www.thehomesteadconsultant.com/