by Brian Duff
Empowering people to be more safe, confident, and self-reliant so that they can better protect their families and loved ones when it matters most.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
5/5/2020
Email Addresses
1 available
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0 available
April 13, 2025
The shelves might look full today—but what happens when the US-China trade war kicks in and they don't? What happens when that tool, med, or food item you count on suddenly spikes in price—or disappears entirely?<br /> <br /> That's not a preparedness doomsday fantasy. It's the growing possibility of the U.S.–China trade war. With tariffs now heading north of 125%, all eyes are on the global supply chains to see if they begin to wobble. And like we saw during COVID, it doesn't take much to begin limiting access to everyday essentials.<br /> <br /> This article isn't about politics—it's about preparedness. It's about giving you the clarity to step back, assess what matters most, and make smart moves. I will break down how we got here and what's at risk and then walk you through 10 smart, practical steps—based on the Survival Pyramid—that you can take right now to get ahead of the squeeze.<br /> <br /> If you want to be the one who's calm, capable, and ready—not the one scrambling—this is where you start. Let's walk through it together.<br /> The Trade War Timeline: How Did the Trade War Start<br /> To understand where this could lead, let's quickly look at what's already happened. China has had tariffs against US goods in place for decades. So, in alignment with President Trump's trade policy, the US increased its tariffs on Chinese products.<br /> <br /> Feb 1: U.S. adds 10% tariff on Chinese imports<br /> Feb 4: China raises tariffs 10–15% on U.S. exports<br /> Mar 3: U.S. increases tariffs to 20%<br /> Mar 4: China follows with another 10–15%<br /> Apr 2: U.S. imposes a 34% increase<br /> Apr 4: China matches with 34%<br /> Apr 8: U.S. adds another 50%<br /> Apr 9: China raises tariffs on U.S. goods to 84%<br /> Apr 9 (later): U.S. spikes tariffs to 125%<br /> Apr 11: China matches again at 125%<br /> <br /> This is no longer a back-and-forth. It's a freight train, and with President Trump raising tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, that train is already rolling.<br /> <br /> Why the US-China Trade War Matters to You<br /> During COVID, we learned just how dependent we are on imports—especially from China. Over 70% of the active ingredients in U.S. pharmaceuticals come from overseas. We also import many medical devices, electronics, car parts, tools, and food items.<br /> <br /> This trade war means:<br /> <br /> Medicine shortages (again)<br /> Higher food prices<br /> Delayed shipments for essential items<br /> Out-of-stock alerts on everyday products<br /> <br /> Even if disruptions only last a few weeks, the ripple effect can take months to sort out. And that lag is where things get tough—unless you're already ahead of the curve.<br /> 10 Smart Steps How to Prepare for the US-China Trade War<br /> Using the Survival Pyramid as a guide, here's how to start shoring up your preparedness before prices spike or supplies tighten:<br /> 1. Mindset: Stop Assuming Normal Is Permanent<br /> Normalcy bias is dangerous. Just because we've always had access to cheap goods doesn't mean we always will. Shift your mindset from "normal" to "margin." Think about what you'll wish you had more of if things get tight—and act on it now.<br /> 2. Situational Awareness: Pay Attention to Early Indicators<br /> Empty shelves, purchasing limits, or rising prices on key items are signs. Don't wait for an official announcement to start preparing.<br /> 3. Safety & Security: Reinforce Your Home<br /> Hard times bring out the best—and worst—in people. Make your home a hard target. Reinforce doors, upgrade locks, consider camera systems, and stay low-profile with your preps.<br /> 4. Medical: Get Ahead on Prescriptions and Supplies<br /> If you rely on daily meds, now is the time to stock up. Look into services like JASE Medical for emergency antibiotics. Don't wait for a shortage to find out what you need.<br /> 5. Shelter: Secure Your Living Situation<br />
March 22, 2025
When it comes to Things People Must Have to Survive, close your eyes and imagine if you will... It was supposed to be a quick run to the grocery store—just fifteen minutes, tops. But suddenly, your phone blows up with texts, calls, and an emergency alert. The disaster that's worried you—"Yeah, that one!" is happening and is happening right now! And you have to act—and act swiftly! PEOPLE ARE DEPENDING ON YOU! What you do in the next few moments may determine whether, at the end of this day, you're relieved and grateful or rocked by the worst day of the rest of your life.<br /> <br /> Your heart races and your thoughts scramble. Stunned by the terror at the prospect of loss and failure involving you and your loved ones, "What do I do!?" screams from within your mind.<br /> <br /> It's your answer to "What do I do right now—that can save the day?" that, outside of luck, is likely to determine whether you succeed or fail. And it's preparedness that gives you the best chance to correctly answer "What do I do now?"<br /> <br /> People who prepare hash through possible struggles ahead of time. They gain knowledge, learn skills, and gather resources so that they are as prepared as possible to respond effectively. And, because they make an effort to face what worries them, they are more ready to handle the curve balls that come everyone's way.<br /> <br /> After all, emergencies don’t announce themselves politely. Instead, they can strike without warning, leaving the unprepared, stunned, panicked, and helpless to those who need them most.<br /> <br /> Your survival shouldn't rely on luck. Preparedness and survival are about knowing the critical things you must know, developing the essential skills you need, and having the right resources—along with an effective mindset to respond decisively when life goes sideways.<br /> <br /> And that's what this article is going to cover. This article walks you through seven essentials that will help prep you to answer the "What do I do!?" question. It's a question that, because of your preparedness, you'll answer —with clarity, confidence, and control.<br /> 1. Foundation of Survival<br /> When it comes to survival, new people often think about gear and supplies first. While those matter, they're not your strongest asset. True preparedness starts within you—it begins with your mindset and your ability to clearly see and understand what's happening around you. Your mindset sets the stage for effective situational awareness, and together, they fuel smart, confident decision-making.<br /> Mindset<br /> Mindset is the most powerful thing people must have to survive. When people talk about preparedness, they often jump straight into discussing gear and how you better get ready NOW, or it'll be too late. Sure, gear matters—you'll need your essentials—but your most valuable survival tool isn't something you can buy at the store. It’s your mindset. I've seen it firsthand—over and over again: your mindset is the foundation upon which everything else rests.<br /> <br /> Your gear can be lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, but your mindset? It's always with you, always there when you need it most. Cultivating mental and emotional resilience isn't complicated. It's about being introspective, staying calm under pressure, maintaining awareness of your world, and believing in your well-balanced ability to face whatever challenge comes your way. If you start with your mindset, everything else gets a whole lot easier.<br /> <br /> <br /> Situational Awareness and Decision-Making<br /> Situational awareness is your ability to not only detect what's happening in your personal environment but also have an accurate understanding of whatever is happening. It's about using the information you gather to come up with the best courses of action and plans possible—then take effective action.<br /> <br /> Being alert to and understanding what's happening to the true reality of what's happening in ...
February 27, 2025
Ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to prep? You’re not alone when it comes to time management. Between work, family, and the never-ending to-do list, finding time for preparedness can feel impossible. You want to build food security, sharpen survival skills, and maybe even hit the range once in a while—but how do you do all that without neglecting your job, your spouse, or your kids?<br /> <br /> That’s exactly what one of my listeners, Tyler, is struggling with. He’s been prepping for five years but is drowning in responsibilities—a 9-to-5 job, two kids, and a wife who isn’t on board with his preparedness mindset. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever wondered how to fit prepping into a busy, “normal” life, this article is for you.<br /> <br /> We’re going to break it all down—micro-prepping techniques, time-saving strategies, and how to involve your family without turning them off. Because prepping doesn’t have to take over your life—it just has to fit into it.<br /> <br /> Let’s get into it!<br /> Understanding the Challenge of Time<br /> Let's take a closer look at why time management, one of the greatest constraints and struggles in prepping can feel like an extra burden—and why it's perfectly okay to feel that way. First off, prepping is a journey, not a destination. We prepare because we care about the future and want to safeguard our families, and that natural concern can sometimes spark anxiety. But remember, a little worry is normal—it shows you're thinking ahead. The key is to find ways to manage that worry so it doesn't turn into stress.<br /> <br /> Think about it this way: the world hasn't ended in our lifetimes, and a major disaster isn't likely to impact you tomorrow or even next month. There's plenty of time to gradually build up your skills and supplies. This perspective can help ease the pressure, reminding us that every small step we take now is building a solid foundation for later, not forcing us into a last-minute scramble.<br /> <br /> I also want to touch on how influencers often make prepping look like a full-time gig. Many of them, myself included, have been at this for years. Over time, we've covered our bases and built up a strong, reliable routine. What you see on social media is the result of years of practice, trial, and error—not something that happens overnight. So, if your schedule is a bit tighter, know that starting slow is entirely okay.<br /> <br /> The important thing is to step back and allow yourself to relax. Instead of letting the thought of a never-ending to-do list add to your stress, try to see each little task as a chance to build your confidence. Even a few minutes spent checking your emergency kit or organizing a small part of your supplies can make a difference. This isn't about turning your life upside down; it's about making steady progress at a pace that feels right for you.<br /> <br /> Micro-Prepping & Time-Saving Habits<br /> Let's dig a little deeper into the idea of micro-prepping—one of the most effective ways to squeeze prepping into a busy schedule without adding to your stress.<br /> <br /> Think of your days as a series of time blocks. Instead of trying to carve out several hours on the weekend—which doesn't sound realistic for your current situation—commit to 10 or 15 minutes here and there. While those short blocks of time might not seem like much, they add up to a lot of preparedness over time.<br /> <br /> For instance, if you have 15 spare minutes before the kids wake up, use that time to make a short to-do list or check on one of your preps:<br /> <br /> Check the batteries in your flashlights.<br /> Look through your bathroom cupboard to see what medical items you need.<br /> Download an offline map of your area and look at different routes to get around it.<br /> Put the can of gas that's been around for a bit into the car or truck and get it refilled.<br />
The Survivalist Prepper Website and Prepping Podcast
prepping2point0
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The Survival Podcast
Prepper Talk Radio
V6 Media, Bleav
Mark & Krista Lawley
FieldCraft Survival
John Lovell
Ready Your Future
S2 Actual
The SURVIVAL SHOW
Firearms Radio Network
Primary & Secondary
T.REX ARMS
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