American Contingency

The importance of mental wellness to your preparedness and health

Ep #43: Life can feel chaotic. Work, bills, family, social pressures, the impending doom you might feel in the pit of your stomach because the world is spinning faster and faster as technology follows Moore's Law - and let's not leave out politics, considering what occurred just a few days ago. I hope you can manage your conversations around the election in a way that doesn't ruin friendships - nor keeps you in an echo chamber. Regardless of everything happening around you, your mental and emotional wellness will be a desired priority in your life to maximize your overall health. 

In this week's episode, we welcome AmCon's own Chad Davis from the Southeast region to discuss mental health and wellness. He has years of experience in this field as a mental health counselor and leads our mental resilience training subgroup inside the common interest groups. Go join and check out that group if you are interested in more information we discuss during this episode.

When you’re ready to build the skills, network, and confidence to be prepared for whatever comes next, join us at AmericanContingency.com. We’re here when you’re ready. We’ll keep the fire going for you so you can find your way.

Teaching situational awareness to children and adolescents

Ep #42: Are your kids too distracted by their phones or friends to notice what’s happening around them? Teaching children situational awareness is key to keeping them safe at home, school, and everywhere in between. In this episode, we explore how to empower your family with practical strategies to sharpen observation skills and stay alert. Learn how to guide your kids through busy crosswalks, spot potential dangers on the playground, and stay safe in stores, public spaces, and large events. Plus, we’ll dive into teaching essential first aid so they know exactly what to do in minor emergencies. Equip your family with the tools they need to navigate the world confidently and safely!

When you’re ready to build the skills, network, and confidence to be prepared for whatever comes next, join us at AmericanContingency.com. We’re here when you’re ready. We’ll keep the fire going for you so you can find your way.

The SE AmCon Adventure Challenge Review and Report

Ep #41: This week, we will cover the Southeast American Contingency Adventure Challenge because it was awesome! Nothing compares to real-world experiences and meeting fellow members face-to-face. From not coming prepared at all to navigating the challenges in the woods to spontaneous learning and sharing moments with other members and participants, the AmCon Adventure Challenge is not to be missed. If yours is about to happen, go out there and rock it out, and if yours has already happened, get yourself ready for next year!

Do you want to gain experience through doing, not just talking and watching? Then, the AmCon Challenge is the place for you.

When you’re ready to build the skills, network, and confidence to be prepared for whatever comes next, join us at AmericanContingency.com. We’re here when you’re ready. We’ll keep the fire going for you so you can find your way.

 

Essential outdoor skills

Ep #40: September is Outdoor Skills Month here at AmCon, so let's go over some ways to prepare yourself for a fun day of hiking or a deep journey into the unknown forest. First, we discuss optimizing gear for mobility by prioritizing multi-functional items and organizing packs for balance and efficiency. Next, we explore the importance of navigation and situational awareness, with tips on using maps, compasses, and environmental cues to stay on course. Finally, we dive into essential survival skills, including how to forage, fish, purify water, and build shelters in the wild. These practical tips ensure listeners are prepared for any challenge nature throws their way.

When you're ready to build the skills, network, and confidence to be prepared for whatever comes next, join us at AmericanContingency.com. We're here when you're ready. We'll keep the fire going for you so you can find your way.

How to maximize your AmCon Membership w/ special guest Ohio State Coordinator, Sam (@smith29)

Ep #39: From buying the right gear for the job to utilizing the feed to connect with other like-minded members to utilizing the in-person and online training AmCon provides, Sam (@smith29) knows the ins and outs of the AmCon world, and this week, he visits us. We will discuss the AmCon Adventure Challenge, the AmCon Information and Situational Awareness Team [AISAT], and how you can maximize everything AmCon offers its members. Joining a new group can be anxiety-ridden or smooth sailing, and a lot of that has to do with what you do when you first start and how you choose to incorporate AmCon into your daily life - Sam and I will do our best to help you find your way. The rest is up to you.

When you’re ready to build the skills, network, and confidence to be prepared for whatever comes next, join us at AmericanContingency.com. We’re here when you’re ready. We’ll keep the fire going for you so you can find your way.

Talking about AmCon and preparedness with your friends, neighbors, and loved ones (Part 2)

Ep #38: In part two of our series on discussing American Contingency with those close to you, we focus on practical topics like mobility and evacuation plans, medical preparedness, and essential documents. We explore how to initiate conversations around having a quick evacuation plan, assembling bug-out bags for the whole family (including pets), and keeping vehicles ready for emergencies.

We also discuss the importance of medical preparedness, covering everything from keeping medical records handy to ensuring you have a well-stocked first aid kit and managing medications during long-term power outages. Finally, we discuss the crucial steps for securing essential documents like passports and birth certificates and how to maintain updated emergency contact information. This episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you guide your loved ones toward better preparedness and security.

When you’re ready to build the skills, network, and confidence to be prepared for whatever comes next, join us at AmericanContingency.com. We’re here when you’re ready. We’ll keep the fire going for you so you can find your way.

Situational Awareness: Why you should teach it and how to do it

Ep #37: In today's fast-paced world, being aware of your surroundings can mean the difference between safety and danger. Join me as I delve into the art of situational awareness, exploring the secrets behind the OODA Loop (observation, orientation, decision, and action) and the Perception, Comprehension, and Projection model. Discover how to break free from phone-induced distractions and sharpen your observational skills, equipping yourself and your family with the tools to anticipate threats before they happen.

Whether you're navigating a crowded city street, a bustling park, or enjoying time with family at home, this episode will teach you how to stay one step ahead and transform awareness into your superpower. Tune in to learn how you can harness these insights to protect yourself and your loved ones in any situation!

Talking about AmCon and preparedness with your friends, neighbors, and loved ones

Ep #36: Discussing how you can casually and effectively talk to your neighbors, friends, and family about the importance of emergency preparedness is imperative if you want them to be ready for whatever comes next. In this episode, I'll provide practical conversation starters on topics such as food and water storage, home security, mobility, medical preparedness, and essential documents, aiming to help you engage others in meaningful dialogue about their resiliency in the face of unknowns. Learn strategies for ensuring essential supplies during storms, securing your home against damage, forming neighborhood watch programs, and more, all designed to foster a culture of preparedness and mutual support within your community.

I'll cover key points, such as the importance of having at least two weeks' worth of non-perishable food and water, steps to fortify your home against severe weather, and the benefits of establishing a community network for sharing resources during crises. 

When you're ready to build the skills, network, and confidence to be prepared for whatever comes next, join us at AmericanContingency.com. We're here when you're ready. We'll keep the fire going for you so you can find your way.