American Contingency

The State of Our Union: AmCon in 2024, 2025, and Beyond with Thom Rigsby

Ep #46: Thom Rigsby joins us as we close out 2024, embark into 2025, and set our sights on growing American Contingency into the preeminent member-driven preparedness organization. Whether a current member or one someone thinking of joining - you will find your people here.

As we say goodbye to this iteration of the podcast, I leave you as host of the AmCon show and bid you farewell by saying goodbye how I said hello - with Thom and I outlining what we've done, what we are doing, and what we will do as AmCon sets its sights on goals you can help us fulfill by becoming active in your local area and being the leader we all know you will be once you step outside your comfort zone.

Let's do this one more time, and then it's up to all of y'all to help us make this happen.

It's not goodbye...just see you later.

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.

Myths, lies, and misinformation of prepping

Ep #45: You wanna talk about prepping. You want to talk about being peppered. Then you go to bring it up, and the myths people believe, the lies they have been told, and the misinformation coming from those who'd rather have the country be dependent on them for survival than have citizens able to take care of themselves, their loved ones, and their community - well, it practically closes their ears and shuts them down before you even get to the good parts.

You know, like, have water and food for everyone in your house for a week. Have a way to start a fire when it is wet. Run straight at bears and alligators because why not?!

In this episode, I will laugh at, with, and about some of the most popular myths I found on the inter-webs as I researched this topic.

Sit by the fire with me. This is gonna make you laugh...well, at least it did me.

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.

Building Family Resilience: Communication, First Aid, and Defense

Ep #44: Are you prepared to keep your family safe in every situation? In this episode, we dive into essential family defense strategies to help you communicate effectively during conflicts, master critical first-aid skills, and incorporate personal defense tools into your routine. Plus, learn how your canine companions can be more than just pets—they can be key players in your home’s security. With actionable tips for staying calm under pressure, training dogs for defense, and building a comprehensive safety plan, this episode equips you to handle emergencies confidently and keep your loved ones safe, no matter what.

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 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.