American Contingency

All Episodes (31)

From new to old

From new to old From old to new

1. 

   1. Weather apps, tornados, and feeling safe (sort of)

   Ep #31: Tornado sirens going off in my community. Alerts blasting over cell phones. Lightening lighting up the sky as if Zeus is furious with everything below Mt. Olympus. Thunderstorms and tornado cells roaming your community can bring with them massive levels of uncertainty; I know it did for me recently. For me, when weather systems rock my home, being a part of American Contingency affords me connections within our network that can relay information to me so I know what is happening out ther

   May 12,2024 24:47
2. 

   2. Mobility Preparedness: Personal & Community

   Ep #30: Explore the critical aspects of mobility across personal readiness, community engagement, and practical strategies in our latest podcast episode. We delve into how physical fitness and psychological preparedness enhance personal safety, the benefits of community-led safety initiatives, and the essentials of navigating outdoor environments. Learn about the importance of rapid departure readiness, including tips on 'Go Bags,' vehicle preparation, and home security. Additionally, we discuss

   Apr 17,2024 30:02
3. 

   3. How to talk about preparedness so people listen, care, and take action

   Ep #29: Today, we're talking about something super important: being ready for anything, whether a natural/man-made disaster or something unexpected. It's all about having those critical conversations with your family, friends, co-workers, loved ones, church, and community to ensure everyone's on the same page. I'll share some key tips on why certain ways of discussing this pertinent topic will motivate them to engage with you, what to talk about, how to approach the conversation, and what to do

   Apr 02,2024 36:35
4. 

   4. Mental Health Preparedness: How you experience anxiety, judgement, and anger

   Ep #28: Have you ever considered how the emotions of anxiety, judgment, and anger shape our lives and our decisions, for better or for worse? Preparing for emergencies or disasters transcends the realm of tangible supplies and bug-out bags; it fundamentally entails cultivating mental resilience and maintaining mental health and wellness to navigate crises effectively.Today, I delve into the dual nature of these influential emotions, anxiety, judgment, and anger, exploring how they can both prope

   Mar 21,2024 35:20
5. 

   5. HAM Radio: Communication When the Digital Age Fails Us

   Ep #27 - HAM radio offers a versatile and powerful means of communication for enthusiasts and emergency responders alike - as they operate across a wide range of frequencies, allowing users to transmit voice, data, and even images to other operators anywhere in the world, depending on the frequency band and atmospheric conditions. In this episode, I talk to member Max Williams about HAM radio, how to maintain communication and information exchange during a crisis, the scope of the legalities and

   Mar 05,2024 45:00
6. 

   6. Test your prepardness skills at the 2024 Adventure Challenge

   Ep #26 - The Adventure Challenge is your opportunity to test your skills in a semi-controlled environment so you can be prepared and respond effectively to any challenge that comes your way. Today, we welcome back Thom Rigsby to discuss the ins and outs of the Adventure Challenge. For members, you already know when your region is scheduled to participate. For non-members, the degree to which you practice is directly proportional to the degree to which you will succeed when the whistle blows, and

   Feb 16,2024 39:07
7. 

   7. Emotional Resilience in the face of crisis and emergencies

   Ep #25 - Everything is fine in your world until it is not. A fall, cut, burn, crash, illness, or catastrophe doesn't send you a text to let you know it is on the way - it slams through your metaphorical door of life and abruptly stops you in your tracks to demand you go into immediate action. Emotional resilience is your fortress when times go sideways. It is not enough to think about what you would do and then hope you are capable and ready when even given Tuesday becomes right now, and you nee

   Jan 31,2024 58:39
8. 

   8. Communication during severe weather

   Ep #24 - Communication is critical during severe weather emergencies. As extreme weather events become increasingly frequent, understanding how to communicate effectively in these situations is essential for safety and preparedness.Join us as we discuss strategies across our 12 different preparedness categories, delving into the nuances of personal and family preparedness, emphasizing the significance of clear medical communication, the development of thorough emergency plans, and the upkeep of

   Jan 16,2024 44:56
9. 

   9. Adventure Challenge and plans for 2024

   Ep #23 - In 2024, American Contingency is bringing an Adventure challenge to our membership with the audacious goal that everyone in the nation will one day take part in learning, participating, and practicing skills necessary for life, not just disaster or crises. In this episode, we welcome back Thom Rigsby to discuss the Adventure Challenge and what AmCon has in store for our members in 2024.When you’re ready to build the skills, network, and confidence to be prepared for whatever comes next

   Jan 01,2024 35:56
10. 

    10. How reliable is your community support and information sources?

    Ep #22 - Thom Rigsby joins us to discuss the support of the AmCon community, how our regional events and training guide members to improve their preparedness and crisis skills, and how our daily situational report brings unbiased, reliable information and news to the membership.When you’re ready to build the skills, network, and confidence to be ready for whatever comes next - join us at AmericanContingency.com.https://members.americancontingency.com/join/

    Dec 19,2023 39:11
11. 

    11. Mastering the Mind: Cultivating Resilience in an Unpredictable World

    Ep #21 - It's been a whirlwind of a 2023. Let's dive into the world of resilience in this empowering episode, where we merge the concepts of emotional and psychological resilience to arm you with the tools you need to stand firm in the face of life's adversities. We'll explore seven key strategies to build your emotional resilience, from nurturing a positive outlook to embracing the inevitability of change. We'll then shift gears to psychological resilience, highlighting the importance of self-a

    Nov 21,2023 45:45
12. 

    12. Preparing yourself through community leadership and training w/ Denny G (National Training Coordinator)

    Ep #20 - Strengthening our community bonds, building effective communication strategies, and preparing ourselves for the unexpected by learning and training is the heartbeat of American Contingency. We care about you because we care about our world, our country, our city, our neighborhood, our street, our social circle, our loved ones, ourselves! In this week's episode, we welcome back Denny G, our training coordinator extraordinaire, to discuss what we have created for our members in 2023 and w

    Nov 08,2023 33:44
13. 

    13. Building strong communities, communication, and conflict resolution

    Ep #19 - Cultivating strong neighborhoods and communities, active listening, and conflict resolution are keystone attributes of an effective leader in any community. American Contingency focuses so intently on leadership because we know that while we might go faster alone, we go further together - and during a crisis, man-made and mother nature, knowing there are people who have your back can make all the difference. Just hit play and discover key pointers for growing your own leadership skills

    Oct 25,2023 37:20
14. 

    14. Adversity to Opportunity w/ Mario Q - Southeast Regional Coordinator

    Ep #18 - What direction do you think the country is going? There are rumblings of discontent from all sides of the aisle and within every demographic, but...are we collectively being blinded by the immediate noise of the media machine and missing a huge opportunity to be grateful for everything we are privy to here in the United States?Mario Q has a unique perspective as someone born in Central America, where he lived for the first 20 years of his life before immigrating to the United States, ga

    Oct 10,2023 35:42
15. 

    15. 7 Powerful Principles to Guide Your Preparedness

    Ep #17 - National Preparedness Month is a time to focus on what you can do within our 12 categories to ensure you are as prepared as possible for any given Tuesday. These 7 powerful principles will guide you along your journey. Whether you are a newbie to the world of preparing or an old GOAT who loves to pass along their wisdom, these principles will speak to you and inspire you to go that extra yard today.The 7 Principles:Develop a Growth MindsetCultivate CourageBe DecisiveTake ActionEmbrace D

    Sep 27,2023 36:36
16. 

    16. Emergency Communications w/ Cecil Higgins - South Regional Communications Coordinator

    Ep #16 - Emergency communication. We talk about that so much within AmCon because we know that most people rely solely on their cell phones as their only way of communicating with anyone not directly in their immediate space. When Mother Nature blasts her chaos into our lives, that same network we love to watch funny videos on and order things so we don't have to leave our houses becomes overloaded, and then what do you do?If you are ready to learn more about the ease with which you can get into

    Sep 12,2023 46:07
17. 

    17. Any Given Tuesday: Being Prepared No Matter the Situation

    Ep #15 - September is National Preparedness Month! Picture this: It's any given Tuesday, and suddenly, a situation arises that you never saw coming. It could be a man-made incident like civil unrest or a public shooting, leaving you feeling uncertain about your safety, or a natural event like a severe thunderstorm hitting your neighbor's house with lightning and knocking your power out. These are the kinds of situations we rarely foresee but should always be prepared for.But here's the kicker –

    Aug 29,2023 42:15
18. 

    18. How to prepare in a rural or urban environment

    Ep #14 - Urban and rural environments have different needs in "normal" times. Their needs become even more exaggerated in times of calamity and emergency scenarios. Kevin Outten, our Delaware Organizer, organizes disaster and emergency preparedness for the state of Delaware, and his experience with the disparities of country versus cities shows in his knowledge.His overall message of family and community is one echoed in the halls of AmCon and throughout our member nation. With his guidance, you

    Aug 15,2023 35:18
19. 

    19. Thunderstorms, Lightning, and Electricity

    Ep #13 - Recently my neighbors house was struck by lightning right after the electric went out in my five-mile circumference - and of course after the dust settled I knew this was going to make a great American Contingency episode.So let's explore preparations for one frequently encountered situation - power outages and one less frequent situation - lightning strikes. The strategies we've curated for each of these scenarios will offer substantial enhancements to your overall preparedness.As an a

    Jul 31,2023 37:38
20. 

    20. Training and application in the real world w/ Derek Jones - Southwest Regional Coordinator

    Ep #12 - Preparation is a core value here at AmCon. Training one another for the unexpected and then going out and doing what we've learned is an activity we actively do all around the country. Today we welcome Derek Jones to the mic to discuss the trainings and disaster scenarios simulations he coordinates within the West region of the United States.It's one thing to read, listen, and learn. It is a whole other situation to be run through the scenario with the expectation one will demonstrate c

    Jul 17,2023 38:18
21. 

    21. Being a Helpful Citizen: that which divides us does not define us

    Ep #11 - Happy 4th of July. In this week's episode I dive into why I love the U.S.A. and some thoughts and feelings I have on why we can be the leaders in a more unified country. You will agree with some, disagree with other parts - and overall we will all step into this conversation with one mindset and depart with new insights into why we are proud to be Americans and what we can do to be a part of the solution, to be an intricate member of the progress we seek, and to do all of this with a un

    Jul 04,2023 37:43
22. 

    22. Well-rounded Preparedness w/ Denny G; AmCon National Training Coordinator

    Ep #10 - “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better, than a master of one.” How well-rounded are you in your preparedness game? In this week's episode I introduce to you the new National Training Coordinator, Denny G, and we get into the importance of local government, how focusing on all 12 categories will help you solidify certainty in the uncertainty of life, and why we are all responsible for, not only our own growth and training, but of that of those closest to us.When

    Jun 20,2023 33:42
23. 

    23. Protect what’s important to you w/ Michael Lott; retired marine, AmCon Operations Manager

    Ep #9 - Security is important to all of us. Whether it is our personal security, the safety of our family, or knowing that our home is protected and insured from the man-made and natural disasters that can shake us to our core - the certainty we seek as humans comes from preparing for what might happen hoping that it won't.In this week's episode we welcome to the show AmCon's own, Michael Lott. He works directly with the regional coordinators and continues to support the growth of American Conti

    Jun 06,2023 31:02
24. 

    24. The Importance of Security in an Uncertain World

    Ep #8 - We're diving into the important sphere of security. Starting with personal security, we highlight the significance of staying alert and responsive to our surroundings for better prevention and management of threats. Next, we take you through the critical components of an effective home security system, featuring modern technology and traditional measures. The conversation then shifts to the digital realm, focusing on cyber threats and the protective steps everyone should adopt to stay sa

    May 23,2023 32:03
25. 

    25. Emotional and psychological resiliency w/ Lori Marino, AmCon Marketing Director

    Ep #7 - Isolation can lead to depression, we know how that went back during the pandemic. What sets American Contingency apart from other organizations is our steadfast focus on community building, growth, and education so that we can all be our own first-responders.In this week's episode we welcome to the show, Lori Marino, the National Marketing Director for American Contingency.She is directly over all the social media and blogs posts that we roll out for our members and for our public follow

    May 09,2023 31:36
26. 

    26. The 12 Categories of AmCon Preparedness

    Ep #6 - Today, we're going to be talking about 12 different categories of preparedness for natural and man-made disasters, and we've got one actionable tip for each of them.First up is communication. Let's be real, without communication, we'd all be screwed. So, our tip is to create a communication plan with your family and friends, and make sure you've got backup methods of communication in case the phones go down. We're talking walkie-talkies, carrier pigeons, whatever works for you.Next, medi

    Apr 25,2023 39:33
27. 

    27. Training for preparedness w/ former DEA agent, Noell Bishop

    Ep #5 - During an emergency, people tend to be in survival mode when searching for food, water, and shelter. Are you trained and ready to handle yourself and loved ones when it's time to get yourselves to safety and security?In this episode Noell and I cover how knowing how to start a fire is essential to staying warm and cooking food when in survival mode. We cover the importance of being financially prepared, having healthy  communication with your neighbors, and being well-rounded to handle a

    Apr 09,2023 29:08
28. 

    28. Strong communities form a strong country w/ Thom Rigsby

    Ep #4 - Are you taking action in your community to strengthen the values and be the force for good? Leadership starts with you and now is the time to take action. What you want to see this country be is up to you to make it become.In this episode we discuss starting small and growing your preparedness game step by step rather than seeing it as this super huge project to take on.We also cover why being prepared can mean never have to say, "I'm sorry."When you’re ready to build the skills, network

    Apr 06,2023 33:46
29. 

    29. Specialized preparation, confidence, and mindset w/ Thom Rigsby

    Ep #3 - When the weather goes sideways, civil unrest rises to a fury, or   you have to get out fast for whatever reason - are you thinking ahead and planning for the kinds of situations you are likely to face?Building confidence despite the anxiety of those around you is going to pay dividends when everyone else is yelling, "the sky is falling."In this episode we discuss how to have a conversation with your friends and family about getting prepared and ready without them looking at you like you

    Apr 03,2023 30:22
30. 

    30. The origins of AmCon and the importance of planning

    Ep #2 - Planning and preparedness is about putting yourself in a mental state so when a natural or man-made disaster comes barreling down on you the skills and training take over.Face uncertainty with confidence with a nationwide network of people just like yourself who are seeking the information they need to get ready before they have to be ready.Hear how American Contingency works with communities, law enforcement, and first-responders to be a part of the solution!When you’re ready to build t

    Apr 03,2023 30:03
31. 

    31. The Pilot

    Ep #1 - Its time to get off the bench! Welcome to the American Contingency podcast. We are dedicated to informing, equipping, and training you so you are prepared to respond and recover from all kinds of natural and man-made emergencies.In this episode we will discuss why we are launching the podcast, what kinds of topics we will cover, and when is now the best time to start preparing and getting ready for the unknown - all without the fear-mongering!We have a dedicated membership site that focu

    Apr 03,2023 14:15