One of the principles I teach my students at Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute is this: I am, and always will be, a student. Take edible and medicinal plants, for example. While I’ve accumulated a substantial amount of knowledge, the learning never ends. There is no way I’ll ever master every single plant’s use on this planet—and … Read more
Forget the fantasy of a cozy cabin. When the world unravels, you need more than comfort—you need control. A bugout retreat is your shielded stronghold, built not just for survival, but for endurance. Here’s the no-nonsense blueprint to create a fortress that’s rugged, realistic, and relentlessly prepared. Food & Water Essentials• Long-term food storage: Freeze-dried meals, … Read more
It’s July 1, 2025, and summer is officially here. In West Michigan, we’ve already endured two major heat waves, with temperatures soaring into the low to mid-90s. During my June 20–22 Basic 101 course, I stressed an important core principle: hydrate, stay shaded, and cool down often. I even hung a tarp over our meeting area … Read more
One major challenge many in the preparedness community face is the harsh reality that owning a separate, remote retreat often isn’t financially feasible. Realistically, who can afford two mortgages? Most people need to live within commuting distance of their jobs, which are frequently based in major cities. For example, I commute daily to my job … Read more
Back in my younger years, I had no idea I had sleep apnea. I just knew I was always exhausted, no matter how much I slept—especially when I worked third shift at a state prison. It wasn’t until my wife pointed out how badly I snored and suggested I get a sleep study done that … Read more
In my old home, I initially heated with propane. However, I quickly realized how expensive it was to maintain, prompting me to switch to a pellet stove—a more cost-effective alternative. At the time, pellets were approximately $200 per ton, and during an average Michigan winter, I burned 3–4 tons, meaning my annual heating cost … Read more
Have you ever seen the movie “The Purge” or its sequels? These movies explore a dystopian society where, for one night each year, all crime, including murder, is perfectly legal. They delve into how people behave when there is no rule of law for 12 hours, from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. The movies pose … Read more
We live in an era marked by danger and conflict. Every day brings new reports of horrific car wrecks, accidents, assaults, crime, war, and other misfortunes. In such an increasingly dangerous world, what can the common man do to protect his family’s health and wellbeing? Building First Aid Kits of varying sizes is a practical … Read more
