What is Survivalpunk and who the hell is this James guy? I realized last night I hit the ground running with the blog without ever explaining who I am and what I want to do here. So today’s post will not really show you how to make anything but will give you some insight into why I think the way I do. If that doesn’t scare you off stick around and delve into the mind of a survivalpunk.
Finding your passion
Those were the words uttered by Jack Spirko from The Survival Podcast. Time and time again. he said those words and I wanted to act on them. Really I did. I have what I call hobby A.D.D. I Like and am good at too damn many things. How could I ever pick one of my passions and do something about it. It was like analysis paralysis. I had an idea to do two different projects, one of which was a survival blog and the other a comedy podcast. Almost a year went by before doing anything. To be honest it might have gone longer had it not been for my great friends James and Mike at Skillsandgear.com. They launched a their blog and were kicking ass and taking all the names. They had YouTube videos with James Yeager and John Willis. I was doing jack shit. One night I said to myself James its now or never, Pick a domain and put out content or shut up! In an attempt to combine a few of my biggest passions, Survival, Punk Music and Paleo eating I came up with Survival Punk. When I did I FELT it was right.
History
I’ve had and used what most would call bug out bags long before I ever heard the term. I spent a good deal of time during my late teenage years being homeless. Want to learn about survival try living on the streets. I slept in parks, cars parked in rest stops a tent and couch surfed for a few years, I learned a lot during that time. I learned that to survive and even be happy you really don’t need much. Everything I owned was in my High school backpack. I only made money from selling plasma about $50 a week. I had no worries no responsibilities and life was pretty awesome. I fancied myself to be an anarchist fighting “The Man” back then. Odd again that Now that I have learned about what real anarchy is I’m starting to lean that way again. I was young, in good shape and cocky as shit.
Ends always come
The homeless adventures didn’t last forever and I eventually had to “grow” up. I entered the retail world and worked my way up to management. Getting interested in the Survival movement on the way. Feeling that there was a gaping whole in my life. Something that was missing from work and hanging out with friends having drinks. I would spend lots of time and money on my silly experiments that my friends would mostly dismiss. I had stories and ideas that needed to be shared and no one to hear them.
Enter Survivalpunk
Survivalpunk has become the most important thing in my life. The biggest achievement in my life so far. It has brought me more happiness, more friends, and more fulfillment in my life. I cherish each new blog buddy I make from this, Florida Hillbilly, Timman, Tngun, Skillsandgear, Freedom Feens, Porc Therapy, Survivalgearbags and the Crooked Tree Farm. I get excited at each and every comment on the blog and read every one and try to respond to them all. Never think twice about emailing me (James@survivalpunk.com) Those email go straight to my phone and I read them all. As crazy as it sounds Survivalpunk has put me in touch with a friend I have not seen in over 12 years. I’ve got to meet Jack Spirko and be on TSP! It has not even been a year yet and dreams and goals are coming true.
To infinity and Beyond
I can’t and wont stop at this point. Unless something happens I try my best to get a post out Monday- Friday. If I even think about not doing it I get an email update from FloridaHillbilly.com saying he’s put one out. It’s sort of a mental competition on my part. I think well damn If DB put one out I better put one out too! I love competition. Expect much more in the next year. Merchandise will be coming soon, More giveaways, more crazy experiments and more Punk attitude! I can not at this point imagine a life without Survivalpunk. I hope to eventually be able to do this full time on my very own homestead drinking a homebrew. I know I don’t saw it enough but I truly appreciate everyone that reads Survivalpunk. When I began I thought no one will read this rubbish but I have been proven so wrong. The emails and comments and friendships forged through this have been staggering. Unimaginable. Thank each and everyone of you out there.
I know today’s post was a bit different than normal hopefully you liked it and got some insight into what makes a Survivalpunk tick. Let me know what you think in the comments!
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Keep up the good work! I too eat paleo (sometimes falling off the wagon). I am into guns and survival prepping (what I can afford on a limited budget anyway). Not real experienced with punk music, but I like NOFX and Greenday if they count. Your a smart guy with great ideas. And some interesting recipes.
Thanks Gregory! We all fall off the wagon. Just don’t get stressed. Accept it and get back on. As for punk music I suggest Rancid, Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphy, Black Flag, Vandals and the clash. Just some of my faves.
You inspired me to make hard cider, and it’s now done. It turned out pretty good.
Love the vibe! Keep up the good work!
Glad you liked the cider. Mine turned out bitter, which I actually like. I like fermenting stuff and will be doing more in the future
James,
The most important thing I share with people I meet along this journey is “to follow your passion”. Do what makes you happy in life, because without happiness or passion, or not being able to follow your dreams results in an empty, unfulfilled life.
You sir, have found that out early. I hope you continue to follow your passion. Everything else in life will fall in line. I have never been a ‘sheep’ or a conformist.I have always done things my own way, (often with deliberation and analysis). but i have no regrets in my life.
You are doing a great job with the blog. I love the DIY’s, the recipe’s and the sense of adventure you share. Keep up the good work.
TinMan
Thanks Tinman! I think doing things your own way is the only way.
Good going! Keep up the great work!
I don’t often comment but i check your blog most days from the other side of the world in New Zealand!
Thanks my brother from the bottom of the globe!
I enjoy the stuff you put on your website and actually have learned a thing or two. Very glad you are following your passion.
Great Job keep the ball rolling looking forward to the next up date
Great stuff here. Not a punk fan, but do love Black Sabbath, Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Hendricks. Keep up the good work. Yours and Survivalblog are daily visits. BTW, I’m over 60 and have no tats, but do have an open mind and heart. Paleo has been a lifesaver. I Like your style.
I don’t only listen to punk music and anyone that doesn’t like Black Sabbath is just wrong! Thanks for having an open mind we don’t all have to think the same just think for ourselves. Glad your enjoying the blog and paleo too!
Hi James,
Im an aussie who is a new newbie to prepping and survival also i am lover of paleo!…….
so i have a few questions…
what things can and how do i prep for paleo??
I get coconut milk and nuts can be stored but that’s about as far as i know :S
any advice?
Thanks
OzMouse
Ps Im a steam punk girl myself