The Self-Initiative Project

The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 34, How to Better Avoid, Respond, and Recover If It Does Happen

If you go back and listen to Podcast 33, It Will Never Happen to Me, you will be better prepared for this episode.

We revisit to stories told in 33 and talk about somethings that could have helped the individuals better avoid, respond, and recover from the events we talked about

We cover a lot of tips and pointers in this episode and leave you with 3 main pieces of advise.

Thanks for listening.

Originating podcast:

Podcast 33 - It Will Never Happen to Me

The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 33, It Will NEVER Happen to Me

Think so? Apathy or optimism bias may have some people under their spells. No matter the cause, here are six stories to the contrary in this episode including:

• An active-duty Marine robbed at gun point
• A 16 year old babysitter dealing with a drunk neighbor with a shotgun
• A personal vehicle broken into and items taken even though parked under street light and with doors locked
• And more...

Learn if they saw it coming, would they have ever expected something like it to have happened to them, what they might have done differently, and how has it effected how they go about their personal safety.

Sit back. Relax. And listen.

Follow up:

Podcast 34 - How to Better Avoid, Respond, and Recover If It Does Happen

The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 32, Alternative Tools for Non-Permissive Environments (NPE)

What do you usually carry that can be used as a self-defense tool or a force multiplier?

Can you carry what you normally would into non-permissive or non-permissible environments (NPE), i.e. sporting events, concerts, amusement parks, etc.?

NPE tools or tools better suited for non-permissive environments are the subject of this podcast. Join me as I talk with Tony Tran of The Necro Maker. Tony specializes in stabby tools for NPE.

Learn about NPE tools and how they might be an option for you when none of the usual items are allowed. Learn how NPE tools might be a great choice for women; and how the use of these tools is nothing new as they have had their place throughout history by various groups including Ninja.

Thanks for listening.

The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 31, Safety While Hiking and Camping

The woods and the mountains are the places I find my Zen. Camping is something I have always enjoyed doing, including the occasional hike or backpacking trip. Spending time outdoors can be spiritually relaxing.

There are several aspects to being safer while hiking and camping too; and this episode we talk about several of them. We cover topics from the importance of carrying a basic trauma kit to handling blades of various types to why it is important we stay on the trails to the potential impacts if we do not keep our distance from the wildlife. We also talk about the importance of practicing situational awareness, listening to our intuition, and even proper fire management.

There are even some crazy stories in the mix as well.

Sit back. Relax. And listen.

The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 28, Your Personal Safety During a Pandemic

Your personal safety AND your health are your responsibility, now more than ever.

In this episode we talk about:

• The importance of knowing basic first-aid and trauma care
• The changes with 911 and what you need to be prepared for
• Scams through text, email, and phone calls
• Your children potentially being targeted through video chats
• Basics on how to deal with rioting and civil unrest
• The overall importance of avoidance, getting away, keeping those egos in check, and listening to your intuition

COVID-19 (coronavirus) and this pandemic has brought some new challenges. Are you ready? We aim to give you some information to help you through these times.

Thanks for listening.

The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 27, What is Asphalt Anthropology?

This episode we talk to Beverly Baker of Metropolitan Finishing School to talk about her program, Asphalt Anthropology. One thing is for sure, Beverly's finishing school has nothing to do with holding your tea cup...

We talk about there being more to personal safety and self-defense than just the physical aspects. We talk about the importance of understanding how criminals think and what they look for. We mention the importance of de-escalation and setting boundaries as well as where de-escalation may not be appropriate; and we also talk about how it is OK to be rude when you need to be.

It is mentioned again how important listening to your intuition is and how carrying yourself in the right way can help you avoid many potentially bad situations. Beverly makes the point that paying attention to your surroundings has nothing to do with being paranoid or being fearful. It has to do with improving one's situational awareness; and you can do that by simply engaging with your environment and being more curious.

We talk about how compassion can have a place the self-defense world. Discerning between the need to defend yourself or getting away and potentially listening to your gut when you see someone that may need help in a difficult situation.

We learn it is important to recognize that in self-defense there is not one solution that works for everyone and that you need to find the classes and the training you feel solves the issues you believe are relevant to you. Beverly also reminds us it is pretty easy to avoid becoming a victim just by taking some really easy steps, i.e. avoiding that argument someone was trying to start with you or locking your doors.

Sit back. Relax. And listen.

The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 26, What if... ? The Importance of Thinking Through Scenarios

How can you start considering your personal safety or taking it more seriously? How can you be better prepared for disaster and things when they go sideways? Think through scenarios.

One of the best things you can do is think through scenarios in order to become better prepared. Thinking through possible situations, their outcomes, and what you would do can put you into a position of being better able to handle those situations. Because you have thought through things ahead of time, you are better able to formulate a plan, putting you in a position of advantage.

Thinking through things ahead of times allows us to see where we may have shortcomings, so we can address them; and most importantly, it allows us to put a plan in place ahead of time.

Don't have the time to think about your personal safety? You can think through scenarios at any time, including in the car or even in the shower.

Be better prepared. Learn areas where you may need some training. Think through scenarios and what you would do. Get a plan in place ahead of time, before you need one.

What would you do if... ?

Thanks for listening.

The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 25, Situational Awareness and More

I sit down with Kelly Sayre, of The Diamond Arrow Group, to talk about situational awareness.

We talk about what situational awareness is and what it takes to notice things that may be out of place or may just be not quite right. Kelly and I discuss the importance listening to your intuition, your gut, your sixth sense, so you can better be able to respond if something bad is happening. And we talk about your willingness to set AND enforce boundaries.

We discuss the main reason why some folks feel they cannot dedicate more energies to their personal safety and some really easy ways to get started.

Women and men alike will want to listen to this episode.

Sit back. Relax. And listen.

The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 24, How to Buy a Gun and What to Expect

Ben Powell, of Bullseye Indoor Range and Gun Shop in Lawrenceville, GA, joins us to talk about how to buy guns and what you can expect.

Ben and I talk about what is involved in purchasing a firearm including Class III, how to go about finding the right gun for you, and safety in the gun shop. We even manage to dispell some myths like the infamous "gun show loophole."

Ever consider purchasing a gun but did not really know what to expect or are you on the fence because you are not sure what you are getting yourself into? Well wonder no more as Ben and I cover the basics and then some here in Episode 24.

On a sidebar note... We have now been doing The Self-Initiative Project Podcast for 2 years officially. Twenty four episodes down with more to come. Thanks to all of you for your support, and be sure to tell all your family and friends about us.

Thank you for listening.

The Self-Initiative Project, Podcast 23, Why be Invested in Your Personal Safety

It is more like: Why are you not invested in your own personal safety?

The Secure Dad joins us as we talk about how to get people interested in their own personal safety. Andy and I discuss the things that caused us to first become more invested in our personal safety and how that changed our thinking overall.

We indirectly talk on the subject of why folks should be invested in their own personal safety and that of their loved ones. We even discuss why some feel it is unnecessary to be concerned with it. Most importantly, we talk about ways to begin thinking about it and incorporating ideas and practices into your life.

No one is there to save you; and 911 may or may not get to you on time. What are you going to do? Do you at least have a plan?

Ultimately, we are all responsible for our own personal safety and preparedness.

Sit back. Relax. And listen.