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Offgrid Journey

Henry Sherman

I spent 20 years in the Navy before retiring. Now, I live on a homestead in South Carolina, where I enjoy the off-grid lifestyle. I’m also a published author of four thriller books and have a passion for homesteading and survival skills.

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53 episodes
a few times a week
Avg 8 min
English

Episodes 53

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S2 · E52
Today · 7 min
Navigating Back to a Trail Without GPS-Weekend Edition
Learn practical methods to relocate a lost trail without GPS, including retracing your steps, using landmarks, following natural features like streams, and employing basic navigation tools like a compass or map. These strategies can help you safely find your way back when technology isn't available.
S2 · E51
Yesterday · 6 min
Surviving a Winter Storm with a Stranded Car
If your car gets stranded during a winter storm, stay inside the vehicle to keep warm and conserve energy. Run the engine periodically for heat, but ensure the exhaust pipe is clear to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Display a bright cloth for visibility, call for help if possible, and ration food and water until rescue arrives.
S2 · E50
Wednesday · 7 min
Portable Generator Placement for CO Safety
Always place portable generators outdoors, far from windows, doors, and vents to prevent deadly carbon monoxide buildup. Never use generators inside homes, garages, basements, or enclosed spaces. Proper placement ensures safe operation and reduces the risk of CO poisoning.
S2 · E49
Monday · 6 min
Keeping Food Safe During Power Outages
To keep food safe when your refrigerator loses power, keep the doors closed as much as possible to maintain a cold temperature. Refrigerated food typically stays safe for up to 4 hours; a full freezer for 48 hours. Use a thermometer to check temperatures—food above 40°F should be discarded. Discard perishable items if power is out for over 4 hours. Prepare coolers with ice for extended outages.
S2 · E48
October 24 · 8 min
Perennial Food Garden for Cold Climates-Weekend Edition
Learn how to design a perennial food garden suited for cold-climate homesteads. Discover plant selections, layout strategies, and tips to ensure year-round harvests and sustainable, resilient food production despite challenging weather conditions.
S2 · E53
October 23 · 8 min
Septic System Flood Recovery
This guide explains how to protect your septic system after a flood, detailing immediate actions like stopping water use, sealing drains, and turning off electricity. It warns against pumping tanks or drinking well water too soon, urges professional inspections, and outlines gradual restoration steps. Long-term protection includes redirecting surface water, installing backflow preventers, maintaining access points, and keeping thorough records to ensure system health and safety.
S2 · E47
October 23 · 7 min
Protecting Fruit Trees from Late Spring Frost
Discover practical methods to shield fruit trees from late spring frost, including using frost cloths, watering soil before cold nights, selecting hardy varieties, and installing wind machines or heaters to minimize frost damage and secure a healthy harvest.
S2 · E46
October 21 · 7 min
Building Strong Neighbor Relations Remotely
Maintaining good neighbor relations in remote areas involves regular communication, mutual assistance, respect for privacy, and community engagement. Sharing resources, helping during emergencies, and participating in local events can foster trust and cooperation, ensuring a supportive and harmonious environment.
S2 · E45
October 19 · 8 min
Off-Grid Food Preservation Techniques
Discover effective methods to preserve food without relying on grid electricity. Techniques include canning, drying, fermenting, pickling, salting, smoking, and root cellaring, all of which extend food shelf life and maintain nutritional value using natural processes and minimal equipment.
S2 · E44
October 17 · 8 min
Sealing Cabin Crawl Space Safely-Weekend Edition
To seal a cabin crawl space without trapping moisture, use a vapor barrier and ensure proper ventilation. Install a moisture-resistant liner on the ground and walls, leaving vents or a dehumidifier to allow airflow. Check for leaks and address drainage issues to prevent water buildup, keeping the space dry and protected. 00:11
S2 · E43
October 16 · 8 min
Keep Livestock Water Unfrozen Off-Grid
Learn effective methods to prevent livestock water from freezing without relying on grid electricity. Discover solutions such as insulated troughs, solar-powered heaters, floating balls, and natural heat sources like compost. These techniques help ensure animals have access to fresh water during cold weather, even in remote or off-grid locations.
S2 · E42
October 14 · 8 min
Why Well Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs
Well water can smell like rotten eggs due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas, which is produced by bacteria breaking down organic matter underground. This odor is common in well water and can indicate the need for water testing and possible treatment.
S2 · E41
October 12 · 7 min
Securing an Accurate 911 Address for Remote Homes
Learn the essential steps to obtain a precise 911 address for a remote property, including contacting local authorities, providing detailed location information, and verifying your address for emergency services. Ensure prompt and accurate emergency response by following these guidelines.
S2 · E40
October 10 · 6 min
Maintaining a Generator After Storage-Weekend Edition
Learn the essential steps to ensure your backup generator is ready to use after extended storage. This includes checking fuel, oil, and battery levels, inspecting for leaks or damage, cleaning components, and performing a test run to guarantee reliable operation during power outages.
S2 · E39
October 9 · 7 min
Key Points in Rural Land Purchase Contracts
When reviewing a rural land purchase contract, examine property boundaries, access rights, zoning regulations, water and mineral rights, environmental restrictions, utility availability, and any existing liens or easements. Confirm that all terms, conditions, and contingencies are clearly stated to protect your interests.
S2 · E38
October 7 · 7 min
Recovering a Stuck Vehicle on Remote Roads
Learn effective methods for recovering a vehicle stuck on a remote homestead road. Key steps include assessing the situation, using traction aids like sand or boards, reducing tire pressure, and employing tools such as winches or tow straps. Always prioritize safety and have essential recovery equipment on hand to ensure a successful and safe extraction.
S2 · E37
October 5 · 7 min
Selecting a Manual Well Pump for Backup
This guide covers key considerations for choosing a manual well pump as a reliable backup for off-grid water systems. It highlights factors such as compatibility with existing wells, ease of installation, durability, maintenance requirements, and overall cost-effectiveness to ensure a dependable water supply during power outages or emergencies.
S2 · E36
October 4 · 8 min
Radon Testing in Off-Grid Cabins-Weekend Edition
Learn how to test an off-grid cabin for radon by using battery-operated or charcoal test kits, sealing doors and windows during testing, and sending samples to a lab for analysis. Understand the importance of proper ventilation and steps to mitigate high radon levels for safe living.
S2 · E35
October 3 · 7 min
Inspecting Rural Land for Hidden Tanks and Dumps
Learn effective methods to assess rural properties for buried fuel tanks and old dump sites, including site history research, visual signs, using metal detectors, checking for disturbed soil, and consulting environmental professionals to ensure land safety and compliance.
S2 · E34
October 1 · 7 min
Selecting an Off-Grid Water Filter
Learn how to choose an off-grid water filter designed to address specific contaminants. This guide covers essential factors to consider, such as filtration technology, contaminant types (bacteria, viruses, chemicals, heavy metals), and suitability for different environments to ensure safe and clean water when off the grid.

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