Welcome to Issue 10 of SURVIVE Magazine - The Journal of Modern Preparedness.
This magazine was forged in the image of the original SURVIVE publications of the 1980s—hard, practical reading meant for people who understood that comfort is temporary and stability is never guaranteed. Those pages dealt with nuclear war, street crime, food shortages, economic breakdown, and living off your own hands when systems failed. That mindset wasn’t paranoid then. It was realistic. And it matters now more than ever.
I’ve also taken inspiration from The Modern Minuteman, a monthly newsletter that focuses on the journey to be a modern minuteman. It’s worth your attention.
We are now more than halfway through 2026, and 2027 is already coming into view. Looking back over the past six months, it’s becoming harder to ignore the direction things are headed. Prices continue to rise. Paychecks don’t go as far as they once did. More families are feeling the pressure of inflation, while confidence in many of the systems we’ve relied on continues to fade. Around the world, tensions remain high, and uncertainty has become part of everyday life.
None of this means panic is the answer.
It does mean this is not the time to drift through life on autopilot or assume someone else will solve these problems. Instead, this is the time to take an honest look at where you stand. Identify the weak spots in your finances, your food supply, your skills, and your plans. Then begin closing those gaps—one step at a time.
Preparedness has never been about predicting the future. It’s about building a life that is stronger, more capable, and less dependent, no matter what tomorrow brings.
SURVIVE exists for one reason: to help you think clearly when others freeze, to act while there’s still time, and to build real capability before you’re forced to.
If this issue gets you moving—even in a small way—pass it along to someone else who needs it. This kind of knowledge spreads best the old-fashioned way: person to person.
Stay alert. Stay ready.
— Jake Martin
Editor, SURVIVE Magazine
OPINION: Nobody Is Coming. That’s Not Bad News.
Jake Martin | Modern Exodus
For many years, preparedness was often pictured as something only a few people did. It was about getting ready for a major disaster—a massive storm, an economic collapse, or some world-changing event.
Today, I think preparedness looks different.
Most of us aren’t worried about one dramatic day that changes everything overnight. Instead, we’re watching a series of smaller problems slowly reshape everyday life.
The grocery bill keeps getting higher.
Insurance costs more.
Housing is more expensive.
Many companies are replacing workers with technology, and AI is changing jobs faster than most people expected.
Cyberattacks are becoming more common. Supply chains are still fragile. Around the world, conflicts continue to create uncertainty. At the same time, many people feel more divided and less connected than ever before.
None of these problems alone may seem overwhelming. But together, they create a future that is far less predictable than it once was.
That is why preparedness matters.
Preparedness isn’t about living in fear or expecting the worst. It’s about making your family a little stronger each month. It’s learning new skills, growing a garden, reducing debt, storing food, building savings, and becoming a little less dependent on systems you cannot control.
No one is going to care more about your family’s future than you do.
And that’s okay.
There is something deeply satisfying about knowing you can solve more of your own problems. Every meal you grow, every skill you learn, every dollar you save, and every shelf you stock gives you a little more confidence and a little more freedom.
You don’t have to do everything this month. You just have to do something.
One small improvement, repeated over time, becomes a completely different life.
As you read this issue of SURVIVE, I hope you’ll find at least one idea that inspires you to take another step toward greater self-reliance. Whether it’s planting another row in the garden, learning a new skill, or adding a few more items to your pantry, progress is what matters.
Preparedness isn’t about fear.
It’s about refusing to be helpless.
On Redundancy
If you’ve spent any time around people interested in preparedness, you’ve probably heard the saying:
“One is none. Two is one.”
At first, it sounds strange. But the idea is simple.
If you only have one of something and it breaks, gets lost, or stops working when you need it most, you really have nothing. Having a backup means you’re much more likely to keep going when something goes wrong.
Think about the tools and equipment you use every day. They all have one thing in common—they can fail.
A cordless drill is a great example. Most people think having one drill is enough. But what happens if the battery dies in the middle of a project? Having a second battery keeps you working. Better yet, having a second drill means one can be ready to go while the other is charging or waiting for repairs.
The same idea applies to your chainsaw. If you heat your home with firewood or clear trees after storms, a chainsaw isn’t just a convenience—it’s an important tool. A broken chain, a mechanical problem, or an engine that won’t start can bring your work to a stop. Having a second chainsaw doesn’t have to mean buying the newest model. Even an older, dependable saw can be a valuable backup.
Eyeglasses are another item many people overlook. If you wear glasses every day, what happens if you lose them or accidentally sit on them? A spare pair can make the difference between handling the problem yourself and depending on someone else.
The same thinking works for many everyday items:
Flashlights and extra batteries
Pocket knives
Water filters
Lighters and matches
Phone charging cables
Extension cords
Fuel cans
Garden hoses
Tire repair kits
Redundancy isn’t about owning two of everything. That would be expensive and unnecessary.
Instead, ask yourself one question:
“If this stopped working today, how much would it affect my family?”
If the answer is “a lot,” it’s worth thinking about a backup.
Building redundancy doesn’t happen overnight. Add one backup item at a time as your budget allows. Before long, you’ll find yourself worrying less because you know a single failure won’t stop you.
Take care all -
Jake
Preparedness Challenge
One Small Step This Month
Preparedness is not built in a weekend. It is built one small decision at a time.
Many people think they need thousands of dollars, a large homestead, or years of experience before they can be prepared. The truth is much simpler. The families who are in the best position during difficult times are usually the ones who made steady progress over many months and years.
This month, challenge yourself to complete these five tasks before the next issue of SURVIVE Magazine.
□ Add 25 Pounds of Food
Buy a little extra each time you shop. Focus on foods your family already eats.
Ideas include:
Rice
Pasta
Dried beans
Canned vegetables
Peanut butter
Oatmeal
Canned meat
Don’t worry about buying everything at once. Even a few extra items each week will build a pantry you can rely on.
□ Learn One New Skill
Knowledge weighs nothing and cannot be taken away from you.
Choose one skill you’ve always wanted to learn, such as:
Pressure canning
Sharpening knives
Starting a fire without a lighter
Changing your vehicle’s oil
Growing vegetables
Using a GMRS radio
Basic first aid
Spend just one hour learning and practicing.
□ Improve Your Financial Position
Financial preparedness is just as important as food storage.
This month, pick one goal:
Pay an extra $25 toward debt.
Put $50 into an emergency fund.
Cancel one subscription you no longer use.
Sell something you no longer need.
Avoid one unnecessary purchase each week.
Small financial victories add up over time.
□ Complete One Homestead Project
Choose one project that makes your home more useful or more self-reliant.
Ideas include:
Build a raised garden bed.
Clean and organize your pantry.
Install a rain barrel.
Stack and cover firewood.
Plant berry bushes.
Organize your tools.
Create an emergency supply shelf.
Don’t wait for the “perfect time.” Start with what you have.
□ Spend One Evening Offline
Turn off the television, silence your phone, and step away from social media.
Instead:
Play a board game.
Sit around a campfire.
Read a good book.
Walk your property.
Work in the garden.
Talk with your family.
Plan your next preparedness project.
Sometimes the greatest improvement you can make is simply slowing down.
One month from now, you’ll either wish you had started today—or you’ll be glad you did.
We’ll have a new challenge waiting for you in the next issue of SURVIVE Magazine.
- Jake
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Instant download and very budget-friendly.
Poor Man’s Skillet
A Budget-Friendly Meal That Feeds the Family
This hearty one-pan meal is inexpensive, filling, and easy to adapt with whatever you have on hand. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for cooking from your pantry during hard times. This recipe can be made, and then portions saved in the freezer for heating up at a later date.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, venison, or canned beef)
1 cup uncooked white rice
2 cups water or beef broth
1 (15 oz) can black beans or pinto beans, drained
1 (15 oz) can whole-kernel corn, drained
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 small onion, diced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
***Note: Ingredients can be customized to your liking. There are many variations of the Poorman’s Skillet.
Instructions
Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Brown the ground beef and onion until the meat is fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the rice, water (or broth), diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
Simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender.
Stir in the beans and corn, cooking another 3–5 minutes until heated through.
Sprinkle cheese over the top if desired, cover for 2 minutes, and serve.
Pantry Version
This recipe is easy to make entirely from long-term food storage.
Substitute:
Freeze-dried or canned ground beef
Instant or stored white rice
Canned beans
Canned corn
Canned tomatoes
Dehydrated onion and garlic
Shelf-stable shredded cheese or omit it
Stretch It Even Further
To feed more people or lower the cost:
Add another cup of cooked rice.
Mix in diced potatoes.
Add extra beans instead of more meat.
Stir in frozen mixed vegetables.
Serve with homemade bread or cornbread.
Modern Exodus Tip
One of the simplest ways to reduce your grocery bill is to build meals around inexpensive staples like rice, beans, and canned vegetables, then use meat as a flavoring rather than the main ingredient. A well-stocked pantry gives you flexibility when prices rise and helps keep nutritious meals on the table without relying on frequent trips to the grocery store.
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Free Survival & Preparedness Downloads
Information is valuable. Power grids, communication networks, and the internet may go dark—but what you know and what you’ve stored will remain.
Here we have compiled a collection of printable PDF downloads covering essential topics such as food storage, first aid, homestead security, and more. These files can be safely stored on rugged USB drives or SSDs, ready to access offline using a tablet, phone, or laptop when you need them most.
📥 [Access the Free Downloads Here]
Stay ready. Knowledge is power.
Jake sitting in the garden contemplating life……
Don’t Miss Your Second Chance
By the middle of July, many gardeners are enjoying their first harvests. But depending on where you live, your growing season may be far from over.
In warmer parts of the country, there’s often enough time to plant a second round of crops like cucumbers, yellow squash, zucchini, bush beans, peas, and other fast-growing vegetables. A second planting can extend your harvest well into the fall and make better use of your garden space.
If you live in a colder climate, like we do here in Maine, your options are a little different—but you still have opportunities. Cool-weather crops such as peas, radishes, lettuce, spinach, and some varieties of carrots can often be planted again for a late-season harvest before frost arrives.
Take a few minutes to check the average first frost date for your area and compare it to the “days to maturity” listed on your seed packets. You may be surprised by how much growing season you still have left.
The garden isn’t finished just because it’s July. In many places, it’s only halfway through the season.
Happy growing!
Jake
Scene From the Homestead:
Recent early morning breakfast of french toast on the Blackstone grill. The grnadchildren were riding their Jeep’s aroundd the cabin and waiting to hear -
“Come and get it!”
JOIN OUR TELEGRAM GROUP: The way we share information has changed—fast. I grew up with magazines and books, then early bulletin boards, then blogs like this one. Now most people get their updates through videos, audio, and quick posts. I’ll be honest, I was slow to adapt.
One platform that’s taken off is Telegram. It’s simple and clean. Videos, audio, photos, and written posts all live in one place. No jumping around. No clutter.
That’s why I started The Prepared.
At its core, it’s a direct line between us. Real-time updates. Real conversations. What’s happening in the world, what’s happening here in Maine, what we’re cooking for dinner, what we’re thinking about, and what we’re keeping an eye on. I post as things happen. Easy in, easy out.
If you’re uneasy about where things seem to be going…
If you want to be more ready for uncertain times…
If you’re looking for a community of people who actually understand what’s going on…
You’re welcome here.
It’s free.
It’s not a scam.
And it’s definitely not a circus.
Join us inside The Prepared → https://t.me/theprepared
Brief: Shotguns - A Preppers Tool of Versatility
One tool that should be a part of your survival arsenal is a pump-action shotgun. It’s like a Swiss Army knife of firearms because it’s incredibly useful in many different situations. Let’s dive into why having one just makes sense.
1. Super Useful in Many Situations: A pump-action shotgun can do a lot of things. It can shoot different types of shells with varying payloads, like ones for hunting small animals, protecting yourself, and even for large game. This flexibility means the pump-action shotgun can fill many roles.
2. It’s Simple and Reliable: In a tough situation, you want something easy to use and that won’t break down. The pump-action shotgun is perfect for this. It doesn’t have many parts, so there’s less that can go wrong. The pump-action shotgun has proven to be extremely dependable and reliable.
3. Great for Close-Range Defense: Imagine you’re in a situation where you have to defend yourself up close. While the shotgun does need to be aimed, when shooting buckshot or birdshot the payload spreads over distance making it favorable if aiming is not as precise.
4. Easy to Find Ammo: The 12 gauge shotgun is one of the most popular firearms in the United States. With that popularity comes a massive amount of ammunition available in sporting goods stores, hunting shops, and gun shops across the country.
5. Perfect for Hunting: The shotgun is an awesome hunting tool. Due to the diverse loads available with the 12 gauge game like small birds and animals can be taken as well as larger game such as deer.
So, a pump-action shotgun is like a set of multipliers in your survival kit. It can do many things, it’s simple to use, great for close defense, and can be used for hunting. A pump-action shotgun is a good choice to include in your preparedness system.
Keep your powder dry……
That wraps up Issue 10 of SURVIVE.
Thank you for taking the time to read this issue. Every person who reads an article, shares a post, watches a video, or tells a friend about Modern Exodus helps this community continue to grow. It happens one person at a time, and I’m grateful you’re part of it.
If you’d like to support the work, there is also a paid subscription option on Substack. It helps me continue creating articles, videos, printable resources, and the content you see each month. Whether you subscribe or simply continue reading and sharing, thank you.
Before you go, I’d leave you with one thought.
The world isn’t getting simpler. Food costs continue to rise. Technology is changing the workplace at an incredible pace. World events remain unpredictable, and many of the systems we’ve depended on don’t feel as dependable as they once did.
That isn’t meant to scare you.
It’s simply a reminder to pay attention.
Use the time you have today to make tomorrow a little easier. Plant the garden. Learn the skill. Store the food. Build the backup plan. Become a little more independent than you were yesterday.
Preparedness isn’t built in one weekend. It’s built through hundreds of small decisions made over time.
If there’s a topic you’d like to see covered in a future issue of SURVIVE or on the Modern Exodus YouTube channel, let me know. This magazine is built for people like you, and your ideas help shape every issue.
Until next time...
Stay aware. Keep building. Be ready.
Jake Martin
Modern Exodus
Thank you Jake for your wonderful work and advice. Wonderful channel here. May the Lord keep you blessed and safe.