"Getting your hands dirty and embracing real-world experiences is the best way to grow—failure is just information that makes you better." Episode Summary

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Diedrich, the content director for Recoil Off Grid and a true outdoors and survival enthusiast. We chop it up about everything from homesteading inspiration and turning failures into learning opportunities, to behind-the-scenes stories from big events like Can-con, Amazonian adventures, and the quirkiest things we've eaten (including my encounter with balut!). We also weigh in on some hot 2A news, the ongoing cost-of-living debate, and our takes on DEI in the workplace. Plus, we tackle listener questions and debate the best places in the U.S. to homestead (tornadoes, ticks, and all).

Call to Action

1. Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify
2. Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram Youtube
3. Grab some cool TGE merch
4. Ask us anything at AskMikeandKeith@gmail.com
5. Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They are a big part of making the

Show Sponsors

HSM Ammunition – Trusted by hunters, competitors, and everyday shooters alike. Check out their offerings for superior reliability and ballistic performance at hsmammunition.com
Second Amendment Foundation – Defending your right to keep and bear arms for over 50 years. Support their cause at saf.org

Key Takeaways

Real-world experience and embracing failure are essential to mastering survival and preparedness.
The gun community can learn a lot from discussing both our successes and shortcomings.
The Can-con event featured not just guns, but off-grid skills like field dressing and chicken processing—sometimes requiring last-minute improvisation!
Laws and regulations may influence firearm sales, but cultural and market forces play a huge part.
Survival doesn’t have to mean “hardcore only”—don’t ignore modern tools and comforts when they make sense.
DEI policies, hiring practices, and accountability in leadership sparked some spirited debate.
The best place to homestead isn't just about price—natural disasters and local culture matter, too.
Exotic foods like freshwater stingray and balut make for wild stories and lasting bonds!

Guest Information

Patrick Diedrich

Content Director at Recoil Off Grid
Survival skills adventurer and journalist
Follow his adventures and insights at offgridweb.com and on social media

Keywords

Gun experiment, podcast, Patrick Diedrich, Recoil Off Grid, survival, preparedness, Cancon, firearm news, machine gun laws, gun regulations, DEI, Second Amendment, HSM Ammunition, off-grid skills, homesteading, tornado alley, cheapest places to live, Ballute, exotic foods, Amazon adventure, field dressing, outdoor skills, tactical training, self-reliance, gun sales trends, modern survival, 2A news, concealed carry