ReadyCorps Daily Brief

Extreme heat doesn’t just test endurance—it tests leadership. In this episode of the AmCon Daily Brief, Thom Rigsby shows how stepping up during a heatwave can save lives and strengthen community. Learn how to identify who’s most at risk, map available resources, and coordinate simple actions that keep everyone safe when the temperature soars. Leadership under pressure isn’t about heroics—it’s abo...

In this Scenario Saturday edition of the AmCon Daily Brief, Thom Rigsby walks through what to do when a blackout and comms failure hit at the same time. Learn how the Preparedness Mantra—knowledge, equipment, and practice—keeps you moving when others freeze, and why your Community Assistance Group (CAG) is the real force multiplier in moments like these. Plus, get a practical weekend checklist (an...

In this 5 Bullet Friday edition of the AmCon Daily Brief, Thom Rigsby shares highlights from the field, including a successful local Adventure Challenge in South Dakota, this weekend’s Huntsville Hamfest, August’s leadership training focus, upcoming member calls, and the Word of the Week. Stay connected, stay prepared, and find out what’s ahead for Scenario Saturday.

In this episode of the AmCon Daily Brief, Thom Rigsby explains why the time to build trust is before the storm—not during it. Discover the three pillars of trust that keep teams moving in the chaos—consistency, competence, and care—and learn simple, everyday actions to strengthen trust so it’s ready when you need it most.

In a crisis, control and leadership aren’t the same—and confusing the two can slow your response. In this episode of the AmCon Daily Brief, Thom Rigsby explains why trying to control every decision can create dangerous bottlenecks, while true leadership empowers others to act. Learn how to shift from being the choke point to becoming a force multiplier, and try a simple delegation challenge you ca...

The first 90 seconds of a crisis can make or break your response. In this episode of the AmCon Daily Brief, Thom Rigsby breaks down how to turn confusion into coordinated action before it’s too late. Learn the three-part framework—Assess, Decide, Act—and how to identify the roles that naturally emerge in those critical first moments. Plus, discover a simple drill you can run tonight to sharpen you...

In a crisis, leadership doesn’t come from a title—it comes from taking the first step. In this episode of the AmCon Daily Brief, Thom Rigsby shares a powerful reminder that the first person to act often sets the tone for everyone else. Through a blackout scenario, you’ll see how one small move can turn uncertainty into coordinated action. Learn why clarity and initiative matter more than rank, and...

Ep #46: Thom Rigsby joins us as we close out 2024, embark into 2025, and set our sights on growing American Contingency into the preeminent member-driven preparedness organization. Whether a current member or one someone thinking of joining - you will find your people here. As we say goodbye to this iteration of the podcast, I leave you as host of the AmCon show and bid you farewell by saying good...

Ep #45: You wanna talk about prepping. You want to talk about being peppered. Then you go to bring it up, and the myths people believe, the lies they have been told, and the misinformation coming from those who'd rather have the country be dependent on them for survival than have citizens able to take care of themselves, their loved ones, and their community - well, it practically closes their ear...

Ep #44: Are you prepared to keep your family safe in every situation? In this episode, we dive into essential family defense strategies to help you communicate effectively during conflicts, master critical first-aid skills, and incorporate personal defense tools into your routine. Plus, learn how your canine companions can be more than just pets—they can be key players in your home’s security. Wit...

Ep #43: Life can feel chaotic. Work, bills, family, social pressures, the impending doom you might feel in the pit of your stomach because the world is spinning faster and faster as technology follows Moore's Law - and let's not leave out politics, considering what occurred just a few days ago. I hope you can manage your conversations around the election in a way that doesn't ruin friendships - no...

Ep #42: Are your kids too distracted by their phones or friends to notice what’s happening around them? Teaching children situational awareness is key to keeping them safe at home, school, and everywhere in between. In this episode, we explore how to empower your family with practical strategies to sharpen observation skills and stay alert. Learn how to guide your kids through busy crosswalks, spo...

Ep #41: This week, we will cover the Southeast American Contingency Adventure Challenge because it was awesome! Nothing compares to real-world experiences and meeting fellow members face-to-face. From not coming prepared at all to navigating the challenges in the woods to spontaneous learning and sharing moments with other members and participants, the AmCon Adventure Challenge is not to be missed...

Ep #40: September is Outdoor Skills Month here at AmCon, so let's go over some ways to prepare yourself for a fun day of hiking or a deep journey into the unknown forest. First, we discuss optimizing gear for mobility by prioritizing multi-functional items and organizing packs for balance and efficiency. Next, we explore the importance of navigation and situational awareness, with tips on using ma...

Ep #39: From buying the right gear for the job to utilizing the feed to connect with other like-minded members to utilizing the in-person and online training AmCon provides, Sam (@smith29) knows the ins and outs of the AmCon world, and this week, he visits us. We will discuss the AmCon Adventure Challenge, the AmCon Information and Situational Awareness Team [AISAT], and how you can maximize every...

Ep #38: In part two of our series on discussing American Contingency with those close to you, we focus on practical topics like mobility and evacuation plans, medical preparedness, and essential documents. We explore how to initiate conversations around having a quick evacuation plan, assembling bug-out bags for the whole family (including pets), and keeping vehicles ready for emergencies. We also...

Ep #37: In today's fast-paced world, being aware of your surroundings can mean the difference between safety and danger. Join me as I delve into the art of situational awareness, exploring the secrets behind the OODA Loop (observation, orientation, decision, and action) and the Perception, Comprehension, and Projection model. Discover how to break free from phone-induced distractions and sharpen y...

Ep #36: Discussing how you can casually and effectively talk to your neighbors, friends, and family about the importance of emergency preparedness is imperative if you want them to be ready for whatever comes next. In this episode, I'll provide practical conversation starters on topics such as food and water storage, home security, mobility, medical preparedness, and essential documents, aiming to...

Ep #35: You know your time is valuable. People say there aren't enough hours in the day, but that is a fallacy. The truth is we aren't spending our time effectively. In the pursuit of preparation, AmCon will save you time, energy, and confusion by introducing you to an entire community of people who want to help prepare one another. Growing and sharing are choices you make. We can show you the way...

Ep #34: Entering into American Contingency membership is all about getting connected with your regional, state, county, and interest groups right away. We are not an organization where sitting on the sidelines will help you. If you want the total value of AmCon to manifest, it is imperative that you actively join your regional, state, and county groups. From there, you can find and participate in...

Ep #33: Credit card debt can feel like King Kong on your chest, and if you live on a fixed income, then figuring out a strategy to get yourself out from under the debt beast can feel like a never-ending carousel of balances going up and down. Let's discuss some strategies for elevating this burden so you can walk freely again, taking deep breaths, without the anxiety of a potentially missed payche...

Ep #32: Discover how to make the most of summer with strategies for fun activities, winter preparation, saving money, and enhancing family time. Explore various outdoor activities like hiking, biking, swimming, and camping that boost physical and mental health. Learn practical gardening and home maintenance tips to prepare for the colder months, including planting vegetable gardens and performing...

Ep #31: Tornado sirens going off in my community. Alerts blasting over cell phones. Lightening lighting up the sky as if Zeus is furious with everything below Mt. Olympus. Thunderstorms and tornado cells roaming your community can bring with them massive levels of uncertainty; I know it did for me recently. For me, when weather systems rock my home, being a part of American Contingency affords me...

Ep #30: Explore the critical aspects of mobility across personal readiness, community engagement, and practical strategies in our latest podcast episode. We delve into how physical fitness and psychological preparedness enhance personal safety, the benefits of community-led safety initiatives, and the essentials of navigating outdoor environments. Learn about the importance of rapid departure read...

Ep #29: Today, we're talking about something super important: being ready for anything, whether a natural/man-made disaster or something unexpected. It's all about having those critical conversations with your family, friends, co-workers, loved ones, church, and community to ensure everyone's on the same page. I'll share some key tips on why certain ways of discussing this pertinent topic will mot...