Videos

Off-Grid Communication Explained — What Actually Works When Phones & Internet Fail What do you actually do when the phones stop working, the internet drops out, and you need to reach your family, your neighbours, or emergency services? In this MSR Community Connections session, telecom engineer Milan Rajcany (20+ years in the industry, including Telstra and Cisco) breaks down every practical option for staying in touch when the grid goes down — from simple UHF CB radios through to satellite messengers, Meshtastic mesh networks, and emergency beacons. This isn't theory. Milan has lived through multiple floods and bushfires on the NSW Mid-North Coast and uses off-grid comms in his own life. He walks through real gear, live demos, and honest pros and cons of each option, so you can figure out what actually suits your household, farm, or community — not just what looks good on a spec sheet. Whether you're new to prepping, live rural, or just want a backup plan for the next natural disaster or network outage, this session covers the full toolkit: licence-free radios, ham radio basics, satellite SOS devices, Starlink, solar-powered repeaters, and the AusAlert emergency system that's rolling out nationally. ## What you'll learn - The real difference between "grid" and "off-grid" communication - How Australia's new AusAlert emergency alert system (Cell Broadcast) works - Emergency beacons explained: EPIRBs vs PLBs vs satellite SOS - How to use your iPhone or Google Pixel's built-in satellite SOS - Satellite messengers like the Garmin inReach — how they actually work - UHF CB radio basics: channels, repeaters, and what's legal to use without a license - An intro to ham radio and when you'd actually need a licence - How LoRa technology works, and the difference between Meshtastic and Mesh Core - Setting up a solar-powered mesh repeater (yes, even from a cheap solar garden light) - Push-to-talk apps like Zello and push-to-talk-over-cellular radios - Starlink as a backup internet option off-grid - Real gear recommendations, live map demos, and hands-on device walkthroughs ## Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome & MSR community announcements 4:32 – Meet Milan Rajcany: 20+ years in telecoms 5:55 – Why off-grid comms matter (floods & bushfires on the Mid-North Coast) 10:54 – Grid vs off-grid: the basics 13:17 – Quick overview: UHF CB, LoRa mesh & satellite 16:17 – What to consider before you buy any gear 17:50 – AM/FM emergency broadcasts & shortwave radio 18:41 – AusAlert explained: the new Cell Broadcast system 24:20 – Emergency beacons: EPIRBs, PLBs & satellite SOS 26:29 – Built-in satellite SOS on iPhone & Google Pixel 27:34 – Satellite messengers (Garmin inReach) 33:06 – Starlink for off-grid internet 34:40 – Licence-free radio bands in Australia 41:04 – UHF CB radios, channels & repeaters explained 49:14 – VHF/UHF programmable radios & intro to ham radio 54:50 – How LoRa technology works 57:23 – Meshtastic vs Mesh Core: off-grid mesh networking 1:07:57 – Push-to-talk-over-cellular radios 1:09:57 – Wi-Fi calling, Starlink & device demo 1:12:53 – Charging & solar power for your gear 1:15:16 – How mesh networks actually work 1:17:22 – Zello: push-to-talk from your phone 1:22:17 – Live demo: Mesh Core map of Sydney 1:24:19 – Hands-on: setting up a Meshtastic device 1:25:24 – Gear show & tell: PLBs, EPIRBs & CB radios 1:28:49 – Solar charging & Starlink dish demo 1:30:59 – Q&A: What about ham radio? 1:33:15 – Sharing a private Meshtastic channel via QR code 1:34:45 – Milan's final advice 1:36:55 – Wrap-up & thanks ## About MySelf Reliance Australia (MSR) MSR is Australia's community for building self-reliance skills and connecting with like-minded people all over the country. We run Hub meetups, workshops, retreats, and weekly online sessions like this one, covering everything from off-grid living to emergency preparedness, food security, and community resilience. 🔗 Join the community & find your local Hub: myselfreliance.com.au 📧 Get on our newsletter: kelli@myselfreliance.com.au 📅 Upcoming events: The Hills Hub tech talk 8 Aug, Lily Ponds Retreat Hub gathering 1st Aug, Blue Mountains butter & ghee workshop 15th Aug WA Hub meetup 1st Aug The Tiny Homes Expo in Brisbane 28- 30th August 👍 If this helped you think differently about staying connected, give it a like and subscribe — we run these Community Connections sessions regularly. ## Tags / Keywords off grid communication, emergency communication Australia, off grid communication Australia, Meshtastic, Mesh Core, LoRa radio, UHF CB radio, ham radio Australia, satellite messenger, Garmin inReach, satellite SOS, AusAlert, #OffGrid #EmergencyPreparedness #Meshtastic #HamRadio #SelfReliance #Australia #DisasterPreparedness #SurvivalSkills #AusAlert #Starlink

Do you ever freeze when it is your turn to speak? Maybe you have something valuable to say, but the words do not come out the way you hoped. Maybe you feel confident writing your thoughts down, but when it comes time to speak live, your mind goes blank. Or maybe you are ready to take the lead in your community, business, family or calling, but something inside still holds you back. In this MSR Members Meeting, Kelli Wilkins welcomes Dr Gary Wohlman, PhD — The Presentation Doctor & Speakers Mentor for a fun, interactive and deeply insightful session on voice, confidence, embodied communication and authentic leadership. Gary shares how true communication is not just about words. It is about body, breath, voice, movement, presence and connection. Through stories, live examples and interactive exercises, he helps members explore what it means to stop performing, stop hiding, and begin expressing themselves with more confidence and authenticity. This conversation is especially for quiet achievers, deep thinkers, helpers, hub leaders, business owners, community builders and everyday people who know they have something valuable to say — but do not always feel confident saying it. In this session, you will hear about: why public speaking confidence begins in the body how to move beyond self-consciousness and fear of being seen why “getting it right” is not the real goal how voice, gesture and movement help bring your message to life how leaders can express themselves with more presence and authenticity what may be holding you back from stepping into your full leadership why your message matters, even if you do not see yourself as a speaker This session also gives a taste of the work Dr Gary will be bringing to the Voice to Vision Leadership Retreat at LilyPonds Retreat. Voice to Vision Leadership Retreat Find your voice. Express your message. Step into leadership. A 3-day immersive retreat with Dr Gary Wohlman for those ready to build confidence, speak with presence, and bring their ideas, offering or message to life. 📅 Friday 25th September – Sunday 27th September 📍 LilyPonds Retreat, Warranulla NSW 🌻 Presented by MySelf Reliance 🏕️ Camping, glamping and retreat-only options available ✨ Early Bird & MSR Member pricing available Learn more or book here: https://www.myselfreliance.com.au/event-details/voice-to-vision-leadership-retreat About MySelf Reliance MySelf Reliance exists to build and connect freedom communities and create leaders in self-reliance. Through local hubs, online events, workshops, retreats and community connection, MSR supports Australians to grow, connect and thrive. Join MSR: https://www.myselfreliance.com.au Chapters 00:00 Welcome and informal gathering 22:10 MSR Members Meeting begins 23:00 Meet the MSR admin team and hub leaders 24:00 Hub updates from Canberra, Mid-North Coast, Queensland, WA and Hills 32:03 Why leadership begins with finding your voice 32:37 Introduction to Dr Gary Wohlman 34:05 Gary shares his approach to confidence and embodied communication 35:06 Why communication is more than words 36:00 Authenticity, presence and moving beyond “getting it right” 37:00 A taste of Gary’s confidence-building work 48:37 Interactive exercise: voice, gesture and mirroring 50:48 Turning key words into embodied confidence 51:29 Reflections from MSR members 1:17:00 Story: the leader who discovered what he was really afraid to show 1:26:27 How group work can create a felt shift 1:27:12 What is holding you back from stepping into leadership? 1:27:46 Member reflection: fear of making a fool of yourself 1:28:09 Reframing what holds us back Connect with Dr Gary Wohlman Website: https://www.mypresentationdoctor.com Wohlman Method: https://www.garywohlman.com/the-wohlman-method Subscribe to MySelf Reliance If this conversation encouraged you, please like, comment, share and subscribe to help us reach more people who are building self-reliant, connected and courageous communities across Australia. #MySelfReliance #VoiceToVision #DrGaryWohlman #PublicSpeakingConfidence #FindYourVoice #EmbodiedLeadership #LeadershipRetreat #SpeakWithConfidence #AuthenticCommunication #CommunityLeadership #SelfRelianceAustralia #LilyPondsRetreat

Where should you invest your money, time and energy in uncertain times? In this MSR Community Connections panel discussion, Kelli Wilkins is joined by four guests to explore different pathways for financial resilience: property, precious metals, crypto and business. This conversation looks at what is happening in the market, why people are feeling uncertain, the risks and opportunities across different investment areas, and why education, mindset and personal responsibility matter before making any major financial decision. Our panel includes: Simon Wilkins from Inspired Property Group — Property Adam Taylor — Silver and Gold Milan Rajcany — Crypto, financial independence and investment structures Helen Skazas — Business, income streams and investing in yourself This is an educational conversation only and is not personal financial advice. Please do your own research and seek professional advice for your own circumstances. Links Inspired Property Group: https://inspiredpg.com.au Simon Wilkins — Inspired Property Group: https://inspiredpg.com.au/about-us/simon-wilkins/ My Self Reliance Australia: https://www.myselfreliance.com.au Chapters 00:00 Welcome to MSR Community Connections 02:39 Meet the panel 07:41 Adam Taylor — why silver and gold 11:20 Simon Wilkins — property and understanding the numbers 12:27 Milan Rajcany — financial independence, assets and education 14:00 Helen Skazas — business, income streams and investing in yourself 16:43 Important note: education, not financial advice 17:28 What is happening in the market right now? 17:43 Property, policy changes and uncertainty 24:03 Precious metals during uncertain times 26:18 Crypto, Bitcoin volatility and stock market warnings 29:36 Business, fear, uncertainty and adaptability 32:01 Where should people start? 32:25 Diversification, tangible assets and crypto risk 35:44 Property fundamentals and long-term thinking 38:02 Gold, silver and the difference between money and currency 46:36 Business as an investment in yourself 50:28 Risks in business and decision-making 54:10 Money mindset, books and financial education 01:06:06 Final advice from the panel 01:06:33 Increase your value before your expectations 01:07:38 Multiple income streams and financial independence 01:13:34 Audience Q&A 01:14:04 Why invest in real estate? 01:20:25 Silver giveaway and closing moments 01:22:17 Final thanks and wrap-up Key themes covered Property investing Gold and silver Precious metals Crypto and Bitcoin Business income Multiple income streams Financial education Money mindset Self-reliance Financial resilience Market uncertainty Investment risks Asset protection Getting ahead in uncertain times About MSR My Self Reliance Australia helps everyday Australians grow, connect and thrive through practical education, community connection and self-reliance across key areas of life including food, health, money, relationships, education, technology, communication and faith. Subscribe for more conversations on preparedness, resilience, community and practical self-reliance.

Abundance in Action | 4 Steps to More Money, Time & Energy with Gerard Margetson In this MSR Community Connections session, Gerard Margetson from Abundance Call guides us through a practical and interactive conversation on abundance — not just in money, but also in time, energy, relationships, resources, communication and opportunity. As part of Finance Month at My Self Reliance, this session explores how abundance begins with clarity, mindset, intention and action. Gerard helps participants identify one area where they would like to experience more abundance and then unpack what may be getting in the way. This is a powerful session for anyone wanting to move beyond scarcity thinking, fear of the future, overwhelm or uncertainty — and begin asking clearer questions about what they really want and how to move toward it. Gerard has been coaching in business, life, abundance and relationships for over 15 years. His approach is practical, conversational and focused on helping people clarify what they want and identify the path forward. Connect with Gerard: https://abundancecall.com.au Learn more about My Self Reliance: https://www.myselfreliance.com.au Chapters 00:00 Welcome and introduction 01:06 Meet Gerard Margetson and how the session will work 02:16 Choosing an area for abundance 05:00 Why this is an interactive exercise 08:18 Defining abundance 10:00 More than enough, never running out 11:30 Abundance in finances 15:00 Abundance in communication and finding the right people 20:00 What gets in the way of attracting the right people 24:00 Abundance of ease and staying regulated 30:00 External limits, money systems and uncertainty 35:00 Internal limits and conflicting beliefs 39:00 How to move forward when the future feels uncertain 44:00 Gerard’s coaching story during lockdown 46:30 Writing the target and moving toward it 50:00 What do you actually want the money for? 55:00 Beliefs, barriers and subconscious intention 59:00 Stories of abundance showing up in unexpected ways 01:02:00 Taking the next step without seeing the whole road 01:05:00 The cake analogy: mixed signals and unclear desires 01:09:00 Giving yourself permission to receive abundance 01:10:30 Kelli’s reflection on MSR, faith and community abundance 01:13:00 Leadership, finding your voice and upcoming MSR opportunities 01:14:40 How to connect with Gerard 01:15:25 Final thanks and closing

In this MSR Community Connections conversation, Kelli Wilkins is joined by Tahlia Rochelle, founder of The Living Council, for an educational discussion on protecting what matters most and understanding the difference between operating in the public and private domains. Tahlia shares insights into private structures, Unincorporated Associations, financial organisation, personal responsibility, and why now is a powerful time to review the foundations you are building on. This conversation is for those who are interested in self-reliance, privacy, stewardship, community, and becoming more intentional with their finances, property, business, and future planning. Please note: This video is shared for general education and community discussion only. It is not financial, legal, accounting, or personal advice. Please do your own research and seek qualified guidance for your individual circumstances. 🌻 Learn more about My Self Reliance: [www.myselfreliance.com.au](http://www.myselfreliance.com.au) Connect with The Living Council: Search “The Living Council” or “Tahlia Rochelle” to learn more. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and introduction 05:00 Why this conversation matters now 08:25 Meet Tahlia Rochelle and The Living Council 13:20 Building stronger financial foundations 19:00 Understanding public vs private 26:20 Community questions begin 31:20 Protecting property, business and livelihood 39:30 Common misunderstandings around structure and responsibility 47:20 What is an Unincorporated Association? 56:10 Moving with education, not fear 1:04:30 Practical first steps to consider 1:12:45 Questions, examples and reflections 1:24:20 Final thoughts from Tahlia 1:28:00 Closing and next steps #MySelfReliance #MSRCommunityConnections #FinancialEducation #PrivateStructures #UnincorporatedAssociation #SelfReliance #PreparedNotPanicked #CommunityIsEverything #Australia

Are you feeling anxious, burnt out, stuck in overthinking, struggling in relationships, or dealing with ongoing health issues even though you feel like you’ve done “everything right”? In this MSR Community Connections conversation, former medical doctor Dr Jen Draper shares the personal and professional journey that led her to step away from conventional medicine and create The Unpatient Way™ — a new paradigm for healing rooted in nervous system regulation, self-trust, embodied inner authority, and reconnecting with the wisdom of the body. After nearly three decades in clinical practice, Dr Jen recognised that many high-performing people are not broken — they are exhausted from living in survival mode while disconnected from their own inner knowing. This conversation explores burnout, anxiety, overthinking, relationship struggles, nervous system dysregulation, persistent health challenges, personal authority, and what it means to become an active participant in your own healing journey. This is not about rejecting medicine. It is about learning to listen to your body, reclaim your self-trust, and move from survival mode into clarity, calm, and authentic wellbeing. 🌻 My Self Reliance Australia Prepared • Purposeful • Connected Website: www.myselfreliance.com.au Connect with MSR: Join our community, online calls, workshops, events, and local hubs through My Self Reliance. Suggested Timeline / Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to MSR Community Connections 02:00 Introducing Dr Jen Draper 05:30 What does “UNPATIENT” mean? 10:00 Why so many people feel anxious, burnt out, and disconnected 16:00 Dr Jen’s journey from conventional medicine to The Unpatient Way™ 24:00 Nervous system regulation and survival mode 32:00 The habit of outsourcing ourselves 40:00 Rebuilding self-trust and inner authority 48:00 Burnout, overthinking, relationships, and health challenges 58:00 Becoming an active participant in your healing 1:08:00 Practical steps to reconnect with your body 1:18:00 Final reflections and invitation to go deeper 1:24:00 Closing and MSR community updates #Unpatient #DrJenDraper #BurnoutRecovery #AnxietySupport #NervousSystemRegulation #SelfTrust #HolisticHealth #MySelfReliance #MSRCommunityConnections #HealingJourney #BodyWisdom #PersonalAuthority

In this episode of My Self Reliance, Kelli Wilkins speaks with Isaac Abeyta from Natural ArtForm about DMSO, why it has become such a talked-about natural remedy, and how people are using it for everyday aches, recovery, inflammation support, and long-term wellness. Isaac shares his knowledge of DMSO, herbal remedies, and Natural ArtForm’s approach to combining traditional plant wisdom with modern herbal science. We discuss what DMSO is, how it is commonly used, why quality and safety matter, and what people should consider before trying it for themselves. This conversation is designed to help you become more informed, more self-reliant, and more confident when exploring natural health options for yourself and your family. Congratulations to Tamara who won the ALLEVIATE Pro. ALLEVIATE PRO offers a higher concentration of DMSO, double extracts of COMFREY, and is the ONLY product of its kind to also actually include Allantoin, a water soluble component of the comfrey root that is extremely helpful for rapid cellular repair. Allantoin is found in breast milk, and it is absolutely amazing. In it's whole form in comfrey, it stimulates the growth of bone cells, skin cells, and ligament tissue. Please note: This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always do your own research and speak with a trusted health professional before using any new product or remedy, especially if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication. Learn more about My Self Reliance: www.myselfreliance.com.au Connect with Natural ArtForm: https://www.naturalartform.com/ Topics covered: • What is DMSO? • Why are so many people talking about DMSO? • DMSO for aches, recovery, and everyday complaints • Natural remedies and self-reliant health • The importance of quality, safety, and education • Natural ArtForm and herbal-based wellness products Subscribe to My Self Reliance for more conversations on preparedness, natural health, food, community, freedom, and practical self-reliance. #DMSO #DMSOExplained #NaturalRemedies #NaturalHealth #SelfReliance #MySelfReliance #NaturalArtForm #HolisticHealth #AlternativeHealth #Preparedness #Wellness #HerbalRemedies #HealthFreedom #Australia

In this MSR Community Chat, we speak with Denby Sheather, founder of The Menopause Medicine Path and host of the podcast Wildfire: Midlife Medicine For Women on the Rise. Denby brings over 27 years of experience as a yoga therapist and shamanic practitioner, supporting women through the deeper transitions of perimenopause, menopause and midlife. This conversation explores menopause as more than just a physical change. Denby shares how this season of life can affect the body, nervous system, emotions, identity, relationships and sense of self. Rather than seeing menopause as something to simply “get through,” Denby invites women to see it as a powerful initiation — a time to reconnect, listen inward, rebuild self-trust and step into a more authentic way of living. Together we discuss the disorientation many women feel during midlife, why the nervous system matters, and how somatic practices, ritual, awareness and community can support women through this important life threshold. This conversation is especially for women moving through perimenopause, menopause or midlife change — and for anyone who wants to better understand the emotional, spiritual and physical wisdom of this season. 🌺 In this conversation, we explore: Why menopause is more than a hormonal change How midlife can affect identity and self-trust The role of the nervous system during transition Why many women feel disoriented or disconnected How somatic practice and ritual can support healing Seeing menopause as an initiation, not an ending Reconnecting with your body, wisdom and inner knowing Guest: Denby Sheather Founder of The Menopause Medicine Path Host of Wildfire: Midlife Medicine For Women on the Rise Learn more about My Self Reliance Australia: https://www.myselfreliance.com.au Join our community and Tuesday Night Community Chats: https://www.myselfreliance.com.au My Self Reliance Australia is a community for people who want to become more prepared, purposeful and connected through practical skills, personal growth and supportive community. Suggested Hashtags #Menopause #Perimenopause #MidlifeWomen #WomensHealth #NervousSystemHealing #SomaticHealing #MySelfReliance #CommunityChat #MidlifeAwakening #WomenOnTheRise

What if healing isn’t something you wait for… but something you activate? In this deep and eye-opening conversation, Jenny Hobby joins Kelli Wilkins to unpack the real power behind energetic healing — and why your intentions, words, and emotional patterns play a much bigger role in your health than you may realise. Jenny explains that healing can often be instant, but for many people, it happens in layers — depending on how connected they are to the process. One of the most powerful insights from this conversation: 👉 “You can’t intend one thing and think something else… your intention will always hold you back.” Together, they explore: How strong intention can shift your reality Why your voice and words act as commands to your body The reason some people experience instant healing — and others don’t How emotional patterns and past experiences get stored in the body Why healing can happen in layers over time How energy work can impact health, relationships, wealth, fears, and habits Jenny shares that energy healing isn’t limited to one area of life — it can be applied to everything… from physical symptoms to emotional blocks, addictions, and even the way we relate to others. 🌻 We are powerful creators. When your intention, words, and actions align — that’s when real transformation happens. If you’ve been feeling stuck, disconnected, or wondering why things aren’t shifting… this conversation will open your eyes to what might really be going on beneath the surface.