I'm Jason Salyer: adventure junkie, survivalist, prepper, and outdoor fitness expert who thrives on extreme challenges. From scaling steep mountains to navigating treacherous swamps, I live for testing my limits both mentally and physically. If it involves grit, determination, and pushing boundaries, I'm all in!
You might recognize me from the History Channel's Alone: The Beast, where I survived 25 grueling days in the unforgiving Louisiana swamp with nothing but the clothes on my back and a few million mosquito companions. National Geographic also featured my survival skills on their series Called To The Wild. These intense survival experiences reinforced my passion for wilderness challenges and helped me develop a diverse skill set in extreme outdoor adventures.
My professional career matches the intensity of my outdoor pursuits. As Head Strength Coach for Division One Athletics at the University of California, Riverside, I taught physical capabilities of elite college athletes. I also served as a Human Performance Specialist for Naval Special Warfare, training Navy SEALs to achieve peak performance under extreme conditions. These demanding roles fueled my expertise in mental toughness and physical conditioning.
I'm deeply fascinated by how my Appalachian ancestors thrived in harsh conditions with minimal resources. My 90-year-old Granny still shares stories about surviving the Great Depression with an unbreakable positive mindset. She reminds me they actually walked two miles to school, sometimes through snow (and we complain when our Wi-Fi goes down!).
For Granny's family, survival wasn't just about endurance but about perseverance with purpose. They embodied a selfless mindset, always putting others first while maintaining complete self-reliance. They understood the delicate balance between independence and community support, especially within family bonds.
That ancestral inspiration sparked an unreachable itch while working for the Navy. I was done with HOA neighborhoods in Southern California and feeling restricted by the inflexible work schedule that left me with limited time for what I truly loved. Don't get me wrong, I loved my job and my time there, but I didn't have nearly enough time for survival challenges and weekend adventures. I wanted to live like my ancestors, with land, livestock, fresh well water, and a flowing creek.
I made a bold move. I quit my job, kissed my cushy paycheck goodbye, and bet everything on a homestead. I poured all my savings into it, took out a loan, and started working as a handyman to pay the bills. Now, almost ten years later, I have more survival skills and outdoor adventures under my belt than I ever could have imagined while living in California. The money isn’t as good, but the time I get to spend doing what I love and helping others is priceless. Besides, who needs a steady income when you’ve got chickens? I loved my life in California, but I can’t be in two places at once, so this is the path I chose.
Like Granny's family, I've mastered self-sufficiency without depending on others. But I've also discovered the immense value of community connections, whether through family bonds or the broader prepper network I'm part of today. It's about achieving that perfect balance between complete independence and knowing when to accept support.
I've always believed in the transformative power of positive thinking. Even during our most challenging moments, maintaining a smile can change everything. To continuously test my abilities and build mental resilience, I host spontaneous survival challenges with friends and family. These experiences aren't just about surviving but about observing how we interact, support each other, and grow stronger together. My friends jokingly call these adventures "Suffering with Salyer," but I know they emerge more capable and knowledgeable.
Ready to push your limits? Follow my YouTube channel and Website Event Section for upcoming survival challenges and learn how to overcome obstacles while maintaining an unshakeable positive outlook. Let's test what you're really made of!
On this site, you’ll find articles packed with survival tips, prepping guides, outdoor fitness challenges, and gear recommendations, plus more!
My goal is to inspire people to live their lives to the fullest and not in fear. I want you to take on challenges, be willing to struggle, and learn with a smile on your face. So, dive in, explore, and be ready to go on three!
