Welcome to On 3! I’m Jason Salyer—an adventure junkie, survivalist, prepper, and outdoor fitness fanatic who’s never met a challenge I didn’t like. From scaling steep mountains to diving into swamps, I thrive on testing my limits—both mentally and physically. If it involves grit, determination, and a little bit of crazy, count me in!
You might recognize me from the History Channel’s Alone: The Beast, where I spent 25 days in the unforgiving Louisiana swamp with nothing but the clothes on my back and a few million of my closest mosquito friends. National Geographic also tested some of my skills on their series Called To The Wild. These experiences pushed me to the edge and beyond, reinforcing my love for survival challenges and the great outdoors.
My professional background is as intense as my hobbies. I’ve served as the Head Strength Coach for Division One Athletics at the University of California, Riverside, where I honed the physical capabilities of elite athletes. I also worked as a Human Performance Specialist for Naval Special Warfare, training Navy SEALs to reach their peak performance. These roles were demanding, but I absolutely loved every minute of them!
I am deeply infatuated with how my ancestors lived, especially those from Appalachia. Their ability to thrive in rugged conditions with limited resources is a constant source of inspiration. My 90-year-old Granny still tells me stories about how her family got through the Great Depression, and let me tell you, they did it with a positive mindset. Seriously, she says they actually walked two miles to school, sometimes in the snow! And we think we've got it rough when our Wi-Fi drops out.
But for Granny and her family, it wasn’t just about survival—it was about perseverance. They had this incredible selfless mindset, always putting others before themselves and never expecting anything in return. They knew how to rely on themselves and take care of their own without counting on anyone else, yet they also understood the importance of community, especially within their own family.
Speaking of self-reliance, I began to feel an unreachable itch while I was working for the Navy. I realized I was done with the HOA neighborhood in Southern California. I didn’t just want to live—I wanted to live a little more like my ancestors, with land, chickens, a well, and a creek.
So, 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, got a loan, started a completely different job as a handyman to pay the bills, and now, here I am, almost ten years later, with more survival skills and outdoor adventures under my belt than I ever could’ve imagined while living in California. Sure, the money isn't as great, 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, right? Don’t get me wrong—I loved my life in California, but I can’t be in two places at once, so this is the path I had to choose.
Just like Granny's family, I’ve learned to do things myself and not rely on anyone else. But I’ve also come to understand the value of community, whether that’s my own family or the wider prepper community I’m part of now. It’s about finding that balance—being self-sufficient but also knowing when to lean on others. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I've always believed in the power of a positive mindset. Even at our toughest times, a smile can make all the difference—it's one of my greatest strengths. To keep testing my skills and building resilience, I host random survival challenges with my friends and family. These experiences are not just about surviving but about seeing how we all interact with each other as we endure and grow together. My friends jokingly refer to these challenges as "Suffering with Salyer," but I know they're stronger and more knowledgeable because of them.
Want to join the adventure? Keep an eye on my channel for upcoming challenges, and learn how to push your limits while maintaining a positive outlook.
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!
