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Kevin is known for his unique approach to building and living, championing what he calls "Modern Self Reliance." Rejecting the easy, standardized path, he blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary tools to achieve true independence. We sat down with him to learn more about his philosophy, the influence of classic thinkers, and how he keeps his builds—and his life—authentically his own.
Kevin, you explicitly reference Ralph Waldo Emerson's essay "Self-Reliance," particularly the ideas of avoiding conformity and following one's own instincts. How has this guiding principle directly influenced a specific build project where the "standard" or "YouTube-popular" method would have been easier, but you chose a different path based on your own principles?
Kevin: That's a great question that ties Emerson's philosophy to a practical decision-making process.
In Emerson's Self-Reliance, he argues for the importance of trusting one's own intuition and inner voice, even when it conflicts with popular opinion or conventional wisdom. He famously writes, “Who so would be a man must be a nonconformist,” encouraging individuals to trust their instincts and not blindly follow the crowd.
When it comes to a build project, applying Emerson’s principle might involve choosing a less conventional method or design choice that feels more authentic to your own vision, even if it’s not the easiest or most popular route. My specific example is the project: Making the Sphere (you can find the full build here).
When I started this project, I had a clear vision in mind: I didn’t want to just follow the standard methods I’d seen in countless YouTube tutorials or rely on pre-made kits. I wanted to create something that was entirely my own—something that spoke to my values of resourcefulness, creativity, and independence. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s essay Self-Reliance was a big influence on this process. His ideas about rejecting conformity and trusting your own instincts guided me every step of the way.
For instance, when it came to the frame, I decided to repurpose old wire spools. Instead of using standard materials like metal tubing or buying a pre-fabricated frame, I felt that using these spools was a more authentic choice—it gave the project character and a sense of history, and it aligned with my desire to be more resourceful. Emerson talks about how important it is to trust your own judgment and not follow the crowd, and this was my way of doing that. I knew it wouldn’t be the easiest route, but it felt right, and I was determined to make it work.
In the end, this project was as much about the process as it was about the finished product. By rejecting conformity and choosing what felt right to me, I was able to create a space that’s truly my own—a physical manifestation of Emerson’s call to trust your inner voice and reject the easy, popular choices in favor of something more authentic.
Your channel focuses on "Modern Self Reliance," using modern tools and amenities. Where do you find the most tension between modern convenience and true self-reliance? What does "a completely self-reliant lifestyle" ultimately look like to you?
Kevin: As for what a completely self-reliant lifestyle looks like to me—it's not about total isolation or rejecting everything modern. I think a true self-reliant life is about balance. It’s about having the skills, mindset, and independence to live on your own terms, even if you use modern tools to do so. A self-reliant lifestyle means having the knowledge to grow your own food, repair your own equipment, and create your own solutions, but also knowing when it makes sense to use modern conveniences to save time, energy, or effort—without becoming dependent on them.
For me, it’s also about adaptability. Self-reliance isn’t about sticking to one rigid set of rules or techniques. It’s about being able to pivot and use whatever resources are available to you, whether that’s a high-tech tool or a more traditional method. It’s about the confidence to face challenges and solve problems, whether you're in a remote cabin or living in a more urban environment.
Ultimately, a self-reliant lifestyle is one where you’re in control of your life, your environment, and your skills—where you can be self-sufficient, but also flexible enough to make the most of the world around you, whether that’s through modern technology or old-school know-how.
You cover a wide range, from construction to meat smoking. What is the most unexpected or "modern" skill you've had to learn for your lifestyle that isn't typically associated with off-griding?
Kevin: One of the most unexpected "modern" skills I’ve had to learn for my off-grid lifestyle is actually digital skills—things like managing a website, creating content, and using social media. When people think off-grid, they usually imagine hand tools and growing food, but in today’s world, sharing knowledge and building a community often requires technology. Learning to make videos, run a blog, and market online is crucial for maintaining independence in a connected world.
Another modern skill I didn’t expect was plasma cutting and welding. These tools allow me to fabricate custom metal parts and structures quickly and precisely, which has been a game-changer. It’s a skill that combines modern technology with hands-on craftsmanship, giving me the ability to build and repair things on my own, without relying on pre-made parts or professionals.
Ultimately, self-reliance today isn’t just about rejecting technology—it’s about using modern tools that enhance your independence, while still keeping the practical skills that define off-grid living.
Describe the collaborative process of creating the 'Adventures with Bill' segment with your brother, Chris (The Wooded Beardsman), and your nephew, Holden? And, was that segment filmed in one take?
Kevin: Creating the Adventures with Bill segment with my brother Chris and my nephew Holden was a lot of fun and completely collaborative—we feed off each other’s energy and ideas in the moment. The segment was actually filmed in one take, which made it feel spontaneous and authentic, like a real adventure unfolding in front of the camera.
Finally, if you had the chance to work on a build with Red (Steve Smith from the Red Green Show), which problem would you try and solve and how would his expertise be helpful?
Kevin: If I had the chance to work on a build with Steve Smith from the Red Green Show, I’d love to tackle something more trivial—like figuring out a clever way to organize tools or build a quirky, over-the-top gadget for the workshop. Steve’s creativity and humor would be perfect for turning a simple problem into a fun, inventive solution. I think working with him would be as entertaining as it would be enlightening, and we’d probably end up with something both useful and completely ridiculous.
