The Prepared Mindset Podcast

The new year is in full swing, and so is our calendar! I wanted to take a moment to sit and share with everyone our goals for the 2022 year, and what we have coming down the road over the next several months. Goals are a important part to sustained success and we have plenty set up for this year, and beyond. I talk about guests, gear, topics, and even in some areas shifting our focus and development. We plan to have even more success in 2022 than we did last year!

This past weekend, Lexy and I had the opportunity to take our first training class together. We headed out to Ann Arbor Arms once again, and participated in their Concealed Carry Tactics course. This was my 2nd class and Lexy's first ever! It was a fantastic overall experience and we both learned so much in just 4 hours. We talk about what we learned, Lexy's experience for her first time, our take-away's and observations, and much more.

We kick off 2022 talking with Conan Kilgore, and discuss the popular "recce" or "recon" concept. This is something that has grown and grown in popularity within the past few years but few people truly dive into to understand. Conan has devoted a large amount of his time, energy, and passion to developing these skills and is a wealth of knowledge. We talk rifles, we talk gear, we even talk hygiene. A great conversation, lots to learn, check it out!

2021 is almost at it's close, and what a year it's been. Our first full year up and running has brought about some unbelievable experiences and more than some unseen changes in our lives. I take the time this week to talk about the last 12 months, say some much deserved thank you's, and even offer a little insight on what the next 12 months might bring.

We've been saving and storing up questions that you all have sent and emailed in to us. This week, we get to a handful of those, as Lexy and I discuss some of your inquiries. Topics range from terrifying range experiences, to stress management. Check it out!

Winter is officially upon us. The days are short, and it seems like night time lasts forever these days. So, I thought it would be a great opportunity to talk about some of the light choices that are out there, why you should carry a flashlight probably more than anything else, what to buy, what to avoid, and a bunch more!

The right to free speech has long been a guaranteed right by our American First Amendment. Since the development of social media, having a individual thought, or unpopular opinion has been discouraged and often attacked. This week, through the lens and context of some truly terrible and tragic current events, I share my thoughts on why it's so important to not only have an opinion, but to voice it often.

As it the eve of December 1st, and of course bourbon being our drink of choice here at PMP, it only felt right to sit down and go over some of our absolute favorites. Trevor sheds some light on common misconceptions, as well as as shares his knowledge on all things bourbon and whiskey. A fun discussion to kick us off into the end of the year!!

I had the opportunity this week to sit and talk with Chris Blau of 1911 Syndicate. Chris works in real estate by trade, and also is part of the YouTube channel "1911 Syndicate" that provides informational firearms content. We talk real estate, we talk finances, we talk rifles, we talk about a whole bunch. One of the best conversations I've had so far, and not one you'll want to miss!

A few days early, I felt that in the wake of the verdict that came down today in the case of Kyle Rittenhouse, it was only appropriate to take the time to share my thoughts and feelings on this situation. Obviously this has been a closely watched trial, and the verdict carries large implications on both sides of the political aisle. Take a listen!

This week, I sit down and catch up with my good friend Spencer. We talk more about medical prepping, the importance of proper training, how to react in emergency situations, and a whole lot more. A great conversation, and one I'm sure you'll all enjoy!

Jumping off of last weeks discussion on the holidays, I take the time this week to explain my favorite kit. I go back from the beginning and talk about the mistakes I made, the money I wasted, and how I ultimately decided to carry what I carry, and why. Everything from belts, to shoes, to headsets, I touch on everything.

Halloween has officially passed, and we're officially in Christmas shopping season! We were a bit late to the party on this topic last year, and wanted to make sure we got out ahead this time. Lexy and I sit down and talk about some best practices to balance your budget while shopping, as well as discuss some great gift ideas for the prepared individual in your life.

This week, I take a moment to talk about where I've been the past week, the upcoming Halloween holiday, and how music shapes a stronger attitude. Specifically, I talk about some situational awareness and considerations for the one day every year everyone runs amok with masks and "weapons", as well as how my time spent studying music ended up shaping my work ethic and my mindset.

This week, I share my thoughts on the idea of "buy once, cry once" and why exactly it really is so important. Sam and I both had some separate interactions on a very popular online commerce site that left us a bit upset, and honestly more than a little confused. Buying quality gear is and investment in yourself, and ensuring you'll be ready when murphy's law enters the game. Enjoy!

This week, Lexy joins me, and we discuss the a situation she endured in the workplace, and why it's important to have plans established outside the home, in the event something happens. We take a lot of time planning for our home, but we spend as much, if not more time, in the office. Take a listen as we discuss workplace plans and strategies around being prepared.

Finally had a opportunity to catch up with my friend Dameon, from The Concealed Journey. We take the time to sit and chat, and catch up on what we've both been doing this summer. Both of us have been through our first formalized class experiences, and we compare some notes and experiences, as well as talk about a ton of other topics too!

In the prepping and 2A communities, it's easy to get carried away with our vernaculars and acronyms that exist, seemingly, for every little thing. After realizing in some recent conversations that not everyone understands what we're saying sometimes, I thought it would be great to talk through some of the most commonly used and heard terms and acronyms in the military/shooting/prepping community, and how they're all applied.

This week, Sam, Ryan, and myself sit down and talk bugging out. It gets a lot of hype in the prepping community for being the best laid plan, and the only course of action when the world starts to fall apart. But is it really your best option? We talk the pro's and con's of each, and hit on some of the finer points of what it really might look like to "bug in" or "bug out".

This week, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down, talking with Pat Watson, of Uncensored Tactical. We hit on everything from CQB, to force on force, to training mindset and vetting instructors. Pat and Uncensored are growing rapidly and have a ton of great things going on. We highly recommend you check out his website and his courses. You can find more information at https://uncensoredtactical.com/

It's been a hot minute and then some since our last SITREP, and given recent events, we felt this would be a fitting day for one! Lexy and I sit down and discuss the 20th anniversary of September 11th, 2001, how we spent the day, as well as hit a few current events involving recent announcements by the President.

Had the exciting opportunity to sit down this week with family friend and 36 year Marine Corps vet, Thomas Baker. Tom's career spanned the cold war on through the war on terror having only recently retired, and was able to share a lot about his vast experiences with me. Now that he's out, he is also the owner of Crossed Rifles Ranch in Wyoming, offering training and learning opportunities in everything from firearms to livestock and agriculture. Head to Crossedriflesranch.com to get more info!

Accountability should be what steers us, and helps guide us through our goal to be more prepared, and solidify our survival mindset. This week, I share my personal thoughts on what that means. How should we hold ourselves more accountable, and what does that really look like. I talk about some current events, share a few stories, and provide my opinion on why personal accountability is paramount when building a prepared mindset.

August 26th 2021, the largest lost of American life in a decade occurred in Afghanistan as two bombs went off and a gunfight ensued at Kabul Airport. I share with you my feelings first, and then my thoughts on what's lead to this so far, and what we need to do going forward.

This past weekend, I traveled out to Ann Arbor, MI to attend the Carbine 2 course at Ann Arbor Arms. Had a absolutely fantastic experience in my first structured course and I take the time this week to sit down and share my thoughts and experiences. I definitely recommend the amazing facilities and staff, head over to annarborarms.com and schedule your next class!

Trevor and I sit down this week and talk about some experiences we've had ourselves, learning about concealed carrying a firearm, as well as introducing others to it as well. We talk about some common misconceptions, hit on a need for greater education, and even share some of our favorite resources.

I have the opportunity to sit down and talk with my friend Jake, who is freshly out of the Marine Corps. He shares some stories and experiences throughout his time of service and talks about what it was like for him, how it helped him, and how it changed him.

This week, I have the privilege of sitting down with Yousef Badou. Yousef is a expert in situational awareness and pre-event threat detection. He runs Emergence, a company dedicated to sharing this information and training, with the mission of increasing safety and building proactive mindsets. You can find Yousef's training and more at: Free.EmergenceDisrupt.com. We highly recommend this to anyone concerned with safety, awareness, and preparation at any and all levels.

This week, I was able to return to my local gun range for the first time since lockdown in March of last year. As such, I spend some time talking about my visit, some of my observations, and sharing my insights on what to do or not do when at the range.

I share some thoughts this week, on tracking goals, maintaining a positive and tenacious attitude, and pushing through life with a consistent momentum. As we work towards a better equipped and more prepared lifestyle, these are things we all must have, if we want to find our own success.

This week, I'm joined by Zeff, from our partner MyMedic.com. We sit down this week and talk about how MyMedic got started, what their mission is, and how they're working every day to positively impact our world by preparing ordinary people to deal with extraordinary situations. We get into lots of great stuff, so check it out!

This week, Sam is back and we take our first step into the wide world of radio and communications. Sam shares his experience while working with multiple radio platforms during his time as a TACP. We take a high level look into how helpful these are, and how they can aid civilians in being prepared.

I'm joined this week by Tim, also known as concept_grey on instagram. We battle through some connection issues, but have a outstanding conversation about some little known government firearm programs, cloning GWOT mk12's and a bunch more. Great chat with a great guy, check it out!

This week, I take a look at the current hot-button issue with the ATF, pistol braces. Most American's and admittedly many gun owners don't fully understand how they fit into the law. I discuss their benefits, how they work with our current system of laws, why they're such a target today, and more.

Been a while since we had a SITREP so I thought after running into a couple particularly pertinent issues yesterday, this would be a good time. I talk briefly on my thoughts about 2A sanctuaries, legislation, and as always, doing research through reliable and credible sources!

Joining me this week, is Dameon Houser from The Concealed Journey. We take a bit of time on this weeks episode to discuss the 2A culture, mentoring new shooters, being prepared and what that means for well-rounded Americans, and so much more!

This week I share my thoughts and feelings on the growing amount of support of the 2A on various social media platforms. Looking specifically at the advancement and development of both shooter capability and competence, as well as technology. Without the specific work and support of those of us in the civilian sector, we would not be seeing the developments and advancements in gear and training that we are today.

Here in Michigan, we recently found out that restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic will soon be lifting. We will be able to put the last 16 months in our rear view. I sit down this week and talk about what we've seen and learned throughout the pandemic and how it's forever changed the way we'll live our lives.

For a bit of a different vibe this week, I sit down with Trevor, and we compare lists of our favorite and least favorite movie gats. Certainly no shortage of useless information and colorful commentary this week!

This week Sam and I are on with Rob Hull, a friend of ours who works in Law Enforcement. We sit down, and discuss how training impacts us from a civilian, military, and LE mindset. The ups, the downs, the in-betweens, we hit on a lot of the big issues in modern training, as well as how it most commonly impacts our daily lives.

Our fiftieth episode! I share my thoughts on work ethic, personal attitude, and determination. Reflecting back on the journey to get PMP to this point, I offer some of my own experiences, feelings, and failures that helped me and the team find our success.

After my conversation with Ryan on last weeks episode, I've got Sam back with me this week to review our recent trip. Sam shares his input on the trip, as well as a few stories and experiences of his own. We're looking forward to getting back out soon to do it again!

Ryan joins me again and we break down the weekend that Sam and I spent in Atlanta, MI at the Canada Creek Ranch. A weekend full of land nav, scouting, turkey hunting, and more. We talk about the ranch community, hunting turkeys, ducks, deer, and even get into a discussion on clear cutting forests.

As the 2A is under consistent attack in the media lately, I felt this a great opportunity to discuss the latest book got through "Mentoring Shooters" by Dustin Salomon. More specifically, talking about how to welcome new and curious shooters into the pro-2A community. We highlight topics, communication types, and a whole heck of a bunch more!

In the wake of this weeks major announcements from the Biden administration, calling for action by the Justice Department and the nomination for a new ATF director, we take a look at the proposed action. How does this impact you, is this all correct, how does this trickle down, and a lot more.

This week, I take a light-hearted look at the stimulus/relief funds that most American's have received in recent weeks, and appropriately, discuss the best 2A ways to spend that stimulus. We touch on all sorts of gear and I share my thoughts and feelings on various brands and options as well.

I welcome my friend Kori onto the pod this week, and take some time to answer her questions as someone "on the outside looking in". We discuss the current climate as it relates to gun control, what that means for most pro-2A Americans, and share all sorts of information that might not be general knowledge for someone outside the prepared community.

In the wake of the tragic incident in Boulder this week, and the growing demands from liberal legislators to enact even more gun control, I look at the current bills sitting in the House and Senate and how they will impact our lives as pro-2A individuals, as well as share my thoughts and feelings on them.

Sam and I make our long awaited announcement, reflect on the year past, our first full year of running the Prepared Mindset podcast together, talk about our successes, plans for the future, and a whole bunch more!

As states open back up, and we start the great American migration back into our respective offices and workplaces, we take the opportunity to discuss the restrictions we face around the office, and how we can operate within those confines, to still lead a prepared and safe workday.