The Library

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202 conversations on preparedness, homesteading, and self-reliance. Search the archive by keyword.

202 episodes · newest first

Latest first.

What Will SHTF Really Be Like the First Year
EP 017
36 min

June 2, 2026

What Will SHTF Really Be Like the First Year

Send us Fan Mail What Will SHTF Really Be Like the First Year Forrest and Patrick join forces to discuss what the first year of a national grid-down situation might be like. The EMP Commission states that 90% of the population wouldn't make it through the first year. How would you survive the first year of chaos? Are your plans prepper fiction, or a real plan to survive and begin rebuilding after the first year? Join PrepperNet.Net - https://www.preppernet.net PrepperNet is an organization of like-minded individuals who believe in personal responsibility, individual freedoms and preparing for disasters of all origins. PrepperNet Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders https://prepperfinds.com www.preppernet.com

Biblical Preparedness with Forrest Garvin | Interview on Church Dads Podcastd Episode
EP 016
58 min

May 26, 2026

Biblical Preparedness with Forrest Garvin | Interview on Church Dads Podcastd Episode

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode, Forrest Garvin joins the Church Dads Podcast for a powerful conversation about biblical preparedness, Christian leadership, family legacy, entrepreneurship, and living intentionally in uncertain times. Forrest shares his personal journey of faith, how preparedness aligns with scripture, and why fathers today should take seriously the responsibility to protect and lead their families spiritually, physically, and financially. The discussion covers practical preparedness, Christian business principles, family resilience, and the importance of building a lasting legacy rooted in biblical stewardship. Topics discussed include: - Biblical examples of preparedness from scripture - Why faith and practical action work together - Simple steps families can take to become more resilient - Christian entrepreneurship and kingdom impact - Building family-led businesses and passing down skills and values - Leading your family with confidence during uncertain times This is an encouraging and practical discussion for Christian men, fathers, preppers, homesteaders, and families seeking wisdom, purpose, and preparedness grounded in faith. A big thank you to the Church Dads Podcast for having Forrest on their show. Their Podcast This show is on their podcast! Please support their podcast by: - Following and subscribing - Leaving a review - Sharing this episode with friends and family You can learn more about Church Dads here: https://churchdads.buzzsprout.com/ Learn more about Forrest Garvin and his projects: https://forrestgarvin.com/ https://preppernet.com/ https://prepperfinds.com/ https://mysolaroven.com/ Join PrepperNet.Net - https://www.preppernet.net PrepperNet is an organization of like-minded individuals who believe in personal responsibility, individual freedoms and preparing for disasters of all origins. PrepperNet Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders https://prepperfinds.com www.preppernet.com

Food Security in Today’s Economy
EP 015
32 min

May 19, 2026

Food Security in Today’s Economy

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss one of the most important preparedness topics facing families today — food security in today’s economy. With rising grocery prices, inflation, supply chain disruptions, economic uncertainty, and increasing concerns about the stability of the food system, more Americans are asking serious questions about how to protect and provide for their families long term. We explore practical ways individuals and families can improve food security through preparedness, home food storage, gardening, bulk purchasing, freeze-dried foods, food preservation, and developing self-reliance skills. This episode breaks down why food security is no longer just a concern for “preppers,” but something everyday families are beginning to think about as the cost of living continues to rise across the United States. We also discuss how economic conditions, fuel prices, transportation costs, and global instability affect the availability and affordability of food. Learn why many preparedness-minded families are building long-term food storage systems and taking steps now to become less dependent on fragile supply chains and centralized systems. This episode also touches on practical emergency preparedness topics, including: Long-term food storage Freeze-dried food Bulk food buying Gardening and homesteading Emergency cooking methods Off-grid preparedness Inflation and rising food costs Supply chain disruptions Self-reliance and family preparedness Building a preparedness mindset We briefly discuss alternative cooking solutions like the Made in the USA, family-owned, veteran-owned My Solar Oven, which allows families to cook using the power of the sun without relying on electricity or fuel during emergencies or power outages. Whether you are just getting started in preparedness or already building a long-term plan for your family, this episode offers practical insights into why food security matters now more than ever. If you are concerned about inflation, economic instability, emergency preparedness, or becoming more self-reliant, this is an episode you will not want to miss. Join PrepperNet.Net - https://www.preppernet.net PrepperNet is an organization of like-minded individuals who believe in personal responsibility, individual freedoms and preparing for disasters of all origins. PrepperNet Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders https://prepperfinds.com www.preppernet.com

Solar Cooking with the My Solar Oven
EP 014
35 min

May 12, 2026

Solar Cooking with the My Solar Oven

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive deep into the world of solar cooking with the new My Solar Oven — a family-owned, veteran-owned, Made in the USA solar oven designed for preparedness, off-grid living, homesteading, emergency cooking, camping, and self-reliance. If you have ever wondered how solar ovens work, what foods you can cook with solar power, or why thousands of preparedness-minded families are turning to solar cooking, this episode is for you. We discuss the history of solar ovens, the benefits of cooking without electricity or fuel, and why solar cooking has become increasingly important amid rising energy costs, natural disasters, power grid concerns, and supply chain uncertainty. Learn how a solar oven can help you prepare meals with only the power of the sun, reducing your dependence on propane, charcoal, wood, or electricity. In this podcast, we also discuss practical preparedness, emergency cooking, off-grid cooking solutions, and sustainable living. You’ll hear real-world examples of what can be cooked in a solar oven, including bread, meats, vegetables, soups, desserts, and freeze-dried meals. Whether you are a prepper, homesteader, RV traveler, camper, or someone looking for alternative cooking methods, this episode will open your eyes to the possibilities of solar cooking technology. My Solar Oven is proudly family-owned, veteran-owned, and manufactured in the USA. Built with durability and long-term preparedness in mind, the My Solar Oven is designed to help families become more resilient and self-reliant during emergencies and everyday life. Topics covered include: Solar cooking for beginners Emergency preparedness cooking Off-grid cooking solutions Homesteading and self-reliance Sustainable cooking methods Cooking during power outages Solar oven meal ideas Preparedness gear and survival cooking Why solar ovens matter in 2026 and beyond If you are interested in preparedness, survival skills, emergency cooking, renewable energy, homesteading, or living more independently, this is an episode you do not want to miss. Join PrepperNet.Net - https://www.preppernet.net PrepperNet is an organization of like-minded individuals who believe in personal responsibility, individual freedoms and preparing for disasters of all origins. PrepperNet Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders https://prepperfinds.com www.preppernet.com

Communications Vunerabilites
EP 013
30 min

May 7, 2026

Communications Vunerabilites

Send us Fan Mail Our critical infrastructure faces multiple threats from physical security, cyber security, rust, and corporate profit over resilience. In this episode of Grid Down Comms Up, we discuss some of the threats our communications systems face to better understand how they might fail and how we can plan for those failures. Grid Down Comms Up takes listeners for a brief peek behind the fragile veil of our communications systems. Preview: The systems we built during the Cold War are being rapidly replaced by less resilient, more profitable systems every day. Area Study Map Discount code: griddowncommsup Join PrepperNet.Net - https://www.preppernet.net PrepperNet is an organization of like-minded individuals who believe in personal responsibility, individual freedoms and preparing for disasters of all origins. PrepperNet Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders https://prepperfinds.com www.preppernet.com

2FA: The Simple Step That Stops Most Hacks
EP 012
19 min

May 5, 2026

2FA: The Simple Step That Stops Most Hacks

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Prepping Academy Podcast, Forrest Garvin breaks down one of the most important—and overlooked—steps you can take to protect your digital life: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Most people rely solely on passwords, but they get stolen every day through data breaches, phishing, and simple attacks. This episode explains how 2FA works, why it’s so effective, and how it can stop the vast majority of account takeovers. You’ll learn the different types of 2FA, which ones are secure, and which ones to avoid. From authenticator apps to hardware keys, Forrest walks through what you should be using right now to protect your email, banking, crypto, and more. Topics covered: What 2FA is and how it works Why passwords alone are no longer enough The difference between SMS, apps, and hardware keys Common attacks like phishing and SIM swapping How to properly secure your accounts From a preparedness standpoint, this is about access control—protecting your digital life the same way you protect your home and resources. Most people get hacked because they’re easy targets. Don’t be one of them. Garvin Academy Free Webinars: https://prepperfinds.com/free-webinars Join PrepperNet.Net - https://www.preppernet.net PrepperNet is an organization of like-minded individuals who believe in personal responsibility, individual freedoms and preparing for disasters of all origins. PrepperNet Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders https://prepperfinds.com www.preppernet.com

Stay the Course
EP 011
25 min

April 28, 2026

Stay the Course

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Prepping Academy Podcast, Forrest Garvin discusses one of the biggest problems in the preparedness community: people stop preparing when things feel normal. When shelves are full and life feels stable, most people drift away from preparedness. But that’s exactly when you should be building skills, strengthening your plan, and staying connected. This episode breaks down the cycle of prepping, why complacency is dangerous, and how to stay consistent even when there’s no immediate threat. Topics covered: Why do people stop preparing when times are good The cycle of fear, action, and complacency Why preparedness must become a lifestyle How to stay consistent without burnout The importance of community and staying connected Preparedness isn’t something you start during a crisis—it’s something you build over time. Stay ready. Stay consistent. Stay the course. PrepperNet.com PrepperFinds.com Join PrepperNet.Net - https://www.preppernet.net PrepperNet is an organization of like-minded individuals who believe in personal responsibility, individual freedoms and preparing for disasters of all origins. PrepperNet Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders https://prepperfinds.com www.preppernet.com

7 Steps to Take Back Your Online Privacy
EP 010
33 min

April 21, 2026

7 Steps to Take Back Your Online Privacy

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Prepping Academy Podcast, Forrest Garvin breaks down 7 simple steps you can take right now to regain control of your online privacy. Most people don’t realize how much of their life is being tracked, stored, and sold—from emails and searches to phones and smart devices. This episode walks you through practical, real-world actions to reduce your digital footprint and protect your personal information. This isn’t complicated tech talk. These are straightforward steps anyone can follow to stop being the product and start taking control. Topics covered: Why your data is constantly being tracked and sold How email providers monitor your communications Safer browser and search alternatives The truth about smartphones and tracking Why smart devices may be listening in your home How to clean your system and reduce tracking Adding a layer of protection with VPNs and secure messaging From a preparedness standpoint, privacy is not optional—it’s part of protecting yourself, your family, and your future. If you want to stop being tracked and start taking control, this episode will show you how. Free Webinar: https://prepperfinds.com/free-webinars PrepperFinds.com Join PrepperNet.Net - https://www.preppernet.net PrepperNet is an organization of like-minded individuals who believe in personal responsibility, individual freedoms and preparing for disasters of all origins. PrepperNet Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders https://prepperfinds.com www.preppernet.com

The Last Scenario: The Ultimate Prepping Game That Tests Your Survival Strategy
EP 009
23 min

April 14, 2026

The Last Scenario: The Ultimate Prepping Game That Tests Your Survival Strategy

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Prepping Academy Podcast, Forrest Garvin introduces The Last Scenario —a preparedness game he created to train decision-making when everything goes wrong. This isn’t entertainment. It’s a real-world simulation designed to expose the gaps in your planning before a crisis happens. Most people focus on gear, food, and supplies—but when pressure hits, they freeze. Why? Because they’ve never been forced to think through real scenarios, make hard decisions, or face uncomfortable outcomes. The Last Scenario changes that. In this episode, Forrest walks through why he created the game, how it works, and how you can use it with your family, group, or community to sharpen your mindset and prepare for situations most people avoid thinking about. You’ll hear examples of real scenarios that challenge your judgment, test your priorities, and force you to answer the question: What would you do? Topics covered: Why most preppers fail under pressure The difference between gear and mindset How The Last Scenario was created Using scenario-based training to prepare for real life Examples of difficult survival decisions Because when things collapse, you won’t rise to the occasion… You’ll fall back on your training. The question is—have you trained your mind? https://lastscenario.com/ Join PrepperNet.Net - https://www.preppernet.net PrepperNet is an organization of like-minded individuals who believe in personal responsibility, individual freedoms and preparing for disasters of all origins. PrepperNet Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders https://prepperfinds.com www.preppernet.com

Preppers Will Starve!
EP 008
35 min

March 24, 2026

Preppers Will Starve!

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, we discuss the impacts of food production caused by the war in Iran. Natural gas from the Middle East is a key component in chemical fertilizers. What would a world without chemical fertilizers look like? How long would it take us to convert to regenerative farming practices? Are you prepared for the disruptions in toxic agriculture? What are some practical steps you can take to start building healthy soil and building topsoil to grow some part of your own food? Join PrepperNet.Net - https://www.preppernet.net PrepperNet is an organization of like-minded individuals who believe in personal responsibility, individual freedoms and preparing for disasters of all origins. PrepperNet Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders https://prepperfinds.com www.preppernet.com

Patrick from Grid Down Comms UP looks at an Awesome New Software - Area Study Map
EP 007
22 min

February 28, 2026

Patrick from Grid Down Comms UP looks at an Awesome New Software - Area Study Map

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Patrick from Grid Down Comms UP looks at an awesome new software to move your Area Study into the 21st century. No more kindergarten crayons and construction paper, a real solution to your Areas Study mapping needs. Area Study Map is a personal reconnaissance tool that runs entirely in your browser — no accounts, no cloud, no data leaving your machine. Map population density, mark water sources, log supply caches, and build layered intelligence overlays for the terrain that matters most: yours. When cell towers go dark and roads close, the people who already know their ground are the ones who stay ahead. This isn't paranoia — it's the most practical thing you can do before you need to. Get $50 OFF with our coupon: GRIDDOWNCOMMSUP or just use this link: https://areastudymap.com/?coupon=GRIDDOWNCOMMSUP Join PrepperNet.Net - https://www.preppernet.net PrepperNet is an organization of like-minded individuals who believe in personal responsibility, individual freedoms and preparing for disasters of all origins. PrepperNet Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders https://prepperfinds.com www.preppernet.com

Encore Episode - Selco Begovic PART 2 - Survivor of the Balkan War - SHTF Expert!
EP 006
1h 2m

February 12, 2026

Encore Episode - Selco Begovic PART 2 - Survivor of the Balkan War - SHTF Expert!

Send us Fan Mail Selco Begovic - Survivor of the Balkan War - SHTF Expert! PART 2 Interview Selco Begovic, a survivor of the tumultuous Balkan war in the 1990s, endured the daunting challenges of living in a besieged city without access to necessities like electricity, running water, and food distribution. Today, he shares his firsthand experiences through physical courses, offering invaluable insights for those eager to learn from his real-life ordeal. Through his online writings, Selco offers an unfiltered view of the brutal realities of survival in extreme conditions. With candid assessments of effective strategies and lessons learned from his trials, he also discusses contemporary preparations for uncertain times. Continuing his relentless pursuit of survival knowledge since the war, Selco provides a unique opportunity for others to glean from his experiences, even if they may never face such extreme circumstances. Explore Selco's articles, purchase his PDF books, including the highly acclaimed "The Dark Secrets of Survival," or dive deep into his expertise through his online course, the SHTF Survival Boot Camp. Enroll in his course, "One Year in Hell," to gain an insider perspective on life during a crisis. Selco's message is clear: Real survival lacks romance or idealism; it's a brutal, arduous, and often unfair journey. Let Selco guide you through this uncompromising world and prepare you for the realities that may lie ahead. https://www.shtfschool.com/ Join PrepperNet.Net - https://www.preppernet.net PrepperNet is an organization of like-minded individuals who believe in personal responsibility, individual freedoms and preparing for disasters of all origins. PrepperNet Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders https://prepperfinds.com www.preppernet.com

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