When most people hear the word “prepper,” they often imagine extreme stereotypes: underground bunkers, gas masks, and stockpiles that could last decades. But the truth is far more relatable and practical. In this video & podcast, I discuss the real reasons why people start thinking about preparedness and why the prepper stereotype doesn’t tell the whole story. Preparedness isn’t about fear or paranoia; it’s about being ready for life’s unexpected challenges, big or small.



Across the world, people prepare for regional natural disasters, power grid failures, economic uncertainty, civil unrest, political or social instability, and even global conflicts. These events can and do happen, but preparedness isn’t only about large-scale emergencies. Sometimes, the most important reason to prep is what I call a “personal doomsday”—a sudden job loss, medical crisis, or family emergency that could disrupt your daily life. Having a plan and a stockpile of basic supplies can make a world of difference when things get tough.



Preparedness also looks different for everyone. A family in hurricane country might focus on evacuation kits and storm supplies, while someone in an area prone to winter storms will prepare for extended power outages and heating needs. Economic or political uncertainty might inspire others to create a small emergency fund or store extra food. What unites all of these different approaches is the desire for security and peace of mind—not a fear-driven obsession with worst-case scenarios.



In this video, I also share practical tips for getting started. The most important step is to start basic—build a small stockpile of essentials like water, non-perishable food, and basic first aid. And remember, prepping should come from a place of confidence, not fear. I recently released a video on small space prepping, where I address common concerns people have about not having enough room or resources. Preparedness can fit into any lifestyle or budget if you approach it thoughtfully.



Whether you’re new to preparedness or just curious about why people do it, this video will give you a fresh perspective on what prepping really means. By understanding the diverse reasons people prepare, you’ll see that it’s not about paranoia—it’s about self-reliance, resilience, and caring for yourself and your loved ones. Watch now to learn why being prepared is for everyone, not just the stereotype.



NOW OPEN! THE NEW & IMPROVED BUG OUT LOCATION



Join The Bug Out Location Preparedness Academy. With brand new prepping courses, a community, and tools to help you along in preparedness. Whether you are just beginning or you’ve been prepping for a while, there’s something here for everyone.




* Prepping Courses: We already have several introductory prepping courses here at the B.O.L. We plan to create more that expand on the basics as you advance through preparedness.



* Exclusive Prepping Community: Members of the B.O.L. gain access to a growing preparedness group, where they can interact, learn & discuss prepping with other members.



* Weekly Updates: From weekly live videos to periodic webinars & articles, there’s always something new to look forward to at the B.O.L.



* Prepping Resources: We have a growing list of prepping and survival resources like audio files, PDFs, and Word documents.



* Legacy Food Storage: Bulk up your long-term food storage quickly, and do it without breaking the bank. All members get discount prices.