Practical Prepping Podcast - podcast cover

Practical Prepping Podcast

Mark & Krista Lawleywww.practicalprepping.info

Practical Prepping Podcast

 

Real solutions for real emergencies—no apocalypse required.

The Practical Prepping Podcast cuts through the noise of extreme doomsday scenarios to focus on what actually matters: simple, actionable steps that help everyday people safeguard their families and lifestyles.

 

Why Listen?

  • Knowledge Over Gear: "The more you know, the less you have to carry." We emphasize skills that lighten your load because the right know-how beats an overloaded bug-out bag every time.
  • Real Threats, Real Solutions: From power outages to wildfires, snowstorms to supply shortages, we tackle the emergencies you're most likely to face.
  • Family-Friendly Content: Our podcast maintains clean, judgment-free advice that's appropriate for all ages—prioritizing practicality over paranoia.


What Sets Us Apart

Unlike some other preparedness podcasts, we focus on practical readiness for realistic challenges:

  • Weather emergencies like tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter storms
  • Power outages and water disruptions
  • Financial preparedness and debt reduction
  • Family communication plans
  • Everyday carry essentials
  • Food storage and preservation
  • First aid and medical preparedness
  • Much more

 

Our Approach

Hosts Mark and Krista Lawley combine decades of experience in emergency response, outdoor skills, and home resilience to deliver advice that works in real-world situations. Whether you're just starting your preparedness journey or looking to refine specific skills, our content meets you where you are with clear, actionable advice.

 

No bunkers. No zombies. No alien invasions. Just practical prepping. 

 

Join Our Community

With over 500 episodes and a growing library of free and premium resources, we're building a community of like-minded individuals focused on responsible preparedness. From our private Facebook group to our newsletter and online courses, we offer multiple ways to connect and learn.

 

Stuff happens. Stay prepared.

 

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Episodes

"Why We Prep... Self-Reliance, Confidence, and Peace of Mind"

Four reasons why we prep that you can share with friends and family to encourage them to prep. We will be offering a live Zoom workshop on September 4, 2025, at 7:00 pm CDT. We'll be teaching "Getting started in prepping and building your 72 hour emergency kit" and we'll be having a question and answer session afterward. The workshop will be only $7, and registration will open on Friday, August 14th. Go to practicalprepping.info/workshop to add your name to the waiting list to be notified when r...

Aug 11, 202518 minEp. 521

EDC Essentials for Real-World Emergencies

Have you ever had the thought that What’s In Your Pockets Could Save Your Day or Your Life? Do you wonder why some folks seem to have the answer to every crisis—whether it's a power outage, a busted zipper, or something more serious? It’s probably not luck—it’s their EDC, their everyday carry setup. Today, we’ll dig into the EDC items preppers actually rely on, from the basics they carry everywhere, to the small upgrades that can make a huge difference when things go sideways. Don’t worry, you w...

Aug 04, 202532 minEp. 520

Cooking Without Power & Dollar Store Prepping Gems

What would you do if the lights went out for weeks—would you settle for cold beans and crackers, or would you find a way to keep your family well-fed? In this episode, look at practical, creative solutions for cooking during power outages. Plus, we share our top tips for prepping on a budget with unexpected finds from the Dollar Store. Ready to turn “what if” into “we’ve got this”? Mentioned In This Episode: Muirhead Canning (Discount code PREP10) 1791gunleather.com (Discount code: PREP15) Pract...

Jul 28, 202529 minEp. 519

Involving Kids In Prepping

Prepping isn’t just about beans, batteries, and bottled water, it’s about raising resilient kids who know what to do when life gets bumpy. In this episode, we’ll talk about making family prepping plans that actually include our kids, from toddlers to teens. We’ll cover how to keep the conversation positive, how to give everyone a role (even if it’s “official snack taster” or “water bottle checker” or "flashlight holder"), and why prepping together can be one of the best gifts you give your child...

Jul 21, 202533 minEp. 518

"Debunking the Prepper 'Gotta Do' Myths"

Common prepper advice often emphasizes extreme scenarios while neglecting probable emergencies. This episode dismantles 10 pervasive "gotta do" myths in the preparedness community and offers practical alternatives focused on real-world resilience rather than apocalyptic fantasy. Mentioned In This Episode: Muirhead Canning (Discount code PREP) Practical Prepping Courses Weekly Newsletter & Free PDF Expanded Show Notes Download The Episode Here If you find value in the podcast , would you be w...

Jul 14, 202555 minEp. 517

When does being prepared become a problem? And a Listener Question about getting started.

Last week we drew the line between smart prepping and hoarding disorder. But what happens when prepping itself crosses a line you didn't even know existed? Today, we're tackling the question nobody wants to ask: When does being prepared become a problem? We'll also answer a listener question and clear up some bad advice she heard about getting started with prepping. Mentioned In This Episode: Muirhead Canning (Discount code PREP) 1791 Gunleather.com (Use discount code PREP15) Practical Prepping ...

Jul 07, 202525 min

Strategic Storage vs. Stuff Syndrome: The Real Difference Between Prepping and Hoarding

Remember the 2020 toilet paper apocalypse? Everyone blamed preppers for "hoarding," but here's the twist — we already had our supplies and weren't panic buying. So what's the real difference between prepping and hoarding? Today we're diving into why one saves your bacon and the other just creates chaos. Mentioned In This Episode: Muirhead Canning (Discount code PREP) 1791 Gunleather.com (Use discount code PREP15) Practical Prepping Courses Weekly Newsletter & Free PDF Expanded Show Notes Dow...

Jun 30, 202531 minEp. 515

Free and Cheap Date Nights, Plus Low-Cost Prepping Activities

We were asked, "What do you two do for free or cheap date nights?" and, "What are some no-cost or low-cost prepping activities?" So, in this episode, we’re sharing fun ways to have a budget-friendly date night, and 12 prepping activities that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re looking for affordable ways to spend time with loved ones or inexpensive ways to improve your preparedness, we’ve got you covered! Mentioned In This Episode: Muirhead Canning 1791 Gunleather.com (Use discount code PREP15...

Jun 16, 202525 minEp. 514

"Survival Essentials: Terrorist Attack Response & Twelve Disasterous Prepper Fails"

In this episode, we examine the disturbing trend of increasingly frequent and aggressive terrorist attacks worldwide—from knife assaults to the recent Boulder incident involving Molotov cocktails and homemade flamethrowers. Learn practical steps to protect yourself and your loved ones, plus discover 12 common prepper mistakes you might be making without realizing it. Mentioned In This Episode: Muirhead Canning 1791 Gunleather.com (Use discount code PREP15) Practical Prepping Courses Weekly Newsl...

Jun 09, 202539 minEp. 513

"The Science of Hiding In Plain Sight: Making Your Valuables Invisible"

According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other crime statistics sources, Approximately 1 million residential burglaries are reported annually in the United States. This averages out to about 2,740 burglaries per day nationwide. Most burglaries last 8 to 10 minutes , with burglars looking for quick, easy-to-access valuables like cash, jewelry, firearms, and electronics. Today, we are going to learn ways to make our stuff harder for burglars to find, as well as keeping ...

Jun 02, 202527 minEp. 512

"Escape the Flames And Avoid Travel Disasters: Home Fire Safety and Travel Preparedness"

"Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the smell of smoke and the sound of alarms—would your family know what to do? Too many house fires happen where not everyone makes it out safely, often because they weren’t prepared. Now, picture being stranded on the side of the road during a trip, miles from help, with no tools or plan to get moving again. During my time in law enforcement, I saw this happen far too often. On today’s episode, we’re tackling both of these topics: how to prepare y...

May 26, 202533 minEp. 511

“Leaked FEMA Report Raises Concerns About Hurricane Readiness, But You Can Be Ready Even If They Aren’t"

The recent revelations from a leaked FEMA document raises concerns about the agency’s readiness for hurricane season. We discuss how you can prepare for hurricanes with practical tips and actionable steps. From understanding warning terms to building an emergency kit, we cover everything you need to know to stay safe and ready. Mentioned In This Episode: 1791 Gunleather.com (Use discount code PREP15) Practical Prepping Courses Weekly Newsletter & Free PDF Featured Items Expanded Show Notes D...

May 19, 202538 minEp. 510

Practical Uses for Empty Medicine Bottles, Ten More Superfoods, And A Review Of The Springfield Hellcat RDP 9mm

Empty medicine bottles can be incredibly useful for preppers due to their durability, compact size, and waterproof properties, and most of us build a supply of them over time. You do keep the empties, don’t you? After this episode, you’ll know many ways you can use them, and with a little imagination, you’ll discover many more. And then we're going to do a gear review a range report on a handgun. The Springfield Hellcat, RDP 9mm. It's a MicroComp that is great for everyday carry and for having f...

May 12, 202542 minEp. 509

"Practical Prepping vs. Doomsday Prepping: Finding the Middle Ground"

We dive deep into the world of prepping by comparing practical prepping and doomsday prepping. We define these approaches, highlight their differences, and explore how to find a balanced middle ground. Whether you're preparing for everyday disruptions or catastrophic events, this discussion will help you assess your needs, resources, and goals. Mentioned In This Episode: 1791 Gunleather.com (Use discount code PREP15) Practical Prepping Courses Weekly Newsletter & Free PDF Featured Items Down...

May 05, 202524 minEp. 508

“Plinking, Packing & Prepping, The Hidden World of .22 Caliber Rounds”

Have you ever wondered why there are so many .22 caliber rounds, or did you think a 22 is a 22 is a 22. Well, they're not. There are at least a dozen 22 caliber rounds available, all for different purposes, and we'll dig into that today. Second, we are going to do a gear review on something that I have been carrying for a couple of months, and a new company we've found. Third, and we get new listeners and new preppers all the time. Someone, in the survey, suggested that we cover the basics of pr...

Apr 28, 202525 minEp. 507

Optimizing Your Bug-In Location

"While bug-out bags get all the glory, statistics show that in most emergency scenarios, you'll be sheltering in your residence, so We're talking about “Optimizing Your Bug-In Location” How can we make where we live better in case we have to bug in? Mentioned In This Episode: ProLine Digital Group Practical Prepping Courses Weekly Newsletter & Free PDF ProOne Gravity Water Filter Download The Episode Here If you find value in the podcast , would you be willing to give back a little? You can ...

Apr 21, 202541 minEp. 506

Getting Family On-Board With Prepping, Eight EDC Essentials, and Emergency Water Purification

Today, you’ll learn ways to get family members on board with practical preparedness . If your loved ones roll their eyes at your prepping discussions or think you're being paranoid, you're not alone. We provide real solutions to help you communicate the importance of being prepared without causing conflict. We also cover two more essential topics: Eight Must-Have Items for Your EDC Bag : you’ll learn practical items that everyone should have on hand for daily emergencies. We also cover Making Co...

Apr 14, 202539 minEp. 505

"Fifteen Often Overlooked Prepping Essentials; Life-Saving First Aid; and Prepping Strategies for Urban Dwellers"

In today’s information-packed episode, we explore three critical segments designed to enhance your preparedness skills and strategies. From overlooked prepping essentials to life-saving first aid techniques and urban-specific survival planning, this episode is filled with actionable advice to help you stay ready for any emergency. Mentioned in this episode: Dental Care for Preppers – Episode # 501, with Dr. Mike Andreski Practical Prepping Courses LifeVac Portable Rescue Device Featured Items If...

Apr 07, 202528 minEp. 504

"Prepping Under Pressure: Tornado Preps & Mental Resilience Hacks"

Cultivating a survival mindset is necessary for staying calm, focused, and resilient in emergencies. This mindset doesn’t develop overnight, but with consistent effort and practice, you can condition yourself to face challenges with confidence. Today we are going to cover four segments. We have " Mental Preparedness for Preppers part 2" . We also have segments on tornado season, avoiding scams, and a gear review. Mentioned In This Episode: Support Practical Prepping Expanded Episode Notes w/ all...

Mar 31, 202543 minEp. 503

Mental Preparedness for Preppers

Cultivating a survival mindset is necessary for staying calm, focused, and resilient in emergencies. This mindset doesn’t develop overnight, but with consistent effort and practice, you can condition yourself to face challenges with confidence. Today we are going to cover not only Mental Preparedness for preppers, but we have segments on recognizing signs of danger when in public and another on first aid. Bonus! We also have a listener question to answer. Mentioned In This Episode: Support Pract...

Mar 24, 202538 minEp. 502

Dental Care for Preppers

In this interview, we take a deep dive into dental care in the face of possible non-availability of the dentist. Mentioned In This Episode: Support Practical Prepping Expanded Episode Notes w/ all links mentioned Clove Oil Clove Bud Essential Oil If you find value in the podcast , would you be willing to give back a little? You can do that one of several ways. Go to our support page OR By starting your Amazon shopping from our website? ---> CLICK HERE (We earn from qualifying Amazon purchases...

Mar 17, 202527 minEp. 501

A Milestone Episode: What Has Practical Prepping Podcast Done For You?

Today we celebrate 500 episodes by celebrating our listeners. Mentioned In This Episode: Support Practical Prepping Expanded Episode Notes w/ all links mentioned Live Well And Flourish Podcast Ask Ralph Podcast Battery Organizer If you find value in the podcast , would you be willing to give back a little? You can do that one of several ways. Go to our support page OR By starting your Amazon shopping from our website? ---> CLICK HERE (We earn from qualifying Amazon purchases) Contact us: Prac...

Mar 10, 202531 minEp. 500

"The Perfect EDC Bag: Choosing Your Everyday Carry Items"

Everyone carries something with them every day. Most people carry keys, identification, phone, and cash/debit card at a minimum. But there are a number of other things that we, as practical preppers, should have with us for all those things that come up throughout the day. That is what we are talking about every day carry, or EDC. Mentioned In This Episode: Support Practical Prepping Expanded Episode Notes w/ all links mentioned magicmind.com/MARKANDKRISTA40 First ten to use this link will recei...

Feb 17, 202537 minEp. 499

Lessons Learned At Disasters

Mentioned In This Episode: Support Practical Prepping Expanded Episode Notes If you find value in the podcast , would you be willing to give back a little? You can do that one of several ways. Go to our support page OR By starting your Amazon shopping from our website? ---> CLICK HERE (We earn from qualifying Amazon purchases) Contact us: Practical Prepping Website: www.practicalprepping.info Email at [email protected] Our Sponsors: Magic Mind Productivity Shots Includes 20% Discoun...

Feb 03, 202543 minEp. 498

Epic Snow In The South: Are YOU Prepared To Be Snowed In?

Recently, parts of the country have experienced historical snowfalls in areas not accustomed to snow. We're talking about Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. What lessons can we learn to be better prepared for unexpected snowstorms. Mentioned In This Episode: Magic Mind 45% off offer for January Support Practical Prepping Expanded Episode Notes Episode # 492, "The Cozy Chronicles: A Low-Tech Guide for Staying Warm During Winter Power Outages" Episode # 490, "Ready Set Go: Buildi...

Jan 27, 202525 minEp. 497

Fourteen Often Forgotten Prepping Items: Essential Additions to Your Emergency Kit

Do you ever run across something and think, "I never thought of that. I need to add that to my prepping, or I need to add that to my get home bag? That's what we are going to talk about today. Fourteen often forgotten items for prepping. Mentioned In This Episode: Magic Mind 45% off offer for January Support Practical Prepping Expanded Episode Notes If you find value in the podcast , would you be willing to give back a little? You can do that one of several ways. Go to our support page OR By sta...

Jan 21, 202533 minEp. 496

"Whatever The Weather: Ways To Stay Informed About Your Weather"

Winter Storm Blair has been making its way to the Southern and Eastern United States after having barreled her way across the Midwest. We watch several different weather programs on our computers, tablets, and phones to gain information; what are the ways YOU find out what the weather is doing where YOU are? There's lots of options, and we'll talk about that on today's show. Mentioned In This Episode: Magic Mind 45% off offer Accuweather Wunderground GR Level 3 Radarscope is available in your ap...

Jan 06, 202527 minEp. 495

"How Do We Avoid The Prepper Burnout Trap And Find Our Balance? "

Did you experience the Christmas overload? There's just so much to do, and so many places to be, and If we're not careful, we can become overwhelmed and burn out. It's the same way with our preparedness. It can become overwhelming and cause us to burn out. Today we are going to talk about "How Do We Avoid The Prepper Burnout Trap And Find Our Balance? " Mentioned in this episode: (Click the underlined link) Magic Mind 45% off sale (January 2025 only) Practical Prepping Online Courses "How Do We ...

Dec 30, 202429 minEp. 494

A look back, a look forward, and something special for Christmas.

We've been working on goals for 2025, and to do that we have to look back at 2024. You can't know how to get where you want to go unless you know where you are. Today we take a look back, a look forward, and something special for Christmas. Presented commercial free. Merry Christmas, Mark & Krista

Dec 23, 202411 minEp. 493

"The Cozy Chronicles: A Low-Tech Guide for Staying Warm During Winter Power Outages"

We covered building a vehicle bag to be prepared when out and about. We talked about building a 72 hour kit for home. Today, we are going to discuss ways we can keep our family warm when the power goes out in winter. Mentioned in this episode: (Click the underlined link) Magic Mind 20% off Practical Prepping Online Courses "Risk Assessment Reality Check: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them" Click here to see episode notes If you find value in the podcast , would you be willing to give back a l...

Dec 16, 202433 minEp. 492
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