Most serious preppers have invested significant time and resources into gear, food storage, and supplies — yet when an actual emergency unfolds, the gap between having resources and being able to rely on them under pressure becomes glaringly apparent. The difference isn't usually about what you own. It's about what you've made automatic. Without intentional preparedness routines and the kind of deep practice that encodes critical skills into long-term memory, even the most well-stocked prepper can find themselves thinking through steps they should be executing on instinct — and in a real SHTF situation, that hesitation carries a cost.

In this episode of Ready Your Future, Todd explores the foundational role that prepper routines and automaticity play in building genuine, reliable preparedness. Drawing from a classic Gray Wolf Survival article alongside his own experience as an educator and former group home parent, Todd breaks down why scheduling your preparedness activities isn't just smart time management — it's a core survival strategy. He also digs into the science of how skills move from conscious effort into long-term memory, what that means for your ability to perform under stress, and which critical skills — including fire starting and situational awareness — every serious prepper should be actively working to make second nature.

The preppers who perform when it matters most aren't the ones who simply know what to do — they're the ones who have practiced enough that doing it requires almost no conscious thought. If you've been going through the motions of preparedness without building the routines and repetition that actually hardwire skills into automatic responses, this episode delivers the framework you need to change that. Whether you're refining your emergency preparedness system or just getting started on building genuine self-reliance, these are the fundamentals that separate passive stockpiling from the kind of deep preparedness that holds up when everything goes sideways.

Episode Page on EP.889

Of Interest

• Get One Preparedness Tip in Your Email Weekly!
• For more about Todd and RYF
• Join the Exclusive Email Group
• The Christian Prepper Podcast

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/prepperwebsite

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most preppers understand that gardening is a cornerstone of long-term self-reliance, yet far too many operate under a dangerous assumption: that growing food is simply a matter of seeds, soil, and water. The reality is that every garden faces an inevitable adversary—pests that can decimate weeks of careful cultivation in a matter of days. If your preparedness plan includes food production but lacks a reliable, organic solution for pest control, you've built your garden on a foundation that could collapse when you need it most.

In this episode, Todd shares a time-tested neem oil recipe he's used successfully in his own garden, along with the critical details that make the difference between an effective treatment and wasted effort. You'll learn why this particular approach to organic gardening matters for preppers who refuse to compromise their soil with harsh chemicals, how to properly mix and apply the solution for maximum effectiveness against garden pests, and the storage considerations that most people overlook—mistakes that render even the best organic bug recipe useless. Todd also addresses the broader preparedness implications of having this capability when supply chains fail and garden stores are no longer an option.

For those serious about genuine food independence, understanding how to protect your harvest isn't optional—it's fundamental knowledge. Whether you're currently maintaining a productive garden or building toward that goal, these are the practical, organic pest control skills that separate those who can actually feed themselves from those who merely think they can.

Episode Page on EP.888

Of Interest

• Get One Preparedness Tip in Your Email Weekly!
• For more about Todd and RYF
• Join the Exclusive Email Group
• The Christian Prepper Podcast

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/prepperwebsite

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most preppers measure their readiness against an impossible standard—the mythical perfect prepper with unlimited acreage, boundless resources, and zero real-world constraints. This false benchmark creates a dangerous illusion that keeps otherwise capable individuals from recognizing their actual preparedness level. The truth is far more nuanced and, frankly, more achievable than the prepper community often admits. When you strip away the Instagram-worthy setups and forum bragging, genuine preparedness isn't about matching someone else's checklist. It's about developing reliable prepper skills and prepper abilities that function within your specific reality, whether that's an urban apartment, a suburban home with a resistant spouse, or a rural property you're managing solo as you age.

In this episode, Todd examines why the pursuit of perfect prepper status actually undermines effective preparedness. Drawing from Daisy Luther's eye-opening article "There Isn't Just One Way to Prep," he breaks down the critical variables that determine real survival readiness—from financial limitations and physical capabilities to family dynamics and geographic constraints. You'll discover why that Montana homesteader with two years of freeze-dried food might be less prepared than you think, and more importantly, how to assess and build upon your actual situation rather than chasing an unattainable ideal. Todd adds his own scenarios for preppers facing family resistance, demonstrating practical approaches for making consistent progress even when your household isn't fully on board.

This episode matters because the reality is that one step forward always beats standing still, and your unique situation—with all its constraints and compromises—is far more valid than the prepper community typically acknowledges. Whether you're navigating budget limitations, health concerns, unsupportive family members, or simply the reality of aging, these insights will help you build sustainable preparedness that actually works for your life, not someone else's fantasy scenario.

Episode Page on EP.887

Of Interest

• Get One Preparedness Tip in Your Email Weekly!
• For more about Todd and RYF
• Join the Exclusive Email Group
• The Christian Prepper Podcast

Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/prepperwebsite

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.