
Hosted by Mark & Krista Lawley · EN
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?
What Sets Us Apart
Unlike some other preparedness podcasts, we focus on practical readiness for realistic challenges:
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.

Walk through your house with me for a minute. That baking sheet in your oven? It’s not just for cookies, it’s a radio antenna ground plane, a cooking surface over coals, and a drying rack for seeds. That petroleum jelly in the medicine cabinet? Fire starter, skin protection, rust prevention. That five‑gallon bucket in the garage? Sanitation system, water hauler, food storage, even rain catchment. Most people see clutter. Preppers see capability.In this episode we look at 17 overlooked everyday items with real survival uses. Aluminum foil becomes a heat reflector, emergency cooking surface, even a late‑night plumbing patch (ask us how we know). Baking soda handles grease fires and bug bites. Bandanas filter water and become slings. Coffee filters pre‑filter dirty water. Dental floss repairs gear, and yes, we talk realistically about wound closure options. Empty pill bottles protect matches and tinder. Old belts become straps and tourniquets. Zip ties secure almost anything. Plastic sheeting turns into shelter. Freezer bags protect documents, electronics, and supplies.Preparedness isn’t always about buying more gear. Often, it’s about recognizing the hidden utility in what you already own.Mentioned In This Episode:Support Practical Prepping72 Hour Prepping ChecklistClozex Emergency Laceration ClosuresDownload this episodeIf you find value in what we do, if you've learned something new, gotten an idea for something you need to do, been entertained, or just like Krista's Southern charm, 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 PreppingWebsiteOur Sponsors:Practical Prepping BooksProof Minimalist Wallets (Discount code PREPPER)ProLine Digital Group Website Email1791gunleather.com (Discount code: PREP15) SurfsharkPodcast music written and recorded by Krista LawleyWebsite design and hosting by ProLine Digital Group.Podcasts Copyright 2026, P3 Media Group, LLC, and Practical Prepping Podcast

What if survival is not about expensive gear but about mindset? Redneck engineering proves that resilience comes from creativity, grit, and knowing how to use what is already in your hands. When things break or systems fail, practical self reliance becomes your greatest advantage.Mentioned In This Episode:Support Practical Prepping72 Hour Prepping ChecklistProof Vanguard Pen Use discount code "Prepper"Download this episodeRedneck engineering is more than a stereotype. It is a mindset rooted in resourcefulness, adaptability, and practical problem solving. Originally, the term redneck referred to rural farmers in the Southern United States who worked long hours in the sun. Over time, the word evolved. Today it can describe someone who is plainspoken, hardworking, and self reliant. While sometimes used as an insult, many proudly embrace it as a symbol of resilience and ingenuity.At its core, redneck engineering is about creating functional solutions when pre made gear is unavailable. It reflects the simple philosophy of fix it now with what you have. Whether building an improvised shelter from natural materials, stringing a tarp between trees with paracord, or repurposing contractor trash bags as moisture barriers, the focus is always on knowledge over gear.This mindset also applies to home security. Simple upgrades like replacing short door screws with three inch wood screws can dramatically strengthen entry points. Wooden dowels in sliding door tracks, crossbars for doors, and strategic landscaping with thorny bushes can deter intruders without advertising that you are security conscious.Many everyday items can serve multiple purposes. Paracord strands become fishing line or sewing thread. A stainless steel water bottle allows you to boil water over a fire. Even common household objects can be adapted in emergencies.Our grandparents practiced these principles during the Great Depression. They planted gardens, preserved food, repaired clothing, and lived by the creed use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.Redneck engineering is not about appearances. It is about competence. When you cultivate resourcefulness through practice, you build confidence and resilience for whatever comes next. If you find value in what we do, if you've learned something new, gotten an idea for something you need to do, been entertained, or just like Krista's Southern charm, 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 PreppingWebsiteOur Sponsors:Practical Prepping BooksProof Minimalist Wallets (Discount code PREPPER)ProLine Digital Group Website Email1791gunleather.com (Discount code: PREP15) SurfsharkPodcast music written and recorded by Krista LawleyWebsite design and hosting by ProLine Digital Group.Podcasts Copyright 2026, P3 Media Group, LLC, and Practical Prepping Podcast

Flooding kills more Americans each year than many storms that get far more headlines. Over 100 lives are lost annually, and most of those deaths follow the same predictable pattern. The water doesn’t surprise us. Our decisions do. Today, we’re talking about why. Flooding remains one of the deadliest weather hazards in the United States. Yet most flood deaths and some flood damages are preventable, if we take the right steps. Mentioned In This Episode:ReadyFam Preparedness AppSupport Practical Prepping72 Hour Prepping ChecklistDownload this episode If you find value in what we do, if you've learned something new, gotten an idea for something you need to do, been entertained, or just like Krista's Southern charm, 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 PreppingWebsiteOur Sponsors:Practical Prepping BooksProof Minimalist Wallets (Discount code PREPPER)ProLine Digital Group Website Email1791gunleather.com (Discount code: PREP15) SurfsharkPodcast music written and recorded by Krista LawleyWebsite design and hosting by ProLine Digital Group.Podcasts Copyright 2026, P3 Media Group, LLC, and Practical Prepping Podcast

Emergency preparedness is more than checklists and supplies. It is about making critical decisions under pressure and navigating the emotions that come with them. In this episode, we look at the essentials of evacuation planning, including how to identify clear triggers for leaving, choose multiple evacuation routes, create a family communication plan, and understand your sheltering options. We also cover special considerations for pets, medical needs, and disaster specific risks, along with the most common mistakes that delay safe evacuation.But planning is only half the challenge. What happens when your spouse or family thinks you are overreacting? We discuss the deeper reasons behind resistance, from social stigma and financial anxiety to different risk tolerance levels. Mentioned In This Episode:ReadyFam Preparedness AppSupport Practical Prepping72 Hour Prepping ChecklistDownload this episode If you find value in what we do, if you've learned something new, gotten an idea for something you need to do, been entertained, or just like Krista's Southern charm, 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 PreppingWebsiteOur Sponsors:Practical Prepping BooksProof Minimalist Wallets (Discount code PREPPER)ProLine Digital Group Website Email1791gunleather.com (Discount code: PREP15) SurfsharkPodcast music written and recorded by Krista LawleyWebsite design and hosting by ProLine Digital Group.Podcasts Copyright 2026, P3 Media Group, LLC, and Practical Prepping Podcast

A get home bag is designed to get you home within 24 to 72 hours. It is not a long term survival kit. The goal is simple. Carry efficient fuel that supports movement, not full meals that slow you down. Every item in your bag should earn its place.Mentioned In This Episode:ReadyFam Preparedness App Use code:: Practical20Support Practical Prepping72 Hour Prepping ChecklistMainstay Emergency Food Rations (Coast Guard Approved Rations)Datrex Emergency Rations (Coast Guard Approved Rations)SOS Emergency Food Rations (Coast Guard Approved Rations)LMNT Electrolyte Hydration PowderLiquid IV Hydration PacketsFeatured ItemsDownload this episodeIf you find value in what we do, if you've learned something new, gotten an idea for something you need to do, been entertained, or just like Krista's Southern charm, 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 PreppingWebsiteOur Sponsors:Practical Prepping BooksProof Minimalist Wallets (Discount code PREPPER)ProLine Digital Group Website Email1791gunleather.com (Discount code: PREP15) SurfsharkPodcast music written and recorded by Krista LawleyWebsite design and hosting by ProLine Digital Group.Podcasts Copyright 2026, P3 Media Group, LLC, and Practical Prepping Podcast

This episode has three segments: Building A Lights Out Kit, Paying Less At The Gas Pump, and Often Forgotten Small Things.Mentioned In This Episode:ReadyFam Preparedness AppSupport Practical Prepping72 Hour Prepping ChecklistDownload this episode If you find value in what we do, if you've learned something new, gotten an idea for something you need to do, been entertained, or just like Krista's Southern charm, 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 PreppingWebsiteOur Sponsors:Practical Prepping BooksProof Minimalist Wallets (Discount code PREPPER)ProLine Digital Group Website Email1791gunleather.com (Discount code: PREP15) SurfsharkPodcast music written and recorded by Krista LawleyWebsite design and hosting by ProLine Digital Group.Podcasts Copyright 2026, P3 Media Group, LLC, and Practical Prepping Podcast

What can preppers learn from the military? In this episode, we look at 12 proven military principles that can strengthen your preparedness plan. From logistics and redundancy to teamwork, fitness, and mental resilience, these lessons will help you move beyond collecting gear and start building a system that actually works when it matters most. Mentioned In This Episode:Financially Confident ChristianSupport Practical PreppingDownload this episode If you find value in what we do, if you've learned something new, gotten an idea for something you need to do, been entertained, or just like Krista's Southern charm, 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 PreppingWebsiteOur Sponsors:Practical Prepping BooksProof Minimalist Wallets (Discount code PREPPER)ProLine Digital Group Website Email1791gunleather.com (Discount code: PREP15) SurfsharkPodcast music written and recorded by Krista LawleyWebsite design and hosting by ProLine Digital Group.Podcasts Copyright 2026, P3 Media Group, LLC, and Practical Prepping Podcast

If you were stuck on the side of the road, or hung up in stand-still traffic for three hours this summer, would you be comfortable… or suffering? Most people assume they’re fine, until they’re not.Krista sat alone for five hours due to an earlier wreck on one trip, and we sat for a couple of hours on another trip, We'll tell you about those adventures (or misadventures). Today, we’re talking about how to prepare your vehicle before you start off on your road trip. Mentioned In This Episode:1791gunleather.com Discount code:: PREP15Support Practical PreppingFrog TogsStanley ThermosFire Extinguishers For Your VehicleDownload the episode If you find value in what we do, if you've learned something new, gotten an idea for something you need to do, been entertained, or just like Krista's Southern charm, 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 PreppingWebsiteOur Sponsors:Practical Prepping BooksProof Minimalist Wallets (Discount code PREPPER)ProLine Digital Group Website Email1791gunleather.com (Discount code: PREP15) SurfsharkPodcast music written and recorded by Krista LawleyWebsite design and hosting by ProLine Digital Group.Podcasts Copyright 2026, P3 Media Group, LLC, and Practical Prepping Podcast

Today we are talking about six of the most frequently asked prepping questions, the ones that I see in our inbox, or that are asked in prepping groups, again and again. If you are just getting started or even if you have been at this for years, you have probably asked at least one of these yourself. Mentioned in this episode: Featured Items Page - GearEpisode #542- The Top Three High Probability Emergencies To Prepare For FirstEpisode #491 - Risk Assessment Reality Check; Common Mistakes And How To Avoid ThemEpisode #490 - Building Your 72 Hour Kit Proof Minimalist Wallets Use the discount code PREPPERShow Some LoveDownload the episode If you find value in what we do, if you've learned something new, gotten an idea for something you need to do, been entertained, or just like Krista's Southern charm, 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 PreppingWebsiteOur Sponsors:Practical Prepping BooksProof Minimalist Wallets (Discount code PREPPER)ProLine Digital Group Website Email1791gunleather.com (Discount code: PREP15) SurfsharkPodcast music written and recorded by Krista LawleyWebsite design and hosting by ProLine Digital Group.Podcasts Copyright 2026, P3 Media Group, LLC, and Practical Prepping Podcast

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is officially underway — and while forecasts call for 12 to 15 named storms, 5 to 9 hurricanes, and up to 3 major storms, there’s one number that matters most: one. It only takes one storm making landfall in your community to turn an ordinary week into a life‑changing event. In this episode, we break down what you need to know, and what you need to do, before the peak of hurricane season arrives. From understanding your local evacuation zone to reviewing your insurance coverage, building a family emergency plan, and assembling a supply kit that can sustain you for at least seven days, we walk through practical, realistic preparation steps that make a real difference. You’ll also hear why waiting until there’s a cone on the forecast map is one of the biggest mistakes people make, and why preparing as if help may not arrive for a week isn’t extreme, it’s smart. Whether you live in a coastal evacuation zone, a low‑lying area, or simply want peace of mind this season, this episode will help you prepare calmly and confidently, before the shelves empty, the gas lines form, and the winds begin to rise. Don’t wait for the warning. Start preparing now.Mentioned in this episode: Featured Items Page - LED Lanterns, NOAA Weather Radio If you find value in what we do, if you've learned something new, gotten an idea for something you need to do, been entertained, or just like out Southern charm, 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 PreppingWebsiteOur Sponsors:Practical Prepping BooksProof Minimalist Wallets (Discount code PREPPER)ProLine Digital Group Website Email1791gunleather.com (Discount code: PREP15) SurfsharkPodcast music written and recorded by Krista LawleyWebsite design and hosting by ProLine Digital Group.Podcasts Copyright 2026, P3 Media Group, LLC, and Practical Prepping Podcast