Prepping Academy

Send a text 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 Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Send a text 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 Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Send us a text Patrick with @griddowncomms - Winter Storm Fern Patrick with @griddowncomms takes the microphone again for an after-action report on winter storm Fern and a few rants along the way. In the communications portion of today's show, we discuss shortcomings of some popular but perhaps misguided online communications advice. Next up, we discuss the political impact of disasters. In this case, Winter Storm Fern. The leadership in your area has a massive impact on recovery, and political parties and the urban vs. rural mindset determine your outcome. Last, we discussed tips and lessons learned for power, heat, and staying warm in a prolonged grid down. Many of us prep for a few days to a week in winter storms, but an ice storm combined with terrible leadership could leave you in the cold and dark for weeks at a time. How will you prepare for a winter weather disaster? Links mentioned in the show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yTAw5E_xSU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdEtJnVY4qE Next week: Encore Episode - Selco Begovic PART 2 - Survivor of the Balkan War - SHTF Expert! 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 Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Send us a text Selco Begovic - Survivor of the Balkan War - SHTF Expert! PART 1 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 Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Send us a text In today's episode, Patrick with Grid Down Comms Up discusses winter preps and observations from last week's Verizon Wireless outage. With a massive winter storm on the horizon, determining how much heat and fuel you need is critical to being prepared. Electricity for critical power needs from batteries and generators can keep us operational and provide a bit of normalcy. Are you ready? Observations from the recent Verizon outage include second- and third-order impacts of a fragile telecommunications system, and considerations as our systems become more fragile and have lower uptime than the historical norm. Do you have a plan for conducting business and coordinating with loved ones when a surprise software glitch disrupts your day? 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 Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Send us a text 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 basic 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 into 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 themselves. 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. Gain an insider perspective on life during a crisis by enrolling in his course, "One Year in Hell." 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/ Selco's Books on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4abVRRB 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 Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Send us a text Dr. Arthur Bradley - NASA Engineer & EMP / CME Expert Dr. Arthur Bradley is a NASA engineer and the bestselling author of the Handbook to Practical Disaster Preparedness for the Family, the Prepper's Instruction Manual, Disaster Preparedness for EMP Attacks and Solar Storms, and the post-apocalyptic series, The Survivalist. Visit him online for free disaster preparedness information at http://disasterpreparer.com. EMF Beacon: https://emfbeacon.com/ Dr. Bradley's New Book: The Watchman- https://amzn.to/46GGWwn 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 Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Send us a text Privacy Email — Taking Control of Your Inbox In this episode of The Privacy & Freedom Podcast, Forrest Garvin pulls back the curtain on one of the most overlooked privacy vulnerabilities — your email address. That single piece of digital identity connects your banking, shopping, social media, and even government records. If your email isn’t private, nothing else truly is. Forrest breaks down why your inbox is the #1 gateway for data collection, surveillance, and hacking attempts — and how to protect it. You’ll learn how major tech companies use email data to build marketing profiles, how data brokers trace every online registration back to you, and why “free” email accounts come at the cost of your personal freedom. He walks you through practical solutions — from alias-based addresses and encrypted email providers to domain masking, burner accounts, and password segmentation. Forrest explains how to layer your communications using services like ProtonMail, StartMail, and SimpleLogin, and why separating your real identity from your digital one is the cornerstone of modern privacy. At Garvin Academy, Forrest teaches these same principles step-by-step inside his Privacy & Security Masterclass, where students learn to disappear from the internet, reclaim their privacy, and protect their family’s information from corporate and government surveillance. Because privacy and security are freedom — and it all starts with securing your inbox. SEO Keywords privacy email, secure email, anonymous email, ProtonMail, StartMail, SimpleLogin, Forrest Garvin, Garvin Academy, encrypted email, data privacy, digital security, online anonymity, disappear on the internet, privacy mindset, privacy and security, online freedom Take back control of your online privacy with Proton Mail, the world’s most trusted encrypted email service. Built in Switzerland and protected by some of the world’s strongest privacy laws, Proton Mail ensures your data stays yours—always. Proton Mail – Secure Email That Protects Your Privacy (60% OFF) FREE Webinars: Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now! Dissappear On the Internet Crypto Digital Assets Course 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 Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Send us a text Anonymous LLCs — Separating Your Name from Your Assets In this episode of The Privacy & Freedom Podcast, Forrest Garvin takes you deep into one of the most powerful — and misunderstood — tools for modern privacy and asset protection: the Anonymous LLC. Also known as a “Ghost LLC,” this structure allows you to legally own property, businesses, and assets without your personal name appearing on public records. Forrest explains how data brokers, trial lawyers, and even online stalkers use state business registries to track ownership, target individuals, and uncover wealth. Then he shows how Anonymous LLCs provide a legal firewall between you and your holdings — protecting your family, your finances, and your freedom. You’ll learn which states offer the strongest privacy laws (like Wyoming and New Mexico), how registered agents keep your identity off public filings, and how to layer your LLCs for maximum protection. This episode also uncovers the biggest mistakes people make when setting up “anonymous” entities — from using the wrong address or email to accidentally revealing ownership through tax or payment records. Forrest walks you through how to do it the right way, step-by-step. At Garvin Academy, Forrest teaches both the Disappear on the Internet course — a complete 25-hour guide to wiping your digital footprint — and his exclusive How to Create an Anonymous LLC course, which walks you through building and managing a true privacy protected business entity. Both courses are available now at GarvinAcademy.com. Because in today’s world, privacy and security are freedom — and if your name is tied to everything you own, you don’t truly own anything at all. Take back control of your online privacy with Proton Mail, the world’s most trusted encrypted email service. Built in Switzerland and protected by some of the world’s strongest privacy laws, Proton Mail ensures your data stays yours—always. Proton Mail – Secure Email That Protects Your Privacy (60% OFF) FREE Webinars: Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now! Dissappear On the Internet Crypto Digital Assets Course Gain Freedom w 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 Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Send us a text Your Car Is Spying on You In this episode of The Privacy & Freedom Podcast, Forrest Garvin exposes a truth most people never consider — your car is one of the most powerful surveillance devices you own. From built-in GPS trackers and microphones to data-sharing apps and telematics, modern vehicles quietly collect your movements, contacts, driving habits, and even conversations. Forrest breaks down how automakers, insurers, and tech partners harvest massive amounts of personal data every time you start the engine. He explains how this information is sold, traded, and stored — creating a complete digital dossier of your life behind the wheel. Most drivers have no idea their car knows where they sleep, work, and worship… and who’s in the passenger seat. You’ll also discover practical steps to reduce exposure — from disabling unnecessary connections and removing old paired phones, to deleting stored navigation data and limiting app permissions. Forrest introduces Privacy4Cars, a powerful tool designed to help you erase personal information from your vehicle before it’s sold, rented, or serviced. At Garvin Academy, Forrest teaches how to defend every part of your digital life — not just your phone or laptop, but the hidden technologies tracking you every day. Because privacy and security are freedom, and protecting that freedom starts with awareness and action. SEO Keywords car privacy, vehicle data tracking, Privacy4Cars, connected cars, automotive surveillance, Forrest Garvin, Garvin Academy, car data deletion, telematics privacy, digital security, car hacking, data collection, online privacy, disappear on the internet, privacy and security, personal freedom Take back control of your online privacy with Proton Mail, the world’s most trusted encrypted email service. Built in Switzerland and protected by some of the world’s strongest privacy laws, Proton Mail ensures your data stays yours—always. Proton Mail – Secure Email That Protects Your Privacy (60% OFF) FREE Webinars: Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now! Dissappear On the Internet Crypto Digital Assets Course Gain Freedom with a Home-Based Business Daily deals for pre 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 Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Send us a text In today's episode, Patrick with Grid Down Comms Up lists some of his favorite prepper Christmas gifts. If you are looking for a present for your significant other, children, mag group member, or anyone else on your gift list, there is something here for you! We focus on practical gifts that have real value, whether the grid is up or the world has come crashing down. From books to power tools, precious metals, and beyond, the perfect gift idea of the prepper in your life awaits. https://www.amazon.com/shop/preppernet 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 Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Send us a text This special “Spy Christmas” episode is your complete holiday guide to the best privacy, security, and spy-themed gear of the year. Forrest breaks down over 30 hand-picked tools and gadgets for anyone who loves preparedness, digital security, or covert everyday carry. Whether you’re protecting your home, securing your digital life, or shopping for the privacy-minded person in your life, this episode is packed with practical, real-world recommendations. You’ll discover the top spy gadgets, concealed-carry tools, covert recording devices, encrypted communication apps, travel privacy gear, anti-tracking tools, RFID protection, secure storage devices, and must-have digital privacy products that every modern prepper should own. Forrest also highlights the best items for off-grid communication, emergency preparedness, home surveillance defense, bug-out bags, and stealth everyday carry. From affordable stocking stuffers to high-end gear used by privacy professionals, this episode is the ultimate Christmas gift guide for preppers, homesteaders, travelers, security enthusiasts, and anyone serious about protecting their identity, assets, and communications. If you’re ready to upgrade your personal security or help someone else stay safe and unseen, this is the one episode you don’t want to miss. spy gear, spy gadgets, privacy tools, security gadgets, digital privacy, personal security, surveillance protection, anti-surveillance gear, covert gadgets, encrypted communication, RFID blocking gear, anti-tracking devices, cybersecurity tools, digital identity protection, home security devices, EDC gear, prepper gear, off-grid communication tools, emergency preparedness gear, Christmas gift guide https://prepperfinds.com/blackfriday/ Get the list at: 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 Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Send us a text Having the Privacy Mindset In this episode of The Privacy & Freedom Podcast, Forrest Garvin dives into the foundation of digital privacy — the mindset. Before you install a VPN, delete social accounts, or buy a Faraday bag, you must first understand how to think privately in a world built to watch you. Forrest explains why true privacy starts with awareness, discipline, and intention — not gadgets. He exposes how corporations, governments, and data brokers profit from your every click, and why reclaiming control isn’t paranoia — it’s freedom. You’ll learn how to shift from convenience-driven habits to privacy-driven decisions that protect your identity, assets, and peace of mind. This episode explores the psychology behind privacy — how our digital behavior reveals who we are, and how adopting a “privacy mindset” helps you take back power over your data, your finances, and your future. Forrest shows that privacy and security are not optional anymore; they are acts of freedom and the first step toward real independence. At Garvin Academy, Forrest teaches these principles in depth through his flagship course, Disappear on the Internet — a 25-hour masterclass that helps people just like you separate their real life from their digital footprint. Because when it comes to modern freedom, privacy isn’t a luxury… it’s survival. Listen now to learn how to build your privacy mindset — and why privacy and security are freedom, not fear. SEO Keywords privacy mindset, digital privacy, online security, Forrest Garvin, Garvin Academy, data protection, personal freedom, anonymous living, privacy and security, digital footprint, online surveillance, privacy awareness, privacy course, disappear on the internet Take back control of your online privacy with Proton Mail, the world’s most trusted encrypted email service. Built in Switzerland and protected by some of the world’s strongest privacy laws, Proton Mail ensures your data stays yours—always. Proton Mail – Secure Email That Protects Your Privacy (60% OFF) FREE Webinars: Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now! Dissappear On the Internet Crypto Digital Assets Course Gain Free 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 Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Send us a text Podcast Summary – Prepping Academy Podcast: “VPNs Explained – The First Line of Defense for Online Privacy” In this powerful episode of The Prepping Academy Podcast, host Forrest Garvin exposes the truth about VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) — what they really do, how they work, and which ones you can actually trust. As online tracking, censorship, and surveillance continue to rise, using a VPN has become a critical step in protecting your privacy, security, and freedom online. Forrest breaks down how VPNs encrypt your data, hide your location, and shield your digital activity from hackers, corporations, and even your internet provider. You’ll discover the top VPNs for privacy, the red flags to avoid, and why many “free” VPNs are more dangerous than helpful. Plus, he shares insider tips on using VPNs with your smartphones, routers, and streaming devices for complete protection. If you value anonymity, freedom, and security in a connected world, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how to stay invisible online — the right way. Keywords: VPN, online privacy, cybersecurity, data protection, internet security, best VPNs 2025, anonymity online, PrepperNet, Prepping Academy Podcast, Forrest Garvin. FREE Webinars: Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now! Dissappear On the Internet Crypto Digital Assets Course Gain Freedom with a Home-Based Business 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 Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Podcast Summary – Prepping Academy Podcast: “The Truth About Internet Browsers – Which Ones Keep You Safe?” In this episode of The Prepping Academy Podcast, host Forrest Garvin breaks down one of the most overlooked areas of online privacy — your internet browser. Every click, search, and website visit leaves a digital trail, and your browser is often the biggest source of data collection, tracking, and surveillance. Forrest compares the most popular browsers — Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, and DuckDuckGo — revealing which ones spy on you, which actually protect your privacy, and how to configure your browser for maximum anonymity. You’ll learn about browser fingerprinting, private search engines, extensions that protect your data, and the crucial settings every prepper and privacy-minded American should change today. If you care about staying private online, blocking trackers, and avoiding Big Tech surveillance, this episode is packed with practical, easy-to-follow advice. Don’t miss this deep dive into the tools that keep your digital footprint off the grid. Keywords: private browsers, privacy tools, online security, browser tracking, DuckDuckGo, Brave browser, digital privacy, PrepperNet, Prepping Academy Podcast, Forrest Garvin. FREE Webinars: Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now! Dissappear On the Internet Crypto Digital Assets Course Gain Freedom with a Home-Based Business 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 & everyday Americans. The best gear & supplies—posted in one place, every day Check out https://prepperfinds.com Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Podcast Summary – Prepping Academy Podcast: “Data Breaches & Hacks Update – Protecting Your Digital Life” In this week’s episode of The Prepping Academy Podcast, we dive deep into the world of data breaches, cyberattacks, and online privacy — and what you can do right now to protect yourself. From the latest major corporate hacks to the quiet data leaks that expose your personal information on the dark web, we break down the biggest threats of 2025 and how they impact preppers, patriots, and everyday Americans. Host Forrest Garvin, founder of PrepperNet and cybersecurity expert, shares real-world updates on the most recent U.S. data breaches, the tactics hackers are using today, and why even “secure” companies are falling victim. You’ll learn the top five steps to safeguard your identity, prevent tracking, and lock down your devices before it’s too late. If you value your privacy, your freedom, and your digital security, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t miss the essential tools and strategies every prepper should have in place to stay anonymous, secure, and one step ahead of the next cyber threat. Keywords: data breaches 2025, cybersecurity, online privacy, hacking updates, PrepperNet, Prepping Academy Podcast, digital security, identity protection, personal data leaks, Forrest Garvin. FREE Webinars: Seating is limited, so reserve your spot now! Dissappear On the Internet Crypto Digital Assets Course Gain Freedom with a Home-Based Business Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders & everyday Americans. The best gear & supplies—posted in one place, every day Check out https://prepperfinds.com Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Today, Grid Down Comms Up takes the microphone again for another great episode of the Prepping Academy. We do a short after-action report on the Eastern Tennessee Homestead Alliance festival, revisit a few items as we approach the one-year anniversary of the historic disaster caused by Hurricane Helene, and talk about radio and communications interference. We look at the common types of manmade interference and what you can do to ensure you aren't the cause, because making lots of people look for you isn't very gray man. We also discuss what you may want to consider adding to your plans if you experience intentional interference during an emergency. We also listened to an example of interference during my time in Eastern Tennessee with GSM and a much more entertaining example of some amateur operators trolling someone who is causing intentional interference to keep him talking until they locate him. I'll see you on the next episode. Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders & everyday Americans. The best gear & supplies—posted in one place, every day Check out https://prepperfinds.com Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Prepping Academy Podcast: PrepperNet Leaders Needed, PrepperFinds.Com Launch, Preparedness Month, Hurricane Readiness, and Building a Nonprofit for Disaster Relief Support PrepperNet’s mission to become a nonprofit by sending your donation via PayPal to info@preppernet.com. You may also contact us by email, and we will provide you with a Stripe invoice for your convenience. Email us at info@preppernet.com In this episode of the Prepping Academy Podcast, host Forrest Garvin shares important updates and opportunities for the prepping community as we move deeper into preparedness month and hurricane season. We begin with a call for action: PrepperNet is seeking new local and city leaders to step up and guide area groups. These leaders help build training, communication networks, and community support, strengthening local preparedness nationwide. Forrest also announces the launch of PrepperFinds.com, a new website providing daily emails with prepping deals, gear, and resources to help preppers stay stocked and ready. Listeners are encouraged to sign up and take advantage of these exclusive finds. Since September is National Preparedness Month, Forrest emphasizes the importance of hurricane readiness. With storms forming and disaster risks increasing, now is the time to review your emergency kits, food storage, and evacuation plans. The episode also highlights Forrest’s growing free prepping webinars, which continue to attract students interested in survival skills, self-reliance, and emergency planning. These online trainings are an easy way to learn new strategies and connect with like-minded individuals. Looking ahead, Forrest shares his vision for creating a PrepperNet nonprofit organization. By transitioning to nonprofit status, PrepperNet can take direct donations and channel funds more effectively to disaster relief efforts. During Hurricane Helena, PrepperNet raised over $25,000 for victims, and Forrest hopes future fundraising will have an even greater impact. This episode of the Prepping Academy Podcast blends community updates, practical preparedness tips, and a vision for long-term survival support. Join PrepperNet, sign up at PrepperFinds.com, and take steps now to strengthen your readiness and your community. Support PrepperNet’s mission to become a nonprofit by sending your donation via PayPal to info@preppernet.com. You may also contact us by email, and we will provide you with a Stripe invoice for your convenience. Email us at info@preppernet.com Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders & everyday Americans. The best gear & supplies—posted in one place, every day Check out https://prepperfinds.com Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

The Prepping Academy welcomes Forrest Garvin, founder of PrepperNet, Garvin Academy, and other entrepreneurial ventures that are countable. In today's episode, Forrest updates us on what he has been up to over the last year. We also discuss the current happenings in PrepperNet, where PrepperNet is heading in the future, and a general update on the status of Prepping 2025. Grid Down Comms Up http://www.youtube.com/@griddowncommsup Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders & everyday Americans. The best gear & supplies—posted in one place, every day Check out https://prepperfinds.com Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com

Grid Down Comms Up dives into the top ten prepping items for a natural disaster. According to NOAA, there were twenty-seven major natural disasters last year. They did 182 billion dollars in damage and caused 568 deaths. Of all the emergencies we prepare for, we are most likely to be caught up in a large-scale natural disaster. Will you be ready if one strikes your area? In today's episode, we look at the last five items on our list: defense, fuel, electricity, mental health, and building materials. We also toss in a bonus item for number eleven. Heavy equipment, while far from essential, is a game-changer if you can access it. If you are lucky enough to own some, keep them in working order and be able to help out. Remember, mental condition is a huge part of survival. If you or someone you know is at risk or experiencing a mental health crisis, reach out for help at the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline dial 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org/. Stay ready and prep on. Patrick" Support the show Please give us 5 Stars! www.preppingacademy.com Daily deals for preppers, survivalists, off-gridders, homesteaders & everyday Americans. The best gear & supplies—posted in one place, every day Check out https://prepperfinds.com Contact us: https://preppingacademy.com/contact/ www.preppernet.net Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3lheTRT www.forrestgarvin.com