Adele Bayless is a seasoned expert in high-rise management in fire/life safety and emergency planning, with over 30 years of experience across diverse sectors. She’s passionate about making spaces work for people, specializing in creating inclusive cultures while implementing safety procedures that protect both lives and properties. As a public speaker, Adele is recognized for delivering impactful presentations on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in the commercial real estate space, engaging audiences with her clear communication and real-world insights.

Araksya Kennard's journey from earthquake survivor to food security advocate began in Armenia when she was 12. After surviving the devastating 1988 earthquake that left her family without utilities for 13 years, she worked five jobs while attending university, including serving as an English translator for aid workers. This role led to meeting her future husband, Jim Kennard, an agricultural expert developing sustainable gardening solutions in Armenia.

Today, as a mother and co-founder of FoodForEveryone.org, Araksya combines her firsthand experience of food insecurity with practical knowledge of sustainable food production. She specializes in food preservation techniques, particularly freeze-drying, and advocates for practical, panic-free preparedness. Drawing from her mother's example of maintaining dignity through extreme adversity, Araksya teaches that true preparedness encompasses not just physical resources, but also mental and spiritual resilience.

 Today we're joined by Arlene Woods, aka "Whirlwind,"  a name that perfectly captures her extraordinary life experience. A skilled survivalist and former long-time instructor at the Mohican Outdoor School and Grizzly Bear and Grey Wolf Discovery Center, she brings decades of real-world emergency preparedness expertise. She's survived eight tornados, a hurricane, multiple floods, a house fire, and even endured a week of -62°F temperatures under 13 feet of Montana snow. As a CERT instructor and former Emergency Management professional, she's learned firsthand that traditional 72-hour preparedness isn't always enough. This modern-day outdoor McGyver has not only taught wilderness skills and foraging but also successfully homeschooled six children while mastering the art of survival. Her Native American heritage and extensive experience make her a uniquely qualified guide for anyone serious about emergency preparedness and wilderness survival." 

Brett M. Judd is a former probation and parole officer turned licensed clinical social worker, trauma recovery expert, and unapologetic neuroplasticity nerd. After a decade working inside the criminal justice system, Brett realized most of the people he supervised weren’t criminals—they were survivors of trauma, doing the best they could with what life handed them. Today, he uses his deep background in behavioral therapy and brain science to help people heal, not just cope. He’s the author of I Have Recovered—a bold rejection of the “once an addict, always an addict” model—and a passionate voice for practical, powerful healing through connection, truth, and mental preparedness. 

 Caroline Alan is the co-founder and CEO of BEAM Minerals, whose journey from high-tech project manager to health innovator began with her own battle against chronic illness. After discovering the transformative power of plant-based minerals in her recovery, she dedicated herself to researching cellular health and mineral science. Now a recognized voice in mineral health education, Caroline shares her expertise through podcasts and health events worldwide, helping others understand the crucial role of minerals in optimal wellness. 

 Today we're joined by a farmer who has mastered small-scale, chemical-free agriculture. For nearly three decades, he's operated a successful four-acre farm producing no-spray fruits and vegetables for farmers' markets growing tropical fruit trees in Zone 6 Utah! Following in his father Farmer Paul Midgley's footsteps, he's developed innovative, cost-free farming techniques that work in harmony with natural systems. Through working intimately with Mother Nature, he's not only achieved financial independence but has paid off multiple farm properties. Now he's driven to share these time-tested methods with others who want to grow their own food, combining traditional wisdom with practical approaches discovered through hands-on experience. 

 Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is a globally renowned author, speaker, and expert on the psychology of combat, human aggression, and mental resilience. A former U.S. Army Ranger and West Point psychology professor, Grossman has written several acclaimed books, including the bestsellers On Killing, On Combat, and On Spiritual Combat. His work has been used as required reading by military and law enforcement agencies worldwide, and he has been invited to brief presidents, military leaders, and emergency responders on his groundbreaking research. Grossman’s insights into mental fortitude and preparedness have made him a sought-after speaker and a trusted authority in the fields of survival and resilience. 

David Jones is a retired Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), where he conducted hundreds of criminal investigations, counterintelligence, and anti-terrorism operations globally. His final assignment was Superintendent of the USAF Special Investigations Academy Detachment 1. With eight Middle East deployments and years of service in Europe, his experience shapes his writing and expertise.

Post-Air Force, David served as a Wisconsin Chief of Police and University Criminal Justice Program Chair. He's authored numerous law enforcement training articles and fiction novels. As a public speaker, he specializes in Police Response to Active Shooter situations and combat veteran issues.

David holds a master's degree in Criminal Justice and continues serving his Appleton, Wisconsin community as a volunteer firefighter.

David Stelzer is the founder and CEO of Azure Standard, America's leading independent source for organic foods and healthy living essentials. Born into a farming family with deep roots in the Pacific Northwest, David witnessed his father pioneer organic farming in 1973, well before it became mainstream.

Starting at age 21, David built Azure Standard from selling grain out of his pickup truck to serving over 3 million families nationwide. His innovative drop-point delivery system has revolutionized access to affordable organic foods.

A father of 11 children all raised on organic foods, David is passionate about soil health and family self-reliance. His guiding philosophy—"healthy food from healthy soil creates healthy families"—reflects his commitment to quality nutrition as the foundation for both physical and mental wellness.

 Debbie Weiss is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and inspirational speaker who turned life's challenges into catalysts for transformation. Owner of a successful State Farm insurance agency and online store, she authored "On Second Thought, Maybe I Can" and "The Sprinkle Effect." Through her books, speaking engagements, and "Maybe I Can" podcast, Debbie helps others discover their potential and embrace personal growth at any stage of life. 

Dr. Fred Moss, board-certified psychiatrist with a rebel streak and a healing heart. Treating over 30,000 patients and writing more than 100,000 prescriptions, he realized the traditional model of mental health—diagnose, label, medicate—wasn’t actually making people well. So, he flipped the script.

Now a global voice for “unscripted healing,” helping people reconnect with their creativity, purpose, and true voice. He’s the founder of Welcome to Humanity, creator of the True Voice Method, and author of books like Creative 8 and Find Your True Voice. His work centers on one radical idea: that human connection is the most powerful medicine on Earth

Whether he’s helping clients break free from diagnosis dependency or guiding them to swap out pills for paintbrushes, Dr. Fred’s mission is simple: to remind us that there may be nothing wrong with us… except forgetting who we really are.

Vasu is a self-taught artist who embarked on her artistic journey after retiring from the medical field. Her work serves as a bridge between her diverse life experiences and her passion for visual arts. Through her art, she seeks to capture the essence of humanity, nature, and the ever-evolving world around us.

Elizabeth Bruckner is the author of The Homesteader Mindset; a book that will transform the way you view self-sufficiency and give you the tools and practical tips needed for a more meaningful life. Elizabeth’s book has quickly become a must-read for every person who dreams of creating sustainable living through traditional skills and common sense. Her book outlines mental health principles that she has used for over a decade in her acupuncture clinic.

In 2020, Elizabeth started growing her own food in the suburbs of Los Angeles. She went from black thumb to permaculture passion in a matter of months. She still takes delight in the ability to grocery shop in her own backyard. Her aim is to show you how you can, too.

Eric Gee has administered personality-based life coaching for more than twenty years. He built a successful education company that used his personality typing method to better the lives of more than twenty thousand students, parents, and teachers. As creator of The Youtopia Project and the Youtopia 16 assessment, he has disseminated his method to over half a million users since the website’s creation in 2016.

Glenn Jenkins, founder and innovator behind Humless, is a pioneering force in sustainable energy solutions with over 38 successful patents to his name. His journey to revolutionizing solar power began unexpectedly during a family camping trip in the Redwood forests in 2007, when the noise of a gas generator inspired him to create something better - the world's first lithium iron phosphate solar generator.

 After sailing around the world, he immigrated to America 34 years ago, where he initially built his expertise constructing over 50 homes. 

As the creator of Humless, Glenn holds the distinction of being the first manufacturer in America to develop solar generators using lithium iron phosphate technology. His original patent for simultaneous AC/DC charging set new industry standards, and his early products have demonstrated remarkable longevity, with original units from 2011 still functioning today.

Meet Haley Straw, an extraordinary bridge between two worlds. As a "Yoder-toder" (Amish taxi driver), she's gained unprecedented access to one of America's most private and self-reliant communities, gathering insights few outsiders ever experience. But Haley is far more than just a driver – she's a storyteller who brings the hidden wisdom of Amish life to light through her writing and speaking engagements.

A free-spirited mother of six who embodies both modern adaptability and traditional values, Haley's journey from teaching wilderness survival skills to becoming a trusted confidante within Amish communities showcases her unique ability to walk between worlds. Her firsthand experiences – from emergency midnight runs for midwives to participating in barn-raising events – have given her an intimate understanding of how the Amish build resilient, sustainable communities that thrive independently of modern systems.

 Jane Barlow is a second-generation master herbalist and the CEO of Barlow Herbal, continuing a powerful family legacy of plant medicine pioneered by her father, Max Barlow. Growing up as one of 14 children in a family devoted to natural healing, Jane began her journey in wellness at age 17, managing her father's herbal business communications. With over four decades of experience combining fitness expertise and herbal wisdom, she's transformed her father's original teachings into a multi-million dollar natural wellness company. As the author of "Be Your Own Shaman" and a respected voice in plant medicine, Jane bridges traditional herbal knowledge with modern wellness practices, sharing her expertise through her products, writing, and speaking engagements worldwide. 

 Jeremy Bishop is a personal branding powerhouse and serial entrepreneur whose advice has launched million-dollar brands, viral sensations, and the occasional Instagram-famous Labradoodle. Known for turning digital dust into dollar signs, Jeremy has helped everyone from Fortune 500 execs to Netflix stars build an online presence that’s more magnetic than a coupon for free tacos. When he’s not masterminding marketing magic or booking 100 podcast interviews before breakfast, Jeremy’s sharing his secrets for building real-world connections—and reminding us all that financial preparedness can be just as fun as a dog in a hat. 

Jeremy is a dynamic and accomplished 2X Best-Selling Author and Entrepreneur and an inspiring Keynote Speaker. With a deep-seated passion for empowering individuals and organizations, Jeremy has dedicated his career to helping people maximize their talent and purpose. His personal story of life transformation combined with his engaging speaking style, makes him a sought-after expert in the industry. Jeremy's profound insights and strategies have inspired countless individuals to unlock their full potential and align their careers with their true purpose. Jeremy’s latest book, Finding Your EDGE: How to Unlock Your Talent & Purpose, debuted at #2 on the Life Transformation book charts.

James B. (Jim) Kennard, the President of the Foundation, has a wealth of leadership, financial, business, teaching, and gardening training and experience upon which to draw in helping the Foundation to achieve its goals. He is a retired Certified Public Accountant (CPA), practicing as managing partner in a Salt Lake City firm since 1972, and has also owned and successfully managed several different businesses, including hotels, shopping centers, apartments, and retail establishments during the past thirty years.

Jim has been a Mittleider gardener for the past forty three years, he is a Master Mittleider Gardening Instructor, and has conducted gardening demonstration and training programs, taught classes and seminars, and worked one-on-one with Dr. Jacob Mittleider on several gardening projects in the USA and abroad.

Joel Skousen is a political scientist, architect, and one of the world’s foremost experts on preparedness and self-reliance. As the author of Strategic Relocation and The Secure Home, he has guided countless individuals in creating safe, sustainable living spaces. A former Marine Corps fighter pilot and editor of the World Affairs Brief, Joel combines expertise in geopolitics, engineering, and survival strategies. He’s also a sought-after consultant on high-security home design and strategic relocation. With decades of experience, Joel’s insights offer practical, actionable solutions for navigating uncertain times. 

John Lott Jr. is one of America's preeminent researchers on firearms, crime, and public policy. With a Ph.D. in Economics from UCLA, his academic career spans several prestigious institutions including teaching positions at the University of Chicago, Yale, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford, UCLA, and Rice. 

Lott served as the chief economist at the United States Sentencing Commission during 1988-89, where he developed crucial insights into crime costs and penalties. He is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking research on firearms and crime, including his influential book "More Guns, Less Crime" . His other notable works include "Gun Control Myths" and "The War on Guns: Arming Yourself Against Gun Control Lies."

 Ken Ramirez is a world-renowned animal behaviorist, biologist, and Executive Vice President at Karen Pryor Clicker Training, with over 50 years of groundbreaking experience in animal care and training. From his early work with guide dogs for the visually impaired to orchestrating the synchronized flight of 10,000 butterflies, Ken has demonstrated the transformative power of positive reinforcement training across species. His expertise spans everything from marine mammals to livestock, wild elephants to family pets. Ken’s innovative techniques have not only saved lives in critical situations but have also strengthened the bond between humans and animals, making him a sought-after consultant, speaker, and trainer globally. 

Kim Allen is a financial expert, entrepreneur, and lifelong prepper who helps families protect their wealth in uncertain times. Raised on a farm in Ohio, he applies practical, no-nonsense strategies to financial planning.

Since 2008, Kim has been a retirement advisor and insurance agent, leading Legacy Group Planning, a top 2% wealth management firm in the U.S. He specializes in fixed index annuities, tax-free investment strategies, and risk-free wealth preservation.

A true prepper, Kim enjoys ham radio, off-road jeeping, hunting, and food storage, blending financial wisdom with self-reliance. His goal? Helping people build a financial fortress so they can thrive—no matter what.

A master craftsman turned innovator, Loren Stieg's journey to revolutionizing home food preservation began in the precision-driven world of tool and die making. After earning his Journeyman credentials in 1964 and establishing his own successful tool shop in the early 70s, Loren's entrepreneurial spirit led him to tackle an unexpected challenge: America's canning lid crisis.

Drawing on his expertise in plastics and precision manufacturing, Lauren developed what would become the Tattler lid – the first truly reusable home canning solution. 

Despite various life changes and market challenges, Lauren never lost faith in his invention. His persistence paid off when the digital age finally allowed this game-changing product to reach a global audience. Today, Tattler lids stand as a testament to American ingenuity and sustainable design, offering home canners lifetime reusability after just three uses.

Krista and Mark Lawley are the dynamic duo behind the Practical Prepping podcast, where they share their no-nonsense, common-sense approach to preparedness with over 110,000 followers worldwide. With nearly 500 episodes under their belts, they’ve become trusted voices in the preparedness community, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance without fear or panic. Krista brings a knack for creative solutions and resourceful living, while Mark’s background in law enforcement adds a layer of practical expertise. Together, they inspire others to embrace preparedness as a joyful, empowering lifestyle rooted in faith, community, and a healthy dose of humor. 

Michelle Bacarella, MS RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, functional food and supplement formulator, and head of Product Development and Innovation at NutriFusion, LLC.  She received her Bachelors of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics and Masters of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Arizona State University.   
Michelle worked through college guiding others on the path to good health as a personal trainer and fitness instructor.  Upon graduation, she was able to continue to help patients as a nutrition counselor for those suffering from acute and chronic diseases.  Michelle then continued her career in the nutrition industry as the Chief Science Officer for branded companies, where she had the opportunity to broaden her scope of practice by researching the effects of food and phyto-nutrients in sports and chronic disease.   

Rick Cheatham is a transformational speaker, marriage coach, and retired fire captain with over 25 years of frontline experience in Anaheim, California. After decades of serving others through crisis, Rick’s life took a devastating turn with the murder of his oldest son and a severe neck injury that left him temporarily paralyzed—just five months after retirement. But instead of succumbing to grief, addiction, and resentment, Rick chose healing, hope, and purpose. You’ll find Rick at the intersection of servant leadership and soul-deep transformation—always ready to help others walk through their own fire, and come out stronger on the other side. 

Rob Chadwick serves as Director of Training and Education at the USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association). With over 30 years in law enforcement, including 20+ years with the FBI, he led tactical training at Quantico and served on the protective detail for the U.S. Attorney General. His expertise spans SWAT operations, high-level protection, and civilian firearms training. At USCCA, he oversees training programs that help responsible citizens navigate the legal and practical aspects of self-defense.

 Roni Robbins is a bestselling author and veteran journalist with nearly four decades of experience. Her work has appeared in major publications including USA Today, The Huffington Post, Forbes, New York Daily News, WebMD, and Healthline. Her novel "Hands of Gold" won the 2023 International Book Award for Multicultural Fiction and the Global Book Awards Gold Medal for Biographical Survival. Based on her grandfather's audio tapes, the book weaves historical events with creative storytelling to share an inspiring tale of survival and resilience across generations. Robbins continues to write while working on her next book based on her father's life story. 

Author, speaker and internationally recognized expert on personal security - Sam Rosenberg has dedicated his life to protecting people and teaching them how to protect themselves.

Sam served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and in the private sector as a close protection specialist for some of the world’s highest profile individuals, including such notables as Tom Cruise, PM Benjamin Netanyahu, and Warren Buffet.

He is the author of Live Ready – A Guide to Protecting Yourself in an Uncertain World, The Traveler’s Guide to Personal Security, and The Path of the Victor, and is the inventor of the Response Pen

Scott J. Allen, Ph.D., is an award-winning educator passionate about working with people at all levels and across industries. He serves as an instructor in SMU’s Cox School of Business Executive Education and spent more than 17 years as a professor of management. He also serves as a leadership consultant with Winding River Consulting. His areas of expertise include leader development, the future of work, and executive communication. 

He is the co-author of The Little Book of Leadership Development: 50 Ways to Bring Out the Leader in Every Employee.

Stephanie Parrish is living proof that resilience looks even better in a tiara. A former Miss Pocatello who’s been gracing stages since the age of three, Stephanie is now a global wellness advocate, speaker, and host of the Vitality Health Show. She's also a walking encyclopedia of alternative health—specializing in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, PBMT, and more healing acronyms than a government agency.   Whether she’s making her own toothpaste, stacking hygiene kits by the hundreds, or turning dandelions into gold (well, salve), Stephanie reminds us that true preparedness is equal parts grit, grace, and listening when the Spirit nudges. 

Ulrich Dempfle is the CEO and co-founder of Carol Bike, the world’s first AI-powered Reduced Exertion High-Intensity Training (REHIT) exercise bike. With a background in mechanical engineering from a top German university and experience working with Europe’s leading automobile manufacturers, Ulrich later transitioned into healthcare innovation, pioneering AI-driven solutions for the UK health system.

His fascination with scientifically optimized fitness began when he discovered REHIT through a BBC documentary. Frustrated that such an efficient workout was only available in lab settings, he engineered Carol Bike, bringing cutting-edge research into homes and gyms worldwide. Since then, his work has helped thousands improve their health in just five-minute workouts, proving that smarter exercise—not longer—yields superior results.