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." 

 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.

 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. 

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 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. 

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.   

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.