Aware And Prepared

Listen to part 2 in answering the question I get: "What’s your stance on guns for personal protection?" I share honest insights for those considering firearm ownership, covering everything from the initial training needed to the responsibility of regular practice. For anyone thinking about applying for a concealed carry permit (CCW), we discuss the realities of keeping your skills sharp, along with the legal and safety aspects that come with carrying a weapon responsibly.

We also go into the mindset needed in high-stakes situations, like when to make the decision to draw your weapon and how crucial muscle memory and mental preparation are for reacting under pressure. 

For those interested in alternative self-defense tools, we touch on other options like pepper spray and offer a practical look at the pros, cons, and requirements of different approaches. Join us to gain a clearer understanding of what it truly takes to carry a weapon safely and with confidence.

LESSONS LEARNED

Guns for Self-Defense Require Practice: Skill level varies per person, but regular training and muscle memory are crucial for responsibly carrying and potentially using a firearm.

Know the Legal Requirements: Gun laws vary widely by location, so understanding local CCW regulations, where firearms are prohibited, and safe storage practices is essential.

Responsibility and Safety are Priorities: Safety measures, like storing firearms in secure safes (especially with children at home) and routine maintenance, are critical steps in responsible firearm ownership.

Consider Alternatives if Unsure: Pepper spray and other non-lethal tools are options. These also require familiarization, practice, and situational awareness.

Mindset and Preparation Matter: Confidence and preparedness go hand-in-hand; practicing scenarios and mentally preparing to react under pressure can help ensure self-defense actions are deliberate and controlled.

Situational Awareness and Readiness: Understanding the importance of element of surprise and using one’s voice as a deterrent are practical ways to stay alert and defend if needed.

RESOURCES

Helpful e-book: Concealed Carry for Women

https://ccwsafe.com/ One option for CCW insurance - a must have if you are carrying.

JOIN my email list so you are notified of when my self defense course is live again and when we have an in person workshop on non-lethal self defense training. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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Mandi opens up about her personal journey with firearms, from dealing with the vulnerability of her past to making the decision to own a gun for protection. Joined by her podcast editor Andrea, the two discuss the emotional weight, responsibility, and real-life experiences that shape their views on self-defense.

Mandi talks about the need for responsible gun ownership, the importance of proper training, and how she practices with her firearm. Whether you're for or against guns, this episode is a judgment-free zone where different perspectives are explored with respect, caution, and personal experience. If you've ever wondered about self-defense options—whether a gun, pepper spray, or something else—this episode will give you plenty to think about.

LESSONS LEARNED

Self-defense is a personal choice—explore what feels right for you.

Responsible gun ownership requires proper training and practice.

There are various self-defense options to feel empowered and prepared: lethal & non-lethal.

Please respect and listen to different perspectives on sensitive issues like gun ownership.

RESOURCES

JOIN my email list so you are notified of when my self defense course is live again and when we have an in person workshop on non-lethal self defense training. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

***Don’t forget to review the show (bottom of all episodes) - is it helpful, practical, insightful?***

Book Mandi for a keynote and workshops for your school, conference or retreat to share her real life story, how she healed and practical takeaways to inspire and empower your audience.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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Hear this true crime story—a crime trend in my neighborhood. In this gripping episode of the Aware and Prepared podcast, we dive deeper into the importance of trusting your instincts when encountering overly friendly strangers. Mandi shares a recent local crime story that offers a stark reminder of how easy it is to become a target, especially for kind-hearted individuals. 

Learn how to stay safe, use your voice confidently, and remain aware of your surroundings in public spaces—without feeling paranoid. 

LESSONS LEARNED

Trust Your Intuition: Pay attention to how you feel when strangers approach you, especially if they are overly friendly. It’s okay to listen to your gut and act on it.

Use Your Voice: Don’t hesitate to speak up loudly if someone invades your personal space. A simple, firm "Stop!" can deter potential threats.

Be Aware of Distraction Techniques: Criminals may use friendliness or ask for help to divert your attention and steal your belongings.

Report Suspicious Activity: Even if a crime wasn’t committed, reporting suspicious behavior to the police helps prevent future crimes and assists with investigations.

Stay Mindful in Public: Keep an eye on your surroundings, avoid getting absorbed in your phone, and be cautious when wearing valuable jewelry in public places.

RESOURCES

WeTip.com or 1-800-78-CRIME - Anonymous reporting system OR call your local police and ask that you stay anonymous.

Aware and Prepared Podcast Weekly Email: Provides show notes and links to resources mentioned in each episode. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

***Don’t forget to review the show (bottom of all episodes) - is it helpful, practical, insightful?***

Book Mandi for a keynote and workshops for your school, conference or retreat to share her real life story, how she healed and practical takeaways to inspire and empower your audience.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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Ever feel like someone is following you? Hear about the crime trend, jugging, and how to stay aware and safer. Mandi highly recommends subscribing to police news releases in your local city to be aware of crime trends. 

Hear this true story of "jugging," where criminals follow the victim from picking up valuable jewelry in LA. Hear what happens and learn from this story. The episode offers practical tips for identifying if you're being followed and what to do.

LESSONS LEARNED

Pay attention to being followed – Be aware of your surroundings calmly.

Trust your intuition – If your intuition tells you something is off, listen to it and act accordingly by either varying your route and seeking help.

Don't leave valuables in your car – Avoid leaving items, even those that don’t seem valuable, in plain sight inside your vehicle, as it may attract criminals.

Know what to do if your car is broken into – call 911 if you still feel in danger, or call the non-emergency number if time has passed and the situation is safe.

RESOURCES

Aware and Prepared Podcast Weekly Email: Provides show notes and links to resources mentioned in each episode. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

***Don’t forget to review the show (bottom of all episodes) - is it helpful, practical, insightful?***

Book Mandi for a keynote and workshops for your school, conference or retreat to share her real life story, how she healed and practical takeaways to inspire and empower your audience.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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Elicia delves deeper into the abuse she endured and and how it affected her adult life. After leaving her abusive relationship and moving out she struggled with the trauma and feelings of guilt instilled by those around her. She explains how her abuser’s manipulation made her doubt herself for years, and it wasn’t until she reflected on her experiences as an adult that she fully realized the extent of the coercion. 

She shares the challenges of reclaiming her sense of self-worth and the process of breaking free from the mental grip of her past abuser.

Through teaching others her self defense program, she began to confront her own unresolved trauma and found empowerment in helping women recognize and defend themselves against both physical and emotional abuse. This new purpose gave her the strength to share her story publicly, break the silence around her experience, and become an advocate for other survivors.

LESSONS LEARNED

Healing Takes Time and Self-Reflection: Fully understanding the extent of past abuse and its impact often requires time, reflection, and self-awareness.

Reclaiming Self-Worth: Breaking free from the mental grip of an abuser involves rebuilding self-worth and undoing years of manipulation and guilt.

EMDR Therapy as a Healing Tool: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy helped Elicia process her trauma and confront painful memories, facilitating deeper healing.

Empowerment Through Helping Others: Teaching others, especially in areas like self-defense, can be a powerful way to heal from personal trauma and regain control over one’s life.

Breaking the Silence: Speaking publicly about her experiences gave Elicia a sense of liberation and allowed her to help others who may be suffering in silence.

RESOURCES

Pretty Hands Hard Punches – Elicia's women’s self-defense program, designed to empower women to recognize and defend against both physical and emotional abuse. PrettyHandsHardPunches.com

Aware and Prepared Podcast Weekly Email: Provides show notes and links to resources mentioned in each episode. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

***Don’t forget to review the show (bottom of all episodes) - is it helpful, practical, insightful?***

Book Mandi for a keynote and workshops for your school, conference or retreat to share her real life story, how she healed and practical takeaways to inspire and empower your audience.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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Elicia recounts how her experience of being groomed and abused by a martial arts instructor when she was growing up severely impacted her self-esteem, mental health, and life trajectory. 

Hear things to be aware of to prevent this sort of experience and how she got her power back. Elicia turned around her story for good to prevent and break the cycle of abuse and coercion that so many experience. This is part 1 in a two part series.

LESSONS LEARNED

Understanding Emotional and Mental Abuse: Physical self-defense is important, but recognizing manipulation and emotional abuse is just as critical for personal safety.

Trusting Your Instincts: Women need to be taught to trust their gut feelings and recognize warning signs before danger escalates.

The Harm of Victim Blaming: Blaming the victim, as Elicia experienced, worsens the trauma and makes recovery harder.

The Long-Lasting Impact of Abuse: Abuse at a young age can severely affect self-esteem, decision-making, and trust in oneself.

RESOURCES

Pretty Hands Hard Punches – Elicia's women’s self-defense program, designed to empower women to recognize and defend against both physical and emotional abuse. PrettyHandsHardPunches.com

Aware and Prepared Podcast Weekly Email: Provides show notes and links to resources mentioned in each episode. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

***Don’t forget to review the show (bottom of all episodes) - is it helpful, practical, insightful?***

Book Mandi for a keynote and workshops for your school, conference or retreat to share her real life story, how she healed and practical takeaways to inspire and empower your audience.

Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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What if you could carry peace of mind in your car, ready to help you navigate any emergency life throws your way? In this special episode I’m joined by a very important guest—my dad, Larry, a former Marine Corps officer with over 20 years of experience and a background in corporate-level security. 


Building on last week's discussion about survival skills, today we're diving into the essential items for an emergency "go bag" that you can keep in your car. Whether it's an earthquake, fire, or even a civil disturbance, this small, carefully curated pack can provide critical support in a crisis. Larry shares his expertise on how to stay prepared without being overwhelmed, highlighting the value of starting small and customizing your bag to suit your needs.

Throughout the episode, we explore the various components of a go bag, offering practical tips for making sure you're ready for the unexpected. Plus, you'll hear real-life stories about how this simple kit has come in handy, not just during emergencies but in everyday situations as well. So, if you're looking to boost your preparedness while keeping things manageable, this episode is a must-listen!


RESOURCES

Aware and Prepared Podcast Weekly Email: Provides show notes and links to resources mentioned in each episode. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

***Don’t forget to review the show (bottom of all episodes) - is it helpful, practical, insightful?***

Book Mandi for a keynote and workshops for your school, conference or retreat to share her real life story, how she healed and practical takeaways to inspire and empower your audience.

Reach Mandi for "Go-Bag" details through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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"Survival Mom" shares her experiences with natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey, which left her and her neighbors without power for days. She explains how having backup energy sources, like generators and power banks, helped her household stay safe and comfortable. She also gives practical advice on storing food, water, and key items to prepare for power outages.

She emphasizes that being prepared doesn't have to be expensive, encouraging listeners to start small with items like canned goods, bottled water, and portable chargers. For families with health needs, reliable power is crucial. The episode includes product recommendations for essential emergency items, helping listeners take steps toward better disaster preparedness.

Lessons Learned

Start Small with Preparedness: Begin by purchasing simple, affordable items like canned food, bottled water, and small power banks.

Backup Power is Key: Having multiple layers of energy backup, such as generators and portable chargers, is crucial for staying safe and powered during outages.

Water Storage is Essential: Ensure you have stored water, as power outages can affect water supplies and lead to boil notices.

RESOURCES

Lisa Bedford, TheSurvivalMom.com

Jackery Power Stations – Reliable portable power stations for back up during power outages.

Anker Power Banks – Trusted portable chargers for keeping devices like phones powered.

Battarix – A credit-card-sized, one-time-use emergency phone charger with an eight-year shelf life.

EcoFlow Power Stations – High-capacity portable power solutions for emergencies.

Yamaha and Honda Generators – Top-rated generators for backup energy, known for reliability.

Generac Portable Generators – Popular generators for home use, available in various capacities for power backup.

Hot Logic – A low-wattage slow cooker that uses minimal power, ideal for emergency cooking.

Aware and Prepared Podcast Weekly Email: Provides show notes and links to resources mentioned in each episode. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

***Don’t forget to review the show (bottom of all episodes) - is it helpful, practical, insightful?***

Book Mandi for a keynote and workshops for your school, conference or retreat to share her real life story, how she healed and practical takeaways to inspire and empower your audience.

Find Mandi on her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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Intuition is a survival tool that helps us sense danger by picking up on subtle clues from our surroundings. Mandi shares a practical example of being alone at a gas station at night, explaining how these gut feelings can guide us to take protective actions, such as the ones she shared.

Mandi also highlights that intuition isn't just for dangerous situations; it can help us identify unhealthy relationships. By regularly checking in with ourselves and noticing how we feel around certain people, we can make better choices for our safety and well-being. Trusting and acting on our intuition allows us to live more safely and confidently.

RESOURCES

Aware and Prepared Podcast Weekly Email: Provides show notes and links to resources mentioned in each episode. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

***Don’t forget to review the show (bottom of all episodes) - is it helpful, practical, insightful?***

Book Mandi for a keynote and workshops for your school, conference or retreat to share her real life story, how she healed and practical takeaways to inspire and empower your audience.

Find Mandi on her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared 


The primary purpose of the Women Aware and Prepared Podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute advice or services. Please use common sense for your own situation.

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My son’s social security number was stolen in 2018, the theft led to legal challenges, including filing a police report and dealing with credit bureaus to secure the account. The host emphasizes the anxiety of such situations and the importance of taking preventative measures to protect personal information.

Hear practical advice for safeguarding against identity theft, particularly for children. Learn steps to take if identity theft occurs, highlighting the importance of prompt action to mitigate damage.

LESSONS LEARNED

Be Vigilant About Personal Information: Protecting Social Security numbers and other sensitive data is crucial, especially for children who may not be actively monitoring their credit.

Act Quickly When Identity Theft Occurs: Prompt action, such as filing a police report and freezing credit, can help mitigate the damage caused by identity theft.

Utilize Credit Monitoring Tools: Regularly check credit reports and set up alerts to catch any unauthorized activity early.

Question the Need for Personal Information: Before providing a Social Security number or other sensitive details, ask if it’s truly necessary and explore alternatives, especially when dealing with schools or healthcare providers.

Take Preventative Measures: Simple steps like using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and securely storing important documents can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft.

Stay Informed About Data Breaches: Awareness of data breaches and understanding the risks they pose can help you take timely protective actions.

RESOURCES

Aware and Prepared Podcast Weekly Email: Provides show notes and links to resources mentioned in each episode. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.

***Don’t forget to review the show (bottom of all episodes) - is it helpful, practical, insightful?***

Articles 1 and 2

Tool from Consumer Reports called Permission Slip for sending multiple data deletion requests

IdentityTheft.gov

FTC Protect Child

Dark Web Monitoring

Companies like Incogni that scan the web for personal information and request its removal on your behalf

Book Mandi for a keynote and workshops for your school, conference or retreat to share her real life story, how she healed and practical takeaways to inspire and empower your audience.

Find Mandi on her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared

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