MEET OUR AMAZING SPEAKERS
TJ Morris, aka Bear
The founder of Bear Independent, a YouTube channel with over 200,000 subscribers about preparedness in our current times. He is the founder and CEO of Refuge Medical, which provides first aid medical supplies and kits, in-person training and consulting. He is also the founder and president of two nonprofits: Grindstone Ministries, an organization providing disaster relief, and Kaleb House, a residential recovery program providing a home-like environment for families and child survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. TJ is also and especially an ordained pastor, husband, father, and servant of the Most High.
Grindstone Ministries: https://grindstoneministries.com/
Refuge Medical: https://www.refugemedical.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BearIndependent
William Bond
A homesteader with a design certificate from The School of Permaculture and extensive training under Geoff Lawton. Offering insights gained from consultations across the states, William specializes in guiding others on "How to Build a Permaculture Homestead."
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePermacultureConsultant
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/ThePermacultureConsultant
Dr. Trevor Wilkins
Dr. Trevor Wilkins, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC, CCTP, is an anger, trauma, and PTSD specialist dedicated to serving public safety professionals, military personnel, and adults with childhood trauma. With a background in law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medicine, he brings firsthand experience to his work at Thin Line Counseling and Consulting, LLC. Dr. Wilkins combines Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and EMDR to deliver an aggressive, no nonsense approach to mental health. He is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor, and Clinical Mental Health Director for The Wounded Blue, advocating for trauma recovery with a balance of scientific rigor and practical application.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAngryVikingTherapist
Website: avt.help
Jay Addison
Husband, father, and former Army Infantryman that specializes in firearms, medical, and communication. Awoken after the “plandemic” like many others, now sharing the skills and products necessary to be the most prepared citizen for everyday life.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@preparedcitizens
Prepared Citizen Website: https://www.preparedcitizenstg.com/
Brian & Susan Dudley
S & B Homestead Radios promotes communication and preparedness for the family homestead. Susan and Brian are amateur radio operators that love to help families and individuals interested in learning more about amateur radios, family communications, and preparedness for the homestead. They are both licensed operators, Susan KG5VEP and Brian KG5VEK. Susan is a retired Special Education Teacher and is currently working as an Educational Consultant. Brian owns a specialty construction company in North Mississippi. Brian is the Southeast Regional Coordinator for the American Contingency Ham Radio Network, AHRN. He also enjoys building and experimenting with antennas for ham radio. Susan and Brian are founding members of the amateur radio club, Area 51 Radio.
Erica Anderson and Dillon Searcy Chronically Healthy
Together, Erica and Dillon are on a mission to redefine health and wellness through personalized, science-backed coaching that empowers individuals to take ownership of their well-being. Their approach bridges the gap between traditional medicine and functional health, offering a real, sustainable path to healing.
Jeffrey and Elizabeth Banks
Jeffrey and Elizabeth are both proud parents, grandparents and God-fearing people. Jeff is from Ohio, while Elizabeth hails from Massachusetts. They both served in the US Army, deploying several times in support of our country. Due to a required military move, they came to Kentucky and loved the state so much they decided to stay and put down roots. They like the fact that there are four seasons, but the winters aren’t as bad as the ones in Wisconsin. Both Elizabeth and Jeff enjoy their garden, working on their property and learning about what that unusually looking weed is and does it provide any medicinal or nutritional benefit.
They got into herbal medicine because of a family member that had eczema. Jeff did some research and studying and came up with a salve to help with eczema breakouts. After seeing its effectiveness and the relief it provided, both Jeff and Elizabeth started down the rabbit hole, chasing that next herb, spice, weed, tree, etc.… You get the point. They are passionate about helping others with what they have learned and aren’t afraid to share the information with anyone willing to listen.
https://buffalospirit.farmhttps://buffalospirit.farmhttps://buffalospirit.farm/Website link
Jeff Smith/The Everyday Prepper/The Heartland Self Reliance
A retired U.S. Air Force Security Specialist with over 40 years of experience in security and law enforcement across both military and corporate environments. Currently serving as a Security Specialist and Subject Matter Expert (SME) on active shooter response, workplace violence, and civil unrest for an international corporation.
Today, he continues to share his extensive knowledge by teaching classes on basic preparedness, getting home safely in emergencies, and essential tools for life after the grid goes down.
Organizer for The Heartland Self Reliance Conference
Suzanne Shires
Finding Salt in the Wild
We know salt is important. But where can we find it? Surprisingly, God has provided us with harvestable methods to obtain salt when an ocean is far, far away. In this class, we'll discuss finding plants for our salt intake, as well as age-old methods of gathering this much-needed supplement anywhere.