Defense, Deterrence, and Daughters

Let me set the stage. I'm Kurt Johnson, husband to the ever-patient Trish, and dad to two fierce, brilliant daughters, Stephanie and Alexandria. I'm also the unfortunate best friend of a man named Jackson, who smells like a gym sock that lost a bet with a skunk. Jackson is a prepper too, and despite the fact that you can smell him from three zip codes away, the man knows his survival tricks. He's like a foul-smelling Swiss Army knife-completely essential, utterly offensive.

This book isn't about building a bunker with 12 years' worth of chili and ammo stacked to the rafters. It's not about paranoia or panic. It's about realistic, effective defense, smart deterrence, and what it means to raise daughters who can handle themselves when the world gets loud.

I didn't grow up in a fortress. I didn't have elite training. What I do have is a deep love for my family, a bit of know-how, a lot of trial and error, and a good friend named Kyle Harrison who reminds me weekly-through his rock-solid newsletter, The Preparedness Post-that survival is more than gear and grit. It's about planning with purpose and making sure your family doesn't just survive but thrives.

This book is filled with real stories, hard-earned lessons, and a lot of honest talk. We'll laugh, we'll learn, and we'll probably gag once or twice when Jackson makes an appearance. But by the time you reach the last page, you'll have a practical blueprint for how to protect your home, deter threats, and teach your kids-especially your daughters-that strength comes in many forms.

So, grab a coffee, find a quiet corner of your not-yet-fortified home, and let's get into it. Because defense doesn't start when the bad guys show up. It starts with the people you love and the choices you make long before the world goes sideways.