Aware And Prepared
Hello! This is the Aware and Prepared podcast. I'm your host, Mandi Pratt, a trained domestic violence advocate. I teach women and vulnerable populations how to be street smart. I'm a mom with a gnarly backstory from almost two decades ago. The FBI showed up at my door one day to alert me that my abusive ex had become wanted for multiple bank robberies. Our story was in the news (a few times). I was tired of feeling vulnerable and learned how to keep myself and my son safer. I wish when I was a young woman I'd known about red flags to watch for in relationships, and had learned how to be street smart. This podcast is for 15-year-old me and is meant for families and community groups to listen to together. After all, women's safety is a community issue. I'll share with you stories like mine and interview detectives, psychologists and many other experts to NOT only hear their jaw-dropping stories, but also what we learn from them to prevent harm for our every youth and grown up listening. I don't want anyone else to have to go through what I did - scared, vulnerable and needing decades of counseling and healthcare to heal. I want you to feel safer with less fear and more power!
You can find more from me at my website or my Instagram:
WEB: https://womenawareandprepared.com/podcast/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/womenawareandprepared/
Aware And Prepared
What Do I Think About Guns For Self Defense?
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