Health Ranger Report: Stefan Verstappen discusses community prepping and survival wisdom

05/31/2025 / By Kevin Hughes

Stefan Verstappen’s interest in preparedness began during the Cold War, influenced by nuclear threat fears and early exposure to survivalism (e.g., building a bug-out bag at age 12). He critiques “fear porn” from governments/media but credits it for fostering self-reliance.
Events like the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) and geopolitical tensions have normalized prepping, with retailers like Costco selling survival kits. Despite increased awareness, many lack basic skills (e.g., repairs, tire changes), highlighting the need for education in self-sufficiency.
Verstappen warns of “democide” (governments killing citizens), citing 239 million deaths in the 20th century. Preparedness is framed as pragmatic, not paranoid, given historical patterns of systemic violence.
Success hinges on operational security (OpSec) and democratic cooperation (e.g., shared tasks like gardening, security and medical care) – weekly community meetings and skill-sharing foster unity and mutual support.
Stockpile at least a year’s food supply, then transition to gardening/livestock for long-term sustainability. Medical preparedness is critical; communities should form teams to address supply chain disruptions.

In a world increasingly fraught with uncertainty, the concept of preparedness has shifted from the fringes of society to a more mainstream acceptance. This evolution served as the focal point of the conversation between the Health Ranger Mike Adams and Stefan Verstappen, a renowned expert in community prepping and survival strategies, on the “Health Ranger Report.”

Verstappen, a Canadian author and researcher, shared his personal journey into the world of prepping. Growing up during the Cold War era, the looming threat of nuclear war was a constant source of anxiety. This fear, coupled with the availability of fallout shelters as a home-buying option in the 1960s, ignited his interest in survivalism at a young age.

By the age of 12, Verstappen was already assembling his first bug-out bag, a testament to his early commitment to preparedness. Reflecting on his upbringing, Verstappen highlighted the pervasive fearmongering of the time, which he refers to as “fear porn.”

The government and media of the era often exaggerated threats, leaving a lasting impression on his generation. However, this environment also fostered a mindset of self-reliance and preparedness that has guided him throughout his life.

The conversation then shifted to the changing perception of prepping in contemporary society. Verstappen noted that the once-fringe concept has gained significant traction, especially in the wake of events like the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and rising geopolitical tensions. The normalization of prepping is evident in the availability of survival kits at retailers like Costco, indicating a broader societal shift toward preparedness.

Adams echoed this sentiment, pointing out the irony: Many people remain woefully unprepared despite increased awareness of potential threats. He highlighted the lack of practical skills among younger generations, who often lack even basic knowledge, such as changing a tire or repairing clothing. This observation underscores the importance of Verstappen’s work in promoting self-reliance and community resilience.

The threat of democide and the importance of preparedness

Stefan introduced the concept of “democide,” a term he uses to describe the alarming historical trend of governments murdering their own citizens. Citing conservative estimates of 239 million deaths attributed to democide in the last century, he emphasized the need for individuals to be vigilant and prepared for the worst-case scenarios. This perspective is not rooted in paranoia but in a pragmatic understanding of history and human nature.

Adams agreed, noting that the greatest threat to individuals often comes from their own governments. He also highlighted the irony that while people are increasingly aware of potential dangers, they remain unprepared for them. This disconnect underscores the urgent need for education and community-building efforts like those championed by Verstappen.

Verstappen emphasized the importance of community in times of crisis. He shared insights from his own experiences in forming communities, highlighting the challenges and keys to success. One of the critical factors he identified is operational security, which involves keeping the community’s activities and location under the radar to avoid unwanted attention.

He also stressed the importance of a democratic and cooperative approach within the community. Verstappen’s community meets weekly, with members volunteering their time and skills to various tasks such as gardening, medical care and security. This collaborative model ensures that everyone contributes and benefits, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. (Related: Water, gardening, community and more: 11 Important tips for preppers.)

The role of food and medicine in preparedness

When asked about the most critical aspects of preparedness, Verstappen emphasized the importance of food self-sufficiency. He advocated for stockpiling at least a year’s supply of food and gradually transitioning to self-sustaining practices like gardening and raising chickens. This approach not only ensures a reliable food source but also promotes a deeper connection to the land and a more sustainable lifestyle.

Medicine was another crucial area of focus. Verstappen stressed the need for individuals to have access to essential medications and medical supplies, highlighting the potential for supply chain disruptions in times of crisis. His community has established a medical team to address these needs, further underscoring the importance of collective action and resource-sharing.

As the interview concluded, Verstappen reiterated the importance of taking proactive steps toward preparedness. He encouraged individuals to start small, focusing on building food reserves and acquiring essential skills. He also emphasized the value of mentorship and community-building, urging people to seek out like-minded individuals and work together toward common goals.

“Being prepared is an intelligent thing to do. And our ancestors or grandparents, they were preppers. They had to figure out how to survive. And they had to do a lot of things that modern preppers do, stockpile food for months, they had to learn canning and preserving, and purifying their own water,” Verstappen said. “So, begin with focusing on becoming as self-sufficient in food.”

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Watch the full interview between Stefan Verstappen and the Health Ranger Mike Adams below.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.