(Substack)—Actor Josh Duhamel has turned a remote stretch of Minnesota wilderness into a family sanctuary that’s as much about reconnecting with roots as it is about being ready for whatever comes next. The 52-year-old, known for roles in films like “Transformers” and his recent work on Netflix’s “Ransom Canyon,” shared insights into his self-built home during a conversation with People magazine, where he assessed his readiness for a major crisis at around 70 percent.
“Well, I have enough,” the “Ransom Canyon” star said. “Not 100%. Probably 70%.”
Duhamel acknowledged areas for improvement to ensure long-term self-sufficiency, particularly in sourcing food. “I could be a better hunter, I could be a better fisherman. I could stockpile a little more food supply,” he said.
The property, which spans 26 acres alongside a small lake and sits about two miles off the main road, represents over 15 years of hands-on effort. Duhamel started with a half-parcel of land an hour and a half from Fargo, North Dakota, and expanded it over time. He described the early days as true homesteading: no plumbing, relying on outhouses, and washing dishes in the lake. The cabin itself evokes classic Americana—a cute little red structure with a stone chimney right on the water, reminiscent of a Terry Redlin painting.
Key features underscore his practical approach to independence. The site includes three wells for reliable water access, food plots for growing provisions, and a custom filtration system. Even with modern touches like Starlink for connectivity, the focus remains on essentials. “I’ve spent 15 years cultivating our lakeside property—building on it, popping stumps, putting in wells, planting food plots,” Duhamel told Country Living.
This shift from Los Angeles life stems from a deeper pull toward simplicity and capability. “I make movies and TV shows, and I love it, I truly do love it, but I had this calling,” Duhamel explained. That calling was “to go and really do things with my hands again — fix things, make things and just do the basic things that we take for granted.”
He emphasized staying grounded amid modern distractions, especially technology’s rapid advance, which he finds unsettling. Duhamel noted that artificial intelligence particularly “scares” him, viewing the cabin as a respite from “this world of massive technology.”
Yet, he pushes back on the “doomsday prepper” label, framing it instead as honoring heritage and building resilience. “The truth is, yes, people want to call it a doomsday prepper thing, but it’s really not that,” he told People. “I’m really more of a guy who wants to stay true to my roots, get back to the basics, hone whatever basic skills I need.”
“I don’t think that we’re in any dire situation that we have to worry about prepping for doomsday, but it is good to have some of those skills,” Duhamel added. “I was getting so far away from it for so long, that I felt like I wanted to get back to some of that.”
Family lies at the heart of this endeavor. Duhamel shares the home with wife Audra Mari and their young son Shepherd, now around 19 months old, while his 11-year-old son Axl, from his previous marriage to Fergie, joins them regularly. The isolation fosters bonds: “The closest store is 40 miles away,” he said in April. “Once we get there, it’s really about everybody taking care of each other – making memories, spending time with family and friends.”
“You’re not consumed by all these other distractions,” Duhamel said. “When you’re out there, it’s really about having fun, making sure everybody’s warm, everybody’s got food and water.”
The setup allows his kids to experience unfiltered childhood—catching frogs, collecting sticks, and coming home covered in dirt—which Duhamel sees as vital in an era dominated by screens. “These days there’s so much anger in the world, and I think it’s because people are on their phones, getting caught up in whatever they’re being fed through their devices as opposed to being outside connecting with the world. Nature helps ground you to what’s important,” he shared.
Duhamel has also reflected on the property’s role in tougher scenarios. “I have this crazy fixation on what happens if s–t hits the fan in LA and I have to take my family out there and live off the land,” he said in 2024. “I believe that we could live off the land out there. I’m not very good at it yet, but I’m getting there.”
Recent upgrades, including planned renovations, show his ongoing commitment to refining the space while extending similar preparations to his Western properties. For Duhamel, it’s all about providing for his loved ones through hard work and foresight, proving that true security comes from within.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.