(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.
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
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The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
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Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
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Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.