The Reason

The Journey to Educate, Equip, and Prepare Others
By Don Porter (Sootch00)

When I started my journey into the world of YouTube, I didn’t anticipate the incredible community of people I’d connect with. My name is Don Porter, though most know me as Sootch00. What began as a passion project—a way to share what I’ve learned about firearms, safety, and survival—has become a lifelong mission to educate, equip, and inspire others to prepare for anything life might throw at them.

My fascination with firearms started early. Like many, I appreciated their craftsmanship and utility, but more than that, I respected the responsibility they represent. Owning a firearm isn’t just about protection; it’s about discipline, training, and understanding the gravity of being a steward of the Second Amendment. For me, guns symbolize more than tools—they are a bridge to self-reliance and personal safety.

Yet, my interests didn’t stop there. Over the years, I realized how interconnected firearms knowledge is with overall preparedness. Whether it’s creating a bug-out bag, understanding basic survival techniques, or simply knowing how to handle emergencies, preparation is something everyone can benefit from. This led me to create a separate channel, SensiblePrepper, where I could focus on these critical life skills.

Why do I do this? It’s simple: I want to help people.

We live in a world where the unexpected happens every day. A natural disaster, a power outage, or even just an unforeseen life event can leave us vulnerable if we’re unprepared. My goal has always been to equip my viewers with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their own safety and well-being. And I do it because I believe in people. I believe in their ability to learn, adapt, and grow.

My channels are about more than reviews and how-to guides; they’re about community. I’m continually inspired by the stories my viewers share—how they’ve taken steps to protect their families, how they’ve found confidence through training, or how they’ve started preparing for the first time after watching my videos.

It’s not about fear; it’s about knowledge. Learning about firearms, safety, and survival isn’t a doomsday activity—it’s a way to build confidence and resilience. These skills remind us that we’re capable of facing challenges head-on, whether it’s defending ourselves, helping a neighbor, or simply being ready when the unexpected happens.

This journey has been humbling, and I’m grateful to God for the opportunity and to all who have joined me along the way. Whether you’re here to learn about firearms, explore prepping, or just gain a little peace of mind, know that you’re part of a larger community that values responsibility, self-reliance, and freedom.

I’ll keep sharing as long as God allows and there’s someone out there willing to listen, learn, and grow. Together, we can help each other build a safer, more prepared future.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember: Be strong. Be of good courage. God bless America. Long Live the Republic.

—Don Porter (Sootch00)