Welcome to Iron Sights podcast hosted by Scott Howell. This podcast candidly seeks to create opportunities and deliver impact by sharing the experiences and wisdom of successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders who unapologetically aim to WIN in health, fitness, business, and life. Welcome to old school meets new school, tradition meets innovation, and imperfection meets excellence. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show.
#206 After Dark: Moral Injury, Identity, and the Mission That Doesn't End When You Hang Up the Badge: TTPOA + ISP Collab
On this Iron Sights episode recorded live on the vendor floor at TTPOA Conference, Scott Howell sits down for a collab with the TTPOA Podcast hosts Brandon Hernandez and Matt Smith. Their guests are Brad Ortiz, Director of Sales for the Law Enforcement Division at Silencer Shop and former officer, and Dewayne Manson, Project Manager at the American Warrior Association, to dig into the thing the Law Enforcement community has been slow to confront: the compounding weight of moral injury, and why the reactive system built to support officers is failing the people who need it most. The conversation goes deep on what moral injury actually is, how it differs from PTSD, and why the officer who has never been in a critical incident can be just as broken as the one who has. Brad and Dewayne walk through what a culturally competent clinician actually looks like, why baseline brain and blood health mapping belongs in the academy, and how the American Warrior Association's R3 program is embedding proactive resilience training directly into TTPOA's regional structure, the first partnership of its kind nationally. But this episode isn't just about mental health. It's about identity. What happens to the guy who IS the job when the job ends? Brad gets personal about his own struggles stepping away from full-time law enforcement, Dewayne shares the moment his teenage son had to pick him up after a DUI, and Scott connects it all to the broader truth that your calling and your identity are not the same thing, and that confusing the two is costing officers their health, their relationships, and sometimes their lives before and after retirement. The back half gets into the business world and how everything these men learned going through doors, managing teams, and serving their communities translates directly into relationship-based sales, leadership under pressure, and building something that outlasts the badge. If you've ever told yourself you're not capable of anything outside law enforcement, this one is going to challenge that story hard. In this episode: • Moral injury is NOT PTSD: it is the cumulative damage caused when you perpetrate something, fail to prevent something, or are ordered to act against your moral compass, and it compounds silently over an entire career without a single critical incident ever being the trigger • Culturally competent clinicians are practitioners who have lived the lifestyle or are married to someone who has: Dewayne walked out of his first VA appointment when the counselor opened with pronouns, then found a female therapist married to a 20-year infantry veteran and experienced a completely different outcome • The American Warrior Association's R3 program is building proactive resilience frameworks inside agencies, including regional resiliency coordinators, vetted clinician networks, and fully funded Warriors Refuge retreats where flights and lodging are free to eligible officers and spouses • Brad Ortiz's Sound Off program at Silencer Shop donates $2 per purchase to a vetted nonprofit fund, and every individual officer purchase routes through silencershop.com where buyers work directly with Brad and Chris • The inflection point analogy: moral injury deposits are made silently every shift, just like compounding interest, and what looks like a single critical incident blowing up is actually the hockey-stick moment on a years-long accumulation nobody was tracking • Social media pile-ons after a justified OIS caused Brad more lasting moral injury than the shooting itself, a blind spot no clinician or debrief ever addressed until he found the right cultural fit in counseling • Baseline blood panels and brain mapping done at the academy level would give officers a before-and-after reference for physiological change across a career: the greater endocrine system and brain health are being completely ignored while TRT gets all the attention • The law enforcement skill set transfers directly into business leadership: problem-solving under pressure, decision-making without perfect information, ownership of mistakes, and relationship-first sales are all things operators have already built on the job, they just don't recognize it as a resume Chapters: 0:39 Iron Sights mission statement and welcome 2:02 Introducing Brad Ortiz and Dewayne Manson 2:49 Brad's background: The Uncommon Line podcast 9:40 American Warrior Association programs overview 11:43 Resilience training inside TTPOA: the first of its kind 12:08 What moral injury actually is and why it's not PTSD 14:20 Culturally competent clinicians: Dewayne's personal story 31:52 Compounding critical incidents over a career 38:37 Social media pile-ons as a hidden source of moral injury 44:55 Identity vs. calling: challenging how officers define themselves 1:12:18 Relationship-first sales, legacy brands losing ground, and the business parallel 1:21:46 How to access AWA, R3, and SoundOff resources Mentioned: Brad Ortiz — Director of Sales for the Law Enforcement Division at Silencer Shop, former law enforcement officer and fugitive investigator, and former host of The Uncommon Line podcast, joined as a guest to discuss the SoundOff program and the AWA partnership. Dewayne Manson — Representative of the American Warrior Association, infantry veteran who served in Afghanistan and contracted there through 2020, shared his personal journey through moral injury and recovery as context for AWA's R3 program. Matt Smith — Co-host of the TTPOA podcast with 21 years on SWAT, co-hosted this live conference episode alongside Scott Howell and competed in the TTPOA shooting competition the day prior. Brandon Hernandez — Region 7 Director and Director of Training for TTPOA, co-host of the TTPOA podcast, referred to on air as the celebrity of the group when a passerby stopped to greet him. Anna Heil — Associated with the American Warrior Association, attended a TTPOA show in St. Louis and briefed other state organizations on the AWA partnership afterward. Chris — Works alongside Brad Ortiz at Silencer Shop on the SoundOff individual officer program, mentioned as a direct point of contact buyers will reach at soundsoftshop.com. Neil Noakes — Former Chief of Police of the Fort Worth Police Department, cited as an example of a career officer who, when asked how many critical incidents he had been on, simply said he had lost count. Simon Sinek — Author and speaker known for the concept of finding your 'why,' referenced when Brad Ortiz challenged every officer in the room to examine the deeper reason behind their career and identity.
#205 After Dark: From Vetting Instructors to Hosting Sold-Out LEO Matches: Gabe Rivera on Building a Healthy Competition Culture Inside Law Enforcement
You know there is a gap between how your team trains and how your team performs. You've felt it. Gabe Rivera felt it too, and instead of talking about it, he built a system to close it. Full-time SWAT officer, Lead Faucet Tactical instructor, and founder of Mindset Tactical Solutions, Gabe sits down with Scott at the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association Conference in Round Rock, Texas to walk through eighteen years of hard lessons: how to vet instructors without getting burned by theory masquerading as experience, how competition shooting exposed gaps that thousands of hours of tactical courses never revealed, and how a small group of motivated cops turned a text thread into a sold-out law enforcement shooting match movement spreading from Southern California to Tennessee to TTPOA. This isn't a conversation about chasing classifications or social media clout. Gabe is relentlessly mission-focused: make the people around you better, lead by example, and build a culture where your weakest link is not weak for long. He breaks down how his agency went from a one-time thirty-two-hour active shooter block to annual refreshers, quarterly reps, and academy-level integration, and how the same forward-thinking philosophy is now driving a USPSA club, an intro-to-competition course for cops, and an intra-team quarterly competition with a plaque and serious bragging rights on the line. If you are a SWAT officer, a range sergeant, a team leader, or any cop who has ever wondered whether competition shooting is worth your time, this episode gives you the full picture, from Gabe's first humbling match experience alongside JJ Racaza to the stage-design lessons learned from rain-soaked stages at TTPOA this week. The roadmap is here. The people willing to help are already lined up. The only thing left is for you to start. Scott and Gabe also get into what it actually takes to put on a law enforcement match from scratch: finding a USPSA club willing to partner, building walls out of nothing, managing squad flow so nobody is standing around for eight hours, and leaning on sponsors like Howitzer Clothing to make the economics work. Whether you want to attend one of these matches or host one in your region, you'll leave this episode knowing exactly where to begin. In this episode: • Vetting instructors on tactics means prioritizing people whose techniques have been stress-tested for real, not just proven effective in Sims houses: one-off experiences are worth learning from, but not worth re-engineering your entire SOP around • Gabe's agency moved from a single thirty-two-hour active shooter block to academy-level integration plus annual refresher training plus quarterly reps after a post-incident debrief trip to Dallas surfaced the gap between their readiness and what actually-trained agencies were doing • Competition shooting exposed performance gaps that thousands of hours of tactical classes and certificates never did: the move to 'one match a month' then 'every match I can shoot' followed directly from realizing that class environments reward relative performance, while matches reveal absolute performance • The intra-team competition format Gabe built scores each team's top three shooters PLUS its bottom two, forcing accountability at the weakest link rather than letting high performers mask squad-wide deficiencies • The Southeast law enforcement match in Tennessee was the proof-of-concept Gabe and his crew replicated in the Southwest: copy the model, learn from their stage-flow lessons (including a full-service staff-reset format), and let the virus spread region by region • A USPSA section chair approved Gabe's agency-affiliated club to run official classifiers inside law enforcement courses, meaning cops can get their USPSA member number and classification within a course environment specifically designed around duty gear and relevant skill sets • Intro-to-competition classes for cops specifically address the three barriers Scott hears most: fear of DQ, not understanding stage planning, and not knowing how to sign up, and Gabe's model walks officers through a live match with coaching squad support their first time out • Sponsors like Howitzer Clothing (Eric Foss, Project Blue Lion) are funding JJ Racaza team courses and law enforcement match infrastructure outright, and USPSA clubs with materials and range facilities are the key first partnership to secure when replicating this model anywhere in the country Chapters: 0:39 Iron Sights intro and show mission 1:09 Welcoming Gabe Rivera and Scott's personal history with him 5:56 Gabe's background: 18 years in LEO and full-time SWAT 6:27 Origin of Mindset Tactical Solutions and active shooter training 8:15 Lead Faucet Tactical and the instructor vetting process 9:38 Dallas debrief, annual training evolution, and closing the readiness gap 24:26 What 'vet your instructors' actually means in practice 29:47 First exposure to competition shooting and Ben Stoeger's course 31:37 Training with JJ Racaza and the decision to go all-in on competition 44:03 Building a competition culture inside the agency 51:03 Launching the Southwest LEO match and learning from Tennessee 1:24:13 USPSA classification inside LEO courses and what is next Mentioned: Gabe Rivera — Owner and instructor of Mindset Tactical Solutions, full-time SWAT officer with eighteen years in Southern California law enforcement, and Lead Faucet Tactical instructor; primary guest of this episode. Dan Brokos — Founder of Lead Faucet Tactical; mentioned as someone Gabe assists as an instructor and who was teaching in Southern California during the week of the TTPOA conference. Ben Stoeger — World-class competition shooter whose Los Angeles-area private course required a USPSA B classification for entry, giving Gabe his first serious exposure to high-level practical shooting in 2015. JJ Racaza — World-class competition shooter who invited Gabe to shoot a match after training together, and who later ran private performance shooting courses for Gabe's SWAT team, funded in part by Howitzer Clothing. Cody — Referenced as a helpful contact associated with the Southeast law enforcement shooting match in Tennessee whose team provided guidance and support to the Southwest match organizers. Sean Griffith — Described as a top-ten shooter in the world who helped design stages for the TTPOA match and is cited as an example of elite-level competitors willing to invest time in helping law enforcement get into competition. Eric Foss — Associated with Howitzer Clothing and Project Blue Lion; credited with sponsoring JJ Racaza's private course for Gabe's team at no cost to the agency and with funding law enforcement match infrastructure. Anthony Coley — Mentioned as a recent Iron Sights guest whose attitude of asking for help openly was cited as a model for the law enforcement match-building community. Dustin Mowry — Named as a previous Iron Sights guest and one of the people involved in the TTPOA match effort whom Gabe has known since approximately 2015. Chancey Pogue — Named as a previous Iron Sights guest involved in the TTPOA match collaboration alongside Gabe. Bryan Williams — Named alongside Dustin Mowry and Chancey Pogue as a previous Iron Sights guest involved in the TTPOA match effort.
#204 After Dark: TTPOA + Matt Pranka Live Q&A
You have heard the arguments a thousand times and every time you hear them, something in your gut says it doesn't add up. In this episode, recorded live at the TTPOA conference in Round Rock, Texas, Iron Sights collaborated with the TTPOA Podcast host Brandon Hernandez and cohost Matt Smith to sit down with Matt Pranka for an honest conversation about training. Matt pulls zero punches on the dynamic versus deliberate debate, the real definition of CQB as a tactic, why slow is NOT safe when the fight is opposed, and how foundational skills are the only real safety mitigation factor your team has. You'll walk away understanding why your shoot house training may be building bad habits, what targets are actually doing to your vision discipline, and how a predictive shooting framework built around doubles, triples, and reactive shooting should be driving your 100-round range session. The Q&A portion adds ground-level perspective of a small-agency officer who built his own live-fire shoot house from scratch just to get his community access to real training. His questions on shoot house construction, target discrimination, and bridging the gap from patrolman to operator kick off a conversation that just keeps getting deeper. And threaded throughout all of it is the culture piece: loyalty, willingness, owning your mistakes in the AAR, and why the guys who refuse to admit they were wrong are the ones who never make it. This one is a labor of love, and it shows. In this episode: • Dynamic CQB is not fast movement across the ground, it is the speed at which you go from one task to the next with zero delay, and training pace must be significantly faster than execution pace so that real-life speed feels controlled, not chaotic • Shoot houses built with bullet traps eliminate a critical processing element: when operators can see the trap, they already know where the target is, removing the visual discrimination loop of demeanor, hands, and decision that mirrors real encounters • A shoot house SOP should be a simple three-page document with graphics that standardizes corner-fed versus center-fed rooms, hallway attacks, and door procedures before any contingency or procedure documents are layered on top • Force-on-force fails most often because role players maintain vigilance for only the five minutes before the team enters, so the most realistic FoF uses opposing SWAT teams cocked for 45 to 120 minutes who are caught off guard when surprise is given up • The 100-round range session breakdown: 40% predictive doubles (always preceded by 5 to 10 dry reps per block), 30% reactive multi-target shooting, 20% movement including lateral and shooting on the move, 10% live verification of whatever you are working in dry fire • Dry fire sessions should cap at 10 to 15 minutes of full cognitive and grip intensity, because sustained focus beyond that window is where the intensity drops and bad habits are grooved, and multiple short sessions accumulate more quality volume than one long unfocused one • The triangle of CQB principles, surprise then speed then violence of action, is ordered intentionally: if surprise is never given up, speed is not required, but the moment surprise is lost, speed and violence of action must immediately fill the gap • The most important character trait in a teammate is loyalty, not to the individual but to shared values and standards, because unlike shooting skill or fitness it cannot be trained, programmed, or faked, and it is the one trait that is essentially hard-coded by the time someone joins a team Chapters: 0:10 Iron Sights intro and mission statement 0:56 Live at TTPOA: setting the scene 1:58 George Pastore Foundation and the podcast booth 11:27 Justin Torres and Battlegrounds CQB House 12:17 Building a better shoot house for law enforcement 17:40 Targets, visual discrimination, and shoot house training 29:42 Dynamic vs. deliberate: the real definitions 31:45 True CQB speed: task-to-task efficiency 40:26 Loyalty, willingness, and what makes a good teammate 1:01:50 The 100-round training session blueprint 1:09:17 When slow is justified: surprise, darkness, and standoff 1:30:38 AARs as a culture-shifting training tool Mentioned: Matt Pranka — Returning guest, practical shooting and CQB instructor, keynote speaker at the TTPOA conference, and the primary subject matter expert in the episode's CQB discussion. Justin Torres — Owner of Battlegrounds CQB House in San Antonio and a police officer with a small local agency, who built his own shoot house to bring training access to smaller departments. Kim Pastore — Runs the Jorge Pastore Foundation and partnered with the TTPOA and Iron Sights team to build and fund the conference podcast booth. Chris Palmer — Friend of Matt Pranka and prior TTPOA keynote speaker, mentioned in the context of shooting review videos where officers misremember their own actions on body cam footage. Dan Collosanto — Referenced as the person who invited Matt Pranka to be the TTPOA keynote speaker, jokingly described as someone who 'fucked up' by giving Matt the slot. Jordan — Owner of Arise Manufacturing, who direct-mills Matt Prankla's personal pistols so no optic plate is needed. Zach Harrison — Owner-operator of Ascension Training Group was seated in the audience at the podcast booth and asked the question about the value of AARs in law enforcement training culture. Hwansik Kim — Cited by Matt Pranka as an example of a shooter who achieved top national-level match finishes on approximately 2,000 total rounds by mastering dry fire methodology. Jeff Mau — From Tenicor, he appeared on a prior Iron Sights episode alongside Matt Pranka and John Valentine. Mike Pannone— Mentioned as having co-taught a course in California with Matt Pranka, after which both appeared on a previous Iron Sights episode.
#203 After Dark: 20 Years of Breaching, Culture, Legal Liability, and the True Cost of Under-Training with Shane Foster
You think breaching is just kicking in a door. Shane Foster is here to tell you how wrong that is, and why that assumption is costing agencies millions of dollars, officers their careers, and in some cases, lives. Shane is the founder of Guild Solutions Group, director of training development for Pryme Infill, and one of the most quietly credentialed practitioners in the law enforcement and military training space. Over fourteen years in law enforcement across three agencies, a National Guard FAST team, deployments to Yemen and Afghanistan, time in Fortune 500 corporate leadership, and now building one of the most progressive breaching programs in the country, Shane does not fit neatly into a box. That is exactly the point. This conversation goes deep into the broken culture inside law enforcement training, the dangerous gap between experience and competence, and why ego is not just a soft problem but a hard operational one. Shane breaks down the real categories of breaching, from manual and ballistic to exothermic, hydraulic, bypass, and energetic, and explains why most agencies are leaving officers dangerously under-prepared because of liability avoidance, administrative checkbox training, and a stubborn refusal to evolve curriculum. You will also hear a frank conversation about the physical, neurological, and legal costs of doing this work incorrectly. Shane pulls no punches on TBI exposure, biomechanical failure patterns in ram technique, the litigation crisis hitting agencies nationwide, and why the solution to all of it is not more of the same. It is holistic, leveled, continually updated training paired with the documentation technology to back it up in court. If you are in law enforcement, military, or any preparedness-minded community, this episode will challenge how you think about training quality, institutional culture, and what it actually means to be ready when the door comes down. Stick with it all the way through. The back half on Pryme Infill alone is worth the full runtime. In this episode: • Ego as an operational failure point: Shane explains that culture problems in law enforcement training are rooted in ego, specifically the institutional unwillingness to admit wrong techniques, outdated case law applications, or poor curriculum, because the personal cost of admitting error feels higher than the cost of staying wrong. • Concepts over absolutes in breaching instruction: the Guild teaches that every technique has contextual conditions that determine its application, so training must build decision-making capacity rather than rote replication of a single method. • The six categories of breaching broken down: manual, ballistic, exothermic, hydraulic, bypass, and energetic access each serve distinct tactical purposes, and most patrol officers graduate from academies knowing only a ram and a halogen, which Shane calls subpar even for a one-zero-one level. • Biomechanical failure in ram technique: pendulum and FBI swings are still being taught generation to generation despite causing broken fingers, rotator cuff injuries, and over-penetration that blades the officer away from a threat inside the structure. • TBI mitigation is no longer just suck it up: cumulative blast pressure exposure during training, not operations, is the primary issue. Shane references computational fluid dynamics, AI cross-referenced brain wave tracking via Nurable headsets, daily PSI limits, and creatine and vitamin D3 protocols as part of a modern mitigation stack. • The legal dimension must be taught in real time during every course: case laws governing breaching are rarely actually discussed even when listed on course objectives, and that gap is contributing to a $3 billion-plus payout crisis in law enforcement civil litigation over the past ten years. • Pryme Infill closes the documentation gap: the platform combines a sanctioned encrypted communication app, geospatial Blue Force Tracker-style awareness, override-capable notifications, mission planning, and a PDF-builder that generates comprehensive legal-grade training records, all designed specifically to protect officers in depositions and civil discovery. • Midsize agencies are the sweet spot for developing well-rounded officers: small agencies give full-spectrum experience but limited specialization, large agencies define roles narrowly and officers can get lost, while the 200 to 400 officer range provides both operational breadth and enough structure to develop real expertise. Chapters: 0:00 Iron Sights intro and show philosophy 1:03 Guest intro: who is Shane Foster 1:42 Shane's background and the starfish career 17:55 Agency size, experience, and the midsize sweet spot 22:37 When officers realize training is failing them 30:16 What good instruction actually looks like 32:05 Law enforcement culture, ego, and the cost of not changing 50:27 Building Guild Solutions Group from the ground up 59:39 The six categories of breaching explained 1:28:03 Physical fitness, TBI, and the real cost of this work 1:40:34 How Pryme Infill was born and what it actually does 2:03:16 Where to find Guild Solutions and Pryme Infill Mentioned: Chris Kuras — Mutual friend who referred Shane Foster to the host and is associated with BRB and Good Dude Concepts. Pete Blaber — Author of The Mission, the Men, and Me, cited by Shane as one of his favorite books and as an example of common sense leadership. Ben Stoeger — Shane mentions encountering him briefly at SHOT Show and cites him as an example of a non-law enforcement, non-military practitioner who became a world-class shooter sought after by elite units. Matt Pranka — Shane credits him with the idea that instructors cannot make people process faster but can eliminate physical barriers so the student can focus on the problem. Pete Coletta — Shane's business partner in Guild Applied Solutions, the R and D arm of the Guild. Jared — Co-founder of Pryme Infill who built the platform after a high-scrutiny deposition following the 2020 Floyd riots, determined never to be caught undocumented again.
#202 After Dark - Shot Show 2026: The Mind Behind VEIL Solutions | Chris Woomer
Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast. My guest today is Chris Woomer, founder of VEIL Solutions. Chris is a designer, builder, and instructor who has spent years developing holsters and equipment for responsibly armed citizens, law enforcement, and military professionals. He’s also a masterclass competitive shooter and martial artist who approaches his craft with the mindset of both an artist and a problem solver. I first came across Chris while searching for people presenting ideas rooted in philosophy and methodology rather than internet noise. His stoic approach, deep conviction, and willingness to challenge conventional thinking immediately stood out. We finally had the chance to sit down face-to-face at SHOT Show 2026. Chris isn’t chasing hype or headlines. He’s focused on the work—often behind the scenes—pushing the industry forward through thoughtful design, hard-earned experience, and a relentless pursuit of getting it right. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark conversation with Chris Woomer here on the Iron Sights Podcast. Timestamps: 00.00 Intro 07:54 Chris's Background 12:04 Building Veil Solutions 18:13 Focus And Rabbit Holes 25:44 Becoming An Instructor 31:05 Why Teaching Matters 36:35 Who Seeks Training 46:04 Work Ethic Mindset 53:39 Luck Vs Preparation 01:02:36 Design And Reps 01:09:27 Product Development 01:16:20 SHOT Show Reality 01:20:14 Breaching Origin Story Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
#223 - Why Getting Outside Makes You Stronger, Smarter & Healthier
In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, Ryan and I step outside the usual gym conversation and talk about something most people overlook — getting outside and actually playing. We break down the physical performance benefits, the psychological and physiological upsides, and even the cognitive and sensory advantages of spending time outdoors. If you’re training hard inside the gym but feeling like something’s missing, this conversation might help you connect a few dots. This isn’t about abandoning structured training. It’s about enhancing it. If your goal is to look better, feel better, and perform better, you might need more fresh air than you think. Sit back and enjoy. - Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ FFA Program: https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 ( NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 06:45 Loss Of Play 11:41 Early Specialization 19:28 Ski Trip Reality Check 21:24 Predictable Vs Random Training 25:45 Nature & Mental Health 31:05 Play > Metrics 33:55 When Lifting Gets Stale 41:47 Adding Play To Training 47:39 Gym Supports Sport 51:38 Tools & Dogma 58:58 Social & Family Play 01:02:03 Stop Chasing Perfect Programs Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
#200 After Dark - Shot Show 2026: Paul Costa On Mastery, Pressure & Firearms Performance
Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast. Recorded at SHOT Show 2026, I sit down with Paul Costa of Broken Arrow Defense and Achilles Heel Tactical. Paul’s background was built the hard way — patrol cars, high-risk warrants, working alongside a canine, and years in environments where fundamentals weren’t optional. They were survival. Today, Paul carries that same commitment into the training world, instructing law enforcement and responsible citizens in firearms tactics and performance. A Masterclass competitive shooter, Walther Pro Staff instructor, and Safariland cadre member, Paul is first and foremost a student of the craft — and it shows. We talk about building skill that holds under pressure, developing people and teams, the realities of the firearms training business, and what pursuing mastery really means in a world chasing shortcuts. This was one I’d been looking forward to for a long time. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark conversation with Paul Costa on the Iron Sights Podcast. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:17 In-Person Edge 07:07 LE Background 11:57 Burnout 29:10 Civilians > Cops 35:16 Injury Pivot 43:40 Going Solo 58:32 Training Business 01:14:34 Culture Shift 01:43:11 Grip Myth 02:01:49 Partnerships 02:13:08 Pistol Debate 02:21:52 What’s Next Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
#222 - 3 Exercises For Performance & Longevity That Actually Matter
In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m back in the studio with Ryan and CeCe from Red Dot Fitness breaking down our top three exercise picks for performance and longevity. If your goal is to look better, feel better, and continue performing at a high level for years to come, this conversation is for you. We walk through why these movements made the list, the reasoning behind them, and how you can plug them into your own training without overcomplicating things. No gimmicks. No trendy movements. Just exercises that deliver long-term value. Sit back and enjoy this episode with the Red Dot Fitness crew. - Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ FFA Program: https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 ( NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:33 One Lift For Life 04:23 Trap Bar Case 09:30 Real-World Strength 11:05 Power Clean Debate 17:07 Longevity Shift 18:53 Split Squat Wins 23:02 Zercher Option 24:49 Unilateral Advantage 29:52 Programming Hack 32:19 Pain & Ego 39:29 Scaling Options 42:15 Final Picks Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
#199 After Dark - Shot Show 2026: The Unicorn Chief On Police Culture, Accountability & Hard Truths
Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast. Recorded at SHOT Show 2026, I sit down with Bryan Williams — better known as the Unicorn Chief. From SWAT operator to Chief, a stint in City Hall, and back to policing, Bryan’s career has given him a perspective that most people in the profession never get. He’s seen leadership from the street, the admin side, and the political layer in between. In this conversation, we dig into police culture, mentorship, accountability, and why standards in training actually matter. As a USPSA Grandmaster, Bryan doesn’t just preach performance — he lives it. If he’s not in the office handling the administrative side of the job, he’s on the range sharpening his edge and pushing others to do the same. Brian is direct. He doesn’t sugarcoat. He’s not interested in protecting feelings — he’s interested in protecting the mission. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with the Unicorn Chief, Bryan Williams. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 08:38 Bryan’s Career 18:52 Leadership Path 28:42 Public Perception 40:03 Leadership Struggles 48:16 City Management 01:04:53 Leadership Defined 01:14:07 Accountability Crisis 01:22:27 Mentorship 01:27:21 Training Challenges 01:42:57 Competition & Standards 01:55:09 Execution Mode 02:02:09 Self-Care Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
#198 After Dark - Shot Show 2026: Joe Hamilton On Leadership, Culture & The CARE Movement
At SHOT Show 2026, I sat down with Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, for a conversation that goes way beyond optics, sales, or gear. Joe’s journey started on the floor of his family’s small retail shop in Wisconsin, long before the boardroom. That early exposure to people, service, and doing things the right way shaped what would become Vortex’s defining edge: a relentless focus on human connection. In this After Dark episode, we dig into leadership, the Care Movement, and why people-first culture beats short-term efficiency every time. We talk about building trust, leading with purpose, and creating loyalty that can’t be bought. This one’s about heart, hustle, and human performance — the kind that actually lasts. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark conversation with Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, here on the Iron Sides Podcast. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:38 Joe’s Background 11:49 Vortex Growth 24:19 Leadership 43:31 Efficiency vs People 48:58 Customer First 57:57 Hiring 01:04:45 Scaling 01:21:28 Caring Culture 01:39:42 Family Business 01:46:47 Innovation Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
#197 After Dark - Shot Show 2026: Hunter Freeland On Shooting, Philosophy & Building Better Humans
In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Hunter Freeland at SHOT Show 2026. About a year in the making, this conversation covers Hunter’s journey through the military, law enforcement, contracting, and his transition into launching Hunter Freeland Shooting. We talk philosophy, methodology, mindset, and what really matters beyond just shooting performance. Hunter is known for being stoic, disciplined, and serious about the craft—but his vision goes deeper than marksmanship. He’s focused on building responsible individuals, strong advocates for the Second Amendment, and better humans overall.This one’s honest, thoughtful, and packed with perspective for shooters, instructors, and anyone trying to do things the right way. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with Hunter Freeland on the Iron Sights Podcast. Check out Hunter's website here: hfshooting.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 09:58 Teaching & Training 14:24 Business & Image 17:42 Community & Culture 38:18 Pro vs Hobby 45:33 Sport Evolution 48:47 Responsibility 54:10 Industry Challenges 01:22:17 LE & Competition 01:38:04 Skill & Growth 02:05:31 Closing Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m back in the studio with Ryan and Cece breaking down flexibility and mobility without the hype. We talk physiology, anatomy, programming, and where mobility work actually fits into a real training week. We also hit on some of the trends floating around right now—fascial training, mobility “systems,” and why a lot of this stuff misses the point. If you’re trying to move better, train smarter, and stop wasting time on things that don’t matter, this one’s for you. Sit back and enjoy. - Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ FFA Program: https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 ( NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:39 Flexibility Struggles 05:34 Flexibility vs Mobility 07:32 Nervous System Role 09:22 Rehab & Post-Surgery 11:02 Improving Mobility 18:33 Mobility Tools 23:08 Strength vs Mobility 29:58 Range of Motion 33:52 Hyperflexibility Issues 40:31 Fascia & Mobility 49:04 Making Mobility Stick 54:32 Training Sessions Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
The Good Dude Collective ft. Chris Kuras, Bruno Fallon, Blake Cook, Jack Lewis & Jon Dufresne
This is a special SHOT Show 2026 edition of the Iron Sights Podcast, recorded on the floor in collaboration with Good Dude Concepts. I’m joined by Chris Kuras (Good Dude Concepts), Bruno Fallon (Born Primitive), Jon Dufresne (Connecticut’s Consulting / See The Night), Blake Cook, and Jack Lewis (Black Tiger International). We talk about what brought us to SHOT, what stood out, and then let the conversation go where it needed to go — firearms training, health and fitness, leadership, culture, and the realities behind the industry. No scripts. No marketing pitches. Just honest conversations, new connections, and perspectives from people doing real work. If you’ve somehow missed Good Dude Concepts, they make the BRB breacher bar for real-world entry work—grab yours at good-dude.com and save on shipping with code IRON SIGHTS . Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:06 SHOT Show 05:44 Night Ops Summit 12:50 Community Ties 26:25 Sobriety Journey 30:43 Good Dude Concepts 40:58 Mentorship 45:19 LE Training 55:28 Standards 01:12:16 Close Call 01:17:55 High Standards 01:31:07 Leadership 01:39:48 Positive Energy 01:41:48 Culture Shift 01:51:44 Final Thoughts 02:08:56 Closing Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
#220 - Health & Fitness In 2026: AI, GLP-1s, Wearables And What Actually Matters
In this roundtable episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, Ryan, Cece, and I kick off the year by taking a hard look at health and fitness in 2026. We revisit what we were talking about this time last year, what’s changed, and what’s somehow gotten louder — without necessarily getting better. We break down the new food pyramid push, GLP-1s and what we’re seeing with real clients, the body positivity conversation, and how AI is reshaping coaching, wearables, and the consumer fitness market. No doom, no hype — just perspective from the studio and the trenches. Sit back and enjoy this one. - Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ FFA Program: https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 ( NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:01 2025 Health Trends 06:12 GLP-1 Overview 10:28 GLP-1 Experiences 22:02 Food Pyramid Changes 36:30 Social Media Experts 37:58 AI In Fitness 42:59 Risks Of AI 55:16 Gamified Fitness Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
#219 - 5 Nutrition Mistakes Coaches Hate (And Clients Too)
In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m joined by my favorite nutrition coach, Steven Brenna, to break down the five most annoying—and avoidable—things that drive both nutrition coaches and clients crazy. If you’re currently in a nutrition coaching program, thinking about hiring a coach, or you are a coach yourself, this conversation will save you time and frustration. These are the mistakes we see over and over again because, as the saying goes, we know a few things because we’ve seen a few things. This episode is about setting better expectations, improving communication, and getting more out of the nutrition process—without the nonsense. - Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ FFA Program: https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 ( NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:21 Coaching Frustrations 03:09 Setting Expectations 10:14 Why Tracking Matters 29:01 Blame Game (Age & Hormones) 35:20 Comparison Trap 37:20 Diet Trends & Consistency 45:30 Training Vs. Nutrition 53:33 Trust & Honesty 01:06:55 Carb Myths 01:09:17 Changing Beliefs Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
AD #195 - Changing Law Enforcement Training From The Inside With Raphael @redhats_slowgats
In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Raphael, a 17-year law enforcement veteran and range staff member at a major Bay Area agency. A Grand Master–level shooter, Raphael has been instrumental in helping move training at his agency in a better direction. We talk about his journey, what it takes to challenge outdated training systems from the inside, and the practical steps that have actually worked for him and his partners. If you’re law enforcement, a shooter, or an instructor trying to improve training without blowing things up, this episode has real takeaways. Follow Raphael on Instagram at @redhats_slowgats and enjoy this After Dark conversation on the Iron Sights Podcast. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:00 Raphael’s Background 05:17 LE & Competition 09:15 Training Challenges 17:18 Red Dot Adoption 29:12 Training Standards 33:44 Fundamentals 38:08 Skill Builders 41:40 Leadership 48:39 LE Competition 55:23 Training Balance 01:07:56 Compete To Improve 01:11:12 Explore Vs Perform 01:16:39 Training Culture 01:21:25 Social Media 01:35:28 Wrap-Up Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
#218 - 9 Smarter Ways to Make Cardio Actually Work
In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m back in the studio with Cece and Ryan breaking down nine practical tips to make your cardio training more effective—without turning it into a science lecture or chasing fitness rabbit holes. Most people approach cardio with the wrong focus. Today we help you reframe how you think about your cardio sessions, what actually matters, and how to stop wasting time while still improving endurance, efficiency, and recovery. We also touch on heart rate–based training and point you toward our free Heart Rate Zone Training Guide, which shows you how to structure cardio using personalized zones—whether you’re using a treadmill chart, a heart rate monitor, or a smartwatch. Grab it free at reddotfitness.net/rdfguides and start training with more intention. - 25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.com FFA Program: https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 ( NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:27 Cardio Myths 05:03 Smarter Cardio 14:25 Walking Benefits 28:26 HIIT Explained 37:57 Skill vs Intensity 42:47 Cardio vs Strength 46:12 Fat-Burn Myth 48:58 Making Cardio Stick 58:52 Play & Longevity 01:03:14 Cardio Takeaways Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
#217 - Essential Amino Acids (EAAs): Do You Actually Need Them For Muscle & Performance?
In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Red Dot Fitness nutrition coach Steven Brenna to talk about essential amino acids (EAAs) and what role they actually play in muscle, performance, and long-term health. We break down what the research says, what it doesn’t, and how EAAs compare to BCAAs—without getting lost in the weeds. If you’re training hard, trying to maintain muscle, or just want to make smarter decisions about supplementation, this episode will give you some real clarity. No hype. Just context and practical takeaways you can use. - 25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.com FFA Program: https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 ( NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:40 Creatine 04:50 EAAs vs BCAAs 12:28 Amino Basics 20:54 Muscle & Aging 33:29 Protein Intake 36:22 Bulk vs Cut 45:08 EAA Timing 50:39 Choosing EAAs 58:13 HMB 01:00:02 Wrap-Up Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
AD #194 - The Process Behind Elite Shooting Performance With Billy Barton
Today on the Iron Sights Podcast After Dark, I’m sitting down with Billy Barton — a Grand Master USPSA shooter, high-level competitor, and the owner of SpecTrain | Firearms Training . Billy has been on my short list for a long time, and after a few missed connections, we finally made it happen here in California. What makes Billy interesting is not a military or law enforcement background — it’s his process. He’s a shooter who went all-in, became highly competitive in a short period of time, and then naturally transitioned into coaching and instruction. In this conversation, we dig into how he trains, how he thinks about skill development, how he prepares for competition, and how he approaches teaching shooters at every level. This episode is especially valuable if you’re deep into your shooting journey — whether you’re competing, instructing, or trying to figure out how to train smarter instead of just doing more reps. Billy breaks down the systems, habits, and decision-making that actually move the needle. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there is a formula, and Billy does a great job laying it out. If shooting performance matters to you, grab a notebook. Billy doesn’t waste words, and there’s a lot here worth unpacking. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with Billy Barton of Spectrain on the Iron Sights Podcast. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:54 Billy's Background 06:22 Competition 22:28 Spec Train 39:23 Fundamentals 41:31 Structure 42:19 Dry Fire 44:24 Hard Lessons 49:15 2026 Plans 59:57 Consistency 01:09:40 Skills 01:18:08 Modes 01:21:58 Evolution 01:38:26 Coaching 02:02:43 LE & Competition 02:13:12 Closing Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
#216 - When Training Stops Being Fun (And Why That’s Okay)
Training doesn’t always feel good. It doesn’t always feel motivating. And it definitely doesn’t always feel “fun.” In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m back in the studio with Ryan and CeCe to talk about what happens when your workouts stop giving you that sense of enjoyment or fulfillment. If you’ve been training long enough, you’ve probably hit this phase at least once. We talk honestly about where training fits into our lives, why workouts don’t have to be fun all the time, and why chasing motivation is usually the wrong move. This isn’t about quitting or forcing yourself through it either. We walk through five practical ideas to help you reframe your approach, stay consistent, and keep moving forward even when you’re not feeling it. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m just not into this right now,” this episode is for you. Sit back, listen in, and hopefully take away a few tools to help you keep training in a way that actually works for the long haul. - 25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.com FFA Program: https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 ( NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:52 Loving (and Hating) Training 08:19 Finding Your Why 14:13 Community Matters 16:45 Training Environment 18:18 Coaching Matters 20:17 Coach’s Role 23:06 Learning New Skills 29:09 Changing Programs Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/
