Firearms Nation Podcast

Latest Episodes:

FNP 032 : Ben Stoeger - The World Champion Oct 12, 2017

Show notes

What is it like to be a world champion? How much focus and dedication goes into performing at that level. Could you do it? Could you do it knowing this might be the last time you were able to go to a world championship?

Most competitive shooters in action pistol or USPSA (if you live in the US) know my guest as one of the best production class (that's the somewhat stock guns) shooters. Ben Stoeger has won 6 national championships (five of them back to back) but never took first on the world stage..until this year. Ben achieved that goal but the win meant more to him. Earlier this year he was diagnosed with cancer and had an operation to remove it. Knowing that if it spread or reappeared he would never have the opportunity to get the world champion title. Going into the World Shoot in France this year, Ben secretly kept that feeling to himself but he was under an extreme amount of pressure.

In this episode three takeaways from Ben are 1) what is it like to compete under enormous pressure? 2) Why getting a sponsorship doesn't mean free stuff and 3) training in the environment where you'll be competing will give you an edge over other competitors.

Ben has a reputation as a bad boy in USPSA but after knowing him and what he's been through he comes across as a knowledgeable instructor and champion.

I'm very pleased to bring you my interview with Ben Stoeger…

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Ben's Website for classes. http://www.benstoeger.com/

Ben's Store. http://benstoegerproshop.com/

Books and DVDs (affiliate)

"Dry Fire Reloaded" http://amzn.to/2yjtnGc

"Practical Pistol Reloaded" http://amzn.to/2g5s6bA

"Skills and Drills" http://amzn.to/2yjclI0

"Practical Pistol Foundations" DVD http://amzn.to/2ye9XR3

"Training to Win" DVD http://amzn.to/2xCaBpK

Also,

Click here for the 2016 Shooter's Summit to get 23 of these kind of interviews with the top firearms instructors!

shooterssummit.com

And don't forget you can connect with Firearms Nation or just stop by and say hi on these social media links:

Facebook www.facebook.com/firearmsnation

Twitter twitter.com/Firearms_Nation

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/c/firearmsnation

Instagram http://www.instagram.com/firearms_nation

Or on the web at:

www.firearmsnation.com (sign up to get your free ebook!)

JOIN THE NATION!

FNP 031 : Hwansik Kim - Faith Based Shooting Oct 05, 2017

Show notes

How do you go from being a computer playing kid to number 2 at a National Championship? My guest today is Hwansik Kim, a 29 student raised in S. Korea. Hwansik or "Chic" as his friends call him picked up a real firearm only four years ago and started competing a year later. Today, he is sitting back after a great year taking 2nd at Optics Nationals and 5th at Iron Sight Nationals. What kind of drive and determination does it take to rise to that level?

Chic also shoots for Walther Arms as a sponsored shooter in addition to being a full time student. One thing I learned about Chic was how devoted to God and his faith he is after surviving a horrific car crash which changed his life. Chic spends hours a day not only practicing but studying videos of athletes from a variety of sports just to pick up their techniques for success.

In this episode you'll learn how you can dry practice WITHOUT a gun. Why gripping the pistol as hard as you can will lead to predictable shots. And finally, how to occupy your mind to control anxiety and emotion during a match.

Chic is by far one of the most dedicated competitors I've interviewed.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

https://www.hkimshooting.com/

"With Winning in Mind" by Lanny Bassham http://amzn.to/2yrLx9T (affiliate)

Also,

Click here for the 2016 Shooter's Summit to get 23 of these kind of interviews with the top firearms instructors!

shooterssummit.com

And don't forget you can connect with Firearms Nation or just stop by and say hi on these social media links:

Facebook www.facebook.com/firearmsnation

Twitter twitter.com/Firearms_Nation

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/c/firearmsnation

Instagram http://www.instagram.com/firearms_nation

Or on the web at:

www.firearmsnation.com (sign up to get your free ebook!)

JOIN THE NATION!

FNP 030 : Shannon Campbell - The Private Security Contractor Sep 29, 2017

Show notes

The name Blackwater brings out the mystic of the money for hired mercenary, traveling to a far land to get involved in things best left to tough men. The thrill a minute job speeding through the streets of a non-permissive environment trying to protect your client while being shot at. Who signs up for this kind of work? What are the job requirements?

My guest today worked for the notorious Blackwater private security company. Shannon Campbell was an avid martial artist who got into competitive shooting back in the early 90s. Next thing he new, he was sitting in a van being taught how to protect high value ambassadors with teammates fresh out of the "Teams" or "Recon". Shannon thrived in this environment and spent years as a private security detail or PSD. He left that side of the house and began working for a training company that specializes in teaching mostly State Department officials how to survive in areas of the world where the US is not the most liked.

On today's show, Shannon explains what it's like to be shot at when driving in Baghdad, what it takes to become the type of person who earns up to $1000 a day working a security detail in a war zone and finally, why shooting competition helped him survive critical incidents by teaching him how to process information faster.

This is a rare look at a shadow world with one of it's warriors.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

https://www.academi.com/ (Blackwater)

Also,

Click here for the 2016 Shooter's Summit to get 23 of these kind of interviews with the top firearms instructors!

shooterssummit.com

And don't forget you can connect with Firearms Nation or just stop by and say hi on these social media links:

Facebook www.facebook.com/firearmsnation

Twitter twitter.com/Firearms_Nation

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/c/firearmsnation

Instagram http://www.instagram.com/firearms_nation

Or on the web at:

www.firearmsnation.com (sign up to get your free ebook!)

JOIN THE NATION!

FNP 029 : Shannon Smith - The Match Manager Sep 21, 2017

Show notes

My guest this week is Shannon Smith. Shannon just got back from the 2017 World Shoot in France. The IPSC World Shoot takes place every three years and it's comparable to the Olympics of the action shooting world. Shannon is a grand master shooter in USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association) shooting both open division (that's the race guns with red dots on them) and limited division.

Shannon is a National Champion in USPSA, a US Steel National Champion and Pro Am Champion. In addition he is a 8 time Florida State Champion, and finished 3rd in the world in 2008 and 12th this year.

He is a professional shooter and works as the match director at the Universal Shooting Academy in Frostproof, FL.

Before he ventured into competitive shooting, Shannon was in the Army in Special Operations as a Ranger. There he was involved in small unit tactics, firearms training and attended several major schools.

In this podcast we learn what it means to manage a match when shooting a competition. What you should shoot the match your NOT ready for. And, what's more important to be a champion, skills or a mental game.

I'm excited to get this podcast out, so without further adieu, here is my interview with Shannon Smith…

Links mentioned in the podcast:

http://www.shannonsmithshooting.com/

http://universalshootingacademy.com/

https://www.blackscorpiongear.com/

Also,

Click here for the 2016 Shooter's Summit to get 23 of these kind of interviews with the top firearms instructors!

shooterssummit.com

And don't forget you can connect with Firearms Nation or just stop by and say hi on these social media links:

Facebook www.facebook.com/firearmsnation

Twitter twitter.com/Firearms_Nation

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/c/firearmsnation

Instagram http://www.instagram.com/firearms_nation

Or on the web at:

www.firearmsnation.com (sign up to get your free ebook!)

JOIN THE NATION!

FNP 028 : Aaron Cowan - Red Dot Sights for Everyone Sep 15, 2017

Show notes

My guest this week is Aaron Cowan. Aaron served in the Army and National Guard as an infantryman. There he served as a rifleman and designated marksman in addition to learning small unit tactics and close quarter combat techniques. After his service, Aaron became a private security contractor where he protected convoys, worked on personal protection details and also provided security during natural disasters.

Aaron also advanced into the realm of law enforcement and swat officer on the federal level. He quickly became a trainer for his department and is a member of the National Tactical Officers Association as well as a member of the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors.

Despite his tactical background, Aaron is also versed in the sciences and a voracious reader. He credits his upbringing that taught him how to always be reading and writing which translates into Aaron being outspoken with his ideas.

Aaron is the lead instructor for Sage Dynamics, a training company he founded that teaches civilians and law enforcement weapons proficiency and tactics. Aaron also writes a blog which became a Youtube channel where he post regularly.

Aaron recently published a white paper on the use of Red Dot Sights on pistols which quickly spread across the internet. To date, this document is one of the most thorough researched studies on red dot sights, which are the future of sighting for handguns.

On this podcast we find out why putting a red dot sight on your handgun will greatly enhance your shooting abilities. How using a 3 dimensional target can help your practice program. And finally, by solving the "why" in your shooting will better prepare you for an actual gunfight.

I'm excited to get this podcast out, so without further adieu, here is my interview with Aaron Cowan..

Links mentioned in the podcast:

http://www.sagedynamics.org/

Also,

Click here for the 2016 Shooter's Summit to get 23 of these kind of interviews with the top firearms instructors!

shooterssummit.com

And don't forget you can connect with Firearms Nation or just stop by and say hi on these social media links:

Facebook www.facebook.com/firearmsnation

Twitter twitter.com/Firearms_Nation

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/c/firearmsnation

Instagram http://www.instagram.com/firearms_nation

Or on the web at:

www.firearmsnation.com (sign up to get your free ebook!)

JOIN THE NATION!

FNP 027 : Caleb Giddings - Diary of an "F-list" Shooting Celebrity Sep 05, 2017

Show notes

My guest this week is Caleb Giddings. Most people first met Caleb when he was a contestant on the first season of the History Channel's Top Shot series. Before he was on the show, Caleb served in the Coast Guard and was a competitor in a variety of competitive shooting sports. He is a Five Division Master in IDPA and also competes in USPSA and NRA Action Pistol.

After Top Shot, Caleb was part of Gun Nuts Media and worked in all forms of media for them. He was a host on the Powerfactor Show podcast and More recently Caleb went back to the military and signed up as a reservist with the Air Force as a combat arms instructor, which is a perfect fit considering his background. Caleb has some serious opinions on guns and gun ownership which he shares on his blog and YouTube channel. He challenges the often phony or ridiculous claims perpetrated by internet commandos. These challenges routinely lead to heated debates but Caleb stands by his opinions.

On this podcast we get into: what it was like to be on a top television show where you are not only tested on your shooting skills but also have to deal with the pressures of a dramatic reality show. Also why carrying a round in the chamber of your handgun is a good idea and finally, what is the best plan of action when dealing with survival after a major natural disaster.

I've been wanting to have Caleb on for a while so sit back and let's get into the interview…

Links mentioned in the podcast:

http://www.gunnuts.net/ (Blog)

https://darkstargear.com/ (good holsters)

http://www.history.com/shows/top-shot/videos/meet-caleb-giddings (Top Shot)

Also,

Click here for the 2016 Shooter's Summit to get 23 of these kind of interviews with the top firearms instructors!

shooterssummit.com

And don't forget you can connect with Firearms Nation or just stop by and say hi on these social media links:

Facebook www.facebook.com/firearmsnation

Twitter twitter.com/Firearms_Nation

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/c/firearmsnation

Instagram http://www.instagram.com/firearms_nation

Or on the web at:

www.firearmsnation.com (sign up to get your free ebook!)

JOIN THE NATION!

FNP 026 : Shawn Ryan - The Vigilant Guardian Aug 29, 2017

Show notes

My guest this week is former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan. Shawn served in both Iraq and Afghanistan on SEAL Teams 2 and 8. Once he finished his deployments he left the Navy and took a contractor position working for the CIA overseas.

Shawn has 14 years of combat experience and fighting terrorism. While deployed he also help protect our athletes during the Olympics in Greece and developed a skill set to branch out on his own when he returned to the United States. Shawn started his own training company Vigilance Elite where he not only teaches rifle and handgun shooting classes but also some tactics for survival to law enforcement and civilians.

Shawn also is an Outreach Consultant for Veterans Advocacy Services, a organization that helps and supports Special Operations vets.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Vigilance Elite www.vigilanceelite.com

Veterans Advocacy Services http://veteransadvocacyservices.org/

Also,

Click here for the 2016 Shooter's Summit to get 23 of these kind of interviews with the top firearms instructors!

shooterssummit.com

And don't forget you can connect with Firearms Nation or just stop by and say hi on these social media links:

Facebook www.facebook.com/firearmsnation

Twitter twitter.com/Firearms_Nation

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/c/firearmsnation

Instagram http://www.instagram.com/firearms_nation

Or on the web at:

www.firearmsnation.com (sign up to get your free ebook!)

JOIN THE NATION!

FNP 025 : Aaron Barruga - Using Guerrilla Tactics Aug 22, 2017

Show notes

My guest this week is special forces veteran and firearms instructor Aaron Barruga. After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan Aaron branched out to form his own training company, Guerrilla Approach. He wants students to push themselves out of their comfort zone because that's where the real learning begins.

Aaron also has made a name for himself publicly questioning current training techniques and norms that have been propagated specifically on the internet. These challenges of course have rustled a bunch of feathers but the truths he professes are only beneficial to all shooters.

In this podcast Aaron explains the steps you need to take to respond if you are caught up in a terrorist attack, how to redefine what you see as training on instagram and use a critical eye and finally why competition will help you develop the tactical techniques you need as a shooter.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Guerrilla Approach https://guerrillaapproach.com/

Aaron's Blog https://guerrillaapproach.com/blog/

Aaron's DVD on Vehicle Tactics (affiliate link)

http://amzn.to/2v0P8dq

Also,

Click here for the 2016 Shooter's Summit to get 23 of these kind of interviews with the top firearms instructors!

shooterssummit.com

And don't forget you can connect with Firearms Nation or just stop by and say hi on these social media links:

Facebook www.facebook.com/firearmsnation

Twitter twitter.com/Firearms_Nation

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/c/firearmsnation

Instagram http://www.instagram.com/firearms_nation

Or on the web at:

www.firearmsnation.com (sign up to get your free ebook!)

JOIN THE NATION!

FNP 024 : Mike Hughes - Next Level Thinking Aug 15, 2017

Show notes

Mike Hughes is a force to reckon with. He played college football before he went on to become a patent attorney. Along the way he got into pistol competitions and soon developed a dry fire tool called the Shot Indicating Resetting Trigger Training Pistol or SIRT pistol for short. This tool is basically allowing people to dry practice with a trigger that can be adjusted and has two different color lasers coming out of it. One red as the finger gets on the trigger and the other green as the shot breaks. It is a great diagnostic tool for instructors as well. The SIRT pistol comes both in a Glock and Smith and Wesson M&P styles and when I caught up with Mike at this years SHOT Show, he was proud to announce a Pocket Pistol form factor. This allows the EDC crowd to get their reps in as well.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

https://nextleveltraining.com/

http://www.history.com/shows/top-shot/season-3

Also,

Click here for the 2016 Shooter's Summit to get 23 of these kind of interviews with the top firearms instructors!

shooterssummit.com

And don't forget you can connect with Firearms Nation or just stop by and say hi on these social media links:

Facebook www.facebook.com/firearmsnation

Twitter twitter.com/Firearms_Nation

YouTube http://www.youtube.com/c/firearmsnation

Instagram http://www.instagram.com/firearms_nation

Or on the web at:

www.firearmsnation.com (sign up to get your free ebook!)

JOIN THE NATION!

FNP 023 : Tim Kennedy - Defeating Evil Aug 08, 2017

Show notes

Tim Kennedy is the closest thing we have to a real Captain America. For those of you in a cave and don't know who he is, Tim is an active duty Green Beret sniper. Before he was a sniper, he was a door kicker in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. After 9/11 he was so committed that he signed up for a program that has a pipeline directly into the Green Berets..as long as you passed some of the hardest selections the military has.

In addition to being an all around warrior, he has time to compete in this little organization called the UFC or Ultimate Fighting Championship. As a middleweight fighter he is currently ranked 13th. Most people retire from the military and then take on something like another job or become a pro fighter but did managed to stay on active duty and fight in UFC. Is that all…

Hardly, recently he has found the time to hunt one of the most evil person to walk the Earth..Adolf Hitler. Wait, you thought he was dead? So did I until I did the research and learned that the facts don't add up and we were told a lie. And now the History Channel is producing an awesome show called Hunting Hitler where the past two seasons Tim and company go down to S. America to find the truth. The 3rd season is set to air this fall.

In this episode you'll learn what evil is and how to stand up to it, how to be the 1 percent better version of yourself that the day before and what is a sheepdog and why you should be like them.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

https://timkennedymma.com/

https://sheepdogresponse.com/

http://www.history.com/shows/hunting-hitler

His podcast:

https://sheepdogresponse.com/podcast/

Also,

Click here for the 2016 Shooter's Summit to get 23 of these kind of interviews with the top firearms instructors!

shooterssummit.com

And don't forget you can connect with Firearms Nation or just stop by and say hi on these social media links:

Facebook www.facebook.com/firearmsnation

Twitter twitter.com/Firearms_Nation