Iron Sights

Latest Episodes:

#16 After Dark - The Best Tactical Lights For Self Defense Apr 08, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to Iron Sights After Dark! JP and I recently got back from a low light course with Triple Feed in Las Vegas where we got even more low light reps in the tank. In this episode, we sat down to discuss our experience running a variety of lights including the SureFire X300, TLR-1 light, Haley Strategic & Modlite Systems. We discuss durability, rechargeable batteries & goal specific training when selecting the best handheld light set-up for you! We encourage everyone to carry a handheld light and have spent countless hours training, shooting and utilizing various light set-ups to test what works and what doesn’t. Tune in for a deep dive into the everyday set-ups we recommend in addition to our critiques on the most popular lights in the industry.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro

00:43 Show Starts

01:28 Handheld Lights

03:45 Starting with The Goal

05:47 What To Think of When Choosing A Light

09:20 JP’s Set-Up

13:13 How Much Light Do You Really Need?

17:37 The Goal of Self Defense vs. Combat

20:32 Outside The Waistband

25:06 Lights That Broke

26:30 The Importance of Durability

28:50 The Pricing

35:02 Low Light Course Flashback

37:20 Battery Power

40:31 Rechargeable Batteries Are The Future

46:51 Safety & Using Your Brain

49:36 Using Light For Self Defense

50:51 The Different Clips We Run

1:01:00 Running The TLR-1

1:02:51 The Best Self-Defense Concealed Set-Up

1:03:55 The Cloud Defensive Light

#15 After Dark - Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Good vs. Bad Firearms Companies, Never Wasting Your Money & China vs. America Mar 28, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to Iron Sights After Dark! In this episode, I am joined by JP to talk about how you can save money, avoid getting ripped off and make informed buying decisions in the Firearms Industry. We discuss “New Noise” in the industry, how innovation and product development is at an all time high and what to look out for as a firearms newbie before spending any hard earned cash! JP calls out Jeff Bezos for being on “The Juice” and we wrap it up sharing our opinions on USA born companies who outsource development to China after achieving success.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:43 Welcoming JP To The Show

03:07 Wasting Money on Products

04:47 New Noise In the 2A Community

07:02 How Is The Industry Growing So Fast

12:05 Product Development vs. Marketing

14:06 Getting Ripped Off

18:37 Pre-Sales In The Firearms Industry

24:23 Good vs. Bad Companies

29:23 The New Hype In The Firearms Industry

37:05 What To Look Out For If You’re a Newbie

55:29 Analyzing What Makes A Company

57:28 Brand Loyalty

1:06:34 Checked Out CEO’s

1:13:17 JP on Train with Purpose Ethics

1:17:20 Craftsman Switching To China

#14 After Dark - Jake The Hunter: How To Shoot Fast, Growing Up With Guns & Competing in USPSA Mar 25, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to The Iron Sights Podcast. In this After Dark episode, I am joined by JP and Jacob Turner AKA “Jake The Hunter”. Jake is known for his wicked speed and success as a USPSA Competition Shooter. Even though Turner is only 19, he’s been able to become a standout for his speed and accuracy in competitive shooting. In this episode, he describes life before USPSA and how he got started in the sport. After outshooting a cop in a firearms simulation room when Jake was 12, he got his first semi-automatic pistol and started shooting everyday on his family ranch. Just two years later, Turner entered the world of competition and hasn’t looked back. Tune in for insight into Jake’s background, his secrets for improving his speed & accuracy as well as a back and forth dialogue on the pros and cons to USPSA, IDPA and competition training.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:43 Welcoming Jake To The Show

03:22 How Jake Became The Fastest Shot In The West

16:33 Apparel In Firearms

22:08 Jake on IDPA

27:46 Pros & Cons of USPSA

30:46 Learning By Doing

46:40 What Jake’s Doing To Get Better

1:04:38 What’s Next For Jake

#13 After Dark - The Ultimate Apocalypse Handgun Set-Up, Goal Specific Training, Equipment & Application For Your Handguns Mar 21, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to another After Dark Episode! The next 60 minutes is all about optimizing your handgun for goal specific training and application. JP discusses his set-up for various training methods and we both discuss the ultimate rig we would be using for "combat" training AKA the zombie apocalypse!!! Let's be honest though - if s*** goes down, I'm definitely thinking about bigger guns...
Jokes aside, this episode is a technical look into our opinions on training application for: concealed carry, competition, self defense & combat training. We would love to hear your opinions, set-up ideas & handgun essentials so reach out! Head over to YouTube and drop a comment on this episode!
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro

00:43 What Are Your Goals

04:21 Good Ideas vs. Bad Ideas

06:56 Competition Guns

15:42 Concealed Carry

32:18 Combat Gun (Zombie Apocalypse)

45:00 What To Look Out For

46:55 Training Experience vs. The Gun

49:00 Episode Recap & Summary

#36 - Getting Back Into Fitness: How To Look Great, Perform Better & Live Longer Mar 18, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to The Iron Sights Podcast! In this episode we're talking all things fitness & getting back into shape. After 25+ years as a coach, I've found that all fitness goals fall into 3 categories: Aesthetics, Performance & Longevity. I call this the triangle of awareness. When it comes to getting back into fitness, the first step is always to bring awareness to which category aligns with your personal goals. Are you getting back into fitness to improve your Aesthetics, Performance or Longevity? This awareness will clarify your why, supporting your effort and commitment to your program.
Most of us go through phases of going to the gym, lifting weights and prioritizing our health & well being but it's normal for people to fall off and go weeks, months or even years without training. This episode kicks off discussing the exact reasons most of us fall off: busy schedule, travel, starting a family, health complications or pure laziness. But, what happens after people fall off a healthy routine is inevitable...
After getting out of shape, people go through a psychological disconnect which can cause self-confidence issues, anxiety, significant weight gain (or loss) and a lack of self worth. This on/off cycle causes individuals to reach a turning point where they look in the mirror and have the honest realization that it's time to get back into fitness - that's what this episode is all about. JP and I discuss lessons we've learned with a combined 30+ years of coaching clients in the Health & Fitness industry and provide listeners with the direction, education and program to get you back on track with your health. We start with "EATS^2 + E" - the framework you will use to get back on track. This episode covers: exercise frequency, muscular adaptation, the muscle building signal, caloric deficit, mindset, diets & much more that will get you back into fitness the right way!
The Framework For Goal Achievement:
EATS^2 + E
EAT = Eat Real Food
S^2 = Sleep & Stress Management
E = Exercise
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:32 Episode Starts
01:26 Reasons You Stopped Working Out
10:07 The Benefits of Quality Coaching
11:40 The 3 Fitness Goals People Want
23:40 The Framework For Achieving Your Goals
28:39 Individualized Diet Plans
35:14 Sleep & Stress Management
41:43 Exercise Essentials
46:51 What A Good Coach Will Tell You
51:05 The Best Strategy For Starting From Zero
56:52 The Correct Frequency For Exercising
58:08 The Benefits of Resistance Training
1:02:52 The Focus of Red Dot Fitness
1:05:34 White Belt vs. Black Belt S***
1:10:13 Pros & Cons of Bodybuilder Training
1:14:58 Understanding Neuromuscular Adaptation
1:19:56 The Muscle Building Signal
1:22:56 The SAID Principle
1:27:36 What Happens When Starting An Exercise Program
1:34:13 Undereating & Overtraining
1:38:37 The Key Takeaways

#12 After Dark - Triple Feed Part 2: The Undercover Trio Continued... Mar 15, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to part 2 of 2 of the Triple Feed episode. In part 1, JP and I dug into the very different backgrounds and origin stories of Bryan, Luis, and Gerry. As we sat and recorded on the BJJ mats in Las Vegas, Nevada - the guys articulated and laughed about their stories of struggle, disappointment, and ultimately their achievements. For JP and I, it validated a few things we imagined about them…but, we were both caught off-guard with some of the reality. In this second episode the 64 million dollar question gets answered: WHAT IS TRIPLE FEED and where is it going as a company? We talk the good, the bad, and the ugly of firearms instruction…how to bring civilians & war hero's together in our community…the limitations of civilian firearms training and how to seek out the best instructors…the value of marketing and how to make money with firearms media…and what you can expect to see on YouTube and social from our trip and the time spent training and hanging out together . I’m truly grateful for this band of brothers and the value, respect, and graciousness they provided JP and I. And, I hope you enjoy this ep as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

#11 After Dark - Triple Feed Part 1: The Undercover Trio - A Cop, Air Force Vet & Entrepreneur Mar 15, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of Iron Sights we did things a little differently. JP and I spent 3 days training fitness & firearms with guys from Triple Feed out in Las Vegas, Nevada. We recorded this 2 part episode on the mats at Cascao BJJ following a roll session and a full day of CQB instruction. If you don’t know what CQB training looks like, or maybe just curious, you can visit the Iron Sights YouTube channel to see what we did and how we did it inside the shoot house and beyond. In this first of 2 episodes JP and I spend time uncovering the extraordinary stories and diverse backgrounds of Bryan, Luis, and Gerry. We talk about gang-banging, getting deported, joining law-enforcement, being in a rock-band, killing bad-guys in Afghanistan, executive protection, and how passion, persistence, and hustle brought these 3 together to ultimately create Triple Feed. It was a great time with a lot of laughs. These are 3 truly amazing guys that we formed a really special bond with. I hope you enjoy the time listening to them as we had hanging out with them.

#35 - The Overwatch Collective: Supporting First Responders with PTS, Suicidal Intentions & Mental Health Health Problems Mar 07, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to The Iron Sights Podcast! In this Episode we sat down with the boys from The Overwatch Collective (TOC) Jesse & Greg. TOC is a non-profit support hub for first responders & veterans with the mission of paying and supporting traumatized service providers with therapy and resources to heal. The increasing rate of PTS, suicide & divorce is a serious issue our country needs to address and TOC’s primary goal is to address that problem. With an aligned purpose, it was an honor to sit down with Greg & Jesse for a long form discussion on the problems & solutions first responders face on a daily basis. Here’s a quick bio on Greg & Jesse from theoverwatchcollective.com

Jesse: I grew up in Sonoma, CA and played lacrosse and football all the way until college. After my first year in college I decided that I belonged with other people that only ate crayons and read picture books, so I ended up in the Marines in 2014. Probably took the wrong bus or something. I was an 0341 (Mortarman) stationed with 2 battalion 3rd Marines in Hawaii. I did 2 deployments to Okinawa. Our first one, I was lucky enough to get on ship and explore the South Pacific islands and train with multiple militaries. The second we spent most of our time on the DMZ in South Korea due to the high threats from North Korea at the time. I got out in 2018 and joined the Coast Guard in 2020 and I’m currently at PSU 312 as a Maritime Enforcement Specialist. Previously had been to FLETC (Federal law enforcement academy) in South Carolina. I'm currently a explosive detection canine handler for MSA Security in the Bay Area all while applying to PD’s in the local area. I’m looking forward to sharing stories from my time in the service, and to hear stories about everyone else’s experience.

Greg: I started my career in the United States Marine Corps Reserves in the Infantry. After a couple years, I became a Police Officer, which I am still to this day. I deployed to Okinawa Japan for a brief time. After the deployment, I joined the United States Coast Guard Port Security Unit, where I met Jesse.

Sit back and enjoy these two warriors! We will be back Friday with another episode!

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:08 What Is The Overwatch Collective (TOC)

09:42 Joining The Marine Core & Coast Guard

20:04 Jesse’s Background

27:45 The Process of Joining The Coast Guard

34:40 Being A Police Officer

50:56 PTS & Suicide In First Responders

1:14:32 Relationships Challenges with First Responders

1:17:26 The Overwatch Collective’s Buddy Program

1:21:17 The Mental Health benefits of Working Out

1:25:52 Exercise & Sex

1:35:11 Balancing Mental & Physical Health

1:41:21 Current TOC Projects
Contact:
Website: theoverwatchcollective.com
Instagram: @theoverwatchcollective

#10 After Dark - Frank Visco: Showcasing Firearms Through Photography & Art Mar 04, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to Iron Sights After Dark! In this episode, JP and I sat down with Frank Visco from theshotlesstaken.com to discuss the 2A Community, Photography & Art. Visco’s aesthetic and take on firearms products has become universally accepted and shared among leading brands and leaders in the industry. Although Frank’s work has catapulted into the public eye, his story and personal brand is a mystery to most of his supporters. In this conversation you will hear about Frank’s inspiration, battling cancer and how he started @theshotlesstaken brand through Instagram. We start the episode reflecting on our recent day on the range and what it’s like shooting in the open desert. I make my case for staying put in California despite the political madness and high volume of people leaving the state and transitioning into Frank’s story. Let us know what you think…we’ll be back Monday with another episode of Iron Sights!

Timestamps:

00:00 Episode Intro

01:26 Shooting Guns In The Desert

04:01 Staying In California

07:55 Frank Visco on Firearms, Community & Art

16:11 Battling Cancer

19:38 Niching Down As A Photographer

24:09 Capturing The Growing 2A Community Through Art

30:00 Turning The Passion For Photography Into A Business

33:00 Diversifying Content

38:11 Frank Visco’s Inspiration

42:34 Making A Living As A Photographer

44:57 Upcoming Projects

47:52 The Goon Community

56:18 The Ideal Job Opportunity

59:41 SHOT SHOW 2022

1:02:32 Most Common Questions

1:09:12 Doing The Right Thing For The Customer

1:13:16 Getting into Videography

1:16:16 What We Can Do As A Community To Improve

1:24:37 How To Contact Frank Visco
Contact:
Instagram: @shotlesstaken
Website: theshotlesstaken.com

#34 - Brad Jensen: The Cycle of Addiction & Founding Key Nutrition Feb 28, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to Iron Sights! In this episode, I sat down with Brad Jenson to unpack his wild journey before founding Key Nutrition. Jenson shares the WHY behind his current 9 years of sobriety and the turning point where he decided to either get sober or commit suicide. Health & Fitness was always a key component of Jensen’s life. Ever since he picked up his first fitness magazine at age 14, Brad knew his purpose was to understand all aspects of nutrition. He became a NASM & ACE certified personal trainer and changed the course of his life. Today, Jensen owns and operates a brick and mortar coaching business based out of Utah where his coaches customize nutrition plans for clients both in person and virtually that focus on: Gut health, hormonal health, nutritional periodization, macronutrient configuration & exercise physiology.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcoming Brad To The Show

00:20 Brad’s Backstory

04:25 Getting Into Drug Trafficking Early (High School)

05:22 The Negative Effects of Withdrawal

06:14 First Time Using Heroin

8:27 The Path Towards Getting Clean

11:56 Going Homeless

17:18 The Turning Point In Overcoming Drugs

21:39 Positivity In The Fitness Industry

26:07 Founding Key Nutrition

28:15 Transitioning Through COVID