Iron Sights

Latest Episodes:

#9 After Dark - JP: Does USPSA Prepare The Average Civilian For Real Life? Feb 25, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to Iron Sights After Dark! In this episode, JP and I take a deep dive into USPSA-style shooting and share our potentially controversial opinions on the equipment, tactics and aims of the sport. Though Scott had to bow out with COVID-19, JP recently visited the USPSA range with a skilled competition shooter, Jacob Turner. JP draws parallels between CrossFit and the timed aspect of USPSA, emphasizing his concerns for the potential impracticality of speed-motivated USPSA-style shooting in a real-life scenario. Historical shootouts have demonstrated that even skilled officers will default to their lowest level of training under pressure. Does USPSA provide an optimal method of training for civilians who want to be prepared? We don't think so, but if you want to play, there's nothing wrong with enjoying the game. We'll be back Monday with another episode of The Iron Sights Podcast.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Interview Begins

00:01:04 Scott’s experience with covid

00:02:17 JP’s experience with USPSA

00:09:01 Connection between Crossfit and USPSA

00:18:59 Is USPSA an efficient way to train for real-life situations?

00:22:42 Scott’s take on USPSA shooting

00:30:29 Bad gear habits in USPSA

00:39:21 Body mass and grip

00:44:40 Bad tactics in USPSA

00:49:41 is USPSA for you?

00:58:28 Games don’t prep you for real life

01:08:06 JP’s thoughts on USPSA

01:14:15 Jacob Hunter, USPSA competition shooter IG: @_jakethehunter_209

#33 - Joane Orbon: 14X National USA Karate Champion, The Reality of What It Takes To Win & Leading At-Risk Youth To Thrive In Athletics & Academics In The Bay Area Feb 21, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast! In this episode, I sat down with 14x National Karate Champion, Joane Orbon. Orbon’s journey to gold started with her parents moving from the Philippines to Stockton, where her father worked overtime flipping burgers at McDonalds to make ends meet. Joane enrolled in a local Karate dojo and won her first National Championship at only 8 years old. After proving her worth on the mats, Orbon inspired the full support of her friends and family to push the limits of what could be achieved by a first generation female Filipino American in combat sports. After qualifying to compete in Chile for an International Championship, Joanne’s mother sold pre-made lunches to her co-workers at Southwest airlines to fund her daughter's dream of becoming a world-champion. Orbon’s mission for gold was worth more than anything else money could buy; her parents pulled through and Joane won gold in Santiago becoming the best in Northern, Central & South America at 12 years old. Her relentlessness didn’t stop there. Joane Orbon was ready to fight anyone in the world and improve her skill set to thrive on the global stage. She trained for years in Indonesia and Kazakhstan to gain a competitive edge. Her diligent work ethic came full circle when getting the call to represent the Philippines in the 2020 Olympic Trials in Paris. Today, Joane operates a growing dojo in San Jose, where she dreams of turning the city into a hub for Karate, training the next superstars of the sport. Our conversation covers the reality of what it takes to win in athletics, business and life - with limited resources at the highest level. Orbon’s story will inspire you to do whatever it takes to accelerate your career path without excuses and push through these challenging times with a smile on your face. I hope you enjoy this episode! We will be back on Friday.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:53 The Beginning

04:03 Starting Karate

05:48 Winning The National Championships at 8

06:42 The Reality of Winning

09:43 Parents Role In Sports for Youth

10:43 Training To Be A World Champion

16:07 Thriving In Academics

24:29 The Importance of Supportive Friends & Family

26:47 Integrating Strength Training

32:43 Challenges Competing At The World Stage

37:34 Ranking #6 In The World

40:02 Starting A Dojo In The Bay Area

46:45 The Difficulties of Doing Business During COVID

48:07 What The City Did To Red Dot Fitness

52:28 Building Out A New Dojo In San Jose

53:17 Qualifying For 2020 Tokyo Olympics

56:55 The Model of Martial Arts Gyms

1:04:32 The Value of Competing While Learning Karate

1:06:57 Identifying Bad Karate Dojos

1:07:53 What’s next for Joane Orbon

Website: ubakc.com

#8 After Dark - JP: The Danger of Firearms Instructors, Problems with Certifications & The Power of The Consumer In Fitness & Firearms Feb 18, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to another After Dark episode of The Iron Sights Podcast! In this episode, I sat down with JP to discuss one of the primary problems with fake instructors in the firearms industry. In a world dominated by the gram, authority seems to be established from follower count. It’s important to distinguish the reality of where we are in qualifying legitimate instructors. We’ve come a long way in the fitness industry, but the firearms industry is far behind. Just because someone posts sick content and has a following doesn’t qualify them to instruct individuals on how to shoot or maneuver a firearm. I enjoyed discussing the industry, certifications & authority with my good friend JP in the 8th After Dark episode. I hope you enjoy the discussion and gain value from our perspective on the value of the consumer in both the fitness & firearm community.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:43 On Friday’s We Train

03:38 Where The Firearm Industry Stands

05:05 The Problem with The Firearm Industry

07:48 How The Consumer Cleans Up The Industry

15:01 The Pros & Cons of Certifications

20:36 Vetting New Firearms Trainees

26:44 Never Buy A Groupon Fitness Service

31:57 JP’s Movement Efficiency Course

35:15 The Pressure Firearms Instructors Feel

37:09 What Trainers Learn After Years of Coaching

43:43 The Experience vs. Good Coaching

57:40 Group Instructors vs. 1-1 Instruction

1:00:06 Pistol Movement Efficiency Course

1:03:33 Being A Firearm Instructor vs. Fitness Instructor

1:05:35 How The Firearm Industry Can Learn From The Fitness Industry

1:30:06 Similarities of Testing Plateaus In Fitness & Firearms

#32 - Raul Castillo: Using Martial Arts For Self-Defense, Coaching World Champions & Building The Next Generation of Athletes In The Bay Area Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to The Iron Sights Podcast! In this episode, I sat down with JP and our guest Raul Castillo. I traveled down to Half Moon Bay California to check out Raul’s gym, and get some personalized coaching in the art of applicational self-defense. Castillo has a reputation in the bay area for being one of the highest level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors and coaches for aspiring fighters and competitors. His passion shifted from competing as a professional cage fighter into building a structured program for kids and adolescents to learn discipline and become leaders in their community. Raul started training in martial arts at the age of 4 in Karate, and received his Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu when he was 22 after training for only 5 years. Castillo is a decorated competitor and former Strikeforce veteran. Since retiring from the cage, he has trained numerous cage fighters, Jiu-Jitsu world champions and was recently awarded role model of the year in San Mateo country through the chamber of commerce for his positive impact on the youth in his community. In this episode, we dive into his story, upbringing and mission to provide the location and support to young athletes and entrepreneurs who have dreams bigger than the community they grow up in.
Timestamps:
00:00 Opening The Show

00:53 Training In Half Moon Bay

01:18 Raul Castillo’s Background

02:48 Training Jiu-Jitsu In The City

04:18 The Early Days of Karate

10:19 What It Takes Being The Best

11:34 Learning Hard Work From Your Parents

14:26 Testing Yourself Through Fighting

15:33 UFC #1

18:31 Raul’s First Big Tournament

22:41 Training with UFC Fighters

25:42 The Day Raul Castillo Got His Black Belt

27:38 The Transition Out of Fighting

34:30 The Reality of Operating A Dojo

44:35 Growing Up In Today’s Society

46:01 Protect Your Dream

53:30 The Best Weapon and The Best Defense

56:32 Protocols & Preparation

1:02:13 Cops Training Jiu-Jitsu

1:04:37 Finding The Right Gym To Learn MMA

#7 After Dark - JP: Introducing Stress Into Your Current Life & Workout Program Feb 11, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to Iron Sights After Dark! In this episode, JP and I discuss how stress can be implemented into learning and training experiences to prepare individuals for success in a real-life, worst-case scenario. We’ve all seen those action scenes with the car chases, quick draws and heroic fireman carries… Is there a superior approach to achieving that level of preparedness? From training under the limits of a timer to striving for success with the added weight of peer pressure, JP and I systematically review when, why and how to elevate performance using stressful stimuli. The human body and mind are designed to quickly adapt to imposed demands– but how can that pressure be applied in a way that optimizes our proficiency, accuracy and speed? We conclude the episode with some thoughts on coaching “feedback” culture and how we can utilize our limitations as tools for growth.

Timestamps:
00:00 Opening the Show

00:00:42 Introducing Stress Into Your Training Program

00:08:57 The SAID Principle

00:12:00 The Pros And Cons Of Training Under Time

00:26:02 The Most Overlooked Method Of Introducing Stress

00:30:48 A Different Take On Peer Pressure

00:37:21 Group Learning vs One-On Ones

00:40:51 Bringing Physical Stress To Firearms Training

00:47:30 The Malpractice Of Neglecting Warm Ups

00:49:31 Weight Training On The Range: How, Why And When

00:56:08 Fitness, Firearms And Red Dot Philosophy

01:00:4 When To Apply Stress

01:05:52 Practicing New Skills At Home

01:11:58 Fitness: The Fundamental Common Denominator

01:16:24 Utilization Limitations As Tools For Growth

01:20:01 No One Needs To Be Told They Suck

#31 - Mike Lee: Operating Multiple Businesses, Startup Investing, The Cannabis Delivery Industry, Networking with Billionaires & The Science of Understanding People Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of The Iron Sights Podcast, I sat down with the “Undercover Mayor of San Jose California” Mike Lee. Mike is a 26 year old Entrepreneur who started his first business at age 19. After graduating with a full scholarship from San Jose State, Mike focused 100% on growing his various businesses, assessing new ventures and investing into start-ups and inspiring people. With his early success, you might assume Lee started from the top but that wasn’t the case. In this episode we get into the root cause of his drive and how Mike’s mastery of social engagement combined with mentorship catapulted his success and influence in the Bay Area. Get ready for stories of golfing with Billionaires, networking with the top 1%, entering the weed business and having an all around good time with my new friend, Mike Lee.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcoming Mike To The Show

02:51 Mike’s “Glow Up”

05:52 Growing Up and Staying In San Jose, CA

07:08 The Science of Networking

10:03 Mike’s First Business

14:36 Lessons From College

16:45 The Mission After Graduating

19:59 Investing Into New Startups

21:34 Getting Into The Cannabis Industry

23:35 California's Restrictions On Cannabis Delivery Businesses

32:09 How Much Money Can You Make In The Weed Business

34:10 Three Month’s In The Delivery Business

36:36 Future Plans For Mike’s Cannabis Business

37:12 Meeting John Fry (Founder of Fry’s)

41:32 Getting Invited To Play on The Most Inclusive Golf Course In The World

45:50 How Mike Lee Started “Not Toxic” Clothing

48:33 Missed Business Opportunities, Lessons & Loses

58:35 Why The Next Move Should Be Real Estate

59:58 Networking Advice For Young Business Owners

1:115:06 Mike Lee’s Mission For People & His Network

1:16:53 How To Dodge Political Debates

1:19:09 How To Contact Mike Lee

Follow Mike Lee:
IG: @itsmikelee

#6 After Dark: JP - Recap of SHOT Show in Las Vegas 2022, The No-Mask Debate, Why The Large Brands No-Showed, California Gun Taxes, Innovation & New Products In The Firearms Community Feb 04, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to another Iron Sights After Dark Episode! SHOT Show is the largest annual event held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas. Since the 2021 event was canceled due to COVID-19 regulations, this year's event was expected to be one of the largest yet. In this episode, I sat down with JP to discuss his experience at the 2022 event: the highlights, surprises, no-shows, controversy and all the innovative products and new upcoming brands in the firearm community. Since founding Train with Purpose and entering the product business through selling custom high quality base plates, JP discusses the event from the perspective of both a business owner and fan. I was bummed to not be able to make it this year so it was great to hear a thorough recap of the event. Other topics discussed included: The new regulations for gun owners in San Jose California, the value in networking with people face-to-face regardless of owning an internet business and the reason why countless brands in the industry think that refusing to wear a mask is the patriotic thing to do. I hope you enjoy this conversation, recap and friendly debate with my good friend JP!

Timestamps:

00:00 Opening The Show

01:21 Traveling To Shot Show

04:00 The Brands Against Shot Show

05:15 Who Can Go To Shot Show

11:41 The Mask Mandates in Vegas and The 2A Communities Response

25:05 The Reason People Go To SHOT Show

28:09 The Value of Going To Events and In-Person Shows

30:37 The New Gun Laws In San Jose

33:23 The Highlights, Innovation & New Products from SHOT Show 2022

49:07 FUDs At SHOT Show

50:53 Upcoming Brands To Look Out For

55:19 Transparency with Firearms Brands & Products

1:09:48 The Most Reliable Gun Set-Up For Beginners & Why Companies Sell You Garbage

1:16:07 The Infancy of The Firearms Community

1:20:52 The Consumer’s Impact on The Industry

#5 After Dark - Kayley Gunner: The Untold Story of Your Favorite Army Vet Feb 02, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to Iron Sights After Dark! In this episode, I interviewed AVN “Best New Starlet” nominee, Kayley Gunner. Kayley’s army background, military family and entrepreneurial spirit made her a standout on the upcoming lineup of guests for Iron Sights. Gunner shares her never before heard story of how an island girl from Hawaii became one of the world’s favorite standout actresses in the Adult Film Industry over the past 18 months. From marrying young to telling her dad she does porn, this interview provided Kayley the opportunity to openly tell her story for the first time to the world. Tune in for a behind the scenes look at the Adult Film Industry, OnlyFans, Camming and the life of a highly ambitious 25 year old Entrepreneur, Army Veteran and Actress.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcoming Kayley To The Show

01:48 Growing Up In Hawaii

10:55 Growing Up With Military Parents

14:22 Joining The Army

21:59 The Story Behind Her Porn Star Name

28:26 Marrying My Man’s Best Friend

35:11 Ending The Marriage and Moving To California

52:57 Becoming A Camgirl

53:48 Getting A Boob Job

55:04 Getting Into The Adult Film Industry

1:01:11 Kayley’s First Porn Experience

1:05:09 Saying “No” In The Porn Industry

1:05:57 Behind The Scenes At A Porn Shoot

1:08:40 The Lifestyle of A Porn Star

1:116:52 What’s Next For Kayley Gunner

1:20:38 Kayley’s New Calendar

1:22:24 Kayley’s Focus For The Year
Follow Kayley Gunner:
IG: @kayleygunnerofficial
Website: kayleygunnerfans.com

#30 - Mansal Denton: Sacred Hunting, Facilitating Transformation, Lessons From Prison, Rights of Passage & Plant Medicines Jan 31, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to Iron Sights! In this episode, I interviewed the founder and facilitator for a recent hunting experience I had in Austin Texas. If you enjoyed the stories and lessons shared from Episode #22 with Mike Salemi this conversation will be right up your alley. Mansal discusses his background, growing up with highly educated parents who supported him through early childhood mistakes which put him behind bars at just 20 years old. The time spent in Prison inspired Mansal to seek mentorship and follow his callings for sport, yoga, healing ceremonies and hunting. In 2021, Mansal facilitated countless hunting events, spending over 2,000 hours in nature leading Sacred Hunts. This podcast shares the experiences and life path that fueled his journey into becoming the leader he is today.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcoming Mansal To Iron Sights

00:38 How We Met Through The Sacred Hunt

01:56 Mansal’s Background

04:17 Scott’s Experience Sacred Hunting

05:37 Why People Sign Up To Work With Masal

08:18 The Reason Mansal Facilitates Transformations

11:54 How Mansal Got Into Hunting

14:50 A Calling For Sweat Lodges

19:59 Ending Up In Prison

31:00 The Mindset of Getting Through Prison

35:11 The Transition After Leaving Prison

39:11 Learning Through Hunting, Jiu-Jitsu, Yoga

43:07 How Mansal Started Hunting

46:37 Mansal’s Journey From Passion to Profession

49:51 The Emotions After Mansal’s First Kill

54:31 Learning To Respect Death Through Hunting

59:03 What To Expect During A Sacred Hunt

1:10:05 Scott Breaking Down His Experience

1:11:18 Hunting As A Rights of Passage

1:18:26 The Community of Sacred Hunting

1:21:46 The Future of Sacred Hunting

1:31:26 The Next Sacred Hunt in 2022

#4 After Dark - JP: Are You Prepared For 2022? Natural Disasters, Self-Defense & The Health Crisis Jan 28, 2022

Show notes

Welcome back to Iron Sights for another After Dark Episode. A lot has happened since the last time I got to sit down with JP and catch up. The focus of this episode is Preparedness. It’s always on our mind but rarely do we take action until it’s too late. Since 2020 it seems our collective has been unprepared for what comes next - so what can we do about it? That’s what this episode is all about. JP and I start by catching up on our most recent day at the range and chat about the growing diversity within the firearm community. I brought up the recent fires in Colorado and ice storms in Virginia to transition the conversation into an open dialogue on what it takes to be prepared mentally and physically for natural disasters, self-defense and the health crisis we are facing in 2022.

Timestamps:

00:00 Catching Up with JP

03:34 Diversity At The Range

05:16 Training For Preparedness

06:03 Natural Disasters in Colorado & Virginia

09:57 What Being Prepared Looks Like in 2022

13:52 Living Through The Texas Ice Age

14:57 Are You Physical Prepared

25:43 No Pain No Gain

30:53 Living In Downtown San Jose

33:34 The Best Form of Self-Defense

35:15 The Basics of Getting Prepared