Iron Sights

Latest Episodes:

#204 - Hypertrophy Training Explained: Volume, Failure & Avoiding Junk Reps Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

On today’s episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m joined by Ryan and CeCe to answer one of the biggest questions in training: how much volume do you really need to build muscle?

We break down the science and the practical side of hypertrophy training, covering everything from junk volume and why it slows down your progress, to how close you should be training to failure, to the right number of sets for growth.

If you’ve ever felt confused about whether you’re doing too much or not enough in the gym, this conversation will give you the clarity and action steps you need to dial in your program and keep progressing.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

01:50 Program Teaser

02:30 Balancing Volume & Intensity

03:28 Training Volume For Hypertrophy

07:06 Defining & Avoiding Junk Volume

13:10 Genetics & Training Volume

22:39 Finding The Right Balance For Gains

28:47 Balancing Training With Life

29:14 Individualizing Your Program

36:22 Managing Plateaus & Adjustments

41:11 Introducing The Fit For Action Program

52:41 Closing Thoughts & Future Plans

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#182 After Dark - Charlie Ross: Tier 1 Special Ops To Hades Consulting Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast. Today I’m honored to be joined by Charlie Ross of Hades Consulting—and this one’s special, because it’s the very first podcast he’s ever been on. We first connected back in early 2025 through a mutual friend, and after months of scheduling and logistics, we were finally able to sit down for this conversation.

Charlie spent a long career in the United States military working with a distinct special missions unit, and in this episode, he shares the journey it took to get there, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he carries forward into his life and business today. That business is Hades Consulting—an elite training company forged in the crucible of Army Tier 1 Special Operations and tested on some of the toughest battlefields around the world. Their mission is simple but powerful: to continue serving others by providing the highest level of tactical training to military and law enforcement professionals.

We cover Charlie’s story, the philosophy behind Hades Consulting, and his perspective on training, leadership, and service. He opens the podcast with a powerful written statement that I think sets the tone for who he is and what he represents—and it left me with a lot to think about. This is a unique and insightful conversation with a man who has lived it at the highest level. Sit back and enjoy this episode with Charlie Ross of Hades Consulting on the Iron Sights Podcast.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:49 Personal Message

08:34 Military Background & Brotherhood

13:50 Transition To Special Missions Unit

17:00 Team Dynamics & Improvement

20:26 Transitioning To Civilian Life

24:16 Founding Hades Consulting

38:13 Honesty & Building A Training Business

40:49 Adapting Training For Law Enforcement

44:41 Philosophy Of CQB & Small Unit Tactics

51:54 Overcoming Training Roadblocks

58:20 Long-Term Client Relationships

1:00:47 Growing The Team & Maintaining Quality

1:14:19 Navigating Industry Dynamics

1:15:47 Leadership & Team Dynamics

1:25:14 The Importance Of Hard Skills

1:34:08 Professionalizing Training Processes

1:40:15 Commitment To Excellence

1:45:01 Reflections & Future Directions

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#181 After Dark - Law Enforcement Training w/ Scott Savage of Savage Training Group Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to another After Dark episode here on the Iron Sights Podcast. Today I’m joined by Scott Savage, founder of the Savage Training Group. Scott’s a law enforcement veteran who believes today’s officers deserve more than just “check-the-box” training hours.

We sat down at the 2025 California Force Instructor Association Conference in Napa, CA, after I had the chance to watch him present to a room full of law enforcement instructors, and what struck me most wasn’t just the information he shared—but how he delivered it.

In this conversation, we dig into why traditional training methods often fail under stress, how to move beyond siloed training and integrate across the board, and the importance of communication and decision-making during critical incidents. We also talk about the work Savage Training Group is doing to elevate the profession and give officers the tools they truly need to succeed in the real world.

Sit back and enjoy my conversation with Scott Savage of the Savage Training Group.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

08:25 Scott Savage’s Background

09:22 The Reality Of Police Training

10:46 Launching Savage Training Group

23:31 Understanding De-Escalation

30:26 Effective Training Strategies

41:08 Creating Change & Overcoming Resistance

53:21 Realistic Training Scenarios

1:03:26 Professionalism & Communication

1:10:36 Articulating Force Decisions

1:20:15 Clear Commands Under Pressure

1:33:18 Savage Training Group’s Approach

#180 After Dark - Rener Gracie: Survival Tactics, SafeWrap & Training For Law Enforcement Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast. Today, I’m grateful to have Rener Gracie, a name synonymous with Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a prominent figure in law enforcement training.

I connected with Rener at the 2025 California Force Instructors Association Law Enforcement conference in Napa, CA. This event was a valuable one for me and the other 250 participants on a lot of levels. I’m anxious to share other interviews from some of the dedicated experts that presented in the near future.

While at the CALFIA conferenceI, and prior to the interview, I got the opportunity to listen to Rener answer audience questions as a panel member, witness him on the mat teach use of force techniques to a room full of law enforcement officers and use of force instructors, and then ultimately sit down 1 on 1 to ask him several questions that both the audience and I had about what he’s doing with Gracie Survival Tactics.

We dig into Rener’s history, philosophy and approach to training, and the controversial introduction of his Safe Wrap System as a two person solution to the highly politicized prone restraint - a topic that has sparked discussion and debate within the martial arts and law enforcement communities.

No doubt about it, Rener is a guy who wants to understand and be understood. If you haven’t heard him go deep on the who he is, what he does, and why he’s doing it, this one doesn’t disappoint.

So here we go! Hope you enjoy this After Dark episode here on the Iron Sights Podcast.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:01 Rener Gracie’s Background & Philosophy

13:28 Gracie Legacy & Evolution of BJJ

18:48 Gracie University & Online Learning

26:10 GST for Law Enforcement

33:10 Birth of the SafeWrap System

47:27 Tactical Advantage & Real-World Use

54:24 SafeWrap in Action

01:06:29 Training & Implementation

01:17:40 Addressing Controversies & Patents

01:23:41 Challenges in Defensive Tactics Training

01:30:20 Legal Support & Expert Witness Role

01:36:13 Breaking Training Silos & Improving Systems

01:56:53 Global Adoption & Future Prospects

#179 After Dark - Courage, Redemption & Inner Battles with John Constantine Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast. Today’s After Dark episode is a powerful one. I’m sitting down with John Constantine — a 23-year veteran of the United States Secret Service, with 15 of those years spent on the elite Counter Assault Team. From post-9/11 Ground Zero to protecting presidents around the world, John’s career has been defined by service at the highest levels.

But this conversation goes deeper than tactics, leadership, or high-risk operations. It’s about what happens when your values and goals no longer align with the environment you’re in. It’s about facing the shadows within, owning your truth, and finding your way back from the edge.

John opens up about courage, redemption, and the battles we fight inside ourselves — the ones that shape who we are far more than any mission or assignment. This one is raw, real, and worth every minute.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:47 Career Start & Secret Service Insights

12:22 Counter Assault Team Overview

14:49 Reflections On July 13th Incident

21:08 Personal & Professional Impact

34:17 Adapting Under Pressure

53:24 Self-Reflection & Integrity

59:54 Self-Esteem Vs. Self-Worth

01:05:15 Leadership & Personal Values

01:25:54 Standards & Accountability

01:37:41 Psychology, Philosophy & The Dark Self

01:42:55 Professionalism & Performance

01:53:50 The Value Of Leadership

02:01:25 Future Plans & Projects

#203 - The Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Choosing An Online Workout Program Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast! Today, I’m joined by the whole Red Dot Fitness crew, and we’re breaking down the five biggest mistakes people make when choosing an online workout program. This isn’t about coaching or personalized training — we’re talking the actual programs themselves, like Red Dot Fitness Max and Red Dot Fitness Strong.

Choosing the right program can feel overwhelming, and a lot of folks stumble early on their fitness journey. We’re going to unpack those common mistakes, talk solutions, and help you figure out if the program you’re on is really the right fit. Whether you’re already in a program or still deciding, this episode will give you the tools to avoid costly errors and set yourself up for success.

So sit back, and let’s get into it.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

02:16 Common Mistakes In Online Programs

05:27 Why Personalization Matters

11:03 Challenges In Online Nutrition

22:26 Setting Realistic Goals

27:36 The 90-Day Transformation Myth

28:45 Avoiding Program Hopping

30:44 Flexibility & Adaptation

32:18 Nutrition’s Role

38:49 Community Support Value

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#178 After Dark - Building Resilient Protectors: SWAT Leadership, Combatives & Survival Training With Rob Magao Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, we’re joined by Rob Magao — a 25-year law enforcement veteran, SWAT leader, and founder of the Officer Survival Series.

With experience in patrol, narcotics, internal affairs, detective work, and 18 years on SWAT, Rob has trained hundreds in local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the military. From defensive tactics and dignitary protection to ground fighting and firearms, his approach is rooted in real-world experience, not theory. A third-degree Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belt under Pedro Sauer and certified combatives instructor through Matt Larsen, Rob shares insights on building resilient, confident protectors through pressure-tested training.

Sit back and enjoy a no-nonsense conversation on leadership, survival, and what it takes to thrive in high-stakes environments.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:21 Rob Magao’s Martial Arts Journey

05:52 Starting In Law Enforcement

10:53 Challenges & Changes In Policing

16:16 Innovations In Police Training

30:04 Opening The Jiu-Jitsu School

41:27 Bringing Jiu-Jitsu To Police Training

45:15 Creating A New Training Program

48:47 Program Success & Adoption

51:55 Instructor Certification Standards

01:09:19 Real-World Scenarios & Legal Training

01:22:48 Growth Of Police Jiu-Jitsu Teams

01:27:22 Key Skills For Law Enforcement

01:31:41 Building A Culture Of Improvement

01:40:59 Insurance’s Role In Training Standards

01:50:21 How To Get Involved With OSS

01:58:14 What’s Next

#202 - Online Coaching Done Right: What To Expect & How To Succeed Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, we’re diving into what it really takes to make online fitness coaching effective.

Whether you’ve signed up for a virtual training program or are thinking about hiring a coach online, we break down the expectations, the red flags, and the strategies for getting real results. We’ll cover the pros and cons of online vs. in-person coaching, how to make the most of your investment, and what we’ve learned firsthand coaching both online and face-to-face.

If you’re serious about your health and not seeing the progress you want, this conversation might just help you make the right call. Tune in and walk away with practical advice to look, move, and feel better.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:22 What Makes Online Coaching Different

12:27 Why Customization Matters

17:19 Nutrition & Initial Consults

26:17 Flexibility And Accessibility

34:31 Cost Benefits Of Online Coaching

35:40 Common Pitfalls In The Industry

39:10 Adapting Workouts To Any Environment

44:02 Using Tech For Better Coaching

51:36 Accountability & Long-Term Success

58:10 Final Thoughts & Getting Started

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#177 After Dark - Rebuilding Public Trust in LE with John Chapman from Task Force 70 Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

In this After Dark episode, I sit down with my friend and retired law enforcement officer John “Chappy” Chapman. After decades of service, John’s taken his experience and passion and poured it into Task Force 70, a nonprofit laser-focused on rebuilding public trust through constitutionally grounded training for America’s law enforcement.

We break down how the system really works—from institutionalized training gaps to the funding issues that keep over 70% of small, rural agencies from getting the support they actually need. John brings clarity to a complicated conversation and outlines what TF70 is doing differently, including two standout courses that are already making an impact.

This episode isn’t just for cops. It’s for citizens who care about the quality of training their officers receive and how we can raise the bar without political noise

Enjoy today's show!

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:42 Background In Law Enforcement

06:31 Transition To Training & Instruction

09:01 Challenges In Police Training

14:52 Bureaucracy & Equipment Issues

36:11 Foundational Skills In Modern Policing

45:05 Federal Funding & Local Challenges

48:56 Training Foundations & Sociological Shifts

54:36 Practical Training & Foundation’s Mission

01:04:55 Specialized Courses & Support

01:17:41 Donors, Funding & Transparency

01:26:48 Measuring Training Impact

01:49:06 Final Thoughts & Encouragement

#176 After Dark - Movement, Shooting & Human Performance with Jake Labhart from In Extremis Performance Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

We’re back with another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, and today I’ve got my good friend Jake Labhart in the studio—founder of In Extremis Performance.

Jake’s been on the show before, and if you’ve been around a while, you’ve heard us talk about everything from tactical performance to the mindset behind building better tactical athletes. But today we zoom out a bit and focus on process—the journey of building IEP, refining the mission, and expanding the team.

We talk leadership, team development, staying mission-focused, and staying humble while still moving with purpose. As always, Jake keeps it real, owns his mistakes, and delivers straight-up insight from the trenches.

If you’re curious about what In Extremis Performance is doing, who they’re working with, or how to get involved—this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

03:55 Catching Up In California

04:28 IEP’s Shift To Human Performance

05:16 Challenges In Law Enforcement Training

08:06 Movement & Shooting Approach

12:19 Learning, Adapting & Evolving

17:58 Social Media Vs. In-Person Training

21:12 Expanding Curriculum With Demand

42:23 Training With Top Shooters & Team Growth

47:56 Refining Curriculum & Teaching