State of the Second

Latest Episodes:

State of The Second 127 – Tiny Footprint, Big Rifle Performance (ft. Reap Weaponries) Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

This week John and Kailey sit down with Colton, founder and CEO of Reap Weaponries, to talk about the bullpup conversion system that’s shaking up the AR space. Built around modularity and compatibility with mil-spec lowers, REAP’s design keeps the familiarity of the AR while offering a compact, balanced alternative. ———————– Thanks to Palmetto State […]

State of The Second 126 – A Stylish Purse That’s Level 3A Ballistic (ft. urbnchc) Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Jennifer from Urbnchc, a company creating stylish everyday carry bags with integrated Level 3A ballistic protection. Using DuPont™ Kevlar and patented deployment technology, these luxury leather bags are designed to provide discreet personal protection without the tactical look. ———————– Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our […]

State of The Second 125 – Off-Body Carry Done Right (ft. Cakes Concealed Carry) Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

This week, John sits down with Tamkin Collins, founder of Cakes Concealed Carry, a women-owned brand blending fashion and function for discreet everyday carry. After navigating California’s intense CCW process and being told off-body carry wasn’t viable, Tamkin set out to prove otherwise. One prototype turned into 6,000 bags sold in year one and an […]

State of The Second 124 – How he took a “Non-Gun” Audience to Guns (ft. Johnny Q) Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Johnny Q to break down how he went from viral spin art videos to full-time firearms content creator, why he built his platform around the phrase “Good question,” and how he’s helping new gun owners cut through internet myths without the ego or gatekeeping. ———————– Thanks to […]

State of The Second 121 – Your Content Sucks, Here’s Why (ft. Ben Stacy) Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Ben Stacy of Forge Relations to break down how gun companies can adapt, reach new gun owners, and build trust in a changing market in 2026. From marketing to young families and first-time buyers to navigating TikTok, short-form content, and platform restrictions, this conversation focuses on why […]

State of The Second 123 – Pistols Are Convenience. Rifles End Fights. (ft. Clint Smith) Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Clint Smith, The Thunder Ranch founder and Marine combat veteran, to break down why pistols are tools of convenience, why rifles end fights, and what Clint means when he says, “Every bullet has a lawyer attached.” From reversing “shoot, move, communicate” to the safety culture the gun […]

State of The Second 122 – Dana White Got THIS Rifle (ft. Stellar Arms) Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

In the first episode of Season 3, John and Kailey sit down with Scott Melton of Stellar Arms, a precision AR manufacturer with aerospace roots. From SpaceX-level tolerances to CNC-machined, diamond-cut “Executive” rifles, Stellar Arms builds AR-15 platforms designed for performance, reliability, and legacy. We cover what sets a precision AR apart, why tight […]

State of The Second 119 – How AmmoSquared is Changing the Way Americans Buy Ammo (ft. AmmoSquared) Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Dan and Danielle Morton of AmmoSquared about ammo shortages, caliber trends, and building an ammunition safety net for gun owners. We also cover why 9mm dominates and how new gun owners can simplify buying and storing ammo.

State of The Second 120 – What Brands Are Missing In Women’s Marketing and Training (ft. Adelina Mae) Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Adelina May, founder of Girls Just Wanna Have Guns, to discuss women’s firearms training, real-world concealed carry, and building confidence through education. Adelina breaks down common EDC mistakes, why training matters more than gear, and what the firearms industry still misses when it comes to reaching everyday […]

State of The Second 118 – This Issue Affects More Than Just Law Enforcement (ft. Task Force 70 Foundation) Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

This week, John, Kailey, and Gay Chappy of Task Force 70 Foundation, explore how disconnects between civilians, law enforcement, and institutions have grown over time, how differences across states shape public perception, and why constitutional literacy matters more than ever. ———————– Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear! […]

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