The Harden Up Podcast - Matt Harden

Latest Episodes:

Ep 51: Matt Klein- NYPD Detective (Ret) and Battle Tribe Founder Jan 31, 2025

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In this episode I welcome Army combat veteran Matt Klein to the show! Matt is a retired NYPD Forensic sketch artist who used his artistic gifts and abilities to help solve multiple high-profile homicide and assault investigations. After his time in the military and law enforcement, Matt founded his creative project Battle Tribe! His engaging artwork blends elements of military, L.E. and pop culture in multiple media styles. Please enjoy the show!
Matt Klein on Instagram: @mattrendar

Battle Tribe website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BattleTribe
The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/
@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook
Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber
Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

Ep 50: Rex Ingram- Police Chief Dec 30, 2024

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In this episode I welcome our first Police Chief to the show, Chief Rex R. Ingram from the Caldwell Idaho police department. He has an extensive background from his 17 years at LAPD, where he worked on gang enforcement teams, a human trafficking task force, plainclothes operations, and patrol watch commander in some of LA’s toughest areas. He spoke candidly with me about leadership in policing, elevating LE performance and how administrators can support their officers. Please enjoy this conversation with Chief Rex R. Ingram!
Chief Ingram on Instagram: @cpdingram
The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/
@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook
Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber
Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

Ep 49: Mark Lang of Brinc Drones Oct 31, 2024

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In this episode Matt talks with a law enforcement SWAT veteran, Mark Lang. He served for 23 years on a full-time SWAT team, specializing in the sniper billet. Mark is the director of sniper training for Tac Flow Academy and teaches for TTPOA and NTOA. Mark now works for BRINC drones and advocates for the use of drones in SWAT and patrol operations. Listen in as Mark talks about SWAT culture, the use of technology in L.E. and the future integration of DFR. Please enjoy the show!
Brinc Drones:
https://brincdrones.com/
The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/
@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook
Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber
Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

Ep 48: CDR Bill Burwell- USCG Rescue Pilot Sep 09, 2024

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In this episode Matt talks with an active duty United States Coast Guard search and rescue pilot, Commander Bill Burwell. He has served over 18 years with assignments as duty pilot, instructor pilot and chief of aviation operations. Listen in as Bill dives into the challenges of rotary-wing flying, hair-raising rescue missions, and extreme duty stations Please enjoy the show!
Video of perilous rescue recounted by Bill in the episode:
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/640450/coast-guard-rescues-4-fishermen-60-miles-off-maine-coast
Learn more about Coast Guard aviation careers: https://www.gocoastguard.com/careers/officer/aviation
The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/
@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook
Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber
Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

EP 47: Standing Offhand on Police Snipers Jul 31, 2024

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In this episode Matt talks with two guests, Jeff Chang - a police sniper/instructor and also a former Marine Corps sniper. Tyler Ellsworth is also a police sniper/instructor and owner/operator of Standing Offhand with co-owner Jeff. In this episode we discuss the Trump shooting incident, the police sniper mission, and selecting good candidates. Please enjoy the show!
Standing Offhand:
https://www.standingoffhand.com/
Social: @standing_offhand
The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/
@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook
Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber
Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

Ep 46: Mike Kelly- USCG Rescue Swimmer Instructor May 31, 2024

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In this episode Matt talks with an active duty United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer instructor. Mike served as a rescue swimmer for ten years prior to being selected as an instructor at the aviation survival technician (AST) school- one of the most stressful environments in military training. Listen in as Mike breaks down the selection process, testing and ultimate success criteria to join the elite USCG AST ranks! Please enjoy the show!
Rescue swimmer career overview:
https://youtu.be/zP0eOCHTGis
Learn more about Coast Guard rescue swimmer careers: https://www.gocoastguard.com/careers/enlisted/ast
The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/
@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook
Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber
Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

Ep 45: Jason Clark of BeaverFit USA Apr 26, 2024

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In this episode Matt has an in-depth conversation with the Beaverfit USA director of training and education, Jason Clark. Jason is a combat Marine Corps veteran and former drill instructor. He later went on to work in the fitness industry and then as a strength and conditioning director for the Marie Corps HITT program. He also served on the advisory board for human performance at HQ Marine Corps. Please enjoy the show!
BeaverFit USA:
IG: @beaverfitusa
https://beaverfitusa.com/
The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/
@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook
Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber
Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

Ep 44: Dennis Medina of Armored Breach Apr 01, 2024

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In this episode Matt speaks with the inventor and founder of the guardian breaching shield, Dennis Medina. The company Armored Breach was formed as Dennis worked as a full-time SWAT Officer and mechanical breaching expert. Listen in as Matt and Dennis discuss SWAT training, trends, and the value of ballistic shields in operations. Please enjoy the show!
Armored Breach and Dennis Medina:
IG: @armoredbreach
https://www.armoredbreach.com/
The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/
@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook
Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber
Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

Ep 43: Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism at DARC Feb 29, 2024

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In this episode Matt reviews his recent visit to the direct action resource center for the level two law enforcement counter terrorism course. Hear about his experience at the course, gear selection, and tips for your training visit. Please enjoy the show!
Direct Action Resource Center:
IG: @directactionresourcecenter
https://darc-usa.squarespace.com/
The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/
@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook
Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber
Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

Ep 42: Zack Sowers- USCG Rescue Swimmer Dec 29, 2023

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In this episode Matt talks with an active duty United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer and learns more about their training and operations. AST Zack Sowers shares his insight into the difficult training pipeline to become an aviation survival technician (AST) and the moments of his first open ocean rescue, and his most recent save of six survivors. Please enjoy the show!
Recent ocean save link: https://themaritimepost.com/2023/12/carnival-vista-rescue-at-sea/
https://weather.com/en-IN/india/videos/video/dramatic-rescue-coast-guard-and-cruise-ship-save-twelve-lives-stranded-in-the
Learn more about Coast Guard careers: https://www.uscg.mil/Join/
The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/
@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook
Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber
Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

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