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The Harden Up Podcast – Matt Harden

“The Harden Up Podcast” brings you into the world of high-performance training and adventure through the expert lens of Matt Harden—a former USMC Infantry Squad Leader, veteran SWAT Team Leader, and founder of OpTempo Training Group. Each episode delivers compelling conversations with leading specialists across tactical operations, athletic development, overlanding expeditions, and extreme sports.
Matt’s military and law enforcement background provides the perfect foundation for extracting practical wisdom from his guests, offering listeners actionable strategies they can implement immediately. Whether you’re a tactical professional, outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone looking to elevate your performance and push beyond comfort zones, this podcast delivers the insights and motivation you need.

Copyright: © 2025 The Harden Up Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep 30: Yousef Sansour of Esoteric LLC Sep 23, 2022

Show notes

In this episode Matt talks with Yousef Sansour, a law enforcement veteran, counter-terrorism expert, and USPSA grand master. He spent years working with multiple government agencies on counter-terrorism missions after 9-11 while serving as a SWAT Officer. Over the 28+ years of his career he gained a vast amount of knowledge that he now passes on to current law enforcement professionals. Yousef now owns and operates the training organization Esoteric LLC. Enjoy the show!
Yousef Sansour
Instagram: @esoteric_llc
https://esotericllc.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 29: Chris on Active Shooter Response Aug 04, 2022

Show notes

In this episode Matt talks with one of the OpTempo instructors about active shooter events. Listen in as Chris, a law enforcement active shooter subject matter expert, discusses the history of active shooter incidents, the evolution of the law enforcement response, and what you can do to be better prepared for the unthinkable.
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 28: Byron Rogers of Protector Nation May 30, 2022

Show notes

In this episode Matt sits down with Byron Rodgers, a Marine Corps combat veteran and 10-year Executive Protection professional. He has travelled the world working with high-level clients, while gaining a wealth of knowledge in the EP space. Byron is a successful entrepreneur that owns and operates The Bravo Research Group, Protector Nation, and the Executive Protection Lifestyle podcast. Enjoy the show!

Byron Rodgers
Instagram: @byron_rodgers
https://www.bravoresearchgroup.com
https://go.protectornation.com/free48207980
The Executive Protection Lifestyle podcast
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 27: Tom Rizzo of Street Cop Training Apr 15, 2022

Show notes

In this episode Matt talks with Tom Rizzo, a Street Cop Training instructor and 20-year law enforcement veteran. Tom gained valuable knowledge serving on patrol, crime suppression units, and as academy and department instructor. Tom has also been an adjunct professor with new jersey university and Rutgers school of public affairs and administration. He’s the author of the book “COPIKAZE” and currently serves as the investigations division commander as a captain.

Tom Rizzo
Instagram: @tomrizzo70
https://www.thomasrizzo.com/
https://streetcoptraining.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 26: Jeff Chang of Standing Offhand Mar 15, 2022

Show notes

In this episode Matt talks with Jeff Chang, a Police sniper subject matter expert. Jeff is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who deployed to two wars as a scout sniper and a private contractor. Jeff also spent the last 12 years on a major metropolitan SWAT team, finishing his time as the sniper team leader. Listen in as Jeff shares his story about being a sniper and going from military to law enforcement service, with all the lessons learned.
Standing Offhand
Instagram & Facebook: @standing_offhand
https://www.standingoffhand.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 25: Nick Thayer of The Tactical Games Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

On this episode Matt talks with Nick Thayer, the marketing manager of The Tactical Games. Nick is a United States Coast Guard Veteran who spent 10 years in the defense contracting industry after RELAD. He later became a CrossFit coach, photographer, and ultimately competed in The Tactical Games.
Listen in as Nick and Matt discuss the background, history, and details of the Tactical Games. Matt and the OpTempo team competed at a recent Tactical Games and saw first hand how fun these events are. We highly encourage you to check out their calendar of events. Link below!
The Tactical Games
Instagram & Facebook: @thetacticalgames
https://www.thetacticalgames.com/
Podcast:
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 24: Maj (Ret.) Will Ostan of Arc of Justice Jan 13, 2022

Show notes

On this episode Matt talks with the President and CEO of Arc of Justice USA, Maj (Ret.) Will Ostan. He served over 12 years in the U.S. Army as a JAG attorney, completing combat deployments with the 10th Mountain Division, 7th Special Forces Group, and Navy SEAL Team 5. In 2019 Will launched Arc of Justice, Advocates of Wounded Warriors. Their mission is to reforming the military's medical separation process via a Wounded Warrior Bill of Rights (WWBoR). Listen to Will's military journey and why a WWBoR is so vital. We highly encourage supporting this non-profit organization with a donation on their website.
Please email your Congress person and ask them to Contact Maj Ostan regarding WWBoR HR 6043.
ARC OF JUSTICE
Instagram & Facebook: @arcofjusticeusa
https://arcofjusticeusa.org/
Forthcoming Podcast: Fight in the Shade
Leadership consulting: @dienekesactiongroup
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 23: Kara "The Huntress" of Deliverfund Dec 10, 2021

Show notes

On this episode Matt talks with one of the nation’s leading human trafficker hunters, Kara Smith. She spent 12 years working in intelligence analysis in support of anti-terrorism. Starting her career in the air force, and then moving on to the NSA and FBI, she has taken those skills and now uses them to combat human trafficking with Deliverfund. Kara shares detailed information on the widespread human trafficking problem, and how criminals are preying upon our children, friends, and neighbors. You'll be amazed at how prevalent this truly is. We highly encourage supporting this non-profit organization with a donation on their website.
Deliver Fund
IG: @DeliverFund @kara_the_huntress
https://www.deliverfund.org/
ARC OF JUSTICE
IG: @arcofjusticeusa
https://arcofjusticeusa.org/
Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.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

Ep 22: Taylor Mccubbin of ChimeraXR Nov 05, 2021

Show notes

Taylor McCubbin is the CEO and co-founder of ChimeraXR. He is a 15 year veteran of the Canadian military. He worked as a full time firearms instructor at the largest air base in Canada and developed the first firearms and tactical simulation program for the air force. He later went on to work for Meggitt Training systems, the world’s largest firearms simulation manufacturer. A few years later he and a partner launched ChimeraXR and are now at the cutting edge of virtual reality training. ChimeraXR Mythos is a virtual reality training system which gives you the power to quickly simulate application of tactics in a modern, easy to use immersive environment. The immersive training experience will have you and your students training in minutes anywhere your agency is located. Quick to setup and easy to use, anyone can build and edit the drills and scenarios required for training.
ChimeraXR:
https://chimeraxr.myshopify.com/
Instagram & Facebook:
@chimeraxr
Lowa Boots: https://www.lowaboots.com/
Instagram: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
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

Ep 21: Kenny Williams of Street Cop Training Oct 10, 2021

Show notes

Sergeant Kenny Williams is one of the country’s leading experts in criminal vehicle interdiction. Sergeant Williams began his career in 2007, and currently works as a full time K9 interdiction officer. Williams has been personally responsible for the seizure of over 4 million dollars cash, several hundred pounds of illicit narcotics, and well over a ton of Marijuana. Williams has received countless awards for his work from numerous organizations and has established a national reputation. Williams is a fully certified EPIC and DIAP instructor.
Street Cop Training:
https://streetcoptraining.com/
Instagram: @streetcoptraining
Lowa Boots: https://www.lowaboots.com/
Instagram: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
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

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