

She Shield
Sofia Espina
She Shield is your one stop pod for all things personal safety with weekly guest speakers. I’m your host, Sofia, and my goal is to help educate women and men on concealed carry, martial arts, and all topics self-defense.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 13, 2026 • 1h 1min
2.10 The Missing Piece of Self-Defense No One Talks About: Your Health with Vicky DiSanto
Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode, Sofia sits down with health and mindset coach Vicky DiSanto to explore the often-overlooked concept of the defense of self, the physical foundation that supports confidence, capability, and personal safety.With over a decade of experience in functional health and mindset coaching, Vicky has helped hundreds of clients work through complex challenges such as weight loss resistance, hormone imbalance, PCOS, perimenopause, and autoimmune issues. She explains why so many people feel stuck despite “doing everything right,” and why one-size-fits-all advice often fails.This conversation covers:Why physical health is a prerequisite for effective self-defense and trainingHow stress, hormones, and lifestyle impact energy, focus, and resilienceThe role accountability plays in creating lasting, sustainable changeWhat it actually takes to rebuild trust in the body and move forward with clarityThis episode is for anyone who feels depleted, frustrated, or unsure where to start, and wants to take ownership of their health as a critical component of personal protection and strength.🎧 Listen now and start building a stronger foundation from the inside out.Episode Resources & Ways to Support the Show🎥 Watch this episode on the She Shield YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@sheshieldpod 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.⭐ Rate & review the podcast: this helps the show reach more people who can benefit from self-defense education.📲 Follow on Instagram: @sheshieldpod for episode highlights, behind-the-scenes, and episode updates. Check out your host Sofia @fit4fia. To learn more about Sofia and or to train with her, visit fit4fia.comThis Episode is brought to you by Right to Bear. Right to Bear is a legal defense membership designed to support everyday citizens who take personal responsibility for their safety. Their program provides access to experienced attorneys and legal resources if you’re ever forced to defend yourself or others in a critical incident.See their membership options here: http://Www.protectwithbear.com/pages/plansUse code “FIT4FIA10” at checkout to receive 10% off your membership.Episode Resources: Train with Vicky Follow Vicky on social

Jan 5, 2026 • 50min
2.9: Craig Douglas’ ShivWorks ECQC: Unfiltered Interviews From the Desert
Scotty Oates, a longtime ShivWorks instructor blending martial arts with real-world combatives. Craig Douglas, founder of ShivWorks and creator of the ECQC curriculum. They discuss immersive close-quarters training, pressure-tested drills, realistic environments, instructor vetting, and practical paths from beginner to capable defender.

Dec 30, 2025 • 58min
2.8: The Truth About Dry Fire, Competition Myths, and Defining Success with Joey Sauerland
Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode of the She Shield Podcast, I sit down with Joey Sauerland to break down why dry fire is one of the most powerful, and most misunderstood, tools in training.We dive into what dry fire actually does for skill development, how to approach it with intention instead of mindless reps, and the common misconceptions that stop people from ever stepping into competition shooting. Joey shares practical insight for those who feel like they’re “not ready yet” and explains why waiting for perfection is often the biggest barrier to progress.A central theme of this conversation is defining your own success, a keystone concept in Joey’s classes. We talk about how setting the right benchmarks keeps shooters motivated, focused, and consistent—without burnout or comparison.We also look ahead to Joey’s goals for 2026, what he’s building as an instructor, and how shooters at any level can move forward with clarity and confidence.If you’re trying to train smarter, get unstuck, or finally take the leap into competition, this episode gives you a grounded framework to do exactly that.🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms📺 Full video episode available on YouTubeEpisode Resources & Ways to Support the Show🎥 Watch this episode on the She Shield YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@sheshieldpod 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.⭐ Rate & review the podcast: this helps the show reach more people who can benefit from self-defense education.📲 Follow on Instagram: @sheshieldpod for episode highlights, behind-the-scenes, and episode updates. Check out your host Sofia @fit4fia. To learn more about Sofia and or to train with her, visit fit4fia.comThis Episode is brought to you by Right to Bear. Right to Bear is a legal defense membership designed to support everyday citizens who take personal responsibility for their safety. Their program provides access to experienced attorneys and legal resources if you’re ever forced to defend yourself or others in a critical incident.See their membership options here: http://Www.protectwithbear.com/pages/plansUse code “FIT4FIA10” at checkout to receive 10% off your membership.Episode Resources: Train with JoeyFollow Joey on InstagramLearn with the Practical Shooting Training LibraryStatistics on distances of defensive shooting

Dec 22, 2025 • 46min
2.7: From Citizen to Protector: Redefining Everyday Safety with Will Workman of The Modern Protector
Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode, Will Workman, the voice behind The Modern Protector and Self‑Defense Encounters.Will brings a true citizen-to-citizen perspective to safety and preparedness. He isn’t coming from a tactical fantasy or professional duty role, he’s a husband, a father, and an everyday concealed carrier who made a deliberate decision to take responsibility for his own safety and the safety of those around him.We talk about what “safety” actually means outside of gear and social media highlight reels, how Will slowly began prioritizing preparedness in daily life, and why consistent, intentional training matters more than chasing the next tool. He shares how taking high-level classes reshaped his mindset, his habits, and ultimately how he shows up as a protector for his family.This episode is for the listener who wants to be safer, more capable, and more grounded, without ego, fear-mongering, or shortcuts. Just honest perspective, earned experience, and practical wisdom from someone walking the same road as you.🎧 Listen in if you’re ready to rethink what everyday preparedness really looks like.This Episode is brought to you by Right to Bear. Right to Bear is a legal defense membership designed to support everyday citizens who take personal responsibility for their safety. Their program provides access to experienced attorneys and legal resources if you’re ever forced to defend yourself or others in a critical incident.See their membership options here: http://Www.protectwithbear.com/pages/plansUse code "FIT4FIA10" at checkout to receive 10% off your membership.Episode Resources & Ways to Support the Show🎥 Watch this episode on the She Shield YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@sheshieldpod 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.⭐ Rate & review the podcast: this helps the show reach more people who can benefit from self-defense education.📲 Follow on Instagram: @sheshieldpod for episode highlights, behind-the-scenes, and episode updates. Check out your host Sofia @fit4fia. To learn more about Sofia and or to train with her, visit fit4fia.comEpisode Resources: The Modern Protector YouTube ChannelModern Protector Home PageSelf Defense Encounters YouTube Channel

Nov 26, 2025 • 31min
2.6 Your Complete Beginner’s Guide to Concealed Carry- Without the Sugarcoating
Feeling overwhelmed about concealed carry? Discover essential steps to get started, from defining your mission to choosing a firearm that suits you. Learn the importance of hands-on training and dry fire practice. The discussion dives into realistic training methods, including grappling and striking, while highlighting the significance of fitness for self-defense. Explore hybrid carrying options and tools beyond firearms like pepper spray. This guide is all about building genuine skills and confidence for a safe approach to self-defense.

Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 21min
2.5 Competing, Carrying, and Creating: Inside The Gunny Gal’s World with Alyssa Seymour
This week on She Shield, Sofia is joined by Alyssa Seymour, a powerhouse competitor and creator known for her dedication to The Tactical Games, USPSA, and concealed carry education. After a hike filled with deep conversation, Alyssa and Sofia sit down to unpack her journey in the shooting sports world, her approach to training, and how she uses her platforms to help others grow in fitness, mindset, and gear knowledge.Episode Resources & Ways to Support the Show🎥 Watch this episode on the She Shield YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@sheshieldpod 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.⭐ Rate & review the podcast: this helps the show reach more people who can benefit from self-defense education.📲 Follow on Instagram: @sheshieldpod for episode highlights, behind-the-scenes, and episode updates. Check out your host Sofia @fit4fia. To learn more about Sofia and or to train with her, visit fit4fia.comEpisode Resources: The Gunny Gal on YouTubeThe Gunny Gal on Instagram

Oct 24, 2025 • 24min
2.4 What Viral Videos Can Teach Us About Real-World Defense with Sofia- Entertainment Corner
In this first-ever Entertainment Corner episode of the She Shield Podcast, Sofia takes a deep dive into some of the most popular and trending Instagram reels that have recently caught her attention, breaking them down from a self-defense and training perspective.This isn’t about criticism or “calling anyone out.” Instead, Sofia uses these real-world clips as teaching moments to highlight what went right, what could have gone differently, and how we can all sharpen our skills through intentional training and situational awareness.From concealed carry and defensive tactics to mindset and preparedness, this episode is all about learning through real-life examples — not judgment.Episode Resources & Ways to Support the Show🎥 Watch this episode on the She Shield YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@sheshieldpod 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.⭐ Rate & review the podcast: this helps the show reach more people who can benefit from self-defense education.📲 Follow on Instagram: @sheshieldpod for episode highlights, behind-the-scenes, and episode updates. Check out your host Sofia @fit4fia. To learn more about Sofia and or to train with her, visit fit4fia.com

Oct 17, 2025 • 2h 6min
2.3 Women's Corner with Vanleethea: Where Firearms, Fitness, and Fearless Mindset Meet
In this powerful first installment of Women’s Corner, Sofia sits down with Thea Von Syoc, known online as @vanleethea, a firearms instructor, competitive shooter, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt, and dedicated weightlifter.Thea shares her journey from stepping onto the mats for the first time to stepping onto the range with confidence, breaking down what it really means to build strength—physically and mentally—as a woman in self-defense and shooting sports. Together, she and Sofia dive into the challenges women face entering male-dominated spaces, how fitness fuels confidence, and why fear is something to train through, not run from.Whether you’re a woman just starting your journey in self-defense or a man who wants to better understand the female perspective in training, this episode brings raw honesty, humor, and motivation to push past limits—on the mat, in the gym, and on the range.Tune in to hear how Vanleethea is redefining strength, one rep and one round at a time.Episode Resources & Ways to Support the Show🎥 Watch this episode on the She Shield YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@sheshieldpod 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.⭐ Rate & review the podcast: this helps the show reach more people who can benefit from self-defense education.📲 Follow on Instagram: @sheshieldpod for episode highlights, behind-the-scenes, and episode updates. Check out your host Sofia @fit4fia. To learn more about Sofia and or to train with her, visit fit4fia.comEpisode Resources: Vanleethea on Instagram

Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 5min
2.2: Jalise Williams: The First Woman to Qualify for the Overall IPSC World Pistol Team
In this fun and upbeat episode of She Shield Podcast, Sofia sits down with professional shooter Jalise Williams for an exciting Season 2 catch-up! Jalise has been doing incredible things in the competitive shooting world, and this conversation was filmed just before her journey to Africa for the IPSC World Shoot, where she made history as the first woman to qualify for the overall team.The two had just wrapped up a shotgun world qualifier together, so expect plenty of laughs, a little slap-happy energy, and some great behind-the-scenes stories from their training journey. From competition prep to mindset, travel, and sisterhood in the shooting community, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves seeing women push the boundaries in the sport.Stay tuned for Part 2, where Jalise returns to share her experiences after the World Shoot!Episode Resources & Ways to Support the Show🎥 Watch this episode on the She Shield YouTube🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.⭐ Rate & review the podcast: this helps the show reach more people who can benefit from self-defense education.📲 Follow on Instagram: @sheshieldpod for episode highlights, behind-the-scenes, and episode updates. Check out your host Sofia @fit4fia. To learn more about Sofia and or to train with her, visit fit4fia.comEpisode Resources: 1. Blue Star Experiences: Jalise Williams' Website

Oct 1, 2025 • 27min
Behind the Shield: Season 2 Premiere with Sofia
Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this premiere episode, Sofia takes you Behind the Shield to share her personal journey and the mission driving this show. From earning a black belt in Mu Sool Won at just thirteen, to training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and concealed carry, Sofia has built her life around the layers of self-defense.This episode is a chance to hear her story first-hand,how she went from martial arts student to firearms instructor, competitor, and advocate for preparedness. You’ll also get a look at what to expect this season: deeper conversations with industry experts, solo episodes breaking down practical skills, and new corners that bring fresh perspectives to self-defense, competition shooting, martial arts, and concealed carry.Whether you’re new to the podcast or have been here since day one, this is the perfect place to start.Episode Resources & Ways to Support the Show🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: @SheShieldPod or @Fit4Fia🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.⭐ Rate & review the podcast: this helps the show reach more people who can benefit from self-defense education.📲 Follow on Instagram: @sheshieldpod for episode highlights, behind-the-scenes, and episode updates. Check out your host Sofia @fit4fia. To learn more about Sofia and or to train with her, visit fit4fia.com


