Iron Sights

Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast. My guest today is Chris Woomer, founder of VEIL Solutions. Chris is a designer, builder, and instructor who has spent years developing holsters and equipment for responsibly armed citizens, law enforcement, and military professionals. He’s also a masterclass competitive shooter and martial artist who approaches his craft with the mindset of both an artist and a problem solver.I first came across Chris while searching for people presenting ideas rooted in philosophy and methodology rather than internet noise. His stoic approach, deep conviction, and willingness to challenge conventional thinking immediately stood out. We finally had the chance to sit down face-to-face at SHOT Show 2026.Chris isn’t chasing hype or headlines. He’s focused on the work—often behind the scenes—pushing the industry forward through thoughtful design, hard-earned experience, and a relentless pursuit of getting it right. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark conversation with Chris Woomer here on the Iron Sights Podcast.Timestamps:00.00 Intro07:54 Chris's Background12:04 Building Veil Solutions18:13 Focus And Rabbit Holes25:44 Becoming An Instructor31:05 Why Teaching Matters36:35 Who Seeks Training46:04 Work Ethic Mindset53:39 Luck Vs Preparation01:02:36 Design And Reps01:09:27 Product Development01:16:20 SHOT Show Reality01:20:14 Breaching Origin StoryRed Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, Ryan and I step outside the usual gym conversation and talk about something most people overlook — getting outside and actually playing.We break down the physical performance benefits, the psychological and physiological upsides, and even the cognitive and sensory advantages of spending time outdoors. If you’re training hard inside the gym but feeling like something’s missing, this conversation might help you connect a few dots.This isn’t about abandoning structured training. It’s about enhancing it. If your goal is to look better, feel better, and perform better, you might need more fresh air than you think.Sit back and enjoy.-Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforactionRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:ironsightspodcasts.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro06:45 Loss Of Play11:41 Early Specialization19:28 Ski Trip Reality Check21:24 Predictable Vs Random Training25:45 Nature & Mental Health31:05 Play > Metrics33:55 When Lifting Gets Stale41:47 Adding Play To Training47:39 Gym Supports Sport51:38 Tools & Dogma58:58 Social & Family Play01:02:03 Stop Chasing Perfect ProgramsConnect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast.Recorded at SHOT Show 2026, I sit down with Paul Costa of Broken Arrow Defense and Achilles Heel Tactical. Paul’s background was built the hard way — patrol cars, high-risk warrants, working alongside a canine, and years in environments where fundamentals weren’t optional. They were survival.Today, Paul carries that same commitment into the training world, instructing law enforcement and responsible citizens in firearms tactics and performance. A Masterclass competitive shooter, Walther Pro Staff instructor, and Safariland cadre member, Paul is first and foremost a student of the craft — and it shows.We talk about building skill that holds under pressure, developing people and teams, the realities of the firearms training business, and what pursuing mastery really means in a world chasing shortcuts. This was one I’d been looking forward to for a long time.Sit back and enjoy this After Dark conversation with Paul Costa on the Iron Sights Podcast.Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:17 In-Person Edge07:07 LE Background11:57 Burnout29:10 Civilians > Cops35:16 Injury Pivot43:40 Going Solo58:32 Training Business01:14:34 Culture Shift01:43:11 Grip Myth02:01:49 Partnerships02:13:08 Pistol Debate02:21:52 What’s NextRed Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m back in the studio with Ryan and CeCe from Red Dot Fitness breaking down our top three exercise picks for performance and longevity.If your goal is to look better, feel better, and continue performing at a high level for years to come, this conversation is for you. We walk through why these movements made the list, the reasoning behind them, and how you can plug them into your own training without overcomplicating things.No gimmicks. No trendy movements. Just exercises that deliver long-term value.Sit back and enjoy this episode with the Red Dot Fitness crew.-Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforactionRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:ironsightspodcasts.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro02:33 One Lift For Life04:23 Trap Bar Case09:30 Real-World Strength11:05 Power Clean Debate17:07 Longevity Shift18:53 Split Squat Wins23:02 Zercher Option24:49 Unilateral Advantage29:52 Programming Hack32:19 Pain & Ego39:29 Scaling Options42:15 Final PicksConnect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast.Recorded at SHOT Show 2026, I sit down with Bryan Williams — better known as the Unicorn Chief. From SWAT operator to Chief, a stint in City Hall, and back to policing, Bryan’s career has given him a perspective that most people in the profession never get. He’s seen leadership from the street, the admin side, and the political layer in between.In this conversation, we dig into police culture, mentorship, accountability, and why standards in training actually matter. As a USPSA Grandmaster, Bryan doesn’t just preach performance — he lives it. If he’s not in the office handling the administrative side of the job, he’s on the range sharpening his edge and pushing others to do the same.Brian is direct. He doesn’t sugarcoat. He’s not interested in protecting feelings — he’s interested in protecting the mission. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with the Unicorn Chief, Bryan Williams.Timestamps:00:00 Intro08:38 Bryan’s Career18:52 Leadership Path28:42 Public Perception40:03 Leadership Struggles48:16 City Management01:04:53 Leadership Defined01:14:07 Accountability Crisis01:22:27 Mentorship01:27:21 Training Challenges01:42:57 Competition & Standards01:55:09 Execution Mode02:02:09 Self-CareRed Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

At SHOT Show 2026, I sat down with Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, for a conversation that goes way beyond optics, sales, or gear.Joe’s journey started on the floor of his family’s small retail shop in Wisconsin, long before the boardroom. That early exposure to people, service, and doing things the right way shaped what would become Vortex’s defining edge: a relentless focus on human connection.In this After Dark episode, we dig into leadership, the Care Movement, and why people-first culture beats short-term efficiency every time. We talk about building trust, leading with purpose, and creating loyalty that can’t be bought.This one’s about heart, hustle, and human performance — the kind that actually lasts.Sit back and enjoy this After Dark conversation with Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, here on the Iron Sides Podcast.Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:38 Joe’s Background11:49 Vortex Growth24:19 Leadership43:31 Efficiency vs People48:58 Customer First57:57 Hiring01:04:45 Scaling01:21:28 Caring Culture01:39:42 Family Business01:46:47 InnovationRed Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Hunter Freeland at SHOT Show 2026. About a year in the making, this conversation covers Hunter’s journey through the military, law enforcement, contracting, and his transition into launching Hunter Freeland Shooting.We talk philosophy, methodology, mindset, and what really matters beyond just shooting performance. Hunter is known for being stoic, disciplined, and serious about the craft—but his vision goes deeper than marksmanship. He’s focused on building responsible individuals, strong advocates for the Second Amendment, and better humans overall.This one’s honest, thoughtful, and packed with perspective for shooters, instructors, and anyone trying to do things the right way.Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with Hunter Freeland on the Iron Sights Podcast.Check out Hunter's website here: hfshooting.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro09:58 Teaching & Training14:24 Business & Image17:42 Community & Culture38:18 Pro vs Hobby45:33 Sport Evolution48:47 Responsibility54:10 Industry Challenges01:22:17 LE & Competition01:38:04 Skill & Growth02:05:31 ClosingRed Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m back in the studio with Ryan and Cece breaking down flexibility and mobility without the hype. We talk physiology, anatomy, programming, and where mobility work actually fits into a real training week.We also hit on some of the trends floating around right now—fascial training, mobility “systems,” and why a lot of this stuff misses the point. If you’re trying to move better, train smarter, and stop wasting time on things that don’t matter, this one’s for you.Sit back and enjoy.-Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforactionRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:ironsightspodcasts.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro02:39 Flexibility Struggles05:34 Flexibility vs Mobility07:32 Nervous System Role09:22 Rehab & Post-Surgery11:02 Improving Mobility18:33 Mobility Tools23:08 Strength vs Mobility29:58 Range of Motion33:52 Hyperflexibility Issues40:31 Fascia & Mobility49:04 Making Mobility Stick54:32 Training SessionsConnect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

This is a special SHOT Show 2026 edition of the Iron Sights Podcast, recorded on the floor in collaboration with Good Dude Concepts.I’m joined by Chris Kuras (Good Dude Concepts), Bruno Fallon (Born Primitive), Jon Dufresne (Connecticut’s Consulting / See The Night), Blake Cook, and Jack Lewis (Black Tiger International). We talk about what brought us to SHOT, what stood out, and then let the conversation go where it needed to go — firearms training, health and fitness, leadership, culture, and the realities behind the industry.No scripts. No marketing pitches. Just honest conversations, new connections, and perspectives from people doing real work.If you’ve somehow missed Good Dude Concepts, they make the BRB breacher bar for real-world entry work—grab yours at good-dude.com and save on shipping with code IRON SIGHTS.Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:06 SHOT Show  05:44 Night Ops Summit  12:50 Community Ties  26:25 Sobriety Journey  30:43 Good Dude Concepts  40:58 Mentorship  45:19 LE Training  55:28 Standards  01:12:16 Close Call  01:17:55 High Standards  01:31:07 Leadership  01:39:48 Positive Energy  01:41:48 Culture Shift  01:51:44 Final Thoughts  02:08:56 Closing  Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this roundtable episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, Ryan, Cece, and I kick off the year by taking a hard look at health and fitness in 2026. We revisit what we were talking about this time last year, what’s changed, and what’s somehow gotten louder — without necessarily getting better.We break down the new food pyramid push, GLP-1s and what we’re seeing with real clients, the body positivity conversation, and how AI is reshaping coaching, wearables, and the consumer fitness market. No doom, no hype — just perspective from the studio and the trenches.Sit back and enjoy this one.-Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforactionRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:ironsightspodcasts.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro04:01 2025 Health Trends06:12 GLP-1 Overview10:28 GLP-1 Experiences22:02 Food Pyramid Changes36:30 Social Media Experts37:58 AI In Fitness42:59 Risks Of AI55:16 Gamified FitnessConnect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/