

Iron Sights
Iron Sights
Welcome to Iron Sights podcast hosted by Scott Howell. This podcast candidly seeks to create opportunities and deliver impact by sharing the experiences and wisdom of successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders who unapologetically aim to WIN in health, fitness, business, and life. Welcome to old school meets new school, tradition meets innovation, and imperfection meets excellence. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 25, 2022 • 1h 8min
#14 After Dark - Jake The Hunter: How To Shoot Fast, Growing Up With Guns & Competing in USPSA
Welcome back to The Iron Sights Podcast. In this After Dark episode, I am joined by JP and Jacob Turner AKA “Jake The Hunter”. Jake is known for his wicked speed and success as a USPSA Competition Shooter. Even though Turner is only 19, he’s been able to become a standout for his speed and accuracy in competitive shooting. In this episode, he describes life before USPSA and how he got started in the sport. After outshooting a cop in a firearms simulation room when Jake was 12, he got his first semi-automatic pistol and started shooting everyday on his family ranch. Just two years later, Turner entered the world of competition and hasn’t looked back. Tune in for insight into Jake’s background, his secrets for improving his speed & accuracy as well as a back and forth dialogue on the pros and cons to USPSA, IDPA and competition training.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:43 Welcoming Jake To The Show03:22 How Jake Became The Fastest Shot In The West16:33 Apparel In Firearms22:08 Jake on IDPA27:46 Pros & Cons of USPSA30:46 Learning By Doing46:40 What Jake’s Doing To Get Better1:04:38 What’s Next For Jake

Mar 21, 2022 • 1h 3min
#13 After Dark - The Ultimate Apocalypse Handgun Set-Up, Goal Specific Training, Equipment & Application For Your Handguns
Welcome back to another After Dark Episode! The next 60 minutes is all about optimizing your handgun for goal specific training and application. JP discusses his set-up for various training methods and we both discuss the ultimate rig we would be using for "combat" training AKA the zombie apocalypse!!! Let's be honest though - if s*** goes down, I'm definitely thinking about bigger guns...Jokes aside, this episode is a technical look into our opinions on training application for: concealed carry, competition, self defense & combat training. We would love to hear your opinions, set-up ideas & handgun essentials so reach out! Head over to YouTube and drop a comment on this episode! Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:43 What Are Your Goals04:21 Good Ideas vs. Bad Ideas06:56 Competition Guns15:42 Concealed Carry32:18 Combat Gun (Zombie Apocalypse)45:00 What To Look Out For46:55 Training Experience vs. The Gun49:00 Episode Recap & Summary

Mar 18, 2022 • 1h 45min
#36 - Getting Back Into Fitness: How To Look Great, Perform Better & Live Longer
Welcome back to The Iron Sights Podcast! In this episode we're talking all things fitness & getting back into shape. After 25+ years as a coach, I've found that all fitness goals fall into 3 categories: Aesthetics, Performance & Longevity. I call this the triangle of awareness. When it comes to getting back into fitness, the first step is always to bring awareness to which category aligns with your personal goals. Are you getting back into fitness to improve your Aesthetics, Performance or Longevity? This awareness will clarify your why, supporting your effort and commitment to your program. Most of us go through phases of going to the gym, lifting weights and prioritizing our health & well being but it's normal for people to fall off and go weeks, months or even years without training. This episode kicks off discussing the exact reasons most of us fall off: busy schedule, travel, starting a family, health complications or pure laziness. But, what happens after people fall off a healthy routine is inevitable... After getting out of shape, people go through a psychological disconnect which can cause self-confidence issues, anxiety, significant weight gain (or loss) and a lack of self worth. This on/off cycle causes individuals to reach a turning point where they look in the mirror and have the honest realization that it's time to get back into fitness - that's what this episode is all about. JP and I discuss lessons we've learned with a combined 30+ years of coaching clients in the Health & Fitness industry and provide listeners with the direction, education and program to get you back on track with your health. We start with "EATS^2 + E" - the framework you will use to get back on track. This episode covers: exercise frequency, muscular adaptation, the muscle building signal, caloric deficit, mindset, diets & much more that will get you back into fitness the right way!The Framework For Goal Achievement:EATS^2 + EEAT = Eat Real FoodS^2 = Sleep & Stress ManagementE = ExerciseTimestamps:00:00 Intro00:32 Episode Starts01:26 Reasons You Stopped Working Out10:07 The Benefits of Quality Coaching11:40 The 3 Fitness Goals People Want23:40 The Framework For Achieving Your Goals28:39 Individualized Diet Plans35:14 Sleep & Stress Management41:43 Exercise Essentials46:51 What A Good Coach Will Tell You51:05 The Best Strategy For Starting From Zero56:52 The Correct Frequency For Exercising58:08 The Benefits of Resistance Training1:02:52 The Focus of Red Dot Fitness1:05:34 White Belt vs. Black Belt S***1:10:13 Pros & Cons of Bodybuilder Training1:14:58 Understanding Neuromuscular Adaptation1:19:56 The Muscle Building Signal1:22:56 The SAID Principle1:27:36 What Happens When Starting An Exercise Program1:34:13 Undereating & Overtraining1:38:37 The Key Takeaways

Mar 15, 2022 • 45min
#12 After Dark - Triple Feed Part 2: The Undercover Trio Continued...
Welcome back to part 2 of 2 of the Triple Feed episode. In part 1, JP and I dug into the very different backgrounds and origin stories of Bryan, Luis, and Gerry. As we sat and recorded on the BJJ mats in Las Vegas, Nevada - the guys articulated and laughed about their stories of struggle, disappointment, and ultimately their achievements. For JP and I, it validated a few things we imagined about them…but, we were both caught off-guard with some of the reality. In this second episode the 64 million dollar question gets answered: WHAT IS TRIPLE FEED and where is it going as a company? We talk the good, the bad, and the ugly of firearms instruction…how to bring civilians & war hero's together in our community…the limitations of civilian firearms training and how to seek out the best instructors…the value of marketing and how to make money with firearms media…and what you can expect to see on YouTube and social from our trip and the time spent training and hanging out together . I’m truly grateful for this band of brothers and the value, respect, and graciousness they provided JP and I. And, I hope you enjoy this ep as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

Mar 15, 2022 • 1h 3min
#11 After Dark - Triple Feed Part 1: The Undercover Trio - A Cop, Air Force Vet & Entrepreneur
In this episode of Iron Sights we did things a little differently. JP and I spent 3 days training fitness & firearms with guys from Triple Feed out in Las Vegas, Nevada. We recorded this 2 part episode on the mats at Cascao BJJ following a roll session and a full day of CQB instruction. If you don’t know what CQB training looks like, or maybe just curious, you can visit the Iron Sights YouTube channel to see what we did and how we did it inside the shoot house and beyond. In this first of 2 episodes JP and I spend time uncovering the extraordinary stories and diverse backgrounds of Bryan, Luis, and Gerry. We talk about gang-banging, getting deported, joining law-enforcement, being in a rock-band, killing bad-guys in Afghanistan, executive protection, and how passion, persistence, and hustle brought these 3 together to ultimately create Triple Feed. It was a great time with a lot of laughs. These are 3 truly amazing guys that we formed a really special bond with. I hope you enjoy the time listening to them as we had hanging out with them.

Mar 7, 2022 • 1h 56min
#35 - The Overwatch Collective: Supporting First Responders with PTS, Suicidal Intentions & Mental Health Health Problems
Welcome back to The Iron Sights Podcast! In this Episode we sat down with the boys from The Overwatch Collective (TOC) Jesse & Greg. TOC is a non-profit support hub for first responders & veterans with the mission of paying and supporting traumatized service providers with therapy and resources to heal. The increasing rate of PTS, suicide & divorce is a serious issue our country needs to address and TOC’s primary goal is to address that problem. With an aligned purpose, it was an honor to sit down with Greg & Jesse for a long form discussion on the problems & solutions first responders face on a daily basis. Here’s a quick bio on Greg & Jesse from theoverwatchcollective.comJesse: I grew up in Sonoma, CA and played lacrosse and football all the way until college. After my first year in college I decided that I belonged with other people that only ate crayons and read picture books, so I ended up in the Marines in 2014. Probably took the wrong bus or something. I was an 0341 (Mortarman) stationed with 2 battalion 3rd Marines in Hawaii. I did 2 deployments to Okinawa. Our first one, I was lucky enough to get on ship and explore the South Pacific islands and train with multiple militaries. The second we spent most of our time on the DMZ in South Korea due to the high threats from North Korea at the time. I got out in 2018 and joined the Coast Guard in 2020 and I’m currently at PSU 312 as a Maritime Enforcement Specialist. Previously had been to FLETC (Federal law enforcement academy) in South Carolina. I'm currently a explosive detection canine handler for MSA Security in the Bay Area all while applying to PD’s in the local area. I’m looking forward to sharing stories from my time in the service, and to hear stories about everyone else’s experience.Greg: I started my career in the United States Marine Corps Reserves in the Infantry. After a couple years, I became a Police Officer, which I am still to this day. I deployed to Okinawa Japan for a brief time. After the deployment, I joined the United States Coast Guard Port Security Unit, where I met Jesse. Sit back and enjoy these two warriors! We will be back Friday with another episode!Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:08 What Is The Overwatch Collective (TOC)09:42 Joining The Marine Core & Coast Guard20:04 Jesse’s Background27:45 The Process of Joining The Coast Guard34:40 Being A Police Officer50:56 PTS & Suicide In First Responders1:14:32 Relationships Challenges with First Responders1:17:26 The Overwatch Collective’s Buddy Program1:21:17 The Mental Health benefits of Working Out1:25:52 Exercise & Sex1:35:11 Balancing Mental & Physical Health1:41:21 Current TOC ProjectsContact:Website: theoverwatchcollective.comInstagram: @theoverwatchcollective

Mar 4, 2022 • 1h 27min
#10 After Dark - Frank Visco: Showcasing Firearms Through Photography & Art
Welcome back to Iron Sights After Dark! In this episode, JP and I sat down with Frank Visco from theshotlesstaken.com to discuss the 2A Community, Photography & Art. Visco’s aesthetic and take on firearms products has become universally accepted and shared among leading brands and leaders in the industry. Although Frank’s work has catapulted into the public eye, his story and personal brand is a mystery to most of his supporters. In this conversation you will hear about Frank’s inspiration, battling cancer and how he started @theshotlesstaken brand through Instagram. We start the episode reflecting on our recent day on the range and what it’s like shooting in the open desert. I make my case for staying put in California despite the political madness and high volume of people leaving the state and transitioning into Frank’s story. Let us know what you think…we’ll be back Monday with another episode of Iron Sights!Timestamps:00:00 Episode Intro01:26 Shooting Guns In The Desert04:01 Staying In California07:55 Frank Visco on Firearms, Community & Art16:11 Battling Cancer19:38 Niching Down As A Photographer24:09 Capturing The Growing 2A Community Through Art30:00 Turning The Passion For Photography Into A Business33:00 Diversifying Content38:11 Frank Visco’s Inspiration42:34 Making A Living As A Photographer44:57 Upcoming Projects47:52 The Goon Community56:18 The Ideal Job Opportunity59:41 SHOT SHOW 20221:02:32 Most Common Questions1:09:12 Doing The Right Thing For The Customer1:13:16 Getting into Videography1:16:16 What We Can Do As A Community To Improve1:24:37 How To Contact Frank ViscoContact:Instagram: @shotlesstakenWebsite: theshotlesstaken.com

Feb 28, 2022 • 44min
#34 - Brad Jensen: The Cycle of Addiction & Founding Key Nutrition
Welcome back to Iron Sights! In this episode, I sat down with Brad Jenson to unpack his wild journey before founding Key Nutrition. Jenson shares the WHY behind his current 9 years of sobriety and the turning point where he decided to either get sober or commit suicide. Health & Fitness was always a key component of Jensen’s life. Ever since he picked up his first fitness magazine at age 14, Brad knew his purpose was to understand all aspects of nutrition. He became a NASM & ACE certified personal trainer and changed the course of his life. Today, Jensen owns and operates a brick and mortar coaching business based out of Utah where his coaches customize nutrition plans for clients both in person and virtually that focus on: Gut health, hormonal health, nutritional periodization, macronutrient configuration & exercise physiology.Timestamps:00:00 Welcoming Brad To The Show00:20 Brad’s Backstory04:25 Getting Into Drug Trafficking Early (High School)05:22 The Negative Effects of Withdrawal06:14 First Time Using Heroin8:27 The Path Towards Getting Clean11:56 Going Homeless17:18 The Turning Point In Overcoming Drugs21:39 Positivity In The Fitness Industry26:07 Founding Key Nutrition28:15 Transitioning Through COVID29:03 The Shift In Dietary Goals Through COVID32:45 Brad’s Alter-Ego Content Strategy36:35 The Current State of The Nutrition Industry39:33 Tips For Nutrition Business Owners44:28 How To Contact Brad JensenContact:Website: https://keynutrition.com/Instagram: @thesoberbodybuilder

Feb 25, 2022 • 1h 16min
#9 After Dark - JP: Does USPSA Prepare The Average Civilian For Real Life?
Welcome back to Iron Sights After Dark! In this episode, JP and I take a deep dive into USPSA-style shooting and share our potentially controversial opinions on the equipment, tactics and aims of the sport. Though Scott had to bow out with COVID-19, JP recently visited the USPSA range with a skilled competition shooter, Jacob Turner. JP draws parallels between CrossFit and the timed aspect of USPSA, emphasizing his concerns for the potential impracticality of speed-motivated USPSA-style shooting in a real-life scenario. Historical shootouts have demonstrated that even skilled officers will default to their lowest level of training under pressure. Does USPSA provide an optimal method of training for civilians who want to be prepared? We don't think so, but if you want to play, there's nothing wrong with enjoying the game. We'll be back Monday with another episode of The Iron Sights Podcast.Timestamps:00:00:00 Interview Begins00:01:04 Scott’s experience with covid00:02:17 JP’s experience with USPSA00:09:01 Connection between Crossfit and USPSA00:18:59 Is USPSA an efficient way to train for real-life situations?00:22:42 Scott’s take on USPSA shooting00:30:29 Bad gear habits in USPSA00:39:21 Body mass and grip00:44:40 Bad tactics in USPSA00:49:41 is USPSA for you?00:58:28 Games don’t prep you for real life01:08:06 JP’s thoughts on USPSA01:14:15 Jacob Hunter, USPSA competition shooter IG: @_jakethehunter_209

Feb 21, 2022 • 1h 21min
#33 - Joane Orbon: 14X National USA Karate Champion, The Reality of What It Takes To Win & Leading At-Risk Youth To Thrive In Athletics & Academics In The Bay Area
Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast! In this episode, I sat down with 14x National Karate Champion, Joane Orbon. Orbon’s journey to gold started with her parents moving from the Philippines to Stockton, where her father worked overtime flipping burgers at McDonalds to make ends meet. Joane enrolled in a local Karate dojo and won her first National Championship at only 8 years old. After proving her worth on the mats, Orbon inspired the full support of her friends and family to push the limits of what could be achieved by a first generation female Filipino American in combat sports. After qualifying to compete in Chile for an International Championship, Joanne’s mother sold pre-made lunches to her co-workers at Southwest airlines to fund her daughter's dream of becoming a world-champion. Orbon’s mission for gold was worth more than anything else money could buy; her parents pulled through and Joane won gold in Santiago becoming the best in Northern, Central & South America at 12 years old. Her relentlessness didn’t stop there. Joane Orbon was ready to fight anyone in the world and improve her skill set to thrive on the global stage. She trained for years in Indonesia and Kazakhstan to gain a competitive edge. Her diligent work ethic came full circle when getting the call to represent the Philippines in the 2020 Olympic Trials in Paris. Today, Joane operates a growing dojo in San Jose, where she dreams of turning the city into a hub for Karate, training the next superstars of the sport. Our conversation covers the reality of what it takes to win in athletics, business and life - with limited resources at the highest level. Orbon’s story will inspire you to do whatever it takes to accelerate your career path without excuses and push through these challenging times with a smile on your face. I hope you enjoy this episode! We will be back on Friday.Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:53 The Beginning04:03 Starting Karate05:48 Winning The National Championships at 806:42 The Reality of Winning09:43 Parents Role In Sports for Youth10:43 Training To Be A World Champion16:07 Thriving In Academics24:29 The Importance of Supportive Friends & Family26:47 Integrating Strength Training32:43 Challenges Competing At The World Stage37:34 Ranking #6 In The World40:02 Starting A Dojo In The Bay Area46:45 The Difficulties of Doing Business During COVID48:07 What The City Did To Red Dot Fitness52:28 Building Out A New Dojo In San Jose53:17 Qualifying For 2020 Tokyo Olympics56:55 The Model of Martial Arts Gyms1:04:32 The Value of Competing While Learning Karate1:06:57 Identifying Bad Karate Dojos1:07:53 What’s next for Joane OrbonWebsite: ubakc.com


