Iron Sights

Welcome back to another After Dark episode of The Iron Sights Podcast! In this episode, I sat down with JP to discuss one of the primary problems with fake instructors in the firearms industry. In a world dominated by the gram, authority seems to be established from follower count. It’s important to distinguish the reality of where we are in qualifying legitimate instructors. We’ve come a long way in the fitness industry, but the firearms industry is far behind. Just because someone posts sick content and has a following doesn’t qualify them to instruct individuals on how to shoot or maneuver a firearm. I enjoyed discussing the industry, certifications & authority with my good friend JP in the 8th After Dark episode. I hope you enjoy the discussion and gain value from our perspective on the value of the consumer in both the fitness & firearm community.Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:43 On Friday’s We Train03:38 Where The Firearm Industry Stands05:05 The Problem with The Firearm Industry07:48 How The Consumer Cleans Up The Industry15:01 The Pros & Cons of Certifications20:36 Vetting New Firearms Trainees26:44 Never Buy A Groupon Fitness Service31:57 JP’s Movement Efficiency Course35:15 The Pressure Firearms Instructors Feel37:09 What Trainers Learn After Years of Coaching43:43 The Experience vs. Good Coaching57:40 Group Instructors vs. 1-1 Instruction1:00:06 Pistol Movement Efficiency Course1:03:33 Being A Firearm Instructor vs. Fitness Instructor1:05:35 How The Firearm Industry Can Learn From The Fitness Industry1:30:06 Similarities of Testing Plateaus In Fitness & Firearms

Welcome back to The Iron Sights Podcast! In this episode, I sat down with JP and our guest Raul Castillo. I traveled down to Half Moon Bay California to check out Raul’s gym, and get some personalized coaching in the art of applicational self-defense. Castillo has a reputation in the bay area for being one of the highest level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors and coaches for aspiring fighters and competitors. His passion shifted from competing as a professional cage fighter into building a structured program for kids and adolescents to learn discipline and become leaders in their community. Raul started training in martial arts at the age of 4 in Karate, and received his Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu when he was 22 after training for only 5 years. Castillo is a decorated competitor and former Strikeforce veteran. Since retiring from the cage, he has trained numerous cage fighters, Jiu-Jitsu world champions and was recently awarded role model of the year in San Mateo country through the chamber of commerce for his positive impact on the youth in his community. In this episode, we dive into his story, upbringing and mission to provide the location and support to young athletes and entrepreneurs who have dreams bigger than the community they grow up in. Timestamps:00:00 Opening The Show00:53 Training In Half Moon Bay01:18 Raul Castillo’s Background02:48 Training Jiu-Jitsu In The City04:18 The Early Days of Karate10:19 What It Takes Being The Best 11:34 Learning Hard Work From Your Parents14:26 Testing Yourself Through Fighting15:33 UFC #118:31 Raul’s First Big Tournament22:41 Training with UFC Fighters25:42 The Day Raul Castillo Got His Black Belt27:38 The Transition Out of Fighting34:30 The Reality of Operating A Dojo44:35 Growing Up In Today’s Society46:01 Protect Your Dream53:30 The Best Weapon and The Best Defense56:32 Protocols & Preparation1:02:13 Cops Training Jiu-Jitsu1:04:37 Finding The Right Gym To Learn MMA

Welcome back to Iron Sights After Dark! In this episode, JP and I discuss how stress can be implemented into learning and training experiences to prepare individuals for success in a  real-life, worst-case scenario. We’ve all seen those action scenes with the car chases, quick draws and heroic fireman carries… Is there a superior approach to achieving that level of preparedness? From training under the limits of a timer to striving for success with the added weight of peer pressure, JP and I systematically review when, why and how to elevate performance using stressful stimuli. The human body and mind are designed to quickly adapt to imposed demands– but how can that pressure be applied in a way that optimizes our proficiency, accuracy and speed? We conclude the episode with some thoughts on coaching “feedback” culture and how we can utilize our limitations as tools for growth.Timestamps:00:00 Opening the Show00:00:42 Introducing Stress Into Your Training Program00:08:57 The SAID Principle00:12:00 The Pros And Cons Of Training Under Time00:26:02 The Most Overlooked Method Of Introducing Stress00:30:48 A Different Take On Peer Pressure00:37:21 Group Learning vs One-On Ones00:40:51 Bringing Physical Stress To Firearms Training00:47:30 The Malpractice Of Neglecting Warm Ups00:49:31 Weight Training On The Range: How, Why And When00:56:08 Fitness, Firearms And Red Dot Philosophy01:00:4 When To Apply Stress01:05:52 Practicing New Skills At Home01:11:58 Fitness: The Fundamental Common Denominator01:16:24 Utilization Limitations As Tools For Growth01:20:01 No One Needs To Be Told They Suck

In this episode of The Iron Sights Podcast, I sat down with the “Undercover Mayor of San Jose California” Mike Lee. Mike is a 26 year old Entrepreneur who started his first business at age 19. After graduating with a full scholarship from San Jose State, Mike focused 100% on growing his various businesses, assessing new ventures and investing into start-ups and inspiring people. With his early success, you might assume Lee started from the top but that wasn’t the case. In this episode we get into the root cause of his drive and how Mike’s mastery of social engagement combined with mentorship catapulted his success and influence in the Bay Area. Get ready for stories of golfing with Billionaires, networking with the top 1%, entering the weed business and having an all around good time with my new friend, Mike Lee.Timestamps:00:00 Welcoming Mike To The Show02:51 Mike’s “Glow Up”05:52 Growing Up and Staying In San Jose, CA07:08 The Science of Networking10:03 Mike’s First Business14:36 Lessons From College16:45 The Mission After Graduating19:59 Investing Into New Startups21:34 Getting Into The Cannabis Industry23:35 California's Restrictions On Cannabis Delivery Businesses32:09 How Much Money Can You Make In The Weed Business34:10 Three Month’s In The Delivery Business36:36 Future Plans For Mike’s Cannabis Business37:12 Meeting John Fry (Founder of Fry’s)41:32 Getting Invited To Play on The Most Inclusive Golf Course In The World45:50 How Mike Lee Started “Not Toxic” Clothing48:33 Missed Business Opportunities, Lessons & Loses58:35 Why The Next Move Should Be Real Estate59:58 Networking Advice For Young Business Owners1:115:06 Mike Lee’s Mission For People & His Network1:16:53 How To Dodge Political Debates1:19:09 How To Contact Mike LeeFollow Mike Lee:IG: @itsmikelee

Welcome back to another Iron Sights After Dark Episode! SHOT Show is the largest annual event held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas. Since the 2021 event was canceled due to COVID-19 regulations, this year's event was expected to be one of the largest yet. In this episode, I sat down with JP to discuss his experience at the 2022 event: the highlights, surprises, no-shows, controversy and all the innovative products and new upcoming brands in the firearm community. Since founding Train with Purpose and entering the product business through selling custom high quality base plates, JP discusses the event from the perspective of both a business owner and fan. I was bummed to not be able to make it this year so it was great to hear a thorough recap of the event. Other topics discussed included: The new regulations for gun owners in San Jose California, the value in networking with people face-to-face regardless of owning an internet business and the reason why countless brands in the industry think that refusing to wear a mask is the patriotic thing to do. I hope you enjoy this conversation, recap and friendly debate with my good friend JP!Timestamps:00:00 Opening The Show01:21 Traveling To Shot Show04:00 The Brands Against Shot Show05:15 Who Can Go To Shot Show11:41 The Mask Mandates in Vegas and The 2A Communities Response25:05 The Reason People Go To SHOT Show28:09 The Value of Going To Events and In-Person Shows30:37 The New Gun Laws In San Jose33:23 The Highlights, Innovation & New Products from SHOT Show 202249:07 FUDs At SHOT Show50:53 Upcoming Brands To Look Out For55:19 Transparency with Firearms Brands & Products1:09:48 The Most Reliable Gun Set-Up For Beginners & Why Companies Sell You Garbage1:16:07 The Infancy of The Firearms Community1:20:52 The Consumer’s Impact on The Industry

Welcome back to Iron Sights After Dark! In this episode, I interviewed AVN “Best New Starlet” nominee, Kayley Gunner. Kayley’s army background, military family and entrepreneurial spirit made her a standout on the upcoming lineup of guests for Iron Sights. Gunner shares her never before heard story of how an island girl from Hawaii became one of the world’s favorite standout actresses in the Adult Film Industry over the past 18 months. From marrying young to telling her dad she does porn, this interview provided Kayley the opportunity to openly tell her story for the first time to the world. Tune in for a behind the scenes look at the Adult Film Industry, OnlyFans, Camming and the life of a highly ambitious 25 year old Entrepreneur, Army Veteran and Actress.Timestamps:00:00 Welcoming Kayley To The Show01:48 Growing Up In Hawaii10:55 Growing Up With Military Parents14:22 Joining The Army21:59 The Story Behind Her Porn Star Name28:26 Marrying My Man’s Best Friend35:11 Ending The Marriage and Moving To California52:57 Becoming A Camgirl53:48 Getting A Boob Job55:04 Getting Into The Adult Film Industry1:01:11 Kayley’s First Porn Experience1:05:09 Saying “No” In The Porn Industry1:05:57 Behind The Scenes At A Porn Shoot1:08:40 The Lifestyle of A Porn Star1:116:52 What’s Next For Kayley Gunner1:20:38 Kayley’s New Calendar1:22:24 Kayley’s Focus For The YearFollow Kayley Gunner:IG: @kayleygunnerofficialWebsite: kayleygunnerfans.com

Welcome back to Iron Sights! In this episode, I interviewed the founder and facilitator for a recent hunting experience I had in Austin Texas. If you enjoyed the stories and lessons shared from Episode #22 with Mike Salemi this conversation will be right up your alley. Mansal discusses his background, growing up with highly educated parents who supported him through early childhood mistakes which put him behind bars at just 20 years old. The time spent in Prison inspired Mansal to seek mentorship and follow his callings for sport, yoga, healing ceremonies and hunting. In 2021, Mansal facilitated countless hunting events, spending over 2,000 hours in nature leading Sacred Hunts. This podcast shares the experiences and life path that fueled his journey into becoming the leader he is today.Timestamps:00:00 Welcoming Mansal To Iron Sights00:38 How We Met Through The Sacred Hunt01:56 Mansal’s Background04:17 Scott’s Experience Sacred Hunting05:37 Why People Sign Up To Work With Masal08:18 The Reason Mansal Facilitates Transformations11:54 How Mansal Got Into Hunting14:50 A Calling For Sweat Lodges19:59 Ending Up In Prison31:00 The Mindset of Getting Through Prison35:11 The Transition After Leaving Prison39:11 Learning Through Hunting, Jiu-Jitsu, Yoga43:07 How Mansal Started Hunting46:37 Mansal’s Journey From Passion to Profession49:51 The Emotions After Mansal’s First Kill54:31 Learning To Respect Death Through Hunting59:03 What To Expect During A Sacred Hunt1:10:05 Scott Breaking Down His Experience1:11:18 Hunting As A Rights of Passage1:18:26 The Community of Sacred Hunting1:21:46 The Future of Sacred Hunting1:31:26 The Next Sacred Hunt in 2022

Welcome back to Iron Sights for another After Dark Episode. A lot has happened since the last time I got to sit down with JP and catch up. The focus of this episode is Preparedness. It’s always on our mind but rarely do we take action until it’s too late. Since 2020 it seems our collective has been unprepared for what comes next - so what can we do about it? That’s what this episode is all about. JP and I start by catching up on our most recent day at the range and chat about the growing diversity within the firearm community. I brought up the recent fires in Colorado and ice storms in Virginia to transition the conversation into an open dialogue on what it takes to be prepared mentally and physically for natural disasters, self-defense and the health crisis we are facing in 2022.Timestamps:00:00 Catching Up with JP03:34 Diversity At The Range05:16 Training For Preparedness06:03 Natural Disasters in Colorado & Virginia09:57 What Being Prepared Looks Like in 202213:52 Living Through The Texas Ice Age14:57 Are You Physical Prepared25:43 No Pain No Gain30:53 Living In Downtown San Jose33:34 The Best Form of Self-Defense35:15 The Basics of Getting Prepared37:28 Why Dude’s Need More Yoga and Less CrossFit47:01 Functional Fitness50:43 Law Enforcement and Physical Fitness53:55 Incorporate Randomness Into Workouts59:20 Considerations When Designing Your Workout1:05:57 Episode Summary

Byron Rodgers is an Executive Protection Agent, published Author and Veteran on a global mission to educate, protect and inspire good people to become more dangerous. After leaving the Marines at 21 years old, Byron was assigned to working on of the toughest cases in Southern California where his job was to protect and service his Principle for nearly a decade, traveling to over 60 countries around the world. Byron has worked presidential inaugurations, doing whatever it takes to protect his billionaire clientele. When high net worth individuals need protection, they call Byron and his team at Bravo Research Group. In this episode, we get into Bryon’s background and what a typical day in his life looks like working as an Execute Private Security agent. I had the pleasure of training beside Byron but there is a lot of his story I had never heard before sitting down to record this episode. Just some of the topics we get into include:How To Get Started The Right Way In The IndustryThe Best Way To Transition From A Military Background Intro Private SecurityThe Importance of Social Skills When Working with High End ClienteleThe Pros and Cons of The JobServing Time In and Surviving 5 IUDs In AfghanistanBeing The Protector of Your HouseholdThe Difference Between PTSD, Paranoia and Being Ready To ProtectThe Exponential Growth of The IndustryAfter finishing up the episode I continued to chat with Byron off air. He is an incredible human being who is very passionate about people, our country and the growing threats we face when it comes to protecting and caring for the people we love. I’m looking forward to getting him back on the show. He has a wealth of knowledge so stay posted to learn more from him in the near future.Timestamps:00:00 Byron’s Background02:51 What It’s Like Protecting The Top 1%07:06 The responsibility of private security and who should do it10:19 The Most Important Trait For Success In The Industry16:53 How To Transition From Military Into Private Security20:42 What Protectors Don’t Get Taught In Training26:42 Staying Prepared For Anything In Private Security31:46 How To Stay Safe As A Civilian34:53 The security risk of being comfortable37:27 One of The Fastest Growing Industries in The USA39:53 The 4 Pillars of Private Protection44:49 How To Be The Protector of Your Family47:26 Paranoia and PTSD51:44 The First Step of Self-Defense55:23 Lessons From Combat In Iraq58:17 Mission Statement1:00:55 How To Get In Contact with Byron

Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast! In this episode, I sat down with Matt Green. When Matt was in his early twenties, he had already made his way into the White House, befriended the former FBI Director and gained the trust of the 43rd President of the United States. Matt was born in California, but spent his early life living in Texas. He describes his background as an Eagle Scout and reporting directly to President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. While starting his political career at the White House, Green sparked the attention of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who flew Matt Green back to California to discuss the opportunity of working beside him while serving as Governor of California. After exemplifying a passion for service driven pursuits, Matt turned his love for service inward and began weightlifting. Before Matt Green was a featured Muscle & Fitness model, he weighed under 145lbs, wasn’t genetically blessed and had never lifted a single weight in his life. Our conversation digresses into the world and evolution of Bodybuilding, modeling and monetizing a following on social media. Matt’s diverse background in politics, fitness, entrepreneurship and business made this interview one of the most fascinating 120 minutes in Iron Sights history. For more information on Matt Green visit his website: https://www.mattgreen-fitness.com/Timestamps:00:00 Welcoming Matt Green01:43 Matt Green’s Fitness Background04:13 Matt Green’s Background11:53 Befriending The FBI Director and Reporting To The 43rd President17:31 Behind The Scenes Stories Working For The President20:25 Craziest Story Working with The White House29:08 Working At the White House During The Time of 9-1132:16 How Matt Started Working For Arnold Schwarzenegger40:06 The Superpowers Matt Learned Working For Arnold Schwarzenegger45:59 How Matt Got Into Muscle & Fitness Magazine48:47 Why You Should Fail At Everything You Do52:27 Crazy Stories Working With Arnold Schwarzenegger57:57 The Secret To Becoming A Fitness Model1:12:22 The World of Bodybuilding (Early Days & The Downfall)1:19:47 The Ugliest Side of Bodybuilding & Health/Fitness1:22:15 The Gay History of Bodybuilding1:33:56 How To Monetize Fitness IG Channels: Starting C41:39:37 Working National Nuclear Security1:43:43 Advising The Current Government: County, State, Federal, POTUS.1:54:04 The Harm In Taking Blame For What’s Happened1:55:28 The Biggest Problem Is Americans1:59:28 Closing Statements