Defenders LIVE Podcast

In this episode of Defenders LIVE, host Lora Thorson talks with Mike Green, the seasoned owner of Green Ops and a former special forces operator, to delve into the intersection of personal growth and firearms proficiency. Mike shares his journey from military service to becoming a prominent firearms instructor, emphasizing the importance of the defender's mindset and how personal development enhances shooting skills.The episode covers practical tips on effective dry fire practice, leveraging competition shooting for real-life defensive scenarios, and adapting training techniques to suit diverse learners. Mike also discusses the evolution of firearms training, the impact of technology on student preparedness, and the necessity of developing instructors to meet rising standards. Listeners will gain valuable insights into improving their defensive skills and understanding the critical role of mindset in personal and tactical growth.Defenders LIVE is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Notable Quotes and Takeaways* Lora Thorson "Without the struggle, there is no growth... Keep your focus and know that the struggle is just part of the journey."* Mike Green "Good skill can get you through a bad tactical situation."* Mike Green "Hard work can break through inefficiency."www.green-ops.com, www.defenders-live.comThis week’s episode brought to you by: Haven Defense Co.Haven Defense Company is a family-owned holster business based in Colorado. Their top-notch holsters are made on-site by Brent Hickmon. They have years of experience and expertise in the holster business and they are a company I trust. Learn More: http://bit.ly/3KnXJuK #DefendersLive, #MikeGreen, #GreenOps, #FirearmsTraining, #PersonalGrowth, #SelfDefense, #DryFirePractice, #ShootingSkills, #SpecialForces, #CompetitionShooting, #USPSA, #IDPA, #DefenderMindset, #LoraThorson, #TacticalTraining, #ShootingTechniques, #GunSafety, #ShootingRange, #ShootingSports, #VeteranOwnedBusiness This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

Starting with Lora's TidBit of the Week: The Courage to AskInterview with Neil Weidner, Active Self ProtectionHighlights:Neil Weidner discusses his deep commitment to family and service within the Active Self Protection community.His journey into parenting a child with special needs, emphasizing the challenges and rewards.The importance of family unity and support in navigating the complexities of raising a child with special needs.Neil's approach to teaching and mentoring his daughters in various activities, including shooting sports.Recommendations for new instructors The significance of ongoing education and specialized training in firearms instruction.Insights into the ASP certification program and its value for experienced instructors.Neil's overall passion for training, community, and personal development through firearms education.www.defenders-live.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, Lora interviews retired Green Beret & Instructor Chris Cypert of Citizens Defense Research about:How to find good training; what to look for in a trainer/instructorDifferent tools for different missionsBackwards planning and how to apply it in your lifeCDR's The Armed Parent/Guardian trainingManaging & assessing risk in your everyday lifeLooking at problems through the lens of probability & severityWhat it means to truly be well rounded in self preservationThinking about the off ramps of verbal agility & de-escalationWhat is mental agility and how does one develop it?Training under stress: ideas to test your trainingWhy some people more easily stay calm and clear minded under stressWhat sells isn't always what's neededWhy knowing your on demand skills and capabilities is imperative to self preservationA challenge for the 2A community This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk to John McLaughlin of Iowa Firearms Coalition about:John is a pilot, firearms trainer and former meteorologist. What do these roles have in common? (More than you may think)How Iowa to protecting the 2nd AmendmentChurch Security & Medical TrainingApplying discipleship to trainingWarriors of ministry and what that meansThe medical diagnosis that drastically changed John's lifeHow to navigate a Type A personality in a Type B bodyTips for finding the right instructorNo one has ever arrived; staying humble throughout your lifewww.defenders-live.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, Lora & Adam talk to Matt Christansen of Matt Christiansen Media about:What started Matt on the path of gun ownershipWhy personal responsibility is so importantLearning from evilHow our gun rights are being affected by current eventsDemocracy vs. constitutional republicSacrificing individual rights for the majorityAdam & Lora's journey to personal responsibilityArguments against carrying a gunWhy Matt started Matt Christiansen MediaHow Matt's life has changed by vocalizing his beliefs publiclyWho belongs (and doesn't belong) in your life and whyHow to disagree without destroying friendships/relationships This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

On this episode, Lora interviews Stephannie Weidner from Active Self Protection about:Stephannie's story to firearmsThoughts of what to do when confronted with protecting your family from a credible threatHer journey from stay-at-home mom to CEO of Active Self ProtectionWhat makes a good team and working environmentOur responsibility as instructorsGet it as right as you can as often as you canTrust sooner & being authentically youActive Self Protection Instructor Certification and ASP National ConferenceLive Q&AActive Self Protection on YouTubeActive Self Protection Extrawww.defenders-live.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, Aimee Langdon of Langdon Tactical and LTT Discover talks about her experience as a Tactical Games athlete and coach and why health and fitness is so important to the firearms carrier.Also discussed in this episode:Simple ways you can incorporate movement and strength into your everyday lifeWhy nutrition is key to being a defenderResources to help you start your fitness journeyHow to balance training, fitness and nutrition into your lifeWhat is LTT Discover and why it was created as a free resourceAnd SO much more!www.defenders-live.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, Lora talks to Adam Winch, founder of Defenders USA about:Adam's LEO and military experience & why Defenders USA was createdAdam's transformation in his own trainingWhat is heartset & why it's vital to a defenderUnderstanding the true depth of evilCreating fewer victims and steps towards that missionThe aftermath of violence and how it changes a personTips on defensive tools and why you are the weaponWhat it means to be your own defenderwww.defenders-usa.com, www.defenders-live.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, Lora and Riley Bowman of www.ConcealedCarry.com and host of The Concealed Carry Podcast discuss:Starting with Lora's (Lengthy) TidBit of the Week: 4 Steps to Set Yourself Up For Success [Especially After You've Fallen Off the Horse]The more you train, the more you realize how little you knowThe process of exploring & experimenting in gun trainingLessons from entrepreneurshipFail last, fail often and why it's essentialEternal optimism and pursuing the harder pathEverybody starts somewherePractical strategies to expanding your comfort zoneDryfire and visual transitionsAccuracy in MovementDeveloping Consistency & Index Points in Trainingwww.defenders-live.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, Mike Willever from the Active Self Protection Podcast talks about: The mission and evolution of ASP podcastMike's LEO backgroundBreaking down defensive encountersBeing careful about making your job your identityNormalcy bias and why you should radically and rapidly accept reallityThe trap of "it can't happen here"Mike's most impactful interviews from people who survived defensive encountersWhy mental reps will help save your lifeComparing defender vs. general public mindsetsEmotional, physical and spiritual fitness to survive the aftermathEven Tom Brady needs a coachAre you in the 1 percent of gun owners in America?and SO much more!www.defenders-live.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, JT Grover of Rev-Tac and Lora Thorson of Defenders USA discuss:How to manage your training expectationsThe fear of failure and making excusesThe dangers of the Dunning Kruger effect and cognitive biasThe importance of force-on-force trainingThe standards of progression for defensive trainingHow to vet your instructor and red flags to watch out forStudent mindset and what you should strive forSign up for email notifications at: www.defenders-live.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, Adam Boyce of Spartan Mode talks to us about knife defense. Topics include:Anatomy of knife defense; what commonly happens in an encounterWhy one would carry a knife for defense vs. a gunCharacteristics of a good defensive knife Carry positions and what's most efficientSimple knife defense concepts to rememberWhy Adam chose to become a Martial Blade Concepts instructor This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, Lora and Sarah Hauptman of PHLster discuss:business lessons learned and the history of PHLstercommon concealment questions and misconceptionsthe cutting edge PHLster Enigma technology and why it’s a game changer for concealmentQ&A session with Sarah Hauptmanwww.phlsterholsters.com, www.defenders-live.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

Ryan Thiele has an inspiring success story of building his Made in America company, Iron American, from the ground up. We talk about using your passion to develop a better life for yourself and your family as well as Ryan's dedication to quality both in his products and in people. In addition, Ryan will introduce you to a superior product he offers that may help you in your training. www.ironamerican.com, Get Iron American Liquid ChalkUse DEFEND15 for 15% off.www.defenders-live.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

I this episode, I interview Kaery Dudenhofer of Kaery Concealed; Kaery and I talk about teaching, training and life balance as well as the Active Self Protection Instructor Certification program. Kaery Concealed: https://www.kaeryconcealed.com/ASPIC: https://www.aspinstructors.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, retired U.S. Marshal Robert Almonte brings awareness to the increasing presence of cartels in America as well as the fentanyl crisis, signs to look for and how to keep yourself and your family safe. www.robertalmonte.com, www.defenders-live.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, Juan Rivas shares his survival story. His story will help us to better understand the physical, emotional and financial aftermath of a violent encounter. www.defenders-live.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, Robyn Sandoval talks about A Girl And A Gun Women's Shooting League, why it is growing and how it serves women better than any other women's organization. www.agrilandagun.org, www.defenders-live.com, This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

This episode is packed full of education about concealed carry and self defense from prominent YouTuber John Correia of Active Self Protection. If you carry (or are thinking about carrying) a gun in defense of life, this is an episode you won't want to miss. www.defenders-live.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, Brian Hill of the Complete Combatant talks about building self confidence, self image, discipline and what it takes to reach your goals on and off the range. www.defenders-live.com, www.thecompletecombatant.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode: Lora's Tidbit of the Week on how learning to breath properly can help you on and off the range and why being uncomfortable is essential to growth. Then, an interview with James Fleming of Warfighter Concepts on tips for training, developing leadership and why it's important to be physically fit, mentally strong and morally straight. www.defenders-live.com, www.defenders-usa.com, www.warfightersoncepts.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

On this episode Lora Thorson, Adam Winch (founder of Defenders USA) and Brent Hickmon (owner of Haven Defense Co) talk all things concealment, how to find the right holster for you and what makes a good holster. www.defenders-live.com, www.defenders-usa.com, www.havendefenseco.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode: Lora Thorson, Adam Winch and Brent Hickmon, Defenders USA instructors. Topics: best and worst instructors, common types of shooters and how to best help them, and discussing the correlation between your tendencies on the range with your everyday life plus some words of inspiration. www.defenders-live.com, www.defenders-usa.com, www.havendefenseco.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this episode, Lora Thorson, Adam Winch and Brent Hickmon of Defenders USA discuss answers to questions such as "Why do you walk around in fear carrying a gun?" and the Open vs. Concealed Carry debate. In addition, Brent will help us understand the concept of The Righteous Beast. With special commentary from trauma counselor, Liz Miller. www.defenders-live.com, www.defenders-usa.com, www.havendefenseco.com, www.lizmillertraining.podia.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

On this episode, Lora Thorson talks about how she got here, tips for success in everyday life, and ways you can keep yourself safe using your most powerful weapon. Added commentary with Adam Winch, founder & Lead Instructor at Defenders USA. www.defenders-live.com, www.defenders-usa.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe