Show overview
State of the Second has been publishing since 2024, and across the 2 years since has built a catalogue of 106 episodes. That works out to roughly 95 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence, with the show now in its 3rd season.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 47 min and 59 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Business show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 3 days ago, with 19 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Gun Owners of America.
From the publisher
"State of the Second isn’t your typical 2A podcast—it’s a backstage pass into the firearms industry. Hosted by Kailey Nieman and John Fahrner, we sit down with the real people behind the brands, builds, and big ideas shaping the gun world. From shop owners to social media legends, each episode dives into how they got started, what keeps them going, and what it really takes to make it in the firearms industry, plus the battles they face along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how to break into the industry or what it’s like behind the scenes, this is your front-row seat."
Latest Episodes
View all 106 episodesThe Harrell Approach: Practical, Not Trendy (ft. Roy Harrell)
The Mom Who Reinvented Concealed Carry (ft. Anna Taylor)
What High-Level Training Really Gives You (ft. Farewell Firearms)
Educate, Not Legislate: The Teal Shirt Strategy Explained (ft. Dianna Muller)
The Real Purpose of the Second Amendment (ft. Atrius Development)
Why The Gundies Keep Growing (And Why They Keep Doing It)
S3 Ep 7First Woman on the USA Overall Team (ft. Jalise Williams)
This week, John and Kailey sit down with professional competitive shooter Jalise Williams to talk about what it really takes to perform at the highest level. From growing up hunting in Utah to winning gold on the world stage, Jalise shares the mindset, discipline, and resilience behind her success.-----------------------Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership
S3 Ep 6Tiny Footprint, Big Rifle Performance (ft. Reap Weaponries)
This week John and Kailey sit down with Colton, founder and CEO of Reap Weaponries, to talk about the bullpup conversion system that’s shaking up the AR space. Built around modularity and compatibility with mil-spec lowers, REAP’s design keeps the familiarity of the AR while offering a compact, balanced alternative.----------------------- Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season! Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership
S3 Ep 5A Stylish Purse That’s Level 3A Ballistic (ft. urbnchc)
This week, John and Kailey sit down with Jennifer from Urbnchc, a company creating stylish everyday carry bags with integrated Level 3A ballistic protection. Using DuPont™ Kevlar and patented deployment technology, these luxury leather bags are designed to provide discreet personal protection without the tactical look.----------------------- Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season! Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership
S3 Ep 4How he took a “Non-Gun” Audience to Guns (ft. Johnny Q)
This week, John and Kailey sit down with Johnny Q to break down how he went from viral spin art videos to full-time firearms content creator, why he built his platform around the phrase “Good question,” and how he’s helping new gun owners cut through internet myths without the ego or gatekeeping.----------------------- Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season! Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership
S3 Ep 3Off-Body Carry Done Right (ft. Cakes Concealed Carry)
This week, John sits down with Tamkin Collins, founder of Cakes Concealed Carry, a women-owned brand blending fashion and function for discreet everyday carry.After navigating California’s intense CCW process and being told off-body carry wasn’t viable, Tamkin set out to prove otherwise. One prototype turned into 6,000 bags sold in year one and an Emerging Brand of the Year win.-----------------------Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership
S3 Ep 2Pistols Are Convenience. Rifles End Fights. (ft. Clint Smith)
This week, John and Kailey sit down with Clint Smith, The Thunder Ranch founder and Marine combat veteran, to break down why pistols are tools of convenience, why rifles end fights, and what Clint means when he says, “Every bullet has a lawyer attached.”From reversing “shoot, move, communicate” to the safety culture the gun community needs, this episode is a hard look at competency, preparation, and what it really means to be responsible.----------------------- Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season! Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership
S3 Ep 1Dana White Got THIS Rifle (ft. Stellar Arms)
In the first episode of Season 3, John and Kailey sit down with Scott Melton of Stellar Arms, a precision AR manufacturer with aerospace roots. From SpaceX-level tolerances to CNC-machined, diamond-cut “Executive” rifles, Stellar Arms builds AR-15 platforms designed for performance, reliability, and legacy. We cover what sets a precision AR apart, why tight tolerances matter for accuracy, custom coatings and engraved limited editions, collaborations with Dana White and Andrei Arlovski, and the growing renaissance of guns as both tools and art.----------------------- Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season! Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership
S2 Ep 49Your Content Sucks, Here’s Why (ft. Ben Stacy)
This week, John and Kailey sit down with Ben Stacy of Forge Relations to break down how gun companies can adapt, reach new gun owners, and build trust in a changing market in 2026.From marketing to young families and first-time buyers to navigating TikTok, short-form content, and platform restrictions, this conversation focuses on why people buy from people and why transparency, values, and real connections matter more than ever.
S2 Ep 48How Women Actually Carry (ft. Adelina Mae)
This week, John and Kailey sit down with Adelina May, founder of Girls Just Wanna Have Guns, to discuss women’s firearms training, real-world concealed carry, and building confidence through education.Adelina breaks down common EDC mistakes, why training matters more than gear, and what the firearms industry still misses when it comes to reaching everyday women. From practical carry advice to mindset and industry insights, this conversation focuses on training for real life, not just the range.
S2 Ep 47The Truth About Ammo Hoarding Vs Preparedness (ft. AmmoSquared)
This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Dan and Danielle Morton of AmmoSquared about ammo shortages, caliber trends, and building an ammunition safety net for gun owners. We also cover why 9mm dominates and how new gun owners can simplify buying and storing ammo.
S2 Ep 46This Issue Affects More Than Just Law Enforcement (ft. Task Force 70 Foundation)
This week, John, Kailey, and Gay Chappy of Task Force 70 Foundation, explore how disconnects between civilians, law enforcement, and institutions have grown over time, how differences across states shape public perception, and why constitutional literacy matters more than ever.----------------------- Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season! Primary Arms - Check them out for high-quality parts for your build or EDC setup!
S2 Ep 45Why The Basics Matter Most, Even After 30 Years of Shooting (ft. Gabby Franco)
This week, John and Kailey sit down with Gabby Franco and break down the mindset that actually builds skill and the mindset that actually builds community. They talk practical training, plus what competition is really like behind the scenes, pressure, discipline, and why it’s not the “drama” people assume.Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Primary Arms - Check them out for high-quality parts for your build or EDC setup!
S2 Ep 44Dry Fire That Actually Works (ft. Laser Ammo)
This week, John and Kailey sit down with Kristen of Laser Ammo to talk dry-fire essentials, home training setups, real-world scenarios, women’s firearms education, and the most overlooked skills shooters ignore. We explore everything from gear to mindset and political involvement in the 2A world.Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Primary Arms - Check them out for high-quality parts for your build or EDC setup!
S2 Ep 43The Quietest Suppressor Ever? PTR’s PIP Tech Explained (ft. PTR)
This week, Kailey and John sit down with Bill from PTR. Learn how PTR is innovating with 3D-printed suppressors, diversifying into shotguns, and preparing for the future of gun ownership Plus, hear personal stories that reveal the passion behind the Second Amendment community.Whether you're a first-time gun owner or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode is packed with insight, history, and the unwavering spirit of the industry.-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Langdon Tactical - Use code “LTTGOA” for $100 off any order over $1,000 on their website!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Primary Arms - Check them out for high-quality parts for your build or EDC setup!