State of the Second

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Dustin from Derya Arms to break down how the brand went from startup to U.S. manufacturing in under a year. Dustin shares his journey into the gun industry, why the DY9 has become one of the most underrated value pistols, and how Derya shifted 95% of DY9 production to Jacksonville, Florida while keeping prices low through efficiency and vertical integration.-----------------------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!

This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Yehuda Remer, an Orthodox Jew, Second Amendment Advocate, and author of "Safety On: An introduction to the world of firearms for children.”We cover real talk on gun culture, self-defense, and the mindset most people avoid. No ego, no BS, just the truth about being prepared.-----------------------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!

This week on State of the Second, we sit down with Tactical Advisor, a SWAT sniper, deputy sheriff, and creator, to talk about balancing law enforcement, faith, and the 2A content grind.We cover honest reviews, YouTube censorship, influencer pay, and how to stay real in the firearms 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!

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Rich Angstadt, founder of Angstadt Arms, to talk firearm innovation. From roller-delayed PCCs and 3D-printed suppressors to the future of the NFA. Discover how tradition meets technology and why suppressors may soon be the new normal.-----------------------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!

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Anthony from Goat Guns to talk about how miniature firearms became a massive hit in the 2A world. From SIG collaborations to viral builds, Goat Guns are proving that even small-scale creations can make a big impact on gun culture.-----------------------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!----------------------- Listen: https://stateofthe2nd.com/listenFollow the State of the Second Podcast: https://t.co/a2pOoUbJbM----------------------- Join GOA: https://donate.gunowners.org/development01 Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GunOwners/ Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gunownersof... Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GunOwners----------------------- State of the Second is a Forge Relations, LLC Production

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Sean Patrick Tario, tech executive and co-founder of Mark37.com, to expose the truth about digital privacy, surveillance, and how Big Tech profits from your data. From iPhones that listen to every word to cars that track your every move, this is the reality they don’t want you to hear.-----------------------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!

This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Magic Prepper, a content creator who turned a life-changing moment into a mission of self-reliance.From surviving an armed attack to building a preparedness lifestyle, he shares the lessons he’s learned about staying ready, protecting family, and empowering others to do the same.-----------------------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!

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Tim, founder of 2A Bourbon, a patriotic bourbon brand built to defend the Second Amendment and support veteran causes. Tim shares the powerful story behind the company’s founding, how bourbon and gun culture came together to fund real charitable impact, and why he donates every dollar of profit to organizations protecting freedom and supporting military families. We talk bourbon, advocacy, community, and how everyday purchasing decisions can help preserve our rights.----------------------- 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!

This week, Kailey and John sit down with Nathan Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Defense, to dive into what makes a truly reliable AR. From his background in the military and oil field engineering to redefining “Mil-Spec,” Nathan shares how precision, durability, and smart design create rifles that perform when it counts.They also discuss everything from AR operating systems and friction reduction to the current state of the firearms industry, NFA changes, and why training matters more than gear.-----------------------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!

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Adam Ruonala, VP of Business Development and Marketing of CANIK/Century Arms. They dive into the evolution of everyday carry pistols, the GOA x CANiK MC9 collaboration, and why the PRIME is packed with race-gun features. Adam also shares insights on the billboard fight in Oakland, what tariffs mean for gun owners, and the future of surplus firearms.Whether you’re new to firearms or a lifelong 2A supporter, this episode gives you insider access to the challenges and innovations shaping the industry today.-----------------------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! 

In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Isaac Botkin of T.REX Arms to discuss freedom, firearms, and the future of innovation in the gun industry.Isaac shares the story of how T.REX Arms grew from a small business into one of the most recognized names in the 2A space. From holsters as the “business card of freedom” to grassroots advocacy in Tennessee, and building the Citizen Defense Industry, he explains why mission always comes before profit.-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Joel Pellici, co-founder of SOWW (Special Operations Wounded Warriors), a nonprofit transforming the lives of veterans through nature, brotherhood, and purpose. From wild pig hunts to life-changing service dogs, Joel shares unforgettable stories of resilience, healing, and the unseen battle many heroes still face.-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

In this episode of State of the Second, we sit down with Clay from Bullet Vault. He shares insights into his personal firearm preferences, his experience in the gun industry, and how his companies are responding to changes in the market.Throughout the conversation, Clay opens up about the cultural and political challenges facing the firearms industry, the power of grassroots influence, and the untapped potential of the next generation of pro-freedom advocates. He also shares a bold vision of what it takes to push back against censorship, secure our rights, and expand the 2A community beyond the traditional gun owner.-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

In this episode, Kailey and John sit down with Trevon Barber from Right to Bear to talk all things training, competition, and responsible gun ownership. Trevon shares his journey from wrestling to firearms competition, how he built a career teaching others, and why proper education is just as important as owning a firearm.Trevon also discusses the top drills every shooter should practice and the best way to get started in competition shooting. They also discuss the common mistakes new gun owners make, why self-defense insurance is critical, and how personal responsibility plays into the broader 2A culture.-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!