The Prepared Mindset Podcast

Social media has been at the core of much of the rapid growth our community has seen over the last several years. The speed and ease at which we're able to share information has helped to usher in the newest generation of prepared individuals, and continues to do so. Unfortunately with that comes the speculation of personal opinions, and more often now, the criticism of those opinions. More often than not, incorrectly criticizing those individuals over a basic disagreement. This week, I take the opportunity to share my thoughts around this subject and how we can all ask more questions, to hear better answers. Check it out!

After over twenty years in the Air Force, and multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, Fred has moved into the civilian world as the head of research and development at Spiritus Systems working on some of the best gear you can get your hands on. I was fortunate enough to get some of Fred's time to sit down and talk about his experiences, but also some of his observations around our community today. As a man who's seen plenty, and done plenty more, his perspective on things like armor, shooting, communication, kit selection, and training are unique and valuable. This was a outstanding conversation, and I know that you'll enjoy it.

A couple questions I get a heck of a lot, is how did I get involved with shooting and training, and how I ended up running my own podcast. Well this week, given that I'm taking time out to break contact for a bit, and spend some time off teaching, I thought it would be a great opportunity to talk about my life before shooting, and how it shaped where I'm at today. As a musician, I learned a lot of skills that have lent themselves to my personal training and development. Honestly, likely a lot more than people realize, and even more-so when you hear some of the similarities between what many folks consider to be too very different fields of study. This one comes straight from the heart, and the memory banks, so I hope you enjoy it!

I'm joined this week by Blake Flannery, owner of Maneuver Training Solutions, LLC, as well as cadre at Orion Training Group. Blake is a former Force Recon Marine, having spent twenty years in the corps. Throughout our discussion, we talk about a plethora of different topics ranging from standard types of gear like plate carriers, chest rigs, belts, and rucks, as well as getting into the viability and effectiveness of different colors and camouflages. We discuss social media trends, the development of different fads in gear selection in usage, and ultimately how none of it will matter without adequate tactics, techniques, and training. A heck of a lot of information, and so much to unpack in this episode, you're bound to learn a few things from Blake.

It doesn't matter if you're a hunter, a sport shooter, competitive shooter, law enforcement, or military. If you run a gun, you have an optic. This week, that's exactly what we talk about! For my guest this episode, I'm joined by Nic Kytlica as we dive into red dots and scopes and get a first hand look at the processes that go into making these incredible devices. Nic is the Marketing Manager at Leupold Optics, and has been involved with the company in multiple capacities for over 15 years! The first-hand knowledge shared was super insightful, and I learned a heck of a lot. Check this one out, and I'm sure you'll learn a few things as well!

Time for another SITREP as the U.S. House of Representatives has passed H.R. 1808 and is working to enact a "assault weapons" ban that will have a far and wide reaching impact on gun owners across the country. With something so impactful looming over the country and our 2A community, I share my thoughts and feelings, as well as some context on the situation. Additionally, I have an announcement around what's next for The Prepared Mindset and how it will impact our future.

On this weeks episode of The Prepared Mindset, I am joined by Derek Frymire, owner and founder of Drop 6. Derek does design and consulting work of nylon goods, or as we call it in the community, gear. We spent time diving into not only what led Derek down this path to learning his unique skillset, but to shaping it into a successful career. We even get into some industry discussion and shine the light on some manufacturing norms that may explain to a lot of you why some kit stands the test of time, and why some fails in just a few weeks. I certainly learned a lot from Derek, and you will too! Check it out!

It has been said that accountability is the glue which ties commitment to the result. With our pursuits of being more prepared, accountability is a all encompassing term that truly does tie everything together. This week, as I return from vacation, I share my thoughts on some recent events and how through accountability, we all, both as individuals and as a community, will find greater success.

Josh Diringer is my guest this week, and is also the owner of Survive First Contact LLC. As a former Green Beret, Josh has had a lot of unique experiences, and certainly many unique skills that he's learned and is passionate about sharing with students. During our conversation we touched on topics like Reconnaissance, Long distance shooting, as well as the adjacent skills, Fieldcraft, Urban Warfare, Attitude, and more. I learned a heck of a lot talking with Josh and I bet you will too. Go ahead, and give this one a listen!

On this weeks edition of Prepared Mindset, I had the opportunity to talk with Devin Soto. Devin is a former Army Ranger with multiple deployments, and also the owner/found of Tactical Cowboy Training Solutions. As a educator Devin and his team have had the opportunity to train civilians, law enforcement, and even children. Tactical Cowboy's mantra of measure twice, cut once, preaches above all else, personal accountability and is present in everything they do. Accountability is just one of the many, many topics we discuss this week, so check it out!

Have you ever wondered how a rifle is made? Not just built, but really made? This week, I get a in-depth look into that world, and some of the nuance behind manufacturing a firearm. Steve Winenger is the CEO of Ripcord Industries, a Tennessee based company that is designing parts, manufacturing quality rifles, as well as providing training too. Our discussion brought me a new level of understanding and clarity around building a blaster, as well as further illuminated the difficulties that accompany owning and operating your own business. This chat was extremely enjoyable for me, and I know you'll all like it as well. Check it out!

The past week has yielded landmark Supreme Court decisions around the right to concealed carry as well as the overturn of Roe v. Wade, and also seen the signing of additional federal gun control legislation. All three of these are critically impactful to our country and in many ways controversial. I sit down, I share my thoughts and my feelings around each of these and how they all impact each other.

Ian Strimbeck is the owner and founder of Rune Nation LLC. In this episode, Ian and I sit down and discuss the training mindset, and why it's so important that we not only protect it, but share it and teach it to those within our community. We had a fascinating philosophical discussion about things like failure, personal limits, resiliency, endurance, education, culture and even more. Rune Nations motto is, "No one is coming to save you" and it's in pursuit of that personal accountability and survivability that they instruct others, and share their knowledge. This was certainly a deeply enlightening and enjoyable discussion for myself, and I'm sure you're all going to enjoy it as well!

Josh Lowry is 2A enthusiast, outdoorsman, and armorer for T-Rex Arms. This week, he and I sit down and talk not only about his time spent working at T-Rex, but about the community that he has helped to strengthen in his social media contributions and personal convictions. We talk about discovering and learning your personal limits, and then finding ways to push them. We spent time talking about community, mentorship, politics, and how each of those things has been fundamental in building our culture we experience today. This was indeed a very enjoyable conversation for me, and one that I think you'll all enjoy too.

In much of the recent media coverage, we have seen politicians, leaders, celebrities, all railing for gun-control. We're told that in the wake of great tragedy, that the problem lies solely with guns, and gun ownership. "Facts" are thrown around imploring the general public to vote for anti-2A politicians. Lobby groups launch mass campaigns to convince the country that the root of all evil, and all our problems for that matter, lies with the second amendment, and those that support it. This week I take a deep dive into this issue and provide some facts of my own around this particular discussion.

Nine years ago, Jessica Hazelaar founded Eclipse Holsters after making her own holster and discovering that many others like her were in a need for a safe, quality way to carry. Fast forward today, and they're setting the bar in customer experience and customer service, expanding their footprint, and building some of the best holsters in the market. Jessica and I talked about how she got her start, some of the difficulties around holster making, the importance of education in our community, and more. If you haven't already, head on over to Eclipseholsters.com and check out the amazing work Jess and her team are doing! Use code 'PREPAREDMINDSET' and you'll even save 20% off!

Drew Estell is a former Army Special Operations soldier with 5th group, founder of Baer Solutions LLC, as well as author of Process and Progress Pistol Training. This week I had the opportunity to catch Drew between classes and sit down to chat about training, and his book on pistol methods and practice structures. We hit on a lot of key topics for developing skill sets and also discussed a number of other concepts, such as vision, and its importance to shooting performance. Simply an outstanding conversation, and one I'm sure you'll all enjoy!

For this SITREP I share my thoughts and feelings around the newly developing Monkeypox crisis, and compare it to the last global illness we all dealt with. What will the Biden administration push next via executive order? Also, I share my experience finally being able to get my suppressor approval and first time hitting the range. There's a lot going on to keep a eye on, so this is one you won't want to miss.

When most of us hear the term "intel" or "intelligence gathering" we automatically jump to spy movies and ideas of military genius. At some levels, that's definitely the case, but the truth is that we all are involved with all sorts of intelligence gathering on a daily basis. This week I talk about how we encounter this "intel" daily, and more importantly, how we can and should leverage it towards our planning, and our preparedness. Useful for all levels of preppers, this is definitely one you'll want to hear!

This week I take a break from interviewing awesome guests to talk something that's been very close to my heart lately. Self care and my personal health. We see a lot of talk in the media and especially on social media about why this is important. Because it really is. However, I had some of my own thoughts I wanted to share, as well as a update on my own situation and what I've been battling through the past few months.

Jason Ransome spent 4 years in the Marine Corps, and 18 in Law Enforcement. He's had the opportunity to work as a volunteer officer, a K-9 handler, a SWAT officer, and a bunch more. I had the privilege of chatting with Jason and hearing about his past, how he got to run his own training company, as well as trends in the community, as well as the how/why citizens have the right to be well educated, and well prepared. Another awesome episode, comin' at ya!

Chris "Dutch" Moyer spent 31 years in the military, with 26 of those being in JSOC. To say he's been around the block, and seen a lot, would be a major understatement! I had the opportunity this week to sit down and chat with Dutch about a plethora of topics. We touch on off-road racing, shooting, training, politics, and more. It was a truly fantastic conversation, that I know you will all enjoy. Check it out. To learn more about Dutch, head over to dutchchrismoyer.com or check him out on Instagram at@dutchchrismoyeractual.

When we here the word "terrorism" we often think of the middle east, and the groups which have defined the era of the Global War on Terror. What many of us don't often recall, is that not so long ago, revolutionary groups, in fact domestic terrorists, were present here in our own continental United States. I share my recent research and pseudo-education on this subject. There's a startling number of connections and parallels that are able to be drawn between these oft-forgotten groups of the 1960's and 1970's, to the movements we're all living through in today's America.

Chris is back, and this week we're taking a deep dive into suppressors! We talk about the 4 main characteristics observed when looking at suppressors, we argue over quick attach versus direct thread, and a whole lot more. This was a great and very enlightening discussion that I'm positive will be educational and beneficial if you're on the fence about buying a can, or possibly just a bit curious around the science and technology. Enjoy!

Certainly a bit sooner than I would have thought, but with the rapid rate of change lately in the world, there's some major developments taking place. We have a new sitting Supreme Court Justice that made it through nomination by the Biden Administration, there's been several developments and changes in Ukraine with the conflict against Russia, and the Secret Service even made it into the news. I share my thoughts, feelings and opinions on it all.

I have been following Orion Training Group online, and on social media for quite a while now. This week I had the fantastic opportunity to connect and chat with Jared Arceneaux, the founder of OTG. We talk about training, teaching, how to communicate effectively, and the importance of quality information. Jared and his team have been making great strides in the community and industry. This was a outstanding conversation, and one I'm sure you'll enjoy!

Trevor and I go through more of your questions this week, and share our insight to some of your most pressing inquiries. We're all over the board as we hit on things from home defense to Will Smith, and a bunch more. Check it out!Use our discount code "PREPAREDMINDSET" to Save 20% off at EclipseHolsters.comUse our discount code "MINDSET20" to Save 20% off at MyMedic.com

Another SITREP as I talk through just a few key items that are happening in the world recently. World events, a little politics, an ATF opinion, it's all here for this one. Sponsors/Partners:www.Eclipseholsters.com - code 'PREPAREDMINDSET' for 20% offwww.MyMedic.com - code 'MINDSET20' for 20% offUse our Linktree via Instagram or our Facebook offers page for affiliate links to MyMedic as well as Dryfiremag!

When this project started 2 years ago, we really weren't sure that we'd see 50 episodes, let alone 100. In recognition of this milestone, Trevor and I talk about what's happened these past 2 crazy years. We've seen tons of growth and change here at PMP, but the world has become a vastly different place as well. Join us for this episode as we talk about everything we knew then, to all that we've seen and know now.

Finally this week, I have a chance to catch up with Tim Brum, and hear what he's been up to these past many months. Tim was one of my first guests and many of you know him as @concept_grey on Instagram. Fantastic conversation and probably one of the longest episodes we've done, if not, the actual longest. We touched on civilian training, social media, a little politics, and even got into the lumber industry! One of my most unique encounters to date, and one you're sure to enjoy. Check it out!

Trevor is on with me this week and we catch up on some of his recent gear upgrades and decisions. We also pontificate about the gas prices here in the U.S., how it relates to the growing issues overseas, and why the social media virtue signaling by the liberal masses here in CONUS don't actually help or support the people of Ukraine. He shares some insight on the economic impacts of recent evens and what we can even expect to see out of some bank account rates and the housing market too. A unique perspective to be sure!

This week, to kick off Women's History Month, Lexy hosts her first episode! Lexy sits down with Kim and they talk the female perspective of the 2A and prepper communities. As we continue to see growth within our society and culture, statistically, it's still predominantly male, and very critical that you welcome your wives, sisters, daughters, and friends into this world and help them embrace their right to self defense. No man-splaining here, it's just the girls this week!

This week, Lexy and I discuss the current events surrounding the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. At the time of our recording we're at the first day of what's been over 160 missile attacks, and military action by land, sea, and air. We discuss what we both know so far, and also talk about why what we do here, being prepared and well educated, can be so important when put in such a context. Citizens in Ukraine are now being called upon to take up arms, and defend their home. Such a situation is something that can still happen, even in 2022, and it's important we all take steps to be prepared.

This week, I had the chance to sit down and chat with Dillon Ruth, or as he's better known on social media, student_operator. We had an outstanding discussion around civilian preparedness, mindset, attitude and more. Also was fascinated to hear about his extensive work running a annual range day fundraiser that supports the Green Beret Foundation. Definitely one you won't want to skip, give it a listen!

This week, I talk about the Freedom Convoy that's been moving across Canada, and gaining plenty of momentum with our neighbors to the North. Locally, this convoy has now blocked the Ambassador Bridge and caused a major commotion and corruption to trade and commerce routes. I share my thoughts on everything that has led to this, as well as what this potentially means for the near future.

Its been waaaay too long since I've sat down and done a SITREP and talked about some key current events. So today, I briefly share my thoughts and feelings around some new court decisions, some new proposed legislation by our current administration, and more.

Winter is in full effect here in Michigan, and the "snow-mageddon" panic has set in for this season as folks flock to the stores to buy all the milk, eggs, and bread. As life-long mid-westerners, we have some experience living through these conditions. Lexy and I sit down and share some of stories and experiences, and talk about how most of them could have been avoided with a little preparation, and a touch of common sense.

Rob is back with me, and we're talking rifles! We do some comparing and contrasting around different optics, barrel lengths, which things lend themselves to which situations, and what just plain doesn't make sense. It's great getting Rob's opinion and experiences on the subject, and a discussion you'll definitely want to check out!

The new year is in full swing, and so is our calendar! I wanted to take a moment to sit and share with everyone our goals for the 2022 year, and what we have coming down the road over the next several months. Goals are a important part to sustained success and we have plenty set up for this year, and beyond. I talk about guests, gear, topics, and even in some areas shifting our focus and development. We plan to have even more success in 2022 than we did last year!

This past weekend, Lexy and I had the opportunity to take our first training class together. We headed out to Ann Arbor Arms once again, and participated in their Concealed Carry Tactics course. This was my 2nd class and Lexy's first ever! It was a fantastic overall experience and we both learned so much in just 4 hours. We talk about what we learned, Lexy's experience for her first time, our take-away's and observations, and much more.

We kick off 2022 talking with Conan Kilgore, and discuss the popular "recce" or "recon" concept. This is something that has grown and grown in popularity within the past few years but few people truly dive into to understand. Conan has devoted a large amount of his time, energy, and passion to developing these skills and is a wealth of knowledge. We talk rifles, we talk gear, we even talk hygiene. A great conversation, lots to learn, check it out!

2021 is almost at it's close, and what a year it's been. Our first full year up and running has brought about some unbelievable experiences and more than some unseen changes in our lives. I take the time this week to talk about the last 12 months, say some much deserved thank you's, and even offer a little insight on what the next 12 months might bring.

We've been saving and storing up questions that you all have sent and emailed in to us. This week, we get to a handful of those, as Lexy and I discuss some of your inquiries. Topics range from terrifying range experiences, to stress management. Check it out!

Winter is officially upon us. The days are short, and it seems like night time lasts forever these days. So, I thought it would be a great opportunity to talk about some of the light choices that are out there, why you should carry a flashlight probably more than anything else, what to buy, what to avoid, and a bunch more!

The right to free speech has long been a guaranteed right by our American First Amendment. Since the development of social media, having a individual thought, or unpopular opinion has been discouraged and often attacked. This week, through the lens and context of some truly terrible and tragic current events, I share my thoughts on why it's so important to not only have an opinion, but to voice it often.

As it the eve of December 1st, and of course bourbon being our drink of choice here at PMP, it only felt right to sit down and go over some of our absolute favorites. Trevor sheds some light on common misconceptions, as well as as shares his knowledge on all things bourbon and whiskey. A fun discussion to kick us off into the end of the year!!

I had the opportunity this week to sit and talk with Chris Blau of 1911 Syndicate. Chris works in real estate by trade, and also is part of the YouTube channel "1911 Syndicate" that provides informational firearms content. We talk real estate, we talk finances, we talk rifles, we talk about a whole bunch. One of the best conversations I've had so far, and not one you'll want to miss!

A few days early, I felt that in the wake of the verdict that came down today in the case of Kyle Rittenhouse, it was only appropriate to take the time to share my thoughts and feelings on this situation. Obviously this has been a closely watched trial, and the verdict carries large implications on both sides of the political aisle. Take a listen!

This week, I sit down and catch up with my good friend Spencer. We talk more about medical prepping, the importance of proper training, how to react in emergency situations, and a whole lot more. A great conversation, and one I'm sure you'll all enjoy!

Jumping off of last weeks discussion on the holidays, I take the time this week to explain my favorite kit. I go back from the beginning and talk about the mistakes I made, the money I wasted, and how I ultimately decided to carry what I carry, and why. Everything from belts, to shoes, to headsets, I touch on everything.