Amateurs and Experts

Are you curious about how an 87-year-old family business continues to lead the firearm industry in the digital age? On this episode of the Amateurs and Experts Podcast, hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese sit down with Pete Brownell live at the 2026 NRA Show. Pete shares fascinating stories about how his grandfather started Brownells back in 1939, including the clever design behind their famous physical catalog. He discusses how the company has grown from supporting traditional gunsmiths to helping everyday gun owners personalize their own firearms through thousands of instructional videos.

Pete also breaks down how Brownells supports law enforcement and military personnel through its Valor Program and why listening directly to customer feedback keeps the brand grounded. To explore their vast library of instructional content and specialized parts, listeners can visit brownells.com.

Links

• Timestamp 22:30: Access product catalogs, educational videos, and customer support at brownells.com.

Key Takeaways

• Direct Customer Engagement: Long-term business success requires leaders to communicate directly with customers rather than relying strictly on corporate reports.
• Democratizing Expertise: Comprehensive video tutorials and educational content allow hobbyists to safely perform home gunsmithing and custom modifications.
• Support for First Responders: Specialized discount and procurement initiatives, like the Valor Program, help stretch taxpayer dollars for law enforcement and military equipment maintenance.
• Adapting to Market Shifts: Agility and multi-generational perspectives are critical when navigating unpredictable supply chain disruptions and economic cycles.
• Embracing Failure for Growth: Professional and personal development stems from taking risks, learning from mistakes, and maintaining humility.

Key Words Used

• NRA Show 2026
• Amateurs and Experts Podcast
• Pete Brownell
• Brownells
• Gunsmithing
• Firearm Customization
• Valor Program
• Customer Advisory Board
• AR-15
• Second Amendment

Have you ever wondered how stepping outside your comfort zone can change your life? In this episode of the Amateurs and Experts Podcast, hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese sit down with Deb Ferns live at the 2026 SHOT Show. Deb shares how a dare from Ted Nugent led her to create the Women's Outdoor Media Association back in 2009. The group talks about how learning to shoot, fish, and hunt helps women gain real confidence that carries over into their daily lives and careers.

Deb explains how her all-volunteer team raises money at events like "She Never Quit" to help good causes, including buying special protective vests for police dogs. She also talks about passing the torch to new leaders so the organization can keep growing for years to come. Listeners who want to join an event or learn more can visit thewoma.org or email Deb directly.

Links

• Timestamp 13:20: Explore upcoming specialized clinics and special events at thewoma.org.

Key Takeaways

• Confidence Transfer: Mastering new, intimidating outdoor skills builds personal confidence that carries over into professional and daily life decisions.
• Ego-Free Mentorship: Top-level instructors achieve the best results by focusing entirely on student growth rather than personal accolades.
• Mission-Driven Leadership: Sustainable non-profit success relies on an all-volunteer structure and clear transparency regarding where funds go.
• Generational Succession: Organizations need to intentionally transition leadership to younger generations to stay dynamic and forward-looking.
• Living Outside the Comfort Zone: Embracing personal challenges allows individuals to fully utilize their inherent talents and potential.

Key Words Used

• SHOT Show
• Otis Technology
• Amateurs and Experts Podcast
• Deb Ferns
• Women’s Outdoor Media Association (WOMA)
• Babes with Bullets
• She Never Quit
• Hunting
• Shooting sports
• Mentorship

Are you curious about how creative passion and business strategy can come together to make a real impact? On this episode of the Amateurs and Experts Podcast, hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese catch up with designer and entrepreneur Jessica Adanich live at the 2026 SHOT Show. Jessica shares how her childhood love for marine life inspired Fuzzy Sharks and the creation of Sharkapalooza, a growing shark art and conservation festival in Clearwater, Florida. She explains how art can serve as a powerful tool to educate communities and shift public perception toward misunderstood subjects.

The conversation dives into practical ways to manage heavy workloads, overcome imposter syndrome, and avoid burnout through consistent self-care. Jessica also discusses her latest venture, Tactical Business Coaching, a podcast co-hosted with veteran Coach Rex that offers straightforward advice for entrepreneurs. Throughout the episode, she highlights the value of finding a supportive network and learning from life's unexpected challenges. To stay up-to-date on her conservation events, corporate design work, and business tips, listeners can sign up for her bi-monthly newsletter at DesignPod.studio.

Links

• Timestamp 18:58: Access business resources, updates, and coaching details at TacticalBusinessCoachingUS.com.
• Timestamp 21:28: Subscribe to the bi-monthly inspirational and strategy newsletter at DesignPod.studio.

Key Takeaways

• Mission-Driven Art: Creative mediums can serve as effective vehicles for community education, political messaging, and environmental conservation.
• Reframing Perception: Misunderstood topics—whether tactical gear or apex predators—often suffer from negative stereotypes that thoughtful branding and education can help reshape.
• Proactive Self-Care: Preventing professional burnout requires setting firm boundaries, stepping back to recharge, and maintaining a supportive network.
• Authentic Leadership: True business leadership involves acknowledging behind-the-scenes struggles rather than projecting false perfection.
• Community Building: Expanding an event or brand requires starting small, gathering feedback, and assembling dedicated committees to scale operations over time.

Key Words Used

• SHOT Show
• Otis Technology
• Amateurs and Experts Podcast
• Jessica Adanich
• Sharkapalooza
• Fuzzy Sharks
• Design Pod
• Clearwater
• Biophilia
• Tactical Business Coaching
• Self-Care

Are you curious about how women are making their mark in the world of shotgun sports? On this episode of the Amateurs and Experts Podcast, hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese chat with NRA Woman of the Year Anne Mauro live from the 2026 SHOT Show. Anne shares how she got started in clay target shooting and how using ill-fitting equipment early on inspired her to help design shotguns that fit women better. She explains that anyone can excel with the right instruction, proper equipment, and dedicated practice.

The hosts and Anne talk about overcoming obstacles on the range, including handling bad shooting days and learning the fundamentals of target flight. Anne highlights her work founding the University of Maryland shooting team and hosting an inclusive ladies' tournament at the NSCA Nationals in San Antonio. She encourages all new shooters to step up to the station and enjoy the sport, regardless of their skill level. To learn more about her annual tournament or get involved in clay sports, listeners can check out ScoreChaser.com or sign up for events with the National Sporting Clays Association.

Links

• Timestamp 19:38: Find registration details for the NSCA Nationals in San Antonio at ScoreChaser.com.

Key Takeaways

• Importance of Gun Fit: Factory shotguns are typically built for average-height men; improper fit causes physical discomfort, bruising, and poor target alignment, especially for women or smaller-framed shooters.
• Growing Female Participation: Women are increasingly becoming a major force in shooting sports, particularly in clay target disciplines.
• Dedication and Training: Developing high-level skill requires mastering basic target parameters (speed, angle, and distance) and maintaining focus through slump periods.
• Inclusive Opportunities: The NSCA Nationals Ladies Open in San Antonio provides an accessible entry point and supportive environment for women shooters of all skill levels.
• Collegiate Shooting Growth: Student-led shooting programs, such as the team Anne Mauro founded at the University of Maryland, play a key role in bringing young competitors into the sport.

Key Words Used

• SHOT Show
• Otis Technology
• Amateurs and Experts Podcast
• Anne Morrow
• NRA Woman of the Year
• Sporting Clays
• Trap
• Skeet
• Gun Fitting
• Length of Pull
• University of Maryland
• NSCA (National Sporting Clays Association)
• ScoreChaser
• Cole Gun Crafting

Have you ever wondered about the rich history behind America's oldest firearms magazines? On this episode of the Amateurs and Experts Podcast, hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese chat with Ed from American Rifleman magazine. Ed shares how the publication has evolved over more than 120 years to inform and entertain NRA members across the country. He explains that while modern guns have great new accessories, the core mechanics of how firearms operate have not changed much in over a century!

The group discusses the excitement of custom gun builds, comparing modular rifle parts to adult building blocks that can be tailored to any shooter. Ed also explains how the NRA is working hard to rebuild member trust through new leadership and clear transparency. Readers can access digital magazines, videos, and member benefits easily using the official NRA smartphone app. To stay connected and support gun safety training, listeners are encouraged to visit AmericanRifleman.org and join the NRA today.

Links

• Timestamp 12:47: Submit manuscript queries via email to [email protected].
• Timestamp 20:50: Explore articles, videos, and membership options at AmericanRifleman.org.

Key Takeaways

• Historic Legacy: American Rifleman has documented firearm history for over 120 years under previous names like Arms and the Man and The Rifleman.
• Digital & Print Publishing: The magazine currently publishes four print editions per year alongside twelve monthly digital editions accessible online and via the official app.
• Firearm Mechanics Continuity: Core operating systems in modern firearms (such as direct gas impingement) originate from early 20th-century technology.
• Customization Appeal: Modular platforms like the AR-15 allow gun owners to tailor firearms specifically to their body type, ergonomic preferences, and target application.
• Organizational Accountability: The NRA is actively focusing on compliance, internal transparency, and structural reform to regain member trust.

Key Words Used

• American Rifleman
• NRA (National Rifle Association)
• Shooting Illustrated
• Direct Gas Impingement
• AR-15
• 1911
• Suppressors
• 300 Blackout
• Firearms History
• Digitization

Have you ever wondered what happens when you drop all your rules and open your mind to new experiences? On this episode of the Amateurs and Experts Podcast, hosts sit down with Marsha Petrie Sue to explore her amazing life journey. Marsha is an author, public speaker, and leader in the outdoor industry. Early in her career, she had to work very hard to overcome stage fright and learn how to speak with confidence. Over time, she became a strong leader by learning to listen to others and respect different communication styles.

Marsha explains that people cannot change others; they can only change themselves. By dropping her strict personal filters, she met her husband, Al, who introduced her to shooting sports and wildlife conservation. Today, Marsha serves as the Chair of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, where she helps protect over 800 animal species. She encourages everyone to visit their local wildlife websites and sign up for volunteer cleanup projects to help nature thrive.

Links

• Timestamp 14:57: Mention of state wildlife agency websites (specifically the Arizona Game and Fish Department Volunteer Portal) for finding local conservation projects.
• Timestamp 26:10: Personal website and contact email for Marsha Petrie Sue at MarshaPetrieSue.com.
• Timestamp 26:15: Marsha Petrie Sue's published books on Audible and Amazon Kindle.

Key Takeaways

• Drop Rigid Filters: Letting go of strict checklists and predefined expectations in relationships and opportunities can lead to life-changing experiences.
• Confidence is a Learned Skill: Public speaking and commanding a room do not always come naturally; they can be developed through training, voice control, and practice.
• Adapt Communication Styles: Using personality frameworks like Myers-Briggs helps individuals tailor their messaging to meet others where they are, improving leadership and teamwork.
• You Can Only Change Yourself: Attempting to force change on other people leads to frustration; true growth comes from self-awareness and self-adjustment.
• Get Involved in Local Conservation: State game and fish departments rely heavily on community volunteers for habitat protection, cleanup, and wildlife preservation.

Key Words Used

• Leadership
• Conservation
• Communication
• Mentorship
• WOMA (Women’s Outdoor Media Association)
• Myers-Briggs
• Arizona Game and Fish
• Public Speaking
• Diaphragm / Voice Control
• Volunteerism

How are women shaping the future of firearm storage and building supportive communities in the shooting industry? In this episode recorded live at SHOT Show 2026, hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese talk with Amanda and Alexa from Hang AR and Adventure Gear South. Amanda explains how her passion for shooting led her to leave corporate life, open a gun store in Florida, and engineer innovative firearm accessories. The group discusses how female-owned gun stores create a comfortable space for new shooters to ask questions without feeling judged.

The conversation focuses on the power of mentorship, whether it involves guiding new business owners, learning how to hunt, or helping a friend on a fishing trip. Amanda also demonstrates the latest Hang AR products, including new lockable designs and quick-detach M-LOK mounts that help gun owners maximize space inside their safes or on wall displays. The episode wraps up with a look at Hang AR's ongoing sponsorship of WOMA's "She Never Quit" event, which raises funds for female veterans, and first responders charities. Listeners can explore their products or connect directly by visiting hangersystem.com or adventuregearsouth.com.

Links

• 0:14 - Otis Technology (Firearm maintenance and cleaning equipment booth at SHOT Show 2026)
• 3:08 - Women's Outdoor Media Association (WOMA) (Non-profit organization dedicated to expanding women's participation in outdoor sports)
• 3:08 - She Never Quit (WOMA's flagship charity training event supporting female veterans and first responders)
• 4:51 - Adventure Gear South (Amanda's brick-and-mortar and online gun store in Seminole, Florida)
• 12:58 - Hang AR System (Official website for Hang AR upper receiver mounts and firearm display accessories)

Key Takeaways

• Transitioning from corporate life to small business ownership in the firearms industry requires passion, agility, and continuous learning.
• Female gun store owners help lower the barrier to entry for women shooters by providing a welcoming, non-judgmental shopping experience.
• Mentorship works in both directions: experienced leaders lift others up while remaining open to learning from new generations.
• The Hang AR system solves common gun safe space limitations by offering lockable, quick-detach wall and safe-mounting solutions.
• Supporting charity events like "She Never Quit" provides vital funding for female veterans, first responders, and service animal organizations.

Keywords Used Amateurs and Experts Podcast, SHOT Show 2026, Erica Chin, Maggie Reese, Hang AR, Adventure Gear South, Amanda, Alexa, Gun Storage, M-LOK, Firearm Mounts, Women's Outdoor Media Association, WOMA, She Never Quit, Gun Store Owner, Mentorship, Female Shooters, Safe Storage.

Are you curious about how women are finding community, building confidence, and stepping into leadership roles within the outdoor sports industry? In this episode recorded live at the 2026 SHOT Show, hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese sit down with WOMA board members Katie Healy and Katie Riley. The group shares behind-the-scenes stories about the year-long effort to host "She Never Quit," an annual retreat that introduces women to shooting, archery, and fishing while raising funds for female veterans and first responders.

The hosts and guests discuss the transformative power of female mentorship, sharing how attendees often go from being intimidated by firearms to entering local shooting competitions or teaching their own families. Katie Healy explains how her background directing major IDPA matches will help shape a safe, educational range experience for new and returning shooters. Looking ahead, the team highlights exciting updates for the 2026 "She Never Quit" event, including a new location in Idaho, focused event editions, and a platinum partnership with OA Defense. Listeners looking to support the mission, join the waitlist, or become involved can visit thewoma.org or follow WOMA on social media.

Links

• 0:14 - Otis Technology (Firearm maintenance and cleaning equipment booth at SHOT Show 2026)
• 0:14 - Women's Outdoor Media Association (WOMA) (Non-profit organization dedicated to expanding women's participation in outdoor sports)
• 3:49 - She Never Quit (WOMA's annual flagship charity and outdoor training event)
• 6:17 - IDPA / Indiana State IDPA Championship (International Defensive Pistol Association competition framework)
• 8:14 - Babes with Bullets (Firearms training camp for women)
• 18:59 - OA Defense (Firearms manufacturer featuring the 2311 double-stack pistol platform, named 2026 Platinum Sponsor)
• 20:23 - thewoma.org (Official organization website for memberships, waitlists, and podcast episodes)

Key Takeaways

• WOMA brings women together from across the country to mentor newcomers in outdoor sports while raising funds for female veterans and first responders.
• Events like "She Never Quit" offer a supportive, non-intimidating environment that builds long-term confidence and self-reliance around firearms.
• Female leadership in match administration is growing, with experienced competitors bringing high-level match management skills to intimate, educational settings.
• Hands-on exposure to shooting sports often creates a ripple effect, encouraging women to teach safety and marksmanship to their own families.
• The 2026 "She Never Quit" retreat marks a major expansion, relocating to Idaho with specialized shooting, hunting, and fishing editions supported by OA Defense.

Keywords Used Amateurs and Experts Podcast, SHOT Show 2026, Women Outdoor Media Association, WOMA, Erica Chin, Maggie Reese, Katie Healy, Katie Riley, She Never Quit, IDPA, Range Master, Female Mentorship, First Responders, Female Veterans, OA Defense, Idaho, Firearms Training.

How do Olympic athletes control their nerves when everything is on the line? In this episode recorded live at the 2026 SHOT Show, hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese interview Team USA Olympic pistol shooter Alexis Lagan. Alexis walks listeners through her journey from being a 2016 Olympic alternate to competing on the world stage in Tokyo and Paris. She breaks down her unique mental framing techniques, including a simple "doctor's office" visualization that teaches athletes to acknowledge anxiety without letting it ruin their focus.

Alexis emphasizes that true mental control comes from consistency, self-coaching, and viewing learning as a continuous spiral rather than a linear path. She also highlights how the focus and responsibility developed through shooting sports help young athletes succeed in school and life. Viewers and aspiring shooters interested in mental management or one-on-one coaching can connect directly with Alexis through her Instagram profile @lagan1515.

Links

• 03:45 - Paris 2024 Olympic Shooting Venue (Châteauroux Shooting Centre)
• 04:02 - IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation)
• 06:07 - Almasa Hotel / New Cairo Olympic City (International training and competition complex in Egypt)
• 15:09 - Sport Pistol Rapid Fire (Olympic shooting event rules and execution process)
• 22:20 - Periodization in Marathon Running (Training structure methodology recommended for mental and physical conditioning)
• 23:40 - @lagan1515 (Alexis Lagan's official Instagram profile for coaching and inquiries)

Key Takeaways

• Nerves are a natural sign that you care about the outcome; the goal is to manage them rather than eliminate them completely.
• The "doctor's office" visualization helps process high-stress emotions by letting them "wait in the lobby" until you are ready to address them.
• Shooting sports require total presence in the moment, offering a rare opportunity to disconnect from outside distractions.
• Learning and performance follow a spiral rather than a straight line, requiring a balance between physical mechanics and mental conditioning.
• Self-coaching, facial expressions, and internal self-talk directly influence how the subconscious mind responds under pressure.

Keywords Used Amateurs and Experts Podcast, SHOT Show 2026, Alexis Lagan, Team USA, Olympic Pistol Shooter, Air Pistol, Sport Pistol, Tokyo Olympics, Paris Olympics, Chateauroux, Visualization, Mental Mindset, Doctor's Office Visualization, Periodization, Coaching.

Are you looking for an easier, more organized way to clean and maintain your firearms? In this episode recorded live at the 2026 SHOT Show, hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese speak with Heather Pleskach of Otis Technology. Heather shares how Otis was started 41 years ago by a 16-year-old female hunter who needed a simple way to clear barrel obstructions in the field.

The conversation covers the growth of the shooting sports industry, raising kids with respect for hunting and firearm safety, and the long-standing support Otis provides to female-focused organizations. Heather gives an exclusive preview of the Otis Flex system, a modular cleaning platform launching in August 2026 that stacks, locks, and nests to fit any shooter's setup. To check out the new modular cleaning kits or get in touch with customer support, listeners can visit otistech.com or call 1-800-OTIS-GUN.

Mentioned Links

• 03:34 - Otis Technology (41-year-old firearm maintenance and cleaning product manufacturer)
• 05:16 - Babes with Bullets (Female-focused shooting sports camps and events)
• 05:16 - WOMA (Women's Outdoor Media Association)
• 06:40 - Ron Spomer Outdoors (YouTube educational content on firearm care and hunting)
• 18:23 - NSSF / SHOT Show (National Shooting Sports Foundation trade show at Venetian & Caesars Forum)
• 21:47 - otistech.com (Official company website for product details and orders)
• 21:47 - [email protected] / 1-800-OTIS-GUN (Customer service email and toll-free phone number)

Key Takeaways

• Otis Technology was founded 41 years ago by a 16-year-old female hunter who created the breach-to-muzzle cable system after a mud-clogged barrel ruined a family hunt.
• Otis has a long history of supporting women in shooting sports through partnerships with organizations like Babes with Bullets and WOMA.
• The upcoming Otis Flex system (launching August 2026) offers over 70 configurations featuring stackable, lockable, and nesting modular storage cases.
• Introducing children to hunting and range maintenance early builds self-sufficiency, safety awareness, and respect for natural resources.
• Specialized cleaning supplies, like lead-removing hand wipes, are essential for reducing heavy metal exposure after target shooting.

Keywords Used Amateurs and Experts Podcast, SHOT Show 2026, Otis Technology, Heather Pleskach, Erica Chin, Maggie Reese, Otis Flex, Gun Cleaning, Breach-to-Muzzle, Babes with Bullets, WOMA, Whitetail Hunting, Lead Wipes, Modular Storage.