Are you looking for ways to safely carry a firearm without changing your entire wardrobe? In this episode recorded live at the 2026 SHOT Show, hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese talk with firearms business owner and instructor Amber G. Johnson. Amber explains how she started creating content to show women that concealed carry can fit into everyday dresses and female fashion.

She shares her passion for mentoring new shooters as a "range doula" and introducing them to body-attached holsters, purse carry, and bra-mounted options. Amber emphasizes that true self-defense begins with personal awareness and understanding that you are your own primary weapon. She also highlights her "Fired Up and Fearless" events, which blend range practice with positive affirmations and community support. Women interested in learning more about her events or training can connect with Amber through her business and social media channels.

Mentioned Links

• 02:39 - Spelman College (Historically Black liberal arts college for women)
• 08:07 - Sticky Holsters (Manufacturer of friction-based holsters)
• 10:41 - Staccato Vegas (Firearms training and range facility)
• 14:40 - Fired Up and Fearless (Women's firearms and community event series)
• 19:10 - Maroon Tiger Student Media Group (Student-run media outlet at Morehouse College)
• 21:04 - [email protected] (Contact email for Gayles Futuristic Fire)
• 21:29 - @TheAmberGJ / Gayles Futuristic Fire (Instagram social media profiles)

Key Takeaways

• Women do not need to give up personal style or wear tactical gear to carry a firearm safely.
• You are your primary weapon—voice, awareness, and discernment come before drawing a firearm.
• Personalized mentorship ("range doulas") helps new shooters overcome fear and build lasting confidence.
• Firearms training combined with positive affirmations can reframe past anxieties and foster empowerment.
• Community-focused events centered around food, discussion, and support create accessible entry points for new gun owners.

Keywords Used Amateurs and Experts Podcast, SHOT Show, Amber G. Johnson, Concealed Carry, Female Firearms, Range Doula, Gayles Futuristic Fire, Fired Up and Fearless, Holsters, Self-Defense, Affirmations, Staccato, Spelman College, Morehouse College.

Are your iron sights starting to look a little blurry? In this episode recorded live at the 2026 SHOT Show, hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese sit down with Tes from HIVIZ Shooting Systems. Tes talks about returning to horseback riding after two decades away and how younger athletes keep her humble. Maggie shares a similar story about competing in world championships alongside talented teenager Morgan.

The group discusses how visual changes impact shooting as people get older. Tes explains how HIVIZ designs innovative products to solve these challenges for all types of shooters. She highlights the FastDot H3, a unique sight system that combines features of iron sights and red dots for faster target acquisition. This site works well in low light and helps shooters with astigmatism or cross-eye dominance. Anyone looking to upgrade their firearm sights can visit HIVIZ online to explore their full line of products.

Mentioned Links

• 07:08 - HIVIZ Shooting Systems (Firearm sight manufacturer)
• 10:07 - FastDot H3 (Specific HIVIZ sight model)
• 19:01 - LightWave Co-Witness Sights (Specific HIVIZ product line)
• 20:53 - Magni-Optics Line (Specific HIVIZ shotgun sight product line)
• 22:49 - hivizsights.com (Official online store for HIVIZ)

Key Takeaways

• Passion and skill are not limited by age; younger competitors can inspire experienced adults.
• Firearm sights are frequently overlooked, yet they are crucial for speed and accuracy.
• The FastDot H3 offers a low-profile, single-dot alternative that bridges iron sights and red dots.
• 24-hour tritium and fiber-optic illumination helps shooters maintain target focus without blinding dot intensity in low light.
• Custom sight setups, such as magnetic or co-witness options, assist shooters dealing with astigmatism, eye dominance, or age-related vision changes.

Keywords Used Amateurs and Experts Podcast, SHOT Show, Otis Technology, HIVIZ, Horseback Riding, FastDot H3, Iron Sights, Red Dot, Fiber Optics, Tritium, Co-Witness, Sight Acquisition, Target Focus, Astigmatism, Cross-Eye Dominance.

Are you looking for a fun way to practice shooting at home without wasting expensive ammo? In this episode, the hosts talk to Cara from Mantis about smart tools that make gun practice easy and safe. These cool devices track how your gun moves hundreds of times every second! You can see your progress right on your phone or tablet screen. They even have safe laser guns that feel real so you can practice in your living room. A live teacher holds weekly calls to help you answer questions and get better. You can even join groups with friends to set goals and earn real patches in the mail. If you want to become a better shooter from home, check out Mantis today! 

Links

• mantisx.com (Official store and free app download details)
• MantisX Mastermind Course (Educational app extension)
• Mantis Support Portal ([email protected] or live chat on site)

Key Takeaways

• High-frequency sensors quantify muzzle drift, draw speed, target transitions, and recoil management without live fire.
• The TitanX laser pistol allows continuous trigger resets without manually cycling a slide or unloading carry firearms.
• Hardware purchases include lifetime access to the Mantis app without subscription costs.
• Virtual groups and built-in course patches motivate regular dry-fire practice through gamification and community support.

Key Words

• Mantis
• TitanX
• Dry Fire
• BlackbeardX
• Gyroscope
• Accelerometer
• SHOT Show
• Laser Academy
• Target Transitions
• Mastermind Course

Hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese broadcast live from the Otis Technology booth at SHOT Show 2026. They welcome Heather Eckhardt from OA Defense to discuss the company’s growth and their commitment to female shooters.

The conversation centers on the new 2311 Pro pistol, which Maggie and Erica praise for its balance and exceptional trigger. Heather explains the technical aspects of the firearm, including its ported barrel and ambidextrous controls.

They also discuss the physical demands of the sport and the importance of ergonomics for different body types. Heather shares her transition from a professional shooter to an industry executive.

The episode concludes with information on how to find OA Defense products and a celebration of their platinum sponsorship for the "She Never Quit" event.

Link

• OA Defense: oadefense.com (Subject of the episode; discussion of the 2311 pistol). (00:45)
• Otis Technology: otistec.com (Booth hosts at SHOT Show). (00:35)
• She Never Quit: (Women's shooting event mentioned as a partnership). (02:50)
• USPSA: (United States Practical Shooting Association mentioned regarding Limited Optics division). (11:25)

Key Takeaways

• The OA Defense 2311 provides custom-level features (ported barrel, lightning cuts, elite trigger) at a production price.
• A 1911 70-series trigger can be made drop-safe for defense without losing its crisp feel.
• Women are increasingly filling leadership and technical roles in the firearms industry.
• Proper firearm ergonomics, like integrated "gas pedal" thumb rests, significantly improve recoil management.

Key Words

• 2311
• OA Defense
• SHOT Show
• Trigger Snob
• Ported Barrel
• She Never Quit
• Limited Optics
• FFL
• Drop-Safe
• Gas Pedal

Have you ever wondered what it takes to go from being a wedding DJ to the CEO of a major technology company? In this episode, we talk to Brad McIntyre about his long career at Otis Technology. Brad has worked at the same company for twenty-five years and has done almost every job there. He started as a designer and worked his way up to the very top.

Brad explains how the people he worked for taught him about money, building things, and using data. He also talks about how much he loves going to big trade shows to see his friends from all over the world. The company is like a big family where everyone helps each other out. They even make all their products in New York to help the military and police. If you want to learn how to grow in your career, you should listen to this story. Check out the full episode to hear more about how Otis Technology stays successful!

Links

• Otis Technology (OtisTech.com) - Mentioned at 19:55 as the primary website for their products.
• SHOT Show (shotshow.org) - Mentioned throughout (e.g., 0:18) as the venue for the recording and industry gathering.
• Bass Pro Shops (basspro.com) - Mentioned at 19:22 as a major retailer for Otis products.
• Scheels (scheels.com) - Mentioned at 19:23 as a retail partner.

Key Takeaways

• Career longevity allows for deep, cross-departmental "tribal knowledge."
• Soft skills from unrelated fields (like DJing) are highly transferable to executive leadership.
• Authentic marketing often requires "real-world" conditions (like actually dirty equipment).
• American manufacturing thrives on direct feedback from the end-users (military/LEO).

Keywords

• Otis Technology
• SHOT Show 2026
• Brad McIntyre
• Firearm Maintenance
• Lean Manufacturing
• AS ISO 9100
• NSN (National Stock Number)
• Tribal Knowledge
• Upstate New York
• Gun Cleaning Kits

Season 4 kicks off with Erica Chin welcoming professional shooter Maggie Reese as the new official co-host. The duo reflects on their recent success filming at SHOT Show 2026 within the Otis Technology booth and the incredible quality of guests they’ve hosted.

They announce a major milestone: the podcast will be heading to the NRA’s "Voices of 2A" Radio Row to capture new content. The conversation highlights upcoming WOMA events, such as the "She Never Quit" shooting camp and new hunting and fishing initiatives.

Erica and Maggie share personal stories about their own "amateur" beginnings—Erica as a massage therapist and Maggie as a reluctant fisher. The episode emphasizes the "Mama Bear" culture of the industry and the power of saying "yes" to new adventures.

It concludes with a call to action for women to join the WOMA team and sign up for the 2026 events.

Links

• Otis Technology: otistec.com — Hosting the podcast booth at SHOT Show (01:10).

• The WOMA: thewoma.org — The main organization website for membership and events (25:15).

• NRA Ladies Luncheon: Mentioned as a bucket-list event for networking and auctions (06:52).

Key Takeaways

1. Mentorship is key: Most leaders in this space were "roped in" by other women who saw their potential.

2. Safe environments foster growth: Women-only training leads to massive confidence shifts in record time.

3. The industry is a lifestyle: It’s not just about products; it’s about community, organic living, and "mama bear" support.

4. Professionalism matters: High-quality media (like the Otis booth) elevates the entire message of the 2A community.

Key Words WOMA, SHOT Show, NRA, She Never Quit, Mentorship, Radio Row, Otis Technology, Female Empowerment, Shooting Sports, Hunting, Fishing, Leadership, Adventure.

Have you ever met a person who changed your whole life? In this episode of Amateurs and Experts, Erica and Jessica talk to their mentor, Deb Ferns. Deb started a group called WOMA to help women learn about hunting, fishing, and shooting. She has been doing this for 16 years! She tells a funny story about climbing a tree to stay safe from a wild pig.

The group talks about how important it is to be a good friend and work hard. They do not get paid for their work, but they do it because they love helping other women. Deb explains that she is getting older and wants the younger women to take over the group soon. They also talk about how their sponsors are like family members. At the end, Deb tells everyone that it is never too late to try something new. If you want to learn more, you can come to their "She Never Quit" event.

Links

• WOMA (Women’s Outdoor Media Association): The organization founded by Deb; . (02:20)

• Otis Technology: Hosting the podcast for their 40th anniversary; . (00:05)

• Falco Holsters: Mentioned as Deb's new holster for her carry gun; . (01:13)

• Lowa Boots: A new potential sponsor mentioned by Leslie; . (11:50)

• Armscor: Sponsor providing ammo and firearms for events. (12:47)

• Fiocchi: Sponsor providing shotgun ammunition. (15:22)

• She Never Quit: The annual flagship event for WOMA. (12:47)

Key Takeaways

• Action Beats Complaining: If you see a gap in your industry, don't wait—build the solution yourself.

• Check Your Ego: Successful teams are built on "servant hearts" and the collective goal, not individual accolades.

• Plan for the Future: A true leader ensures the organization can survive without them by mentoring younger talent early.

• Integrity is Currency: Building long-term relationships with sponsors requires mutual respect and avoiding a "taking" mentality.

Key Words

WOMA, Deb Ferns, Succession Plan, Mentorship, Javelina, She Never Quit, Outdoor Industry, Non-Profit, Servant Heart, Legacy, SHOT Show 2025, Otis Technology.

Have you ever wondered who makes the gear that police officers use to stay safe? In this episode of Amateurs and Experts, Erica and Jessica talk to Ryan Allen. Ryan used to be a police officer, but now he owns a company called Zero Nine Holsters. He makes special cases for radios and tools right here in the USA. He also helps run a big training group called the OTOA (Ohio Tactical Officers Association).

The conversation then shifts to the OTOA, where Ryan details their mission to provide world-class training to not just SWAT, but every "tactically-minded" patrol officer.

He highlights the upcoming 2025 conference at Kalahari Resort, which attracts thousands of attendees from as far as Hawaii and Canada for training, networking, and a massive vendor show.

Links

• Zero Nine Holsters: — American-made duty gear and Kydex cases. (16:50)

• OTOA (Ohio Tactical Officers Association): — Training catalogs and conference registration. (16:22)

• Otis Technology: The booth hosting the podcast at SHOT Show 2025. (00:05)

• Lake Erie Arms: Mentioned for its indoor clay field training facility. (09:15)

Key Takeaways

• Identify the Gap: Zero Nine Holsters succeeded because they filled a specific need for better-designed duty equipment that big manufacturers ignored.

• Seek Quality over Compliance: Real-world survival depends on training that provides value, not just a certificate for an HR file.

• State Support is Crucial: Partnering with government offices like the Attorney General can provide life-saving education to those who can't afford it.

• Professionalism is for Everyone: Tactical thinking should be a standard for all first responders, including patrol, fire, and medics.

Key Words

Zero Nine Holsters, OTOA, Law Enforcement, Tactical Training, SHOT Show 2025, Kydex, Active Shooter Response, State Funded, Professionalism, Patrol Officer, Duty Gear, Ohio.

ln this episode of Amateurs and Experts, Erica and Jess welcome Laura Evans of Silver Bullet Marketing to the Otis Technology booth at SHOT Show 2025.

The group discusses the historical changes in the industry, noting how the presence of women has shifted from superficial roles to powerful professional positions.

Laura shares her philosophy on boutique marketing, explaining how she helps small companies navigate distribution and media relations using her 17 years of experience.

The conversation covers the importance of localized networking, the "pay it forward" nature of female professionals in the shooting world, and specific product innovations like "cup holsters."

Finally, Laura describes her unique international experiences, including falconry in Slovakia, and invites listeners to connect with her for specialized industry marketing.

Links

• Otis Technology: https://otistec.com/ Celebrating their 40th anniversary; . (00:05)

• Silver Bullet Marketing: Laura Evans's boutique agency; contact via [email protected]. (14:20)

• WOMA: thewoma.org Women's Outdoor Media Association; . (00:30)

Key Takeaways

• Specialization Wins: Generic marketing doesn't work in the firearms industry; you need an agency that "lives and breathes" the lifestyle.

• Networking is Everything: Success often comes from chance encounters in elevators or hallways, made possible by wearing the right industry badges.

• The Industry is a Lifestyle: Professionals in this space rarely leave; they simply move between companies because they share the same core values and mindset.

• Accessibility Matters: New products, like the cup holder holster, succeed because they solve a direct, ergonomic problem for the user.

Key Words Used

Boutique Marketing, SHOT Show 2025, Mentorship, Alpha Female, Public Relations, Distribution, Falconry, Slovakia, Cup Holster, Otis Technology, Silver Bullet, WOMA.

Have you ever wondered how to hide a tool safely when your clothes don't have pockets? In this fun talk, Jess and Erica chat with Eric from Sticky Holsters. They talk about how their special holsters stay in place using just a little bit of pressure and a "sticky" outside. Erica shares a secret about how she hides hers in her bra so she can exercise without it moving!

Eric explains that his company makes everything in the USA. They don't just make things for hiding firearms; they also make gear for hunters. He tells a story about a "modular sling" that lets you use one strap for many different firearms. This helps keep your storage safe and neat. The team reminds everyone that carrying a firearm is a big responsibility. You have to practice a lot and always be very careful. If you want to find these products, you can look in thousands of stores or visit their website!

Links

• Sticky Holsters: https://stickyholsters.com/ - Full line of American-made friction holsters and concealment systems. (17:40)

• Otis Technology: https://otistec.com/ - The booth hosting the podcast at SHOT Show. (00:15)

• She Never Quit: thewoma.org - A support organization mentioned in relation to the hosts and Sticky Holsters. (00:44)

• Streamlight Wedge: https://www.streamlight.com/ - A light mentioned during a TSA search story. (06:26)

Key Takeaways

• Body Type Inclusivity: Friction holsters are often superior for "fluffy" individuals who find traditional IWB (inside the waistband) clips uncomfortable.

• Modular Utility: A good concealment system (like Sticky’s) should work across various platforms—belly bands, ankle rigs, and vehicle mounts.

• The Safe Struggle is Real: Modular slings help prevent accidental damage to expensive optics and rifles in crowded safes.

• Safety is a Mindset: Respect for the firearm is the most important part of any lifestyle change involving concealed carry.

Key Words

Sticky Holsters, Concealed Carry, Friction, SHOT Show 2025, Venatic Collection, Stock Pad Riser, Modular Sling, TSA, Bra Carry, Belly Band, Accidental Discharge, Lifestyle Change, American Made.