Episode # 413: From Trauma to Trust: Veterans and Horses at Warrior Ranch

In this episode of The American Warrior Show, host Rich Brown invites Eileen Shanahan, Founder and President of the Warrior Ranch Foundation, which brings veterans, first responders, and horses together for healing and hope.

Shanahan shares what inspired the foundation—blending her lifelong love of horses, her deep respect for service members, and her extensive background in natural horsemanship and media production.

Together, they discuss:

• How equine-assisted therapy builds trust, mindfulness, and emotional resilience in trauma-affected individuals.Fox News+10Newsday+10Guidestar+10Fox News+10Northforker+10The Suffolk Times+10warriorranchfoundation.orgFox News+1

• The dual mission—rehabilitating horses, granting them second chances, while providing veterans and first responders with purposeful healing environments.RiverheadLOCAL

• The creation and impact of Warrior: A Battle Against Trauma, a documentary exploring real stories of recovery and trust.RiverheadLOCAL

• The ranch’s expansion into suicide-prevention training for caregivers and first responders through ASIST courses.The Suffolk Times

• Here is a link for our Annual Benefit - https://bit.ly/WRFBenefit2025

• Our website

  www.warriorranchfoundation.org

• Below are some links to videos that will show folks what we are about

• https://vimeo.com/1057661748 - :30 promo for "Warrior - A Battle Against Trauma: Learning to Love and Trust Again"

• https://vimeo.com/1015943779 - Our Ranch - 3 minutes

• https://vimeo.com/869111626 - Inner Cowboy - 3 minutes

• https://vimeo.com/925922868 - Make 22 Zero Again - :30 seconds

Join us for an honest, moving conversation on the power of partnership, both equine and human, to rebuild confidence and resilience.

 

In this episode of The American Warrior Show, host Rich Brown welcomes retired FBI Special Agent Dr. T.C. Fuller— decorated Army veteran, elite firearms instructor, award-winning author, and former Quantico instructor. He’s the brains behind acclaimed books like Painting Over Rust: Stories From a 20 Year Odyssey in the FBI, No Safe Alternative: Improving How We Teach Cops to Kill, and his recently released memoir Empathy for the Devil: Interrogating Terrorists in Guantanamo Bay.

Together, Rich and Fuller tackle the complex world of carrying in non-permissive environments—such as private businesses that prohibit firearms even when the law allows carry.

From this rich body of experience, Fuller will guide listeners through:

• The fine line between legal rights and policy obligations

• Tactical considerations for navigating “gray zones” safely

• Maintaining readiness when faced with carry bans or unclear signage

• The mindset, responsibility, and proper response when laws and policies diverge

Whether you’re a legally armed citizen or a firearms professional, this episode delivers practical wisdom—not hypothetical discussion—from a seasoned agent’s real-world experiences.

 

T.C.'s Website: https://www.thehorusgroup.net/ T.C.'s recent article: https://americanwarriorsociety.com/may-you-live-in.../

Featured Show Sponsor:  Tip Top k9 Training (Frachise Opportunity)

In this episode of the American Warrior Show, my business partner Rich Brown sits down once again with Simon Golob—better known as SLG. A retired law enforcement officer with decades of experience, Simon brings his deep knowledge of firearms, training, and performance to the topic of handgun selection. Whether you’re a new gun owner or a seasoned shooter looking for your next carry pistol, this conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what really matters. From reliability and fit, to training considerations and mindset, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to choose the handgun that works for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• The most important factors when choosing a handgun for concealed carry, duty, or competition.

• How to balance reliability, ergonomics, and performance.

• Common mistakes shooters make when picking their first handgun.

• Why training needs to influence your handgun choice.

• Insights from decades of law enforcement and competitive shooting.

• Practical advice for armed citizens, law enforcement officers, and competitors alike.

Whether you’re brand new to firearms or rethinking your everyday carry, this episode will sharpen your decision-making process and help you select the right handgun with confidence.

 

On this episode of the American Warrior Show, we sit down with John Marques, the founder of Precision Holsters in California. Known for their innovative holster systems trusted by both competitors and concealed carriers, Precision Holsters has built a reputation on quality, performance, and relentless attention to detail.

John shares the story behind Precision Holsters, how his background and experience shaped the company, and the principles that guide his designs. We dig into the evolution of holsters in both the law enforcement and civilian carry worlds, what makes a holster truly effective, and how the right gear can build confidence and performance on the range and in daily carry.

Whether you’re a competitive shooter, law enforcement professional, or armed citizen looking for reliable gear, this conversation will give you an inside look at what it takes to design equipment that stands up to real-world demands.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Precision Holsters started and what sets them apart

• Key principles of holster design for comfort, speed, and concealment

• Lessons from competition shooting that apply to everyday carry

• The mindset John brings to building gear that protects lives

 

On this episode of the American Warrior Show, I sit down with Andrew Keith and Cody Hudson to talk about the Southeast Law Enforcement Handgun Classic — a match built by cops, for cops.

We discuss the origins of the event, why blending training with competition pushes law enforcement officers to a higher standard, and how the Classic has quickly grown into one of the most respected shooting events in the Southeast. Andrew and Cody share insights into stage design, performance under pressure, and the real-world skills competitors walk away with.

If you’re in law enforcement, a competitive shooter, or simply want to understand how matches like this sharpen marksmanship, tactics, and mindset, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why the Southeast LE Handgun Classic was created and what makes it unique

• How competition pushes officers to perform better in real-world situations

• The role of community, training culture, and sponsorship in growing the event

• Practical takeaways any shooter can apply to their own training

 

 

Episode 408: Cold Starts & Clean Hits — The Simon Golob (SLG) Approach to Pistol Mastery

On today’s American Warrior Show, I sit down with Simon Golob—better known as SLG— one of the most respected voices in the firearms training community. A former NYPD officer who went on to serve in federal law enforcement, Simon now carries forward the legacy of Pistol-Training.com, originally founded by the late Todd Green.

We dive into his On-Demand Performance philosophy, the challenge of the FAST Coin, and what it really takes to deliver precise, cold-start performance under pressure. Whether you’re a law enforcement professional, serious competitor, or dedicated armed citizen, this conversation will sharpen both your mindset and your training approach.

About Simon Golob (SLG):

• Retired law enforcement officer (NYPD and federal service)

• Served as patrol cop, investigator, firearms instructor, assaulter, and sniper

• Multiple GWOT deployments across Africa, the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Iraq

• Developed firearm and CQB programs for a federal tactical team

• Instructor to law enforcement, military SOF, and top private schools

• Innovator in AIWB holster design and performance-oriented concealed carry

• Accomplished competition shooter — 1st place at Steel Nationals, 3rd place at Bianchi Cup (two consecutive years)

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What “On-Demand Performance” really means in training and life

• Why the FAST Coin is one of the toughest standards in shooting

• Lessons Simon carried from law enforcement, federal service, and combat deployments

• How competitive shooting shaped his approach to concealed carry and performance

    American Warrior Show: https://americanwarriorshow.com/index.html

Rich Brown is a retired Marine Corps Officer, former Police Officer, and the Co-Host of America's leading Self-Defense podcast, the American Warrior Show. On today's American Warrior Show, we will be joined by Mike Chesne. Mike founded Tecton after a storied 25-year career in the United States Army Special Operations. At Tecton, as Chairman of the Board and Chief of Innovation, he maintains the corporate vision and mission while continuing to delve deeply into scientific exploration to create new and innovative ways to broaden the scope and breadth of Tecton’s product portfolio and intellectual property landscape.   At the outset of Tecton, he developed the biochemical makeup and design for the Tecton Ketone molecule. He then methodically worked on the methods, processes, and procedures necessary to formulate and manufacture the molecule from the benchtop to large-scale manufacturing. This process was designed to make it the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly process possible, beginning with organic byproducts and enzymes and finishing with no hazardous waste. Mike founded an emergency medical supply company shortly before retiring from the army. This company developed trauma and emergency medical kits for all branches of the United States Department of Defense, as well as many of our NATO allied countries, and some of these kits are still standard issue in several different military forces to this day. Mike exited this business (Caromeds) and went into global healthcare consulting, working with the Ministries of Health of Afghanistan, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, etc. During this period, he developed the curriculum for the first-ever nursing school in Afghanistan, realigned the entire healthcare system and medical doctor training program in Afghanistan, assisted in the logistics and manning of the Faruq Medical Center in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq, and helped the Algerian government design and develop their own version of the Food and Drug Administration.   His experience in the United States Army working with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) led him to develop a keen understanding of the scientific method and of cutting-edge science. In 2012, he read about an older DARPA project which involved the search for a nutritional supplement that would improve physical performance and cognition by thirty percent. This project started in 2004 and had been funded for nearly ten million dollars. It never met the full requirement, so it was ended. The end product of that research was an exogenous ketone developed by Oxford University and the National Institutes of Health. He ended his healthcare consulting, went to Oxford, and began working on ketones. He is a motivational speaker who speaks at veterans’ events and fundraisers around the country, as well as brain injury and brain health symposiums sponsored by the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration. He has received many awards and decorations while serving in the army and served in the most prestigious units in the army. He has served in combat throughout the globe and continues to serve veterans through his charity work.   Mike is passionate about helping others. He serves on the Board of Directors of multiple veteran non-profits and has served in many roles in these organizations, including Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Co-Founder, etc. He will continue to serve these deserving people for as long as he is physically able. He splits his time between Orlando, Florida, with his wife, oldest son, three grandsons, and daughter-in-law, and Alexandria, Louisiana, with his wife, youngest son, two... Coffee with Rich Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/rhodieusmc/videos

Episode #406: The SIG 320 Where There is Smoke…There’s Fire?   HREC Course: https://shooting-performance.coursestorm.com/.../af65de78...   Listen to the American Warrior Show: https://americanwarriorshow.com/index.html   Rich Brown is a retired Marine Corps Officer, former Police Officer, and the Co-Host of America's leading Self-Defense podcast, the American Warrior Show. On today's American Warrior Show, we will be joined by Phil Strader, Vice President, Consumer Affairs - Sig Sauer, Inc., and Mike Seeklander to discuss the Sig P320.   Phil Strader has been active in the Law Enforcement and Firearms Industry for over 25 years. His experience began in standard police work and progressed to include firearms instruction, competitive shooting, and ownership of one of the largest shooting ranges in Virginia at the time.   Since 2000, Phil has won over 70 major shooting competitions, including National Championships, World Speed Shooting Divisional wins, and numerous World Shoot US Team wins.   While maintaining a high level of competitive shooting, Phil has been a police officer, business owner, federal sales rep, government AND self-employed firearms instructor, President of USPSA, and product manager at Sig Sauer, where I've managed two of the most successful pistol platforms in recent history...the P320 and P365. Phil is currently Vice President, Consumer Affairs - Sig Sauer, Inc

 

On today's Coffee with Rich, we will be joined by T.C. Fuller. We will discuss what may be instore for 2025. JOIN US! T.C. Fuller is an experienced federal investigator and firearms trainer. He has spent his life carrying a firearm for the U.S. government. T.C. first served as an Army Infantry officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer, before leaving the Army to accept an appointment as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He spent the next 20 years working in all areas of investigative interest within the FBI, and served for several years as an instructor in the FBI’s Firearms Training Unit in Quantico, VA. T.C. holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology, as well as a Masters of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. As a published writer, T.C. has written an innovative book on the topic of improving law enforcement deadly force training, as well as having written for several print magazines on the areas of law enforcement procedures, explosives, firearms and edged weapons. Among T.C.’s personal achievements, he has been awarded the U.S. Army’s highest peace-time award for heroism, the Soldier’s Medal. Besides finding, capturing and convicting a fugitive on the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted list, T.C. has also been a successful competitive shooter for more than 20 years, earning a Master class certification from the International Defensive Pistol Association, winning numerous local, state and regional competitions along the way. He is now operating his own company, The Horus Group, LLC, which serves as a consultancy on firearms and training, as well as providing high-end, private firearms training for both armed professionals and citizens. T.C.'s Website: https://www.thehorusgroup.net/ T.C.'s recent article: https://americanwarriorsociety.com/may-you-live-in.../

 

Sign up to attend HREC Course: https://shooting-performance.coursestorm.com/.../warrior...     On today's Coffee with Rich, we will be joined by Justin Carroll. We will be discussing 10 Keys to Success in the Police Academy. Join Us! Justin is a former Reconnaissance, Force Reconnaissance and MARSOC Special Operator, with tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines. He was also former “OGA” contractor with many deployments to Central Asia. After his time in the Corps and with OGA, Justin was a contracted special operations instructor for the U.S. Military. Justin is a published author of six books, dozens of online and print magazines, and his amazing blog, Swift, Silent and Deadly. He has traveled the world with 28 countries and 44/50 U.S. states under his belt. He has been a podcaster, co-hosting the popular show Across the Peak, with yours truly, and is currently serving as a practicing Paramedic and Search & Rescue Team member.   Follow Justin: https://swiftsilentdeadly.com/ https://swiftsilentdeadly.com/keys-to-success-in-the.../ Coffee with Rich Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/rhodieusmc/videos American Warrior Show: https://americanwarriorshow.com/index.html SWAG: https://shop.americanwarriorsociety.com/ American Warrior Society please visit: https://americanwarriorsociety.com/