Behind the Holster

Every concealed carrier eventually faces the same question: where does the gun go when you have to use the bathroom? In this episode of Behind the Holster, host Jody Picou, a Concealed Coalition master trainer with more than 13 years of experience, is joined by Austin Davis, Concealed Coalition's National Director of Training, to talk through one of the most routine and least planned parts of carrying a firearm every day.

Austin treats bathroom breaks as a system rather than a list of tips, built around people, place and process. That means asking whether your carry method makes the process easier or harder, knowing which restrooms along your usual routes at work, church and home feel safer and less exposed, and recognizing the difference between a hotel restroom and an outdoor gas station restroom that needs a key.

The conversation turns to real consequences. Austin describes a case in Texas where a school resource officer's gun went missing from a restroom and the school was shut down the next day to search for it, along with three incidents in his own police department where officers left full gun belts in the bathroom. His comparison: owning a firearm is like keeping a rattlesnake as a pet. It needs your attention at all times.

Jody explains why he follows one way every time, including a rule that any gun taken off at home goes straight into a safe, and why small exceptions become habits everywhere else. They also discuss why the top of a toilet paper dispenser is one of the worst places to set a firearm, why the gun and holster should come off as one unit, and how clothing choices and printing affect concealment.

The takeaway is Austin's core principle after more than 30 years of teaching: if it's predictable, it's preventable. Carrying a firearm is a lifestyle, and planning for ordinary moments like this one is part of carrying responsibly.

Behind the Holster is educational, approachable, and judgment-free — focused on protection, not politics. Whether you're brand new to firearms or have years of experience carrying, this podcast is here to help you better understand gun safety, personal protection, and the responsibilities that come with owning and carrying a firearm.

For more information, as well as in-person and online training options and additional firearm safety resources, visit the Concealed Coalition website:

https://www.concealedcoalition.com/?c=23186&s1=behind-the-holster-concealed-carry-bathroom-breaks

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcealedCoalition
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcealedCoalition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/concealedcoalition
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concealedcoalition
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@concealedcoalition
X: https://x.com/TheCCCoalition
Medium: https://medium.com/@concealedcoalition
Substack: https://concealedcoalition.substack.com/
Trustpilot: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.concealedcoalition.com

Support the show

Host Jody Picou is joined by Austin Davis, Concealed Coalition's National Director of Training, for a conversation on one of the most frequently asked questions in concealed carry classes: what happens when alcohol and firearms intersect. Davis has been a commissioned police officer since 1995, holds more than 45 instructor certifications, and has spent over 30 years teaching crime prevention to law enforcement, corporations and private citizens.

State law on carrying with alcohol in your system is not uniform, and the variation is wider than most permit holders expect. Louisiana allows carrying at a blood alcohol concentration up to 0.05. Every other state Davis has taught in requires zero alcohol to carry outside the home. Texas requires any establishment drawing more than 51 percent of its revenue from alcohol sales to post signage, but other states apply comparable thresholds without a signage requirement, leaving the burden of knowing on the person carrying.

Davis describes what a responding officer actually does at the scene of a defensive gun use. Officers separate a scene into victim, suspect, witnesses and bystanders, then begin gathering facts. Glassy eyes and the smell of an alcoholic beverage go into the report. Credit card records and bar video footage are routinely pulled, so understating how much you drank creates a credibility problem long before anyone reaches the legal analysis.

The discussion returns to the three capabilities Davis argues decide a defensive encounter: skilled decision making, solid procedural skills and emotional control. Alcohol suppresses prefrontal cortex function, which governs judgment and impulse control, and produces a self-deception that leaves a person less able to recognize their own impairment. They also cover the three fights that follow any use of force: the criminal case, the civil case and the social consequences. A criminal acquittal resolves only the first, and in civil court the standard is preponderance of the evidence rather than beyond a reasonable doubt.

Neither host argues against drinking. Both argue for deciding in advance where the firearm goes, who you are drinking around and how you get home. That includes vehicle storage, since a glove box is not a safe, and a thirty dollar cable safe anchored to the frame defeats the snatch and grab break-in behind most vehicle gun thefts. This episode is sponsored by Kangaroo Carry. Responsible carry begins with the planning done before a situation arrives, not the decisions made inside it.

Behind the Holster is educational, approachable, and judgment-free — focused on protection, not politics. Whether you're brand new to firearms or have years of experience carrying, this podcast is here to help you better understand gun safety, personal protection, and the responsibilities that come with owning and carrying a firearm.

For more information, as well as in-person and online training options and additional firearm safety resources, visit the Concealed Coalition website:

https://www.concealedcoalition.com/?c=23186&s1=behind-the-holster-alcohol-and-firearms

Check out Kangaroo Carry at https://www.kangaroocarry.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcealedCoalition
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcealedCoalition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/concealedcoalition
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concealedcoalition
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@concealedcoalition
X: https://x.com/TheCCCoalition
Medium: https://medium.com/@concealedcoalition
Substack: https://concealedcoalition.substack.com/
Trustpilot: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.concealedcoalition.com

Support the show

Behind the Holster returns with Jody Picou and Matt Wheeler tackling the open carry vs. concealed carry debate. Concealed Coalition trains on concealed carry, and both hosts come into the conversation skeptical of open carry as a civilian choice. They also open the episode with a real invitation. If you carry open and have an argument they haven't heard, you can come on the show as a guest to make the case directly with them.

Matt builds the case for concealed carry across several angles. A visible firearm in a violent encounter does not deter a determined attacker, it identifies the carrier as the first threat. In the Walmart scenario he walks through, a shooter intent on maximum harm sees an open-carried firearm and targets that person first. Concealed carry preserves the element of surprise and lets the carrier choose the response rather than scramble in the moment.

Both hosts push back on the idea that situational awareness can be sustained at 100%. Constant vigilance spikes cortisol and is not physiologically realistic over a lifetime. Concealed Coalition teaches baseline awareness instead, knowing what your environment normally looks like and reacting when something falls outside that baseline. Jody shares a story from Walmart where a friend pranking him with his hand in a gun shape showed exactly how the gap between expectation and surprise plays out in real life.

The episode also covers holster retention. Many civilian open carry holsters lack retention features, and there are countless documented cases of people walking up behind an open carrier, pulling the firearm, and leaving. Concealed carry, done correctly without printing, eliminates this risk and aligns with what Concealed Coalition calls the "guardian always" mindset, where the carrier blends in with everyone else until action is needed.

Matt then walks through the civilian use of force ladder, from open hand control to deadly force, and explains why law enforcement starts that ladder at officer presence. The principle applies to civilians too. By open carrying, a civilian is already executing a level of force in any public space, which can invite civilian complaints, police calls, and protocol-driven interactions that would not otherwise happen.

Behind the Holster is educational, approachable, and judgment-free, focused on protection, not politics. Whether you're brand new to firearms or have years of experience carrying, this podcast is here to help you better understand gun safety, personal protection, and the responsibilities that come with owning and carrying a firearm.

For more information, as well as in-person and online training options and additional firearm safety resources, visit the Concealed Coalition website:
 https://www.concealedcoalition.com/?c=23186&s1=opencarryvsconcealedcarry

Connect with us on social media!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcealedCoalition
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcealedCoalition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/concealedcoalition
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concealedcoalition
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@concealedcoalition
X: https://x.com/TheCCCoalition
Medium: https://medium.com/@concealedcoalition
Substack: https://concealedcoalition.substack.com/
Trustpilot: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.concealedcoalition.com

00:00 Introduction: Open Carry vs Concealed Carry
02:28 Open to Being Proven Wrong
05:05 Ego, Mindset, and What the Attacker Chooses
06:36 The Walmart Scenario
08:05 The Limits of Situational Awareness
10:48 Holster Retention and Open Carry Risk
13:37 The Civilian Use of Force Ladder
14:48 Public Perception and Police Calls
15:41 Closing and Membership

Support the show

In this episode of Behind the Holster, Jody Picou and Matt Wheeler take on one of the most consequential questions in concealed carry: is the legal justice system designed for the good guy? Matt, a former law enforcement officer with years of experience training concealed carriers, gives a direct answer: no. And the reasoning behind that answer is something every person who carries a firearm should understand long before they ever need to use it.

Matt opens with Blackstone's formulation, the foundational principle of American criminal law, that it is better for ten guilty people to go free than for one innocent person to suffer wrongly. This principle works well for most criminal defendants. But in a self-defense situation, it inverts. The moment you act in self-defense, you are committing a crime: homicide, assault, or attempted homicide, depending on the circumstances. The two elements the state needs to prosecute are both satisfied the moment you defend yourself and don't deny it. As Matt puts it, you hand them their burden of proof on a silver platter.

The episode covers jury selection, which Jody and Matt argue is one of the most underappreciated risks in any self-defense trial. Matt regularly polls his concealed carry students: who thinks it's better to shoot someone in the leg rather than center mass? At least a quarter to half raise their hand, and those are people who believe in self-defense strongly enough to take a class. The broader jury pool is a different calculation entirely, and includes people who don't think the defendant should have had a firearm in the first place. State law adds further complexity: the difference between duty to retreat and stand your ground can determine how much you need to prove and what a jury is instructed to consider.

On the civil side, Jody notes that over 40 million civil lawsuits are filed in the United States every year, and argues that virtually every self-defense incident carries civil liability regardless of the criminal outcome. Matt adds a critical distinction: a civil lawsuit is not primarily designed to win, it's designed to force a settlement. A not-guilty verdict on criminal charges does not prevent a civil judgment from being pursued, and a number of states have specifically had to pass laws to limit civil judgments against defendants found not guilty in self-defense cases.

The episode closes with a practical recommendation: legal protection in place before you ever need it. Concealed Coalition offers legal protection through a partnership with Firearms Legal Protection, covering in-state, multi-state, and family situations.

Behind the Holster is educational, approachable, and judgment-free – focused on protection, not politics. Whether you're brand new to firearms or have years of experience carrying, this podcast is here to help you better understand gun safety, personal protection, and the responsibilities that come with owning and carrying a firearm.

For more information, as well as in-person and online training options and additional firearm safety resources, visit the Concealed Coalition website:
 https://www.concealedcoalition.com/?c=23186&s1=legaljusticesystemgoodguy

Connect with us on social media!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcealedCoalition
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcealedCoalition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/concealedcoalition
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concealedcoalition
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@concealedcoalition
X: https://x.com/TheCCCoalition
Medium: https://medium.com/@concealedcoalition
Substack: https://concealedcoalition.substack.com/
Trustpilot: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.concealedcoalition.com

00:00 Introduction & YouTube Membership
02:03 Is the Legal System Built for the Good Guy?
04:23 Burden of Proof in Self-Defense Cases
06:54 Handing the State Their Case on a Silver Platter
08:08 Jury Selection Realities
09:54 The "Shoot in the Leg" Misconception
12:06 Real-World Cases: When the System Fails the Good Guy
13:39 Civil Lawsuits After Self-Defense
15:40 Why Legal Protection Is Essential
16:30 Closing Thoughts

Support the show

In this episode of Behind the Holster, Jody Picou and Yates Crawford, both Concealed Coalition trainers, tackle a common concealed carry question: should you carry with a round in the chamber? The hosts offer differing views, making for an engaging and candid discussion.

The conversation begins with historical context. Israeli carry, no round in the chamber or Condition Three, was adopted by the Israeli Defense Forces in the 20th century as a safety measure, given the range of handgun models in use. Yates points out that many handguns then weren't drop-safe by today's standards, adding a physical safety concern. While modern firearms don't share that issue, the practice persists in civilian carry culture.

Yates advocates for chambered carry, citing real-world CCTV footage showing that defenders have little time or space when threats arise. He emphasizes that, under stress, actions like racking the slide are much less reliable without serious practice.

Jody takes a more cautious stance for new shooters. Many concealed carry classes don't teach holster draws or defensive scenarios, so insisting on chambered carry before foundational training may add risk. He shares how, early in his marriage, he carried unchambered as a compromise with his wife but trained specifically to make the draw-and-rack instinctive. He doesn't recommend this long-term but emphasizes deliberate training for those who choose unchambered carry.

Both trainers agree: carry decisions are risk tradeoffs. Chambered carry around kids presents risks, while unchambered carry leaves a defender vulnerable when a threat arises. Jody also mentions a surprising Louisiana law, requiring homeowner permission for concealed carry on private property. Even he often declines, acknowledging the unpredictable variables.

Ultimately, the hosts agree: whether to carry chambered is less about right or wrong and more about comfort level. The key is a solid training plan.

Behind the Holster is educational, approachable, and judgment-free – focused on protection, not politics. Whether you're new to firearms or experienced, this podcast helps you understand gun safety, personal protection, and the responsibilities of firearm ownership.

This episode is sponsored by Kangaroo Carry Holsters, makers of U.S.-made shoulder holsters:
https://kangaroocarry.com

For more information, as well as in-person and online training options and additional firearm safety resources, visit the Concealed Coalition website:
 https://www.concealedcoalition.com/?c=23186&s1=oneinthechamber

Connect with us on social media!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcealedCoalition
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcealedCoalition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/concealedcoalition
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concealedcoalition
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@concealedcoalition
X: https://x.com/TheCCCoalition
Medium: https://medium.com/@concealedcoalition
Substack: https://concealedcoalition.substack.com/
Trustpilot: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.concealedcoalition.com

00:00 Introduction & Sponsor — Kangaroo Carry Holsters
01:09 Setting the Stage: Two Trainers, One Debate
02:04 The History of Israeli Carry (Condition Three)
02:58 New Shooters and the Question Every Trainer Gets
05:22 Yates's Answer: Why Chambered Carry Is the Standard
07:00 What CCTV Footage Shows About Real-Life Encounters
09:32 Jody's Take: Train for Whatever You Choose
12:11 It's Not a Question — It's a Statement About Comfort
14:26 Kids, Family Risk, and the Chamber Decision
17:14 The Compromise: Your Carry, Your Risk, Your Call
18:45 Closing: Never Stop Learning, Never Stop Training

Support the show

In this episode of Behind the Holster, Jody Picou is joined by New York-based concealed carry instructor KC Brown, along with fellow trainers Matt Wheeler and Yates Crawford, to challenge one of the most common assumptions in the firearm community: that New York is impossible to navigate as a gun owner.

KC Brown has trained hundreds of students across New York State, and he brings a grounded, experience-backed perspective on what the permit process actually looks like, what the legal risks are, and what responsible concealed carry requires in a state with some of the strictest firearm laws in the country. The conversation covers the legal landscape in depth, including why self-defense liability insurance is illegal under New York State law, why a self-defense shooting can cost upward of $1.5 million in legal fees, and why KC tells every student to have a defense attorney's number saved in their phone before they ever need it.

The episode also gets into something KC is particularly passionate about: voting. He shares a striking statistic, that over three million registered gun owners in New York chose not to vote in the last governor's election. The panel discusses why political engagement is just as much a part of responsible gun ownership as training, storage, and situational awareness.

Speaking of training, KC makes the case that knowing how to draw and fire is only a small portion of what it means to truly protect yourself and your family. A 360-degree approach includes de-escalation, conflict management, child access prevention, and knowing when not to use a firearm at all. The 18-hour New York State requirement is a starting point, not a finish line.

New York is also, by KC's account, the only state where it is illegal to handle a handgun without a pistol permit. Students can only touch a firearm during the 18-hour class itself, and the permit process can take a year or more from application to approval. KC refers students to New Jersey, where handgun rentals are legal without a permit, so they can practice in the meantime. The group also discusses dry fire tools as a way to build fundamentals while waiting.

The panel closes on the unique challenges of teaching first-time gun owners in a state where many students have never touched a firearm before arriving in the classroom, and what instructors can do to build trust, change perceptions, and set students up for long-term success.

Behind the Holster is educational, approachable, and judgment-free – focused on protection, not politics. Whether you're brand new to firearms or have years of experience carrying, this podcast is here to help you better understand gun safety, personal protection, and the responsibilities that come with owning and carrying a firearm.

For more information, as well as in-person and online training options and additional firearm safety resources, visit the Concealed Coalition website:
 https://www.concealedcoalition.com/?c=23186&s1=newyorkconcealedcarry

Connect with us on social media!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcealedCoalition
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcealedCoalition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/concealedcoalition
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concealedcoalition
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@concealedcoalition
X: https://x.com/TheCCCoalition
Medium: https://medium.com/@concealedcoalition
Substack: https://concealedcoalition.substack.com/
Trustpilot: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.concealedcoalition.com

00:00 Introduction and Meet KC Brown
02:00 Building Connection and Trust in the Classroom
04:44 Why Fear-Based Training Fails Students
07:57 Child Access Prevention and Why KC Teaches Voting
11:00 The 360-Degree Approach to Protection
12:03 Self-Defense Insurance Is Illegal in New York
14:39 Process-Focused vs Outcome-Focused Training
17:52 Training Gaps, Even in Law Enforcement
19:11 Hot Coffee, Fire Extinguishers, and Everyday Tools
21:04 Mindset and Situational Awareness in New York
23:08 The Funniest Moments in Class
26:30 New York Signage Law After Bruen
28:05 Non-Resident Permits and the New York City Process
32:20 Processing Times, Paper vs Digital Applications
37:20 Building the Ideal Concealed Carry Curriculum
40:13 Why New Yorkers Can't Train Before Getting a Permit
46:51 Closing Thoughts on New York

Support the show

In this episode of Behind the Holster, Jody Picou, Matt Wheeler, and Yates Crawford break down one of the most misunderstood topics in firearm ownership: reciprocity. They explain what reciprocity means, how concealed carry permits are recognized across state lines, and why gun owners must stay informed about changing laws when traveling.

The discussion also explores the differences between constitutional carry and permitless carry, and why obtaining a permit – even in states where it's not required – can offer significant advantages. They'll also highlight the value of non-resident permits, how training plays a critical role in responsible gun ownership, and why continued education helps firearm owners stay both legally compliant and properly prepared.

Beyond permits and legal requirements, the episode examines the broader challenges gun owners face, including public perception, misleading headlines, and the importance of verifying firearm laws through official sources. The hosts emphasize that responsible concealed carry isn't just about owning a firearm – it's a lifestyle that requires awareness, education, and accountability.

Whether you're new to concealed carry or looking to better understand reciprocity and firearm laws, this episode provides practical insights to help you carry responsibly and confidently.

Behind the Holster is educational, approachable, and judgment-free – focused on protection, not politics. Whether you're brand new to firearms or have years of experience carrying, this podcast is here to help you better understand gun safety, personal protection, and the responsibilities that come with owning and carrying a firearm.

Always verify reciprocity and firearm laws before traveling. Check the Concealed Coalition reciprocity maps at https://my.concealedcoalition.com/reciprocity-maps/ or your state's official .gov website.

For more information, as well as in-person and online training options and additional firearm safety resources, visit the Concealed Coalition website:
 https://www.concealedcoalition.com/?c=23186&s1=reciprocityandpermits

Connect with us on social media!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcealedCoalition
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcealedCoalition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/concealedcoalition
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concealedcoalition
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@concealedcoalition
X: https://x.com/TheCCCoalition
Medium: https://medium.com/@concealedcoalition
Substack: https://concealedcoalition.substack.com/
Trustpilot: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.concealedcoalition.com

00:00 Introduction and What Reciprocity Means
02:36 Matt Explains Reciprocity in Plain Terms
04:23 Permitless Carry and the Two Ends of the Spectrum
05:53 Constitutional Carry vs Permitless Carry
07:57 Why a Permit Helps During a Traffic Stop
10:09 Nevada, Curriculum Standards, and Online Training
13:37 The Case for Non-Resident Permits
18:35 Is Reciprocity About Training or Money?
20:24 Why 50-State Reciprocity Is Coming
22:14 The Driver's License Analogy
23:58 Firearm Deaths vs Vehicle Deaths
30:08 Non-Resident Options State by State
32:46 Reciprocity Maps and Why They Change Without Notice
36:24 Matt's Final Word: Verify on a .gov Site
37:38 Concealed Carry as a Lifestyle Change
39:25 The Headline That Misleads Gun Owners
41:51 Closing and Sponsor

Support the show

In this episode of Behind the Holster, Jody Picou, Matt Wheeler, and Yates Crawford tackle a complex and timely legal issue: a Supreme Court case examining whether habitual drug users should be allowed to possess firearms under federal law.

The conversation centers on 18 USC 922(g)(3) and the core problem surrounding it – "habitual user" has never been clearly defined. Our team explores how that ambiguity affects lawful gun owners, especially those prescribed pain medications or other controlled substances, and why proving intoxication or impairment from drugs is far more complicated than it is with alcohol.

Drawing on law enforcement experience, firearm training backgrounds, and personal stories, the discussion expands into broader concerns about medical privacy, enforcement challenges, and constitutional rights. Should lawful prescription use be treated the same as illicit drug use? How does impairment get measured fairly? And where should the balance lie between individual rights and public safety?

This episode doesn't aim to give simple answers – it aims to ask the right questions. If you care about responsible firearm ownership, concealed carry law, and the real-world gray areas that affect everyday Americans, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Behind the Holster is educational, approachable, and judgment-free – focused on protection, not politics. Whether you're brand new to firearms or have years of experience carrying, this podcast is here to help you better understand gun safety, personal protection, and the responsibilities that come with owning and carrying a firearm.

This episode is sponsored by Kangaroo Carry Holsters, makers of U.S.-made shoulder holsters, in business since 1996:
https://kangaroocarry.com

For more information, as well as in-person and online training options and additional firearm safety resources, visit the Concealed Coalition website:
 https://www.concealedcoalition.com/?c=23186&s1=firearmpossession

Connect with us on social media!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcealedCoalition
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcealedCoalition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/concealedcoalition
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concealedcoalition
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@concealedcoalition
X: https://x.com/TheCCCoalition
Medium: https://medium.com/@concealedcoalition
Substack: https://concealedcoalition.substack.com/
Trustpilot: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.concealedcoalition.com

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor
01:37 What 18 USC 922(g)(3) Actually Says
03:35 The Problem With Defining "Habitual User"
05:16 Why Impairment Is Hard to Prove
07:00 Prescription Medication and the Legal Gray Area
08:37 Enforcement, Alcohol, and the Double Standard
11:29 Jody's Story: Four Years on Prescribed Narcotics
15:27 Lawful vs Unlawful Habitual Users
18:01 Matt's Case: A Privacy Attack, Not a Gun Law
20:47 Medical Release Forms and Red Flag Laws
25:24 The Question on Every Permit Application
30:10 Minority Report and Preventive Criminalization
32:27 Prescription Culture and the Second Amendment
35:12 Yates's Position: Impairment at the Time of the Event
37:47 Wheeler's Position: Amend the Statute
40:19 Drug Recognition Training and Law Enforcement Funding
45:38 Closing Thoughts and Sponsor

Support the show

Welcome back to Behind the Holster, the official Concealed Coalition podcast. This week, we're discussing a controversial topic – should teachers be allowed to carry firearms in schools?

In this episode, Jody Picou and Matt Wheeler dive into North Carolina's House Bill 193, which allows teachers in private schools to carry concealed firearms. Using their real-world training experience and perspective as parents to young children, they break down what the bill does and the important questions it raises about school safety and preparedness.

The conversation centers on one key issue: training. Jody and Matt discuss why minimal annual training requirements may fall short for teachers carrying firearms in a classroom environment, and why active shooter response, decision-making, and mindset are just as critical as firearm proficiency.

They also explore broader school security considerations, including the role of technology, access control, and prevention strategies that focus on stopping threats before they enter school buildings. Alternative approaches, such as the potential use of tasers, are discussed as part of a larger conversation about layered, realistic security measures.

This episode isn't about fear or politics. It's about responsibility. If firearm safety, student protection, and practical training standards matter to you, this is an important conversation to hear.

Behind the Holster is educational, approachable, and judgment-free – focused on protection, not politics. Whether you're brand new to firearms or have years of experience carrying, this podcast is here to help you better understand gun safety, personal protection, and the responsibilities that come with owning and carrying a firearm.

This episode is sponsored by Kangaroo Carry Holsters, makers of U.S.-made shoulder holsters. Use code PODCAST for 20% off:
https://kangaroocarry.com

For more information, as well as in-person and online training options and additional firearm safety resources, visit the Concealed Coalition website:
 https://www.concealedcoalition.com/?c=23186&s1=teachersandfirearms

Connect with us on social media!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcealedCoalition
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcealedCoalition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/concealedcoalition
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concealedcoalition
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@concealedcoalition
X: https://x.com/TheCCCoalition
Medium: https://medium.com/@concealedcoalition
Substack: https://concealedcoalition.substack.com/
Trustpilot: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.concealedcoalition.com

00:00 Introduction and the House Bill 193 Poll
02:12 What the Bill Requires and Where It Came From
04:26 Why Eight Hours a Year Isn't Enough
05:37 A Classroom Is Not a Walmart Parking Lot
07:45 Concealed Carry Is a Lifestyle Change
09:05 Small Schools, Budgets, and Infrastructure
11:24 Hardening the Outside Before the Classroom
14:03 What Proper Training Actually Looks Like
16:37 Storage Risk, Safes, and Lockdown Systems
19:35 Gun-Free Zones and the Softest Target
22:14 Final Stance: Training Before Carrying
24:51 Tasers, the Bill's Fine Print, and Closing

Support the show

Welcome to the very first episode of Behind the Holster, a podcast dedicated to practical firearm training, concealed carry, and responsible gun ownership – without the politics.

In this inaugural episode, host Jody Picou, a 13-year veteran in the firearm training industry, is joined by Concealed Coalition leaders Matt Wheeler and Yates Crawford to explain the purpose of the podcast and who it's designed for. Together they draw from years of real-world safety training and experience educating tens of thousands of students to discuss how firearm ownership, gun safety, and personal protection should be approached in a practical, responsible, and approachable way.

You'll hear conversations around:

• Everyday concealed carry questions and where new gun owners should start
• The role of situational awareness and mindset in effective self-defense
• Why fear-based narratives can hurt responsible firearm ownership
• What truly matters when it comes to safety and preparedness

New episodes will continue to dive deeper into training topics, legal basics, listener questions, and real-world stories from instructors nationwide.

Behind the Holster is educational, approachable, and judgment-free – focused on protection, not politics. Whether you're brand new to firearms or have years of experience carrying, this podcast is here to help you better understand gun safety, personal protection, and the responsibilities that come with owning and carrying a firearm.

This episode is sponsored by Kangaroo Carry Holsters, makers of U.S.-made shoulder and belly band holsters, in business since 1996:
https://kangaroocarry.com

For more information, as well as in-person and online training options and additional firearm safety resources, visit the Concealed Coalition website:
 https://www.concealedcoalition.com/?c=23186&s1=behindtheholsterintro

Connect with us on social media!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConcealedCoalition
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConcealedCoalition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/concealedcoalition
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concealedcoalition
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@concealedcoalition
X: https://x.com/TheCCCoalition
Medium: https://medium.com/@concealedcoalition
Substack: https://concealedcoalition.substack.com/
Trustpilot: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.concealedcoalition.com

00:00 Welcome and Sponsor
00:28 Meet Matt Wheeler
01:44 Why This Podcast Exists
03:46 Mindset Without Fear
04:44 Meet Yates Crawford
06:28 Demystifying Firearm Ownership
08:56 Changing the Face of Firearms Training
11:00 Meet Jody Picou and the Company's Origin
13:07 What This Podcast Will Not Be
14:44 Misinformation and the Truck Gun Myth
17:26 What You Can Expect From the Show
20:47 Classes, Online Training, and the Store
23:14 A Holster Worn Upside Down
24:36 Sponsor and Closing

Support the show