Bourbon and Ballistics

Jose Pila is an Army veteran, entrepreneur, and the founder of Warrior Dog Spirit Whiskey and the Warrior Dog Spirit Foundation.

In this episode, Jose joins Bourbon & Ballistics host Joel Potter for a conversation about military service, transitioning to civilian life,

entrepreneurship, service dogs, retired working K9s, and the mission that inspired Warrior Dog Spirit.

Jose shares the story of Ranger, the service dog that helped change the trajectory of his life, and how that experience ultimately led to a whiskey brand built around honoring canine heroes, supporting veterans, and preserving the spirit of service long after military careers come to an end.

The discussion also covers leadership, purpose, the modern whiskey industry, veteran advocacy, and the work being done through the Warrior Dog Spirit Foundation to support veterans and retired military and first responder dogs.

Featured Bottle:

Warrior Dog Spirit Whiskey – Sergeant Stubby

Topics Include:

• Army service

• Military transition

• Ranger's story

• Service dogs and veterans

• Retired military and law enforcement K9s

• Warrior Dog Spirit Foundation

• Veteran entrepreneurship

• Leadership and resilience

• Whiskey and storytelling

• Continuing to serve after the uniform

Learn more:

https://warriordogspirit.com

https://warriordogspirit.org

If this conversation resonates with you, consider sharing it with a veteran, first responder, dog lover, or someone who may need the reminder that purpose can often be found through service to others.

Former hedge fund manager. Whiskey storyteller. Author.

This week, Joel sits down with Randy Warren, host of the Whiskey Shenanigans podcast and author of Whiskey Rule-Breakers.

After years of managing investments and analyzing markets, Randy immersed himself in the world of American whiskey,

interviewing 29 distillers, founders, and industry innovators who challenged convention and helped reshape the modern

whiskey landscape.

Together, they discuss the lessons these rule-breakers learned, the risks they took, the mistakes they made, and the decisions

that ultimately paid off. Randy also shares his perspective on today's bourbon market, whether the industry's explosive growth

can continue, and what entrepreneurs can learn from some of whiskey's most successful founders.

The conversation also explores Randy's experience at the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, the trends and conversations

shaping the industry, and one of the most debated topics in modern whiskey: non-producing distillers (NDPs), transparency,

sourcing, and what they mean for the future of American whiskey.

Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast, business owner, investor, entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates a good

story, this episode offers a unique look at the people and ideas driving the whiskey industry forward.

Pour a glass and join the conversation.

On this episode of Bourbon & Ballistics, Joel sits down with Northern Nevada singer-songwriter Morgan Mackenzie for a

From her early beginnings in music to the realities of being an independent artist, Morgan shares the highs, lows,

Paired with a pour of Three Chord Blended Bourbon, a whiskey created by musician and producer Neil Giraldo, this

Pour a glass and join us for an honest conversation about creativity, resilience, and the courage to find your own voice.

Follow Morgan Mackenzie:

www.morganmackenziemusic.com

IG @morganmackenziemusic

Brian "Bazz" Long has spent a career operating where performance matters most.

A former 160th SOAR Night Stalker, Boeing Senior Program Manager, entrepreneur, and now Founder & CEO of Specter Aero, America's only veteran-owned consumer drone manufacturer, Bazz brings a rare perspective shaped by military aviation, aerospace leadership, and American manufacturing.

In this episode of Bourbon & Ballistics, we discuss:

The culture and lessons of the Night Stalkers

Leadership under pressure

Boeing and billion-dollar aerospace programs

Entrepreneurship and business growth

Building an American drone company

The future of manufacturing in the United States

Drone warfare and lessons from Ukraine

Artificial intelligence and autonomous systems

Public safety, surveillance, and privacy

Why reliability still matters in a world obsessed with innovation

Paired with a pour of 1792 Small Batch Bourbon, this conversation explores a common theme: proven performance.

From special operations to the factory floor, from entrepreneurship to emerging technology, Brian's story is a reminder that success isn't built on hype. It's built on discipline, preparation, and execution when the mission matters most.

Episode Theme:

"From the Night Stalkers to American drone manufacturing, Brian Long's story is about building systems, teams, and technology that perform when the mission matters most."

The Uniform Changes. The Mission Doesn't.

In this episode of the Bourbon & Ballistics Podcast, Joel sits down with Wes Francis from the historic Virginia City Cigar Bar in Virginia City, Nevada.

Wes spent twenty-two years serving in the United States Air Force before continuing his commitment to service through Nevada law enforcement, firearms instruction, and community leadership. Today, he helps educate responsible firearm owners through First Shot Nevada while serving as Director of the Virginia City Silent Riders, helping preserve the history and heritage of one of Nevada's most iconic communities.

For this episode's pour, we're enjoying Maker's Mark Cask Strength "Made For The Brave," a limited Memorial Day release honoring those who serve while supporting military-focused charitable organizations. Its connection to service and sacrifice makes it a fitting companion for a conversation centered around purpose, responsibility, and legacy.

In this episode, Wes and Joel discuss:

• Lessons learned from 22 years in the Air Force

• Leadership and responsibility from a career in law enforcement

• Firearms training and responsible ownership

• The history and mission of the Virginia City Silent Riders

• Preserving traditions and passing stories to future generations

• Finding purpose after the uniform comes off

This isn't just a conversation about bourbon, firearms, or history.

It's a conversation about service.

Pour a glass, sit back, and join us for another episode of Bourbon & Ballistics.

In this episode of the Bourbon & Ballistics Podcast, Joel sits down with Phil Licciardi, founder of Liberty Mountain Fabrication,

for a conversation about craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and the value of mastering a trade.

Phil shares his journey from fabricator to business owner, the lessons he's learned along the way, and why skilled trades

remain one of the greatest opportunities available to those willing to put in the work. The discussion also explores suspension

tuning, off-road culture, customer relationships, mentorship, and the future of American craftsmanship.

The featured pour for this episode is Garage Oil American Badass Whiskey, a bottle that celebrates the builders, mechanics,

gearheads, and blue-collar Americans who embody the spirit of hard work and self-reliance.

Pour yourself a glass and join us for a conversation about building things that matter, earning your reputation, and preserving the skills that keep America moving.

In this episode of Bourbon and Ballistics, Joel sits down with Casey Barber—Army veteran, former firefighter, certified custom gunsmith, mechanic, family man, and community advocate.

From serving with the 82nd Airborne to helping build local veteran support initiatives through Vets & Friends, Casey's story is one rooted in service, resilience, and giving back. The conversation explores military life, transitioning to civilian service, supporting veterans and first responders, and finding purpose through community involvement.

The episode also highlights On Your Six Bourbon, where Casey serves as a Regional Brand Ambassador. More than just a bourbon brand, On Your Six is committed to honoring America's heroes through storytelling, innovative technology, and charitable giving that supports veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, teachers, and nurses nationwide.

Pour a glass and join us for a conversation about service, community, purpose, and the people who continue to make a difference long after their time in uniform.

Featured Pour: On Your Six Straight Kentucky High-Rye Bourbon

Guest: Casey Barber

Bourbon and Ballistics explores whiskey, firearms, leadership, entrepreneurship, veterans' issues, and the stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things.

Most people see a finished business and assume success happened quickly.

What they don't see are the years of planning, setbacks, sacrifices, uncertainty, and persistence that happen behind the scenes.

In this episode of the Bourbon & Ballistics Podcast, I sit down with Steve Johnston and Finn West, the team behind Nevada Shooting Sports. What began as two men pursuing similar visions eventually became a partnership focused on building one of the most ambitious shooting sports destinations in Northern Nevada.

Steve's background in hospitality and the firearms industry combines with Finn's experience as a retired Marine Corps EOD Technician and combat veteran to create a unique perspective on leadership, operations, customer experience, risk management, and entrepreneurship.

Over a pour of Barrell Foundation Double Barrel Bourbon, we discuss how they met, the lessons they've learned building a large-scale project, the mentors who helped them along the way, the sacrifices required to pursue a long-term vision, and why success often takes far longer than most people expect.

This conversation isn't just about firearms or shooting sports. It's about building something meaningful, adapting when plans change, and continuing to move forward even when the finish line feels years away.

If you've ever wanted to start a business, pursue a dream, or tackle a challenge bigger than yourself, this episode is for you.

What started as a small apparel idea eventually became something much bigger.

In this episode of Bourbon and Ballistics, we sit down with Kevin Stang, founder of Team Whiskey, to talk about the evolution of Team Whiskey — from clothing, to archery shoots, to bourbon, and the community that grew around it along the way.

We discuss the origins of the brand, the mindset behind building community through outdoor experiences, and the growth of events like the Team Whiskey Bonanza. Kevin also shares the story behind the Heavenly and Bear Valley archery shoots, what makes those events unique, and why more people are gravitating toward authentic outdoor communities.

During the episode, we pour and discuss The Sportsmen’s Whiskey and get into the realities of entering the whiskey industry, building a lifestyle brand, and staying true to the original mission as things grow.

This conversation is about more than bourbon. It’s about resilience, identity, brotherhood, and building something that gives people a reason to show up and be part of something bigger than themselves.

Subscribe and follow Bourbon and Ballistics for more conversations with veterans, entrepreneurs, outdoorsmen, creators, and people building meaningful things through grit, discipline, and community.

When the call comes in, there’s no hesitation... only action.

In this episode of the Bourbon & Ballistics Podcast, we sit down with a Battalion Chief from the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District for a conversation that goes far beyond the fireground.

This is a look inside the reality of leadership in the fire service—the responsibility of command, the pressure of making decisions when lives are on the line, and the moments that stay with you long after the call is over.

But behind the badge is a man balancing more than just the job. We talk about fatherhood, the transition from chaos to home life, and what it takes to be present for your family after carrying the weight of the day.

We also get into Jiu Jitsu and the role it plays in building discipline, humility, and control under pressure—lessons that translate directly from the mat to the fire scene.

Over a glass of Responder Bourbon, we take a moment to recognize something bigger than the drink itself—a mission rooted in honoring those who serve, supporting the first responder community, and bringing people together through shared experience and respect.

This episode is about more than fire, more than bourbon, and more than titles.

It’s about responsibility, identity, and showing up... no matter the cost.

🥃 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

* The real role of a Battalion Chief on scene

* Leadership under pressure and decision-making in chaos

* The unseen mental and emotional weight of the job

* Fatherhood and finding balance after the shift ends

* How Jiu Jitsu sharpens discipline and composure

* The meaning behind Responder Bourbon and supporting those who serve

If you respect first responders, leadership, and real conversations... this one’s for you.