🔥 Ready to be inspired by a story of transformation, faith, and purpose? In this episode, Ox shares his journey from struggle to strength, offering powerful lessons for us all. 💪🙏

🎙️ What you'll learn:

* 💡 How vulnerability can set you free.

* 🧊 Why cold showers aren't just about the water—they're about mastering your mindset.

* 🔄 The truth about living with purpose and embracing accountability.

* 🛡️ How to protect your peace and lead your family with intention.

* 🌟 Why your behavior is the key to proving your worth to yourself.

✨ Don’t miss this powerful conversation packed with wisdom and heart.

Notable Quotes

* “Darkness thrives in secrecy; shine light on it, and it disappears.”

* Ox reflects on the power of vulnerability and the freedom that comes with being honest about your struggles.

* “If I can control what goes in my mouth, I can control what comes out of it.”

* Ox explains how physical discipline, like managing diet, translates into emotional and mental discipline.

* “Your behavior becomes your proof—to yourself.”

* A profound insight on how consistent actions build self-trust and silence the inner critic.

* “If I can sit in cold water and control my breathing, I can handle life’s challenges with the same composure.”

* Ox discusses how cold showers became a metaphor for mastering emotional reactions.

* “In life’s most challenging moments, you’re never truly alone.”

* Ox draws inspiration from scripture, highlighting the angel that strengthened Christ in Gethsemane as a model for supporting others in their struggles.

Resources:

www.arkfinanical.com

Cory Hatch on FB

Ark Financial on FB

www.defenders-live.com

#PersonalTransformation, #FaithDrivenLeadership, #MindsetMatters, #OvercomingChallenges, #PurposeAndAccountability, #defenderslive

In this heartfelt solo segment, Lora shares a deeply personal and spiritual experience to close out 2024 and prepare for the new year. Tackling feelings of overwhelm, failure, and the weight of responsibility, this vulnerable reflection explores the importance of leaning on faith, surrendering burdens, and seeking strength rather than escape. The message is one of hope, resilience, and a reminder that even the heaviest loads can be carried with the right support.

Happy New Year you beautiful people!

Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it.

#FaithOverFear, #StrengthInStruggles, #OvercomingOverwhelm, #SpiritualGrowth, #NewYearEncouragement

“The day you realize you may have to act to save your life will fundamentally change how you think about preparedness.” – Randy Watt

Whether you're a seasoned defender or just beginning your journey, this episode provides a wealth of inspiration and actionable strategies.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Randy Watt, a retired Chief of Police and decorated Special Forces Colonel, to explore his remarkable journey, the philosophy behind One Warrior’s Creed, and how to cultivate a defender’s mindset in everyday life.

From his harrowing experiences in Baghdad to creating tools that empower others to live safer lives, Randy offers profound insights into preparedness, faith, resilience, and the mindset of a warrior.

Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

🎧 What you’ll learn:

* 🥋 Warrior Mindset: Building resilience and courage in any situation.

* 🙏 Faith & Strength: How spirituality and support can carry you through tough times.

* 🧠 Situational Awareness: How to detect threats before they happen.

* ⚡ Trust Your Intuition: The power of acting on your instincts.

* 🔑 Practical Safety Tips: Steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Join us as we dive into the incredible journey of Randy Watt—retired Chief of Police, Special Forces Colonel, and author of One Warrior’s Creed. 🛡️✨

Warriorcreed.us

MyPOA.org

defenders-live.com

Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it.

#WarriorMindset, SituationalAwareness, #SelfDefenseTraining, #FaithAndResilience, #PersonalSafetyTips

"Calm is contagious, and panic is contagious.” John Hearne

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with John Hearne of Two Pillars Training! 💡Here’s what you’ll learn:

🔍 How to stay calm under pressure: "Calm is contagious."💪 Why YOU are your own first responder – preparation is key!⚖️ Breaking myths about policing, crime, and public safety.🧠 Developing emotional control through practice and exposure.🚔 What’s really happening with crime trends and law enforcement today.

Defenders LIVE is a supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this episode of Defenders LIVE, host Lora Thorson dives into an engaging and deeply informative conversation with John Hearne, a veteran public safety professional, firearms trainer, and founder of Two Pillars Training. John shares his vast experience in law enforcement, public safety, and training, offering listeners invaluable insights on topics ranging from emotional control under stress to alarming trends in crime and policing.

www.twopillarstraining.com

December 30, 2024 John Hearne webinar: Understanding Crime, Criminals & Victims: Risks & Mitigationshttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-crime-criminals-victims-risks-mitigations-tickets-1038505316357?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

www.defenders-live.com

#SelfDefenseTraining, #PublicSafetyInsights, #CrimeTrends2024, #EmotionalControlTips, #PoliceUseOfForceMyths

Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it.

What you'll learn:

* 🔄 The evolution of gun culture: From hunting 🎯 to personal defense 🛡️.

* 👩‍🏫 Insights on the rise of diverse gun ownership (women, minorities, & urban areas).

* 🥊 Lessons from extreme close-quarters combat training.

* 🤝 How to bridge the divide between gun owners and non-owners.

* 💭 Why "violence can be the answer" when there’s no other choice.

🎧 Tune in now for a thoughtful, balanced, and insightful conversation!📚 Get the book: Gun Curious www.guncurious.com📺 Light Over Heat YouTube: www.lightoverheat.com

Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Episode Summary

In this thought-provoking episode, host Lora Thorson welcomes Professor David Yamane, a sociology professor at Wake Forest University and author of the groundbreaking book, Gun Curious: A Liberal Professor's Surprising Journey Inside America's Gun Culture. Together, they explore the evolution of gun culture in America, the rise of diverse gun ownership, and the challenges of bridging divisive perspectives on firearms. Yamane, an Asian American liberal who became a first-time gun owner at 42, offers a compassionate and balanced perspective on a polarizing topic.

From the historical shifts in gun culture to personal anecdotes of his transformative journey, Yamane shares invaluable insights into why guns make sense to some and why they evoke discomfort in others.

Notable Quotes

"Violence is almost never the answer, but when it is, it’s the only answer."

"Gun owners are people too. We need to move beyond stereotypes to truly understand each other."

"The shift from hunting and recreation to personal defense has redefined gun culture in America."

"Guns are a tool for personal safety, but they’re also deeply tied to individual identity and American culture."

"We’re never going to agree on everything, but how we disagree is what really matters."

#GunCulture2.0, #DavidYamane, #GunCurious, #SelfDefense, #CivilDiscussion

www.defenders-live.com

Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it.

What you’ll learn:

* 💡 Tim’s thoughts & experience on transitioning from military life to civilian responsibilities.

* 🎯 The mission behind Apache Solutions: Loyalty, service, and better training.

* 🔥 Lessons from close calls on the range and staying vigilant as an instructor.

* 📚 Tim’s new book for parents: "Your World is Not a Gun-Free Zone."

* 🤝 Why the firearms industry needs more collaboration and less competition.

🔥 This episode is packed with insights, personal growth, and a whole lot of inspiration! Don’t miss it.

Defenders LIVE is a supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Notable Quotes:

On Self-Reliance and Change

"I learned at a young age that there is true evil in this world, and you can’t expect others to be there to handle it for you." – Tim Kelly

On the Transition from Military to Civilian Life

"Your problems are no longer on the battlefield; they’re in the grocery store parking lot. Accepting that transition is vital." – Tim Kelly

On Loyalty and Brotherhood

"No matter the mistake or accomplishment, my brothers in the Marine Corps stood by me when no one else would. That bond of loyalty is what I want to recreate through Apache Solutions." – Tim Kelly

On Improving the Firearms Industry

"If we could just stop arguing over gear, ratings, and experience, and instead focus on helping our students succeed, we’d be a lot further as an industry." – Tim Kelly

On Faith and Overcoming Struggles

"Faith is the one thing that has carried me through the hardest times in my life. Without it, I don’t know where I’d be." – Tim Kelly

Resources:

www.ApacheNC.com

www.defenders-live.com

Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it.

#FirearmsTraining, #SelfReliance, #ApacheSolutions, #GunSafetyEducation, #VeteranLeadership

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of Defenders LIVE, host Lora Thorson sits down with Marine Corps veteran Dave Helgran, who shares his transformative journey of losing 56 pounds and 19% body fat over the past ten months. Dave’s story goes far beyond physical fitness—it’s a testament to resilience, discipline, and the power of community.

Dave opens up about his challenges, including overcoming addiction, reshaping his family relationships, and finding purpose through intentional living. Joined by his coach, Mike Davis of MadeMan Coaching, they discuss how Mike’s holistic approach to health and fitness helped Dave transform not just his body, but his life.

This episode will leave you inspired to embrace personal growth and consider what it takes to truly become the best version of yourself.

Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

What you’ll learn:

* 🔥 How Marine vet Dave Helgran lost 56 lbs & 19% body fat in just 10 months.

* 💡 The mindset shifts that turned fitness into life transformation.

* ❤️ How living intentionally improved his family relationships.

* 🎯 Why community and accountability are KEY to success.

* 🌟 Inspiring advice to start your own journey TODAY!

👀 Don’t miss this heartfelt and motivating episode!

Key Quotes:

"When you're not living in truth everywhere, it's very difficult to live in truth anywhere.” - Mike Davis

"When I got rid of the shame and started living intentionally, it changed everything—from how I see myself to how I show up for my family.” Dave Helgran

"When men have a place where they can express their concerns and struggles, they realize they’re not alone. That’s where the real growth happens." – Mike Davis

"Our daughters will marry us, and our sons want to be us. What version are we giving them to emulate?” - Mike Davis

"This isn’t about six-pack abs—it’s about becoming the best version of yourself, inside and out." - Lora Thorson

Resources:

www.Mademancoaching.com

Mike Davis: 25-two–347-two-55-zero

Email: mike [at] mademancoahing [dot] com

IG: @mademan_coaching

www.defenders-live.com

#LifeTransformation

#FitnessMotivation

#MentalHealthMatters

#OvercomingChallenges

Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it.

"Having a gun isn’t a cure-all. The likelihood that you’ll need pepper spray, a trauma kit, or hand-to-hand skills is far greater than the chance you’ll need to use a firearm." Will Workman.

Check out our latest episode on Defenders Live with guest Will Workman from Workman Protection! 🔫👮‍♂️ If you're into self-defense, firearms training, or church security, this episode is a must-watch! Here's what you'll learn:

🔹 Navigating YouTube's Firearms Rules 📹🔹 The Power of Verbal Judo 🗣️🔹 Why Draw Speed Isn’t Everything ⏱️🔹 What You Aren’t Thinking About in Church Security 🕊️🔹 Choosing the Right Instructor 🎯

👉 Tune in to gain practical tips and valuable insights into protecting yourself and your loved ones!

Notable Quotes from Will Workman:

"My main goal is to avoid any fights or altercations that could break out because I win 100% of fights that I don’t get started in."

"Verbal judo is about using your words to get purposeful compliance. Almost all encounters we find ourselves in start with words, so learning to use them effectively is crucial."

"Having a gun isn’t a cure-all. The likelihood that you’ll need pepper spray, a trauma kit, or hand-to-hand skills is far greater than the chance you’ll need to use a firearm."

"Active shooter scenarios are actually the simplest problem to solve. The complex issues are more common ones—medical situations, child safety, and de-escalation."

"You can get really good at a sub-second draw to first shot, but that won’t help if you can’t hit a target at 10 yards or follow up with a second shot. Master the fundamentals first.”

Resources:

www.workmanprotection.com

https://www.youtube.com/@workmanprotection

www.defenders-live.com

#SelfDefenseTraining

#ChurchSecurity

#FirearmsSafety

#VerbalJudo

#YouTubeFirearmsPolicy

In our latest episode of Defenders LIVE, host Lora Thorson dives deep with martial arts expert Jasmine Vanderpool! 🥋💪 Tune in to learn how Jasmine uses her 20+ years of experience to train others in self-defense and mindset training. 💥

Here's what you’ll learn:

* 🧠 Mindset Over Technique: Why mental resilience is the foundation of effective self-defense.

* 👣 Practical Tips: Simple self-defense moves like "getting off the X" and maintaining strong footing.

* 🦸‍♀️ Empowering Trauma: How to turn past challenges into strength and confidence.

* 🔎 Red Flag Awareness: Key signs to watch for in potentially dangerous situations.

* 🔄 Adaptability is Key: Embrace the "controlled chaos" of real-life self-defense situations.

Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Notable Quotes:

“In real-life situations, technique often goes out the window. Self-defense is about controlled chaos and being adaptable.”

“Comfort is the death of change. If you’re comfortable, you’re not growing. Martial arts teaches you to embrace the uncomfortable.”

“Trauma doesn’t disappear, but it can be transformed. I’m grateful for mine because it made me who I am today.”

“Mindset needs to be: I have the tools, but I may not have the fortified mindset to protect myself. If you’re not ready to pivot, you’re not ready for real-world self-defense.”

“Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, don’t ignore it. Your instincts are there for a reason, and taking action based on them can save you.”

Resources: Martial Arts Research Systems of Colorado: 

https://grandjunctionmartialarts.com/

Defenders LIVE: www.defenders-live.com

Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it.

#SelfDefenseTips, #EmpowermentThroughMartialArts, #MindsetForProtection, #PracticalSelfDefense, #WomenInMartialArts

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

* 💥 How Next Level Combat combines high-energy fights with a deeper purpose.

* 🪖 Josh’s story of resilience from the Utah Army National Guard to building an MMA organization.

* 🤝 Mental health support for veterans and first responders tackling real-world struggles.

* 💼 Lessons from failure in business and finding a way forward.

* 👊 MMA legend Jeremy Horn’s involvement and what it means for Next Level Combat.

Catch the full episode for an inspiring look into how Josh is building a community that fights for more than just a title!

Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Notable Quotes:

On Resilience and Optimism“No matter what happens, I always believe it’s going to work out. Staying positive and moving forward—that’s just how I’ve always been.”

On Serving a Greater Purpose“Anyone who has a desire to serve should do it. It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself and building bonds that last a lifetime.”

On Struggles in Law Enforcement and the Military“Law enforcement and military service are some of the toughest jobs, with risks most people can’t imagine. These men and women are out there serving, wondering if they’ll come home every night.”

On Creating Next Level Combat“People love watching fights, but we wanted to make it more than entertainment. Next Level Combat is about fighting with a purpose—giving veterans and first responders a platform to compete and connect.”

On Learning from Failure“I’ve failed a lot, but that’s part of growth. Through every failure, you learn something valuable. It’s about failing forward and finding a way to turn setbacks into stepping stones.”

Next Level Combat: www.officialnextlevelcombat.com

Defenders LIVE: www.defenders-live.com

Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it.

#VeteranSupport, #NextLevelCombat, #MentalHealthAwareness, #MMACommunity, #ResilienceAndService