💡 What you’ll learn: ✅ How Kids to Kings is transforming young lives through mentorship & discipline 👑 ✅ The real impact of trauma & how to break the cycle 🛑🔄 ✅ Why firearm education matters—especially in underserved communities 🎯 ✅ The role of history & family in shaping self-reliance 📜🏡 ✅ How boys thrive with structure, accountability & real leadership

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Join us as we sit down with Devin Perkins — the visionary behind Kids to Kings under Walk the Talk America. He’s an advocate for mental health, responsible firearm education, and a passionate mentor working to break cycles of trauma in underserved communities. Devin also contributes to the Guns and Mental Health podcast, where he explores the critical intersection of firearms and well-being.

Notable Quotes from Devin Perkins

* On Personal Responsibility & Breaking Cycles “I was not going to be another one of them. I did everything in my power to make sure that wasn't going to happen.”

* On Mentorship & Meeting Kids Where They Are “We’re meeting these kids where they're at, and bringing them along, and WITH the bringing them along we definitely have standards—so they're going to grow intellectually, mentally, and physically.”

* On the Importance of Teaching Boys Emotional Intelligence “Today's society is very, very hindering on boys. They are naturally going to be aggressive. You can’t suppress that—you have to curate it.”

* On the Success of Kids to Kings “Right now, success is getting phone calls from these boys asking to go to the range. That means whatever we've implemented into them, they’re still thinking about this every day.”

Resources & How to Get Involved

* Learn More & Support the Mission: Visit the website at: https://walkthetalkamerica.org/kids-to-kings/ to get detailed information about the program, see where donations go (ammo, travel, range maintenance), and find upcoming event details.

* Podcasts & Social Media:

* Listen to the Guns and Mental Health podcast for more discussions on the intersection of mental health and firearms.

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidstokings/

* Upcoming Events: Keep an eye out for the program’s expansion into Colorado Springs and future multi-city tours that aim to bring these impactful programs to more communities.

Chapters

2:00 Origins & Motivation

10:00 Mentorship & Trust

18:00 Holistic Approach

34:00 Impact & Future Vision

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* Check Out Defenders Live: www.defenders-live.com

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💡 What you'll learn in this must-watch episode:

✅ Why freedom isn’t inherited—it must be forged 🏛️

✅ The harsh legal realities of self-defense ⚖️

✅ Castle Doctrine vs. Stand Your Ground—know the difference! 🏠🚫

✅ Why mental discipline (Stoicism) is helpful to a freer life 🧠

✅ How to prepare for the aftermath of a self-defense situation 🛡️

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In this powerful episode of Defenders Live, host Lora Thorson sits down with Alex Ooley, a dedicated advocate for personal freedom, self-defense, and constitutional rights. Alex, a practicing attorney and firearms instructor, shares his mission to help people think critically, understand their rights, and take responsibility for their own freedom.

Notable Quotes from Alex Ooley:

* "The mind of a Stoic means focusing on what you can control. If you spend your energy reacting to every headline, you're just giving away your power."

* "Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground don’t give you a license to kill. They simply remove the duty to retreat—your use of force must still be justified."

* "The best self-defense tool is not a gun—it’s knowledge. If you don’t understand the law, your rights, and your responsibilities, you’re setting yourself up for failure."

* "Freedom is not inherited; it must be forged. If we don’t actively protect it, someone else will gladly take control for us."

📢 Resources Mentioned

📌 Handgun Law Reference Guide – Handgunlaw.us📌 The Law of Self Defense – Book by Andrew Branca📌 The Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network – armedcitizensnetwork.org📌 Mas Ayoob’s Self-Defense Principles – Essential training for responsible carriers

🎙️ Connect with Alex Ooley:

Website: ForgeofFreedom.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForgeofFreedom

Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, & more!

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForgeofFreedom

X: https://twitter.com/ForgeofFreedom

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ForgeofFreedom

🎯 Follow Defenders LIVE

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@defenderslive

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/DefendersLive

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556451185471

* Check Out Defenders Live Merch: https://www.defenderslive.com/

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🎙️ Defenders LIVE with Lora Thorson – In this episode, Lora interviews Matt Little, Special Forces Veteran, SWAT Officer, Master Class Shooter & Bestselling Author!

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Mastering Mind, Body & Spirit – Why self-mastery is key to success ✅ Mental Toughness & Decision-Making – How to train under stress 🧠⚡ ✅ The 80/20 Rule of Training – Train smarter, not just harder 📊 ✅ Mindfulness & Performance – Unlock your full potential 🎯 ✅ How Warriors Think & Adapt – Lessons from elite training 🚀

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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Matt Little, to discuss the philosophy of training, discipline, and the warrior mindset.

Whether you're a concealed carrier, business owner, athlete, or just someone looking to level up in life, this episode is packed with wisdom, strategy, and mindset shifts to help you train for life.

Notable Quotes from Matt Little:

* "The way you train is the way you live."

* "Mindful, deliberate, and intentional practice is the key to improvement in anything."

* "In a crisis, the ability to make the best decision now is far more valuable than waiting for the perfect decision later."

* "You don’t rise to the occasion—you fall to the level of your training."

📢 Resources & Mentions

* 📖 Matt’s Book – The Way Is In The Training → https://a.co/d/anyr4t0

* 🌎 Matt’s Website – GreybeardActual.com

* The story behind the name: https://greybeardactual.com/blog/the-greybeards/

🎯 Follow Defenders LIVE

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@defenderslive

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/DefendersLive

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556451185471

* Check Out Defenders Live Merch: https://www.defenderslive.com/

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🎙️ On this episode of Defenders LIVE, we’re diving into concealed carry mistakes, must-know skills, and bad advice to ignore with expert Karl Rehn.

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:✅ The biggest mistakes concealed carriers make 😬✅ Minimum competency standards you NEED to meet 🎯✅ Why your gun should always be ON you (not in the car!) 🚗❌✅ How to train smarter with dry fire practice 🔥✅ Gun shop myths & why tiny guns aren’t always best for women 🤦‍♀️

If you're a concealed carrier or thinking about carrying, this episode is packed with must-know information! 🛑 Karl Rehn, a firearms instructor with over 3,000 hours of formal training, joins the show to discuss:

✔️ Common mistakes concealed carriers make✔️ Minimum competency standards every carrier should meet✔️ Essential skills you need to confidently carry✔️ Myths & bad advice that mislead gun owners

Karl brings decades of experience in firearms training, law enforcement qualifications, and self-defense—so grab a notebook, because this episode is filled with practical knowledge you don’t want to miss!

Notable Quotes from Karl Rehn

* "If you did great on your state concealed carry shooting test, it doesn’t really mean much. That doesn’t mean you’re well prepared for a real-life defensive encounter."

* "The gun in your glove box won’t help you at the grocery store. If you’re carrying, carry the gun ON you. Period." (Lora Thorson)

* "The FBI used to teach hip-shooting out to ten yards. Why? Because in the 1930s, that was the ‘status quo’—just like bad advice still circulates today."

* "If you don’t train regularly, your skills fade. You can’t just take a class once, call it good, and hope for the best when your life is on the line."

🎯 Resources & Links

📕 Karl Rehn’s Book: Strategies and Standards for Defensive Handgun Training

* Buy on Amazon: https://a.co/d/274p8fT

* Or get a signed copy here: https://www.krtraining.com/

📥 FREE Dry Fire Training Guide

* Get the KR Training Free Drills eBook 👉 https://www.krtraining.com/

🖥️ Follow Karl Rehn & KR Training

* Website: KRTraining.com

* Blog: https://blog.krtraining.com/

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/KRTraining

* Facebook: https://facebook.com/KRTraining

🎯 Follow Defenders LIVE

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@defenderslive

* Instagram: https://instagram.com/DefendersLive

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556451185471

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🎯 What You’ll Learn:🔹 The unexpected connection between guns & mental health🔹 Why the firearms industry is leading the way in suicide prevention🔹 How red flag laws can backfire & stop people from getting help 🚩🔹 The grind & sacrifice behind building a nonprofit from scratch 💪🔹 Why every gun owner needs a mental health plan 🧠🔫

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

💡 This episode is a MUST-LISTEN for gun owners, trainers, & anyone who cares about mental health & personal freedom!

Tonight on Defenders LIVE, host Lora Thorson sits down with Michael Sodini, a third-generation firearm industry professional and founder of Walk the Talk America (WTTA), a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap between mental health awareness and responsible gun ownership.

Michael shares his unexpected journey from fashion modeling to real estate marketing, and eventually into the firearm industry. He discusses his visionary approach to addressing mental health challenges within the gun community and how WTTA is pioneering solutions through education, cultural change, and accessible resources.

This episode is packed with insights on business growth, community support, and real solutions that are reshaping the firearms industry's role in mental health and suicide prevention.

Notable Quotes:

* "We keep saying ‘it’s a mental health issue’—but if we don’t actually do something about it, we’re just passing the blame."

* “If we can talk about training, safe storage, and gun laws—we can talk about mental health. It’s all part of responsible ownership."

* "Guns and mental health are not mutually exclusive. When you buy a firearm, you learn safety—why wouldn’t you also have a mental health plan?"

* "If I had a dollar for every time someone told me they wanted help but were afraid of losing their gun rights, I wouldn’t need donations."

* "I made a lot of money for years—then I followed my passion and went broke doing it. But I believed in this mission."

💙 Support Walk the Talk America

🔗 Visit WTTA.org for:✅ Free & anonymous mental health screenings✅ Resources for gun owners, trainers, and mental health professionals✅ Ways to support & donate to the mission

💡 Want to help but don’t have money to donate?📢 Share the message on social media, tell a friend, or connect WTTA with gun shops, ranges, and trainers!

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📢 What You’ll Learn:✅ How to prevent injuries from repetitive shooting motions✅ The best exercises for strength & stability training✅ Why posture & core strength are critical for accuracy 🎯✅ How to manage shoulder, elbow, & wrist pain 🏥✅ Heat vs. Ice: When to use each for recovery ❄️🔥✅ Why fitness matters in real-life self-defense 🚨🏃‍♂️

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In this insightful episode of Defenders LIVE, host Lora Thorson welcomes Joal Miller, an experienced physical therapist and athlete, to discuss the critical connection between physical fitness and shooting performance.

If you're a firearms enthusiast, competitive shooter, or a defender of life, this episode is packed with actionable insights on injury prevention, strength training, and movement optimization for repetitive motions like drawing and shooting.

Joal shares practical exercises, injury prevention strategies, and the importance of load management to help shooters stay strong, avoid injuries, and shoot more effectively.

Notable Quotes:

* “You don’t shoot a gun with your arms and hands—you shoot with your whole body. If your core and stabilizers aren’t strong, your accuracy and endurance will suffer.”

* “Shooters tend to overuse certain muscles while neglecting others, which creates imbalances. If you're not strengthening the right areas, that imbalance will eventually lead to injury.”

* “Your body was designed to move. The longer you sit still, the worse your posture, joints, and muscles get. Just get up and move—it makes a world of difference.”

* “In a real-life self-defense situation, your ability to move—whether running, pivoting, or bracing—could save your life. Strength and fitness aren't just about shooting better; they’re about surviving.”

📢 Resources & Links

🔗 Joal Miller’s Physical Therapy Business: https://www.santanpt.com

📹 Exercise Demo Videos from Joal:

Bird Dog: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JOxdRSzo6l8

Pallof Kneeling: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eF9WphAke6U

Elbow on Knee: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FJE5VWih29c

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📚 What You'll Learn:

✅ Winning is internal – Shift your mindset for long-term success 🏆

✅ Faith + Business = Powerful Leadership 🙌

✅ The #1 Mistake Leaders Make (and how to fix it) ⚠️

✅ How to stay motivated when you feel stuck 🔄

✅ Jesus' Secret to Discipleship & Business Growth 🤯

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

💡 What if business was your mission field? In this 🔥 episode of Defenders LIVE, we dive into faith, leadership, and business with Jerry Howard, author of Faith Driven Leadership: God's Blueprint for World-Class Business.

Jerry challenges secular business models and lays out a biblical framework for leadership that prioritizes long-term integrity over short-term profits. His powerful message? Business is a mission field. 🎯

Notable Quotes

* "A victorious mindset produces the discipline needed to push toward excellence long after motivation has evaporated."

* "When you are under authority, you have authority."

* "Winning is an external manifestation of internal effort."

* "When leaders make decisions based on faith, the rising tide helps everyone improve. Conversely, when the hard truth is rewritten or bad actors are covered up, bad fruit manifests."

📚 Where to Get the Book & Connect with Jerry

🔗 Get the book: FaithDrivenLeadershipBook.com🔗 Learn more: JerryHowardInternational.com📩 Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryhowardinternational📧 Email Jerry directly: [email protected]

Become a subscriber at www.defenders-live.com

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📚 What You'll Learn:

* 🛡️ The mindset shift every responsible gun owner needs

* 🔍 How to avoid the legal meat grinder after a self-defense situation

* 💬 The power of checking in: mental health matters 🧠

* 🩹 Why first aid skills are just as important as trigger control 🚑

* 🔄 Rob’s inspiring 80+ lb weight loss journey and life transformation 💪

Defenders LIVE is 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 welcomes firearms instructor, podcaster, and advocate Rob Beckman to the show. Rob shares his journey as the founder of the Firearm Trainer’s Podcast, his extensive career in firearms training, and the importance of mental health, safety, and preparedness in the firearms community. The conversation highlights the broader responsibilities of carrying a firearm, personal growth, and the invaluable lessons he's learned through over 300 podcast episodes.

Notable Quotes:

* "Mindset training is just as critical as trigger training—know when to act and when to avoid."

* "The smallest act of care, like checking on a friend, can save a life."

* "You’ll use first aid skills far more often than your firearm—being prepared means knowing how to save lives, not just defend them."

* Self-defense is about doing everything you can to be there for your family tomorrow.”

🔗 Resources and Links

Rob Beckman’s Podcast:

* https://www.firearmtrainerpodcast.com/

Training Website:

* https://americandefensetraining.us

Mental Health Resources for Gun Owners:

* https://holdmyguns.org

* https://walkthetalkamerica.org

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🔥 What you'll learn in this powerful conversation:

* 🗣️ Communication Skills: Why communication is a cop's #1 tool.

* 🤝 Authenticity Matters: How being real builds trust and success.

* 🚔 Behind the Badge: The highs, lows, and lessons from a career in law enforcement.

* 🎯 Defensive Training Tips: Metrics that matter for everyday carriers.

* 🌟 Inspiration: The profound impact of empathy and focusing on the good.

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

In this insightful and deeply personal episode, Lora Thorson sits down with Dan Brady to discuss his experiences as a Marine, law enforcement officer, and firearms instructor. The conversation dives into communication, authenticity, defensive training, and the human experiences that have shaped Dan’s life and career. Along the way, Dan offers invaluable insights into training methodologies, the importance of empathy, and why building relationships is at the heart of everything he does.

Notable Quotes:

* "The profession of policing is about problem-solving between other people."

* "Empathy wasn’t natural to me—it was something I had to learn. But now, it’s one of the most important tools I use to connect with people."

* "Drinking from a fire hose is a stupid idea. As instructors, we need to present information in ways that students can absorb and apply."

* "If I help one person breathe easier because of what I’ve done, then I’ve succeeded."

Upcoming Events & Classes with Dan Brady

Catch Dan at these events:

* Tactical Conference (March 2025) – Vehicle defense and low-light techniques.

* A Girl and a Gun National Conference (May 2025) – Topics to be announced.

* Guardian Conference (September 2025) – Advanced training sessions.

📅 For more details or to book a session, visit ApacheNC.com.

Connect with Dan Brady

* 📧 Email: [email protected]

* 🌐 Website: www.ApacheNC.com

* 💬 Facebook Group: Deliberate Training Group (V2)

#DefensiveTraining, #CommunicationSkills, #LawEnforcementInsights, #FirearmsInstruction, #AuthenticityInLeadership, #DefendersLive

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Get ready for an eye-opening conversation with a former Army officer, FBI Special Agent, and author with decades of experience! Here's what you'll learn:

✨ Key Takeaways:

* 🔥 Military to FBI: Stories from combat zones to Guantanamo Bay.

* 🧠 The art of interrogation: Reading people like a pro.

* 🎯 Leadership lessons: What’s missing in law enforcement training?

* 📖 Behind the books: Insights from his bestselling memoirs.

* 🌟 Lifelong learning: How to grow through every experience.

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

In this captivating episode, host Lora Thorson welcomes Dr. T.C. Fuller, whose career has taken him from the sands of the Middle East to the interrogation rooms of Guantanamo Bay. With a background as an infantry officer, explosive ordnance disposal expert, and seasoned interrogator, Dr. Fuller shares profound insights into leadership, resilience, and the art of reading human behavior.

Notable Quotes:

* "The single greatest responsibility we give law enforcement officers is the power to use deadly force. We owe them the best training possible."

* "Active listening is hard work, but it’s the foundation of understanding human behavior."

* "Learning doesn’t stop—every experience adds another tool to handle life’s challenges."

* "You may think you’re brilliant, but I’ve put people smarter than me in prison because they were playing amateur games against professionals."

Dr. T.C. Fuller’s Books:

* Painting Over Rust: A candid memoir of his 20-year FBI career.

* Empathy for the Devil: A deep dive into his experiences as an interrogator at Guantanamo Bay.

* No Safe Alternative: A groundbreaking exploration of how law enforcement training can be improved.

Resources:🌐 TCFuller.com🌐 www.thehorusgroup.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550016043986

#LeadershipLessons, #FBIInsights, #MilitaryToFBI, #InterrogationSkills, #PersonalGrowth, #LawEnforcementTraining, #DefendersLive

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