Defenders LIVE Podcast

In this special episode, Lora Thorson takes the hot seat as she's interviewed by Brian Hill! 🎙️ Get ready for a deep, vulnerable conversation about overcoming fear and finding purpose.

🔑 What You'll Learn:

* 💪 The power of vulnerability and why it’s a strength, not a weakness

* 🙏 How faith can guide your personal and professional growth

* 😰 How to push through fear and embrace discomfort for real change

* 🎯 Why showing up (even when it's messy) is the key to success

* 🏋️ How physical fitness fuels emotional and mental strength

🎧 Listen now for some real talk and inspiration!

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In this episode, we turn the tables as Brian Hill steps in as the host, interviewing our very own Lora Thorson. Lora opens up about her journey of vulnerability, faith, and finding purpose, and for the first time, she courageously shares the story behind her growth as a firearms instructor, fitness enthusiast, and spiritual seeker.

This raw, honest conversation explores themes of fear, purpose, and self-discovery. Lora discusses the transformative power of vulnerability, how her faith has shaped her journey, and the importance of trusting the process—even when it feels uncomfortable. Brian skillfully guides Lora through reflections on her struggles with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and how she has embraced showing up, even when the work is messy.

Listeners will be moved by the depth of this conversation, Lora’s authenticity, and the powerful message of growth through discomfort. Whether you're battling your own fears or seeking purpose in your life, this episode will resonate deeply.

Notable Quotes:

* Brian Hill: "When you're fearless like this, your courage will land in some dark part of somebody's soul that needs a little motivation."

* Lora Thorson: "I've learned that what I used to think of as a curse—my vulnerability—is actually a blessing. It's what allows me to connect with others and inspire them."

* Lora Thorson: "The more I explore the deep, dark caves, the more the lies weaken. They're still there, but I don’t have to listen to them anymore."

Find Defenders LIVE “Put Your Shoes On” Merch at www.defenders-live.com. 

NEW! Lora will be hosting a LIVE zoom call once a month for paid subscribers, exploring the topics of health & well being, mental/emotional health, spiritual fitness and self defense. Become a paid subscriber at defenders-live.com to receive emails to this join the Defenders LIVE community with thoughtful conversation every month!

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This is a special video and recap of Defenders LIVE. And some big news!

You all mean the world to me. Thank you!

🌟 What You'll Learn:

* 🛤️ Jerry's transformative path from adversity to success

* 🛡️ The power of faith in overcoming life's challenges

* 📊 Integrating spiritual principles in business leadership

* 🧭 Navigating the spiritual battleground in modern times

* 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The importance of family and moral values

Don't miss out on these valuable insights! Watch now and be inspired.

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

In this engaging episode, Jerry Howard, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and founder of Intrepid Impact Team, shares his journey from a troubled past to becoming a successful executive mentor, author, and speaker. Jerry delves into his "failure resume," recounting his battles with alcoholism, drugs, and personal crises, including near-divorce and the death of a close friend. His transformative journey began with a prayer, leading him to a life of faith and service, eventually becoming the CEO of a hospital. Jerry discusses the intersection of faith, leadership, and business, emphasizing the importance of moral decision-making and the spiritual battleground in today's society. He passionately speaks about the challenges facing America, including the influence of external powers like China and the erosion of spiritual and moral values.

Notable Highlights

* Jerry's Background: Marine Corps veteran and founder of a faith-driven leadership and business consulting agency.

* Overcoming Adversity: Jerry's struggle with substance abuse and personal crises, including jail and marital issues.

* Faith Journey: How a prayer led to significant life changes and a deeper commitment to Christianity.

* Leadership Philosophy: The integration of faith and business, and the importance of making decisions based on moral values.

* Societal Challenges: Discussion on America's moral and spiritual challenges, particularly in the context of business and international relations.

Key Quotes

* "It's my failure resume that makes me unique."

* "Sometimes it takes God a long time to answer a prayer."

* "The soul is the battleground... if you don't defend the family, you won't be able to defend the country.”

Resources

* Jerry Howard's Website: Intrepid Impact TeamExplore Jerry's work in leadership and business consulting.

* Victorious Living Magazine:Check out the magazine where Jerry has contributed inspiring articles.

* Hillsdale Dialogues Podcast:Listen to discussions on history and current events with a neutral perspective, featuring Dr. Larry Arnn and Hugh Hewitt.

* Books Mentioned:

* Plato's Republic - A classic text on justice and political theory.

* The World Crisis by Winston Churchill - Insights into historical crises and their relevance today.

* China by Henry Kissinger - Understanding China's long-term strategies and history.

#Podcast #Faith #Leadership #Resilience #Inspiration #MarineCorpsVeteran #BusinessMentor

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Here's what you'll learn:

* 🎖️ Insights into Lew's 21-year military career

* 🛡️ Transition from Special Forces to law enforcement

* 🧠 The mindset needed for success in high-stress environments

* 💡 The importance of continuous training and preparedness

* 🙏 Lew's personal journey with faith and resilience

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

In this episode, Defenders LIVE host Lora Thorson, interviews Lew Johnson, a decorated U.S. Army veteran with a distinguished career in Special Forces and law enforcement. The conversation delves into his extensive military service, transition to civilian life, and his personal journey with faith.

00:01:13 - Overview of Lew Johnson's military background.

00:02:27 - Discussion on Special Forces training and mindset.

00:15:15 - Transition from military to law enforcement.

00:23:00 - Challenges and changes in law enforcement.

00:32:22 - Johnson's personal faith journey and its impact on his life.

Notable Quotes:

* "Dedication to oneself and knowing that you don't know everything, but you're not going to quit." - Lew Johnson on the qualities needed for Special Forces.

* "It's a never-ending journey, getting stronger in the Lord is like doing anything in exercise; you show up, you do it, and you get stronger." - Lew Johnson on faith.

For more inspiring stories and insightful discussions, subscribe to Defenders Live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Join the conversation on our Facebook group and sign up for email notifications at defenders-live.com.

Also visit www.foundingfatherscollective.com

Thank you for reading Defenders LIVE. This post is public so feel free to share it.

🎧 What You'll Learn:

* 🏋️‍♂️ Vision drills to boost performance

* 🧩 Mind hacks for faster learning

* 📈 Dry fire practice tips for real-world success

* 🤯 Techniques to reduce pain and fatigue

* 🧘‍♂️ Relaxation exercises for better focus

In this episode, we are joined by Mike Ox, a neurology-based firearms instructor, speaker, consultant, and writer. Mike is the creator of Dry Fire Training Cards, VisionTraining.com, and the author of Real World Gunfight Training and Red Dot Mastery. He is also a master level IDPA shooter, a range master and NRA instructor, and a UTM level two and RBTA military and law enforcement force on force master instructor. Mike shares his journey into neurology, the importance of vision training, and practical exercises to improve shooting performance. Co-host Adam Winch also contributes with his insights from the field.

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

* Introduction to Mike Ox

* Creator of Dry Fire Training Cards and VisionTraining.com

* Author of Real World Gunfight Training and Red Dot Mastery

* Master level IDPA shooter with a subcompact Glock 26

* Mike’s Journey into Neurology

* Consequences of multiple concussions leading to neurology training

* Vision drills improving physical performance and reducing pain

* Importance of brain's role in performance under stress

* Practical Exercises and Tips

* Ear tug exercises to improve neck motion and reduce pain

* Vision drills to enhance shooting accuracy and reduce fatigue

* Importance of dry fire practice for skill development

* Training Methodology

* 80% dry fire, 10% live fire, 10% force-on-force training ratio

* Importance of overtraining to build neuropathways

* The impact of neurology on shooting performance

* Mental Imagery and Relaxation Techniques

* Progressive relaxation using mental imagery

* Techniques to reduce stress and improve focus during shooting

* [00:00:00] Introduction to Mike Ox and his background

* [00:00:26] Mike’s work with Dry Fire Training Cards and VisionTraining.com

* [00:01:08] Mike's journey into neurology due to concussion issues

* [00:02:25] Vision drills and their impact on physical performance

* [00:03:36] Ear tug exercises for neck pain and improved motion

* [00:06:43] Vision training and its importance for shooters

* [00:09:01] The impact of sensory integration on performance

* [00:11:12] Techniques to reduce fatigue during travel

* [00:14:03] The role of the brain in managing physical performance

* [00:17:16] Mental imagery and relaxation techniques for better performance

* [00:25:02] The importance of overtraining and muscle memory

* [00:27:00] Ideal training ratios for shooters

* [00:32:31] Practical applications of dry fire training

* [00:35:52] Accessing Mike's courses and resources

Quotes

* "Neurology allowed me to take 10 years off the clock, get back my life, and be a better shooter than ever."

* "The brain limits output based on its confidence that we're not going to hurt or kill ourselves."

Thank you for reading Defenders LIVE. This post is public so feel free to share it.

Resources and Links

* Mike Ox’s Websites:

* VisionTraining.com

* RedDotMastery.com

* Books by Mike Ox:

* Real World Gunfight Training

* Red Dot Mastery

#FirearmsTraining #Neurology #Podcast #ShootingSkills #DryFire #VisionTraining

🔥 What you'll learn:

* 💪 Overcoming physical challenges in self-defense training

* 🎯 The importance of emotional intelligence in teaching

* 🤝 Adaptable training practices for all abilities

* 🧠 Strategies for maintaining mental and emotional fitness

* 🌟 Tips for finding the right self-defense instructor

Notable Quotes

* On overcoming limitations: "There can't be caveats to personal preservation; every human being has a right to self-preserve."

* On emotional intelligence: "Anything that we're doing to read the room or make snap judgments based on limited information is tied to emotional intelligence."

* On training philosophy: "You have to balance the mission with the understanding that challenges can be reframed as opportunities."

Thank you for supporting Defenders LIVE. This post is public so feel free to share it.

Resources and Links

* Citizen Safety Academy: citizenssafety.com

* Online Training: citizenssafetyonline.com

Connect with Tiffany

* Email: [email protected]

* Social Media: Facebook | Twitter

Follow Us

* Subscribe to our weekly emails: Defenders Live

* YouTube: Defenders Live YouTube Channel

#SelfDefense, #FirearmsTraining, #PhysicalLimitations, #InclusiveTraining, #EmotionalIntelligence, #TiffanyJohnson, #CitizenSafetyAcademy, #ArthritisChallenges, #PersonalPreservation, #TrainingJourney, #Mentorship, #Empathy, #Boundaries, #Introversion, #EmotionalFitness, #OvercomingObstacles, #Resilience, #Adaptability, #DefendersLive

Dive into the world of financial self-defense with master financial coach, Austin Black. While Defenders LIVE typically focuses on physical self-defense, host Lora emphasizes the importance of protecting oneself and one’s family financially, especially in uncertain economic times. Austin shares his journey from financial insecurity to becoming debt-free and offers practical advice on managing money, breaking the cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, and achieving financial independence.

* Austin Black's Transformation: Hear the inspiring story of how he went from struggling financially to becoming debt-free with a robust emergency fund.

* Expert Money Management Tips: Learn practical advice on budgeting, saving, and making smart financial decisions.

* Breaking the Cycle: Discover strategies to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck trap and achieve financial independence.

* Strengthening Marriages through Finance: Find out how to improve communication and teamwork with your spouse to manage money effectively.

* Financial Education for Kids: Get valuable tips on teaching your children about money to ensure they grow up financially savvy.

Notable Quotes from Austin Black

* "Money is a tool, and it will only do what you tell it to do or what you let it do."

* "Normal is broke. So here we are, making the hard choices to create a better financial future."

* "Financial management is not about math. It's about emotion and behavior to make the math work."

* "You can have all the knowledge in the world, but if you don't take the action and implement it, you'll fall short."

* "The economy isn't going to save you or drown you. It's just going to impact the decisions you have to make to keep going.”

Thank you for reading Defenders LIVE. This post is public so feel free to share it.

Learn More

Subscribe: Please subscribe to Defenders Live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Join our Facebook group and sign up for email notifications at defenders-live.com.

Connect with Austin Black:

* Visit: Learn more about Austin and his financial coaching services at Freedom Money Coach.

* Masterclass: Sign up for Austin’s free monthly masterclass at freedommoneycoach.com/training.

* Discovery Call: Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call at freedommoneycoach.com.

* Podcast: Listen to "The Heart of Money" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTube.

* Social Media: Follow Austin on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @freedommoneycoach.

#FinancialSelfDefense, #AustinBlack, #MoneyManagement, #DebtFree, #EmergencyFund, #FinancialIndependence

Whether you're interested in self-defense, travel safety, personal growth, or just looking for an inspiring story, this episode has something valuable for you. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative conversation!

Greg Ellifritz, owner of Active Response Training shares insights from his extensive experience of 25 years in law enforcement, over 4500 hours of formal training, and personal development. Joining the conversation is Adam Winch, founder of Defenders USA. Together, along with host, Lora Thorson of Defenders USA, they delve into Greg's journey, his approach to training, and his book, "Choose Adventure."

What to Expect

Expert Advice on Self-Defense: Learn practical tips and strategies from a seasoned law enforcement officer and tactical trainer to protect yourself and your loved ones in various situations.

Travel Safety Tips: Discover essential advice on staying safe while traveling, both domestically and internationally, and learn how to avoid common scams and dangers.

Personal Development Insights: Hear Greg's inspiring story of resilience and determination, including his battle with cancer and how he continues to live life to the fullest.

Mentorship and Training Guidance: Understand the importance of mentorship in personal and professional growth, and how to seek out and provide guidance in your own life.

Real-World Applications: Get actionable advice that you can apply immediately to enhance your safety and situational awareness in everyday life.

Whether you're interested in self-defense, travel safety, personal growth, or just looking for an inspiring story, this episode has something valuable for you. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative conversation!

Notable Quotes

* "My curiosity inspires me to learn a lot of random weird stuff and then I seem obsessed with teaching that stuff once I master it."

* "I'm just going to live a good life the best that I can until then."

* "I think our job as trainers isn't to monopolize our students, but our real role is to steer them towards other qualified instructors."

* "Finding an administration that's favorable and finding a culture that kind of supports excellence rather than mediocrity would be what I would tell the new officers to be looking for."

Learn More

* Subscribe: Please subscribe to Defenders Live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Join our Facebook group and sign up for email notifications at defenders-live.com.

* Connect with Greg: Visit Active Response Training at activeresponsetraining.net for the Weekend Knowledge Dump and more blog posts. Get his book, "Choose Adventure," at chooseadventurebook.com or on Amazon.

Thank you for watching Defenders LIVE. This post is public so feel free to share it.

You may be wondering why, after a few episodes of firearms trainers and “gun guys,” am I interviewing a resiliency coach. It seems pretty obvious to me… we MUST learn to be resilient! As defenders of life, do we need resilience? Do we need strength to overcome adversity and challenges? Do we need faith? Absolutely!

Every part of my life needs faith, strength and resilience! And boy did I learn about that in this interview. Brace yourselves. This one goes deep, but it’s so rich with truth and inspiration.

In this powerful episode of Defenders LIVE, listeners will embark on an inspiring journey with Nannette Oatley Johnson, a true testament to resilience and faith. From her extraordinary recovery after a life-altering injury to becoming a US Open wheelchair tennis champion, Nannette shares profound insights on overcoming suffering, building inner strength, and the vital role of supportive relationships.

Her candid discussion about embracing both the highs and lows of life, the transformative power of gratitude, and the significance of living honestly will leave you motivated and equipped with practical strategies to turn setbacks into comebacks. Tune in for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation that underscores the beauty of resilience and the human spirit.

Key Takeaways

* Transcending Suffering: Nannette discusses the transformative power of suffering and how it can lead to spiritual and personal growth.

* Building Resilience: Practical steps on how to build resilience, including facing fears and finding strength in faith.

* Support Systems: The importance of having a strong support system and distinguishing between "basement people" and "balcony people."

* Living Honestly: The significance of living with a clear conscience and gratitude to maintain balance and joy in life.

* WIGs (Wildly Improbable God-incidences): Nannette's personal story of how faith and seemingly improbable events led her to meet her husband, Lew.

Timestamped Highlights

* 00:00 - 03:00: Introduction to the episode and Nannette's impressive background.

* 03:01 - 07:00: Nannette recounts her injury and the initial phases of her resilience journey.

* 07:01 - 14:00: The role of faith in overcoming immense suffering and the significance of prayer.

* 14:01 - 18:00: Insights on the necessity of falling apart and rebuilding as a part of the resilience process.

* 18:01 - 22:00: The impact of support systems and the distinction between basement people and balcony people.

* 22:01 - 26:00: How living honestly and with gratitude can transform one's life.

* 26:01 - 31:00: Nanette's story of meeting her husband through a series of God-incidences.

* 31:01 - 36:00: Concluding thoughts and Nanette's advice for listeners on cultivating resilience.

Memorable Quotes

* "Life is suffering. It is seasons, seasons that are great and seasons that are dark."

* "We only need one person to believe in us to keep going."

* "If you lived honestly, your life would heal itself."

* "Gratitude has become another component of your resilience, regardless if it is formed in joy or in pain."

Resources and Links

* Nannette Oatley Johnson's Website: NanetteOatleyJohnson.com

* Nannette's Books:

* Pain, Power, and Promise: 19 Ways to Turn Setbacks into Comebacks

* Pain, Power, and Promise: 10 Answers to Suffering and the Supposed Goodness of God (upcoming)

Thank you for reading Defenders LIVE. This post is public so feel free to share it.

#Resilience, #Inspiration, #OvercomingAdversity, #NannetteOatleyJohnson, #Faith, #SpinalCordInjury, #LifeChallenges, #Motivation, #PersonalGrowth, #SupportSystems, #Suffering, #Triumph, #Podcast, #Interview, #DefendersLive

In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Tim Herron, a USPSA Grandmaster and Master Class IDPA shooter, who transitioned from a master technician at Honda to a top-tier firearms instructor. Tim shares his unique approach to purposeful practice, the importance of embracing stress and pressure, and the vital role of mentorship and peer support in achieving mastery. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a new shooter, Tim's insights and practical tips offer invaluable guidance to elevate your shooting skills. Don't miss this engaging conversation packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories that will motivate you to reach new heights in your shooting journey.

Notable Quotes

"I've always had a passion for teaching... I love helping others improve and see their light bulb moments."

"Plateaus aren't necessarily bad; they're an opportunity to reassess and figure out where you want to go next."

"You have to expose yourself to stress and pressure in practice to be prepared for it in real situations.”

Defenders LIVE’s mission is to grow defenders both on and off the range. To support my work, consider a paid subscription.

Topics

* [01:27] - Introduction and Credentials of Tim Herron

* [02:00] - Journey from Technician to Firearms Instructor

* [03:05] - Teaching and Mentorship

* [04:24] - Transition to Competitive Shooting

* [17:00] - Value of Formal Training and Purposeful Practice

* [15:00] - Handling Plateaus and Burnout

* [19:00] - Importance of Goal Setting and Mental Focus

* [24:08] - Value of Peer Support and Accountability

* [28:00] - Learning from Mistakes and Continual Improvement

* [46:23] - Promotion of Tim Herron's Classes and Insights

Additional Resources

Tim Herron Shooting Website: TimHerronShooting.com

Books Mentioned:

"The Inner Game of Tennis" by W. Timothy Gallwey

"With Winning in Mind" by Lanny Bassham

Connect with Tim

Website: TimHerronShooting.com

Instagram: @timherronshooting

Facebook: Tim Herron Shooting

Join us for this insightful conversation with Tim Herron as he shares his journey, his approach to practice, and valuable tips for shooters at all levels. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a new shooter, there's something for everyone in this episode. 🎯

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This episode is brought to you by: LockedIn Grip, my preferred liquid sports chalk. Check them out at www.lockedingrip.com

#TimHerron, #FirearmsInstruction, #USPSAGrandmaster, #CompetitiveShooting, #PurposefulPractice, #EmbracingPressure, #ShootingTechniques, #MentorshipInShooting, #OvercomingPlateaus, #ShootingSkills, #FirearmsTraining, #MasteringShooting, #ShootingTips, #PerformanceShooting, #ShootingGoals, #DryFirePractice, #CompetitiveShooter, #ShootingSports, #FirearmsCoach, #ShootingImprovement