Defenders LIVE Podcast

We had the honor of sitting down with Ken Campbell, CEO of Gunsite Academy and former sheriff, to talk all things firearms, training, and leadership. Here's what you'll learn:

🔫 The importance of mindset in self-defense 🧠🎯 Firearms training tips for responsible gun ownership🏅 What it takes to earn the Marksman One designation🇺🇸 How Gunsite supports veterans with free training programs💡 Leadership lessons from Ken’s time as a sheriff

🎧 Tune in now for an insightful, experience-packed conversation!

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In this episode, we sit down with Ken Campbell, CEO of Gunsite Academy and former sheriff of Indiana, for an engaging conversation on leadership, firearms training, and the importance of mindset. Ken shares insights from his extensive background in law enforcement, his approach to customer service at Gunsite, and the legacy of Jeff Cooper, the academy's founder.

Ken recounts how Gunsite offers a unique, life-saving experience beyond just shooting techniques, blending safety, mindset, and skill. He also talks about Gunsite's commitment to veterans and the importance of responsible firearms ownership.

Quotes:

* "Just because you own a piano doesn’t make you a musician—just because you own a gun doesn’t make you prepared."

* "We’re not just a shooting school; we offer a full experience focused on mindset, skill, and customer service."

www.gunsite.com

www.defenders-live.com

#Self-Defense Training, #Firearms Safety, #Gunsite Academy, #Veteran Support Programs, #Leadership Lessons

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Join us as Cassy Crago returns to the show and dives deep into her journey of transformation through firearms training, personal growth, and resilience. 💪🎯

What You’ll Learn:

* 🔄 How a life-changing question shifted Cassy’s outlook on self-defense.

* 🏋️‍♀️ The importance of overcoming imposter syndrome and finding empowerment.

* 💬 The role of counseling and self-reflection in overcoming past trauma.

* 🎯 Behind-the-scenes insights into the Apache Solutions Instructor Enrichment Program.

* 👩‍👧‍👦 Balancing motherhood, mental health, and professional growth.

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In this compelling episode, Cassy Crago returns to share her transformative journey in the firearms community and beyond. Cassy, who once considered firearms a taboo topic, opens up about the life-altering experiences that led her to pursue professional firearms training. With over 450 hours of instruction and seven instructor certifications, she has quickly established herself as an empowering mentor for women and teens, helping them gain confidence and self-protection skills.

Cassy and host Lora dive deep into the emotional and mental work behind her growth as an instructor and a mother. Cassie shares how her experiences, including personal trauma, led her to find empowerment through shooting. They also discuss the pivotal role of counseling and self-reflection in her journey. Cassy offers candid insights into the Apache Solutions Instructor Enrichment Program and the challenges and growth it brought her. This episode is a heartfelt look into resilience, growth, and the importance of support systems.

Notable Quotes

* “I realized my children would suffer greatly if I didn’t make it home at night. That question changed my life.”

* “I had to forgive myself for surviving the way I survived and understand that I was doing the best I could with what I had.”

* “Shooting has become my me-time. It’s where I can separate myself from the chaos and focus on something empowering.”

* “You’re going to talk to yourself the way you would talk to your best friend. Would you let someone tell your best friend, ‘You suck’? No, you would stand up for them.”

Resources Mentioned

* A Girl & A Gun Shooting League - www.agirlandagun.org

* Apache Solutions - Instructor Enrichment Program - www.apachenc.com

* Active Self Protection - Instructor program that Cassie references https://activeselfprotection.com/aspic/

* The Confidence Gap by Russ Harris - A book mentioned during the episode that explores overcoming fear and building resilience

Learn more about Cassy at Crago Concealed: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563488198060 or email [email protected].

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#PersonalTransformation

#EmpowermentThroughTraining

#OvercomingObstacles

#WomenInFirearms

#ResilienceJourney

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What You’ll Learn:

* 💥 The importance of physical & mental endurance in extended training.

* 🎯 How to fail your way to success and build resilience.

* 🧠 Why mindset is everything—The obstacle doesn’t stop you, you do.

* 🛡️ Real-world applications of small unit tactics for families & civilians.

* 🏆 The true essence of leadership: It's not about being in front.

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

Noteable Quotes:

Lora Thorson – "The obstacle doesn’t stop you. You do."

Mike Galik – "You start to read each other’s minds and anticipate what the other individual is doing. That’s when teamwork really clicks."

Adam Winch – "Fail your way to success. The more you fail, the closer you are to succeeding—especially in training."

Adam Winch – "A good leader has to be able to follow the people they're leading while also motivating them."

Mike Galik – "Your mindset determines your outcome. Are you in a defeated mindset or a victory mindset?"

Resources & Links:

* Defenders USA Training: defenders-usa.comLearn more about training programs led by Adam Winch.

Stay tuned for future episodes, and remember to subscribe to Defenders Live www.defenders-live.com to never miss an episode packed with insights on personal defense, leadership, and mindset!

#LeadershipSkills, #TacticalTraining, #MindsetMatters, #PersonalDefense, #ResilienceBuilding

💡 Tidbit of the Week:

Words matter. The way you talk to yourself can either limit you or empower you. Choose empowering words, especially in moments of challenge.

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"The more I study, the more I train, the less I want to ever have to use a knife in self-defense. Same thing with a gun. The best self-defense is never having to use anything at all."

— Adam Boyce

In this episode, we dive deep into life-saving strategies with knife expert Adam Boyce! 🎙️ Here's what you’ll learn:

* 🔍 Pre-Assault Indicators: Spot threats before they happen.

* 🥩 Pork Cutting Demo: See how different knives work in real-life scenarios.

* ⚔️ Knife Selection Tips: Find the best knife for concealed carry.

* 🧠 Situational Awareness: Master the art of staying alert.

* 🎯 Effective Knife Deployment: Learn quick and practical ways to defend yourself.

📲 Tune in and get equipped with essential skills to stay safe and prepared!

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 back Adam Boyce, owner of Spartan Mode and an authorized instructor of Marshal Blade Concepts. In this part-two interview, Adam shares critical and potentially life-saving information on recognizing pre-assault indicators, effective knife use, and tactical strategies for personal defense. This episode also features a practical demonstration of pork cutting to illustrate knife effectiveness, and an in-depth discussion on choosing the best knives for concealed carry. Adam’s extensive background in defensive tactics, knife design, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu informs a rich discussion aimed at making listeners more prepared and situationally aware.

Key Takeaways

* Recognizing Pre-Assault Indicators:Understanding pre-assault indicators like grooming, target glancing, and posturing can be crucial in giving a defender the opportunity to act before an attack occurs.

* Knife Effectiveness Demonstration:Small blades can cause severe damage with minimal effort. The pork cutting demonstration revealed how even compact knives, such as box cutters, can penetrate deeply through clothing and skin.

* Training is Essential:It’s not enough to carry a knife; understanding its use and practicing regularly are key. Adam stresses the importance of training that encompasses not only knife skills but also situational awareness and improvisation.

Recommended Reading

* With Winning in Mind by Lanny Bassham

* On Combat and On Killing by Dave Grossman

* Left of Bang by Patrick Van Horne

www.spartanmode.com

www.defenders-live.com

#KnifeDefenseTips

#SelfDefenseTraining

#SituationalAwareness

#PreAssaultIndicators

#PersonalSafetySkills

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👉 What to Expect:

* The biggest changes in real estate laws in 100 years! 🏛️📜

* Why you need to be careful with threshold agreements 🖋️❗

* Expert tips for first-time homebuyers from Cindy’s new book 📚🏠

* How the 2024 election could impact the housing market 🗳️🏡

* Insider strategies to protect yourself in today’s market 🔐

🎧 Tune in now to level up your real estate game!

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, we are happy to welcome Cindy Ficklin, a former teacher and school principal who transitioned into the world of real estate. After spending 25 years in education, Cindy decided to focus entirely on real estate in 2019, and her success was meteoric. She quickly became the number one salesperson in her region and was named International President’s Elite, ranking in the top 1% of Coldwell Banker agents globally in 2023. Recently, she authored a book titled The Smart Way to Buy a House, aimed at protecting and empowering first-time homebuyers.

In this conversation, Cindy shares her journey, insights into the real estate industry, the evolving landscape of property buying, and tips from her book to help potential buyers protect themselves.

Quotes

* "The most important advice I can give today is to be careful what you’re signing and who you’re signing it with."

* "Affordable housing isn’t about renting—it’s about homeownership and securing your family’s future."

* "The 2024 election will have a huge impact on the real estate market. If we see another strong economy, everyone will want to be a homeowner."

Cindy Ficklin’s Book: The Smart Way to Buy A House on Amazon.com

www.cindyficklin.com

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#RealEstateTips, #HomeBuyingAdvice, #RealEstateMarket2024, #FirstTimeHomebuyers

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jeremy Morris, co-founder of Wild Courage, as he shares his story of overcoming trauma and addiction to lead men on a path to healing and redemption. 🛤️

✨ What You’ll Learn:

* 🧠 Breaking the stigma of mental health in “tough guy” cultures

* 🙏 How faith and vulnerability saved Jeremy’s life

* 💔 The importance of owning your story and healing from trauma

* 🔥 Creating brotherhood and finding hope around the fire

* 💡 You are not alone in your struggles—and your story matters!

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

In this powerful episode, we welcome Jeremy Morris, a man who has transformed his life from rock bottom to a beacon of hope and healing. Jeremy shares his personal journey from enduring childhood trauma and battling alcoholism to creating Wild Courage, a nonprofit dedicated to helping men share their stories of hope, redemption, and healing. Jeremy discusses how men can find their true identity, heal from past wounds, and embrace vulnerability in a safe and supportive environment.

Notable Quotes:

“If you really knew me, you wouldn’t like me. Forget about loving or accepting me.” – Jeremy on the fear of vulnerability.

“Humility is non-negotiable. As men, we like to hide behind tough exteriors, but real healing starts with humility.”

“God never gave up on me. Sometimes people take a while to find their way, and I am living proof.” – Jeremy reflecting on his healing journey.

“You’re not alone. You’re worthy of love and acceptance. The narrative can change in what you think about yourself.” – Jeremy’s message to listeners.

Links:

TheWildCourage.org

Wild Courage on IG, FB and YT

Upcoming Events: https://www.thewildcourage.org/events

Resources: https://www.thewildcourage.org/resources

Subscribe to hear more episodes at www.defenders-live.com.

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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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!

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

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!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

🌟 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

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe