Defenders LIVE Podcast

If you noticed that there was not a show posted last week, here’s a video describing what’s going on right now.

There are about 160 episodes in the archive over the last 3 years. This should be enough to tide you over until the big launch!

This pause should be relatively short and I’ll keep in touch! Thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,

Lora

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 episode of Defenders LIVE, veteran instructor Jim Shanahan breaks down why most training misses the mark—and how to raise your standard before it’s too late.

🔑 Learn what it means to be a Deliberate Responder, why hope is not a plan, and how to blend elite performance with real-world defense.

💥 Whether you're new to training or a seasoned protector, this conversation will redefine your mindset.

▶️ Watch now — your next level starts here.

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

Join host Lora Thorson in this gripping episode of Defenders LIVE as she welcomes Jim Shanahan, founder of Advanced Performance Shooting and a true pioneer in tactical firearms instruction. With 30+ years in the military, law enforcement, and elite training circles, Jim shares his no-nonsense philosophy on why hope is not a course of action, the science behind reaction times, and how real readiness blends performance and deliberate intent.

📚 Learn the origin of The Deliberate Responder, dive into data-backed training techniques, and hear powerful lessons in leadership that apply far beyond the gun range.

Notable Quotes:

“If you're not training people to replace you, you're not leading.”

“Shoot fast, but think faster.”

“Don’t teach techniques they’ll have to unlearn later.”

🔗 Connect with Jim:

https://advancedperformanceshooting.com 📖 Book: One of a Hundred: A Deliberate Responder (Available on Amazon)

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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

I am resharing this episode of Defenders LIVE because the first release had the wrong title and description. This conversation was with John Holschen—and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful episodes I recorded with him.

Many of you may already know: John recently passed away. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all who trained with him. Our entire community is diminished by this loss. John wasn’t only a decorated veteran and master instructor—he was a man of kindness, clarity, and conviction. He had a gift for teaching in a way that made you feel seen, capable, and ready.

I want to honor him by sharing this corrected episode with you today. It captures so much of what made John special as a teacher and as a human being.

And there’s more: before he passed, John recorded a special conversation with me that he felt passionately about sharing. It has not yet been aired, but it will be released soon. He cared deeply about getting this information out, and I believe it will stand as part of his legacy.

For now, I invite you to listen again—or maybe for the first time—to this episode that reflects the heart and skill of a man we will not forget.

With respect and gratitude,Lora Thorson

Episode notes below:

Learn how to train like the fight will actually happen. Lora Thorson sits down with Special Operations veteran and master instructor John Holschen to unpack NeuroDrills, visual processing under stress, movement that matters, ready positions that work in the real world, and how great coaching turns shooters into thinking defenders.

What you will learn:

* How to stay visually aware while delivering accurate fire

* Movement that makes sense, when to sprint and when to plant

* Verbal commands and tape loops you can trust under pressure

* The difference between exposure, practice, and testing

* Building confidence through competence and why good curriculum always evolves

About John:John Holschen: U.S. Special Operations veteran, two-time National Tactical Invitational winner, and creator of NeuroDrills and Applied Defensive Handgun Skills. He was a certified master instructor who taught across the country, helping everyday people become thinking shooters.

Rest in peace, John. You will be missed.

#ThinkingShooter, #NeuroDrills, #DefensiveTraining, #UseOfForce, #SelfDefenseMindset

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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

This week on Defenders Live, host Lora Thorson interviews Mike Kinsey—firearms instructor, father, believer, and community leader—on how living with conviction changes everything. 💡

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

🎯 Highlights include:

* Insights on aligning your training with your values

* How to build real community through preparedness

* The 52-Week Challenge that keeps shooters sharp all year

* Real talk on balancing strength, humility, and faith

* Why defending liberty starts at home

🎥 Watch now and get inspired to train smarter, live better, and lead with purpose.

Powerful Quotes

“If you're spending your hard‑earned time and energy and money to go get training, make sure the skills you're learning actually matter in your real life.”

“Joy is very different from happiness … I find joy in voluntarily shouldering responsibility that matters.”

“Surrendering requires strength. That strength comes through trusting God—not just using brute force.”

Visit traingunset.com for upcoming classes and events.

Follow on social media: Instagram @gunset_official | Facebook traingunset

Join the Gunset 52‑Week Challenge on Facebook and commit to consistent cold-draw training with a community of accountability.

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

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

🔥 Feeling stuck? This might be the breakthrough you didn’t know you needed.

In this raw, deeply personal episode of Defenders LIVE, host Lora Thorson sits down with leadership coach and former pastor Matt Ware to uncover how leaders at every level — from business to family — can rise from failure, fear, and loss into greater strength, clarity, and courage.

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

💡 What you’ll gain:

* How to lead yourself when life falls apart

* Why subtracting might bring you more clarity than adding

* The mindset shift that helps you rise again

* Why embracing discomfort is your next breakthrough

Notable Quotes

“Growth equals pain. And pain is the only path to purpose.” – Matt Ware “You might not be pursuing purpose—because purpose is already pursuing you.” – Matt Ware “If you're not leading yourself, you forfeit the right to lead others.” – Matt Ware “Simplicity and peace now matter more to me than productivity.” – Matt Ware

Resources

🎧 Listen to more of Matt: [The Shift Podcast] — theshiftpodcast.co 🌐 Connect with Matt: themattware.com 📱 Follow Matt: @themattware on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok 🌟 Learn more about Defenders LIVE: defenderslive.com

🎧 Watch now and reclaim the clarity, courage, and conviction you were made for.

🔗 themattware.com | defenderslive.com | theshiftpodcast.co

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

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

Host Lora Thorson and Dr. Fuller, building on their previous conversation, dive deeper into what civil unrest looks like in practice—especially in the wake of recent events like the LA protests and escalating global conflict. This episode covers:

* The anatomy of societal breakdown

* Human behavior under stress and chaos

* The moral and mental framework needed to prepare

* Physical training as a cornerstone of resilience

* Reading subtle signals in others, and more

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

What really happens when society starts to break down?

Join host Lora Thorson and FBI interrogator Dr. T.C. Fuller as they unpack: 🧠 How to stay calm under pressure 🏃‍♂️ Why physical fitness boosts emotional control 👀 How to read people fast in crisis ⚖️ How to prep your family—and moral compass—for chaos

🎧 LISTEN NOW and gain tools for a more resilient mindset.

Notable Quotes:

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

“Composure under pressure is a trained skill—not a personality trait.”

“Push back the frontiers of ignorance.”

“Keep talking—and listen.”

Resources & Links

* Books by Dr. T.C. Fuller: Painting Over Rust, Empathy for the Devil, No Safe Alternative → Available via tcfuller.com, thehoracegroup.net, and Amazon

* The Horus Group: Crisis, leadership, and behavioral training

→ Available via thehorusgroup.net

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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

In this powerful, intimate episode of Defenders LIVE, Ross Hick flips the script by interviewing regular host Lora Thorson. This raw, transformative conversation delves into Lora’s emotional, spiritual, and physical evolution over the past few years.

Together, they unpack:

* What it really takes to change your life

* The hidden weight of false humility

* Faith as a foundation for real transformation

* Learning to be seen—and owning your power

* Why internal change is the key to sustainable external results

Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, lead your family, or shed layers of self-doubt, this episode is your guide to reclaiming your identity and living with purpose.

Lora’s heartfelt rant referred to in this interview:

Join our community at defenders-live.com

Defenders LIVE is supported by you. Consider becoming a paid subscriber.

Notable Quotes

“I just wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin.” — Lora Thorson

“People are asking the wrong questions. It’s not about what I ate—it’s about what changed in me.”

“Being seen used to terrify me. Now I understand it’s where real power lives.”

“I don’t have to know the outcome—I just have to show up, every single day.”

“True humility isn’t hiding who you are. It’s owning your strength without apology.”

#Transformation #FaithInAction #DefendersLIVE #FromBrokenToBold #WomenWhoLead #EmotionalResilience #SelfDefenseStartsWithin

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 deeply moving and vulnerable episode, we welcome Jeremy Morris—husband, father, business owner, and co-founder of Wild Courage. Jeremy shares his raw journey from rock bottom to redemption, shedding light on trauma, addiction, healing, and the profound transformation that comes from facing your truth. His story is one of pain and triumph, steeped in faith, humility, and a mission to help others reclaim their stories.

Whether you're navigating your own healing or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a beacon of light and hope. Jeremy’s honesty and courage invite us all to look deeper, to heal, and to reconnect with our true selves.

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

"Redemption & Wild Courage w/ Jeremy Morris" 🔥

Get ready for one of the most raw and powerful conversations we’ve ever had. 🎧

✨ Here's what you'll take away:

💔 What hitting rock bottom really looks like—and the climb back up

🔥 How vulnerability can break shame and build strength

🙏 The role of faith in healing trauma and addiction

🤝 Creating safe spaces for men to share and grow

🐎 Mental health in the Western/cowboy culture

💡 If you've ever felt broken, lost, or unworthy—this episode is for YOU.

Notable Quotes

“You don’t have to get cleaned up before going to God. He already knows your mess.”

“God never gave up on me—even when I did.”

“You can't give away what you don't have—compassion starts with yourself.”

Wild Courage Website

www.thewildcourage.org

The Wild Courage Podcast: www.https://www.thewildcourage.org/podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064059703547

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC15k5rNnUjJQ5Zj__9HrN2w

#RedemptionStory, #MensMentalHealth, #FaithAndHealing, #WildCourage, #OvercomingAddiction

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 follow-up episode, host Lora Thorson sits down once again with John Hearne—a seasoned public safety professional, retired U.S. Park Ranger, and the brain behind Two Pillars Training. With over 30 years of experience, John delivers sobering truths and practical insights on how to train for violence, maintain emotional control, and truly understand human performance under stress.

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

👊 In this no-fluff convo, you’ll learn:

* 💥 Why fantasy training fails in real life

* 🧠 How stress crushes performance—and how to beat it

* 😨 The truth about fear and emotional control

* 🎯 The 2 pillars that make or break your readiness

* 🧪 What science says about training that actually works

Notable Quotes:

* "You're not training for the best-case scenario. You're training for when everything goes wrong."

* "Fear is a natural response. The difference between survival and failure is how you train to manage it."

* "Emotional control isn't a switch you flip—it's a skill you build under pressure."

* "Cognitive load is real. The more you try to do under stress, the worse you'll perform without practice."

Connect with John Hearne:

Two Pillars Training: https://twopillarstraining.com/Class registration: https://twopillars.corsizio.com/

🎯 Follow Defenders LIVE: www.defenders-live.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

Communicator & Protector: The Journey of Lora Thorson

In this compelling episode of the Sling'N Lead Podcast, your hosts TJ and Kent sit down with the extraordinary Lora Thorson, host of Defenders LIVE. This is more than just a guest interview—it’s an exploration of mission, mindset, and personal transformation.

Lora shares her evolution from a business-savvy photographer in the rodeo scene to a sought-after firearms instructor. She opens up about the critical turning point that led her to arm herself with knowledge—and a handgun—and why her roles as a communicator and protector are central to everything she does.

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 a terrifying moment in Montana sparked Lora’s mission to teach

* 🎓 The real meaning of being a “communicator” & “protector”

* 🔧 Tips for helping new shooters succeed (and safely fail)

* 🧠 How instructors can build trust & connection on the range

* 🚀 Turning self-doubt into strength and empowerment

Notable Quotes

* "I’m not seeking it. I’m offering it."

* "That moment in Montana showed me I wasn’t prepared—and that had to change immediately."

* "I used to try to hide my joy, but now I let it overflow—and it’s contagious."

* "If they can’t think with a gun in their hand, they’re not ready for the next level."

Connect with Lora Thorson

* 🌐 Defenders USA: https://defenders-usa.com

* 🎧 Defenders LIVE: https://defenders-live.com

* 📸 @‌defenderslive on FB, IG, Rumble, YT

Sling’N Lead Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@slingnleadpodcast6374

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

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