Evolution Security Podcast

Eric brings Justin “Danger” Carroll back on, this time with Molly Johnson. Justin is a Marine vet, deputy, part-time paramedic, volunteer SAR tech, and author of Competent and Dangerous.  

Justin “Danger” Carroll  - Silent Swift Deadly Blog - ⁠https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/⁠

Molly is a paramedic (about five years), EMS for seven, and an Orangetheory coach.

The conversation is about doing hard things on purpose—not talking about mindset, but building it.

What they cover:

• What a GORUCK Tough actually is: rucksack (20- or 30-lb plate), “coupons” (sandbags, water, fire hose, beer cooler), 12 hours of team suffering
• Molly’s first event: 70 burpees before they even started, then a 3.5-hour PT block on a Merrill’s Marauders theme
• Team dynamics— how fast a group either comes together or doesn’t
• Why the finish-line beer is the best beer you’ll ever drink
• EMS/LE reality: compartmentalizing trauma, “feel-bad movies” as a pressure valve, and a pediatric arrest that turned into a later apology and hug with a civilian
• Helene response: water rescue, paper charts, downed comms, and why a simple AM/FM radio still matters when cell service is gone
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Eric also talks about committing on air to a future GORUCK with them.

Links / resources mentioned

• Justin’s book: Competent and Dangerous 
• Justin’s first EvoSec episode (Competent & Dangerous)
• GORUCK events: https://www.goruck.com/
• Orangetheory Fitness
• Jason McCarthy / GORUCK origin (SF background, pack company that became events)

This episode we talk about the up coming Cognitive Conclave 2026 with John Hearne, Lee Weems & Erick Gelhaus

Get Registered: https://twopillarstraining.com/conclave/

Eric sits down with the Rangemaster “Chess Club”—John Hearne (Two Pillars Training), Lee Weems (First Person Safety), and Erick Gelhaus (Cougar Mountain Solutions)—to talk about the missing piece in most firearms training: thinking with a gun in your hand, which is the focus of the Cognitive Conclave course.

They remember John Holschen, then get into why typical range work often looks more like “firing squad training” than real problem-solving. Decisions get stripped out of the drill. Then people are shocked when those skills don’t transfer.

Main points from the conversation:

• John’s “doorbell assignment” analogy — most training tells you exactly what to shoot, when, and how many times
• Lee on Claude Werner’s line that a lot of instruction is just firing-squad work, and why the four safety rules have to live inside the course of fire
• Erick on Scotty Reitz’s “blue tape / judgmental prez” drill, visual processing vs. audio cues, Neuros, and Mirage targets
• Force-on-force is still the gold standard for complex decisions, but logistics limit reps. Cognitive-load live fire gives far more decision cycles in a day
• Technical skill still matters. Multiple sources (including Adam Biggs’ research, plus high-level shooters like Frank Proctor and Matt Little) point to about USPSA B-class as the point of diminishing returns — after that, thinking and tactics matter more than chasing the next classification
• This work is a supplement to force-on-force, not a replacement

Cognitive Conclave 2026: October 24–25

Coming up from the guests:

• Lee – Rangemaster reunion in December, TACCON presentation work, Enhanced Coaching Skills
• Erick – Low-light pistol (Meridian, ID), shotgun (Piru, CA), Problem Solving Pistol at Mead Hall (OK), Red Dot Instructor (New Orleans area)
• John – Who Wins / Who Loses lecture with Karl Rehn, Northwest Law Conference (Seattle), class with Chuck Pressburg at Mead Hall

Links

• John Hearne – Two Pillars Training: https://twopillarstraining.com/
• Lee Weems – First Person Safety: https://firstpersonsafety.com/
• Erick Gelhaus – Cougar Mountain Solutions: https://www.cougarmountainsolutions.com/
• Erick also writes at AmericanCop.com

In this episode of the EvoSec Podcast, Eric sits down with Justin “Danger” Carroll, a long-time friend of the American Warrior Society crew and someone Eric has wanted on the show for years.

Justin shares his path from a small Southern Appalachian town through eight years in the Marine Corps, overseas contracting, instructing at the Marine Special Operations Schoolhouse, writing books on digital privacy, becoming a paramedic, and now serving as a full-time deputy sheriff while still teaching EMS and law enforcement academies.

Justin's awesome blog: https://www.swiftsilentdeadly.com/

The conversation centers on his excellent book Competent and Dangerous: Master the Skills to be a Man Among Men. the guide he wished he’d had as a 16-year-old. Topics covered include:

• Building real-world competence across fitness, mindset, EDC, finances, vehicle readiness, medical skills, digital security, physical security, wilderness skills, and social/people skills
• Why general competence matters more than hyper-specialization
• Practical first-aid and CPR lessons (including personal experiences)
• Firearms recommendations for everyday people (compact 9mm options, AR platforms like BCM, and strong advocacy for the shotgun)
• The value of continuous learning and putting yourself in environments that force growth

A practical, no-nonsense discussion about becoming more capable in the real world. Highly recommended listening, and definitely pick up Justin’s book.

In this episode of the EvoSec Podcast, the Tactical Twins (Eric & Aaron) sit down with competitive shooter Sam Elam. Youtube: @ArmoredFlycatcher

Sam shares his journey from a Kentucky tobacco farm and four years in the Marine Corps (early GWOT era) to becoming a multi-division IDPA Master and strong USPSA competitor in the competitive Oklahoma/Arkansas/Texas region. He discusses:

• Jumping into IDPA in March 2023 and rapidly shooting nearly 190 matches
• The high talent density in the Tulsa area and how local competition accelerates skill
• His practical, sustainable training philosophy (short, consistent dry-fire, frequency over long sessions)
• Why he deliberately switched back to Glocks after running 2011s and Shadows—to expose and correct fundamental errors the heavier guns were masking
• Gear lessons, range culture, and balancing competition with family life

A straightforward, no-BS conversation full of useful insights for anyone looking to improve at competition or practical pistol shooting.

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For more info on EvoSec: www.evosec.org/

Youtube @evosec2840 instagram and facebook @evosecusa

This is a throwback episode to our 2nd podcast # 49 with Craig Douglas back in July 2021.  Caveat:  Some of the topics in this show may or may not still be offered by Shivworks at this time, but suffice to say that Craig and his team are always innovating and are adaptive to their patrons.  

Enjoy this fun episode, it is vastly different than most the interviews you will hear from Craig. 

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This week we are extremely excited to have Craig Douglas of Shivworks back on the show. Craig is the father of the real life "Fight Club" with a gun or knife. His course work Extreme Close Quarters Concepts (ECQC) has changed the lives of countless people throughout the US and around the world.

This show we change gears a bit and talk about Craig's newer Beta class Entangled Rifle Options (ERO), viability of the Carbine in Civilian defense, and the Rittenhouse shooting.  We also hit on Craig's love of clothes again and even get into some personal subjects as well.  .

For more details on Craig's course work and his class schedule please visit his website at ⁠www.shivworks.com/⁠

Please subscribe and share our podcast with friends and family.  Visit our website for bios, future events and info at ⁠www.evosec.org⁠  Like, follow and share us on Facebook and Instagram @evosecusa

Check out our awesome sponsors:

Tenicor – ⁠www.tenicor.com⁠  they are educators, and innovators in the holster market.  They are firearms instructors themselves, pressure testing their gear in multiple force on force events every year.  We support those who do the work.  

Show Notes: Lighter Carry Considerations – Mindset, Gear, and Real-World Tradeoffs

EvoSec Podcast

In this episode, Eric Davis is joined by two of his most frequent and favorite guests: Chris Lapre of Asymmetrical Options and Cecil Burch of Immediate Action Combatives. The conversation dives deep into the realities of everyday carry, lighter loadouts, vehicle sustainment, rifle choices, and the critical importance of software over hardware.

From undercover work and non-permissive environments to long-term sustainment and practical rifle marksmanship, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom from seasoned professionals who have trained, taught, and lived these principles for decades.

• Software First: Why mindset, fitness, empty-hand skills, and verbal de-escalation matter more than gear
• Lighter Everyday Carry Options: What Chris and Cecil actually carry day-to-day and why
• Context-Driven Gear Choices: How loadouts change based on environment, dress code, and mission
• The Myth of the Hero Complex: Why running toward active shooter events with just a pistol is usually a bad idea
• Rifle Considerations: Scout rifles, SBRs, 300 BLK, and practical long-gun choices for the modern citizen
• Vehicle Sustainment Bags: What to carry for 3–5 days of self-reliance
• Training Mindset: Practicing kneeling/sitting positions, natural point of aim, and realistic marksmanship standards

• Chris LaPre – Asymmetric OptionsWebsite & BioRetired law enforcement, longtime instructor, host of numerous high-level training classes, and advocate for practical, context-aware carry solutions.
• Cecil Burch – Immediate Action CombativesWebsite & Bio48+ years in martial arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, instructor, seminar host, and author known for blending empty-hand skills with weapons-based reality.

• With Winning in Mind – Lanny Bassham (mental management)
• Gun Site Scout Rifle concept (Jeff Cooper)
• Cabin Fever Challenge (practical rifle marksmanship)
• British Muzzle Loaders & On The Scout YouTube channels
• Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle
• Leupold Scout scopes & Hilux optics

• 00:00 – Introductions & History
• 09:30 – Software vs Hardware Mindset
• 22:00 – Active Shooter Realities & Hero Complex
• 27:00 – Everyday Carry Choices (Chris & Cecil)
• 48:00 – Non-Permissive Environments & Clandestine Carry
• 57:00 – Vehicle Sustainment & Travel Considerations
• 1:13:00 – Rifle Choices & Scout Rifle Discussion
• 1:27:00 – Upcoming Scout Rifle World Championship

Connect with the guests:

• Chris Lapre → Asymmetric Options
• Cecil Burch → Immediate Action Combatives

Key Topics Covered:Guests:Resources Mentioned:Timestamps:

In Episode 188 of the EvoSec Podcast, Eric sits down with Cade Cole of Roadhouse School for Hunters & Guides. Cade shares his journey from Texas to becoming a seasoned mountain hunting guide and discusses the common deficiencies he sees in modern hunters — ego, unrealistic expectations, and over-reliance on gear. They dive deep into practical marksmanship, why mastering your current rifle beats buying new ones, the value of the Scout Rifle concept, fitness, self-reliance, and real-world field skills versus flat-range training. A must-listen for hunters, shooters, and anyone valuing self-sufficiency and the frontiersman spirit.

Websites & Contact Info:

• Roadhouse School for Hunters & Guides
• Facebook: Search “Cade Cole”
• Instagram: @cadecole888
• Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the EvoSec Podcast, tactical twins Eric & Aaron welcome Mark Smith of JBS Training Group. Mark shares his amazing rise from everyday gun owner to USPSA Grandmaster, the critical role of mental management in shooting (and life), and why most training fails to produce real results. Deep dives into effective dry/live fire practice, self-diagnosis, why gear won’t buy skill, and practical precision with gas guns and barricades. Packed with actionable advice, training philosophy, and mindset shifts that can transform your performance—plus a fun music chat at the end.

Websites & Resources for Show Notes:

• JBS Training Group: jbstraininggroup.com (classes, schedule, info)
• Instagram: @jbs_training_group
• Tenicor YouTube: Search for Mark Smith / JBS episodes with Jeff Mao (highly recommended visual demos)
• Support our sponsors: www.tenicor.com/
• Recommended Books: Recommended Books:
• With Winning in Mind by Lanny Basham
• The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey
• The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle

November 6-8

Cecil Burch - Immediate Action Combatives Seminar – Ground & Clinch

Yadkinville, NC http://www.iacombatives.com

Come Join Eric as he AIs with Cecil, this is a life changing class so get signed up.

Shivworks The Network  is live!

https://theshivworksnetwork.com

Tenicor's new OWB Holster

MUC - Managing Unknown Contacts (Shivworks)

New Tenicor holster - Sprint - Support our sponsors - they make the best gear for serious practitioners.

https://tenicor.com/collections/all-holsters/products/sprint-holster-for-glock

https://tenicor.com/

Chris Lapre is a former SWAT Commander for Pinal Country Arizona Sheriff's department and runs Asymmetric Options. Asymmetric Options provides training in firearms and tactics to Law Enforcement, Military and Civilians. Chris also leads training at his agency, providing opportunities for both himself and his deputies to train with the top instructors in the industry multiple times a year.   Chris also is an avid JiuJitisu practitioner and trains in combatives and weapons based grappling on a regular basis.  

For more info on Chris, please follow him on Instagram @asymmetricoptions and also his website Asymmectric Options – Training, tactics, tradition. (asymmetricoptions.com)

Will Competition get you killed on the streets?  By Massad Ayoob

https://athlonoutdoors.com/article/is-competition-shooting-legit-for-self-defense/

US Military drone rifle rounds 

https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/u-s-military-unveils-drone-killer-rifle-cartridges/?utm_source=newsletter
Marine Officers take on skeet shooting training and shotgun deployment for anti UAV/UAS capabilities
https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2025/april/train-scale-defeat-drones-shotguns

Tenicor – www.tenicor.com they are educators, and innovators in the holster market.  They are firearms instructors themselves, pressure testing their gear in multiple force on force events every year.  We support those who do the work.