Welcome back to Iron Sights After Dark! In this episode, I sat down with recently retired cop Nicholas McCarthy who stopped by the studio to share his story for the first time since he took medical leave back in 2021. McCarthy talks about growing up in a Law Enforcement family and befriending his uncle who spent most of his life behind bars. There were two options for Nick: Join Law Enforcement or run the other way. Nick shares that the desire to be a K9 handler motivated him to be a standout cop and after 5 years on the job he was in a position to do exactly that. Without any McCarthy family handouts, Nick put in the work and established himself patrolling the streets of the Bay Area. We've all heard it...If you're looking for trouble - chances are you're going to find it. Nick's relentlessness and passion for catching "The Bad Guy" got him in quite a few really bad situations that he talks about on this show. After leaving his agency over a year ago after an officer involved shooting, McCarthy wasn't able to openly share his career and/or side of the story until now. His retirement papers have been signed and he chose to share his side of the story with the world. Regardless of what the media and/or news has covered, Nick has been: sued, investigated & interviewed by Law Enforcement countless times and his actions and that of his fellow officers have been justified by the law. The goal of this podcast was to listen and share his story publicly for the first time - what can we as a community learn from his life and choices so that we can get better and improve as a whole?

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcoming Nick To The Show
01:44 The Law Enforcement Family
03:53 School vs.  The Work Force
05:36 The Goal of Being A K9 Handler
14:43 Policing Under The Shadow of Legends
20:37 Dope, Guns & Working The Streets
22:45 The Proactive Cop
26:43 Examples of Leadership in Law Enforcement
34:40 Fast Forward 5 Years
36:55 Going All In On K9 Training
44:26 Being A Successful K9 Handler
46:37 The Full Story of Getting A K9 Dog
54:04 How Tike (The K9) Got His Name
57:51 Working The Streets As A K9 Handler
1:08:27 Shit That Went Bad...Really Bad
1:17:37 Saving A Woman's Life
1:23:45 Leading Up To The Event That Changed Everything
1:26:30 The Shooting That Ended Nick's Career
1:56:43 The Aftermath of Being Shot & Being Involved
2:05:31 The Media Went Crazy
2:10:50 Being Put On Administrative Leave
2:21:37 The Investigation That Follows
2:30:21 Battling Retirement & CA Workers Comp
2:45:14 Surviving Depression & Darkness
2:49:50 What's Next For Nick

Sponsors by Red Dot Fitness Online Training Programs:

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: https://www.rdftrainonline.com

Online membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/irons

We're back with our top 3 overrated gym exercises for your legs, glutes & core. Cece, Jeff and I each came to the table with one exercise that we deem overrated - not because they are bad but due to the fact that they are commonly overused or used in ways that are impractical or not optimal for an individuals desired outcome. Our picks might surprise you but are backed by decades of experience, client application and results driven programming that you can check out at rdftrainonline.com if you'd like to learn more.

Sponsors by Red Dot Fitness Online Training Programs:

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: https://www.rdftrainonline.com

Online membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/irons

More Iron Sights Interviews:

Triple Feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMTc7AE0KaQ&t=384s
Kayley Gunner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfGqHxCv7Vc&t=522s
Mike Salemi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq-Nj6M0EBI&t=335s
Adam Schafer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiyrdWdO1y8&t=8s
Sal Di Stefano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBdKdSjQ0BM&t=4425s
Jason Khalipa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTiq-sID-EM
Byron Rodgers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrtEyuVNNpw
Donnie Oliver: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKY1_TLKHlI
Chris Cheng: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr0zSGSTzKM&t=2s
Traver Boehm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_NLdIg3zBc&t=1394s

Welcome back to Iron Sights After Dark! In this episode, I sat down with Greg Simpson. After serving in the US Army reserve for over 8 years, Simpson's experience as a Combat Medic with EMT credentials helped him stand out during his transition into Law Enforcement. Greg has served as a full-time patrol officer since 2015 and is also a California P.O.S.T. Certified First Aid/CPR/AED instructor. As a SWAT team member, Greg serves as both a tactical medic and operator. After sharing wild stories of experiencing and taking part in officer involved shootings, I had Greg check out my medic kits and "critique them". Simpsons love for constant improvement, the 2nd amendment community and his passion for protecting citizens of this country are a few of the many reasons I respect and appreciate the work he does. Greg discusses the benefits of serving in Law Enforcement as a trained Tac Medic and the importance of seeking help mentally to make sure LEO and first responder's can better serve both themselves and their community. Check out the full YouTube video to see the medic kits described in this episode - we will be back Monday to discuss some of the most overrated exercises we see being done in the gym!

Sponsors:
Red Dot Fitness (RDF) Training Programs: https://www.rdftrainonline.com
Jocko Fuel: https://originmaine.com/nutrition/jocko-fuel/energy-x-focus/energy-drinks/

RDF Online membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

RDF Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

RDF Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/irons

Connect With Greg Simpson:
Instagram: @tacmedsimps & @gcs_training_group
Website: gcstraininggroup.com

More Iron Sights Interviews:

Triple Feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMTc7AE0KaQ&t=384s
Kayley Gunner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfGqHxCv7Vc&t=522s
Mike Salemi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq-Nj6M0EBI&t=335s
Adam Schafer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiyrdWdO1y8&t=8s
Sal Di Stefano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBdKdSjQ0BM&t=4425s
Jason Khalipa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTiq-sID-EM
Byron Rodgers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrtEyuVNNpw
Donnie Oliver: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKY1_TLKHlI
Chris Cheng: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr0zSGSTzKM&t=2s
Traver Boehm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_NLdIg3zBc&t=1394s

In this episode we're talking all about feet! Feet are gross but when it comes to performance & pain,  selecting footwear and understanding how critical  your feet are is crucial. The big question to ask is - what can you do to improve how you take care of your feet? Each foot is made up of 26 bones, 30 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, all of which work together to provide support, balance and mobility. This episode dives deep on previous injuries we've had as well as how we help clients assess and strengthen their feet.

Topics:
Foot Anatomy
Shin Splints/Pain
Footwear
Working Out
Running vs. Hiking
Joints In The Ankle/Foot

Sponsors by Red Dot Fitness Online Training Programs:

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: https://www.rdftrainonline.com

Online membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/irons

More Iron Sights Interviews:

Triple Feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMTc7AE0KaQ&t=384s
Kayley Gunner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfGqHxCv7Vc&t=522s
Mike Salemi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq-Nj6M0EBI&t=335s
Adam Schafer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiyrdWdO1y8&t=8s
Sal Di Stefano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBdKdSjQ0BM&t=4425s
Jason Khalipa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTiq-sID-EM
Byron Rodgers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrtEyuVNNpw
Donnie Oliver: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKY1_TLKHlI
Chris Cheng: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr0zSGSTzKM&t=2s
Traver Boehm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_NLdIg3zBc&t=1394s

In this episode, I interviewed Blake Crider, to discuss his experience working for the past decade in Executive Protection (EP). Crider graduated from Northern Michigan University in Criminal Justice  before moving his family to California after a celebrity assignment in EP. I was impressed with Blake's story and experience - he shares a good amount of stories from his EP years with: paparazzi, celebrity clients, traveling & more! Blake is a leader at the executive level with Crisis24. The focus of this conversation was to discuss the world of EP as well as  practical application that civilians can implement to protect themselves and their family.

Sponsors by Red Dot Fitness Online Training Programs:

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: https://www.rdftrainonline.com

Online membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/irons

More Iron Sights Interviews:

Triple Feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMTc7AE0KaQ&t=384s
Kayley Gunner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfGqHxCv7Vc&t=522s
Mike Salemi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq-Nj6M0EBI&t=335s
Adam Schafer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiyrdWdO1y8&t=8s
Sal Di Stefano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBdKdSjQ0BM&t=4425s
Jason Khalipa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTiq-sID-EM
Byron Rodgers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrtEyuVNNpw
Donnie Oliver: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKY1_TLKHlI
Chris Cheng: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr0zSGSTzKM&t=2s
Traver Boehm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_NLdIg3zBc&t=1394s

In this Iron Sights episode, I brought back CeCe English & Jeff Chenault to discuss pros & cons 9 pieces of gym equipment that you will see in almost every gym. If you've every had questions regarding variations of gym equipment or which equipment you should or should not be using for effective workouts you should tune in to this episode. This episode will also provide you easy ways to explain the benefits of different equipment to friends or family. We breakdown both conventional and nonconventional fitness equipment so that you can walk in to your local gym feeling confident and in control of your workout.

Equipment discussed:
-Stationary Machines
-Dumbbells
-Barbells
-Bulgarian Bag
-Physio & Bosu Balls
-Jump Rope
-Exercise Bands
-Kettlebells
-Cable Machines

Sponsors by Red Dot Fitness Online Training Programs:

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: https://www.rdftrainonline.com

Online membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/irons

More Iron Sights Interviews:

Triple Feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMTc7AE0KaQ&t=384s
Kayley Gunner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfGqHxCv7Vc&t=522s
Mike Salemi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq-Nj6M0EBI&t=335s
Adam Schafer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiyrdWdO1y8&t=8s
Sal Di Stefano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBdKdSjQ0BM&t=4425s
Jason Khalipa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTiq-sID-EM
Byron Rodgers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrtEyuVNNpw
Donnie Oliver: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKY1_TLKHlI
Chris Cheng: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr0zSGSTzKM&t=2s
Traver Boehm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_NLdIg3zBc&t=1394s

This episode took a turn due to a last minute guest cancellation. I sat down with Eli Helfman who was already set-up to discuss some of the wins, losses and lessons when it comes to creating content across iTunes, TikTok, YouTube & IG.  If you're interested in a behind the scenes look at how the After Dark series was created, the thought process behind it or how to start a similar project for yourself - tune in for the strategy and lessons we've learned along the way. We will be back Monday to discuss 10 gym tools that will help and/or hurt your gains.

Sponsors by Red Dot Fitness Online Training Programs:

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: https://www.rdftrainonline.com

Online membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/irons

More Iron Sights Interviews:

Triple Feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMTc7AE0KaQ&t=384s
Kayley Gunner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfGqHxCv7Vc&t=522s
Mike Salemi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq-Nj6M0EBI&t=335s
Adam Schafer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiyrdWdO1y8&t=8s
Sal Di Stefano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBdKdSjQ0BM&t=4425s
Jason Khalipa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTiq-sID-EM
Byron Rodgers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrtEyuVNNpw
Donnie Oliver: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKY1_TLKHlI
Chris Cheng: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr0zSGSTzKM&t=2s
Traver Boehm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_NLdIg3zBc&t=1394s

Cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes and heart attacks remain the leading causes of death in the western world. Chances are you know someone who has been negatively affected by the health challenges that occur from poor cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular fitness is imperative for both longevity and overall health and wellness but it can also drastically improve both performance and aesthetics. In this episode, I brought in CeCe English and Jeff Chenault to break down cardio at a high level - also at a deep level. There's been a lot attention given to the idea that cardiovascular conditioning is non-essential specifically when it relates to physique training and looking your best. This needs to be discussed and you need to understand the bigger picture and how cardio training should fit in to your program for the rest of your life. You'll learn about your heart, stroke volume, types of cardio training, the pros & cons of cardio training as well as ways to implement it into your weekly routine. Our hope is that you leave with a deeper level of understanding and share this episode with anyone who you think could benefit from this information.

Sponsors by Red Dot Fitness Online Training Programs:

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: https://www.rdftrainonline.com

Online membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/irons

More Iron Sights Interviews:

Triple Feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMTc7AE0KaQ&t=384s
Kayley Gunner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfGqHxCv7Vc&t=522s
Mike Salemi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq-Nj6M0EBI&t=335s
Adam Schafer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiyrdWdO1y8&t=8s
Sal Di Stefano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBdKdSjQ0BM&t=4425s
Jason Khalipa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTiq-sID-EM
Byron Rodgers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrtEyuVNNpw
Donnie Oliver: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKY1_TLKHlI
Chris Cheng: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr0zSGSTzKM&t=2s
Traver Boehm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_NLdIg3zBc&t=1394s

In this episode, I interviewed Maj Toure: a political activist, rapper and community leader. Toure is an outspoken Libertarian who ran for city council in 2019 and has traveled the country visiting inner cities advocating for citizens 2nd amendment rights and education for underprivileged communities. I found Toure through social media and got connected with him through a mutual belief: the truth matters. Maj has been featured on countless talk shows and televised news networks primarily for speaking out against the Black Lives Matter campaign - agreeing that Black Lives of course matter but grilling the organization and fundraising for their lack of resource allocation for the community they claim to serve. Through community donation and relentless outreach, Toure has fundraised over 6-figures to secure ownership over a physical location in Philadelphia where he hosts free classes for the community on firearms instruction, finance, homeschooling, self-defense & essential skills that help people in his immediate community. Although our backgrounds and opinions on specific matters might be different, this episode was primarily focused on facts rather than heated opinions, allowing for a long form look into how Toure sees the world and what his focus is for the future. I'm not going to lie - the man is a force and I'm excited to see the buttons he continues to push in public eye. What I appreciate most about Toure is his ability to remain open-minded and focus on the facts. We discuss: racism, police brutality, firearms, government, the founding fathers, the constitution, his political future and much more in this episode! I might just have to go check out his spot in Philly and show my support to the growing community he is a part of in Pennsylvania. Hope you enjoy this episode! We'll be back on Monday with CeCe & Jeff.

This episode is sponsored by Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-coaching

More Iron Sights Interviews:

Triple Feed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMTc7AE0KaQ&t=384s
Kayley Gunner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfGqHxCv7Vc&t=522s
Mike Salemi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq-Nj6M0EBI&t=335s
Adam Schafer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiyrdWdO1y8&t=8s
Sal Di Stefano: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBdKdSjQ0BM&t=4425s
Jason Khalipa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTiq-sID-EM
Byron Rodgers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrtEyuVNNpw
Donnie Oliver: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKY1_TLKHlI
Chris Cheng: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr0zSGSTzKM&t=2s
Traver Boehm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_NLdIg3zBc&t=1394s

TRAIN WITH US:

RDF Online Training: https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-coaching

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/irons

Contact Spectrum Canine:
Website: https://solutionarylifestyle.org
Instagram: @bigdaddytoure
Donate: https://solutionarylifestyle.org

In this episode of Iron Sights, I sat down again with Jeff and CeCe to put the foam rolling debate to bed once and for all. There's been a lot discussion surrounding foam rolling throughout the years (some of which I was highly bought into) and we talk about our personal and client experiences on this show. This episode covers: myths, claims, dangers, anatomy and the pros and cons of foam rolling.

Sponsors by Red Dot Fitness Online Training Programs:

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: https://www.rdftrainonline.com

Online membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/irons