Iron Sights

Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast. Today, I’m grateful to have Rener Gracie, a name synonymous with Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a prominent figure in law enforcement training.

I connected with Rener at the 2025 California Force Instructors Association  Law Enforcement conference in Napa, CA. This event was a valuable one for me and the other 250 participants on a lot of levels. I’m anxious to share other interviews from some of the dedicated experts that presented in the near future.

While at the CALFIA conferenceI, and prior to the interview, I got the opportunity to listen to Rener answer audience questions as a panel member, witness him on the mat teach use of force techniques to a room full of law enforcement officers and use of force instructors, and then ultimately sit down 1 on 1 to ask him several questions that both the audience and I had about what he’s doing with Gracie Survival Tactics.

We dig into Rener’s history, philosophy and approach to training, and the controversial introduction of his Safe Wrap System as a two person solution to the highly politicized prone restraint - a topic that has sparked discussion and debate within the martial arts and law enforcement communities.

No doubt about it, Rener is a guy who wants to understand and be understood. If you haven’t heard him go deep on the who he is, what he does, and why he’s doing it, this one doesn’t disappoint.

So here we go! Hope you enjoy this After Dark episode here on the Iron Sights Podcast.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:01 Rener Gracie’s Background & Philosophy

13:28 Gracie Legacy & Evolution of BJJ

18:48 Gracie University & Online Learning

26:10 GST for Law Enforcement

33:10 Birth of the SafeWrap System

47:27 Tactical Advantage & Real-World Use

54:24 SafeWrap in Action

01:06:29 Training & Implementation

01:17:40 Addressing Controversies & Patents

01:23:41 Challenges in Defensive Tactics Training

01:30:20 Legal Support & Expert Witness Role

01:36:13 Breaking Training Silos & Improving Systems

01:56:53 Global Adoption & Future Prospects

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Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast. Today’s After Dark episode is a powerful one. I’m sitting down with John Constantine — a 23-year veteran of the United States Secret Service, with 15 of those years spent on the elite Counter Assault Team. From post-9/11 Ground Zero to protecting presidents around the world, John’s career has been defined by service at the highest levels.

But this conversation goes deeper than tactics, leadership, or high-risk operations. It’s about what happens when your values and goals no longer align with the environment you’re in. It’s about facing the shadows within, owning your truth, and finding your way back from the edge.

John opens up about courage, redemption, and the battles we fight inside ourselves — the ones that shape who we are far more than any mission or assignment. This one is raw, real, and worth every minute.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:47 Career Start & Secret Service Insights

12:22 Counter Assault Team Overview

14:49 Reflections On July 13th Incident

21:08 Personal & Professional Impact

34:17 Adapting Under Pressure

53:24 Self-Reflection & Integrity

59:54 Self-Esteem Vs. Self-Worth

01:05:15 Leadership & Personal Values

01:25:54 Standards & Accountability

01:37:41 Psychology, Philosophy & The Dark Self

01:42:55 Professionalism & Performance

01:53:50 The Value Of Leadership

02:01:25 Future Plans & Projects

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:
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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:
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Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
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Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast! Today, I’m joined by the whole Red Dot Fitness crew, and we’re breaking down the five biggest mistakes people make when choosing an online workout program. This isn’t about coaching or personalized training — we’re talking the actual programs themselves, like Red Dot Fitness Max and Red Dot Fitness Strong.

Choosing the right program can feel overwhelming, and a lot of folks stumble early on their fitness journey. We’re going to unpack those common mistakes, talk solutions, and help you figure out if the program you’re on is really the right fit. Whether you’re already in a program or still deciding, this episode will give you the tools to avoid costly errors and set yourself up for success.

So sit back, and let’s get into it.

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25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.com

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:
rdfprograms.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

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(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:
ironsightspodcasts.com

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

02:16 Common Mistakes In Online Programs

05:27 Why Personalization Matters

11:03 Challenges In Online Nutrition

22:26 Setting Realistic Goals

27:36 The 90-Day Transformation Myth

28:45 Avoiding Program Hopping

30:44 Flexibility & Adaptation

32:18 Nutrition’s Role

38:49 Community Support Value

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Connect With Us:
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In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, we’re joined by Rob Magao — a 25-year law enforcement veteran, SWAT leader, and founder of the Officer Survival Series. 

With experience in patrol, narcotics, internal affairs, detective work, and 18 years on SWAT, Rob has trained hundreds in local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the military. From defensive tactics and dignitary protection to ground fighting and firearms, his approach is rooted in real-world experience, not theory. A third-degree Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belt under Pedro Sauer and certified combatives instructor through Matt Larsen, Rob shares insights on building resilient, confident protectors through pressure-tested training.

Sit back and enjoy a no-nonsense conversation on leadership, survival, and what it takes to thrive in high-stakes environments.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:21 Rob Magao’s Martial Arts Journey

05:52 Starting In Law Enforcement

10:53 Challenges & Changes In Policing

16:16 Innovations In Police Training

30:04 Opening The Jiu-Jitsu School

41:27 Bringing Jiu-Jitsu To Police Training

45:15 Creating A New Training Program

48:47 Program Success & Adoption

51:55 Instructor Certification Standards

01:09:19 Real-World Scenarios & Legal Training

01:22:48 Growth Of Police Jiu-Jitsu Teams

01:27:22 Key Skills For Law Enforcement

01:31:41 Building A Culture Of Improvement

01:40:59 Insurance’s Role In Training Standards

01:50:21 How To Get Involved With OSS

01:58:14 What’s Next

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:
rdfprograms.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/

In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, we’re diving into what it really takes to make online fitness coaching effective. 

Whether you’ve signed up for a virtual training program or are thinking about hiring a coach online, we break down the expectations, the red flags, and the strategies for getting real results. We’ll cover the pros and cons of online vs. in-person coaching, how to make the most of your investment, and what we’ve learned firsthand coaching both online and face-to-face. 

If you’re serious about your health and not seeing the progress you want, this conversation might just help you make the right call. Tune in and walk away with practical advice to look, move, and feel better.

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25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.com

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:
rdfprograms.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

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(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:
ironsightspodcasts.com

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Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:22 What Makes Online Coaching Different

12:27 Why Customization Matters

17:19 Nutrition & Initial Consults

26:17 Flexibility And Accessibility

34:31 Cost Benefits Of Online Coaching

35:40 Common Pitfalls In The Industry

39:10 Adapting Workouts To Any Environment

44:02 Using Tech For Better Coaching

51:36 Accountability & Long-Term Success

58:10 Final Thoughts & Getting Started

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Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
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In this After Dark episode, I sit down with my friend and retired law enforcement officer John “Chappy” Chapman. After decades of service, John’s taken his experience and passion and poured it into Task Force 70, a nonprofit laser-focused on rebuilding public trust through constitutionally grounded training for America’s law enforcement.

We break down how the system really works—from institutionalized training gaps to the funding issues that keep over 70% of small, rural agencies from getting the support they actually need. John brings clarity to a complicated conversation and outlines what TF70 is doing differently, including two standout courses that are already making an impact.

This episode isn’t just for cops. It’s for citizens who care about the quality of training their officers receive and how we can raise the bar without political noise

Enjoy today's show!

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

04:42 Background In Law Enforcement

06:31 Transition To Training & Instruction

09:01 Challenges In Police Training

14:52 Bureaucracy & Equipment Issues

36:11 Foundational Skills In Modern Policing

45:05 Federal Funding & Local Challenges

48:56 Training Foundations & Sociological Shifts

54:36 Practical Training & Foundation’s Mission

01:04:55 Specialized Courses & Support

01:17:41 Donors, Funding & Transparency

01:26:48 Measuring Training Impact

01:49:06 Final Thoughts & Encouragement

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:
rdfprograms.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/

We’re back with another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, and today I’ve got my good friend Jake Labhart in the studio—founder of In Extremis Performance.

Jake’s been on the show before, and if you’ve been around a while, you’ve heard us talk about everything from tactical performance to the mindset behind building better tactical athletes. But today we zoom out a bit and focus on process—the journey of building IEP, refining the mission, and expanding the team.

We talk leadership, team development, staying mission-focused, and staying humble while still moving with purpose. As always, Jake keeps it real, owns his mistakes, and delivers straight-up insight from the trenches.

If you’re curious about what In Extremis Performance is doing, who they’re working with, or how to get involved—this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

03:55 Catching Up In California

04:28 IEP’s Shift To Human Performance

05:16 Challenges In Law Enforcement Training

08:06 Movement & Shooting Approach

12:19 Learning, Adapting & Evolving

17:58 Social Media Vs. In-Person Training

21:12 Expanding Curriculum With Demand

42:23 Training With Top Shooters & Team Growth

47:56 Refining Curriculum & Teaching

58:03 Shooting & Human Performance

01:21:23 Support Systems & Strategy

01:30:36 Industry Changes & Feedback

01:48:09 What’s Next

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:
rdfprograms.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/

In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Jimmy Prendergast from Modern Athlete Strength. I’ve been following these guys for a while now, and if you’re into the training side of what we talk about here—especially in the tactical space—you’re gonna want to hear this.

Jimmy and his team come from a deep background in D1 sports, the NFL, and tactical strength and conditioning. We get into all of it—his career path, how he approaches programming for athletes in complex environments, and what it actually means to train like an athlete when you’re balancing strength, speed, power, and capacity.

We dig into the gray areas of what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid common traps when programming for concurrent training. This was a fun one for me—Jimmy’s sharp, knows his stuff, and breaks things down in a way that’s accessible for coaches and athletes alike.

If you’re a first responder, military, or just someone who wants to train hard and smart—this conversation is packed with takeaways. Make sure to follow Jimmy and his crew over at @modernathletestrength and check out modernathletestrength.com for more.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

06:52 Jimmy’s Background in Strength & Conditioning

10:30 Tactical Training: Challenges & Adaptations

23:18 Programming Philosophy & Concurrent Training

38:24 Tier System & Efficiency

47:00 CrossFit, Hybrid & Open-Minded Training

48:45 Principles of Effective Programming

52:25 Individualized Coaching & Adjustments

01:00:22 Foundations vs. Advanced Training

01:02:36 Online Coaching & Communication

01:16:20 Science vs. Practical Application

01:23:46 Networking & Lifelong Learning

01:26:41 Final Thoughts & Collaboration

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:
rdfprograms.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/

We’re back with another episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, and today I’m in the studio with Steven, Ryan, and CeCe to tackle a topic that comes up all the time with our clients — booze and performance.

We’re breaking down the real impact alcohol has on your fitness, fat loss, recovery, and long-term goals. From the metabolic effects and how booze can stall fat loss, to the hormonal consequences, muscle recovery, and performance drops that most people ignore — we’re covering all of it.

We also get into the increased injury risk, community and lifestyle considerations, and how alcohol might be showing up in ways that sabotage your progress more than you realize.

This isn’t about fear tactics — it’s about being honest and intentional. Whether you’re chasing aesthetic goals, performance gains, or just trying to feel and function better, we share practical strategies for managing alcohol without completely derailing your progress.

Enjoy the show!

-

25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.com

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:
rdfprograms.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

-

(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:
ironsightspodcasts.com

-

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

02:28 Love For Beer

02:47 Alcohol’s Impact On Performance & Fat Loss

04:01 Metabolism & Weight Loss Effects

05:00 Personal Alcohol Struggles

11:54 Hormones, Recovery & Dehydration

27:10 Alcohol Vs. Immune Function

28:00 Balancing Fitness & Drinking

31:12 Practical Tips For Drinking Smart

39:28 Choosing Alcohol Wisely

43:15 Final Thoughts & Getting Help

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Connect With Us:
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In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Jason—better known as Sierra One on Instagram and the founder of Silver Lake Special Projects.

Jason’s background is deep. He’s a military veteran, a former SWAT team member with both large metro and interagency experience, and currently leads the training unit at his agency. But beyond the resume, he’s a guy who’s committed to doing things right—leaving his environment better than he found it.

We get into a wide range of topics in this one: tactical training, leadership culture inside agencies, career progression, the complexities of interagency teams, and how to build buy-in within your unit. Whether you’re in the job, thinking about the job, or just interested in what it takes to lead from the front, you’ll get value here.

Enjoy today's show!

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

05:46 Jason’s Background & Career Start

16:16 Transition To Law Enforcement & SWAT

31:23 Competitive Shooting & Career Shift

42:41 Multi-Jurisdictional SWAT Challenges

47:00 Leadership, Structure & Team Dynamics

52:00 Inclusion, Mentorship & Team Building

01:02:40 Training Philosophy & Skill Development

01:16:08 Autonomy & Improvement In Training

01:32:36 Tactical Training & Traffic Stops

01:39:04 Low-Visibility Ops & Tactical Shifts

01:48:57 Human Trafficking & ICAC Missions

02:08:44 Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead

Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:
rdfprograms.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/