In this episode, Kailey and John sit down with Trevon Barber from Right to Bear to talk all things training, competition, and responsible gun ownership. Trevon shares his journey from wrestling to firearms competition, how he built a career teaching others, and why proper education is just as important as owning a firearm.

Trevon also discusses the top drills every shooter should practice and the best way to get started in competition shooting. They also discuss the common mistakes new gun owners make, why self-defense insurance is critical, and how personal responsibility plays into the broader 2A culture.

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Desk Pop for an unfiltered conversation about gun culture, navigating restrictive states, and why the firearms community is seeing a cultural shift toward fun, welcoming, and engaging content.

From working behind the gun counter to launching a thriving YouTube channel, to being directly contacted by the ATF and pushed to get an FFL just to keep creating. He shares the challenges of living and advocating for 2A rights in Washington, how companies are responding to new restrictions, and why the next generation is key to protecting our freedoms.

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

Join John and Kailey this week for a jam-packed episode as we sit down

with Mark from Vortex Optics to talk gear, hunting, and the Second

Amendment. From his favorite all-around rifle scope to wild warranty

stories, including optics run over by trucks and dropped off cliffs—Mark

shares insider knowledge and real-world tips for choosing the right

optic for your needs. We dive into why Vortex’s VIP Warranty is truly

bulletproof, how the next generation can get into hunting, and the

behind-the-scenes story of Vortex’s military contract win.

Whether you’re a hunter, competitive shooter, or just love good gear

talk, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and no-compromise 2A

conversation.

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest

gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

Join us this week as John and Kailey sit down with Alyssa (aka @TheGunnyGal) and her husband Tanner for a conversation that blends guns, cars, CrossFit, and content creation into one unstoppable lifestyle.

In this episode, Alyssa shares her journey from being intimidated by firearms to becoming a confident 2A educator on YouTube. She and Tanner discuss how they transitioned from short-form to long-form content, and how their channel is helping new gun owners feel informed and empowered. They dive into the surprising crossover between car culture and firearms, especially in the overlanding space, and how their international connections have opened up conversations about 2A rights around the world.

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

This week on State of the Second, Kailey and John sit down with Curt from TCRT Targets to talk about the future of range training, self-healing rubber targets, and why fun, flexible home setups are changing the game.

Kurt shares his journey from firearms marketing to launching one of the most durable target lines on the market, explains why GOA’s long-term strategy matters, and dives into how we win the 2A fight by changing culture - not just laws.

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website! 

Join us for a deep-dive conversation with Jarred from Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) on the State of the Second podcast! From the future of gunsmithing to the importance of hands-on training, Jarred shares what it takes to succeed in the firearms industry today. We talk shop about AR platforms, and why trade education is more vital than ever.

Whether you're curious about SDI, want to get into gunsmithing, or just love hearing real talk about firearms and freedom-this episode has something for you.

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

In this episode of

State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Grant from Mantis,

the innovative minds behind some of the most advanced dry fire and

training tools in the firearm world.

From the Blackbeard AR trigger

reset system to the upcoming Titan X training pistol and augmented

reality environments, Mantis is pushing the boundaries of how we

train-and who can access that training.

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

In this episode of State of the Second, Tracy Lee joins Kailey and John to share her wild origin story in the 2A space, why real training matters more than just posing with guns, and how to be taken seriously in this industry. She dives into the truth about censorship on social media, what it’s really like to be a female influencer in a male-dominated world, and how her blue hair sparks conversations at the range.

We also get into AK matches, rollerblading with dogs, her reality TV experience, and how women can take their first step into shooting and self-defense with confidence.

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

In this episode of the State of the Second Podcast, John and Kailey are joined by Alexander from Arrowhead Tactical — the brand that’s changing how we think about concealed carry apparel. From gym shorts to joggers, fanny packs to full-size pistols, Alexander breaks down what makes carry actually discreet… and where most people are giving themselves away.

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today!

In this episode of the State of the Second John and Kailey are joined by Bill Cleftis, CEO of Otis Technology, to dive deep into the world of gun cleaning, CCW training, and what it’s really like to be a gun owner in post-Bruen New York. Whether you’re a seasoned 2A advocate or a new gun owner, this episode is packed with real talk, expert advice, and hard-earned wisdom from one of the leading voices in firearms maintenance.

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today!