In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Rich Nance sits down with Michael Waddell known widely as the Bone Collector for one of the most wide ranging and genuinely entertaining conversations the show has produced. Michael opens up about growing up in Booger Bottom, Georgia, a place so rural and so authentically country that it shaped everything about who he became: the work ethic, the humility, the storytelling and the deep reverence for hunting, faith and the simple life. The two cover an enormous amount of ground together, starting with how Michael broke into the hunting industry by winning a turkey calling contest and eventually working his way up through guiding, running camera for Realtree and ultimately creating the Bone Collector brand and television show. Michael gets surprisingly deep on the philosophy of success — talking about how most people fail not because they tried and fell short but because they never tried at all, using vivid analogies from Blake Shelton moving to Nashville at 17 to Chipper Jones starting on a tee ball field — before pivoting to some of the most practical and entertaining turkey calling advice you will hear anywhere, including the unforgettable story of buying condoms at gas station vending machines as a kid just to cut them up and build mouth calls. The conversation also covers the transferable skills between tactical and hunting disciplines, the power of red dots for turkey hunting and shotguns generally, the role of technology in the modern outdoors, what it means to Michael to bring celebrities like Kirk Cameron and Theo Von into the hunting world and introduce them to a way of life that is about far more than killing animals — it is about self reliance protection provision and a connection to something real in a world that has largely lost it. Rich and Michael close out with a genuine and moving reflection on what it means to be a man in today's society and why the hunting community has something powerful to offer people who have never held a firearm or spent a morning in the woods.

Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialbonecollector/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA

Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more

PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Rich Nance sits down with Michelle Waterson-Gomez, known as the Karate Hottie, for a wide ranging conversation that covers her remarkable journey from a karate-obsessed kid inspired by Mortal Kombat and Jean-Claude Van Damme movies to becoming one of the pioneering women of professional MMA. Michelle shares how martial arts gave her a voice and a sense of identity at a critical point in her life, how training at the legendary Jackson Wink gym alongside fighters like Donald Cerrone, Rashad Evans and Georges St-Pierre shaped her career, and how being the smallest fighter in every room forced her to develop speed, creativity and adaptability that would define her style. She opens up about the unique dynamic of having her husband Josh in her corner as both coach and contract negotiator, the mental challenges of fighting in front of millions of people and what she misses most about the sport. The conversation transitions into her acting career, discussing her role in the Netflix action film Havoc alongside Tom Hardy and Forest Whitaker, her upcoming appearance in Keith Jardine and Donald Cerrone's Western film Kill Me Again, and the surprisingly deep parallels between adapting in a fight and being present in a scene. Rich and Michelle also dig into her journey as a competitive shooter and member of Team Aim Point, how she overcame a fear of firearms to earn her concealed carry and compete in the grueling Tactical Games, and her thoughts on the upcoming Gina Carano versus Ronda Rousey fight and what it means for two women who helped build the sport she loves.

Follow Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karatehottiemma/:

Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA

Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more

PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Rich Nance sits down with John Enloe, Technical Services Manager at Aimpoint for 20 years and a lifelong competitive shooter whose journey into the shooting sports began as a retired professional snowboarder looking for a new competitive outlet. John shares how he fell into USPS competition after meeting a young BJ Norris at a gun store, and how shooting alongside legends like Todd Jarrett and Tommy Thacker shaped his philosophy of always being a student of the craft. The conversation covers a wide range of technical ground including the evolution of red dots on pistols and the resistance law enforcement agencies historically showed toward optic adoption, the advantages of direct mounting over plate systems, and the engineering brilliance behind the Aimpoint CoA and its innovative A-cut mounting system. John breaks down some of the most common questions he fields daily — from customers struggling to find the dot due to improper focus technique, to concerns about battery life, zero retention and optic durability under extreme conditions. Rich and John also discuss the importance of both-eyes-open shooting, the challenges of cross-eye dominance, proper zeroing techniques, and the growing relevance of red dots across every shooting discipline from competition to wing shooting to dangerous game hunting in Africa. The episode wraps up with John sharing some of the most remarkable examples of Aimpoint durability he has encountered in his service work, including optics that survived IED blasts, house fires and motorcycle accidents while somehow still holding zero.

To learn more about John visit: https://aimpoint.us/news-updates/tip-tuesday/properly-mounting-your-sight-with-john-enloe?srsltid=AfmBOopcKneryK9Izto17Phcvcygvm6uDD9sijNQrOrMya9a9v9jUhBU

Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA

Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more

PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Rich Nance sits down with John Snow, the shooting editor of Outdoor Life — only the fifth person to hold that title in the magazine's history dating back to 1898. John shares his unconventional path into the outdoors, growing up in Connecticut without a hunting or shooting family background, essentially teaching himself through sheer curiosity and what he jokingly calls a "feral" childhood. The conversation covers his journalism career, which took him from the Hartford Courant to The New York Times before he eventually transitioned into the outdoor industry. The two dig deep into long range shooting, discussing the mental and technical demands of competitions like NLR Hunter and PRS matches, the importance of wind reading, shooting position flexibility, and how competition experience translates directly into becoming a better hunter in the field. John also shares his thoughts on red dot optics, cartridge selection for new shooters — strongly advocating for the 6.5 Creedmoor as a versatile starting point — and the often misunderstood world of terminal ballistics. The episode wraps up with John reflecting on some of his most memorable hunts across the globe, his belief in authentic storytelling, and the legacy of the iconic shooting editors who came before him, including Jack O'Connor and Jim Carmichael.

Follow John on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/john_b_snow/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA

Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more

PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of The Taking Aim podcast, host Rich Nance welcomes Olympic pistol shooter and mental-performance coach Gabby Franco, who shares how she discovered the sport as a tiny Venezuelan teenager tagging along with her hunter father to a range, fell in love with its purely mental challenge, and rose rapidly to silver medals at the South American, Central American, and Pan American Games—securing her spot as Venezuela’s first female Olympic shooter at age 19 without ever dreaming of the podium. Franco explains that early success taught her a life-changing lesson in emotional control: a silver medal that initially disappointed her instantly became thrilling once she learned it qualified her for the Olympics, proving we can reframe setbacks in seconds. After moving to the U.S., surviving rock-bottom personal and professional struggles, and appearing on Top Shot as the first woman to reach the individual competition and All-Stars, she shifted from elite competition to coaching, earning her master’s degree summa cum laude and pursuing certification as a mental-performance consultant. She now helps athletes, law-enforcement officers, business owners, and parents through her AMP Mindset framework—Awareness, Mindset, Process—emphasizing holistic balance across life domains rather than single-minded obsession, practical techniques like process-focused self-talk over outcome fixation, and her book Troubleshooting: Mastering Your Pistol Marksmanship, which serves as a range-bag companion for diagnosing and fixing shooting problems. Franco’s message is clear: medals and titles matter less than the effort, the lessons, and the well-rounded life you build along the way.

Follow Gabby on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/gabbyfrancots4/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA

Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more

PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this special Q&A episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Rich is joined by producer Paul to answer listener questions. They begin with the challenges of transitioning from iron sights to a red dot optic, explaining that while red dots are more intuitive and allow the shooter to maintain focus on the threat (rather than the front sight), it requires retraining eye focus and managing the more noticeable movement of the dot during presentation. Techniques like writing text on a target and pressing the trigger when reaching marked red dots help build proper target-focused shooting. They discuss why red dots are harder to master on handguns than on long guns due to fewer points of contact and the importance of a consistent draw stroke and grip (including support-hand wrist cam and grip tightening) to quickly acquire the dot. The conversation then shifts to Aimpoint history, noting the company’s 50th anniversary in 2025, its Swedish origins with founder Arne Ekstrand, and its adoption by the U.S. military. They compare various Aimpoint models, such as the H2 vs. T2 (night vision compatibility and durability), Acro P2 vs. C2 (dot size differences), and Comp M5 vs. Micro T2 (battery type, size, and ruggedness), emphasizing that professional users often opt for the most robust options. Finally, they cover the popular Acro C.O.A. optic and its proprietary A-Cut mounting system, which allows a low, secure mount with standard-height backup iron sights, along with how manufacturers and gunsmiths can license the A-Cut. The episode highlights the practical advantages of red dots while offering tips for effective use and transition.

Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA

Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more

PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Taking Aim Podcast, host Richard Nance sits down with Nick Irving, one of the most accomplished snipers in U.S. Army history, known by his nickname "The Reaper." Nick shares his journey from a military family upbringing in Germany to becoming an Army Ranger and eventually a sniper in the 75th Ranger Regiment's 3rd Battalion, where he made history as the first African-American sniper to deploy during the Global War on Terror. He opens up about the colorblindness that nearly derailed his military dreams, the grueling path to becoming a sniper, and the reality that the role involves far more than just marksmanship — encompassing meticulous planning, environmental awareness, and psychological fortitude. Nick also gets candid about the struggles he faced after leaving the military, including battling alcoholism and suicidal thoughts as he tried to find his footing in civilian life. The conversation shifts to his post-military career, which includes writing a New York Times bestselling autobiography, publishing novels in the style of his hero Tom Clancy, consulting on Hollywood productions like Transformers and the TV show Seal Team, and delivering motivational speeches — all things he never imagined possible. The episode wraps up with a great discussion on long-range shooting gear, optics, ammunition selection, and rifle maintenance, offering valuable insights for both enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Follow Nick on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/officialreaper33/?hl=enFollow

Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA

Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more

PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance welcomes longtime friend and veteran instructor Erick Gelhaus for an in-depth conversation about his diverse background and insights on firearms training and use of force. Gelhaus shares his 29 years with a large California sheriff’s office (working patrol, gangs, narcotics, and field training), prior military service across Army active, reserve, and guard components, and advanced degrees that shaped his research-driven approach to training. He discusses transitioning law enforcement lessons on use of force, human performance, and decision-making into practical instruction for armed citizens, emphasizing the need for better communication of legal standards, intermediate force options, and avoiding over-reliance on any single tool like tasers. The discussion covers his extensive experience teaching at Gunsite Academy for 25 years, the development of red dot pistol courses (including helping create Gunsite’s pistol-mounted optics program), and the advantages of red dots over iron sights for faster target focus and feedback. Gelhaus highlights key training concepts such as occluded dot drills for both-eyes-open shooting, zeroing techniques, environmental challenges, backup iron sights, and the importance of humility, adaptability, and “managing up” in both law enforcement supervision and civilian instruction. He also touches on his company Cougar Mountain Solutions and the value of realistic, scenario-based training across pistol, carbine, shotgun, and low-light environments. The episode underscores Gelhaus’s philosophy that effective training must bridge the gap between professional tactics and real-world application for everyday armed citizens.

Visit Cougar Mountain Solutions at: https://www.cougarmountainsolutions.com

Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA

Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more

PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Ryan Cleckner, a former U.S. Army Ranger sniper from the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, who shares his journey from an impulsive 18-year-old enlistment in Arizona to making it through the rigorous Ranger Indoctrination Program and serving in a sniper role, including deployments to Afghanistan. Cleckner discusses his transition to civilian life, where he became a passionate instructor and author, emphasizing practical, fundamentals-focused teaching over overly complex or gatekept approaches to long-range shooting—drawing from his bestselling Long Range Shooting Handbook and its advanced sequel. He critiques military training methods that prioritize attrition over effective instruction, debunks myths like excessive focus on minor variables (e.g., barrel twist rate or Earth's rotation at practical ranges), and advocates simplifying concepts like wind calls using tools such as "gun numbers." The conversation also covers his diverse career path as a firearms attorney specializing in ATF compliance and FFL issues, his experiences testifying before Congress on agency overreach, his creation of ventures like Gun University (an ad-free, honest gun review site), Rocket FFL, and Fail-Safe software, plus practical insights on concealed carry equipment, self-defense insurance, red dots on pistols, and the primacy of reliability, training, and mindset over fancy gear.

Visit Ryan’s website at: https://ryancleckner.com/ 

Follow Ryan on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cleckner/

Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA

Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more

PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD

In this episode of Taking Aim hosted by Richard Nance, guest Kevin Michalowski shares his personal journey into self-defense advocacy, sparked by the tragic 1998 shooting death of his brother during an armed robbery by a concealed carry permit holder. Michalowski describes how reviewing surveillance footage confirmed the shooter's legal justification, prompting him to deeply explore the legal use of deadly force; this led to a career shift from outdoor writing to becoming a police officer for 17 years while immersing himself in self-defense law and training. He now serves with the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), which boasts over 860,000 members and provides education, training, and self-defense liability insurance to help good people navigate the complex aftermath of a defensive shooting - including legal defense, critical response support, and resources to avoid common pitfalls like giving overly detailed statements to police under stress. The discussion emphasizes that marksmanship alone isn't enough; carriers need maturity, decision-making skills, and knowledge of when deadly force is justified (imminent threat of death or great bodily harm), plus preparation for post-incident scrutiny by investigators and prosecutors. Michalowski highlights USCCA's tiered memberships offering access to extensive online training (e.g., Protector Academy), live instructors nationwide, state law updates, reciprocity info, and real member stories illustrating high-stakes legal costs. The episode also touches on modern gear like red dot sights (which Michalowski praises for improving speed and accuracy after initial resistance), the physiological effects of stress on perception (tunnel vision, time distortion), and the importance of remaining silent beyond a brief public safety statement until consulting an attorney to protect one's defense. Overall, it's a thoughtful call for responsible, educated carry to protect both life and freedom in high-stress scenarios.

Visit USCCA at: https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/

Follow Kevin on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kevinmichalowski/Follow Rich Nance on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nance_training_consulting/ and https://www.instagram.com/rnancewartac/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@AimpointUSA

Visit: https://aimpoint.us/ to learn more

PRODUCED BY IRONCLAD