Send us a text

A slow-burn relationship that turned into total control. Years of gaslighting, tracking, and violence. And then a plan strong enough to carry a mother and child into the night and toward safety. That’s the spine of our conversation with survivor, martial arts and firearms instructor, and new author, Kas McGuire—an honest, practical, and deeply human tour through what domestic violence really looks like and what it takes to fight back.

We dig into how abuse begins with small concessions—friends dismissed, clothes policed, money and documents “kept safe”—and how those moments add up to a cage. Kas explains why leaving is often the most dangerous moment, how she documented threats and injuries, and the steps she took to escape. From there, we go beyond technique to the heart of self-defense: mental readiness. Kas’s approach blends situational awareness, decision-making under stress, and emotional aftercare, because the legal and psychological aftermath can hit as hard as the event itself.

We also tackle workplace safety and domestic violence spillover. Employers can save lives with clear policies, safe escort plans, private check-ins, and direct links to local resources. Technology shows up as both shield and sword; we cover location sharing pitfalls, hidden trackers, and account hygiene that can reduce risk. Through it all, Kas’s new psychological thriller, Water Cure, turns lived experience into a story that educates without exploiting, giving readers a way to recognize red flags and a language to ask for help.

If you care about prevention, teach red flags early. If you lead a team, build policies that protect. If you instruct, train minds as much as hands. And if you’re surviving, you are not alone. Listen, share with someone who needs it, and leave a rating to help more people find this conversation. 

For immediate help contact, National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or visit https://www.thehotline.org/ or call 911

Follow Kas or contact her Kas McGuire Author on Facebook, Starsnoopdogg on YouTube, TikToc, or Instagram, At MMAOK.com. Also for any professional contacts on LinkedIn @kasmcguire. Read more in an interview in the Armed Lifestyle online Magazine, https://www.armedlifestylemagazine.com/read/november-2022

Right To Bear
We are the only member-based, American legal protection provider dedicated to the preservation of individual liberty, for responsible freedom loving people in the United States. Our core program includes unlimited legal defense both criminally and civilly, expert witness fees, psychological support, and gun replacement. To signup go to Protect with Bear and use code 'BTT" at checkout for a 10% discount.

The official drink of The Armed Guardian Podcast. Check out all their coffee, teas, and Coco's in the link in the show notes. Get a special discount by using the coupon code "BRIAM10". https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=HkU3v6Jqi 

To reach us on topics, suggestions or guest referrals email us at [email protected]. This podcast is sponsored by Right To Bear Legal Protection and Blackout Coffee
Our motto is: Learn, Train, & Survive!

Check out out webpage, www.thearmedguardianpodcast.com and our Facebook page.

Send us a text

Ready for a clear roadmap of where Armed Guardian is heading next? We close the season by sharing what we learned, what resonated, and how we’re leveling up the show with a tighter cadence, sharper topics, and guests who’ve lived the stakes. It’s a grounded plan for anyone serious about personal safety, smarter training, and responsible carry.

We’re moving to a consistent release schedule—new episodes every other Monday morning—so you can build a routine around learning and practice. Then we dive into what’s ahead: conversations with a domestic violence survivor and self-defense instructor on risk assessment and recovery, a women’s firearms instructor on building confident fundamentals and addressing human trafficking awareness, and competition shooters translating pressure-tested skills into practical drills. We’ll also bring on a magazine publisher to help you cut through the noise and focus on gear and methods that actually work.

Training sits at the center of our approach. We outline how to evaluate instructors, read safety culture, set measurable goals, and avoid classes that overpromise and underdeliver. Expect more EDC breakdowns with first aid integration, realistic preparedness for disasters, and less-lethal tools that fit the situations most people face. And because protection isn’t just hardware and reps, we unpack self-defense insurance: coverage differences, common exclusions, and special considerations for security professionals and first responders.

We’re grateful for the community that formed around the show, from early shares to thoughtful feedback that shaped our direction. Want to help steer what’s next? Email your questions, topics, or guest ideas to [email protected]. If this roadmap resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who trains, and leave a quick review so more people find practical, responsible guidance on their path to being prepared.

The official drink of The Armed Guardian Podcast. Check out all their coffee, teas, and Coco's in the link in the show notes. Get a special discount by using the coupon code "BRIAM10". https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=HkU3v6Jqi 

To reach us on topics, suggestions or guest referrals email us at [email protected]. This podcast is sponsored by Right To Bear Legal Protection and Blackout Coffee
Our motto is: Learn, Train, & Survive!

Check out out webpage, www.thearmedguardianpodcast.com and our Facebook page.

Send us a text

Most people plan their defense around a holster and a hope. We build it around breath, movement, and the split-second choices that actually decide outcomes. With defense instructor and security professional Aaron Cobb, we walk through a practical framework for making your body a tactical asset—so you can think clearer, move faster, and choose the lowest force necessary when everything goes loud.

We start with the mindset shift: be a fighter with a gun, not a gunfighter. That means building functional capacity, not chasing gym aesthetics. Aaron breaks the work into simple blocks you can do at home: daily walks that grow into hills or rucks, bodyweight sessions that cover the core human patterns—squat, hinge, lunge, push, pull, and twist—and mobility that lets you access and retain your firearm from awkward positions. We talk recoil control under adrenaline, why VO2 max matters in short chaotic fights, and how ground-fighting exposure from Krav Maga or integrative concealed-carry drills gives you a reality check on weapon retention and gas tank limits.

No fancy gear required. Resistance bands and TRX deliver scalable strength for apartments, travel, or injury constraints, including upper-body focus for wheelchair users. We map out nutrition that supports performance: anchor protein at roughly a gram per pound, swap processed carbs for whole-food sources, treat fats and carbs like a seesaw to avoid the worst combinations, and hydrate with electrolytes when heat or training spikes your needs. The goal is a routine that survives busy weeks—short, consistent sessions that stack into confidence when it counts.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you could fight for 90 seconds and still draw cleanly, this conversation is your blueprint. Subscribe for more skill-forward training talks, share this episode with a training partner, and leave a review with the one habit you’ll add this week. Your future self will thank you.

Right To Bear
We are the only member-based, American legal protection provider dedicated to the preservation of individual liberty, for responsible freedom loving people in the United States. Our core program includes unlimited legal defense both criminally and civilly, expert witness fees, psychological support, and gun replacement. To signup go to Protect with Bear and use code 'BTT" at checkout for a 10% discount.

The official drink of The Armed Guardian Podcast. Check out all their coffee, teas, and Coco's in the link in the show notes. Get a special discount by using the coupon code "BRIAM10". https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=HkU3v6Jqi 

To reach us on topics, suggestions or guest referrals email us at [email protected]. This podcast is sponsored by Right To Bear Legal Protection and Blackout Coffee
Our motto is: Learn, Train, & Survive!

Check out out webpage, www.thearmedguardianpodcast.com and our Facebook page.

Send us a text

The holiday rush doesn’t have to mean guesswork. We break down a clear, practical gift guide for the armed citizen in your life—focusing on gear that fits, skills that last, and storage that keeps everyone safe. From holsters to safes, we share how to choose confidently without falling for hype or buying the wrong thing.

We start with holsters and the details that matter: exact firearm fit, space for mounted lights or optics, and whether leather, kydex, or hybrids suit their carry style. Then we dive into optics—red dots and enclosed emitters for reliability in rain and dust, holographic options for fast acquisition, and why low power variable optics have become a favorite for versatile rifles. If your shooter hunts low light, illuminated reticles can be a game changer.

Lights are next, and they’re more than lumen wars. We talk handheld EDC lights that make positive ID simple, plus weapon-mounted options, activation methods, and battery choices that determine real-world usability. Training gifts might be the highest ROI: laser cartridges, smart sensors that chart muzzle movement, and course vouchers that add coaching and accountability. Round it out with range gear like reactive targets, slim electronic hearing protection, prescription-ready eye pro, and a durable range bag that organizes everything.

We close with storage that balances speed and security: bedside quick-access vaults, larger safes with fire ratings, vehicle lockboxes, and the unsung heroes—dehumidifiers and motion-activated safe lighting. Whether you’re shopping for a concealed carrier, a new gun owner, or a seasoned range regular, these picks help you buy once and buy right. If this guide helped, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so others can find it too.

Right To Bear
We are the only member-based, American legal protection provider dedicated to the preservation of individual liberty, for responsible freedom loving people in the United States. Our core program includes unlimited legal defense both criminally and civilly, expert witness fees, psychological support, and gun replacement. To signup go to Protect with Bear and use code 'BTT" at checkout for a 10% discount.

The official drink of The Armed Guardian Podcast. Check out all their coffee, teas, and Coco's in the link in the show notes. Get a special discount by using the coupon code "BRIAM10". https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=HkU3v6Jqi 

To reach us on topics, suggestions or guest referrals email us at [email protected]. This podcast is sponsored by Right To Bear Legal Protection and Blackout Coffee
Our motto is: Learn, Train, & Survive!

Check out out webpage, www.thearmedguardianpodcast.com and our Facebook page.

Send us a text

Crowded parking lots, long drives, and packed restaurants can turn small lapses into big problems. We break down a calm, practical approach to holiday safety that starts with the law, carries through your errands, and ends with a smart return home. No fearmongering—just clear steps that help you spot risk early, make better choices, and stay in control.

We begin by making sense of reciprocity and constitutional carry so you know where your permit is valid, what restrictions exist, and how to avoid accidental crimes across state lines. With a reliable app, you can check permit recognition, magazine limits, and open carry rules in seconds. From there we get hands-on: fuel, fluids, tires, and a basic first aid kit that covers real-world scrapes without overcomplication. For gun owners, we explain how to secure a firearm in a vehicle, why trigger coverage matters, and how clothing prevents exposure that could be charged as brandishing.

Situational awareness ties it all together. Using Jeff Cooper’s color codes, we show how to live in relaxed alertness without losing the joy of the season. You’ll learn the small habits that pay off in parking lots—picking well-lit spots, avoiding blind corners, scanning before you unlock—and the in-store tactics that keep you moving: recognize choke points, track exits, and keep kids in sight. We clarify the difference between cover and concealment, then map a family plan with a simple action word, defined roles, and a rally point if you get separated. At restaurants, choose seating that preserves options and sight lines. When you arrive home, use your garage as a barrier, keep entry lighting and alarms working for you, and lean on doorbell cameras, peepholes, and delay tactics to control the doorway.

The throughline is simple: lawful carry, thoughtful prep, and awareness that scales to the moment. Subscribe for more practical training conversations, share this with someone traveling for the holidays, and leave a review with your top safety tip so we can feature it next time.

Right To Bear
We are the only member-based, American legal protection provider dedicated to the preservation of individual liberty, for responsible freedom loving people in the United States. Our core program includes unlimited legal defense both criminally and civilly, expert witness fees, psychological support, and gun replacement. To signup go to Protect with Bear and use code 'BTT" at checkout for a 10% discount.

The official drink of The Armed Guardian Podcast. Check out all their coffee, teas, and Coco's in the link in the show notes. Get a special discount by using the coupon code "BRIAM10". https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=HkU3v6Jqi 

To reach us on topics, suggestions or guest referrals email us at [email protected]. This podcast is sponsored by Right To Bear Legal Protection and Blackout Coffee
Our motto is: Learn, Train, & Survive!

Check out out webpage, www.thearmedguardianpodcast.com and our Facebook page.

Send us a text

A lot of responsible gun owners face the same quiet question: what do you do when life gets messy and access becomes a risk? Moving across states, checking into a hospital, hosting grandkids, navigating a foster placement, or just riding out a hard season can make temporary storage the smartest choice. We brought on Hold My Guns founder Sarah Albrecht to unpack a community-led solution that keeps people safe without forcing them to surrender their rights.

Sarah shares the human story behind the nonprofit and how a liberty-first mindset shapes every detail: partnering with reputable FFLs, building privacy-forward contracts, and offering “no questions asked” voluntary storage. We dig into the real mechanics—why transfers resemble consignment return, where lockers fit in, how non-serialized parts can be stored, and what changes across state lines. You’ll hear how they vet storage partners for customer service, insurance, and training, and why the contract seals minimal customer information if a court order ever appears. It’s practical, respectful, and built to be used when it matters most.

We also highlight aligned resources that honor both safety and freedom: Walk the Talk America for anonymous mental health tools, Project ChildSafe for family education, and Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership to find clinicians who respect constitutional rights. The throughline is simple and strong—self-governance works when we equip people with dignified choices. If you value life, liberty, and responsible carry, this conversation gives you a clear plan for the moments when you—or someone you love—needs a trustworthy place to say, “hold my guns.”

If this resonated, tap follow, share it with a friend who might need these options, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find the show. Your support helps expand storage partners and keep this life-affirming work growing.

Right To Bear
We are the only member-based, American legal protection provider dedicated to the preservation of individual liberty, for responsible freedom loving people in the United States. Our core program includes unlimited legal defense both criminally and civilly, expert witness fees, psychological support, and gun replacement. To signup go to Protect with Bear and use code 'BTT" at checkout for a 10% discount.

The official drink of The Armed Guardian Podcast. Check out all their coffee, teas, and Coco's in the link in the show notes. Get a special discount by using the coupon code "BRIAM10". https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=HkU3v6Jqi 

To reach us on topics, suggestions or guest referrals email us at [email protected]. This podcast is sponsored by Right To Bear Legal Protection and Blackout Coffee
Our motto is: Learn, Train, & Survive!

Check out out webpage, www.thearmedguardianpodcast.com and our Facebook page.

Send us a text

The most important piece of concealed carry gear might not be your holster at all—it’s your belt. We walk through the full carry system, starting with a sturdy EDC belt that resists sag and rollover, then compare leather, kydex, and hybrid holsters so you can balance comfort, retention, and speed. Whether you prefer appendix or a strong-side 3 to 4 o’clock position, you’ll hear practical ways to tune cant, ride height, and tension to reduce printing and keep your draw path clean.

We dig into the details that matter in daily use: how kydex preserves a safe, open mouth for reholstering, why leather is kinder to custom finishes, and when a hybrid backer solves hot spots. Running a red dot, compensator, or weapon light? We break down fitment, optics cuts, and when custom light-bearing holsters make sense. We also compare retention levels—friction-based level zero, active level one releases like thumb breaks or finger levers, and why multi-level duty holsters are designed for different roles.

Training turns gear into confidence. You’ll get a simple dry-practice routine to build muscle memory, reinforce trigger discipline, and keep your eyes up while reholstering. We cover spare mag options, versatile carriers that adapt to different calibers, and off-body solutions such as dedicated concealment purses and packs with proper inserts for safe orientation and quick access. Expect honest talk about comfort, budgets, and the inevitable “holster box,” plus brand examples that have held up for us over time.

If you’re refining your everyday carry—belt choice, holster material, retention, and concealment—this is a clear roadmap with field-tested tips. Share this with a friend who’s dialing in their setup, subscribe for more practical training insights, and leave a review to tell us what topic you want next.

Right To Bear
We are the only member-based, American legal protection provider dedicated to the preservation of individual liberty, for responsible freedom loving people in the United States. Our core program includes unlimited legal defense both criminally and civilly, expert witness fees, psychological support, and gun replacement. To signup go to Protect with Bear and use code 'BTT" at checkout for a 10% discount.

The official drink of The Armed Guardian Podcast. Check out all their coffee, teas, and Coco's in the link in the show notes. Get a special discount by using the coupon code "BRIAM10". https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=HkU3v6Jqi 

To reach us on topics, suggestions or guest referrals email us at [email protected]. This podcast is sponsored by Right To Bear Legal Protection and Blackout Coffee
Our motto is: Learn, Train, & Survive!

Check out out webpage, www.thearmedguardianpodcast.com and our Facebook page.

Send us a text

Capacity steals the spotlight, but at real defensive distances it’s access, control, and hits that decide outcomes. We sat down with trainer and gunsmith Brian Eastridge to unpack why a well-set-up revolver can still be the smartest choice for concealed carry and home defense. From pocket-carried snubs that deliver a sub-second covered draw to three-inch “gunfighter” barrels with full-length ejector rods, Brian explains how wheel guns solve everyday concealment and deployment problems autos often complicate.

We dig into caliber and recoil management with a clear recommendation: .38 Special for small and medium frames. You’ll hear why standard-pressure loads in sub-3-inch barrels outperform “hotter” options, how wadcutters shine in snubs, and why .357 Magnum in light revolvers punishes more than it pays. We also get practical about fit and ergonomics, comparing J, K, L, and N frames and highlighting the grip modularity that lets revolvers truly change trigger reach and control. On the setup front, Brian makes a strong case for double-action-only carry guns, dehorned or enclosed hammers, and keeping triggers honest to avoid snags, negligent discharges, and legal headaches.

Training takes center stage with proven drills: Justin Dial’s Five-Yard Roundup, skip-loading for a smooth trigger roll, and the Super Snubby Test on a B8 to balance speed and precision. We talk pocket holsters, covered low ready, and why the most reliable reload might be a second revolver when stakes are high and time is short. Throughout, the message stays simple and serious: accuracy ends fights. If your wardrobe, environment, or comfort level demands deep concealment with fast, discreet access, a thoughtfully chosen .38 Special revolver may be the most modern move you can make.

If this conversation sharpened your thinking, follow the show, share it with a friend who carries, and leave a review so more responsible defenders can find it.

Right To Bear
We are the only member-based, American legal protection provider dedicated to the preservation of individual liberty, for responsible freedom loving people in the United States. Our core program includes unlimited legal defense both criminally and civilly, expert witness fees, psychological support, and gun replacement. To signup go to Protect with Bear and use code 'BTT" at checkout for a 10% discount.

The official drink of The Armed Guardian Podcast. Check out all their coffee, teas, and Coco's in the link in the show notes. Get a special discount by using the coupon code "BRIAM10". https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=HkU3v6Jqi 

To reach us on topics, suggestions or guest referrals email us at [email protected]. This podcast is sponsored by Right To Bear Legal Protection and Blackout Coffee
Our motto is: Learn, Train, & Survive!

Check out out webpage, www.thearmedguardianpodcast.com and our Facebook page.

Send us a text

If your gear only works on paper, it won’t work when it counts. We break down a practical everyday carry you’ll actually keep on you, then scale it into vehicle and home readiness so you’re steady when life turns sideways.

We start with the hard choices: the firearm you’ll truly carry in your climate and clothes, plus why a consistent position and a spare magazine matter for both capacity and clearing malfunctions under stress. From there, we map out utility tools that earn their weight—knives with clear purpose, multitools for real-world fixes, and compact handheld flashlights that let you identify threats without muzzling the unknown. We compare handheld lights to weapon-mounted lights, lay out the legal and concealment tradeoffs, and explain where WMLs shine for home defense.

Not every problem is a gun problem. We dive into OC spray delivery methods—stream, fog, gel—and when each makes sense. We talk about kubotans and sturdy pens for pressure points, and we dig into the principle that tools are options, not a forced ladder of escalation. You’ll get a straightforward take on first aid readiness too: tourniquets, hemostatic gauze, chest seals, and why layered kits for your belt, vehicle, and home save minutes that matter. We also share real-world scenarios for when to render aid, how Good Samaritan protections can apply, and why clear communication with 911 protects you.

Preparedness moves beyond pockets: water, snacks, blankets, seasonal clothing, jump packs, tire tools, and the batteries your devices actually use. We cover power banks for phones, the role of safe generator use, and overlooked essentials like compact tents and camp stoves that keep your family sheltered during storms or evacuations. The throughline is a mindset—train with what you carry, keep it simple, check your kits, and rehearse before the emergency.

Tap play to tune your EDC, tighten your vehicle kit, and build calm competence for outages, breakdowns, and bad days. If this helps, subscribe, leave a five-star review, and email topic ideas to podcast at blueberrytactical.com—what’s the next skill you want us to break down?

Right To Bear
We are the only member-based, American legal protection provider dedicated to the preservation of individual liberty, for responsible freedom loving people in the United States. Our core program includes unlimited legal defense both criminally and civilly, expert witness fees, psychological support, and gun replacement. To signup go to Protect with Bear and use code 'BTT" at checkout for a 10% discount.

The official drink of The Armed Guardian Podcast. Check out all their coffee, teas, and Coco's in the link in the show notes. Get a special discount by using the coupon code "BRIAM10". https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=HkU3v6Jqi 

To reach us on topics, suggestions or guest referrals email us at [email protected]. This podcast is sponsored by Right To Bear Legal Protection and Blackout Coffee
Our motto is: Learn, Train, & Survive!

Check out out webpage, www.thearmedguardianpodcast.com and our Facebook page.

Send us a text

What if the most effective mental health leadership in America came from the firearms community itself? We sit down with Michael Sodini, a third‑generation industry insider and founder of Walk The Talk America (WTTA), to unpack how gun owners, trainers, and manufacturers are driving practical suicide prevention—no new laws required. Michael shares the candid origin story behind WTTA, the loss that made silence impossible, and the simple question that sparked a movement: if we can’t collaborate on legislation, what can we build together that actually helps people?

We walk through the game‑changing idea of putting free, anonymous mental health screenings directly into gun boxes and onto product packaging with partners like Ruger and Armscor. By meeting owners where they are, these tools normalize regular check‑ins, set a personal baseline, and make it easy to act early—without surveillance or stigma. Michael explains why focusing on suicide prevention is the most impactful path, how the industry’s trusted voice increases adoption, and what “the mental game” of responsible ownership looks like inside the home and around family.

The conversation dives into WTTA’s cultural competence course for clinicians and the growing national directory of pro‑2A, firearms‑informed therapists. We talk about real barriers to care—judgment, fear of confiscation, confusion about laws—and how better language, safer off‑ramps, and telehealth access change outcomes. Michael also tackles the unintended consequences of red flag and transfer laws, offering a nuanced view that resonates across political lines because it centers on one goal: making it safe to ask for help.

If you care about practical safety, civil rights, veteran and first responder wellness, or smarter mental health access, this story matters. Explore resources at wtta.org, share this episode with a friend who might need it, and subscribe to the show. Your review helps more people find tools that save lives.

Right To Bear
We are the only member-based, American legal protection provider dedicated to the preservation of individual liberty, for responsible freedom loving people in the United States. Our core program includes unlimited legal defense both criminally and civilly, expert witness fees, psychological support, and gun replacement. To signup go to Protect with Bear and use code 'BTT" at checkout for a 10% discount.

The official drink of The Armed Guardian Podcast. Check out all their coffee, teas, and Coco's in the link in the show notes. Get a special discount by using the coupon code "BRIAM10". https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=HkU3v6Jqi 

To reach us on topics, suggestions or guest referrals email us at [email protected]. This podcast is sponsored by Right To Bear Legal Protection and Blackout Coffee
Our motto is: Learn, Train, & Survive!

Check out out webpage, www.thearmedguardianpodcast.com and our Facebook page.