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Success Strategies for the Academy and Beyond with Ryan Marion

In this episode of the Harden Up Podcast, Matt sits down with longtime friend and former colleague Ryan Marion — a law enforcement veteran with over 17 years of experience. From patrol and school resource officer to SWAT team leader, FTO, and academy recruit training officer, Ryan has worn many hats in the profession.

Together, they break down what it really takes to succeed in the police academy and sustain a high-performing career on the job. Whether you're preparing to enter the academy or already working the streets, this episode is loaded with practical advice, mindset shifts, and lessons from the field.

Key Topics Covered:

• How to mentally and physically prepare for the academy
• The most common reasons recruits fail — and how to avoid them
• What separates average officers from exceptional ones
• Lessons from years in SWAT and training roles
• Advice for new officers navigating their first years on the job

Don’t miss this one if you’re serious about leveling up your career in law enforcement.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show—especially if you love stories of resilience, exploration, and living boldly.

The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
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Use code "hardenup" for 10% off online courses

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Vollbrecht, a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter crew chief and door gunner who has transformed her experience in the military into a thriving career in project leadership and consulting. As the President and CEO of J. Vollbrecht Consulting, she leads teams delivering high-impact projects for the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, with a strong presence at national laboratory facilities.

Jennifer shares insights from her 15+ years managing complex capital asset projects, her approach to leadership, and how her military mindset shaped her success in the civilian world. We also talk about her passion for giving back—especially through her work with Women Veterans Giving, where she supports fellow veteran entrepreneurs.

Whether you're interested in leadership, project management, or veteran advocacy, this episode is packed with value from someone who's lived it at every level.

Topics Covered:

• Transitioning from military service to civilian leadership
• Project management in high-stakes environments
• Supporting women veteran entrepreneurs
• Lessons in resilience, respect, and team execution

Book- My Mom is a Veteran: https://a.co/d/13KQbC6

Book- Girls Guide To Military Service:  https://a.co/d/fG3wLrK

Vet100: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/2025-vet100/

CEO Circle: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/entrepreneurship/bunker-labs/ceocircle/

Vibe Network: https://www.vibnetwork.org/

Insitute for Veterans and Military Families: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show—especially if you love stories of resilience, exploration, and living boldly.

The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/

@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

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In this episode, we sit down with industrial design expert Cory Nykoluk, the innovative force behind some of the tactical gear industry's most revolutionary products. Cory shares his journey from being the first employee at First Tactical to his influential tenure as Design Director at 5.11 Tactical, where he created the iconic Rush 24 backpack that redefined tactical gear standards.

The conversation explores Cory's design philosophy of "Neat Clean Professional" and how it shaped entire product lines and brand identities. Listeners will gain insights into the creative process behind tactical equipment development, from concept to market.

With experience spanning prestigious brands like Swiss Army, Columbia Sportswear, and Briggs & Riley Travelware, Cory offers valuable perspectives on innovation across diverse product categories. Whether you're interested in industrial design, tactical gear, or entrepreneurial brand-building, this episode delivers fascinating stories and practical wisdom from one of the industry's most inventive minds.

Cory Nykoluk: Instagram @mad_innovator

www.madinnovators.com

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show!

The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
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In this episode, we sit down with Wells Jones—a Navy veteran, former Antarctic pararescueman, actor, author, and world traveler. Wells shares his incredible journey from military service in some of the harshest environments on Earth to his time in front of the camera and an unforgettable expedition through the Middle East that became the foundation for his latest book.

We talk about:

• His path to becoming a Navy pararescueman
• What it's like operating in the extreme conditions of Antarctica
• The transition from military life to acting and storytelling
• Lessons learned from his travels across the globe
• The inspiration behind his recent Middle East expedition and book
• The mindset of an adventurer and what keeps him pushing boundaries

A Line in The Sand by Wells Jones:
https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Line-Sand-Novel/dp/B0D187YKRN/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Seeds of Peace: https://www.seedsofpeace.org/

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show—especially if you love stories of resilience, exploration, and living boldly.

The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/

@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
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Nightstick Lights
IG: @nightsticklighting
https://www.nightstick.com/

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My guest today is a U.S. Air Force Major, whose remarkable career spans both special operations and combat aviation. He spent over a decade as a Pararescue specialist (PJ), leading high-profile rescue missions in Iraq and Afghanistan before becoming the Director of Training for the PJ program. Driven by his passion for flight, he transitioned to the cockpit of the A-10, logging over 760 hours of combat operations. Now an instructor pilot and Wings Plans Officer for the 124th Fighter Wing, my guest brings a wealth of experience and insight. Please enjoy this conversation with a true warrior and leader, Maj Jason Attinger  Please enjoy the show!

Jason Attinger on Instagram: @team.madman

The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
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@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

Nightstick Lights
IG: @nightsticklighting
https://www.nightstick.com/

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In this episode Matt talks with Mark Aguilar, a current Police detective working in a an elite tactical surveillance unit. Listen in as Mark recounts his 28-year law enforcement journey and the lessons learned along the way. From patrol in south central L.A. to celebrity personal security details and to the pinnacle of the tactical surveillance game, this episode runs the gamut. Enjoy!

Flashbang Earplugs
https://www.fbearplugs.com/


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@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

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In this episode I welcome Army combat veteran Matt Klein to the show! Matt is a retired NYPD Forensic sketch artist who used his artistic gifts and abilities to help solve multiple high-profile homicide and assault investigations. After his time in the military and law enforcement, Matt founded his creative project Battle Tribe! His engaging artwork blends elements of military, L.E. and pop culture in multiple media styles. Please enjoy the show!

Matt Klein on Instagram: @mattrendar

Battle Tribe website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BattleTribe

The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
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@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

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In this episode I welcome our first Police Chief to the show, Chief Rex R. Ingram from the Caldwell Idaho police department. He has an extensive background from his 17 years at LAPD, where he worked on gang enforcement teams, a human trafficking task force, plainclothes operations, and patrol watch commander in some of LA’s toughest areas. He spoke candidly with me about leadership in policing, elevating LE performance and how administrators can support their officers. Please enjoy this conversation with Chief Rex R. Ingram!

Chief Ingram on Instagram: @cpdingram

The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
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@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

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In this episode Matt talks with a law enforcement SWAT veteran, Mark Lang. He served for 23 years on a full-time SWAT team, specializing in the sniper billet. Mark is the director of sniper training for Tac Flow Academy and teaches for TTPOA and NTOA. Mark now works for BRINC drones and advocates for the use of drones in SWAT and patrol operations. Listen in as Mark talks about SWAT culture, the use of technology in L.E. and the future integration of DFR. Please enjoy the show!

Brinc Drones:
https://brincdrones.com/

The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/

@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

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In this episode Matt talks with an active duty United States Coast Guard search and rescue pilot, Commander Bill Burwell. He has served over 18 years with assignments as duty pilot, instructor pilot and chief of aviation operations. Listen in as Bill dives into the challenges of rotary-wing flying, hair-raising rescue missions, and extreme duty stations Please enjoy the show!

Video of perilous rescue recounted by Bill in the episode:
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/640450/coast-guard-rescues-4-fishermen-60-miles-off-maine-coast

Learn more about Coast Guard aviation careers: https://www.gocoastguard.com/careers/officer/aviation

The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/

@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/