I can't believe its already almost November, and time for the mid-term elections. With this big event just about a week away, it's the perfect opportunity to give another SITREP and share my opinion on some current events. As the election grows closer, we should all have a heightened awareness of current events and be putting in some time to research the issues. After all, in our democratic republic, voting is how our input and our voice is heard. This is an essential part of being a citizen, and something we should feel strongly about. Give this episode a listen, and hear my thoughts on some of the most recent developments, and ideas heading into next weeks mid-term.

Very rarely in life do you build the sort of friendships where you can not speak with someone for weeks or months, and be able to pick things up in your next conversation like it's barely been a day. Chris is a great friend of mine, and one such true example of friendship. This week, we sit down and chat about life, travel, night vision, suppressors of course, tuning rifles and some of the many projects that Chris has been working on with 1911 Syndicate. Hard to believe, but its been just over six months since the last time we were able to connect for a chat. As this opportunity arose, I wasn't going to miss the chance to hear about the adventures and escapades. Definitely a great, down to earth conversation, and I really think you'll all enjoy it as much as I did.

I've been searching for the right way to articulate this thought for a while, and finally decided it would be something great to discuss on the pod rather than in written word. For years we have seen different ideas and issues within our community from a certain "side" of the argument. However, I think over the past five to seven years we've seen that rift start to close up. As a culture, we've come together and shared our ideas, discussed our opinions, and deliberated our beliefs to reach today's state. No longer does "military grade" rule the day, and thankfully gone is the idea that anything military must mean durable and outdated. Our mission scope has shifted and we've started to come together. This week I share my observations on this communal growth and what it's looked like getting to this point.

Host of The Longhouse Podcast, and my friend, Tyler, joins me this week as we talk about all variety of topics. We spend some time sharing out experiences behind launching podcasts and some of the struggles that came with that process. Additionally we spend a greater portion of this episode talking communications. Something that's often overlooked, or simply seen as a box to check when building kit, it's crucial and can be a great tool, or an even greater hinderance. We talk budget versus quality radio/comm. setups, as well as some non-verbal communication skills like hand signals. There's a lot to unpack in this one, and I think you're going to enjoy it. Check it out!

Discussions, and often arguments around gear and kit are one of the great cornerstones that our 2A community is based off of. For better or worse, the conversations around these things has built and broken dozens of friendships and helped thousands of shooters learn and grow. This week, Burke and I take some time and examine this piece of the community and share our thoughts and opinions around why healthy discussion is essential to development. Burke is active duty Law Enforcement and has spent time in a multitude of areas ranging from Dignitary Protection and Tasks Forces, to basic patrol and investigation. Surely a unique conversation that provides plenty of insight into some common questions and societal norms we all see and experience. Check this out and see if we can't change your mind on a few things!

Since starting this podcast, some of the biggest questions and comments we get are how to get a spouse involved, what brought the partner into the situation, and is there a way to get your significant other more interested. This week, Lexy and I sit down, and discuss our own personal experiences and how we've been able to work together to be successful. We each have a unique set of skills and interests, that we've been able to combine to be more successful. If you've found yourself wishing your wife, husband, partner, etc. was more engaged, this episode is for you!

I am joined this week by Devin Soto, my good friend, and owner of The Tactical Cowboy LLC. As a former Army Ranger Devin has a lot of first hand experience with Close Quarters Battle. As a Ranger he trained to a high level of proficiency in a multitude of skills and situations. We sit down and we talk about fundamental skills and ideas that can might make you more proficient in that realm. Things like ballistic penetration, team work versus solo work, mitigating angles, and even more are all discussed. It's always a great time when I have the opportunity to catch up with Devin, but this was a truly educational discussion driven by opinions, thoughts, and context. Give it a listen, and see if it spurs any ideas for you!

My friend Josh Diringer joins me once again, as we dive into the concepts and ideas behind mission planning and contingency planning. During his time as a Green Beret, Josh had numerous opportunities to plan and prepare for all manner of operations. In some instances the first degree of planning was enough, and the mission was a success. In many instances, there was a need for additional plans to be in place. This is exactly what we dive into in this episode. The how's and the why's behind planning considerations and how to be more successful in the event you have to activate one of your contingencies. A learning discussion to be sure, and one that we'll all benefit from. Head over to survivefirstcontact.com for more info on Josh and how he can improve your level of preparedness!

Social media has been at the core of much of the rapid growth our community has seen over the last several years. The speed and ease at which we're able to share information has helped to usher in the newest generation of prepared individuals, and continues to do so. Unfortunately with that comes the speculation of personal opinions, and more often now, the criticism of those opinions. More often than not, incorrectly criticizing those individuals over a basic disagreement. This week, I take the opportunity to share my thoughts around this subject and how we can all ask more questions, to hear better answers. Check it out!

After over twenty years in the Air Force, and multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, Fred has moved into the civilian world as the head of research and development at Spiritus Systems working on some of the best gear you can get your hands on. I was fortunate enough to get some of Fred's time to sit down and talk about his experiences, but also some of his observations around our community today. As a man who's seen plenty, and done plenty more, his perspective on things like armor, shooting, communication, kit selection, and training are unique and valuable. This was a outstanding conversation, and I know that you'll enjoy it.