The Warrior's Way Podcast

At six years old, Rob Young survived the 1989 Cleveland Elementary school shooting in Stockton, California.

He was outside playing kickball when gunfire erupted across the playground. Rob was shot through the foot and struck in the chest. Five students were killed and dozens more were wounded. A fragment from the bullet that struck Rob remains in his chest today.

Years later, Rob became a police officer and returned to the same school system where he had once been a victim, this time helping protect its students.

Then his story came full circle.

In 2013, Rob responded as a police officer to an active shooter firing at passing motorists. When the armed man raised his gun toward officers, Rob and other officers opened fire and stopped the threat.

In this episode of The Warrior’s Way Podcast, Mark Skoglund and Rob discuss surviving the Cleveland Elementary shooting, the long road afterward, his decision to enter law enforcement, returning to the school where everything began, his work as a school resource officer, responding to an active shooter, and finding purpose through a lifetime of extraordinary experiences.

Today, Rob uses his story to help others through public speaking, consulting, active shooter response instruction, emergency preparedness, and Stop the Bleed training.

Learn more about Rob Young:RobYoungSpeaks.com

Looking to get your CCW or learn more about the process?CCWSolutionsGroup.com

What happens after you use a firearm to defend yourself?

For Milli Stanford-Miles, a late-night traffic incident turned into a terrifying pursuit, a defensive shooting, an arrest, and a legal battle that would continue through multiple trials.

Milli joins Mark on The Warrior's Way Podcast to walk through the night she says another vehicle struck her car and began following her. As she attempted to reach the gated community where she lived, two additional vehicles joined the pursuit, leaving her surrounded by three cars as she tried to reach somewhere she believed she would be safe. 

At the guard gate, Milli says a man approached her Mini Cooper and reached through her open window searching for the door handle. She retrieved her firearm and fired one shot. 

What followed became another fight entirely.

Milli was arrested and faced three criminal charges, including felony assault with a deadly weapon with great bodily injury. She says she was told she could face as much as 22 years in prison if she rejected a plea and was convicted. 

Milli shares what happened during her arrest, why she immediately involved an attorney, how evidence became critical to her defense, and what happened through multiple trials. Her first trial ended in a hung jury. During the second, she was found not guilty of the felony assault charge, while jurors remained hung on the other two counts. Prosecutors later declined to proceed with the planned third trial. 

Mark and Milli discuss personal protection, situational awareness, firearm training, interacting with law enforcement after a defensive shooting, the legal and emotional aftermath of using a firearm, and what she wants other women to understand about preparing to protect themselves.

Looking to get your CCW or learn more about the process?https://www.ccwsolutionsgroup.com/

What makes a leader continue fighting after being wounded—not once, but repeatedly—when the lives of his soldiers depend on him?

In this episode of The Warrior’s Way Podcast, Mark Skoglund sits down with retired U.S. Army Captain James L. McCormick II, a highly decorated combat veteran whose 22 years of military service included active duty and service in the Army National Guard.

James’s military decorations include the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, three Purple Hearts, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. But behind every medal is a story of courage, sacrifice, and responsibility for the men serving beside him.

During an ambush outside Baghdad in April 2004, James was wounded while manning a .50-caliber machine gun and providing security for his convoy. Instead of leaving the fight, he got back up and continued engaging the enemy. His focus was not on saving himself—it was on protecting his soldiers and bringing them home.

Only days later, on Easter Sunday, James and his men helped defend a logistical staging area during another intense enemy attack. After the fighting ended, his already-wounded crew volunteered for another dangerous mission: escorting 56 trucks carrying critical supplies into Baghdad. They made repeated runs along Route Irish while facing small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades, and improvised explosive devices.

These actions earned James some of the nation’s highest military honors, but this conversation goes far beyond the medals.

James and Mark discuss the upbringing that prepared him for adversity, how leaders manage fear under pressure, and why trust—not rank—is what inspires people to follow. James explains what it means to place the welfare of others ahead of your own and why leadership must always be treated as a privilege.

He also speaks candidly about returning home from war, struggling to rediscover his purpose, and the moment his children helped change the direction of his life. James challenges the tendency to view veterans simply as victims. He believes veterans need meaningful opportunities, a renewed sense of purpose, and the chance to continue serving their communities.

Today, James carries that mission forward through his advocacy for veterans and their families.

His message is clear:

Leadership is a privilege. Leadership requires sacrifice. And when people place their trust in you, you have a responsibility to earn it every day.

Learn more about Vietnam Veterans of America:

https://vva.org/

Looking to obtain your CCW or learn more about the process?

https://www.ccwsolutionsgroup.com/

Topics discussed:

Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, combat leadership, Iraq War, Army National Guard, courage under fire, servant leadership, managing fear, military service, veteran transition, moral injury, veteran advocacy, family, faith, finding purpose, and leadership under pressure.

What does it take to hit a baby aspirin flying through the air with an arrow — while holding the bow behind your back?

In this episode of The Warrior's Way Podcast, Mark sits down with Frank Addington Jr., “The Aspirin Buster,” one of the country's most recognizable exhibition archers. Frank picked up his first bow at four years old and went on to build a career around extraordinary displays of instinctive shooting, including his signature behind-the-back baby aspirin shot.

Frank shares how natural ability became something far greater through decades of discipline, repetition and mental focus. He discusses overcoming a major performance slump, learning to use visualization and mental anchoring, and why he believes shooting begins with the brain.

Mark and Frank also explore how those same principles translate from archery to firearms, including instinctive shooting, performing under pressure, consistent training, responsible concealed carry, firearm safety, and preparing yourself to make good decisions when seconds matter.

The conversation also turns to family and legacy. Frank shares how his parents and mentors introduced him to shooting sports, why children should be taught firearm safety and responsibility early, and why passing knowledge to the next generation matters more to him than any trick shot or accomplishment.

For Frank, proficiency isn't simply about hitting the target. It's about the discipline, people, faith and experiences that shape the person taking the shot.

Learn more about Frank Addington Jr.:FrankAddingtonJr.com

Looking to get your CCW or learn more about the process?https://www.ccwsolutionsgroup.com/

What would you do if you witnessed someone being assaulted in broad daylight while your daughter was riding on the motorcycle directly behind you?

In this episode of The Warrior's Way Podcast, Mark sits down with Undisclosed Moto, a motorcycle content creator, Army veteran, father, and concealed carrier whose real-life encounter forced him to make that decision in seconds.

While riding with his family in Oklahoma City, Undisclosed says he witnessed a man choking a woman against a vehicle. He yelled for the man to stop, but when the man turned and began approaching him while reaching around his waistband, Undisclosed drew his firearm to keep the man away from himself and his family. His daughter was seated directly behind him on the motorcycle when the confrontation began.

Mark and Undisclosed examine what happened, what he would do differently today, and the difficult balance between stepping in to protect someone else and protecting your own family.

They also discuss family emergency planning, firearm safety, fatherhood, situational awareness, personal responsibility, and Undisclosed's approach to interacting with law enforcement while legally carrying a firearm.

One of the most powerful moments comes afterward, when Undisclosed apologizes to his daughter for putting her in that situation. Her response: “You didn't scare me, he did.”

It's a conversation about the responsibility that comes with carrying a firearm and how preparation involves much more than simply being armed.

Follow Undisclosed Moto:YouTube, Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @Undisclosed_Moto

Looking to get your CCW or learn more about the process?https://www.ccwsolutionsgroup.com/

Jim Belanger, founder and lead instructor of Paragraph Two, joins The Warrior's Way Podcast to talk about what it really means to be prepared as a responsible gun owner.

As an NRA and USCCA Training Counselor, Jim doesn't just train responsible citizens—he develops firearms instructors who will go on to train the next generation of gun owners. His work focuses on first-time shooters, women's empowerment, concealed carry, and raising the standard for firearms instruction.

Mark and Jim discuss why owning a firearm or having a CCW is only the beginning, what separates a great instructor from a great shooter, the importance of consistent training, situational awareness, de-escalation, home-defense planning, and why responsible gun ownership requires judgment and discipline—not just knowing how to shoot.

They also discuss developing confidence without becoming complacent, training women and new shooters, choosing the right firearms instructor, and preparing yourself to make the right decision when it matters most.

Learn more about Jim Belanger & Paragraph Two:https://paragraph2.net/

Learn more about CCW Solutions Group:ccwsolutionsgroup.com

For more than a decade, Samantha Stites was stalked by a man she repeatedly told to leave her alone. She obtained a six-year protection order and later sought another when the stalking began again. That request was denied.

In October 2022, Samantha was attacked inside her home, kidnapped, and taken to a soundproof bunker where her captor told her he planned to keep her for two weeks. Unable to physically overpower him or escape, Samantha relied on her composure, social work background, and understanding of her captor to survive and ultimately convince him to let her go.

Samantha joins Mark on The Warrior's Way to discuss the warning signs of stalking, the protection order that was denied, failures within the judicial system, trauma-informed law enforcement, personal safety, and what survivors need from the people and institutions they turn to for help.

Today, Samantha is a licensed social worker, survivor advocate, and founder of Beekeepers Advocacy, using her experience to educate others and advocate for survivors.

Learn more about Samantha Stites & Beekeepers Advocacy:beekeepersadvocacy.org

Learn more about CCW Solutions Group:ccwsolutionsgroup.com

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of stalking, kidnapping, sexual violence, and trauma.

Matthias Quellenberg joins The Warrior's Way Podcast to share his perspective on American freedom as a German immigrant who became a U.S. citizen, firearms instructor, and Second Amendment advocate.

Growing up in Germany, Matthias experienced a system where firearm ownership is treated as a privilege rather than a constitutional right. After moving to the United States, he bought his first gun, began carrying concealed, and eventually developed a much deeper understanding of the responsibility that comes with exercising the Second Amendment.

Mark and Matthias discuss the differences between Germany and America, concealed carry, gun laws, self-control, training beyond the range, immigration, constitutional rights, and why responsible gun ownership requires much more than simply knowing how to shoot.

For anyone looking to get their CCW or learn more about what a CCW is, visit:

https://www.ccwsolutionsgroup.com/

Learn more about Matthias Quellenberg:

San Diego Firearms School: https://sandiegofirearmssc.wixsite.com/home

Immigrant Gun Owner Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@The_Immigrant_Gun_Owner

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegofirearmsschool/

Kristen Durham of Firearms Training Associates joins The Warrior's Way Podcast to discuss what it really takes to become a responsible and capable concealed carry holder.

After training tens of thousands of students, Kristen explains why confidence comes through competence, why mindset matters more than simply owning a firearm, and how realistic scenario-based training prepares people for the moments that matter most.

We discuss concealed carry, women in the firearms industry, home defense, pepper spray, law enforcement training, firearm selection, and practical advice every gun owner should hear.

Whether you're new to firearms or have carried for years, this episode offers valuable insight into becoming a safer, more confident, and more prepared protector.

For anyone looking to get their CCW or learn more about what a CCW is, visit:

https://www.ccwsolutionsgroup.com/

Learn more about Firearms Training Associates:

https://www.ftatv.com

Purple Heart recipient Teddy Daniels joins The Warrior's Way Podcast to share the incredible story of surviving a devastating firefight in Afghanistan after being shot multiple times and pinned down under enemy fire.

After believing he would never make it home, Teddy describes the moment he accepted death, found peace, and fought his way off the mountain—an experience that forever changed how he views fear, leadership, purpose, and life itself.

This conversation explores the realities of combat, PTSD, law enforcement, fatherhood, resilience, entrepreneurship, faith, and the warrior mindset that continues long after the battlefield.

Whether you're military, law enforcement, a first responder, or someone facing adversity in everyday life, this episode offers powerful lessons on courage, perseverance, and finding purpose after trauma.

For anyone looking to get their CCW or learn more about what a CCW is, visit:

https://www.ccwsolutionsgroup.com/

Follow Teddy Daniels:

Facebook: Teddy Daniels (Verified)

Instagram: @TeddyDaniels22

X: @TDDaniels9