With Deadly Force Podcast

Michael Michelena is a Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney with extensive experience prosecuting homicides, gang violence and crimes against peace officers. Michael is a longtime student of Scott Reitz, and brings a unique perspective on the realities of deadly force. We will discuss shooting investigations, decision-making under pressure and the emotional aftermath of a justified shooting, amongst many other related topics.

Enjoy the episode!

WDF Podcast email: [email protected]

WDF Podcast website: www.WithDeadlyForce.com

ITTS firearms training email: [email protected]

ITTS firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com

Copyright 2026 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

We have a conversation with the co-founders of our Firearms and Tactics school.  This episode is a great way to get familiar with who we are and what we do!  Scott and Brett shed light into how ITTS got started, what our core principles are, who and how we teach, and what we're planning for the future.

Enjoy the episode!

WDF Podcast email: [email protected]

WDF Podcast website: www.WithDeadlyForce.com

ITTS firearms training email: [email protected]

ITTS firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com

Copyright 2025 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

Episode 11 covers a timely subject matter following the tragic shooting that occurred recently  during the filming  of Alec Baldwin's movie 'Rust'.  We have an in-depth conversation with two highly experienced Hollywood Prop Masters and Armorers about how guns are used in movies and TV shows.   Karl Weschta, VP of Independent Studio Services (ISS prop house) and Donnie Bruno, a highly experienced armorer who has worked on countless films including John Wick and Transformers, offer their industry knowledge about the vast, complex and challenging world of using guns in movies as well as their open and honest views about safety on Hollywood sets.

Among the many topics discussed are industry firearms safety protocols in prop houses and on production sets, how prop guns, blanks and dummy rounds are designed, function and used in films, whats the difference between a prop master and armorer, what training/level of experience is required to become a prop master and armorer, what is currently known about the 'Rust" shooting, details about the 1993 Brandon Lee (Bruce Lee's Son) shooting that resulted in his death, as well as many more firearms-specific film industry insights.  This episode is an absolute must listen for anyone who wants to better understand how firearms are used in Hollywood.

Enjoy the episode!

WDF Podcast email: [email protected]
WDF Podcast website: www.WithDeadlyForce.com

ITTS firearms training email: [email protected]
ITTS firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com

Copyright 2021 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

Sam Harris has a fascinating background, hosts the acclaimed "Making Sense" podcast and has authored five New York Times best selling books.  Sam is a long time student of Scott Reitz, and has much to say about the value of gaining the ability to defend oneself.  We will also thoroughly inspect all sides of the "gun debate" amongst many other related topics.

Enjoy the episode!

WDF Podcast email: [email protected]
WDF Podcast website: www.WithDeadlyForce.com

ITTS firearms training email: [email protected]
ITTS firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com

Copyright 2021 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

This episode concludes our conversation with LAPD Detective John Helms.  Helms shares details about the famous Bomar hostage rescue incident as well as a thorough explanation of the unique, challenging and critical function of the highly regarded SIS unit (Special Investigation Section).  In total, Helms spent 36 years policing the streets of Los Angeles and  has numerous valuable anecdotes as only he can tell tell them.

Enjoy the episode!

WDF Podcast email: [email protected]
WDF Podcast website: www.WithDeadlyForce.com

ITTS firearms training email: [email protected]
ITTS firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com

Copyright 2021 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

This is a unique opportunity to learn from a legendary member of LAPD.  Detective John Helms is widely considered amongst his peers to have been among those responsible for bringing modern firearms techniques and tactics to the LAPD at a critical time for the department.  Helms spent 36 years policing the streets of Los Angeles, rising in ranks from a  patrol officer to the SWAT team and then finishing his career with the heralded SIS unit (Special Investigation Section).  Helms and Scott Reitz worked SWAT together and in this episode they share many unique insights into how firearms and techniques have developed over the years, in addition to a discussion on the importance of mindset.

Enjoy the episode!

WDF Podcast email: [email protected]
WDF Podcast website: www.WithDeadlyForce.com

ITTS firearms training email: [email protected]
ITTS firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com

Copyright 2021 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

In Episode 7 we have the unique honor of interviewing LAPD SWAT Sgt. Ron McCarthy, who was one of LAPD SWAT's original members when it first formed in the 1960s, and was involved in the famous SLA shootout, amongst many other notable SWAT incidents. He is widely regarded as being instrumental in shaping LAPD SWAT's success, which has influenced all future generations of Law Enforcement.  WDF Podcast host, Scott Reitz, was a member of LAPD SWAT under Sgt. McCarthy's leadership and has always deeply revered him.   This is a special episode as we cover numerous topics including LAPD SWAT history, what makes a successful LAPD SWAT officer and what makes a successful leader.  Sgt. McCarthy is truly a living legend and we are very fortunate to be able to learn from him.

Enjoy the episode!

WDF Podcast email: [email protected]
WDF Podcast website: www.WithDeadlyForce.com

ITTS Firearms training email: [email protected]
ITTS Firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com

Copyright 2021 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

In Episode 6 we interview LAFD firefighter Dave Danielson who has used his 25+ years of experience in the United States NAVY (2 tours in Iraq) as a hospital corpsman, helicopter crew chief and gunner, to help support his current position within the LAFD and to serve his community.  

Dave shares details about LAFD and how they've grown over the years from primarily a firefighting outfit to being a complex and highly capable "All emergency department" with an abundance of modern resources.  Dave also discusses the the development of the TEMS team (Tactical Emergency Medical Services) and how they have helped support LAPD SWAT as well as other local Police Departments in providing rapid medical support during critical incidents such as active shooter events.  And finally, Dave touches on the LAFD drone program that he has helped develop and how this innovative approach not only helps with firefighting, but that drone technology is becoming much farther reaching in broader public safety efforts.

Here's a link to LAFD's website for more information on educational and other resources to help keep you and your family safe: www.lafd.org

Enjoy the episode!

WDF Podcast email: [email protected]
WDF Podcast website: www.withdeadlyforce.com

ITTS Firearms training email: [email protected]
ITTS Firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com

Copyright 2020 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

In this episode we interview forensic Psychologist, Dr. Shiloh Catanese, who also served as a Law Enforcement Officer in Los Angeles County.  Due to her experience in both fields, Shiloh is in the truly unique position of being able to offer both theoretical and practical insights.  She's been there, done it, and now she helps other officers address the multitude of challenges they face due to the high demands and stress on the job!

Enjoy the episode!

WDF Podcast email: [email protected]
WDF Podcast website: www.WithDeadlyForce.com

ITTS Firearms training email: [email protected]
ITTS Firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com

Copyright 2020 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.

In this episode we interview LAPD Lt. II Kevin Burke, who has been with the LAPD for 21 years.  During his tenure he has worked patrol, gangs, gang detectives and robbery as a Sergeant and Lieutenant.  For the past year, Lt. Burke has been assigned as the Bureau Gang Coordinator for Operations-South Bureau (OSB), overseeing the Gang and Narcotics Details for four LAPD Areas and approximately 150 officers and detectives.  

Over the previous 10 years, Lt. Burke was assigned to Force Investigation Division (FID), where he was a supervisor of one of the investigative teams.  He has been involved in or supervised over 100 cases during his time at FID.  He and his team had the responsibility to respond to all categorical use of force incidents.  He was responsible for overseeing the investigation of crime scenes, interviewing involved officers, suspects and witnesses, analyzing and interpreting the evidence, summarizing the statements of all involved officers and percipient witnesses and producing a thorough, complete and unbiased report.  In addition, he presented his findings to the Chief of Police, the Use of Force Review Board and the Board of Police Commissioners for final adjudication.

Enjoy the episode!

WDF Podcast email: [email protected]
WDF Podcast website: www.WithDeadlyForce.com

ITTS firearms training email: [email protected]
ITTS firearms training website: www.internationaltactical.com

Copyright 2020 International Tactical Training Seminars, Inc.