Defenders LIVE Podcast

S2E3: Unlock Elite Shooting Skills & Self-Defense Tactics with Special Forces Expert, Mike Green of Green Ops

In this episode of Defenders LIVE, host Lora Thorson talks with Mike Green, the seasoned owner of Green Ops and a former special forces operator, to delve into the intersection of personal growth and firearms proficiency. Mike shares his journey from military service to becoming a prominent firearms instructor, emphasizing the importance of the defender's mindset and how personal development enhances shooting skills.
The episode covers practical tips on effective dry fire practice, leveraging competition shooting for real-life defensive scenarios, and adapting training techniques to suit diverse learners. Mike also discusses the evolution of firearms training, the impact of technology on student preparedness, and the necessity of developing instructors to meet rising standards. Listeners will gain valuable insights into improving their defensive skills and understanding the critical role of mindset in personal and tactical growth.
Notable Quotes and Takeaways
Lora Thorson "Without the struggle, there is no growth... Keep your focus and know that the struggle is just part of the journey."
Mike Green "Good skill can get you through a bad tactical situation."
Mike Green "Hard work can break through inefficiency."
www.green-ops.com, www.defenders-live.com
 
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S2E2: Neil Weidner on Family, Firearms, and Personal Growth | Active Self Protection

Starting with Lora's TidBit of the Week: The Courage to Ask
Interview with Neil Weidner, Active Self Protection
Highlights:
Neil Weidner discusses his deep commitment to family and service within the Active Self Protection community.
His journey into parenting a child with special needs, emphasizing the challenges and rewards.
The importance of family unity and support in navigating the complexities of raising a child with special needs.
Neil's approach to teaching and mentoring his daughters in various activities, including shooting sports.
Recommendations for new instructors 
The significance of ongoing education and specialized training in firearms instruction.
Insights into the ASP certification program and its value for experienced instructors.
Neil's overall passion for training, community, and personal development through firearms education.
www.defenders-live.com

S2E1 Developing Mental Agility & Managing Risk in Your Everyday Life | Retired Green Beret, Chris Cypert | Citizens Defense Research

In this episode, Lora interviews retired Green Beret & Instructor Chris Cypert of Citizens Defense Research about:
How to find good training; what to look for in a trainer/instructor
Different tools for different missions
Backwards planning and how to apply it in your life
CDR's The Armed Parent/Guardian training
Managing & assessing risk in your everyday life
Looking at problems through the lens of probability & severity
What it means to truly be well rounded in self preservation
Thinking about the off ramps of verbal agility & de-escalation
What is mental agility and how does one develop it?
Training under stress: ideas to test your training
Why some people more easily stay calm and clear minded under stress
What sells isn't always what's needed
Why knowing your on demand skills and capabilities is imperative to self preservation
A challenge for the 2A community

S1E22 God Will Use You Where You Are: Navigating Life's Unexpected Turns w/ John McLaughlin, Iowa Firearms Coalition

In this episode, I talk to John McLaughlin of Iowa Firearms Coalition about:
John is a pilot, firearms trainer and former meteorologist. What do these roles have in common? (More than you may think)
How Iowa to protecting the 2nd Amendment
Church Security & Medical Training
Applying discipleship to training
Warriors of ministry and what that means
The medical diagnosis that drastically changed John's life
How to navigate a Type A personality in a Type B body
Tips for finding the right instructor
No one has ever arrived; staying humble throughout your life
www.defenders-live.com
 

How A Non-Gun Guy Changed His Mind | A Common Sense Breakdown of Gun Control & Personal Responsibility | Matt Christiansen Media

In this episode, Lora & Adam talk to Matt Christansen of Matt Christiansen Media about:
What started Matt on the path of gun ownership
Why personal responsibility is so important
Learning from evil
How our gun rights are being affected by current events
Democracy vs. constitutional republic
Sacrificing individual rights for the majority
Adam & Lora's journey to personal responsibility
Arguments against carrying a gun
Why Matt started Matt Christiansen Media
How Matt's life has changed by vocalizing his beliefs publicly
Who belongs (and doesn't belong) in your life and why
How to disagree without destroying friendships/relationships

S1E20 Our Responsibility To Our Families and To Each Other | Stephannie Weidner, Active Self Protection

On this episode, Lora interviews Stephannie Weidner from Active Self Protection about:
Stephannie's story to firearms
Thoughts of what to do when confronted with protecting your family from a credible threat
Her journey from stay-at-home mom to CEO of Active Self Protection
What makes a good team and working environment
Our responsibility as instructors
Get it as right as you can as often as you can
Trust sooner & being authentically you
Active Self Protection Instructor Certification and ASP National Conference
Live Q&A
Active Self Protection on YouTube
Active Self Protection Extra
www.defenders-live.com
 
 
 

S1E19 Taking Control of Your Fitness & Nutrition with Aimee Langdon, Langdon Tactical

In this episode, Aimee Langdon of Langdon Tactical and LTT Discover talks about her experience as a Tactical Games athlete and coach and why health and fitness is so important to the firearms carrier.
Also discussed in this episode:
Simple ways you can incorporate movement and strength into your everyday life
Why nutrition is key to being a defender
Resources to help you start your fitness journey
How to balance training, fitness and nutrition into your life
What is LTT Discover and why it was created as a free resource
And SO much more!
www.defenders-live.com
 

S1E18 You Are The Weapon | What It Means To Be Your Own Defender | Adam Winch, Founder of Defenders USA

In this episode, Lora talks to Adam Winch, founder of Defenders USA about:
Adam's LEO and military experience & why Defenders USA was created
Adam's transformation in his own training
What is heartset & why it's vital to a defender
Understanding the true depth of evil
Creating fewer victims and steps towards that mission
The aftermath of violence and how it changes a person
Tips on defensive tools and why you are the weapon
What it means to be your own defender
www.defenders-usa.com, www.defenders-live.com
 

S1E17 Expanding Your Comfort Zone: Entrepreneur, Instructor & Master Class USPSA Competitive Shooter, Riley Bowman

In this episode, Lora and Riley Bowman of www.ConcealedCarry.com and host of The Concealed Carry Podcast discuss:
Starting with Lora's (Lengthy) TidBit of the Week: 4 Steps to Set Yourself Up For Success [Especially After You've Fallen Off the Horse]
The more you train, the more you realize how little you know
The process of exploring & experimenting in gun training
Lessons from entrepreneurship
Fail last, fail often and why it's essential
Eternal optimism and pursuing the harder path
Everybody starts somewhere
Practical strategies to expanding your comfort zone
Dryfire and visual transitions
Accuracy in Movement
Developing Consistency & Index Points in Training
www.defenders-live.com
 

S1E16 Learning From Real-Life Defensive Encounters w/ Mike Willever, Active Self Protection Podcast

In this episode, Mike Willever from the Active Self Protection Podcast talks about: 
The mission and evolution of ASP podcast
Mike's LEO background
Breaking down defensive encounters
Being careful about making your job your identity
Normalcy bias and why you should radically and rapidly accept reallity
The trap of "it can't happen here"
Mike's most impactful interviews from people who survived defensive encounters
Why mental reps will help save your life
Comparing defender vs. general public mindsets
Emotional, physical and spiritual fitness to survive the aftermath
Even Tom Brady needs a coach
Are you in the 1 percent of gun owners in America?
and SO much more!
www.defenders-live.com