Survival isn’t about theory—it’s about understanding THE TRUTH ABOUT FIGHTING and acting accordingly.

In this episode, I sit down with Vol West, a Frenchman turned American, with real-world expertise in survival, combatives, and firearms.

His journey—from the unpredictable streets of 1980s Paris to military service and running Station Nine, a company producing knives and gear for special forces—is a masterclass in preparedness, adaptability, and hard-earned wisdom.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Simple Wins Fights – Vol cuts through the noise: Forget flashy moves, focus on what works. Running, thinking, and wearing the right shoes might be your best self-defense tools.

🔹 Understanding Violence – The reality? Most self-defense training fails against real aggression. Vol explains why sport-based martial arts can create a false sense of security and how to train for real-world survival.

🔹 Your Mind is the Weapon – Violence is psychological as much as physical. If you aren’t mentally prepared, you’re already at a disadvantage. Vol shares mental conditioning techniques to keep you ahead of danger.

🔹 Gear That Works When It Matters – Station Nine builds knives and tools designed for those who don’t get second chances. From WWI-inspired escape tools to modern-day survival gear, Vol shares how history shapes innovation.

🔹 Situational Awareness: The Skill That Keeps You Alive – Avoiding a fight is better than winning one. Vol’s method? Stay out of weird places, at weird times, with weird people.

Bottom Line:

Self-defense isn’t a hobby—it’s a mindset. Vol West doesn’t just talk about survival—he’s lived it. Tune in for a hard-hitting conversation on what it really takes to adapt, overcome, and win when it counts.

🔗 Connect with Vol on Insta

@vol_west https://www.instagram.com/vol_west/

@station_9_. https://www.instagram.com/station_9_/

And check out the awesome tools for survival at - https://www.stati9n.com/

I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com and www.eatwellmovewell.net

And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com

- the ultimate daily formula for optimum hormone health, stress management, energy and performance.

100% natural and clinically proven ingredients, it provides everything you need to raise your game, in a convenient gut-friendly capsule.   And the Mason Survival Protocol - https://www.carnivoreretreat.com/post/masonsurvival-protocol-carnivore-retreat

  Links for my former shows are here-   WATCH on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpt-Zy1jciVn7cWB0B-y5WATyzrzfwucZ

LISTEN on: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rlAGRXCwLIJfQCQ5B3PYB?si=UmgsMBFkRfelCAm1E4Pd3Q

Itunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446?mt=2

     Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5bce2d31-a171-4e83-bada-d1384c877e76

Subscribe for more amazing tips, interviews and wisdom from phenomenal guests ------- And get your ** FREE Video Workshop here- https://www.hownottodieguy.com/

James Shaw: Loss and damage at COP27