Iron Sights

Welcome back to another After Dark episode here on the Iron Sights Podcast. Today I’m joined by Scott Savage, founder of the Savage Training Group. Scott’s a law enforcement veteran who believes today’s officers deserve more than just “check-the-box” training hours. We sat down at the 2025 California Force Instructor Association Conference in Napa, CA, after I had the chance to watch him present to a room full of law enforcement instructors, and what struck me most wasn’t just the information he shared—but how he delivered it. In this conversation, we dig into why traditional training methods often fail under stress, how to move beyond siloed training and integrate across the board, and the importance of communication and decision-making during critical incidents. We also talk about the work Savage Training Group is doing to elevate the profession and give officers the tools they truly need to succeed in the real world.  Sit back and enjoy my conversation with Scott Savage of the Savage Training Group.Timestamps:00:00 Intro08:25 Scott Savage’s Background09:22 The Reality Of Police Training10:46 Launching Savage Training Group23:31 Understanding De-Escalation30:26 Effective Training Strategies41:08 Creating Change & Overcoming Resistance53:21 Realistic Training Scenarios1:03:26 Professionalism & Communication1:10:36 Articulating Force Decisions1:20:15 Clear Commands Under Pressure1:33:18 Savage Training Group’s ApproachRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Rener Gracie, a renowned figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and law enforcement training, dives into his innovative Gracie Survival Tactics and the SafeWrap system. He discusses the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and its integration into police training, emphasizing the need for humane restraint techniques. Rener highlights the challenges faced in implementing these tactics and the importance of collaboration in law enforcement to ensure safety. His insights on navigating controversies surrounding restraint methods spark a vital conversation about modern training practices.

Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast. Today’s After Dark episode is a powerful one. I’m sitting down with John Constantine — a 23-year veteran of the United States Secret Service, with 15 of those years spent on the elite Counter Assault Team. From post-9/11 Ground Zero to protecting presidents around the world, John’s career has been defined by service at the highest levels.But this conversation goes deeper than tactics, leadership, or high-risk operations. It’s about what happens when your values and goals no longer align with the environment you’re in. It’s about facing the shadows within, owning your truth, and finding your way back from the edge.John opens up about courage, redemption, and the battles we fight inside ourselves — the ones that shape who we are far more than any mission or assignment. This one is raw, real, and worth every minute.Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:47 Career Start & Secret Service Insights12:22 Counter Assault Team Overview14:49 Reflections On July 13th Incident21:08 Personal & Professional Impact34:17 Adapting Under Pressure53:24 Self-Reflection & Integrity59:54 Self-Esteem Vs. Self-Worth01:05:15 Leadership & Personal Values01:25:54 Standards & Accountability01:37:41 Psychology, Philosophy & The Dark Self01:42:55 Professionalism & Performance01:53:50 The Value Of Leadership02:01:25 Future Plans & ProjectsRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast! Today, I’m joined by the whole Red Dot Fitness crew, and we’re breaking down the five biggest mistakes people make when choosing an online workout program. This isn’t about coaching or personalized training — we’re talking the actual programs themselves, like Red Dot Fitness Max and Red Dot Fitness Strong.Choosing the right program can feel overwhelming, and a lot of folks stumble early on their fitness journey. We’re going to unpack those common mistakes, talk solutions, and help you figure out if the program you’re on is really the right fit. Whether you’re already in a program or still deciding, this episode will give you the tools to avoid costly errors and set yourself up for success.So sit back, and let’s get into it.-25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.comRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1-(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:ironsightspodcasts.com-Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:16 Common Mistakes In Online Programs05:27 Why Personalization Matters11:03 Challenges In Online Nutrition22:26 Setting Realistic Goals27:36 The 90-Day Transformation Myth28:45 Avoiding Program Hopping30:44 Flexibility & Adaptation32:18 Nutrition’s Role38:49 Community Support Value-Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, we’re joined by Rob Magao — a 25-year law enforcement veteran, SWAT leader, and founder of the Officer Survival Series. With experience in patrol, narcotics, internal affairs, detective work, and 18 years on SWAT, Rob has trained hundreds in local, state, and federal agencies, as well as the military. From defensive tactics and dignitary protection to ground fighting and firearms, his approach is rooted in real-world experience, not theory. A third-degree Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belt under Pedro Sauer and certified combatives instructor through Matt Larsen, Rob shares insights on building resilient, confident protectors through pressure-tested training.Sit back and enjoy a no-nonsense conversation on leadership, survival, and what it takes to thrive in high-stakes environments.Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:21 Rob Magao’s Martial Arts Journey05:52 Starting In Law Enforcement10:53 Challenges & Changes In Policing16:16 Innovations In Police Training30:04 Opening The Jiu-Jitsu School41:27 Bringing Jiu-Jitsu To Police Training45:15 Creating A New Training Program48:47 Program Success & Adoption51:55 Instructor Certification Standards01:09:19 Real-World Scenarios & Legal Training01:22:48 Growth Of Police Jiu-Jitsu Teams01:27:22 Key Skills For Law Enforcement01:31:41 Building A Culture Of Improvement01:40:59 Insurance’s Role In Training Standards01:50:21 How To Get Involved With OSS01:58:14 What’s NextRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, we’re diving into what it really takes to make online fitness coaching effective. Whether you’ve signed up for a virtual training program or are thinking about hiring a coach online, we break down the expectations, the red flags, and the strategies for getting real results. We’ll cover the pros and cons of online vs. in-person coaching, how to make the most of your investment, and what we’ve learned firsthand coaching both online and face-to-face. If you’re serious about your health and not seeing the progress you want, this conversation might just help you make the right call. Tune in and walk away with practical advice to look, move, and feel better.-25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.comRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1-(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:ironsightspodcasts.com-Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:22 What Makes Online Coaching Different12:27 Why Customization Matters17:19 Nutrition & Initial Consults26:17 Flexibility And Accessibility34:31 Cost Benefits Of Online Coaching35:40 Common Pitfalls In The Industry39:10 Adapting Workouts To Any Environment44:02 Using Tech For Better Coaching51:36 Accountability & Long-Term Success58:10 Final Thoughts & Getting Started-Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this After Dark episode, I sit down with my friend and retired law enforcement officer John “Chappy” Chapman. After decades of service, John’s taken his experience and passion and poured it into Task Force 70, a nonprofit laser-focused on rebuilding public trust through constitutionally grounded training for America’s law enforcement.We break down how the system really works—from institutionalized training gaps to the funding issues that keep over 70% of small, rural agencies from getting the support they actually need. John brings clarity to a complicated conversation and outlines what TF70 is doing differently, including two standout courses that are already making an impact.This episode isn’t just for cops. It’s for citizens who care about the quality of training their officers receive and how we can raise the bar without political noiseEnjoy today's show!Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:42 Background In Law Enforcement06:31 Transition To Training & Instruction09:01 Challenges In Police Training14:52 Bureaucracy & Equipment Issues36:11 Foundational Skills In Modern Policing45:05 Federal Funding & Local Challenges48:56 Training Foundations & Sociological Shifts54:36 Practical Training & Foundation’s Mission01:04:55 Specialized Courses & Support01:17:41 Donors, Funding & Transparency01:26:48 Measuring Training Impact01:49:06 Final Thoughts & EncouragementRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

We’re back with another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, and today I’ve got my good friend Jake Labhart in the studio—founder of In Extremis Performance.Jake’s been on the show before, and if you’ve been around a while, you’ve heard us talk about everything from tactical performance to the mindset behind building better tactical athletes. But today we zoom out a bit and focus on process—the journey of building IEP, refining the mission, and expanding the team.We talk leadership, team development, staying mission-focused, and staying humble while still moving with purpose. As always, Jake keeps it real, owns his mistakes, and delivers straight-up insight from the trenches.If you’re curious about what In Extremis Performance is doing, who they’re working with, or how to get involved—this episode is for you.Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:55 Catching Up In California04:28 IEP’s Shift To Human Performance05:16 Challenges In Law Enforcement Training08:06 Movement & Shooting Approach12:19 Learning, Adapting & Evolving17:58 Social Media Vs. In-Person Training21:12 Expanding Curriculum With Demand42:23 Training With Top Shooters & Team Growth47:56 Refining Curriculum & Teaching58:03 Shooting & Human Performance01:21:23 Support Systems & Strategy01:30:36 Industry Changes & Feedback01:48:09 What’s NextRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Jimmy Prendergast from Modern Athlete Strength. I’ve been following these guys for a while now, and if you’re into the training side of what we talk about here—especially in the tactical space—you’re gonna want to hear this.Jimmy and his team come from a deep background in D1 sports, the NFL, and tactical strength and conditioning. We get into all of it—his career path, how he approaches programming for athletes in complex environments, and what it actually means to train like an athlete when you’re balancing strength, speed, power, and capacity.We dig into the gray areas of what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid common traps when programming for concurrent training. This was a fun one for me—Jimmy’s sharp, knows his stuff, and breaks things down in a way that’s accessible for coaches and athletes alike.If you’re a first responder, military, or just someone who wants to train hard and smart—this conversation is packed with takeaways. Make sure to follow Jimmy and his crew over at @modernathletestrength and check out modernathletestrength.com for more.Timestamps:00:00 Intro06:52 Jimmy’s Background in Strength & Conditioning10:30 Tactical Training: Challenges & Adaptations23:18 Programming Philosophy & Concurrent Training38:24 Tier System & Efficiency47:00 CrossFit, Hybrid & Open-Minded Training48:45 Principles of Effective Programming52:25 Individualized Coaching & Adjustments01:00:22 Foundations vs. Advanced Training01:02:36 Online Coaching & Communication01:16:20 Science vs. Practical Application01:23:46 Networking & Lifelong Learning01:26:41 Final Thoughts & CollaborationRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

We’re back with another episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, and today I’m in the studio with Steven, Ryan, and CeCe to tackle a topic that comes up all the time with our clients — booze and performance.We’re breaking down the real impact alcohol has on your fitness, fat loss, recovery, and long-term goals. From the metabolic effects and how booze can stall fat loss, to the hormonal consequences, muscle recovery, and performance drops that most people ignore — we’re covering all of it.We also get into the increased injury risk, community and lifestyle considerations, and how alcohol might be showing up in ways that sabotage your progress more than you realize.This isn’t about fear tactics — it’s about being honest and intentional. Whether you’re chasing aesthetic goals, performance gains, or just trying to feel and function better, we share practical strategies for managing alcohol without completely derailing your progress.Enjoy the show!-25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.comRed Dot Fitness Training Programs:rdfprograms.comOnline Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membershipVirtual Coaching:https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coachingSelf-Guided Programs:https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1-(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:ironsightspodcasts.com-Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:28 Love For Beer02:47 Alcohol’s Impact On Performance & Fat Loss04:01 Metabolism & Weight Loss Effects05:00 Personal Alcohol Struggles11:54 Hormones, Recovery & Dehydration27:10 Alcohol Vs. Immune Function28:00 Balancing Fitness & Drinking31:12 Practical Tips For Drinking Smart39:28 Choosing Alcohol Wisely43:15 Final Thoughts & Getting Help-Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/