Iron Sights

In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Jason—better known as Sierra One on Instagram and the founder of Silver Lake Special Projects.Jason’s background is deep. He’s a military veteran, a former SWAT team member with both large metro and interagency experience, and currently leads the training unit at his agency. But beyond the resume, he’s a guy who’s committed to doing things right—leaving his environment better than he found it.We get into a wide range of topics in this one: tactical training, leadership culture inside agencies, career progression, the complexities of interagency teams, and how to build buy-in within your unit. Whether you’re in the job, thinking about the job, or just interested in what it takes to lead from the front, you’ll get value here.Enjoy today's show!Timestamps:00:00 Intro05:46 Jason’s Background & Career Start16:16 Transition To Law Enforcement & SWAT31:23 Competitive Shooting & Career Shift42:41 Multi-Jurisdictional SWAT Challenges47:00 Leadership, Structure & Team Dynamics52:00 Inclusion, Mentorship & Team Building01:02:40 Training Philosophy & Skill Development01:16:08 Autonomy & Improvement In Training01:32:36 Tactical Training & Traffic Stops01:39:04 Low-Visibility Ops & Tactical Shifts01:48:57 Human Trafficking & ICAC Missions02:08:44 Final Thoughts & Looking AheadRed 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 getting into the weeds on plyometric training — what it is, who it’s for, and most importantly, how not to screw it up.Too many people are using plyos as a glorified cardio session, skipping the prep work and ending up hurt, frustrated, or spinning their wheels. We talk about what needs to be in place before you start jumping on boxes — foundational strength, mobility, coordination, and proper warm-up protocols.We also dig into why quality matters more than quantity, how to actually integrate plyos into your training to build real power, and why understanding your physical readiness is key. We use some real-world examples, including insights from pro sports like the NBA, along with our own coaching experiences.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 Intro00:32 Plyometrics & Injury Prevention01:53 Training Mistakes & Injury Causes06:02 Warmups & Plyometric Fundamentals20:31 Key Warmup Phases Explained34:26 Deceleration & ACL Risks35:08 Advanced Plyos & Power Development38:49 Common Plyometric Mistakes56:19 Footwear’s Role In Performance01:00:11 Plyos For Different Ages01:05:54 Recommendations-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, I sit down with Shelton Stevens, a seasoned strength coach and human performance specialist for U.S. Army Special Operations at Fort Bragg. With over 16 years in the game, Shelton is helping elite American warfighters stay sharp, strong, and durable.We dive deep into microdosing workouts—short, effective training sessions designed for high performers who need results without burnout. Shelton breaks it all down in a way that’s simple and usable, whether you’re in the military, law enforcement, or just training hard in the real world.We also get into 13 Bar Performance, his coaching platform helping people train smarter with both custom and pre-built programs.Packed with takeaways for anyone looking to perform better and stay mission-ready. Tune in and enjoy the conversation.Timestamps:04:42 Introduction & Guest Welcome06:46 Breaking Into Strength & Conditioning10:49 Transition To Military Training14:52 Challenges In Military S&C24:17 Individualized Programs & Athletes31:48 Bootcamp & Selection Process37:32 Concussion Protocol & Testing39:18 Common Training Mistakes41:26 Importance Of Force Plates48:35 Personalized Athlete Programming54:45 Microdosing Training Sessions01:05:49 Velocity-Based Training01:10:13 Mobility & Stability Focus01:15:32 Overhead Movement Considerations01:38:00 Training-Life Balance01:42:22 Consistency & LongevityRed 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 another episode of the Iron Sights Podcast. I’m in the studio today with Ryan, Cece, and Steven, and we’re diving into a topic that’s guaranteed to hit home for anyone trying to lean out, cut weight, or make meaningful changes to their body composition: managing hunger while in a caloric deficit.Let’s be real—hunger is part of the process. If you’re doing things right in a fat loss phase, there’s going to be a point where you’re feeling it. But how you respond to that feeling? That’s what separates the people who reach their goals from the ones who fall off halfway through.This conversation is all about giving you practical, experience-based strategies for managing that hunger so you can stay on track without feeling like you’re constantly battling your own body-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 Intro02:18 Diet & Nutrition03:05 What Is A Caloric Deficit04:26 Managing Hunger09:19 Prioritizing Protein13:53 Fiber’s Role23:41 Meal Timing26:05 High-Volume Foods27:14 Staying Consistent32:57 Training Adjustments36:36 Liquid Calories40:42 Carbs Vs. Fats42:52 Key Supplements45:30 Exiting The Deficit-Connect 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 this time I’m joined by Kim Raimondi — known by some of you as PeliKim on Instagram.In this conversation, we get into all of it. Kim shares what it’s like working with departments and agencies all over the country, what she’s seeing from her side of the industry, and how Pelican plays a role in supporting first responders. But, the deeper part of this talk is around volunteer firefighting — the training, the culture, and the challenges that come with stepping up to serve when the pager goes off.Kim’s the kind of person who’s got one foot in the corporate world and the other in the dirt with the people doing the hard jobs. That perspective makes this episode a fun, eye-opening conversation about service, support, and giving back.Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:58 Introduction & Kim’s Background04:10 From Jersey To Sales Leadership08:34 Athletic Drive & Field Hockey Career17:37 Transition Into The Fire Service23:46 Volunteer Firefighting & Community Culture46:39 The Impact Of Social Media In Firefighting51:00 Communication Tools In Emergency Services52:30 Real-Life Firefighting Meets Product Design53:46 Why Intrinsically Safe Equipment Matters55:35 How Pelican Influenced Her Career & Life01:02:33 Pelican’s History & Industry Impact01:11:44 Connecting With First Responders & Innovating-Red 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 another episode of the Iron Sights Podcast!In this one, I’m joined by Ryan and CeCe in the studio for a deep dive into a hot topic that’s been coming up more and more in elite performance circles—microdosing your workouts. We break down what microdosing your training actually means, where the concept came from, and how to structure it.We talk about who it’s best for, who it might not be for, and how this approach can help busy individuals juggle strength, hypertrophy, speed, power, and conditioning—all without burning out.If you’re someone trying to do it all in a limited time or just looking for smarter programming strategies, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Let’s cut through the confusion and explore how to train more effectively with less.-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 Intro03:34 What Is Microdosing Workouts?09:54 History & Research Behind Microdosing11:14 Real-World Benefits & Use Cases20:39 Microdosing Vs. Traditional Training26:02 Intentional Adaptation & Recovery31:00 How To Apply Microdosing Effectively33:14 Tracking Progress & Feedback41:12 Exercise Selection & Volume Management49:17 Expert Insights & What’s Next-Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Welcome back to another After Dark episode here on the Iron Sights Podcast!Today, I’m sitting down with someone who’s not only a good friend, but one of the sharpest dudes I’ve come across in the training space — Wild Bill Braski.If you’re on Instagram, you might already know the name. Bill is a military veteran and a full-time law enforcement officer who works directly in the training unit at his agency on the East Coast. He’s also a major voice in the combatives world and the founder of the Wild Bill Braski Knife & Tool Company — a brand built for real-world operators, not keyboard commandos.In this episode, we dig into how Bill approaches training inside his agency and how that’s influenced neighboring departments. His work is making a noticeable impact.We talk process, leadership, and what it takes to get real buy-in when pushing for progress in a culture that can be notoriously resistant to change. There’s a lot of wisdom here for trainers, cops, and anyone leading people through hard problems.We also get into his gear company and the mission behind the knives and tools he’s building — why he started it, what makes his gear different, and how he’s designing with the end user in mind. I own a couple of his tools myself, and I can say firsthand — they’re the real deal.This episode is packed with insight, a few laughs, and a whole lot of straight talk. Whether you’re in law enforcement, the military, or just someone who respects the people doing the hard jobs the right way — this one’s worth your time.Enjoy the show!-Timestamps:00:00 Intro06:17 Wild Bill’s Military & Law Enforcement Journey16:21 Evolution Of Combatives & Training Philosophy22:25 Building Effective Training Programs31:29 Why Realistic Training Matters48:36 Integrating Firearms With Combatives50:03 The Pyramid Of Hard Skills1:03:43 Measuring Success In Law Enforcement Training1:08:42 Navigating Public Perception1:19:53 Launching A Knife & Tool Company1:26:46 Craftsmanship & Community Connection1:40:58 The Value Of Combatives Summits-Red 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 Iron Sights After Dark episode, and I’m joined once again by my friend Chris Kuras. Chris is a seasoned law enforcement officer with over a decade of SWAT experience—and he’s the guy behind Good Dude Concepts and the Good Dude Breacher Bar, a compact, mission-driven tool built for first responders, military, and civilians alike.In this episode, we get into the why behind the tool, how it was developed, and what it’s designed to do: breach doors, defeat laminated glass, and ultimately save lives. Chris walks us through the thought process, real-world application, and what it takes to bring a product like this from concept to the hands of people who need it most.But as usual, our conversation goes beyond gear. We talk mindset, training, the SWAT world, and what it means to serve with purpose in today’s environment.If you’re into tactical tools, product development, or just appreciate guys doing good work for the right reasons, this one’s for you.-Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:40 Texas Tactical Police Officers Association Conference04:56 Good Dude Concepts: Rebrand & Product Launch06:21 Chris Curtis: Background & Career06:58 Breacher Bar Origins09:34 Breacher Bar: Design & Utility13:15 Breacher Bar: Real-World Applications16:45 Launch & Availability43:38 Weapon Mounted Lights: Clearing The Confusion45:29 Balancing Cost & Quality For First Responders51:06 Custom Gear & Limited Runs01:01:23 International Demand & Distribution Challenges01:13:20 Training & Instruction-Red 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 another episode of the Iron Sights Podcast!Today, we’re diving into the growing trend of using weight vests for fitness and weight loss, especially among women. With claims about increased calorie burn and improved bone density, we break down what’s real, what’s hype, and what you need to know before strapping one on.We also get into smart ways to integrate weight vests into your training routine, including key considerations, risks, and benefits to keep in mind—whether you’re new to training or looking to take your workouts to the next level.But we don’t stop there... We expand the conversation into the tactical athlete space, covering how weight vests are used in CrossFit, Tactical Games, law enforcement, military, and first responder training.From performance to practicality, we highlight how different communities are using vests—and how it translates to the average gym-goer.If you’re thinking about training with a weight vest, this episode is packed with useful insights, pros and cons, and real-world application tips to help you get the most out of your gear while staying safe and effective.-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-Timestamps:02:24 Intro02:52 Tactical And Practical Applications05:31 Bone Density & Weight Loss Benefits06:17 Pros And Cons15:07 Caloric Burn: What To Know19:46 Athletic Performance With Vests26:38 Posture & Mechanics Impact28:30 Weight Vests For Women30:16 Picking The Right Vest32:34 Best Training Practices41:51 Breathing & Mobility Challenges44:38 Practical Advice & Tips-Connect 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 here on the Iron Sights Podcast, and this one’s powerful.I sat down with Tamara DuMont—a competitive shooter, firearms instructor, and the kind of voice this community needs more of.Tamara’s story is real, raw, and deeply personal. Her introduction to firearms came after a horrific tragedy: the murder of her mother by her stepfather, using a firearm.And yet, Tamara’s journey didn’t end in fear—it turned into purpose.Now, she leads a local chapter of A Girl & A Gun, the largest and most impactful women’s firearms organization in the country. She spends her days behind the gun counter, training others on the range, and building community around responsible firearms ownership—especially for women.We talk about overcoming trauma, advocating for the Second Amendment, and how to have honest conversations with people who are afraid, uninformed, or simply curious.Tamara brings healthy confidence, clarity, and grace to every conversation she’s in—and I know you’ll take something powerful from this one.-Timestamps:04:17 Intro05:55 Childhood & Family Dynamics09:34 Journey Into Firearms21:34 CCW Experience & Threat Encounter27:23 Joining ‘A Girl & A Gun’31:44 Empowering Women In Gun Stores39:26 Women & Self-Defense43:33 Women In Gun Culture50:32 Leadership & Community Building55:21 Competitions & Qualifications01:13:20 Barriers For Women01:44:42 Firearms Training & Events02:02:11 Women & The Second Amendment-Red 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/