Iron Sights

Welcome back to another Iron Sights After Dark episode. In this conversation, I sit down with Joey Pena, COO of Charlie Mike Protection Services, a veteran-owned executive protection company based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. Joey is a military veteran, seasoned entrepreneur, and respected voice in the world of private security and executive protection (EP).In this episode, we break down the truths, challenges, and culture shifts happening in the executive protection industry. From the old-school bodyguard mindset to the emergence of modern tech-savvy protectors, this discussion is packed with insight that goes far beyond just the gear or tactics. We talk about client expectations, the evolution of threats, and the importance of mindset, education, and leadership in protection work.-Timestamps:0000:0 Intro04:13 Joey Pena’s Background13:47 Evolution & Levels Of Executive Protection18:57 Role & Value Of EP Agents34:22 Skills & Challenges In The Field42:53 Social Media’s Influence On EP49:21 Hospitality As A Core EP Skill59:18 Vetting & Onboarding At Charlie Mike01:09:03 Educating Clients & Agents01:17:41 Complacency & Professional Standards01:40:13 Firearms & Protection Philosophy01:48:32 Closing Thoughts-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 to a powerful first-time collaboration between the Iron Sights Podcast and the TTPOA Podcast. Recorded during the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) Annual Conference, this episode brings together TTPOA hosts Brandon and Matt, Chief Bryan Williams, and myself, Scott Howell, for an unfiltered and brutally honest conversation. We dive into the real challenges facing law enforcement today—from broken leadership and cultural barriers to the lack of proper training—and most importantly, we discuss the why behind those problems.Chief Bryan Williams is known as a cops’ cop—a leader who trains with his people, speaks the hard truth, and refuses to sugarcoat the realities of modern policing. As a USPSA grandmaster shooter and someone who is actively creating change in his department, Bryan brings raw passion and hard-earned insight to the table. This conversation is everything people inside and outside the profession wish they could say out loud. It’s real, raw, and unfiltered, just the way Bryan wants it. So buckle up, drop the ego, and get ready for an eye-opening episode that doesn’t hold back.-Timestamps:00:00 Intro11:14 Bryan Williams’ Background14:31 Training Standards Matter17:38 Leadership & Decision-Making23:47 Systemic Issues In Leadership37:15 Understanding Community Concerns40:13 Officer Vs. Leadership Disconnect44:54 Strong Leadership Examples49:21 Community Policing & Perception01:02:32 Real-World Training Gaps01:11:10 Officer-Involved Shootings01:18:09 Remembering The ‘Why’01:29:33 Internal Vs. External Promotions01:34:23 Mid-Level Management Issues01:42:37 Community Accountability01:51:13 SWAT Tactics & Evolution-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 are diving into a topic we’ve all run into—plateaus. Whether it’s in the gym, your nutrition, or just your overall progress, getting stuck is part of the process… but staying stuck doesn’t have to be.We break down what a plateau really is, why it happens, and how to recognize it before it turns into long-term frustration. More importantly, we talk strategy—how to evaluate your training, track the right metrics, and make the kind of changes that actually move the needle.Enjoy today's 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-Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:28 Understanding Plateaus06:44 Importance Of Structured Programming08:09 Breaking Through Plateaus16:55 Volume Vs. Intensity28:09 Adjusting Exercises & Rep Ranges34:06 Endurance Training Mistakes39:18 Tracking & Technique40:33 Rest Times & Strength Gains45:45 Program Evaluation & Adjustments56:42 Smarter Recovery Strategies59:15 RDF Strong -Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Here’s another episode coming off the annual Texas Tactical Police Officers Association Conference in Round Rock, Texas.Today’s guests are Chancey Pogue and Brian Stahl — veteran police officers, owners of Reticence Group Training Company, and the guys leading the firearms program at a large metro law enforcement agency in Texas.We dig into the philosophy behind their training methods, how they’re helping shift culture inside their agency, and what it really means to prepare officers for the job — not just check a box and call it “qualified.”Chancey and Brian are the real deal — humble, capable, and leading from the front.Enjoy this conversation and share it with your team, your agency, or anyone who needs to hear what these guys are about.-Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:43 SWAT School Takeaways06:25 Brian’s Career Path13:18 Chancey’s Journey In Law Enforcement20:23 Training Challenges In Law Enforcement39:38 Trainee Expectations & Instructor Engagement42:12 Practical Skills Vs. Qualification48:17 Self-Diagnosis & Growth Mindset59:53 Real-World Accountability01:07:29 Isolation In The Profession01:09:24 Failure As A Training Tool01:21:54 Competition & Performance01:29:46 Culture Change: The Sandpaper Approach01:36:20 Positive Training Culture01:39:52 Recognizing & Rewarding Excellence01:45:54 Knowledge Sharing & Networking-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 to Iron Sights!Our producer fielded your questions from Instagram and YouTube so that we could answer them all live on the show.Today we are joined by the entire crew: CeCe, Ryan & Stephen.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-Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:06 Steven’s Race Recap10:55 Controlling Food Cravings17:45 HIIT: Pros & Cons31:17 Going Plant-Based38:49 Vegan Vs. Carnivore42:37 Intermittent Fasting52:61 Common Fitness Mistakes59:02 Strength Training & Protein-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.In this one, I sit down with Lieutenant Dan Colasanto — a veteran cop, longtime SWAT officer, and the current President of the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA).We got into some real talk about law enforcement, leadership, and the evolution of the job. But what stood out most to me? Dan’s passion for his people. He trains with them, shows up for them, and they clearly show up for him. That kind of leadership matters.This episode is a conversation with a man who still loves the job and brings that energy to every part of it. Whether you’re in law enforcement, leadership, or just here to learn — you’ll want to hear what Dan has to say.-Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:56 First Impressions Of The Conference07:44 Event Highlights13:06 Personal Experiences & Career Reflections18:16 Policing Tech Evolution23:13 Public Perception & Communication32:28 Context In Video Interpretation33:57 Body-Worn Cameras & Accountability44:52 Politics In Law Enforcement50:55 Acquiring Resources59:55 Budgeting & Grants01:02:21 Equipment & Training Gaps01:04:06 Community Engagement01:12:58 The Value Of Networking-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, I’m joined by the Red Dot Fitness crew — CeCe, Ryan, and Steven — and we’re diving into a topic that’s been stirring up the nutrition space for a while now: seed oils.You’ve probably seen the arguments — some folks are planting flags hard on either side. Seed oils are either public enemy number one… or not worth worrying about at all. So what’s the real deal?In this episode, we break down the noise, sift through the latest research, and share how our perspectives have shifted — or stayed the same. I’ve taken a strong stance on this before, and while I haven’t jumped ship completely, there is new info worth considering.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-Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:10 The Seed Oil Debate03:01 Inflammation & Leaky Gut05:37 New Research On Seed Oils08:29 RFK, Fast Food & Public Perception14:51 What Are Seed Oils & Their Effects?17:46 Historical Use Of Seed Oils21:28 Overconsumption In Modern Diets25:39 Saturated Fats Vs Seed Oils31:14 Ultra-Processed Foods & Reheated Oils37:05 Omega-6 Vs Omega-3 Balance41:54 Politics & Health Narratives43:46 Final Takeaways On Dietary Balance-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 Geoffrey Stout from SureFire. This conversation was recorded back at SHOT Show 2025, and I held onto it until now because they had some new product drops coming down the pipe. We talk about those, along with how SureFire designs, tests, and delivers gear that professionals and civilians alike depend on when it matters most. Geoffrey’s a solid representative of SureFire and brought a ton of insight into the conversation. I’m not paid by them — I’ve just been a long-time user of their gear and know a lot of you are too. So whether you’re on the job, at the range, or just a student of the game, there’s something here for you. Sit back and enjoy this one.-Timestamps:00:00 Intro06:34 Geoffrey’s Background & Surefire’s Story15:04 Product Durability & Brand Loyalty21:44 Lumens Vs. Candela Explained31:49 New Product Development35:34 Launching The XC Three41:34 Stiletto Series Breakdown47:04 The Dominator: High-Power Handheld55:14 Surefire Suppressors01:00:24 Where To Find Surefire Products-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 to Iron Sights!Our producer fielded your questions from Instagram and YouTube so that we could answer them all live on the show.Today we are joined by the entire crew: CeCe, Ryan & Stephen.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-Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:02 Anabolic Window 05:20 Protein Timing06:58 Pros & Cons Of 5x5 Training15:41 Boosting The Immune System21:24 Birth Methods & Microbiome25:23 Isometric Exercises26:52 Benefits Of Isometrics31:36 Microdosing Your Workouts41:29 Tips For Micro Workouts-Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this After Dark episode, I’m joined by Tyler Hoover — co-host of the Anti-Hero Podcast & founder of Counterculture Inc.Tyler’s a U.S. military vet, an active law enforcement officer, and a guy who’s not afraid to speak his mind. We got a chance to sit down after my recent trip out to Florida, where I was on his show, and I had a lot of follow-up questions that we didn’t get to cover then.We get into his journey through the military and law enforcement, what it’s really like working in today’s culture, and the mission behind his companies and the conversations he’s starting in the podcast space — especially with other first responders who are out there trying to make a real impact.Tyler’s a straight shooter — what you see is what you get — and this conversation goes deep. Appreciate him taking the time to sit down and chop it up with me.Enjoy the show!-Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:02 Tyler's Background07:51 Music & Band Experience10:30 Transition Into Law Enforcement12:14 Launching The Anti-Hero Podcast16:09 Podcast Growth, Challenges & Evolution29:52 Law Enforcement & Public Perception51:24 Realities Of Policing Today52:42 Podcasting & Media Expansion56:03 Live Events & Community Engagement01:02:12 Navigating The Podcasting Grind01:09:21 Future Of The Anti-Hero Podcast-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/