

Iron Sights
Iron Sights
Welcome to Iron Sights podcast hosted by Scott Howell. This podcast candidly seeks to create opportunities and deliver impact by sharing the experiences and wisdom of successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders who unapologetically aim to WIN in health, fitness, business, and life. Welcome to old school meets new school, tradition meets innovation, and imperfection meets excellence. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 7, 2025 • 2h 12min
#152 After Dark - Shot Show 2025: Brent Tucker w/ Anti Hero Podcast & First Responder's Coffee & Cigar Co (FRCC)
In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I had the opportunity to sit down with Brent Tucker. Brent Tucker is a retired United States Army Delta Force Operator, Purple Heart Recipient, and has a distinguished twenty-year career in Special Ops. He is the co-host of The Antihero Podcast, owner of First Responder's Coffee & Cigar Company, and amongst his other acts of civil service trains SWAT teams and first responders nationwide.This time, he’s stepping out of the interviewer’s chair and into the hot seat, where we tackle real, unfiltered conversations on topics that matter. If you haven’t already, make sure to check out The Anti Hero Podcast—it’s packed with must-hear stories. Now, sit back and enjoy this episode with Brent Tucker!Timestamps:00:00 Intro10:16 Tim Kennedy Episode & Public Reactions14:01 The Antihero Podcast’s Mission22:23 Truth in Storytelling50:09 Speaking Out & Community Support56:59 First Responder Coffee & Business Challenges01:21:02 Training Law Enforcement: Challenges & Rewards01:44:51 Solutions & Citizen Responsibility02:08:24 Podcast Impact & ReflectionsRed 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/

Feb 5, 2025 • 25min
IEP 34: Performance Programming for the Knowns vs. Unknowns
Take The Free IEP Assessment: https://iep-assessment.com/Behind The Mic:Scott HowellAaron DuggerJacob HeppnerIEP Programs:◼️Strength Program: https://iepstrength.com/◼️Speed & Power Program: https://iepspeedandpower.com/◼️Capacity Program: https://iepcapacity.com/◼️Performance Track: https://iepperformance.com/Download In Extremis Performance Free Guides:◼️https://iep-guides.com/Follow IEP:◼️Website - https://inextremisperformance.com/◼️Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inextperformance/

Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 17min
#181 - Nicotine: The Impacts, Effects & Performance Benefits
In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, we tackle a topic that many have been asking about—the use of nicotine and its impact on human performance. Joined by Ryan, Stephen, CeCe, we break down the science behind nicotine, how it affects the brain and body, and the potential advantages and disadvantages it may have. From pouches, dip, chew, and smoking to patches, lozenges, and gum, we cover it all—including the recent FDA authorization of nicotine products. Whether you’re a current user, skeptical about it, or just looking for more information, this episode is here to help you make informed decisions about nicotine use.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-Programs1Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:19 Introduction and Today’s Topic: Nicotine07:36 Neurocognitive Benefits of Nicotine12:48 Nicotine’s Impact on Performance20:04 Nicotine’s Acute and Long-term Effects29:19 Nicotine Pouches vs. Traditional Tobacco39:29 Concerns About Youth and Vaping42:07 Nicotine’s Impact on Metabolism and Fat Burning43:49 Nicotine and Athletic Performance51:19 Addiction and Dependency1:02:29 Nicotine’s Application in Focus and Fine Motor Skills1:16:42 RecommendationsConnect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 35min
#151 After Dark - Shot Show 2025: Mike Mihalski & Kyle Grothues w/ Sons Of Liberty Gun Works
In this episode of Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Mike Mihalski & Kyle Grothues, two high school buddies who turned their passion into one of the top rifle and parts manufacturers in the industry. These guys aren’t just business owners; they’re hands-on, in-the-trenches gun nerds who put in the work, both in their factory and face-to-face with their customers. We dive into their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and what makes their approach unique in an industry filled with big names and custom builders.This conversation was even more special because it took place at Shot Show 2025, inside Staccato Vegas (formerly Prairie Fire). If you’re into firearms, you’ve probably seen Mike and Kyle on Instagram, other podcasts, or at industry events. They bring energy, knowledge, and an unfiltered perspective on what it takes to stand out in this competitive space.Timestamps:00:00 Intro05:30 Sons of Liberty Origins08:47 Challenges & Growth14:22 Innovations & Future22:20 Law Enforcement Expansion33:26 Innovation & Intuition35:02 Future-Proofing Firearms38:06 Decline of Customer Service41:03 Importance of Customer Retention56:25 Scaling While Maintaining Quality01:02:29 Consistency in Manufacturing01:05:05 Building Company Culture01:10:03 Hiring the Right People01:15:36 Industry Challenges & Innovation01:23:39 Social Media’s Impact01:31:32 Future Plans for SHOT Show 2025Red 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/

Jan 29, 2025 • 23min
IEP33: Conjugate vs. Tier Training
Take The Free IEP Assessment: https://iep-assessment.com/Behind The Mic:Scott HowellAaron DuggerIEP Programs:◼️Strength Program: https://iepstrength.com/◼️Speed & Power Program: https://iepspeedandpower.com/◼️Capacity Program: https://iepcapacity.com/◼️Performance Track: https://iepperformance.com/Download In Extremis Performance Free Guides:◼️https://iep-guides.com/Follow IEP:◼️Website - https://inextremisperformance.com/◼️Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inextperformance/

Jan 27, 2025 • 44min
#180 - Building Muscle 101: Mastering Tension, Load & Recovery
We’re back in the studio with the entire Red Dot Fitness crew.In this episode, we’re diving into the top three reasons you might not be building muscle. Whether you’re just starting out or have been hitting the gym for years, these are straightforward principles anyone can understand. We’re keeping it simple and practical, so you can start using these tips right away to make the most of your workouts and see real results.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-Programs1Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:50: Understanding Muscle Building Variables04:14: Key Principles of Muscle Hypertrophy05:06: Mechanical Tension Explained06:31: Load Management for Muscle Growth07:35: The Importance of Recovery08:46: Application of Principles in Workouts14:42: Balancing Strength and Hypertrophy24:21: Recovery Strategies and Nutrition40:43: Final Thoughts and Practical TipsConnect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 25min
#150 After Dark - Shot Show 2025: The Staccato HD P with Buck Pierson
Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Buck Pierson, CEO of Staccato 2011. We dive into the newly released Staccato HD P pistol, covering its design, manufacturing process, and the buzz it’s creating at the show. Even skeptics are lining up to check out this groundbreaking firearm. Buck also shares updates on the exciting developments at Staccato and the big changes the company has seen over the past year.We also talk about Prairie Fire, a facility rapidly becoming a “Disneyland for shooters,” and the upcoming West Coast Range Weekend happening there in October 2025. Timestamps:00:00 Intro04:19: Catching Up with Buck04:54: Excitement Over New Release05:28: Product Development Journey08:57: Innovative Features24:37: Testing and Validation34:29: Company Culture42:45: Dealer vs. Consumer Sales47:08: Industry Trends & Growth47:40: Marketing Strategies55:49: Importance of Culture58:54: Challenges in Firearms01:14:16: Law Enforcement ServiceRed 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/

Jan 22, 2025 • 23min
IEP32: When Are You Strong Enough?
Take The Free IEP Assessment: https://iep-assessment.com/Behind The Mic:Scott HowellAaron DuggerJacob HeppnerIEP Programs:◼️Strength Program: https://iepstrength.com/◼️Speed & Power Program: https://iepspeedandpower.com/◼️Capacity Program: https://iepcapacity.com/◼️Performance Track: https://iepperformance.com/Download In Extremis Performance Free Guides:◼️https://iep-guides.com/Follow IEP:◼️Website - https://inextremisperformance.com/◼️Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inextperformance/

Jan 20, 2025 • 50min
#179 - How To Accelerate Fat Loss This Year
Welcome back to the studio with the Red Dot Fitness crew! In this episode, we’re breaking down the essentials for accelerating fat loss in 2025. We get into a few practical steps you can take including tips on building better habits, setting realistic goals, and avoiding common pitfalls. You’ll also hear about how to fine-tune your nutrition, prioritize strength training, and stay consistent even when life gets busy.Wherever you are in your fitness journey, this episode will help you take the next step toward feeling, moving, and looking your best.Let’s make 2025 your strongest year yet!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-Programs1Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:18 Holiday Hard22:35 Accelerating Fat Loss36:11 Step 143:08 Step 258:34 Step 3Connect With Us:Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Jan 17, 2025 • 2h 22min
#149 After Dark - In The Studio With Matt Pranka & Mike Pannone
Welcome back to the Iron Sights Podcast! This episode is a special one. A week before recording, I got a call from Mike Pannone of CTT Solutions. He let me know that he and Matt Pranka of Xray Alpha would be local and teaching a course together. Somehow, we managed to get both of these legendary figures in the studio at the same time, making this episode truly unique.Mike and Matt are known for their fiery opinions and deep expertise, and they didn’t disappoint. We dive into a variety of training-specific topics, including insights into law enforcement, the impact of social media on the industry, and even Matt’s brief departure from Instagram, a hot topic that many have been curious about.Enjoy the show!Timestamps:00:00: Intro07:25: Firsthand Experience12:12: Social Media’s Role18:32: Shooting Industry Shifts26:36: Fundamentals Matter35:29: Public Conversations37:15: Experience vs. Tech Knowledge40:11: Military Training58:17: Evaluating Effectiveness01:05:38: Leadership & Development01:10:29: Standards & Accountability01:16:19: Training Challenges01:35:36: Limited Resource Training01:43:36: Goals & Fitness01:57:48: Firearms Drills02:02:15: Performance Shooting Explanation02:12:50: Final Thoughts and PlansRed 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/


