The Harden Up Podcast

In this episode Matt talks with an active duty United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer and learns more about their training and operations. AST Zack Sowers shares his insight into the difficult training pipeline to become an aviation survival technician (AST) and the moments of his first open ocean rescue, and his most recent save of six survivors. Please enjoy the show!Recent ocean save link: https://themaritimepost.com/2023/12/carnival-vista-rescue-at-sea/https://weather.com/en-IN/india/videos/video/dramatic-rescue-coast-guard-and-cruise-ship-save-twelve-lives-stranded-in-theLearn more about Coast Guard careers: https://www.uscg.mil/Join/The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

In this episode Matt talks with the team commander of San Jose Police Department's full-time SWAT team , MERGE. Listen in to Mike's story covering his extensive law enforcement career in a multitude of assignments. Mike now commands MERGE and discusses team dynamics, selection and training, and the challenges of leading a team. Please enjoy the show!The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

In this episode Matt has an in-depth conversation with Dave Weidner, a veteran Police Officer and trainer. Dave has a progressive ideology when it comes to firearms training and brings some of the nation's best trainers to his facility, where he supervises his agency firearms program. Dave is dedicated to providing cutting-edge training to his staff and deputies. Please enjoy the show! The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

In this episode Matt talks with former NFL defensive end Pete Koch about his athletic journey from high school, college, and the NFL. Pete dives deep into the mindset and attributes of the key coaches that fueled his success. Pete also shares his memorable experience filming the movie "Heartbreak Ridge" with Clint Eastwood and other active duty Recon Marines. Pete is now a successful personal fitness trainer that helps hundreds of everyday folks attain their fitness goals. Enjoy! Pete Kochhttp://petekoch.com/IG/Youtube/Linkedin: @petekochThe OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

In this episode Matt talks with Kenny Stone, an Army combat veteran and founder of the non-profit Soldiers on Singletrack (SOS). After multiple combat tours, Kenny returned home to civilian life and the associated loss of purpose and camaraderie. in search of therapy, Kenny dusted off his mountain bike and began seeing drastic mental and physical benefits from riding. He then founded SOS and created a community of fellow riders in search of healing and camaraderie.  Soldiers on Singletrackhttps://soldiersonsingletrack.org/IG: The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

In this episode Matt has an in-depth conversation with Travis Gribble, a fellow SWAT Officer, about LE life, training, and the personal toll of the job. The conversation dives deep into the psychological and emotional challenges of working the streets day in and day out. Travis also details his personal account of an incident that shocked the conscience of all on scene and took years to overcome. Travis now shares his story nationally to inspire other Officers to talk about and deal with their own struggles without fear of alienation.  Travis Gribblehttps://myarenallc.com/IG: @my_.arenaThe OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

In this episode Matt talks with Mike Ott, a Police veteran with years 18 years of experience. Mike held multiple assignments to include SWAT, firearms instructor and K9 handler. During this time Mike gained valuable knowledge and insight to the construction and use of ballistic shields. After his law enforcement career, Mike moved on to working directly with armor manufacturers such as First Choice and Point Blank Enterprise. Mike's experience enabled him to design and test multiple shield sizes and shapes to greatly enhance operator use.  Mike currently is the vice president of sales and training at Armourer's Choice.Armourer's Choicehttps://www.armourerschoice.com/The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

In this episode Matt talks with Sal Hernandez, a law enforcement SWAT Officer and Tactical Games athlete. Listen in as they discuss the journey of becoming a SWAT Officer and the continual training that keeps teams sharp. Sal also recounts his deployment down to Uvalde as a supporting SWAT team. Sal is also an accomplished Tactical Games athlete, with more than 10 podium finishes in the elite men's division.  Enjoy the show!Sal HernandezInstagram: @sh_manderhttps://www.thetacticalgames.com/https://www.floridaswat.org/swat-round-upThe OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

In this episode Matt talks with Yousef Sansour, a law enforcement veteran, counter-terrorism expert, and USPSA grand master.  He spent years working with multiple government agencies on counter-terrorism missions after 9-11 while serving as a SWAT Officer. Over the 28+ years of his career he gained a vast amount of knowledge that he now passes on to current law enforcement professionals. Yousef now owns and operates the training organization Esoteric LLC. Enjoy the show!Yousef SansourInstagram: @esoteric_llchttps://esotericllc.com/The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

In this episode Matt talks with one of the OpTempo instructors about active shooter events. Listen in as Chris, a law enforcement active shooter subject matter expert, discusses the history of active shooter incidents, the evolution of the law enforcement response, and what you can do to be better prepared for the unthinkable. The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

In this episode Matt sits down with Byron Rodgers, a Marine Corps combat veteran and 10-year Executive Protection professional. He has travelled the world working with high-level clients, while gaining a wealth of knowledge in the EP space. Byron is a successful entrepreneur that owns and operates The Bravo Research Group, Protector Nation, and the Executive Protection Lifestyle podcast. Enjoy the show!Byron RodgersInstagram: @byron_rodgershttps://www.bravoresearchgroup.comhttps://go.protectornation.com/free48207980The Executive Protection Lifestyle podcastThe OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

In this episode Matt talks with Tom Rizzo, a Street Cop Training instructor and 20-year law enforcement veteran. Tom gained valuable knowledge serving on patrol, crime suppression units, and as academy and department instructor. Tom has also been an adjunct professor with new jersey university and Rutgers school of public affairs and administration. He’s the author of the book “COPIKAZE” and currently serves as the investigations division commander as a captain.  Tom RizzoInstagram: @tomrizzo70https://www.thomasrizzo.com/https://streetcoptraining.com/The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

In this episode Matt talks with Jeff Chang, a Police sniper subject matter expert. Jeff is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who deployed to two wars as a scout sniper and a private contractor. Jeff also spent the last 12 years on a major metropolitan SWAT team, finishing his time as the sniper team leader. Listen in as Jeff shares his story about being a sniper and going from military to law enforcement service, with all the lessons learned.  Standing OffhandInstagram & Facebook: @standing_offhandhttps://www.standingoffhand.com/The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

On this episode Matt talks with Nick Thayer, the marketing manager of The Tactical Games. Nick is a United States Coast Guard Veteran who spent 10 years in the defense contracting industry after RELAD. He later became a CrossFit coach, photographer, and ultimately competed in The Tactical Games.Listen in as Nick and Matt discuss the background, history, and details of the Tactical Games. Matt and the OpTempo team competed at a recent Tactical Games and saw first hand how fun these events are. We highly encourage you to check out their calendar of events. Link below! The Tactical Games Instagram & Facebook: @thetacticalgameshttps://www.thetacticalgames.com/Podcast: The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

On this episode Matt talks with the President and CEO of Arc of Justice USA, Maj (Ret.) Will Ostan. He served over 12 years in the U.S. Army  as a JAG attorney, completing combat deployments with the 10th Mountain Division, 7th Special Forces Group, and Navy SEAL Team 5. In 2019 Will launched Arc of Justice, Advocates of Wounded Warriors. Their mission is to reforming the military's medical separation process via a Wounded Warrior Bill of Rights (WWBoR).  Listen to Will's military journey and why a WWBoR is so vital.  We highly encourage supporting this non-profit organization with a donation on their website.Please email your Congress person and ask them to Contact Maj Ostan regarding WWBoR HR 6043.  ARC OF JUSTICEInstagram & Facebook: @arcofjusticeusahttps://arcofjusticeusa.org/Forthcoming Podcast: Fight in the ShadeLeadership consulting: @dienekesactiongroupThe OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/

On this episode Matt talks with one of the nation’s leading human trafficker hunters, Kara Smith. She spent 12 years working in intelligence analysis in support of anti-terrorism. Starting her career in the air force, and then moving on to the NSA and FBI, she has taken those skills and now uses them to combat human trafficking with Deliverfund. Kara shares detailed information on the widespread human trafficking problem, and how criminals are preying upon our children, friends, and neighbors. You'll be amazed at how prevalent this truly is. We highly encourage supporting this non-profit organization with a donation on their website.Deliver FundIG: @DeliverFund  @kara_the_huntresshttps://www.deliverfund.org/ARC OF JUSTICEIG: @arcofjusticeusa https://arcofjusticeusa.org/Lowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

Taylor McCubbin is the CEO and co-founder of ChimeraXR. He is a 15 year veteran of the Canadian military. He worked as a full time firearms instructor at the largest air base in Canada and developed the first firearms and tactical simulation program for the air force. He later went on to work for Meggitt Training systems, the world’s largest firearms simulation manufacturer. A few years later he and a partner launched ChimeraXR and are now at the cutting edge of virtual reality training. ChimeraXR Mythos is a virtual reality training system which gives you the power to quickly simulate application of tactics in a modern, easy to use immersive environment. The immersive training experience will have you and your students training in minutes anywhere your agency is located. Quick to setup and easy to use, anyone can build and edit the drills and scenarios required for training.   ChimeraXR:https://chimeraxr.myshopify.com/Instagram & Facebook:@chimeraxrLowa Boots: https://www.lowaboots.com/Instagram: @lowa.professional and @lowabootsThe OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

Sergeant Kenny Williams is one of the country’s leading experts in criminal vehicle interdiction. Sergeant Williams began his career in 2007, and currently works as a full time K9 interdiction officer. Williams has been personally responsible for the seizure of over 4 million dollars cash, several hundred pounds of illicit narcotics, and well over a ton of Marijuana. Williams has received countless awards for his work from numerous organizations and has established a national reputation. Williams is a fully certified EPIC and DIAP instructor.Street Cop Training:https://streetcoptraining.com/Instagram: @streetcoptrainingLowa Boots: https://www.lowaboots.com/Instagram: @lowa.professional and @lowabootsThe OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

Dr Justin Smith is a research Psychologist who has done groundbreaking work in the area of stress and anxiety in tactical applications. Justin performed PhD  work in decision-making under life and death circumstances and how it relates to stress. His findings apply to Law Enforcement, Military, and high level Athletes. Tactical Neuroscience:https://tacticalneuro.com/Instagram: @tacticalneuroscienceDelivefund: https://deliverfund.org/The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

In this episode Matt shares his experience at the Direct Action Resource Center. Listen in on tips for how to prepare, what to expect, and overall take-aways from the course. Matt aso covers his personal gear list used for the course. Direct Action Resource CenterIG: @DARC1Website:https://darc-usa.squarespace.com/Links for gear used at DARC:First Tactical Defenders: use discount code "optempo25" https://www.firsttactical.com/products/mens-defender-pants-od-greenLWRC IC carbine: https://www.lwrci.com/IC-Enhanced-556_p_252.htmlLowa Zephyr boots: https://www.lowaboots.com/mens/task-force-tactical/zephyr-mid-tf-desertPoint blank SRV vest: https://www.pointblankenterprises.com/paraclete/srv.htmlThe OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber