American Warrior Show

Show featured sponsor: Tip Top K9 Training In this round two conversation, Rich Brown sits down with Gavin Glasenapp, former 160th SOAR (Night Stalker) pilot and current leader on the Delta Defense training team for a deep dive into what it really takes to transition from military and law enforcement into the firearms training world. This episode goes beyond war stories. It's about teaching, influence, and carrying the mission forward in a way that actually impacts armed citizens. In this episode, we cover: The reality of transitioning from military/LE into the firearms industry, and where many get it wrong Why high-level operational experience doesn't automatically translate into effective instruction The fundamentals of teaching firearms to everyday citizens vs. trained professionals The responsibility of instructors in shaping safe, capable, and confident protectors A candid look at Second Amendment advocacy- what matters, what doesn't, and where we need to improve Lessons from the 160th SOAR mindset: preparation, accountability, and performance under pressure What makes a firearms instructor truly "high level" in today's environment This is a conversation about evolution of identity, of mission, and of responsibility. If you're an instructor, a protector, or someone serious about getting better, this one delivers.

Today's Featured Sponsor:  Werkz holsters In this episode, Rich Brown sits down with John Hearn of Two Pillars Training to break down what the data actually tells us about defensive gunfights—and how most training completely misses the mark. John has built a reputation for digging into real-world incidents, analyzing patterns, and applying that information to how we should actually train. From distances and timing to decision-making under pressure, this conversation challenges assumptions and replaces them with reality. They dive into what the numbers reveal about how fights really unfold, where traditional training falls short, and how armed citizens can better prepare for the moments that matter most. If you're serious about training with purpose—not just going through the motions—this episode will change how you think about practice. In 2021, John founded Two Pillars Training and began to offer unique curriculum focusing on decision making while shooting in addition to classic skills with pistol and carbine. Besides hands-on shooting classes, John has presentations focusing on the data side of the self-defense world. His interests include human performance under life and death stress, historic gunfights, crime data, and criminal typologies.   John has a Master's degree in criminal justice with a concentration in Research Methods. He has instructor credentials from the FBI, FLETC, NRA-LEAD, Rangemaster, CSAT, Centrifuge Training, Tactical Anatomy Systems, Kentucky National Guard, and many others.   Finally, John is a Life Member of the National Rifle Association and the Second Amendment Foundation. John Hearne's Webstie: https://twopillarstraining.com/

Show featured Sponsor: Tip Top K9 Training  In this episode, Rich Brown sits down with returning guest Simon Golob for a raw and timely discussion on recent events shaping the security landscape—centered on the terrorist attack at Old Dominion. This isn't a distant, overseas incident. It's a reminder that violence can surface anywhere, at any time—and often where people feel safest. Rich and Simon break down what happened, what we know so far, and—more importantly—what it means for the everyday armed citizen. What you'll hear in this episode: A breakdown of the Old Dominion attack and key takeaways How modern threats are evolving—and why they're getting harder to predict The mindset gap: why most people are still unprepared for sudden violence Awareness failures and environmental blind spots in public spaces Where armed citizens fit—and where they don't—in events like this Practical considerations for movement, positioning, and decision-making under stress This episode isn't about fear—it's about clarity. Because the question isn't if violence exists. The question is whether you're prepared when it finds you.            

Show Featured Sponsor Product: Seeklander Edition Holster In this episode of the American Warrior Show, Rich Brown and Bill Rapier dive into hard-earned lessons drawn from the world of Naval Special Warfare Development Group - where performance is measured in life-and-death outcomes, and teamwork isn't optional. This conversation isn't about hype or hero worship. It's about standards. It's about how elite units train, communicate, and execute and what armed citizens, competitors, and instructors can take from those principles. Because here's the truth: individual skill matters… but team performance wins. In this episode, they discuss: The difference between being a good shooter and being an asset to a team Why elite units obsess over repetition and measurable standards Communication under stress  and how small breakdowns create big failures Accountability inside high-performance cultures How ego quietly destroys team effectiveness What civilian defenders misunderstand about "tactical" training Applying special operations training principles to your own range time Rich and Bill break down how discipline, humility, and clear standards build competence - and how those same principles can transform the way you train, lead, and protect. Whether you're an instructor, competitor, protector, or leader in your own home, this episode challenges you to raise your standards. Train with purpose. Perform with discipline. Contribute to the team.    

Show featured Sponsor:  Werkz Holsters, the company that cracked the code on light bearing holsters!  In this episode of the American Warrior Show, Rich Brown is joined by cybersecurity expert Andrew Frisbie for a timely and eye-opening conversation on modern cyber threats, digital preparedness, and the role of artificial intelligence in today's threat landscape. As recent cyber incidents continue to impact infrastructure, financial systems, personal data, and national security, Rich and Andrew break down what's actually happening—and what most people are completely unprepared for. This episode covers: Real-world cyber threats affecting everyday Americans right now How cyber attacks target individuals, businesses, and critical systems Where AI is helping defenders—and where it's empowering attackers Why cybersecurity is no longer a "tech problem," but a personal security issue Practical steps armed citizens, families, and leaders can take to reduce risk The battlefield has expanded. Threats no longer require physical proximity—and attackers don't need guns. This conversation reframes cybersecurity as part of modern personal defense, challenging warriors and protectors to think beyond traditional threats and recognize that preparedness now includes digital awareness, resilience, and adaptability. If you believe in protecting yourself, your family, and your community, this episode will change how you view security in an AI-driven world.

Show featured sponsor:  Precision Holsters.   Check out the new Vanquish!  In this episode of the American Warrior Show, Rich Brown sits down with TC Fuller for a deep, uncomfortable, and necessary conversation about obedience, authority, and moral responsibility. Using Stanley Milgram's famous obedience experiments and Christopher Browning's book Ordinary Men, Rich and TC break down how average, everyday people—not monsters—can be led to commit acts they never believed themselves capable of. This episode explores: Why people obey authority even when it violates their moral compass How peer pressure and normalization override conscience The concept of the "agentic state" and why responsibility gets outsourced Why "just following orders" is one of the most dangerous phrases in history What warriors, leaders, instructors, and armed citizens must do to resist blind compliance This isn't a history lesson—it's a warning. For warriors, protectors, and leaders, the takeaway is clear: Character, moral courage, and independent thinking must be trained—deliberately—or they will fail under pressure. If you carry responsibility—for a weapon, a badge, a team, or a family—this episode will challenge how you think about obedience, leadership, and your own decision-making under authority.

Show featured sponsor: Tip Top K9 Training  In this episode, Rich Brown sits down with Walt Settlemyre, host of The Distinguished Savage Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation on readiness, capability, and what it actually means to live prepared in the modern world. They discuss: Why competence is disappearing as comfort increases The difference between talking about violence and preparing for it responsibly How physical fitness, mindset, and skill intersect in real-world self-defense The danger of outsourcing personal responsibility to systems, gear, or credentials Why training must be continuous, uncomfortable, and intentional What "civilized savage" really means - and why it matters now more than ever The role of community, discipline, and standards in developing capable humans This is not a tactics episode. It's a truth-based conversation about readiness, accountability, and becoming harder to break - physically, mentally, and morally. If you care about: Self-defense Leadership Personal responsibility And building real-world capability This episode will resonate.

Show Featured Sponsor: Werks Holsters "WE MAKE HOLSTERS FOR PISTOLS WITH LIGHTS"   On this episode of the American Warrior Show, Rich Brown sits down with retired Navy SEAL Bill Rapier, founder of AMTAC Shooting, for a no-nonsense discussion on real-world self-defense. He is the lead instructor of over 200 Amtac Shooting courses and has trained over 2500 students since 2020. Bill is retired after twenty years in the Navy, where his duty assignments included several years at SEAL Team 3 and over 14 years at Naval Special Warfare Development Group. Positions held include assaulter, breacher, sniper, team leader, troop chief, and military working dog department senior enlisted adviser. He has always been an avid shooter and is heavily involved in combatives. Bill brings decades of experience from Naval Special Warfare, including time at SEAL Team 3 and DEVGRU, where performance under pressure wasn't optional—it was survival. Why most self-defense conversations focus too heavily on the gun—and what happens when the fight starts inside arm's reach. The importance of a layered defensive approach: awareness, decision-making, combatives, and firearms—used in the correct order. How to train shooting skills that actually transfer to real life, not just the square range. Integrating fighting and shooting so skills don't collapse when stress, chaos, and violence show up fast. Common training blind spots among armed citizens—and how to fix them with smarter practice and higher standards. Why efficiency, simplicity, and pressure-tested fundamentals matter more than flashy techniques. Practical takeaways for warriors who want skills that work when it counts, not just look good on Instagram.

Featured Podcast Sponsor:  Precision Holsters holiday specials!  Episode #422: Gavin Glasenapp: From Special Operations Aviation to Defender Development On today's American Warrior Show, we will be joined by former 160th Pilot and the current Training Operations Manager at Delta Defense, Gavin Glasenapp.   Gavin Glasenapp is the Training Operations Manager at Delta Defense, supporting the U.S. Concealed Carry Association's nationwide instructor network. He brings a deep operational background built over two decades in the U.S. Army, where he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer Four.   Gavin spent the first half of his career in the AH-64A and AH-64D Apache community, serving as both an Instructor Pilot and Standardization Instructor Pilot. He later assessed into the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), flying the MH-47G on heavy-assault missions in direct support of special mission units. Across twelve combat deployments flying both the Apache and Chinook, he gained extensive experience in complex, high-risk environments.   After the Army, Gavin served as a police officer in Southeastern Wisconsin, completing advanced LE training, including ALERRT and SWAT school. He now leverages his combined military, law-enforcement, and instructional expertise to strengthen USCCA training programs and enhance the readiness and capability of responsibly armed Americans. Gavin enjoys multiple hobbies and spending time, especially traveling, with his soon to be wife, Jessica. This episode gives listeners a rare look at the training, standards, and mission profiles of the legendary 160th SOAR. Gavin Glasenapp explains what sets these pilots apart and how their approach to risk, planning, and contingencies offers powerful lessons for everyday carry practitioners. Rich and Gavin connect SOF aviation principles to personal defense, instructor development, and decision-making under pressure. A fascinating mix of story and strategy.

Featured Product Sponsor: Werkz Light Bearing Holsters -  "WE MAKE HOLSTERS FOR PISTOLS WITH LIGHTS" Episode 421: Justin Carroll & Rich Brown — Competent and Dangerous In this powerful conversation, Rich Brown sits down with author, Marine veteran, former intel professional, and long-time friend of AWS Justin Carroll to dive deep into his new book, Competent and Dangerous. This episode breaks down what it truly means to be a capable, prepared, and resilient protector in a world that is shifting faster than most realize. In this episode you'll hear: Why Justin wrote Competent and Dangerous and who the book is designed to serve. The gap between "owning a gun" and "being dangerous enough to win." Justin's model for developing well-rounded capability across shooting, fitness, medical, communication, and decision-making. The realities of modern threat environments and why most citizens dramatically underestimate them. Why competence must precede confidence — and how to build both through structured training. The role of mindset, deliberate practice, and environment design in building daily habits that stick. Justin's take on preparedness culture — what we're doing right, and where most people are failing. Rich and Justin's shared experiences training, carrying, and working with real-world protectors. How to turn information into action and begin closing capability gaps immediately. Who is Justin Carroll? U.S. Marine Corps veteran Former intelligence professional Security, preparedness, and communications expert Author of multiple well-regarded works on readiness Instructor and long-time AWS contributor Host of the "Across the Peak" podcast One of the clearest voices in the modern preparedness and training community Why this episode matters: Because being armed is not the same as being dangerous. Justin's book and this conversation outline the roadmap for the modern citizen-protector: capable, adaptable, trained, and mentally resilient. Get the Book here!

Show Featured Sponsor:  The Precision Holsters Vanquish! Learn more: Precision Holsters and use code "seekAWS" for a discount.​​ On today's episode of the American Warrior Show, Rich Brown is joined by Michael "Mac" McNamara, founder of Post-Traumatic Winning and ALL MARINE RADIO. Mac's story spans finance, combat, leadership, and a lifelong mission to help others thrive after trauma. About Michael McNamara: Began his career at Merrill Lynch in Los Angeles, first as a bookkeeper and later as an account executive. Enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, later commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in December 1983. Served in multiple assignments, including: 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment 1st Light Armored Infantry Battalion Marine Detachment, USS Ranger CV-61 The Basic School 3rd Light Armored Infantry Battalion Left active duty in 1994 after more than a decade of service. Post-Service Career & Return to Duty: Became Director of Sports for Special Olympics North Dakota in 1998. Launched his broadcasting career in 2000 as host of MacTalk, earning the National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Award (2007) for Small Market Personality of the Year. Returned to active duty in 2004, promoted to Major, and deployed to Ramadi, Iraq, with the 1st Marine Division. Mobilized again in 2006 for duty in Fallujah, Iraq, with the 5th Marine Regiment, while simultaneously serving on the Grand Forks City Council. Deployed once more in 2010 with the 1st Marine Regiment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, serving until his retirement in 2015. Post-Traumatic Winning & Advocacy: Founded The Post-Traumatic Winning Company, LLC and launched ALL MARINE RADIO, an online platform promoting mental fitness and reducing veteran suicide. Began presenting Post-Traumatic Winning in 2019, first at Camp Lejeune, NC. The presentation has since reached audiences across the U.S., Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe, impacting organizations of over 10,000 members with measurable results in combating destructive behaviors and suicide. Launched the Post-Traumatic Winning Weekly Seminar series in January 2021, expanding the program's reach and dialogue. Published his first book in March 2025, From Trauma to Joy: Life-Changing Lessons That Fellow U.S. Marines Taught Me After Traumatic Events Occurred in My Life — designed to share these universal lessons with a wider audience. In This Episode: How trauma can become a source of growth, not defeat. The creation and impact of Post-Traumatic Winning. Lessons learned from leading Marines and civilians through crisis. Building mental fitness and resilience in the face of adversity.

  🎙 Episode Title: Protecting the Sacred: A Conversation with Tommy Sapp of Protect His House Description: Rich sits down with Tommy Sapp, founder of Protect His House, to explore the realities of church safety and what it truly means to defend faith in uncertain times. From threat assessment to team building, Tommy shares hard-earned lessons from his background in law enforcement and ministry leadership—offering insight that every protector can apply, both in and out of the sanctuary. Tommy Sapp has spent over 15 years in law enforcement, serving in roles ranging from detective to patrol sergeant. He went on to lead as Commander of a regional SWAT team for four years, overseeing hundreds of successful missions and directing high-stakes operations. Tommy also managed a multi-agency drug task force and worked extensively in schools, where he helped design active shooter response procedures and trained School Resource Deputies to respond effectively under pressure.   Today, Tommy is the founder of Protect His House, an organization dedicated to equipping churches and ministries to safeguard their congregations. For nearly a decade, he has trained thousands of church leaders and safety team members across the country, combining tactical expertise with a heart for ministry. His mission is clear: to empower churches to protect their people while staying focused on their greater calling. In This Episode: The story behind Protect His House and Tommy's mission to safeguard places of worship Common security gaps most churches overlook—and how to fix them Training principles every safety team should adopt before a crisis happens Balancing vigilance with faith: protecting without fear Real-world lessons from law enforcement applied to ministry environments How to build a "Protector Culture" within your congregation Why You Should Listen: This episode shines a light on a topic that's often ignored until it's too late. Whether you're a church leader, member of a safety ministry, or someone who simply believes in standing ready to defend what matters most, this conversation delivers wisdom you can act on immediately. Tommy's website is www.phhtraining.com  Tommy's email is tommy.sapp@phhtraining.com   

Show Featured Sponsor: Precision Holsters:These guys have a lifetime, no questioned asked 100% guarantee. They are makers of high-quality holsters, belts, and magazine pouches. Visit them at: Precision Holsters and use code "seekAWS" for a discount.​​ In this episode of the American Warrior Show, Rich Brown is joined by Andrew Frisbie (Practical Cyber Defense) to dig into the threats America faces in cyberspace—and how we must respond. 🔐 What we'll explore: The evolving landscape: how state and non-state cyber actors are targeting critical infrastructure, elections, financial systems, and private citizens The intersection between cyber threats and personal / national security Real-world incidents that should terrify us—and what they teach us How public, private, and individual defenders must step up: strategies, technologies, and mindsets What every citizen and warrior should know to protect themselves, their families, and their communities This conversation isn't just about firewalls and data—it's about the survival of systems, institutions, and freedoms we often take for granted. Join us as we break it down, make it real, and plan how to fight back.

  Feature Sponsor: Werkz Holsters: "Dark times call for light-bearing holsters" Werkz owner Shan Hemphill has been on numerous episodes of the American Warrior Show.  Shop his excellent Low Light Holsters here.   On this special episode of the American Warrior Show, Mike Seeklander and Rich Brown, joined by Simon "SLG" Golob, take a hard look at the assassination of Charlie Kirk—and what it means for those who refuse to compromise their values. Inside you'll hear: Why parts of society openly hate conservative voices The real threat of politically motivated violence How to prepare and protect yourself in chaotic times Self-defense strategies to safeguard your family and community We aren't here to sensationalize—we're here to prepare you. In a divided America, protectors must stay sharp, stay trained, and stay ready.

Show Featured Sponsor: High Risk Environment Course  In this wide-ranging episode of the American Warrior Show, Rich Brown is joined by Cecil Burch—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and expert in weaponized ground grappling. Together they explore not only the realities of surviving on the ground in a weapons-based environment, but also the bigger picture threats shaping our world today. Topics include: The principles of ground survival when weapons are in play Why assassinations like that of Charlie Kirk shock and destabilize a nation What the recent train attack reveals about vulnerabilities in our infrastructure How individuals can prepare mentally, physically, and tactically for turbulent times This conversation bridges the gap between technical skill on the mat and the broader issues of violence, resilience, and national security that every protector must understand. Whether you're a martial artist, armed citizen, or tactical professional, this conversation will reshape how you think about fighting where most don't want to be—the ground. Cecil Burch began training in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu in 1989 and is currently a 3rd degree black belt. Cecil Burch has been a Martial Artist and Shooter for over forty years. He has studied many different arts and has held numerous teaching credentials in several of them. Cecil has travels extensively conducting seminars across the U.S. as well as internationally. He has been a featured presenter at many tactical/defense-oriented conferences and has worked extensively with Law Enforcement officers, Federal Air Marshals, military special operation troops, and private citizens.

Show Featured Sponsor: Werkz Holsters - "Dark times call for light-bearing holsters" Werkz owner Shan Hemphill has been on numerous episodes of the American Warrior Show.  Shop his excellent Low Light Holsters here. On this episode of the American Warrior Show, Rich Brown sits down with Dr. T.C. Fuller, retired FBI Special Agent, firearms instructor, and deep thinker on the intersection of technology and human behavior. Together, they explore a bold question: What happens when we ask artificial intelligence about self-defense? In this conversation you'll hear: The surprising answers AI gives when asked about defending yourself Where technology aligns (and clashes) with real-world experience Insights from Dr. Fuller's decades in federal law enforcement and training What this means for armed citizens, competitors, and protectors in the AI age Whether you're curious about the future of self-defense, skeptical of AI, or just want to hear a seasoned expert break down myths and realities, this episode will challenge how you think about both machines and mindset. The T.C. Fuller Series: Painting Over Rust and No Safe Alternative.  Two fantastic Books written by our very own T.C. Fuller, retired FBI agent  T.C.'s Books: Painting Over Rust and No Safe Alternative (winner of a 2023 Best Indie Book Award)

Episode # 413: From Trauma to Trust: Veterans and Horses at Warrior Ranch In this episode of The American Warrior Show, host Rich Brown invites Eileen Shanahan, Founder and President of the Warrior Ranch Foundation, which brings veterans, first responders, and horses together for healing and hope. Shanahan shares what inspired the foundation—blending her lifelong love of horses, her deep respect for service members, and her extensive background in natural horsemanship and media production. Together, they discuss: How equine-assisted therapy builds trust, mindfulness, and emotional resilience in trauma-affected individuals.Fox News+10Newsday+10Guidestar+10Fox News+10Northforker+10The Suffolk Times+10warriorranchfoundation.orgFox News+1 The dual mission—rehabilitating horses, granting them second chances, while providing veterans and first responders with purposeful healing environments.RiverheadLOCAL The creation and impact of Warrior: A Battle Against Trauma, a documentary exploring real stories of recovery and trust.RiverheadLOCAL The ranch's expansion into suicide-prevention training for caregivers and first responders through ASIST courses.The Suffolk Times Here is a link for our Annual Benefit - https://bit.ly/WRFBenefit2025 Our website www.warriorranchfoundation.org Below are some links to videos that will show folks what we are about https://vimeo.com/1057661748 - :30 promo for "Warrior - A Battle Against Trauma: Learning to Love and Trust Again" https://vimeo.com/1015943779 - Our Ranch - 3 minutes https://vimeo.com/869111626 - Inner Cowboy - 3 minutes https://vimeo.com/925922868 - Make 22 Zero Again - :30 seconds Join us for an honest, moving conversation on the power of partnership, both equine and human, to rebuild confidence and resilience.

  In this episode of The American Warrior Show, host Rich Brown welcomes retired FBI Special Agent Dr. T.C. Fuller— decorated Army veteran, elite firearms instructor, award-winning author, and former Quantico instructor. He's the brains behind acclaimed books like Painting Over Rust: Stories From a 20 Year Odyssey in the FBI, No Safe Alternative: Improving How We Teach Cops to Kill, and his recently released memoir Empathy for the Devil: Interrogating Terrorists in Guantanamo Bay. Together, Rich and Fuller tackle the complex world of carrying in non-permissive environments—such as private businesses that prohibit firearms even when the law allows carry. From this rich body of experience, Fuller will guide listeners through: The fine line between legal rights and policy obligations Tactical considerations for navigating "gray zones" safely Maintaining readiness when faced with carry bans or unclear signage The mindset, responsibility, and proper response when laws and policies diverge Whether you're a legally armed citizen or a firearms professional, this episode delivers practical wisdom—not hypothetical discussion—from a seasoned agent's real-world experiences.   T.C.'s Website: https://www.thehorusgroup.net/ T.C.'s recent article: https://americanwarriorsociety.com/may-you-live-in.../

Featured Show Sponsor:  Tip Top k9 Training (Frachise Opportunity) In this episode of the American Warrior Show, my business partner Rich Brown sits down once again with Simon Golob—better known as SLG. A retired law enforcement officer with decades of experience, Simon brings his deep knowledge of firearms, training, and performance to the topic of handgun selection. Whether you're a new gun owner or a seasoned shooter looking for your next carry pistol, this conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what really matters. From reliability and fit, to training considerations and mindset, you'll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to choose the handgun that works for you. In this episode, we cover: The most important factors when choosing a handgun for concealed carry, duty, or competition. How to balance reliability, ergonomics, and performance. Common mistakes shooters make when picking their first handgun. Why training needs to influence your handgun choice. Insights from decades of law enforcement and competitive shooting. Practical advice for armed citizens, law enforcement officers, and competitors alike. Whether you're brand new to firearms or rethinking your everyday carry, this episode will sharpen your decision-making process and help you select the right handgun with confidence.

  On this episode of the American Warrior Show, we sit down with John Marques, the founder of Precision Holsters in California. Known for their innovative holster systems trusted by both competitors and concealed carriers, Precision Holsters has built a reputation on quality, performance, and relentless attention to detail. John shares the story behind Precision Holsters, how his background and experience shaped the company, and the principles that guide his designs. We dig into the evolution of holsters in both the law enforcement and civilian carry worlds, what makes a holster truly effective, and how the right gear can build confidence and performance on the range and in daily carry. Whether you're a competitive shooter, law enforcement professional, or armed citizen looking for reliable gear, this conversation will give you an inside look at what it takes to design equipment that stands up to real-world demands. In this episode, you'll learn: How Precision Holsters started and what sets them apart Key principles of holster design for comfort, speed, and concealment Lessons from competition shooting that apply to everyday carry The mindset John brings to building gear that protects lives