The Prepared Mindset Podcast

As requested by our YouTube audience, here's a re-hashing of a very popular subject, and one that, given the climate of things, is probably of interest to many. Carbines, and how to build one or set one up in a way that will be most advantageous to the prepared end user. While there's some common themes present here, I think there's always room to make some adjustments or changes depending on your unique needs and goals. Throughout this discussion I make some recommendations, while trying them back to my use cases and my needs. When building out any solution set or platform, whether it's a plate carrier, chest rig, or weapon system, you need to always be able to tie the decisions back to your WHY. While this is all just my thoughts, feelings and certainly opinions, based only off of my own experience, I think it'll be helpful to some, and hopefully at least entertaining, to all. Check it out!Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com

Rolling into March we have a whole lot to talk about, as news breaks of the United States and partner nations launching attacks against Iran. While this has been something of much speculation over the past months, it has now become a reality, with impacts that I believe we are all to feel in more than one way. From the economic impacts, the influence to the country via media channels, and more, there is a lot that we can expect to see and experience. As always with the SITREP episodes, I do my best to try and connect the dots with a current event, and past events to create a more full pictures of what's going on, and share my predictions on what may be yet to come. Certainly a ton of speculation in this edition, as we can do little more but sit, and wait.Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com

I catch up with Kevin in this weeks episode, and given the rather unfortunate news delivered by that ridiculous rodent Punxsutawney Phil, it seems only appropriate that we talk about the harsh winter we've been experiencing. Specifically, given the severity of the weather across the nation, we take the opportunity to dive into survival skills that specifically apply to the winter, the harsh cold, and some of the considerations that need to be at the top of your list when planning for what could happen. We talk in detail about clothing choices and layers, but more importantly Kevin get's into the why behind this and explains the importance of choosing certain materials over others. Additionally, we get into the types of heat loss and how your clothing helps to combat that, water collection and storage, creating makeshift shelter, food, and more. This was a real learning opportunity for me, and I'm sure you're bound to pick a few things up as well!Kevin's book is also out, titled "Beyond the Field" and is available now!: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Field-Taking-Wilderness-Skills/dp/B0F47J3QZW/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com

Ken Decker is a former 3/75 Ranger, and the current head of Long Range Training for Core Vision Training. As a subject expert, Kenny was one of the guest instructors at a charity event I attended a couple years ago and I've been working to get him on for a conversation ever since. Sitting down together this week, we took the opportunity to of course talk about scoped carbines, but also about some of the more interesting experiences he had with military recruiters, what led Ken to joining the Army, as well as obviously the desire to train and attain at higher levels. As with many of our guests, the conversation took some kooky left turns, hitting on social media, cartoon network, and plenty more. This was a terrifically fun conversation, and I'm looking forward to having Ken back on again soon!Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com

Dogs are fantastic. They are a strong and spirited companion, and a total force multiplier in the field, whether that's Law Enforcement or Military applications. To dive into this, I finally am able to sit down with my friend Tommy Marchitto and ask many of the questions I've had about working with dogs in tactical applications. Tommy is a Law Enforcement veteran of 13 years, spending a large portion of that working SWAT, and as a K9 handler. Having great experiences with a working dog earlier in life led to a career path partnering him with "Otto", his dog. We dig into all of the training that goes into making these four legged beasts into the partners they are, and spend plenty of time getting into how they're able to be use to solve problems, as well as how to take care of them so they have good productive careers of their own, in ways that they're able to be effective and successful. This is a discussion I've been looking forward to for a long time, and one I think you'll all really enjoy!Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com

John Ketteman served 11 years in the U.S. Army were he had the opportunity to train alongside many talented men and women, and attend the legendary Q course. From his experiences in the military, he's become an outstanding professional shooter, as well as educator, sharing his lessons learned in both the tactical and competitive realms. We dive into the overlapping concepts that exist between these two ideas of what shooting is, and bridge the gap, getting into things like "getting off the X", practical tools you can use to solve problems in stressful situations, discuss how to prioritize your own development and learning, and more. This was a great opportunity to highlight what we as prepared civilians can do to maximize our own opportunities, and challenge ourselves to grow. Check it out!Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com

January has flown by and brought with it some record setting weather, as well as a few unfortunate events in Minnesota. In this episode of The Sunday SITREP, we examine the rising tensions between ICE and protestors, and talk about two fatal incidents which could possibly have been avoided, but may possibly have been justified as well. With so much internet speculation and media input on both, it's becoming harder and harder to see the situations objectively. Further, we're witnessing our own "community" turn on itself and speak out against the very 2A rights that so many of us would normally champion, for the sake of supporting an administration that has not supported those same rights as promised on the campaign trail. As always, a lot of to talk about, as we dive into current events from the past month.Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com

The sports, hunting, and outdoor trade show, better known as SHOT show, takes place every year in Las Vegas, and for the first time, The Prepared Mindset was able to attend. This is something that I've been working towards and very much anticipating, as many do, for a long time, and was every bit the learning and networking opportunity that I had hoped it would be. Lexy and I sit down and recap the trip, talk about what we did, who we saw, and what we learned. Truly, if you've never attended, I'm just not sure that there are words that can sufficiently explain to you the sheer amount of "stuff" that you'll find throughout the show floor. From nylon gear to night vision, from ammo to armor, and obviously firearms galore, there's a ton to see out in the desert. I loved the trip, and loved the experience, and am already looking forward to next years event!Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com

For years, the phrase "Modern Minuteman" has been latched on to by those of us in the preparedness community as a way to self identify, and to a extent, justify our efforts. While it's a nifty idea and catchy label, I personally think that it's become one of the more detrimental ideologies in todays community. There's a certain amount of personal awareness, and accountability that is required when discussing the idea of a truly capable man, and prepared civilian. What many do seem to forget is that in the days of the original minuteman, the lack of training and false belief in ones skills, almost led us to certain defeat. If that had happened, our country, our culture, would never have even existed. I dive into my own experiences, and I do share some insight related to current events and community, that I think can help us steer out of those age-old bad habits.Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com

As a follow up from our previous discussion with Irish from Almost Covert, in this week's episode I sit down with the "other half" of the founders of A/C, the man called Bully. With a conventional background, one outside of military and law enforcement, this isn't exactly the kind of individual you would expect to find coordinating counter trafficking operations and devoting his life to helping save children. Our conversation started with personal fitness, training on and off the range, mindset, and accountability, and ended diving into the work that Tether Group is doing overseas in South Africa. This was truly a fantastic discussion on some of the absolute most horrific, yet real, topics in our world. I'm appreciative of the time away from this work, to be able to share the story of what Tether was formed for, as well as the insight into just how bad this issue is across the world. I urge you to give this episode a listen, and consider what you can do, to aid in the fight.Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com

With SHOT show just over a week away, it's only fitting that we have a discussion around the unique animal, which is the city of Las Vegas. More specifically, how the various impressive properties up and down the strip approach security, manage risk, and protect guests. I sit down with Gabe this week, who has had a relatively short but impressive career working in Vegas in multiple capacities, to unpack the many facets of securing some of the most well known casinos in the world. From SRT and ERT teams, to Cash Transport, to customer service and all of the various teaching and training that Gabe has done, we cover a lot of ground. These roles are very unique and provide many challenges that you may not typically find in standard security or law enforcement work. I'm looking forward to connecting with Gabe on my trip, and having him back on the pod in the future, as well.Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com

The official first episode AND first SITREP of the 2026 calendar year! While I initially didn't think there would be a whole lot to talk about when planning this a couple weeks ago, there's been a few developments as of late that really worked themselves up the list. As always, these discussions are the monthly opportunity to talk about current events both in the United States, as well as abroad, and give lots of opinion and a little context to help keep our audience informed. Certainly, getting into the new changes the NFA, diving into the fraud scandals with daycare centers throughout the country, and reacting to the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro, this SITREP is not short on that, at all. Happy to have you aboard as well roll full steam ahead, into the new year!Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.comHerrington Arms - www.herringtonarms.com

The end of 2025 is here! Hard to believe as it may be, this is the last episode/discussion of the calendar, as we get ready to turn over, and dive head first into 2026. This past year been one of intense growth for me personally, and certainly for Prepared Mindset. The changes that came about this year in many cases were extremely challenging but in some ways very rewarding too. As with the other years gone by, I take this opportunity to walk through the highlights, and unfortunately some lowlights of this year, and talk about them. From the classes, to the range days, to some of the key developments that have contributed in shaping PMP into what it is today. I appreciate everyone who has contributed throughout the year and helped us find our successes, both large and small. I am eagerly looking forward to what's coming next!Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.comHerrington Arms - www.herringtonarms.com

If you've been searching for information on breaching - how it's done, why one tool is used over another, considerations and constraints - this is the one guys. This week, I sit down with Steven Laster of Core Vision Training and dive into the topic and skillset of breaching. Steve is former Army, and currently active on what I would consider a pretty high volume SWAT team. Throughout our discussion we hit on various tools, including Rams, Halligans, Shotguns, torches and saws, we even spend time talking about the benefits that Hydraulic breaching tools bring into the discussion. From weight and length, to pro's and con's and risk considerations when using something like a shotgun. Steve is truly passionate about this work and shares a ton of information throughout the conversation. If you're aspiring to learn more about the skillset, I guarantee this will be a great starting point for you.Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.comHerrington Arms - www.herringtonarms.comRMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com 'PreparedMindset5' to save!

Go Take a Class! While you can certain do a lot of self study in today's day and age, with the access to articles and videos we have, instructor led courses are still the best source of information and learning available. While they alone won't magically make you better, getting the hands-on opportunity is invaluable in your personal journey of preparedness. Unfortunately, this concept is still one that is widely unadopted, leaving us with a community full of overly-empowered individuals, who parrot the opinions of strangers online, or worse, draw vast assumptions based on personal emotion. In this discussion I dive into how shallow the knowledge and understanding in our community really is, and why we haven't grown more as a whole, over the past several years.Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.comHerrington Arms - www.herringtonarms.comRMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com 'PreparedMindset5' to save!

Not having a personal background in military or law enforcement, I wasn't sure I would ever actually have the chance to teach in the 2A space. Sure, I have a lot of years under my belt as an educator, teaching music and marching band, but is that really relevant in the context of shooting, self defense, tactics, etc.? Well, I finally had a opportunity presented to me to give it a go, and I spend this weeks episode talking all about it. From my apprehension about the outward appearance of someone with no operational background teaching, to the excitement of being able to revisit something that was previously a huge part of my life, and my personality. This ended up being an incredible experience, and I'm very happy to share it all with you!Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.comHerrington Arms - www.herringtonarms.comRMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com 'PreparedMindset5' to save!

We roll through Thanksgiving, officially into the last month of the Calendar, and lots of strong economic indicators as things politically heat up across the country. In this installment of the Sunday SITREP, I talk about some crucial current events, talking about tensions across the country as religious protests increase and the friction heats up between protestors and residents in key cities across the U.S. With things become so tense, especially in the wake of the murder of two National Guardsmen in D.C., there's a lot to consider, and a lot to evaluate. Additionally, I talk about the retail spike from Black Friday, my observations on our culture throughout the largest shopping day of the year, and also how to take advantage of the sales and opportunities. Lots of opinion, and lots of entertainment, as always!Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.comHerrington Arms - www.herringtonarms.comRMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com 'PreparedMindset5' to save!

Fresh off Black Friday weekend, I sit down with Kevin Holland of Custom Night Vision to catch up and talk about night vision, lasers, comedy, and more. It's always interseting to me when I get to chat with industry experts, some of the surprising stories and details their able to share. Being that devices like NODs are so prohibitively expensive for many folks, my assumption would be that when people are able to purchase finally, they've done a lot of research on basic use and common experiences. Kevin and I talk about end users, and how in fact, that assumption is incorrect. We touch, additionally, on IR lasers in the market today, what he recommends (and doesn't) while somehow also managing to get into public education, livestock shows, getting kicked out of school, and how to build a quality rifle. There's a lot packed into this discussion, you're definitely going to like it!Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.comHerrington Arms - www.herringtonarms.comRMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com 'PreparedMindset5' to save!

Almost Cover is a social media presence that many of us may know, and many more of us may relate with. They started as a page, or rather a pseudo "art project" sharing good photos and funny video clips. Rather quickly however, this team of former veterans has turned into something else entirely, changing the world in ways that I think few realize. In this episode, I sit with Irish, one of the team members and founders of Almost Covert. We talk about his beginnings in the Airforce, touch on his time after service working with charity organizations, and end up at the work he and his colleagues do today, fighting human trafficking overseas. Throughout the conversation we touch on the evolution of the team, the evolution of gear and tactics, and even take time to speak on the importance of evolving leadership. This was a outstanding discussion, and one that I hope speaks to you all. Check it out.Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.comHerrington Arms - www.herringtonarms.comRMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com 'PreparedMindset5' to save!

I finally have the opportunity to sit down with Rick of SSV Concepts, catch up, and have a great discussion. Just as the title says, we get into dogs as a low tech early warning system and the realities of dealing with them, combatting drug operations and how the landscape has changed, and general dumb ideas, that may not be so dumb. We spent time talking about utilizing data and personal outputs to track and maximize your own performance, and that of your team. We even took a moment to touch on the idiocy of public perception, and legacy media. I love being able to connect with Rick, and get his no nonsense opinions. As a police officer in Iowa and member of a SRT team, as well as an instructor and competitive shooter, there's not shortage of insight or information in this discussion!Visit our sponsors!Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_podCustom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.comHerrington Arms - www.herringtonarms.comRMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com 'PreparedMindset5' to save!