Claim OwnershipState of the Second
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"State of the Second isn’t your typical 2A podcast—it’s a backstage pass into the firearms industry.
Hosted by Kailey Nieman and John Fahrner, we sit down with the real people behind the brands, builds, and big ideas shaping the gun world. From shop owners to social media legends, each episode dives into how they got started, what keeps them going, and what it really takes to make it in the firearms industry, plus the battles they face along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how to break into the industry or what it’s like behind the scenes, this is your front-row seat."
Hosted by Kailey Nieman and John Fahrner, we sit down with the real people behind the brands, builds, and big ideas shaping the gun world. From shop owners to social media legends, each episode dives into how they got started, what keeps them going, and what it really takes to make it in the firearms industry, plus the battles they face along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how to break into the industry or what it’s like behind the scenes, this is your front-row seat."
102 Episodes
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In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Isaac Botkin of T.REX Arms to discuss freedom, firearms, and the future of innovation in the gun industry.Isaac shares the story of how T.REX Arms grew from a small business into one of the most recognized names in the 2A space. From holsters as the “business card of freedom” to grassroots advocacy in Tennessee, and building the Citizen Defense Industry, he explains why mission always comes before profit.-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!
In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Joel Pellici, co-founder of SOWW (Special Operations Wounded Warriors), a nonprofit transforming the lives of veterans through nature, brotherhood, and purpose. From wild pig hunts to life-changing service dogs, Joel shares unforgettable stories of resilience, healing, and the unseen battle many heroes still face.-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!
In this episode of State of the Second, we sit down with Clay from Bullet Vault. He shares insights into his personal firearm preferences, his experience in the gun industry, and how his companies are responding to changes in the market.Throughout the conversation, Clay opens up about the cultural and political challenges facing the firearms industry, the power of grassroots influence, and the untapped potential of the next generation of pro-freedom advocates. He also shares a bold vision of what it takes to push back against censorship, secure our rights, and expand the 2A community beyond the traditional gun owner.-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!
In this episode, Kailey and John sit down with Trevon Barber from Right to Bear to talk all things training, competition, and responsible gun ownership. Trevon shares his journey from wrestling to firearms competition, how he built a career teaching others, and why proper education is just as important as owning a firearm.Trevon also discusses the top drills every shooter should practice and the best way to get started in competition shooting. They also discuss the common mistakes new gun owners make, why self-defense insurance is critical, and how personal responsibility plays into the broader 2A culture.-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!
In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Desk Pop for an unfiltered conversation about gun culture, navigating restrictive states, and why the firearms community is seeing a cultural shift toward fun, welcoming, and engaging content.From working behind the gun counter to launching a thriving YouTube channel, to being directly contacted by the ATF and pushed to get an FFL just to keep creating. He shares the challenges of living and advocating for 2A rights in Washington, how companies are responding to new restrictions, and why the next generation is key to protecting our freedoms.-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!
Join John and Kailey this week for a jam-packed episode as we sit down with Mark from Vortex Optics to talk gear, hunting, and the Second Amendment. From his favorite all-around rifle scope to wild warranty stories, including optics run over by trucks and dropped off cliffs—Mark shares insider knowledge and real-world tips for choosing the right optic for your needs. We dive into why Vortex’s VIP Warranty is truly bulletproof, how the next generation can get into hunting, and the behind-the-scenes story of Vortex’s military contract win. Whether you’re a hunter, competitive shooter, or just love good gear talk, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and no-compromise 2A conversation.----------------------- Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season! Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!
Join us this week as John and Kailey sit down with Alyssa (aka @TheGunnyGal) and her husband Tanner for a conversation that blends guns, cars, CrossFit, and content creation into one unstoppable lifestyle.In this episode, Alyssa shares her journey from being intimidated by firearms to becoming a confident 2A educator on YouTube. She and Tanner discuss how they transitioned from short-form to long-form content, and how their channel is helping new gun owners feel informed and empowered. They dive into the surprising crossover between car culture and firearms, especially in the overlanding space, and how their international connections have opened up conversations about 2A rights around the world.Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!
This week on State of the Second, Kailey and John sit down with Curt from TCRT Targets to talk about the future of range training, self-healing rubber targets, and why fun, flexible home setups are changing the game.Kurt shares his journey from firearms marketing to launching one of the most durable target lines on the market, explains why GOA’s long-term strategy matters, and dives into how we win the 2A fight by changing culture - not just laws.Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!
Join us for a deep-dive conversation with Jarred from Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) on the State of the Second podcast! From the future of gunsmithing to the importance of hands-on training, Jarred shares what it takes to succeed in the firearms industry today. We talk shop about AR platforms, and why trade education is more vital than ever.Whether you're curious about SDI, want to get into gunsmithing, or just love hearing real talk about firearms and freedom-this episode has something for you.Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!
In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Grant from Mantis, the innovative minds behind some of the most advanced dry fire and training tools in the firearm world.From the Blackbeard AR trigger reset system to the upcoming Titan X training pistol and augmented reality environments, Mantis is pushing the boundaries of how we train-and who can access that training.Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!
In this episode of State of the Second, Tracy Lee joins Kailey and John to share her wild origin story in the 2A space, why real training matters more than just posing with guns, and how to be taken seriously in this industry. She dives into the truth about censorship on social media, what it’s really like to be a female influencer in a male-dominated world, and how her blue hair sparks conversations at the range.We also get into AK matches, rollerblading with dogs, her reality TV experience, and how women can take their first step into shooting and self-defense with confidence.Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!
In this episode of the State of the Second Podcast, John and Kailey are joined by Alexander from Arrowhead Tactical — the brand that’s changing how we think about concealed carry apparel. From gym shorts to joggers, fanny packs to full-size pistols, Alexander breaks down what makes carry actually discreet… and where most people are giving themselves away.Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/-----------------------Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today!
In this episode of the State of the Second John and Kailey are joined by Bill Cleftis, CEO of Otis Technology, to dive deep into the world of gun cleaning, CCW training, and what it’s really like to be a gun owner in post-Bruen New York. Whether you’re a seasoned 2A advocate or a new gun owner, this episode is packed with real talk, expert advice, and hard-earned wisdom from one of the leading voices in firearms maintenance.Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today!
Pete Brownell of Brownells joins State of the Second to talk gun culture, DIY building, and why the firearms industry must stay politically engaged. From suppressors and the HPA to the rise of gunsmithing and trade schools, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the right to build, repair, and protect.Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today!
What happens when your constitutional rights change the moment you cross a state line? In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Eddie Loveday from ETS to talk about the wild reality of navigating America with a firearm. From literally rerouting his road trips through Memphis to avoid anti-gun states, to exposing the myths around magazine wear and capacity bans, Eddie brings 20+ years of industry insight—and plenty of spicy takes.Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today!
This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with KCI USA for a raw and honest conversation about rebuilding trust, improving quality, and standing strong for the 2A community. They talk about brand redemption, product quality, and the fight to restore trust in the gun community—all while tackling big-picture 2A issues like complacency, culture wars, and magazine bans. A brutally honest, no-filter look at the industry’s past, present, and future.Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today!
In this episode John and Kailey sit down with Bob Faxon and Dustin Wallace of Faxon Firearms to dive deep into the roots, innovation, and unwavering mission behind Faxon Firearms. You’ll hear how a TV show ignited a furious spark that led to the creation of the legendary ARAC rifle, and how a legacy of precision manufacturing shaped everything from pencil barrels to next-gen suppressors. From a kitchen table sketch to one of the most respected names in firearms—this is the Faxon Firearms story you’ve never heard.Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/Special thanks to our sponsors for supporting this season!Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today: https://ammosquared.com/Derya Arms – Precision. Performance. Power. Discover innovation in every shot: https://derya.us/
In this episode, John and Kailey sit down with Elijah, founder of Infinite Defense, to talk about how his startup went from a garage concept to becoming a go-to solution for military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters alike. Whether you're military, law enforcement, a trainer, or a weekend shooter—this is the episode that might just change the way you run your range.Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/Special thanks to Ammo² for supporting this season!Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today: https://ammosquared.com/
This week, Kailey and John sit down with Allen Forkner from GunBroker.com to talk movie guns, auction madness, and the current state of Second Amendment rights in America.From Harrison Ford’s iconic firearms to the myth-busting reality of buying guns online, this episode dives into the cultural power of pop culture weapons — and why they matter in today’s political landscapeSpecial thanks to our sponsors for supporting this season!Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today: https://ammosquared.com/Derya Arms – Precision. Performance. Power. Discover innovation in every shot: https://derya.us/
In this episode of the State of the Second Podcast, John and Kailey sit down with Chris from Krate Tactical to talk about defending your rights, one tool at a time. From out-the-front knives to the future of self-defense laws, Chris shares his journey from the USCCA to Krate Tactical, why quality matters, and how Krate is shaking up the gear game with knives, targets, and more.We also dive deep into the battle for the Second Amendment, the importance of grassroots advocacy, and how the gun community can take a page from the knife rights movement. Plus, how college campuses and everyday carry are impacted by outdated laws—and what we can do about it.Special thanks to our sponsors for supporting this season!Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today: https://ammosquared.com/Derya Arms – Precision. Performance. Power. Discover innovation in every shot: https://derya.us/
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