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"The Harden Up Podcast" brings you into the world of high-performance training and adventure through the expert lens of Matt Harden—a former USMC Infantry Squad Leader, veteran SWAT Team Leader, and founder of OpTempo Training Group. Each episode delivers compelling conversations with leading specialists across tactical operations, athletic development, overlanding expeditions, and extreme sports.
Matt's military and law enforcement background provides the perfect foundation for extracting practical wisdom from his guests, offering listeners actionable strategies they can implement immediately. Whether you're a tactical professional, outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone looking to elevate your performance and push beyond comfort zones, this podcast delivers the insights and motivation you need.
60 Episodes
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Send us a text In this episode, Matt sits down with Sheriff Chad Bianco, a 30-year law enforcement veteran and the current Sheriff of Riverside County—one of the largest sheriff’s departments in the nation. They explore his personal journey through the ranks, from patrol deputy to leading a department with over 3,600 personnel and a billion-dollar budget. Sheriff Bianco shares his unfiltered perspective on how policing in California has changed over the last two decades, the impact of state l...
Send us a text Success Strategies for the Academy and Beyond with Ryan Marion In this episode of the Harden Up Podcast, Matt sits down with longtime friend and former colleague Ryan Marion — a law enforcement veteran with over 17 years of experience. From patrol and school resource officer to SWAT team leader, FTO, and academy recruit training officer, Ryan has worn many hats in the profession. Together, they break down what it really takes to succeed in the police academy and sustain a high-...
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Vollbrecht, a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter crew chief and door gunner who has transformed her experience in the military into a thriving career in project leadership and consulting. As the President and CEO of J. Vollbrecht Consulting, she leads teams delivering high-impact projects for the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, with a strong presence at national laboratory facilities. Jennifer shares insights from ...
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with industrial design expert Cory Nykoluk, the innovative force behind some of the tactical gear industry's most revolutionary products. Cory shares his journey from being the first employee at First Tactical to his influential tenure as Design Director at 5.11 Tactical, where he created the iconic Rush 24 backpack that redefined tactical gear standards. The conversation explores Cory's design philosophy of "Neat Clean Professional" and how it shap...
Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Wells Jones—a Navy veteran, former Antarctic pararescueman, actor, author, and world traveler. Wells shares his incredible journey from military service in some of the harshest environments on Earth to his time in front of the camera and an unforgettable expedition through the Middle East that became the foundation for his latest book. We talk about: His path to becoming a Navy pararescuemanWhat it's like operating in the extreme conditions of ...
Send us a text My guest today is a U.S. Air Force Major, whose remarkable career spans both special operations and combat aviation. He spent over a decade as a Pararescue specialist (PJ), leading high-profile rescue missions in Iraq and Afghanistan before becoming the Director of Training for the PJ program. Driven by his passion for flight, he transitioned to the cockpit of the A-10, logging over 760 hours of combat operations. Now an instructor pilot and Wings Plans Officer for the 124th Fi...
Send us a text In this episode I welcome Army combat veteran Matt Klein to the show! Matt is a retired NYPD Forensic sketch artist who used his artistic gifts and abilities to help solve multiple high-profile homicide and assault investigations. After his time in the military and law enforcement, Matt founded his creative project Battle Tribe! His engaging artwork blends elements of military, L.E. and pop culture in multiple media styles. Please enjoy the show! Matt Klein on Instagram: @matt...
Send us a text In this episode I welcome our first Police Chief to the show, Chief Rex R. Ingram from the Caldwell Idaho police department. He has an extensive background from his 17 years at LAPD, where he worked on gang enforcement teams, a human trafficking task force, plainclothes operations, and patrol watch commander in some of LA’s toughest areas. He spoke candidly with me about leadership in policing, elevating LE performance and how administrators can support their officers. Please e...
Send us a text In this episode Matt talks with an active duty United States Coast Guard search and rescue pilot, Commander Bill Burwell. He has served over 18 years with assignments as duty pilot, instructor pilot and chief of aviation operations. Listen in as Bill dives into the challenges of rotary-wing flying, hair-raising rescue missions, and extreme duty stations Please enjoy the show! Video of perilous rescue recounted by Bill in the episode: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/640450/coast...
Send us a text In this episode Matt talks with two guests, Jeff Chang - a police sniper/instructor and also a former Marine Corps sniper. Tyler Ellsworth is also a police sniper/instructor and owner/operator of Standing Offhand with co-owner Jeff. In this episode we discuss the Trump shooting incident, the police sniper mission, and selecting good candidates. Please enjoy the show! Standing Offhand: https://www.standingoffhand.com/ Social: @standing_offhand The OpTempo Training Group websit...
Send us a text 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....
Send us a text 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 ...
Send us a text 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://optempotrainin...
Send us a text 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. Enjo...
Send us a text 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. Sold...
Send us a text 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...
Send us a text 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 mul...
Send us a text In this episode Matt talks with Mark Aguilar, a current Police detective working in a an elite tactical surveillance unit. Listen in as Mark recounts his 28-year law enforcement journey and the lessons learned along the way. From patrol in south central L.A. to celebrity personal security details and to the pinnacle of the tactical surveillance game, this episode runs the gamut. Enjoy! Flashbang Earplugs https://www.fbearplugs.com/ The OpTempo Training Group website for an u...
Send us a text 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 Hernandez Instagram: @sh_mander https://www...
Send us a text 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! ...
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