Tonight’s Defenders LIVE conversation with Lex Reilly, a former soldier, wilderness guide, and a man who rebuilt his life from rock bottom — is one of the most honest we’ve had on Defenders LIVE. Lex opens up about:• Walking through PTSD, violence, addiction, and losing his children• Choosing between ending his life… or fighting for it• Experiencing emotional safety for the first time• Why men fear vulnerability — and why true masculinity requires it• How faith, wilderness, and brutal honesty brought him homeThis one shook me.Defenders LIVE is a supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Tonight, we go deep. Former Australian soldier Lex Reilly—known as The Australian Viking—opens up about the battles he didn’t fight overseas, but within his own home, his mind, and his heart. After Afghanistan, Lex spiraled into violence, addiction, emotional numbness, and the eventual loss of his children. But rather than ending his life, he stepped into the wilderness… literally. From the mountains of New Zealand to the Arctic Circle to the Montana backcountry, Lex walked straight into the unknown in search of healing, hope, and God.In this raw and powerful conversation, Lex shares how radical honesty, wilderness immersion, emotional surrender, and a growing faith in God brought him back from the brink. We talk about healthy masculinity, the truth about emotional safety, the courage required for transformation, and what it takes for a man to face himself without self-loathing or shame.Lex now guides men through some of the harshest environments on earth to help them confront the chaos inside, reclaim their identity, and rediscover purpose. His story is a testament to the freedom that comes when you stop running from yourself and start walking with truth.Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
If you’ve ever walked through something that felt too heavy to carry, this conversation is for you.In this episode, Heidi Tyner gets real about grief, fear, and the quiet strength it takes to rebuild your life with intention — and she shares practical wisdom anyone can apply.You’ll walk away with:• A fresh perspective on grief — and why healing isn’t about “getting over it”• Simple everyday safety habits every woman should know• How to turn fear into awareness and personal confidence• Why community matters when you’re carrying heavy things• The mindset shift that helped Heidi reclaim her health and purposeIf you need courage, clarity, or just someone who gets it, this one matters.Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Tonight I’m sitting down with longtime educator, mom, and everyday protector Heidi Tyner from Michigan. A drunk, angry parent at school and a dark walk to her car were the wake-up calls that pushed Heidi and her husband to get their CPLs and start training together. That “date night at the range” season turned into a lifelong commitment to learning, leading other women, and refusing to live in fear.Heidi has walked through divorce, single parenthood, raising a medically complex son, and the sudden loss of her husband at just 52 years old. In this conversation we talk about grief that doesn’t magically go away, what it means to honor someone you love with how you live, practical ways to be safer before you ever touch a firearm, and why awareness is the first line of defense. Heidi shares her journey into A Girl & A Gun, becoming a Refuse To Be A Victim instructor, rebuilding her health through Made Mom Coaching, and choosing gratitude even on the hardest anniversaries.Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
If you’ve been craving a conversation that actually goes deeper than the headlines, this is it.Michael Ware doesn’t tiptoe around anything — faith, firearms, politics, fatherhood, adoption, character, ego, all of it. And he brings a level of honesty that is refreshing.Here’s why you should watch ⤵️If you’ve ever wondered:• How to reconcile faith with self-defense• Why our culture is terrified of real conversations• What adoption looks like through the lens of sacrifice and grace• How to stay grounded in a chaotic, divided world• What character really means in a time of outrage and noise…this episode will hit home.Michael’s story is raw, humbling, and full of wisdom.Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with Michael Ware—craftsman, advocate, theologian at heart, and the man behind Controlled Chaos Arms and Iowa Firearms Coalition. What starts as a discussion about firearms and advocacy quickly becomes something deeper: a look at faith, calling, adoption, hardship, and what it really means to live what you teach.Michael shares openly about his upbringing, the gritty parts of his early adulthood, the long and painful road to adoption, and the way God reshaped his identity through fatherhood and service. We explore how he balances faith with responsibility, why he refuses to shy away from hard conversations, and why he believes courage, character, and conviction matter now more than ever.We also talk about the mission of the Iowa Firearms Coalition, the heart behind his men’s ministry, and the spiritual maturity required to navigate a chaotic and divided world with clarity and compassion.If you value authenticity, truth, and living life with purpose—you’re going to love this one.Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations that challenge, encourage, and strengthen your walk.Learn more at:www.IowaFC.orgwww.ControlledChaosArms.comwww.CBFNewton.org Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
In this week’s Defenders LIVE, I sat down again with Jonathan Willis — husband, father, veteran firefighter/paramedic, and lead instructor for Gunset Training Group — to talk about what real-world readiness looks like.Jonathan’s story bridges decades of trauma response, leadership, and instruction. From building the RWT Pocket Kit to teaching trauma medicine and defensive shotgun, he’s bringing the lessons of the street to everyday citizens who refuse to rely on luck when seconds count.We cover:🔥 A practical, everyday trauma kit that actually fits your pocket🔥 Why medical prep belongs right beside your firearm — and what most people still get wrong🔥 The truth about defensive shotguns (especially for women) and how training changes confidence🔥 Mentorship vs. coaching — why true guidance isn’t bought, it’s built through relationship and characterDefenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Jonathan doesn’t just train skill. He calls us back to responsibility — the duty to protect life, to be calm in chaos, and to lead with faith and humility.If you’ve ever wondered how to bridge preparation with purpose, this conversation will challenge the way you think about training and community.💡 Connect with Jonathan:👉 Learn more at www.trainwithwillis.com, www.gunset.us and www.tdiohio.com.✦Stay sharp. Stay grounded. And keep leading with courage.— Lora ThorsonHost, Defenders LIVEThanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
When life goes sideways, preparation isn’t paranoia—it’s peace. In this conversation, Special Operations veteran and two-time NTI winner John Holschen returns to Defenders LIVE to break down a clear, faith-grounded approach to extreme events—active shooters, coordinated attacks, explosives, even chemical/biological hazards. We move past movie myths and into practical wisdom: how to shorten your OODA loop, choose immediate actions on demand, and see cover and concealment the way professionals do—like a shadow.John lays out a simple five-step framework: identify realistic problems and solutions, pre-plan preferred actions (immediate action drills), build the right competencies through training-practice-testing, and make a commitment to act. We talk movement in large venues, how to think when you hear shots but can’t see the threat, and why preparation actually allows you to live more calmly with your family.Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.When evil shows up, panic isn’t a plan. Preparation is peace.• The 5-step framework to think clearly under pressure• Immediate action drills to cut through the freeze• Active shooter realities: see it, hear it, or hear of it—now what?• “Cover as shadow” movement you’ll remember when it counts• Why preparation kills paranoia and strengthens your familyWatch now on YouTube or Defenders-LIVE.com. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
He spent 25 years kicking in doors—until God opened one.SWAT officer Paul Milone has lived through more than 1,100 missions, 300 undercover buys, and moments that would shake most people to their core.But it wasn’t training that finally brought him peace—it was surrender.In this Defenders LIVE conversation, Paul and I talk about what happens when everything you’ve relied on—discipline, training, control—meets something bigger than you. His story is one of courage, humility, and faith forged under fire.Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.What you’ll learn:* How to think with a gun under extreme pressure — offset, target discrimination, and malfunction mindset.* The difference between plainclothes and true undercover — and how to “play the long game” safely.* Real team culture: trust, prayer, and the kind of camaraderie you can’t fake.* Processing 2020’s riots, staying mission-focused, and keeping your soul intact.* Identity shifts, retirement “doors,” and following God’s lead when you can’t see the next step.Paul is the author of Ram One (Amazon bestseller, 2024) and lead instructor at RAM Master Training, where he teaches realism-driven tactics shaped by decades on the street.This episode will sharpen your decision-making, strengthen your mindset, and remind you that even the strongest warriors find peace not by holding tighter—but by letting go.—📘 Learn more: www.RamOneProductions.com | www.RamMasterTraining.comThanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
Join host Lora Thorson for an inspiring conversation with Randy Watt—retired police chief, Special Forces colonel, and founder of the Power of Awareness Institute. In this episode, Randy shares hard-won lessons from decades in law enforcement and the military, exploring the deeper meaning of situational awareness, the power of discipline, and the importance of self-awareness and faith.Randy opens up about mental health, overcoming personal struggles, and how true strength is found in honesty and vulnerability. Whether you’re interested in personal safety, leadership, or personal growth, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and heartfelt stories.Learn more about Randy’s work at mypoa.org, warriorcreed.us, and srwinc.us.Subscribe for more powerful conversations on Defenders LIVE!Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
Hey friends,I wasn’t planning to relaunch Defenders LIVE until the end of the year — but I realized something: I miss it too much to wait.I miss the conversations that challenge us to grow.I miss learning from incredible protectors and leaders.And I miss connecting with you — the people walking this same path of courage, faith, and personal defense.So... we’re back.🎙️ Coming up on Defenders LIVE:* Randy Watt — leadership, mindset, and resilience in the life of a protector* Paul Maloney — former Omaha PD SWAT officer and author of RAM One* A special tribute episode honoring my friend John Holschen, featuring an unreleased conversation he was passionate about sharing before he passed.These stories mean something — not just because of who they come from, but because of what they remind us: that protecting life starts from the inside out.If you haven’t already, join my private Facebook group, Defenders LIVE with Lora Thorson, where I share more of my own journey — training, health, mindset, and the small daily choices that shape us as protectors.Thank you for sticking with me. I can’t wait to bring you along for this next chapter.With gratitude and purpose,Lora Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
If you noticed that there was not a show posted last week, here’s a video describing what’s going on right now. There are about 160 episodes in the archive over the last 3 years. This should be enough to tide you over until the big launch! This pause should be relatively short and I’ll keep in touch! Thank you for your continued support. Warm regards,Lora Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
In this episode of Defenders LIVE, veteran instructor Jim Shanahan breaks down why most training misses the mark—and how to raise your standard before it’s too late.🔑 Learn what it means to be a Deliberate Responder, why hope is not a plan, and how to blend elite performance with real-world defense.💥 Whether you're new to training or a seasoned protector, this conversation will redefine your mindset.▶️ Watch now — your next level starts here.Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Join host Lora Thorson in this gripping episode of Defenders LIVE as she welcomes Jim Shanahan, founder of Advanced Performance Shooting and a true pioneer in tactical firearms instruction. With 30+ years in the military, law enforcement, and elite training circles, Jim shares his no-nonsense philosophy on why hope is not a course of action, the science behind reaction times, and how real readiness blends performance and deliberate intent.📚 Learn the origin of The Deliberate Responder, dive into data-backed training techniques, and hear powerful lessons in leadership that apply far beyond the gun range.Notable Quotes:“If you're not training people to replace you, you're not leading.”“Shoot fast, but think faster.”“Don’t teach techniques they’ll have to unlearn later.”🔗 Connect with Jim: https://advancedperformanceshooting.com 📖 Book: One of a Hundred: A Deliberate Responder (Available on Amazon)Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
I am resharing this episode of Defenders LIVE because the first release had the wrong title and description. This conversation was with John Holschen—and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful episodes I recorded with him.Many of you may already know: John recently passed away. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all who trained with him. Our entire community is diminished by this loss. John wasn’t only a decorated veteran and master instructor—he was a man of kindness, clarity, and conviction. He had a gift for teaching in a way that made you feel seen, capable, and ready.I want to honor him by sharing this corrected episode with you today. It captures so much of what made John special as a teacher and as a human being.And there’s more: before he passed, John recorded a special conversation with me that he felt passionately about sharing. It has not yet been aired, but it will be released soon. He cared deeply about getting this information out, and I believe it will stand as part of his legacy.For now, I invite you to listen again—or maybe for the first time—to this episode that reflects the heart and skill of a man we will not forget.With respect and gratitude,Lora ThorsonEpisode notes below:Learn how to train like the fight will actually happen. Lora Thorson sits down with Special Operations veteran and master instructor John Holschen to unpack NeuroDrills, visual processing under stress, movement that matters, ready positions that work in the real world, and how great coaching turns shooters into thinking defenders.What you will learn:* How to stay visually aware while delivering accurate fire* Movement that makes sense, when to sprint and when to plant* Verbal commands and tape loops you can trust under pressure* The difference between exposure, practice, and testing* Building confidence through competence and why good curriculum always evolvesAbout John:John Holschen: U.S. Special Operations veteran, two-time National Tactical Invitational winner, and creator of NeuroDrills and Applied Defensive Handgun Skills. He was a certified master instructor who taught across the country, helping everyday people become thinking shooters.Rest in peace, John. You will be missed.#ThinkingShooter, #NeuroDrills, #DefensiveTraining, #UseOfForce, #SelfDefenseMindsetThanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
This week on Defenders Live, host Lora Thorson interviews Mike Kinsey—firearms instructor, father, believer, and community leader—on how living with conviction changes everything. 💡Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.🎯 Highlights include:* Insights on aligning your training with your values* How to build real community through preparedness* The 52-Week Challenge that keeps shooters sharp all year* Real talk on balancing strength, humility, and faith* Why defending liberty starts at home🎥 Watch now and get inspired to train smarter, live better, and lead with purpose.Powerful Quotes“If you're spending your hard‑earned time and energy and money to go get training, make sure the skills you're learning actually matter in your real life.”“Joy is very different from happiness … I find joy in voluntarily shouldering responsibility that matters.”“Surrendering requires strength. That strength comes through trusting God—not just using brute force.”Visit traingunset.com for upcoming classes and events.Follow on social media: Instagram @gunset_official | Facebook traingunsetJoin the Gunset 52‑Week Challenge on Facebook and commit to consistent cold-draw training with a community of accountability.Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
🔥 Feeling stuck? This might be the breakthrough you didn’t know you needed.In this raw, deeply personal episode of Defenders LIVE, host Lora Thorson sits down with leadership coach and former pastor Matt Ware to uncover how leaders at every level — from business to family — can rise from failure, fear, and loss into greater strength, clarity, and courage.Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.💡 What you’ll gain:* How to lead yourself when life falls apart* Why subtracting might bring you more clarity than adding* The mindset shift that helps you rise again* Why embracing discomfort is your next breakthroughNotable Quotes“Growth equals pain. And pain is the only path to purpose.” – Matt Ware “You might not be pursuing purpose—because purpose is already pursuing you.” – Matt Ware “If you're not leading yourself, you forfeit the right to lead others.” – Matt Ware “Simplicity and peace now matter more to me than productivity.” – Matt WareResources🎧 Listen to more of Matt: [The Shift Podcast] — theshiftpodcast.co 🌐 Connect with Matt: themattware.com 📱 Follow Matt: @themattware on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok 🌟 Learn more about Defenders LIVE: defenderslive.com🎧 Watch now and reclaim the clarity, courage, and conviction you were made for.🔗 themattware.com | defenderslive.com | theshiftpodcast.coThanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
Host Lora Thorson and Dr. Fuller, building on their previous conversation, dive deeper into what civil unrest looks like in practice—especially in the wake of recent events like the LA protests and escalating global conflict. This episode covers:* The anatomy of societal breakdown* Human behavior under stress and chaos* The moral and mental framework needed to prepare* Physical training as a cornerstone of resilience* Reading subtle signals in others, and moreDefenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.What really happens when society starts to break down?Join host Lora Thorson and FBI interrogator Dr. T.C. Fuller as they unpack: 🧠 How to stay calm under pressure 🏃♂️ Why physical fitness boosts emotional control 👀 How to read people fast in crisis ⚖️ How to prep your family—and moral compass—for chaos🎧 LISTEN NOW and gain tools for a more resilient mindset.Notable Quotes:“You don’t rise to the occasion—you fall to your level of training.”“Composure under pressure is a trained skill—not a personality trait.”“Push back the frontiers of ignorance.”“Keep talking—and listen.”Resources & Links* Books by Dr. T.C. Fuller: Painting Over Rust, Empathy for the Devil, No Safe Alternative → Available via tcfuller.com, thehoracegroup.net, and Amazon* The Horus Group: Crisis, leadership, and behavioral training → Available via thehorusgroup.netThanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
In this powerful, intimate episode of Defenders LIVE, Ross Hick flips the script by interviewing regular host Lora Thorson. This raw, transformative conversation delves into Lora’s emotional, spiritual, and physical evolution over the past few years.Together, they unpack:* What it really takes to change your life* The hidden weight of false humility* Faith as a foundation for real transformation* Learning to be seen—and owning your power* Why internal change is the key to sustainable external resultsWhether you’re looking to improve your fitness, lead your family, or shed layers of self-doubt, this episode is your guide to reclaiming your identity and living with purpose.Lora’s heartfelt rant referred to in this interview: Join our community at defenders-live.comDefenders LIVE is supported by you. Consider becoming a paid subscriber.Notable Quotes“I just wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin.” — Lora Thorson“People are asking the wrong questions. It’s not about what I ate—it’s about what changed in me.”“Being seen used to terrify me. Now I understand it’s where real power lives.”“I don’t have to know the outcome—I just have to show up, every single day.”“True humility isn’t hiding who you are. It’s owning your strength without apology.”#Transformation #FaithInAction #DefendersLIVE #FromBrokenToBold #WomenWhoLead #EmotionalResilience #SelfDefenseStartsWithin Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
In this deeply moving and vulnerable episode, we welcome Jeremy Morris—husband, father, business owner, and co-founder of Wild Courage. Jeremy shares his raw journey from rock bottom to redemption, shedding light on trauma, addiction, healing, and the profound transformation that comes from facing your truth. His story is one of pain and triumph, steeped in faith, humility, and a mission to help others reclaim their stories.Whether you're navigating your own healing or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a beacon of light and hope. Jeremy’s honesty and courage invite us all to look deeper, to heal, and to reconnect with our true selves.Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber."Redemption & Wild Courage w/ Jeremy Morris" 🔥Get ready for one of the most raw and powerful conversations we’ve ever had. 🎧✨ Here's what you'll take away:💔 What hitting rock bottom really looks like—and the climb back up🔥 How vulnerability can break shame and build strength🙏 The role of faith in healing trauma and addiction🤝 Creating safe spaces for men to share and grow🐎 Mental health in the Western/cowboy culture💡 If you've ever felt broken, lost, or unworthy—this episode is for YOU.Notable Quotes“You don’t have to get cleaned up before going to God. He already knows your mess.”“God never gave up on me—even when I did.”“You can't give away what you don't have—compassion starts with yourself.”Wild Courage Websitewww.thewildcourage.orgThe Wild Courage Podcast: www.https://www.thewildcourage.org/podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064059703547Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wild_courage_official/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC15k5rNnUjJQ5Zj__9HrN2w#RedemptionStory, #MensMentalHealth, #FaithAndHealing, #WildCourage, #OvercomingAddiction Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
In this powerful follow-up episode, host Lora Thorson sits down once again with John Hearne—a seasoned public safety professional, retired U.S. Park Ranger, and the brain behind Two Pillars Training. With over 30 years of experience, John delivers sobering truths and practical insights on how to train for violence, maintain emotional control, and truly understand human performance under stress.Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.👊 In this no-fluff convo, you’ll learn:* 💥 Why fantasy training fails in real life* 🧠 How stress crushes performance—and how to beat it* 😨 The truth about fear and emotional control* 🎯 The 2 pillars that make or break your readiness* 🧪 What science says about training that actually worksNotable Quotes:* "You're not training for the best-case scenario. You're training for when everything goes wrong."* "Fear is a natural response. The difference between survival and failure is how you train to manage it."* "Emotional control isn't a switch you flip—it's a skill you build under pressure."* "Cognitive load is real. The more you try to do under stress, the worse you'll perform without practice."Connect with John Hearne:Two Pillars Training: https://twopillarstraining.com/Class registration: https://twopillars.corsizio.com/🎯 Follow Defenders LIVE: www.defenders-live.comThanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
Communicator & Protector: The Journey of Lora ThorsonIn this compelling episode of the Sling'N Lead Podcast, your hosts TJ and Kent sit down with the extraordinary Lora Thorson, host of Defenders LIVE. This is more than just a guest interview—it’s an exploration of mission, mindset, and personal transformation.Lora shares her evolution from a business-savvy photographer in the rodeo scene to a sought-after firearms instructor. She opens up about the critical turning point that led her to arm herself with knowledge—and a handgun—and why her roles as a communicator and protector are central to everything she does.Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.🎯 What you’ll learn:* 💡 How a terrifying moment in Montana sparked Lora’s mission to teach* 🎓 The real meaning of being a “communicator” & “protector”* 🔧 Tips for helping new shooters succeed (and safely fail)* 🧠 How instructors can build trust & connection on the range* 🚀 Turning self-doubt into strength and empowermentNotable Quotes* "I’m not seeking it. I’m offering it."* "That moment in Montana showed me I wasn’t prepared—and that had to change immediately."* "I used to try to hide my joy, but now I let it overflow—and it’s contagious."* "If they can’t think with a gun in their hand, they’re not ready for the next level."Connect with Lora Thorson* 🌐 Defenders USA: https://defenders-usa.com* 🎧 Defenders LIVE: https://defenders-live.com* 📸 @defenderslive on FB, IG, Rumble, YTSling’N Lead Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@slingnleadpodcast6374Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
🎧 Episode SummaryIn this emotionally charged and deeply inspiring episode, host Lora Thorson welcomes Christian Griffith, a survivor of child sexual abuse turned extreme endurance athlete and vocal advocate for trauma survivors. From starring in the History Channel’s The Selection: Special Operations Experiment to running 3,142 miles across America, Christian shares his journey of healing, resilience, and advocacy.Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Listeners are taken on a roller coaster through intense mental and physical trials, the raw truths of his past, and the powerful lessons he’s drawn from both.🚨 RE-RUN ALERT 🚨This episode hit deep... and it’s worth every second.🎙️ Christian Griffith—you may know him from The Selection on the History Channel, but there’s WAY more to his story.💥 What you’ll hear:🔹 Surviving unthinkable childhood trauma🔹 Wrestling with forgiveness—not pretending it's easy🔹 The bold reason behind his 3,000-mile run across America🔹 What real courage looks like (hint: it’s not polished)🔹 How to fight for healing when the battle is within👇 Drop a 💬 if you’ve watched this one before—or if it’s your first time tuning in.🎧 Full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@defenderslive/videos🔥 And don’t miss next week’s Slingin’ Lead highlight episode—coming soon!Notable Quotes* “You can always do more than you think you can.”* "Never quit—even when the wheels fall off, ride the axles."* “I want to be the man my grandfather was—resilient, responsible, respected.”🌐 Connect with Christian Griffith* Website: run2heal.org* Instagram: @christian_griffith* Charity: Run2Heal – Advocating for child abuse survivors through endurance sports and storytellingThanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe
In this deeply insightful episode, Lora welcomes Shane Kerwin, a seasoned Special Forces Medical Sergeant and sniper with over two decades of military experience. Together, they explore the intricate journey of transitioning from elite military service to training everyday citizens in personal defense. Shane shares how his deep-rooted philosophy of teaching, patience, and mentorship transforms training from technical instruction into life-changing personal empowerment.Through authentic dialogue, they discuss critical topics like mindset development, tactical anatomy, decision-making under stress, and the importance of cultivating protective instincts—particularly for women and survivors of violence.Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.🎯 What you'll learn from this powerhouse episode:👉 How Special Forces training translates to real-life self-defense🧠 Why mindset matters more than marksmanship under stress🔫 The truth about "tactical anatomy" & decision-making in gunfights❤️ Empowerment for survivors & women stepping into strength🧭 Becoming your own first responder—mentally, physically, emotionally🎙️ It’s deep. It’s real. It’s a must-listen.Notable Quotes* “There should be something about what you were doing last year…that makes you cringe just a little. That’s how you know you’re growing.” — Lora Thorson* “Somewhere, someone loves you and expects you to come home.” — Cali Kerwin, via ShaneResources & Mentions* Personal Survival Solutions: https://www.personalsurvivalsolutions.com* Upcoming course: Armed Citizens Encounters: Tactical Anatomy, Trauma & Treatments – July 2025* Irregular Warfare: Singleton Operator Course w/ Brian Hill – December 2025* A Girl & A Gun Conference – Shane will be instructing on grip, presentation, and processing multiple targets* Combatives Association Summit – September 2025* 🎯 Follow Defenders LIVE: http://www.Defenders-LIVE.comThanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Defenders LIVE at www.defenders-live.com/subscribe