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John Michael Greer returns to the show to discuss why populism has become the dominant current in American politics today and how a new group of elites are riding its wave to take power from and replace the current ruling managerial class. Join us as we discuss: What populism actually isWhy populism is gaining momentum in AmericaThe decline of the postwar managerial classThe forces driving the current political realignmentWho may be positioned to replace the old eliteWhat the rise of a new elite could mean for America’s futureIf you’re concerned about the state of the country and looking for insight into where we may be headed, this episode is for you. Resources: John Michael Greer's website Support the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)

What happens to a warrior when there are no more wars to fight?  That's the question I tackled with Antony Cummins, an author and historian who specializes in the Samurai of feudal Japan. For 250 years, Japan had no wars to fight. So what happens to a warrior class built entirely for war? In this episode, Antony unpacks the samurai code- not the movie version or the one of legend, but what these warriors really believed, and how they preserved their skills and mindset when the fighting stopped. Join us as we explore: The Samurai: who they were and what they didWhat was the warrior ethos of the samuraiHow the Samurai ethos evolved through Japan’s historyHow does a warrior stay sharp when there are no more wars to fight?And more! Enjoy, gents. And don’t forget to follow Antony to keep up with his latest book and video releases. Resources Antony’s YouTube Channel Antony’s website The Ultimate Art of War, Antony Cummins Support the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)

Most people think warrior ethos is just a code of conduct for soldiers. But what if those virtues reflected something deeper about human nature - even the world itself? In this episode, we trace the warrior ethos from the battlefields of the past to the myths of the ancient world, and explore how its lessons may be even more important today than they were a thousand years ago. Enjoy! Resources: The Sacred and The Profane, Mircea Eliade The Myth of The Eternal Return, Mircea Eliade The Poetic Edda, translated by Jackson Crawford Beowulf, translated by Tom Shippey The Saga of The Volsungs, translated by Jackson Crawford Support the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)

Societies rarely collapse overnight. More often, they decline slowly—becoming less competent, more restrictive, and harder to navigate with each passing year.  In this episode, we revisit the ideas of managed decline and soft totalitarianism, examine the possible paths societies take as institutions weaken, and lay out a practical framework for how you can position yourself to survive, adapt, and preserve what matters in an age of growing instability. So, pull up a chair and sit a spell as we discuss How to Survive the Long Descent. Resources: The Civil War Has Been Cancelled (Until Further Notice)The Civil War Has Been Cancelled Part IILive Not By Lies, Rod DreherSupport the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)

Honor, Manhood, and Warrior Virtues: An In-Depth Conversation with Matt Larson In this episode, I'm joined by guest Matt Larson.  Matt is veteran of the United States Marine Corps and 75th Ranger Regiment, where he, among other things, was instrumental in helping develop the United States Army's Modern Military Combatives Program. Join us as Matt shares his insights on the timeless principles of honor, manhood, and the cultural foundations that shape strong, disciplined individuals. We dive into historical insights, the psychology of combat, and how modern society can rebuild virtues essential for personal and societal resilience. Key Topics The evolving concept of honor from ancient Greece to todayThe psychological underpinnings of combat and warrior mentalityDifferences between martial arts, MMA, and tactical combat trainingThe role of discipline, duty, and loyalty in manhoodThe importance of community, rites of passage, and culturally transmitted virtuesPractical steps for men to cultivate honor and purposeAnd more!Resources & Links Matt Larson's SubstackCombatives University Belt SystemConnect with Matt Larson Twitter Support the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)

The Civil War Has Been Canceled – Part II In Part I, we challenged the idea that America is on the brink of civil war. This week, we go deeper. If the rupture isn’t coming… what is? Managed decline. What does it look like when institutions weaken but never quite fall? When costs rise, performance drops, and frustration builds — yet nothing explodes? When unrest makes headlines… but the system absorbs it and moves on?We break down the mechanics: economic pressure, regulatory creep, digital traceability, elite competition — and how modern systems discipline without tanks in the streets. No hysteria. No fantasy. Just analysis. Part III shifts to strategy — how to live, build, and remain steady in an environment like this. It’s all in this week’s episode of PST. Support the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)

The prospect for civil war is a hot topic right now. Stories in the news about polarization, economic stress, violent riots, and civil unrest make it seem inevitable. And yet… nothing ever seems to happen. Why? In this episode, we explore the surprising forces shaping modern unrest, why mass movements fail to mature, and what that means for the society we live in. This isn’t speculation, it’s a careful look at history, institutions, and human behavior in high-pressure systems. Why you should listen: Understand the unseen forces that prevent civil conflict even under extreme tensionLearn why unrest simmers without igniting, and what that reveals about modern institutionsGain insight into how society is evolving under stress, and what that might mean for your personal strategyIt's all inside this episode of PST! Support the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)

What happens when the power goes out—and it’s not an accident? In recent years, attacks on our nation’s critical infrastructure have revealed just how fragile these modern systems we all rely on really are.  When infrastructure fails, the effects cascade fast: hospitals strain, medical devices stop working, fuel pumps go offline, and public safety degrades. Civilians often suffer the most, even though they play no role in protecting these systems. In this episode, we examine real attacks on the U.S. power grid, what actually happened on the ground, how some plots were detected and stopped, and what these incidents reveal about risk, preparedness, and resilience. We’ll also explore what you can realistically do—without paranoia or vigilantism—to recognize warning signs, respond during outages, and reduce second-order effects when systems fail. So, pull up a chair and sit a spell as we talk about When the Grid Fails: Lessons from Real Attacks Nation's Infrastructure. Resources: Learn about DHS' National Infrastructure Protection PlanBaltimore Substation Plot 2022DOJ Press Release on the Washington State AttackAdditional news stories here and hereSupport the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)

What does it mean to be a warrior when the odds are not in your favor and even the world seems to have turned its back on you? Welcome to the world of the heroes in Northern European myth. The divine heroes Beowulf, Sigurd, and Starkadr and the Germanic warriors who venerated them, lived in a world of stark extremes, where courage, honor, and strength were tested at every turn. Their stories weren’t just entertainment; they were guides for living boldly in a harsh and uncertain world. While we no longer live in these warrior cultures of the past, those of us attempting to walk this path in the modern world still face the same eternal questions: How do you live knowing that everything you love will one day die?How do you act with honor in a world no longer believes in it?How do you continue to fight when you feel as though the battle cannot be won?This is the world these warriors inhabited, and through their deeds, their trials, and their defiance, we find answers to the timeless questions of how to live, act, and fight with honor today. So, strap in and get ready for a wild ride through the world of the Germanic Hero.  It's all in this episode of the Pearl Snap Tactical Podcast! Resources: Laughing Shall I Die: The Lives and Deaths of the Vikings, Tom Shippey Saga of the Volsungs, translated by Jackson Crawford The History of the Danes, Saxo Grammaticus Beowulf, translated by Seamus Heaney Support the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)

In this episode, we explore three timeless combat principles that separate those who survive from those who don’t — principles built around movement, coordination, and security. These simple but powerful rules have been passed down through generations of soldiers and protectors because they work, both on the battlefield and in everyday life. We’ll break down how to stay mobile and unpredictable under pressure, how to coordinate fire and movement to end a threat quickly, and why security isn’t just a tactical step — it’s a mindset that frames every action before, during, and after the fight. Whether you’re a professional in the field or a civilian dedicated to protecting your family, this episode shows how these battlefield fundamentals can guide you through crisis, chaos, and uncertainty. Resources: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad, US Army FM 3-21.8 Support the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)

Every culture has its heroes, but for the ancient Greeks, the hero wasn’t just a man who fought bravely or achieved great things. He was something far greater. He was a mortal who strained against the limits of what it meant to be human. The hero stood in that dangerous space between man and god, where strength, passion, and fate collided. In this episode, we’re going to explore the figure of the Greek hero, not as myth or metaphor, but as a model for how to live and fight with purpose in a world that’s forgotten both.  Grab your spear and tighten your helmet cords because this one will challenge the way your see the world and your place in it! Resources:   The Greek Hero in 24 Hours, Gregory Nagy The Illiad, Homer (Stephen Mitchell translation) The Odyssy, Homer  Support the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)

When disaster hits, highways turn into parking lots. Fuel runs dry. Communications fail. Families get separated. We’ve seen it with Katrina, Rita, and other major evacuations—and it will happen again. This episode gives you the tools to plan a civilian convoy the right way: routes, timing, vehicle roles, comms, and how to keep your group moving when everyone else is stuck.  If you think convoy operations are just for the military or private military contractors, think again.  Real-world lessons. Practical tactics. No theory. It's all in this episode of the Pearl Snap Tactical Podcast! Support the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)

Most people train to fight as individuals, but few ever learn how to fight as a team. That’s where small unit tactics come in. But are these tactics only for soldiers on the battlefield, or can they also be used to give law enforcement officers and armed citizens an edge in the real world? That’s what this episode is about. In this transmission, we cover: What small unit tactics actually are and how they developed The roles and responsibilities inside a conventional rifle squadWhy understanding these principles is essential for law enforcement officers and civiliansSo pull up a chair and sit a spell as we talk about Small Unit Tactics.  It's all inside this episode of the Pearl Snap Tactical Podcast! Resources: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad, FM 3-21-8Small Unit Tactics, Max AlexanderInfantry Rifle Platoon and Squad, FM 7-8Support the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)

What does it mean to be unbreakable? In this episode, we explore the heroic mindset found in myth, philosophy, and warrior tradition. Drawing from a particular story from the Viking Age, we’ll uncover how ancient lessons can guide us in building resilience, honor, and strength in a modern world that seeks to weaken men. This is about more than survival, it’s about becoming unbreakable. This is a deeper riff off the previous episode I did with John Michael Greer on operationalizing myth.  You can listen to that one first if you need some more background on the topic, or not.  This episode can stand on its own. Enjoy! Resources: The Poetic Edda, Lee Hollander  The Seeds of Yggrasill, Maria Kvilhaug The Power of Myth, Joseph Campbell Support the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)

John Michael Greer Returns!!! What if myth isn’t just a story, but a weapon, a compass, and a shield? In this episode, I’m joined once again by author and researcher, John Michael Greer, to explore how myth can be operationalized. For those of us living at the sharp end of history: warriors, law enforcement officers, and security-minded citizens, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss! Join John and I as we discuss:  what myths are (and what they’re not),how myths shapes the lives of warrior cultures in antiquity and how they continue to impact us today,how myths can be a powerful tool to develop strength and resiliency the dangers that result when myths are weaponized against youand much more!This is not an academic discussion. It’s a roadmap for those who still believe in duty, honor, sacrifice, and the deep story beneath it all. In the end, you’ll learn that myth is not just a story to be read, it’s function that’s meant to be lived. Don’t miss it!  Resources: John Michael Greer's Blog Support the show Get Members Only Content when you upgrade to a premium membership on our Substack page.  Click here. Link up with us: Website:  Pearl Snap Tactical Instagram: Pearl Snap Tactical X:  Pearl Snap Tacitical The views and opinions expressed by the guests do not necessarily reflect those of the host, this podcast or affiliates.  The information provided in these shows are for educational purposes do not constitute legal advice.  Those interest in training in the use of firearms or other self-defense applications are advised to seek out a professional, qualified instructor. (Some of the links in the episode show notes are affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products or services we have personally used and believe will add value to our listeners.)