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Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast. My guest today is Chris Woomer, founder of VEIL Solutions. Chris is a designer, builder, and instructor who has spent years developing holsters and equipment for responsibly armed citizens, law enforcement, and military professionals. He’s also a masterclass competitive shooter and martial artist who approaches his craft with the mindset of both an artist and a problem solver. I first came across Chris while searching for people presenting ideas rooted in philosophy and methodology rather than internet noise. His stoic approach, deep conviction, and willingness to challenge conventional thinking immediately stood out. We finally had the chance to sit down face-to-face at SHOT Show 2026. Chris isn’t chasing hype or headlines. He’s focused on the work—often behind the scenes—pushing the industry forward through thoughtful design, hard-earned experience, and a relentless pursuit of getting it right.  Sit back and enjoy this After Dark conversation with Chris Woomer here on the Iron Sights Podcast. Timestamps: 00.00 Intro 07:54 Chris's Background 12:04 Building Veil Solutions 18:13 Focus And Rabbit Holes 25:44 Becoming An Instructor 31:05 Why Teaching Matters 36:35 Who Seeks Training 46:04 Work Ethic Mindset 53:39 Luck Vs Preparation 01:02:36 Design And Reps 01:09:27 Product Development 01:16:20 SHOT Show Reality 01:20:14 Breaching Origin Story Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, Ryan and I step outside the usual gym conversation and talk about something most people overlook — getting outside and actually playing. We break down the physical performance benefits, the psychological and physiological upsides, and even the cognitive and sensory advantages of spending time outdoors. If you’re training hard inside the gym but feeling like something’s missing, this conversation might help you connect a few dots. This isn’t about abandoning structured training. It’s about enhancing it. If your goal is to look better, feel better, and perform better, you might need more fresh air than you think. Sit back and enjoy. - Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 (NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 06:45 Loss Of Play 11:41 Early Specialization 19:28 Ski Trip Reality Check 21:24 Predictable Vs Random Training 25:45 Nature & Mental Health 31:05 Play > Metrics 33:55 When Lifting Gets Stale 41:47 Adding Play To Training 47:39 Gym Supports Sport 51:38 Tools & Dogma 58:58 Social & Family Play 01:02:03 Stop Chasing Perfect Programs Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast. Recorded at SHOT Show 2026, I sit down with Paul Costa of Broken Arrow Defense and Achilles Heel Tactical. Paul’s background was built the hard way — patrol cars, high-risk warrants, working alongside a canine, and years in environments where fundamentals weren’t optional. They were survival. Today, Paul carries that same commitment into the training world, instructing law enforcement and responsible citizens in firearms tactics and performance. A Masterclass competitive shooter, Walther Pro Staff instructor, and Safariland cadre member, Paul is first and foremost a student of the craft — and it shows. We talk about building skill that holds under pressure, developing people and teams, the realities of the firearms training business, and what pursuing mastery really means in a world chasing shortcuts. This was one I’d been looking forward to for a long time. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark conversation with Paul Costa on the Iron Sights Podcast. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:17 In-Person Edge 07:07 LE Background 11:57 Burnout 29:10 Civilians > Cops 35:16 Injury Pivot 43:40 Going Solo 58:32 Training Business 01:14:34 Culture Shift 01:43:11 Grip Myth 02:01:49 Partnerships 02:13:08 Pistol Debate 02:21:52 What’s Next Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m back in the studio with Ryan and CeCe from Red Dot Fitness breaking down our top three exercise picks for performance and longevity. If your goal is to look better, feel better, and continue performing at a high level for years to come, this conversation is for you. We walk through why these movements made the list, the reasoning behind them, and how you can plug them into your own training without overcomplicating things. No gimmicks. No trendy movements. Just exercises that deliver long-term value. Sit back and enjoy this episode with the Red Dot Fitness crew. - Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 (NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:33 One Lift For Life 04:23 Trap Bar Case 09:30 Real-World Strength 11:05 Power Clean Debate 17:07 Longevity Shift 18:53 Split Squat Wins 23:02 Zercher Option 24:49 Unilateral Advantage 29:52 Programming Hack 32:19 Pain & Ego 39:29 Scaling Options 42:15 Final Picks Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast. Recorded at SHOT Show 2026, I sit down with Bryan Williams — better known as the Unicorn Chief. From SWAT operator to Chief, a stint in City Hall, and back to policing, Bryan’s career has given him a perspective that most people in the profession never get. He’s seen leadership from the street, the admin side, and the political layer in between. In this conversation, we dig into police culture, mentorship, accountability, and why standards in training actually matter. As a USPSA Grandmaster, Bryan doesn’t just preach performance — he lives it. If he’s not in the office handling the administrative side of the job, he’s on the range sharpening his edge and pushing others to do the same. Brian is direct. He doesn’t sugarcoat. He’s not interested in protecting feelings — he’s interested in protecting the mission. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with the Unicorn Chief, Bryan Williams. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 08:38 Bryan’s Career 18:52 Leadership Path 28:42 Public Perception 40:03 Leadership Struggles 48:16 City Management 01:04:53 Leadership Defined 01:14:07 Accountability Crisis 01:22:27 Mentorship 01:27:21 Training Challenges 01:42:57 Competition & Standards 01:55:09 Execution Mode 02:02:09 Self-Care Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

At SHOT Show 2026, I sat down with Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, for a conversation that goes way beyond optics, sales, or gear. Joe’s journey started on the floor of his family’s small retail shop in Wisconsin, long before the boardroom. That early exposure to people, service, and doing things the right way shaped what would become Vortex’s defining edge: a relentless focus on human connection. In this After Dark episode, we dig into leadership, the Care Movement, and why people-first culture beats short-term efficiency every time. We talk about building trust, leading with purpose, and creating loyalty that can’t be bought. This one’s about heart, hustle, and human performance — the kind that actually lasts. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark conversation with Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, here on the Iron Sides Podcast. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:38 Joe’s Background 11:49 Vortex Growth 24:19 Leadership 43:31 Efficiency vs People 48:58 Customer First 57:57 Hiring 01:04:45 Scaling 01:21:28 Caring Culture 01:39:42 Family Business 01:46:47 Innovation Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Hunter Freeland at SHOT Show 2026. About a year in the making, this conversation covers Hunter’s journey through the military, law enforcement, contracting, and his transition into launching Hunter Freeland Shooting. We talk philosophy, methodology, mindset, and what really matters beyond just shooting performance. Hunter is known for being stoic, disciplined, and serious about the craft—but his vision goes deeper than marksmanship. He’s focused on building responsible individuals, strong advocates for the Second Amendment, and better humans overall.This one’s honest, thoughtful, and packed with perspective for shooters, instructors, and anyone trying to do things the right way. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with Hunter Freeland on the Iron Sights Podcast. Check out Hunter's website here: hfshooting.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 09:58 Teaching & Training 14:24 Business & Image 17:42 Community & Culture 38:18 Pro vs Hobby 45:33 Sport Evolution 48:47 Responsibility 54:10 Industry Challenges 01:22:17 LE & Competition 01:38:04 Skill & Growth 02:05:31 Closing Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m back in the studio with Ryan and Cece breaking down flexibility and mobility without the hype. We talk physiology, anatomy, programming, and where mobility work actually fits into a real training week. We also hit on some of the trends floating around right now—fascial training, mobility “systems,” and why a lot of this stuff misses the point. If you’re trying to move better, train smarter, and stop wasting time on things that don’t matter, this one’s for you. Sit back and enjoy. - Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 (NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:39 Flexibility Struggles 05:34 Flexibility vs Mobility 07:32 Nervous System Role 09:22 Rehab & Post-Surgery 11:02 Improving Mobility 18:33 Mobility Tools 23:08 Strength vs Mobility 29:58 Range of Motion 33:52 Hyperflexibility Issues 40:31 Fascia & Mobility 49:04 Making Mobility Stick 54:32 Training Sessions Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

This is a special SHOT Show 2026 edition of the Iron Sights Podcast, recorded on the floor in collaboration with Good Dude Concepts. I’m joined by Chris Kuras (Good Dude Concepts), Bruno Fallon (Born Primitive), Jon Dufresne (Connecticut’s Consulting / See The Night), Blake Cook, and Jack Lewis (Black Tiger International). We talk about what brought us to SHOT, what stood out, and then let the conversation go where it needed to go — firearms training, health and fitness, leadership, culture, and the realities behind the industry. No scripts. No marketing pitches. Just honest conversations, new connections, and perspectives from people doing real work. If you’ve somehow missed Good Dude Concepts, they make the BRB breacher bar for real-world entry work—grab yours at good-dude.com and save on shipping with code IRON SIGHTS. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:06 SHOT Show   05:44 Night Ops Summit   12:50 Community Ties   26:25 Sobriety Journey   30:43 Good Dude Concepts   40:58 Mentorship   45:19 LE Training   55:28 Standards   01:12:16 Close Call   01:17:55 High Standards   01:31:07 Leadership   01:39:48 Positive Energy   01:41:48 Culture Shift   01:51:44 Final Thoughts   02:08:56 Closing   Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this roundtable episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, Ryan, Cece, and I kick off the year by taking a hard look at health and fitness in 2026. We revisit what we were talking about this time last year, what’s changed, and what’s somehow gotten louder — without necessarily getting better. We break down the new food pyramid push, GLP-1s and what we’re seeing with real clients, the body positivity conversation, and how AI is reshaping coaching, wearables, and the consumer fitness market. No doom, no hype — just perspective from the studio and the trenches. Sit back and enjoy this one. - Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 (NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:01 2025 Health Trends 06:12 GLP-1 Overview 10:28 GLP-1 Experiences 22:02 Food Pyramid Changes 36:30 Social Media Experts 37:58 AI In Fitness 42:59 Risks Of AI 55:16 Gamified Fitness Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m joined by my favorite nutrition coach, Steven Brenna, to break down the five most annoying—and avoidable—things that drive both nutrition coaches and clients crazy. If you’re currently in a nutrition coaching program, thinking about hiring a coach, or you are a coach yourself, this conversation will save you time and frustration. These are the mistakes we see over and over again because, as the saying goes, we know a few things because we’ve seen a few things. This episode is about setting better expectations, improving communication, and getting more out of the nutrition process—without the nonsense. - Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 (NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:21 Coaching Frustrations 03:09 Setting Expectations 10:14 Why Tracking Matters 29:01 Blame Game (Age & Hormones) 35:20 Comparison Trap 37:20 Diet Trends & Consistency 45:30 Training Vs. Nutrition 53:33 Trust & Honesty 01:06:55 Carb Myths 01:09:17 Changing Beliefs Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Raphael, a 17-year law enforcement veteran and range staff member at a major Bay Area agency. A Grand Master–level shooter, Raphael has been instrumental in helping move training at his agency in a better direction. We talk about his journey, what it takes to challenge outdated training systems from the inside, and the practical steps that have actually worked for him and his partners. If you’re law enforcement, a shooter, or an instructor trying to improve training without blowing things up, this episode has real takeaways. Follow Raphael on Instagram at @redhats_slowgats and enjoy this After Dark conversation on the Iron Sights Podcast. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:00 Raphael’s Background 05:17 LE & Competition 09:15 Training Challenges 17:18 Red Dot Adoption 29:12 Training Standards 33:44 Fundamentals 38:08 Skill Builders 41:40 Leadership 48:39 LE Competition 55:23 Training Balance 01:07:56 Compete To Improve 01:11:12 Explore Vs Perform 01:16:39 Training Culture 01:21:25 Social Media 01:35:28 Wrap-Up Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m back in the studio with Cece and Ryan breaking down nine practical tips to make your cardio training more effective—without turning it into a science lecture or chasing fitness rabbit holes. Most people approach cardio with the wrong focus. Today we help you reframe how you think about your cardio sessions, what actually matters, and how to stop wasting time while still improving endurance, efficiency, and recovery. We also touch on heart rate–based training and point you toward our free Heart Rate Zone Training Guide, which shows you how to structure cardio using personalized zones—whether you’re using a treadmill chart, a heart rate monitor, or a smartwatch. Grab it free at reddotfitness.net/rdfguides and start training with more intention. - 25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.com FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 (NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:27 Cardio Myths 05:03 Smarter Cardio 14:25 Walking Benefits 28:26 HIIT Explained 37:57 Skill vs Intensity 42:47 Cardio vs Strength 46:12 Fat-Burn Myth 48:58 Making Cardio Stick 58:52 Play & Longevity 01:03:14 Cardio Takeaways Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Red Dot Fitness nutrition coach Steven Brenna to talk about essential amino acids (EAAs) and what role they actually play in muscle, performance, and long-term health. We break down what the research says, what it doesn’t, and how EAAs compare to BCAAs—without getting lost in the weeds. If you’re training hard, trying to maintain muscle, or just want to make smarter decisions about supplementation, this episode will give you some real clarity. No hype. Just context and practical takeaways you can use. - 25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.com FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 (NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:40 Creatine 04:50 EAAs vs BCAAs 12:28 Amino Basics 20:54 Muscle & Aging 33:29 Protein Intake 36:22 Bulk vs Cut 45:08 EAA Timing 50:39 Choosing EAAs 58:13 HMB 01:00:02 Wrap-Up Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

Today on the Iron Sights Podcast After Dark, I’m sitting down with Billy Barton — a Grand Master USPSA shooter, high-level competitor, and the owner of SpecTrain | Firearms Training. Billy has been on my short list for a long time, and after a few missed connections, we finally made it happen here in California. What makes Billy interesting is not a military or law enforcement background — it’s his process. He’s a shooter who went all-in, became highly competitive in a short period of time, and then naturally transitioned into coaching and instruction. In this conversation, we dig into how he trains, how he thinks about skill development, how he prepares for competition, and how he approaches teaching shooters at every level. This episode is especially valuable if you’re deep into your shooting journey — whether you’re competing, instructing, or trying to figure out how to train smarter instead of just doing more reps. Billy breaks down the systems, habits, and decision-making that actually move the needle. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there is a formula, and Billy does a great job laying it out. If shooting performance matters to you, grab a notebook. Billy doesn’t waste words, and there’s a lot here worth unpacking. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with Billy Barton of Spectrain on the Iron Sights Podcast. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:54 Billy's Background 06:22 Competition 22:28 Spec Train 39:23 Fundamentals 41:31 Structure 42:19 Dry Fire 44:24 Hard Lessons 49:15 2026 Plans 59:57 Consistency 01:09:40 Skills 01:18:08 Modes 01:21:58 Evolution 01:38:26 Coaching 02:02:43 LE & Competition 02:13:12 Closing Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/