Shooting Blanks Podcast

The most fascinating part about being able to have incredible conversations with top-level operators is getting to know them on a personal level. This episode, I had the privilege of talking firearms safety, military experiences, and the life of US Army Green Beret, Donnon B, also known as "Afro Tactics." As you will hear, Donnon has a deeply-seated knowledge of firearms and an understanding of life. This comes from his experience as a Green Beret, but also as a battlefield paramedic and international traveler. 

While driving through a rural area, you witness a potential catastrophe unfolding: An unknown assailant is straddling a law enforcement officer, beating the officer with a dark object. The officer is in obvious distress and backup is no where to be seen. How do you react? In the instant it took you to read this paragraph, Arizona freelance photographer, Thomas Yoxall, found himself in the same situation. Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper Edward Andersson had been shot and was laying helpless as a suspect beat him within minutes of death.  Thomas and I discuss the mental preparation, execution, and post traumatic stress that accompanies a regular citizen taking extraordinary measures to save the life of a law enforcement officer.  This is a must listen if you carry a firearm in the furtherance of your work, or as a responsible firearm owner.

I'm joined by a very special guest, known predominately by his Instagram handle, @_shooter_rughi_. You may not recognize him immediately, but this brave United States Marine played a significant role in the recent protest-turned-riot in downtown Seattle. Without a doubt, "Shooter Rughi" saved a number of innocent civilians from an unfortunate end on the night of May 30, 2020. Join me as I have the honor and privilege of dissecting his heroism in the face of extreme danger. 

On this episode of Shooting Blanks Podcast, it's my honor to speak with the talent musician and creator of ADHD Lullaby Mr. Bryan Wisda. Those who have children with ADHD will understand the importance of their children getting quality sleep and how it affects their development. Bryan knows this first-hand, because his son Cole has been diagnosed with ADHD. After his involvement in a critical incident as a law enforcement officer, Bryan decided to pick up a new hobby by playing guitar during his recovery. His new hobby became an album that he hopes to share with parents across the world.  Bestselling author Dr. Edward Hallowell described ADHD Lullaby as one of the best ADHD products he has come across in his professional career.  ADHD Lullaby is available on Spotify, Amazon, iTunes, and Tidal.

Chief Deputy Matthew Thomas has served the Pinal County Sheriff's Office with distinguishment since 1993. An Arizona native, Chief Thomas humbly began his law enforcement career as a Detention Officer before moving into Patrol, Narcotics Enforcement, Human Smuggling, and held a Regional Commander role with the agency's well-populated San Tan Valley region. As Chief Deputy for Pinal County, Chief Thomas provides oversight of over 600 personnel who work day-in, day-out to protect more than 460,000 residents.

Is your company prepared to react to a crisis? It doesn't matter if you sell delicious, fluffy, cream-filled bearclaws or firearms, you need to have a plan. Our friend, Mr. Jonathan Bernstein of Bernstein Crisis Management joins us (socially distanced, of course) to discuss the basics of having a plan in the event of a crisis. For more information on Bernstein Crisis Management and the tools they can provide you, I highly encourage you to visit their website at https://www.BernsteinCrisisManagement...

Check out my interview with one of the finest police officers in the state of Arizona, Tempe Police Department's Officer Lindsay McCall Long. Officer McCall Long and I chat shenanigans and take a serious turn when we discuss her own experiences with a critical incident that played a major part in her personal life, her career, and her future.