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On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the slow, halting progress of the DOJ's promised gun rights restoration plan and then the guys talk football for way too long. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with Danny and discuss the day he witnessed a driver road rage another driver only to realize that it was an unmarked police car. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss what role if any gun rights or gun politics might play in how people vote in this year's midterm elections. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the new restrictive gun laws that Virginia Governor Spanberger just signed into law and the many legal challenges that are sure to follow.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss some of the new rules laid out by the BATFand explain how they could actually streamline the gun buying process and fundamentally change the way people purchase firearms. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss President trump's newly minted permanent BATF director and the recent batch of new rules released by the agency and why (this time at least) it's not bad news for gun rights folks. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with father and self defender Jason and discuss the day he took his young daughter to Balboa Park on a beautiful day in San Diego to ride her E-Bike when the day turned ugly as she was accosted by a stranger and things went terribly wrong. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and follow up on last week's discussion of Virginia's bill proposing expansive firearms restrictions and discuss the legislature rejecting some of the key changes that Governor Spanberger requested when she sent the bills back. Also Stephen and Mike talk about the DOJ's position on the reclassification of marijuana as it relates to gun ownership. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the recent controversial anti-gun legislation in Virginia that Governor Spanberger sent back to the legislature with recommendations for further restrictions. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with first amendment auditor Zach (Liberty Troll) and discuss the day he was outside a cannabis dispensary filming the comings and goings when a patient/customer took umbrage at his presence and decided to accost him and how he opted to use OC spray to dissuade her from her assault. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss what The Reload calls the schizophrenic nature of the DOJ's current stance on guns and the 2nd Amendment. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the recent dismissal of Attorney General Pam Bondi and what her replacement might mean for the Trump administration's gun policy moving forward. Then we discuss a recent brief filed by the North Carolina chapter of the ACLU on behalf of a criminal defendant in a prohibited possessor case.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with police officer Dylan and discuss the night he was working patrol when the relative peace was shattered when he was just a block away as dispatch reported shots fired at the local Walmart. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a recent ruling in Texas where a Trump-appointed judge upheld a law enacting gun free places and we delve into why the state didn't even send a representative to defend the law. Additionally, Stephen talks about his recent experience instructing journalism students on the function and proper handling of firearms.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with self defender Brian and discuss the night he was relaxing with his wife and children when a random stranger began beating on his door in what appeared to be an attempt to break into his house and what Brian did in response.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com Video Intro by Joe Russo
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the rather confusing recent series of events surrounding the Biden era SBR pistol brace rule issued by the ATF.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
Riding Shotgun With Charlie #250 John Correia Active Self Protection This is a momentous episode! First, I didn't think, or know, that there would ever be 250 episodes of RSWC. I started the show with an idea, a couple GoPros, and no knowledge of how to edit video. Second, that I'd ever get John Correia on the show! I got to have Neil (#116) and Stephanie (#112) Weidner on the show back in 2021. They both work at Active Self Protection. We've had an ongoing joke that I had them on but didn't want to have John. This year at SHOT, we made it happen. John grew up in the San Francisco area. He's a 49ers fan and "gold and red 'til he's cold and dead." There wasn't much shooting or hunting going on, living with his mom and her parents for a while. His dad did own firearms, but it was mostly for duck hunting and not something John did with him. Around 13, he did some recreational shooting and occasional hunting with his paternal grandfather on his biological father's side. However, this man was a prohibited possessor despite owning some firearms. At 19 years old, John joined "Uncle Sam's Canoe Club" and was a nuclear reactor operator. And he also got married. Boot camp provided almost zero shooting, other than a converted AR into a .22. During candidate school, he was rear ended by a drunk driver, which messed up his back, and two years later, he was out of the Navy. After the injury, he was the first person to use the vocational rehabilitation education for a religious education. He cranked out 96 credit hours in 3 years as that's what the program paid for. Helping people is what he wanted to do and has done in several ways. From 2003 until 2018, he was pastor at a small church of about 150 people. Making ends meet, raising a family, and earning the Master's degree, kept him very busy. Going to seminary, he was also working as a retail manager at a video game store. When the PS3 and Xbox360 came out, there was lots of talk about people mugging managers to get the consoles. Arizona was a shall issue at the time. To be able to protect himself, he got the wrong gun, the wrong ammo, and the wrong holster and started carrying. His son was doing martial arts as an activity and wanted dad to join him, but John kept pushing it off until the end of grad school. Having had a gun in the house for a few years, he realized that having a gun was a 'non-zero risk' for the family. As we all know, training is expensive. So he pursued becoming a firearm instructor to be able to have some tax write offs. For a while he was living a dual life as a pastor and a firearm instructor. There was some crossover content on his socials, so he started a page just for gun activities. One evening he brought a video of a self defense scenario to work out how to combat it at martial arts. That is how the Active Self Protection YouTube channel sprouted. There's much more to his origin story. It all blends in together with martial arts, wanting to teach, and building a community. I love hearing stories about how people start taking action and making things happen. John and his ASP team create content to publish every day. It's not always easy being a creator, working around being an expert witness and all the other activities. He's had to hire new people then more people to keep things going so that he can focus on what he's good at. ASP has a YouTube channel. A second YouTube channel. Their own app. And a conference. Getting together with John at SHOT this year was great. I'm glad he was able to make the time. It's been nearly five years of talking about doing a show and finally making it happen. It's great that it's a big guest for the 250th episode. Favorite quotes: "I didn't grow up in the church. I didn't grow up as a Christian… Jesus picked me up and shook me real hard." "If I'm going to have a gun in the house, it represents a non-zero risk to my family." "I could be the John Madden of on-camera violence." "The beauty of being self employed is you can pick any you want to work your 70 hours a week." "Religion can be a highly dangerous thing. And yet, I don't want government to license to can practice religion." Active Self Protection YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ActiveSelfProtection ASP Website https://activeselfprotection.com/ ASP Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ActiveSelfProtection/ ASP Instagram https://www.instagram.com/activeselfprotection/ Second Amendment Foundation https://secure.anedot.com/saf/donate?sc=RidingShotgun Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms https://www.ccrkba.org/ Please support the Riding Shotgun With Charlie supporters. US Law Shield Legal Defense for Self Defense. Use "RSWC" as the discount code and get 2 months for free! https://www.uslawshield.com Patriot Mobile Use this link and get one month for free! https://patriotmobile.com/partners/rswc Or listen on: iTunes/Apple podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/riding-shotgun-with-charlie/id1275691565
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss why it will be a tough road for Virginians who are hoping to see the state's new AR-15 ban reversed for a number of reasons and why it's possible that it could be decided by the Supreme Court eventually. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with self defender Tyler and discuss the day he was in a store minding his own business when an angry man made himself known, threatened to start shooting people and then went to his car and started digging around in his trunk. This episode delves into third party encounters and whether we should stay or go when given the option.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss several news stories involving the second amendment. D.C.'s high court struck down magazine capacity limits while Virginia is poised to restrict them AND ban the sale or transfer of many popular firearms including AR-15s. We also discuss the SCOTUS oral arguments regarding marijuana users and gun ownership.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss The Reload's recent deep dive into the files released by the DOJ regarding Jeffrey Epstein and how there is a tie-in to the firearms world and then we talk about pending gun legislation in the state of Virginia.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss an ongoing legal battle involving a Florida lawyer and 3D printed firearms details on the internet and then we discuss an encouraging series of wins for out-of-state or non-resident CCW issuance. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with self defender Clark and discuss the day a man walked into his home unannounced and how Clark reacted and then what went down the second time it happened! . Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss President Trump's ATF nominee and US Attorney Pirro's controversial statements about guns in D.C.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
If you prefer to watch the video you can find it at the bottom of this webpage. Episode Sponsors: HK-USA Upgraded ConcealedCarry.com Experience Active Self Protection About This Episode: In this episode, I engage with Neil and Stephanie Wiedner, prominent figures in the Active Self-Protection team, exploring their journeys within the firearms industry. We discuss Neil’s formative experiences with guns and Stephanie’s transformation from apprehension to advocacy for self-defense training, particularly influenced by her role as a foster parent. Our conversation spans the evolving landscape of self-defense training, emphasizing the need for continuous education, discipline in practice, and the importance of mentorship. We conclude with practical advice for newcomers in the firearms world, underlining the universal principles of self-improvement and confidence-building. This insightful dialogue highlights their professional experiences and personal philosophies, shedding light on their valuable contributions to firearm safety education. As always, any questions or suggestions for future episodes can be submitted to podcast@concealedcarry.com! Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us this week. Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed the podcast the biggest compliment you could give us would be to subscribe to future episodes via a podcast app on your phone or via iTunes. You can find past podcast episodes by clicking here. Video Recording: Press PLAY on the video below to watch the video recording! {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https://www.concealedcarry.com#/schema/video/4244570","name":"S13E5: Lessons From the Beginning w/ Neil & Steph Weidner","description":"In this episode, I engage with Neil and Stephanie Weidner, prominent figures in the Active Self-Protection team, exploring their journeys within the firearms industry. We discuss Neil's formative experiences with guns and Stephanie's transformation from apprehension to advocacy for self-defense training, particularly influenced by her role as a foster parent.","thumbnailUrl":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TSaigzjxhBg/maxresdefault.jpg","uploadDate":"2026-02-06T12:27:00-07:00","embedUrl":"https://www.concealedcarry.com/player-embed/id/4244570/?autoplay=0","duration":"PT59M47S"}
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with self defender Kegan and discuss the day his mother was eating at a restaurant when her ex-husband appeared, walked up to her, drew a gun from his pocket, pointed it at her head and pulled the trigger. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week, we're taking a close look at the key moments in the Alex Pretti shooting. To do that, we've got one of the best use-of-force experts out there: John Correia. John has run Active Self Protection for years, where he has analyzed countless videos of self-defense and police-involved shootings over the last decade. He is also a gun-safety instructor and expert witness. He said there are several key moments from the shooting that provide insight into the likely legality of the agents' actions. He pointed to the moment the first agent came over to shove the woman next to Pretti, the moment he interceded with that agent, the point where he was taken to the ground, the moment Pretti was disarmed, and the point where the first shots were taken as important to understand. He explained why those interactions would be paramount for a potential jury considering the case. He also discussed Pretti's decision to carry a gun. He said, despite President Donald Trump's comments to the contrary, carrying an extra magazine isn't unusual. Though, he also said he wouldn't advise people to carry places where they know there may be an elevated level of risk. But he said that if it's legal, it's ultimately up to the carrier to decide. Ultimately, Correia gave his overall assessment of Pretti's killing and the agents' conduct.Special Guest: John Correia.
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with self defender Mike and discuss his recent commute home in his company truck and how it was interrupted when a very angry man in HIS company truck and trailer decided to follow him home and strongly express his displeasure at Mike's driving abilities. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss legislation that is making it's way through the halls of the Virginia state house that would ban large swaths of popular rifles and shotguns and would also ban magazines with more than 10 rounds capacity AND include provisions that would require residents to turn in existing magazines to the government.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
If you prefer to watch the video you can find it at the bottom of this webpage. Episode Sponsors: HK USA About This Episode: In this episode, I engage in insightful conversations recorded at SHOT Show 2026 with notable guests John Correa from Active Self-Protection, Adam Winch from Defenders USA, and Brian Hill of The Complete Combatant. We explore innovations in self-defense and firearms, including a groundbreaking 3D-printed suppressor that signifies a shift in firearm accessibility and the legal landscape. We reflect on our paths into self-defense training, sharing personal narratives that highlight how experiences shaped our commitment to teaching. Each guest offers perspectives on influential mentors and transformative training moments, underscoring the collaborative nature of our community. Our discussions culminate in a commitment to lifelong learning in firearms mastery, recognizing that skill development is intertwined with empathy and the responsibility of mentorship. Join us as we delve into these vital topics in the evolving realm of personal safety and firearms training. As always, any questions or suggestions for future episodes can be submitted to podcast@concealedcarry.com! Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us this week. Have some feedback you'd like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below. If you enjoyed the podcast the biggest compliment you could give us would be to subscribe to future episodes via a podcast app on your phone or via iTunes. You can find past podcast episodes by clicking here. Video Recording: Press PLAY on the video below to watch the video recording! {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https://www.concealedcarry.com#/schema/video/4244015","name":"S13E2: SHOT Show Shenanigans with John Correia, Adam Winch, and Brian Hill","description":"Riley Bowman engages in insightful conversations recorded at SHOT Show 2026 with notable guests John Correa from Active Self-Protection, Adam Winch from Defenders USA, and Brian Hill of The Complete Combatant. We explore innovations in self-defense and firearms, including a groundbreaking 3D-printed suppressor that signifies a shift in firearm accessibility and the legal landscape.","thumbnailUrl":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/M4UmeEo10kg/maxresdefault.jpg","uploadDate":"2026-01-26T18:11:48-07:00","contentUrl":"https://usaft.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/video/2026/CCPodcast_BH_AW_JC_HK+Booth.mp4","embedUrl":"https://www.concealedcarry.com/player-embed/id/4244015/?autoplay=0","duration":"PT53M02S","interactionStatistic":{"@type":"InteractionCounter","interactionType":{"@type":"http://schema.org/WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":13}}
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a Maryland appeals court case and a Hawaii SCOTUS case both regarding the so-called "Vampire Rule" and a man successfully registered a potato as a silencer with the BATFE. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with former police officer Jay and discuss the day he was confronting a group of suspects when one that he was patting down turned on him, disarmed him and attempted to shoot him, forcing him to shoot the suspect with his backup gun and about the community outcry that ensued.https://www.fastest4seconds.com/Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with armed self defender Dave and discuss the day he and his family were on vacation getting groceries when a woman approached his family, drew a gun and demanded money and how he was forced to act. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the Hawaii SCOTUS case and some goings-on at DOJ surrounding switchblades.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with self defender Justin and discuss the night he was going to visit a friend when he pulled into the wrong driveway and was greeted by a man holing a pistol and why pulling his own gun wasn't the best course of action. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com Video Intro by Joe Russo
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with Aaron and discuss the Halloween night when one minute he was handing out candy in front of his home and the next he was stabbed him in the chest and fighting for his life. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a recent update to a case in the 5th Circuit regarding an appeal in which the defendant is asserting that silencers are covered by the Second Amendment.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with self defender David and discuss the day he went to his usual spot to workout and go for a run when his routine was interrupted by an angry man (who appeared to be under the influence of something) who challenged David to a fight and began to assault him. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss deliberations surrounding the formation of the DOJ's proposed process for gun rights restoration for certain convicted felons and what gun control and gun rights groups have to say about it .Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with self defender and former correctional officer Austin and discuss the night he was driving home with his young niece and nephew when a car started following him turn for turn and what he did when the police said they couldn't help them. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a recent ruling in federal court related to a Delaware law requiring people to acquire a permit not to CARRY a firearm but to purchase one. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with church security team member Aaron and discuss the day his church was holding a large event when a tense domestic argument began in the parking lot and how he and the team handled it. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com Video Intro by Joe Russo
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a new red flag law overwhelmingly passed by the people of Maine and then we talk about the recent elections and what they portend for next years midterms as it relates to guns and the Second Amendment,Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with delivery driver and self defender Desmond and discuss the night he and his wife were making deliveries when they found themselves in the middle of someone else's running gun battle and how they had a hard time getting out of the area. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the gun control group Everytown USA claiming credit for the recent announcement by Glock that they will redesign their entire line of pistols to disallow modifications that allow fully automatic fire and how the group is now setting its sights on Ruger.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with South African defender and business owner Mike and discuss the day he was notified of an armed robbery happening in his own business and what happened when he decided to draw his firearm and intervene. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss another unexpected 2A case taken up by the Supreme Court and why it matters. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com Video Intro by Joe Russo
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with retired firefighter and self defender Mike and discuss the day he was attacked by a large pack of pit bulls and other dogs and how he was forced to use a firearm to defend himself. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
This week on the Active Self Protection Podcast we sit down with security professional Alec and discuss the day he was working his shift at a strip mall when he was alerted to the presence of a man holding a machete and how he put himself and a can of POM OC spray in between the attacker and the young people working at the mall that day. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com
On this installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a recent decision by the Supreme Court to take up a case regarding Hawaii's so-called "vampire law" which includes a state requirement for businesses to post signs in their locations expressly allowing CCW holders to carry on and in their properties.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting. Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com