Making Shooters Better

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, Terry Vaughan sits down with Jay Graves, former U.S. Army HUMINT and SIGINT Intelligence Officer, to unpack what real situational awareness actually looks like when the stakes are high.

Drawing from counter-drug operations, overseas deployments, and real-world threat assessments, Jay explains how intelligence professionals learn to establish behavioral baselines, detect anomalies early, and...

In this episode, Terry Vaughan speaks with Michelle Camp, the head of Armed Women of America, about her journey from a casual shooter to a leader in the firearms community. They discuss the importance of building confidence in new shooters, the role of community in firearm training, and the growing demographic of women in shooting sports. Michelle shares insights on overcoming fears, the importance of situational awareness, and res...

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, host Terry Vaughan speaks with Brian Martin, a former paratrooper and 30-year law enforcement officer, about the critical importance of preparedness in emergency situations. They discuss how true readiness goes beyond just having the right tools and equipment, emphasizing the need for training, experience, and understanding stress responses. The conversation highlights the differences betw...

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, host Terry Vaughan is joined by Colin Gallagher, a fellow TOP SHOT competitor. They discuss their early experiences with shooting, the motivations behind joining the TOP SHOT competition, and the pressures of filming a reality TV show. The conversation delves into the psychological testing involved in the selection process, the dynamics of personalities within the competition, and the chal...

In this episode, Terry Vaughan sits down with D. Austin-Johnson, a patrol officer he personally witnessed taking decisive action to help save a life during a medical emergency at this year's ALERRT Conference.

The conversation explores the unexpected collapse of an individual, the immediate response from Devyn and other first responders, and the importance of teamwork and calmness in crisis situations. They discuss the role of ...

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, Terry Vaughan sits down with Tim Pearce, a former law enforcement officer whose career in South Central Los Angeles placed him face-to-face with violence, stress, and the limits of traditional training.

Tim shares how years in gang units shaped his understanding of human behavior under pressure, and how a heartbreaking personal tragedy forced him to confront a hard truth: most training does...

In this conversation, Terry Vaughan and Mike Willis delve into the critical aspects of instinctive response training for shooters, particularly in high-pressure situations. They discuss the importance of understanding stress responses, the necessity of situational awareness, and the value of realistic training environments. Mike shares his insights on effective training strategies, the role of technology in enhancing training, and ...

In this engaging conversation, Terry Vaughan speaks with Mike Farrell, an airline pilot and firearms training innovator. They discuss Mike's late start in shooting, the impact of 9/11 on aviation and firearms training, and the importance of psychological testing for pilots. Mike shares his unique experience of buying a Russian jet and reflects on the cultural shifts in aviation. The discussion also delves into the fundamentals...

In this engaging conversation, Candy Pedicord shares her journey into the world of firearms training, emphasizing the importance of empowering new shooters, especially women. She discusses the significance of quality training, finding the right instructor, and the need for mental preparedness in self-defense situations. Candy also highlights the role of parents in teaching children about firearms and the importance of awareness in ...

In this episode, Terry Vaughan, Kristen Wilson Day, and Michael DeGraeve discuss Michael's journey from military service to overcoming addiction and finding purpose through fitness and community. They explore the challenges faced during the transition to civilian life, the importance of support networks, and practical strategies for personal growth, including discipline, training techniques, and mental preparation. Michael sha...

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, host Terry Vaughan, co-host Kristen Wilson-Day, and guest Matt Hickman discuss a range of topics, including Matt's journey from law enforcement to his role at Dry Fire Mag, the importance of dry fire training, and the parallels between martial arts and firearms training. They explore the impact of stress on training, common mistakes new shooters make, and the future of shooter trainin...

In this second episode, Terry Vaughan and Kristen Wilson Day welcome Eric Torres, a retired Green Beret and co-founder of the Memorial Valor Foundation. They discuss Eric's journey from military service to founding a non-profit that supports Gold Star families. The conversation covers the importance of leadership, the impact of competition shooting, and the foundation's mission to honor and remember fallen service members...

In this debut episode of Making Shooters Better, former Royal Marines Commando and TOP SHOT Season 4 competitor Terry Vaughan sits down with Kristen Wilson Day — competitive shooter, firearms instructor, and the creative force behind Laser Ammo’s marketing — for a fast-paced, laugh-filled conversation about training smarter and building confidence under pressure. real shooters train smarter.

Kristen shares how “WTF Kristen” (Women T...