The Return of the Forged By Fire Podcast

0:40 Introduction

In Forged by Fire’s comeback episode, catch up with Ryan Stephens and Rob Hefley as they bring on long-time friend Daniel Shaw. After doing everything – short of kidnapping – to get Daniel on the podcast, they sit down to share life updates and discuss how the podcast made them better people. Reflecting on their earlier episodes, Ryan says, “I believe because of the podcast, I’m a better father, I believe I’m a better friend, better husband.” Rob explains how it feels to reach so many and help others through the podcast. “You never know who you’re going to have an effect on,” says Rob. “[...] No matter what [...] we wanna add value to other people’s lives every day.” You never know whose lives are improving due to your positive attitude and strong spirit. Despite putting the podcast on hold, Ryan recounts how a police officer visiting from New Mexico tells him how the episode about negativity changed his life and gave him an entirely different perspective. Rob and Ryan care about people in their down-to-earth way, “Even dirt grows vegetables…sometimes,” Daniel remarks lightheartedly. He has a point. Dirt is where the roots go and support the smallest of seeds so they can become great oaks.

3:35 Grid Coordinates Grid Coordinates with Daniel

Welcome the newest and arguably coolest member of Gray Beard Ammo, Daniel Shaw! Inflation, holidays, and starting new work, moving to Arkansas shows the importance of community and having a support system in uncertain times. Daniel settles into his new home and work after a call from Rob (and maybe God, too) to come to Arkansas. Forging new friendships has been crucial to Daniel’s recent life changes.

Grid Coordinates with Ryan

Ryan shares the latest turns his life has taken. S7 Tactical has gone from a seventeen-acre to a ninety-seven-acre facility to better serve the community. Ryan has also transitioned from sheepdog skills to pursuing his black belt from Frontline Jiu Jitsu. Side note, Frontline Jiu Jitsu specializes in helping frontline and first responders, which is fantastic. Meanwhile, work as a special agent has been great and frustrating, but Ryan does his best to take it all in stride with kindness. Continuing, he stresses the importance of being on the same page with your partner. “Being married, [clicking on all cylinders is] probably the most important.” Ryan Stephens says. “When you have a supportive wife, man, you feel like you can take on the world.”.

Grid Coordinates with Rob

Rob tells of his latest endeavors with building a new home and the joys of the simple things in life. “I just want this little room here [...], my little office [...], and I wanna garage I can fit a jacked-up truck in.”. 

Ryan comments, “That’s it, redneck rich!” 

“Really simple, ya know?” Rob laughs.

Rob proudly tells us how his wife and kids are doing, with his wife being featured in AR Money & Politics magazine about her coaching and Christian leadership. Rob and his family also took a trip to Mexico for New Year’s and even bought (and remodeled) a gun store recently. Ryan jokes, “I love how he says it so nonchalant. ‘Like, ya know, was shoppin’ around, looked in a magazine and just bought a gun…store’”.

On top of that, they just leased another building in November to open another 27,000-square-foot store to expand on Rob’s vision and goals. “I feel [...] truly blessed to live in a community in Conway. Great people around us, great church, great friends.” Rob says, thankful for the success and growth he’s experienced.

8:40 What’s it Look Like at 30,000 Feet?

To recap, Rob opened a gun store and got a new building. Now it’s time for the big question. Ryan asks Rob what his end goal is and what dream he’s chasing. The end goal? To have a self-sustaining retail spot in Conway, an excellent online store, and Gray Beard Ammo – an ammo subscription service. “I want people here that wanna work hard and play hard. Add value to