Amateurs and Experts

Have you ever wondered what it takes to go from being a wedding DJ to the CEO of a major technology company? In this episode, we talk to Brad McIntyre about his long career at Otis Technology. Brad has worked at the same company for twenty-five years and has done almost every job there. He started as a designer and worked his way up to the very top.

Brad explains how the people he worked for taught him about money, building things, ...

Season 4 kicks off with Erica Chin welcoming professional shooter Maggie Reese as the new official co-host. The duo reflects on their recent success filming at SHOT Show 2026 within the Otis Technology booth and the incredible quality of guests they’ve hosted.

They announce a major milestone: the podcast will be heading to the NRA’s "Voices of 2A" Radio Row to capture new content. The conversation highlights upcoming WOMA ...

Have you ever met a person who changed your whole life? In this episode of Amateurs and Experts, Erica and Jessica talk to their mentor, Deb Ferns. Deb started a group called WOMA to help women learn about hunting, fishing, and shooting. She has been doing this for 16 years! She tells a funny story about climbing a tree to stay safe from a wild pig.

The group talks about how important it is to be a good friend and work hard. They do...

Have you ever wondered who makes the gear that police officers use to stay safe? In this episode of Amateurs and Experts, Erica and Jessica talk to Ryan Allen. Ryan used to be a police officer, but now he owns a company called Zero Nine Holsters. He makes special cases for radios and tools right here in the USA. He also helps run a big training group called the OTOA (Ohio Tactical Officers Association).

The conversation then shifts ...

ln this episode of Amateurs and Experts, Erica and Jess welcome Laura Evans of Silver Bullet Marketing to the Otis Technology booth at SHOT Show 2025.

The group discusses the historical changes in the industry, noting how the presence of women has shifted from superficial roles to powerful professional positions.

Laura shares her philosophy on boutique marketing, explaining how she helps small companies navigate distribution and medi...

Have you ever wondered how to hide a tool safely when your clothes don't have pockets? In this fun talk, Jess and Erica chat with Eric from Sticky Holsters. They talk about how their special holsters stay in place using just a little bit of pressure and a "sticky" outside. Erica shares a secret about how she hides hers in her bra so she can exercise without it moving!

Eric explains that his company makes everything in...

The Amateurs and Experts podcast interviews Amanda and Alexa from AESIR Brands at the Otis Technology booth during SHOT Show 2025.

The discussion focuses on the launch of the Stealth Mount, a new M-LOK compatible storage system that allows rifles to "float" on walls.

Amanda explains how the business has grown from an online retailer to a brick-and-mortar store called Adventure Gear South in Florida.

They also highlight the d...

This Amateurs and Experts podcast episode features a lively reunion between the hosts and the founders of Apex Mountain, a creative marketing agency, at SHOT Show 2025.

The guests share their journey from owning a recording studio to launching a specialized agency focused on diversifying the outdoor industry. They discuss the professional dynamics of their partnership and their mission to increase minority representation.

A significa...

This episode of the Amateurs and Experts podcast features an interview with RJ and Frank from Kick-Eez at SHOT Show 2025.

The team discusses the company's 100% American-made recoil pads and their legacy of quality.

They highlight new 2025 offerings, including pre-fit pads and a partnership with Chisel Machining and Pilla Performance Eyewear.

The conversation shifts between technical product talk and personal banter about the SHOT...

Erica and Jessica interview the leadership of Open Doors for Future Possibilities (ODTFP). Dr. Simone Lundquist discusses her six-year journey of building a nonprofit that serves veterans and law enforcement with free, high-quality counseling.

The conversation shifts to the unique philosophy of the organization, which prioritizes "post-traumatic growth" over traditional clinical diagnosis. Dr. Clyde Horn shares his harrowi...

Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to find the perfect red dot sight for your favorite handgun? In this episode, Stephen from Primary Arms explains how his team spent three years building a brand-new optic right here in the United States. He tells funny stories about how much work it takes to test these tools, including shooting thousands of rounds of ammo until the guns get too hot to touch!

Primary Arms wanted to make sure t...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to run a famous family gun company? Lisa Tuason from Armscor joins the show to talk about their new American-made pistols. She shows off a brand-new gun called the RIA 4.0 that is small enough to carry for safety.

The conversation delves into the culture of Armscor, which is a third-generation family business currently preparing the fourth generation for leadership. Lisa highlights their strict ...

Charlie Cook, the host of "Riding Shotgun with Charlie," discusses the origin of his popular podcast and video series, which he created after being inspired by Carpool Karaoke and blending his passion for guns with a new focus on video content. He shares his background as a musician, including opening for artists like Dolly Parton, and his long-time profession as a band teacher.

Charlie details the rapid growth of his...

From the Otis Technology booth at Shot Show 2025, where the hosts, Jessica Adanich and Erica Chin, are joined by Dan Clayton from Henry Repeating Arms. They discuss the company's innovation, starting with the new Lever Action Supreme, which the host shot and praised for its smoothness and accuracy.

Dan explains that the rifle, four to five years in the making, represents a new platform combining classic Henry looks with mo...

Two military veterans, Cece and Shannon, share their powerful stories of healing after service, explaining that the civilian world can be a difficult place to land. Shannon, a Marine veteran, explains that traditional therapies, like mindfulness, don't work well for those with PTSD from adrenaline-fueled experiences. For her and many others, hunting and outdoor trips provided a better way to heal.

Cece, who also served, found t...

Ever wondered how a passion for the outdoors can turn into a successful career? In this episode, the hosts chat with Julie McQueen from Carbon TV. They learn about her impressive journey, which started with her making simple gun cleaning videos in her kitchen and led to her becoming a leader in the outdoor media world. Julie shares that she's done almost everything in the industry, even starting as a volunteer cameraman, which...

The Amateurs and Experts podcast hosts, Jessica Adanich and Erica Chin interviews Steve Fischer and Rob Chadwick from the USCCA at SHOT Show 2025. They discuss the USCCA's mission to empower citizens through self-defense training and liability insurance, highlighting the importance of preparedness in today's society. The conversation delves into the organization's history, its commitment to training, and its innovati...

Have you ever wondered why women might learn to shoot differently than men? The "Amateurs and Experts" podcast hosts, Jessica Adanich and Erica Chin chat with firearms instructor Sheila Hoekstra about her career and the unique world of women in shooting. She explains that because men and women are built differently, having a female instructor can make a big difference. Sheila talks about her time with "Babes of Bulle...

Have you ever considered what it truly means to be a responsible gun owner? In a special episode recorded at SHOT Show 2025, the hosts of "Amateurs and Experts" sit down with CEO, Bill Kleftis, from Otis Technology. They learn about how Otis Technology has been making top-notch cleaning products for 40 years and how they're now offering a new, more affordable brand called Shooter's Choice for people who are just...