March 14, 2025 • 60 mins
What happens when you reach for your gun in a life-threatening moment only to realize you don't actually know how to use it? This raw, honest conversation with firearms instructors Michelle Waldran and Bonnie Lanzarini reveals how their own terrifying encounters transformed them from casual gun owners into passionate advocates for proper training.
Michelle shares her heart-stopping moment at a gas station when a knife-wielding attacker approached her car window. Despite having access to a firearm, she discovered in those critical seconds that she couldn't operate it properly—the holster was still on when she pointed it at her assailant. Though the attacker fled at the sight of the gun, the experience left an indelible mark. "Before that, I thought you know, I have my gun, I'm fine... And that's all I can remember, like I didn't even know how to pull it out."
Bonnie's wake-up call came during force-on-force training when she couldn't access her purse-carried firearm quickly enough during a simulated attack. These pivotal moments led both women to dedicate themselves to becoming proficient and helping others—especially women—avoid similar situations.
Throughout our conversation, we explore the false confidence many new gun owners have, the value of competition shooting for building skills under stress, and the unique challenges women face in firearms training. Michelle and Bonnie bring refreshing humor and authenticity, from stories about Michelle's viral "tactical spoon" videos to their shared mission of making firearms training more accessible and less intimidating for women.
Whether you're an experienced shooter or just considering firearms for personal protection, this episode offers valuable insights into the psychological and practical aspects of defensive training. Subscribe now and join our community of responsible, empowered gun owners committed to ongoing education and preparedness.
Social Links:
Bonnie:
https://www.instagram.com/bonbonsnguns/?hl=en
https://bonbonsnguns.com/
https://www.hopp.bio/bonbonsnguns
Michelle:
https://www.instagram.com/tacgirlmichelle/?hl=en
https://tacgirlmichelle.com/
https://taprac.app/tacgirl
Find out more about Big Tex Ordnance at bigtexordnance.com
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
His hand was in his hoodie pocket and all of a
sudden it went up and I sawsomething shiny.
So I know it was like a kitchenknife, I don't.
I mean, it was just that splitsecond and I saw him coming
really fast and I just openedthat up and I pointed and the
holster was still on the Glock45.
(00:20):
But he knew what it was,obviously, and he took off and I
mean, it was just like twoseconds Before that I thought
off and I mean it was just liketwo seconds, wow, Before that, I
thought you know, I have my gun, I'm fine, I'm going to just
pull it out, point, pull thetrigger, and that's all I can
remember, Like I didn't evenknow how to pull it out and how
the heck, am I going to pull thetrigger in that holster Exactly
(00:42):
?
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Welcome to the Big Tech's Ordinance Podcast.
I'm Ike.
We have Tara, our co-host today, and then our guests today are
Bonnie and Michelle, so y'alldrove down from Dallas-Fort
Worth area.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
Yes, Well, actually I live north of Tulsa, so I drove
to her and picked her up.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
I didn't realize you were that far north.
I didn't either.
I say that far north, it's onlyOklahoma.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Everybody thinks I'm in Texas, you know, because I'm
always here, Like all my friendsare here.
Speaker 4 (01:15):
So I thought you and Bonnie, like you know, live next
door to each other.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Yeah, no, we're like five-ish Five hours away.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
I'm five hours away.
Speaker 3 (01:22):
And another four hours to get here.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (01:28):
It's like are we there yet?
Speaker 3 (01:30):
Well, yeah, so I guess if y'all want to start,
bonnie, we can probably startwith you Just a little bit about
yourself and kind of how yougot started in the industry and
kind of and all that.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
Yeah, my name is Bonnie Lanzarini.
I'm born and raised Italian.
I've been in the US about 12years and I just became a
citizen two years ago.
Congratulations, thank you.
Yeah, that's probably one ofthe best days of my life being
(01:59):
an American citizen and I got inthe industry.
Probably let me see 20.
We were talking about it in thecar like figuring out.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
Hey, when did we meet ?
When did we meet?
Speaker 2 (02:11):
yeah, because I got in the industry 2020, I think.
In the industry, talking about,like in the firearm, you know
passion and training and allthat was about 2020.
I did my first training lessonin May 2020.
And I've owned a gun beforethat for a while.
(02:31):
For like protection, likewanting to carry, and the reason
I got into it is from my badexperience, like a bad marriage
and just wanting to protectmyself and my daughter decided
to purchase a gun.
And then I started.
I started asking people reachingout, like hey, I was like it's
(02:52):
about time that I take a lessonand actually go learn how to use
it, not just carry.
And I did my first lesson inMay 2020 and I kind of I was
hooked, I loved it, but I alsorealized, oh my god, I'm caring
every day, I need to.
This is scary.
It's like I need to know how touse it, be proficient with it.
(03:14):
So then I decided to do I thinkI did two lessons a month.
I decided to go to myinstructor, kind of I said, okay
, I want to do, and I'm going todo it every two weeks.
So I'm going to go take alesson and become better, more
proficient.
And I did that for a while.
And then I was also lookingonline at examples and she came
(03:36):
across and I was telling her hey, this is the post that I saw
from you in May 2020.
And I remember seeing her and Isaid I want to be like her.
Oh, I know she was my exampleof women out there in the
firearms industry that I reallylooked up to and I said I want
to be like her, I want to bejust.
(03:56):
You know, she was my exampleand look at us now.
I know right.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Yeah, Like what is this girl?
Yeah, she started following me.
Yeah, 2020?
Speaker 2 (04:05):
2020, yeah, around, probably 2019, 2020.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
And I thought who is this girl?
And then when I kind of lookedthrough her Instagram, I kind of
felt, exactly I knew thatsomething happened and this
drove her.
And that's kind of how Istarted my journey too.
I worked at a gun store manyyears ago and before.
It was really cool to work at agun store, and then you know,
(04:29):
before smartphones came in, I'mlike I used to do cool things
but I really didn't go and train, because when you work in a gun
store, you're behind the table,you're doing paperwork and I
noticed back 2013 is when one ofthe ladies you could tell she
was really scared and she waswith her husband and he was
(04:50):
showing her.
You know, he was a Glock guy,so he was showing her these big
Glocks and she was just like Ijust can't reach you know the
trigger.
And I don't like that.
And she's like, well, can Ilook?
And he's like, yeah, go look.
But he would keep trying to gether to go to all the glocks you
know.
And, um, I was walking by and Iwas doing inventory and she was
(05:10):
like, hey, you work here.
And I was like, yeah, and shesaid, can you help me?
What do you carry?
And at the time I was likesomething shiny and I'm like, uh
, it's a 380.
She's like, which?
Which brand?
I'm like they don't have ithere.
And I got to a point where I'mlike, man, I need to figure out,
you know, what am I carrying?
I don't even know what I'mcarrying and that's kind of how
(05:32):
it happened.
I threw my gun in my purse forthe first five years because,
like, I wasn't reallycomfortable and at the time when
I started they didn't reallyhave too many options for ladies
.
You know it was.
I had an Uncle Mike's, which isnothing wrong with it, but you
know, I was trying to figure outwhere to put it and I thought,
you know, it's more convenientto just throw it in my purse.
(05:55):
And I did have a separatelittle compartment, but I never
trained with it and somethingbad almost happened.
Something bad almost happened.
And that's when I realized that,ok, I need to figure this out,
not just trying to help someother lady figure it out.
But I'm like for me.
So that's kind of how I started, just training.
(06:17):
And then, like you said, I justgot addicted to it, because the
more I train I'm like, wow, youlearn little things at each
class and you're like, okay, Ifeel confident and got to a
point where within a year, Ifigured out how to carry and
that was kind of like my missionto just Facebook, like, hey, if
(06:38):
I can do it.
And then I just kind ofaccidentally stumbled onto
competition because I wantedthat stress factor into it.
So and everybody's like, howdid you get?
I'm like I'm not really sure.
I just shared my passion andthis works.
This doesn't work, and I wasalways a customer first, yeah,
so.
Speaker 4 (06:58):
So I'm going to take a step back.
You said something bad almosthappened.
Do you want to?
Speaker 1 (07:02):
Yeah, so when I was working at the gun store on the
weekends, they asked us, youknow, like hey, you want to go
travel to Gunch?
I'm like yeah, I love traveling.
And it was in Indianapolis, itwas right at dusk, it was around
(07:24):
April, may, so it was kind ofwarm At the time.
It was my boyfriend.
He always, like every time wegot in the car, he said don't
forget, I have a gun in themiddle console.
And I'm like yeah, yeah, yeah,yeah, okay.
And I remember he went in toget water or something for next
day the show and he said roll upyour window.
I'm like it's hot, I'm fine,just hurry up.
And I remember just looking upright as he went in and there
(07:46):
was a guy with like a grayhoodie on coming around and I
just kind of look back, I'm notsure what I was doing.
For a second I thought he wasgoing into the convenience store
and I look back up from doingwhatever and he was coming
towards my side and I had thewindow cracked about like that
(08:07):
and I remember just looking downbecause his hand was in his
hoodie pocket and all of asudden it went up and I saw
something shiny.
So I know it was like a kitchenknife, I don't—I mean, it was
just that split second and I hadmy purse in the back flap
floorboard and I was like—Ididn't even think about that.
The only thing I thought aboutwas the middle console, because
(08:29):
he said it all the time.
I saw him coming really fastand I just opened that up and I
pointed and the holster wasstill on the Glock 45.
But he knew what it was,obviously and he took off and I
mean it was just like twoseconds, wow.
Before that I thought you know,I have my gun, I'm fine, I'm
(08:50):
going to just pull it out, point, pull the trigger.
And that's all I can remember,like I didn't even know how to
pull it out and how the heck amI going to pull the trigger in
that holster Exactly.
So that's kind of made merealize okay, I need to figure
this out, I need to make surethat I know at all times where
(09:14):
my handgun is.
So that's kind of how I startedhere.
I am working at a gun storewith all the guns and I didn't
have mine.
It was back there.
Speaker 4 (09:21):
Yeah, that's so scary .
Thankfully, what caused me toactually change the way I carry
didn't have anything to do withsomething horrible like that,
but I ended up taking a force onforce class and we were going
through these differentscenarios and one of the
scenarios was purse carry andyou know I didn't always purse
carry, but you know if I wasfeeling lazy or whatever it's
(09:42):
just easy, just chunk it inthere.
And so, you know, I went intothis force on force class and my
goal is to win Right, eventhough that's not an actual goal
.
But you know, when we'resetting up for the scenario,
they're like you know you'regoing to carry this purse, you
know we're going to go throughthis whole deal.
So I was like all right, so Ihadn't the purse, I up.
(10:05):
They're like set it up howeveryou would, I had it where I
would, exactly I could, I couldget it.
And I was.
I was like I'm just going tokeep it right here, you know.
And so I have my purse and Iwas like I'm just going to keep
it right here.
So whenever the scenario started, you know, we went over and you
know it was actually like acafe set up or whatever, and I
was having lunch with somebodyand then, you know, somebody
came up and they actually shotthe person.
They were acting all irate andthen we were just kind of
(10:26):
looking at them and then theyended up shooting the person
that I was with.
So at that point I said, youknow, I got up, grabbed the
purse, went to grab the gun,could not get it out, could not
get it out, I ended up having tothrow it just through the gun
in the whole purse.
You knowid it across the groundran but got behind the car by
that time, you know guy's goneor he could have done something
(10:47):
else, but that was like that wasreally like my aha moment.
It's like, yeah, you know, I'drather somebody carry than not
carry exactly, but you know it'sthe responsibility too, with a
purse.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
That's why we talk about the only way we would ever
, ever carry off bodies in atleast a sling-like bag, because
at least it's attached to you,it can be snatched off of you.
Speaker 1 (11:10):
When you first start, your mentality is totally
different, totally different.
You get a gun and you have ammoin that magazine and you're
like good to go, but you don'tthink about.
When I first started, I neverthought about.
You know, I'm like I'm good togo.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
And I always thought.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
I would have my purse , but it's just that split
second Like I think the wholescenario that happened was like
two minutes within two minutes.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
And the other thing that I say to your point the
more you train, the more likeyou're learning little bits and
pieces.
And that's what happened to meand that's why I dedicated
myself to right always go outand train, even if I don't have
an instructor.
I go myself and I keep training.
Because the more you train, themore you realize and you put in
(11:53):
scenarios like force on force orput in scenarios where you're
actually acting, certainscenarios in the public where
you have a like a bad guy, butthen you have other targets
behind that are like theinnocent people.
When you're put to that test,you're like, oh shit, I shot an
innocent person.
So in your case and I alwayssay, if you're in a car, in a
(12:17):
parking lot or in a gas stationor where you have other people
around, If you don't have thatmentality, I'll just take my gun
out and shoot.
But what if right behindthere's a child or a woman or
someone and you accidentallyshoot an innocent person?
That's where, the more youtrain, the more your mind starts
(12:37):
thinking about these scenariosand the importance of being
proficient.
Speaker 4 (12:43):
And there's a lot of people that that you know say
that you know like competitionand things like that don't
translate over into self-defense.
But I mean, just to your point,like it just makes so much
sense to to do anything andeverything you can.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
Oh yeah, and that's kind of range and train right,
and that's kind of why I, when Iwas training, and I took
another training class, anotherother, but everything was just
standing still, or you wouldshoot from here and here in a
perfect condition, where youknow it was sunny and it's
inside your waist, but it's likewhat if you were what?
(13:16):
I was in the vehicle?
You know it's like, are yougoing to be able to clear that
firearm to you know?
For I was in a gas station,right, and the only thing I saw
was him, nothing else.
But my mentality was differentat the time.
Yeah, and it's so hard for, Ithink, women, I don't know.
(13:38):
I'm sure there's statisticswhere you know like nothing can.
I'm like it won't happen to me.
And I was kind of in that.
I knew it did because wewatched the news and it happens.
But it's like oh, I don't goout at night, I try not to go
out at night and you know justlittle things like that.
But like bad guys are allaround even daytime.
Speaker 4 (13:57):
It was like 4, 35, 30 , something like that when that
actually happened one of thethings that kind of you know
triggered me to carry every time, you know, all day, every day,
if I can was there was a.
It was Halloween, like I don'tknow, probably like seven years
ago.
But I was going to pick up, Ihad I was missing a piece of my
(14:19):
costume and so I was going to goover to a friend's house and
borrow that piece and I rememberrunning out the door and I
forgot my gun.
And I'm like to go over to afriend's house and borrow that
piece and I remember running outthe door and I forgot my gun
and I'm like you know, it's likeI forgot.
I was like I'll only be gone fora second, I'm just going right
down the street and coming back.
So got in the truck, went down,going down, lived in at that
time a very affluential, youknow, very upscale neighborhood
and somebody came up behind me,tried to run me off the road and
(14:42):
they, they behind me, tried torun me off the road and they
they literally the whole waydown, you know.
So I'm dodging, trying to getand there's really nowhere to go
on this street.
So we ended up, you know,coming up to a red light cars
coming.
I had to stop.
He gets out of the car, he goesand punches my window, tries to
pull me out and end up justblowing the you know, just
blowing the red light, cause Ihad there was no other.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
there was nothing else to do.
I didn't want to be option.
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
So that was, you know , definitely an aha moment to be
like you know I need to not be,you know yeah.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
And that's the thing that right now, it's like you
know, I, I got my certificationto, you know, teach, and it's
since 2013,.
I'm like, how do you?
You know, so I my day job.
I own a medical spa and I dohair.
So my clients you know we havea lot of time while their hair
is processing for two, threehours.
(15:36):
Talking about, you know, becausethey know what I do and they're
like, oh, every time, everymonth, or, like you know, four
to six weeks, when they come, Ineed to take your class.
I need to.
My husband carries and you knowhe hunts, and you know it's
like I need to do it.
I'm like, let's do it.
I'm like, well, I got this andI got that.
And I'm like, you know, and Iknow it's hard because I don't
(15:57):
have children, and then you knowyou have children and you have
so many different activitiesthat you have to be involved in
as a mom, but it's like this isso crucial, but I don't know how
I don't know if I want to usethe word scare women into like
you need to do this, but it's sohard, yeah, so I'm still trying
(16:18):
to figure it out.
Speaker 4 (16:19):
I'm like I'm trying to educate people, or like if
you're scared of firearm,there's other non-lethal ways to
go about it so yeah yeah, Iactually run two ladies groups
over at the range and I I findmyself when I'm talking to them.
I try to tell them.
You know like I'm not trying toscare you, but you know, these
are the things you know thatI've either experienced myself
(16:40):
or things that you know I'veheard from other ladies and I
don't, I don't want anybody tohave a situation.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
And it's like I guess you, just since you don't
experience that feel, feel I'mrubbing off on you.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
Please keep that in the video.
Speaker 3 (16:57):
This is definitely negative.
This is really the interesting,so.
Speaker 1 (17:01):
I guess you don't experience that fear factor,
Right?
But I mean, like how do you getwomen to just I think of, and
it's a shame I just think of.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
I'm out there with my daughter, 10 year old, and I'm
just the thought of anyonewanting or possibly hurting her
and me not being able.
I need to know how, even morethan me, I want to be able to
protect her, to save her, to doat least do anything in my power
(17:40):
to just protect her from anyharm from someone wanting to
hurt her or me, but I think withyou she sees that what you're
doing to protect you know, andthings like that.
Speaker 4 (17:52):
How old is she?
Ten, ten.
Does she train?
Speaker 2 (17:55):
I've tried.
I've tried to push her to it.
She's come a few times.
It's not her thing, she's likeMom, but it's boring.
It's boring, but maybe one dayat some point she'll maybe want
to do it.
But I don't want to push her tothe point where she's going to
resent or like just reject itcompletely.
Speaker 4 (18:15):
So I did the same thing with my daughter is.
You know I let her shoot andyou know we take her out every
time I go.
And then she, when she wasreally little, she, she kind of
liked it.
Speaker 3 (18:26):
It was fun because I'd let her shoot the 22.
Speaker 4 (18:27):
But then once she got a little bit older probably
around, you know, 10 ish she'slike I don't, I don't want to do
this?
Yeah, she doesn't and then, um,you know, I just kind of let
her, you know, do it at her ownpace.
And now you know she, sheenjoys it.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
So yeah, that's good she was like she did enjoy it
too when I took her when she waslittle yeah same with the 22
and like, but now she's likeokay, you know, I'll you see me
do it maybe when she'll comearound at one point I want to
maybe learn it or come with meor train some, but I'm you know,
go at her pace yeah, we all gothrough the stages, but she sees
(18:59):
and she's made comments before,it's like, um, even it was at
school or something.
There was something that had tosay why your mom, or something
about why your mom is, or yourparent.
You think they're a hero, thisand that, and she, just because
she goes to the range and knowshow to protect me, she kind of
wrote that down and I was likeoh, it was like so it's kind of
(19:22):
you know that they see, oh yeah,what you do, even when you
think they're not lookingexactly they, they know they
kind of.
They see your dedication, theysee that you're doing it for a
reason to protect her, be ableto protect her yeah so it's like
oh so I want to jump off tracka little bit, I'm okay.
Speaker 4 (19:43):
So the spoon.
How did that come about?
Oh my gosh, I don't even knowhow that started anymore.
It's, that's actually what waslike, like made me fall in love
with you yeah, I remember wetook the combatives class with
paradox and you showed up.
Speaker 2 (20:01):
I always carry.
I always carry a mini one, bythe way, it's like I have one in
my car, a little travel size.
I always carry, like yourconcealed carry spoon.
This is my concealed carry spoon.
It's funny because at shot showlast year it's like
unexpectedly, like people werejust like, hey, do you have your
spoon?
I was like could they take apicture?
(20:21):
I was like this is funny.
I don't remember, honestly, howit actually started.
Started with the spoon, butsomething about talking about
the chancla and it's like, yeah,you know chancla with the spoon
, but something about talkingabout the chancla and it's like,
yeah, you know chancla and thespoon and it was like a maybe
like I remember like growing upkind of having like my brothers
being chased with the spoon orwith something from like grandma
(20:45):
and like the ants I definitelygot chased with the spoon I
remember that and it was justit's like hey.
And then I think it's like hey.
Speaker 1 (20:50):
And I think it's like hey, you ran out of ammo,
here's a spoon, use anything.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
And I just like that.
One day I went to the range andI'm like, hey, I'm going to
just try throwing this at thetarget, See how it works.
And you can actually see mysurprised face when the spoon
actually went through the targetand I'm like huh.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
Use actually went through the target and I'm like
huh that's right.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
So whatever you gotta use to survive right.
And from that video I think itwas just kind of it's.
I think it kind of started.
The trend started from thatparticular video.
It was kind of just a joke rightit was just yeah, it's kind of
some of the other things likethe best thing just started as
jokes and then it was kind oflike the video.
Everyone liked that video andit was just kind of became a
(21:36):
thing.
It's like the spoon became thething and it was just hey, it's
I don't know.
It's like italians and spoons.
And then mexicans are thechanclas.
People like, hey, you need togo back now and try with the
chancla, which I tried, but it'sdoes it's not as good, it
doesn't have the same effect,not the same effect.
Speaker 4 (21:55):
Yeah, I love the spoon.
I absolutely love the spoon.
That was like I said.
That was one of the things thatmade me like absolutely, you
know, adore you.
And then I started looking atmore of your videos and I was
like, oh you know, she'sactually kind of a badass, so
seeing that's kind of how likewe've.
Speaker 1 (22:09):
You know, I started seeing what she was doing and
then I got to a point where I'mlike, because the Dean Adams,
you know, concealment carry and.
I try to like get all of thescenarios and if I'm wearing a
certain outfit, you know,because you don't just have one
Right One you know, you know andthank goodness that all the
(22:32):
companies out there now it'slike you have so many different
options and a lot of the men arelike man.
I'm so jealous because womenhave so many options now.
You know like hey, I'm going towear a bra now for that
flashbang holster.
You know that kind of thing.
I wish I could have you know.
So I think that's when I firststarted and I'm like, and I'm
goofy, I'm goofy and, and I'mgoofy, I'm goofy.
And I just post what it is andlike my competition.
I was just talking to her aboutit and I'm like you need to
(22:53):
shoot this outlaw match andshe's like I don't know.
I'm like I'm serious Because Inever shot a match.
Speaker 2 (23:00):
I never did competition.
You never did a match in mylife.
Speaker 1 (23:02):
You're going to have so much fun.
Well, not only just fun, it's agame, it's a gaming thing, but
I mean it kind of helps you Like, if you have, and that's what I
told her.
I'm like I love it when I go toa match and I have a
malfunction.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
Yeah, you know all the shooters are like.
And I told her me too.
Speaker 1 (23:18):
I actually love when that happens and they're like no
, you shouldn't.
I'm like no, I love it Becauseyou know, get it in battery and
go and I, that's why I shoot,you know, not, I'm not it's not
like I'm gonna win a car oranything like that well and it's
, it's really good for shootingunder stress.
Speaker 4 (23:38):
Yes, I get.
I mean I get so nervous.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
Yeah, I think because I get, I get in my own head.
Yeah, I go train and it'salways me.
You know, I go train earlymorning.
There's just me and the targetsand the drills that I do.
But I mean, I do classes, butsame it's for me.
It's when there's someone elsethere that they're actually like
looking at you.
I get in my own head and I getstressed.
(24:03):
And then it's like you mess upand I'm and I get mad at myself
because I, I'm better than that,I can shoot better than that,
but it's shoot better than that,but it's the stress.
And that's why they say thenthat's why you need to do it,
because you learn to justperform under stress and you
need that you get out of yourown comfort zone.
And it's necessary, I'm excited.
Speaker 4 (24:26):
My first match was out at the Michalik Ranch.
Yeah, so Kay was my squadleader and I remember I was, you
know, first stage, I'm gettingready, and she was like shoot
her ready.
I said no.
Speaker 2 (24:39):
She said no too, I'm like.
Speaker 4 (24:41):
I don't know she did it.
I said it like two other timesand she goes.
Well, you're going to have toget ready.
Speaker 1 (24:45):
You got two minutes go.
Speaker 4 (24:46):
Was it Babes, Babes, Bullets.
It was Battle Buddy 3 Gun ohyeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (24:51):
So it was super fun.
Yeah, that was fun, but it wasso intimidating.
Oh, absolutely.
But when you get one out of theway, it's like the people and
you're always going to keepgetting nervous.
Oh, I'm like extremely sociallyawkward.
Speaker 4 (25:04):
Just to begin with.
So, like every time I get up,I'm I've got the shakes and I'm
like everybody's staring at meoh yeah.
Speaker 2 (25:11):
And that's what I thought too when I was new at it
, like four years ago, going tothe big classes where, as a
woman, it's like yeah, you'relike you show up and it's like
30 men and you're the only girland it's like so intimidating at
first because you thinkeveryone's going to look at you,
but then you realize no one'sactually.
No one's looking at you.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
Everyone's there, everyone's focused on themselves
and everyone is so nice andencouraging you and it's feel
like I'm going to look stupid.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
Yeah, and that's what stops a lot of women, and men
too, I'm sure, but that's whatstopped.
As a woman, we know that that'shuge for us.
Like I'm going to look stupid.
Speaker 4 (25:58):
It's so embarrassing so you don't do it and it stops
you from growing and gettingbetter.
Because absolutely, and I knowyou know, the firearms company
or the firearms industry hascome a long way, I mean, at
least from what I've seen.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
Yeah, um, you know just, it's still not perfect,
but it's still not perfect, butyou know there's a there's a lot
of you know spaces, like, forexample, the outlaw match that
we do.
Speaker 4 (26:14):
It is such a welcoming community.
So you know, like I said, for amatch I get all super nervous
and you know, crazy, you knowget all nerved, nerved out and
you know they're OK, calm down.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
You know you got this , yeah, and they're so
supportive and that's why I youknow, not just the shooting,
competition, part of it, butjust the camaraderie, and I'm
like, oh shoot, I didn't.
You know, like my first secondmatch.
I'm like I didn't bring enoughammo and they're like we told
you you like to.
I'm like, I know, but I have noidea how I shot all my extra
(26:47):
ammo and I'm like, okay, I'mgonna quit.
They're like, no, you're nothere, shoot my ammo.
I'm like, really, you know, andthat's why I kind of stuck with
it, because the camaraderie andright, you know they want, they
cheer you on and it's likecrazy yes, everyone's really
supportive, yeah and you justwant to keep doing it and keep
doing it.
Speaker 4 (27:07):
Yeah, until you can't do it anymore, I'll do it in my
cane yeah, also one of thethings you'll see you know, if
you've never done a match beforeis you'll see a lot of people.
You know they're, they're goingsuper fast, but they're really
not hitting anything yeah, sohey that was me.
Speaker 1 (27:24):
Intimidated by that.
Speaker 2 (27:25):
Wow, that's still me, like I look so good, I get so
nervous, like I was telling herI went to the range last week
and it just the fact of havinglike just my fiance, like stare
at me oh yeah, from I'm likeyeah and I ran the drill on my
own and I perfect.
And then, of course, as soon assomeone is staring at me.
(27:45):
I'm like, I miss, I'm like Iget in my own head so much I'm
always doubting myself, it'sokay.
It's like you're good, you cando it.
Speaker 1 (27:55):
And I think that those kind of emotions I kind of
feed off of it, because youknow I never wanted to video
myself, but it was a seasonedshooter.
Like you need to video yourself.
Speaker 2 (28:06):
I do that yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:08):
Because you will look back three years from now, five
years from now.
So now I'm like 10 years kindof into competition shooting and
when I look at my first videoI'm like wow, I go and I'm like
you know, I'm not okay shooteryeah, yeah, so yeah, yeah, it'll
(28:28):
be fun I know, I know, I knowit'll be good for me because
that's my thing, just that I get.
Speaker 2 (28:34):
Yeah, I need to get over the who cares who's there
to watch you, who's not there?
Speaker 1 (28:38):
yeah, because and it's all part of training, it's
all the stress induced.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
That's the best thing to learn and grow right,
exactly, and nobody's judgingyou no, absolutely not yeah and
that's what I realized too.
I was scared the first classesI did because I thought everyone
was there and you're it's to.
They judge you and stuff.
But no one does that.
Everyone's there to learn.
Speaker 1 (28:56):
Everyone's there, it's super supportive and it's
and that's the thing, like whenI, you know what, when I post
matches or contents or whateverand they're like, oh my gosh,
you're so funny.
I'm like I, I mean, we screw upall the time.
You know, you see the perfect,you know shooter on Instagram.
Speaker 4 (29:15):
It's like no, that's not reality.
Right, I'm struggling.
It took 15 takes to get that.
Speaker 1 (29:25):
Yeah, and I'm struggling and you know, it's
like each time I shoot a match,it's like Like you know exactly
if this gun is right for you orif it's not, and you kind of
figure things out each time.
Each time you get better andbetter.
And then you know it's like youwork on fundamentals and I
haven't touched, you know, myguns in six months.
And Monday I did a trainingwith Gritter Gear and they're
(29:49):
like, yeah, join us.
And we did all back tofundamentals.
I'm like, oh yeah, I remembernow, but you know it's just a
continuous thing and you buildon it.
So yeah.
Speaker 2 (29:59):
And like, like she said about, like she was happy
when she got a malfunction yeah,I'm the same, because I train
that stuff so much and itactually came out during the
combatants class with it, withRuben, the first one that I did
down here.
I remember that first round.
I think the only reason that Iwas able to like come out of
that round the way it did isbecause I had a malfunction
(30:22):
right, and I didn't even knowthat I was able to clear it
until later they told me that'swhat I did and I looked at the
video.
Yeah, but it's one of thosethings that you train so much
that it becomes just you don'thave to think about it if it
happens, you just tap rec orwhatever the malfunction is, you
just automatically do it.
Speaker 1 (30:40):
And that's why the training aspect is so important,
because, yeah, and they alwayssay on the stress you fall to
the level of your training yeah,in competition, you're moving
and you're like barricade andyou know like you have to get in
different position, and it'slike that in life scenario too.
You're not going to be juststanding there, perfect, going,
okay, you're ready.
No, that's not going to happen.
And that's why I kind of loveit, because I'm like what just
(31:03):
happened?
Like well, I was trying toshoot, you know, around the wall
and I just limp wrist right nowand you just look at things.
I'm like, ah, so that'ssomething that you can't do on
your own or on a perfect rangeday, you know, doing training
until you shoot competition.
And that's kind of why I shootcompetition to.
(31:24):
You know, go along with myeveryday life.
Speaker 4 (31:27):
So, yeah, you also write too correct.
I think someone in here youknow got nominated for a Gundy
recently, Maybe.
Speaker 1 (31:35):
I know I'm like what, who me?
Speaker 4 (31:37):
Yeah, I had no idea.
Speaker 1 (31:38):
I you know I'm always preaching, saying things and,
um, women, um, outdoor news hadreached out years ago.
I, when I first got on Walter'sshooting team and it's like so,
tell us more about Michelle.
And it kind of started withthat.
I'm like well, I'm ahairstylist and how did you get
(31:59):
into it?
And I just kind of talked aboutmy life story and how and build
on that, and I think the firstarticle was like 2015 is when I
wrote it and then theyapproached me again and then
they're like hey, do you want tokeep writing stories?
I'm like, okay, I'll try.
So when I was at the range dayprimary range day I was like,
(32:22):
okay, I'm doing an article.
I'm like, how do you get her,either a man girlfriend, how do
you get her out to the range?
And we did that.
I'm like, how do you get herout to the range?
And we did that.
Like I'm like, how do how do weget her out?
I'm like, and so we're justkind of talking like, so I want
to do like a little video oflike how I would get my
girlfriend to go out.
And I'm like I would drag her.
(32:43):
And she's like, okay, you couldjust drag me.
Speaker 2 (32:45):
I'm like, yeah, I'm gonna drag you to the range so
we did that video where we're inat home first and she drags me
across the room and then it ends, transitions to her dragging me
at the range literally like andI'm like you're scratched up.
Speaker 4 (33:01):
That was hilarious.
Speaker 1 (33:02):
So that's kind of how I you know I'm like you know,
like my younger sister, it'sjust me and my younger sister
and I kind of dragged her out tothe range.
So it's like right, that's whatyou do.
But you, you know, you talkabout, and you talk about it
kind of like with my clients,like we need to go, we need to
go, and it's like okay finally,like get in the car, we need to
go.
Sometimes you have to kind ofdo that and then they enjoy
(33:24):
themselves and it's like a bugand that's kind of how I
happened to me.
So so I'm kind of writingarticles about my life dragging
people.
Speaker 4 (33:32):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (33:33):
Yeah, so I just kind of stumbled on them.
I'm like I'll just keep writing.
That's awesome.
Yeah, I'm glad people are likeyou're so funny.
I'm like, well, I meanliterally I've dragged a couple
of girls out there.
Speaker 4 (33:49):
So how long have you been shooting for Walther Since?
Speaker 1 (33:52):
2015.
I joined the team in June of2015.
But when I first started I wasa chapter leader in 2014.
My local range in Tulsa I had achapter.
(34:13):
I was a chapter leader and whenI was taking out, we had once a
month, every Tuesday, and Ithought what are they doing over
there in that bay?
And they had a US shootingacademy where they had the
three-gun nation.
That was my home range.
So Lana, michalik, taryn, butlerand Diana you know, muller was
(34:37):
out there and I thought, okay, Ihear pistol.
And I just started just gettingthe bug.
I started advanced training in2013.
And then I got the ladies groupa year later, uh, advanced
training in 2013.
And then I got the ladies groupa year later, so like 2013-14.
And then, uh, brian Corey, whobuilt all the the stages for
Three Gun Nation, they did theThree Gun Nation and then next
(35:02):
day local was able to do thisThree Gun and they're like just
come and shoot.
I said, well, I don't, I have apistol.
I do have a rifle, but I have,like this, everything is
tactical.
Because I kind of come into thetactical, defensive side and
he's like that's fine, bringyours, but we can, you know, use
mine and I just I'm like, wow,that's the first time I actually
(35:24):
shot while running and gunning.
So I just kind of got the bug.
And then I went through so manydifferent handguns because my
hand is small but I needed afull size and I started with my
Glock 19.
So you know, I'm like snapping.
They're like girl you need toget.
So I was in search of thatperfect handgun.
(35:45):
So, january SHOT Show 2015, Iran into two ladies and they
said come visit our booth.
It's like OK, they gave me thecard and I was like huh, I went
back to the hotel.
I'm like wait a minute, walter,is that like 007?
So I showed up at noon and shesaid here's our gun, just play
(36:09):
with it and just think what youthink and just let us know we're
not going to influence you,we're not going to talk about it
.
And so my main problem wasbeing able to reach that mag
release button without having to.
And this is what.
Speaker 3 (36:23):
I was doing just kind of shifting my, you know
breaking up my grip.
Speaker 1 (36:27):
And so the first thing I gripped on, I thought,
and I noticed I'm like wow, thatis a large button.
And I went, boom.
And I was like I can reach itshit.
And I was like, oh uh-oh, here Iam cussing walter arms, you
know 007.
And I was like, oh my gosh.
And she's like that is thereaction we wanted and this is
(36:49):
what we need for everybody toknow that we do have a
competition gun.
So two months later, they'relike you have a shooting resume.
I'm like what, we want you tobe on the shooting team.
Like yeah, but I, I'm like anokay shooter.
So here I am.
They're they're just like youknow, just spread the word.
(37:10):
We want women to get involved,you know, and purchase their own
gun.
So here I am.
I'm not really sure how I gotthere.
Speaker 4 (37:20):
That's awesome.
How many competitions have youdone?
If just a guesstimate?
Speaker 1 (37:25):
I used to do one every month back, yeah, and then
, uh, you know, just getting mybusiness last two years, covid
hit me really hard and I shot athree-on match um the year
before and I severed my rotatorcuff, so I've been kind of
babying that.
(37:45):
But before that I was shootingevery every once, every month,
traveling every month all themajor matches.
Brownells, you know, I went allover the place and and then in
between I was taking trainingclasses and teaching and having
that well-armed woman, but I gotto a point where I'm like, ok,
I'm, I got to stop something.
Speaker 3 (38:05):
So physically.
Speaker 1 (38:07):
COVID kind of hit me hard.
I was on oxygen for like 33days.
Oh wow, 24-7.
So I kind of slowed down, butI'm kind of coming back and I
want to get more into it.
But I think teaching is kind ofI'm going back to my teaching
because that's my passion.
Speaker 4 (38:22):
Yeah, same here.
Speaker 1 (38:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (38:25):
So, yeah, well, I'm glad you guys are going to shoot
the match tonight.
Speaker 1 (38:27):
I know I'm excited.
Speaker 4 (38:31):
It's going to be so fun.
Speaker 1 (38:33):
After your first stage, you're going to be fine
One match it's yeah, you'll getthe bug right.
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 3 (38:39):
What guns are you all shooting tonight?
Speaker 2 (38:41):
My Glock 19.
Yeah, we're going to doconcealment.
So.
Speaker 1 (38:45):
I don't really have.
Speaker 2 (38:46):
I have a Glock 19.
I have a 43X.
My funds go on ammo so I cantrain Exactly.
Speaker 1 (38:55):
So I'm shooting the Walther PDP, the 4.5-inch Nice,
I'm going a little bigger.
So right now, since we're intothe winter months, hoodie,
sweatshirt big so I'm going totry to carry that, the actual
gun that I'm going to beshooting.
It's going to be my wintercarry, so we'll see.
(39:16):
It'd be fun yeah.
Speaker 3 (39:19):
Yeah, it's always fun shooting your carry gun in a
match, you know because you'reused to use that gun.
Speaker 1 (39:24):
You know I like it's good to have a competition gun
too, I think.
But like also, you know,training Well, and that's kind
of like what we do is like show,and I was thinking I'm like,
should I shoot in this?
I'm like I might break my neckor something.
I'm going to break a hip, but Imean, that's what we do is like
you've got to train or actuallypractice the way you carry.
Speaker 2 (39:47):
yeah, that's yeah, that's why I've done several
videos going to the range, evenin dresses or skirts or high
heels, because if I'm carryingthat way, I need to be able to
right go out there and actuallybe able to shoot at a target,
even in uneven surfaces orwherever you may be.
So it's that's why she?
Speaker 1 (40:07):
was contemplating, just wearing that because I mean
, if we carry?
like that, let's practice it andthat's the thing that you know
a lot of us, especially when Ifirst started.
You don't ever go and train.
You put on your range gear, youknow, and your range bag, and
you get out of your range bagand you know, shoot a few rounds
, a few magazines, like I'm good, but then do you train the way
(40:34):
you carry.
So that's kind of how I kind ofmerged into when I first
started.
It was kind of like tacticalkind of stuff, training more of
me, training, showing that Icould you know, if I can do it,
you can do it go train.
And then I got the bug with thecompetition.
So I I was doing all thecompetition and then now I'm
kind of going back to kind oflike how I started, focusing on
ladies and trying to help thembe more confident and train with
(40:57):
what you have that's good stuffgood stuff.
I'm all over the place.
Speaker 4 (41:06):
I love that I am too.
I am ADD.
I love that I am too.
Speaker 1 (41:08):
I am ADD, so yeah same.
Speaker 2 (41:11):
And she's yeah, I'm what same.
Speaker 1 (41:16):
Yeah same, yeah well, I mean, when I saw her take out
snack from her Dean Adams andI'm like because I'm always like
, you know, you got lipsticksnacks and then she did the same
thing.
Speaker 2 (41:25):
I'm like wait, you know, you got.
That was like that's how weclick snacks.
And then she did the same thing.
Speaker 1 (41:28):
Like wait a minute.
And I looked I'm like she didit before me, so it wasn't like
she was copying.
You know, in the industry youkind of see same things over and
over again.
Yeah, but it's like I feel likewhen I first started following
her, I'm like this is likethat's what she really does,
right.
Speaker 4 (41:46):
Me Like.
This is like that's what shereally does.
Speaker 1 (41:47):
Right, me too, and half the time, and we were just
kind of talking about that If wehave like a product that we're
trying to feature and like ittakes so many hours for me to
like, okay, that's notpolitically correct, and then
you know I'm like, okay, retake.
But when we're actually, whenI'm actually like getting
(42:10):
dressed or whatever, I'm likewait, I need to put a camera
right there and then like 10seconds right, and then that
video goes viral.
But I mean, I think people kindof know that it's real, it's
not a setup kind of thing youknow, yeah, yeah, so yeah like
yeah, I mean, she's goofy, I'mgoofy.
Speaker 2 (42:22):
Who's gonna like wait , she's doing the same thing.
It's like I like her, she'sjust like me.
Speaker 4 (42:27):
It's like yeah and it's funny too, because you know
, I said I I literally fell inlove with you when I first met
you.
It was the same thing for youwhen.
When I saw you at the um, whatwas it the?
It was in dallas nra.
No, it wasn't.
No, it wasn't the nra, it wasthe empowered 2a.
Oh, that's right.
And then, and then like I waslike, oh, my god, you're awesome
.
And then I find out you guysare like besties and I was like
(42:48):
well, that makes sense.
Speaker 1 (42:48):
That makes sense, goofy and Goofy.
Speaker 2 (42:52):
We were talking about the other day.
The first time we actually metin person was in Houston for her
birthday, and it was justsomething funny because we
talked for a while online but wenever met in person until
someone said something to dosomething funny.
Speaker 1 (43:11):
We were at a gun range and there was a mascot out
in front.
And then we were just likecheese and doing this, and then
they're like do something funny,and I was like oh, OK, and then
immediately it was an astronaut.
We both reached for the gun.
Speaker 2 (43:29):
Both of us and I just literally fell on the floor
laughing and we have the videoof that and it was like that's
when we both was like okay youare so mean, he's like you're
just like, we're like, okay,we're besties, that we're gonna
be.
Speaker 1 (43:41):
It's like you just know yeah, yeah, because I mean
I, you know she, she lived incalifornia and I was like, go to
Texas, and she's like I really.
So she did some research and Idon't know how many months, and
I said I'm actually shooting amatch in Washington and I said
I'll just get a one-way ticketto California, I'll come pick
(44:03):
you up and we'll go to Texas.
Speaker 4 (44:05):
So that's what we we did and a lot of people are like
are you crazy?
Speaker 1 (44:10):
You've only met her one time I'm like no, you don't
get it.
Speaker 2 (44:13):
I mean sometimes, I think, you just know.
Speaker 1 (44:15):
Social media or, you know, like email, you could get
to know people a little bit more, I think, and like in a deeper
you know condition, I think,than actually making friends in
a deeper you know condition, Ithink, then, so she really took
a one-way flight to come help mepack that's awesome and drove
the van.
Speaker 2 (44:35):
She drove, I drove my car, she drove the van all the
way to texas, and I know peopleare like who does that?
Who does that for you?
It's like, yeah, she does, yeah, that is she does.
Speaker 4 (44:44):
Yeah, that is such an interesting story.
That's sweet.
Yeah, it is.
Speaker 1 (44:48):
Yeah, I mean, it's just yeah.
Speaker 2 (44:53):
Very rare, I think.
Speaker 1 (44:54):
Yeah, because I mean, you know, a lot of times I
think women sometimes who have alittle bit of jealousy
temptationally you know what Imean but like for her it was
just like she started followingme and just always just positive
.
Everything was positive.
And I think I same way, and Ithink a lot of times not just
men get intimidated by me, butwomen do, and then when they
(45:16):
meet me they're like you'reexactly like you are on
Instagram.
I'm like is that a good?
Speaker 2 (45:21):
thing or is that a bad thing?
They tell me the same, but Istill not know how you're
supposed to just be yourself,like you're so funny.
Speaker 1 (45:27):
Just be yourself like no, yeah, like you're still
fighting.
Goofy like on Instagram.
Speaker 2 (45:31):
Like yeah yeah, same person, that's the same with her
is like meeting her in personfor the first time, is exactly
like talking to her on message.
It's just exactly like there'sno difference at all and it's
it's.
It's it's nice when you meetpeople that are like genuine,
(45:52):
yeah, online and in person, andthey're exactly the same person.
It's just, and I don't know.
Speaker 1 (45:57):
I just think um just being you know in the industry.
I think majority of the peoplewant to help you out you know,
know like, hey, have you triedthis, or you know?
Just goes on and on, and I justlove that about this community.
Speaker 4 (46:13):
Yeah so yeah, me too.
Speaker 1 (46:14):
Yeah, big family.
Speaker 3 (46:17):
So you mentioned classes and stuff.
Where do you teach right now?
Speaker 1 (46:23):
Right now I live north of Tulsa and I do have a
kind of like, well, actually, mybackyard private range.
I have a neighbor that you knowkind of allows me to.
He I own about almost eightacres, so his backyard kind of
incumbents my backyard and he'sa big duck hunter.
(46:45):
So he's like, yeah, go shootdown there.
So I do, I don't have.
Well, I do have a website.
Yeah, go shoot down there.
So I I do, I don't have.
Well, I do have a website and Ido like just word of mouth
right now, but I do have awebsite which I, you know, I I
want to continue that and kindof have that as my second job.
So, but cause.
That's my um passion.
Speaker 4 (47:04):
Yeah, passion.
Speaker 1 (47:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (47:06):
So yeah, I'm up to take a class with you.
Speaker 1 (47:08):
Yeah, I would love to .
So I do.
You know, like I think now it'slike every majority of the
women take the basic class,fundamentals, and then it's like
what now?
Because I know that when Ifirst started, I you know, I was
self-taught.
Speaker 4 (47:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (47:24):
And then, finally, I thought I'm safe with, you know,
my trigger finger and muzzle,and I just jumped and said I'm
going to take this class.
I don't care if there's 30 guys, but a lot of women get
intimidated by that, so I wantto offer something like kind of
in between right the basic andthe advanced.
So that's kind of what I'mworking with is intermediate and
(47:44):
concealment, carry and how todraw and things like that.
So that's kind of what I'mworking on right now for 2025 is
what I want to do, so that'sawesome.
Speaker 4 (47:53):
Yeah, because I think there's a there's, there's a
gap there, because even at thatempower 2a event yes, talking to
several women that they'reliterally just scared, right
scared to even hold a gun andI'm like it's scary that someone
carries while they're scared ofeven holding a gun, and there's
(48:13):
a lot of women are too scaredto even go and take a first
lesson because they're literallyscared of the gun we just had a
lady we were doing a license tocarry class across the street
and, uh, we were getting readyfor the LTC or the qualification
part, and this lady was like Ididn't know I had to shoot, and
she's like I, I'm afraid I don'twant to do it.
(48:35):
So you know, we're going to lether finish the you know, the
classroom portion.
But I had to go talk to her andI was like, well, you know,
let's, let's have a class.
You know, I gave her myinformation.
I was like we can get youcomfortable, but you know, to
your point.
I was like that and it'sgetting it.
Speaker 2 (48:51):
And it's a gap, is like.
If you can get them over thatfear, right, right, and then at
least you're comfortable and youhave control over the gun,
instead of the gun havingcontrol over you.
Speaker 4 (49:02):
Because you can.
I mean, I guess the scariestpart of that to me is you know
if she's, if she doesn't knowwhat she's doing, or something
like that like she could end uphurting somebody that she's not,
and that's me too.
Speaker 1 (49:17):
I have a certification to teach conceal
small self-defense act inOklahoma.
Speaker 3 (49:21):
And.
Speaker 1 (49:21):
I have a cleat law enforcement instructor and it's
so crazy how you, you know, likemostly women show up it's not
even their gun and they, like Ihad like maybe one out of four
classes they're like oh, I haveto shoot.
You know, I'm like you know,this is a concealed carry
(49:44):
license, kind of like you'regetting your driver's license,
and when you kind of tell themthat, like why are you here?
They're like well, my husbandmade me Right.
Speaker 4 (49:52):
Yeah, this lady was with her husband, so it's my
husband's gun.
Speaker 1 (49:55):
I've never touched it and I'm like you know, you have
to kind of clear a malfunctionand you know, and that it's I
mean, I don't know theinformation.
I'm like what, what class didyou think you were taking?
So I ended up.
Her husband ended up, you know,like saying OK, I stopped her
and I said, if you want to takemy basic class, and then we
(50:16):
could do kind of like acombination.
So that's why I do more likeone on one, Right, Because a lot
of the people that show up it'slike they're clueless.
It's like they're clueless.
Right, you're not ready and Ithink half half of the ladies
that come in, you know, take theconcealment class, they don't
get it because it's like I getit.
You don't need to get it ifyou're deathly afraid of it.
(50:38):
So like you need training, soit's OK, you come back and see
me, or you know, let's, let's dothe basic training, and so
that's kind of how I just domaybe right now, just kind of
one-on-one, I think women kindof like that, or an all-female
class.
But it's kind of mind-bogglinghow you're like.
(50:58):
You know, you did realize thiswas a concealed carry class.
Speaker 4 (51:03):
Well, a lot of people have, like those common
misconceptions.
Speaker 1 (51:05):
You just go over there fill out some paper and
just, you know, get a licenseand a gun, or I thought you were
going to teach me.
I'm like not this class.
Speaker 4 (51:12):
Well, yeah, that happens a lot that happens a lot
, even if we put disclaimers inour course descriptions and you
still always, always get that.
Speaker 2 (51:21):
It's scary because it's like you know, making a
comparison of like you get adriver's license.
You're comparison of like youget a driver's license, you're
supposed to know how to drivethe car, you can't get behind
the wheel and just you're gonnaend up hurting yourself or
someone else if you don't knowhow to operate.
Yeah the vehicle that you getin a license for.
Speaker 1 (51:39):
It's like so strange I'm like you know people fear
car more than I'm so nervous,and you know you get experience.
I'm like why wouldn't you dothat with a firearm?
Yeah, yeah, you know, you thinkyou're going to just buy it,
and then you get a concealedcarry license and then you're
good to go.
Speaker 4 (51:56):
Yeah Well, a lot of people think that oh well, you
know, I'm just shooting fromhere to here, it's just a matter
of pulling the trigger.
You know they don't understandall the other nuances that come
into being able to control thatfire especially in a high stress
situation.
So yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (52:10):
We're trying.
I mean we're trying to be.
I mean it started as me justwanting to show my progress in
my training, in my trainingjourney.
And then you get people thatare kind of tell you, hey, this
is like inspiring, or likeyou're always out there training
and I'm like, yeah, because tome is important, but then it's,
(52:31):
it's really.
It's a beautiful moment whenpeople come and tell you they're
inspired by it or you know what?
I'm going to go to train, trainsome more because because they
see you as an example.
And I love, I love hearing that.
Speaker 4 (52:45):
Exactly, and that's one of the reasons that I love
what both of you do so much isbecause you know you've got
those, those people that see youout there, and they're right
especially being you know you'repretty, you guys aren't, you
know, all like tacticaled out,you know, but you, you look like
, you know, just regular,regular girls, you know, and
it's like, oh well, she can doit, I can do it too.
Speaker 1 (53:03):
And that's another thing.
It's like not just women, butmore and more like husbands and
boyfriends are messaging me.
They're like, hey, what could Ido?
And I love that, because a lotof what I've saw in the past it
was just like they were forcedto do it or they go about the
wrong way.
So I did an article on that.
Like you know how to get her outthere, I'm like yeah, this is a
(53:25):
long journey and you have totalk to them, kind of like, you
know, when you're dating, youprepare.
Like that first day you prepareand you find out where you know
what kind of food she likes.
It's just like that, you know,let her.
You know, like figure out whatshe wants, not what you think
she wants.
And so many guys are you knowmessaging.
(53:46):
And then and I'm like, did youalready take her out?
Like no, not yet I saw yourvideo, I saw your article.
So that's why I'm asking you.
I'm like perfect, perfect, yes,so I'm going to keep writing.
So they're listening and I lovethat.
Speaker 2 (53:59):
Yeah, and the same.
Like you said, there's guyshusbands, boyfriends too, or
even instructors that say hey,oh, yeah, like when I have like
women come to my class, like Ishow them your page, or like
your training and it's like, ohmy gosh, yeah, I do get a lot of
.
I mean, that's not why Istarted this, like it was just
me showing my journey.
Speaker 1 (54:20):
But hey, I love that, yeah I love it because I I'm to
a point where you, you know,I'm like posting things, I'm all
over the place and I'm likewhere am I going with all this?
I'm like I don't even knowanymore.
And then you get that messagefrom a husband or you know a
girl.
That's like you know she'sspilling her guts out and she's
(54:40):
like I think I'm ready, I'mreally ready, because I saw you
out there and I'm like, yeah,saw you out there.
And I'm like, yeah, it's that,yeah.
So I'm like, okay, I, whateverit takes you know it takes one
person at a time and I I lovethat.
So and that's why Walter is so.
You know I like working withhim.
(55:01):
They're like just do whateveryou want to do.
You know, if you want to post,I don't have like a contract
where they're like give me fiveposts.
You know I love that andthey're really great.
You know people, the actualpeople that are behind you know
like do whatever you want to doLike okay, I have a great
experience with Walther.
Yeah, you guys are.
Speaker 4 (55:21):
They're pretty, yeah, they're pretty cool.
Speaker 1 (55:23):
So, like they're like my family and you know, I've
been approached by a lot ofcompanies and I'm like, if I'm
going to ever switch, I'm likeI'm just going to do my own
thing, like I'm not going to gowith this company or that
company or you know like, hey,this week I'm like, shoot this,
because this is great, it's thebest.
And then next week, hey, shootthis, yeah, yeah.
(55:46):
So yeah, I'm just kind of stillhanging in until they're like
okay, michelle you're gettingtoo old, get out of here.
Speaker 2 (55:54):
Actually, the older you get, the better it is.
It's like you know it's okay.
Speaker 1 (55:58):
It's like yeah, that's right, like hey, you can
get a wheelchair in your shoecoat.
Speaker 2 (56:04):
Yeah, I'll push your wheelchair, let's do when we're
older, we'll do that.
Speaker 1 (56:07):
Yeah, let's do that, that, that's.
Speaker 2 (56:08):
We'll do that yeah.
Speaker 4 (56:08):
Let's do that.
Speaker 1 (56:10):
That's going to be a content, for sure.
Yeah, love that.
Speaker 4 (56:12):
I can't wait.
Speaker 3 (56:16):
So if folks want to find more about, like a class or
something or just find y'all ingeneral, you said you were
working on a website.
Yeah, it's justtackgirlmichellecom.
Speaker 1 (56:25):
Cool.
And then Instagram everything'stackgirlmichelle.
And they're like how did youcome up with that?
I'm like because I was kind ofdoing the tactical, you know,
training, and then I'm a girland my name is Michelle.
There you go, it'stackgirlmichellecom.
Speaker 2 (56:38):
Yeah, mine is Instagram bonbons and guns and
many times I'm like, should Ichange it?
Because that's kind of like atthe beginning, like you, but I'm
like, ah, people know you bythat.
It's fine.
It's not just guns, it's justit's training, it's the whole.
Speaker 4 (56:54):
Yeah, bonbons is just kind of like a nickname, so
yeah.
Speaker 3 (57:01):
Awesome.
Well, thank y'all for comingdown and making the trip down
here and hanging out with us fora little bit.
Good luck on the match tonight.
Yes.
Speaker 2 (57:09):
I'll need it, thank you, thanks for having us.
Speaker 3 (57:11):
It'll be a lot of fun .
It really is.
Speaker 2 (57:13):
I'm excited.
Are you shooting?
Yes, yeah.
Speaker 1 (57:17):
Are you shooting?
Speaker 3 (57:18):
No, not tonight.
Got the kids and stuff, familystuff.
Yeah, it's that enough matchesyeah.
Speaker 2 (57:26):
Especially here we have one like oh yeah, right
Right, every week, right yeah,that's kind of like me.
Speaker 1 (57:32):
I live like my lake is just right across the street,
but I've been there 20 years.
I'm like maybe once it's justyou know time flies.
Speaker 3 (57:41):
It's so close that you're like oh, I can just
Tomorrow, next week, next week,and then it's like 20 years
later.
Speaker 1 (57:48):
That's me too.
I'm like oh my gosh, I can'tbelieve it's been six months
since I shot a match.
Just life, just so.
I'm like okay, so I'm going toTexas, I was going to shoot a
carbine match and then that gotrained down.
Like okay that I have atraining on Monday, like
(58:08):
everything rolled in one likepodcast training match match
birthday and I'm like I'mprobably gonna be dead on friday
, but it's okay so, yeah,awesome, yeah, thank y'all.
Speaker 3 (58:18):
Thank y'all so much for coming on.
Speaker 1 (58:19):
Thank you, thank you really appreciate it really
appreciate and good having y'allso yes absolutely well if you
stuck around this long.
Speaker 3 (58:27):
Thank you for tuning in.
We will see you next time.
Subscribe, like, comment allthat good stuff and yeah, we'll
see you next time.
That was probably the worstsign-off I've ever done, yeah.
Speaker 2 (58:39):
Because still we do.
Speaker 3 (58:45):
Unless Tara, you have a better sign-off.
Speaker 4 (58:46):
Oh, no, no, you know I do, I'd be way worse, way
worse so we usually have Ian dothe sign offs and he's much
better at it, I'll have topractice something witty and fun
.
Speaker 3 (58:55):
I'm not used to doing these.
I do an intro but the sign offgo to work on the sign off.
Next time I'll practice anoutro and I'll do the the sign
off is extra long now, so I'mgoing to go ahead and end it and
stop talking now, because
His hand was in his hoodie pocket and all of a
sudden it went up and I sawsomething shiny.
So I know it was like a kitchenknife, I don't.
I mean, it was just that splitsecond and I saw him coming
really fast and I just openedthat up and I pointed and the
holster was still on the Glock45.
(00:20):
But he knew what it was,obviously, and he took off and I
mean, it was just like twoseconds Before that I thought
off and I mean it was just liketwo seconds, wow, Before that, I
thought you know, I have my gun, I'm fine, I'm going to just
pull it out, point, pull thetrigger, and that's all I can
remember, Like I didn't evenknow how to pull it out and how
the heck, am I going to pull thetrigger in that holster Exactly
(00:42):
?
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Welcome to the Big Tech's Ordinance Podcast.
I'm Ike.
We have Tara, our co-host today, and then our guests today are
Bonnie and Michelle, so y'alldrove down from Dallas-Fort
Worth area.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
Yes, Well, actually I live north of Tulsa, so I drove
to her and picked her up.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
I didn't realize you were that far north.
I didn't either.
I say that far north, it's onlyOklahoma.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Everybody thinks I'm in Texas, you know, because I'm
always here, Like all my friendsare here.
Speaker 4 (01:15):
So I thought you and Bonnie, like you know, live next
door to each other.
Speaker 2 (01:17):
Yeah, no, we're like five-ish Five hours away.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
I'm five hours away.
Speaker 3 (01:22):
And another four hours to get here.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
Yes.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Wow.
Speaker 1 (01:28):
It's like are we there yet?
Speaker 3 (01:30):
Well, yeah, so I guess if y'all want to start,
bonnie, we can probably startwith you Just a little bit about
yourself and kind of how yougot started in the industry and
kind of and all that.
Speaker 2 (01:39):
Yeah, my name is Bonnie Lanzarini.
I'm born and raised Italian.
I've been in the US about 12years and I just became a
citizen two years ago.
Congratulations, thank you.
Yeah, that's probably one ofthe best days of my life being
(01:59):
an American citizen and I got inthe industry.
Probably let me see 20.
We were talking about it in thecar like figuring out.
Speaker 1 (02:09):
Hey, when did we meet ?
When did we meet?
Speaker 2 (02:11):
yeah, because I got in the industry 2020, I think.
In the industry, talking about,like in the firearm, you know
passion and training and allthat was about 2020.
I did my first training lessonin May 2020.
And I've owned a gun beforethat for a while.
(02:31):
For like protection, likewanting to carry, and the reason
I got into it is from my badexperience, like a bad marriage
and just wanting to protectmyself and my daughter decided
to purchase a gun.
And then I started.
I started asking people reachingout, like hey, I was like it's
(02:52):
about time that I take a lessonand actually go learn how to use
it, not just carry.
And I did my first lesson inMay 2020 and I kind of I was
hooked, I loved it, but I alsorealized, oh my god, I'm caring
every day, I need to.
This is scary.
It's like I need to know how touse it, be proficient with it.
(03:14):
So then I decided to do I thinkI did two lessons a month.
I decided to go to myinstructor, kind of I said, okay
, I want to do, and I'm going todo it every two weeks.
So I'm going to go take alesson and become better, more
proficient.
And I did that for a while.
And then I was also lookingonline at examples and she came
(03:36):
across and I was telling her hey, this is the post that I saw
from you in May 2020.
And I remember seeing her and Isaid I want to be like her.
Oh, I know she was my exampleof women out there in the
firearms industry that I reallylooked up to and I said I want
to be like her, I want to bejust.
(03:56):
You know, she was my exampleand look at us now.
I know right.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
Yeah, Like what is this girl?
Yeah, she started following me.
Yeah, 2020?
Speaker 2 (04:05):
2020, yeah, around, probably 2019, 2020.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
And I thought who is this girl?
And then when I kind of lookedthrough her Instagram, I kind of
felt, exactly I knew thatsomething happened and this
drove her.
And that's kind of how Istarted my journey too.
I worked at a gun store manyyears ago and before.
It was really cool to work at agun store, and then you know,
(04:29):
before smartphones came in, I'mlike I used to do cool things
but I really didn't go and train, because when you work in a gun
store, you're behind the table,you're doing paperwork and I
noticed back 2013 is when one ofthe ladies you could tell she
was really scared and she waswith her husband and he was
(04:50):
showing her.
You know, he was a Glock guy,so he was showing her these big
Glocks and she was just like Ijust can't reach you know the
trigger.
And I don't like that.
And she's like, well, can Ilook?
And he's like, yeah, go look.
But he would keep trying to gether to go to all the glocks you
know.
And, um, I was walking by and Iwas doing inventory and she was
(05:10):
like, hey, you work here.
And I was like, yeah, and shesaid, can you help me?
What do you carry?
And at the time I was likesomething shiny and I'm like, uh
, it's a 380.
She's like, which?
Which brand?
I'm like they don't have ithere.
And I got to a point where I'mlike, man, I need to figure out,
you know, what am I carrying?
I don't even know what I'mcarrying and that's kind of how
(05:32):
it happened.
I threw my gun in my purse forthe first five years because,
like, I wasn't reallycomfortable and at the time when
I started they didn't reallyhave too many options for ladies
.
You know it was.
I had an Uncle Mike's, which isnothing wrong with it, but you
know, I was trying to figure outwhere to put it and I thought,
you know, it's more convenientto just throw it in my purse.
(05:55):
And I did have a separatelittle compartment, but I never
trained with it and somethingbad almost happened.
Something bad almost happened.
And that's when I realized that,ok, I need to figure this out,
not just trying to help someother lady figure it out.
But I'm like for me.
So that's kind of how I started, just training.
(06:17):
And then, like you said, I justgot addicted to it, because the
more I train I'm like, wow, youlearn little things at each
class and you're like, okay, Ifeel confident and got to a
point where within a year, Ifigured out how to carry and
that was kind of like my missionto just Facebook, like, hey, if
(06:38):
I can do it.
And then I just kind ofaccidentally stumbled onto
competition because I wantedthat stress factor into it.
So and everybody's like, howdid you get?
I'm like I'm not really sure.
I just shared my passion andthis works.
This doesn't work, and I wasalways a customer first, yeah,
so.
Speaker 4 (06:58):
So I'm going to take a step back.
You said something bad almosthappened.
Do you want to?
Speaker 1 (07:02):
Yeah, so when I was working at the gun store on the
weekends, they asked us, youknow, like hey, you want to go
travel to Gunch?
I'm like yeah, I love traveling.
And it was in Indianapolis, itwas right at dusk, it was around
(07:24):
April, may, so it was kind ofwarm At the time.
It was my boyfriend.
He always, like every time wegot in the car, he said don't
forget, I have a gun in themiddle console.
And I'm like yeah, yeah, yeah,yeah, okay.
And I remember he went in toget water or something for next
day the show and he said roll upyour window.
I'm like it's hot, I'm fine,just hurry up.
And I remember just looking upright as he went in and there
(07:46):
was a guy with like a grayhoodie on coming around and I
just kind of look back, I'm notsure what I was doing.
For a second I thought he wasgoing into the convenience store
and I look back up from doingwhatever and he was coming
towards my side and I had thewindow cracked about like that
(08:07):
and I remember just looking downbecause his hand was in his
hoodie pocket and all of asudden it went up and I saw
something shiny.
So I know it was like a kitchenknife, I don't—I mean, it was
just that split second and I hadmy purse in the back flap
floorboard and I was like—Ididn't even think about that.
The only thing I thought aboutwas the middle console, because
(08:29):
he said it all the time.
I saw him coming really fastand I just opened that up and I
pointed and the holster wasstill on the Glock 45.
But he knew what it was,obviously and he took off and I
mean it was just like twoseconds, wow.
Before that I thought you know,I have my gun, I'm fine, I'm
(08:50):
going to just pull it out, point, pull the trigger.
And that's all I can remember,like I didn't even know how to
pull it out and how the heck amI going to pull the trigger in
that holster Exactly.
So that's kind of made merealize okay, I need to figure
this out, I need to make surethat I know at all times where
(09:14):
my handgun is.
So that's kind of how I startedhere.
I am working at a gun storewith all the guns and I didn't
have mine.
It was back there.
Speaker 4 (09:21):
Yeah, that's so scary .
Thankfully, what caused me toactually change the way I carry
didn't have anything to do withsomething horrible like that,
but I ended up taking a force onforce class and we were going
through these differentscenarios and one of the
scenarios was purse carry andyou know I didn't always purse
carry, but you know if I wasfeeling lazy or whatever it's
(09:42):
just easy, just chunk it inthere.
And so, you know, I went intothis force on force class and my
goal is to win Right, eventhough that's not an actual goal
.
But you know, when we'resetting up for the scenario,
they're like you know you'regoing to carry this purse, you
know we're going to go throughthis whole deal.
So I was like all right, so Ihadn't the purse, I up.
(10:05):
They're like set it up howeveryou would, I had it where I
would, exactly I could, I couldget it.
And I was.
I was like I'm just going tokeep it right here, you know.
And so I have my purse and Iwas like I'm just going to keep
it right here.
So whenever the scenario started, you know, we went over and you
know it was actually like acafe set up or whatever, and I
was having lunch with somebodyand then, you know, somebody
came up and they actually shotthe person.
They were acting all irate andthen we were just kind of
(10:26):
looking at them and then theyended up shooting the person
that I was with.
So at that point I said, youknow, I got up, grabbed the
purse, went to grab the gun,could not get it out, could not
get it out, I ended up having tothrow it just through the gun
in the whole purse.
You knowid it across the groundran but got behind the car by
that time, you know guy's goneor he could have done something
(10:47):
else, but that was like that wasreally like my aha moment.
It's like, yeah, you know, I'drather somebody carry than not
carry exactly, but you know it'sthe responsibility too, with a
purse.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
That's why we talk about the only way we would ever
, ever carry off bodies in atleast a sling-like bag, because
at least it's attached to you,it can be snatched off of you.
Speaker 1 (11:10):
When you first start, your mentality is totally
different, totally different.
You get a gun and you have ammoin that magazine and you're
like good to go, but you don'tthink about.
When I first started, I neverthought about.
You know, I'm like I'm good togo.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
And I always thought.
Speaker 1 (11:24):
I would have my purse , but it's just that split
second Like I think the wholescenario that happened was like
two minutes within two minutes.
Speaker 2 (11:32):
And the other thing that I say to your point the
more you train, the more likeyou're learning little bits and
pieces.
And that's what happened to meand that's why I dedicated
myself to right always go outand train, even if I don't have
an instructor.
I go myself and I keep training.
Because the more you train, themore you realize and you put in
(11:53):
scenarios like force on force orput in scenarios where you're
actually acting, certainscenarios in the public where
you have a like a bad guy, butthen you have other targets
behind that are like theinnocent people.
When you're put to that test,you're like, oh shit, I shot an
innocent person.
So in your case and I alwayssay, if you're in a car, in a
(12:17):
parking lot or in a gas stationor where you have other people
around, If you don't have thatmentality, I'll just take my gun
out and shoot.
But what if right behindthere's a child or a woman or
someone and you accidentallyshoot an innocent person?
That's where, the more youtrain, the more your mind starts
(12:37):
thinking about these scenariosand the importance of being
proficient.
Speaker 4 (12:43):
And there's a lot of people that that you know say
that you know like competitionand things like that don't
translate over into self-defense.
But I mean, just to your point,like it just makes so much
sense to to do anything andeverything you can.
Speaker 1 (12:56):
Oh yeah, and that's kind of range and train right,
and that's kind of why I, when Iwas training, and I took
another training class, anotherother, but everything was just
standing still, or you wouldshoot from here and here in a
perfect condition, where youknow it was sunny and it's
inside your waist, but it's likewhat if you were what?
(13:16):
I was in the vehicle?
You know it's like, are yougoing to be able to clear that
firearm to you know?
For I was in a gas station,right, and the only thing I saw
was him, nothing else.
But my mentality was differentat the time.
Yeah, and it's so hard for, Ithink, women, I don't know.
(13:38):
I'm sure there's statisticswhere you know like nothing can.
I'm like it won't happen to me.
And I was kind of in that.
I knew it did because wewatched the news and it happens.
But it's like oh, I don't goout at night, I try not to go
out at night and you know justlittle things like that.
But like bad guys are allaround even daytime.
Speaker 4 (13:57):
It was like 4, 35, 30 , something like that when that
actually happened one of thethings that kind of you know
triggered me to carry every time, you know, all day, every day,
if I can was there was a.
It was Halloween, like I don'tknow, probably like seven years
ago.
But I was going to pick up, Ihad I was missing a piece of my
(14:19):
costume and so I was going to goover to a friend's house and
borrow that piece and I rememberrunning out the door and I
forgot my gun.
And I'm like to go over to afriend's house and borrow that
piece and I remember running outthe door and I forgot my gun
and I'm like you know, it's likeI forgot.
I was like I'll only be gone fora second, I'm just going right
down the street and coming back.
So got in the truck, went down,going down, lived in at that
time a very affluential, youknow, very upscale neighborhood
and somebody came up behind me,tried to run me off the road and
(14:42):
they, they behind me, tried torun me off the road and they
they literally the whole waydown, you know.
So I'm dodging, trying to getand there's really nowhere to go
on this street.
So we ended up, you know,coming up to a red light cars
coming.
I had to stop.
He gets out of the car, he goesand punches my window, tries to
pull me out and end up justblowing the you know, just
blowing the red light, cause Ihad there was no other.
Speaker 3 (15:03):
there was nothing else to do.
I didn't want to be option.
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
So that was, you know , definitely an aha moment to be
like you know I need to not be,you know yeah.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
And that's the thing that right now, it's like you
know, I, I got my certificationto, you know, teach, and it's
since 2013,.
I'm like, how do you?
You know, so I my day job.
I own a medical spa and I dohair.
So my clients you know we havea lot of time while their hair
is processing for two, threehours.
(15:36):
Talking about, you know, becausethey know what I do and they're
like, oh, every time, everymonth, or, like you know, four
to six weeks, when they come, Ineed to take your class.
I need to.
My husband carries and you knowhe hunts, and you know it's
like I need to do it.
I'm like, let's do it.
I'm like, well, I got this andI got that.
And I'm like, you know, and Iknow it's hard because I don't
(15:57):
have children, and then you knowyou have children and you have
so many different activitiesthat you have to be involved in
as a mom, but it's like this isso crucial, but I don't know how
I don't know if I want to usethe word scare women into like
you need to do this, but it's sohard, yeah, so I'm still trying
(16:18):
to figure it out.
Speaker 4 (16:19):
I'm like I'm trying to educate people, or like if
you're scared of firearm,there's other non-lethal ways to
go about it so yeah yeah, Iactually run two ladies groups
over at the range and I I findmyself when I'm talking to them.
I try to tell them.
You know like I'm not trying toscare you, but you know, these
are the things you know thatI've either experienced myself
(16:40):
or things that you know I'veheard from other ladies and I
don't, I don't want anybody tohave a situation.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
And it's like I guess you, just since you don't
experience that feel, feel I'mrubbing off on you.
Speaker 2 (16:56):
Please keep that in the video.
Speaker 3 (16:57):
This is definitely negative.
This is really the interesting,so.
Speaker 1 (17:01):
I guess you don't experience that fear factor,
Right?
But I mean, like how do you getwomen to just I think of, and
it's a shame I just think of.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
I'm out there with my daughter, 10 year old, and I'm
just the thought of anyonewanting or possibly hurting her
and me not being able.
I need to know how, even morethan me, I want to be able to
protect her, to save her, to doat least do anything in my power
(17:40):
to just protect her from anyharm from someone wanting to
hurt her or me, but I think withyou she sees that what you're
doing to protect you know, andthings like that.
Speaker 4 (17:52):
How old is she?
Ten, ten.
Does she train?
Speaker 2 (17:55):
I've tried.
I've tried to push her to it.
She's come a few times.
It's not her thing, she's likeMom, but it's boring.
It's boring, but maybe one dayat some point she'll maybe want
to do it.
But I don't want to push her tothe point where she's going to
resent or like just reject itcompletely.
Speaker 4 (18:15):
So I did the same thing with my daughter is.
You know I let her shoot andyou know we take her out every
time I go.
And then she, when she wasreally little, she, she kind of
liked it.
Speaker 3 (18:26):
It was fun because I'd let her shoot the 22.
Speaker 4 (18:27):
But then once she got a little bit older probably
around, you know, 10 ish she'slike I don't, I don't want to do
this?
Yeah, she doesn't and then, um,you know, I just kind of let
her, you know, do it at her ownpace.
And now you know she, sheenjoys it.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
So yeah, that's good she was like she did enjoy it
too when I took her when she waslittle yeah same with the 22
and like, but now she's likeokay, you know, I'll you see me
do it maybe when she'll comearound at one point I want to
maybe learn it or come with meor train some, but I'm you know,
go at her pace yeah, we all gothrough the stages, but she sees
(18:59):
and she's made comments before,it's like, um, even it was at
school or something.
There was something that had tosay why your mom, or something
about why your mom is, or yourparent.
You think they're a hero, thisand that, and she, just because
she goes to the range and knowshow to protect me, she kind of
wrote that down and I was likeoh, it was like so it's kind of
(19:22):
you know that they see, oh yeah,what you do, even when you
think they're not lookingexactly they, they know they
kind of.
They see your dedication, theysee that you're doing it for a
reason to protect her, be ableto protect her yeah so it's like
oh so I want to jump off tracka little bit, I'm okay.
Speaker 4 (19:43):
So the spoon.
How did that come about?
Oh my gosh, I don't even knowhow that started anymore.
It's, that's actually what waslike, like made me fall in love
with you yeah, I remember wetook the combatives class with
paradox and you showed up.
Speaker 2 (20:01):
I always carry.
I always carry a mini one, bythe way, it's like I have one in
my car, a little travel size.
I always carry, like yourconcealed carry spoon.
This is my concealed carry spoon.
It's funny because at shot showlast year it's like
unexpectedly, like people werejust like, hey, do you have your
spoon?
I was like could they take apicture?
(20:21):
I was like this is funny.
I don't remember, honestly, howit actually started.
Started with the spoon, butsomething about talking about
the chancla and it's like, yeah,you know chancla with the spoon
, but something about talkingabout the chancla and it's like,
yeah, you know chancla and thespoon and it was like a maybe
like I remember like growing upkind of having like my brothers
being chased with the spoon orwith something from like grandma
(20:45):
and like the ants I definitelygot chased with the spoon I
remember that and it was justit's like hey.
And then I think it's like hey.
Speaker 1 (20:50):
And I think it's like hey, you ran out of ammo,
here's a spoon, use anything.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
And I just like that.
One day I went to the range andI'm like, hey, I'm going to
just try throwing this at thetarget, See how it works.
And you can actually see mysurprised face when the spoon
actually went through the targetand I'm like huh.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
Use actually went through the target and I'm like
huh that's right.
Speaker 2 (21:14):
So whatever you gotta use to survive right.
And from that video I think itwas just kind of it's.
I think it kind of started.
The trend started from thatparticular video.
It was kind of just a joke rightit was just yeah, it's kind of
some of the other things likethe best thing just started as
jokes and then it was kind oflike the video.
Everyone liked that video andit was just kind of became a
(21:36):
thing.
It's like the spoon became thething and it was just hey, it's
I don't know.
It's like italians and spoons.
And then mexicans are thechanclas.
People like, hey, you need togo back now and try with the
chancla, which I tried, but it'sdoes it's not as good, it
doesn't have the same effect,not the same effect.
Speaker 4 (21:55):
Yeah, I love the spoon.
I absolutely love the spoon.
That was like I said.
That was one of the things thatmade me like absolutely, you
know, adore you.
And then I started looking atmore of your videos and I was
like, oh you know, she'sactually kind of a badass, so
seeing that's kind of how likewe've.
Speaker 1 (22:09):
You know, I started seeing what she was doing and
then I got to a point where I'mlike, because the Dean Adams,
you know, concealment carry and.
I try to like get all of thescenarios and if I'm wearing a
certain outfit, you know,because you don't just have one
Right One you know, you know andthank goodness that all the
(22:32):
companies out there now it'slike you have so many different
options and a lot of the men arelike man.
I'm so jealous because womenhave so many options now.
You know like hey, I'm going towear a bra now for that
flashbang holster.
You know that kind of thing.
I wish I could have you know.
So I think that's when I firststarted and I'm like, and I'm
goofy, I'm goofy and, and I'mgoofy, I'm goofy.
And I just post what it is andlike my competition.
I was just talking to her aboutit and I'm like you need to
(22:53):
shoot this outlaw match andshe's like I don't know.
I'm like I'm serious Because Inever shot a match.
Speaker 2 (23:00):
I never did competition.
You never did a match in mylife.
Speaker 1 (23:02):
You're going to have so much fun.
Well, not only just fun, it's agame, it's a gaming thing, but
I mean it kind of helps you Like, if you have, and that's what I
told her.
I'm like I love it when I go toa match and I have a
malfunction.
Speaker 2 (23:13):
Yeah, you know all the shooters are like.
And I told her me too.
Speaker 1 (23:18):
I actually love when that happens and they're like no
, you shouldn't.
I'm like no, I love it Becauseyou know, get it in battery and
go and I, that's why I shoot,you know, not, I'm not it's not
like I'm gonna win a car oranything like that well and it's
, it's really good for shootingunder stress.
Speaker 4 (23:38):
Yes, I get.
I mean I get so nervous.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
Yeah, I think because I get, I get in my own head.
Yeah, I go train and it'salways me.
You know, I go train earlymorning.
There's just me and the targetsand the drills that I do.
But I mean, I do classes, butsame it's for me.
It's when there's someone elsethere that they're actually like
looking at you.
I get in my own head and I getstressed.
(24:03):
And then it's like you mess upand I'm and I get mad at myself
because I, I'm better than that,I can shoot better than that,
but it's shoot better than that,but it's the stress.
And that's why they say thenthat's why you need to do it,
because you learn to justperform under stress and you
need that you get out of yourown comfort zone.
And it's necessary, I'm excited.
Speaker 4 (24:26):
My first match was out at the Michalik Ranch.
Yeah, so Kay was my squadleader and I remember I was, you
know, first stage, I'm gettingready, and she was like shoot
her ready.
I said no.
Speaker 2 (24:39):
She said no too, I'm like.
Speaker 4 (24:41):
I don't know she did it.
I said it like two other timesand she goes.
Well, you're going to have toget ready.
Speaker 1 (24:45):
You got two minutes go.
Speaker 4 (24:46):
Was it Babes, Babes, Bullets.
It was Battle Buddy 3 Gun ohyeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1 (24:51):
So it was super fun.
Yeah, that was fun, but it wasso intimidating.
Oh, absolutely.
But when you get one out of theway, it's like the people and
you're always going to keepgetting nervous.
Oh, I'm like extremely sociallyawkward.
Speaker 4 (25:04):
Just to begin with.
So, like every time I get up,I'm I've got the shakes and I'm
like everybody's staring at meoh yeah.
Speaker 2 (25:11):
And that's what I thought too when I was new at it
, like four years ago, going tothe big classes where, as a
woman, it's like yeah, you'relike you show up and it's like
30 men and you're the only girland it's like so intimidating at
first because you thinkeveryone's going to look at you,
but then you realize no one'sactually.
No one's looking at you.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
Everyone's there, everyone's focused on themselves
and everyone is so nice andencouraging you and it's feel
like I'm going to look stupid.
Speaker 2 (25:40):
Yeah, and that's what stops a lot of women, and men
too, I'm sure, but that's whatstopped.
As a woman, we know that that'shuge for us.
Like I'm going to look stupid.
Speaker 4 (25:58):
It's so embarrassing so you don't do it and it stops
you from growing and gettingbetter.
Because absolutely, and I knowyou know, the firearms company
or the firearms industry hascome a long way, I mean, at
least from what I've seen.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
Yeah, um, you know just, it's still not perfect,
but it's still not perfect, butyou know there's a there's a lot
of you know spaces, like, forexample, the outlaw match that
we do.
Speaker 4 (26:14):
It is such a welcoming community.
So you know, like I said, for amatch I get all super nervous
and you know, crazy, you knowget all nerved, nerved out and
you know they're OK, calm down.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
You know you got this , yeah, and they're so
supportive and that's why I youknow, not just the shooting,
competition, part of it, butjust the camaraderie, and I'm
like, oh shoot, I didn't.
You know, like my first secondmatch.
I'm like I didn't bring enoughammo and they're like we told
you you like to.
I'm like, I know, but I have noidea how I shot all my extra
(26:47):
ammo and I'm like, okay, I'mgonna quit.
They're like, no, you're nothere, shoot my ammo.
I'm like, really, you know, andthat's why I kind of stuck with
it, because the camaraderie andright, you know they want, they
cheer you on and it's likecrazy yes, everyone's really
supportive, yeah and you justwant to keep doing it and keep
doing it.
Speaker 4 (27:07):
Yeah, until you can't do it anymore, I'll do it in my
cane yeah, also one of thethings you'll see you know, if
you've never done a match beforeis you'll see a lot of people.
You know they're, they're goingsuper fast, but they're really
not hitting anything yeah, sohey that was me.
Speaker 1 (27:24):
Intimidated by that.
Speaker 2 (27:25):
Wow, that's still me, like I look so good, I get so
nervous, like I was telling herI went to the range last week
and it just the fact of havinglike just my fiance, like stare
at me oh yeah, from I'm likeyeah and I ran the drill on my
own and I perfect.
And then, of course, as soon assomeone is staring at me.
(27:45):
I'm like, I miss, I'm like Iget in my own head so much I'm
always doubting myself, it'sokay.
It's like you're good, you cando it.
Speaker 1 (27:55):
And I think that those kind of emotions I kind of
feed off of it, because youknow I never wanted to video
myself, but it was a seasonedshooter.
Like you need to video yourself.
Speaker 2 (28:06):
I do that yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:08):
Because you will look back three years from now, five
years from now.
So now I'm like 10 years kindof into competition shooting and
when I look at my first videoI'm like wow, I go and I'm like
you know, I'm not okay shooteryeah, yeah, so yeah, yeah, it'll
(28:28):
be fun I know, I know, I knowit'll be good for me because
that's my thing, just that I get.
Speaker 2 (28:34):
Yeah, I need to get over the who cares who's there
to watch you, who's not there?
Speaker 1 (28:38):
yeah, because and it's all part of training, it's
all the stress induced.
Speaker 2 (28:41):
That's the best thing to learn and grow right,
exactly, and nobody's judgingyou no, absolutely not yeah and
that's what I realized too.
I was scared the first classesI did because I thought everyone
was there and you're it's to.
They judge you and stuff.
But no one does that.
Everyone's there to learn.
Speaker 1 (28:56):
Everyone's there, it's super supportive and it's
and that's the thing, like whenI, you know what, when I post
matches or contents or whateverand they're like, oh my gosh,
you're so funny.
I'm like I, I mean, we screw upall the time.
You know, you see the perfect,you know shooter on Instagram.
Speaker 4 (29:15):
It's like no, that's not reality.
Right, I'm struggling.
It took 15 takes to get that.
Speaker 1 (29:25):
Yeah, and I'm struggling and you know, it's
like each time I shoot a match,it's like Like you know exactly
if this gun is right for you orif it's not, and you kind of
figure things out each time.
Each time you get better andbetter.
And then you know it's like youwork on fundamentals and I
haven't touched, you know, myguns in six months.
And Monday I did a trainingwith Gritter Gear and they're
(29:49):
like, yeah, join us.
And we did all back tofundamentals.
I'm like, oh yeah, I remembernow, but you know it's just a
continuous thing and you buildon it.
So yeah.
Speaker 2 (29:59):
And like, like she said about, like she was happy
when she got a malfunction yeah,I'm the same, because I train
that stuff so much and itactually came out during the
combatants class with it, withRuben, the first one that I did
down here.
I remember that first round.
I think the only reason that Iwas able to like come out of
that round the way it did isbecause I had a malfunction
(30:22):
right, and I didn't even knowthat I was able to clear it
until later they told me that'swhat I did and I looked at the
video.
Yeah, but it's one of thosethings that you train so much
that it becomes just you don'thave to think about it if it
happens, you just tap rec orwhatever the malfunction is, you
just automatically do it.
Speaker 1 (30:40):
And that's why the training aspect is so important,
because, yeah, and they alwayssay on the stress you fall to
the level of your training yeah,in competition, you're moving
and you're like barricade andyou know like you have to get in
different position, and it'slike that in life scenario too.
You're not going to be juststanding there, perfect, going,
okay, you're ready.
No, that's not going to happen.
And that's why I kind of loveit, because I'm like what just
(31:03):
happened?
Like well, I was trying toshoot, you know, around the wall
and I just limp wrist right nowand you just look at things.
I'm like, ah, so that'ssomething that you can't do on
your own or on a perfect rangeday, you know, doing training
until you shoot competition.
And that's kind of why I shootcompetition to.
(31:24):
You know, go along with myeveryday life.
Speaker 4 (31:27):
So, yeah, you also write too correct.
I think someone in here youknow got nominated for a Gundy
recently, Maybe.
Speaker 1 (31:35):
I know I'm like what, who me?
Speaker 4 (31:37):
Yeah, I had no idea.
Speaker 1 (31:38):
I you know I'm always preaching, saying things and,
um, women, um, outdoor news hadreached out years ago.
I, when I first got on Walter'sshooting team and it's like so,
tell us more about Michelle.
And it kind of started withthat.
I'm like well, I'm ahairstylist and how did you get
(31:59):
into it?
And I just kind of talked aboutmy life story and how and build
on that, and I think the firstarticle was like 2015 is when I
wrote it and then theyapproached me again and then
they're like hey, do you want tokeep writing stories?
I'm like, okay, I'll try.
So when I was at the range dayprimary range day I was like,
(32:22):
okay, I'm doing an article.
I'm like, how do you get her,either a man girlfriend, how do
you get her out to the range?
And we did that.
I'm like, how do you get herout to the range?
And we did that.
Like I'm like, how do how do weget her out?
I'm like, and so we're justkind of talking like, so I want
to do like a little video oflike how I would get my
girlfriend to go out.
And I'm like I would drag her.
(32:43):
And she's like, okay, you couldjust drag me.
Speaker 2 (32:45):
I'm like, yeah, I'm gonna drag you to the range so
we did that video where we're inat home first and she drags me
across the room and then it ends, transitions to her dragging me
at the range literally like andI'm like you're scratched up.
Speaker 4 (33:01):
That was hilarious.
Speaker 1 (33:02):
So that's kind of how I you know I'm like you know,
like my younger sister, it'sjust me and my younger sister
and I kind of dragged her out tothe range.
So it's like right, that's whatyou do.
But you, you know, you talkabout, and you talk about it
kind of like with my clients,like we need to go, we need to
go, and it's like okay finally,like get in the car, we need to
go.
Sometimes you have to kind ofdo that and then they enjoy
(33:24):
themselves and it's like a bugand that's kind of how I
happened to me.
So so I'm kind of writingarticles about my life dragging
people.
Speaker 4 (33:32):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (33:33):
Yeah, so I just kind of stumbled on them.
I'm like I'll just keep writing.
That's awesome.
Yeah, I'm glad people are likeyou're so funny.
I'm like, well, I meanliterally I've dragged a couple
of girls out there.
Speaker 4 (33:49):
So how long have you been shooting for Walther Since?
Speaker 1 (33:52):
2015.
I joined the team in June of2015.
But when I first started I wasa chapter leader in 2014.
My local range in Tulsa I had achapter.
(34:13):
I was a chapter leader and whenI was taking out, we had once a
month, every Tuesday, and Ithought what are they doing over
there in that bay?
And they had a US shootingacademy where they had the
three-gun nation.
That was my home range.
So Lana, michalik, taryn, butlerand Diana you know, muller was
(34:37):
out there and I thought, okay, Ihear pistol.
And I just started just gettingthe bug.
I started advanced training in2013.
And then I got the ladies groupa year later, uh, advanced
training in 2013.
And then I got the ladies groupa year later, so like 2013-14.
And then, uh, brian Corey, whobuilt all the the stages for
Three Gun Nation, they did theThree Gun Nation and then next
(35:02):
day local was able to do thisThree Gun and they're like just
come and shoot.
I said, well, I don't, I have apistol.
I do have a rifle, but I have,like this, everything is
tactical.
Because I kind of come into thetactical, defensive side and
he's like that's fine, bringyours, but we can, you know, use
mine and I just I'm like, wow,that's the first time I actually
(35:24):
shot while running and gunning.
So I just kind of got the bug.
And then I went through so manydifferent handguns because my
hand is small but I needed afull size and I started with my
Glock 19.
So you know, I'm like snapping.
They're like girl you need toget.
So I was in search of thatperfect handgun.
(35:45):
So, january SHOT Show 2015, Iran into two ladies and they
said come visit our booth.
It's like OK, they gave me thecard and I was like huh, I went
back to the hotel.
I'm like wait a minute, walter,is that like 007?
So I showed up at noon and shesaid here's our gun, just play
(36:09):
with it and just think what youthink and just let us know we're
not going to influence you,we're not going to talk about it
.
And so my main problem wasbeing able to reach that mag
release button without having to.
And this is what.
Speaker 3 (36:23):
I was doing just kind of shifting my, you know
breaking up my grip.
Speaker 1 (36:27):
And so the first thing I gripped on, I thought,
and I noticed I'm like wow, thatis a large button.
And I went, boom.
And I was like I can reach itshit.
And I was like, oh uh-oh, here Iam cussing walter arms, you
know 007.
And I was like, oh my gosh.
And she's like that is thereaction we wanted and this is
(36:49):
what we need for everybody toknow that we do have a
competition gun.
So two months later, they'relike you have a shooting resume.
I'm like what, we want you tobe on the shooting team.
Like yeah, but I, I'm like anokay shooter.
So here I am.
They're they're just like youknow, just spread the word.
(37:10):
We want women to get involved,you know, and purchase their own
gun.
So here I am.
I'm not really sure how I gotthere.
Speaker 4 (37:20):
That's awesome.
How many competitions have youdone?
If just a guesstimate?
Speaker 1 (37:25):
I used to do one every month back, yeah, and then
, uh, you know, just getting mybusiness last two years, covid
hit me really hard and I shot athree-on match um the year
before and I severed my rotatorcuff, so I've been kind of
babying that.
(37:45):
But before that I was shootingevery every once, every month,
traveling every month all themajor matches.
Brownells, you know, I went allover the place and and then in
between I was taking trainingclasses and teaching and having
that well-armed woman, but I gotto a point where I'm like, ok,
I'm, I got to stop something.
Speaker 3 (38:05):
So physically.
Speaker 1 (38:07):
COVID kind of hit me hard.
I was on oxygen for like 33days.
Oh wow, 24-7.
So I kind of slowed down, butI'm kind of coming back and I
want to get more into it.
But I think teaching is kind ofI'm going back to my teaching
because that's my passion.
Speaker 4 (38:22):
Yeah, same here.
Speaker 1 (38:23):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (38:25):
So, yeah, well, I'm glad you guys are going to shoot
the match tonight.
Speaker 1 (38:27):
I know I'm excited.
Speaker 4 (38:31):
It's going to be so fun.
Speaker 1 (38:33):
After your first stage, you're going to be fine
One match it's yeah, you'll getthe bug right.
Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 3 (38:39):
What guns are you all shooting tonight?
Speaker 2 (38:41):
My Glock 19.
Yeah, we're going to doconcealment.
So.
Speaker 1 (38:45):
I don't really have.
Speaker 2 (38:46):
I have a Glock 19.
I have a 43X.
My funds go on ammo so I cantrain Exactly.
Speaker 1 (38:55):
So I'm shooting the Walther PDP, the 4.5-inch Nice,
I'm going a little bigger.
So right now, since we're intothe winter months, hoodie,
sweatshirt big so I'm going totry to carry that, the actual
gun that I'm going to beshooting.
It's going to be my wintercarry, so we'll see.
(39:16):
It'd be fun yeah.
Speaker 3 (39:19):
Yeah, it's always fun shooting your carry gun in a
match, you know because you'reused to use that gun.
Speaker 1 (39:24):
You know I like it's good to have a competition gun
too, I think.
But like also, you know,training Well, and that's kind
of like what we do is like show,and I was thinking I'm like,
should I shoot in this?
I'm like I might break my neckor something.
I'm going to break a hip, but Imean, that's what we do is like
you've got to train or actuallypractice the way you carry.
Speaker 2 (39:47):
yeah, that's yeah, that's why I've done several
videos going to the range, evenin dresses or skirts or high
heels, because if I'm carryingthat way, I need to be able to
right go out there and actuallybe able to shoot at a target,
even in uneven surfaces orwherever you may be.
So it's that's why she?
Speaker 1 (40:07):
was contemplating, just wearing that because I mean
, if we carry?
like that, let's practice it andthat's the thing that you know
a lot of us, especially when Ifirst started.
You don't ever go and train.
You put on your range gear, youknow, and your range bag, and
you get out of your range bagand you know, shoot a few rounds
, a few magazines, like I'm good, but then do you train the way
(40:34):
you carry.
So that's kind of how I kind ofmerged into when I first
started.
It was kind of like tacticalkind of stuff, training more of
me, training, showing that Icould you know, if I can do it,
you can do it go train.
And then I got the bug with thecompetition.
So I I was doing all thecompetition and then now I'm
kind of going back to kind oflike how I started, focusing on
ladies and trying to help thembe more confident and train with
(40:57):
what you have that's good stuffgood stuff.
I'm all over the place.
Speaker 4 (41:06):
I love that I am too.
I am ADD.
I love that I am too.
Speaker 1 (41:08):
I am ADD, so yeah same.
Speaker 2 (41:11):
And she's yeah, I'm what same.
Speaker 1 (41:16):
Yeah same, yeah well, I mean, when I saw her take out
snack from her Dean Adams andI'm like because I'm always like
, you know, you got lipsticksnacks and then she did the same
thing.
Speaker 2 (41:25):
I'm like wait, you know, you got.
That was like that's how weclick snacks.
And then she did the same thing.
Speaker 1 (41:28):
Like wait a minute.
And I looked I'm like she didit before me, so it wasn't like
she was copying.
You know, in the industry youkind of see same things over and
over again.
Yeah, but it's like I feel likewhen I first started following
her, I'm like this is likethat's what she really does,
right.
Speaker 4 (41:46):
Me Like.
This is like that's what shereally does.
Speaker 1 (41:47):
Right, me too, and half the time, and we were just
kind of talking about that If wehave like a product that we're
trying to feature and like ittakes so many hours for me to
like, okay, that's notpolitically correct, and then
you know I'm like, okay, retake.
But when we're actually, whenI'm actually like getting
(42:10):
dressed or whatever, I'm likewait, I need to put a camera
right there and then like 10seconds right, and then that
video goes viral.
But I mean, I think people kindof know that it's real, it's
not a setup kind of thing youknow, yeah, yeah, so yeah like
yeah, I mean, she's goofy, I'mgoofy.
Speaker 2 (42:22):
Who's gonna like wait , she's doing the same thing.
It's like I like her, she'sjust like me.
Speaker 4 (42:27):
It's like yeah and it's funny too, because you know
, I said I I literally fell inlove with you when I first met
you.
It was the same thing for youwhen.
When I saw you at the um, whatwas it the?
It was in dallas nra.
No, it wasn't.
No, it wasn't the nra, it wasthe empowered 2a.
Oh, that's right.
And then, and then like I waslike, oh, my god, you're awesome
.
And then I find out you guysare like besties and I was like
(42:48):
well, that makes sense.
Speaker 1 (42:48):
That makes sense, goofy and Goofy.
Speaker 2 (42:52):
We were talking about the other day.
The first time we actually metin person was in Houston for her
birthday, and it was justsomething funny because we
talked for a while online but wenever met in person until
someone said something to dosomething funny.
Speaker 1 (43:11):
We were at a gun range and there was a mascot out
in front.
And then we were just likecheese and doing this, and then
they're like do something funny,and I was like oh, OK, and then
immediately it was an astronaut.
We both reached for the gun.
Speaker 2 (43:29):
Both of us and I just literally fell on the floor
laughing and we have the videoof that and it was like that's
when we both was like okay youare so mean, he's like you're
just like, we're like, okay,we're besties, that we're gonna
be.
Speaker 1 (43:41):
It's like you just know yeah, yeah, because I mean
I, you know she, she lived incalifornia and I was like, go to
Texas, and she's like I really.
So she did some research and Idon't know how many months, and
I said I'm actually shooting amatch in Washington and I said
I'll just get a one-way ticketto California, I'll come pick
(44:03):
you up and we'll go to Texas.
Speaker 4 (44:05):
So that's what we we did and a lot of people are like
are you crazy?
Speaker 1 (44:10):
You've only met her one time I'm like no, you don't
get it.
Speaker 2 (44:13):
I mean sometimes, I think, you just know.
Speaker 1 (44:15):
Social media or, you know, like email, you could get
to know people a little bit more, I think, and like in a deeper
you know condition, I think,than actually making friends in
a deeper you know condition, Ithink, then, so she really took
a one-way flight to come help mepack that's awesome and drove
the van.
Speaker 2 (44:35):
She drove, I drove my car, she drove the van all the
way to texas, and I know peopleare like who does that?
Who does that for you?
It's like, yeah, she does, yeah, that is she does.
Speaker 4 (44:44):
Yeah, that is such an interesting story.
That's sweet.
Yeah, it is.
Speaker 1 (44:48):
Yeah, I mean, it's just yeah.
Speaker 2 (44:53):
Very rare, I think.
Speaker 1 (44:54):
Yeah, because I mean, you know, a lot of times I
think women sometimes who have alittle bit of jealousy
temptationally you know what Imean but like for her it was
just like she started followingme and just always just positive
.
Everything was positive.
And I think I same way, and Ithink a lot of times not just
men get intimidated by me, butwomen do, and then when they
(45:16):
meet me they're like you'reexactly like you are on
Instagram.
I'm like is that a good?
Speaker 2 (45:21):
thing or is that a bad thing?
They tell me the same, but Istill not know how you're
supposed to just be yourself,like you're so funny.
Speaker 1 (45:27):
Just be yourself like no, yeah, like you're still
fighting.
Goofy like on Instagram.
Speaker 2 (45:31):
Like yeah yeah, same person, that's the same with her
is like meeting her in personfor the first time, is exactly
like talking to her on message.
It's just exactly like there'sno difference at all and it's
it's.
It's it's nice when you meetpeople that are like genuine,
(45:52):
yeah, online and in person, andthey're exactly the same person.
It's just, and I don't know.
Speaker 1 (45:57):
I just think um just being you know in the industry.
I think majority of the peoplewant to help you out you know,
know like, hey, have you triedthis, or you know?
Just goes on and on, and I justlove that about this community.
Speaker 4 (46:13):
Yeah so yeah, me too.
Speaker 1 (46:14):
Yeah, big family.
Speaker 3 (46:17):
So you mentioned classes and stuff.
Where do you teach right now?
Speaker 1 (46:23):
Right now I live north of Tulsa and I do have a
kind of like, well, actually, mybackyard private range.
I have a neighbor that you knowkind of allows me to.
He I own about almost eightacres, so his backyard kind of
incumbents my backyard and he'sa big duck hunter.
(46:45):
So he's like, yeah, go shootdown there.
So I do, I don't have.
Well, I do have a website.
Yeah, go shoot down there.
So I I do, I don't have.
Well, I do have a website and Ido like just word of mouth
right now, but I do have awebsite which I, you know, I I
want to continue that and kindof have that as my second job.
So, but cause.
That's my um passion.
Speaker 4 (47:04):
Yeah, passion.
Speaker 1 (47:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (47:06):
So yeah, I'm up to take a class with you.
Speaker 1 (47:08):
Yeah, I would love to .
So I do.
You know, like I think now it'slike every majority of the
women take the basic class,fundamentals, and then it's like
what now?
Because I know that when Ifirst started, I you know, I was
self-taught.
Speaker 4 (47:24):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (47:24):
And then, finally, I thought I'm safe with, you know,
my trigger finger and muzzle,and I just jumped and said I'm
going to take this class.
I don't care if there's 30 guys, but a lot of women get
intimidated by that, so I wantto offer something like kind of
in between right the basic andthe advanced.
So that's kind of what I'mworking with is intermediate and
(47:44):
concealment, carry and how todraw and things like that.
So that's kind of what I'mworking on right now for 2025 is
what I want to do, so that'sawesome.
Speaker 4 (47:53):
Yeah, because I think there's a there's, there's a
gap there, because even at thatempower 2a event yes, talking to
several women that they'reliterally just scared, right
scared to even hold a gun andI'm like it's scary that someone
carries while they're scared ofeven holding a gun, and there's
(48:13):
a lot of women are too scaredto even go and take a first
lesson because they're literallyscared of the gun we just had a
lady we were doing a license tocarry class across the street
and, uh, we were getting readyfor the LTC or the qualification
part, and this lady was like Ididn't know I had to shoot, and
she's like I, I'm afraid I don'twant to do it.
(48:35):
So you know, we're going to lether finish the you know, the
classroom portion.
But I had to go talk to her andI was like, well, you know,
let's, let's have a class.
You know, I gave her myinformation.
I was like we can get youcomfortable, but you know, to
your point.
I was like that and it'sgetting it.
Speaker 2 (48:51):
And it's a gap, is like.
If you can get them over thatfear, right, right, and then at
least you're comfortable and youhave control over the gun,
instead of the gun havingcontrol over you.
Speaker 4 (49:02):
Because you can.
I mean, I guess the scariestpart of that to me is you know
if she's, if she doesn't knowwhat she's doing, or something
like that like she could end uphurting somebody that she's not,
and that's me too.
Speaker 1 (49:17):
I have a certification to teach conceal
small self-defense act inOklahoma.
Speaker 3 (49:21):
And.
Speaker 1 (49:21):
I have a cleat law enforcement instructor and it's
so crazy how you, you know, likemostly women show up it's not
even their gun and they, like Ihad like maybe one out of four
classes they're like oh, I haveto shoot.
You know, I'm like you know,this is a concealed carry
(49:44):
license, kind of like you'regetting your driver's license,
and when you kind of tell themthat, like why are you here?
They're like well, my husbandmade me Right.
Speaker 4 (49:52):
Yeah, this lady was with her husband, so it's my
husband's gun.
Speaker 1 (49:55):
I've never touched it and I'm like you know, you have
to kind of clear a malfunctionand you know, and that it's I
mean, I don't know theinformation.
I'm like what, what class didyou think you were taking?
So I ended up.
Her husband ended up, you know,like saying OK, I stopped her
and I said, if you want to takemy basic class, and then we
(50:16):
could do kind of like acombination.
So that's why I do more likeone on one, Right, Because a lot
of the people that show up it'slike they're clueless.
It's like they're clueless.
Right, you're not ready and Ithink half half of the ladies
that come in, you know, take theconcealment class, they don't
get it because it's like I getit.
You don't need to get it ifyou're deathly afraid of it.
(50:38):
So like you need training, soit's OK, you come back and see
me, or you know, let's, let's dothe basic training, and so
that's kind of how I just domaybe right now, just kind of
one-on-one, I think women kindof like that, or an all-female
class.
But it's kind of mind-bogglinghow you're like.
(50:58):
You know, you did realize thiswas a concealed carry class.
Speaker 4 (51:03):
Well, a lot of people have, like those common
misconceptions.
Speaker 1 (51:05):
You just go over there fill out some paper and
just, you know, get a licenseand a gun, or I thought you were
going to teach me.
I'm like not this class.
Speaker 4 (51:12):
Well, yeah, that happens a lot that happens a lot
, even if we put disclaimers inour course descriptions and you
still always, always get that.
Speaker 2 (51:21):
It's scary because it's like you know, making a
comparison of like you get adriver's license.
You're comparison of like youget a driver's license, you're
supposed to know how to drivethe car, you can't get behind
the wheel and just you're gonnaend up hurting yourself or
someone else if you don't knowhow to operate.
Yeah the vehicle that you getin a license for.
Speaker 1 (51:39):
It's like so strange I'm like you know people fear
car more than I'm so nervous,and you know you get experience.
I'm like why wouldn't you dothat with a firearm?
Yeah, yeah, you know, you thinkyou're going to just buy it,
and then you get a concealedcarry license and then you're
good to go.
Speaker 4 (51:56):
Yeah Well, a lot of people think that oh well, you
know, I'm just shooting fromhere to here, it's just a matter
of pulling the trigger.
You know they don't understandall the other nuances that come
into being able to control thatfire especially in a high stress
situation.
So yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (52:10):
We're trying.
I mean we're trying to be.
I mean it started as me justwanting to show my progress in
my training, in my trainingjourney.
And then you get people thatare kind of tell you, hey, this
is like inspiring, or likeyou're always out there training
and I'm like, yeah, because tome is important, but then it's,
(52:31):
it's really.
It's a beautiful moment whenpeople come and tell you they're
inspired by it or you know what?
I'm going to go to train, trainsome more because because they
see you as an example.
And I love, I love hearing that.
Speaker 4 (52:45):
Exactly, and that's one of the reasons that I love
what both of you do so much isbecause you know you've got
those, those people that see youout there, and they're right
especially being you know you'repretty, you guys aren't, you
know, all like tacticaled out,you know, but you, you look like
, you know, just regular,regular girls, you know, and
it's like, oh well, she can doit, I can do it too.
Speaker 1 (53:03):
And that's another thing.
It's like not just women, butmore and more like husbands and
boyfriends are messaging me.
They're like, hey, what could Ido?
And I love that, because a lotof what I've saw in the past it
was just like they were forcedto do it or they go about the
wrong way.
So I did an article on that.
Like you know how to get her outthere, I'm like yeah, this is a
(53:25):
long journey and you have totalk to them, kind of like, you
know, when you're dating, youprepare.
Like that first day you prepareand you find out where you know
what kind of food she likes.
It's just like that, you know,let her.
You know, like figure out whatshe wants, not what you think
she wants.
And so many guys are you knowmessaging.
(53:46):
And then and I'm like, did youalready take her out?
Like no, not yet I saw yourvideo, I saw your article.
So that's why I'm asking you.
I'm like perfect, perfect, yes,so I'm going to keep writing.
So they're listening and I lovethat.
Speaker 2 (53:59):
Yeah, and the same.
Like you said, there's guyshusbands, boyfriends too, or
even instructors that say hey,oh, yeah, like when I have like
women come to my class, like Ishow them your page, or like
your training and it's like, ohmy gosh, yeah, I do get a lot of
.
I mean, that's not why Istarted this, like it was just
me showing my journey.
Speaker 1 (54:20):
But hey, I love that, yeah I love it because I I'm to
a point where you, you know,I'm like posting things, I'm all
over the place and I'm likewhere am I going with all this?
I'm like I don't even knowanymore.
And then you get that messagefrom a husband or you know a
girl.
That's like you know she'sspilling her guts out and she's
(54:40):
like I think I'm ready, I'mreally ready, because I saw you
out there and I'm like, yeah,saw you out there.
And I'm like, yeah, it's that,yeah.
So I'm like, okay, I, whateverit takes you know it takes one
person at a time and I I lovethat.
So and that's why Walter is so.
You know I like working withhim.
(55:01):
They're like just do whateveryou want to do.
You know, if you want to post,I don't have like a contract
where they're like give me fiveposts.
You know I love that andthey're really great.
You know people, the actualpeople that are behind you know
like do whatever you want to doLike okay, I have a great
experience with Walther.
Yeah, you guys are.
Speaker 4 (55:21):
They're pretty, yeah, they're pretty cool.
Speaker 1 (55:23):
So, like they're like my family and you know, I've
been approached by a lot ofcompanies and I'm like, if I'm
going to ever switch, I'm likeI'm just going to do my own
thing, like I'm not going to gowith this company or that
company or you know like, hey,this week I'm like, shoot this,
because this is great, it's thebest.
And then next week, hey, shootthis, yeah, yeah.
(55:46):
So yeah, I'm just kind of stillhanging in until they're like
okay, michelle you're gettingtoo old, get out of here.
Speaker 2 (55:54):
Actually, the older you get, the better it is.
It's like you know it's okay.
Speaker 1 (55:58):
It's like yeah, that's right, like hey, you can
get a wheelchair in your shoecoat.
Speaker 2 (56:04):
Yeah, I'll push your wheelchair, let's do when we're
older, we'll do that.
Speaker 1 (56:07):
Yeah, let's do that, that, that's.
Speaker 2 (56:08):
We'll do that yeah.
Speaker 4 (56:08):
Let's do that.
Speaker 1 (56:10):
That's going to be a content, for sure.
Yeah, love that.
Speaker 4 (56:12):
I can't wait.
Speaker 3 (56:16):
So if folks want to find more about, like a class or
something or just find y'all ingeneral, you said you were
working on a website.
Yeah, it's justtackgirlmichellecom.
Speaker 1 (56:25):
Cool.
And then Instagram everything'stackgirlmichelle.
And they're like how did youcome up with that?
I'm like because I was kind ofdoing the tactical, you know,
training, and then I'm a girland my name is Michelle.
There you go, it'stackgirlmichellecom.
Speaker 2 (56:38):
Yeah, mine is Instagram bonbons and guns and
many times I'm like, should Ichange it?
Because that's kind of like atthe beginning, like you, but I'm
like, ah, people know you bythat.
It's fine.
It's not just guns, it's justit's training, it's the whole.
Speaker 4 (56:54):
Yeah, bonbons is just kind of like a nickname, so
yeah.
Speaker 3 (57:01):
Awesome.
Well, thank y'all for comingdown and making the trip down
here and hanging out with us fora little bit.
Good luck on the match tonight.
Yes.
Speaker 2 (57:09):
I'll need it, thank you, thanks for having us.
Speaker 3 (57:11):
It'll be a lot of fun .
It really is.
Speaker 2 (57:13):
I'm excited.
Are you shooting?
Yes, yeah.
Speaker 1 (57:17):
Are you shooting?
Speaker 3 (57:18):
No, not tonight.
Got the kids and stuff, familystuff.
Yeah, it's that enough matchesyeah.
Speaker 2 (57:26):
Especially here we have one like oh yeah, right
Right, every week, right yeah,that's kind of like me.
Speaker 1 (57:32):
I live like my lake is just right across the street,
but I've been there 20 years.
I'm like maybe once it's justyou know time flies.
Speaker 3 (57:41):
It's so close that you're like oh, I can just
Tomorrow, next week, next week,and then it's like 20 years
later.
Speaker 1 (57:48):
That's me too.
I'm like oh my gosh, I can'tbelieve it's been six months
since I shot a match.
Just life, just so.
I'm like okay, so I'm going toTexas, I was going to shoot a
carbine match and then that gotrained down.
Like okay that I have atraining on Monday, like
(58:08):
everything rolled in one likepodcast training match match
birthday and I'm like I'mprobably gonna be dead on friday
, but it's okay so, yeah,awesome, yeah, thank y'all.
Speaker 3 (58:18):
Thank y'all so much for coming on.
Speaker 1 (58:19):
Thank you, thank you really appreciate it really
appreciate and good having y'allso yes absolutely well if you
stuck around this long.
Speaker 3 (58:27):
Thank you for tuning in.
We will see you next time.
Subscribe, like, comment allthat good stuff and yeah, we'll
see you next time.
That was probably the worstsign-off I've ever done, yeah.
Speaker 2 (58:39):
Because still we do.
Speaker 3 (58:45):
Unless Tara, you have a better sign-off.
Speaker 4 (58:46):
Oh, no, no, you know I do, I'd be way worse, way
worse so we usually have Ian dothe sign offs and he's much
better at it, I'll have topractice something witty and fun
.
Speaker 3 (58:55):
I'm not used to doing these.
I do an intro but the sign offgo to work on the sign off.
Next time I'll practice anoutro and I'll do the the sign
off is extra long now, so I'mgoing to go ahead and end it and
stop talking now, because
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