The Gun Experiment

"When things look bleak, stay true to your beliefs because hope and a positive perspective can move mountains."

Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we chop it up with Casey Betzold, Director of Global Solutions at Brownell's, and dive into everything from gun laws across the US and the globe, to what makes American gun culture unique. We share listener stories, talk about building AR-15s, explore rapid-fire advi...

"Restraint is a skill—it's just as important to decide when not to act as it is to act decisively."

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Erick Gelhaus, a highly experienced firearms instructor with a career spanning the U.S. Army, law enforcement, and the civilian sector. We dig into everything from the evolution of use-of-force thinking, the realities of law enforcement scrutiny, decision-making ...

"True gun culture isn't about what you own—it's about how you welcome, respect, and learn with others on the journey."Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and Mike kick things off chatting about mushroom coffee, new gear, and some funny family moments. We have a big announcement—HSM Ammunition is now our official ammo sponsor! Most importantly, we're chopping it up with one of our favorite people in the ...

Slow down, think clearly, and prepare in a practical manner.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, my co-host Big Keith and I sit down with Patrick Diedrich, the editorial content director for Recoil Off Grid magazine. We dive deep into the world of survival and preparedness, drawing on Patrick’s background in military reconnaissance, wilderness search and rescue, and hands-on survival training. From lessons learned...

“Context is everything—whether you’re training to protect yourself or chasing the thrill of competition, know why you’re doing what you’re doing.”Episode Summary

In this episode, Keith and I are joined in studio by our longtime friend Sean Martin, AKA Pink Shirt Tactical, media manager for Night Vision and pro shooter for Onsite Firearms Training. We dive deep into the world of competitive shooting, the crossover between defensive a...

Episode Maxim

"Purpose doesn’t end when you take off the uniform—find your next mission."

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and I sit down with retired Green Beret and motorsports competitor, Nick Merrick. After a career built on strategic thinking and resilience in Special Forces, Nick Merrick decided to channel that same drive into motorsports—founding Green Beret Racing as a way to help fellow vete...

“There’s no substitute for pressure testing your skills—whether on the range or in life, the ability to adapt under stress is what sets you up for success.”Episode Summary

In this episode, Big Keith and I (Mike) sit down with Matt Little aka “Gray Beard Actual”—retired Army Green Beret, former SWAT officer, USPSA grandmaster shooter, and host of “The Way is Training” podcast. We chop it up about competition shooting vs tactical defe...

“Focus on the basics, chase consistency, and embrace the journey.”

Episode Summary

On this episode of The Gun Experiment, I sat down with Ben Dewalt of On Site Firearms Training and Tim Herron, USPSA Grandmaster and firearms instructor, for an in-depth conversation all about pistol training. We discussed philosophies on improvement, how to design performance-oriented classes, and dispelled common shooting myths and bad advice. Ben ...

Episode Maxim

Understanding the psychology behind violence is key to protecting ourselves, our families, and our society.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and I, Mike , sit down with renowned forensic psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman. We dig deep into the psychological roots of violence—examining how childhood trauma, societal shifts, and even the media we consume can shape tendencies toward aggress...

Episode Maxim

"Celebrate innovation, embrace craftsmanship, and champion the values that shape gun culture—whether it’s gear, mindset, or our rights."

Episode Summary

In this episode, I sit down with Mitch Eckler to chop it up about everything from German gun culture, American trailblazing, and the latest gear to the state of the Second Amendment. We uncork some Penelope Bourbon, get hands-on with Lucky Wolusiak’s extraordinary knive...

"True awareness starts with connection—to nature, to people, and to our environment.Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Fred Osuna, a renowned expert on advanced human tracking and anti-tracking skills. We dive deep into Fred Osuna’s background—from growing up in southern Arizona as part of the Yaqui tribe to his time in the Marine Corps and his transition to teaching tracking to elite law enforce...

War is the natural state of man—success depends on constant struggle, strength of character, and surrounding yourself with people of virtue.

Episode Summary:

On this episode of The Gun Experiment, I sit down with Matt Larsen, head of the U.S. Army's combatives program, for a deep, no-B.S. discussion about guns, philosophy, AI, economics, and what it means to be a high-value man. We dive into everything from how the gun industry uses...

"Stay within your means and never bet what you can’t afford to lose."

Episode Summary

In this episode, Big Keith and I sit down with Graig Davis, founder of NeoMag, to talk about his dedication to American manufacturing, his Second Amendment journey, and the story behind creating one of the most innovative everyday carry products in the firearms industry. From reminiscing about childhood gun cabinets and Thanksgiving traditions to d...

"You have a right to defend yourself—know the legal landscape and prepare for the unexpected."

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Peter Tilem, Second Amendment attorney, founder of Tilem & Associates, and creator of New York Tac Defense. We chop it up over personal stories from the range, what to do (and what not to do) if you’re carrying during a traffic stop, and get deep into the legal ma...

"Being prepared is about continual growth, self-reliance, and consistently expanding your knowledge across all facets of life."Episode Summary

In this week's episode of The Gun Experiment, we welcome Scott Howell, host of the Iron Sights Podcast, for an in-depth conversation that bridges the worlds of firearms, fitness, and personal preparedness. Scott shares his journey from gym owner in San Jose, CA to a thought leader in both hea...

"There’s value in self-sufficiency and the liberty to live as you choose"Episode Summary

In this episode, Mike and Big Keith team up for a classic solo roundtable, catching up on Keith’s hunting trip, swapping gear reviews, and diving deep into what responsible gun ownership looks like today. We get honest about New York’s latest gun laws, talk open carry from both tactical and freedom perspectives, dream about escaping restrictive ...

"The power of a crowd lies not just in its size, but in the perceptions it shapes."Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Adam Swart, CEO of Crowds on Demand, for an eye-opening conversation about crowds, political demonstrations, free speech, and gun rights. Adam pulls back the curtain on his business, which specializes in orchestrating paid crowds and events for everything from political rallies to...

"Just because you can, doesn’t always mean you should."

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we’re chopping it up in Studio with our good friend and firearms instructor, Sean Martin, aka Pink Shirt Tactical. Big Keith and I dive into gun news, hot takes, and personal stories about hunting, fitness, current political drama, and of course, plenty of Second Amendment talk. We touch on recent matches like the Hero Dow...

"Embrace the experience—whether you hunt for the harvest or the camaraderie, time in the outdoors is always well spent."

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Mike Tussey, Director of Marketing for Nomad Outdoors and owner of Osceola Outdoors, to talk all things hunting, gear, and Whitetail season readiness. We kick off with some listener feedback on the Cracker Barrel and then dive into the a cont...