With Deadly Force Podcast

We're back!  After a long hiatus, we are happy to be bringing the Podcast back and we've got some great guests lined up. First up is a conversation with the co-founders of our Firearms and Tactics school.  This episode is a great way to get familiar with who we are and what we do!  Scott and Brett shed light into how ITTS got started, what our core principles are, who and how we teach, a...

Episode 11 covers a timely subject matter following the tragic shooting that occurred recently  during the filming  of Alec Baldwin's movie 'Rust'.  We have an in-depth conversation with two highly experienced Hollywood Prop Masters and Armorers about how guns are used in movies and TV shows.   Karl Weschta, VP of Independent Studio Services (ISS prop house) and Donnie Bruno, a high...

Sam Harris has a fascinating background, hosts the acclaimed "Making Sense" podcast and has authored five New York Times best selling books.  Sam is a long time student of Scott Reitz, and has much to say about the value of gaining the ability to defend oneself.  We will also thoroughly inspect all sides of the "gun debate" amongst many other related topics. Enjoy the episode!...

This episode concludes our conversation with LAPD Detective John Helms.  Helms shares details about the famous Bomar hostage rescue incident as well as a thorough explanation of the unique, challenging and critical function of the highly regarded SIS unit (Special Investigation Section).  In total, Helms spent 36 years policing the streets of Los Angeles and  has numerous valuable anecdotes as onl...

This is a unique opportunity to learn from a legendary member of LAPD.  Detective John Helms is widely considered amongst his peers to have been among those responsible for bringing modern firearms techniques and tactics to the LAPD at a critical time for the department.  Helms spent 36 years policing the streets of Los Angeles, rising in ranks from a  patrol officer to the SWAT team and then fini...

In Episode 7 we have the unique honor of interviewing LAPD SWAT Sgt. Ron McCarthy, who was one of LAPD SWAT's original members when it first formed in the 1960s, and was involved in the famous SLA shootout, amongst many other notable SWAT incidents. He is widely regarded as being instrumental in shaping LAPD SWAT's success, which has influenced all future generations of Law Enforcement. ...

In Episode 6 we interview LAFD firefighter Dave Danielson who has used his 25+ years of experience in the United States NAVY (2 tours in Iraq) as a hospital corpsman, helicopter crew chief and gunner, to help support his current position within the LAFD and to serve his community.   Dave shares details about LAFD and how they've grown over the years from primarily a firefighting outfit to bei...

In this episode we interview forensic Psychologist, Dr. Shiloh Catanese, who also served as a Law Enforcement Officer in Los Angeles County.  Due to her experience in both fields, Shiloh is in the truly unique position of being able to offer both theoretical and practical insights.  She's been there, done it, and now she helps other officers address the multitude of challenges they face due t...

In this episode we interview LAPD Lt. II Kevin Burke, who has been with the LAPD for 21 years.  During his tenure he has worked patrol, gangs, gang detectives and robbery as a Sergeant and Lieutenant.  For the past year, Lt. Burke has been assigned as the Bureau Gang Coordinator for Operations-South Bureau (OSB), overseeing the Gang and Narcotics Details for four LAPD Areas and approximately 150 o...

In this episode we interview LAPD Sgt. Andy Markel, who spent 30+ years on LAPD and held numerous roles including being a pistol, shotgun and carbine instructor, Use of Force Expert Witness, and concluded his career as the OIC (Officer in Charge) of the LAPD Tactics Training Unit.   Topics Discussed Include: Teaching tactics to officers. Connecting with and motivating young officers. Changing tren...

In Episode 2 of With Deadly Force we conduct our first formal interview, and who better than the man in charge of our very own LAPD SWAT team!  Lt. Lee McMillion has 32 years on LAPD and 20 of them on "D" Team, otherwise known as SWAT.  Listen to Lt. McMillion provide insight on a variety of fascinating subjects including: SWAT's overall mission. LAPD SWAT's inception, evolutio...

Welcome to With Deadly Force Podcast!  We are extremely excited to bring to you numerous discussions from firearms industry experts about the use of deadly force and how to keep you and your family safe.  In this first episode you will meet your WDF hosts, Scott Reitz and Brett McQueen, learn about how their unique experience landed them here, why they were inspired to do a podcast and what listen...