The Gun Experiment

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...

“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 c...

“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...

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...

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...

"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 t...

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 every...

"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 cabin...

"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 s...

"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...

"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 perspective...

"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...

"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...

"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 B...

“Responsible gun ownership, community engagement, and responsible leadership build stronger, safer communities.”Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we, sit down with our local town councilman and longtime friend, Paul Ruggerio. We kick things off with an open conversation about local politics, community development, and the impact of gun legislation in New York. Paul pulls back...

"Passion is the engine behind achievement."Episode Summary In this episode, we reconnect with Tom Kubiniec, CEO of SecureIt, for an engaging conversation that spans gun safety, the realities of modern gun ownership, responsible storage, and Tom’s thrilling adventures at the Bonneville Salt Flats. We tackle the intersection of pharmaceuticals and mass shootings, gun politics, and how Tom’s unique a...

“Showing up is important, whether it's on the range or behind the mic.” Episode Summary Hey everyone—Mike here, alongside my co-host Big Keith! In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we faced a podcasting curveball: our scheduled guest ghosted us…for the second week in a row. Instead of letting it get us down, we embraced the theme and delivered a raw, gear-focused conversation between the two of...

"Stay tolerant and encourage real discourse, even when the world seems divided." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Big Keith and I are joined by Matt Riker, CEO of Kings River Custom, for a raw, wide-ranging discussion on unity, division, and the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk right before the anniversary of 9/11. We don’t shy away from the tough feelings, the media’s ro...

"Every journey into the firearms space is fueled by passion, persistence, and a relentless commitment to quality—no shortcuts." Episode Summary In this episode, Big Keith and I sit down in the studio with Mitch Eckler, the mastermind behind Hangfire TV and a prolific contributor to Athlon Outdoors. We get into the nitty gritty of content creation in the firearms world, tackling everything from ove...

“Medical training may not be as sexy as buying a new gun, but saving a life makes you a true hero.” Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we “chop it up” with Kerry “Pocket Doc” Davis, former Air Force flight medic and owner of Dark Angel Medical. Mike and Big Keith dive into the vital importance of medical training within the 2A and preparedness community, sharing real stories of...

"When you are struggling to take action, break big goals into small, actionable steps. Persistence isn’t about giant leaps, but about steady, continual progress—however small." Episode Summary In this episode, Big Keith and I welcomed Conor Donahue, a former Navy SEAL and CEO/co-founder of Ace Virtual Shooting, to The Gun Experiment. We dove into Conor’s transition from military service to the tec...

“Protecting Americana means more than just owning American guns—it's about celebrating our history, building community, and being proud of who we are.”Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we chop it up with Eli Duckworth, head of marketing at Alchemy Custom Weaponry and a proud 1911 gun owner. We kick off with some laughs about golf, wrestling, and the Hulkster’s passing, dive in...

"Buy once, cry once: Investing in quality gear upfront can make all the difference—whether you're prepping for adventure, everyday carry, or an emergency scenario. Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Kevin Wexler, the international sales rep for Eberlestock—a brand renowned for innovative, modular outdoor gear, tactical backpacks, and high-performance equipment...

"Setting personal goals, both in training and in life, fuels growth and resilience."Episode Summary In this episode, I was joined in the studio by Rachel Maloney from Night Fision and Glow Rhino, filling in for Big Keith, who was on vacation. We kicked things off with some fun banter about keeping up with our kids and how humbling it is to realize the next generation can run circles around us at t...

"Don’t show up to class—or any opportunity—just to do what you always do. Be ready to learn and adapt."Episode Summary On this episode of The Gun Experiment, we are joined in studio by gun industry pros and instructors Ben Dewalt and Jared Reston. We talk about everything from Mikes battle with an angry hornet to performance shooting tactics taught by Jared Reston. We tackle thorny industry news l...