The Gun Experiment

"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...

“Innovation should meet the needs of those who rely on it.” Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Keith and I sat down with Keith Barry—owner of 51Fifty Rifles, a passionate innovator in the firearm industry making serious waves with his warrior-inspired designs. From honoring his Vietnam veteran father with a custom AR build to raising money for fallen officers in Dallas, Keith t...

Stay vigilant and adaptable—the rules can change quickly. "Politically, legally, socially—be informed and prepare for anything." Episode Summary In this episode of Chopping It Up on The Gun Experiment, we sit down with our friend and industry insider Casey Betzold for an engaging and insightful discussion. We unpack Casey’s new international role at Brownells, dive into the big differences between...

“Skills are the real superpower. From shooting under night vision to rendering medical aid, what you know is just as valuable as what you own.”Episode Summary In this action-packed episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Sam Houston—military veteran, UAV operator, and night vision specialist with Greenline Tactical and Warrior Poet Society. Sam takes us on a deep dive into his unique caree...

"Everyone has a shot here. In America, your freedom—and what you do with it—is only limited by your own ambition and willingness to fight for what’s right."Episode Summary On this special Independence Day episode of The Gun Experiment, we are chopping it up to celebrate America, gun rights, and what it truly means to pursue freedom in this country. We kicked off with some 4th of July spirit—yes Ke...

"There is no path to mastery other than training." Episode Summary Welcome to another episode of The Gun Experiment! This week we take a dive deep with Matt Little, a US Army Special Forces combat veteran, SWAT team supervisor, lifelong martial artist, competitive master class shooter, and author of the best-selling book The Way is in Training. Matt opens up about his unique path to the military,...

"Don’t settle for 'just good enough' when it comes to liberty."Episode Summary In this lively episode of The Gun Experiment, we are joined by returning guests Ben Dewalt and Rachel Maloney for an in-depth discussion on current Second Amendment issues, gun culture, and the evolving landscape of firearms legislation in America. The group tackles timely topics like the suppressor movement, state reci...

"Style, substance, and the spirit of the 1911— the reason it will never goes out of fashion." Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we sit down with Eli Duckworth—a marketing powerhouse, 1911 enthusiast, and a man with iconic style. Together, they dive deep into Eli’s fascination with classic firearms, especially the 1911, and how he’s channeled his passion into a successful caree...

"Don’t underestimate the power of the Second Amendment community."Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we are joined by returning guest Kurt Sills, cofounder of Blue Alpha Gear, for an engaging and often humorous roundtable discussion. We kick it off with Keith's maiden voyage using a leather shoulder rig for his 1911, sparking a broader chat about the evolution and challenges of...

Episode Summary In this episode of The Gun Experiment, Mike and Keith are joined by Bo Stewart, co-owner of American Milsim—one of the country’s leading airsoft event organizers. The discussion dives deep into how Airsoft and MilSim (Military Simulation) can supplement real-world firearms training and tactics, enhance teamwork, and provide unique opportunities for force-on-force exercises. Bo expl...