Defenders LIVE Podcast

In our latest episode of Defenders LIVE , host Lora Thorson dives deep with martial arts expert Jasmine Vanderpool ! 🥋💪 Tune in to learn how Jasmine uses her 20+ years of experience to train others in self-defense and mindset training. 💥 Here's what you’ll learn: * 🧠 Mindset Over Technique : Why mental resilience is the foundation of effective self-defense. * 👣 Practical Tips : Simple self-de...

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn: * 💥 How Next Level Combat combines high-energy fights with a deeper purpose. * 🪖 Josh’s story of resilience from the Utah Army National Guard to building an MMA organization. * 🤝 Mental health support for veterans and first responders tackling real-world struggles. * 💼 Lessons from failure in business and finding a way forward. * 👊 MMA legend Jeremy Horn’s in...

We had the honor of sitting down with Ken Campbell , CEO of Gunsite Academy and former sheriff, to talk all things firearms, training, and leadership. Here's what you'll learn: 🔫 The importance of mindset in self-defense 🧠🎯 Firearms training tips for responsible gun ownership🏅 What it takes to earn the Marksman One designation🇺🇸 How Gunsite supports veterans with free training programs💡 Leade...

Join us as Cassy Crago returns to the show and dives deep into her journey of transformation through firearms training, personal growth, and resilience. 💪🎯 What You’ll Learn: * 🔄 How a life-changing question shifted Cassy’s outlook on self-defense. * 🏋️‍♀️ The importance of overcoming imposter syndrome and finding empowerment. * 💬 The role of counseling and self-reflection in overcoming past t...

What You’ll Learn: * 💥 The importance of physical & mental endurance in extended training. * 🎯 How to fail your way to success and build resilience. * 🧠 Why mindset is everything— The obstacle doesn’t stop you, you do . * 🛡️ Real-world applications of small unit tactics for families & civilians. * 🏆 The true essence of leadership: It's not about being in front . Defenders LIVE is supported by...

"The more I study, the more I train, the less I want to ever have to use a knife in self-defense. Same thing with a gun. The best self-defense is never having to use anything at all." — Adam Boyce In this episode, we dive deep into life-saving strategies with knife expert Adam Boyce! 🎙️ Here's what you’ll learn: * 🔍 Pre-Assault Indicators : Spot threats before they happen. * 🥩 Pork Cutting Demo...

👉 What to Expect: * The biggest changes in real estate laws in 100 years! 🏛️📜 * Why you need to be careful with threshold agreements 🖋️❗ * Expert tips for first-time homebuyers from Cindy’s new book 📚🏠 * How the 2024 election could impact the housing market 🗳️🏡 * Insider strategies to protect yourself in today’s market 🔐 🎧 Tune in now to level up your real estate game! Defenders LIVE is su...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jeremy Morris , co-founder of Wild Courage, as he shares his story of overcoming trauma and addiction to lead men on a path to healing and redemption. 🛤️ ✨ What You’ll Learn : * 🧠 Breaking the stigma of mental health in “tough guy” cultures * 🙏 How faith and vulnerability saved Jeremy’s life * 💔 The importance of owning your story and healing from tra...

In this special episode, Lora Thorson takes the hot seat as she's interviewed by Brian Hill ! 🎙️ Get ready for a deep, vulnerable conversation about overcoming fear and finding purpose. 🔑 What You'll Learn : * 💪 The power of vulnerability and why it’s a strength, not a weakness * 🙏 How faith can guide your personal and professional growth * 😰 How to push through fear and embrace discomfort for...

This is a special video and recap of Defenders LIVE. And some big news! You all mean the world to me. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

🌟 What You'll Learn: * 🛤️ Jerry's transformative path from adversity to success * 🛡️ The power of faith in overcoming life's challenges * 📊 Integrating spiritual principles in business leadership * 🧭 Navigating the spiritual battleground in modern times * 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The importance of family and moral values Don't miss out on these valuable insights! Watch now and be inspired. Defenders LIVE is...

Here's what you'll learn: * 🎖️ Insights into Lew's 21-year military career * 🛡️ Transition from Special Forces to law enforcement * 🧠 The mindset needed for success in high-stress environments * 💡 The importance of continuous training and preparedness * 🙏 Lew's personal journey with faith and resilience Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becom...

🎧 What You'll Learn: * 🏋️‍♂️ Vision drills to boost performance * 🧩 Mind hacks for faster learning * 📈 Dry fire practice tips for real-world success * 🤯 Techniques to reduce pain and fatigue * 🧘‍♂️ Relaxation exercises for better focus In this episode, we are joined by Mike Ox, a neurology-based firearms instructor, speaker, consultant, and writer. Mike is the creator of Dry Fire Training Car...

🔥 What you'll learn: * 💪 Overcoming physical challenges in self-defense training * 🎯 The importance of emotional intelligence in teaching * 🤝 Adaptable training practices for all abilities * 🧠 Strategies for maintaining mental and emotional fitness * 🌟 Tips for finding the right self-defense instructor Notable Quotes * On overcoming limitations: "There can't be caveats to personal preservati...

Dive into the world of financial self-defense with master financial coach, Austin Black. While Defenders LIVE typically focuses on physical self-defense, host Lora emphasizes the importance of protecting oneself and one’s family financially, especially in uncertain economic times. Austin shares his journey from financial insecurity to becoming debt-free and offers practical advice on managing mone...

Whether you're interested in self-defense, travel safety, personal growth, or just looking for an inspiring story, this episode has something valuable for you. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative conversation! Greg Ellifritz , owner of Active Response Training shares insights from his extensive experience of 25 years in law enforcement, over 4500 hours of formal training, and personal...

You may be wondering why, after a few episodes of firearms trainers and “gun guys,” am I interviewing a resiliency coach. It seems pretty obvious to me… we MUST learn to be resilient! As defenders of life, do we need resilience? Do we need strength to overcome adversity and challenges? Do we need faith? Absolutely! Every part of my life needs faith, strength and resilience! And boy did I learn abo...

In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Tim Herron, a USPSA Grandmaster and Master Class IDPA shooter, who transitioned from a master technician at Honda to a top-tier firearms instructor. Tim shares his unique approach to purposeful practice, the importance of embracing stress and pressure, and the vital role of mentorship and peer support in achieving mastery. Whether you're...

In this episode of Defenders Live, host Lora Thorson interviews Tim Reedy, a seasoned firearms instructor from Texas. They delve into the critical aspects of firearms training, including the importance of foundational holster skills, the benefits of competition shooting for defensive training, and the psychological and mental management required for self-defense. Tim shares personal anecdotes that...

In this episode of Defenders LIVE, host Lora Thorson talks with Mike Green, the seasoned owner of Green Ops and a former special forces operator, to delve into the intersection of personal growth and firearms proficiency. Mike shares his journey from military service to becoming a prominent firearms instructor, emphasizing the importance of the defender's mindset and how personal development enhan...

Starting with Lora's TidBit of the Week: The Courage to Ask Interview with Neil Weidner, Active Self Protection Highlights: Neil Weidner discusses his deep commitment to family and service within the Active Self Protection community. His journey into parenting a child with special needs, emphasizing the challenges and rewards. The importance of family unity and support in navigating the complexiti...

In this episode, Lora interviews retired Green Beret & Instructor Chris Cypert of Citizens Defense Research about: How to find good training; what to look for in a trainer/instructor Different tools for different missions Backwards planning and how to apply it in your life CDR's The Armed Parent/Guardian training Managing & assessing risk in your everyday life Looking at problems through t...

In this episode, I talk to John McLaughlin of Iowa Firearms Coalition about: John is a pilot, firearms trainer and former meteorologist. What do these roles have in common? (More than you may think) How Iowa to protecting the 2nd Amendment Church Security & Medical Training Applying discipleship to training Warriors of ministry and what that means The medical diagnosis that drastically changed...

In this episode, Lora & Adam talk to Matt Christansen of Matt Christiansen Media about: What started Matt on the path of gun ownership Why personal responsibility is so important Learning from evil How our gun rights are being affected by current events Democracy vs. constitutional republic Sacrificing individual rights for the majority Adam & Lora's journey to personal responsibility Argu...

On this episode, Lora interviews Stephannie Weidner from Active Self Protection about: Stephannie's story to firearms Thoughts of what to do when confronted with protecting your family from a credible threat Her journey from stay-at-home mom to CEO of Active Self Protection What makes a good team and working environment Our responsibility as instructors Get it as right as you can as often as you c...