Making Shooters Better

Most shooters spend years chasing better accuracy… faster splits… cleaner gear. Kita Busse took one look at the sport and asked a different question: What if the problem isn’t your shooting at all? Coming in as an outsider with a medical background, she saw something no one else was talking about… the massive inefficiencies in how shooters move, see, and process information under pressure. What fo...

He didn’t grow up around guns. He didn’t look like the obvious candidate. And twice… his body literally shut down on him. But Perry Yee didn’t quit. In this episode, former Navy SEAL Perry Yee takes you inside the moments most people never see… This isn’t just a story about toughness. It’s about why people quit… and why some don’t. We dive into what real pressure looks like, how humor keeps you sa...

In this engaging interview, Terry Vaughan chats with Steve Anderson, USPSA Grandmaster and mental management expert, and shares his journey from rock band to shooting champion. He reveals practical strategies for mastering the mental game, improving performance, and achieving goals in shooting sports and beyond.

In this episode, Maggie Reese, a national and international competitive shooter, shares her journey into the world of firearms and competition. She discusses the importance of mindset, training with intention, and the value of continuous learning. Maggie emphasizes the need for consistent practice and the role of self-talk in performance. She also reflects on her experiences on the show Top Shot a...

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, host Terry Vaughan interviews John Allen, a seasoned expert in threat assessment and personal safety. They discuss John's extensive experience advising presidents, his insights into the evolution of politics, and the importance of awareness and training in personal safety. John shares anecdotes from his time with President Reagan, the challenges face...

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, host Terry Vaughan interviews Olivia Albertson, a 17-year-old collegiate shooter who has made significant strides in the competitive shooting world. Olivia shares her journey from early experiences with firearms to becoming a world record holder in limited optics at the Steel World Speed Shoot. The conversation delves into her training regimen, the import...

In this episode of Making Shooters Better , Terry Vaughan sits down with Jay Graves, former U.S. Army HUMINT and SIGINT Intelligence Officer, to unpack what real situational awareness actually looks like when the stakes are high. Drawing from counter-drug operations, overseas deployments, and real-world threat assessments, Jay explains how intelligence professionals learn to establish behavioral b...

In this episode, Terry Vaughan speaks with Michelle Camp, the head of Armed Women of America, about her journey from a casual shooter to a leader in the firearms community. They discuss the importance of building confidence in new shooters, the role of community in firearm training, and the growing demographic of women in shooting sports. Michelle shares insights on overcoming fears, the importanc...

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, host Terry Vaughan speaks with Brian Martin, a former paratrooper and 30-year law enforcement officer, about the critical importance of preparedness in emergency situations. They discuss how true readiness goes beyond just having the right tools and equipment, emphasizing the need for training, experience, and understanding stress responses. The conversat...

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, host Terry Vaughan is joined by Colin Gallagher, a fellow TOP SHOT competitor. They discuss their early experiences with shooting, the motivations behind joining the TOP SHOT competition, and the pressures of filming a reality TV show. The conversation delves into the psychological testing involved in the selection process, the dynamics of personalities w...

In this episode, Terry Vaughan sits down with D. Austin-Johnson, a patrol officer he personally witnessed taking decisive action to help save a life during a medical emergency at this year's ALERRT Conference. The conversation explores the unexpected collapse of an individual, the immediate response from Devyn and other first responders, and the importance of teamwork and calmness in crisis s...

In this episode of Making Shooters Better , Terry Vaughan sits down with Tim Pearce, a former law enforcement officer whose career in South Central Los Angeles placed him face-to-face with violence, stress, and the limits of traditional training. Tim shares how years in gang units shaped his understanding of human behavior under pressure, and how a heartbreaking personal tragedy forced him to conf...

In this conversation, Terry Vaughan and Mike Willis delve into the critical aspects of instinctive response training for shooters, particularly in high-pressure situations. They discuss the importance of understanding stress responses, the necessity of situational awareness, and the value of realistic training environments. Mike shares his insights on effective training strategies, the role of tec...

In this engaging conversation, Terry Vaughan speaks with Mike Farrell, an airline pilot and firearms training innovator. They discuss Mike's late start in shooting, the impact of 9/11 on aviation and firearms training, and the importance of psychological testing for pilots. Mike shares his unique experience of buying a Russian jet and reflects on the cultural shifts in aviation. The discussio...

When pressure hits, even champions get shaky. Olympic shooter Gabby Franco opens up about battling nerves, self-doubt, and the moment that changed how she measures success. In this conversation with host Terry Vaughan, Gabby reveals the mindset shift that separates great shooters from frustrated ones — and how you can train your brain to stay calm, focused, and resilient no matter the stakes.

In this engaging conversation, Candy Pedicord shares her journey into the world of firearms training, emphasizing the importance of empowering new shooters, especially women. She discusses the significance of quality training, finding the right instructor, and the need for mental preparedness in self-defense situations. Candy also highlights the role of parents in teaching children about firearms...

In this episode, Terry Vaughan, Kristen Wilson Day, and Michael DeGraeve discuss Michael's journey from military service to overcoming addiction and finding purpose through fitness and community. They explore the challenges faced during the transition to civilian life, the importance of support networks, and practical strategies for personal growth, including discipline, training techniques,...

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, host Terry Vaughan, co-host Kristen Wilson-Day, and guest Matt Hickman discuss a range of topics, including Matt's journey from law enforcement to his role at Dry Fire Mag, the importance of dry fire training, and the parallels between martial arts and firearms training. They explore the impact of stress on training, common mistakes new shooters make...

In this second episode, Terry Vaughan and Kristen Wilson Day welcome Eric Torres, a retired Green Beret and co-founder of the Memorial Valor Foundation. They discuss Eric's journey from military service to founding a non-profit that supports Gold Star families. The conversation covers the importance of leadership, the impact of competition shooting, and the foundation's mission to honor...

In this debut episode of Making Shooters Better , former Royal Marines Commando and TOP SHOT Season 4 competitor Terry Vaughan sits down with Kristen Wilson Day — competitive shooter, firearms instructor, and the creative force behind Laser Ammo’s marketing — for a fast-paced, laugh-filled conversation about training smarter and building confidence under pressure. real shooters train smarter. Kris...