Iron Sights

Iron Sights

Welcome to Iron Sights podcast hosted by Scott Howell. This podcast candidly seeks to create opportunities and deliver impact by sharing the experiences and wisdom of successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders who unapologetically aim to WIN in health, fitness, business, and life. Welcome to old school meets new school, tradition meets innovation, and imperfection meets excellence. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show.

  1. 21 HR AGO

    #199 After Dark - Shot Show 2026: The Unicorn Chief On Police Culture, Accountability & Hard Truths

    Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast. Recorded at SHOT Show 2026, I sit down with Bryan Williams — better known as the Unicorn Chief. From SWAT operator to Chief, a stint in City Hall, and back to policing, Bryan’s career has given him a perspective that most people in the profession never get. He’s seen leadership from the street, the admin side, and the political layer in between. In this conversation, we dig into police culture, mentorship, accountability, and why standards in training actually matter. As a USPSA Grandmaster, Bryan doesn’t just preach performance — he lives it. If he’s not in the office handling the administrative side of the job, he’s on the range sharpening his edge and pushing others to do the same. Brian is direct. He doesn’t sugarcoat. He’s not interested in protecting feelings — he’s interested in protecting the mission. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with the Unicorn Chief, Bryan Williams. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 08:38 Bryan’s Career 18:52 Leadership Path 28:42 Public Perception 40:03 Leadership Struggles 48:16 City Management 01:04:53 Leadership Defined 01:14:07 Accountability Crisis 01:22:27 Mentorship 01:27:21 Training Challenges 01:42:57 Competition & Standards 01:55:09 Execution Mode 02:02:09 Self-Care Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

    2h 19m
  2. 6 FEB

    #198 After Dark - Shot Show 2026: Joe Hamilton On Leadership, Culture & The CARE Movement

    At SHOT Show 2026, I sat down with Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, for a conversation that goes way beyond optics, sales, or gear. Joe’s journey started on the floor of his family’s small retail shop in Wisconsin, long before the boardroom. That early exposure to people, service, and doing things the right way shaped what would become Vortex’s defining edge: a relentless focus on human connection. In this After Dark episode, we dig into leadership, the Care Movement, and why people-first culture beats short-term efficiency every time. We talk about building trust, leading with purpose, and creating loyalty that can’t be bought. This one’s about heart, hustle, and human performance — the kind that actually lasts. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark conversation with Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, here on the Iron Sides Podcast. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:38 Joe’s Background 11:49 Vortex Growth 24:19 Leadership 43:31 Efficiency vs People 48:58 Customer First 57:57 Hiring 01:04:45 Scaling 01:21:28 Caring Culture 01:39:42 Family Business 01:46:47 Innovation Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

    1h 53m
  3. 31 JAN

    #197 After Dark - Shot Show 2026: Hunter Freeland On Shooting, Philosophy & Building Better Humans

    In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Hunter Freeland at SHOT Show 2026. About a year in the making, this conversation covers Hunter’s journey through the military, law enforcement, contracting, and his transition into launching Hunter Freeland Shooting. We talk philosophy, methodology, mindset, and what really matters beyond just shooting performance. Hunter is known for being stoic, disciplined, and serious about the craft—but his vision goes deeper than marksmanship. He’s focused on building responsible individuals, strong advocates for the Second Amendment, and better humans overall.This one’s honest, thoughtful, and packed with perspective for shooters, instructors, and anyone trying to do things the right way. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with Hunter Freeland on the Iron Sights Podcast. Check out Hunter's website here: hfshooting.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 09:58 Teaching & Training 14:24 Business & Image 17:42 Community & Culture 38:18 Pro vs Hobby 45:33 Sport Evolution 48:47 Responsibility 54:10 Industry Challenges 01:22:17 LE & Competition 01:38:04 Skill & Growth 02:05:31 Closing Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

    2h 9m
  4. 26 JAN

    #221 - Mobility & Flexibility Roundtable: Programming, Physiology & What Matters

    In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m back in the studio with Ryan and Cece breaking down flexibility and mobility without the hype. We talk physiology, anatomy, programming, and where mobility work actually fits into a real training week. We also hit on some of the trends floating around right now—fascial training, mobility “systems,” and why a lot of this stuff misses the point. If you’re trying to move better, train smarter, and stop wasting time on things that don’t matter, this one’s for you. Sit back and enjoy. - Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 (NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:39 Flexibility Struggles 05:34 Flexibility vs Mobility 07:32 Nervous System Role 09:22 Rehab & Post-Surgery 11:02 Improving Mobility 18:33 Mobility Tools 23:08 Strength vs Mobility 29:58 Range of Motion 33:52 Hyperflexibility Issues 40:31 Fascia & Mobility 49:04 Making Mobility Stick 54:32 Training Sessions Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

    56 min
  5. 23 JAN

    The Good Dude Collective ft. Chris Kuras, Bruno Fallon, Blake Cook, Jack Lewis & Jon Dufresne

    This is a special SHOT Show 2026 edition of the Iron Sights Podcast, recorded on the floor in collaboration with Good Dude Concepts. I’m joined by Chris Kuras (Good Dude Concepts), Bruno Fallon (Born Primitive), Jon Dufresne (Connecticut’s Consulting / See The Night), Blake Cook, and Jack Lewis (Black Tiger International). We talk about what brought us to SHOT, what stood out, and then let the conversation go where it needed to go — firearms training, health and fitness, leadership, culture, and the realities behind the industry. No scripts. No marketing pitches. Just honest conversations, new connections, and perspectives from people doing real work. If you’ve somehow missed Good Dude Concepts, they make the BRB breacher bar for real-world entry work—grab yours at good-dude.com and save on shipping with code IRON SIGHTS. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:06 SHOT Show   05:44 Night Ops Summit   12:50 Community Ties   26:25 Sobriety Journey   30:43 Good Dude Concepts   40:58 Mentorship   45:19 LE Training   55:28 Standards   01:12:16 Close Call   01:17:55 High Standards   01:31:07 Leadership   01:39:48 Positive Energy   01:41:48 Culture Shift   01:51:44 Final Thoughts   02:08:56 Closing   Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

    2h 11m
  6. 19 JAN

    #220 - Health & Fitness In 2026: AI, GLP-1s, Wearables And What Actually Matters

    In this roundtable episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, Ryan, Cece, and I kick off the year by taking a hard look at health and fitness in 2026. We revisit what we were talking about this time last year, what’s changed, and what’s somehow gotten louder — without necessarily getting better. We break down the new food pyramid push, GLP-1s and what we’re seeing with real clients, the body positivity conversation, and how AI is reshaping coaching, wearables, and the consumer fitness market. No doom, no hype — just perspective from the studio and the trenches. Sit back and enjoy this one. - Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 (NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:01 2025 Health Trends 06:12 GLP-1 Overview 10:28 GLP-1 Experiences 22:02 Food Pyramid Changes 36:30 Social Media Experts 37:58 AI In Fitness 42:59 Risks Of AI 55:16 Gamified Fitness Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

    1h 8m
  7. 12 JAN

    #219 - 5 Nutrition Mistakes Coaches Hate (And Clients Too)

    In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m joined by my favorite nutrition coach, Steven Brenna, to break down the five most annoying—and avoidable—things that drive both nutrition coaches and clients crazy. If you’re currently in a nutrition coaching program, thinking about hiring a coach, or you are a coach yourself, this conversation will save you time and frustration. These are the mistakes we see over and over again because, as the saying goes, we know a few things because we’ve seen a few things. This episode is about setting better expectations, improving communication, and getting more out of the nutrition process—without the nonsense. - Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/ FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 (NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website: ironsightspodcasts.com Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:21 Coaching Frustrations 03:09 Setting Expectations 10:14 Why Tracking Matters 29:01 Blame Game (Age & Hormones) 35:20 Comparison Trap 37:20 Diet Trends & Consistency 45:30 Training Vs. Nutrition 53:33 Trust & Honesty 01:06:55 Carb Myths 01:09:17 Changing Beliefs Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

    1h 27m
  8. 9 JAN

    AD #195 - Changing Law Enforcement Training From The Inside With Raphael @redhats_slowgats

    In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Raphael, a 17-year law enforcement veteran and range staff member at a major Bay Area agency. A Grand Master–level shooter, Raphael has been instrumental in helping move training at his agency in a better direction. We talk about his journey, what it takes to challenge outdated training systems from the inside, and the practical steps that have actually worked for him and his partners. If you’re law enforcement, a shooter, or an instructor trying to improve training without blowing things up, this episode has real takeaways. Follow Raphael on Instagram at @redhats_slowgats and enjoy this After Dark conversation on the Iron Sights Podcast. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:00 Raphael’s Background 05:17 LE & Competition 09:15 Training Challenges 17:18 Red Dot Adoption 29:12 Training Standards 33:44 Fundamentals 38:08 Skill Builders 41:40 Leadership 48:39 LE Competition 55:23 Training Balance 01:07:56 Compete To Improve 01:11:12 Explore Vs Perform 01:16:39 Training Culture 01:21:25 Social Media 01:35:28 Wrap-Up Red Dot Fitness Training Programs: rdfprograms.com Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching): https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership Virtual Coaching: https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching Self-Guided Programs: https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1 Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

    1h 37m

About

Welcome to Iron Sights podcast hosted by Scott Howell. This podcast candidly seeks to create opportunities and deliver impact by sharing the experiences and wisdom of successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders who unapologetically aim to WIN in health, fitness, business, and life. Welcome to old school meets new school, tradition meets innovation, and imperfection meets excellence. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show.

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