Bourbon and Ballistics

Joel Potter
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Monthly

Here, we discuss whiskey and firearms, along with business, entrepreneurship, and family life. New episodes every other week, with special guests that also enjoy the finer things in life. Sit back, relax and pour yourself a glass...  Let's talk some Bourbon and Ballistics...

  1. Oct 23

    Warrior Dog Spirit - Jose Pila

    Jose Pila is an Army veteran, entrepreneur, and the founder of Warrior Dog Spirit Whiskey and the Warrior Dog Spirit Foundation. In this episode, Jose joins Bourbon & Ballistics host Joel Potter for a conversation about military service, transitioning to civilian life, entrepreneurship, service dogs, retired working K9s, and the mission that inspired Warrior Dog Spirit. Jose shares the story of Ranger, the service dog that helped change the trajectory of his life, and how that experience ultimately led to a whiskey brand built around honoring canine heroes, supporting veterans, and preserving the spirit of service long after military careers come to an end. The discussion also covers leadership, purpose, the modern whiskey industry, veteran advocacy, and the work being done through the Warrior Dog Spirit Foundation to support veterans and retired military and first responder dogs. Featured Bottle: Warrior Dog Spirit Whiskey – Sergeant Stubby Topics Include: • Army service • Military transition • Ranger's story • Service dogs and veterans • Retired military and law enforcement K9s • Warrior Dog Spirit Foundation • Veteran entrepreneurship • Leadership and resilience • Whiskey and storytelling • Continuing to serve after the uniform Learn more: https://warriordogspirit.com https://warriordogspirit.org If this conversation resonates with you, consider sharing it with a veteran, first responder, dog lover, or someone who may need the reminder that purpose can often be found through service to others.

  2. Oct 4

    Whiskey Shenanigans - Randy Warren

    Former hedge fund manager. Whiskey storyteller. Author. This week, Joel sits down with Randy Warren, host of the Whiskey Shenanigans podcast and author of Whiskey Rule-Breakers. After years of managing investments and analyzing markets, Randy immersed himself in the world of American whiskey, interviewing 29 distillers, founders, and industry innovators who challenged convention and helped reshape the modern whiskey landscape. Together, they discuss the lessons these rule-breakers learned, the risks they took, the mistakes they made, and the decisions that ultimately paid off. Randy also shares his perspective on today's bourbon market, whether the industry's explosive growth can continue, and what entrepreneurs can learn from some of whiskey's most successful founders. The conversation also explores Randy's experience at the 2026 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, the trends and conversations shaping the industry, and one of the most debated topics in modern whiskey: non-producing distillers (NDPs), transparency, sourcing, and what they mean for the future of American whiskey. Whether you're a bourbon enthusiast, business owner, investor, entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, this episode offers a unique look at the people and ideas driving the whiskey industry forward. Pour a glass and join the conversation.

  3. Sep 20

    Morgan Mackenzie

    On this episode of Bourbon & Ballistics, Joel sits down with Northern Nevada singer-songwriter Morgan Mackenzie for a conversation about finding your voice, chasing a dream, and building something worth believing in. From her early beginnings in music to the realities of being an independent artist, Morgan shares the highs, lows, challenges, and lessons that come with pursuing a creative career in today's world. The conversation explores songwriting, authenticity, self-doubt, social media, perseverance, and the importance of staying true to yourself while navigating an increasingly crowded landscape. Paired with a pour of Three Chord Blended Bourbon, a whiskey created by musician and producer Neil Giraldo, this episode examines the parallels between music, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of meaningful work. Pour a glass and join us for an honest conversation about creativity, resilience, and the courage to find your own voice. Follow Morgan Mackenzie: www.morganmackenziemusic.com IG @morganmackenziemusic

  4. Sep 11

    Specter Aero - Brian Long

    Brian "Bazz" Long has spent a career operating where performance matters most. A former 160th SOAR Night Stalker, Boeing Senior Program Manager, entrepreneur, and now Founder & CEO of Specter Aero, America's only veteran-owned consumer drone manufacturer, Bazz brings a rare perspective shaped by military aviation, aerospace leadership, and American manufacturing. In this episode of Bourbon & Ballistics, we discuss: The culture and lessons of the Night Stalkers Leadership under pressure Boeing and billion-dollar aerospace programs Entrepreneurship and business growth Building an American drone company The future of manufacturing in the United States Drone warfare and lessons from Ukraine Artificial intelligence and autonomous systems Public safety, surveillance, and privacy Why reliability still matters in a world obsessed with innovation Paired with a pour of 1792 Small Batch Bourbon, this conversation explores a common theme: proven performance. From special operations to the factory floor, from entrepreneurship to emerging technology, Brian's story is a reminder that success isn't built on hype. It's built on discipline, preparation, and execution when the mission matters most. Episode Theme: "From the Night Stalkers to American drone manufacturing, Brian Long's story is about building systems, teams, and technology that perform when the mission matters most."

  5. Aug 28

    First Shot - Wes Francis

    The Uniform Changes. The Mission Doesn't. In this episode of the Bourbon & Ballistics Podcast, Joel sits down with Wes Francis from the historic Virginia City Cigar Bar in Virginia City, Nevada. Wes spent twenty-two years serving in the United States Air Force before continuing his commitment to service through Nevada law enforcement, firearms instruction, and community leadership. Today, he helps educate responsible firearm owners through First Shot Nevada while serving as Director of the Virginia City Silent Riders, helping preserve the history and heritage of one of Nevada's most iconic communities. For this episode's pour, we're enjoying Maker's Mark Cask Strength "Made For The Brave," a limited Memorial Day release honoring those who serve while supporting military-focused charitable organizations. Its connection to service and sacrifice makes it a fitting companion for a conversation centered around purpose, responsibility, and legacy. In this episode, Wes and Joel discuss: • Lessons learned from 22 years in the Air Force • Leadership and responsibility from a career in law enforcement • Firearms training and responsible ownership • The history and mission of the Virginia City Silent Riders • Preserving traditions and passing stories to future generations • Finding purpose after the uniform comes off This isn't just a conversation about bourbon, firearms, or history. It's a conversation about service. Pour a glass, sit back, and join us for another episode of Bourbon & Ballistics.

  6. Aug 14

    Liberty Mountain Fabrication - Phil Licciardi

    In this episode of the Bourbon & Ballistics Podcast, Joel sits down with Phil Licciardi, founder of Liberty Mountain Fabrication, for a conversation about craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and the value of mastering a trade. Phil shares his journey from fabricator to business owner, the lessons he's learned along the way, and why skilled trades remain one of the greatest opportunities available to those willing to put in the work. The discussion also explores suspension tuning, off-road culture, customer relationships, mentorship, and the future of American craftsmanship. The featured pour for this episode is Garage Oil American Badass Whiskey, a bottle that celebrates the builders, mechanics, gearheads, and blue-collar Americans who embody the spirit of hard work and self-reliance. Pour yourself a glass and join us for a conversation about building things that matter, earning your reputation, and preserving the skills that keep America moving.

  7. Jul 16

    On Your Six Bourbon - Casey Barber

    In this episode of Bourbon and Ballistics, Joel sits down with Casey Barber—Army veteran, former firefighter, certified custom gunsmith, mechanic, family man, and community advocate. From serving with the 82nd Airborne to helping build local veteran support initiatives through Vets & Friends, Casey's story is one rooted in service, resilience, and giving back. The conversation explores military life, transitioning to civilian service, supporting veterans and first responders, and finding purpose through community involvement. The episode also highlights On Your Six Bourbon, where Casey serves as a Regional Brand Ambassador. More than just a bourbon brand, On Your Six is committed to honoring America's heroes through storytelling, innovative technology, and charitable giving that supports veterans, law enforcement, firefighters, teachers, and nurses nationwide. Pour a glass and join us for a conversation about service, community, purpose, and the people who continue to make a difference long after their time in uniform. Featured Pour: On Your Six Straight Kentucky High-Rye Bourbon Guest: Casey Barber Bourbon and Ballistics explores whiskey, firearms, leadership, entrepreneurship, veterans' issues, and the stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things.

  8. Jun 6

    Nevada Shooting Sports - Steve Johnston & Finn West

    Most people see a finished business and assume success happened quickly. What they don't see are the years of planning, setbacks, sacrifices, uncertainty, and persistence that happen behind the scenes. In this episode of the Bourbon & Ballistics Podcast, I sit down with Steve Johnston and Finn West, the team behind Nevada Shooting Sports. What began as two men pursuing similar visions eventually became a partnership focused on building one of the most ambitious shooting sports destinations in Northern Nevada. Steve's background in hospitality and the firearms industry combines with Finn's experience as a retired Marine Corps EOD Technician and combat veteran to create a unique perspective on leadership, operations, customer experience, risk management, and entrepreneurship. Over a pour of Barrell Foundation Double Barrel Bourbon, we discuss how they met, the lessons they've learned building a large-scale project, the mentors who helped them along the way, the sacrifices required to pursue a long-term vision, and why success often takes far longer than most people expect. This conversation isn't just about firearms or shooting sports. It's about building something meaningful, adapting when plans change, and continuing to move forward even when the finish line feels years away. If you've ever wanted to start a business, pursue a dream, or tackle a challenge bigger than yourself, this episode is for you.

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About

Here, we discuss whiskey and firearms, along with business, entrepreneurship, and family life. New episodes every other week, with special guests that also enjoy the finer things in life. Sit back, relax and pour yourself a glass...  Let's talk some Bourbon and Ballistics...

Information

  • Creator
    Joel Potter
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Joel Potter
  • Show Website
    Bourbon and Ballistics

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