Bourbon and Ballistics

Joel Potter
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated 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. 2d ago

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. May 12

    Team Whiskey - Kevin Stang

    What started as a small apparel idea eventually became something much bigger. In this episode of Bourbon and Ballistics, we sit down with Kevin Stang, founder of Team Whiskey, to talk about the evolution of Team Whiskey — from clothing, to archery shoots, to bourbon, and the community that grew around it along the way. We discuss the origins of the brand, the mindset behind building community through outdoor experiences, and the growth of events like the Team Whiskey Bonanza. Kevin also shares the story behind the Heavenly and Bear Valley archery shoots, what makes those events unique, and why more people are gravitating toward authentic outdoor communities. During the episode, we pour and discuss The Sportsmen’s Whiskey and get into the realities of entering the whiskey industry, building a lifestyle brand, and staying true to the original mission as things grow. This conversation is about more than bourbon. It’s about resilience, identity, brotherhood, and building something that gives people a reason to show up and be part of something bigger than themselves. Subscribe and follow Bourbon and Ballistics for more conversations with veterans, entrepreneurs, outdoorsmen, creators, and people building meaningful things through grit, discipline, and community.

  6. Mar 31

    Tahoe Douglas Fire - Brandon Brady

    When the call comes in, there’s no hesitation... only action. In this episode of the Bourbon & Ballistics Podcast, we sit down with a Battalion Chief from the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District for a conversation that goes far beyond the fireground. This is a look inside the reality of leadership in the fire service—the responsibility of command, the pressure of making decisions when lives are on the line, and the moments that stay with you long after the call is over. But behind the badge is a man balancing more than just the job. We talk about fatherhood, the transition from chaos to home life, and what it takes to be present for your family after carrying the weight of the day. We also get into Jiu Jitsu and the role it plays in building discipline, humility, and control under pressure—lessons that translate directly from the mat to the fire scene. Over a glass of Responder Bourbon, we take a moment to recognize something bigger than the drink itself—a mission rooted in honoring those who serve, supporting the first responder community, and bringing people together through shared experience and respect. This episode is about more than fire, more than bourbon, and more than titles. It’s about responsibility, identity, and showing up... no matter the cost. 🥃 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: * The real role of a Battalion Chief on scene * Leadership under pressure and decision-making in chaos * The unseen mental and emotional weight of the job * Fatherhood and finding balance after the shift ends * How Jiu Jitsu sharpens discipline and composure * The meaning behind Responder Bourbon and supporting those who serve If you respect first responders, leadership, and real conversations... this one’s for you.

  7. Mar 9

    Devil's Due Distillery - Wylie McDade

    What happens when the whiskey boom cools—and leadership is the only thing keeping the lights on? In this episode of Bourbon & Ballistics, host Joel Potter sits down with Wylie McDade, founder of Devil’s Due Distillery. After retiring from a 25-year career in the U.S. Navy, he decided to take on the challenge of building a craft distillery from the ground up. This conversation goes beyond bourbon to explore: • Leadership in small business when markets tighten • The realities of entrepreneurship without a safety net • Lessons learned from military service and technical careers • Navigating a cooling whiskey market with discipline and patience • Building a family-driven brand rooted in Appalachian community Devil’s Due isn’t just a distillery—it’s a case study in earned success, long-term thinking, and paying the price to do things right. If you care about entrepreneurship, leadership, veterans in business, or the real story behind craft whiskey, this episode is for you. Pour a glass and join the conversation.

  8. Feb 7

    Base Firearms - Ira Labarge

    In this episode of Bourbon and Ballistics, host Joel Potter sits down with Ira LaBarge, a retired police Sergeant, Marine Corps combat veteran, and owner of BASE Firearms and Training. Ira completed two combat deployments to Iraq with the United States Marine Corps, serving as a squad leader, platoon sergeant, and crew-served weapons instructor. After transitioning to law enforcement, he served as a Patrol Sergeant, Field Training Officer, Range Officer, Firearms Instructor, School Resource Officer, and SWAT operator. Now, as the lead firearms instructor at BASE Firearms and Training, Ira focuses on responsible civilian firearms education built on real-world experience. He is an NRA Law Enforcement pistol and carbine instructor, has completed active shooter response training through the Alice Institute, and is also the owner and president of Bullseye USA Inc. This episode explores firearms responsibility, leadership under pressure, civilian preparedness, and the mindset required to train with purpose—without fear-mongering or hype.

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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
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Joel Potter
  • Show Website
    Bourbon and Ballistics

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