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. 1D AGO

    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 We talk about his journey, what it takes to challenge outdated training systems from the inside, and the practical steps that have actually worked for him and his partners.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
  2. 5D AGO

    #218 - 9 Smarter Ways to Make Cardio Actually Work

    In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m back in the studio with Cece and Ryan breaking down nine practical tips to make your cardio training more effective—without turning it into a science lecture or chasing fitness rabbit holes. Most people approach cardio with the wrong focus. Today we help you reframe how you think about your cardio sessions, what actually matters, and how to stop wasting time while still improving endurance, efficiency, and recovery. We also touch on heart rate–based training and point you toward our free Heart Rate Zone Training Guide, which shows you how to structure cardio using personalized zones—whether you’re using a treadmill chart, a heart rate monitor, or a smartwatch. Grab it free at reddotfitness.net/rdfguides and start training with more intention. - 25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.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 02:27 Cardio Myths 05:03 Smarter Cardio 14:25 Walking Benefits 28:26 HIIT Explained 37:57 Skill vs Intensity 42:47 Cardio vs Strength 46:12 Fat-Burn Myth 48:58 Making Cardio Stick 58:52 Play & Longevity 01:03:14 Cardio Takeaways Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

    1h 5m
  3. 12/29/2025

    #217 - Essential Amino Acids (EAAs): Do You Actually Need Them For Muscle & Performance?

    In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Red Dot Fitness nutrition coach Steven Brenna to talk about essential amino acids (EAAs) and what role they actually play in muscle, performance, and long-term health. We break down what the research says, what it doesn’t, and how EAAs compare to BCAAs—without getting lost in the weeds. If you’re training hard, trying to maintain muscle, or just want to make smarter decisions about supplementation, this episode will give you some real clarity. No hype. Just context and practical takeaways you can use. - 25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.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 03:40 Creatine 04:50 EAAs vs BCAAs 12:28 Amino Basics 20:54 Muscle & Aging 33:29 Protein Intake 36:22 Bulk vs Cut 45:08 EAA Timing 50:39 Choosing EAAs 58:13 HMB 01:00:02 Wrap-Up Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

    1h 2m
  4. 12/26/2025

    AD #194 - The Process Behind Elite Shooting Performance With Billy Barton

    Today on the Iron Sights Podcast After Dark, I’m sitting down with Billy Barton — a Grand Master USPSA shooter, high-level competitor, and the owner of SpecTrain | Firearms Training. Billy has been on my short list for a long time, and after a few missed connections, we finally made it happen here in California. What makes Billy interesting is not a military or law enforcement background — it’s his process. He’s a shooter who went all-in, became highly competitive in a short period of time, and then naturally transitioned into coaching and instruction. In this conversation, we dig into how he trains, how he thinks about skill development, how he prepares for competition, and how he approaches teaching shooters at every level. This episode is especially valuable if you’re deep into your shooting journey — whether you’re competing, instructing, or trying to figure out how to train smarter instead of just doing more reps. Billy breaks down the systems, habits, and decision-making that actually move the needle. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there is a formula, and Billy does a great job laying it out. If shooting performance matters to you, grab a notebook. Billy doesn’t waste words, and there’s a lot here worth unpacking. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with Billy Barton of Spectrain on the Iron Sights Podcast. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 04:54 Billy's Background 06:22 Competition 22:28 Spec Train 39:23 Fundamentals 41:31 Structure 42:19 Dry Fire 44:24 Hard Lessons 49:15 2026 Plans 59:57 Consistency 01:09:40 Skills 01:18:08 Modes 01:21:58 Evolution 01:38:26 Coaching 02:02:43 LE & Competition 02:13:12 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 14m
  5. 12/24/2025

    #216 - When Training Stops Being Fun (And Why That’s Okay)

    Training doesn’t always feel good. It doesn’t always feel motivating. And it definitely doesn’t always feel “fun.” In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m back in the studio with Ryan and CeCe to talk about what happens when your workouts stop giving you that sense of enjoyment or fulfillment. If you’ve been training long enough, you’ve probably hit this phase at least once.  We talk honestly about where training fits into our lives, why workouts don’t have to be fun all the time, and why chasing motivation is usually the wrong move. This isn’t about quitting or forcing yourself through it either. We walk through five practical ideas to help you reframe your approach, stay consistent, and keep moving forward even when you’re not feeling it. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m just not into this right now,” this episode is for you. Sit back, listen in, and hopefully take away a few tools to help you keep training in a way that actually works for the long haul. - 25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.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 02:52 Loving (and Hating) Training 08:19 Finding Your Why 14:13 Community Matters 16:45 Training Environment 18:18 Coaching Matters 20:17 Coach’s Role 23:06 Learning New Skills 29:09 Changing Programs Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

    37 min
  6. 12/09/2025

    #214 - One of the Biggest Myths in Fitness: The Repetition Continuum

    Welcome back to the Iron Sight Podcast. Today I’m in the studio with Cece and Ryan, and we’re digging into one of the most persistent myths in the fitness world: the repetition continuum. You’ve heard it before — heavy weights for strength, moderate reps for hypertrophy, and light loads for endurance. It’s simple, it’s clean… and it’s not really true. In this episode, we break down where that model came from, why it stuck around for so long, and what the current research actually says. We talk about some of the voices online influencing this conversation, and a well-known researcher who pretty much takes a sledgehammer to the old rep-range chart.  We’re going to cover what really drives strength, growth, and endurance — and how to use that information to train smarter, adapt better, and get more out of the work you’re already doing. Enjoy the show! - 25% OFF! Red Dot Fitness Programs: rdfprograms.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 03:48 Fitness Myths 05:26 Rep Continuum 08:44 Industry Issues 14:56 Practical Tips 29:42 Hypertrophy Zone Myth 33:35 Rep Basics 39:07 Failure Training 39:39 Programming 47:56 Endurance Myths Connect With Us: Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

    1h 2m
  7. 11/28/2025

    AD #193 - From Delta Force To Healing: Josh Burton’s Mission Against The Mental Health Crisis

    Today on the Iron Sites Podcast, I’m joined by Josh Burton — former Delta Force operator, entrepreneur, and founder of Elevated Operator. After a long career in the Global War on Terror, Josh has stepped into a new mission that’s just as demanding: fighting the global war on mental health. We get into his transition out of military service and the challenges operators, veterans, and first responders face when the uniform comes off. Josh speaks openly about the struggles, the blind spots, and the habits that can either support you or sabotage you. His honesty cuts through the stigma around mental health and performance in a way most people rarely hear. We also dig into the principles behind Elevated Operator, the company Josh built by veterans, for veterans, after realizing most available solutions weren’t enough. Instead of quick fixes, he focuses on real tools: dialing in your physiology, building better systems, surrounding yourself with the right people, and taking small steps in the right direction. This episode is for anyone who’s served, struggled, or simply wants to live a healthier, more intentional life. Josh brings depth, humility, and a ton of real-world experience to the table.  Sit back and enjoy this powerful conversation with Josh Burton of Elevated Operator. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:04:18 Sleep & Health 00:06:09 Military Life 00:09:43 Mental Struggles 00:16:08 Transition Out 00:28:35 Rebuilding 00:37:10 Plant Medicine 00:42:39 Accountability 00:46:59 Fitness Return 01:02:08 Support 01:15:48 Lifestyle Fixes 01:20:53 Sleep & Inflammation 01:35:09 Elevated Operator 01:52:55 Daily Routine 02:12:14 Veteran Support 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 33m
4.8
out of 5
101 Ratings

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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