Defenders LIVE Podcast

Lora Thorson, Defenders USA
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  • Self-Improvement
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Welcome to the Defenders LIVE community! This is where you can find information and inspiration to grow as a defender both on and off the range. www.defenders-live.com

  1. Ep. 186 | He Lost Everything… Then God Told Him to Get Up | Tyler Tharp’s Story

    8h ago

    Ep. 186 | He Lost Everything… Then God Told Him to Get Up | Tyler Tharp’s Story

    What if the hardest battle you’ll ever fight is the one inside your own mind? In this powerful conversation, Tyler Tharp opens up about: Losing his father the night he came home from the ArmyBattling anger, hopelessness, and self-destructionThe moment God told him, “Get up. I’m not done with you yet.”Why discipline includes rest and recoveryHow faith transformed the way he sees purpose, love, and masculinity This episode is real, raw, and full of hard-earned wisdom for anyone carrying heavy burdens or searching for deeper meaning in life. Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To join our live group calls, become a paid subscriber. In this deeply honest conversation, Lora sits down with firearms instructor and coach Tyler Tharp to unpack the painful journey that shaped his faith, mindset, and purpose. Tyler shares the devastating losses that defined his early adulthood, including losing his father the night he returned home from the Army, battling anger and self-destruction, and ultimately reaching a breaking point that forced him to confront his mental and spiritual health head-on. Together, they explore the connection between discipline and rest, the trap of tying self-worth to achievement, and the healing that comes through surrendering control to God. This episode is raw, thoughtful, and deeply relatable for anyone who feels exhausted from trying to carry life on their own strength. It’s a conversation about resilience, purpose, forgiveness, and learning that true strength starts in the heart. Watch more conversations at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future episodes focused on courage, faith, mindset, and personal growth. Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

    1h 16m
  2. Ep. 185 | Why Everyday Americans Must Step Up Against Career Politicians | Daniel Keenan

    May 28

    Ep. 185 | Why Everyday Americans Must Step Up Against Career Politicians | Daniel Keenan

    What happens when an everyday businessman decides he’s no longer willing to sit on the sidelines? In this episode of Defenders LIVE, Lora Thorson sits down with Arizona congressional candidate Daniel Keenan for a conversation that goes far beyond politics. Together, they explore leadership, personal responsibility, constitutional freedom, faith, and the growing hunger Americans have for authenticity in a world full of polished talking points. Daniel shares his journey from blue-collar work and homebuilding to stepping into the political arena, driven by a desire to protect faith, family, freedom, and the future of everyday Americans. They discuss border security, the Second Amendment, term limits, public safety, and why more ordinary citizens need to rise up and lead. This is a grounded, honest conversation about courage, conviction, and what it really means to serve others with integrity. Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To join our group calls, consider becoming a paid subscriber. In this episode of Defenders LIVE, Lora sits down with Arizona congressional candidate Daniel Keenan for a raw and honest discussion about leadership, freedom, faith, and why everyday Americans can’t afford to stay silent anymore. In this conversation, you’ll hear: * Why more citizens need to step forward * The connection between freedom and personal responsibility * Thoughts on border security, the Second Amendment, and public safety * Why authenticity matters more than polished talking points * How faith and conviction shape true leadership Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future episodes on Defenders LIVE. Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

    59 min
  3. Ep. 184 | Jacob Paulsen of ConcealedCarry.com Gets Real About Business, Branding, and Belief

    May 21

    Ep. 184 | Jacob Paulsen of ConcealedCarry.com Gets Real About Business, Branding, and Belief

    People can tell when someone is real. That is one of the biggest takeaways from this conversation with Jacob Paulsen. We talked about leadership, faith, authenticity, business, personal growth, and why people are starving for honesty in a world that feels increasingly fake. In this episode:• Jacob shares how ConcealedCarry.com was built from the ground up• We talk about what actually makes a great instructor• Why authenticity matters more than image• The future of AI and how it is changing business• The vision behind Guardian University and Guardian Conference• How strong brands are built through trust and integrity Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To join our exclusive Defenders LIVE group calls, become a paid subscriber. What does it take to build trust in a world full of noise? In this conversation, Jacob Paulsen shares the real story behind building ConcealedCarry.com, creating one of the largest firearms training networks in the country, and learning what authentic leadership actually looks like along the way. Lora and Jacob talk about everything from business and branding to faith, mindset, personal growth, and the responsibility that comes with leading others. Jacob opens up about his early struggles as an instructor, why great teachers are always students first, and how authenticity has become one of the most important qualities in today’s world. They also dive into the future of AI, the mission behind Guardian Conference, and the launch of Guardian University, a growing platform designed to bring trusted training and meaningful conversations together in one place. Defenders LIVE is now featured inside Guardian University as part of that vision. This episode is thoughtful, honest, and full of practical wisdom for anyone trying to lead with courage and live with purpose. Watch more at Defenders LIVE and learn more at ConcealedCarry.com. Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

    1 hr
  4. Ep. 183 | Ride Along: Why I Choose Hard Things | Lora Thorson, Defenders USA

    May 14

    Ep. 183 | Ride Along: Why I Choose Hard Things | Lora Thorson, Defenders USA

    What if the thing that makes you “different” is actually the thing God wants to use most? In this solo Ride Along episode, Lora Thorson opens up about why she chooses hard things — from Tactical Games training and fitness to launching a podcast with no roadmap and stepping into uncomfortable growth. She shares how her personal self-defense journey began in 2017 with her very first firearms class, feeling overwhelmed, underprepared, and unsure of herself… and how that path eventually led her to become a firearms instructor and podcast host. But this conversation goes far beyond guns or self-defense. Lora shares how her pursuit of personal protection uncovered deeper battles involving fear, identity, self-worth, discipline, and people-pleasing. What began as a desire to feel safer and more capable eventually became a journey of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual transformation. Through fitness, faith, and learning to align her thoughts with Scripture, she began building true confidence from the inside out. Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To join our group calls, become a paid subscriber. This is an honest conversation about courage, obedience, mindset, and refusing to live “normal” when God has called you to more. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re capable, struggled with fear or insecurity, or felt called to something bigger than yourself, this episode will challenge and encourage you to step forward anyway. Correction: Philippians 4:6 reference is actually Philippians 4:8. :) Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations. Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

    19 min
  5. Ep. 182 | You Know What to Do So Why Aren’t You Doing It? Discipline of a Defender w/ Jeff Dalzell

    May 7

    Ep. 182 | You Know What to Do So Why Aren’t You Doing It? Discipline of a Defender w/ Jeff Dalzell

    If you are called to protect… you cannot afford to stay undisciplined. This episode is not about getting in shape for appearance.It is about becoming someone who can be counted on. In this conversation, we break down: • Why discipline is part of your responsibility as a defender• How neglecting your body limits your ability to lead and serve• The connection between physical health and spiritual drift• Why knowing what to do is not the problem• How to build systems that hold when life gets hard This is not just about fitness. This is about responsibility. If you are called to protect, lead, and show up for the people around you, then discipline is not optional. It is part of the mission. Defenders LIVE is supported by you. Become a paid subscriber to join our group calls. In this episode, Lora sits down with Jeff Dalzell, a fitness and nutrition coach who works with parents and everyday men and women who are tired of starting over. What begins as a conversation about health quickly becomes something deeper. They unpack the connection between physical discipline and spiritual alignment, and why so many people know exactly what to do but still avoid doing it. Because the truth is this. When you neglect your body, you are not just making a personal choice. You are limiting your capacity to lead, to serve, and to step into the roles God has placed in your life. Jeff shares his journey from teacher to coach, navigating uncertainty, fatherhood, and faith while building something that actually lasts. This conversation challenges the all or nothing mindset and replaces it with something stronger. Systems. Identity. Ownership. If you want to live as a defender in your home, your community, and your faith, this is where it starts. Not with motivation, but with discipline. Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations. Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

    1h 5m
  6. Ep. 181 | Inside the NRA Turnaround - What Is Actually Changing Right Now | Amanda Suffecool

    Apr 30

    Ep. 181 | Inside the NRA Turnaround - What Is Actually Changing Right Now | Amanda Suffecool

    There comes a moment when you either stay quiet or step forward. Amanda Suffecool stepped forward. In this episode of Defenders LIVE, she shares what is happening inside the NRA and what she has seen firsthand during a critical season of change.Here is what you will gain:A clear look inside the NRA’s reform and future directionWhat real courage looks like in leadershipWhy speaking truth can cost you and why it still mattersThe growing influence of women in the Second Amendment spaceA deeper understanding of service, responsibility and conviction Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Paid subscribers are invited to the live group calls. In this episode of Defenders LIVE, Lora sits down with Amanda Suffecool, firearms instructor, radio host, and NRA board member, for a real and unfiltered conversation about leadership, reform, and responsibility. Amanda shares her journey from engineer to national advocate. Amanda speaks openly about internal challenges, the rise of reform efforts, and the courage required to hold conviction under pressure. She also highlights the growing role of women in the Second Amendment community and why unity matters more than ever. Her perspective is rooted in service and driven by purpose, and serves as inspiration to others in the 2nd Amendment community. Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations. Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

    1h 2m
  7. Ep. 180 | Holsters 101: What Many Gun Owners Get Wrong | Brent Hickmon, Haven Defense Co.

    Apr 23

    Ep. 180 | Holsters 101: What Many Gun Owners Get Wrong | Brent Hickmon, Haven Defense Co.

    Buying the gun is the easy part.Carrying it safely is where many people fall short. In this episode:What a holster is actually supposed to doThe biggest mistakes people make when choosing oneWhy “comfortable” can sometimes mean unsafeWhat to look for so your gear actually works when it mattersHow Brent went from building his own gear to building Haven Defense Co. Most people spend all their time choosing a gun… and almost none thinking about how they’re actually going to carry it. In this episode, Lora sits down with Brent Hickmon, founder of Haven Defense Company, to break down what really matters when it comes to holsters: what makes them safe, what makes them dangerous, and why so many people are getting it wrong without even realizing it. Brent shares how he got started building holsters out of necessity, what he’s learned from years of hands-on experience, and the patterns he sees over and over again—from poor retention to unsafe carry setups. They also dig into common mistakes new gun owners make, why comfort and concealment don’t have to compete, and what to look for if you actually want gear you can trust. If you carry, or plan to, this is information you need. Resources: Haven Defense Co. https://havendefenseco.com/?ref=defenderslive https://www.facebook.com/havendefensecohttps://www.instagram.com/havendefenseco/PHLster: PHLster.comPHLster Concealment Workshop: https://www.facebook.com/groups/139735863409843Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

    1h 1m
  8. Ep. 179 | Calm Isn’t a Feeling, It’s a Skill You Have to Train | Lora Thorson

    Apr 16

    Ep. 179 | Calm Isn’t a Feeling, It’s a Skill You Have to Train | Lora Thorson

    Most people think calm is something you either have… or you don’t. That’s not true. Calm is trained. And if you don’t train it, your reactions will control you when it matters most. In this episode, we break down: • What’s actually happening in your brain under stress• How to train your nervous system to stay steady under pressure• Simple ways to build calm into your daily life• The faith foundation behind a disciplined, sound mind Defenders LIVE is supported by you. To join our live group calls, become a paid subscriber. What if calm isn’t something you’re born with… but something you build? In this solo episode, Lora Thorson breaks down a powerful truth: calm is not a personality trait. It’s a trained response. Drawing from a conversation with retired Navy SEAL Chris Wyllie and her own real-life experiences, Lora walks through what’s actually happening in your brain under stress—and why so many people feel hijacked in high-pressure moments. This episode is about how your nervous system is wired, how fear distorts reality, and how intentional training—physical, mental, and spiritual—can reshape your default response. From deliberate breathing and exposure to discomfort, Lora lays out practical ways to build a calm, disciplined mind before you ever need it. At the core of it all is a deeper truth rooted in faith: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations. Thanks for reading Defenders LIVE! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.defenders-live.com/subscribe

    22 min
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About

Welcome to the Defenders LIVE community! This is where you can find information and inspiration to grow as a defender both on and off the range. www.defenders-live.com

Information

  • Creator
    Lora Thorson, Defenders USA
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    114
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lora T
  • Show Website
    Defenders LIVE Podcast

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