Calling Your Shot Podcast

Chris Moreno

At Calling Your Shot podcast, our mission is to explore the diverse journeys of individuals, uncovering their unique callings in life and the profound motivations driving their pursuits. Through authentic conversations, we aim to inspire and empower our listeners, providing them with invaluable insights and motivation to discover and pursue their own passions with purpose and determination.

  1. Calling Your Shot Podcast: #015 Derrick Balderas  – Forged in Faith

    Jun 3

    Calling Your Shot Podcast: #015 Derrick Balderas – Forged in Faith

    In this episode of Calling Your Shot Podcast, we sit down with Derrick Balderas — Texas law enforcement officer, Army combat veteran, endurance athlete, and leader of the Christian Strong Movement. Derrick shares his journey from serving as a U.S. Army Infantry NCO with combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan to a career in law enforcement, tactical training, active shooter response, and firearms instruction across Texas. But beyond the uniform, Derrick opens up about the personal challenges that have shaped his life, including loss, faith, resilience, and finding purpose through adversity. We discuss leadership, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Ironman and ultra-endurance training, mental toughness, and the lessons learned from overcoming some of life's hardest moments. Most importantly, Derrick shares how honoring the legacy of his son Christian has become the driving force behind the Christian Strong Movement and his mission to inspire others to navigate grief, hardship, healing, and personal growth through faith and perseverance. This is a powerful conversation about service, perseverance, faith, family, and the mindset required to keep moving forward when life hits the hardest. Follow Derrick Balderas and learn more about the Christian Strong Movement. Subscribe to Calling Your Shot Podcast and follow us on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more conversations with veterans, first responders, entrepreneurs, and leaders who continue to answer the call. Derricks affiliates: https://www.covenant-training-group.com/ https://www.ironwrx.co/ https://gobundance.com/theride https://birdworx.com/ https://secureamericanow.us/ Sponsors: Berserker Built- https://berserkerbuilt.com⁠ Operation Path Forward – ⁠https://www.operationpathforward.org⁠ Zimo Pouches – ⁠https://zimopouches.com⁠ Echelon – ⁠https://drinkechelon.com⁠

    3h 41m
  2. Calling Your Shot Podcast: #013 Alec Candelari – A Legacy of Service

    11/10/2025

    Calling Your Shot Podcast: #013 Alec Candelari – A Legacy of Service

    Host Chris Moreno sits down with Alec Candelari, a decorated U.S. Marine and Army veteran who chose to follow in his father’s footsteps, dedicating his life to service, discipline, and protecting others. With over a decade of combined experience across the Marine Corps, Army National Guard, and Contracting, Alec has lived a life defined by precision, integrity, and purpose.In this episode of the Calling Your Shot Podcast, Alec opens up about his journey from Force Reconnaissance operations in the Indo-Pacific to leading sniper and deep reconnaissance teams, and now serving in federal operations supporting federal agencies. He shares how his father’s legacy of service shaped his path, the lessons learned from years of high level training, and how that commitment continues to drive him today.Episode Highlights:• Growing up with a father who inspired a lifetime of service• Lessons from Force Reconnaissance and advanced sniper operations• Training Kurdish forces in the fight against ISIS• Maintaining purpose and brotherhood beyond the uniformA story of family, duty, and legacy — Alec’s journey is proof that the call to serve doesn’t just come once; it’s carried through generations.Sponsors: Team Room Tactical – ⁠https://teamroomtactical.com⁠Static Line Co – ⁠https://staticlineco.com⁠ Berserker Built – ⁠https://berserkerbuilt.com⁠ Operation Path Forward – ⁠https://www.operationpathforward.org⁠ Zimo Pouches – ⁠https://zimopouches.com ⁠Echelon – ⁠https://drinkechelon.com⁠ Grind Ops Coffee Company – ⁠https://grindopscoffee.com Wolf21- https://thewolf21.com/

    1h 40m
  3. Calling Your Shot Podcast: #011 Vincent “Rocco” Vargas – Grounded in Faith, Driven by Service

    10/02/2025

    Calling Your Shot Podcast: #011 Vincent “Rocco” Vargas – Grounded in Faith, Driven by Service

    Host Chris sits down with Vincent “Rocco” Vargas — U.S. Army Ranger veteran, former Border Patrol agent, entrepreneur, author, actor, and motivational speaker. Best known for his role as Gilly on FX’s Mayans M.C., Rocco brings a raw and authentic voice shaped by three combat deployments with the 75th Ranger Regiment and years of service to both country and community. Episode Highlights: In this episode of the Calling Your Shot Podcast, Chris and Rocco dive deep into life after the uniform, the power of faith and family, and the pursuit of purpose. From the battlefield to Hollywood, to entrepreneurship and writing, Rocco shares how he continues to “light the fuse” for personal growth, leadership, and resilience. Watch Now: Stream this powerful episode of the Calling Your Shot Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe and share — because these are the conversations that matter. Sponsors: Team Room Tactical – ⁠https://teamroomtactical.com StaticLineCo – https://staticlineco.com Berzerker Built – ⁠https://berserkerbuilt.com Operation Path Forward – ⁠https://www.operationpathforward.org Zimo Pouches – ⁠https://zimopouches.com Echelon – ⁠https://drinkechelon.com Grind Ops Coffee- https://grindopscoffeeco.com/ Books: Borderline: Defending the Home Front https://www.amazon.com/Borderline-Defending-Front-Vincent-Vargas/dp/1250285577 Light The Fuse https://www.amazon.com/Light-Fuse-Vincent-Vargas-ebook/dp/B08145113X?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1

    1h 27m
  4. Calling Your Shot Podcast: #008 Shawn “Slick” Thornton: Faith Forged in Fire

    05/13/2025

    Calling Your Shot Podcast: #008 Shawn “Slick” Thornton: Faith Forged in Fire

    Join host Chris as he sits down with Shawn “Slick” Thornton — a seasoned professional, high-threat security operator, faith-driven entrepreneur, and community leader whose journey spans battlefields, diplomatic missions, and powerful spiritual transformation. In this powerful episode of the Calling Your Shot Podcast, Shawn shares how his early path in the military led to law enforcement, elite SWAT operations, global security roles, and ultimately, a faith-fueled mission to serve others and build stronger communities. Episode Highlights: A Soldier from the Start: Shawn began his military career early through the Army’s split-option program, heading to basic training while still in high school. After completing AIT and MOS training, he transitioned into law enforcement, serving as a police officer and SWAT operator with the Pasadena Police Department. These experiences further shaped his leadership, tactical knowledge, and commitment to protecting others. Global Security and Diplomatic Protection: Shawn later served in high-threat environments around the world with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Services and GRS. His deployments included critical work under the NSA program in Afghanistan, operating at the highest levels of security and intelligence. Entrepreneurship in the Private Sector: In 2013, Shawn launched Paraclete Consulting Group, a company focused on delivering elite training and operational solutions for those working in volatile and dangerous environments. His leadership has made Paraclete a respected name in tactical preparedness and security consulting. A Defining Spiritual Encounter in Afghanistan: During a deployment in 2013, Shawn experienced a life-altering spiritual awakening. This moment ignited a renewed relationship with Christ and became the catalyst for his next mission: to help others through faith-based leadership and service. Founding Secure America Now Training Center: Shawn's passion for preparedness, community, and biblical leadership came together in the creation of the Secure America Now Training Center. This organization blends tactical training with spiritual mentorship, offering a holistic approach to readiness—both physically and spiritually. Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen: Shawn “Slick” Thornton’s story is a testament to the power of transformation. From soldier to SWAT officer, from global protector to spiritual mentor, his journey is a raw and honest look at life on the front lines—both in the world and within the soul. Whether you’re a veteran, first responder, believer, or someone seeking purpose, Shawn’s story will challenge and inspire. Tune In: Catch this impactful episode of the Calling Your Shot Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts as Shawn “Slick” Thornton shares his story of service, redemption, and building a stronger America—one warrior at a time. Sponsors: Team Room Tactical - ⁠https://teamroomtactical.com Margarita Texas - ⁠https://margaritatexas.com Berzerker Built - https://berserkerbuilt.com Operation Path Forward - https://www.operationpathforward.org Zimo Pouches - https://zimopouches.com Echelon - https://drinkechelon.com

    3h 6m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

At Calling Your Shot podcast, our mission is to explore the diverse journeys of individuals, uncovering their unique callings in life and the profound motivations driving their pursuits. Through authentic conversations, we aim to inspire and empower our listeners, providing them with invaluable insights and motivation to discover and pursue their own passions with purpose and determination.

You Might Also Like