44 episodes

All aspects of training are covered by former USMC infantryman, current SWAT Officer, and owner of OpTempo Training Group, Matt Harden. Topics and interviews will range from tactical, athletic, overlanding, and adventure sports. Become a better version of yourself with continual training!

The Harden Up Podcast Matt Harden

    • Government
    • 5.0 • 24 Ratings

All aspects of training are covered by former USMC infantryman, current SWAT Officer, and owner of OpTempo Training Group, Matt Harden. Topics and interviews will range from tactical, athletic, overlanding, and adventure sports. Become a better version of yourself with continual training!

    Ep 45: Jason Clark of BeaverFit USA

    Ep 45: Jason Clark of BeaverFit USA

    In this episode Matt has an in-depth conversation with the Beaverfit USA director of training and education, Jason Clark. Jason is a combat Marine Corps veteran and former drill instructor. He later went on to work in the fitness industry and then as a strength and conditioning director for the Marie Corps HITT program. He also served on the advisory board for human performance at HQ Marine Corps. Please enjoy the show!

    BeaverFit USA:
    IG: @beaverfitusa
    https://beaverfitusa.com/

    The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
    https://optempotraining.com/

    @optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

    Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

    Lowa Boots
    IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
    https://www.lowaboots.com/

    • 1 hr 2 min
    Ep 44: Dennis Medina of Armored Breach

    Ep 44: Dennis Medina of Armored Breach

    In this episode Matt speaks with the inventor and founder of the guardian breaching shield, Dennis Medina. The company Armored Breach was formed as Dennis worked as a full-time SWAT Officer and mechanical breaching expert. Listen in as Matt and Dennis discuss SWAT training, trends, and the value of ballistic shields in operations. Please enjoy the show!

    Armored Breach and Dennis Medina:
    IG: @armoredbreach
    https://www.armoredbreach.com/

    The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
    https://optempotraining.com/

    @optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

    Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

    Lowa Boots
    IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
    https://www.lowaboots.com/

    • 1 hr 6 min
    Ep 43: Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism at DARC

    Ep 43: Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism at DARC

    In this episode Matt reviews his recent visit to the direct action resource center for the level two law enforcement counter terrorism course. Hear about his experience at the course, gear selection, and tips for your training visit. Please enjoy the show!

    Direct Action Resource Center:
    IG: @directactionresourcecenter
    https://darc-usa.squarespace.com/

    The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
    https://optempotraining.com/

    @optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

    Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

    Lowa Boots
    IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
    https://www.lowaboots.com/

    • 19 min
    Ep 42: Zack Sowers- USCG Rescue Swimmer

    Ep 42: Zack Sowers- USCG Rescue Swimmer

    In this episode Matt talks with an active duty United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer and learns more about their training and operations. AST Zack Sowers shares his insight into the difficult training pipeline to become an aviation survival technician (AST) and the moments of his first open ocean rescue, and his most recent save of six survivors. Please enjoy the show!

    Recent ocean save link: https://themaritimepost.com/2023/12/carnival-vista-rescue-at-sea/
    https://weather.com/en-IN/india/videos/video/dramatic-rescue-coast-guard-and-cruise-ship-save-twelve-lives-stranded-in-the
    Learn more about Coast Guard careers: https://www.uscg.mil/Join/

    The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
    https://optempotraining.com/

    @optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

    Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

    Lowa Boots
    IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
    https://www.lowaboots.com/

    • 1 hr 8 min
    Ep 41: Mike O'Neil of San Jose PD MERGE

    Ep 41: Mike O'Neil of San Jose PD MERGE

    In this episode Matt talks with the team commander of San Jose Police Department's full-time SWAT team , MERGE. Listen in to Mike's story covering his extensive law enforcement career in a multitude of assignments. Mike now commands MERGE and discusses team dynamics, selection and training, and the challenges of leading a team. Please enjoy the show!


    The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
    https://optempotraining.com/

    @optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

    Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber


    Lowa Boots
    IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
    https://www.lowaboots.com/

    • 1 hr 12 min
    Ep 40: Dave Weidner- Veteran Law Enforcement Firearms Trainer

    Ep 40: Dave Weidner- Veteran Law Enforcement Firearms Trainer

    In this episode Matt has an in-depth conversation with Dave Weidner, a veteran Police Officer and trainer. Dave has a progressive ideology when it comes to firearms training and brings some of the nation's best trainers to his facility, where he supervises his agency firearms program. Dave is dedicated to providing cutting-edge training to his staff and deputies. Please enjoy the show!



    The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
    https://optempotraining.com/

    @optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

    Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber


    Lowa Boots
    IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
    https://www.lowaboots.com/

    • 1 hr 22 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
24 Ratings

24 Ratings

Sinnamon89 ,

Awesome Show!!!

Love it when an episode comes out, you get to here great perspectives from those out in the field. An awesome podcast to listen to when working out or on a hike, the only aspect this show is missing is not enough episodes would love to listen to more. Keep up the good work!!!!

K9 Arwin ,

Great stuff

Lots of good lessons from the pros.

PaulM92648 ,

Great Podcast, Great Interviewer, Great Man

This is a great series with a guy that knows how to train, travel and enjoy life. It’s great to see and hear this Trainer in action. I hope for my travels to intersect with Mr. Harden’s sometime in the near future. In the meantime, listening to the Podcasts will keep me patient. :)

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