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"When you got a barrel of monkeys, you put a gorilla in charge." With these words, a drill sergeant forever shaped Michael Megan's understanding of leadership – wisdom he now passes to the next generation of military officers at Texas A&M University.

Megan brings over 13 years of experience from the prestigious 75th Ranger Regiment to his role as Senior Enlisted Advisor for Rudder's Company, an elite organization within Texas A&M's Army ROTC program named after James Earl Rudder, former university president and WWII Ranger commander. His transition from special operations to academia wasn't merely a career move but a mission to shape future officers and strengthen the critical officer-NCO relationship that underpins military effectiveness.

Throughout our conversation, Megan reveals what truly makes elite units exceptional – not flashy tactics or equipment, but relentless accountability and fundamentals. "The regiment just gets back to the basics constantly," he explains, highlighting how the organization's unique structure with lower-enlisted personnel creates both its greatest strength and challenge. His candid reflections on the selection process, the difficulty of maintaining standards, and the brotherhood that develops through shared hardship offer rare insights into one of America's premier fighting forces.

Perhaps most fascinating is Megan's ability to identify tactical patterns across different domains – drawing direct parallels between military operations, football strategies, and combat sports techniques. This pattern recognition helps him teach complex concepts by meeting cadets where they are, using familiar frameworks to explain unfamiliar tactics. Under his guidance, Texas A&M's Ranger Challenge team has secured back-to-back national championships, outperforming hundreds of ROTC programs nationwide.

Whether you're fascinated by military culture, leadership development, or the psychological elements of high-performance teams, this episode offers valuable insights applicable far beyond the battlefield. Follow Megan's continuing mission to prepare the next generation through his "Ranger U" podcast, available on all major platforms.


Ranger U Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/michael-meegan1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.a.n.g.e.r.u/
https://linktr.ee/r.a.n.g.e.r.u?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZyR1ze7Oum38h-n3682enNDrLje8DGOP9aAS2ZUyWzaY2ljLjDvA_Av8g_aem_e4l5gCeWKR9TGoJR83N_pA

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What happens when you reach for your gun in a life-threatening moment only to realize you don't actually know how to use it? This raw, honest conversation with firearms instructors Michelle Waldran and Bonnie Lanzarini reveals how their own terrifying encounters transformed them from casual gun owners into passionate advocates for proper training.

Michelle shares her heart-stopping moment at a gas station when a knife-wielding attacker approached her car window. Despite having access to a firearm, she discovered in those critical seconds that she couldn't operate it properly—the holster was still on when she pointed it at her assailant. Though the attacker fled at the sight of the gun, the experience left an indelible mark. "Before that, I thought you know, I have my gun, I'm fine... And that's all I can remember, like I didn't even know how to pull it out."

Bonnie's wake-up call came during force-on-force training when she couldn't access her purse-carried firearm quickly enough during a simulated attack. These pivotal moments led both women to dedicate themselves to becoming proficient and helping others—especially women—avoid similar situations.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the false confidence many new gun owners have, the value of competition shooting for building skills under stress, and the unique challenges women face in firearms training. Michelle and Bonnie bring refreshing humor and authenticity, from stories about Michelle's viral "tactical spoon" videos to their shared mission of making firearms training more accessible and less intimidating for women.

Whether you're an experienced shooter or just considering firearms for personal protection, this episode offers valuable insights into the psychological and practical aspects of defensive training. Subscribe now and join our community of responsible, empowered gun owners committed to ongoing education and preparedness.


Social Links:

Bonnie:
https://www.instagram.com/bonbonsnguns/?hl=en
https://bonbonsnguns.com/
https://www.hopp.bio/bonbonsnguns

Michelle:
https://www.instagram.com/tacgirlmichelle/?hl=en
https://tacgirlmichelle.com/
https://taprac.app/tacgirl

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What if the future isn't just about starships and laser battles, but also about confronting the ethical complexities of artificial intelligence and interstellar governance? Inspired by sci-fi classics like Star Trek, we delve into these questions and more.

Aaron talks about his journey as an author and discusses his novels including the latest Sci-Fi series.

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Join us for an enlightening session with Aaron Cowan from Sage Dynamics, as he shares his remarkable transition from the military to law enforcement, and finally to the world of firearms instruction. methods, enhancing self-defense shooting techniques for his students.

Discover the challenges and triumphs Aaron faces in revolutionizing advanced firearms training. Our conversation sheds light on the Red Dot Sight (RDS) instructor class he teaches, detailing the initial resistance from law enforcement students and the gradual acceptance as technology evolves. Aaron shares invaluable insights into the potential liabilities associated with inconsistent red dot adoption across departments and the impact of advancing optics on training methods. We emphasize the significance of foundational skills over complex maneuvers, backed by real-world feedback on the reliability of various firearm optics.

In a shift to personal reflection, Aaron shares his journey into the world of writing, detailing his experiences with self-publishing and his passion for the Rushing Winter book series. Learn about the creative process behind his writing, the challenges of the publishing industry, and the thematic intricacies that make his series unique.

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Join us for Episode 106 of the Big Tex Ordnance podcast featuring Scott "Jedi" Jedlinski of Modern Samurai Project. In this episode, Scott discusses competition shooting, red dot optics, teaching methodology, and his journey in the firearms training industry. With over 100 classes taught annually, Scott offers valuable insights on everything from gear selection to the importance of continuous personal development.
Timeline:
00:02:00 - Introduction and background on Modern Samurai Project
00:04:00 - Discussion of class scheduling and teaching tempo
00:07:00 - How instructors maintain their own training while teaching
00:10:00 - Addressing common misconceptions about competition shooting
00:13:00 - Discussion of competition stress and performance metrics
00:20:00 - Debate on "building bad habits" in competition shooting
00:24:00 - Evolution of red dot pistol shooting over the years
00:26:00 - In-depth review of current pistol optics market
00:31:00 - Analysis of specific optic models and their performance
00:38:00 - Debate on closed vs. open emitter optics
00:45:00 - Discussion of optic durability requirements
00:50:00 - Overview of MSP staff instructors and class locations
00:55:00 - Required gear and setup for MSP classes
00:59:00 - Teaching methodology and student progression
01:01:00 - Approach to handling students of different skill levels
Whether you're interested in competitive shooting, carry optics, or professional firearms instruction, this episode offers practical insights from one of the industry's most experienced trainers. Scott's honest evaluation of current market offerings and training methodologies provides valuable information for shooters of all skill levels.

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Travis Wilson, a retired Green Beret and founder of Alpha Elite Performance, joins the Big Tex Ordnance Podcast to discuss his work with the Green Beret Foundation and his supplement company. Travis shares his journey from Special Forces to entrepreneurship, details the Foundation's crucial support for Green Berets and their families, and discusses his company's innovative supplement line, including their specialized heavy metal detox greens powder.
Key Timeline:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Travis Wilson and his background
00:02:00 - Discussion of Travis's near-fatal free fall accident and starting his business
00:03:00 - Overview of the Green Beret Foundation's mission and support programs
00:05:00 - Foundation fundraising events, including Rock the Green Beret with Kid Rock
00:11:00 - Discussion of the Foundation's Warrior Sportsman Program
00:17:00 - Mental health and addiction support through Warrior's Heart
00:40:00 - Transition to discussing Alpha Elite Performance and supplement line
00:42:00 - Detailed explanation of the heavy metal detox greens product
00:47:00 - Overview of other supplements including Alpha Immune and pre-workout
00:50:00 - Preview of upcoming product "Gut Check"
00:53:00 - Information about shipping and international availability
01:02:00 - Discussion about Staccato Ranch and SAR firearms

Find out more about Travis Wilson and Alpha Elite Performance as well as the Green Beret Foundation at the links below -

https://alphaeliteperformance.com/

https://greenberetfoundation.org/

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Episode 104: Competitive Shooting and Training with Santiago Lopez

Join us as we sit down with Santiago Lopez of Coast to Coast Tactical to discuss his journey from casual shooter to competitive shooter and firearms instructor. Santi shares his experiences in USPSA competition, his approach to teaching, and his passion for helping others improve their shooting skills. With his infectious energy and humble attitude, Santi provides valuable insights into the world of competitive shooting and firearms training.

Timeline:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Santi's background and early shooting experiences
00:02:00 - How Santi got into shooting and his transition from California to Florida
00:05:00 - First formal firearms training experience and instructors who influenced him
00:07:00 - Transition from student to instructor and teaching philosophy
00:13:00 - Discussion of upcoming Texas State USPSA Match and future teaching plans
00:15:00 - Experience with USPSA competition and training with world champion Eric Grauffel
00:19:00 - Current competition setup: Walther PDP Steel Frame and equipment discussion
00:29:00 - Experience at Alliance Range Day event in Ohio
00:34:00 - USPSA classifications and competition divisions
00:49:00 - Overview of match opportunities in the Houston area
00:52:00 - Upcoming class schedule and social media presence
00:54:00 - Discussion about the firearms training industry and social media dynamics

Don't miss this engaging conversation about competitive shooting, training methodology, and the importance of enjoying the learning process in both competition and defensive shooting.

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In this special Veterans Day episode, the BTO Podcast hosts sit down with Dr. Tony Brooks, former Army Ranger and author of "Leave No Man Behind." Dr. Brooks shares his powerful firsthand account of Operation Red Wings and the recovery mission following the tragic Chinook crash in Afghanistan. From his post-9/11 decision to join the military to his current work as a chiropractor serving veterans, Dr. Brooks offers a candid and respectful perspective on one of special operations' most challenging missions.

00:00:00 - Tony describes a harrowing fast-rope descent during operations
00:02:00 - Discussion of Tony's path to military service after 9/11
00:07:00 - Training experiences at Airborne School and RIP (Ranger Indoctrination Program)
00:17:00 - Background on Operation Red Wings and the initial SEAL reconnaissance mission
00:25:00 - Details of the recovery mission preparation and deployment
00:29:00 - Dramatic 100-foot fast-rope insertion under night conditions
00:34:00 - Arrival at the Chinook crash site and initial assessment
00:41:00 - Moving story of recovering a fallen aviator's wedding ring
01:01:00 - Discussion of later deployment to Ramadi, Iraq
01:07:00 - Transition to civilian life and path to becoming a chiropractor
01:08:00 - Journey from Seattle to Texas during COVID and starting Freedom Chiropractic

Find out more about Big Tex Ordnance at bigtexordnance.com