After Being Threatened by a Criminal, She Refused to Stay Vulnerable

After reporting a crime and being threatened by the suspect afterward, Dakota realized something uncomfortable: owning a firearm without truly knowing how to use it wasn’t enough. What started as hesitation around guns eventually became a journey into competitive shooting, concealed carry, instruction, and Second Amendment advocacy.In this episode, Dakota breaks down why skill in shooting has far less to do with talent… and far more to do with repetition, honest self-assessment, and the willingness to stay uncomfortable long enough to grow.From growing up around anti-gun messaging near Chicago to becoming a firearms instructor, competitive shooter, concealed carrier, and chapter facilitator for A Girl & A Gun in San Diego, Dakota shares the experiences that shaped her approach to training, mindset, and personal defense.Terry and Dakota dive into:Why competition shooting exposes weaknesses faster than almost anything elseThe danger of becoming the “big fish in a small pond”Why most people introduce friends to shooting the wrong wayHow to give first-time shooters an experience that builds confidence instead of fearThe reality of police response times during violent encountersWhy mindset and emotional regulation matter as much as marksmanshipThis episode is packed with practical advice, hard-earned lessons, and one of the best step-by-step breakdowns you’ll hear on introducing new shooters to firearms safely and responsibly.If you carry a firearm, teach new shooters, compete, or simply want to improve under pressure… this one’s worth your time.