Beards & Badges

In this special episode of Beards & Badges, we sit down with retired NYPD Officer Marc Winkler to reflect on the tragedy of September 11, 2001.Marc shares his firsthand experience from that day, the impact it had on the men and women who served, and the memories that have stayed with him more than two decades later.This episode is about more than remembering a moment in history—it’s about honoring the lives lost, the first responders who answered the call, and a day our nation will never forget.🇺🇸 We remember. We honor. We will never forget.For firearms training, concealed carry classes, and more, visit DefenseSpecialistTrainingTeam.com.

The internet is full of wild police videos—but what do actual cops think when they watch them?On this episode of Beards & Badges, we’re reacting to viral social media clips and breaking down what’s happening from a law enforcement perspective. Some are crazy, some are hilarious, and some will leave you asking… “What were they thinking?!”🎯 Want to build your skills and confidence with a firearm? Check out Defense Specialist Training Team for firearms training, concealed carry classes, and more at DefenseSpecialistTrainingTeam.com.👍 Like, subscribe, and tell us in the comments: What viral video should we react to next?

What makes the perfect Saturday? Good food, a good truck, a project you probably didn’t need to start, and plenty of time to talk about absolutely nothing important.In The Dude Code, we’re talking cooking, trucks, gear, hobbies, perfect Saturdays, guy stuff, and all the random conversations that happen when dudes get together. Expect strong opinions, questionable advice, plenty of laughs, and rabbit trails we definitely didn’t plan on.For firearms training, concealed carry classes, and more, visit DefenseSpecialistTrainingTeam.com.👍 Like, subscribe, and tell us in the comments: What’s one rule that belongs in The Dude Code?

Every USPSA shooter has that story... and in this episode, we're sharing ours.From stage meltdowns and hilarious mistakes to unbelievable saves and unforgettable match moments, we're swapping some of the craziest stories we've experienced on the range. Whether you're a seasoned competitor, just getting into USPSA, or simply enjoy hearing what can happen when the timer goes off, this episode is packed with laughs, lessons, and plenty of "you had to be there" moments.If you're looking to improve your shooting skills, we'd love to train with you. Whether you're new to firearms or an experienced shooter looking to sharpen your skills, Defense Specialists Training Team offers professional firearms instruction focused on safety, confidence, and practical performance.🌐 Learn more and book a class: https://defensespecialists.org

Thinking about buying your first gun? Don't make these common mistakes.In this episode of Beards & Badges, we break down the dos and don'ts of buying your first firearm, and what really matters when choosing the right gun for you.For firearms training, concealed carry classes, and more, visit DefenseSpecialistTrainingTeam.com.👍 Like, subscribe, and let us know what your first firearm was in the comments!#BeardsAndBadges #FirstTimeGunBuyer #FirearmTraining #GunSafety #SelfDefense #Podcast #ConcealedCarry #DefenseSpecialistTrainingTeam #LEO #LawEnforcement #Comedy ##2A#SecondAmendment#EDC#ConcealedCarry

Not everything that happens on the job makes the evening news.In this episode of Beards & Badges, we dive into the stories most people never hear. From unforgettable calls and behind-the-scenes moments to the questions people always want to ask, we're sharing what life in law enforcement is really like. Some stories are hilarious, some are intense, and some remind us why this job is unlike any other.Grab a cup of coffee and join us for another episode full of laughs, real talk, and stories they never tell in the news.🎯 Looking to improve your firearms skills or earn your Arkansas Concealed Carry License? Train with instructors who have over 70 years of combined law enforcement and training experience.👉 Learn more at: https://defensespecialisttrainingteam.com👍 Like, subscribe, and let us know in the comments: What's one question you've always wanted to ask a police officer?

Join us for another episode of Beards & Badges as we continue the journey. After a long, hot day on the range, we're swapping stories, sharing laughs, and talking about everything from the viral Twisted Tea self-defense incident to why sometimes the best drive home is in complete silence.It's a laid-back conversation filled with random stories, life behind the badge, and the kind of discussions that happen after a long day with friends.🎯 Looking for quality firearms or tactical training? Visit www.defensespecialisttrainingteam.com to learn more about upcoming classes for law enforcement and responsible armed citizens.👍 If you enjoyed the episode, Like, Subscribe, and leave a comment!#BeardsAndBadges #LawEnforcement #Sheriff #PolicePodcast #SWAT #TheJourneyContinues

In this episode, we're talking law enforcement shooting competitions and the Defense Specialist Training Team LEO Competition. We discuss what these matches are really like, the skills they test, the pressure that comes with the timer, and why competition can expose weaknesses that regular range days never will.Whether you're a law enforcement officer, competitive shooter, or just someone who enjoys talking guns, training, and the occasional nonsense, there's something in this one for you.If you're looking to improve your skills and train with professionals who put performance to the test, check out Defense Specialist Training Team:https://www.defensespecialisttrainingteam.com/No scripts. No filters. Just real conversations, hard-earned lessons, and a few laughs along the way.Beard check... Make Ready...BEEEEEPPP

This episode is pure chaos—in the best way possible. The guys are swapping crazy stories, talking dude stuff, and chasing rabbit trails like only Beards and Badges can. From outdoors stories and range talk to random life moments and nonstop laughs, you never really know where the conversation is headed.No agenda. No filter. Just real conversations, good laughs, and stories that probably shouldn’t have made it to the microphones.And while you’re listening to the madness, make sure your skills stay sharp. Get real-world training and check us out online:👉 https://www.defensespecialisttrainingteam.com/

This episode goes a little everywhere—in the best way possible. From range talk and gear to hunting, everyday life, and random stories, the guys cover a little bit of everything.Along the way, Smith shares some interesting thoughts about “protecting the turtles,” which somehow turns into one of the funniest conversations of the episode. The laughs are solid, the stories are real, and the conversation goes exactly where you’d expect when the guys get rolling.No script. No fluff. Just good conversation, great stories, and guys being guys.And while you’re hanging out with us, make sure your skills stay sharp. Get real-world training and check us out online:👉 https://www.defensespecialisttrainingteam.com/Beard check… let’s get into it.

This one’s a little different—we’re stepping off the clock and into the things we love. Hunting, fishing, golf… and of course, shooting.It’s stories from the field, the course, and the range—some hilarious, some a little wild, and a few that probably should’ve stayed between the guys… but didn’t.This is what it sounds like when the mics are on and it’s just guys being guys—talking hobbies, swapping stories, and giving each other a hard time along the way.No fluff. Just laughs, stories, and a glimpse of life outside the badge.If you’re looking to sharpen your skills and get real-world training, check us out online and see what it’s all about:👉 https://www.defensespecialisttrainingteam.com/Beard check… this one’s for the off-duty hours. 🧔‍♂️🎣🎯

This episode, we’re talking all things holsters—fit, function, comfort, and why what you carry your firearm in matters just as much as the firearm itself.We break down what to look for in a quality holster, common mistakes people make, and what separates good from great. Then we take a closer look at Clinger Holsters and what makes them stand out when it comes to real-world carry.From everyday concealment to range use, this one’s all about staying secure, consistent, and ready.Want to learn more or level up your setup? Check it out:👉 https://www.defensespecialisttrainingteam.com/👉 https://clingerholsters.com/

This one’s a full Gear Dump. We’re breaking down what we actually run—on the range, on duty, and in everyday life. No theory, no “Instagram loadouts”—just the gear we trust when it counts.We talk setups, what’s worth it, what’s not, and a few hard lessons learned along the way. From everyday carry to range rigs, it’s all on the table.We’re also taking a look at our Walther pistols and why they’ve earned a spot in our lineup, along with Clinger Holsters and how they hold up for real-world carry.No fluff. Just gear, experience, and what actually works.If you want to run your gear with confidence, get real-world training with the Defense Specialist Training Team:👉 https://www.defensespecialisttrainingteam.com/

In this episode of Beards and Badges, we’re breaking down what real training looks like with the Defense Specialist Training Team. We talk through the classes they offer, what to look for in a solid training program, and why training isn’t optional if you’re serious about what you carry and how you respond.From mindset to mechanics, we get into the “why” behind the reps and the difference between checking a box and actually being prepared. If you’ve ever wondered where to start—or how to level up—this one’s for you.No fluff. Just practical insight, real experience, and training that translates when it counts.Want to get after it for real? Check out Defense Specialist Training Team and see what training should actually look like:👉 https://www.defensespecialisttrainingteam.com/Beard check… put in the work.

On this episode of Beards and Badges, the guys break down the difference between real-life law enforcement and what you see on TV. Spoiler alert: it’s not all slow-motion door kicks, perfect one-liners, and crime scenes wrapped up in 42 minutes.We’re talking about what the job is actually like—the long nights, the real challenges, the stuff Hollywood never shows, and a few stories that prove reality is usually stranger than fiction.Some laughs, some truth, and a behind-the-scenes look at the badge that TV never quite gets right.And if you want to see what **real training looks like—not the Hollywood version—**check out the team at Defense Specialist Training Team and sharpen your skills:👉 https://www.defensespecialisttrainingteam.com/Beard check… let’s get into it. 🧔‍♂️🎙️

Stories From The Range—the episode where brass flies, lessons stick, and not every story ends the way you’d expect.We’re swapping the funniest, craziest, and “did-that-just-happen?” moments we’ve seen behind the firing line. From gear failures and rookie mistakes to the split-second reminders why safety and training matter—this one has it all.It’s laughter, a little adrenaline, and a few lessons learned the loud way.Beard check… eyes and ears on. Let’s hit the range.And if you’re listening thinking, “Please don’t let that be me…”—good news. Get solid, professional training and sharpen your skills at Defense Specialist Training Team: https://www.defensespecialisttrainingteam.com/

You’ve found Beards and Badges—where coffee is strong, beards are questionable, and training is non-negotiable. In this episode, we introduce who we are, where we come from, and the stories that shaped us. We talk backgrounds, badges, laughs, and the gear we trust when it matters.No fluff. No safe spaces. Just real experience and lessons learned the hard way.Beard check… make ready—and welcome to Beards and Badges.

In this episode, we sit down with Wyatt McIntyre, a candidate for Sebastian County Sheriff, for a real and engaging conversation about leadership, law enforcement, and the road ahead. Mac shares his background, what motivated him to run, and his vision for serving and protecting Sebastian County. We talk training, accountability, and what it looks like to lead with integrity—all mixed with some good stories and a few laughs along the way. If you’re interested in local leadership, public safety, or hearing from someone passionate about making a difference, this episode is worth your time.Find out more about Mac atwww.macforsheriff.com/wyatt-mcintrye