Making Shooters Better

Most people think situational awareness is about constantly scanning for danger. The reality is far more interesting and far more important: it's about recognizing danger sooner.In this solo episode, Terry Vaughan, former Royal Marine Commando and TEDx Speaker, breaks down the three biggest reasons good people miss obvious threats, even when those threats are hiding in plain sight. Drawing on neuroscience, threat recognition, body language, and real-world defensive training, Terry explains how the brain processes visual information, why normalcy bias leads us to explain away danger, and how simple changes in how we scan our environment can dramatically improve our ability to spot trouble before it reaches us.You'll learn why your eyes aren't actually seeing the world the way you think they are, how inattentional blindness can make you miss even the most obvious warning signs, why most people talk themselves out of trusting their instincts, and how establishing baselines allows you to identify anomalies long before everyone else notices them.Most importantly, you'll walk away with practical tools you can use immediately to become more aware, more confident, and far more difficult to surprise.In This Episode• Why the only thing you truly control is how quickly you recognize a threat• The science behind saccadic suppression and why your brain literally hides information from you• How to use Terry's three-ring scanning method to see more than ever before• Why hands, faces, and attention reveal intent before action• The dangers of inattentional blindness, cell phones, and transition zones• How normalcy bias causes people to miss threats that seem obvious afterward• The power of baselines, context, and behavioral clusters• Why prolonged eye contact and attention can reveal more than words ever will• How to become a harder target through observation, pattern recognition, and deliberate practiceBecause the bad guy controls the when, the where, and the how.The only thing you control is how quickly you notice him.

Brian Taylor has spent his life studying firearms from three very different perspectives: as a Marine infantryman, an executive protection professional, and an attorney.Raised in inner-city Chicago with little exposure to firearms, Brian discovered shooting as an adult before joining the United States Marine Corps in the wake of 9/11. What followed was a journey through military leadership, corporate security, executive protection, and ultimately the legal world, where he gained firsthand insight into the consequences that follow the use of force.In this episode, Terry Vaughan and Brian explore what most gun owners never think about: not just how to use a firearm, but when, why, and whether you should.They discuss:Why situational awareness is more than "paying attention"The leadership lessons the Marines teach young menHow executive protection is far less glamorous than Hollywood suggestsWhy many concealed carriers stop training far too soonThe surprising realities of firearms law and permit denialsHow simulated training can create safer, more confident shootersWhy families, children, and first-time gun owners need approachable training environmentsBrian also shares the story behind founding Precision Shooting Center, a unique laser-based training facility designed to remove the intimidation factor from firearms training while building real-world skills.Whether you're a competitor, concealed carrier, law enforcement officer, or brand-new shooter, this conversation offers practical lessons on leadership, preparation, and the responsibilities that come with carrying a firearm.

Dianna Muller has spent her life around firearms, but her path from police officer to professional shooter to one of the most influential voices in the Second Amendment movement was anything but planned.In this episode, Dianna shares how a childhood introduction to firearms led to a 22-year law enforcement career, a passion for competitive shooting, and ultimately the founding of Women for Gun Rights. Along the way, she explains why self-reliance matters, what most Americans misunderstand about personal safety, and why she believes every citizen is ultimately responsible for their own protection. Terry and Dianna discuss:• What law enforcement taught her about violence, crime, and human nature• Why situational awareness is still your greatest defensive tool• How competitive shooting helped shape her approach to firearms training• Why 3-Gun remains one of the most exciting and accessible shooting sports• The mission behind Women for Gun Rights and its growing national movement• How firearm owners can become effective advocates for the Second Amendment• The realities of sponsorships in competitive shooting and how athletes create value for the companies they represent• Why professionalism, relationships, and personal character matter as much as performance on the range Whether you're interested in competition, personal defense, advocacy, or simply understanding the firearms community better, this conversation offers a candid look at the people working to protect both the culture and the rights surrounding America's shooting sports.

Multi-division USPSA Grand Master and IPSC World Shoot Gold Medalist Tim Herron joins former Royal Marine Commando Terry Vaughan for a deep dive into the hidden side of shooting performance.While most shooters focus on speed, accuracy, and equipment, Tim argues that long-term improvement has far more to do with emotional control, self-awareness, and learning how to perform under pressure.In this conversation, Tim explains why so many shooters plateau, how elite competitors use failure as a training tool, and why embracing discomfort is essential for growth. He shares the mindset shifts that transformed him from a new gun owner into one of the world's top competitive shooters, along with practical strategies for training smarter, developing consistency, and managing the mental side of performance.Terry and Tim discuss:• Why competition is really emotional regulation in public• The difference between training and simply practicing• How top shooters use pressure to improve instead of avoiding it• Why most people accidentally train themselves to plateau• The power of randomization and problem-solving in practice• How to recover quickly from mistakes without spiraling emotionally• The role of dry fire in accelerating improvement• What competition shooting can teach concealed carriers and defensive shootersWhether you're a competitive shooter, firearms instructor, concealed carrier, or simply someone looking to perform better under pressure, this episode offers a masterclass on the mindset behind elite performance. 

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. 

In this episode, firearms instructor Karl Rehn joins former Royal Marines Commando Terry Vaughan for a brutally honest conversation about the dangerous gap between shooting skill and actual survivability in a violent encounter.Drawing from decades of experience training armed citizens, law enforcement officers, and competitive shooters, Karl explains why minimum qualifications often create false confidence, why competition shooting helps more than most people realize… until it doesn’t, and why decision-making under stress is the skill most gun owners fail to train.The conversation explores situational awareness, force-on-force training, concealed carry realities, medical and unarmed skills, and the hard truth about what actually holds up when chaos replaces the script.If you carry a firearm for self-defense, this episode may completely change how you think about training.

What happens after hope starts to slip?In Part 2, Ken Kraus takes us deeper inside one of the most feared prisons of the Iranian Revolution—a place where time disappears, rules don’t apply, and survival is no longer guaranteed.The questions from Part 1 are gone.What replaces them… is far worse.You’ll hear what it’s like to live among prisoners who’ve already accepted their fate… to witness the consequences of interrogation… and to navigate a system where you’re never quite sure if you’ll be called next—or if you’ll come back.This isn’t just a story of endurance.It’s a story of identity, faith, and what a human being holds onto when everything else is stripped away.Because in a place like this…surviving isn’t the only challenge.Coming out the other side is.

What happens when the post you’re sworn to protect becomes the place you’re taken from?In this first part of a two-part episode, former U.S. Marine Ken Kraus takes us inside the opening moments of the 1979 Iranian Revolution—from standing watch at the American Embassy in Tehran… to being wounded, captured, and dragged into a system he doesn’t understand.This isn’t a typical interview. It’s a story—told as it happened.You’ll hear the confusion, the silence, the questions with no answers… and the slow, chilling realization that he’s been taken somewhere far worse than he imagined.Cut off from time, control, and certainty, Ken begins to understand one thing:This is just the beginning.Part 2 drops next Thursday… and that’s where the real test begins.

This episode isn’t about the Secret Service.It’s not about psychology.It’s about who you become when pressure shows up uninvited.Dr. Mary Beth Wilkas Janke has lived in environments where hesitation has consequences—pulling out of a garage in Bogotá knowing today might be the day, advising protection teams with lives on the line, and operating with a bounty on her head. And what she learned cuts straight through the noise:Fear isn’t the problem. Mismanaging it is.She didn’t eliminate fear—she trained her response to it.She didn’t rely on confidence—she built it under pressure.She didn’t hope for resilience—she engineered it over time.Then came the realization that changes everything:The real battlefield isn’t out there… it’s in your head.Because people don’t break from lack of skill—they break when their thinking collapses under pressure.Her three truths land hard:Fear survives because you feed itYour self-talk shapes who you becomeResilience is built—not givenAnd the line that ties it all together:You don’t rise to the moment… you reveal what you’ve already built.This conversation will leave you with one uncomfortable question:If the moment found you today… would you trust yourself?

She didn’t grow up around guns.Didn’t want one in her home.And for years… she fought against the idea entirely.Then one moment changed everything.What started as fear turned into curiosity.Curiosity turned into competence.And that competence… turned into a nationwide movement that’s reshaping how women train, think, and show up under pressure.In this episode, Robyn Sandoval—President and CEO of A Girl & A Gun—pulls back the curtain on what actually builds confidence with a firearm… and why most people get it wrong.We get into:The real reason women are stepping into shooting sports in record numbersWhy community isn’t just support—it’s a performance multiplierThe hidden dangers of thinking “someone else will handle it”And the uncomfortable truth about violence that most people avoid… until it’s too lateThis isn’t just about shooting.It’s about responsibility, readiness… and what happens when you decide you’re the one in charge.

Most people rely on instinct when something feels off—but instinct without clarity doesn’t lead to action. And if you’re carrying a gun but don’t see the threat coming, it doesn’t matter what you’re carrying.In this episode, Behavioral Threat Assessment Specialist Nikki Burgett breaks down how professionals move beyond gut feelings and start seeing behavior with precision. From understanding what “normal” actually looks like, to identifying subtle deviations that signal risk, Nikki reveals how threat experts turn vague unease into clear, actionable insight.We dig into the “pathway to violence” and why dangerous behavior rarely appears out of nowhere—it builds, leaks clues, and follows patterns that are often missed by untrained eyes. Nikki shares how these signals show up in the real world, where organizations fail to act, and what separates awareness from meaningful intervention.This isn’t about fear—it’s about clarity.Because once you understand what to look for, you don’t just notice more… you understand what it means.Story. Pattern. Action. And after this conversation, you won’t just carry differently… you’ll see differently

Most shooters spend years chasing better accuracy… faster splits… cleaner gear.Kita Busse took one look at the sport and asked a different question:What if the problem isn’t your shooting at all?Coming in as an outsider with a medical background, she saw something no one else was talking about… the massive inefficiencies in how shooters move, see, and process information under pressure.What followed?National champions. World champions. And a complete shift in how elite shooters train.In this episode, Kita breaks down:Why “dead time” is silently killing your performanceHow movement—not marksmanship—is often the real limiterThe science behind vision training and “Quiet Eye”Why your eyes move faster than your brain can process (and how to fix it)How top shooters eliminate distractions you didn’t even know you were seeingThis isn’t about shooting more.It’s about thinking differently about how you shoot.Explore innovative movement and vision training techniques in competitive shooting with Keita Bussey, author of Smart Move. Learn how physiological and psychological insights can dramatically improve shooting performance.

He didn’t grow up around guns.He didn’t look like the obvious candidate.And twice… his body literally shut down on him.But Perry Yee didn’t quit.In this episode, former Navy SEAL Perry Yee takes you inside the moments most people never see…This isn’t just a story about toughness. It’s about why people quit… and why some don’t.We dive into what real pressure looks like, how humor keeps you sane when everything hurts, and why the biggest myth about elite performers… is completely wrong.Then we shift gears.Because what Perry did after the military might matter even more—building a mission that pairs veterans with the children of fallen heroes, turning loss into mentorship and purpose.This episode is about service.It’s about mindset.And it’s about what it actually means to protect what matters most.If you’ve ever wondered what you’d do under pressure…This one will make you think twice.

In this engaging interview, Terry Vaughan chats with Steve Anderson, USPSA Grandmaster and mental management expert, and shares his journey from rock band to shooting champion. He reveals practical strategies for mastering the mental game, improving performance, and achieving goals in shooting sports and beyond.

In this episode, Maggie Reese, a national and international competitive shooter, shares her journey into the world of firearms and competition. She discusses the importance of mindset, training with intention, and the value of continuous learning. Maggie emphasizes the need for consistent practice and the role of self-talk in performance. She also reflects on her experiences on the show Top Shot and how they shaped her approach to shooting. The conversation highlights the significance of surrounding oneself with the right people and creating a positive narrative in both shooting and life.

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, host Terry Vaughan interviews John Allen, a seasoned expert in threat assessment and personal safety. They discuss John's extensive experience advising presidents, his insights into the evolution of politics, and the importance of awareness and training in personal safety. John shares anecdotes from his time with President Reagan, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the pressing issue of human trafficking. The conversation emphasizes the need for contingency planning, understanding vulnerabilities in public spaces, and the role of technology in training. John concludes with practical advice on becoming a hard target and the significance of being aware of one's surroundings.

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, host Terry Vaughan interviews Olivia Albertson, a 17-year-old collegiate shooter who has made significant strides in the competitive shooting world. Olivia shares her journey from early experiences with firearms to becoming a world record holder in limited optics at the Steel World Speed Shoot. The conversation delves into her training regimen, the importance of mindset and pressure management, and her passion for inspiring more young girls to participate in shooting sports. Olivia emphasizes the value of dry fire training, goal setting, and visualization techniques as essential tools for success in competitive shooting.

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, Terry Vaughan sits down with Jay Graves, former U.S. Army HUMINT and SIGINT Intelligence Officer, to unpack what real situational awareness actually looks like when the stakes are high.Drawing from counter-drug operations, overseas deployments, and real-world threat assessments, Jay explains how intelligence professionals learn to establish behavioral baselines, detect anomalies early, and make sound decisions with incomplete information.The conversation goes beyond theory. Jay breaks down practical strategies that everyday citizens can use to recognize subtle warning signs, avoid escalation, and stay ahead of potential danger. They explore the critical difference between awareness and paranoia, why concealed carry is never a substitute for observation, and how consistent training sharpens judgment long before a crisis unfolds.If you want to spot risk before it escalates and think more clearly under pressure, this episode delivers battlefield-tested insight you can apply immediately.

In this episode, Terry Vaughan speaks with Michelle Camp, the head of Armed Women of America, about her journey from a casual shooter to a leader in the firearms community. They discuss the importance of building confidence in new shooters, the role of community in firearm training, and the growing demographic of women in shooting sports. Michelle shares insights on overcoming fears, the importance of situational awareness, and resources available to women interested in getting involved in shooting. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding and support in the firearms community, particularly for women, and highlights the benefits of training and preparedness.

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, host Terry Vaughan speaks with Brian Martin, a former paratrooper and 30-year law enforcement officer, about the critical importance of preparedness in emergency situations. They discuss how true readiness goes beyond just having the right tools and equipment, emphasizing the need for training, experience, and understanding stress responses. The conversation highlights the differences between being armed and being ready, the evolution of preparedness over time, and the significance of humility and self-awareness in high-stress situations. Brian shares personal anecdotes and insights from his extensive career, providing valuable lessons for both law enforcement and civilians alike.

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, host Terry Vaughan is joined by Colin Gallagher, a fellow TOP SHOT competitor. They discuss their early experiences with shooting, the motivations behind joining the TOP SHOT competition, and the pressures of filming a reality TV show. The conversation delves into the psychological testing involved in the selection process, the dynamics of personalities within the competition, and the challenges faced during shooting challenges. Both guests reflect on the camaraderie formed among competitors and the lessons learned throughout their experiences on the show. In this engaging conversation, Terry Vaughan and Colin Gallagher delve into their experiences on the reality show 'Top Shot,' discussing the behind-the-scenes drama, the quest for authenticity in reality TV, and the lessons learned from competition shooting. They emphasize the importance of consistent practice, training techniques, and pushing oneself outside of comfort zones to foster personal growth and improve shooting skills.TakeawaysColin Gallagher started shooting at six years old.Colin's father was a retired Marine and police officer.Colin applied for Top Shot after being disappointed with season two.Terry Vaughan joined Top Shot for marketing purposes.The pressure of competition increased with each challenge.Filming for Top Shot involved extensive psychological testing.The dynamics of personalities affected team performance.Shooting challenges were often more difficult than expected.Reality TV production involved many interruptions and retakes.The camaraderie among competitors was a highlight of the experience. The drama in reality TV is often manufactured due to a lack of distractions.Authenticity is crucial; viewers want to see real shooting, not just drama.Training under pressure is essential for developing true shooting skills.Understanding your breaking point can enhance shooting performance.Consistent practice is key to becoming a better shooter.Training should include dynamic and unorthodox positions.Dry fire training can significantly improve shooting accuracy.Engaging in different shooting techniques can build confidence.It's important to challenge oneself in training to grow as a shooter.The camaraderie formed during competition can lead to lasting friendships.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Hosts and Their Backgrounds02:48 Early Shooting Experiences and Influences05:27 Catalysts for Joining Top Shot09:35 Diverse Motivations for Competing12:33 Memorable Personalities and Experiences on Set15:56 The Intense Selection Process for Top Shot19:03 Psychological Evaluations and Their Impact24:45 The Pressure of Competition and Performance31:46 Frustrations Behind the Scenes34:02 The Challenge of Competition36:52 Reality TV vs. Real Shooting Skills39:52 The Impact of Production Delays41:53 The Drama of Reality TV46:34 Life Inside the House52:30 The Quest for Authenticity56:55 Memorable Moments and Personal Growth01:01:33 Lessons Learned from Experience01:04:50 The Importance of Training and Practice01:07:11 Challenges in Law Enforcement Training01:10:05 Advancements in Shooting Techniques01:12:39 The Role of Dry Fire Training01:15:10 Utilizing Technology in Training01:18:11 Understanding Real-Life Shooting Scenarios01:21:03 The Impact of Training on Performance01:24:17 Reflections on Top Shot Experience01:39:38 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode, Terry Vaughan sits down with D. Austin-Johnson, a patrol officer he personally witnessed taking decisive action to help save a life during a medical emergency at this year's ALERRT Conference.The conversation explores the unexpected collapse of an individual, the immediate response from Devyn and other first responders, and the importance of teamwork and calmness in crisis situations. They discuss the role of technology, such as AEDs, in emergencies and reflect on the significance of training and preparedness for law enforcement officers. Austin-Johnson shares his journey into law enforcement and the SWAT team, emphasizing the desire to help others and the importance of taking action in emergencies.

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, Terry Vaughan sits down with Tim Pearce, a former law enforcement officer whose career in South Central Los Angeles placed him face-to-face with violence, stress, and the limits of traditional training.Tim shares how years in gang units shaped his understanding of human behavior under pressure, and how a heartbreaking personal tragedy forced him to confront a hard truth: most training doesn’t prepare officers for the physiological and psychological reality of a gunfight.The conversation explores what happens to decision-making, motor skills, and mindset when stress takes over, why officers often develop coping mechanisms through experience rather than instruction, and how public perception and policy pressures compound the weight of the uniform.Tim also explains how loss became the catalyst for innovation, leading him to develop a training system designed to replicate real-world stress and prepare officers for the worst day of their lives. The discussion goes beyond gear and tactics, focusing on resilience, mindset, and the human cost of policing in environments where mistakes are unforgiving.This episode offers an unfiltered look at trauma, survival, and why realistic training under stress may be one of the most important tools we can give those who serve.

In this conversation, Terry Vaughan and Mike Willis delve into the critical aspects of instinctive response training for shooters, particularly in high-pressure situations. They discuss the importance of understanding stress responses, the necessity of situational awareness, and the value of realistic training environments. Mike shares his insights on effective training strategies, the role of technology in enhancing training, and the significance of maintaining a flexible mindset. The discussion emphasizes the need for shooters to build confidence through practice and to adapt their skills to dynamic environments, ultimately preparing them for real-world scenarios.

In this engaging conversation, Terry Vaughan speaks with Mike Farrell, an airline pilot and firearms training innovator. They discuss Mike's late start in shooting, the impact of 9/11 on aviation and firearms training, and the importance of psychological testing for pilots. Mike shares his unique experience of buying a Russian jet and reflects on the cultural shifts in aviation. The discussion also delves into the fundamentals of firearms training, the OODA loop, and the significance of mental health awareness in high-stress professions. In this conversation, Terry Vaughan and Mike discuss the critical aspects of firearms training, emphasizing the importance of trigger discipline, safety, and realistic training scenarios. They explore the prevalence of firearms accidents and the need for better training methods that integrate defensive tactics. The discussion highlights innovative solutions for firearms safety, the significance of feedback in product development, and the role of stress management in training.

When pressure hits, even champions get shaky. Olympic shooter Gabby Franco opens up about battling nerves, self-doubt, and the moment that changed how she measures success. In this conversation with host Terry Vaughan, Gabby reveals the mindset shift that separates great shooters from frustrated ones — and how you can train your brain to stay calm, focused, and resilient no matter the stakes.

In this engaging conversation, Candy Pedicord shares her journey into the world of firearms training, emphasizing the importance of empowering new shooters, especially women. She discusses the significance of quality training, finding the right instructor, and the need for mental preparedness in self-defense situations. Candy also highlights the role of parents in teaching children about firearms and the importance of awareness in today's society. Her passion for firearms education and safety shines through as she provides practical advice for both new and experienced shooters.

In this episode, Terry Vaughan, Kristen Wilson Day, and Michael DeGraeve discuss Michael's journey from military service to overcoming addiction and finding purpose through fitness and community. They explore the challenges faced during the transition to civilian life, the importance of support networks, and practical strategies for personal growth, including discipline, training techniques, and mental preparation. Michael shares insights on the significance of community involvement, particularly through Team Red, White, and Blue, and emphasizes the value of helping others as a measure of success.

In this episode of Making Shooters Better, host Terry Vaughan, co-host Kristen Wilson-Day, and guest Matt Hickman discuss a range of topics, including Matt's journey from law enforcement to his role at Dry Fire Mag, the importance of dry fire training, and the parallels between martial arts and firearms training. They explore the impact of stress on training, common mistakes new shooters make, and the future of shooter training with advancements in technology. The conversation emphasizes the value of family involvement in shooting sports and the significance of feedback in product development.

In this second episode, Terry Vaughan and Kristen Wilson Day welcome Eric Torres, a retired Green Beret and co-founder of the Memorial Valor Foundation. They discuss Eric's journey from military service to founding a non-profit that supports Gold Star families. The conversation covers the importance of leadership, the impact of competition shooting, and the foundation's mission to honor and remember fallen service members. Eric shares insights on creating a culture of remembrance and the emotional connections formed through their events.

In this debut episode of Making Shooters Better, former Royal Marines Commando and TOP SHOT Season 4 competitor Terry Vaughan sits down with Kristen Wilson Day — competitive shooter, firearms instructor, and the creative force behind Laser Ammo’s marketing — for a fast-paced, laugh-filled conversation about training smarter and building confidence under pressure. real shooters train smarter.Kristen shares how “WTF Kristen” (Women Training Firearms) was born, why she starts new shooters on full-size 9mm pistols instead of .22s, and how confidence, curiosity, and community keep more women coming back to the range.They dig into:The psychology of introducing women to firearms — and why support beats sarcasm.The difference between USPSA and IDPA competition (and which to try first).How dry fire training builds skill and confidence at home — safely and effectively.Why practicing in your own environment matters more than Hollywood-style heroics.The one mindset shift that helps every shooter — beginner or seasoned — get better.Lighthearted, practical, and packed with takeaways, this episode reminds us that skill isn’t about ego — it’s about preparation, practice, and progress.