State of the Second

This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Dan and Danielle Morton of AmmoSquared about ammo shortages, caliber trends, and building an ammunition safety net for gun owners. We also cover why 9mm dominates and how new gun owners can simplify buying and storing ammo.    

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Adelina May, founder of Girls Just Wanna Have Guns, to discuss women’s firearms training, real-world concealed carry, and building confidence through education. Adelina breaks down common EDC mistakes, why training matters more than gear, and what the firearms industry still misses when it comes to reaching everyday […]

This week, John, Kailey, and Gay Chappy of Task Force 70 Foundation, explore how disconnects between civilians, law enforcement, and institutions have grown over time, how differences across states shape public perception, and why constitutional literacy matters more than ever. ———————–  Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!   […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Gabby Franco and break down the mindset that actually builds skill and the mindset that actually builds community. They talk practical training, plus what competition is really like behind the scenes, pressure, discipline, and why it’s not the “drama” people assume. ———————–  Thanks to AAC Ammo & […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Kristen of Laser Ammo to talk dry-fire essentials, home training setups, real-world scenarios, women’s firearms education, and the most overlooked skills shooters ignore. We explore everything from gear to mindset and political involvement in the 2A world. ———————–   Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for […]

This week, Kailey and John sit down with Bill from PTR. Learn how PTR is innovating with 3D-printed suppressors, diversifying into shotguns, and preparing for the future of gun ownership Plus, hear personal stories that reveal the passion behind the Second Amendment community. Whether you’re a first-time gun owner or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Dustin from Derya Arms to break down how the brand went from startup to U.S. manufacturing in under a year. Dustin shares his journey into the gun industry, why the DY9 has become one of the most underrated value pistols, and how Derya shifted 95% of DY9 […]

This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Yehuda Remer, an Orthodox Jew, Second Amendment Advocate, and author of “Safety On: An introduction to the world of firearms for children.”  We cover real talk on gun culture, self-defense, and the mindset most people avoid. No ego, no BS, just the […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Rich Angstadt, founder of Angstadt Arms, to talk firearm innovation. From roller-delayed PCCs and 3D-printed suppressors to the future of the NFA. Discover how tradition meets technology and why suppressors may soon be the new normal. ———————–  Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring […]

This week on State of the Second, we sit down with Tactical Advisor, a SWAT sniper, deputy sheriff, and creator, to talk about balancing law enforcement, faith, and the 2A content grind. We cover honest reviews, YouTube censorship, influencer pay, and how to stay real in the firearms industry. ———————–  Thanks to AAC Ammo & […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Anthony from Goat Guns to talk about how miniature firearms became a massive hit in the 2A world. From SIG collaborations to viral builds, Goat Guns are proving that even small-scale creations can make a big impact on gun culture.   ———————–  Thanks to AAC Ammo & […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Sean Patrick Tario, tech executive and co-founder of Mark37.com, to expose the truth about digital privacy, surveillance, and how Big Tech profits from your data. From iPhones that listen to every word to cars that track your every move, this is the reality they don’t want you […]

This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Magic Prepper, a content creator who turned a life-changing moment into a mission of self-reliance.   From surviving an armed attack to building a preparedness lifestyle, he shares the lessons he’s learned about staying ready, protecting family, and empowering others to do […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Tim, founder of 2A Bourbon, a patriotic bourbon brand built to defend the Second Amendment and support veteran causes. Tim shares the powerful story behind the company’s founding, how bourbon and gun culture came together to fund real charitable impact, and why he donates every dollar of […]

This week, Kailey and John sit down with Nathan Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Defense, to dive into what makes a truly reliable AR. From his background in the military and oil field engineering to redefining “Mil-Spec,” Nathan shares how precision, durability, and smart design create rifles that perform when it counts. They also discuss everything […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Dan Peterson of Cerberus Live Scan & Merlin to show how 860+ FFLs speed NFA eForms, fingerprints, and inventory.    They hit on instant Form 3s, API-driven Form 4s, the $0 tax-stamp surge, and paper vs digital compliance, plus real tools FFLs can use now. ———————–  Thanks […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Adam Ruonala, VP of Business Development and Marketing of CANIK/Century Arms. They dive into the evolution of everyday carry pistols, the GOA x CANiK MC9 collaboration, and why the PRIME is packed with race-gun features. Adam also shares insights on the billboard fight in Oakland, what tariffs […]

In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Isaac Botkin of T.REX Arms to discuss freedom, firearms, and the future of innovation in the gun industry. Isaac shares the story of how T.REX Arms grew from a small business into one of the most recognized names in the 2A […]

In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Joel Pellici, co-founder of SOWW (Special Operations Wounded Warriors), a nonprofit transforming the lives of veterans through nature, brotherhood, and purpose. From wild pig hunts to life-changing service dogs, Joel shares unforgettable stories of resilience, healing, and the unseen battle many […]

In this episode of State of the Second, we sit down with Clay from Bullet Vault. He shares insights into his personal firearm preferences, his experience in the gun industry, and how his companies are responding to changes in the market.   Throughout the conversation, Clay opens up about the cultural and political challenges facing […]

In this episode, Kailey and John sit down with Trevon Barber from Right to Bear to talk all things training, competition, and responsible gun ownership. Trevon shares his journey from wrestling to firearms competition, how he built a career teaching others, and why proper education is just as important as owning a firearm.   Trevon […]

  In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Desk Pop for an unfiltered conversation about gun culture, navigating restrictive states, and why the firearms community is seeing a cultural shift toward fun, welcoming, and engaging content.   From working behind the gun counter to launching a thriving YouTube […]

Join us this week as John and Kailey sit down with Alyssa (aka TheGunnyGal) and her husband Tanner for a conversation that blends guns, cars, CrossFit, and content creation into one unstoppable lifestyle. In this episode, Alyssa shares her journey from being intimidated by firearms to becoming a confident 2A educator on YouTube. She and […]

Join John and Kailey this week for a jam-packed episode as we sit down with Mark from Vortex Optics to talk gear, hunting, and the Second Amendment. From his favorite all-around rifle scope to wild warranty stories, including optics run over by trucks and dropped off cliffs—Mark shares insider knowledge and real-world tips for choosing […]

Join John and Kailey this week for a jam-packed episode as we sit down with Mark from Vortex Optics to talk gear, hunting, and the Second Amendment. From his favorite all-around rifle scope to wild warranty stories, including optics run over by trucks and dropped off cliffs—Mark shares insider knowledge and real-world tips for choosing […]

This week on State of the Second, Kailey and John sit down with Kurt from TCRT Targets to talk about the future of range training, self-healing rubber targets, and why fun, flexible home setups are changing the game. Kurt shares his journey from firearms marketing to launching one of the most durable target lines on […]

Join us for a deep-dive conversation with Jarred from Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) on the State of the Second podcast! From the future of gunsmithing to the importance of hands-on training, Jarred shares what it takes to succeed in the firearms industry today. We talk shop about AR platforms, and why trade education is more […]

In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Grant from Mantis, the innovative minds behind some of the most advanced dry fire and training tools in the firearm world. From the Blackbeard AR trigger reset system to the upcoming Titan X training pistol and augmented reality environments, Mantis is […]

In this episode of State of the Second, Tracy Lee joins Kailey and John to share her wild origin story in the 2A space, why real training matters more than just posing with guns, and how to be taken seriously in this industry. She dives into the truth about censorship on social media, what it’s […]

In this episode of the State of the Second Podcast, John and Kailey are joined by Alexander from Arrowhead Tactical — the brand that’s changing how we think about concealed carry apparel. From gym shorts to joggers, fanny packs to full-size pistols, Alexander breaks down what makes carry actually discreet… and where most people are […]

  In this episode of the State of the Second John and Kailey are joined by Bill Cleftis, CEO of Otis Technology, to dive deep into the world of gun cleaning, CCW training, and what it’s really like to be a gun owner in post-Bruen New York. Whether you’re a seasoned 2A advocate or a […]

Pete Brownell of Brownells joins State of the Second to talk gun culture, DIY building, and why the firearms industry must stay politically engaged. From suppressors and the HPA to the rise of gunsmithing and trade schools, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the right to build, repair, and protect.   […]

What happens when your constitutional rights change the moment you cross a state line? In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Eddie Loveday from ETS to talk about the wild reality of navigating America with a firearm. From literally rerouting his road trips through Memphis to avoid anti-gun […]

This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with KCI USA for a raw and honest conversation about rebuilding trust, improving quality, and standing strong for the 2A community. They talk about brand redemption, product quality, and the fight to restore trust in the gun community—all while tackling big-picture 2A issues […]

In this episode John and Kailey sit down with Bob Faxon and Dustin Wallace of Faxon Firearms to dive deep into the roots, innovation, and unwavering mission behind Faxon Firearms. You’ll hear how a TV show ignited a furious spark that led to the creation of the legendary ARAC rifle, and how a legacy of […]

In this episode, John and Kailey sit down with Elijah, founder of Infinite Defense, to talk about how his startup went from a garage concept to becoming a go-to solution for military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters alike. Whether you’re military, law enforcement, a trainer, or a weekend shooter—this is the episode that might just […]

This week, Kailey and John sit down with Allen Forkner from GunBroker.com to talk movie guns, auction madness, and the current state of Second Amendment rights in America. From Harrison Ford’s iconic firearms to the myth-busting reality of buying guns online, this episode dives into the cultural power of pop culture weapons — and why […]

In this episode of the State of the Second Podcast, John and Kailey sit down with Chris from Krate Tactical to talk about defending your rights, one tool at a time. From out-the-front knives to the future of self-defense laws, Chris shares his journey from the USCCA to Krate Tactical, why quality matters, and how […]

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Brian from Caliber Coffee to talk about how every cup supports American-made products and the Second Amendment. Caliber Coffee is more than great coffee, it’s about putting “Freedom in Every Cup.” Brian shares what makes the brand different, how your purchases help protect your rights, and what’s […]

This week on State of the Second, John is joined by Richard D. Hayes, ll, and Emily Taylor, Armed Attorneys, for a breakdown of what happens after a self-defense shooting. From what not to say on a 911 call to how your social media could be used in court, this episode is packed with real-world […]

This week on State of the Second, John sits down with Adam from GoonTape to talk about building a brand, breaking norms in the firearms industry, and bringing fresh energy into the 2A space. From launching GoonTape with 10,000 rolls in his apartment to revolver EDCs and wild marketing, Adam shares his journey and mission […]

Join John as he sits down with Adam, Mike, and Matt from Whiskey & Windage for a no-holds-barred conversation. They dive into the power of unbiased podcasting and how new gun owners are shifting the culture. Then it gets real, they tackle hot-button issues like Hunter Biden, the VA infringing on veterans’ rights, and the […]

Join the conversation with John and Cameron Hillman, CEO of Devil Dog Concepts, who explore the innovation behind their AR side charge handle system. Cameron shares how his law enforcement and military background led to founding the company, and the challenges of marketing firearm products in a restrictive legal and social media climate—especially in states […]

This week join John as he sits down with Klay O’Bier and Chad Burge of United Patriot Coin! They break down the ins & outs of investing in precious metals, from how to start collecting to scams going around, so you can protect your wealth and make informed decisions.

This week, join John as he sits down with Alex Costa of ANR Design. They dive straight into their company and the holsters they produce. As well as long range shooting, working with big vs small creators, and other countries copying USA firearms.

Join John this week as he chats with Michael Cox of Cox Arms USA to dive into firearm repairs, barrel wear, the Every Man’s Rifle, and the loopholes in tracking customers and transfers.

Season 2, Episode 4 is here! This week, John sits down with Dave Kiwacka of Hi-Point Firearms to tackle Hi-Point myths, buying & selling ammo, their legendary customer service, and the insane torture tests their guns endure. Don’t miss it!

This week join John as he sits down with Ton Jones of Firebird Targets. They dive into Firebird’s reactive targets and take a hard look at Hollywood’s stance on firearms, internally and externally, along with California as a whole.

  In this episode, John sits down with Jordan Vinroe of Gideon Optics to talk about firearm optics, gun rights, and industry trends. From starting an optics company to fighting unconstitutional ATF rulings, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone passionate about the Second Amendment. Topics Covered: The Gideon Optics story & their best-selling Omega red […]

Kicking off Season 2 with a powerhouse guest, Cameron Tapler, Director of Branding and Product Management at Palmetto State Armory!    Join the conversation as they dive into in-house gun part manufacturing, changes in gun laws under the new administration, product expansion, and navigating TSA regulations when traveling with a firearm.