Talking Lead Podcast

We kickoff the Talking Lead Podcast 2025 season with a panel of firearms industry experts to give their outlooks on what to expect as far as new products, price levels, pending and upcoming Laws and Regulations concerning Firearms. But before we get into our forecasts, Brian Borkowski with Asymmetric Unmanned joins us to shed some light on drones and reasons behind the recent East Coast unexplained sightings. Our industry experts include: Rob Pincus, owner of Avidity Arms and Personal Defense Network; Ton Jones, Firebird Targets and Competition Shooter; Chad Enos, EAA Firearms and Competition Shooter; John Fahrner with Gun Owners Of America

In the Season 6 Finale of the Talking Lead AK KONRER: It's the 4th Annual Battle of Team AK against Team AR...We are celebrating by giving over 3500 in prizes to our loyal audience that participated in the contest. Special guests: Mike Pappas with Dead Air Silencers; Joe Meaux with Aklys Defense; Paul Markel with Student Of The Gun; Nathan Mitchell with Mitchell Defense; James Bialczak with Faktory47; Ton Jones with Firebird Targets; Mike Branson with Gideon Optics; Nick Dooley with the AR-15 Podcast; Brian Keeney with Occam Defense Solutions; Marco Vorobiev former Spetsnaz Solder; and Evan Floodman of @floodmunitions. Lots of trash talk and good times but even more "Leaducation"! Which Team are you on?

We talk Predator and Pest eradication at night on this Talking Lead episode. The benefits of using thermal, night vision, predator calling and silencers when hunting at night. Coyotes, Hogs, Racoons, Possums and more. Plus we talk about our recent night hunt with The Reasons Outdoors. A non profit organization providing Veteran's with ECO-THERAPY.

We talk BULL..PUPS this fun filled episode! The often misunderstood and underestimated but always reliable...?, sometimes reliable...Bullpup. Hate them or love them the Bullpup design is here to stay. We discuss some specific models with Lee Jackson, British Army SAPPER Veteran, who used the RSAF SA80 Bullpup rifle in combat while in Her Majesty's Service; STL Joseph Garcia, High Risk Mitigations Corrections Special Unit, who is using the KEL TEC KSG Bullpup shotgun and the KEL TEC RDB Bullpup Rifle; Bryan Seaver, Army Veteran and CEO at Fencebridge Strategic Risk, LTD, who has experience with several Bullpups including the much revered Steyr AUG. Plus we cover a few other models like the FN P90, Springfield Hellion (Croatian: Višenamjenska Hrvatska Strojnica) and some conversion kits.

In this episode of the Talking Lead AK KORNER: Having troubles finding that perfect or unique gift for the AK enthusiasts in your life? In this episode we give out free advice on what and where you can score big and be the hero this holiday season. From furniture and optics to ammo and AK packing Gnomes, We've got you covered!

Of course we are going to talk about the 5.56 & .223 rounds in this episode of Talking Lead, duh! Pros, Cons, When you should use it, When you should NOT use it, plus tips and advice from the Pros! And giveaways, don't forget the giveaways!Special Guests: Jim Gilliland (Army Ranger Sniper with longest confirmed kill with a .308); Ryan "KOUP" Kuperus (Retired Gunnery Sergeant United States Marine Corps) & Ton Jones (Reformed Reality TV Personality now an avid Hunter and Marksman)

Jeremiah Cottle, retired Air Force disabled veteran, owner of SLIDE FIRE SOLUTIONS, and creator of the Bump Stock, joins Lefty in this episode. Jeremiah is a retired Air Force disabled veteran, who spent many years recovering from his injuries suffered while serving overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Raised by his grandparents on the family farm, Jeremiah learned to appreciate hard work. Using the designed creativity and fabrication skills that Jeremiah’s grandfather, Buster Cottle, taught him years ago on the farm, Jeremiah crafted the original Bump Stock out of a simple 2″x10″, duct tape and PVC pipe. The proof of concept worked amazingly well and from that Slide Fire Solutions was born.Lefty, Jeremiah and Tommy (Slide Fire C.O.O) discuss everything from the events that led up to when the ban on Bump Stocks began to the court battles to get the ban over turned by SCOTUS. We discuss the Las Vegas massacre. the Trump attempted assassination, Jeremiah's ABC interview and much more...plus Slide Fire offers you an exclusive Talking Lead Subscriber discount code!!

In this episode of the Talking Lead AK KORNER, Lefty is joined by former Soviet Spetsnaz soldier, historian and author Marco Vorobiev and former TV personality, gun smith extraordinaire and now owner of AKLYS DEFENSE, Joe Meaux. Lefty, Joe and Marco dive in to the details for everything you need to know in order to increase your AK's accuracy to the max. The guys discuss, gas systems, barrel lengths and coatings, handguards, rail mounts, optics, compensators, suppressors and more! Plus Joe is giving away an AKLYS DEFENSE suppressor…..participate, listen, WIN!! Watch The Video on RUMBLE: https://rumble.com/user/TalkingLead

In this episode of Talking Lead. Special Guest James (Jim) Gilliland: Former 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, United States Army Sniper. Jim talks about his record shot while serving in Iraq with his M24 sniper rifle. The effective range of the 7.62 NATO (.308) is officially documented at 800 meters, but during the Iraq War, Army Staff Sgt. Jim Gilliland made a confirmed kill at 1,250 meters (1367 yds) with an M24 chambered in this cartridge. Since Jim's time in the Army he has become a long range shooting competitor. Competing in such events as the Professional Rifle Series (PRS) and Jim even hosts his own LRC at the ALTUS Range in Florida. We discuss the pros and cons of different calibers like the .308 Winchester, 6.5mm Creedmoor, 8.6mm Blackout and more. Jim also tells us about his favorite caliber, reticle and we also get into if he has ever seen a Bigfoot or UFO! Lot's of fun and "Leaducation" in this episode! Click here: Watch the video on Talking Lead's RUMBLE channel

This week's Talking Lead Podcast: we announce the winner from our Challenge Coin Giveaway from the Knoxville GOALS event. Only 100 coins were given out and even fewer met the challenge at a chance to win the AIRFORCE Air Guns ESCAPE and a case of Firebird Targets! Ton Jones with Firebird Targets and Tyler Patner with Pyramid Air joins Lefty to unveil Firebird's new Signal Marker colored targets. Tyler and Ton give us the inside scoop on what happened at this year's Pyramid Air Cup Airgun Competition in Ohio. Mission First Tactical, the Official T.A.P. (Tactical Accessories Provider) for the Talking Lead Podcast and the Lead Head Brigade has a new ACHRO™ Chest Pack available. Rugged, Adaptable, Comfortable. ACHRO™ Chest Pack & Harness is a versatile platform designed to carry your essential gear. Its rugged construction and adaptable mounting system allow you to customize your setup for any mission. Tactical Versatility Meets Everyday Comfort Designed for the modern outdoorsman, the ACHRO™ Chest Pack & Harness is a multi-functional pack built for performance. MFT ACHRO™ Harness provides all-day comfort with its 3D padded mesh and 4-point design for even weight distribution. Quick-release buckles allow for easy on and off, even with one hand. Ambidextrous Firearm Access: Quick and easy access to your firearm with the rear compartment. Customizable Fit: Adjust the harness to accommodate various layers, from summer to winter. Essential Gear Storage: Securely carry your 10x binoculars and organize your essentials in the spacious main compartment. Modular Design: Attach additional gear with the bottom MOLLE loops and seamlessly integrate with the MFT Chest Plate. Dual Purpose: Rear hip belt pass through doubles as fleece lined warmer (hip belt not included) Durable Construction: Built to last with 1000D Kodra Carbonate material. Stay prepared and organized with the ACHRO™ Chest Pack & Harness.

In this episode of the Talking Lead AK KONRER, presented by Pioneer Arms Corp USA: We discuss how an AK-47 is made the Pioneer Arms Corp way. Special guests: CJ Johnson, president PAC USA; Jeremy Deadman, XTECH Tactical; and your favorite former Soviet Spetsnaz savant, Marco Vorobiev. In addition to the "how it's made" topic CJ tells us about his mad-capped escapade to the great wide-open spaces of Alaska and we discuss how AK magazines are made. And we announce the winner of this month's big giveaway, The PAC Hellpuppy Pro!

This episode of Talking Lead: Lee Jackson is a former British SAPPER. Lee has over 18 years experience in the Executive Protection & Security Industry ranging from serving in the British Army as a Royal Engineer for 6 years to 5 years with Her Majesty’s Prison Service (HMPS) and 14 years of performing duties as a certified K9 handler (primarily explosive detection and executive protection) on multiple high profile jobs, such as the 2012 Olympics in London. Lee is also the author of "The K9 Executive.: Unleashing Canine Expertise in Executive Protection" (available on Amazon). Lee dives into the world of executive protection and the indispensable role of canine companions within this specialized field. Drawing from his extensive background in both military and civilian sectors, Lee brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world expertise to the forefront, providing invaluable insights into the integration of K9 units into executive protection strategies.

In this episode Lefty has Rob Pincus and Mike Sodini on the show. The guys talk about the latest with Walk The Talk America & Avidity Arms. Avidity release their slim carry single stack 9mm pistol about 18 months ago, The PD10. They recently came out with with a new PD10 chambered in the new 30 Super Carry caliber. We discuss this fairly unheard of round and why it is "super" viable for self defense. Avidity entered the modern sporting rifle market with the recent release of the A-SAR rifle chambered in .223 Wylde. Plus the guys share their thoughts on how the industry is doing, how the gun community is addressing mental health issues, the upcoming election and the tragic killings in Georgia that occurred not long before we started recording. Other topics:-The first GOALS Convention-Why 30 Super Carry is good-WTF is “223 Wylde”?-The gun community’s F-Off Factor-Engaging “The Media”-Suicide Prevention material for Instructors-Backwards Scopes on Navy Rifles-The IF Mag Well

In this episode of the Talking Lead Podcast former Army Apache Helicopter Pilot, FBI Special Agent and New York Times Best Selling Author, Don Bentley joins Lefty. Don is known for the Matt Drake thriller series (Forgotten War, Hostile Intent, The Outside Man, Without Sanction) and the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. series (Weapons Grade, Flash Point, Zero Hour, Target Acquired). With Capture Or Kill, Don takes over the highly regarded Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp series (book release is 09-03-24). Don talks about what it's like to write such a thrilling character like Matt Drake and to be handed the "literary keys" to iconic characters like Jack Ryan, Jr. and Mitch Rapp. Don also talks about his time in the Army flying the AH-64 Apache Helicopter. Plus a teaser for his new novel, Vince Flynn Capture Or Kill

In this episode of the Talking Lead Podcast: After attending the 1st Annual Gun Owners Of America Convention and Range Day (G.O.A.L.S.) in Knoxville Tennessee Lefty, Ton (Firebird Targets), "Koup" (Ryan Kuperus) and Evan (Floodmunitions) give their opinion on what GOA got right and what they could improve for next year's event. Plus Ton gives the rules for the Talking Lead Airforce Air Guns / Firebird Target Giveaway...only 100 people have a chance to win an Escape® Air Rifle .25 and a case of Firebird Targets...do you have your challenge coin?

In August's edition of the Talking Lead AK KORNER, presented by Pioneer Arms Corp USA: We discuss a brief history of the Soviet War with Afghanistan during the years 1979-1989 and some of the tactics, gear and small arms used on both sides of the conflict. Joining us is a Veteran Soviet Soldier during that War, Marco Vorobiev. Marco is a US citizen now but was deeply involved in this conflict as a sniper with the Soviet Spetsnaz. Marco is an author, historian and firearms expert. His book AK-47 SURVIVAL AND EVOLUTION OF THE WORLD'S MOST PROLIFIC GUN can be purchased at Amazon along with his other books. Find his blogs and articles at firamrsnews.com Watch the video at RUMBLE: @TALKINGLEAD https://rumble.com/v5au383-ak-korner-soviet-afghan-war-1979-89-small-arms.html

In this episode of the Talking Lead Podcast: New York Times and WSJ #1 best selling author, Brad Thor, is our special guest. Brad's new spy thrilling novel, SHADOW OF DOUBT, is his 23rd in the super spy series of his character, Scot Harvath. While discussing SHADOW OF DOUBT, Brad and Lefty get into some firearms talk about Flux Defense's RAIDER personal defense system. Brad also give's some details on the Scot Harvath novels coming to a streaming service near you soon!

In this episode of the Talking Lead "Leadcast". Gun Owners Of America (G.O.A.) representative John Fahrner is Lefty's special guest. Even though SCOTUS overturned "CHEVRON" deference they (The ATF) are still imposing their unconstitutional will. One of their latest misinterpretations of the law is "Engaged In The Business". If you, as a private citizen of the United States sell a firearm and make a profit you could face hefty fines and jail time, even if you use a FFL! This according to the ATF's misguided and open-ended interpretation of the definition. John tells us what we need to know.Plus!...We also discuss updates on bump-stocks, pistol braces, forced reset triggers and more...Tune in and get "Leaducated"!

In this special episode of the Talking Lead Podcast: Coming off the weekend of the failed assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump, Lefty gathers 4 of the best Executive Protection Agents in the business to educate us on what exactly Executive Protection is, how it's supposed to be done and Lefty gets the guys to share some awesome and funny on-the-job stories. Plus we get everyone's take on how and why the Trump Rally Executive Protection was such a disastrous failure. Jim "The Kraken" Erwin: (Slipknot) Veteran of the U.S. Special Operations Forces, including service as a 1st SFOD-D (Delta) Operator. He was part of the 1st SFOD-D selection course – where he was ultimately one of five candidates chosen from a class of nearly 100. Erwin was awarded the Distinguished Honor Graduate of his U.S. Army Sniper Course while serving with 2/75 Ranger Bat. He also served as the ranking NCO for a military free-fall platoon with a Long Range Surveillance Company. After leaving active duty, Erwin provided close protection and security for high-profiled clientele across the globe including many high-threat environments. Erwin provides high level firearms training through his company Shoot Performance Institute Daniel Fielding: (Kid Rock) Author of The Asset Mindset: A Special Forces Perspective for Achieving Success. Daniel is a former Green Beret with the 7th Special Forces Group. He was with the Department Of Defense during GWOT training MARSOC and various other military groups. Daniel has been Kid Rock's head of Executive Protection for several years and, through Kid's unique friendship with Donald Trump, has had several opportunities to work directly with Trump's security details. Bryan Seaver: (Dolly Parton) Provides full spectrum personal protection for celebrity icon headliners on multiple musical world tours. Bryan has conducted tour security, venue coordination, facility protection and estate security for seven years as the Director of Security for CTK Management, LLC and its clients. A graduate of Executive Security International (ESI) and owner of a Nashville, Tennessee based security consulting company, Squadron Augmented Protection Services, LLC. Bryan provides dignitary protection and specialized security support to high-risk individuals, celebrities, corporations and the defense industry. Andrew Coussens: (Technical Advisor - Terminal List: Dark Wolf) Author of A Failed State: An International War On Terror Novel & RELAPSE: The Cost of War. Andrew spent over eight years deployed as a contractor for the CIA in a classified program that is still active in numerous areas of the world in the War on Terror. He spent four years simultaneously training partner nations in counter-terrorism tactics for the US State Department's Global Anti-Terrorism Assistance program. Since leaving these programs, including his time with an elite federal search and rescue program, Andrew has been employed as a consultant for a field trauma medical company as well as representative for a K9 centered executive protection and hostage negotiation retrieval firm.

In July's edition of the Talking Lead AK KONRER presented by Pioneer Arms USA: Historian, Author and former Spetsnaz Soldier Marco Vorobiev talks about the history behind the kit and gear of the Soviet Soldier. Philosophies of use, types, different ways to configure certain chest rigs , pouches and satchels and we answer your questions. Plus we announce the winner of the Pioneer Arms USA railed 5.56 AKM with collapsible stock. Use the code: "AKKORNER" at pioneerarmsus.com for extra $$ off your firearms purchase plus get extra magazines! Use Code "AKKORNER" at www.pioneerarmsus.com