Iron Sights

Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast.
Recorded at SHOT Show 2026, I sit down with Paul Costa of Broken Arrow Defense and Achilles Heel Tactical. Paul’s background was built the hard way — patrol cars, high-risk warrants, working alongside a canine, and years in environments where fundamentals weren’t optional. They were survival.
Today, Paul carries that same commitment into the training world, instructing law enforcement and responsible citizens in firearms tactics and performance. A Masterclass competitive shooter, Walther Pro Staff instructor, and Safariland cadre member, Paul is first and foremost a student of the craft — and it shows.
We talk about building skill that holds under pressure, developing people and teams, the realities of the firearms training business, and what pursuing mastery really means in a world chasing shortcuts. This was one I’d been looking forward to for a long time.
Sit back and enjoy this After Dark conversation with Paul Costa on the Iron Sights Podcast.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
03:17 In-Person Edge
07:07 LE Background
11:57 Burnout
29:10 Civilians > Cops
35:16 Injury Pivot
43:40 Going Solo
58:32 Training Business
01:14:34 Culture Shift
01:43:11 Grip Myth
02:01:49 Partnerships
02:13:08 Pistol Debate
02:21:52 What’s Next
Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/
Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
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In this episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I’m back in the studio with Ryan and CeCe from Red Dot Fitness breaking down our top three exercise picks for performance and longevity.
If your goal is to look better, feel better, and continue performing at a high level for years to come, this conversation is for you. We walk through why these movements made the list, the reasoning behind them, and how you can plug them into your own training without overcomplicating things.
No gimmicks. No trendy movements. Just exercises that deliver long-term value.
Sit back and enjoy this episode with the Red Dot Fitness crew.
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Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/
FFA Program:  https://reddotfitness.net/fitforaction
Red Dot Fitness Training Programs:
rdfprograms.com

Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership
Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching
Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1
(NEW) Iron Sights Podcast Website:
ironsightspodcasts.com
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:33 One Lift For Life
04:23 Trap Bar Case
09:30 Real-World Strength
11:05 Power Clean Debate
17:07 Longevity Shift
18:53 Split Squat Wins
23:02 Zercher Option
24:49 Unilateral Advantage
29:52 Programming Hack
32:19 Pain & Ego
39:29 Scaling Options
42:15 Final Picks
Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
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Welcome back to another After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast.
Recorded at SHOT Show 2026, I sit down with Bryan Williams — better known as the Unicorn Chief. From SWAT operator to Chief, a stint in City Hall, and back to policing, Bryan’s career has given him a perspective that most people in the profession never get. He’s seen leadership from the street, the admin side, and the political layer in between.
In this conversation, we dig into police culture, mentorship, accountability, and why standards in training actually matter. As a USPSA Grandmaster, Bryan doesn’t just preach performance — he lives it. If he’s not in the office handling the administrative side of the job, he’s on the range sharpening his edge and pushing others to do the same.
Brian is direct. He doesn’t sugarcoat. He’s not interested in protecting feelings — he’s interested in protecting the mission. Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with the Unicorn Chief, Bryan Williams.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
08:38 Bryan’s Career
18:52 Leadership Path
28:42 Public Perception
40:03 Leadership Struggles
48:16 City Management
01:04:53 Leadership Defined
01:14:07 Accountability Crisis
01:22:27 Mentorship
01:27:21 Training Challenges
01:42:57 Competition & Standards
01:55:09 Execution Mode
02:02:09 Self-Care
Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/
Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

At SHOT Show 2026, I sat down with Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, for a conversation that goes way beyond optics, sales, or gear.
Joe’s journey started on the floor of his family’s small retail shop in Wisconsin, long before the boardroom. That early exposure to people, service, and doing things the right way shaped what would become Vortex’s defining edge: a relentless focus on human connection.
In this After Dark episode, we dig into leadership, the Care Movement, and why people-first culture beats short-term efficiency every time. We talk about building trust, leading with purpose, and creating loyalty that can’t be bought.
This one’s about heart, hustle, and human performance — the kind that actually lasts.
Sit back and enjoy this After Dark conversation with Joe Hamilton, CEO of Vortex Optics, here on the Iron Sides Podcast.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
04:38 Joe’s Background
11:49 Vortex Growth
24:19 Leadership
43:31 Efficiency vs People
48:58 Customer First
57:57 Hiring
01:04:45 Scaling
01:21:28 Caring Culture
01:39:42 Family Business
01:46:47 Innovation
Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/
Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/

In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sit down with Hunter Freeland at SHOT Show 2026. About a year in the making, this conversation covers Hunter’s journey through the military, law enforcement, contracting, and his transition into launching Hunter Freeland Shooting.
We talk philosophy, methodology, mindset, and what really matters beyond just shooting performance. Hunter is known for being stoic, disciplined, and serious about the craft—but his vision goes deeper than marksmanship. He’s focused on building responsible individuals, strong advocates for the Second Amendment, and better humans overall.This one’s honest, thoughtful, and packed with perspective for shooters, instructors, and anyone trying to do things the right way.
Sit back and enjoy this After Dark episode with Hunter Freeland on the Iron Sights Podcast.
Check out Hunter's website here: hfshooting.com
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
09:58 Teaching & Training
14:24 Business & Image
17:42 Community & Culture
38:18 Pro vs Hobby
45:33 Sport Evolution
48:47 Responsibility
54:10 Industry Challenges
01:22:17 LE & Competition
01:38:04 Skill & Growth
02:05:31 Closing
Red Dot Fitness Train Online: http://rdftrainonline.com/
Online Membership (Full Access To All Programs & Virtual Coaching):
https://www.reddotfitness.net/online-membership

Virtual Coaching:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/virtual-coaching

Self-Guided Programs:
https://www.reddotfitness.net/Self-Guided-Programs1

Connect With Us:
Website - https://ironsightspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ironsightspodcast/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/