Ep 56: Ryan- Success Strategies for the Academy and FTO
Send us a textSuccess Strategies for the Academy and Beyond with Ryan MarionIn this episode of the Harden Up Podcast, Matt sits down with longtime friend and former colleague Ryan Marion — a law enforcement veteran with over 17 years of experience. From patrol and school resource officer to SWAT team leader, FTO, and academy recruit training officer, Ryan has worn many hats in the profession.Together, they break down what it really takes to succeed in the police academy and sustain a high-performing career on the job. Whether you're preparing to enter the academy or already working the streets, this episode is loaded with practical advice, mindset shifts, and lessons from the field.Key Topics Covered:How to mentally and physically prepare for the academyThe most common reasons recruits fail — and how to avoid themWhat separates average officers from exceptional onesLessons from years in SWAT and training rolesAdvice for new officers navigating their first years on the jobDon’t miss this one if you’re serious about leveling up your career in law enforcement.Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show—especially if you love stories of resilience, exploration, and living boldly.The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/ Use code "hardenup" for 10% off online courses@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/
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Ep 55: Jennifer Vollbrecht- USMC Crew Chief and Entrepreneur
Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Vollbrecht, a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter crew chief and door gunner who has transformed her experience in the military into a thriving career in project leadership and consulting. As the President and CEO of J. Vollbrecht Consulting, she leads teams delivering high-impact projects for the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, with a strong presence at national laboratory facilities.Jennifer shares insights from her 15+ years managing complex capital asset projects, her approach to leadership, and how her military mindset shaped her success in the civilian world. We also talk about her passion for giving back—especially through her work with Women Veterans Giving, where she supports fellow veteran entrepreneurs.Whether you're interested in leadership, project management, or veteran advocacy, this episode is packed with value from someone who's lived it at every level.Topics Covered:Transitioning from military service to civilian leadershipProject management in high-stakes environmentsSupporting women veteran entrepreneursLessons in resilience, respect, and team executionBook- My Mom is a Veteran: https://a.co/d/13KQbC6Book- Girls Guide To Military Service: https://a.co/d/fG3wLrKVet100: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/2025-vet100/CEO Circle: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/entrepreneurship/bunker-labs/ceocircle/Vibe Network: https://www.vibnetwork.org/Insitute for Veterans and Military Families: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show—especially if you love stories of resilience, exploration, and living boldly.The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/
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Ep 54: Cory Nykoluk of 5.11 and First Tactical
Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with industrial design expert Cory Nykoluk, the innovative force behind some of the tactical gear industry's most revolutionary products. Cory shares his journey from being the first employee at First Tactical to his influential tenure as Design Director at 5.11 Tactical, where he created the iconic Rush 24 backpack that redefined tactical gear standards.The conversation explores Cory's design philosophy of "Neat Clean Professional" and how it shaped entire product lines and brand identities. Listeners will gain insights into the creative process behind tactical equipment development, from concept to market.With experience spanning prestigious brands like Swiss Army, Columbia Sportswear, and Briggs & Riley Travelware, Cory offers valuable perspectives on innovation across diverse product categories. Whether you're interested in industrial design, tactical gear, or entrepreneurial brand-building, this episode delivers fascinating stories and practical wisdom from one of the industry's most inventive minds.Cory Nykoluk: Instagram @mad_innovatorwww.madinnovators.comDon’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show!The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/
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Ep 53: Wells Jones: Navy Veteran and World Adventurer
Send us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Wells Jones—a Navy veteran, former Antarctic pararescueman, actor, author, and world traveler. Wells shares his incredible journey from military service in some of the harshest environments on Earth to his time in front of the camera and an unforgettable expedition through the Middle East that became the foundation for his latest book.We talk about:His path to becoming a Navy pararescuemanWhat it's like operating in the extreme conditions of AntarcticaThe transition from military life to acting and storytellingLessons learned from his travels across the globeThe inspiration behind his recent Middle East expedition and bookThe mindset of an adventurer and what keeps him pushing boundariesA Line in The Sand by Wells Jones:https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Line-Sand-Novel/dp/B0D187YKRN/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show—especially if you love stories of resilience, exploration, and living boldly.The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/Nightstick LightsIG: @nightsticklightinghttps://www.nightstick.com/
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Ep 52: Maj Jason Attinger: USAF PJ & A-10 Pilot
Send us a textMy guest today is a U.S. Air Force Major, whose remarkable career spans both special operations and combat aviation. He spent over a decade as a Pararescue specialist (PJ), leading high-profile rescue missions in Iraq and Afghanistan before becoming the Director of Training for the PJ program. Driven by his passion for flight, he transitioned to the cockpit of the A-10, logging over 760 hours of combat operations. Now an instructor pilot and Wings Plans Officer for the 124th Fighter Wing, my guest brings a wealth of experience and insight. Please enjoy this conversation with a true warrior and leader, Maj Jason Attinger Please enjoy the show!Jason Attinger on Instagram: @team.madmanThe OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:https://optempotraining.com/@optempotraining on Instagram and FacebookFind us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriberLowa BootsIG: @lowa.professional and @lowabootshttps://www.lowaboots.com/Nightstick LightsIG: @nightsticklightinghttps://www.nightstick.com/
"The Harden Up Podcast" brings you into the world of high-performance training and adventure through the expert lens of Matt Harden—a former USMC Infantry Squad Leader, veteran SWAT Team Leader, and founder of OpTempo Training Group. Each episode delivers compelling conversations with leading specialists across tactical operations, athletic development, overlanding expeditions, and extreme sports.Matt's military and law enforcement background provides the perfect foundation for extracting practical wisdom from his guests, offering listeners actionable strategies they can implement immediately. Whether you're a tactical professional, outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone looking to elevate your performance and push beyond comfort zones, this podcast delivers the insights and motivation you need.
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