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/
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Ep 33: Mark Aguilar-Police Detective Veteran
Send us a textIn this episode Matt talks with Mark Aguilar, a current Police detective working in a an elite tactical surveillance unit. Listen in as Mark recounts his 28-year law enforcement journey and the lessons learned along the way. From patrol in south central L.A. to celebrity personal security details and to the pinnacle of the tactical surveillance game, this episode runs the gamut. Enjoy!Flashbang Earplugshttps://www.fbearplugs.com/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 51: Matt Klein- NYPD Detective (Ret) and Battle Tribe Founder
Send us a textIn this episode I welcome Army combat veteran Matt Klein to the show! Matt is a retired NYPD Forensic sketch artist who used his artistic gifts and abilities to help solve multiple high-profile homicide and assault investigations. After his time in the military and law enforcement, Matt founded his creative project Battle Tribe! His engaging artwork blends elements of military, L.E. and pop culture in multiple media styles. Please enjoy the show!Matt Klein on Instagram: @mattrendarBattle Tribe website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BattleTribeThe 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/
"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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