Bullets n Bourbon Podcast - podcast cover

Bullets n Bourbon Podcast

Bullets n Bourbon Podcast is a weekly podcast sharing lessons from practical shooting disciplines to increase the average Marine’s lethality through marksmanship. @mfgundlach was an infantry unit leader who served as the senior enlisted advisor to the Marine Corps Shooting Team. He competes in 3 Gun and The Tactical Games. If you want to be a guest on the podcast, give us feedback, or just chat, shoot us a DM or email. This account does not represent the views of the United States Department of Defense, the United States Marine Corps, or the Marine Corps Shooting Team.
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Episodes

2025 Zoo City Fall Brawl

In this episode, I sat down with Jason Byerly and Buddy Brown and we talked about the Fall Brawl. We also covered inspiration for matches, keeping things fresh, other matches they help out with and just overall how they've been doing.

May 29, 202536 minEp. 172

2025 Duskin 3-gun

In this episode, I sat down with JK, the match director for the 2025 Duskin 3-gun. We talked about who Mike Duskin is and why he had such an impact on his community, the t-shirt, what to prepare for and the mindset to go into this match.

May 19, 20251 hr 3 minEp. 171

The Retrospective of Alex Goking

In this episode, I sit down with Alex Goking. We speak about the many changes to the team as well as the many impacts he has made since being on the team. Also, if you're looking for a new holster, as well as an assortment of gear, check out GCode Tactical and use code bulletsnbourbon15 for 15% off. https://www.tacticalholsters.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooD7wKN_enlCb08cQC1xjU9Vvp0qkpRneenZmj80lO8Jg1H1UJv

Apr 25, 20251 hr 22 minEp. 170

Karen Hunter

Karen and I first started talking back in 2021 when I was still on the Marine Corps Shooting Team. She approached me about writing an article about the gear that I use and what we do on the shooting team. Needless to say, this was my first time ever being interviewed for a magazine article, and for those in the military, we know how the press are portrayed. Karen made the whole process extremely comfortable, and when the product was finished, I was in shock. She’s an intelligent and eloquent wri...

Mar 28, 202552 minEp. 169

Nate and Blayr Drumm

In this episode, Matt talks to both Nate and Blayr Drumm on their training as a couple in leading up to an event and how they support each other as a couple and as competitors for the Tactical Games, recent victories, recovering from injuries, and the biggest life-changing surprise.

Mar 21, 20251 hr 48 minEp. 168

Odysseus and the Oar - Land of the Lotus Eaters

In the episode, we cover Chapter 3, Land of the Lotus Eaters. We cover substance abuse, seeking help, how early development can affect the growth and mental health of a person, and PTSD and how other cultures view it and helped their warriors become whole again,

Mar 14, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 167

Army Veteran, Leader and Author, Clay Novak

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Clay Novak. Clay is a retired Army Officer who served for over 20 years and held command billets at every rank. We discussed leadership, deployments, hockey, shooting, his latest book "Keep Moving, Keep Shooting" and G-Code Tactical. It was a fun discussion between a couple retired guys who have a passion for serving those who serve.

Feb 28, 20251 hr 16 minEp. 166

What It's Like To Go To War With Karl Marlantes

In this episode Matt and Adam Magers speak to Karl Marlantes about his experience in Vietnam. They cover the platoon sergeant and platoon command balance, burden of command, earning the Navy Cross and dealing with PTSD and healing after the war.

Feb 14, 20251 hr 30 minEp. 165

MCMC Far East

In this latest episode, Matt talks to Col. Scott Cuomo, Capt. Calvin Tang and CWO Jared Hohmeier about the latest Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition in Okinawa Japan. They cover the importance of the competitions in that region, Force Design 2030, format of the competition and the importance of having a Marine Corps Shooting Team.

Jan 31, 20251 hr 23 minEp. 164

The Gauntlet Match with Chris Hutchison

In this episode, Matt talks with Chris Hutchison about the newest match at Zoo City Armory known as "The Gauntlet Match". It's a physically demanding match which draws its inspiration from the days of the "Battle Rattle" and Rumble which were put on by John Sherbert. This was a fun episode as much as it being a fun match and we hope you enjoy it.

Jan 24, 202554 minEp. 163

Odysseus and the Oar - The Warrior Archetype

In this episode of Bullets n Bourbon, host Matt Gundlach, joined by Brittany Long, welcomes back Adam Magers, author of Odysseus and the Oar, for a monthly discussion on key themes from the book and their connection to mental health in the military and law enforcement community. Adam introduces the concepts of Jungian psychology, particularly the analysis of dreams, and how they reflect unresolved conflicts veterans may face. He explores the archetypal image of the warrior, cautioning against it...

Jan 17, 202555 minEp. 162

Fall Brawl and BFTS with Jason Byerly

In this episode of Bullets n Bourbon, host Matt Gundlach talks with Jason Byerly, the mastermind behind popular shooting matches like Fall Brawl and Battle for the South. Jason reflects on the recently completed Fall Brawl at Coleman’s Creek, sharing how he overcame challenges posed by the long-range shooting setup to create a balanced match for the 3-gun community. Looking ahead, Jason discusses his decision to transition Battle for the South to a 2-gun format, highlighting the new opportunitie...

Jan 03, 202557 minEp. 161

Retired Deputy U.S. Marshal Karen Long

Karen Long shares her journey as a law enforcement officer, starting with her first role in corrections. As she advanced, Karen became a Deputy U.S. Marshal. She recalls the rigorous demands of the Marshal Service, the importance of resilience, and offers advice to those aspiring to join law enforcement. Karen also recounts her role in the 9/11 Pentagon investigation, sharing the emotional weight of the experience. Balancing her career with motherhood, she reflects on the complexities of family ...

Dec 20, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 160

Match Recap and Update: Intergalactic Falling Steel Shootout Championship

Matt sits down with Darin from Red Stitch Targets and they conduct an after-action of the 2024 Red Stitch Targets Intergalactic Falling Steel Shootout Championship. Additionally, they put information out there for next years match which will be held on June 28th and 29th.

Dec 09, 202452 minEp. 159

Odysseus and the Oar - Adam Magers

In this episode of Bullets n Bourbon, host Matt Gundlach, joined by guest co-host Brittany Long, takes a break from his usual podcasting schedule to welcome Adam Magers, author of Odysseus and the Oar. A U.S. Army combat veteran and psychotherapist, Adam delves into his book, which explores the ancient parallels between the journeys of warriors like Odysseus and modern-day soldiers returning from combat. Adam shares his motivation behind writing the book as a tool to assist veterans with the tra...

Nov 01, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 158

Competitor, Teacher, Mentor: Tes Salb

In this episode of Bullets n Bourbon, Matt Gundlach interviews Tes Salb, a competitive shooter and firearms instructor with a rich background in shooting sports and fitness. Tes shares her journey, from getting into competitive shooting at an early age to excelling in multiple disciplines such as 2/3-gun, USPSA, and the Tactical Games. They discuss her passion for getting more women involved in the 2A community and her experiences working in the firearms industry, particularly with Staccato and ...

Oct 04, 20241 hr 4 minEp. 157

G-Code Holsters

In this episode of Bullets n Bourbon, Matt Gundlach is joined by co-host Greg Jones, now Chief Operations Officer at G-Code, and special guest Scott Evans, the owner of G-Code Holsters. The conversation begins with Scott’s military background as a Gulf War veteran and his transition from Marine Corps Cpl to founding a successful tactical holster company. Scott discusses the challenges of running a business in the firearms industry and shares his vision for G-Code's future. The episode delves int...

Sep 28, 202459 minEp. 156

Comanche Outdoors

In this episode of Bullets n Bourbon, the guest from Comanche Outdoors shares his journey from military service to becoming a passionate hunter and advocate for outdoor experiences. He discusses how hunting became an integral part of his identity as an American and emphasizes the importance of passing this tradition to future generations. The episode delves into the origins and mission of Comanche Outdoors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to organizing hunts and fostering a love for the outdo...

Sep 20, 202452 minEp. 155

Hunting and Land Management with Scott Newnam

In this episode of Bullets n Bourbon, Scott Newnam discusses his lifelong passion for hunting, sharing how he first got into the sport and the role it plays in shaping his identity as both an individual and an American. He talks about the significance of raising his son in the hunting lifestyle, the lessons children can learn from it, and the importance of passing down these values. Scott also reflects on his experiences with hunting on private versus public land, emphasizing the extensive prepa...

Sep 13, 202449 minEp. 154

Intergalactic Falling Steel Championship Part 2

In this episode, Darin and Matt discuss the final preparations for their upcoming match, now just six weeks away, while addressing recent leadership changes. Darin explains the reasons behind these shifts, while Matt shares his approach to taking on a lead role with limited time, detailing how he quickly organized and added value to the event. The duo dives into their philosophies on stage design, revealing whether they collaborated or worked individually on the layouts and providing insight int...

Sep 06, 202440 minEp. 153

Shaun Muller - IPSC Rifle World Shoot

In this episode, we speak to Sgt Shaun Muller about his most recent experience in Finland at the IPSC Rifle World Shoot.

Aug 30, 202431 minEp. 152

Tim Parkhurst - Marine Scout Sniper Heritage Foundation

In this episode of "Bullets n Bourbon," we delve into the history and mission of the Marine Scout Sniper Heritage Foundation. Tim Parkhurst a former Marine Scout Sniper shares his experiences, discussing his journey through Scout Sniper School and the roles that he found most fulfilling during his service. The conversation highlights the rich history of the Scout Snipers, tracing their origins and the influence of legendary figures like Carlos Hathcock. The guest explains the mission of the Mari...

Aug 23, 202457 minEp. 151

Brandon Alvarez from Broken Arrow Training

In this episode of "Bullets n Bourbon," Brandon Alvarez, a former Ranger Regiment member with a military background in Savannah and Fort Bragg, shares his journey from military service to becoming a Grand Master (GM) in multiple shooting disciplines, including Carry Optics and Open. Alvarez discusses his reasons for joining and eventually leaving the service, reflecting on what he might have done differently. He delves into the natural abilities that contributed to his rapid progression in pract...

Aug 16, 202442 minEp. 150

John Royer from Outdoor Dynamics

In this episode of "Bullets n Bourbon," John Royer, a former NASCAR pit crewman turned competitive shooter and ammo manufacturer, shares insights from his unique career transition. He discusses the quirks from his pit crew days that have carried over into his daily life, and the similarities between visualizing a perfect pit stop and executing a flawless shooting stage. Royer reflects on the aspects of the fast-paced pit crew lifestyle he misses and the unique appeal of shooting in the Limited d...

Aug 09, 202449 minEp. 149

Col Howard Hall Career Retrospective

In this episode, we interview Col Howard Hall, a distinguished advisor, innovator, and friend who recently retired after 30 years of service. Col Hall's leadership and guidance have been instrumental in driving change and mission accomplishment across the Marine Corps. He shares advice for newly promoted NCOs, SNCOs, and fresh lieutenants, highlighting the importance of flexibility and support. Col Hall discusses the characteristics of successful officer/SNCO relationships and reflects on pivota...

Aug 02, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 148

Col Greg Jones Career Retrospective

In an insightful interview with Col Greg Jones, recently retired Commanding Officer of Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps, key discussions included advice for various career stages, from newly promoted NCOs to fresh lieutenants, and characteristics of successful officer/SNCO collaborations. Col Jones reflected on pivotal duty stations and relationships that shaped his career, overcoming significant challenges, and the importance of maintaining pride and goals during the transition to civil...

Jul 26, 20241 hr 34 minEp. 147

Red Stitch Targets - Intergalactic Falling Steel Match

In this episode of Bullets n Bourbon, hosts Matt Gundlach and Frank Gao are joined by Darin Morrel, owner of Red Stitch Targets and Match Director for the upcoming Intergalactic Falling Steel Championship at Shadow Hawk Defense. Darin shares his background, including his service in the Marine Corps, and discusses his journey into the steel target business, highlighting his commitment to creating challenging targets. He reminisces about the old North Mountain USPSA matches and compares them to co...

Jul 19, 20241 hr 14 minEp. 146

Generation GWOT

n this episode of Generation GWOT, Michael Phillips discusses his roles as a mentor with FourBlock and a member of American Corporate Partners, programs that aid service members transitioning out of the military by providing career guidance and networking opportunities. Phillips manages his time between these organizations and his own pursuits, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the veteran community. Phillips highlights how military experience can translate to civilian success through...

Jul 12, 202458 minEp. 145

Harrison Vansky

Harrison Vansky, a former Army member, discovered competitive shooting during his service and sees valuable lessons the military can learn from the sport, such as dynamic movement and quick decision-making. As a left-handed PCC shooter, he advocates for more balanced USPSA stage designs to ensure fairness. Achieving Grand Master status shifted his focus to overall match performance. Vansky, who also golfed competitively in high school, finds parallels in mental focus and precision between golf a...

Jul 05, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 144

Rafael Fuentes from the Army Reserve Shooting Team

Rafael Fuentes, a seasoned shooter and reservist, reflects on his journey from active duty to the reserves, highlighting the benefits of transitioning into the reserves after active service. He shares insights gained from his experience in competitive shooting, including his recent successes and learning moments. Rafael discusses his role in the shooting community, both as a competitor and as an aspiring match director, emphasizing the importance of preparation and leadership. He also touches on...

Jun 28, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 143
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