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

Sergeant Major Chris Singley on Hunting and Leadership

In the latest episode of the Bullets n Bourbon Podcast, Chris Singley, the current SgtMaj of the Warfighting Lab, shares insights from his life and career. Originally from a small town, Chris discusses his journey into hunting, a passion he either grew up with. He details the extensive preparations required for significant hunts, like his upcoming trip to Colorado, emphasizing the meticulous planning and equipment checks involved. Chris talks about his comfortable engagement distances with a rif...

Jun 21, 202447 minEp. 142

Rob Hewins

Rob Hewins, known for his infectious positivity, shared insights into his journey in the shooting sports and martial arts. Despite his parents’ attempts to steer him towards football and basketball, Rob found a deep connection with the independence and personal challenge offered by individual sports. He emphasized the importance of having a competitive outlet in his life, which not only fuels his passion but also supports his professional growth. Balancing competitive aspirations with social eng...

Jun 14, 202454 minEp. 141

Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition Revamp

Stephen Corson identified several issues with the old MCMC format, including limited capacity, inconsistent quality of instruction, inefficient time use, and location constraints. Inspired by his own distance learning experience and the wealth of competitive shooting resources available online, he proposes overhauling MCMC to incorporate distance learning. Corson envisions Marines regularly utilizing MCST’s Moodle materials to stay prepared under the new format. Although no changes in locations ...

Jun 07, 202435 minEp. 140

Dave Ankeny

David Ankeny, a former Marine and current DELMARVA match director, shared his journey from military service to competitive shooting. He highlighted the resilience of Marine Corps culture and how USPSA helped him reconnect with a community post-service. Ankeny, praised for his stage designs at the 2023 VA State and 2024 DELMARVA matches, advised new designers to learn through competition. He stressed the importance of early planning and the inclusion of fundraising for the Post Traumatic Stress F...

May 31, 202454 minEp. 139

2024 Lauchheimer Champion Payton Garcia

The Marine Corps Championships presents a unique challenge due to its week-long format and diverse range of disciplines. Mental preparation for such an event differs significantly from condensed formats, requiring sustained focus and endurance. Between matches, adjustments and adaptations become essential, as competitors navigate various disciplines and conditions. Each shooter's approach varies based on their strengths and weaknesses in different disciplines, necessitating strategic adjustments...

May 24, 202429 minEp. 138

DownForce Media - Jeremy Bryner

Jeremy Bryner, a versatile photographer, shares insights into his journey from diverse backgrounds to the world of race photography. Despite his non-traditional path, Bryner discusses his passion for photography and his adaptation to shooting races, drawing on his eclectic skill set. With an eye for the perfect shot, he navigates the gear-intensive world of race photography, preparing meticulously for events like the Intergalactic Falling Steel Match. As he delves into the shooting sports, Bryne...

May 17, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 137

The Gun Run with Ellis Domenech

Ellis Domenech, hailing from a military background, delves into his journey from armed services to the realm of competitive shooting. His venture into shooting disciplines led him to establish his own matches, cultivating a vibrant community reminiscent of early 3-gun days. Drawing parallels between music and marksmanship, Domenech reflects on the discipline required for both. His signature event, "The Gun Run," shrouded in secrecy, challenges participants with a 5-kilometer course, testing both...

May 10, 202445 minEp. 136

From Junior Shooter to Female Contender: A Conversation with Brittany Long

Brittany Long, a seasoned competitive shooter, shares insights into her journey and experiences in the shooting world on the Bullets n Bourbon podcast. Starting as a junior shooter, she reflects on the evolution of her approach to competition over the past decade. Brittany discusses handling pressure at a young age and navigating changes in her shooting career, including setting boundaries as an adult competitor. She delves into overcoming slumps and staying motivated, highlighting the supportiv...

May 03, 202449 minEp. 135

Frank and Matt's 1st Quarter Recap

In this episode, Frank and Matt sit down and discuss the matches they've shot to date in the 1st quarter of 2024 and the matches that they have coming up.

Apr 26, 202455 minEp. 134

Dylan Kelley - Newest Addition to the Team

Dylan Kelley, a tracker stationed at Pendleton and the newest addition to the MCST’s Pistol Team, discusses his journey into competitive shooting with the Bullets n Bourbon Podcast. Growing up playing various sports, Dylan found that his skills translated well into competitive shooting. While he misses aspects of being part of a team, he finds liberation in competing as an individual. Dylan's introduction to marksmanship at MSAU paved the way for his success in competitive shooting. Attending cl...

Apr 19, 202437 minEp. 133

Kenika Beck - Shooting for Success

Kenika Beck, known for his exceptional marksmanship skills, has forged a remarkable journey within practical shooting. Despite initial challenges in his interactions with competitive shooting, Kenita's perception of the sport has evolved positively over time. Transitioning from conventional training methods, he has honed his skills through two years of dedicated competition. Drawing inspiration from the II MIG shooting team, he emphasizes dry fire training and match attendance for optimal prepar...

Apr 12, 20241 hr 24 minEp. 132

Col Greg Jones - Marksmanship Campaign Plan

The Marine Corps is embracing technological advancements to assess marksmanship skills under pressure. While upholding the legacy of "every Marine a rifleman," there's ongoing debate on modernizing marksmanship techniques. The overdue updates to the Combat Pistol Program are welcomed, but implementation challenges remain, especially in fleet settings. The Marine Corps Shooting Team faces comparisons with the Army Marksmanship Unit but maintains high competitive expectations. As the MCST undergoe...

Apr 05, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 131

Tyler Tharp - Synergy Training Group

Synergy Training Group, based in Mississippi, offers comprehensive firearm training with a focus on self-defense, competition shooting, and skill enhancement. Founded by a passionate individual with experience in both training and competition, the organization continually evolves its holistic approach to training. Collaborations with partners like Dry Fire King add diversity to their programs. Despite their Mississippi roots, Synergy's reach extends nationally, evidenced by their involvement in ...

Mar 29, 202455 minEp. 130

Driven to Succeed: A Journey of Racing and Shooting with James Han

In this episode, we delve into the multifaceted life of James Han, a competitive shooter with a background in street racing and a diverse range of roles in the shooting community. Han shares insights into his journey from Korea to the United States and his early days in street racing, including the organization of races and the thrill of competition. Drawing parallels between racing and competitive shooting, he discusses the similarities and differences in mindset and approach. Han's passion for...

Mar 22, 202438 minEp. 129

Don O'Bier - Mastering the Balance: A Competitive Shooter's Journey

In this episode, we delve into the journey of a competitive shooter who found their passion in USPSA/3Gun. Balancing a family, full-time job, and consistently performing at the top echelons of the sport poses its challenges, but our guest shares insights into how they manage their time effectively. Training methods have evolved over the years, with a blend of dry-fire and range time becoming the norm. As for goals, our guest discusses both big-picture aspirations and specific objectives they're ...

Mar 15, 202431 minEp. 128

Nathan Drumm -Injuries, Rehabilitation and Reloading

Since the last time we caught up, there have been some significant developments in Nathan Drumm's life. He recently finished 4th in Master's 40 at TTG Nationals, narrowly missing the podium by less than 1%. Evaluating wins and losses helps him set goals for the following year. Currently, Nathan is recovering from ankle surgery, prioritizing a healthy recovery over rushing back into competition. Despite this setback, he's considering branching out into other disciplines this year, diversifying hi...

Mar 08, 20241 hr 51 minEp. 127

Johnathon Solinsky -Marine Corps Sniper and Shooting Team Member

In this episode, John reflects on his journey into competitive shooting, initially shaped by the Marine Corps Marksmanship Program. He discusses the program's invaluable role in his growth within the firearms industry, highlighting lessons learned and experiences gained while on the rifle team. John reminisces about fond memories and connections made during his time on the team, acknowledging the massive evolution it has undergone since. He observes the transition from high-power competitions to...

Mar 01, 202454 minEp. 126

The Tomasi Squared Experience

This summary covers a firsthand experience with Travis Tomasie's shooting class, highlighting personal interactions and decision-making processes: The conversation with Travis Tomasie early in the shooter's career set the stage for an enriching experience. Attending the class provided insights into the contrast between online personas and real-life interactions, revealing Tomasie's genuine nature. Traveling to the class required logistical planning, differing from match attendance, and the class...

Feb 23, 202456 minEp. 125

Area 8 Director - Russ Fortney

Russ Fortney, an esteemed range master and area director, engages in a comprehensive discussion on the trajectory of USPSA. From reflecting on preferred matches to dissecting governance intricacies such as trademark disputes and board elections, Fortney provides valuable insights. Emphasizing inclusivity in multigun competitions and USPSA's role in military training, he offers guidance for leveraging the sport for enhanced readiness.

Feb 16, 20241 hr 23 minEp. 124

Firearms Journey: A Conversation with Chris Cerino

Chris Cerino, a seasoned firearms expert with diverse experience in law enforcement, competitive shooting, and television, is known for his approachable nature and passion for helping others. Despite not initially recognizing his celebrity status, Cerino's impressive resume includes roles as a law enforcement officer, Federal Air Marshal, firearms instructor, and television personality. He draws parallels between competition and instruction, stressing the need for safety and effective communicat...

Feb 09, 202450 minEp. 123

Chris Scott - Sig Sauer's Upcoming Matches

In this episode, we speak to longtime friend of the podcast, Chris Scott. We cover the life changes he's had since leaving the Marine Corps, his role at Sig Sauer Academy, and planning major events and what those are.

Feb 02, 202446 minEp. 122

From Sponsorship to Influencer: Navigating the Firearm Industry's Evolving Landscape

The interviewee Derrick Dumont, a gunsmith deeply involved in competitive shooting and marketing for firearm companies, traces their journey from gunsmithing to the present. They emphasize the crucial role of sponsored shooters in brand promotion and research. Selection criteria for brand representation balance technical expertise and positive influence. The interviewee highlights the distinction between competitive shooters and influencers, acknowledging influencers' broader audience appeal. Ve...

Jan 26, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 121

Team One Network

In this episode, Robert, a Marine Corps veteran and Team One Network Director of Training, gives a brief overview of his military service and his current role. He discusses Team One Network's evolution in the training space, emphasizing their mission to provide practical and intense training for law enforcement and military personnel. The conversation covers instructor onboarding, industry support, and the adoption of technologies like red dots on pistols in law enforcement. Robert also touches ...

Jan 19, 202443 minEp. 120

Firearms Abroad: Bullets N Bourbon Chronicles the IPSC Shotgun World Shoot in Thailand

Join Bullets N Bourbon as the U.S. delegation in modified division recount their thrilling journey at the IPSC Shotgun World Shoot in Thailand. The team shares insights into planning the trip with firearms, discusses the unique focus on shotgun training for the World Shoot, and explores perspectives on target presentations and stage design. Seasoned 3gunner Dillen discusses incorporating World Shoot elements into U.S. 3gun matches. The team reflects on pacing themselves over the extended five-da...

Jan 12, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 119

FY2024 Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition Far East

In this episode of Bullets N Bourbon, Jared, Dan, and Caleb discuss their experiences preparing for and participating in this year's MCMC Far East. Jared shares insights into the challenges of running a shooting team amidst operational constraints, detailing a year of dry fire, intramural matches, and range training that aimed to get the crew ready. The discussion delves into the impact of the condensed schedule on the MCMC, exploring what had to be cut and how it affected the overall experience...

Jan 05, 20241 hr 1 minEp. 118

IPSC Shotgun World Champion Scott Greene with Dissident Arms

Join the Matt and Frank as they unravel the behind-the-scenes dynamics of USPSA's collaboration with the delegation that represented and attended the IPSC World Shotgun Shoot. The episode covers the logistical intricacies of moving firearms and ammunition to and from Thailand, the state of 3-gun competitions, and the potential for injecting creativity inspired by the IPSC community. The discussion also explores the challenges and prospects of shotgun-only matches in the U.S. The world champion, ...

Dec 29, 202357 minEp. 117

Kelsie Meade - USMC Shooting Team Strength and Conditioning Coach

In this episode, we speak with Kelsie Meade who helps the team by serving as their strength and condition coach. We cover everything from movement, conditioning, strength and designing a program that is specific to the disciplines that each team shoots.

Dec 22, 202347 minEp. 116

PCSL Nationals with Joe Livi

In this episode, we speak to Joe Live about his strong performance at PCSL Nationals. We talked about how he trained, his mindset and what drew him to this specific match.

Dec 15, 202337 minEp. 115

Kevin Chen - Apollo Arms

In this episode, Frank speaks to Kevin Chen from Apollo Arms about his academic background, switch to firearms manufacturer and more.

Dec 01, 202355 minEp. 113
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