In this episode I sit down with Landen to discuss some debrief points from the last two Law Enforcement Sniper Skills clinics we’ve taught together. These classes are going really well and the curriculum has developed substantially over the years of teaching it. We touch on why we don’t call things “advanced” anymore - and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing either, it’s just my philosophy. Some of the topics you’ll hear a lot about are rifle setup and equipment. They’re still big points of discu...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep 117•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, I’m sitting down with Landen Jones. Landen Jones is a former US Army Sniper, a current Cowlitz County Deputy Sheriff, and the lead sniper for the XXX regional SWAT team. Landen comes to Modern Day Sniper with the same goals and vision as what drives us - evolve and expand, and he wants to bring that to law enforcement sniper training, nationwide. I wanted to sit down with Landen and get to know him a little better, and explore the reason(s) that he got himself into the world of ...
Feb 23, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep 116•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast we’ve brought on Galen Shea for a conversation on rifle cleaning solvents, more specifically, CLR. Galen Shea is a dedicated local shooter in the Pacific Northwest. He frequents NRL 22 matches, as well as many of the club and regional centerfire PRS matches. Galen’s professional expertise lies as a chemical engineer for the gas and oil industry, so I wanted to bring him on the podcast to talk about the cleaning solvent that initially took the prec...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep 115•Transcript available on Metacast Carbon Fiber Barrels: What You Need to Know In this conversation, Caylen Wojcik and Colton Bagnoli discuss Colton's diverse experiences in the outdoors, including his transition from law enforcement to becoming a fly fishing guide and a writer for firearms publications. They delve into the importance of connection to nature, the challenges of teaching outdoor skills, and the intricacies of rifle barrels, particularly carbon fiber barrels, and their performance in various shooting scenarios....
Jan 30, 2025•2 hr 31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Resilience and Self-Discovery in the Wilderness In this conversation, Caylen Wojcik and Mark discuss a range of topics from their backgrounds in metal fabrication and military service to the importance of wilderness experiences and self-discovery. They explore how challenging situations can lead to personal growth, the significance of teaching skills to younger generations, and the need for rites of passage in modern society. Mark shares insights from his experiences on the show 'Alone&apos...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep 113•Transcript available on Metacast For 2025 and beyond, I’d like to bring you guys a new style of podcast for me - solo-casts. I haven’t been 100% comfortable in the past with sitting by myself in front of the camera. It felt a bit on the arrogant side, and for me arrogance is a tough nut to crack. I do believe that there’s a balance to it though, it’s delicate, but nonetheless a balance. So, I'm going to use this style of delivery to get comfortable with what once was - uncomfortable! In the future you can expect to see the...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep 112•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Caylen sits down with Tim Parkhurst, President of the Marine Scout Sniper Heritage Foundation, to discuss the mission of preserving the legacy of Marine Scout Snipers. Tim shares fascinating historical insights, the foundation’s efforts to build a lasting memorial at Quantico, and the monumental task of uncovering lost history and honoring fallen snipers. They dive into the challenges and triumphs of the sniper community, the evolution of the program, and how listeners can suppo...
Nov 26, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep 111•Transcript available on Metacast In this in-depth conversation, Caylen Wojcik and Owen Mulder uncover the science behind elite shooting performance. They explore the neurobiology and psychology that influence a sniper's mental game, discussing key concepts like sight wobble, the startle response, and the all-important trigger control. Learn how managing stress, refining your focus, and building automaticity through structured practice can elevate your shooting skills. From archery to firearms, this episode dives into the c...
Oct 06, 2024•2 hr 42 min•Ep 110•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back to a new episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast! During this episode I sat down with two of my great friends, David Cantu and Ken Smith. David and Ken are precision rifle competitors and hunters here in the Pacific Northwest and I’ve had the pleasure of training and watching them grow as shooters here for the last decade. David’s entry into the sport was not by fire, but by ice, as his first experience was a frigid four days in the eastern Washington no-man’s land, and Ken’s initi...
Sep 18, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep 109•Transcript available on Metacast On this episode of the podcast we invite Jeff “Skully” Escalderon and John Spurling to the show to discuss their perspective on their time serving in the Marine Corps as Scout/Snipers and as instructors. These guys hold nothing back on the podcast as they provide a candid and captivating look into the world of Marine Corps Scout Snipers. Through their personal experiences and recollections of former Scout Sniper, you’ll be taken on a journey that explores the unique culture, training, and missio...
Aug 07, 2024•3 hr 30 min•Ep 108•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast, Caylen Wojcik welcomes Aaron Martin, a new addition to the Modern Day Sniper and Modern Day Rifleman cadre. They discuss Aaron's background as a precision rifle instructor and former Marine, including his time in the Scout Sniper community. They also cover topics such as the importance of understanding recoil management, the psychological aspects of shooting, and the challenges of teaching students with varying skill levels. Additionally, th...
Jul 25, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep 107•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode we welcome Tony Blauer of Blauer Tactical Training Systems. Tony Blauer explores the vital role of fear management in personal safety and self-defense, critiquing traditional training methods in favor of understanding the psychology and physiology of fear. He stresses self-awareness in navigating violent situations and discusses how fear affects shooting and decision-making, linking neurobiology to marksmanship. Blauer distinguishes between choking and freezing under pressure, em...
Jun 27, 2024•2 hr 36 min•Ep 106•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Caylen sits down with Carl Taylor from In Motion Targets, an experienced figure in the precision rifle community. Join us as we dive into Carl’s background, his contributions to the sniper community, and his journey through the Guardian Long Range match in Colville, Washington. Carl is one of the pioneers in the precision rifle sport, especially in the Pacific Northwest. Known for organizing challenging matches that test shooters' skills in locating, ranging, and engaging t...
Jun 14, 2024•2 hr 5 min•Ep 105•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode Caylen talks with the legendary Jacob Bynum from Rifles Only. Jacob is a true pioneer in the field of precision rifle shooting, and we are always excited to have him on the show because he brings us back to the pure fundamentals of marksmanship. In this episode, we dive into: The essential aspects of marksmanship fundamentals that are crucial for hitting targets. Mindset techniques that are key for competitive shooting. An exciting new training opportunity in Leadville, Colorado,...
Jun 11, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 104•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Caylen sits down with his good friend, Len Waldron to discuss hunting in Africa and WWII. Len Waldron prepares for a hunting trip in Africa and reminisces about their previous adventures. They discuss the importance of ethical hunting practices and responsible management of animal populations. Len also shares stories about their grandfather's experiences as a pilot in World War II, highlighting the challenges and dangers of combat missions. The podcast concludes with a disc...
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep 103•Transcript available on Metacast This episode explores the world of precision shooting and gunsmithing. Learn about gun design, intricate barrel making, reloading techniques, and the mental focus needed for peak accuracy. Caylen and JD Thomas share insights for both enthusiasts and professionals. Find out What your Shooter Ability is here: https://moderndaysniper.com/assessment Train with us In-Person: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/moderndayrifleman Join our Free Online Community: https://www.moderndayrifleman.com Find ou...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep 102•Transcript available on Metacast In this podcast, host Caylen Wojcik and Competitive Sky Diver V Buck Prib converse about the realities of high-level extreme sports. They discuss safety measures, rigorous training, mental preparation, costs, and more. Caylen and Prib share experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of mastering basics and the role of visualization in performance improvement. They also share how to handle immense competition pressures and the importance of mentorship. They reflect on their mistakes as ...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep 101•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to our 100th Episode! This is a big deal for us! Today Caylen and Phillip sit down to discuss the future of Modern Day Sniper and where we’re headed for 2024 and beyond. The pair discuss the new in-person class naming convention and the reasons that they decided to make some adjustments to the curriculum. Caylen and Phil also give you the low-down on the NEW Modern Day Sniper logo and the reason behind the need to change it. We hope you all enjoy the episode and don’t forget to come see ...
Feb 14, 2024•2 hr 48 min•Ep 100•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we sit down with one of our Modern Day Riflemen, James Wazeter. We dive into his systematic approach to precision shooting, his coaching experience in the fitness industry, and his passion for long-range bolt rifles. In our discussion, we cover a range of topics from parenting to precision rifle training, techniques, and competition. We explore the importance of focused training, breaking down skills into subunits, and the psychological aspects of competitive shooting. James sha...
Feb 07, 2024•2 hr 48 min•Ep 99•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to the Modern Day Sniper Podcast Episode 98, where we have a heartfelt discussion with special guest Mike Lilly, a well-known figure in the Precision Rifle Series and the National Rifle League's Hunter Series. Mike and his wife run the successful YouTube channel, "Long Range with the Lilies." In this episode, we delve into some heavy topics related to the emotions and challenges veterans face when transitioning from military service to civilian life. We hope to provide som...
Feb 01, 2024•2 hr 38 min•Ep 98•Transcript available on Metacast In this podcast, Phillip sits down with the Director of PRS Ken Wheeler and Western Precision Rifle founder Peter Kneip. They discuss the integration of the PRS Regional Series with the Western Precision Rifle community in order to further grow the sport of precision rifle in the Wyoming, Montana and South/North Dakota areas. Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network: School House Modern Day Rifleman Modern Day Sniper MDS Instagram...
Jan 30, 2024•2 hr 44 min•Ep 97•Transcript available on Metacast The team sits down in Virginia after wrapping up our 4th year at Pigg River. We have John Carughi on this podcast also known as “Weapon Snatcher.” The team recaps the 4 days of training, some common trends as well as diving deep into the mental headspace of long range shooting and performance. Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network: School House Modern Day Rifleman Modern Day Sniper MDS Instagram...
Dec 08, 2023•2 hr 1 min•Ep 96•Transcript available on Metacast The Field Shooting Workshop Phillip sits down with Matt Solowynsky from R&S Solutions to discuss creating opportunities. Despite still being an active duty Marine, Matt shares how he navigates his transition process with retirement on the horizon. They explore various topics such as the importance of networking, building a personal brand, and honing transferable skills. They also discuss the challenges that young snipers may face during the transition out of the military and provide practica...
Sep 27, 2023•2 hr•Ep 95•Transcript available on Metacast Caylen and Phillip have an in-depth discussion about their recent event at the Y.O. Ranch, a stunning location situated just outside of San Antonio, Texas. During their conversation, they touch upon the exciting prospects of providing training to individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. This includes catering to both aspiring snipers and non-snipers, accommodating a wide range of experience levels. From novices who have never handled a precision rifle before, to seasoned professional...
Sep 20, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep 94•Transcript available on Metacast In this podcast, Phillip and Caylen discuss effective communication with students of all skill levels and shooting experience. They also provide tips on selecting the right tripod for shooting specific to their applications. Finally, they share their recent scouting and hunting experience in the mountains, offering insights into the challenges and importance of being prepared for hunting. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in precision rifle shooting and hunting! Join the Modern...
Aug 29, 2023•1 hr•Ep 93•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode the MDS team takes a deep dive into what they’re learning while developing and filming our upcoming Tripod Shooting Masterclass. This is a compilation of a lot of little tidbits of discoveries that the team has been uncovering while focusing on nothing but shooting from tripods in the recent weeks. Big topics of discussion here are the effects of pressures being put into the system and how those pressures affect both accuracy and rifle movement during the process of recoil. Join ...
Aug 14, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep 92•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Caylen, Phil, and Ryan dive deep into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the firearm industry, offering their unique perspectives and insights on dealing with trolls and overall negativity that inherently comes with this job. Furthermore, the trio explores the concept of imposter syndrome, a phenomenon that affects many professionals in various industries, including firearms. Join the Modern Day Rifleman Network: School House Modern Day Rifleman Modern Day Sniper MDS Instagram...
Aug 11, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep 91•Transcript available on Metacast In this podcast episode, Phil and Ryan take a deep dive into their experience at the NRL Hunter in Utah competition that they recently participated in as a team. They go over the various stages they encountered, including some of the obstacles they had to overcome, the techniques they used to achieve success, and the lessons they learned along the way. Not only did they share the good moments, but they also delved into the bad ones and discussed how they could have done better. The discussion al...
Jul 05, 2023•55 min•Ep 90•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast, Phillip and Caylen discuss various topics related to shooting, including the importance of balance in life, having a solid baseline in your career, different levels of awareness and mental approach to competition, and how to break the stress response in your body. They also talk about the difference between a PRS match and a general hunter, adapting your body to different tripod heights, and the benefits and drawbacks of heavy caliber rifles. At ...
Jun 22, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep 89•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode Ryan and Caylen are spending a week at the Mountain States Tactical officer’s Association annual meetings and training week. This is our 5th year consecutively supporting this effort and we’re always happy to be a part of it. In this conversation they boys turn on the mics for some after class chats about some of the trends they’re seeing in the training world, the finer points of rifle marksmanship as they relate to the body’s central nervous system, and some gas gun tidbits tha...
May 24, 2023•2 hr 39 min•Ep 88•Transcript available on Metacast 
