That’s the question underneath this conversation with Defenders USA founder Adam Winch.

What started as an off-the-cuff discussion turned into a surprisingly personal conversation about identity, achievement, faith, and strength.

You’ll hear:

Why high achievers often struggle to recognize how far they’ve come

What happens when your career or accomplishments become your identity

Why the people you trust can sometimes see you more clearly than you see yourself

How difficult seasons can challenge your faith and draw you closer to God

Why true strength includes both toughness and tenderness

How the people around you can either limit you or call you higher

In this episode of Defenders LIVE, Lora sits down with Defenders USA founder Adam Winch for an unplanned conversation about identity, achievement, faith, and what real strength actually looks like. Adam shares his own struggle to recognize the level he has reached as a competitive shooter and instructor, and together they unpack something many high achievers wrestle with: the constant feeling that no matter how much you accomplish, you’re still not quite there.

But the conversation goes much deeper. Adam reflects on seasons when being a soldier, police officer, SWAT officer, and firearms instructor became part of how he defined himself, and what happens when those roles eventually end. Lora and Adam also talk candidly about faith through suffering, wrestling with God, learning to receive truth from the people who know us best, and why real strength can look like courage and toughness in one moment, then humility, tenderness, and service in another.

Being a defender isn’t about proving how strong you are. It’s about knowing who you are, who you belong to, and being willing to use whatever season, gifts, and opportunities God has given you in service to others.

Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations.

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You’ll learn:

• Why mindset matters more than gear

• How training builds confidence and character

• The legal and moral responsibility of carrying a firearm

• Why preparation is rooted in purpose, not fear

• How great defenders continue growing long after they leave the range

This conversation isn’t just for shooters. It’s for anyone who wants to become more capable, more thoughtful, and more prepared to protect the people they love.

In this episode of Defenders LIVE, Lora sits down with Defenders USA founder Adam Winch to introduce Defenders University, an immersive eight-day training experience that goes far beyond marksmanship. From handgun and rifle skills to low-light tactics, combatives, force-on-force scenarios, and decision-making under pressure, Adam explains why the goal isn’t simply to create better shooters. It’s to develop thoughtful, capable defenders who are prepared mentally, physically, and morally for life’s hardest moments.

Together, they discuss why mindset matters more than equipment, the responsibility that comes with carrying a firearm, and how meaningful training shapes confidence, character, and leadership. Adam also shares practical lessons on dry fire safety, legal decision-making, and why true preparation isn’t driven by fear. It’s driven by a commitment to protect what matters most.

Whether you carry every day or simply want to grow as a leader in your home and community, this conversation will challenge the way you think about training.

It’s not experience. It’s not talent. It’s the willingness to keep learning.

In this episode of Defenders LIVE, Lora sits down with Brent Hickmon, founder of Haven Defense Company and Defenders USA instructor, to reflect on his first experience teaching at the A Girl & A Gun National Conference. Together, they unpack one of the most important leadership lessons Brent learned: the best instructors aren’t focused on proving themselves. They’re focused on serving the people in front of them. That shift changes everything.

Their conversation explores the role of humility, feedback, and continual growth in becoming an effective leader, whether you’re teaching on the range, leading a team, or raising a family. Brent also shares practical insights on firearm safety, preparing for training, and the exciting future of Haven Defense Company as it expands its business and training opportunities.

Great leaders don’t stop learning.

They stay coachable, serve others well, and continue refining their craft.

The best leaders never stop learning.

In this conversation with Brent Hickmon, we explore the leadership shift that separates good instructors from great ones. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about serving others, staying humble, and being willing to grow.

You’ll learn:

Why great leaders actively seek feedback

How humility builds trust and influence

The mindset that transforms instructors

Practical advice for new shooters entering their first class

Brent’s vision for the future of Haven Defense Company

Whether you’re an instructor, business owner, parent, coach, or leader, this conversation is a reminder that leadership isn’t about being the expert in the room. It’s about helping others become better.

Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations.

More about Brent at HavenDefenseCo.com.

You’ll learn:

Why leadership begins with taking ownership
The biggest mistake couples make when conflict arises
Why emotional connection is a skill that can be learned
How humility creates stronger relationships
What it really means to become a Black Belt Husband

If you’ve ever wondered how to become a stronger husband, father, or leader, this conversation will challenge the way you think about growth.

Strong marriages are not built by chance. They are built through leadership, humility, and the willingness to grow.

In this episode, Lora sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist, high performance coach, and author Quentin Hafner to challenge some of the biggest misconceptions about relationships today. After nearly twenty years of helping individuals and couples, Quentin explains why so many good men struggle in marriage, why leadership has been misunderstood, and why becoming a great husband has far more to do with developing new skills than relying on natural ability.

Together, they explore emotional connection, personal responsibility, healthy masculinity, and why waiting for your spouse to change is one of the fastest ways to stay stuck. Quentin also shares the philosophy behind his book Black Belt Husband and explains why marriage should be approached with the same discipline, humility, and commitment required to earn a black belt.

Whether you’re married, engaged, or simply want to become a stronger leader in every area of your life, this conversation offers practical wisdom that extends far beyond relationships.

In this episode, Robyn Sandoval shares how A Girl & A Gun has grown into a nationwide community that’s helping women build confidence, resilience, leadership, and lasting friendships.

You’ll learn:
Why community matters just as much as training
How confidence on the range changes life off the range
The heartbreaking story that shaped A Girl & A Gun’s mission
Why high standards create stronger leaders

If you’ve ever wondered why thousands of women are joining A Girl & A Gun, this conversation will show you it’s about much more than firearms.

What if learning to shoot was only the beginning?

In this episode of Defenders LIVE, Lora sits down with Robyn Sandoval, President and CEO of A Girl & A Gun, to talk about the mission behind one of the largest women’s firearms organizations in the country. While many people know A Girl & A Gun for firearms training and competition, Robyn reveals that its true impact reaches far beyond the range. Through intentional leadership, high standards, and a values-driven community, thousands of women are discovering confidence, purpose, and lifelong friendships that carry into every area of life.

Robyn also shares the deeply personal story that shaped the heart of the organization after her daughter Kiara’s life-threatening brain tumor diagnosis. In one of the darkest seasons of her life, she experienced the power of community in a way that forever changed how A Girl & A Gun would serve women across the country. Together, Lora and Robyn explore resilience, leadership, mentorship, firearms training, and why becoming a defender is about far more than learning to shoot.

Whether you’re an experienced shooter or simply looking for a community that challenges you to grow, this conversation is a reminder that strength is built together.

Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations.

More at AGirlandAGun.org.

In this conversation, Dr. DeeAnn Regaisis shares what years of research have revealed about cyberbullying, digital safety, and the growing emotional and spiritual challenges young people face online. We discuss why so many children suffer in silence, how cyberbullying can escalate into far more dangerous situations, and why parents need more than rules. They need meaningful conversations and relationships built on trust.

We also explore why Ephesians 6 is more relevant than ever, what it means to equip our children with the full armor of God, and how families can intentionally prepare the next generation to navigate a digital world with wisdom, courage, and discernment.

If we want to raise defenders, we must first prepare them for the battles they cannot see.

In this conversation with Dr. DeeAnn Regaisis, we discuss why cyberbullying is more than kids being mean online and how parents can better prepare their children for the emotional and spiritual challenges of today’s digital world.

You’ll learn:

• Why kids often stay silent about cyberbullying
• How online conflict can escalate into much more serious dangers
• Practical ways to start meaningful conversations at home
• Why the full armor of God matters in the digital age
• How to help your children build resilience instead of fear

Our children don’t just need screen limits. They need truth, discernment, and relationships that make them feel safe enough to ask for help.

Watch now on YouTube or Defenders-LIVE.com.

Learn more at www.Plus3forcybersafety.org
Newsletter with information discussed in the interview: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/86d57d9407.html

In this conversation, we discuss temple optimization, nervous system regulation, genetics, identity, purpose, stewardship, and why so many people unknowingly live transactionally instead of transformationally. Ryan shares lessons from military service, leading Impact Montana, overcoming burnout, and launching Mission Mindset Solutions to help others pursue health through a faith-centered lens.

Most people are trying to fix symptoms. Very few are asking better questions.

In this episode, Ryan Luchau shares the lessons he learned through military service, chronic health challenges, burnout, faith, and years of helping veterans and first responders find a path forward.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between transactional and transformational living
• Why identity and purpose matter more than outcomes
• How small daily choices shape the person you become
• Why stewardship matters in your life
• How physical health impacts spiritual health

Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations.

Learn more at MissionMindsetSolutions.com

A retired Army Special Forces Senior Sergeant, three-time Tactical Games National Champion, and student of human performance, Kirk has spent decades studying what separates those who perform under pressure from those who fall apart when the stakes are high.

In this conversation, we explore the psychology of confidence, the power of self-talk, the role of identity in performance, and why the story you tell yourself may be shaping far more of your future than you realize. Kirk shares lessons from elite military training, competitive shooting, athletics, and life that challenge the way many of us think about success, resilience, and mental toughness.

We also discuss grit, goal setting, pressure, failure, and why confidence is not something you’re born with. It’s something you build through preparation, repetition, and keeping promises to yourself.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, performance anxiety, or the feeling that you’re capable of more than you’re currently achieving, this conversation will give you practical tools and a new perspective on what it takes to grow.

You’ll learn:

Why the story you tell yourself matters
How confidence is built through action
What grit actually is
How to stay focused under pressure
Why process goals matter more than outcome goals

Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations.

Check out www.TotalOperatorChallenge.com

Before becoming a New York Times bestselling author with more than 30 books to his name, John spent 15 years in fire and rescue, responding to some of the worst moments in people’s lives. Later, while researching real-world special operations missions, he earned rare access to Delta Force operators, military leaders, and the true story behind one of the most daring hostage rescues in modern history.

In this conversation, we go far beyond books and movies. We talk about trust, leadership under pressure, what real violence looks like, and why the people most capable of protecting others are often the least interested in talking about themselves. John shares lessons from emergency response, special operations, marriage, storytelling, and a lifetime of walking toward difficult situations when others were running away.

We also discuss the responsibility that comes with being prepared, the importance of strong teams, the dangers of Hollywood myths, and why leadership is often less about authority and more about earning trust.

At its core, this conversation is about what it means to be a defender. Not someone who seeks attention or recognition, but someone who quietly accepts responsibility when the stakes are high.

In this episode, bestselling author and former firefighter John Gilstrap shares lessons learned from emergency response, special operations, leadership, and a lifetime of serving others.

You’ll learn:

What real courage looks like under pressure
Why trust is earned one decision at a time
What Hollywood gets wrong about violence and preparedness
How great leaders inspire others to follow
Why defenders accept responsibility before they feel ready

www.johngilstrap.com

Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com and subscribe for future conversations.

Dakota Adelphia chose a different path.

From teaching herself through educational setbacks, to biking across America at fifteen, to becoming one of the leading voices in concealed carry education, Dakota’s story is a masterclass in grit, responsibility, and courage.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why doing hard things builds confidence that can’t be faked
• How personal responsibility creates real freedom
• The mindset behind effective self-defense and preparedness
• Why community matters when you’re standing for your convictions

In this powerful conversation, Dakota Adelphia shares a remarkable journey of resilience, responsibility, and purpose. From overcoming an unconventional childhood education and biking across America at fifteen years old to becoming a respected firearms instructor, concealed carry educator, and Second Amendment advocate in California, Dakota’s story is a testament to grit, faith, and refusing to quit.

Lora and Dakota dive into the mindset behind personal protection, the importance of doing hard things, and why confidence is built through preparation, not comfort. They also explore Dakota’s work with A Girl and a Gun, her mission to help women become capable defenders, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, community, and serving others without becoming bitter along the way.

Watch more conversations that strengthen your mindset, deepen your faith, and challenge you to live boldly at Defenders LIVE. Subscribe for future episodes and visit Defenders-LIVE.com for more inspiring content.

www.dakotaadelphia.com

https://www.youtube.com/@GunOwnersRadio

https://www.facebook.com/dakota.adelphia

https://www.instagram.com/lifewithadelphia/

In this powerful conversation, Tyler Tharp opens up about:

Losing his father the night he came home from the Army
Battling anger, hopelessness, and self-destruction
The moment God told him, “Get up. I’m not done with you yet.”
Why discipline includes rest and recovery
How faith transformed the way he sees purpose, love, and masculinity

This episode is real, raw, and full of hard-earned wisdom for anyone carrying heavy burdens or searching for deeper meaning in life.

In this deeply honest conversation, Lora sits down with firearms instructor and coach Tyler Tharp to unpack the painful journey that shaped his faith, mindset, and purpose. Tyler shares the devastating losses that defined his early adulthood, including losing his father the night he returned home from the Army, battling anger and self-destruction, and ultimately reaching a breaking point that forced him to confront his mental and spiritual health head-on.

Together, they explore the connection between discipline and rest, the trap of tying self-worth to achievement, and the healing that comes through surrendering control to God. This episode is raw, thoughtful, and deeply relatable for anyone who feels exhausted from trying to carry life on their own strength. It’s a conversation about resilience, purpose, forgiveness, and learning that true strength starts in the heart.

Watch more conversations at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future episodes focused on courage, faith, mindset, and personal growth.

In this deeply personal Defenders LIVE conversation, Lora Thorson shares the lessons she learned after stepping back into a high-pressure firearms training environment following months away from practice. What began as a conversation a…

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Daniel shares his journey from blue-collar work and homebuilding to stepping into the political arena, driven by a desire to protect faith, family, freedom, and the future of everyday Americans. They discuss border security, the Second Amendment, term limits, public safety, and why more ordinary citizens need to rise up and lead. This is a grounded, honest conversation about courage, conviction, and what it really means to serve others with integrity.

In this episode of Defenders LIVE, Lora sits down with Arizona congressional candidate Daniel Keenan for a raw and honest discussion about leadership, freedom, faith, and why everyday Americans can’t afford to stay silent anymore.

In this conversation, you’ll hear:

• Why more citizens need to step forward

• The connection between freedom and personal responsibility

• Thoughts on border security, the Second Amendment, and public safety

• Why authenticity matters more than polished talking points

• How faith and conviction shape true leadership

Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future episodes on Defenders LIVE.

That is one of the biggest takeaways from this conversation with Jacob Paulsen.

We talked about leadership, faith, authenticity, business, personal growth, and why people are starving for honesty in a world that feels increasingly fake.

In this episode:
• Jacob shares how ConcealedCarry.com was built from the ground up
• We talk about what actually makes a great instructor
• Why authenticity matters more than image
• The future of AI and how it is changing business
• The vision behind Guardian University and Guardian Conference
• How strong brands are built through trust and integrity

What does it take to build trust in a world full of noise?

In this conversation, Jacob Paulsen shares the real story behind building ConcealedCarry.com, creating one of the largest firearms training networks in the country, and learning what authentic leadership actually looks like along the way.

Lora and Jacob talk about everything from business and branding to faith, mindset, personal growth, and the responsibility that comes with leading others. Jacob opens up about his early struggles as an instructor, why great teachers are always students first, and how authenticity has become one of the most important qualities in today’s world.

They also dive into the future of AI, the mission behind Guardian Conference, and the launch of Guardian University, a growing platform designed to bring trusted training and meaningful conversations together in one place. Defenders LIVE is now featured inside Guardian University as part of that vision.

This episode is thoughtful, honest, and full of practical wisdom for anyone trying to lead with courage and live with purpose.

Watch more at Defenders LIVE and learn more at ConcealedCarry.com.

In this solo Ride Along episode, Lora Thorson opens up about why she chooses hard things — from Tactical Games training and fitness to launching a podcast with no roadmap and stepping into uncomfortable growth. She shares how her personal self-defense journey began in 2017 with her very first firearms class, feeling overwhelmed, underprepared, and unsure of herself… and how that path eventually led her to become a firearms instructor and podcast host.

But this conversation goes far beyond guns or self-defense.

Lora shares how her pursuit of personal protection uncovered deeper battles involving fear, identity, self-worth, discipline, and people-pleasing. What began as a desire to feel safer and more capable eventually became a journey of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual transformation. Through fitness, faith, and learning to align her thoughts with Scripture, she began building true confidence from the inside out.

This is an honest conversation about courage, obedience, mindset, and refusing to live “normal” when God has called you to more.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re capable, struggled with fear or insecurity, or felt called to something bigger than yourself, this episode will challenge and encourage you to step forward anyway.

Correction: Philippians 4:6 reference is actually Philippians 4:8. :)

Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations.

This episode is not about getting in shape for appearance.
It is about becoming someone who can be counted on.

In this conversation, we break down:

• Why discipline is part of your responsibility as a defender
• How neglecting your body limits your ability to lead and serve
• The connection between physical health and spiritual drift
• Why knowing what to do is not the problem
• How to build systems that hold when life gets hard

This is not just about fitness. This is about responsibility.

If you are called to protect, lead, and show up for the people around you, then discipline is not optional. It is part of the mission.

In this episode, Lora sits down with Jeff Dalzell, a fitness and nutrition coach who works with parents and everyday men and women who are tired of starting over. What begins as a conversation about health quickly becomes something deeper. They unpack the connection between physical discipline and spiritual alignment, and why so many people know exactly what to do but still avoid doing it.

Because the truth is this. When you neglect your body, you are not just making a personal choice. You are limiting your capacity to lead, to serve, and to step into the roles God has placed in your life.

Jeff shares his journey from teacher to coach, navigating uncertainty, fatherhood, and faith while building something that actually lasts. This conversation challenges the all or nothing mindset and replaces it with something stronger. Systems. Identity. Ownership.

If you want to live as a defender in your home, your community, and your faith, this is where it starts. Not with motivation, but with discipline.

Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations.

In this episode of Defenders LIVE, she shares what is happening inside the NRA and what she has seen firsthand during a critical season of change.

Here is what you will gain:
A clear look inside the NRA’s reform and future direction
What real courage looks like in leadership
Why speaking truth can cost you and why it still matters
The growing influence of women in the Second Amendment space
A deeper understanding of service, responsibility and conviction

In this episode of Defenders LIVE, Lora sits down with Amanda Suffecool, firearms instructor, radio host, and NRA board member, for a real and unfiltered conversation about leadership, reform, and responsibility. Amanda shares her journey from engineer to national advocate.

Amanda speaks openly about internal challenges, the rise of reform efforts, and the courage required to hold conviction under pressure. She also highlights the growing role of women in the Second Amendment community and why unity matters more than ever. Her perspective is rooted in service and driven by purpose, and serves as inspiration to others in the 2nd Amendment community.

Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations.

In this episode:
What a holster is actually supposed to do
The biggest mistakes people make when choosing one
Why “comfortable” can sometimes mean unsafe
What to look for so your gear actually works when it matters
How Brent went from building his own gear to building Haven Defense Co.

Most people spend all their time choosing a gun… and almost none thinking about how they’re actually going to carry it.

In this episode, Lora sits down with Brent Hickmon, founder of Haven Defense Company, to break down what really matters when it comes to holsters: what makes them safe, what makes them dangerous, and why so many people are getting it wrong without even realizing it.

Brent shares how he got started building holsters out of necessity, what he’s learned from years of hands-on experience, and the patterns he sees over and over again—from poor retention to unsafe carry setups. They also dig into common mistakes new gun owners make, why comfort and concealment don’t have to compete, and what to look for if you actually want gear you can trust.

If you carry, or plan to, this is information you need.

Resources:
Haven Defense Co.

https://havendefenseco.com/?ref=defenderslive

https://www.facebook.com/havendefenseco
https://www.instagram.com/havendefenseco/

PHLster: PHLster.com
PHLster Concealment Workshop: https://www.facebook.com/groups/139735863409843

Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations.

That’s not true. Calm is trained.

And if you don’t train it, your reactions will control you when it matters most.

In this episode, we break down:

• What’s actually happening in your brain under stress
• How to train your nervous system to stay steady under pressure
• Simple ways to build calm into your daily life
• The faith foundation behind a disciplined, sound mind

What if calm isn’t something you’re born with… but something you build?

In this solo episode, Lora Thorson breaks down a powerful truth: calm is not a personality trait. It’s a trained response. Drawing from a conversation with retired Navy SEAL Chris Wyllie and her own real-life experiences, Lora walks through what’s actually happening in your brain under stress—and why so many people feel hijacked in high-pressure moments.

This episode is about how your nervous system is wired, how fear distorts reality, and how intentional training—physical, mental, and spiritual—can reshape your default response. From deliberate breathing and exposure to discomfort, Lora lays out practical ways to build a calm, disciplined mind before you ever need it.

At the core of it all is a deeper truth rooted in faith: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Watch more at Defenders-LIVE.com or subscribe for future conversations.