I am resharing this episode of Defenders LIVE because the first release had the wrong title and description. This conversation was with John Holschen—and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful episodes I recorded with him.
Many of you may already know: John recently passed away. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all who trained with him. Our entire community is diminished by this loss. John wasn’t only a decorated veteran and master instructor—he was a man of kindness, clarity, and conviction. He had a gift for teaching in a way that made you feel seen, capable, and ready.
I want to honor him by sharing this corrected episode with you today. It captures so much of what made John special as a teacher and as a human being.
And there’s more: before he passed, John recorded a special conversation with me that he felt passionately about sharing. It has not yet been aired, but it will be released soon. He cared deeply about getting this information out, and I believe it will stand as part of his legacy.
For now, I invite you to listen again—or maybe for the first time—to this episode that reflects the heart and skill of a man we will not forget.
With respect and gratitude,
Lora Thorson
Episode notes below:
Learn how to train like the fight will actually happen. Lora Thorson sits down with Special Operations veteran and master instructor John Holschen to unpack NeuroDrills, visual processing under stress, movement that matters, ready positions that work in the real world, and how great coaching turns shooters into thinking defenders.
What you will learn:
How to stay visually aware while delivering accurate fire
Movement that makes sense, when to sprint and when to plant
Verbal commands and tape loops you can trust under pressure
The difference between exposure, practice, and testing
Building confidence through competence and why good curriculum always evolves
About John:
John Holschen: U.S. Special Operations veteran, two-time National Tactical Invitational winner, and creator of NeuroDrills and Applied Defensive Handgun Skills. He was a certified master instructor who taught across the country, helping everyday people become thinking shooters.
Rest in peace, John. You will be missed.
#ThinkingShooter, #NeuroDrills, #DefensiveTraining, #UseOfForce, #SelfDefenseMindset
