In this week’s Defenders LIVE, I sat down again with Jonathan Willis — husband, father, veteran firefighter/paramedic, and lead instructor for Gunset Training Group — to talk about what real-world readiness looks like.
Jonathan’s story bridges decades of trauma response, leadership, and instruction. From building the RWT Pocket Kit to teaching trauma medicine and defensive shotgun, he’s bringing the lessons of the street to everyday citizens who refuse to rely on luck when seconds count.
We cover:
🔥 A practical, everyday trauma kit that actually fits your pocket
🔥 Why medical prep belongs right beside your firearm — and what most people still get wrong
🔥 The truth about defensive shotguns (especially for women) and how training changes confidence
🔥 Mentorship vs. coaching — why true guidance isn’t bought, it’s built through relationship and character
Jonathan doesn’t just train skill. He calls us back to responsibility — the duty to protect life, to be calm in chaos, and to lead with faith and humility.
If you’ve ever wondered how to bridge preparation with purpose, this conversation will challenge the way you think about training and community.
💡 Connect with Jonathan:
👉 Learn more at www.trainwithwillis.com, www.gunset.us and www.tdiohio.com.
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Stay sharp. Stay grounded. And keep leading with courage.
— Lora Thorson
Host, Defenders LIVE
