instructor

S12E10: Why Attend Training…Even as an Instructor? with Charlie Perez

By Riley Bowman / October 2, 2025

In this episode, I chat with competitive practical shooter Charlie Perez about the importance of continuous training for both instructors and students. We discuss how effective teaching goes beyond formal certifications and the need for self-evaluation. Emphasizing the dual role of teacher and learner, we highlight the value of self-awareness and feedback in skill development. Personal anecdotes illustrate the transformative impact of diverse teaching styles. Key takeaways include viewing learning as a lifelong commitment, fostering curiosity, and actively seeking challenges for growth. This episode inspires listeners to embrace their paths to mastery.

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S11E13: 10 Tips for Firearms Trainers with Rob Beckman

By Riley Bowman / April 25, 2025

Rob emphasizes safety communication on the range and the need for medical preparedness. We also explore adapting teaching methods for adult learners and managing performance anxiety through practical strategies. Our conversation underscores the value of flexibility and knowledge in creating a safe and effective training environment.

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Your Secret Weapon as an Instructor: The Firearm Trainer’s Podcast

By Jacob Paulsen / April 8, 2025

The Firearm Trainer’s Podcast is a must-listen for part-time and full-time instructors, covering topics from teaching tips to business growth, marketing, and industry trends—all tailored for firearm educators.

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S6E10: Cultivating Community to Impact Student Performance with Christopher Bean

By Riley Bowman / May 19, 2022

Riley Bowman brings onto the podcast for the first time Christopher Bean of Tactical Advantage to discuss something Chris is really passionate about–creating effective learning environments and fostering culture and community to massively impact student learning and performance. This is something that affects and can be applied by anyone in their respective circles of influence. But if you’re an instructor or teacher of any kind, then this DEFINITELY applies to you, and you won’t want to miss it!

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S2E14: Top 5 Forks in Shooting Road…That Were Mistakes! with Hany Mahmoud

By Riley Bowman / June 24, 2021

Riley Bowman interviews Hany Mahmoud–law enforcement officer, firearms instructor, all-around good guy! Hany’s going to share with us the 5 common mistakes made by a lot of shooters and gun carriers. We’re also going to talk about what he’ll be teaching at the 2021 Guardian Conference in Oklahoma City.

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Episode 472: Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast, Right? feat. Tim Herron

By Riley Bowman / January 26, 2021

Today, Riley Bowman will have special guest Tim Herron of TimHerronShooting.com on the show to talk about breaking down the shot process, training, and how to attain peak pistol-shooting performance. Tim is a multi-division USPSA Grand Master who just recently won the 2020 USPSA Area 2 Championship. He is also a passionate full-time instructor traveling the country to help competitive and defensive shooters alike bust through performance roadblocks and get on the path to reach their full potential.

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Episode 382: Texas Church Shooting Analysis

By Riley Bowman / January 21, 2020

Today Riley, Jacob, and Matthew break down and discuss the shooting that took place at the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas. We talk about the moments leading up to it, the response by Jack Wilson and others, and the aftermath. What can we all learn from this to make ourselves, our families, and our churches safer and strong…

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Episode 380: Professional Firearms Education and Veteran’s Training Program with Brannon LeBouef

By Riley Bowman / January 14, 2020

Today, Riley talks with Brannon LeBouef of NOLATAC Firearms Training about a new Professional Firearms Education Program that not only provides professional instructors a “Bachelor’s Degree-level” education but is also able to be utilized by veterans and paid for with GI Bill funds. Brannon, an experienced instructor and law enforcement officer, is very knowledgable on other firearms and training topics, so expect a high-octane, info-packed episode!

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Episode 355: Big Guys Can Appendix, Too! – Spencer Keepers

By Riley Bowman / October 4, 2019

Today, Riley talks with Spencer Keepers of Keepers Concealment. Spencer has become known as the “Appendix Carry Guy.” His company makes arguably the best AIWB holsters on the market (some of the models can be carried in other positions as well). But Spencer is also a really good shooter, too, having just recently earned his SECOND Turbo Pin (don’t know what that is?…we’ll talk about it)! Should be a great episode today!

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Episode 353: Learning Concealed Carry the HARD WAY with Jeff Gonzales

By Riley Bowman / September 28, 2019

Today, Riley talks with Jeff Gonzales, former Navy SEAL, Founder of Trident Concepts, LLC, and Director of Training at The Range at Austin. Jeff has a unique story of how he first learned how to carry a gun concealed, and he had to learn a lot of lessons the hard way. Today our goal will be to learn what sorts of mistakes and troubles we should avoid, and we’ll also talk about the Concealed Carry Instructor Development Course Riley recently attended as taught by Jeff and do a little After Action Report (AAR) about it and some stuff Riley learned.

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How To Make A Full Time Living As A Firearm Instructor

By Jacob Paulsen / September 3, 2019

Recently a member of a private Facebook group of which I’m a member posted this question: For all the full-time firearm instructors where your only “day job” centers around firearms…

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Episode 311: Teaching Firearms & the NEW Firearm Trainer’s Podcast w/ Rob Beckman

By Riley Bowman / April 19, 2019

Today, Riley and Rob Beckman talk about teaching others about firearms, becoming a firearms instructor, best practices, and we announce the official launch of the exciting NEW Firearm Trainer’s Podcast, of which Rob is the host!!

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What Makes a Great Instructor and How Do You Find One?

By Jacob Paulsen / January 2, 2017

Finding a good instructor can sometimes be a challenge if you don’t know what to look for. A few good reviews and a military background are not generally the best indicators.

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Considerations In Becoming a Firearm Instructor

By Rob Beckman / December 21, 2016

Being an instructor is not always easy dealing with the challenges of putting on a quality class and sometimes can be downright frustrating. If you are an instructor who is willing to put the time into setting up a quality business, put on quality courses, and promote it you’ll be rewarded with meeting some of the best Americans.

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Who Makes Up Your Survivalist Team?

By Jacob Paulsen / January 13, 2016

While you are ultimately responsible for what you do and how prepared you are you still need to approach survival and preparedness as something you do with a team of people that support your efforts forward.

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