Join us for a deep-dive conversation with Jarred from Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) on the State of the Second podcast! From the future of gunsmithing to the importance of hands-on training, Jarred shares what it takes to succeed in the firearms industry today. We talk shop about AR platforms, and why trade education is more vital than ever.

 

Whether you're curious about SDI, want to get into gunsmithing, or just love hearing real talk about firearms and freedom-this episode has something for you.

 

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

 

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Grant from Mantis, the innovative minds behind some of the most advanced dry fire and training tools in the firearm world.

From the Blackbeard AR trigger reset system to the upcoming Titan X training pistol and augmented reality environments, Mantis is pushing the boundaries of how we train-and who can access that training.

 

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

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Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

 

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

In this episode of State of the Second, Tracy Lee joins Kailey and John to share her wild origin story in the 2A space, why real training matters more than just posing with guns, and how to be taken seriously in this industry. She dives into the truth about censorship on social media, what it’s really like to be a female influencer in a male-dominated world, and how her blue hair sparks conversations at the range.

We also get into AK matches, rollerblading with dogs, her reality TV experience, and how women can take their first step into shooting and self-defense with confidence.

 

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

-----------------------

Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

 

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Patriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!

In this episode of the State of the Second Podcast, John and Kailey are joined by Alexander from Arrowhead Tactical — the brand that’s changing how we think about concealed carry apparel. From gym shorts to joggers, fanny packs to full-size pistols, Alexander breaks down what makes carry actually discreet… and where most people are giving themselves away.

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

-----------------------

Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

 

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

 

Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today!

 

In this episode of the State of the Second John and Kailey are joined by Bill Cleftis, CEO of Otis Technology, to dive deep into the world of gun cleaning, CCW training, and what it’s really like to be a gun owner in post-Bruen New York. Whether you’re a seasoned 2A advocate or a new gun owner, this episode is packed with real talk, expert advice, and hard-earned wisdom from one of the leading voices in firearms maintenance.

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

 

Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today!

Pete Brownell of Brownells joins State of the Second to talk gun culture, DIY building, and why the firearms industry must stay politically engaged. From suppressors and the HPA to the rise of gunsmithing and trade schools, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the right to build, repair, and protect.

 

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

 

Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

 

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today!

What happens when your constitutional rights change the moment you cross a state line? In this episode of State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Eddie Loveday from ETS to talk about the wild reality of navigating America with a firearm. From literally rerouting his road trips through Memphis to avoid anti-gun states, to exposing the myths around magazine wear and capacity bans, Eddie brings 20+ years of industry insight—and plenty of spicy takes.

 

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

Thanks to AAC Ammo & Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

 

Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today!

 

This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with KCI USA for a raw and honest conversation about rebuilding trust, improving quality, and standing strong for the 2A community. They talk about brand redemption, product quality, and the fight to restore trust in the gun community—all while tackling big-picture 2A issues like complacency, culture wars, and magazine bans. A brutally honest, no-filter look at the industry’s past, present, and future.

 

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

 

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

 

Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today!

In this episode John and Kailey sit down with Bob Faxon and Dustin Wallace of Faxon Firearms to dive deep into the roots, innovation, and unwavering mission behind Faxon Firearms. You’ll hear how a TV show ignited a furious spark that led to the creation of the legendary ARAC rifle, and how a legacy of precision manufacturing shaped everything from pencil barrels to next-gen suppressors. From a kitchen table sketch to one of the most respected names in firearms—this is the Faxon Firearms story you’ve never heard.

 

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

 

Special thanks to our sponsors for supporting this season!

 

Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today: https://ammosquared.com/

Derya Arms – Precision. Performance. Power. Discover innovation in every shot: https://derya.us/

In this episode, John and Kailey sit down with Elijah, founder of Infinite Defense, to talk about how his startup went from a garage concept to becoming a go-to solution for military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters alike. Whether you're military, law enforcement, a trainer, or a weekend shooter—this is the episode that might just change the way you run your range.

 

Register for GOALS 2025, August 9th & 10th: https://events.goa.org/goals/

 

Special thanks to Ammo² for supporting this season!

Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today: https://ammosquared.com/

This week, Kailey and John sit down with Allen Forkner from GunBroker.com to talk movie guns, auction madness, and the current state of Second Amendment rights in America.

From Harrison Ford’s iconic firearms to the myth-busting reality of buying guns online, this episode dives into the cultural power of pop culture weapons — and why they matter in today’s political landscape

 

Special thanks to our sponsors for supporting this season!

 

Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today: https://ammosquared.com/

Derya Arms – Precision. Performance. Power. Discover innovation in every shot: https://derya.us/

In this episode of the State of the Second Podcast, John and Kailey sit down with Chris from Krate Tactical to talk about defending your rights, one tool at a time. From out-the-front knives to the future of self-defense laws, Chris shares his journey from the USCCA to Krate Tactical, why quality matters, and how Krate is shaking up the gear game with knives, targets, and more.

We also dive deep into the battle for the Second Amendment, the importance of grassroots advocacy, and how the gun community can take a page from the knife rights movement. Plus, how college campuses and everyday carry are impacted by outdated laws—and what we can do about it.

 

Special thanks to our sponsors for supporting this season!

 

Ammo² – The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings today: https://ammosquared.com/

Derya Arms – Precision. Performance. Power. Discover innovation in every shot: https://derya.us/

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Brian from Caliber Coffee to talk about how every cup supports American-made products and the Second Amendment. Caliber Coffee is more than great coffee, it’s about putting “Freedom in Every Cup.”

Brian shares what makes the brand different, how your purchases help protect your rights, and what’s coming next with Reload Energy and Bull Barrel Jerky.

Learn more: calibercoffeecompany.com

This week on State of the Second, John is joined by Richard D. Hayes, ll, and Emily Taylor, Armed Attorneys, for a breakdown of what happens after a self-defense shooting. From what not to say on a 911 call to how your social media could be used in court, this episode is packed with real-world legal insight every gun owner needs. They also hit on home defense plans, Texas 2A law, and fighting back against ATF overreach. Whether you're new to carrying or a long-time defender — this one’s a must-watch.

This week on State of the Second, John sits down with Adam from GoonTape to talk about building a brand, breaking norms in the firearms industry, and bringing fresh energy into the 2A space. From launching GoonTape with 10,000 rolls in his apartment to revolver EDCs and wild marketing, Adam shares his journey and mission to grow a more inclusive gun culture.

Join John as he sits down with Adam, Mike, and Matt from Whiskey & Windage for a no-holds-barred conversation. They dive into the power of unbiased podcasting and how new gun owners are shifting the culture. Then it gets real, they tackle hot-button issues like Hunter Biden, the VA infringing on veterans’ rights, and the growing call to reform or abolish the ATF.

Join the conversation with John and Cameron Hillman, CEO of Devil Dog Concepts, who explore the innovation behind their AR side charge handle system. Cameron shares how his law enforcement and military background led to founding the company, and the challenges of marketing firearm products in a restrictive legal and social media climate—especially in states like New York. They also discuss industry accountability, growing female gun ownership, and the importance of community support in today’s 2A landscape.

This week join John as he sits down with Klay O’Bier and Chad Burge of United Patriot Coin! They break down the ins & outs of investing in precious metals, from how to start collecting to scams going around, so you can protect your wealth and make informed decisions.

This week, join John as he sits down with Alex Costa of ANR Design. They dive straight into their company and the holsters they produce. As well as long range shooting, working with big vs small creators, and other countries copying USA firearms.

Join John this week as he chats with Michael Cox of Cox Arms USA to dive into firearm repairs, barrel wear, the Every Man’s Rifle, and the loopholes in tracking customers and transfers.