Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for The Clay Lab Network Podcast
SportsTV & FilmHealth & FitnessMental Health

The Clay Lab Network Podcast

Will Fennell, Dawn Grant, Cody Matson & Cade Faetche

The Clay Lab brings you a collaborative podcast platform with many hosts about clay target sports including trap, skeet, sporting clays, and FITASC. Hosts like Will Fennell as a multi-time World and National Champion in FITASC. Also, Dawn Grant a renowned Mental Trainer for shooters and PGA Tour Professionals and other great hosts from around the sport. We explore techniques, methods, and mindsets in this sport. We bring you some of the best in the industry, from champion shooters, target setters, and industry leaders. Also join us on YouTube at "The Clay Lab" where we produce 4k quality videos about shotgun sports. The Clay Lab proud to be Fueled by FIOCCHI.

The Clay Lab Network -Will Fennell, Dawn Grant, Cody Matson & Cade Faetche

Play
Open in
  • 22 episodes
  • Avg 56 min
  • English

Support the show

Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.

Episodes 22

NewestOldestLongest
All20Unplayed20In progress0Played0
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S3 · E18
    Yesterday · 47 min

    National Champion Mindset: Pat Lieske’s System for Smarter Practice and Better Sporting Clays Scores – Matson Shooting Academy Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Matson Shooting Academy Podcast, hosted by Cody Matson and brought to you by The Clay Lab Network, 2014 National Champion and veteran coach Pat Lieske explains why better shooting begins with a system. Instead of simply chasing the miss, Pat focuses on building an intentional, repeatable process that helps shooters understand exactly what happened on every target. From maintaining detailed logbooks and developing effective pre-shot routines to using visualization and honest self-evaluation, he shares the habits that separate advanced competitors from shooters who struggle to turn practice into better scores. Pat breaks down how a shooter’s log can become the foundation of long-term improvement and why identifying one major weakness should guide most of a focused practice session. He explains his angle, speed, and distance method for reading targets, along with how to determine whether a miss came from the initial setup, poor execution, or an incorrect target read. Pat also discusses the power of visualization, showing how mental repetitions can reinforce the same skills developed through live-fire practice. His approach gives shooters a clear framework for diagnosing mistakes, making productive adjustments, and building a pre-shot routine that remains dependable under pressure. The conversation also explores Pat Lieske’s journey from his early years shooting skeet to witnessing the growth of sporting clays in the United States. He explains why he left public accounting to build a full-time career in the shooting industry and how that decision led to a business centered on coaching, gun sales, and range operations. Pat also shares the creative event formats he used to attract hundreds of new NSCA members and discusses why creating a welcoming environment is essential to growing the sport. Pat Lieske is the owner of Michigan Shooting Centers, with locations in Lake Orion and Brighton, Michigan. He is a longtime competitor, instructor, and industry professional known for his practical, process-first approach to shooting. He also serves as the United States importer for Cayman and Cosmi shotguns. This episode is essential listening for sporting clays shooters, coaches, and anyone looking to turn more practice into measurable performance. Pat delivers high-level, immediately useful advice that can change the way you prepare for, read, and approach every target. Pat Lieske: (248) 437-2784 or (248) 693-0567 Website: https://mishoot.com/shooting-instruction/ Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820 Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/ MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/ Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E17
    August 20 · 50 min

    Doctor Colo on the Critical Two Seconds That Transform Your Sporting Clays Shooting into Success – Matson Shooting Academy Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail MSA Podcast Episode features Unlock the secret to effortless shooting mastery by tapping into your subconscious — discover how visual control and mental focus elevate your game beyond the physical. In this episode, renowned eye doctor Dr. Richard Colo joins shooting coach Cody Matson for a deep dive into the mental mechanics behind precision shooting. They explore groundbreaking insights on how to eliminate flinches, master visual attention, and seamlessly let the shot happen, rather than force it.You’ll discover: · The crucial difference between “making it happen” and “letting it happen,” and how your eyes lead your hands for more effortless, confident shots. · The three core elements of sports vision training: visual control, eyes-first focus, and soft fuzzy attention — and how to harness them for peak performance. · The impact of mental state transitions, like from conscious to subconscious, on shot accuracy — including how to conquer the dreaded flinch and target panic. · Practical routines, including breath control and eye pauses, that set up your brain to fire smoothly at the perfect moment. · Why high-level shooters accelerate their gun first, and how your visual attention influences that process. Whether you're a competitive shooter striving for that next level or an enthusiast eager to shoot more consistently, this episode reveals how understanding and training your vision can transform your results. Don’t rely on willpower alone — learn how your brain and eyes can work together behind the scenes to make shooting feel natural and effortless. Join Cody and Dr. Colo as they unpack proven techniques, surprising research, and personal experiences that put the power of the subconscious into your hands. Improve your focus, reduce anxiety, and unlock your true shooting potential—because seeing is winning. Perfect for shooters at all levels ready to go beyond mechanics and tap into your mental game. Tune in, and start letting your eyes do the work for you. Guest: Dr. Richard Colo, an acclaimed sports vision expert, brings over 35 years of experience helping shooters see their best. His work has changed how many top athletes approach performance through vision training. Doctor Richard Colo Links Website: https://doctorcolo.com/ Phone: (860) 558-4610 Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820 Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/ MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/ Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E16
    August 13 · 47 min

    From Beginner to Confident Shooter: Cody Jesse’s Coaching and Sporting Clays Course Design Secrets – Matson Shooting Academy Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Matson Shooting Academy Podcast hosted by The Clay Lab Network, imagine transforming the way you approach clay shooting with practical, step-by-step insights from a seasoned pro who's been in your shoes. Cody Jesse, a top-tier shooter and expert coach, shares the secrets behind building confidence in beginners, fine-tuning advanced skills, and creating courses that inspire both pros and newcomers. If you're tired of shooting frustration and want to unlock your full potential, this episode is your game-changer. Cody starts by revealing how his upbringing in hunting and outdoor sports laid the foundation for his success—not just as a shooter, but as a coach passionate about bringing others into the sport. He discusses his journey from hunting guide to leading the redesign of a premier clay target course, emphasizing how terrain, course design, and relationship-building elevate the shooting experience. You'll discover his philosophy on progressive target presentation—from easy incomers to challenging pairs—and how tailoring targets to shooters' handedness or skill level boosts confidence and consistency. We break down actionable coaching strategies Cody uses at every level: introducing new shooters safely with lightweight, low-recoil shotguns; teaching visual detail to improve target tracking; and instilling the mental discipline needed for mastery. Cody emphasizes how understanding and leveraging that core visual and mechanical "tool set" transforms novices into capable, confident shooters—without overwhelm. He also dives into his own practice routines: watching targets, isolating weaknesses like barrel control, and how to avoid common pitfalls like pushing beyond one's skill level too quickly. Why does this matter? Because in a sport where perfection is built on minute adjustments, understanding how to craft the right environment and mindset can turn obstacles into opportunities. Whether you're shooting for fun, competition, or just wanting to enjoy the outdoors with family, you'll learn how to make every shot count—and how to foster growth in others.Perfect for beginners eager to learn, seasoned shooters hungry for improvement, and course owners aiming to create memorable experiences—this episode equips you with the tools, mindset, and inspiration to elevate your entire shooting journey. Don't just shoot—shoot smarter, safer, and more confidently. Cody Jesse is a professional shooter, course designer, and passionate instructor known for turning novices into confident marksmen. With extensive experience redesigning top courses and mentoring shooters of all levels, Cody’s insights can reshape your approach—whether on the range or in coaching.Hit play now and discover the keys to unlocking your best shot yet! Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820 Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/ MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/ Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E7
    August 4 · 48 min

    New NSCA Chief Instructor: The Art of Coaching, Diagnostics, and Growth in Clay Target Sports - Matson Shooting Academy Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets behind becoming a top-tier shooting instructor as Philip Puckorius—NSCA's new chief instructor—shares insights from his 30+ years of experience. Discover how continuous learning, effective teaching frameworks, and mastering the art of diagnostics can elevate your coaching game and help shooters reach their highest potential. This episode dives deep into the evolution of instructor education, emphasizing the importance of practical experience—like logging hours and taking lessons—to truly master the craft. Phil reveals innovative strategies for delivering effective, engaging training through seminars, digital modules, and community-driven solutions that are affordable and sustainable. You'll learn how to diagnose the root causes of misses, communicate effectively, and instill confidence in your students, transforming not only their skills but your reputation as a coach. We break down the core components of the NSCA instructor pathway—what it takes to move from novice to elite—and explore the criteria, qualifications, and mindset keys needed to achieve level three certification. Phil also shares how the program is continuously evolving to meet modern coaching demands, aiming for a culture of excellence, safety, and shared knowledge that benefits shooters at all levels. Perfect for aspiring instructors, experienced coaches, and serious competitors alike—if you're committed to making a real impact in the sport, this episode will equip you with the mindset, tools, and frameworks to thrive. Whether you're looking to elevate your coaching credentials or simply want insights on how top performers learn and improve, this conversation is a must-listen. Philip Puckorius is the chief instructor at NSCA, a 30-year veteran of shotgun coaching, and a dedicated educator passionate about advancing shooting instruction through proven methods and ongoing professional development. His work bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping coaches and athletes unlock their true potential. Don't miss the lessons that can reshape your coaching approach and propel your shooters to new heights. Hit play now and start your journey toward mastery. Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820 Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/ MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/ Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E8
    August 3 · 1 hr

    Marty Fischer on Wing Shooting, Sporting Clays & Mental Excellence – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail Marty Fischer joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation on Sporting Clays, wing shooting, course design, target setting, instruction, mental focus, and the growth of the clay target industry. Marty is one of the most experienced voices in shotgun sports, with decades of work as a Sporting Clays course designer, shooting instructor, television host, outdoor writer, and consultant. He is the founder of SportShooting Consultants, Ltd., has designed clay target facilities across the country, and has contributed to many well-known clubs and shooting destinations, including Cherokee Rose, Quail Creek Ranch, Covey Rise, Greater Houston Gun Club, and Clark County Shooting Park. In this episode, Marty shares how his career began in the shooting industry after a background in resort real estate and marketing. His work at Cherokee Rose helped shape his understanding that Sporting Clays facilities are not just shooting ranges, but entertainment businesses built around customer experience, hospitality, clean grounds, reliable targets, and well-designed events. He explains how that early success led to decades of consulting, facility design, marketing plans, and course development for public, private, corporate, and resort-based shooting properties. Dawn and Marty discuss the business side of Sporting Clays, including why events are so important for gun clubs, how charity shoots can replace or enhance traditional golf fundraisers, and why clay target events create strong camaraderie among participants. Marty explains how successful clubs must understand their everyday customers while also building event opportunities that support long-term revenue and growth. The conversation also explores target setting and course design from a practical and mental perspective. Marty shares insight on wind, sun position, terrain, target height, and how target setters must balance fairness, challenge, and fun. He explains why target setters need to understand how weather affects presentations and why course layout matters, especially during large events where shooters may face different conditions throughout the day. A major focus of the episode is mental training and consistency. Marty talks about coaching the Georgia Southern Clay Target Team, teaching collegiate courses in wing shooting and clay target theory, and helping shooters understand that performance depends on vision, mindset, process, and preparation. Dawn and Marty discuss the importance of respecting every target, including the easy ones, and why top shooters separate themselves by following a consistent pre-shot routine every time. Marty also shares practical advice about trigger words, visual focus, front-edge awareness, and being fully ready before calling “pull.” This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, coaches, club owners, target setters, and anyone interested in the connection between mental discipline, facility design, customer experience, and long-term success in shotgun sports. Website: https://martyfischer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marty.fischer.5/ Marty Fischer Outdoors Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MartyFischerOutdoors/ Wing & Clay Nation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wingandclayradio/ YouTube Search / Channel Content: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Marty+Fischer+Wing+and+Clay+Nation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marty-fischer-5201524a Phone: 912-657-7532 Email: Mf3825@aol.com Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E9
    August 3 · 1 hr 2 min

    Scott Barnett on Sporting Clays, Mental Focus & UK Shooting Culture – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail Scott Barnett joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for an international conversation on Sporting Clays, competition shooting, gun clubs, mental training, and the differences between the shooting culture in the United Kingdom and the United States. Scott is the owner of Mickley Hall Shooting School in Cheshire, England, where he and his family have built one of the country’s respected shooting facilities. Scott began shooting at nine years old, competed for England and Great Britain in multiple shotgun disciplines, and later transitioned into English Sporting competition and instruction. In this episode, Scott shares the story of how his family transformed their farm into a full shooting school and sporting business. What started as a small operation running limited events eventually expanded into a large shooting facility with dozens of traps, a clubhouse, gun room, instructors, retail sales, and commercial business rentals. Scott explains the unique planning laws in the UK, the challenges of obtaining permission to operate a shooting ground, and the increasing pressure from anti-gun attitudes and regulations. Dawn and Scott also discuss the major differences between clay target competition in the UK and the US. Scott explains how many British shooters historically traveled around the country shooting multiple registered events in a single weekend, while American competitions are often centralized at one large venue over several days. They also discuss how target presentations, club culture, and competition structures differ internationally. A major focus of the conversation is the mental side of competitive shooting. Scott shares how distractions from business responsibilities, customers, phones, social media, and score updates can negatively affect focus during major events. Dawn and Scott discuss the importance of being mentally present, setting boundaries, leaving phones behind, and protecting concentration during competition. Scott also gives valuable insight into his own experience with mental coaching. He explains how he began working with sports psychology programs as a junior shooter on Great Britain teams and how mental training has helped him throughout different stages of his career. Dawn and Scott discuss confidence, breathing, accountability, pressure management, repetitive thinking, and why many elite competitors quietly work with mental coaches even if they do not publicly discuss it. The episode also explores how shooters develop confidence over time, why lower-level shooters are often influenced too heavily by others around them, and how instructors can help new competitors gradually become comfortable in competition settings. Scott explains how building trust in your own technique and staying committed to your process is critical for long-term success. Dawn and Scott also discuss the growing level of competition in Sporting Clays, the influence of high scores on competitors’ psychology, and how preparation, repetition, and mindset all contribute to elite performance. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, competitors, and gun club owners interested in mental discipline, international shooting culture, and the evolving mindset of today’s clay target athletes. Scott Barnett Links Website: https://www.mickleyhall.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickleyhallshootingschool/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickleyhallshootingschool/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickleyhallshootingschool Email: admin@mickleyhall.com Phone: +44 1270 522422 Location: Mickley Hall Shooting School Cheshire, England Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E10
    August 3 · 53 min

    Cindi Hubbard on Women in Sporting Clays, Confidence & the Mental Game – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail Cindi Hubbard joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for an honest and inspiring conversation on Sporting Clays, women in shooting sports, confidence, instruction, competition pressure, and the mental side of performance. Cindi is an NSCA Level III Instructor, founder of She Shoots Clays, and an instructor certification coach who has spent years helping women and new shooters gain confidence in the sport while developing practical shooting skills and mental resilience. In this episode, Cindi shares her unusual path into shooting sports. Raised in Southern California in a home where guns were viewed with fear and avoided entirely, she did not pull the trigger on a shotgun until age 40. Initially terrified, she quickly discovered a passion for shooting after breaking her first targets in skeet. What began as a way to manage stress during a difficult season of life soon developed into a deep involvement in Sporting Clays, hunting, long-range rifle shooting, pistol shooting, and instruction. Dawn and Cindi discuss how fear, upbringing, and mental programming can shape a shooter’s confidence and comfort around firearms. Cindi explains how years of negative messaging about guns created anxiety and fear before she ever stepped onto a range, and how overcoming those internal beliefs became part of her journey into the sport. A major focus of the episode is the mental game, especially as it relates to women shooters. Cindi openly shares her experiences with performance anxiety, fear of judgment, overthinking, confidence struggles, and emotional pressure during competition. She describes how difficult it was early in her shooting career to manage the constant mental chatter during tournaments and how she often felt intensely aware of being one of the few women competing at events. Dawn and Cindi also explore the connection between instinctive shooting, conscious thought, and the zone. They compare shooting to dance, piano, and other repetitive skills that transition from conscious effort into subconscious execution through repetition and trust. Cindi explains how she uses surprise targets, report pairs, and instinctive shooting exercises to help students stop overthinking and begin trusting their natural movement and visual focus. The conversation also covers the challenges women face balancing family responsibilities, work, motherhood, and competition shooting. Cindi shares how these realities inspired her to create She Shoots Clays, a supportive environment where women could practice together, build confidence, and feel welcomed into the sport without intimidation or pressure. Dawn and Cindi also discuss instruction, learning through struggle, coaching methods, and why many great teachers are developed through personal hardship and persistence. Cindi explains how years of trial and error, including shooting with one eye closed for nearly a decade, ultimately helped shape her approach to coaching and instruction. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, women competitors, and anyone interested in confidence, mindset, instinctive shooting, emotional control, and the mental side of improvement in shotgun sports. Cindi Hubbard Links Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheShootsClays/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheshootsclays/ Email: sheshootsclays@gmail.com NSCA Instructor Page: https://nsca.nssa-nsca.org/instructor/cindi-hubbard/ Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E11
    August 3 · 57 min

    Jon Parrish on Sporting Clays, the Zone & Coaching Competitive Shooters – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail Jon Parrish joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation on Sporting Clays, instruction, mental focus, competition shooting, coaching, and the process of developing consistency in shotgun sports. Jon is an NSCA Level III Instructor, founder of Shady Cove Shooting School, competitive shooter, course setter, and homeschool shooting team coach based in the mountains of western North Carolina. In this episode, Jon shares how he grew up in rural Tennessee hunting and shooting from an early age before eventually discovering Sporting Clays in his mid-40s. Although his first 100-target outing resulted in a score of only 38, he immediately fell in love with the sport and knew it would become a lifelong passion. Dawn and Jon discuss the exhilaration of breaking difficult targets, the camaraderie found within the shooting community, and why Sporting Clays became an escape from the analytical demands of Jon’s professional career in the insurance industry. A major focus of the episode is the mental game and the balance between conscious preparation and instinctive execution. Jon explains how shooters must carefully plan their break points, hold points, visual pickup points, and stance before calling for the target, but once the target appears, they must stop analyzing and trust instinct, vision, and subconscious movement. Dawn and Jon discuss the zone, intuitive shooting, overthinking, confidence, and how excessive analysis can interfere with performance. Jon also shares one of the most difficult periods of his competitive shooting journey when his eye dominance shifted from right-eye dominant to left-eye dominant later in life. He explains the confusion and frustration that came with missing targets that visually appeared correct and how eventually learning to manage the issue through proper visual techniques helped him return to competition and continue progressing toward Master Class status. The conversation also explores coaching and instruction. Jon explains why he moved from primarily competing to focusing more heavily on teaching and mentoring shooters. He discusses his philosophy that success in Sporting Clays comes from mastering a small number of core fundamentals and then learning to execute them subconsciously under pressure. Dawn and Jon also discuss the importance of belief, confidence, persistence, and patience in skill development. Jon shares why many shooters become discouraged too quickly and how progress in Sporting Clays requires a long-term mindset rather than instant gratification. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey, staying committed during plateaus, and continuing to trust the process even during difficult stretches. The episode also highlights Jon’s work coaching the Haywood Homeschool Bobcats shotgun team, including their surprising district championship victory against much larger schools. Jon shares how meaningful it has been to mentor young shooters and help them grow both competitively and personally. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, coaches, competitors, and anyone interested in the connection between mindset, instinctive shooting, confidence, perseverance, and long-term development in shotgun sports. Jon Parrish Links: Website: https://shadycovess.com/ NSCA Instructor Profile: https://nsca.nssa-nsca.org/instructor/jon-parrish/ Iron Mountain Sporting Clays: https://ironmountainclays.com/ Fowler Farms Sporting Clays: https://fowlerfarmsportingclays.com/ Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E12
    August 3 · 56 min

    Russ McElyea on the Mental Game, Flow State & Sporting Clays Competition – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail Russ McElyea joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a deep conversation on Sporting Clays, mental discipline, flow state performance, instruction, competition mindset, and the evolution of one of Montana’s premier shooting facilities. Russ is a longtime competitive shooter, instructor, outdoorsman, former judge, and board member at Gallatin Sporting Clays near Bozeman, Montana. In this episode, Russ shares how his shooting journey originally began through bird hunting and a desire to become a better shot for his English Setter and hunting companions. After starting in skeet more than 35 years ago, Russ and a small group of dedicated shooters pooled their resources together to create what eventually became Gallatin Sporting Clays. What started with two traps on a small piece of land eventually evolved into a major facility featuring multiple Sporting Clays courses, FITASC layouts, five stands, and more than 150 traps, all operated through volunteer passion and community support. Dawn and Russ discuss the unique culture surrounding the Montana shooting community, the importance of preserving quality facilities, and the dedication required to build and maintain a successful club. Russ explains how every dollar generated by the club is reinvested directly into improving the facility, creating a strong sense of ownership and pride among members and volunteers. A major focus of the episode centers around the mental game and how Russ developed an awareness of flow state performance through years of participating in outdoor sports including mountain biking, dirt biking, skiing, hunting, rifle competition, handgun competition, and Sporting Clays. Russ explains how many high-speed sports demand a complete absence of conscious thought and how that same subconscious flow state becomes critical in shotgun sports as well. Dawn and Russ explore the concept of the zone, the importance of letting go, trust, confidence, emotional control, and the challenge of quieting the conscious mind under pressure. Russ discusses how over-analysis, excessive control, and attachment to outcomes can interfere with performance, while belief, trust, positivity, and emotional discipline help shooters access peak performance states more consistently. The conversation also explores the similarities between life and Sporting Clays. Russ shares how adversity, frustration, setbacks, and struggle often become the greatest teachers in both competition and personal growth. Dawn and Russ discuss why confidence with humility creates a stronger competitor than arrogance, why many elite shooters possess exceptional self-discipline, and how true growth often comes through learning to release self-imposed limitations. Russ also shares stories from his professional background as an attorney, ski resort executive, and judge, explaining how those experiences shaped his perspective on discipline, objectivity, self-awareness, leadership, and personal accountability. He explains how those same traits later carried over into coaching, instruction, and competition shooting. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, competitors, club owners, and anyone interested in mental performance, flow state, emotional discipline, and the connection between mindset, sport, and life itself. Russ McElyea Links Gallatin Sporting Clays Website: https://gallatinsportingclays.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GallatinSportingClays/ Instagram: I could not find an official public Instagram account for Gallatin Sporting Clays or Russ McElyea. Phone: 406-209-2144 Location: Gallatin Sporting Clays Bozeman, Montana Contact Page: https://gallatinsportingclays.com/contact-us/ Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E13
    August 3 · 48 min

    Brady Laramie on Collegiate Shooting, Helice & the Mental Game – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail Brady Laramie joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation on collegiate shooting, Sporting Clays, Helice, mental focus, athletic discipline, and the importance of building a complete performance system. Brady is a competitive clay target and Helice shooter, a member of the Texas A&M Trap and Skeet Team, and a young coach helping middle school and high school shooters develop in the sport. In this episode, Brady shares how he first became involved in shooting after moving to the Prosper and Frisco area near Dallas and discovering that his private Christian high school had a clay target team. Although he grew up hunting, clay target competition opened a new level of opportunity, challenge, and excitement. He began shooting skeet, trap, and Sporting Clays, quickly developing his skills during the COVID years when he had more time to practice. Dawn and Brady discuss how his athletic background in baseball, track, running, and fitness helped shape his competitive mindset. Brady explains how running taught him to push past mental limits, quiet internal chatter, and stay focused through discomfort. He shares how those same skills transferred into clay shooting, where distractions, pressure, background noise, side-by-sides, and internal doubt can interfere with performance. A major focus of the episode is the mental game across different clay target disciplines. Brady explains how skeet and trap become highly mental once the mechanics are established because the targets are predictable and success depends on focus, consistency, and emotional control. Sporting Clays, by contrast, requires planning, preparation, target reading, and then the ability to let go and execute instinctively. Brady also shares his growing passion for Helice, explaining how the unpredictability of the target forces complete presence, reaction, and trust. He discusses why Helice appealed to him after reaching Master Class in Sporting Clays and how the discipline creates a different competitive opportunity where strong mental focus can narrow the gap between developing shooters and top-level competitors. Dawn and Brady also explore the broader elements of peak performance, including hydration, nutrition, fitness, sleep, travel preparation, and controlling the variables that can be controlled before competition. Brady shares how hydration became especially important after dealing with kidney stones and how he now treats preparation as part of his competitive routine. The episode also covers collegiate shooting at Texas A&M, including the team structure, tryout process, regional and national competitions, and the multiple disciplines athletes must compete in across the ACUI format. Brady explains how shooting for Texas A&M has helped him grow as both a competitor and a person. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, Helice competitors, collegiate athletes, young shooters, coaches, and anyone interested in mental discipline, preparation, athletic development, and long-term improvement in clay target sports. Brady Laramie Links Email: brady@mtlaramie.com Texas A&M Trap and Skeet Team: https://www.instagram.com/tamutrapandskeet/ Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E14
    August 3 · 56 min

    Fred Ferraro on Competition Mindset, Coaching & Clay Target Success – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail Fred Ferraro joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for an in-depth conversation on Sporting Clays, coaching, competition mindset, pressure management, and developing champion shooters. Fred is a resident instructor at the Dallas Gun Club, an NSCA-certified instructor, competitive clay shooter, CrossFit coach, and lifelong student of performance and human behavior. In this episode, Fred shares his journey from growing up in Texas after moving from New York City as a child to eventually building a successful career in information technology and networking before transitioning into full-time coaching. Fred explains how his highly analytical personality shaped his early approach to shooting sports, including measuring lead distances, building spreadsheets, and trying to calculate every variable before eventually discovering the importance of target focus, instinctive shooting, and visual connection. Dawn and Fred discuss the major turning points that transformed his shooting career, including working with respected instructors such as Brad Kidd Jr., Scott Robertson, Steve Liberto, Dan Carlisle, and longtime mentor Ronnie Williams. Fred explains how learning to truly “look at the bird” changed everything for both him and his son and became one of the foundational principles of his coaching philosophy. A major focus of the episode centers around the mental game and how competitors handle pressure. Fred openly discusses his own struggles with emotional reactions during competition and how he worked to become more emotionally stable and mentally consistent under pressure. He shares observations from coaching youth athletes, explaining how some shooters need to become more energized while others perform best when calm, controlled, and emotionally neutral. The conversation also explores Fred’s highly intentional coaching methods. Dawn and Fred discuss how pressure cannot fully be recreated in practice, but how coaches can deliberately expose students to distractions, interruptions, emotional triggers, and competitive situations to help them build stronger mental habits. Fred shares examples of intentionally distracting students, creating pressure scenarios, and teaching athletes how to reset mentally and return to their process after interruptions. Dawn and Fred also discuss confidence, self-image, and helping athletes believe they are capable of becoming champion-level competitors. Fred explains how strong shooters often plateau until they develop the belief that they truly belong at a higher level of competition. He shares how building confidence, emotional resilience, and trust in a process becomes just as important as mechanics and repetition. The episode also covers pre-shot routines, visualization, emotional control, preparation habits, hydration, tournament routines, and learning to control the variables that can be controlled before competition begins. Fred explains how he eliminates unnecessary stress by organizing equipment, food, timing, and routines so that all his focus can remain on execution. Throughout the conversation, Dawn and Fred bridge the gap between mechanics, mindset, repetition, subconscious programming, and peak performance under pressure. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, youth athletes, coaches, and competitors who want to improve both their technical skills and mental game. Fred Ferraro Links Email: ffshotguninstruction@gmail.com Dallas Gun Club Instructor Page: Dallas Gun Club Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E15
    August 3 · 54 min

    Jared Wolfe on Sporting Clays, Creativity & the Mental Side of Performance – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail Jared Wolfe joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a thoughtful conversation on Sporting Clays, creativity, competition mindset, flow state performance, craftsmanship, and the mental side of peak performance. Jared is a competitive Sporting Clays shooter, instructor, craftsman, and lifelong outdoorsman based in Denver, Colorado. In this episode, Jared shares how his love for shooting began at an early age through family hunting trips, cap guns, hand-thrown clay targets, and recreational shooting with his father, brother, and grandfather. Although he briefly experimented with trap shooting as a child, he quickly became drawn toward more creative and dynamic target presentations. Jared explains how the variety and artistic nature of Sporting Clays immediately captured his attention once he discovered the sport competitively years later. Dawn and Jared discuss the similarities between Sporting Clays, art, masonry, and other forms of human performance. Jared shares his background studying fine art and sculpture before eventually returning to work in his family masonry business. Throughout the conversation, they explore how creativity, craftsmanship, and instinctive execution apply both to building structures and breaking targets. A major focus of the episode centers around flow state and the zone. Jared explains how he experiences the zone regularly not only while shooting, but also during masonry work and other focused activities that require complete presence and concentration. Dawn and Jared discuss how the zone is not exclusive to sports but is instead a human performance state that can appear in art, construction, theater, music, business, and everyday life. The conversation also explores the balance between analytical thinking and instinctive performance. Jared explains how some shooters rely heavily on measurements, calculations, and conscious analysis, while others operate more from feel, rhythm, trust, and subconscious awareness. He describes how his artistic and creative background helped him develop a more intuitive relationship with movement, timing, and target connection. Dawn and Jared also discuss the importance of practicing mental discipline outside of competition. Jared emphasizes that being present while driving, working, spending time with family, or handling stressful situations becomes part of training the mind for performance under pressure. He explains that shooters who only practice focus during tournaments often struggle because they have not developed those habits consistently throughout daily life. The episode also covers gratitude, emotional control, and personal responsibility during competition. Jared shares why negativity, complaining, and fixation on external circumstances can quickly pull shooters out of the zone. Dawn and Jared discuss how gratitude, positivity, and appreciation for the sport, target setters, volunteers, and venues help competitors remain grounded and mentally present. Jared also shares his experiences with competition shooting, instruction, target setting, and his time working with respected target setters including Joe Scull. The conversation highlights the creativity behind Sporting Clays target presentation and the challenge of balancing fun, fairness, difficulty, and artistic design. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, competitors, artists, craftsmen, and anyone interested in flow state, instinctive performance, mindset, creativity, and the mental side of success. Jared Wolfe Links Website: https://jaredwolfe.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaredwolfeshooting/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaredwolfeshooting/ Phone & Email: Available through the website contact page: https://jaredwolfe.com/contact/ Location: Denver, Colorado Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E6
    June 15 · 1 hr 5 min

    Dean Blanchard on Confidence, Target Reading & Sporting Clays Success – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail Dean Blanchard joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a focused conversation on Sporting Clays instruction, target reading, visual connection, confidence, and the mental side of improvement. Dean is a Sporting Clays instructor, target setter, YouTube educator, and Master Class shooter whose path into the sport began with struggle rather than natural talent. After starting as one of the weakest shooters at a charity shoot, Dean worked his way through the game, eventually reaching Master Class and winning smaller events along the way. His experience gives him a practical understanding of what shooters struggle with because he has personally worked through many of the same problems. In this episode, Dean shares how his outdoor background shaped his interest in shooting, hunting, fishing, and time in nature. Growing up in Virginia, he began with rifle shooting, spent time in 4-H, served in the Army Reserves, and developed a strong foundation in marksmanship before realizing that shotgun shooting required a very different skill set. He explains how looking at the gun, aiming, and using rifle habits made the transition to shotgun sports difficult, and how learning to trust the eyes, see the target, and move the gun efficiently became central to his progress. Dawn and Dean discuss how instruction should go beyond simply telling a shooter they were in front of or behind a target. Dean explains his teaching approach through three primary questions: did you see the target well, did you move the gun well, and did you break the target. He also shares how he uses simple drills, stationary objects, and target presentations to help shooters understand why they must look at the target instead of the barrel and how they can still be aware of the gun through peripheral vision. A major focus of the episode is the mental game in Sporting Clays. Dean and Dawn explore confidence, belief, self-talk, fear of longer targets, and the importance of helping shooters believe, “I can do this.” Dean shares how he uses small progressions, such as stepping back gradually on crossing targets, to help students build belief and extend their comfort zone without overwhelming them. Dawn expands on how repeated thoughts form beliefs and why shifting a shooter’s inner dialogue can directly affect performance. The conversation also covers the differences between trap and Sporting Clays, including why trap shooters often recognize the mental game more quickly because they shoot repeated targets and must stay focused through long runs. Dean shares his own experience running 100 straight in trap while battling intense nerves, and Dawn explains how repetitive sports demand disciplined conscious focus. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, and competitors who want to improve their target reading, visual focus, confidence, post-shot routine, and ability to self-coach. Dean’s practical teaching style and mental awareness make this a useful conversation for anyone working to become more consistent and efficient in the game. Dean Blanchard Links Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dean.blanchard.963/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanblanchardshooting/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deanblanchardshooting Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://f.mtr.cool/wehmqlchqh Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E5
    June 8 · 58 min

    Will Van Dusen on Confidence, Focus & Competitive Sporting Clays – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail Will Van Dusen joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation on Sporting Clays, college shooting, instruction, confidence, focus, and the mental side of performance. Will began shooting through the Texas 4-H shotgun program and became active in registered Sporting Clays as a young teenager. He went on to earn spots on Sub-Junior and Junior All-American teams and later competed for the Texas A&M Trap and Skeet team, where he served as team president and helped push the program toward Division I national success. In this episode, Will shares how shooting became a family-centered sport for him, beginning with his brother, parents, and the Texas 4-H program. He discusses growing up around competitive shooting, developing through youth programs, and eventually choosing Texas A&M partly because of its strong shooting team. Will explains the intensity of college shotgun competition, where athletes must perform across trap, doubles trap, skeet, super sporting, and Sporting Clays. He also reflects on the rivalry between Texas A&M, Lindenwood, Schreiner, and the University of Texas, as well as the pride of helping build strong collegiate programs. A major focus of the conversation is the connection between trap, skeet, Sporting Clays, and mental training. Will explains why Sporting Clays is his favorite discipline and why trap and skeet do not always transfer easily into Sporting Clays because of the repetition and more predictable target presentations. Dawn and Will discuss how repetitive targets can cause the conscious mind to wander, while Sporting Clays and FITASC require different levels of target awareness, focus, and adaptability. The episode also explores why trap shooters often have a strong awareness of the mental game. Dawn shares her experience speaking to a room of trap shooters who fully understood the importance of mental training, and Will explains why shooting long runs in trap requires strong focus, emotional control, and the ability to stay mentally committed through repetitive shots. Will also discusses his work as an instructor and assistant coach for the University of Texas Trap and Skeet team. He shares what he enjoys about helping new shooters build confidence, overcome hesitation, learn how to mount the gun, use their eyes, and trust the target. He also talks about coaching more advanced shooters through hold points, target connection, visual detail, and learning to stop being overly careful. Dawn and Will go deeper into pre-shot and post-shot routines, fear of missing, anxiety, overthinking, staying present, and why one miss can easily turn into several without the right mental reset. Will also shares his involvement with the University of Texas team and the Aggie Clay Target Foundation, which supports Texas A&M Trap and Skeet through fundraising, resources, and future scholarship opportunities. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, college athletes, coaches, instructors, and anyone interested in confidence, mental discipline, youth shooting, and the development of competitive clay target athletes. Bottom of Form Will Van Dusen Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willvandusen/ University of Texas Trap & Skeet Team: https://www.instagram.com/uttrapandskeet/ Aggie Clay Target Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/aggieclaytargetfoundation/ Capital City Clays Instructor Page: https://capitalcityclays.com/ Phone: (903) 203-2468 Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E4
    June 4 · 1 hr 16 min

    Tom Fiumarello on Confidence, Coaching & Sporting Clays Performance– Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail Tom Fiumarello joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a detailed conversation on Sporting Clays instruction, teaching, coaching, mental performance, and the difference between being a great shooter and being a great instructor. Tom is the founder of Excel Shooting Sports and brings a lifetime of teaching and coaching experience to the shooting industry. Before becoming a Sporting Clays instructor, he spent 35 years as a physical education teacher, coached high school and collegiate athletics at a high level, played professional baseball, and earned a master’s degree in human performance and sports psychology. In this episode, Tom shares how his journey into Sporting Clays began after a difficult period in his personal life, when a friend invited him to shoot and he broke only 11 out of 100 targets. Instead of walking away, that experience lit a fire in him. He pursued certifications, studied the game, trained through the Guild of Sporting Clay Instructors in the United Kingdom, and began transferring decades of teaching knowledge into the clay target world. A major focus of the conversation is the difference between shooting ability and teaching ability. Tom and Dawn discuss why not every top shooter is automatically a strong instructor, and why a true teacher must be able to assess each student’s experience, age, confidence, physical ability, learning style, and mental state. They compare Sporting Clays instruction to coaching in other sports, emphasizing that elite performers often rely on specialized coaches, trainers, and mental experts rather than assuming performance alone creates teaching skill. Dawn and Tom also explore the mental game in Sporting Clays, including confidence, failure, frustration, scorecard interpretation, pressure, focus, and the importance of recognizing progress. Tom explains how he helps students view missed targets as information rather than defeat, and Dawn expands on the value of a neutral post-shot or post-station routine that allows shooters to acknowledge what went well while identifying what still needs improvement. The episode also addresses the role of target setters, competition pressure, and the tendency many shooters have to focus on what went wrong rather than celebrating meaningful progress. Tom shares how he reviews scorecards with students to highlight bright spots, helping them build confidence instead of mentally defeating themselves after a round. Dawn and Tom also discuss the connection between clothing, identity, confidence, and performance; how outside distractions affect focus; and why the conscious mind must be trained to stay present during competition. This episode offers valuable insight for Sporting Clays shooters, instructors, coaches, and competitors who want to better understand how teaching, mechanics, confidence, mindset, and mental discipline all work together to improve performance.Top of Form Bottom of Form Tom Fiumarello Links Website: https://excelshooting.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excelsporting/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excelsporting/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@excelsporting Phone: (315) 447-2557 Email: tom@excelshooting.com Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E2
    June 1 · 1 hr 13 min

    Michael Maskell on Sporting Clays, Olympic Shooting & Mental Mastery – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail Michael Maskell brings decades of elite-level shooting experience, international competition, coaching knowledge, and mental discipline to this episode of Clay Mastermind. A five-time Olympian representing Barbados in International Skeet, Michael shares his journey from growing up in a shooting family to competing on the world stage against the best shotgun athletes in the world. Throughout the conversation, Michael discusses the realities of competing at the highest levels of shotgun sports, including the discipline, sacrifice, preparation, and mindset required to sustain success over decades. He reflects on his Olympic experiences, the challenge of training from a small island nation with limited resources, and how mental preparation became one of the most important tools in his career. Dawn and Michael focus heavily on the mental side of Sporting Clays and shotgun sports, including confidence, focus, target planning, pressure management, conscious preparation, and subconscious execution. Michael shares his perspective on why many shooters misunderstand the phrase “shooting from the subconscious,” explaining that instinctive shooting still requires conscious planning, presence, and clear intention before the shot. The conversation also explores the evolution of Sporting Clays and how the sport has become increasingly mental as equipment, target-setting, and shooter skill levels have advanced. Michael explains why modern Sporting Clays does not always require extreme target difficulty to challenge top competitors, and why the mental game often becomes the deciding factor between winning, plateauing, or falling behind. Michael also discusses Master Class competition, the mindset shift many shooters experience when they reach higher classifications, and why some competitors stop progressing once they begin measuring success only by class instead of true performance. His insight highlights the importance of mental training, preparation, and long-term commitment for shooters who want to compete at a higher level. In addition to his Olympic and Sporting Clays experience, Michael shares how working with sports psychologists helped him develop relaxation techniques, mental triggers, visualization, and recovery skills. He also discusses the role of physical fitness in performance, including his recent personal transformation, significant weight loss, and renewed commitment to training. This episode offers valuable perspective for Sporting Clays shooters, competitive athletes, coaches, and anyone interested in the connection between mental training and peak performance. Michael Maskell’s experience, honesty, and depth of knowledge provide a clear look at what it takes to improve, compete, and perform under pressure at the highest levels of shooting sports. Michael Maskell Links https://www.maskellshotgunacademy.com/ Phone: (812) 322-6905 Email: maskellshotgunacademy@gmail.com American Shooting Centers Instructor Profile: https://americanshootingcenters.com/instruction-and-coaching/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E3
    June 1 · 58 min

    Thomas Grice on Olympic Trap Shooting, Focus & the Mental Game– Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail Thomas Grice joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation focused on clay target shooting, Olympic trap, Sporting Clays comparisons, and the mental training required to perform at a high level. Thomas is an Australian IWSF trap shooter who represented Australia at the Tokyo Olympics and has competed in World Cups and World Championships. His achievements include winning gold in the mixed pairs event at the 2017 World Championships, earning bronze in the same event in 2019, and continuing to compete internationally for Australia. In this episode, Thomas shares how his shooting career began at age twelve through the influence of his grandfather, who introduced him to clay target shooting and remained a major source of support throughout his early development. He discusses starting in DTL trap, the strong family culture around shooting in Australia, and the role his parents, brother, and grandfather played in helping him travel, train, and compete. Thomas also explains how he transitioned from domestic trap events into IWSF trap and began pursuing international competition. Dawn and Thomas discuss the progression from junior competition into open-level shooting, including the challenge of competing against Australia’s top Olympic-level trap shooters. Thomas explains how he learned to set realistic performance goals, focus on personal bests, and build consistency over time rather than becoming discouraged by the gap between himself and more experienced competitors. He also shares how his early international experience in Germany became a turning point that confirmed his desire to pursue the sport at a higher level. A central focus of the episode is the mental side of clay target shooting. Thomas discusses the importance of staying present, focusing on the process instead of the score, and trusting the work already done in training. Dawn and Thomas explore why trap shooters may recognize the mental game more quickly than some Sporting Clays shooters, because trap requires near-perfect execution and offers fewer external variables to blame when targets are missed. The conversation also compares trap, Sporting Clays, and FITASC from a mental training perspective. Dawn explains how repetitive target presentations can challenge the conscious mind, making presence and focus essential. They discuss how Sporting Clays shooters may sometimes attribute misses to target difficulty, variety, or mechanics, while trap shooters are often forced to examine focus, pressure, confidence, and mental consistency more directly once their technique is established. Thomas also reflects on competing at the Tokyo Olympics during COVID restrictions, including the unusual environment, limited social interaction, and the motivation it gave him to pursue another Olympic opportunity. He discusses continuing to train while working full-time, qualifying for World Championship teams, and staying committed to the next Olympic cycle. This episode offers useful insight for Sporting Clays shooters, trap shooters, coaches, and competitive athletes who want to better understand the connection between technical skill, confidence, focus, repetition, process, and mental discipline. Thomas Grice’s experience provides a clear look at how elite competitors develop consistency, manage pressure, and keep improving over time.Top of Form Bottom of Form Thomas Grice Links *No relevant links provided* Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S3 · E1
    January 29 · 1 hr 1 min

    Kerry Luft, Renowned Author, on Sporting Clays, Mental Mastery & Conservation– Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail In this engaging episode of "Clay Mastermind," host Dawn Grant welcomes Kerry Luft, a seasoned sporting clays enthusiast and executive vice president of the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Kerry shares his journey from a casual shooter to a professional, highlighting his role as a Level 2 NSCA instructor and his collaboration with renowned shooter Anthony Matarese Jr. Kerry's accolades include co-authoring the book "Straight Shooting" and contributing to conservation efforts through his work at the foundation. Throughout the episode, Kerry delves into the intricacies of the mental game in shooting sports, emphasizing the importance of confidence and letting go of ego to achieve peak performance. He shares personal anecdotes and insights from his teaching experiences, offering valuable advice for both novice and seasoned shooters. The conversation also touches on broader themes of conservation, with Kerry discussing his involvement in projects like IMAX 3D movies about endangered ecosystems and research on sustainable shooting practices. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the dedication and passion required to excel in sporting clays, as well as the broader impact of conservation efforts on the environment. Whether you're a shooting enthusiast or interested in wildlife conservation, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from a true expert in the field. Kerry Luft Links https://clayshootinginstruction.com/instructors/#kerry-luft Phone: 224-343-5790 Email: kerry@clayshootinginstruction.com A.I.M. Shooting School: https://clayshootinginstruction.com/ Book: “Straight Shooting” - https://clayshootinginstruction.com/straight-shooting-sporting-clays-book/ Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S2 · E35
    Dec 11, 2025 · 41 min

    Innovating Shooting Sports Digital Scoring: Casey Chase of Score Chaser & Josh Reynolds - Matson Shooting Academy Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this engaging episode of the Matson Shooting Academy Podcast, host Cody Matson welcomes two distinguished guests, Casey Chase, founder of Score Chaser, and Josh Reynolds, president of JTEC Technologies. Together, they delve into the intricacies of the shooting sports industry, exploring the innovative solutions that Score Chaser and JTEC Technologies bring to the table. Casey shares her journey from growing up around sporting clays to revolutionizing the sport with Score Chaser, a platform that has become the go-to hub for tournament management and scoring. Josh, the tech mastermind behind JTEC, discusses the challenges and triumphs of developing complex web applications tailored to the unique needs of the shooting community. Listeners will gain insights into the future of digital scoring, as Casey and Josh reveal their plans to streamline tournament operations and enhance user experience. They discuss the integration of Score Chaser with club websites, offering features like automatic tournament updates and live scoring data, which promise to transform how clubs interact with their members. The conversation also touches on the international aspects of the sport, addressing the challenges faced by international competitors and the solutions being developed to ease their participation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in the shooting sports industry, offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge innovations that are shaping the future of the sport. Whether you're a club manager, a competitive shooter, or simply a fan of the sport, you'll find valuable takeaways in this dynamic discussion. Tune in to discover how Score Chaser and JTEC Technologies are paving the way for a more connected and efficient shooting sports community. https://scorechaser.com/ https://jtech.digital/ Cody Matson: (770) 293-8820 Matson Shooting Academy: https://www.matsonshootingacademy.com/ MSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matsonshootingacademy/ Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

  • S2 · E34
    Nov 20, 2025 · 54 min

    Stephen Biello of Clays N' Wings Shotgunning: Mastering Focus, Resilience & Joy in Sporting Clays – Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence and Industry Insight

    Send us Fan Mail In this captivating episode of "Clay Mastermind," host Dawn Grant welcomes Stephen Biello, a distinguished NSCA sporting clay shooter and instructor, to share his remarkable journey and insights. Stephen, a Philadelphia native, has spent decades honing his skills in the world of shotgun sports, all while balancing a demanding career in law enforcement. As a lieutenant in the Philadelphia Police Department, Stephen has faced the challenges of managing the child abuse unit, a role that requires immense mental fortitude and resilience. This experience has profoundly influenced his approach to shooting and teaching, where he emphasizes the importance of mental focus, discipline, and the joy of the sport. Stephen's passion for clay shooting began in his youth, growing up in a city environment yet finding solace and excitement in the outdoors. He recounts his early experiences with hunting and shooting, guided by family influences and a deep-seated love for the sport. Over the years, Stephen has evolved from a recreational shooter to a respected instructor, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. His dedication to continuous learning and improvement is evident in his pursuit of advanced certifications and courses, including those with renowned instructors like Dan Schindler. Throughout the episode, Stephen and Dawn delve into the mental aspects of shooting, discussing how to maintain focus, manage stress, and embrace the process rather than just the outcome. Stephen shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned from his career, highlighting the parallels between his work in law enforcement and his approach to shooting. He offers practical advice for shooters of all levels, encouraging them to develop a plan, stay present, and find enjoyment in every shot. Listeners will be inspired by Stephen's commitment to the sport and his ability to balance a high-pressure job with his passion for clay shooting. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or new to the world of sporting clays, this episode provides valuable insights into the mindset required for success and fulfillment. Stephen Biello Links https://claysnwings.com/ Phone: 215-783-0731 Email: stephen@claysnwings.com YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@claysnwingsshotgunning?si=60cnV7YL1eNnqv9r Dawn Grant Links https://dawngrant.com/ https://mindmastered.com/ https://ameliashotgunsports.com/ Free webinar here: https://dawngrant.com/pages/clay-shooters-mind-game-mastery Support the show 10% OFF ShotKam Coupon Code “TheClayLab”: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam Visit Us at www.claylabusa.com for videos, podcasts, and articles about Sporting Clays. Join as a Channel Member for early access to Videos & Podcasts and to support The Clay Lab Find us on Social Media YouTube Instagram Facebook

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes