EducationSociety & Culture

The Prepared Mindset Podcast

Austin Diehl

A Podcast for the everyday citizen, interested in preparation, survival, tactics, shooting, planning and accountability. Features a broad range of guests with military and law enforcement backgrounds, topics and discussion points on tactics, performance, training philosophy, as well as addressing current events in the world that matter to those of us seeking to make our homes and families safer.

Play

Open in

20 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr 20 min
English

Support the show

Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.

Support

Episodes 20

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

S4 · E390
Wednesday · 1 hr 43 min
Episode 390 - Building Awareness with The Protector Group
Human Trafficking remains the most lucrative, and most evil business practice the world over. The fight against it is a large one, involving many different efforts, from countless organizations. One of the most overlooked pieces in that fight is the education, preparation, awareness, and prevention efforts from entities like The Protector Group. While many popular shows and movies may paint a picture that indicates that the war against human, specifically child trafficking is being won, the reality is far more disappointing. This week I sit down with Ryan, the creator of The Protector Group, to hear his story, discuss the sobering reality of the battle to protect children, and unpack the real importance behind awareness and preparation, to protect your family. Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com RMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com code 'preparedmindset5'
S4 · E389
August 19 · 1 hr 31 min
Episode 389 - Balancing Business and Family, with Moral Decay Patchwork
Finding balance might be one of the singular greatest pursuits that a family unit can have. Between jobs, expenses, events, and all the other little things that make life as fun, and as frustrating as it can be, you need to be able to balance it all. Take all that whirlwind and chaos, and add in a small business, and it can seem insurmountable. For Joey and Jen, starting Moral Decay Patchwork in 2022 was a step in the direction that would get them away from running a business - they thought. Fast forward to today, and they're successful balancing a full-time LE career on a SWAT team, a full sized family, and a thriving business. The word that we constantly came back to throughout the conversation, was balance. It cannot be overstated how easily one man, or in this case one family can get burnt out, if things are not kept in proper balance without too much time, energy or attention given to any one thing. Family is, and will always be, the most important reason why we all purse greater purpose, and greater preparedness. Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com RMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com code 'preparedmindset5'
S4 · E388
August 12 · 1 hr 40 min
Episode 388 - I think I Can, Make a Can!
Suppressors. Most of us have them, we all want them. It's technology that at its core, is simple, not exactly complex. However, when we start chasing key performance metrics, and seeking to maximize the benefits, the conversation changes drastically. Sean Bernstein is one of the owners of Irregular Design Group and actually taught himself CAD, so he could innovate, and create a new suppressor. But not just a new suppressor, a can that changes the perception of how we have to approach and tackle the problem. From new materials, to the science behind gas management, and more, there's a lot to dig into when you talk a ground up design of a silencer. Sean and I get into so much in this discussion, it's hard to believe we packed it in a single discussion. Manufacturing, music, design, determination, and a lot more. Check it out, and learn you somethin' new! Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com RMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com code 'preparedmindset5'
S4 · E387
August 9 · 52 min
Episode 387 - Sunday SITREP #67
Over the past week, we've had a couple major events take place. Impactful enough in both instances to warrant a separate edition of the Sunday SITREP to give them the focus and time they deserve. In this iteration, I dive into the potentially dangerous outcome of some of the primary races here in Michigan, as well as other states, and share some good news on the legal front thanks to the amazing folks of the Silencer Shop Foundation who just won big against the ATF. Goods news, with some bad news, but all around worthwhile information, and discussion. As always, the SITREP is the opportunity to address a little politics, some current events, and talk about the importance of preserving your 2A rights! Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com RMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com code 'preparedmindset5'
S4 · E386
August 5 · 1 hr 15 min
Episode 386 - Return of the Grab Bag!
It's been several years, but I'm finally doing another grab bag episode! I get several questions a month from the audience, both here on the pod, on our YouTube, and on Instagram. While I do my best to get a complete answer to that individual, I don't always share those conversations. Not because I don't want to, but because I'm just busy. My new committment is to bring those questions forward in more regular "grab bag" episodes where I can take the time to more completely answer questions than in a DM, and can also share those questions for the benefit of the entire audience. It's been several years since the last one, and I've got a few good topics to jump in to! Check out our YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Prepared_Mindset_Pod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prepared_mindset_pod/ Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com RMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com code 'preparedmindset5'
S4 · E385
August 2 · 36 min
Episode 385 - Sunday SITREP #66
The August edition of the SITREP is here! In this episode, I share some of the lessons learned at our most recent night shoot. The importance of setting up your range or stage while you still have amount of daylight, as well as the realities of equipment failure on the range. While you can't always do a lot about it, it's a reality of using electronic optics, infrared aiming lasers, and of course, analog night vision devices. Additionally, I take the time to talk just a bit about the most recent events between congress and Dr. Fauci, as he invoked his fifth amendment rights a shocking one hundred and eleven times while being questioned. I'm sure we all have several strong feelings on that, and of course, I share mine. Check out our YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Prepared_Mindset_Pod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prepared_mindset_pod/ Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset' RMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com code 'preparedmindset5'
S4 · E384
July 29 · 1 hr 33 min
Episode 384 - Lumens and Candela with John Scheuermann
John Scheuermann is one half of Redline Consulting, the Media Manager for Modlite, and a dedicated student of performance shooting. Through hosting low-light workshops with Redline, his own personal training and learning, as well as obviously his role at Modlite, John has a lot of knowledge on not only white lights as tools, but around their applications within practical shooting, as well as self defense. We dive into lumens and candela, the conversation which still dominates many discussions, as well as light placement on the gun, understanding controls, and more. Having the tool alone, is not enough to make you successful. The end-user has to know how to apply the solution to achieve maximum benefits. This was a great conversation, and one that I think many need to hear, especially if they've purchased a light, but haven't taken the opportunity truly learn how to apply it. Check out our YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Prepared_Mindset_Pod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prepared_mindset_pod/ Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset' RMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com code 'preparedmindset5'
S4 · E383
July 22 · 1 hr 31 min
Episode 383 - Night Vision in Law Enforcement with GPNVG's
Jason Cheney is an Air Force Veteran, and former LE officer who now works with the night vision company, GPNVG. Jason and I were able to connect in person at SHOT show this year, and are finally sitting down for a conversation on the application of Night Vision devices in Law Enforcement, and some of the challenges that come with those tools for that job. While in a lot of cases there's ideas and assumptions on how different the use cases might be between civilian training or recreation, and law enforcement use, it's really a lot of the same practices, just applied a lot faster and at a higher standard. We get into device selection, mixed lighting environments, white light override, using a laser versus passive aiming, and more. I was thrilled to finally be able to sit down and catch up with Jason, it was a great conversation, I think you guys are gunna dig it! Check out our YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Prepared_Mindset_Pod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prepared_mindset_pod/ Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset' RMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com code 'preparedmindset5'
S4 · E382
July 15 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 382 - Transparency in our Training Community
The 2A training community is one of diverse backgrouns, both from the trainers, as well as the students that attend their courses. As we've intermixed social media and influencers to that equation, the whole ecosystem that orbits firearms training, has only gotten more confusing. As we see more and more training companies in the community pop up, with AI created ads, and exciting social media content, I'm finding that there's less and less accountability amongs both students, and the trainers. For years we point the finger at students not spending enough, not taking enough courses, as if that was the biggest issue faced in the industry. Today though, we see borderline deceptive resumes from instructors, and deliberately vague backgrouns, making it difficult for consumers to understand who they're learning from, and why they should listen. Here's my observations on these developments over the last several years, and why I think we as consumers need to take greater accountability. Check out our YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Prepared_Mindset_Pod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prepared_mindset_pod/ Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset' RMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com code 'preparedmindset5'
S4 · E381
July 8 · 1 hr 49 min
Episode 381 - Catching up with Dynamic Principles!
Its been over two years, but I finally have a chance to sit down and talk nylon with Dan again! If you haven't heard of Dynamic Principles, they're an outstanding nylon company that makes belts, mag pouches, placards, plate carriers, and more. Dan and I talk about our shared experience at SHOT show this past year, and get into the impact of the new UCAS designs within the market, as well as the other trends driving the community and our gear over the past couple years. We also dug into the product lifecycle behind many of our favorite products like optics, night vision, handguns, and the development processes that go into making those all come to life. There's also a couple super interesting product teasers in here, so if you're a fan of the Dynamic Principles products, you'll definitely want to check this out! Check out our YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Prepared_Mindset_Pod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prepared_mindset_pod/ Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset' RMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com code 'preparedmindset5'
S4 · E380
July 5 · 45 min
Episode 380 - Sunday SITREP #65
Happy 4th of July! With the holiday comes a new month, and another SITREP discussion. This time around, we're jumping into the wildly concerning, and somewhat fascinating conversation around public surveillance, the 4th amendment, and Flock cameras. With a recent 5-4 Supreme Court ruling it Chattree v. United States, there has been a pivotal change in how digital tools can be used against citizens, and we're here to talk about it. While we certainly aren't getting any less digitally enabled as a society, we are thankfully seeing some stronger adjustment to the risks that digital tools present. As always, I give you guys my perspective and concerns on the matter. Check out our YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Prepared_Mindset_Pod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prepared_mindset_pod/ Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset' RMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com code 'preparedmindset5'
S4 · E379
July 1 · 1 hr 2 min
Episode 379 - Capable Civilians: The Original Force Multiplier
As we approach the 4th of July, our Independence Day, I think it's an extremely appropriate time to have the discussion around the prepared citizen, why "staying in your lane" is a terrible idea, and the history of armed civilians and their impact. From the very inception of our great country, the capable citizen has been one of the most vital parts of our country, and our culture. In today's community, we're often looked down upon, and mostly for good reason. While we have a lot to offer, and own a tremendous piece of the battle for our independence, in recent times, we have allowed ego and weak confidence to validate poor performance and low standards. I dive into the opportunities presented to all of us as citizens of the United States, and highlight the importance of becoming more fit, more proficient, and more effective. For those of us without a uniform, I think this is a critical point of conversation, and one we hold ourselves accountable for. Check out our YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Prepared_Mindset_Pod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prepared_mindset_pod/ Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset'
S4 · E378
June 24 · 1 hr 33 min
Episode 378 - Evolution of Combat Clearance with Ben Wallick
CQB and the arguments around it may never truly go away. As monotonous as they may seem, many will provide fantastic learning opportunities for those eager to understand. To dive into the concepts behind structure clearance, or as you may know it, combat clearance, i'm joined by Ben Wallick. Ben is a former SEAL and Contractor, and is also the owner of Vanilla Gorilla Security, a training company based in Illinois. We absolutely dive into the subject at hand, talk about the flexibility required between both dynamic and deliberate methodologies, the importance of asking the question "why do we do that?" as well as, potentially more importantly, being able to articulate this, and demonstrate a depth of understanding. With all the back and forth online about CQC, CQB, team clearance, whatever you call it, I think this will make for a fantastic listening experience! Check out our YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Prepared_Mindset_Pod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prepared_mindset_pod/ Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset'
S4 · E377
June 17 · 1 hr 30 min
Episode 377 - Mobility and Recovery with Alex Manor
As we get older, as we all work harder on improving our health, our strength, our fitness, it seems like we get injured more and more. How to truly meet our fitness goals, and how we recover from those injuries, are where we see actual success and failure. After a couple years now, I finally catch up with Alex, and sit down to talk about his work with coach within the tactical space, recovering and coping with serious injuries, and get a healthy dose of perspective on personal fitness. As a former serviceman for over a decade, and now an instructor with Maneuver Training Solutions and Orion Training Group, Alex understands the demands on the body, under stress in combat, and how to build to be capable on the range. This was a great conversation for me, as I continue on my own fitness journey, and I have no doubt will be valuable for the many of you out there who are doing the same. Check out our YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Prepared_Mindset_Pod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prepared_mindset_pod/ Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset'
S4 · E376
June 10 · 1 hr 50 min
Episode 376 - Catching up with Austin Joe Miller
It's been a few years since Austin was last on the pod, and a handful of months since we were able to connect at SHOT show this year. We finally have a break in our schedules to sit down, and dive into everything from Radios and Communications, to Night Vision, group based planning and training, overall preparedness, and more. Austin is certainly a subject expert when it comes to communications and is an instructor with Mojave Repeater, while also running his own business in the 2A community. There's a lot to unpack in this discussion, looking at GMRS radios compared to DMR and FRS setups, understanding signal intelligence and levels of sophistication, as well as obviously getting his best recommendation for a "middle of the road" unit for tactical comms. I always have a blast chatting with Austin, and this was no exception. I think you all are gunna enjoy this one! Check out our YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Prepared_Mindset_Pod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prepared_mindset_pod/ Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset'
S4 · E375
June 7 · 49 min
Episode 375 - Sunday SITREP #64
Gun violence prevention. Potentially the most over leverage political ideal in the history of modern politicking. It remains an omnipresent issue within every discussion, debate, and campaign, and certainly can be relied on for every election and midterm that rolls around. Unfortunately, as that time draws near, we here in Michigan are dealing with this once more as Governor Whitmer signed another executive order, to create another task force, to "address" the "ongoing crisis" of gun violence. There's always so much behind the scene that seems to motivate these moves and while it's hard to predict exactly why it's happening right now, you can anticipate that in the end, we'll likely have to endure more hardships as lawful gun owners here in Michigan. Give it a listen, share your thoughts. Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset'
S4 · E374
June 3 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode 374 - Prepared: Interested vs Committed
Are you really committed to living more prepared? Or is this simply something you take interest in as a hobby? While there are degress to both, I think most of us read those questions, and would like to be included among those counted as "committed" but in the back of our minds fear we are only truly interested. This is a interesting discussion, as I think it forces you to contemplate choices made, past, present, and of course, future. Our ecosystem is filled with influencers, trainers, students, all with varying backgrounds and goals. Regardless of which you are, I think taking an objective look at your own goals and choices from time to time is extremely helpful, and that's truly the goal of this conversation. If it means you change nothing, then so be it. However, if it even helps spur a bit of positive change, I think that that proves it to have been helpful. Give this a listen, which are you? Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset'
S4 · E373
May 27 · 1 hr 44 min
Episode 373 - Let's Talk Explosive Breaching!
If you've seen any action movie, ever, you love explosive breaching. There's something incredible about seeing a special forces soldier or SEAL place a charge, and blow a door. While most of us don't have the means or the access to try such things, we can always learn about them and position ourselves for greater success in our futures. To dive into this conversation, I'm catching up with Steve, owner of Chimera Concepts and breaching instructor for Core Vision. We spend some time touching on the logic and rationale behind shotgun breaching, but then dive all the way in, as we get into energetic breaching, and the science behind the skill. There's lots of legal considerations, and a absolute ton of fascinating science involved with using explosives to breach a door or structure; understanding over-pressure once inside a structure, the dangers involved with it. We got into so much, in a relatively short amount of time. An outstanding conversation, and one I'm sure you'll learn a ton from. Check out our YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Prepared_Mindset_Pod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prepared_mindset_pod/ Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset'
S4 · E372
May 20 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode 372 - Is Gun-Tube on the Death Bed?
Are we seeing Gun-tube die before our very eyes? This has become a wildy popular topic over the past week or two, and I thought it deserved its own conversation. For better or for worse, the community has been driven by digital content creators for the past decade, and in some cases longer. Information shared, inspiration sparked, goals set, myths disproven, and all because we had the tools available to connect to each other through the various platforms. However, taking an objective look at things in 2026, we've certainly fallen from grace, and definitely morphed into something uglier, and far less pure than it was originally imagined to be. No, I don't think it's dying, but I do think we're experiencing some uncomfortable but necessary changes. In this episode, I do my best to explain, and give some perspective. Check out our YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Prepared_Mindset_Pod Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prepared_mindset_pod/ Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset'
S4 · E371
May 13 · 1 hr 35 min
Episode 371 - Catching up with Walsh!
Gear. For better or worse, it drives a huge part of our community, and in many ways, are the tools that enable us for success, or failure. There's more and more options available to us every day, and while it definitely can be exhausting, it's certainly worth talking about the trends, the pitfalls, the truths, and the lies. In this episode, I catch up with Walsh, of Thin Line Defense, who has a depth of knowledge and lots of experience evaluating, testing, and reviewing gear. We dive into all sorts of stuff from the truth behind BARRY compliance, materials and the trends we're experiencing with them today, the difference between cost and value, and more. We even took some time to talk drones, and how it's the next iteration of civilian preparedness, and just how available it really is. Absolutely a fun conversation, and one you're all going to love. Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com US Duty Gear - https://usdutygear.com/ code 'PreparedMindset'

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes