In Episode 98, Sofia interviews Brian Conley! Brian Conley is a seasoned expert in the vision care industry, with a passion for innovation. Brian’s journey in optics began through his wife, Sherry, who owns Optical Prescription Lab (OPL) in Pelham, Alabama. Since its establishment in 1977, OPL has been a leading provider of high-quality lenses for …

In Episode 97, Sofia interviews Mike Seeklander, a combat veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, with five years of active duty and four years of reserve duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, as an intelligence specialist and primary marksmanship instructor. Mike is most commonly known as a nationally ranked competitor on the practical handgun competi…

In Episode 96, Sofia interviews Caleb Giddings (again). Hailing from the sun-soaked shores of California and currently residing in the heartland of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Caleb's journey is a whirlwind of adventure and expertise. With a career rooted in the firearms industry and a past life as a sharp-witted insurance agent, Caleb's story is as…

In Episode 95, Sofia interviews Caleb Giddings (again). Hailing from the sun-soaked shores of California and currently residing in the heartland of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Caleb's journey is a whirlwind of adventure and expertise. With a career rooted in the firearms industry and a past life as a sharp-witted insurance agent, Caleb's story is as…

In Episode 94, Sofia interviews Gabby Franco, a true trailblazer in the world of shooting sports. Gabby Franco made history as the first female shooter to represent Venezuela in the Olympics. Beyond her Olympic achievements, she is an accomplished author, speaker, competitive shooter, and instructor, recognized globally for her exceptional shooting…

In Episode 93, Sofia interviews John Valentine! John is an expert in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Modern Army Combatives, and firearms training. John is a black belt under Matt Larsen, the "Father of Modern Combatives" and is a Rangemaster Instructor with Top Gun Honors. John instructs for Green Ops, Hill Country Combatives, and Sheepdog Response. With nea…

In Episode 92, we revisit Episode 33 wherein Sofia interviews Sarah Albrecht, the Founder and Executive Director of Hold my Guns® (HMG). HMG is a non-profit organization that offers Crisis Awareness Training and partners with federal firearm licensed locations to provide off-site firearm storage for those who are struggling with mental health among…

In Episode 91, Sofia interviews Uncle Zo. The two met at the Rangemaster Instructor Development Course by Tom Givens. Uncle Zo's journey into the world of firearms began in 2013, well into adulthood, and shortly after relocating to Texas. Since then, his passion for guns and the outdoors has grown exponentially. From obtaining his license to carry …

In Episode 90, Sofia interviews Todd Fox. Fox is the Founder and Managing Director of the Close Protection Corps, a specialized services firm established in 1999, providing protective services to celebrities, dignitaries, and executives in challenging environments. Known for successful operations in regions like Mexico, Colombia, Iraq, and Russia, …

In this special episode of the She Shield Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Ilriana Balaj, the inspiring founder of Live Healthillie. Ilriana is a dedicated health and wellness advocate with a mission to empower individuals to take control of their health through informed and mindful choices. Her platform, Live Healthillie, focuses on holistic we…

In Episode 88, Sofia interviews Melody Lauer. Lauer is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of self-defense and personal protection. She is a seasoned expert in self-defense and personal protection. She has over fourteen years of experience and a slew of certifications—including Rangemaster Certified Advanced Handgun Instructor and Deadly Force…

In Episode 87, Sofia interviews Jill Sharp. Jill is a registered nurse at Boyce VA Medical Center, a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a passionate advocate for personal safety, especially for healthcare workers. Jill shares her journey from nursing school to becoming a certified instructor for the VA in preventive and management of disruptiv…

In Episode 86, Sofia interviews Jill Sharp. Jill is a registered nurse at Boyce VA Medical Center, a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a passionate advocate for personal safety, especially for healthcare workers. Jill shares her journey from nursing school to becoming a certified instructor for the VA in preventive and management of disruptiv…

In Episode 84, Sofia interviews Hunter Constantine! Both marksman and a dedicated instructor, Constantine has left a mark on the firearms community, showcasing not only his exceptional skill on the range but also his unwavering commitment to improving the capabilities of shooters across all levels. From local matches to national competitions, Hunte…

In Episode 84, Sofia interviews Hunter Constantine! Both marksman and a dedicated instructor, Constantine has left a mark on the firearms community, showcasing not only his exceptional skill on the range but also his unwavering commitment to improving the capabilities of shooters across all levels. From local matches to national competitions, Hunte…

In Episode 83, Sofia interviews Jocelyn Castillo! Jocelyn is the epitome of strength and smarts; she's not only an engineer specializing in her company's fixed asset integrity program but also a dedicated practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. With over 11 years on the mats, she's earned the respected rank of Brown Belt and hasn't stopped there. Joce…

In Episode 82, Sofia interviews Jon and Sarah Hauptman (rebooted)! The Hauptman’s are two pioneering figures in the holster industry and passionate advocates for concealed carry education. With years of dedication, experimentation, and expertise, Jon and Sarah have reshaped the landscape of concealment solutions. Sarah Hauptman, often referred to a…

In Episode 81, Sofia interviews Gregory Wong! Starting his adventure in 2006-2007, Gregory delved into the world of Airsoft and YouTube content creation. His initial strides led him to Airsoft Extreme in Santa Clara, where he embraced the CA M15A4 CQB as his inaugural Automatic Electric Gun. In 2008, Gregory embarked on a new chapter by enlisting i…

In Episode 80, Sofia interviews Tyler Tharp! Hailing from the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Tyler brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. As the lead instructor at Synergy Training Group, Tyler's background as a competitive shooter speaks volumes. With successes in 2-gun, USPSA, and IDPA, including A class in USPSA and Master in…

In Episode 79, Sofia interviews Andrew Henry of Henry Holsters! Andrew Henry is the owner of Henry Holsters, a cutting-edge holster company in Spencer, Indiana. Originally a trained luthier with college degrees in Viola Performance and Violinmaking, Andrew has brought his handcrafting skills to the world of kydex. Since 2008, Andrew has been meticu…

In Episode 78, Sofia interviews Andrew Henry of Henry Holsters! Andrew Henry is the owner of Henry Holsters, a cutting-edge holster company in Spencer, Indiana. Originally a trained luthier with college degrees in Viola Performance and Violinmaking, Andrew has brought his handcrafting skills to the world of kydex. Since 2008, Andrew has been meticu…

In Episode 77, Sofia interviews Caleb Giddings. Hailing from the sun-soaked shores of California and currently residing in the heartland of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Caleb's journey is a whirlwind of adventure and expertise. With a career rooted in the firearms industry and a past life as a sharp-witted insurance agent, Caleb's story is as diverse…

In Episode 76 of She Shield Podcast, we delve into the fascinating journey of Matthew Little—a US Army Special Forces combat veteran with extensive law enforcement experience. Matthew's martial arts journey began in his youth and has shaped his approach to life, both in training firearms and honing his body and mind. With a background as a national…

In Episode 75, Sofia and Lisa discuss what you can get for your Valentine this season of love. From self-defense classes to heart jewelry, the duo covers it all! Tune in for some advice and laughs and see the gift guide below for your reference. Follow the pod on Instagram for more episode updates @sheshieldpod. Thank you all for your encouragement…

In Episode 74, Sofia interviews Mike Hughes, the Founder of SIRT and NextLevel Training. Mike is a multifaceted individual with a diverse range of achievements and experiences, from being a contestant on the History Channel's Top Shot Season Three, to founding and presiding over Next Level Training in Ferndale, Washington. Mike's journey began at t…

In Episode 73 Sofia interviews Chuck Haggard of Agile Training and Consulting. Chuck Haggard is a seasoned veteran in the realm of personal defense, with over 28 years of dedicated service in the Topeka Police Department. His career within the department saw him rise through various crucial roles, including Field Training Officer, SWAT squad leader…

In Episode 72, Sofia interviews Matt Larsen. Matt Larsen is a distinguished martial artist and military veteran. Enlisting in the US Marine Corps in 1984, he excelled in various disciplines, earning black belts and competing internationally. Transitioning to the Army, Matt founded the Army Combatives Program, becoming the subject matter expert and …

In Episode 71, Sofia interviews Brittany (@9mmBritt). In the heart of Arizona, dental hygienist Brittany trades her dental tools for a 9mm, documenting her journey on "9mm Britt." Join us as she evolves from a firearm novice to a competitive force in USPSA, IDPA, and the Steel Challenge. What sets Brittany apart? Her commitment to authenticity. Exp…

In Episode 70 Sofia interviews Paul Sharp. A true force to be reckoned with, Paul is a 2nd degree black belt under the renowned Chris Haueter and currently serves as the head coach at SBG Idaho. But that's just the beginning—Paul is also a key member of the Shivworks Collective, a distinguished group celebrated for its realistic and data-driven app…

In Episode 69, we re-introduce Byron Rodgers of Episode 43. In this Episode, Sofia interviews Byron Rodgers of Bravo Research Group, Executive Protection Lifestyle Podcast, Protector Nation Podcast, and more. Byron has an extensive past in the Marines and in International private security that has made him a valuable leader and teacher in the world…

In Episode 68, Sofia interviews Jenay DeCaussin. Jenay is a powerhouse athlete who has recently earned the prestigious title of the 2023 Tactical Games National Champion in the Women's Elite Division. Jenay's journey into the world of Tactical Games has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the past year and a half, she has dedicated herself to ma…

In Episode 66 Sofia interviews Des, @Muthapreppa, on a mission to demystify self-reliance and empower families. She explains that prepping isn't just about the apocalypse; it's about being ready for life's uncertainties, whether it's unemployment, financial hardship, natural disasters, inflation, inclement weather, and more. Discover how Des transf…

Episode 65 is a re-release of episode 44, wherein Sofia interviews Lena Miculek, an idol for all women interested in gaining independence with firearms and a Professional shooter with eight world titles. Lena comes from a family of leaders in the firearms industry, as Lena's mother founded one of the original programs to teach women shooting. Lena …

In Episode 64, Sofia interviews Kenzie Fitzpatrick, a competitive shooter whose journey began in college. She honed her skills on a college pistol team and later explored USPSA, cowboy action shooting, and ultimately found her passion in 3 gun shooting. Kenzie is not just a competitive shooter; she's also a firearms instructor and the host of the "…

In Episode 63, host Sofia delves into the remarkable journey of Amelie Eichinger-Noll, widely known as @Amy9x19. Hailing from the German-speaking region of Austria near Vienna, Amy stands as the sole female shooting instructor within the civil sector for defense shooting. Her passion for firearms ignited at the age of 12, nurtured by her parents' i…

In Episode 62, Sofia interviews Detective Sherri Thomson and Steve Moses on the topic of Human Trafficking. Detective Thomson retired out if Fort Worth, TX after 14 years of patrol work for a total of 28 years of service. She specifically retired out of Human Trafficking and Sex Crimes and most of her experience resides in personal violent crimes. …

In Episode 61, Sofia interviews Tessah Booth! Tessah is the remarkable voice behind Armed and Styled. The two dive into Tessah's incredible journey as an armed citizen and competition shooter. From her origin story to expert insights on concealment mechanics, this episode is a must-listen for firearms enthusiasts. Follow the pod on instagram for mo…

Episode 60 is a re-release of Episode 37. In this Episode, Sofia interviews David Heineman of Stay Safe Martial Arts. David has over 25 years of Martial Arts experience. He started at an early age with Tae Kwon Do, where he reached the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt. David also holds a black belt in Combat Hapkido, and a brown belt in Jiu Jitsu. Tho…

In Episode 59, Sofia interviews Christopher Cook again! This time, the two discuss vehicle tactics, along with some myths that are shared in the gun community. Chris is the owner of a shooting performance and self-defense training company called Odyssey Training and Consulting based in Salt Lake City, Utah. Chris has been a serious student of self-…

Episode 58 is a re-publishing of Episode 35. In Episode 35, Sofia interviews Ryan Hoover and Amber Staklinksi from Fit to Fight. Amber has done martial arts her entire life including Krav Maga, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jistu, and more. Ryan began learning self-defense in the form of wrestling and Krav Maga and began teaching in 1997. He…

In Episode 57, Sofia interviews Grace Laster. Grace Laster is a firearms instructor, USPSA competitor, concealed carry practitioner, and weight lifter. She actively inspires women to conceal carry safely and effectively on social media and shares her personal journey along the way. Grace will begin her graduate program this month in Exercise Scienc…

In Episode 56, Sofia interviews Chet Palumbo. Chet is an accomplished attorney who graduated from the Appalachian School of Law in 2010, achieving a top 10% rank in his class. At school, he also served as captain of the mock trial team. In addition, he demonstrated his legal proficiency by passing the Bar exam with flying colors, ranking in the top…

In this podcast episode, Sofia delves into the multifaceted world of concealed carry. Beyond the polished images on social media, the episode uncovers the true essence of responsible self-defense. From situational awareness and verbal de-escalation to close-quarter combative training, the journey of concealed carry requires comprehensive education.…

In Episode 53, Sofia interviews Mike Seeklander, a combat veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, with five years of active duty and four years of reserve duty in the U.S. Marine Corps, as an intelligence specialist and primary marksmanship instructor. Mike is most commonly known as a nationally ranked competitor on the practical handgun competi…

In Episode 53, Sofia interviews Guy Schnitzler. Guy is a Rangemaster certified Master Handgun Instructor and Shotgun Instructor and holds several certifications as a defensive tactics instructor, including Red Zone Threat Management Empty Hand Knife Defense Instructor, Adaptive Striking Foundations Instructor, and Groundfighting Overview Foundation…

In Episode 52, Sofia interviews John Valentine! John is an expert in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Modern Army Combatives, and firearms training. John is a black belt under Matt Larsen, the "Father of Modern Combatives" and is a Rangemaster Instructor with Top Gun Honors. John instructs for Green Ops, Hill Country Combatives, and Sheepdog Response. With nea…

In Episode 51, besties Lisa Hamilton and Sofia embark on a thrilling exploration of the weird, encouraging, and challenging aspects of social media. Hold on tight as they share the funniest and creepiest comments they've received, taking you on a rollercoaster ride through the wild and wacky world of virtual connections. Laugh, cringe, and question…

Get ready to be inspired as host Sofia dives deep into the world of resilience and multi-disciplinary excellence with the phenomenal Margaux Celeste Alvarez! In this milestone 50th Episode, Margaux, the extraordinary fitness coach, wine-maker, and fierce competitor, shares her exhilarating journey as a 7-time Crossfit Games contender, America Ninja…

Welcome to Shielded Shorts! This is a branch off of She Shield Podcast wherein your Host, Sofia, discusses commonly requested topics such as "Choosing Your First Firearm for Concealed Carry" and so many more to come! If you are interested in exclusive content, become a Patreon via the linktree.This episode is sponsored by Big Tex Ordnance, your soo…

In this captivating interview, we unravel the inspiring journey of Adelina, a formidable force who is redefining the traditional shooting range by infusing it with a vibrant party atmosphere. Discover how she combines her passion for competitive shooting and expertise as a personal trainer to create an unmatched fusion of fun, fitness, and firearms…