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.

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28 episodes
weekly
Avg 1 hr 20 min
English

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Episodes 28

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S4 · E398
October 7 · 1 hr 26 min
Episode 398 - Tactical Medicine with Buckeye Tac Med
Medical training is one of the most overlooked parts of preparation - including by us, here on the podcast. To remedy this, I sit down with Joe, the owner of Buckeye Tac Med, for a dive into medical training, his background, the community, and more. We dig into tactical medicine, and more specifically which parts of it are applicable to folks like you and I - the tactically minded civilian, who wants to be better prepared. Truly, the medical skillset has much less to do with the supplies we carry, than the knowledge we have. From being able to carry out a M.A.R.C.H. assessment, to proper tourniquet staging, and beyond, Joe and I got into an awful lot. Medical skills are something we can use in so many ways, especially outside the tactical realm that many of us fixate on. I highly suggest giving this a listen, and checking out what Joe and Buckeye Tac Med have going on! https://buckeyetacmed.com/ Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com Grayfighter Gear - www.grayfightergear.com RMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com code 'preparedmindset5'
S4 · E397
October 4 · 45 min
Episode 397 - Sunday SITREP #69
One of the largest, and I'll add most upsetting trends I've seen within our social media space over the past few months, is the accepted trend of using a gaslighting, and victim mentality, as a rebuttal for accountability and discussion. This community is one, I assume, where one can seek out information and mentorship. Where a individual can come to develop their own skillsets, learn from their peers, and build lasting relationships. It's honestly a big part of why many of us have stuck around. Lately however, it seems there's an ever-growing portion of our community who has pivoted to justifying poor performance with victim tactics, and resorting to lowest common denominator communication strategies to "prove a point" and to some extent, "defend" themselves. I'm here to dive into it, and talk about why we need to restore a greater level of accountability. Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com Grayfighter Gear - www.grayfightergear.com RMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com code 'preparedmindset5'
S4 · E396
September 30 · 1 hr 45 min
Episode 396 - Affordable, Accessible, Capability with Rebels Raiders
If you've built out a full kit - plate carrier, tactical belt, helmet, etc. you know that the gear in our community is a true investment. Many times, the investment is too great for folks, and they're left to try and make the best of a rough situation. However, all of this changed a few years ago with the introduction of the Vakarian from Rebels Raiders - an "all in one" kit that provided everything a prepared citizen would need, at a very attainable cost. To dive into this effort and understand the mission behind the company, we sit down, we talk about the nylon industry, product development, of course the origin of the company, the affordability factor, and a ton more. We even take the time to talk about social media and complex relationship that many of us have with our peers in the community. A absolutely awesome discussion, and one I think you all are gunna enjoy. Check it out! Visit our sponsors! Our Patreon - www.patreon.com/prepared_mindset_pod Custom Night Vision - www.customnightvision.com Grayfighter Gear - www.grayfightergear.com RMA Armor - www.rmadefense.com code 'preparedmindset5'
S4 · E395
September 23 · 1 hr 20 min
Episode 395 - Modern Gunfighters Toolkit
When we talk about building skill, creating your "toolkit" as a prepared individual, do we really understand what we're chasing after? Civilians here in the United States are afforded many, many more opportunities than those in other countries, and often don't exercise them to the greatest extent they can. It's not for lack of desire, but I think, because we've let social media, and to some capacity, consumerism, drive us on our journey. The reality is that the conversation is much larger, and more all-encompassing that what we probably realize. While yes, the term "Gunfighter" implies that you'll use a firearm to fight, there's so much more that goes into building that skillset, and being able to effectively apply it. So, I think it's worth our time, to sit down, and dig in to what this really means, in 2026. 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 · E394
September 16 · 1 hr 35 min
Episode 394 - Interview with Joe Farewell
Joe Farewell is a former law enforcement officer, and current competitive shooter who is also the owner and founder of Farewell Firearms Training. Having spent time working on various units and task forces, as well as ERT, while also winning numerous awards in the competitive shooting community, Joe is a subject expert with a wealth of knowledge not only on shooting, but on how to develop the supporting skillsets. Working with top level shooters in the competitive community, training military and law enforcement, Joe has a lot to share because he's seen a lot, tested a lot, and most importantly learned a lot. This is a fantastic conversation that addresses some of the key considerations behind performance based shooting and building stronger skill, as well as addressing a lot of the noise from social media that can make they pursuits more difficult. A fantastic discussion for anyone interested in truly become a better, stronger shooter. dryfiremastery.com farewellfirearms.com 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 · E393
September 9 · 1 hr 25 min
Episode 393 - Kirk Foreman of B.E. Meyers
Lasers are cool. They're even cooler when they're pushing the cutting edge on technology and the impact that it can create on the battlefield. Kirk Foreman is the Innovation Brand Manager at B.E. Meyers, quite possibly the top laser developer and manufacturer in the world. As a avid recreational shooter and night vision enjoyer, Kirk gets to do a job that many of us dream about and would love to have. Working on, developing, and testing some of the absolute most high speed equipment that's out on the market today. We dive into the history of B.E. Meyers and how they ended up where the company is today, obviously talked a bit on Kirks past, but spent a lot of time talking about the design and performance of modern IR lasers and why units like the MAWL and the DAGIR are so special. This was a absolutely fantastic conversation, and one that you'll definitely enjoy if you're like me and love night vision. 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 · E392
September 5 · 51 min
Episode 392 - Sunday SITREP #68
Happy Labor Day! As we head into September, there's been a couple key developments worth talking about. While there was a major victory in the fight for 2A rights, specifically suppressor ownership, and the battle to make it more accessible. There's also been a landmark ruling that could unfortunately set a dangerous precident in AI, and add tremendous difficulty to the battle against child exploitation and trafficking. The Sunday SITREP is our monthly opportunity to talk about important current events, and their impacts, both potential and actual, on our culture and community. As always, I have a lot of thoughts and input to share with you and hope that this will provide a valuable insight on the discussions at hand. 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 · E391
September 2 · 1 hr 39 min
Episode 391 - Catching Up with Guerrilla Tactical!
Its been a long six months since my last conversation with Jack, but we're finally able to get some time, and catch up! Guerrilla Tactical, if you aren't familiar, is a kydex holster manufacturer based out of the pacific northwest. They've earned a outstanding reputation for not only fantastic products, but great support. In a sector of the industry that seems to be the most crowded, Jack and his team are consistently able to stand out, by offering improved products, and solutions to problems others haven't quite been able to solve. We dive into this talking about some of the new releases and advancements from GT with their Low Pro X holster, and "Wing Thing" attachment, share some yet to be released product news, and Jack even drops info on a giveaway with a prize that is tied back to our core childhood memories, and Modern Warfare 2! 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 · E390
August 26 · 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'

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