AIMPOINT PODCAST - TAKING AIM
Richard Nance - Taking Aim Host
Interview with Scott Jedlinski
February 17, 2026. In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Scott Jedlinski ("Jedi"), founder of the Modern Samurai Project and a leading instructor in red dot pistol training. Scott shares how his extensive martial arts background—spanning Brazilian jiu-jitsu (black belt), Taekwondo, Muay Thai, boxing, and others—influenced both the naming and philosophy of his company, viewing himself as a "project" striving for constant self-improvement rooted in warrior ethos rather than claiming to be a literal modern samurai. He discusses transitioning from martial arts to firearms training around 2009–2010, eventually building a busy schedule of nearly 100 classes annually, including heavy work with agencies like Houston PD during their red dot adoption. The conversation explores parallels between combatives training and pistol skills, emphasizing principles like economy of motion, consistent grip and presentation, target-focused shooting, and treating pistol technique athletically akin to rifle handling or jiu-jitsu drills. Scott advocates for appendix carry for better retention and draw speed, dismisses over-reliance on backup iron sights in modern reliable optics, and highlights benefits of competition for exposing weaknesses and building stress inoculation—while acknowledging it's not essential for everyone. He covers practical red dot tips, from zeroing distances (favoring 18 yards) and dot size preferences (2–4 MOA) to overcoming common hurdles like finding the dot, breaking target-focus habits from irons, and achieving efficiency through minimal unnecessary movement. The episode underscores staying in one's lane as an instructor—focusing on hard skills rather than tactics—and ends with Scott promoting his classes via modernsamuraiproject.com for those seeking to elevate their red dot pistol proficiency.
Interview with Nick Thayer
February 10, 2026. In this episode of Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews Nick Thayer, owner and president of The Tactical Games, a fast-growing hybrid sport that combines demanding physical fitness challenges with practical marksmanship under fatigue. Thayer shares his journey from Coast Guard service and defense contracting to discovering the sport in 2020 as a competitor, quickly falling in love with its unique blend of pursuit, personal growth, and community—something he felt missing since leaving active duty. He describes The Tactical Games as a test of shooting proficiency (rifle and pistol at varied distances and positions) while physically taxed—think high heart rate, grip fatigue, sandbag lifts, crawls, rucks, and more—emphasizing that it builds foundational skills transferable to real-world tactical scenarios for military, law enforcement, and civilians alike. Thayer discusses the sport’s evolution under his leadership (improved structure, marketing, inclusivity across divisions like Intermediate, Tactical, Elite, and age groups), its emphasis on camaraderie over cutthroat competition, and how it motivates participants to train consistently without monetary reward. He highlights accessible training tips (dry fire, erg-based cardio at the range, gym work with sandbags), the value of community and shared struggle, and upcoming events including the Sniper Challenge and international expansion. The conversation celebrates the sport’s appeal as a purposeful, humbling challenge that fosters resilience, better marksmanship under stress, and a supportive network—making it ideal for anyone seeking fitness, shooting improvement, and real-world readiness.
Interview with Greg Ellifritz
February 3, 2026. In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance interviews longtime friend and renowned tactical trainer Greg Ellifritz, who shares his extensive background: starting as a young police officer in a Columbus, Ohio suburb right after college (initially aiming for park ranger work), serving 25 years on the force with 13 of those as a full-time training officer, and gaining broad experience in firearms, combatives, bike patrol, sniper roles, and more. Ellifritz discusses his martial arts journey (from wrestling and traditional karate to judo and early Krav Maga), his passion for weightlifting and powerlifting, and his long tenure at Tactical Defense Institute (TDI), where he taught specialized classes like knife defense, ground fighting, impact weapons, close-quarters shooting, and civilian active killer response—contrasting the enthusiasm of paying civilian students with the often reluctant mandated agency training. He highlights his popular website (activeresponsetraining.net), including the widely read weekly "Weekend Knowledge Dump" of curated links and articles, his design involvement with knives like the LDK (Last Ditch Knife) for discreet carry and escape, and his philosophy on open-minded instruction by sharing resources from various sources rather than gatekeeping students. The conversation touches on practical topics like knife fighting realities (balancing lethal efficiency with legal defensibility, informed by expert witness work), skepticism toward expandable batons versus improvised impact tools like flashlights, reluctance to adopt pistol red dots (preferring them on carbines but wary of reliability and maintenance issues until eyesight demands it), key close-quarters pistol skills (proper retention positions and smart draw timing to avoid gun grabs), influences from top instructors like John Benner, Craig Douglas, and Ron Avery, and his book Choose Adventure on safe, realistic travel in developing/third-world countries based on his extensive solo adventures. Ellifritz also candidly addresses his ongoing battle with metastatic prostate cancer (diagnosed in 2020, recurrent and spread despite innovative treatment), defying doctors' two-year prognosis as of early 2026 while remaining active, teaching, and optimistic.
Interview with Donald Trump Jr., Jack Carr, Tony Sentmanat, Jared Reston, & more.
January 27, 2026. The special episode of the Taking Aim podcast, recorded at SHOT Show 2026 and hosted by Richard Nance, features a series of engaging conversations with prominent figures in the firearms, outdoor, and tactical communities, all tied together by themes of hunting heritage, adventure lifestyle, Second Amendment rights, and practical shooting/training innovations—particularly red-dot optics from Aimpoint. Donald Trump Jr. discusses his late-blooming passion for hunting, his escape from an urban upbringing via summers in Europe, and how those experiences inspired him to co-found Field Ethos magazine as an unapologetic, authentic alternative to stale traditional outdoor publications, emphasizing real campfire stories, aspirational adventure (hunting, fishing, overlanding, spearfishing), and preserving the lifestyle for future generations while rejecting overly cautious cultural trends. Jack Carr talks about his writing career, including the historical fiction Cry Havoc (set in 1968 Vietnam and centered on James Reece's father), the research intensity involved, his SEAL background, and his long-standing appreciation for Aimpoint red dots. Tony Sentmanat shares his journey from Marine to SWAT operator and tactical trainer, stressing the integration of extreme physical fitness, martial arts, and firearms training to prepare for real-world fights where being out of shape or relying solely on a gun can be fatal. Jared Reston recounts his 20-year law enforcement/SWAT career, a high-stakes 2008 gunfight that highlighted the "will to win" through relentless preparation and mindset, and his current work developing modular duty gear for Safariland. Mark Greaney discusses his bestselling Gray Man series, the constant research (including firearms accuracy), and the enjoyment of fan interactions at signings. Medal of Honor recipient Earl Plumlee briefly describes his intense 2013 Afghanistan gunfight against a Taliban assault, crediting rigorous training for his survival despite weapon malfunctions. Eric Gillhaus and Ken Good offer deep insights on pistol red-dot transitions, visual focus advantages, training pitfalls, low-light doctrine evolution (from SureFire Institute origins), and new modular steel targets from Shooter First. Overall, the episode blends personal stories, cultural commentary, and gear-focused expertise, celebrating outdoor traditions, self-reliance, constitutional rights, and high-performance training in the context of Aimpoint's products and SHOT Show energy.
Interview with Brandon Maddox
January 20, 2026. In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance chats with Brandon Maddox, founder and CEO of Silencer Central, about the world of suppressors (or silencers, as they're legally termed). Maddox shares his unexpected journey from pharmacist to industry leader, sparked by prairie dog hunting in South Dakota, where he discovered suppressors' value in reducing noise and recoil while preserving hearing and allowing hunters to track bullet impacts. They dive into the streamlined purchasing process Silencer Central pioneered—handling paperwork digitally and shipp ing directly to customers' doors—demystifying the once-intimidating $200 tax stamp (now eliminated as of 2026) and NFA regulations stemming from 1934 anti-machine-gun laws. Discussions cover suppressor benefits like enhanced situational awareness in tactical or home-defense scenarios, maintenance tips (cleaning baffles every few hundred rounds with CLR solution), how baffles work to slow and cool gases for quieter shots, and Maddox's advocacy for further deregulation to boost accessibility. The episode highlights trends in lightweight titanium designs for hunting, like the Banish line, and teases explosive market growth post-tax changes, emphasizing suppressors as essential tools for safer, more enjoyable shooting
Interview with David Draper
January 13, 2026. In this engaging episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance catches up with longtime friend David Draper, Editor-in-Chief of Peterson's Hunting magazine. Draper shares his Nebraska roots—growing up blocks from the original Cabela's, walking past it daily as a kid, and developing a lifelong passion for the outdoors through family waterfowl hunts with his dad. He traces his journey from avid young wing shooter (who struggled to hit his first duck) to big-game hunter after college influences, and eventually to his career path: starting as a catalog copywriter at Cabela's, freelancing, and landing at Peterson's Hunting. The conversation explores the challenges and joys of wing shooting (unlearning precision habits, instinctive swinging, and the benefits of red-dot optics like Aimpoint's shotgun mounts), parallels between wing shooting, dangerous-game hunting, and tactical scenarios (quick acquisition, both-eyes-open shooting), and the value of red dots for fast-moving threats. Draper highlights his transformative DIY caribou hunt in Alaska as a pivotal "why I hunt" moment, full of raw adventure, isolation, and instinctual connection. They discuss emerging hunting trends (resurgent lever actions, affordable accurate rifles, long-range tech), challenges like land access and rising costs, and the excitement of growing participation (especially among women). The episode blends personal storytelling, practical shooting insights, and enthusiasm for hunting as an accessible, rewarding pursuit—ending with a nod to Peterson's Hunting as a big-game authority and a call to get outdoors.
Interview with Joseph von Benedikt
January 6, 2026. In this episode of the Taking Aim podcast, host Richard Nance engages renowned hunting writer Joseph von Benedikt in a wide-ranging conversation that reveals the guest's deep-rooted passion for the outdoors. Raised in remote southern Utah cowboy country—where he trailed cattle on horseback, carried firearms from a young age, and lived far from modern conveniences—von Benedikt inherited a love of guns and hunting from his grandfathers, began competitive shooting early, and later guided hunts before transitioning into a prolific writing career fueled by extensive reading and authentic experiences. The discussion explores the craft of hunting storytelling, emphasizing sensory details to immerse readers, the mental and spiritual renewal found in backcountry pursuits, and the value of preparation through training like their elk hunting boot camp to ensure ethical, successful shots in challenging terrain. Von Benedikt shares memorable adventures from Kodiak Island to Africa, offers practical gear advice favoring accurate, manageable rifles in potent cartridges like 6.8 Western or 7mm PRC with suppressors and dialing scopes, and highlights transferable skills between hunting pressure and defensive shooting—such as staying composed for follow-up shots—while promoting his long-running Backcountry Hunting Podcast as a rich resource for Western hunters.