Broadcast live from the NRA Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Amanda Suffecool hosts with guest author Lizz Lazarus. Lazarus, a former engineer, discusses her thriller novels that blend Second Amendment education with entertainment. Her first book, Free of Malice, explores the line between self-defense and vigilantism, inspired by her own college attack. Her second, Plea for Justice, weaves in her concealed carry permit process, following a paralegal aiding a friend in prison. Her third, Shades of Silence (2021), set in Florida, involves a restaurant owner and a detective investigating a murder, incorporating Lazarus’ shotgun training. A forthcoming fourth book addresses stalking and elder abuse. Lazarus' books, available on Amazon and at LizzLazarus.com, combine factual firearms and legal details with twist-filled plots, resonating with groups like Armed Women of America.

Suffecool then interviews Dean Weingarten, a prolific AmmoLand writer with over 5,000 articles since 2013. Weingarten, also a co-host on The Russ Clark Show (KBLU 560, Yuma), shares his research debunking claims that pistols are ineffective against bears, citing 200 documented cases showing their efficacy due to accessibility. He recounts the 1953 story of Bella Twin, a Cree woman who killed a world-record grizzly in Alberta with a .22 single-shot rifle, highlighting her precision and the bear’s proximity. Weingarten’s upcoming book will compile bear defense stories.

Rob Campbell joins to discuss the NRA show, describing his role judging historical firearm collections and the challenge of ranking them. Suffecool shares her excitement over bidding on a commemorative shotgun at the Women’s Leadership auction, noting a $25,000 bidding war. They explore new firearms like Mossberg’s 990 and a CZ 50-caliber rifle with innovative recoil control. The episode emphasizes the vibrant NRA crowd as a sign of strong industry and Second Amendment support, promoting groups like the Realize Firearms Awareness Coalition.

Broadcast live from the NRA Annual Meeting, Amanda Suffecool hosts with guest Mike Ochsner, author of Red Dot Mastery, while Rob is judging collections. The episode focuses on firearms training and Second Amendment advocacy. Ochsner discusses his book, which outlines a method to transition from iron sights to red dot optics efficiently, emphasizing four key principles: mounting the dot low, maintaining a consistent grip, stabilizing eye dominance, and correcting natural pointing inaccuracies. He shares how he competed successfully with a red dot the day after installation, relying on these techniques.

The conversation explores the importance of diverse training, with Ochsner advocating for learning from multiple instructors and even other industries to enhance skills. He recounts a humbling experience in a basic carbine class that reshaped his perspective. Suffecool shares her own story of inadvertently joining a master-level USPSA class in New Mexico, learning to move and shoot despite being out of her depth.

Ochsner also addresses coaching struggling shooters, particularly for FBI qualification, tackling issues like gun fit and flinching. He introduces a drill to calm the amygdala, reducing flinch by tracking a finger side-to-side, and discusses eye dominance challenges in shotgun shooting, offering a practical pointing correction exercise. The episode highlights responsible gun ownership, promoting groups like the Realize Firearms Awareness Coalition, and mentions the Women’s Leadership auction, where Suffecool bids on a shotgun.

Amanda delves into criminal justice and Second Amendment issues, starting with a case in Indianapolis where a 19-year-old was arrested twice in 48 hours for possessing a machine gun and threatening others. The discussion critiques the judicial system’s leniency, noting the suspect’s quick release due to initial lack of evidence, highlighting a disconnect in holding criminals accountable. This segues into a contrast with the McCloskey case in St. Louis, where homeowners faced prosecution for defending their property against a mob, yet are still denied their firearms despite a gubernatorial pardon. The hosts argue this reflects inconsistent application of justice, penalizing law-abiding citizens while criminals face lighter consequences.

The conversation shifts to concealed carry advancements, with Amanda predicting national reciprocity as the next major milestone. California’s recent mandate to allow nonresidents to apply for concealed carry permits is cited as progress, though stringent requirements may persist. Challenges with local authorities’ misinterpretations of laws, as experienced in Ohio, underscore the need for clear, standardized regulations. The episode also explores restoring gun rights for nonviolent felons, noting Attorney General Pam Bondi’s move to reclaim this authority from the ATF, potentially streamlining the process.

A news story from Atlanta illustrates the value of responsible concealed carry, where permit holders stopped an active shooter at a fraternity event, saving lives. Suffecool critiques the use of weapon-mounted flashlights, arguing they compromise concealment and safety, advocating for selective adoption of training techniques that align with practical needs.