In Part 1 of this powerful Making Shooters Better conversation, Ken Kraus shares what it was like to serve as a Marine Security Guard at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran as the 1979 Iranian Revolution turned routine duty into chaos, gunfire, and capture. Read the blog, then watch the full episode to hear Ken tell the story in his own words.

Former U.S. Secret Service Agent and forensic psychologist Dr. Mary Beth Wilkas Janke joins Making Shooters Better to share powerful lessons on fear, confidence, intuition, and resilience. This episode explores what it takes to stay clear-minded under pressure and why true confidence is built long before the moment arrives.

Robyn Sandoval’s path into the shooting world did not begin with confidence. It began with fear, questions, and the desire to protect her family. In this episode, she shares how that journey led her to build a powerful community for women in firearms training and shooting sports. Watch the full conversation to hear her insights on confidence, personal safety, and why better training changes everything.

Most people rely on instinct when something feels off—but without understanding why, that instinct rarely leads to action. In this episode, Nikki Burgett explains how to recognize real behavioral warning signs, build awareness, and make better decisions before a threat unfolds. Watch the full conversation to start seeing your environment differently.

What if better shooting starts with better movement and better vision, not just tighter groups and faster splits? In this episode, Kita Busse shares a smarter approach to competitive shooting performance, breaking down how movement efficiency, visual discipline, and data-driven training can help shooters improve with more purpose. Watch the full conversation to hear practical ideas you can apply in training right away.

What keeps someone going through repeated failure, injury, and extreme pressure? In this episode, former Navy SEAL Perry Yee shares the mindset, humor, and purpose that carried him through three Hell Weeks—and how those lessons now help families train smarter and safer at home.

USPSA Grandmaster Steve Anderson joins Making Shooters Better to share the remarkable story that led him into practical shooting and the mindset principles that shaped his success. From dry fire habits to self-image, pressure, and performance, this episode offers valuable insight for shooters who want to train smarter and compete with more confidence. Watch the full conversation to hear Steve’s practical approach in his own words.

USPSA champion Maggie Reese shares why lasting progress in shooting comes from intentional practice, strong fundamentals, and the right mindset. In this episode of Making Shooters Better, she breaks down how to train with purpose, manage pressure, and keep improving without letting ego get in the way. Watch the full conversation to hear practical insights that apply on the range, in competition, and in everyday training.

What can a former Green Beret and presidential advisor teach shooters about recognizing danger before it happens? In this episode of Making Shooters Better, John Allen shares practical lessons on situational awareness, contingency planning, and the training habits that help people make better decisions under pressure.

At just 17 years old, Olivia Albertson has already set a world record in Steel Challenge and built a reputation as one of the rising talents in competitive shooting. In this episode of Making Shooters Better, she shares how consistent dry fire practice, mental preparation, and clear goal setting helped her develop confidence and perform under pressure. Watch the episode to learn how Olivia trains and why she hopes to inspire more young shooters to get involved in the sport.