Mike Shelby is a former intelligence analyst who joins us to talk about community networking and preparedness. His company Forward Observer (forwardobserver.com/) publishes reports, builds networks, and offers training. 

Check out his book on how to do and Area Study, and hear his thoughts on how to get started where you live. 

The Drone Wars videos that we've been posting on the T.Rex Labs channel are valuable explorations of technology meeting combat, but there are certain things that we cannot show or talk about under Google's content rules. Those conversations will come here, to this podcast. Today we look closer at Ukraine's cheap suicide drones and what they mean in the context of just war theory, and the future of war in general.

The grim and terrible videos of explosive attacks on defenseless footsoldiers might be verboten on Youtube, but they raise a number of questions. Is technology neutral, or are some weapons too dangerous to go unbanned by authorities? Do FPV drones represent a completely novel groundbreaking type of combat, or merely a new look at the old face of war?

A few months ago, the investigative news magazine Mother Jones turned its sights on T.Rex Arms and published an exposé on this Tennessee holster company. Was it a searing hit piece, or a thoughtful affirmation of our core values? Well, thanks to the high level of political division today, it can be both!

www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/03/t-rex-arms-hardline-christian-nationalism-lucas-botkin/ How T.Rex Arms got Started: https://youtu.be/AU6iCA60Iyg 

There are three grave threats to firearm freedoms: giant unaccountable government agencies, ignorant and emotionally-driven laws, and bad enforcement policies. Sometimes the stars align and you see perfect examples of all three pop up in a single weekend. 

Today we will look at the Department of Justice's brand new National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center (NERPORC for short), the even more hilariously named Destroy Zombie Guns Act, and the tragic ATF raid on the home of Bryan Malinowski. 

Isaac Botkin and Michael McMartin sit down to talk about The Pub Club, a T.Rex Arms book club that reads military field manuals, and why a return to basic combat skills is need. In addition to fleshing out the "Citizen's Defense Industry," The conversation includes infantry roles, innovation, the future of T.Rex nylon gear, and the Band of Brothers Cinematic Universe. 

And as promised, here is a link to the first Marine Corp publication that we are reading: 
https://www.marines.mil/News/Publications/MCPEL/Electronic-Library-Display/Article/2472229/mcrp-3-10a4/ 

We're as annoyed by TikTok as anyone, but the US Government's new plan to control it might be even more chilling than the last.     

Find out more about the Restrict Act in this YouTube video from last month: www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4o4LVBPMrw       

And learn more about the brand-new Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act in this podcast episode.       

And here are some examples of advanced AI-powered libel and defamation, complete with receipts. Real receipts documenting the fake receipts.       

zero-sum.org/i-wrote-what-googles-ai-powered-libel-machine/     
anncoulter.substack.com/p/gemini-on-me-defamation-and-intentional       

In the olden days, conservative media was simple. We had National Review for ideological discussion and Rush Limbaugh for political commentary. Today, things are a chaotic storm of pundits, personalities, and social media powerhouses battling the legacy media. How can Gun Culture 3.0 handle this, and what should we be doing?

Dr. Steve Turley of TurleyTalks joins the podcast to discuss how things are going, and some of the deeper cultural shifts going on beneath our feet, and around the world. In short, Gun Culture 3.0 is poised to be an import part of this ongoing conversation. 

We finally have a ruling in NY's corruption case against the NRA, which presents them with a significant opportunity. 

Also, we let AI write a summary of this podcast in the style of other podcasts, and it turned out super overblown and melodramatic. Here it is: 

"Discover the seismic impact of the New York Attorney General's case against the National Rifle Association, where the powerful winds of justice have swept through the corridors of the NRA, leaving an uncertain future for Wayne LaPierre and his associates. As the gavel comes down, join us for a compelling narrative that weaves through the financial consequences, the potential for a court-appointed overseer, and the political shockwaves reverberating across New York's landscape. We analyze the Attorney General Letitia James' steadfast pursuit, compare it to other high-profile New York cases like Donald Trump's, and consider what this means for the NRA's path forward in a post-LaPierre world. 

Then, we pivot to the crossroads where the NRA stands today, poised between revitalization and obsolescence. Our discussion takes a hard look at the challenges ahead, emphasizing the urgent need for the organization's leadership to enact decisive reforms and redefine their mission to captivate a new generation of gun enthusiasts. We critically evaluate the NRA's strategic positioning, suggesting a bold reversal: to become immovable in their core gun rights advocacy while evolving in their cultural and educational outreach to align with technological advancements and shifting societal interests. Tune in as we offer a blueprint for the NRA's survival, with insights on appealing to a broader audience and securing a place in the future of American gun culture."

The most popular episode of this podcast is Practical Lessons from Ukraine, which went over basic things to have and do if you are invaded. Almost two years later, we will discuss impractical lessons. Namely, how impractical and destructive it is in the long term to make purely pragmatic decisions in the short term... to move geopolitical goalposts to suit personal business opportunities... and to blur the lines of borders and treaties just to get media attention. 

That's right, we will be discussing everything from Tucker Carlson's interview with Putin to Handwaving Freakoutery's analysis of Ukraine Aid (https://hwfo.substack.com/p/real-talk-about-ukraine-funding), and from Hillary Clinton to the Superbowl. 

This year, T.Rex Arms wants to do more with radio, maps, drones, and additional educational content on additional skills. To that end, we have just launched a new YouTube channel for this more technical material. T.Rex Labs, like the T.Rex Armory channel, will be a place for some more specific content, and will help us navigate the complexities of the YouTube algorithm a bit better. To start things off, we've uploaded three videos:

The Best Radios at SHOT Show 2024Drone Wars Part 2: The DJI Menace How to De-Google your Phone

And as we continue to publish videos, we want your help prioritizing the types of content that we produce, so let us know what you want to see.

The T.Rex Team navigated 14 miles of aisles between 2,600 booths alongside 55,000 other SHOT Show attendees this past week, and we're talking about what we saw, who we talked to, and a bit about what we expect for the rest of the year. 

For our 200th episode, we'll go over significant civilian-focused products from companies like PSA and Holosun, advancements in high-level drone and RF tech, and a massive trend towards thermal imaging. Brandon gives us his expertise in valuing product refinements and innovation, and Caleb explains the logistics behind-the-scenes. 

It's impossible to ignore how your direct input and feedback into this industry is shaping the future of gun innovation, the industry's growing respect for civilian users, and the increasingly common idea that military-grade tech is not just for the armed forces but every responsible citizen.

The Citizen's Defense Industry is developing right in front of us. 

Our latest podcast episode takes a look at the case of Paul Vaughn, whose recent FBI raid and subsequent legal struggle under conspiracy charges raise critical questions about the preservation of our First Amendment rights, and the overreach of law enforcement.       

Kyle, a pivotal member of the TN and T.REX community (and Paul Vaughn's son-in-law), joins Isaac to offer a deeply personal perspective on the chilling effects that this kind of  judicial and prosecutorial activism can have.     

For more information, subscribe to the Stifled Cry podcast here, on stifledcry.com         

As we lock and load for yet another trip to yet another SHOT Show, we're discussing the slow but seismic shifts that we've seen across the firearm world; everything from ATF pressure, legal wins for firearm freedoms, the emerging Citizen Defense Industry, and just last week, a major leadership shakeup for the NRA. 

Last year was our best SHOT Show ever in terms of overall unity and practical conversations, and it introduced some new tools and suppliers for folks in the industry.
As we prepare to engage in pivotal conversations at the upcoming show, we want your input on who we should be talking to. 

This episode unpacks the necessity for a wide array of radios, tailored to your distinct communication demands. It's a new year, and time for a new focus on radio communications, from cheap FRS radios and simple plans for your local neighborhoods, to encrypted business band HTs for your more trusted circle, and the need for longer-range amateur HF networks that cover multiple states.      

Radios Mentioned:   
Yaesu VX-6   
Hytera 70 series   
Anytone 878    

Additional Resources:   
youtube.com/@TheTechPrepper   
youtube.com/@OH8STN     

A few weeks ago, Matthew Nowlin and Shawn Graham interviewed Isaac Botkin on the Faith in Action radio show. 

Hopefully you have better things to do this Christmas than listen to podcasts, but here is that conversation, going from T.Rex's early goals to developments in the gun culture, but also spending a lot of time on plugging into community and building community. 

Christmas cheer is everywhere, raising sprits, stress, and sometimes uncomfortable topics of conversation. When you sit down with your family next week, is the turmoil of late-2023 America going to cause division?     

With Civil War Reconciliation statues being torn down, and Civil War provoking movies being marketed, it's a fractious start to an election year. You need to prepare yourself with grace and understanding, ready to seek peace and unity, without compromising your convictions.      

Piers Morgan and Kyle Rittenhouse Interview     A24's haphazard Civil War Trailer     Judge blocks the dismantling of the Arlington Reconciliation Statue     

When a Dutch conservative visits America, what are his main observations and takeaways? How is the USA different from Europe?

Our guest Ricardo, a seasoned business and wealth consultant at Solari, joins us for an enlightening discussion on weapons and martial culture in the Netherlands, as well as land ownership, education, and a candid conversation around the American Dream, and the distinct mindset that it has created.

We then switch gears, comparing and contrasting education and faith in the United States and Europe.  We touch on the decline in education standards, the rise of harmful ideologies, and the critical role of homeschooling. We also dissect the importance of financial literacy and productivity taught from a young age, emphasizing the gaps in traditional education systems. 

We then delve into a topic that often sparks heated debate ? personal protection. We highlight the stark divergence in views on gun ownership and self-protection in the US and Europe. The conversation then takes an unexpected turn, exploring the role of weapons in society and the need for teaching discipline and self-control. We share our thoughts on martial arts being a potent tool to instill these values. 

Have you ever wondered why the most productive people catch the most flak? Open your mind to fresh perspectives as we navigate through last week's headlines about controversial public figures like Elon Musk and Doug Wilson. We'll be dissecting the power of persistence, focus, and dedication towards work, shedding light on the types of people who orbit around effective doers - the posers, haters, and the fearful. 

We'll provide insights on the complex relationship between the mainstream world and the outcasts; the ongoing tensions between the "experts" and the people doing the actual work. So, buckle up, and let's stride forward in productive action, undeterred by mainstream opinions or critics... even if they do have a fun new insult to use. 

We had a great Black Friday sale, with the largest number of products discounted, and subsequently the largest number of products to make and ship! In this episode Isaac goes into the warehouse to take customer questions which range from camouflage, radios, thermal, and explains why body armor sales may be the best takeaway for the year.

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/        

Last month, U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez of San Diego struck down California?s Assault Weapon Ban, for the second time. His decision is being appealed to the 9th Circuit, which will probably overturn his ruling, for the second time. While we wait to see if this thing makes it to the Supreme Court, let's go over some of the best arguments in his excellent ruling, the unhinged response to his ruling, and some other stuff going in in the gun rights space this month.         

Bonus Content: Handwaving Freakoutery's articles on Shannon Watts' demand to pack the Supreme court, and which statistics REALLY correlate with gun violence.            

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/        

To celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we hosted an event for T-Rex customers. You can check out a YouTube video that gives you a visual look at how that went, but this podcast has some more conversations with attendees.     

We hope you enjoy, and we are grateful to you for 10 years of support.     

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/          

If you want one simple and quick tip on how to get more involved in your local community AND more aware of local politics, check out the political fundraisers of your local representatives. Fall is the time when a lot of those are happening, and to get you middle Tennessee listeners started, I'll just invite to one right here:     

John Rich and Jody Barrett   
Tuesday, November 7th.   
at the Greystone Golf Club   
in Dickson, TN     

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/          

We aren't the only folks who believe that political positions require firm foundation. Let's check in on some non-Christian right-wingers,  see how they are coming on their new mythology, and talk about its serious implications for 2A advocates.

Building a Mythos for the Non-Christian Right by Richard Hanania

Technically, this might be Neo-Neo-Pagan-Nietzscheism... it's hard to keep track. 

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/          

Noah Botkin just got back from a little light tourism in Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and the UK, so he's joining the podcast to discuss a few observations. Learn what Cambridge professors think of the American War for Independence, how the British Museum demonstrates power, and how a crazy Czech general invented tank warfare in the 1400s.        

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/          

We've had a bunch of episodes talking about folks involved in the Gun Freedom movement, so lets take some time to examine the Gun Control movement, thanks to sone interesting observations from a 2022 article by Micah L. Sifry, a gun control advocate who is frustrated by the forced uniformity of Everytown and its related organizations.          

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/          

Why has Hollywood made so few movies that are critical of the Soviet Union? Western filmmakers pumped out mountains of anti-Nazi films during the few short years of WWII, but very few anti-USSR movies over the long Cold War. The reasons for this are fascinating, and so are these few films. In this episode we will discuss "White Nights," which pits the KGB against ballet and tap dancers, and still manages to one of the most realistic movies ever made. 

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/          

We in the "Gun Community" talk about community a lot, and it's time to dig into that on this podcast once more! This episode compares on-line and real-life community groups, and discusses six community building blocks (in no particular order):

Shared Mission    Shared Experiences    Shared Growth    Shared Hardships    Shared Resources    Shared Proximity   

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/          

When New Mexico's Governor banned firearm carry in Albuquerque last week in a sweeping executive action, she admitted that crime would not be affected by it, she bragged that the constitution forbade it, and she complained that law enforcement wouldn't uphold it. So why do it?

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/          

Deeper analysis of the conflict in Tennessee over gun rights reveals some deeper problems. The ideological differences and separations between our different political tribes has made even basic conversations really difficult. Fortunately, there is a way out.       

Check out our final Special Session recap here: youtu.be/PoD0Xl3DsSE         

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/         

Tennessee's Special Session didn't have quite as many as protestors as planned, but there is still a lot of drama going on internally! We've got news, fun stories from behind the scenes, and lessons for other states who are going to experience this same drama soon.

See the video here: youtube.com/watch?v=MmMmjjYW2Oo     
Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/        

The Tennessee Special Session is just wrapping up its second day. We've got an interview with Jody Barrett, the infamous 7th courageous rep, clips of moral outrage from people who aren't into solutions, and more. 

See the video here: youtube.com/watch?v=W7Q4KeSY3es     
Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

We're doing livestreams on YouTube again, because even as we speak, Tennessee Lawmakers are discussing various "public safety" measures that include various forms of gun control, including Red Flag Laws. We will be doing daily shows for a while to show you what is happening, and why you should pay attention, whether you live in Tennessee or not.             

See the video here: youtube.com/watch?v=e57e8Ivhhps         
Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

We are 178 episodes in, and it's time for you guys to chime in and let us know what YOU want from this podcast!    

Quick update on all the action that is unfolding here in Tennessee: Next week, gun control advocates from all over America will converge on Nashville to push for new weapon confiscation laws. We have a powerful new tool that will help you counteract legislators in just a couple of clicks.    

 You should weigh in on this debate, regardless of where you live, because Tennessee is just the front line in a nation-wide push for Red Flag laws, and what happens here will affect you.        

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

The tech world is highly focused on "disruptive" technology, especially in places like Silicon Valley, where that focus is largely business. But technology has the ability to disrupt far more than just the economy, and there are four big technological advances on the horizon that you need to start thinking about right now.     

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

With only a few weeks until the Governor of Tennessee calls a special session so he can try to pressure the legislators to pass a Red Flag law, you should check out our latest YouTube video "Everything Wrong with Red Flag Laws," sign up for the  trex-arms.com/newsletter/  and watch what happens next.       

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

A surprisingly animated Instagram conversation sparks some thoughts about the last 40 years of homeschooling and the last 150 years of government schooling. 

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

Take control of your own data, don't just rely on other people to preserve it for you, and share the information that should not be lost.  

The Official T.REX ARMS 3D Scan Library      The New Radio Scan Files       From Sigint.systems       and Great Plains Creations       The server shutdown at InfluxDB         SOF magazine at Archive.org      

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

We just released all the of 3D scans of all of the firearms and weapon lights that we have used to develop holsters for the last 5 years. We also released a bunch of new Sidecar files and a nylon pattern that you can sew at home. Now let's talk about why. 

The Official T.REX ARMS 3D Scan Library     Sidecar Spine System Files      The Sidecar Dual Wield Adapter     The all-new Sidecar Extender     Chemlight Holder Pattern files       

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

Commercial drone pilot Nathan Wood stopped by the shop for a conversation describing how he has been able to serve his community and adjacent counties in a dedicated drone department.   

Check the department out here (drone-50.com) to learn more about how it works and what it does a regular basis. It's a pretty fascinating way to serve others, build skills and capabilities, and get to know your community, so we'll be spending some more time discussing it in the future.   

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

Isaac has a new hairbrained metaphor for talking about communication, moral standards, and community involvement. It involves cardinal directions and land navigation! 

Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

Scott from Nocturnality Gear is in the shop to talk night vision. We're talking about how he got into using, building, and selling the gear, the overall state of the industry, and why fudds may be one step ahead of the tacticool dudes.       
   
Instagram : NocturnalityGear       
Website : nocturnalitygear.com       
 
Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

USC, the world's premiere film school, just released instructions on how to more responsibly show firearms and firearm usage in movies and television. What have they decreed? What are they trying to accomplish? Where did they get their ideas?     

Trigger Warning: The full guide from the USC   
The Reload: Article on the sources of the USC's talking points   
Shooting  Straight: The main Everytown article they cited     
Accidental Gun Deaths: Better charts and citations      

Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/      

We believe there's a clear need to grow the large and fuzzy online "Gun Community" in order to educate and inspire people to take their 2A responsibilities more seriously. But we also believe that one of those responsibilities is to build very small, very defined local communities. Let's talk identity and authority.           

Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/      

We are all familiar with how to identify the building blocks of certain physical skills, but what about other important foundational stuff?

Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/         

A continuation of the conversation with Dr. Phillip Kayser, a pastor and theologian who has written extensively on the topic of rights, history, and resistance to tyranny. We talk through the concept of limited government, and the justification of the first 10 amendments in the Bill of Rights.

The Divine Right of Resistance by Dr. Kayser     
Additional materials on Limiting Government       

The Book That Made Your World by Vishal Mangalwadi   
The Founder's Constitution (online version | paperback)     
The Citizen's Rule Book     

Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/      

There's a lot of big talk about gun control, but as it is generally discussed it is literally impossible, for three main reasons. Firstly, privately-owned weapons are unbelievably numerous; secondly, modern firearms are really easy to make with modern tools; and thirdly, private firearms ownership is still deeply ingrained in American culture. Let's dig into the ramifications of this...

Weaponsman's best guess on total US firearms           
OSD 219: Technically possible but culturally unthinkable                 

Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/         

Isaac and Vlad begin discussing the many practical applications of SDR radios and the new ruggedized SDR-STK from Terminal Armament, but they quickly end up talking about the more philosophical ramifications of decentralized communications equipment, building for the future, and the need to take control of our technology. 

Check out Terminal Armament on YouTube and Instagram       
Read More about SDR Radios here         

Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/         

There is a new piece of legislation that would grant the US government more control over the internet in order to protect us from the Chinese government's control over the internet. What is the best way to discuss this kind of topic with others?

The Restrict Act     
The OPM Data Breach     

Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/         

What is political blackmail? The aftermath of the Covenant Presbyterian school shooting is still unfolding in Nashville. 

Never Pay the DaneGeld

Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/         

Over the last few years, T.Rex Arms has grown in size, and with that growth has come a need to completely change how we do product development and design. What are some of the lessons that we have learned through this process?

Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/