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Into the Unknown: Search & Rescue, Risk, and Decision-Making          Under Pressure with Jeff Lehman

When someone is lost, injured, or trapped in unforgiving terrain, who comes to the rescue? And what does it take to operate when the environment itself is working against you?

In this episode of the Harden Up Podcast, Matt sits down with Jeff Lehman, a 30-year veteran of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Cave and Technical Rescue Team and California Region Chair of the Mountain Rescue Association.

From...

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In this episode, I sit down with Josh Saunders, one of Australia's premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors and a two-time ADCC Asia & Oceania Trials Champion. What's remarkable about Josh's story isn't just where he is today—it's how quickly he got there. After spending nearly two decades playing rugby league, Josh didn't begin training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu until the age of 23. Less than four years later, he earned his black belt, becoming the fastest person in Australian history to achieve that milestone.

We discuss the mindset behind accelerated learning, the sacrifices re...

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Life After the Badge: Mark Aguilar on Retirement, Leadership & the Future of Policing

Mark Aguilar returns to the podcast following his retirement after an exceptional 31-year career with the Los Angeles Police Department, culminating in an assignment to the department's elite Special Investigations Unit.

In this follow-up conversation, we move beyond the tactical stories and dive into the realities of life after law enforcement. Mark shares what retirement has been like, the challenge of finding purpose after decades in a high-tempo profession, and the importance of building...

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In this episode of The Harden Up Podcast, Matt sits down with JD Tremblay — Director of High Performance & Mental Resilience Advisor at Hungry Warrior Academy.

JD’s background spans military service, elite ultra-endurance competition, and high-performance coaching focused on helping people operate under pressure while building real mental resilience. This conversation goes beyond surface-level “mindset” talk and dives into the realities of stress, suffering, burnout, identity, and what actually creates durable discipline.

Matt and JD discuss:

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Episode Summary

Training isn’t a checkbox—it’s your foundation.

In this episode, we break down why tactical training is critical not just for performance in the field, but for legal accountability after the fact. Using key case law, including Graham v. Connor, City of Canton v. Harris, Popow v. City of Margate, and Zuchel v. City and County of Denver, we highlight how training—or the lack of it—has directly impacted outcomes for officers and agencies.

We also take a hard look at the environmen...

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Episode 63: From Alpine Warfare to Elite Footwear: Florian Oberst on Performance in the Mountains.

In this episode, I sit down with Florian Oberst—a German Army Reserve Captain, former mountain infantry soldier, and Global Product Manager at LOWA. Florian’s background is rooted in high mountain military operations, where he trained and operated in extreme alpine environments, building a deep understanding of what true performance demands in the field.

After his military service, Florian studied sports and medical technology with a focus on biomechanics and equi...

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Episode 62: Elk, Elevation & Ethics: Inside the World of a Backcountry Hunting Guide with Lucas Bode

In this episode, I sit down with Lucas Bode, a professional hunting guide with nearly 20 years of backcountry experience. Lucas started as a self-taught, DIY mountain hunter and built his career the old-fashioned way — through in-the-field experience and hard-earned lessons in unforgiving terrain.

Now guiding for Montana Trophy Outfitters in southwest Montana, Lucas specializes in elk hunting — both archery and rifle — while also leading hunts for antelope, bear, mule deer, and wh...

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In this episode, I’m joined by James Fairfield, a retired police lieutenant with over 30 years in law enforcement and a deep operational background in SWAT, use-of-force instruction, and tactical leadership. James now serves as the Director of Training for the world’s largest body armor manufacturer, where he brings real-world experience to the development and delivery of protective solutions for those on the front lines.

We dive into the realities behind soft and hard armor—from design and testing to field application—and explore what mos...

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In this episode, I’m joined by Jason, a 13-year law enforcement veteran serving in the greater Atlanta area. With years of experience on one of Georgia’s busiest full-time SWAT teams, Jason has worked as both an assaulter and a sniper—taking part in high-risk search warrants, barricaded subjects, and hostage rescue operations.

We dive into the mindset and tactics behind precision urban sniper work, plainclothes interdictions, and the realities of undercover support missions involving narcotics, human trafficking, and ICAC. Now serving as a department instructor, Jason shares how he...

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In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Holle—a wilderness medicine instructor, mountain athlete, and the founder of Idaho Rescue Training. Paul’s work and passion have taken him to 18 countries, climbing some of the world’s most iconic peaks and leading wilderness medicine courses in remote, high-stakes environments.

We dive into his journey from the Colorado Rockies to the mountains of Nepal, how he built a wilderness training company from the ground up, and what it takes to teach life-saving skills in some of the most unf...

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In this episode, Matt sits down with Sheriff Chad Bianco, a 30-year law enforcement veteran and the current Sheriff of Riverside County—one of the largest sheriff’s departments in the nation. They explore his personal journey through the ranks, from patrol deputy to leading a department with over 3,600 personnel and a billion-dollar budget.

Sheriff Bianco shares his unfiltered perspective on how policing in California has changed over the last two decades, the impact of state legislation on frontline officers, and what he sees as the root causes of risi...

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In this episode of Like a Man, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk about a journey that’s shaped who I am today—starting with my time in the U.S. Marine Corps, through college, and into a career in law enforcement and SWAT operations.

We covered a lot of ground, including:

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Success Strategies for the Academy and Beyond with Ryan Marion

In this episode of the Harden Up Podcast, Matt sits down with longtime friend and former colleague Ryan Marion — a law enforcement veteran with over 17 years of experience. From patrol and school resource officer to SWAT team leader, FTO, and academy recruit training officer, Ryan has worn many hats in the profession.

Together, they break down what it really takes to succeed in the police academy and sustain a high-performing career on the job. Whether you're preparing to...

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Vollbrecht, a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter crew chief and door gunner who has transformed her experience in the military into a thriving career in project leadership and consulting. As the President and CEO of J. Vollbrecht Consulting, she leads teams delivering high-impact projects for the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, with a strong presence at national laboratory facilities.

Jennifer shares insights from her 15+ years managing complex capital asset projects, her approach to leadership, and how her...

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In this episode, we sit down with industrial design expert Cory Nykoluk, the innovative force behind some of the tactical gear industry's most revolutionary products. Cory shares his journey from being the first employee at First Tactical to his influential tenure as Design Director at 5.11 Tactical, where he created the iconic Rush 24 backpack that redefined tactical gear standards.

The conversation explores Cory's design philosophy of "Neat Clean Professional" and how it shaped entire product lines and brand identities. Listeners will gain insights into the creative process behind tactical equipment development, from...

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In this episode, we sit down with Wells Jones—a Navy veteran, former Antarctic pararescueman, actor, author, and world traveler. Wells shares his incredible journey from military service in some of the harshest environments on Earth to his time in front of the camera and an unforgettable expedition through the Middle East that became the foundation for his latest book.

We talk about:

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My guest today is a U.S. Air Force Major, whose remarkable career spans both special operations and combat aviation. He spent over a decade as a Pararescue specialist (PJ), leading high-profile rescue missions in Iraq and Afghanistan before becoming the Director of Training for the PJ program. Driven by his passion for flight, he transitioned to the cockpit of the A-10, logging over 760 hours of combat operations. Now an instructor pilot and Wings Plans Officer for the 124th Fighter Wing, my guest brings a wealth of experience and insight. Please enjoy this...

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In this episode Matt talks with Mark Aguilar, a current Police detective working in a an elite tactical surveillance unit. Listen in as Mark recounts his 28-year law enforcement journey and the lessons learned along the way. From patrol in south central L.A. to celebrity personal security details and to the pinnacle of the tactical surveillance game, this episode runs the gamut. Enjoy!

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