She Shield

This week on She Shield, it’s a solo episode—and I’m checking in with you before heading to Corinth, Greece, to represent Team USA Ladies Modified at the IPSC Shotgun World Shoot, September 28–October 2.

I’m taking you behind the scenes of what it’s taken to get to this point: stepping into a new shooting discipline, preparing for the biggest competition I’ve ever attended, the training, the nerves, the excitement, and what I’m hoping to take away from the experience beyond just match results.

This episode is the start of the journey, but...

Competitive shooter and creator Danyela D’Angelo joins She Shield Podcast to talk about what it looks like to grow up in the shooting sports, build a career around them, and still be willing to be a beginner at something new.

Danyela started shooting as a kid, moved from Steel Challenge into USPSA and 3-Gun, and is now preparing for her third World Shoot after competing internationally in rifle and PCC. We get into the years of training behind that journey, the pressure of competing at a high level, her unique shotgun loading se...

Competitive shooter and creator Danyela D’Angelo joins She Shield Podcast to talk about what it looks like to grow up in the shooting sports, build a career around them, and still be willing to be a beginner at something new.

Danyela started shooting as a kid, moved from Steel Challenge into USPSA and 3-Gun, and is now preparing for her third World Shoot after competing internationally in rifle and PCC. We get into the years of training behind that journey, the pressure of competing at a high level, her unique shotgun loading se...

In this episode of She Shield Podcast, Sofia sits down with Arsenal co-founder Rebby to share the story behind Arsenal Marketing & Sales Collective, who we are, why we built it, and what we believe the firearms and outdoor industry has been missing.

We talk about how our backgrounds in the industry shaped Arsenal, what it actually means to build a collective that supports both creators and brands, and how we’re working to create stronger relationships between the people making the content, the companies building the products, and the communities they serve.

...

In this episode, I sit down with Tennille Chidester, a member of the USA Ladies Standard Manual Team competing with a pump-action shotgun at the Shotgun World Shoot.

Tennille shares her story from a young age and the experiences that eventually led her into the firearms industry, 3-Gun competition, and working as an instructor at her local range. We follow her journey as she takes on a new shooting discipline, builds confidence behind a pump-action shotgun, and prepares to represent the United States on the world stage.

We also get honest about the mental side...

Most people picture preparedness as stockpiles, bunkers, and worst-case scenarios,but owning gear does not mean you are prepared to use it.

In this episode, Sofia sits down with Tactical Belle to break down what real-world preparedness actually looks like, from everyday emergencies to natural disasters and civil unrest. They discuss emergency communication, satellite devices, radios, land navigation, family meetup procedures, food and water storage, bugging in versus bugging out, and why a trusted community may be one of your most valuable survival resources.

They also explore the defensive side of preparedness, including concealed firearms...

How does concealed carry change when pregnancy, postpartum recovery, young children, and family responsibilities enter the picture?

In this episode, Sofia sits down with firearms instructor and Armed Parent/Guardian co-creator Melody Lauer to tackle the complicated realities of protecting a family. They discuss lead exposure and range hygiene, adapting carry methods throughout pregnancy, safely practicing new drawstrokes, securing firearms around naturally curious children, and preparing for violence when a loved one may be beside you—or in your arms.

Melody also explains why violence directed at an adult can look very different from violence di...

In this episode, Sofia sits down with Randy Hill, founder of High Risk Fitness and a strength coach with 16 years of experience working with professional athletes, SWAT officers, special operations personnel, competitive shooters, and everyday people who want to become more capable protectors.

Sofia and Randy examine the gaps that can develop when someone prioritizes shooting, martial arts, or physical fitness while neglecting the others. Randy explains why strength is a skill, how general strength and conditioning transfer to shooting and grappling, and why athletes do not need to recreate every movement of their sport inside the...

Biometric firearms have been talked about for decades, but are they finally ready for real-world use?

In this episode of She Shield Podcast, Sofia sits down with Ginger Chandler, CEO and co-founder of Lodestar, to discuss the development of the LNK9, a biometric 9mm handgun designed to give firearm owners greater control over who can access their firearm. Drawing from decades of experience in engineering, product development, and leadership roles within the firearms industry, Ginger shares the journey that led her to challenge traditional thinking around firearm storage, access, and safety.

Together, Sofia and Ginger...

In this episode of She Shield Podcast, Sofia is joined by David Hyman of Stay Safe Martial Arts for a real-world breakdown of viral self-defense videos. Instead of simply reacting to shocking clips online, Sofia and David analyze what is actually happening, what people often miss, and how real martial arts, grappling, verbal commands, pepper spray, medical training, and space management apply in high-stress situations.

They discuss everything from restraining an aggressive passenger on a plane, to pepper spray failing to work immediately, to the danger of staying too close when a threat is escalating. David brings...

In this episode of She Shield, Sofia sits down with Samantha Borgos of Sovereign Self Defense for a conversation about the part of self-defense that goes far beyond simply owning a firearm.

Samantha shares the origin of Sovereign Self Defense, how their training curriculum grew from one workshop into a multi-level program, and why personal protection has to include more than just technical shooting skills. Together, Sofia and Samantha talk about fear, courage, confidence, emotional resilience, dry fire, concealed carry, open carry, and the responsibility of becoming capable before you need to be.

This is...

In this episode, Sofia sits down with Jackson Yeager, a graduate researcher in Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Health at Miami University, to explore the connection between physical activity, long-term health, and personal capability. Working under Dr. Paul Reidy on research funded by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), Jackson studies how physical inactivity early in life can impact health, muscle quality, and overall function later in adulthood.

Physical fitness is one of the most overlooked aspects of personal safety and self-defense. We spend countless hours discussing gear, tools, training, and tactics, but what...

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode, Sofia interviews Matt Landfair. Matt has spent more than a decade behind the microphone as the host of Primary & Secondary, one of the longest-running podcasts in the firearms and training space. In this episode, Matt joins me to discuss what it's really like to be a podcast host, the evolution of the firearms industry over the years, and the lessons he's learned from countless conversations with some of the most respected voices in the community.

We also dive into Matt's personal story—how he got started, the ex...

On this episode of She Shield, Lena and Sofia sit down in person with Bridget Brown, founder of Bullet Bloom Jewelry. Bridget happened to be passing through Ogden, Utah on her way to Arizona, which gave us the rare opportunity to record this conversation face-to-face.

Bullet Bloom takes spent cartridge casings and transforms them into handcrafted jewelry, creating meaningful pieces that connect personal stories, memories, and the shooting community. In this episode, we dive into how Bridget built Bullet Bloom, the inspiration behind the brand, and what it takes to turn a unique idea into a thriving...

This week on the She Shield Podcast, Sofia and Lena Miculek switch things up for a more laid-back, reaction-style episode as they break down some of the most iconic female fight scenes in action movies and TV.

From the brutal close-quarters fights of Atomic Blonde to the over-the-top gun handling in Resident Evil, the tactical chaos of Black Widow, and scenes from Ballerina, they dive into what actually makes sense… and what’s pure Hollywood magic.

The conversation covers everything from realistic weapon manipulations and reloads to hand-to-hand fighting, movement, tactics, and how cinematic storytelling chan...

On this episode of She Shield, Sofia sits down with Lena Miculek for Part 1 of a two-part conversation diving into the world of competitive shotgun shooting, preparation, and what it really takes to compete on the world stage.

Lena shares her history with shotgun competition, how she developed as a shooter over the years, and what goes into qualifying for and preparing for the IPSC Shotgun World Shoot. From training structure and mindset to handling pressure and expectations, this episode gives listeners an inside look at the reality behind high-level competition shooting.

The conversation also...

This week on She Shield, Sofia sits down solo to talk about what it actually looks like to become a creator in the self-defense, competition, outdoor, and preparedness space, without losing yourself in the process.

From figuring out whether content creation is simply a passion project or something you want to grow into a business, this episode breaks down the foundational steps creators often overlook: identifying your audience, building a consistent posting cadence, planning content efficiently, and learning how to create a profile that clearly communicates who you are and what you stand for.

Sofia...

In this episode of She Shield, Sofia sits down with David Heineman to break down a truth most people skip past: tools don’t replace skill.

With nearly 30 years of experience across Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, David brings a layered perspective on what real self-defense actually looks like. From competing on major stages like IBJJF Pans and Worlds to building Stay Safe Martial Arts from an “underground” COVID-era training group into a thriving academy, his focus has always stayed the same: pressure-tested, honest training that makes people harder to break.

T...

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode, Sofia interviews Bethany Taylor, founder of Iron Soul Trailblazers. As an outdoor educator, adventure trip host, and safety and preparedness advocate, Bethany has built her life around helping women step confidently into the outdoors. In this episode, she and Sofia dive into the intersection of adventure and responsibility, covering everything from trail safety and solo travel awareness to the mindset required to operate independently in unpredictable environments.

The conversation goes deeper into how preparedness isn’t just gear, it’s education, pattern recognition, and the willingness to take...

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode, Sofia sits down with Ryan Di Lello to explore a perspective most shooters overlook, movement as a true performance skill.

Coming from a background as a professional dancer, Ryan brings a completely different lens to competitive shooting, one rooted in body awareness, timing, and intentional movement. What might look like speed on the surface is actually built on precision, efficiency, and control.

Together, they break down the biggest movement mistakes shooters make, how to build better stage execution, and why simply “going faster” is often the...

In this episode of She Shield Podcast, Sofia sits down with Madison Thompson to dive into the world of archery from two very different, but equally valuable, perspectives.

Madison, a competitive archer specializing in compound bows, shares her journey back into the competition space and how that transition has shaped her approach to both shooting and hunting. She breaks down how competitive archery actually works, from structure and scoring to the discipline and mindset required to perform at a high level.

Alongside Madison’s competitive experience, Sofia brings her own background into the conversation through re...

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode, Sofia interviews Alastair Steward. Alastair shares a story that hits at the core of what it means to take ownership of personal safety and skill development.

Originally from outside the United States, Alastair didn’t grow up around firearms or the culture that surrounds them. But after becoming a U.S. citizen, he made a conscious decision: if he was going to carry, he was going to do it right.

That decision led him to USPSA, and what started as a way to build confidence qu...

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode, Sofia interviews Michelle Waterson-Gomez, widely known as the Karate Hottie, steps into a completely different kind of conversation, one that goes far beyond the cage. She opens up about where she’s at now after her professional fighting career, and the identity shift that comes with stepping away from something that once defined everything.

This episode dives into the reality of balancing motherhood with a high-level fight career: the pressure, the guilt, the discipline, and the constant question of “Am I doing enough in either role?” Michelle shares...

In this episode of She Shield Podcast, Sofia sits down with Caleb Giddings to break down one of the most common questions in the shooting sports world: USPSA or IDPA… and which one is actually right for you?

Caleb brings a no-BS perspective as they unpack the real differences between the two disciplines, beyond what you see on the surface. From stage design and scoring to gear choices and mindset, this conversation cuts through the confusion and gives listeners a clear framework for deciding where they belong.

Whether you're brand new to competition or feeling st...

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! Sofia sits down with Jordynn of @Jordynnsoutside, a creator who documents life in a more secluded corner of the world while raising two kids and navigating the realities of rural living. What began as a practical need to protect her family quickly turned into a deeper journey into concealed carry, training, and taking responsibility for her own safety.

Jordynn shares how her environment shaped her mindset, what it was like starting from the very beginning with personal protection, and how motherhood changed the way she approaches preparedness. Her content stands...

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode of She Shield Podcast, Sofia sits down with Chris Long of Walther Arms and Caleb Quanbeck, professional drift car driver and Walther-sponsored athlete, for a conversation that goes far beyond horsepower.

Caleb shares his unconventional journey into the firearms world, one that wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms by major social media platforms. Early on, he faced pushback and limited visibility simply for creating content around firearms. Instead of backing down, he leaned in. He refined his craft, strengthened his voice, and built a platform anyway.

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode, Sofia sits down with former Olympian and current world-level competitor Lanny Barnes.

Known for her grit, discipline, and elite-level performance on the world stage, Lanny sits down to share the story behind the strength, starting with the woman who shaped it all: her mother.

Lanny reflects on what it meant to be raised by a woman who embodied service, resilience, humility, and unwavering love. A lifelong educator, devoted wife, and the foundation behind raising a surgeon and two Olympians, her mother’s influence is...

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode, Sofia sits down with Jade Struck for a real, unfiltered discussion about growth, evolution, and having the courage to try something new.

Known for her presence in the shooting sports world, Jade opens up about what it actually looks like to pivot, to step into unfamiliar territory, and to stay curious even after you’ve built a name for yourself. The conversation dives into her newest pursuit: mounted shooting. Horses. Speed. Precision. A completely different arena, yet rooted in the same discipline and grit that de...

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode, Sofia sits down with Julie Golob for a conversation that went far beyond competition stats and industry accolades.

Julie reflects on what it was like coming up as a shooter in the early days of the industry, before social media, before visibility looked the way it does now, and what it’s been like to watch the space evolve in real time. She opens up about the pivots she’s made throughout her career, the choices that shaped her path, and the realities of staying relevant while the...

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode, the conversation centers on Frank, President of Right To Bear, and the path that led him into leadership.

Frank shares his personal story, how he came into the role, the experiences that shaped his perspective, and the responsibility he feels in leading an organization focused on legal preparedness. The discussion explores what people often misunderstand about legal protection, what happens after a self-defense incident from a legal standpoint, and why having a plan in place matters long before it’s ever needed.

This ep...

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode, host Sofia Espina sits down with William Kirk of Washington Gun Law for a clear, fact-driven conversation on the legal realities of self-defense.

Known for his apolitical, statute-based approach, William breaks down how use-of-force laws are actually evaluated, the most common legal misconceptions responsible individuals make, and why relying on internet commentary or social media summaries can be risky. Rather than focusing on emotion or opinion, this discussion centers on how the law is written, how context matters after a defensive incident, and what everyday people can...

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode, Sofia sits down with health and mindset coach Vicky DiSanto to explore the often-overlooked concept of the defense of self, the physical foundation that supports confidence, capability, and personal safety.

With over a decade of experience in functional health and mindset coaching, Vicky has helped hundreds of clients work through complex challenges such as weight loss resistance, hormone imbalance, PCOS, perimenopause, and autoimmune issues. She explains why so many people feel stuck despite “doing everything right,” and why one-size-fits-all advice often fails.

This conv...

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! This episode takes you inside a ShivWorks ECQC course through the voices of the people who lived it. 

Recorded during my most recent Extreme Close Quarters Concepts (ECQC) course, this episode features interviews with Craig Douglas, founder of ShivWorks, alongside his assistant instructors and students from the class.

You’ll hear from:

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! This episode takes you inside a ShivWorks ECQC course through the voices of the people who lived it. 

Recorded during my most recent Extreme Close Quarters Concepts (ECQC) course, this episode features interviews with Craig Douglas, founder of ShivWorks, alongside his assistant instructors and students from the class.

You’ll hear from:

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode of the She Shield Podcast, I sit down with Joey Sauerland to break down why dry fire is one of the most powerful, and most misunderstood, tools in training.

We dive into what dry fire actually does for skill development, how to approach it with intention instead of mindless reps, and the common misconceptions that stop people from ever stepping into competition shooting. Joey shares practical insight for those who feel like they’re “not ready yet” and explains why waiting for pe...

Season 2 of She Shield Podcast is here! In this episode, Will Workman, the voice behind The Modern Protector and Self‑Defense Encounters.

Will brings a true citizen-to-citizen perspective to safety and preparedness. He isn’t coming from a tactical fantasy or professional duty role, he’s a husband, a father, and an everyday concealed carrier who made a deliberate decision to take responsibility for his own safety and the safety of those around him.

We talk about what “safety” actually means outside of gear and social media highlight reels, how Will slowly began prioritizing preparedness in daily l...

Ready to start carrying but overwhelmed with where to begin? This episode breaks down the real path to getting started with concealed carry, the way that actually builds skill, confidence, and responsibility.

I walk you through the entire process from square one: defining your mission, choosing the right training, selecting a firearm that fits your needs, and building a training plan that goes beyond “stand and shoot.” We talk dry fire, live fire, holster work, carry positions, and what it means to be brutally honest about your ability to access your tool when it counts.

You’...

This week on She Shield, Sofia is joined by Alyssa Seymour, a powerhouse competitor and creator known for her dedication to The Tactical Games, USPSA, and concealed carry education. After a hike filled with deep conversation, Alyssa and Sofia sit down to unpack her journey in the shooting sports world, her approach to training, and how she uses her platforms to help others grow in fitness, mindset, and gear knowledge.

Episode Resources & Ways to Support the Show

In this first-ever Entertainment Corner episode of the She Shield Podcast, Sofia takes a deep dive into some of the most popular and trending Instagram reels that have recently caught her attention, breaking them down from a self-defense and training perspective.

This isn’t about criticism or “calling anyone out.” Instead, Sofia uses these real-world clips as teaching moments to highlight what went right, what could have gone differently, and how we can all sharpen our skills through intentional training and situational awareness.

From concealed carry and defensive tactics to mindset and preparedness, this episode is all...

In this powerful first installment of Women’s Corner, Sofia sits down with Thea Von Syoc, known online as @vanleethea, a firearms instructor, competitive shooter, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blue belt, and dedicated weightlifter.

Thea shares her journey from stepping onto the mats for the first time to stepping onto the range with confidence, breaking down what it really means to build strength—physically and mentally—as a woman in self-defense and shooting sports. Together, she and Sofia dive into the challenges women face entering male-dominated spaces, how fitness fuels confidence, and why fear is something to train throug...