The Clay Lab Network Podcast

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How can shooters practice more effectively, choose the right approach for each target, and build consistency under pressure? Host Cody Matson sits down with New Zealand sporting clays coach and competitor Kade Wurster for a practical conversation about the skills and decisions behind breaking more targets.Kade shares how his experience coaching in New Zealand and the United States has shaped his approach to the sport. With fewer opportunities to practice regularly at many New Zealand clubs, he discusses ways shooters can make practice count—including the potential benefits and limitations of VR tr...

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The advice about “look at the bird” is only the beginning—and if you’re missing targets, you may be missing the real lesson. Dominic Grossi breaks down the visual discipline, timing, and intentionality that separate casual shooters from consistent competitors, and explains why the tiniest shift in how you see the target can change everything. Dominic shares how he went from helping teammates in college to becoming the NSCA’s Assistant Chief Shooting Instructor on the sporting clays side, and why the sport’s rapid evolution demands a more modern coaching curriculum. He and host...

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What happens when an analytical mind learns when to stop analyzing?

In this episode of Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence & Industry Insights, Dawn Grant sits down with longtime competitive shooter, instructor, writer, and women’s shooting advocate Dee Orr for a conversation that moves from elite performance to one of the most successful initiatives bringing women into Sporting Clays.

Dee’s rise in the sport happened quickly. After getting involved in Sporting Clays in the early 2000s, she became the 2005 Maryland State Lady Champion, repr...

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Robin Sheehan joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation on Sporting Clays, women in shooting sports, mental performance, target setting, instruction, hunting, and building a stronger community for female shooters. Robin is the founder of Annie Oakley Shooters of Northern Illinois, an NSCA Level I Instructor, SCTP coach, board member at Gallatin Sporting Clays, former U.S. Shooting Team rifle competitor, and a passionate advocate for helping women find their place in clay target sports. 

In this episode, Robin shares how she grew up i...

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On this episode of the Matson Shooting Academy Podcast, hosted by Cody Matson and brought to you by The Clay Lab Network, 2014 National Champion and veteran coach Pat Lieske explains why better shooting begins with a system. Instead of simply chasing the miss, Pat focuses on building an intentional, repeatable process that helps shooters understand exactly what happened on every target. From maintaining detailed logbooks and developing effective pre-shot routines to using visualization and honest self-evaluation, he shares the habits that separate advanced competitors from shooters who...

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MSA Podcast Episode features Unlock the secret to effortless shooting mastery by tapping into your subconscious — discover how visual control and mental focus elevate your game beyond the physical. In this episode, renowned eye doctor Dr. Richard Colo joins shooting coach Cody Matson for a deep dive into the mental mechanics behind precision shooting. They explore groundbreaking insights on how to eliminate flinches, master visual attention, and seamlessly let the shot happen, rather than force it.You’ll discover:

·        The crucial difference between “making it happen” and “letting it happen,” and how your eyes lea...

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On this episode of Matson Shooting Academy Podcast hosted by The Clay Lab Network, imagine transforming the way you approach clay shooting with practical, step-by-step insights from a seasoned pro who's been in your shoes. Cody Jesse, a top-tier shooter and expert coach, shares the secrets behind building confidence in beginners, fine-tuning advanced skills, and creating courses that inspire both pros and newcomers. If you're tired of shooting frustration and want to unlock your full potential, this episode is your game-changer. Cody starts by revealing how his upbringing in hunting and outdoor sports...

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Unlock the secrets behind becoming a top-tier shooting instructor as Philip Puckorius—NSCA's new chief instructor—shares insights from his 30+ years of experience. Discover how continuous learning, effective teaching frameworks, and mastering the art of diagnostics can elevate your coaching game and help shooters reach their highest potential.

This episode dives deep into the evolution of instructor education, emphasizing the importance of practical experience—like logging hours and taking lessons—to truly master the craft. Phil reveals innovative strategies for delivering effective, engaging training through seminars, digital modules, and community...

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Fred Ferraro joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for an in-depth conversation on Sporting Clays, coaching, competition mindset, pressure management, and developing champion shooters. Fred is a resident instructor at the Dallas Gun Club, an NSCA-certified instructor, competitive clay shooter, CrossFit coach, and lifelong student of performance and human behavior. 

In this episode, Fred shares his journey from growing up in Texas after moving from New York City as a child to eventually building a successful career in information technology and networking before transitioning into full-time c...

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Jared Wolfe joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a thoughtful conversation on Sporting Clays, creativity, competition mindset, flow state performance, craftsmanship, and the mental side of peak performance. Jared is a competitive Sporting Clays shooter, instructor, craftsman, and lifelong outdoorsman based in Denver, Colorado. 

In this episode, Jared shares how his love for shooting began at an early age through family hunting trips, cap guns, hand-thrown clay targets, and recreational shooting with his father, brother, and grandfather. Although he briefly experimented with trap shooting as a...

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Marty Fischer joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation on Sporting Clays, wing shooting, course design, target setting, instruction, mental focus, and the growth of the clay target industry. Marty is one of the most experienced voices in shotgun sports, with decades of work as a Sporting Clays course designer, shooting instructor, television host, outdoor writer, and consultant. He is the founder of SportShooting Consultants, Ltd., has designed clay target facilities across the country, and has contributed to many well-known clubs and shooting destinations, including Cherokee...

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Brady Laramie joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation on collegiate shooting, Sporting Clays, Helice, mental focus, athletic discipline, and the importance of building a complete performance system. Brady is a competitive clay target and Helice shooter, a member of the Texas A&M Trap and Skeet Team, and a young coach helping middle school and high school shooters develop in the sport. 

In this episode, Brady shares how he first became involved in shooting after moving to the Prosper and Frisco area near D...

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Scott Barnett joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for an international conversation on Sporting Clays, competition shooting, gun clubs, mental training, and the differences between the shooting culture in the United Kingdom and the United States. Scott is the owner of Mickley Hall Shooting School in Cheshire, England, where he and his family have built one of the country’s respected shooting facilities. Scott began shooting at nine years old, competed for England and Great Britain in multiple shotgun disciplines, and later transitioned into English Sporting competition and in...

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Cindi Hubbard joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for an honest and inspiring conversation on Sporting Clays, women in shooting sports, confidence, instruction, competition pressure, and the mental side of performance. Cindi is an NSCA Level III Instructor, founder of She Shoots Clays, and an instructor certification coach who has spent years helping women and new shooters gain confidence in the sport while developing practical shooting skills and mental resilience. 

In this episode, Cindi shares her unusual path into shooting sports. Raised in Southern California in a...

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Jon Parrish joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation on Sporting Clays, instruction, mental focus, competition shooting, coaching, and the process of developing consistency in shotgun sports. Jon is an NSCA Level III Instructor, founder of Shady Cove Shooting School, competitive shooter, course setter, and homeschool shooting team coach based in the mountains of western North Carolina. 

In this episode, Jon shares how he grew up in rural Tennessee hunting and shooting from an early age before eventually discovering Sporting Clays in his mid-40s...

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Russ McElyea joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a deep conversation on Sporting Clays, mental discipline, flow state performance, instruction, competition mindset, and the evolution of one of Montana’s premier shooting facilities. Russ is a longtime competitive shooter, instructor, outdoorsman, former judge, and board member at Gallatin Sporting Clays near Bozeman, Montana. 

In this episode, Russ shares how his shooting journey originally began through bird hunting and a desire to become a better shot for his English Setter and hunting companions. After starting in ske...

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Dean Blanchard joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a focused conversation on Sporting Clays instruction, target reading, visual connection, confidence, and the mental side of improvement. Dean is a Sporting Clays instructor, target setter, YouTube educator, and Master Class shooter whose path into the sport began with struggle rather than natural talent. After starting as one of the weakest shooters at a charity shoot, Dean worked his way through the game, eventually reaching Master Class and winning smaller events along the way. His experience gives him a...

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 Will Van Dusen joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation on Sporting Clays, college shooting, instruction, confidence, focus, and the mental side of performance. Will began shooting through the Texas 4-H shotgun program and became active in registered Sporting Clays as a young teenager. He went on to earn spots on Sub-Junior and Junior All-American teams and later competed for the Texas A&M Trap and Skeet team, where he served as team president and helped push the program toward Division I national success.

I...

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Tom Fiumarello joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a detailed conversation on Sporting Clays instruction, teaching, coaching, mental performance, and the difference between being a great shooter and being a great instructor. Tom is the founder of Excel Shooting Sports and brings a lifetime of teaching and coaching experience to the shooting industry. Before becoming a Sporting Clays instructor, he spent 35 years as a physical education teacher, coached high school and collegiate athletics at a high level, played professional baseball, and earned a master’s degree in hu...

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Michael Maskell brings decades of elite-level shooting experience, international competition, coaching knowledge, and mental discipline to this episode of Clay Mastermind. A five-time Olympian representing Barbados in International Skeet, Michael shares his journey from growing up in a shooting family to competing on the world stage against the best shotgun athletes in the world.

Throughout the conversation, Michael discusses the realities of competing at the highest levels of shotgun sports, including the discipline, sacrifice, preparation, and mindset required to sustain success over decades. He reflects on his Olympic experiences, the challenge...

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Thomas Grice joins Dawn Grant on Clay Mastermind: Mental Excellence and Industry Insights for a conversation focused on clay target shooting, Olympic trap, Sporting Clays comparisons, and the mental training required to perform at a high level. Thomas is an Australian IWSF trap shooter who represented Australia at the Tokyo Olympics and has competed in World Cups and World Championships. His achievements include winning gold in the mixed pairs event at the 2017 World Championships, earning bronze in the same event in 2019, and continuing to compete internationally for Australia.

In this episode...

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In this engaging episode of "Clay Mastermind," host Dawn Grant welcomes Kerry Luft, a seasoned sporting clays enthusiast and executive vice president of the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation. With over 30 years of experience in the field, Kerry shares his journey from a casual shooter to a professional, highlighting his role as a Level 2 NSCA instructor and his collaboration with renowned shooter Anthony Matarese Jr. Kerry's accolades include co-authoring the book "Straight Shooting" and contributing to conservation efforts through his work at the foundation.

Throughout the episode, Kerry delves into t...

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In this engaging episode of the Matson Shooting Academy Podcast, host Cody Matson welcomes two distinguished guests, Casey Chase, founder of Score Chaser, and Josh Reynolds, president of JTEC Technologies. Together, they delve into the intricacies of the shooting sports industry, exploring the innovative solutions that Score Chaser and JTEC Technologies bring to the table. Casey shares her journey from growing up around sporting clays to revolutionizing the sport with Score Chaser, a platform that has become the go-to hub for tournament management and scoring. Josh, the tech mastermind behind JTEC, discusses the...

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In this captivating episode of "Clay Mastermind," host Dawn Grant welcomes Stephen Biello, a distinguished NSCA sporting clay shooter and instructor, to share his remarkable journey and insights. Stephen, a Philadelphia native, has spent decades honing his skills in the world of shotgun sports, all while balancing a demanding career in law enforcement. As a lieutenant in the Philadelphia Police Department, Stephen has faced the challenges of managing the child abuse unit, a role that requires immense mental fortitude and resilience. This experience has profoundly influenced his approach to shooting and teaching, where...

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In this episode of the Matson Shooting Academy Podcast, host Cody Matson welcomes Jared Greenwood, a distinguished shooter and the son of renowned stock maker Jim Greenwood. Jared, a Beretta-sponsored shooter, shares his journey from a young enthusiast to a seasoned competitor. With a rich history in competitive shooting, Jared has earned titles such as two-time sub-junior national champion and eight-time sub-gauge champion. His experience extends beyond the shooting range, as he discusses his agricultural background and life on the farm, balancing his passion for shooting with his responsibilities at home.

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In this engaging episode of the podcast, host Dawn Grant sits down with Hoss, affectionately known as "Big Hoss," to delve into the world of clay shooting and the mental game behind it. Hoss shares his journey from a chance encounter with the sport to becoming a respected coach and competitor. With a background in coaching high school volleyball, Hoss brings a unique perspective to clay shooting, emphasizing the importance of both technical skills and mental fortitude.

Listeners will gain insights into Hoss's philosophy on practice and competition, where h...

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In this captivating episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Joe Carey, a man who defied the odds to become a national champion in the competitive world of shooting sports. Joe's story begins in New Jersey, where he grew up with a passion for shooting that was sparked by a Red Ryder BB gun at the tender age of five. This early interest was nurtured by his father, a keen hunter, who introduced Joe and his brothers to small game hunting. The fields of New Jersey provided a rich training ground, where they...

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In this engaging episode, we dive deep into the world of competitive clay shooting with Johnny Carter, a passionate shooter and the creative mind behind TGS Outdoors. Johnny takes us on a journey through his fascinating career, from his early days as a gamekeeper in North Africa to managing a gun shop and eventually building a thriving YouTube channel dedicated to clay shooting. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Throughout the episode, Johnny shares the myriad challenges faced by competitive shooters, emphasizing the importance...

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Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Delbert Whitman, a seasoned gunsmith and gun fitter from Michigan. Delbert shares his journey from a small town in Minnesota to becoming a renowned expert in custom part fabrication and vintage gun restoration. Discover his passion for woodworking, competitive shooting, and the art of gun fitting. Delbert also delves into the mental aspects of shooting and the importance of finding joy in your craft. Whether you're a seasoned shooter or just curious about the world of gunsmithing, this episode offers a wealth...

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In this episode, we sit down with Connor Daniel, a rising star in the world of competitive shooting, who recently clinched victories at both the World FITASC and World Sporting Championships. Connor shares his journey and the meticulous preparation that goes into competing at such a high level.

Discover how Connor balances his practice routine, maintaining a 50-50 focus on both FITASC and sporting disciplines. He emphasizes the importance of consistent practice, shooting three to four times a week, and how this regularity helps him stay sharp and confident i...

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In this episode of the Will Fennell Podcast, we dive deep into the world of Shotkam with special guests Emily and David Stewart. Shotkam, a groundbreaking gun camera, is transforming the shooting experience by providing unparalleled insights into every shot. Join us as we explore the technical marvels and future innovations of this revolutionary device.

LABOR DAY SALE Starts 22 Aug 2025! Visit: https://bit.ly/TheClayLab-ShotKam

Technical Features and Benefits: Shotkam is not just a camera; it's a sophisticated tool designed to enhance shooting accuracy and un...

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In this episode of the Clay Mastermind podcast, host Dawn Grant welcomes Ed Preckel, the dynamic president of Top Gun Shooting Sports, renowned for his contributions to the sporting clays and clay target industry, particularly through the Make-A-Break game. Ed shares his journey from a childhood fascination with shooting to becoming a pivotal figure in the clay shooting world. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and innovation, as he recounts the early days of Top Gun Shooting Sports, which he co-founded in 1994 with a friend, and how it evolved into a family-run...

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In this episode of Clay Mastermind with Dawn Grant: Mental Excellence & Industry Insight, host Dawn Grant sits down with Bruce Potter, General Manager of Blackjack Sporting Clays in Florida. With over 20 years of passion and involvement in the shooting sports, Bruce shares his extensive journey—from his early days in Florida to becoming a well-respected figure in the clay shooting community.

Bruce offers valuable insight into the mental side of shooting, emphasizing that mental focus is crucial for success. He explains how fear can hinder performance, and stresses the importance of ma...

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In this episode of the Matson Shooting Academy Podcast, host Cody Matson talks with Chad Roberts of Breakpoint Shooting Instruction, a three-time California In-State Champion, most recently winning the 2025 title. 

Chad’s shooting style has been shaped through years of experience and guidance from some of the most recognized names in the sport. He has trained under Anthony Matarese Jr., Zach Kienbaum, Wendell Cherry, and Ben Hustwaite—each offering different perspectives that helped refine his technical and mental game. He emphasizes that ongoing coaching has been central to his progress, and he en...

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In this engaging conversation, Don Currie, chief instructor of the NSCA, shares his journey from a competitive shooter to a passionate instructor. He discusses the importance of mental training in shooting sports, the dynamics of gender in the sport, and offers valuable advice for aspiring shooters and coaches. The conversation highlights the significance of confidence, the role of mentors, and the need for a strong mental game in achieving success in shooting. Evolution of a Sporting Clays Shooter, Mental Process & Excessive Confidence.

Coach's Bio

Don Currie is t...

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In this episode of the Matson Shooting Academy podcast, host Cody Matson welcomes Travis Mears, a seasoned shooter and owner of Defender Outdoors Clay Sports Ranch. Travis shares his journey from a young shooter to a competitive athlete, discussing his early experiences, the establishment of his shooting range, and his current competitive season. The conversation delves into the mental strategies required to handle pressure during competitions, the importance of preparation, and the need for consistency in shooting techniques. Travis emphasizes the significance of practice and the mental game in achieving success in shooting...

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In this episode of the Matson Shooting Academy podcast, host Cody Matson interviews Paula Moore, the chief shooting instructor at Orvis Sandanona. Paula shares her journey from being a veterinary technician to becoming a shooting instructor, detailing her experiences in the rigorous Level Three certification process. She discusses the rich history of Orvis Sandanona, the unique customer experience it offers, and the importance of gun fitting. The conversation also highlights the upcoming Shotgun Classic 2025, featuring a star-studded lineup of instructors. In this episode, Paula Moore discusses the upcoming Shotgun Classic event, detailing its...

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In this episode of the Mattson Shooting Academy Podcast, host Cody Matson interviews Todd Hitch, the 2025 U.S. Open Champion, in a compelling conversation that explores the mindset, preparation, and path behind his major victory. Winning the U.S. Open—one of the most prestigious events sanctioned by the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA)—is a monumental achievement, marking Todd as one of the top competitors in the sport.

Todd dives into the strategies that led to his success, including a focus on timing, consistency, and maintaining mental composure under pressure. He e...

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In this episode of the Madison Shooting Academy Podcast, host and guest Mike McHenry dive deep into the dynamic world of sporting clays, offering a compelling blend of personal story, practical wisdom, and performance psychology. Mike shares his fascinating evolution from antique shotgun collector to competitive shooter, revealing how a passion for classic firearms led to a deep commitment to mastering modern clay target disciplines. With decades of experience and a methodical mindset, he discusses what it takes to grow as a shooter—whether you're a weekend enthusiast or striving for podium finishes. Li...

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In this conversation, Justin Covillon shares his journey from the laboratory diagnostic world to the realm of clay target sports and the creation of GunsBay.com , an online marketplace for firearms. He discusses the importance of community in shooting sports, the challenges faced in launching the platform, and the commitment to giving back to the shooting community. The conversation highlights the camaraderie among shooters and the innovative approach to making gun sales more accessible and trustworthy. In this conversation, Justin Covillon discusses the intricacies of gun sales, focusing on the importance of vetting...