What makes a use-of-force decision "reasonable" under the law? In this episode of Making Shooters Better, Terry Vaughan speaks with Force Science's Lewis "Von" Kliem about how split-second decisions are judged in court, why perception matters, and what law enforcement officers and responsibly armed citizens should understand before they ever face a violent encounter.

Leaving the military often means leaving behind more than a career—it can mean losing a sense of purpose and community. In this episode, Army veteran and endurance athlete Viviana Morales Kolb shares how firearms training, fitness, and surrounding herself with experienced mentors helped her rebuild confidence, continue serving others, and discover that growth begins by being willing to learn.

Modern policing demands more than tactical skills—it requires sound judgment, effective leadership, and evidence-based training. In this episode of Making Shooters Better, Dr. Travis Yates shares decades of research into officer assaults, pre-attack indicators, and the FOCUS framework, offering valuable insights that can help improve decision-making and safety for both officers and the communities they serve. Watch the full conversation to learn how recognizing critical behavioral cues can make all the difference.

What can dangerous people teach us about staying safer? In this episode of Making Shooters Better, Dr. Mary Beth Wilkas Janke returns to discuss forensic psychology, criminal behavior, stalking, domestic violence, fear, deception, and the practical lessons that can help everyday people recognize risk, trust good judgment, and become harder to manipulate.

What really happens to your brain when everything happens at once? In this episode of Making Shooters Better, Brian Baxter from Force Science explains how stress changes perception, memory, and decision-making—and why understanding these human limitations can make you a better shooter, instructor, or prepared citizen. Watch the full conversation to discover how science can improve your training and your expectations during critical incidents.

What separates good shooters from good decision-makers? In this episode of Making Shooters Better, Terry Vaughan sits down with Erick Gelhaus to explore the science of human performance, decision-making under stress, and why effective firearms training must develop judgment alongside marksmanship. Watch the full conversation to discover practical lessons that apply to instructors, law enforcement, competitors, and responsibly armed citizens alike.

Sometimes an unexpected change creates the perfect opportunity to share something valuable. In this solo episode of Making Shooters Better, Terry Vaughan explores the science behind situational awareness, explaining how our brains process information, why we often miss obvious warning signs, and the practical habits that can help us recognize potential threats sooner. Watch the full episode to learn simple techniques you can begin using immediately.

What does responsible self-defense really look like? In this episode of Making Shooters Better, Brian Taylor shares how his experiences as a Marine, executive protection professional, firearms instructor, and attorney shaped his unique approach to training. Read the highlights and be sure to watch the full conversation for even more practical insights.

Dianna Muller joins Making Shooters Better to share her journey from law enforcement to competitive shooting and national Second Amendment advocacy. Read the blog, then watch the full episode to hear her practical perspective on self-reliance, training, sponsorships, and protecting the future of the shooting sports.

IPSC World Shoot Gold Medalist Tim Herron joins Making Shooters Better to explain why long-term improvement depends on more than speed and accuracy. This episode explores emotional control, smarter training, dry fire, randomization, and how shooters can build stronger performance under pressure. Click through to read the key takeaways and watch the full conversation.