State of the Second

Hosted by Gun Owners of America

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

"State of the Second isn’t your typical 2A podcast—it’s a backstage pass into the firearms industry. Hosted by Kailey Nieman and John Fahrner, we sit down with the real people behind the brands, builds, and big ideas shaping the gun world. From shop owners to social media legends, each episode dives into how they got started, what keeps them going, and what it really takes to make it in the firearms industry, plus the battles they face along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how to break into the industry or what it’s like behind the scenes, this is your front-row seat."

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 11, 202651 min

How a Single Patch Built a Whole Business (ft. Patch Ops)

This week on State of the Second, John and Kailey sit down with Tim and Michelle from Patch Ops share how a small side hustle grew into a successful brand. From Marine Corps roots and entrepreneurial risk-taking to building a loyal community and staying true to their values, this is the story behind one of the most recognizable names in the patch world. ----------------------- Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season! Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership

June 4, 202637 min

How New Jersey Tries to Destroy Gun Owners (ft. Tony Simon)

This week,John and Kailey sit down with Tony Simon to discuss how growing up around firearms, serving in the Marine Corps, and later moving to New Jersey completely changed his perspective on gun ownership and Second Amendment advocacy. From navigating restrictive gun laws to building a movement that welcomes new shooters into the firearms community, Tony explains why outreach matters now more than ever.-----------------------Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership

May 21, 202643 min

The Gun That Could Change Recoil Forever (ft. Rock Island Armory)

This week, John and Kailey sit down with John McClain from Rock Island Armory to break down the INSANE recoil system behind the Rock Island 5.0, the future of the 22 TCM round, and what really goes into developing firearms from concept to production. From affordable 1911s to next-generation innovation, this episode dives deep into the mindset and mission behind one of the most underrated companies in the firearms industry.-----------------------Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership

May 13, 202641 min

The Harrell Approach: Practical, Not Trendy (ft. Roy Harrell)

This week John sits down with Roy Harrell, the man who stood behind the camera during the rise of Paul Harrell’s iconic YouTube channel and now carries the torch forward.Roy shares the story of how he and his brother built one of the most respected firearms channels online, what it was like stepping in front of the camera after Paul’s passing, and how he’s continuing the legacy while bringing his own experience to the platform. With nearly four decades in law enforcement and a lifetime around firearms and hunter education, Roy brings a practical, no-nonsense approach to gun culture.----------------------- Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season! Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership

May 6, 202646 min

The Mom Who Reinvented Concealed Carry (ft. Anna Taylor)

This week John sits down with Anna Taylor, founder and CEO of Dean Adams, to talk about reinventing concealed carry for women. They dive into her journey from stay-at-home mom to firearms entrepreneur, the evolution of women-focused carry solutions, and the mindset shift required to move from fear to confidence. Anna also shares powerful insights on situational awareness, protecting your family, and breaking the freeze response in high-stress moments.----------------------- Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season! Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership

April 29, 202642 min

What High-Level Training Really Gives You (ft. Farewell Firearms)

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Joe Farewell, former law enforcement officer, SWAT sniper team leader, competitive shooter, and Team USA gold medalist at the IPSC Rifle World Shoot.Joe breaks down what it really takes to compete at the highest level of practical shooting, what shooting internationally is like, and how dry fire became the foundation of his success. We also dive into the difference between competition and “real world” training, why most shooters misunderstand advanced classes, and the truth about gear vs. skill.-----------------------Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership

April 23, 202652 min

Educate, Not Legislate: The Teal Shirt Strategy Explained (ft. Dianna Muller)

This week, John sits down with Dianna Muller to discuss the growing role of women in the fight for the Second Amendment.A retired law enforcement officer, professional competitive shooter, and founder of the DC Project and Women for Gun Rights, Dianna shares how she transitioned from policing to full-time advocacy and why the female voice is critical in today’s gun rights movement.-----------------------Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership

April 15, 202654 min

The Real Purpose of the Second Amendment (ft. Atrius Development)

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Ryan Spadfore of Atrius Development to talk innovation, collaboration, and the shifting culture of the gun industry. From getting his start at the ground level to launching a company focused on emerging firearm technology, Ryan shares what’s driving the next wave of accessories, why collaboration is replacing gatekeeping, and how grassroots support is reshaping the market.----------------------- Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season! Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership

April 8, 202650 min

Why The Gundies Keep Growing (And Why They Keep Doing It)

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Ben and Will from Forge Relations and creators of The Gundie Awards. They recap the biggest year yet, from going live on Rumble to behind-the-scenes moments and community conversations. They break down the voting debate, what the awards are really about, and how The Gundies is growing beyond a single night.----------------------- Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season! Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership

April 1, 202653 min

First Woman on the USA Overall Team (ft. Jalise Williams)

This week, John and Kailey sit down with professional competitive shooter Jalise Williams to talk about what it really takes to perform at the highest level. From growing up hunting in Utah to winning gold on the world stage, Jalise shares the mindset, discipline, and resilience behind her success.-----------------------Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership

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