T.Rex Talk artwork

T.Rex Talk

216 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 675 ratings

The official podcast of T.Rex Arms. Weekly thoughts and conversations between various team members discussing equipment, training, history, politics, and of course, the behind-the-scenes stuff regarding the business and technology of developing and making tactical gear. Produced by Isaac Botkin.

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Episodes

New Agencies, Zombie Guns, and ATF Raids - Triple Threat!

March 26, 2024 19:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MB

There are three grave threats to firearm freedoms: giant unaccountable government agencies, ignorant and emotionally-driven laws, and bad enforcement policies. Sometimes the stars align and you see perfect examples of all three pop up in a single weekend.  Today we will look at the Department of Justice's brand new National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center (NERPORC for short), the even more hilariously named Destroy Zombie Guns Act, and the tragic ATF raid on the home of Bryan...

The Citizen Defense Industries Book Club, with Michael McMartin

March 18, 2024 22:00 - 53 minutes - 36.6 MB

Isaac Botkin and Michael McMartin sit down to talk about The Pub Club, a T.Rex Arms book club that reads military field manuals, and why a return to basic combat skills is need. In addition to fleshing out the "Citizen's Defense Industry," The conversation includes infantry roles, innovation, the future of T.Rex nylon gear, and the Band of Brothers Cinematic Universe.  And as promised, here is a link to the first Marine Corp publication that we are reading:  https://www.marines.mil/News/Pub...

Banning TikTok and Rewriting History

March 13, 2024 15:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MB

We're as annoyed by TikTok as anyone, but the US Government's new plan to control it might be even more chilling than the last.      Find out more about the Restrict Act in this YouTube video from last month: www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4o4LVBPMrw        And learn more about the brand-new Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act in this podcast episode.        And here are some examples of advanced AI-powered libel and defamation, complete with receipts. Rea...

The New Conservative Landscape with Dr. Steve Turley

March 04, 2024 23:00 - 1 hour - 60.5 MB

In the olden days, conservative media was simple. We had National Review for ideological discussion and Rush Limbaugh for political commentary. Today, things are a chaotic storm of pundits, personalities, and social media powerhouses battling the legacy media. How can Gun Culture 3.0 handle this, and what should we be doing? Dr. Steve Turley of TurleyTalks joins the podcast to discuss how things are going, and some of the deeper cultural shifts going on beneath our feet, and around the worl...

The Future of the NRA

February 26, 2024 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MB

We finally have a ruling in NY's corruption case against the NRA, which presents them with a significant opportunity.  Also, we let AI write a summary of this podcast in the style of other podcasts, and it turned out super overblown and melodramatic. Here it is:  "Discover the seismic impact of the New York Attorney General's case against the National Rifle Association, where the powerful winds of justice have swept through the corridors of the NRA, leaving an uncertain future for Wayne La...

Impractical Lessons from Ukraine

February 13, 2024 22:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

The most popular episode of this podcast is Practical Lessons from Ukraine, which went over basic things to have and do if you are invaded. Almost two years later, we will discuss impractical lessons. Namely, how impractical and destructive it is in the long term to make purely pragmatic decisions in the short term... to move geopolitical goalposts to suit personal business opportunities... and to blur the lines of borders and treaties just to get media attention.  That's right, we will be...

Introducing T.Rex Labs - A New Channel for New Tech

February 05, 2024 20:00 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MB

This year, T.Rex Arms wants to do more with radio, maps, drones, and additional educational content on additional skills. To that end, we have just launched a new YouTube channel for this more technical material. T.Rex Labs, like the T.Rex Armory channel, will be a place for some more specific content, and will help us navigate the complexities of the YouTube algorithm a bit better. To start things off, we've uploaded three videos: The Best Radios at SHOT Show 2024 Drone Wars Part 2: The D...

Innovation, Civilian Impact, and the Future of SHOT Show

January 27, 2024 23:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

The T.Rex Team navigated 14 miles of aisles between 2,600 booths alongside 55,000 other SHOT Show attendees this past week, and we're talking about what we saw, who we talked to, and a bit about what we expect for the rest of the year.  For our 200th episode, we'll go over significant civilian-focused products from companies like PSA and Holosun, advancements in high-level drone and RF tech, and a massive trend towards thermal imaging. Brandon gives us his expertise in valuing product refin...

A TN Community's Stand Against FBI Activism

January 15, 2024 20:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MB

Our latest podcast episode takes a look at the case of Paul Vaughn, whose recent FBI raid and subsequent legal struggle under conspiracy charges raise critical questions about the preservation of our First Amendment rights, and the overreach of law enforcement.        Kyle, a pivotal member of the TN and T.REX community (and Paul Vaughn's son-in-law), joins Isaac to offer a deeply personal perspective on the chilling effects that this kind of  judicial and prosecutorial activism can have.  ...

Getting Ready for SHOT Show 2024!

January 08, 2024 14:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MB

As we lock and load for yet another trip to yet another SHOT Show, we're discussing the slow but seismic shifts that we've seen across the firearm world; everything from ATF pressure, legal wins for firearm freedoms, the emerging Citizen Defense Industry, and just last week, a major leadership shakeup for the NRA.  Last year was our best SHOT Show ever in terms of overall unity and practical conversations, and it introduced some new tools and suppliers for folks in the industry. As we prepa...

Why You Don't Need A Radio

January 01, 2024 21:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MB

This episode unpacks the necessity for a wide array of radios, tailored to your distinct communication demands. It's a new year, and time for a new focus on radio communications, from cheap FRS radios and simple plans for your local neighborhoods, to encrypted business band HTs for your more trusted circle, and the need for longer-range amateur HF networks that cover multiple states.       Radios Mentioned:    Yaesu VX-6    Hytera 70 series    Anytone 878     Additional Resources:    yo...

A Short Christmas Episode about Community

December 25, 2023 10:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MB

A few weeks ago, Matthew Nowlin and Shawn Graham interviewed Isaac Botkin on the Faith in Action radio show.  Hopefully you have better things to do this Christmas than listen to podcasts, but here is that conversation, going from T.Rex's early goals to developments in the gun culture, but also spending a lot of time on plugging into community and building community. 

How to Argue with Your Family over Christmas Dinner

December 19, 2023 23:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MB

Christmas cheer is everywhere, raising sprits, stress, and sometimes uncomfortable topics of conversation. When you sit down with your family next week, is the turmoil of late-2023 America going to cause division?      With Civil War Reconciliation statues being torn down, and Civil War provoking movies being marketed, it's a fractious start to an election year. You need to prepare yourself with grace and understanding, ready to seek peace and unity, without compromising your convictions.  ...

Gun Culture, Wealth, and Education in Europe

December 12, 2023 23:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

When a Dutch conservative visits America, what are his main observations and takeaways? How is the USA different from Europe? Our guest Ricardo, a seasoned business and wealth consultant at Solari, joins us for an enlightening discussion on weapons and martial culture in the Netherlands, as well as land ownership, education, and a candid conversation around the American Dream, and the distinct mindset that it has created. We then switch gears, comparing and contrasting education and faith...

The Power of Persistence in the Face of Criticism

December 05, 2023 19:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

Have you ever wondered why the most productive people catch the most flak? Open your mind to fresh perspectives as we navigate through last week's headlines about controversial public figures like Elon Musk and Doug Wilson. We'll be dissecting the power of persistence, focus, and dedication towards work, shedding light on the types of people who orbit around effective doers - the posers, haters, and the fearful.  We'll provide insights on the complex relationship between the mainstream worl...

2023 Black Friday Q&A

November 30, 2023 17:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MB

We had a great Black Friday sale, with the largest number of products discounted, and subsequently the largest number of products to make and ship! In this episode Isaac goes into the warehouse to take customer questions which range from camouflage, radios, thermal, and explains why body armor sales may be the best takeaway for the year. Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/        

How the ATF and California Lost Their Recent Court Cases

November 17, 2023 04:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MB

Last month, U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez of San Diego struck down California’s Assault Weapon Ban, for the second time. His decision is being appealed to the 9th Circuit, which will probably overturn his ruling, for the second time. While we wait to see if this thing makes it to the Supreme Court, let's go over some of the best arguments in his excellent ruling, the unhinged response to his ruling, and some other stuff going in in the gun rights space this month.          Bonus Conten...

T.Rex Arms Tenth Anniversary Event!

November 11, 2023 18:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

To celebrate our 10-year anniversary, we hosted an event for T-Rex customers. You can check out a YouTube video that gives you a visual look at how that went, but this podcast has some more conversations with attendees.      We hope you enjoy, and we are grateful to you for 10 years of support.      Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/          

How to Plug Into your Local Community

November 04, 2023 15:00 - 14 minutes - 9.81 MB

If you want one simple and quick tip on how to get more involved in your local community AND more aware of local politics, check out the political fundraisers of your local representatives. Fall is the time when a lot of those are happening, and to get you middle Tennessee listeners started, I'll just invite to one right here:      John Rich and Jody Barrett    Tuesday, November 7th.    at the Greystone Golf Club    in Dickson, TN      Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/ ...

Can Neo-Paganism save the Second Amendment?

October 29, 2023 04:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MB

We aren't the only folks who believe that political positions require firm foundation. Let's check in on some non-Christian right-wingers,  see how they are coming on their new mythology, and talk about its serious implications for 2A advocates. Building a Mythos for the Non-Christian Right by Richard Hanania Technically, this might be Neo-Neo-Pagan-Nietzscheism... it's hard to keep track.  Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/          

Firearms Tactics, Political Theory, and Tourism in Europe

October 20, 2023 16:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MB

Noah Botkin just got back from a little light tourism in Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and the UK, so he's joining the podcast to discuss a few observations. Learn what Cambridge professors think of the American War for Independence, how the British Museum demonstrates power, and how a crazy Czech general invented tank warfare in the 1400s.         Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/          

The Gun Control Industrial Complex

October 12, 2023 20:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

We've had a bunch of episodes talking about folks involved in the Gun Freedom movement, so lets take some time to examine the Gun Control movement, thanks to sone interesting observations from a 2022 article by Micah L. Sifry, a gun control advocate who is frustrated by the forced uniformity of Everytown and its related organizations.           Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/          

Hollywood Hates Anti-Communist Movies

October 06, 2023 19:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

Why has Hollywood made so few movies that are critical of the Soviet Union? Western filmmakers pumped out mountains of anti-Nazi films during the few short years of WWII, but very few anti-USSR movies over the long Cold War. The reasons for this are fascinating, and so are these few films. In this episode we will discuss "White Nights," which pits the KGB against ballet and tap dancers, and still manages to one of the most realistic movies ever made.  Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.co...

What Makes a Strong Community?

September 27, 2023 16:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MB

We in the "Gun Community" talk about community a lot, and it's time to dig into that on this podcast once more! This episode compares on-line and real-life community groups, and discusses six community building blocks (in no particular order): Shared Mission     Shared Experiences     Shared Growth     Shared Hardships     Shared Resources     Shared Proximity    Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/          

The Statism Behind New Mexico's Gun Ban

September 18, 2023 23:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

When New Mexico's Governor banned firearm carry in Albuquerque last week in a sweeping executive action, she admitted that crime would not be affected by it, she bragged that the constitution forbade it, and she complained that law enforcement wouldn't uphold it. So why do it? Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/          

How Political Tribalism Destroys Meaning

September 09, 2023 18:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MB

Deeper analysis of the conflict in Tennessee over gun rights reveals some deeper problems. The ideological differences and separations between our different political tribes has made even basic conversations really difficult. Fortunately, there is a way out.        Check out our final Special Session recap here: youtu.be/PoD0Xl3DsSE          Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/         

Special Session's Anti-Gun Drama

August 25, 2023 03:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MB

Tennessee's Special Session didn't have quite as many as protestors as planned, but there is still a lot of drama going on internally! We've got news, fun stories from behind the scenes, and lessons for other states who are going to experience this same drama soon. See the video here: youtube.com/watch?v=MmMmjjYW2Oo      Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/        

Live Updates to TN's Gun Laws

August 24, 2023 01:00 - 1 hour - 45.6 MB

The Tennessee Special Session is just wrapping up its second day. We've got an interview with Jody Barrett, the infamous 7th courageous rep, clips of moral outrage from people who aren't into solutions, and more.  See the video here: youtube.com/watch?v=W7Q4KeSY3es      Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

The Future of Gun Control

August 23, 2023 01:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MB

We're doing livestreams on YouTube again, because even as we speak, Tennessee Lawmakers are discussing various "public safety" measures that include various forms of gun control, including Red Flag Laws. We will be doing daily shows for a while to show you what is happening, and why you should pay attention, whether you live in Tennessee or not.              See the video here: youtube.com/watch?v=e57e8Ivhhps          Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

What Should This Podcast Be?

August 18, 2023 16:00 - 11 minutes - 8.08 MB

We are 178 episodes in, and it's time for you guys to chime in and let us know what YOU want from this podcast!     Quick update on all the action that is unfolding here in Tennessee: Next week, gun control advocates from all over America will converge on Nashville to push for new weapon confiscation laws. We have a powerful new tool that will help you counteract legislators in just a couple of clicks.      You should weigh in on this debate, regardless of where you live, because Tennessee...

Four Technologies that will Shape Your Future

August 11, 2023 16:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MB

The tech world is highly focused on "disruptive" technology, especially in places like Silicon Valley, where that focus is largely business. But technology has the ability to disrupt far more than just the economy, and there are four big technological advances on the horizon that you need to start thinking about right now.      Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

What Will Happen with Red Flag Laws in TN?

August 02, 2023 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

With only a few weeks until the Governor of Tennessee calls a special session so he can try to pressure the legislators to pass a Red Flag law, you should check out our latest YouTube video "Everything Wrong with Red Flag Laws," sign up for the  trex-arms.com/newsletter/  and watch what happens next.        Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

What is happening with Red Flag Laws in TN

August 02, 2023 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

With only a few weeks until the Governor of Tennessee calls a special session so he can try to pressure the legislators to pass a Red Flag law, you should check out our latest YouTube video "Everything Wrong with Red Flag Laws," sign up for the  trex-arms.com/newsletter/  and watch what happens next.        Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

The Fundamental Flaw with Government Schools

July 28, 2023 02:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MB

A surprisingly animated Instagram conversation sparks some thoughts about the last 40 years of homeschooling and the last 150 years of government schooling.  Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

Take Control of Your Own Data

July 19, 2023 23:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MB

Take control of your own data, don't just rely on other people to preserve it for you, and share the information that should not be lost.   The Official T.REX ARMS 3D Scan Library       The New Radio Scan Files        From Sigint.systems        and Great Plains Creations        The server shutdown at InfluxDB          SOF magazine at Archive.org       Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

Why We Open-Sourced All of our 3D Scan Data

July 12, 2023 22:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

We just released all the of 3D scans of all of the firearms and weapon lights that we have used to develop holsters for the last 5 years. We also released a bunch of new Sidecar files and a nylon pattern that you can sew at home. Now let's talk about why.  The Official T.REX ARMS 3D Scan Library      Sidecar Spine System Files       The Sidecar Dual Wield Adapter      The all-new Sidecar Extender      Chemlight Holder Pattern files        Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsle...

Setting up a Drone Department - with Nathan Wood

July 04, 2023 16:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MB

Commercial drone pilot Nathan Wood stopped by the shop for a conversation describing how he has been able to serve his community and adjacent counties in a dedicated drone department.    Check the department out here (drone-50.com) to learn more about how it works and what it does a regular basis. It's a pretty fascinating way to serve others, build skills and capabilities, and get to know your community, so we'll be spending some more time discussing it in the future.    Stay connected to...

True North vs Magnetic North in Communication

June 20, 2023 04:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MB

Isaac has a new hairbrained metaphor for talking about communication, moral standards, and community involvement. It involves cardinal directions and land navigation!  Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

The Night Vision Industry - with NocturnalityGear

June 10, 2023 20:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

Scott from Nocturnality Gear is in the shop to talk night vision. We're talking about how he got into using, building, and selling the gear, the overall state of the industry, and why fudds may be one step ahead of the tacticool dudes.            Instagram : NocturnalityGear        Website : nocturnalitygear.com          Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/newsletter/       

The USC's New Firearm Directives for Hollywood

June 03, 2023 18:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MB

USC, the world's premiere film school, just released instructions on how to more responsibly show firearms and firearm usage in movies and television. What have they decreed? What are they trying to accomplish? Where did they get their ideas?      Trigger Warning: The full guide from the USC    The Reload: Article on the sources of the USC's talking points    Shooting  Straight: The main Everytown article they cited      Accidental Gun Deaths: Better charts and citations       Keep in touc...

Should Communities be Large or Small? Fuzzy or Defined?

May 29, 2023 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

We believe there's a clear need to grow the large and fuzzy online "Gun Community" in order to educate and inspire people to take their 2A responsibilities more seriously. But we also believe that one of those responsibilities is to build very small, very defined local communities. Let's talk identity and authority.            Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/      

Building Foundations and Frameworks

May 22, 2023 21:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MB

We are all familiar with how to identify the building blocks of certain physical skills, but what about other important foundational stuff? Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/         

The Bill of Rights and Biblical Rights - with Dr. Kayser

May 10, 2023 03:00 - 1 hour - 51.5 MB

A continuation of the conversation with Dr. Phillip Kayser, a pastor and theologian who has written extensively on the topic of rights, history, and resistance to tyranny. We talk through the concept of limited government, and the justification of the first 10 amendments in the Bill of Rights. The Divine Right of Resistance by Dr. Kayser      Additional materials on Limiting Government        The Book That Made Your World by Vishal Mangalwadi    The Founder's Constitution (online versio...

Gun Control is Actually Impossible

May 04, 2023 21:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

There's a lot of big talk about gun control, but as it is generally discussed it is literally impossible, for three main reasons. Firstly, privately-owned weapons are unbelievably numerous; secondly, modern firearms are really easy to make with modern tools; and thirdly, private firearms ownership is still deeply ingrained in American culture. Let's dig into the ramifications of this... Weaponsman's best guess on total US firearms            OSD 219: Technically possible but culturally unt...

A Conversation with Terminal Armament

April 28, 2023 00:00 - 1 hour - 56.9 MB

Isaac and Vlad begin discussing the many practical applications of SDR radios and the new ruggedized SDR-STK from Terminal Armament, but they quickly end up talking about the more philosophical ramifications of decentralized communications equipment, building for the future, and the need to take control of our technology.  Check out Terminal Armament on YouTube and Instagram        Read More about SDR Radios here          Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/      ...

The False Dichotomy of the RESTRICT Act

April 20, 2023 04:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MB

There is a new piece of legislation that would grant the US government more control over the internet in order to protect us from the Chinese government's control over the internet. What is the best way to discuss this kind of topic with others? The Restrict Act      The OPM Data Breach      Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/         

School Shootings and Political Blackmail

April 02, 2023 06:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

What is political blackmail? The aftermath of the Covenant Presbyterian school shooting is still unfolding in Nashville.  Never Pay the DaneGeld Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/         

How T.Rex Arms Invents New Products

March 24, 2023 00:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MB

Over the last few years, T.Rex Arms has grown in size, and with that growth has come a need to completely change how we do product development and design. What are some of the lessons that we have learned through this process? Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/         

How Big is Your Community?

March 15, 2023 03:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MB

And how small a disaster can you handle? We learned a few lessons about disaster responses over the weekend, and we reveal an ulterior motive behind the original T.REX business plan... Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/         

New Tennessee Gun Bills, Progress, and David Hogg

March 03, 2023 01:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MB

There a bunch of Firearm Freedom bills being heard in Nashville on March 7th, and we will be there. The process of legislative change is difficult and confusing, but there is a lot of progress going on, so much so that even David Hogg can see it! Kind of. Our Constitutional Carry Video       Our 2022 Lobbying Video       Keep in touch with us here: https://trex-arms.com/newsletter/         

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