T.REX Talk
221 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 691 ratingsThe 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
What Makes a Good Holster
July 29, 2021 02:00 - 1 hour - 43.3 MBIsaac and Lucas try to summarize the lessons they've learned from a few years of holster-making, but since we are currently retooling a few things over at the T.Rex shop in order to make better holsters, it becomes kind of a comedy of errors or trying to avoid leaks and spoilers. Video Link: https://youtu.be/feQnkm8XObs Sign up for our newsletter here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
How the Firearms Industry Drives Innovation
July 26, 2021 13:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBIsaac goes on a long weapons development rabbit trail after reading a gun control suggestion from activist Michael Cogbill. Not only do we have a right to self-defense, and a right to keep and bear arms, but the incredibly high value that civilization has placed on the availability of weapons has resulted in weapons technology driving a huge amount of all other technological development. Naturally, Jeff Bezos is mentioned as well. Keep in touch with us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Rifle Class Training Video Q&A
July 22, 2021 13:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MBNow that our free 3 hour long rifle training course has been up on our site for a few days, Lucas will be taking questions about it! Oh, and before you go... "Some changes can't be made quietly. Our IWB holsters are temporarily unavailable for purchase while we finish the last major steps in retooling our production line." Video Link: https://youtu.be/iKCuxLBxgCk Keep in touch with us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
How to Build a Communications Network
July 15, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 41.6 MBIsaac talks through some basics of emergency communications networking. Spoiler alert: Software matters more than hardware. People are the network; radios and computers are the tools. The most important lessons we can learn from effective communication networks in the past are that preparation and relationships are key. Video Link: https://youtu.be/6ZbY_ERuwCg Sign up for our newsletter here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
The Right to Repair Movement
July 12, 2021 10:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBUPDATE: This issue is hot enough that Biden already signed an executive order about it! Not that Biden Admin EOs mean much, since there are so many of them, and this one appears to just be an affirmation of some new FTC rules coming sometime. Nevertheless it's an important issue to discuss, and Louis Rossman is one of the most coherent and forthright proponents of the Right to Repair movement and best contributor to the discussion. Steve Wozniak speaks on Right to Repair Louis Rossman on ...
Personal Rifle/Pistol Training Q&A
July 08, 2021 02:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBLucas talks through different ways to approach pistol and rifle training; with instructors, with videos, teaching yourself, and more. Just in time for dropping ammo prices... Video Link: https://youtu.be/RvWeOE2aHmY Keep in touch with us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Explaining Independence Day
July 04, 2021 04:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBHappy Independence Day! Celebrate it while you can, and remember the sacrifices, stands, and lessons of those who fought for freedom. Isaac talks to his son James about some common misconceptions about the Declaration of Independence and the War for American Independence. Stay in touch with us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Analog vs. Digital Night Vision
July 01, 2021 04:00 - 58 minutes - 40.5 MBIs it still worth buying analog night vision? How far away are decent digital options? Isaac talks through the strengths and weaknesses of both, and answers questions on how they work. We had some serious bandwidth issues with the Youtube livestream, which we solved with a VPN partway through, but the audio is clean. Video Link: https://youtu.be/FRrVeSVHFwQ Stay in touch with us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
How Night Vision is Made
June 28, 2021 13:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBIsaac attempts (and fails) to provide a brief explanation of how Gen3 night vision tubes are manufactured, mostly based upon the research of David Kitson: www.ar15.com/forums/Armory/What-you-will-find-inside-an-image-tube-article-for-those-who-are-truly-bored-or-interested-/18-340822/ Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Should You Buy Older Gear?
June 24, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 44.3 MBAs a company that tries to make new gear, we generally like new gear. But old gear has a place, and Lucas wants to talk about it. Video Link: https://youtu.be/gY7sWX8otn8 Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Government Regulation of Automation
June 22, 2021 11:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBThis an Audio-Only follow-up episode to Isaacs discussion on Disruptive Technology. Automation tools tend to be the most disruptive technologies, especially to large unions and government officials, and it's interesting to look through history at ways that advances in automation have been described as destructive, but usually end up being highly constructive. Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
ATF Comments on Braces and Receivers
June 17, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 42.9 MBThe ATF has opened comments on proposed rules changes on receivers and pistol braces. Isaac talks through how to leave a comment, why to leave a comment, and some more lessons from his ongoing study of the ATF itself. Frame/Receiver Redefinition: https://www.regulations.gov/document/ATF-2021-0001-0001 Pistol Brace Rules: https://www.regulations.gov/document/ATF-2021-0002-0001 Fuddbusters Pistol Brace Commentary: https://youtu.be/PJvsOnSx1ps 1982 Senate Judiciary Subcommittee report: ht...
Flashlight Advances, Disruptive Tech, and Olight
June 14, 2021 12:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBIsaac follows up on Lucas's weaponlight video with an audio-only podcast about how much has changed in the flashlight world over the last few decades, how government regulation gets us the wrong kinds of disruptions when a truly disruptive technology appears, and he digs a bit deeper into the Olight flashlight can of worms. Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Flashlight Advances, Disruptive Tech, and OLight
June 14, 2021 12:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBIsaac follows up on Lucas's weaponlight video with an audio-only podcast about how much has changed in the flashlight world over the last few decades, how government regulation gets us the wrong kinds of disruptions when a truly disruptive technology appears, and he digs a bit deeper into the OLight flashlight can of worms. Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Weapon Light Setups and Configurations
June 11, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 48.6 MBLucas answers questions and demos different ways to set up and run weapon lights on various platforms. This another demo stream that works better as video than as audio, but check back on Monday and Isaac will try to have some audio for you. Video Link: https://youtu.be/iiZtD1KatDk Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Welcome (Back) to the Podcast!
June 02, 2021 21:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBWe're trying to treat this podcast more as a real podcast than a mere backup of our YouTube Livestreams, and so we are looking forward to your thoughts on it what should be. Also, Isaac talks through some of his initial takeaways from a new new study he is doing on the history of the ATF. It's... not real good. Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Nylon Q&A - Carriers, Chest Rigs, Slings, Belts
May 27, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MBLucas answers questions about all types of nylon gear. NO KYDEX QUESTIONS! Video Link: https://youtu.be/2n7dcRbz3zw Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
The Summer of Peace and Love
May 20, 2021 14:00 - 58 minutes - 40.4 MB2021 has had an interesting start. The summer will be MORE interesting. David and Isaac discuss resiliency and preparedness, basic radio setups, tactical and technical lessons to be learned from Israel, and why the Amish present a clear and present danger to urban centers. Video Link: https://youtu.be/i_YAsdw5Pjs Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Helmets and Plate Carriers
May 12, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBLucas discusses helmets and plate carriers; different types, purposes, support equipment, and more. Video Link: https://youtu.be/P45owatczB0 Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
3D Printing, Tools, Files, and the Future
May 06, 2021 03:00 - 57 minutes - 39.4 MBIsaac talks about the latest legal changes regarding 3D printed guns, as well as how and why to get into 3D printing for other purposes. Video Link: https://youtu.be/I-myjflkelg Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
3D Printing, Tools, Files, and the Future
May 06, 2021 03:00 - 57 minutes - 39.4 MBIsaac talks about the latest legal changes regarding 3D printed guns, as well as how and why to get into 3D printing for other purposes. Video Link: https://youtu.be/I-myjflkelg Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
How Lucas Botkin Flies with "Things"
April 29, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 43.1 MBLucas talks about traveling with various things on various airlines, baggage restrictions, the TSA, and of course, he will answer questions. More questions than Isaac. Video Link: https://youtu.be/Lzx9Ac4Iojk Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Ask Isaac: Mostly about the ATF
April 22, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 46.4 MBIsaac Botkin finally decides to do a regular Q&A stream, but still ends up mostly talking about the ATF, David Chipman, Tyranny, and Law. And also comms. And also a special surprise guest. Video Link: https://youtu.be/cGPnphDBHP0 Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Grey Man Theory
April 15, 2021 02:00 - 1 hour - 43 MBLucas Botkin talks about how to become the elusive and mysterious Grey Man. He has the right equipment and clothing, not to mention friends in every town and village from here to the Sudan. He speaks a dozen languages and knows every local custom. He'll blend in, disappear. You'll never see him again. With any luck he's got the grail already. Video Link: https://youtu.be/JpYWmnKC60E Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Building Liberty: Reading List Part 2
April 08, 2021 02:00 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBIsaac returns to discuss censorship, gun laws, and to finish his recommended reading list of important books. Government The Second Amendment Manifesto - John Paine Slaying Leviathan – Dr. Glenn Sunshine Great Christian Revolution - Otto Scott Lex Rex - Samuel Rutherford Vindiciae Contra Tyrannos - a 1579 Hugenot pamphlet Magdeburg Confession - The Pastors of Magdeburg The Christian and the Magistrate - Pierre Viret Kid's Books The Ride of Paul Revere - Longfellow, Ted Rand Father Ma...
How to Play Uno
April 02, 2021 01:00 - 58 minutes - 40 MBStay on top of manufacturing or draw 25. Lucas explains the strange and confusing saga of the AC-Uno, the plate carrier of mysterious origins that appeared on our site on April first. The product is not a joke, but someone did get fooled. Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/ Video Link: https://youtu.be/lYBRe9FyEwY
How to Market a New Company
March 25, 2021 01:00 - 56 minutes - 38.9 MBT.Rex Arms is a very old company; almost 8 years old. But if Lucas were to begin marketing a NEW company, here's a few things he would do. Video Link: https://youtu.be/ZfYv2V5Pexo Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Tour of the Holster Production Pipeline
March 18, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 46.6 MBIsaac walks around our current production pipeline, and explains how we make holsters now... but also talks through how we've been scaling and rebuilding our shop to make holsters faster in the future! The shop is loud, so sorry about the audio quality. Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/ Video Link: https://youtu.be/1UBGAHKmc1A
2021 Firearm Legislation
March 11, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 52 MBIsaac talks about some of the various gun-related legislation at the Federal level, and here in Tennessee, while at the VERY SAME TIME David Botkin testifies before the TN Criminal Justice Committee in defense of Constitutional Carry. His remarks begin at the 1:00:00 mark. Vide Link: https://youtu.be/TiAAFx14PVM Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Ask Lucas: Gear, Airsoft, Training
March 04, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBLucas does Q&A on gear, airsoft stuff, and training, many of which came from folks who watched the airsoft video we released on YouTube last week. Video Link: https://youtu.be/zue6Jip52n8 Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Chameleon Targets and Tech
February 25, 2021 02:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBIsaac does Q&A on the Chameleon Target System, explains how it has developed over the last year, and discusses various T.Rex Arms technology projects; projects that were, projects that are, and some projects which have not yet come to pass. Video Link: https://youtu.be/r1jct9bGHlI Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
The Doctrine of Anti-Fragility
February 18, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBIsaac reflects on various lessons from the recent bad weather, Big Tech de-platforming, and the death of Rush Limbaugh - and why we need to be more sturdy and anti-fragile. Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Scopes, Lights, and Rifle Attachments
February 11, 2021 02:00 - 1 hour - 43.3 MBLucas talks about rifle builds, particularly the attachments and accesories of various rifle builds, after Isaac makes a quick political announcement about various gun bills. This is essentially a revisitation of the material from our lost September 16th episode. Video Link: https://youtu.be/Sts6fDnZyTw Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
Warbelt Setup Overview
February 04, 2021 03:00 - 1 hour - 42.3 MBLucas talks about setting up warbelts, and all the holsters, mag carriers, medical gear, and various other bags, pouches, and first line equipment that goes on the belt. Video Link: https://youtu.be/RGFPzz8Wrbw Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/
The January No Topic Q&A Stream
January 28, 2021 03:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MBIt's been a long time since we did a regular Q&A stream to talk about whatever YOU want to talk about. So here it is. Our YouTube viewers ask Lucas and Isaac a bunch of completely random questions. Stay connected to us here: https://trex-arms.com/subscribe/ video link: https://youtu.be/Qr87ccoFjVg
Inauguration, Overreaction, and Response
January 21, 2021 04:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBIsaac Botkin talks about lessons from the escalating reactions to everything surrounding the election and inauguration. Don't let the overreactions fool you. Newsletter Link: https://www.trex-arms.com/subscribe/ "But what do we mean by the American Revolution? Do we mean the American war? The Revolution was effected before the war commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments of their duties and obligations. While the king, and ...
Airsoft for Training?
January 14, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 41.7 MBLucas just got back from a major airsoft event, and has some thoughts on the training value of airsoft gear and activities. Video Link: https://youtu.be/kaFHQYBIOy8 Newsletter Link: https://www.trex-arms.com/subscribe/
The Second Amendment Reading List
January 07, 2021 01:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MBOn January 6th nothing happened that we're allowed to talk about on a YouTube Livestream, so Isaac talked about the books that T.Rex Arms recommends folks be reading in 2021. These are books on the 2nd Amendment, the history of tyrannical governments and resistance, and other topics TOTALLY unrelated to any events that are happening today. Second Amendment Books: That Every Man Be Armed - Stephen Holbrook The Founders’ Second Amendment - Stephen Holbrook The Second Amendment Manifesto - J...
2020: Year in Review
December 31, 2020 03:00 - 1 hour - 43.5 MBIt's been a rollercoaster of a year, both for T.Rex Arms and the whole rest of the world. Isaac and Lucas talk about lessons and takeaways. Stay connected to us here: trex-arms.com/subscribe/ Video Link: https://youtu.be/-L95edUj5EY
Why Christmas in 2020 is Merry
December 24, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 43 MBIsaac talking about end of year stuff, future stuff, and the true meaning of Christmas. Fuddbusters ATF Letter Video: https://youtu.be/cnfZOoRNtys Spread of the Gospel Map: https://vimeo.com/113801439 Video Link: https://youtu.be/UVTZOq9nikk Subscription Link: https://trex-arms.com/subscribe/
The T.REX ARMS Ready Rig
December 17, 2020 03:00 - 1 hour - 43.5 MBLucas describes the new chest rig we're making, and answers questions about its development and use. Video Link: https://youtu.be/c748JXTkgMM Subscribe Link: https://trex-arms.com/subscribe/
The T.Rex Arms Ready Rig
December 17, 2020 03:00 - 1 hour - 43.5 MBLucas describes the new chest rig we're making, and answers questions about its development and use. Video Link: https://youtu.be/c748JXTkgMM Subscribe Link: https://trex-arms.com/subscribe/
The T.Rex Arms AC1 Plate Carrier
December 10, 2020 03:00 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBLucas provides information about and answers questions about about our new minimalistic Plate Carrier. This one is a little more visual, so it might be worth looking up the video version if you want to see the demo. Signup Link: trex-arms.com/subscribe/ Video Link: https://youtu.be/Ya5BMXeam5U
Why Customer Service Matters
December 03, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBLucas and Kyle talk about why T.Rex Arms puts such a priority on customer service, how we built our CS department, and a few lessons we've learned over the years. Subscription Link: trex-arms.com/subscribe/ Video Link: https://youtu.be/1WpsLS6TYfw
Black Friday Sale and Thanksgiving
November 25, 2020 19:00 - 10 minutes - 7.12 MBCheck out this brief announcement about how to take part in the T.Rex Arms Black Friday Sale! Also, check out the new layout of the shipping and inventory area (in the video version, anyhow), hear about a few of the things that we are thankful for this year, and go have a happy Thanksgiving! Subscription Link: https://www.trex-arms.com/subscribe/ Video Link: https://youtu.be/2XQkdPHDbcA
How to Navigate Internet Censorship and Manipulation
November 19, 2020 02:00 - 1 hour - 44.8 MBThere's been a lot of talk about how Social Media platforms have or have not been censoring and manipulating the flow of information throughout 2020. Isaac and Noah Botkin will talk about how much control these platforms have, and a few ways to be less affected by that control. Video Link: https://youtu.be/DExH0l3lvdw
Mainstream Media vs. Internet Hearsay
November 12, 2020 01:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MBSo it's still election night, forever, and nobody trusts nobody. We talk investigations, division, misinformation, and a bit about Black Friday and T.Rex plans for the rest of the year. Video Link: https://youtu.be/2eiZBcQqTaI
Election Night Aftermath
November 05, 2020 02:00 - 1 hour - 48.2 MBThere are no results from last night's presidential election yet, but that's all that the internet to talk about, so I guess we're going to talk about it. But mostly we'll just answer questions about why we aren't losing hope. Video Link: https://youtu.be/FBVCyDCN0Ls
How and Why to use DMR Radios
October 29, 2020 01:00 - 1 hour - 49.8 MBAnalog radio is awesome, but digital radio has some very valuable abilities. Isaac and David discuss how to program DMR radios and why you might want a business license in addition to an amateur license. Video Link: https://youtu.be/h0GdPra8-oI
The Strength of the Gun Economy
October 22, 2020 01:00 - 1 hour - 51.4 MB2020 has seen a bunch of changes that have affected different parts of the economy in different ways. Let's look at them, especially as related to skyrocketing gun sales, ammo sales, and related manufacturing. Video Link: https://youtu.be/WCJ4dp-ZPBk