Bourbon and Ballistics

Nevada Shooting Sports - Steve Johnston & Finn West

Most people see a finished business and assume success happened quickly. What they don't see are the years of planning, setbacks, sacrifices, uncertainty, and persistence that happen behind the scenes. In this episode of the Bourbon & Ballistics Podcast, I sit down with Steve Johnston and Finn West, the team behind Nevada Shooting Sports. What began as two men pursuing similar visions eventually became a partnership focused on building one of the most ambitious shooting sports destinations in Northern Nevada. Steve's background in hospitality and the firearms industry combines with Finn's experience as a retired Marine Corps EOD Technician and combat veteran to create a unique perspective on leadership, operations, customer experience, risk management, and entrepreneurship. Over a pour of Barrell Foundation Double Barrel Bourbon, we discuss how they met, the lessons they've learned building a large-scale project, the mentors who helped them along the way, the sacrifices required to pursue a long-term vision, and why success often takes far longer than most people expect. This conversation isn't just about firearms or shooting sports. It's about building something meaningful, adapting when plans change, and continuing to move forward even when the finish line feels years away. If you've ever wanted to start a business, pursue a dream, or tackle a challenge bigger than yourself, this episode is for you.

Team Whiskey - Kevin Stang

What started as a small apparel idea eventually became something much bigger. In this episode of Bourbon and Ballistics, we sit down with Kevin Stang, founder of Team Whiskey, to talk about the evolution of Team Whiskey — from clothing, to archery shoots, to bourbon, and the community that grew around it along the way. We discuss the origins of the brand, the mindset behind building community through outdoor experiences, and the growth of events like the Team Whiskey Bonanza. Kevin also shares the story behind the Heavenly and Bear Valley archery shoots, what makes those events unique, and why more people are gravitating toward authentic outdoor communities. During the episode, we pour and discuss The Sportsmen’s Whiskey and get into the realities of entering the whiskey industry, building a lifestyle brand, and staying true to the original mission as things grow. This conversation is about more than bourbon. It’s about resilience, identity, brotherhood, and building something that gives people a reason to show up and be part of something bigger than themselves. Subscribe and follow Bourbon and Ballistics for more conversations with veterans, entrepreneurs, outdoorsmen, creators, and people building meaningful things through grit, discipline, and community.

Tahoe Douglas Fire - Brandon Brady

When the call comes in, there’s no hesitation... only action. In this episode of the Bourbon & Ballistics Podcast, we sit down with a Battalion Chief from the Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District for a conversation that goes far beyond the fireground. This is a look inside the reality of leadership in the fire service—the responsibility of command, the pressure of making decisions when lives are on the line, and the moments that stay with you long after the call is over. But behind the badge is a man balancing more than just the job. We talk about fatherhood, the transition from chaos to home life, and what it takes to be present for your family after carrying the weight of the day. We also get into Jiu Jitsu and the role it plays in building discipline, humility, and control under pressure—lessons that translate directly from the mat to the fire scene. Over a glass of Responder Bourbon, we take a moment to recognize something bigger than the drink itself—a mission rooted in honoring those who serve, supporting the first responder community, and bringing people together through shared experience and respect. This episode is about more than fire, more than bourbon, and more than titles. It’s about responsibility, identity, and showing up... no matter the cost. 🥃 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: * The real role of a Battalion Chief on scene * Leadership under pressure and decision-making in chaos * The unseen mental and emotional weight of the job * Fatherhood and finding balance after the shift ends * How Jiu Jitsu sharpens discipline and composure * The meaning behind Responder Bourbon and supporting those who serve If you respect first responders, leadership, and real conversations... this one’s for you.

Devil's Due Distillery - Wylie McDade

What happens when the whiskey boom cools—and leadership is the only thing keeping the lights on? In this episode of Bourbon & Ballistics, host Joel Potter sits down with Wylie McDade, founder of Devil’s Due Distillery. After retiring from a 25-year career in the U.S. Navy, he decided to take on the challenge of building a craft distillery from the ground up. This conversation goes beyond bourbon to explore: • Leadership in small business when markets tighten • The realities of entrepreneurship without a safety net • Lessons learned from military service and technical careers • Navigating a cooling whiskey market with discipline and patience • Building a family-driven brand rooted in Appalachian community Devil’s Due isn’t just a distillery—it’s a case study in earned success, long-term thinking, and paying the price to do things right. If you care about entrepreneurship, leadership, veterans in business, or the real story behind craft whiskey, this episode is for you. Pour a glass and join the conversation.

Base Firearms - Ira Labarge

In this episode of Bourbon and Ballistics, host Joel Potter sits down with Ira LaBarge, a retired police Sergeant, Marine Corps combat veteran, and owner of BASE Firearms and Training. Ira completed two combat deployments to Iraq with the United States Marine Corps, serving as a squad leader, platoon sergeant, and crew-served weapons instructor. After transitioning to law enforcement, he served as a Patrol Sergeant, Field Training Officer, Range Officer, Firearms Instructor, School Resource Officer, and SWAT operator. Now, as the lead firearms instructor at BASE Firearms and Training, Ira focuses on responsible civilian firearms education built on real-world experience. He is an NRA Law Enforcement pistol and carbine instructor, has completed active shooter response training through the Alice Institute, and is also the owner and president of Bullseye USA Inc. This episode explores firearms responsibility, leadership under pressure, civilian preparedness, and the mindset required to train with purpose—without fear-mongering or hype.