Brian sits down with Alan Turner to mark his two-year anniversary at USPSA. An army brat who grew up on bases from Fort Huachuca to Fort Drum, Alan has been around firearms his entire life and was a competitive discus and javelin athlete before blowing out his knees in the Army Reserves. His career wound through the Boy Scouts, New York State Assembly political campaigns, and CEO roles at multiple United Way chapters, along with authoring a leadership book for nonprofit executives. Alan came into USPSA in July 2024 during a turbulent period and immediately focused on the fundamentals: getting the finances under control, opening the books, and establishing structure. Two years in, membership has grown roughly 20% (from around 38,000 to over 46,000), quarterly unaudited financials are posted publicly, and initiatives like the new $35 junior membership, a scholarship bumped from $500 to $2,500, the club referral program, and a resource manual for clubs are all live. Alan previewed the first-ever annual Report to the Membership on August 5 at 8 PM Eastern — a virtual meeting where the board will answer grouped member-submitted questions and share audited financials. Discussion also touched on multi-year national dates being planned for 2027-2029, potential reduced nationals fees for juniors, and Steel Challenge's growth trajectory. Alan closed by emphasizing that the atmosphere has shifted from "sky is falling" to forward momentum, with a goal of eventually reaching 100,000 members while keeping the sport family-friendly and fun.


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Discover the world of competitive shooting sports through the eyes of industry leaders, top athletes, and match directors in the Behind the Lens Podcast, hosted by Brian Conley of Hunters HD Gold. Delve into captivating conversations that reveal the passion, dedication, and skill that define the shooting sports community. Brian, a steadfast supporter of the shooting sports, brings unique insights and expertise to each episode. Uncover the latest trends, techniques, and stories from the people who shape the shooting sports landscape. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of competitive shooting, the shooting industry, and the remarkable individuals who make it all possible.

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Brian sits down with Carmen Lout for a wide-ranging conversation about her remarkable journey through competitive shooting, dog training, skydiving, and bodybuilding. Carmen shares how she got started with firearms in her 30s while living in Atlanta, transitioned from IDPA to USPSA and eventually 3-gun, and became a range officer within six months of joining the sport. Despite battling lifelong knee problems and multiple surgeries, she's built an impressive resume that includes over 1,000 skydives, training search-and-rescue canines (including her dog Tyr now serving with Harris County Sheriff's Office in Houston), and — most recently — stepping onto the bodybuilding stage at age 50. Now living in Myrtle Beach and working in contract manufacturing, Carmen is easing back into competitive shooting while balancing powerlifting events and fitness shows. Throughout the episode, she reflects on the "two-mile dirt road" philosophy of welcoming newcomers into intimidating spaces like gun ranges and gyms, the importance of learning the rules to protect the sport, and her belief that inspiring others — especially women — is what drives everything she does.

Elevate your game with our trusted partners:

Right To Bear
Use Code HuntersHD10 When you sign up part of your contribution will go back to the Shooting Sports.
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RealAvid
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Ghost HolsterUSA
Use Code HuntersHD 15% off

Jessie James JJFU Coffee
Use Code HuntersHD for 5% off

ACE Virtual Shooting
Use Code HHDG for 10% off your subscription and physical handset.

Imperium Roots
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Speed Beez
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Discover the world of competitive shooting sports through the eyes of industry leaders, top athletes, and match directors in the Behind the Lens Podcast, hosted by Brian Conley of Hunters HD Gold. Delve into captivating conversations that reveal the passion, dedication, and skill that define the shooting sports community. Brian, a steadfast supporter of the shooting sports, brings unique insights and expertise to each episode. Uncover the latest trends, techniques, and stories from the people who shape the shooting sports landscape. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of competitive shooting, the shooting industry, and the remarkable individuals who make it all possible.

Hunters HD Gold Links:
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBWH4kOqaX-x34uYOviQ-tg

United States Practical Shooting Association Official Eyewear: https://uspsa.org

Steel Challenge Shooting Association Official Eyewear: https://scsa.org

Metal Madness Official Eyewear: https://...