The Harden Up Podcast

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Into the Unknown: Search & Rescue, Risk, and Decision-Making          Under Pressure with Jeff Lehman

When someone is lost, injured, or trapped in unforgiving terrain, who comes to the rescue? And what does it take to operate when the environment itself is working against you?
In this episode of the Harden Up Podcast, Matt sits down with Jeff Lehman, a 30-year veteran of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Cave and Technical Rescue Team and California Region Chair of the Mountain Rescue Association.
From technical cave rescues and dangerous mountain environments to large-scale disaster response, Jeff brings decades of experience operating in situations where preparation, teamwork, and sound decision-making can mean the difference between life and death.
We dive into the world of search and rescue, exploring the unique challenges these teams face, the training required to maintain operational readiness, and the critical role communications play in remote and high-risk environments.
Whether you're in law enforcement, emergency services, the military, or simply enjoy pushing your limits outdoors, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it takes to perform when the stakes are high and failure isn't an option.
Train hard. Stay prepared. Harden Up.
Mountain Rescue Association: https://mra.org/
National Association for Search and Rescue: https://nasar.org/ 
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The 10 Essential Systems
Navigation: Topographical map, a reliable compass, and a GPS device or phone app (plus a portable battery charger).
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, broad-spectrum sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and a wide-brimmed or shade hat.
Insulation (Extra Clothing): A weather-resistant rain shell, warm extra layers (fleece or wool, avoiding cotton), a warm hat, and gloves to handle sudden weather drops.
Illumination: A hands-free LED headlamp or flashlight, along with extra backup batteries or a charging cable.
First-Aid Supplies: A compact first-aid kit stocked with blister treatments, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, personal medications, and trauma supplies.
Fire-Starting Gear: Waterproof matches, a durable lighter, and quick-catching fire starters or tinder for emergency warmth.
Repair Kit and Tools: A multi-tool or sturdy knife, plus repair materials like duct tape, zip ties, or cordage.
Nutrition (Extra Food): High-calorie, no-cook snacks (such as trail mix, energy bars, or nuts) packed with extra portions in case of unexpected delays.
Hydration: Sufficient drinking water plus water treatment supplies (such as a filter, purifier pump, or chemical tablets).
Emergency Shelter: A lightweight, compact shelter option such as a reflective emergency space blanket, bivy sack, or heavy-duty plastic garbage bag.

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In this episode, I sit down with Josh Saunders, one of Australia's premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors and a two-time ADCC Asia & Oceania Trials Champion. What's remarkable about Josh's story isn't just where he is today—it's how quickly he got there. After spending nearly two decades playing rugby league, Josh didn't begin training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu until the age of 23. Less than four years later, he earned his black belt, becoming the fastest person in Australian history to achieve that milestone.
We discuss the mindset behind accelerated learning, the sacrifices required to compete at the highest level, and what it takes to perform under pressure against the world's best grapplers. Josh also shares his thoughts on Australia's growing influence in no-gi jiu-jitsu, developing a championship mindset, and why consistent hard work always beats shortcuts.
Josh Saunders 
Social Media: @hpucoaching
Website: https://yourbjjgame.com/
ADCC: https://adcc-official.com/
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Inforce Lights
Social Media: @inforcelights
Website: https://inforcelights.com/
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The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
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Life After the Badge: Mark Aguilar on Retirement, Leadership & the Future of Policing
Mark Aguilar returns to the podcast following his retirement after an exceptional 31-year career with the Los Angeles Police Department, culminating in an assignment to the department's elite Special Investigations Unit.
In this follow-up conversation, we move beyond the tactical stories and dive into the realities of life after law enforcement. Mark shares what retirement has been like, the challenge of finding purpose after decades in a high-tempo profession, and the importance of building an identity beyond the badge.
We also discuss how proactive policing has evolved over the course of his career, the changing tactics of today's criminals, and the leadership qualities needed to develop the next generation of officers. Finally, we explore effective instructor methodologies and why creating adaptable, thinking officers is more important than ever.
Topics Covered:
 Transitioning from a 31-year law enforcement career into retirement 
 Finding purpose and identity after the badge 
 The decline of proactive policing and its impact on public safety 
 How criminal tactics have evolved over the past three decades 
 Leadership lessons from specialized law enforcement assignments 
 Building better instructors and developing critical-thinking officers 
Whether you're an active officer, instructor, supervisor, or someone preparing for life after a demanding career, this episode is packed with practical wisdom from one of the profession's most respected tactical practitioners.
We discussed training and equipment. The Iights we use and trust are American-made Inforce lights. 
👉 Use code OPTEMPO15 for 15% off Inforce lights
Inforce Lights
Social Media: @inforcelights
Website: https://inforcelights.com/
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show!
The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/

@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

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In this episode of The Harden Up Podcast, Matt sits down with JD Tremblay — Director of High Performance & Mental Resilience Advisor at Hungry Warrior Academy.
JD’s background spans military service, elite ultra-endurance competition, and high-performance coaching focused on helping people operate under pressure while building real mental resilience. This conversation goes beyond surface-level “mindset” talk and dives into the realities of stress, suffering, burnout, identity, and what actually creates durable discipline.
Matt and JD discuss:
Why pressure exposure matters
The connection between endurance athletes and tactical operators
Men’s mental health and performance culture
Burnout in high-achieving professionals
Tactical culture, accountability, and leadership
Recovery and nervous system regulation
Purpose, identity, and life after the mission
This episode is especially relevant for law enforcement, military personnel, first responders, athletes, and anyone striving to perform at a high level without losing themselves in the process.
JD Tremblay & Hungry Warrior Academy
Social Media: @hungrywarrioracademy
Website: https://hungrywarrioracademy.com/
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show!
The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/

@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber
The Harden Up Podcast is brought to you by OpTempo Training Group — delivering real-world training for law enforcement, military, and prepared citizens nationwide.

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Episode Summary
Training isn’t a checkbox—it’s your foundation.
In this episode, we break down why tactical training is critical not just for performance in the field, but for legal accountability after the fact. Using key case law, including Graham v. Connor, City of Canton v. Harris, Popow v. City of Margate, and Zuchel v. City and County of Denver, we highlight how training—or the lack of it—has directly impacted outcomes for officers and agencies.
We also take a hard look at the environments officers actually work in and why infrequent, “check-the-box” training isn’t enough to prepare for real-world encounters.
Low-light operations are used as a case study to expose one of the most common training gaps across agencies. We break down the fundamentals of lumens vs. candela, beam pattern, and throw—along with practical considerations for handheld, pistol-mounted, and rifle-mounted lights.
If you’re serious about performance, officer safety, and reducing liability, this episode is a must-listen.
Gear Mentioned
We discussed weapon lights and the importance of selecting the right tool for your environment and mission.
👉 Use code OPTEMPO15 for 15% off Inforce lights
Inforce Lights
Social Media: @inforcelights
Website: https://inforcelights.com/
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show!
The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/

@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber