The Harden Up Podcast

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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/
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https://optempotraining.com/

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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

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Episode 63: From Alpine Warfare to Elite Footwear: Florian Oberst on Performance in the Mountains.
In this episode, I sit down with Florian Oberst—a German Army Reserve Captain, former mountain infantry soldier, and Global Product Manager at LOWA. Florian’s background is rooted in high mountain military operations, where he trained and operated in extreme alpine environments, building a deep understanding of what true performance demands in the field.
After his military service, Florian studied sports and medical technology with a focus on biomechanics and equipment development, eventually transitioning into the outdoor industry. Today, he leads the global product line for LOWA’s professional boot line and mountaineering category, helping design footwear built for the harshest conditions on earth.
We dive into the crossover between military experience and product innovation, what actually matters when it comes to performance gear, and how real-world use shapes the equipment professionals rely on.
If you’re interested in mountains, gear, or high-level performance—this episode delivers real insight from someone who’s lived it on both sides.
Lowa Boots
Social Media: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
Website: https://www.lowaboots.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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Episode 62: Elk, Elevation & Ethics: Inside the World of a Backcountry Hunting Guide with Lucas Bode
In this episode, I sit down with Lucas Bode, a professional hunting guide with nearly 20 years of backcountry experience. Lucas started as a self-taught, DIY mountain hunter and built his career the old-fashioned way — through in-the-field experience and hard-earned lessons in unforgiving terrain.
Now guiding for Montana Trophy Outfitters in southwest Montana, Lucas specializes in elk hunting — both archery and rifle — while also leading hunts for antelope, bear, mule deer, and whitetail. We talk about what it really takes to lead clients in remote country, the responsibility that comes with guiding, and the ethics behind a successful harvest.
Montana Trophy Outfitters: 
Social: @mtoutfitters
Web: https://mttrophy.com/
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The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
https://optempotraining.com/

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Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

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In this episode, I’m joined by James Fairfield, a retired police lieutenant with over 30 years in law enforcement and a deep operational background in SWAT, use-of-force instruction, and tactical leadership. James now serves as the Director of Training for the world’s largest body armor manufacturer, where he brings real-world experience to the development and delivery of protective solutions for those on the front lines.
We dive into the realities behind soft and hard armor—from design and testing to field application—and explore what most officers and agencies don’t know about the gear that’s supposed to keep them alive. James shares hard-earned insights from his time as a Tactical Entry Team Leader, instructor, and subject matter expert in officer-involved shootings.
Point Blank Enterprises: 
Social: @pointblankenterprises
Web: https://www.pointblankenterprises.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

Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/