From Behind the Holster, the Concealed Coalition podcast. Hosted by Jody Picou, with Matt Wheeler and Yates Crawford.
The Firearms Industry Has a Misinformation Problem
For decades, the conversation around firearms in America has been dominated by fear, politics, and outdated advice passed down through generations. Instructors telling students that anything less than a .45 caliber isn’t worth carrying. People repeating things their grandparents told them without ever questioning whether it still holds up. Dangerous myths — like “shoot them outside, drag them inside” — circulating as if they were legitimate legal strategy.
Behind the Holster exists to push back on all of it.
In this inaugural episode, host Jody Picou — a concealed carry instructor and Concealed Coalition master trainer with over 13 years in the industry and more than 100,000 students trained — sits down with fellow CC trainers Matt Wheeler and Yates Crawford to explain what this podcast is, who it’s for, and why they built it.
Jody, Matt, and Yates go deep on all of this — and more — in the full episode. Watch it below.
What Concealed Coalition Does Differently
Concealed Coalition trains tens of thousands of students every year — roughly 35,000 in-person in a single year, and hundreds of thousands more through online platforms. With over 150 instructors teaching approximately 100 classes per week across the country, the organization has a front-row seat to what new gun owners actually struggle with.
The most common question instructors hear: where do I even start?
The answer, according to Jody, has nothing to do with caliber debates or tactical gear. It starts with people. Concealed Coalition’s trainers are selected not just for their firearms knowledge but for their ability to connect with students — to meet them where they are, make them feel welcome, and actually change how they think about personal protection.
Matt Wheeler, who spent five years in law enforcement before joining Concealed Coalition, describes the moment in every class when a student’s perspective shifts: the light bulb turns on. That’s what the podcast is designed to replicate — at scale, for anyone who wants to learn.
Practical, Not Tactical
Behind the Holster isn’t a tactical show. It isn’t a political commentary show. And it explicitly isn’t a replacement for real training.
What it is: a practical, judgment-free resource for everyday people — new gun owners, experienced carriers, and everyone in between — who want straightforward answers to real questions.
What does responsible gun ownership actually look like in 2026? How do you talk to your kids about firearms without scaring them? What’s the right mindset for personal protection without living in fear? What are the actual laws in your state, explained in plain language?
These are the questions Behind the Holster is built to answer. And they’re questions Concealed Coalition instructors hear in every class they teach.
The Misinformation That’s Costing People
One of the recurring themes in this episode is how much outdated and outright dangerous advice still circulates in the firearms community.
“Shoot them outside, drag them inside” — a piece of advice that has been passed down for generations — is not a legal defense strategy. It is a path to a criminal charge. The same goes for the “truck gun” mentality: leaving a firearm in a vehicle rather than on your person doesn’t make you safer; in a real self-defense situation, it likely disqualifies you from a legal defense by removing the element of imminence.
The world has changed. Firearm laws, self-defense statutes, and the demographics of people seeking training have all evolved significantly. The industry needs to evolve with them.
Concealed Coalition was founded with that exact goal: to change the face of firearms training. The podcast is the next step in that mission — bringing the same practical, people-first approach to anyone with an internet connection.
What to Expect From Behind the Holster
Each episode will cover a mix of:
- Practical tips for everyday gun owners — not just enthusiasts
- Legal basics explained in plain language
- Situational awareness lessons
- State-specific topics with instructors from across the country
- Real questions submitted by listeners
- Funny stories from the field
If you’re looking for in-person or online concealed carry training, find a class near you through Concealed Coalition’s nationwide network of instructors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Behind the Holster for?
Anyone who takes personal safety seriously — new gun owners, experienced carriers, and people who are simply curious about responsible firearm ownership. The podcast is explicitly non-political and judgment-free.
Is this podcast a replacement for firearms training?
No. Jody is direct about this in the first episode: the podcast is educational, but it does not replace in-person training, live fire experience, or a certified concealed carry course.
What makes Concealed Coalition different from other firearms training companies?
Concealed Coalition’s trainers are selected for their ability to connect with students, not just their technical knowledge. The company trains students from all backgrounds and specifically avoids the fear-based, politically charged approach common in older parts of the industry.
Do I have to carry every day if I get a concealed carry permit?
No. Getting a permit gives you the legal option to carry — it doesn’t require you to do so. This is one of the most common questions instructors hear in class.
How do I talk to my kids about firearms?
The short answer: straightforwardly and without fear. Curiosity is natural; addressing it early and honestly is far safer than avoiding the conversation.
Where can I find concealed carry training near me?
Concealed Coalition offers in-person, hybrid, and online training in 40+ states. Find classes in your area here.
Conclusion
Behind the Holster was built for the everyday American who takes personal safety seriously — not the internet cowboy, not the political commentator, not the fear-driven buyer. It’s practical, approachable, and built around the same philosophy that has guided Concealed Coalition since 2018: that protecting what matters most has nothing to do with politics, and everything to do with people.
The full episode is available exclusively to Concealed Coalition YouTube channel members for as little as $3.99/month. Get access here. You can also find concealed carry training near you or pick up range gear and essentials in the store.
