5 Steps to Survive Extreme Events with John Holschen | Ep. 156

Feel safer, think sharper, act faster.

In this episode of Defenders Live, elite trainer John Holschen shares how to stay calm and take control when chaos strikes—whether it's an active shooter, a terror event, or a natural disaster.

🧠 Walk away with real tools, not fear.
🚨 5-step readiness plan
🔫 Instant action drills
🛡️ The mindset that saves lives

Listen now — because seconds matter.

Lora Thorson welcomes back tactical training expert John Holschen—a decorated U.S. Special Operations veteran and creator of NeuroDrills and Applied Defensive Handgun Skills. Together, they dive deep into extreme event preparedness, offering a practical 5-step framework designed to help everyday people respond decisively to high-stress threats like active shooters, terror attacks, explosions, and chemical or biological hazards.

🔑 Topics Covered:
Active shooter response: hear, see, or sense
Immediate Action Drills: what to do right now
Mindset over fear: building confidence through competence

Real-world examples: Boston Marathon bombing, Las Vegas shooting

Notable Quotes

“You have to have an answer you believe in.” – John Holschen

“Preparation is what allows me to live a calmer and more relaxed existence, not one of paranoia.”

“Cover is a shadow — it's not about being up against it, but being in it.”

“You can have all the skill in the world, but without the commitment to act, it’s useless.”

“Training without practice is just exposure, not mastery.”

Resources Mentioned
🌐 WestCoastArmoryNorth.com – John’s training organization

📅 Upcoming training: Applied Defensive Handgun Skills in Ogden, Utah

📹 YouTube: Cascade Mall shooting footage, Boston Marathon Bombing analysis