What is Defenders LIVE?
Defenders LIVE started in 2022 with a pretty simple idea. I wanted to have conversations with people I could learn from and share those conversations with others.
At the time, I was heavily involved in firearms training and my instructor career. But the more I learned, the more I realized how much there was to explore beyond the range.
Today, Defenders LIVE covers everything from firearms, self-defense, and personal preparedness to faith, fitness, relationships, mindset, and personal growth.
I interview people from all walks of life. Some are experts in their fields. Others have experiences and perspectives I think we can learn from. I ask questions I’m genuinely curious about, and sometimes we end up going places I never expected.
I also share my own experiences, including what I’m learning, what I’m struggling with, and the things that have changed how I see the world.
My hope is that something you hear encourages you to think a little differently, try something new, or take the next step in your own life.
Meet Your Host
I’m Lora Thorson, a wife, mom, firearms instructor with Defenders USA, and the host of Defenders LIVE.
My journey into firearms training began in 2016 after an encounter that made me realize just how unprepared I was to protect myself. That experience changed the direction of my life.
What started as a desire to learn how to defend myself eventually led to instructor certifications, hundreds of hours of training, and the opportunity to teach others.
But something else happened along the way.
The things I was learning through training began changing other areas of my life, too. I started challenging beliefs I’d held about myself for years, doing things I never thought I was capable of, and discovering how much growth is possible when we’re willing to put in the work.
That’s a big part of why I continue doing Defenders LIVE.
I’m still learning. I still have questions. And I enjoy sharing the conversations and experiences that help me grow.
Instructor Credentials & Training Background
I’m a certified firearms instructor with Defenders USA, with more than 800 hours of formal training in firearms, defensive tactics, decision-making, and related disciplines.
My certifications include NRA Handgun Instructor, NRA Range Safety Officer, ASP Certified Instructor, and The Complete Combatant’s Deliberate Coaching program.
I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some outstanding instructors, and I continue training because I believe there’s always room to improve.
You can learn more about my background, training, and other projects at lorathorson.com.
Certifications & Training (800+ Hours):
Certified Credentials
• NRA Handgun Instructor
• NRA Range Safety Officer
• The Complete Combatant – Deliberate Coaching
• ASP (Active Self Protection) Instructor
• Former USCCA Instructor
Medical Training
• Stop the Bleed
• CPR
• Mass Casualty Emergency Medical Training
Trainers I’ve Learned From…
Defenders USA – Adam Winch
Fighting Handgun Concepts · Fighting Rifle Applications · Low Light/No Light Training · Single & Multiple Operator · Small Unit Tactics · Defenders University · Structure Clearing, Hostage Rescue, OPFOR, Active Killer Response, VCQB, Home & Group Defense
Montana Tactical – Sal Navarro
Advanced Concealed Carry · Room Clearing · CQB & Weapon Retention · STARS Self-Defense (x3) · Carbine I & II · Intro to IDPA Competition
Gunsite Academy – Lew Gosnell
5-Day Defensive Pistol (Marksman 1 Status – Jeff Cooper Legacy Scholarship Recipient)
Steve Tarani
Edge Weapons CQB, Protective Services Handgun
The Complete Combatant – Brian Hill
Deliberate Coaching · Inner Game of Shooting (Blue Belt Certified)
Citizen's Defense Research – Chris Cypert
Mental Agility & Situational Awareness for Self-Defense
West Coast Armory – John Holschen (U.S. Special Forces)
Perception-Cognition-Decision Training · Aligning Training with Reality
Langdon Tactical – Aimee Langdon
Shooting on the Move Under Elevated Heart Rate
Elite Performance – Jeremy Horn
Hand-to-Hand Combatives
Additional Trainers & Topics Include:
• Chuck Haggard – Pre-Attack Indicators, MUC, OC Spray
• Mike Ox – Visual & Performance Neurology
• Jasmine Vanderpool – Open-hand, Knife, and Palm Stick Defense
• Tim Kelly – Range Commands & Briefing Mastery
• Dan Brady – Inner Instructor Self-Assessment
• Darryl Bolke – Chaotic Pistol Problem Solving
• James Fleming · Dave Jenkins · Riley Bowman · and many more
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Why subscribe?
If you enjoy the conversations on Defenders LIVE and want to stay connected, I’d love to have you here.
With a free subscription, you’ll receive new episodes and posts directly in your inbox, so you don’t have to rely on social media to find them.
With a paid subscription, you can go a little deeper. You’ll have access to additional content and opportunities to connect through our live group calls.
Those calls are one of my favorite parts of this community. They give us an opportunity to talk, ask questions, share experiences, and get to know each other beyond the podcast.
Your paid subscription also helps support the time and work that goes into producing Defenders LIVE.
Whether you’re here for the firearms conversations, the personal stories, or something completely different, I’m glad you found your way here.
You can learn more about my background, training, and other projects at lorathorson.com.
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