The Money Mondays: EP105 - Why Investing in Self Defense Is the Best Decision You'll Ever Make with Steve Eckert
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host: Dan Fleyshman
Guest: Steve Eckert
Location: Black Site Ranch
Introduction to the Special Edition
In this special edition of "The Money Mondays," host Dan Fleyshman steps away from the usual focus on making money, investing, and charity to delve into the critical topic of self-defense. Recorded outdoors at the RV motorhome parked at Black Site Ranch, the episode highlights the importance of investing in personal skills and safety amidst societal unrest.
Dan Fleyshman opens the episode by setting the stage for a discussion on the rising need for self-defense training, especially in light of recent incidents of terrorism, stabbings in London, and increasing violence in California. He emphasizes the essence of investing not just money but also into one's skills, mindset, and life to protect one's household.
Meet Steve Eckert: A Leader in Self-Defense Training
Steve Eckert, the guest speaker, provides a brief biography, highlighting his role in Operation Black Site—a five-year-long self-defense and leadership training program. As the youngest founder of a publicly traded company and an angel investor in 43 companies, Steve brings a wealth of experience to the conversation.
Steve Eckert [01:11]:
“I can guarantee you because of things like Operation Black Site, I am the wealthiest that has ever been on your show. I can promise you that there won't be anyone wealthier that will ever come on the show because wealth and riches to me is a whole different story.”
Steve emphasizes that true wealth lies in the lifestyle, family leadership, and the skills acquired through programs like Operation Black Site, which aim to enhance discipline, energy, confidence, and problem-solving abilities in just three days of intensive training.
The Surge in Women Participants
Dan observes a significant increase in female attendance at the bootcamps, constituting 40% over the past two years. Steve Eckert attributes this trend to the growing necessity for women to step up in self-defense as societal roles shift.
Steve Eckert [03:02]:
“I think part of the main thing is that men have gone so soft really in this country. I think they're not leading the way they should... So the women have to step up.”
Steve explains that many women are taking the initiative to protect their families, especially in scenarios where male counterparts may have become complacent. He highlights the critical role women play as protectors, particularly single mothers who must ensure the safety of their children.
The Importance of Gun Training
The conversation transitions to the necessity of proficient gun handling. Steve Eckert asserts that merely owning a gun does not equate to safety.
Steve Eckert [10:13]:
“People think they can since they can go buy a gun, that they buy the gun and they think, oh, now I'm safe.”
He underscores the importance of regular training and qualification, sharing anecdotes about individuals who neglect their training, leading to defective handling in critical moments.
Mastering Hand-to-Hand Combat
Dan and Steve discuss the significance of fighting skills alongside gun training. Bringing in high-caliber instructors like Tony Blowers and Michael Chandler, Steve emphasizes that physical combat skills are essential when firearms aren’t an option.
Steve Eckert [11:23]:
“You don't always get to have the gun on... You need to know how to defend yourself.”
He elaborates that knowing how to fight enhances confidence and discipline, which positively impacts other life areas, including business and personal relationships.
Deescalation Skills and Emotional Discipline
Steve highlights that highly skilled individuals are adept at deescalating conflicts. Their rigorous training instills emotional regulation, preventing them from being provoked into unnecessary fights.
Steve Eckert [12:48]:
“Because they've had the sets and reps and so much in order to get that skilled and proficient... They want to de escalate it and avoid it at all times.”
This discipline ensures that trained individuals remain calm under pressure, making informed decisions rather than reacting impulsively.
Escape Training: Real-Life Application
Dan shares his personal experience undergoing escape training during a filmed segment for the TV show "Going Public." He describes the intense scenario where he successfully escaped from a simulated kidnapping and underscores the value of remaining calm and resourceful in high-stress situations.
Dan Fleyshman [15:09]:
“It was very, very, very intense. And even when you're going through training, it can feel very real because your brain can't tell the difference.”
Steve reinforces the constant threat of scenarios like human trafficking, stressing that escape skills are crucial for survival.
Handling Trauma and Bloody Situations
The episode delves into trauma training, where participants learn to manage severe injuries, such as applying tourniquets. Steve explains that understanding how to treat wounds is as vital as preventing them.
Steve Eckert [18:33]:
“If you're gonna carry a gun and you're gonna be making holes in people, you also need to know how to plug those holes in people.”
He shares that his 10-year-old daughter is trained to apply tourniquets, highlighting the program's comprehensive approach to family safety.
Current Crisis: Fires in Los Angeles
A significant portion of the episode addresses the ongoing fires in Los Angeles, discussing their widespread impact on communities and the daunting task of rebuilding. Dan expresses concern over the city’s capacity to handle the extensive damage, emphasizing the financial and logistical challenges.
Dan Fleyshman [28:00]:
“What is going to happen when these fires are contained and we finally go into a rebuilding phase... Who's going to provide all the sprinkler systems? Who's going to regress and reside all like every part of a household?”
Steve agrees, reiterating the necessity for communities to build resilience and preparedness to protect their households amidst such disasters.
Steve Eckert [20:57]:
“You are your own first responder. So no one's coming to freaking save you... There's no greater job or job that you have more responsibility in being a husband and a father.”
The Squire Program: Strengthening Father-Son Bonds
Steve introduces the Squire Program, designed for fathers and high school-aged sons to bond through self-defense training. He emphasizes the importance of male role models in guiding the youth through societal pressures.
Steve Eckert [22:58]:
“We need to start shifting the tides so we have more protectors out there... We’re teaching these kids at a young age.”
The program aims to foster trust and connection between fathers and sons, equipping the younger generation with the skills needed to navigate and protect themselves in a complex world.
Advice for Those Unable to Attend Bootcamps
Recognizing that not everyone can attend programs like Operation Black Site, Steve offers practical advice for self-defense and preparedness:
- Utilize online resources such as YouTube for training tutorials.
- Engage in physical activities like hiking to build endurance.
- Conduct family survival drills and establish emergency plans.
- Foster strong family bonds through shared challenges and activities.
Steve Eckert [25:16]:
“Anything you want to learn at least learn a baseline of is a YouTube is the greatest resource in the world.”
Final Thoughts: Preparing for Uncertainty
In his concluding remarks, Dan emphasizes the unpredictable nature of disasters and the critical need for personal and community preparedness. He urges listeners to assess their readiness for emergencies, secure necessary documentation, and equip their households with essential supplies.
Dan Fleyshman [27:32]:
“What would you say to people now that we're coming into this new wave about how to get their house in order? This is the time to do it.”
Steve echoes this sentiment, advocating for comprehensive preparedness to safeguard families and communities against any calamity.
Steve Eckert [28:15]:
“We are not prepared for the situation. And so we need to be thinking about what happens.”
Connecting with Steve Eckert
Listeners interested in learning more about Operation Black Site or connecting with Steve Eckert can find him on Instagram and YouTube under the username Steve Eckert. The program's content includes training sessions, family exercises, and survival strategies aimed at empowering individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Holistic Self-Defense: Investing in self-defense encompasses not just physical skills but also mental fortitude and familial leadership.
- Comprehensive Training: Proficiency with firearms, hand-to-hand combat, escape tactics, and trauma management is essential for effective self-defense.
- Emotional Discipline: Rigorous training fosters emotional control, enabling individuals to remain calm and make rational decisions in crises.
- Family-Centric Preparedness: Programs like the Squire Program emphasize the importance of bonding and training within the family unit.
- Community Resilience: Building strong community ties and preparedness plans is crucial in the face of widespread disasters.
- Accessibility of Training: For those unable to attend bootcamps, leveraging online resources and family-led drills can significantly enhance personal safety.
This episode of "The Money Mondays" serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of self-defense and preparedness in an increasingly volatile world. Through insightful discussions with Steve Eckert, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted approach required to safeguard themselves and their families effectively.