Unsubscribe Podcast Episode 197 Summary: "The Next Generation of Military Weapons ft. Kevin Brittingham"

Release Date: January 27, 2025

In Episode 197 of the Unsubscribe Podcast, hosts Eli Doubletap, Brandon Herrera, Donut Operator (also known as King Trout), and special guest Kevin Brittingham delve deep into the advancements in military weaponry, focusing primarily on the innovative Boombox gun. The episode blends technical discussions with personal anecdotes, offering listeners both insightful information and entertaining stories.

1. Kevin Brittingham’s Return from Africa

The episode kicks off with Donut Operator welcoming back Kevin Brittingham after his lengthy stint in Africa.

• Donut Operator: "Kevin's back. Kevin. It's been what, a year? How long?" [01:02]

• Kevin Brittingham: "I was in Africa for probably six or seven weeks, and then the flight's very long." [02:24]

Kevin shares his experiences in Africa, emphasizing the challenges of long travels and the intense schedule that kept him from attending a live show in Boston.

• Kevin Brittingham: "We are going hunting and shooting. Good times... traveling for like 36 hours." [02:24]

2. The Boombox Gun: Features and Development

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the Boombox gun, the latest innovation designed to succeed the Honey Badger.

• Kevin Brittingham: "The Boombox is the next generation of the Honey Badger... It’s an AR15 size, a lightweight AR15. It takes a .308 mag and it's in 86 blackout, a cartridge we developed." [06:09]

Kevin elaborates on the technical specifications:

• Versatility: Capable of firing both subsonic and supersonic rounds, making it effective up to 600 meters with supersonic ammo and 300 meters with subsonic.

• Design Improvements: "The Boombox is probably four and a half pounds and the barrel is under six pounds." [05:14]

• Engineering Excellence: Stressing the importance of a robust charging handle to handle high recoil in a lightweight platform.

• Kevin Brittingham: "You can’t fake it. You have to do all the work... It’s different." [08:19]

Notable Quote:

“We have the only system where you have low recoil, lightweight, and heavy caliber—all three.” – Kevin Brittingham [10:22]

3. Company Culture and Engineering Approach

The hosts discuss the company's dedication to quality and the integrated role of engineers in the production process.

• Donut Operator: "We're going to get the best people in there... your engineers are part of every part of the process." [49:03]

• Kevin Brittingham: "We have 17 engineers, which is pretty incredible. It’s how we're going to earn it." [09:43]

Kevin emphasizes the company’s refusal to compromise on quality for quick profits, highlighting a culture where engineers are deeply involved in every stage—from design to testing.

• Kevin Brittingham: "We have to develop the fixtures and the testing... No, you can't fake it. You have to do all of the work." [07:41]

Notable Quote:

“We want the best in the trade... average is not good enough.” – Kevin Brittingham [41:01]

4. Hunting Experiences and Conservation Efforts

Kevin shares his passion for hunting in Africa, linking it to conservation and population management.

• Kevin Brittingham: "All the real conservation comes from hunters. That's all the money." [78:13]

He discusses various hunts, including big game like elephants, hippos, and forest buffalo, and the impact of hunting on wildlife populations.

• Kevin Brittingham: "We shoot stuff that we eat and that's fine... It is what they do to support the villages and to keep them from poaching all the elephants." [103:46]

Notable Quote:

“Hunters are managing the populations... keeping these animals here for future generations.” – Kevin Brittingham [78:03]

5. Anecdotes and Team Dynamics

The podcast lightens up with humorous stories from live shows, team interactions, and personal experiences.

• Brandon Herrera: "I accidentally spilled white claws across the stage." [107:35]

• Donut Operator: "We asked to see you, then we accidentally ran into each other." [01:15]

These anecdotes showcase the camaraderie among the team members and the unpredictable nature of live performances.

Notable Quote:

“We have a fantastic team. Everyone's just crushing life.” – Donut Operator [93:00]

6. Challenges in International Hunting

Kevin discusses the complexities and dangers of hunting in different African regions, including interactions with local communities and wildlife behavior.

• Kevin Brittingham: "The danger comes from the environment... snakes in Cameroon’s venomous." [70:43]

He recounts intense moments during hunts, such as encountering aggressive hippos and navigating dense jungles.

• Kevin Brittingham: "Chasing a boat with a hippo is like chasing a giant, aggressive drill bit." [74:07]

Notable Quote:

“Africa makes me realize I love America but how stupid some things have gotten here.” – Kevin Brittingham [83:24]

7. Conclusion and Future Plans

As the episode winds down, the hosts discuss upcoming projects and potential future hunts in Africa, expressing excitement about further innovations and adventures.

• Kevin Brittingham: "We’re going to have semi-autos there. So, good times." [97:00]

• Donut Operator: "We need to schedule still next year. Like, all of us going out to Africa and hunting with you and just document that entire..." [56:53]

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter, reinforcing the strong bond among the team members and their shared enthusiasm for both their professional and personal pursuits.

Notable Highlights:

• Innovation in Firearms: Detailed exploration of the Boombox gun’s design and functionality, emphasizing its groundbreaking features in the military weapons sector.

• Integrated Engineering: Insight into the company's holistic approach to engineering, ensuring quality and innovation from design to deployment.

• Conservation through Hunting: Kevin’s perspective on hunting as a means of wildlife management and conservation, highlighting the delicate balance between human activity and environmental stewardship.

• Team Camaraderie: Engaging stories that reveal the dynamic and humorous interactions among the podcast hosts and their adventures.

Key Takeaway: Episode 197 of the Unsubscribe Podcast offers a comprehensive look into the future of military weapons through the lens of Kevin Brittingham’s experiences in Africa and the development of the Boombox gun. It underscores the importance of quality engineering, ethical hunting practices, and a strong, dedicated team in driving innovation and conservation efforts.