You Might Also Like: Things That Go Boom

01/26/25 • -1 min

Introducing The Militias Next Door from Things That Go Boom.

Amy Cooter has been studying US militias since 2008 when, as a graduate student in Michigan, she attended a public meeting of a group that was thought to be a cover for an underground neo-Nazi movement.

As it turned out, that assumption was wrong.

It was then that Amy realized this militia movement she encountered was worthy of study all on its own. And at the time, most academics weren't studying it, partly because they believed all these guys were the same. They're not.

Today Amy is one of the foremost experts on these groups. In this episode, she tells us the things we’re still getting wrong about the US militia movement. And explains how, by ignoring the movement’s complexities, we might have missed our window for change.

GUEST: Dr. Amy Cooter, Director of Research, Academic Development, and Innovation (RADI), Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

"As Trump Touts Plans for Immigrant Roundup, Militias Are Standing Back, but Standing By," Amy Cooter, The Conversation.

Nostalgia, Nationalism, and the US Militia Movement, Amy Cooter, Routledge.

"The Sheriffs, Hardliners, and Militias Preparing for Trump’s Return," Tyler Hicks, Inkstick Media.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Introducing The Militias Next Door from Things That Go Boom.

Follow the show: Things That Go Boom

As it turned out, that assumption was wrong.

GUEST: Dr. Amy Cooter, Director of Research, Academic Development, and Innovation (RADI), Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

"As Trump Touts Plans for Immigrant Roundup, Militias Are Standing Back, but Standing By," Amy Cooter, The Conversation.

Nostalgia, Nationalism, and the US Militia Movement, Amy Cooter, Routledge.

"The Sheriffs, Hardliners, and Militias Preparing for Trump’s Return," Tyler Hicks, Inkstick Media.

Previous Episode

Elevate Your Swing with Modern Golf Tools

(00:01) Indoor Golf Technology and Instruction

This chapter welcomes listeners to a golf-centric discussion featuring top instructors Jeff Smith and James Hong. We explore the benefits of indoor golf facilities, particularly during winter, as well as advancements in golf technology. With simulators and launch monitors, practicing indoors has become increasingly accurate, allowing players to hone their skills regardless of the weather. The conversation also touches on the latest innovations, like the Foresight launch monitor that syncs with Bushnell rangefinders, offering real-time data to improve decision-making on the course. This technology could streamline the game by suggesting clubs and potentially speeding up play, underscoring the exciting intersection of golf and tech.

(13:31) Improving Golf Alignment Perception

This chapter focuses on the challenges of perception and alignment in golf, particularly for amateur players. We explore techniques for improving aim, such as using alignment sticks and creating a practice station to train the eye and mind. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding personal perception of straight lines and how it affects aiming on the course. By examining how different people perceive alignment, I demonstrate methods to help golfers correct their aim, such as placing clubs across the body to visualize alignment and using finger spacing to gauge accurate aiming points. This practical approach emphasizes consistent practice and adjusting techniques based on individual perception, ultimately helping players improve their accuracy and performance.

(21:06) Donut Debate and Golf Instruction

This chapter explores the intricacies of golf alignment and the challenges golfers face in maintaining proper aim. We share a detailed anecdote about a regular client who struggles with aligning his shots, illustrating how small adjustments and understanding peripheral vision can improve accuracy. We also touch on the humorous side of golfing practice, noting how sometimes, despite hitting beautiful shots, perception can skew a golfer's understanding of their performance. As the conversation shifts, we take a lighthearted detour discussing the ongoing debate between Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' Donuts, highlighting personal experiences and the regional preferences that can affect a brand's success.

(24:53) Optimizing Golf Swing With Age

This chapter focuses on the adjustments and mindset shifts necessary for aging golfers to maintain their game. We emphasize the importance of managing expectations, especially regarding distance loss as players age. Strategies to minimize distance loss include maintaining physical fitness without excessive gym routines and adjusting one's swing style. By exploring different swing styles, such as those of Tommy Fleetwood and Vijay Singh, we discuss finding a technique that suits an individual's natural movement. Additionally, we address the challenge of conflicting advice from instructors and tipsters, highlighting the need for golfers to focus on what aligns with their body's capabilities rather than blindly following trends or professional golfers' techniques. The importance of personalized instruction and avoiding one-size-fits-all tips is stressed, encouraging players to develop a game plan that works uniquely for them.

(30:48) Indoor Golf Technology Advancements

This chapter explores the humorous and often frustrating world of unsolicited golf advice, as we share anecdotes about how well-intentioned tips from fellow golfers can sometimes derail a round. We also touch on the importance of professional lessons and the stubbornness of some golfers who proudly avoid them. As we navigate through these stories, we introduce our guest, James Hong, and discuss the rise of indoor golf facilities as an alternative during harsh weather conditions. These venues, likened to bowling alleys, have benefitted from advancements in technology, offering improved golf mats that closely replicate grass conditions. Finally, we reminisce about an innovative mat suspended on magnets, showcased at a past PGA show, highlighting the evolution of golf practice tools.

(43:52) Embracing Indoor Golf Technology and Instruction

This chapter explores the transformation of indoor teaching environments with the integration of modern technology. We discuss how embracing these changes has shifted the perception of indoor spaces from being dark and claustrophobic to open and airy. A key example highlighted is Jeff's indoor studio in Indiana, which features a large space and high ceilings, showcasing how such environments can positively impact teaching and learning experiences. James and I express gratitude to Jeff for sharing his insights and experiences, emphasizing the importance of adapting to and appreciating these innovative spaces. We encourage our listeners to take note of these advancements in ...

Next Episode

How To Find Your Perfect Grip

(00:01) Golf Instruction and Filtering Information

This chapter features a discussion on the overwhelming amount of information available online, particularly in the realm of golf. I, John Ashton, am joined by Jeff Smith, a top 100 golf teacher, as we explore the challenges faced by golfers in navigating the plethora of advice and tips available. We emphasize the importance of filtering this information effectively, suggesting that if advice doesn't consider fundamental aspects like grip, stance, or posture, it might not be useful. We also highlight the need for personalized guidance rather than one-size-fits-all solutions, cautioning against following advice that doesn't align with your unique setup and swing mechanics.

(12:16) Customizing Golf Grips for Success

This chapter explores the simplicity and effectiveness of customizing a golf grip based on an individual's natural arm hang. By instructing players to let their arms hang naturally and marking where their knuckles align on an imaginary club, I demonstrate how to establish a grip that feels comfortable and intuitive. The method is straightforward: aligning the mark with the top of the shaft, positioning the thumb correctly, and ensuring the club face remains square during the swing. This personalized approach allows golfers to find their unique grip without overcomplicating the process, leading to more accurate shots and faster improvement. The chapter emphasizes the importance of letting the body's natural mechanics guide the grip to enhance performance and enjoyment of the game.

(18:51) Simplifying Golf Swing Mechanics

This chapter explores the simplicity and natural feel of hitting a golf ball effectively. We discuss how many recreational golfers tend to overcomplicate their swing, making the process seem more difficult than it needs to be. By emphasizing the importance of a natural arm hang and grip, we reveal that the key to a successful swing is minimizing manipulation. This realization often surprises golfers, as they find that an uncomplicated approach leads to straighter and higher shots with greater ease. The conversation highlights the mental shift needed to achieve this, noting how overthinking can disrupt a golfer's natural ability. We also humorously acknowledge how golfers, despite being generally intelligent, can forget basic principles when they step onto the course. The goal is to help golfers understand that achieving a smooth, fluid swing is about maintaining simplicity and letting the body work naturally.

(23:16) Grip Variation in Golf Swing

This chapter tackles the complexities of golf grip techniques and emphasizes the importance of finding a grip that works for each individual golfer rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. We discuss the misconception that all professional golfers use the same grip, sharing insights from a study of 25 pros, which revealed significant variations in their grip styles. The conversation underscores that a grip suitable for one pro might not work for another due to differences in their physical attributes and swing objectives. We also highlight the risks of relying too heavily on generalized advice from books or online sources without considering personal suitability. Through a recent golf school experience, I stress the importance of understanding one's unique swing mechanics and maintaining focus on consistent practices that yield positive results, rather than constantly seeking new information. The goal is to encourage golfers to recognize what works for them and caution against the confusion that can arise from information overload.

(34:33) Optimizing Stance and Balance for Speed

This chapter focuses on the often overlooked fundamentals of improving a golf swing, emphasizing balance and setup over the swing mechanics themselves. We explore how starting positions, stance width, and foot flare can significantly enhance a golfer's ability to swing faster and maintain balance. By allowing golfers to find their personal "red line" or speed limit through experimentation, they can unleash their full potential without sacrificing stability. The conversation also draws parallels to baseball pitching, highlighting the importance of proper foot placement and pressure for generating power. Ultimately, we underscore that mastering these basics can make the game simpler and improve scoring, especially when dealing with uneven lies on the golf course.

(42:28) Mastering Timing and Performance in Golf

This chapter focuses on the importance of timing and confidence in golf, especially when making contact with the ball. We explore how nerves can lead to poor contact and how missed opportunities to communicate or act can affect performance. I share a story about a nervous new golfer who missed a swing, and demonstrate how to maintain composure and "sell" a miss as a practice swing. By keeping a calm demeanor and not l...