Should YOU Carry A Gun & Knive To Protect Yourself? Self-Defense & Protection 101 With Navy SEAL Turned Preparedness Expert Bill Rapier.

Ben Greenfield

Aug 28, 2025

Episode description

In this powerful conversation with Bill Rapier, you’ll discover both the practical and philosophical sides of self-defense, preparedness, and living with vigilance and intention. Bill—a former Navy SEAL and founder of Amtac Shooting—shares not only his deep expertise in firearms, blades, and integrated combatives, but also the mindset that will help you train responsibly and live ready.

You’ll learn why carrying tools like firearms and knives is less about aggression and more about having “violence insurance”—a rare but critical safeguard for protecting yourself and others when it truly matters.

Whether it’s choosing your first holster, sharpening threat assessment skills, or building resilience, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to elevate your preparedness (while staying true to your values and priorities).

Full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/amtac

Episode Sponsors:

MASA Chips: Introducing the best guilt-free snack on the market: classic, seed oil-free tortilla chips with only 3 natural ingredients. Go to masachips.com/greenfield and get 25% off your first order!

Quantum Upgrade: Recent research has revealed that the Quantum Upgrade was able to increase ATP production by a jaw-dropping 20–25% in human cells. Unlock a 15-day free trial with the code BEN15 at quantumupgrade.io.

Ketone-IQ : Ketones are a uniquely powerful macronutrient that can cross the blood-brain barrier and increase brain energy and efficiency. With a daily dose of Ketone-IQ, you'll notice a radical boost in focus, endurance, and performance. Save 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ at Ketone.com/BENG .

Seatopia: Seatopia delivers lab-tested, sushi-grade seafood that’s verified to be mercury-safe and free from detectable microplastics. Frozen at peak freshness, you'll receive the benefits of super nutrients like EPA, DHA, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D. Right now, you can save 15% on your first box and get a FREE 1:1 chef-led cooking class to kick-start your journey to cooking gourmet seafood at home by going to seatopia.fish/ben or by using code BEN at checkout.

LMNT: Everyone needs electrolytes, especially those on low-carb die

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Utilize concealed carry for tactical advantage

While open carry is a great political statement, concealed carry is a better tactical decision as it retains the element of surprise.

#safety

Take initiative to gain tactical advantage in imminent threats

After all attempts to de-escalate have failed and you are 99% sure an attack is imminent, you should 'go first' to gain a tactical advantage.

#risk

#safety

Train under physical stress by practicing dry firing between workout sets

Practice dry firing your weapon between workout sets to simulate a high heart rate and learn to perform under physical stress.

#exercise

#stress

Prioritize firearms training for optimal self-defense ROI

For the fastest and highest return on investment in self-defense capability, prioritize firearms training over hand-to-hand martial arts like Jiu-Jitsu.

#training

Demystify firearms for children to prevent forbidden fruit curiosity

Demystify firearms for children through supervised, safe handling to avoid creating a dangerous 'forbidden fruit' curiosity.

#children

#safety

Seek martial arts with living blade culture for effective knife training

For effective knife training, seek out martial arts with a living blade culture and a focus on warlike skills, such as the Filipino styles Sayoc Kali or Atienza Kali.

#training

Utilize nixtamalization to neutralize inflammation in corn

Masa tortilla chips use the Aztec nixtamalization process, soaking corn in an alkaline solution to increase mineral content and neutralize inflammatory phytic acid.

#inflammation

#nutrition

Carry self-defense tools as violence insurance

Carrying tools for self-defense is a form of 'violence insurance,' not a fear-based action, ensuring you have an answer if violence is the only solution.