Best Paul Burch Podcasts (2025)

1
Patreon Unlock: Shadow City: Season 3, Ep 1: Trouble in Tinseltown (w/ Anthony Burch) 56:14

18h ago56:14

56:14

Enjoy this unlocked bonus episode from our Patreon! Crusher, Punches, and Ma are on prisoners on a chain gang and the only way out? Time travel! You can support the show directly and receive bonus episodes and rewards by joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/magictavern for only $5 per month. Follow us on Bsky, Instagram and YouTube! Credi…

1
Does Trump know what the F#@! he’s doing? 55:35

5d ago55:35

55:35

After a rollercoaster week of news - the threat of World War 3 suddenly felt a little overstated. But a few short hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Iran - both countries returned to a war of words and missiles - leading to President Trump delivering an outburst for the ages: “They don’t know what the F*** they’re doing”. But does Trump? Ni…

1
Matt Rakestraw - Gunpowder and Paper 1:09:04

3d ago1:09:04

1:09:04

In this episode, I talk shooting, training, and writing with my friend Matt Rakestraw of “Gunpowder and Paper.” Matt is an insightful and intelligent writer who has documented his training journey in a series of notes that are publicly available to everyone. Matt has also become an excellent shooter along the way……

1
Season 5, Ep 61 - Mailmanmen (w/ John Hartman) 51:01

8d ago51:01

51:01

Sendor Mailmanmen is a mailman with no magical powers but a troubling curse. Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Sendor Mailmanmen: John Hartman Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Matt Young, and Adal Rifai Associate Producer: Anna Havermann Post-Production Coordination: Garrett Schultz Editor: Anna…

1
U-turn after U-turn: who is the real Keir Starmer? 59:04

10d ago59:04

59:04

Keir Starmer is not afraid of a U-turn. From abandoned policy pledges to reinstating the winter-fuel allowance, the list is growing. To add to this - this week, the PM has expressed his support for Israel’s military action against Iran, despite criticising Israel’s actions in Gaza. Then he caved in to calls for a full national inquiry into grooming…

1
Steve Anderson and the Mental Management Program 2:49:16

11d ago2:49:16

2:49:16

In this episode, Steve Anderson and I talk about hair metal, dryfire, and the mental game. Plus, Kita Busse makes a surprise appearance.By Matthew Little

1
Season 5, Ep 60 - Abomination (w/ Sandeep Parikh) 45:44

15d ago45:44

45:44

Salkataur the Abomination was created to destroy a demon king. But what does he do now? Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Sal: Sandeep Parikh Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Matt Young, and Adal Rifai Associate Producer: Anna Havermann Post-Production Coordination: Garrett Schultz Editor: Steph…

1
Is Labour finally being Labour? 57:07

19d ago57:07

57:07

Rachel Reeves has delivered her very first spending review, promising to ‘renew Britain’ with big cash boosts for the NHS, housing and defence. It’s a marked change of tone but the Tories are calling her approach “spend now, tax later”. Nish and Coco dig into the details and are left with some questions. Are tax rises in the Autumn inevitable? Are …

1
Jorge Tierno Ray - Spanish Military Officer and Trainer 1:13:31

18d ago1:13:31

1:13:31

I have a conversation with Jorge Tierno Ray about the state of military and law enforcement training in Spain, competition as preparation for combat, and the ACE VR shooting system.By Matthew Little

1
Season 5, Ep 59 - Extraordinary Boris (w/ Kyle Bethea) 54:49

22d ago54:49

54:49

Extraordinary Boris, the ruler of the land animals, has summoned Chunt and demands he give up his shapeshifting abilities. Will he? Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Extraordinary Boris: Kyle Bethea Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Matt Young, and Adal Rifai Associate Producer: Anna Havermann Po…

1
How to protect abortion rights from the far-right 58:59

26d ago58:59

58:59

England and Wales is still - unbelievably - operating under an 1861 law that criminalises abortion access. An unprecedented rise in prosecutions and the rise of an aggressive US-style anti-abortion movement in the UK have triggered calls for change. Labour MP Stella Creasy joins Nish and Coco to break down her bill to decriminalise abortion and mak…

1
Aaron Cunningham - Chicago PD, Filipino Martial Arts, and training cops in El Salvador 1:00:29

25d ago1:00:29

1:00:29

I’ve known Aaron for decades. I’ve supervised him on the Chicago Police Department, helped him teach combatives to police officers, and trained martial arts with him. He’s one of the smartest cops I’ve ever met, and we have a great conversation in this episode that you won’t want to miss.By Matthew Little

1
Season 5, Ep 58 - Magic Crow (w/ Aimee Mann) 50:12

29d ago50:12

50:12

We climb to the top of a mountain to ask Radisson Cawthorn, the magical crow, life's most important questions. Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Radisson Cawthorn: Aimee Mann Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Matt Young, and Adal Rifai Associate Producer: Anna Havermann Post-Production Coordinati…

1
Babies, Benefits and Black Lives Matter 56:47

1M ago56:47

56:47

Stay out of wombs Nigel! Reform UK leader Nigel Farage wants us to have more babies - which for new mum Coco feels like being bamboozled into being rightwing. Not only this, Farage is even coming for abortion - saying it’s “utterly ludicrous” to allow abortion up to 24-weeks. Keep your wits about you! From leaked memos and inner-circle beef to U-tu…

1
Dave Cardenas - Special Forces, Airsoft, and Rock & Roll 1:04:00

1M ago1:04:00

1:04:00

My old Friend Dave Cardenas and I talk about our time in Special Forces, his music label, the scenario-driven airsoft competition he runs, and building the resilience to thrive in retirement.By Matthew Little

1
Season 5, Ep 57 - Poultice Maker (w/ Chris Grace) 57:05

1M ago57:05

57:05

Prentice Medway, the Poultice Maker, is missing some important ingredients for his magical salves. Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Prentice Medway: Chris Grace Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Matt Young, and Adal Rifai Associate Producer: Anna Havermann Post-Production Coordination: Garrett S…

1
Gaza and Benefits: is Starmer changing course? 50:05

1M ago50:05

50:05

Reunited, Coco and Nish are finally back together in the studio to talk U turns, disability benefits, Brexit and… gimp masks? There’s a lot of politics to catch up on including some big shifts from the Labour government. First on Gaza - Keir Starmer and David Lammy changed tack with fierce criticism of the Israeli government. But critics argue that…

1
Chuck Pressburg - Applying Your Skill to the Task at Hand 1:25:41

1M ago1:25:41

1:25:41

Chuck Pressburg of Presscheck Consulting is an army special operations veteran with an immense amount of real world experience. He and I geek out on night vision technology, talk about the sliding scale of speed and accuracy in shooting, and the pitfall of only pushing for speed in shooting.By Matthew Little

1
Season 5, Ep 56 - Prison Soulwalker (w/ Ross Bryant) 45:56

1M ago45:56

45:56

There's more than one Soulwalker trapped in this prison and they all want to kill Arnie. Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Crispin Versenjettericks Walker: Ross Bryant Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Matt Young, and Adal Rifai Associate Producer: Anna Havermann Post-Production Coordination: Gar…

1
Pod Save an Island of Strangers 54:59

2M ago54:59

54:59

Coco’s back! She’s both sleep and politics deprived, but Nish is ready to fill her in. The government's shake-up of legal migration laws landed this week - but the news has been dominated by one question. Is Keir Starmer Enoch Powell incarnate? His speech warned that we ‘risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks together’ - a ca…

1
Karl Rehn of KR Training 1:39:01

2M ago1:39:01

1:39:01

In this episode i sit down with one of the mainstays of both the competition and defensive shooting communities, Karl Rehn. We talk about progression in training, the realities of training for self defense, and how your level of commitment influences the skills you train.By Matthew Little

1
Season 5, Ep 55 - Prison Whisperbrew (w/ Brendan Dowling) 49:04

2M ago49:04

49:04

Benedict Whisperbrew, the former Court Eunuch for the Belaroths, has been imprisoned for crimes against the arts. Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Benedict Whisperbrew: Brendan Dowling Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Matt Young, and Adal Rifai Associate Producer: Anna Havermann Post-Production…

1
How Labour should (but probably won’t) reset after Reform’s big win 54:03

2M ago54:03

54:03

There’s no ifs or buts - Reform had a won big in last week’s local elections - but it’s not all bad news. Near-total Tory wipeout, positive signs for the Liberal Democrats and Greens and a lesson for Labour: acquiescing to Nigel Farage will only empower him. A slightly jetlagged Nish and a fresh as a daisy Zoë digest the results before diving into …

1
Rob Epifania - Building On Demand Performance 1:07:41

2M ago1:07:41

1:07:41

Rob Epifania is back on the show to talk about programming your training to build consistency and performance on-demand.By Matthew Little

1
Season 5, Ep 54 - Prison Snake Princess (w/ Sayjal Joshi) 49:59

2M ago49:59

49:59

Foofina the Snake Princess wants to help Arnie, Usidore and Chunt survive prison by making them her minions. Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Foofina: Sayjal Joshi Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Matt Young, and Adal Rifai Associate Producer: Anna Havermann Post-Production Coordination: Garret…

1
The UK Supreme Court ruling and the fight for trans rights 57:41

2M ago57:41

57:41

In the wake of the UK Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of woman should be based on biological sex, Nish and Zoë speak to LGBTQ+ activist Ellen Jones, author of "Outrage: Why the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is not yet won and what we can do about it" about the implications for trans people . They discuss how the campaigning of reactionar…

1
Eric Kamps and the Race to GM 57:07

2M ago57:07

57:07

On today’s episode I talk with my long time friend Eric Kamps, world traveling GM shooter. We started USPSA around the same time, made Master around the same time, but he won our race to GM handily. We talk about training, matches, and that time I choked him out at a local…By Matthew Little

1
Season 5, Ep 53 - Prison Freshgrave Twins (w/ Jessica McKenna & Zach Reino) 1:00:32

2M ago1:00:32

1:00:32

The Freshgrave Twins are in prison awaiting trial and they're eager to share some shady business opportunities. Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Schnenessa: Jess McKenna Snaken: Zach Reino Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Matt Young, and Adal Rifai Associate Producer: Anna Havermann Post-Produc…

1
Scott Jedlinski - AIWB Jedi 56:41

2M ago56:41

56:41

We do a deep dive into the AIWB draw with one of its most accomplished instructors, Scott Jedlinski of Modern Samurai Project.By Matthew Little

1
Season 5, Ep 52 - Prison Kalhaxorous (w/ Brennan Lee Mulligan) 1:00:27

2M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

The Death Knight teaches Arnie, Usidore, and Chunt how to work in the cafeteria. Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Kalhaxorus the Grim: Brennan Lee Mulligan Corncob the Calico: Porom the Cat Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Matt Young, and Adal Rifai Associate Producer: Anna Havermann Post-Produ…

1
Nish and Coco spill the tea: your questions answered 44:44

2M ago44:44

44:44

As Parliament sits for Easter Recess, Nish and Coco dive into the PSUK mailbag to answer your burning questions. There’s the serious political questions - who are the real progressive party? How can we fight Reform? Should we all just leave the UK?? But there’s some curveballs, too - like what’s up with Bob Dylan’s instagram posting? Boxers or brie…

1
Chris Workman of the Army Marksmanship Unit 1:15:21

3M ago1:15:21

1:15:21

This one is a great conversation with a good friend of mine. Chris Workman of the Army Marksmanship Unit and I talk about the benefits of training like a competitor for the warfighterBy Matthew Little

1
Season 5, Ep 51 - Prison Prince Vantis (w/ Jason Mantzoukas) 58:56

3M ago58:56

58:56

As Arnie, Chunt, and Usidore adjust to life as prisoners in the Topless Tower, Sweet Prince Vantis arrives to show them the ropes. Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Sweet Prince Vantis: Jason Mantzoukas Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Matt Young, and Adal Rifai Associate Producer: Anna Haverman…

1
Trump’s Tariffs: are you feeling liberated? 50:50

3M ago50:50

50:50

UPDATE: 10/04/25: President Trump has planned to pause extended tariffs on most countries for 90 days, while pushing ahead on plans to implement a 104% tariff on Chinese goods. A flat 10% tariff remains in place. Trump’s tariffs continue to cause chaos in the stock markets and the threat of a recession looms. As Rachel Reeves put it in her Spring S…

1
Chris Magyar - Sambo, Paintball, and ACE 1:39:21

3M ago1:39:21

1:39:21

Chris Magyar and I talk about his training journey, from Japanese Jujitsu to Russian Sambo, Paintball to USPSA, and all things self-defense…By Matthew Little

1
Patreon Unlock: Girls Night: Cruisin' I 35:56

3M ago35:56

35:56

Enjoy this unlocked bonus episode from our Patreon! Flower, Momo, and Gianessa head out on a vacation cruise. You can support the show directly and receive bonus episodes and rewards by joining our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/magictavern for only $5 per month. Follow us on Bsky, Instagram and YouTube! Credits Momo the Mouse: Erin Keif Flower…

1
Waiting For The Apocalypse: tariffs, food security and the right to protest 59:47

3M ago59:47

59:47

Warning: this episode contains descriptions of sexually explicit and sexist song lyrics. While we wait to see if Trump’s tariff juggernaut is going to squash our fragile economy, Nish and Coco count the cost of the “bill-mageddon” we already face. It’s a perfect storm of steep rises in household bills and a bonkers global trade war. While we’re sta…

1
Cecil Burch of Immediate Action Combatives 1:12:53

3M ago1:12:53

1:12:53

In this episode, Cecil Burch of Immediate Action Combatives and I talk about training practice, and culture in martial arts, combatives, and shooting.By Matthew Little

1
Season 5, Ep 50 - Claudia Now (w/ Beth Melewski) 52:04

3M ago52:04

52:04

The boys search for answers about the missing villains by visiting Claudia the Witch! Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Claudia: Beth Melewski Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Matt Young, and Adal Rifai Associate Producer: Anna Havermann Post-Production Coordination: Garrett Schultz Editor: Tim …

1
Austerity 2.0: can Reeves cut her way to growth? 53:40

3M ago53:40

53:40

First the good news: we might just manage to build a lot of new houses. And the bad news? Millions of people will be worse off and about fifty thousand children will be pushed into poverty by welfare reform. Nish and Coco unpack Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement with the help of economist James Meadway, former advisor to John McDonnell. It was pretty…

1
Tony Blauer and the Speed of Violence 1:12:11

3M ago1:12:11

1:12:11

In this episode I talk with the SPEAR system’s Coach Tony Blauer again. We discuss the categories of efficacy in martial arts and how to hardwire your flinch response to improve self defense with a firearm.By Matthew Little

1
Season 5, Ep 49 - Warlock Now (w/ Tyler Davis) 51:23

3M ago51:23

51:23

Nicholas Fump returns for a second attempt at exacting his revenge on Usidore. Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Nicholas Fump: Tyler Davis Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Producers: Arnie Niekamp, Matt Young, and Adal Rifai Associate Producer: Anna Havermann Post-Production Coordination: Garrett Schultz Editor: Garrett…

1
Welfare cuts: are Labour copying Tory homework? 48:14

3M ago48:14

48:14

After weeks of speculation, Liz Kendall has confirmed what benefits are to be axed in order to save £5 billion from the welfare bill - but at what cost for sick and disabled people? Keir Starmer says the rising benefit bill is “devastating for public finances” and has “wreaked a terrible human cost”. But many of his own Labour MPs have accused him …

1
Tim Herron - The Magic of Randomizing Your Training 1:33:30

3M ago1:33:30

1:33:30

In this episode, Tim and I talk about how his recent class with the great Eric Grauffel transformed the way he trains, practicing like a musician, and the power of consistency.By Matthew Little

1
A true story of money, Mafia & the Vatican (Shadow Kingdom Episode 1) 28:39

4M ago28:39

28:39

Today we're excited to bring you the first episode of Shadow Kingdom: God's Banker. In the summer of 1982, the Vatican’s top money man was found dead. Roberto Calvi was at the center of a prolific money laundering scheme that put him in the crosshairs of the Sicilian mafia, a secret far-right chapter of the Freemasons, and the Catholic Church. Fort…

1
Season 5, Ep 48 - Chronicler (w/Richard Kind & Erin Kief Live from SF Sketchfest) 1:07:47

4M ago1:07:47

1:07:47

Recorded live at Club Fugazi as part of San Francisco Sketchfest. The King's Chronicler visits to discuss his chronicling process and he brings along a small familiar guest. Okay, it's Momo. Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young Steven Anonymous: Richard Kind Momo the Mouse: Erin Keif Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Produce…

1
Welfare, Warehouses and Playlist Diplomacy 53:29

4M ago53:29

53:29

We’ll start with the good news - Reform UK appears to be imploding. Nigel Farage has had a wildly public fallout with (now former) Reform MP Rupert Lowe, who was stripped of his whip and investigated by the police over alleged workplace bullying and “verbal threats” against the party chairman. As Reform flounders, the Government is busy making itse…

1
Paul Sharp; Retired LE, Shivworks and Straight Blast Gym Instructor 1:16:03

4M ago1:16:03

1:16:03

In this episode I catch up with my old friend Paul Sharp, fellow retired cop, Shivworks Collective founding member, Straight Blast Gym instructor, and powerlifter. We talk about the importance of “looks” in our training for skill development and application, the progression of mastery in rock and roll guitarists, and the fact that you can actually …

1
Season 5, Ep 47 - Ten Years (w/ Paul F. Tompkins, Matt Gourley & Mark McConville) 1:08:07

4M ago1:08:07

1:08:07

It's the ten year anniversary episode and our huge guests are three kings who may join our fight against the wizards. Maybe. Credits Arnie: Arnie Niekamp Chunt: Adal Rifai Usidore: Matt Young King Bupropion Wellbutrin: Paul F. Tompkins Doncer: Matt Gourley Timothy the King of Sticks: Mark McConville Mysterious Man: Tim Sniffen Producers: Arnie Niek…

1
Keir Starmer - the unlikely leader of the free world? 1:00:39

4M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

A shouting match in the Oval Office probably should have been on everyone’s Trump 25 bingo card - but the extraordinary breakdown in relations between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy shocked the world. Keir Starmer rolled up his sleeves and spent the weekend in full-blown diplomacy mode - leading to Politico calling him the “unlikely leader of…

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