California Clays

Derrick Mein - Debriefs the 2025 Nationals

I recorded this episode on November 17th with Olympian Derrick Mein, fresh off his 2nd place finish at the 2025 U.S. National Sporting Clays Championship.In this episode, we debrief the shoot from Derrick’s perspective, how he evaluated the courses, managed pressure, and talked himself through the event to earn a podium finish at Nationals. We also get inside the mind of Derrick a former Olympian, World and National Champion as he shares how this performance fits into his preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games.If you want insight into an elite-level mindset and competing at the highest level, this one delivers.

Anthony Matarese Jr. - 2025 National Sporting Clays Championship Debrief

Today’s episode is a special follow-up with Anthony Matarese Jr., one of the most respected minds in our sport.This time, Anthony reflects on his performance at the 2025 Sporting Clays National Championship, where he did not finish to his expectations. But as you’ll hear, he doesn't make any excuses.Anthony and I talk about how he evaluates his own performance and where his mindset is heading into 2026. Despite not seeing me shoot, I also asked him to coach me through my own tournament experience, he offers me some insights and helps me to think, prepare, and grow as a shooter.

Joe Fanizzi - 2021 NSCA National & Tour Champion

Today I’m joined by one of the brightest young stars in the shooting world, Joe Fanizzi. At just 22 years old, Joe has already accomplished what most shooters dream of in a lifetime. He’s the 2021 NSCA National and Tour Champion, 5x NSCA Regional Champion, 2x Jack Links Cup Champion, 4x Diamond Classic Champion, 2x World Championship Silver Medalist. He has also made 14 NSCA Team USA Teams. He also placed 3rd at the 2025 NSCA National Championship. Joe earned his Masterclass designation at 13 years old. Growing up on the range in Florida, Joe has become known not only for his consistency behind the gun, but also for his sportsmanship, leadership and as an ambassador for the sport. He’s now pursuing a degree in Construction Science at Texas A&M, all while continuing to compete at the highest levels.We get into Joe’s unique shooting style, his competitive mindset, and what drives him at the highest level. It’s clear why he stands among the very best.

David Dalu - 2025 U.S. National FITASC Champion

Today’s guest is someone who perfectly embodies the idea that it’s never too late to chase excellence.Dr. David Dalu is a retired emergency room physician who recently shocked himself and the competitive shooting world by winning the 2025 National FITASC Championship. He’s a member of Anthony Matarese’s A.I.M. Shooting Team, and while he might not be a household name — his performance this season proved he belongs among the very best.In this conversation, we talk about David’s journey from the ER to the clay shooting field. We explore how he trained under one of the game’s greatest minds, how he’s learned to manage pressure, and what it takes to rise to the top later in life.

Desi Edmunds - 2025 Sporting Clays Hall of Famer

Today I’m sitting down once again with one of the sport’s all-time greats, Desirae “Desi” Edmunds.If you follow sporting clays, you already know Desi’s résumé: multiple-time national and world champion, PSCA Tour Ladies Champion, Team USA shooter, and one of the most consistent and respected competitors to ever step on the clay course. This year marks an especially meaningful milestone as Desi was inducted into the Sporting Clays Hall of Fame.In this conversation, we talk about what that honor means to her, the moments and people who helped shape her journey, and how she’s continuing to grow as both a competitor and mentor in the sport. We’ll also get into her travel schedule, and a few stories from the road that remind us why we all love this game.

Greyson Ponder - 2025 All American & FLC All-Around Champion

On this episode, I’m joined by someone who represents the next generation of elite competitive shooters, his name is Greyson Ponder.Greyson’s journey began with hunting and fishing with his dad, long before he ever stepped onto a competition course. What started as a family passion turned into a lifelong pursuit behind the gun. He’s a Master Class competitor, instructor, and proud member of Team Kolar, with podium finishes at major state, regional, and national events across sporting clays, FITASC, and Helice.In this conversation, we talk about his training process, his recent shoots, what it’s like balancing work and competition, and how faith and mindset shape his approach to life and sport.

Macie Page - 2-Time Ladies World Helice Champion & 4-Time Ladies U.S. National Helice Champion

I sat down with one of the most dominant young athletes in the world of Helice shooting, Macie Page. She’s a 4-time Ladies U.S. National Helice Champion and now a two-time Ladies World Helice Champion, fresh off her win in Italy at the 2025 Worlds.What makes Macie’s rise even more impressive is not just her dominance in the Ladies division, but how competitive she is against the men. Not to mention she's only been shooting Helice for 6 years. She's young, driven, and razor-sharp in a sport that demands total focus and reaction-speed precision. Helice, also known as ZZs, is a discipline that’s very different from sporting clays, but just as intense. In this episode, we get into how she got started, how she uses her eyes and calms her mind for the chaos that is ZZ birds, and what it takes to stay consistent at the highest levels.

Dillon Epp - 2025 North Carolina State Champion & 2025 All-American 2nd Team

Today’s guest is Dillon Epp, a guy who’s been flying under the radar…until he started beating some of the pros. He’s not a household name (yet), and that’s exactly why I wanted to talk to him.He’s what I’d call an "Average Joe Pro", someone who built his skillset through time, reps, and a mindset that refuses to settle. In this episode, we talk about how he got started, the real work behind his climb, his training philosophy, how he handles pressure, what gear he uses, and how he balances his family, faith and work along with his competitive journey.Whether you're chasing M or AA class, or just looking to break your next personal best this one’s for the average joe who’s not here to stay average.

Theo Ribbs - 2025 Team USA - FITASC & 2024 North American FITASC Champion

Today’s guest is someone who brings a whole new level of perspective and purpose to the sport: Theo Ribbs III.Theo is the 2023 Browning Briley Champion, the 2024 North American FITASC Champion and a member of the 2025 Team USA for FITASC. In this episode, Theo shares some very personal experiences, including moments that touch on race and his path as the only Black professional in the sporting clays world. Some of what he shares may include direct references to situations.These are his experiences, in his own words. As always, the goal with this podcast is to create space for honest stories, thoughtful conversations, and growth within the sport we all care about. Thanks in advance for listening with an open mind.

Ed Solomons & Gary Fitzjarrell (UK and US)

On this episode I sat down with Gary Fitzjarrell and Ed Solomons. Gary, is an American shooter, target setter and operator of FLC Shooting Grounds in Whitehall, IL. Ed, is a well respected international shooting coach and world champion from the UK, they both bring a ton of experience and perspective to the table.We had a great conversation about the different shooting cultures in the UK and the US — we tackle some myths and common misconceptions as people get into the sports, and we even touched on cheating and how they think it should be handled.Gary and Ed were honest, insightful, and at times a little spicy — I'm sure you will enjoy the episode.