Modern Day Sniper Podcast

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This episode is a true fireside conversation—recorded in the field during a multi-day training evolution while the MDS Team is in Arizona. Caylen is joined by Juan Ospina, Chris Lajczok, and Rafael De Hoya—three Marines from the Modern Day Sniper mentorship team—for an unfiltered discussion on identity, hardship, and what it actually means to do hard things.

The conversation moves beyond rifles and ballistics and into the deeper layers of performance—land navigation as a metaphor for life, the internal “voice” that makes people quit, and the reality of mentorship versus gatekeeping in high-level training environments. They unpack what it means to get off course, how people lose themselves after leaving the military, and why discomfort, adversity, and self-awareness are non-negotiable for growth.

This is a raw look at the transition from operator to mentor, the responsibility that comes with leading others, and the balance between discipline and guidance. It’s not about tactics—it’s about the mindset behind them.

Modern Day Sniper
⚡Website: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/
⚡Training & Events (Register Here): https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events
⚡Modern Day Rifleman (Online Training): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/spaces/16202640/page

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In this episode, Caylen sits down with Francis Colon for a recap of the MDT Barrel Burner 2026 PRS Pro Match held at The Leadfarm in Washington State. They dive into the realities of high-level precision rifle performance, unpacking what it actually takes to compete, improve, and stay consistent under pressure. Their conversation moves beyond surface-level tactics into the mental and procedural side of shooting—covering everything from disciplined training habits and long-term decision-making to managing gear, building effective target reference points, and navigating rapidly changing wind conditions. Through detailed match breakdowns and candid reflections on both successes and failures, they highlight a central theme: performance is built through intentional focus, structured practice, and the ability to adapt in real time. Whether discussing the pitfalls of overcomplicating equipment, the importance of stress inoculation, or the value of maintaining a positive, growth-oriented mindset, this episode offers a clear look at the grind behind mastery—and what it truly means to evolve as a rifleman.
Follow Francis Colon
⚡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franciscolon
⚡️MDT Sporting Goods: https://mdttac.com
Modern Day Sniper
⚡Website: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/
⚡Training & Events (Register Here): https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events
⚡Modern Day Rifleman (Online Training): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/spaces/16202640/page
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Train with purpose. Develop the mind, body, and rifle.

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This episode features a deep dive into precision shooting, ballistics, and the mental aspects of marksmanship. Caylen Wojcik and Erik Cortina share expert insights on rifle setup, trigger control, wind reading, and the importance of mental focus for shooters of all levels. This episode features expert insights into precision shooting, focusing on fundamentals, mental strategies, and training techniques to improve long-range marksmanship. Learn from seasoned shooters about optimizing performance, understanding wind, and developing consistent habits. In this comprehensive discussion, expert shooters delve into wind calling, equipment choices, mental strategies, and systematized training to elevate PRS shooting performance. Learn practical tips, mental models, and system approaches to overcome challenges and achieve consistency.

Learn More from Erik Cortina
⚡Website: https://www.shootsmallgroups.com/
⚡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ErikCortina
⚡Instagram: @erikcortina
⚡Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erikcortinaproshooter/

Modern Day Sniper
⚡Website: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/
⚡Training & Events (Register Here): https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events
⚡Modern Day Rifleman (Online Training): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/spaces/16202640/page

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⚡Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper/
⚡YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernDaySniper
⚡Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaysniper
⚡LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-day-sniper

Train with purpose. Develop the mind, body, and rifle.

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In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast, Caylen sits down with Jay Nichol—backcountry hunter, outfitter, and the mind behind The Mindful Hunter—following his time in our Long Range Skills Progression course in Yakima, Washington. This conversation goes well beyond rifles and ballistics, diving into the mindset behind skill development, the realities of modern hunting, and the gap between perceived proficiency and true capability. Jay shares his experience stepping outside his comfort zone, confronting weaknesses, and reframing training as a lifelong process built on exposure, feedback, and intentional practice—not quick fixes or gear purchases. 
We also explore the parallels between hunting, competition, and personal growth—covering everything from managing pressure in critical moments to the importance of structured training and honest self-assessment. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, competitive shooter, or just beginning your journey, this episode highlights what it really takes to build confidence and consistency when it matters most. Stick around to hear more about our 2026 training schedule, upcoming opportunities, and how to continue your development inside the Modern Day Sniper ecosystem.
Learn More from Jay Nichol – The Mindful Hunter
Website: https://www.mindfulhunter.com/
Mindful Reviews: https://www.mindful-reviews.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulHunter
Instagram: @mindfulhunter
Modern Day Sniper
Website: https://www.moderndaysniper.com/
Training & Events (Register Here): https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events
Modern Day Rifleman (Online Training): https://www.moderndayrifleman.com/

Follow Us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernDaySniper
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaysniper
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-day-sniper

Train with purpose. Develop the mind, body, and rifle.

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In this episode of the Modern Day Sniper Podcast, Caylen sits down with Francis Colon for a wide-ranging conversation on precision rifle competition, mindset, training, and the deeper process of becoming a better shooter. What starts with stories about brutal mountain passes, wind, and match prep quickly opens into a thoughtful discussion on how competitors actually improve over time—and what separates surface-level performance from long-term mastery.
Francis shares his evolution from a self-taught hunter and competitor into one of the most respected shooters in the precision rifle world, breaking down how he approaches training, speed, recoil management, visual processing, target acquisition, and the mental game of competition. Together, Caylen and Francis dig into everything from first-shot wind calls, simplicity in training, and the value of 100-yard practice, to imposter syndrome, gear selection, controlling what you can control, and why high-level performance often feels effortless only after years of intentional work.
This is a deep episode for shooters who want to sharpen both their technical skillset and their mindset—and better understand the game within the game.
Follow Francis Colon
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franciscolon

MDT Sporting Goods: https://mdttac.com

Train With Us
Modern Day Sniper App / MDS Club:
 https://www.moderndayrifleman.com

In-Person Training & Events:
 https://www.moderndaysniper.com/events

Follow Modern Day Sniper
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaysniper

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaysniper

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-day-sniper