In this After Dark episode of the Iron Sights Podcast, I sat down with the founder of Train with Purpose, my good friend JP. If you’ve ever felt uneducated, unhealthy or overweight you can understand how hard it can be to find a purpose big enough to transform your situation and take the necessary action towards improving everything that you dislike about yourself. JP was all three: a high school dropout who turned to alcohol and at one point weighed over 300lbs. We discuss the ups and downs of JP’s journey and the breaking point that made him realize his greatness. This episode covers the pros and cons of CrossFit and how health & fitness causes people to check their ego at the door and find the motivation to become better. JP has rapidly grown a following on social media through launching his personal brand @trainwithpurposeofficial where he documents the lifestyle Iron Sights promotes wholeheartedly. The second half of this conversation dives deep into the 2A community and gun rights. How can we create a conversation surrounding firearms that bring people together and create a country where everyone can feel protected, heard, understood and prepared for a future worth fighting for? I hope you enjoy JP! He’s already scheduled to come back next week. Timestamps:00:00 Welcoming JP To Iron Sights00:30 The Best Part of The Fitness Industry05:28 Dropping Out of High School To Play Halo13:32 Quitting Alcohol and Getting Sober20:21 The History, G.O.A.T.S, and Evolution of CrossFit29:51 Scott Howell’s Fitness Origin Story35:44 How JP Went From 300lbs To In Shape & Healthy41:47 The Boomerang of Helicopter Parenting44:36 What’s Made JP A Great Coach47:13 What CrossFit Teaches You49:18 Launching The Train with Purpose Brand54:27 This is America: Why JP Bought A Gun1:02:11 Breaking Down The 2021 San Jose Riots1:10:10 Don’t Train Just To Look Good - Do This Instead1:15:14 The Conversation about Firearms You Need To Hear1:37:38 The Firearm Community Is Losing Their Voice1:45:15 Multi-Training for Triathlon1:46:39 How The Name “Red Dot Fitness” Was Created2:02:34 Episode Closing Summary