Ep. 168: Brotherhood, Resilience, and Firearms: David MacDonald Returns

David MacDonald’s story is one of survival, service, and strength. After surviving 47 broken bones from an IED blast in Afghanistan, he rebuilt his life, helped others with PTSD, and now manages Beretta Defense Technologies in Canada.

In this powerful conversation, we explore:

• The legacy and future of Beretta and its global brands.
• The reality of firearm laws and politics in Canada.
• The overlooked mental health challenges men face, from veterans to fathers.
• The importance of brotherhood, community, and purpose.

This episode goes far beyond firearms, diving into resilience, family, and what it means to live with meaning.

👉 Share this with someone who needs to hear it.

https://www.berettadefensetechnologies.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-macdonald-5693146a/

https://www.stoegercanada.ca

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Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4
Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U
Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU
Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9
Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W 

Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.trav
Silvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors

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🕒 Timestamps

00:00 – Silvercore Club giveaways & guest intro
01:54 – David MacDonald returns to the podcast
02:35 – Beretta Defense Technologies explained
04:23 – Beretta’s 500-year legacy & family ownership
06:46 – Beretta group brands: Benelli, Sako, Tikka, Steiner & more
09:15 – Behind the scenes at the Tikka & Sako factories
13:46 – Barrel life myths & factory standards explained
17:58 – Human error vs equipment failure in firearms
20:55 – Gun customization, training, and marketing
25:05 – The Canadian handgun freeze & firearms politics
31:00 – Buyback programs, registries & advocacy challenges
36:50 – The firearms community’s internal conflicts
40:50 – Educating the public about Canadian gun laws
47:00 – Navigating bureaucracy & firearms policy
55:00 – Fatherhood, change, and raising kids differently
01:01:13 – Postpartum depression, PTSD & men’s mental health
01:15:30 – Social media, loneliness & the need for men’s groups
01:28:00 – Suicide, warning signs & supporting friends
01:43:00 – Nature, hunting & outdoors as therapy
01:49:00 – Service, veterans, and reclaiming identity
01:52:07 – Closing thoughts & community challenge