I absolutely love doing competition coverage of just about any kind and recently I’ve had a special opportunity to bring on a guest who isn’t a member of the media, but who managed to snag one of the highly coveted Finnish Brutality slots for the last year’s competition in Loppi, Finland. Derek “Hooahberry” was one of the few other Americans at the event and that obviously led to us chatting for a bit at Varusteleka’s Sotima in-store bar. In our first introduction, I learned a lot about Derek including the story behind his nickname, his time in the Army, as well as his involuntary battle with cancer, and his voluntary battles with events like Finnish Brutality and the GORUCK Challenge. Today Derek and I will discuss all that and more and I think most of you listening out there will really appreciate just how tough and dedicated Derek is and hopefully it will inspire all of you to do more to take on daily challenges.

More Episodes of TFB’s Behind the Gun Podcast:

• TFB Behind The Gun Podcast #109: The Return of Brandon Maddox of Silencer Central
• TFB Behind The Gun Podcast #108: Chris with Yankee Hill Machine (YHM)
• TFB Behind The Gun Podcast #107: What Is Gun Camp? Feat. Rapper Twista

TFB Behind the Gun #110: The GORUCK Lifestyle w/ Derek “Hooahberry”

TFB Behind The Gun Podcast #110: The GORUCK Lifestyle w/ Derek “Hooahberry”

On today’s episode of TFB’s Behind The Gun Podcast, we’ve brought on a man who is not only an avid firearms competitor, but someone who has a passion for tackling difficult tasks no matter what. I had the pleasure of meeting Derek “Hooahberry” at Finnish Brutality 2023 and as is pretty typical at competitions like Finnish Brutality, we became instant friends. Today Derek will share with us not only his experiences at Finnish Brutality and how he got into the competition as a regular Joe, but also his passion for another type of difficult self-imposed task – GORUCK. GORUCK, founded in 2008 by former Green Beret Jason McCarthy, is a lifestyle brand that epitomizes the fusion of military-grade durability and civilian functionality. Drawing inspiration from Jason’s Special Forces experiences and his wife Emily’s CIA background, the brand has successfully carved a niche in creating rugged, versatile gear, most notably the GR1 backpack. GORUCK’s ethos extends beyond product design to fostering a resilient community through the GORUCK Challenge—endurance events led by Special Forces veterans that emphasize teamwork, leadership, and endurance. These events reflect the brand’s core values of resilience, community, and excellence, engaging participants from various backgrounds in physically and mentally demanding tasks. Under Jason and Emily’s stewardship, GORUCK has grown into more than just a gear company; it’s a platform that promotes personal growth, physical fitness, and a deep sense of camaraderie among its loyal following, making it a testament to their commitment to building a brand that transcends conventional boundaries and encourages individuals to push their limits. So please sit back, relax and enjoy as Derek recounts his time at Finnish Brutality and his ongoing goal to challenge himself and others through the GORUCK program.

• Check out Derek’s Instagram
• Finnish Brutality
• More Information about GORUCK events

TFB Behind the Gun #110: The GORUCK Lifestyle w/ Derek “Hooahberry”

Listen right here at TFB:

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

Listen on Spotify:

Please support our Behind The Gun Podcast sponsors:

Silencer Shop – www.silencershop.com

If you’ve said that buying a silencer is too expensive, too long of a wait, or that the paperwork is too confusing, you’re not alone. Buying a silencer is a big deal, and we don’t take it lightly either! But it’s the easiest it’s ever been!

Kimber – www.R7Mako.com

Kimber’s award-winning R7 Mako: the polymer-frame, striker-fired micro-compact with 14 rounds total capacity, and a trigger you have to experience to believe. Feed your appetite for something different at www.R7Mako.com.

 VNSH Holsters – www.vnsh.com/behindthegun

The VNSH (pronounced Vanish) holster is quickly becoming one of the most popular holsters in America and thousands of customers say it’s the most comfortable holster ever. Because you’re a supporter of TFB’s Behind the Gun podcast you can go to www.vnsh.com/behindthegun to get a $50 discount on the vanish holster which normally retails for $130. Visit www.vnsh.com/behindthegun to claim your $50 discount today!