Episode 8

Why The Gundies Keep Growing (And Why They Keep Doing It)

Published on: 8th April, 2026

This week, John and Kailey sit down with Ben and Will from Forge Relations and creators of The Gundie Awards. They recap the biggest year yet, from going live on Rumble to behind-the-scenes moments and community conversations. They break down the voting debate, what the awards are really about, and how The Gundies is growing beyond a single night.

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Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!

Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season!

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About the Podcast

State of the Second
The State of The Second, an interview style podcast focusing on the impact that legislation and activism is having on the firearms industry, and the second amendment community.
"State of the Second isn’t your typical 2A podcast—it’s a backstage pass into the firearms industry.

Hosted by Kailey Nieman and John Fahrner, we sit down with the real people behind the brands, builds, and big ideas shaping the gun world. From shop owners to social media legends, each episode dives into how they got started, what keeps them going, and what it really takes to make it in the firearms industry, plus the battles they face along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how to break into the industry or what it’s like behind the scenes, this is your front-row seat."