The Unexpected Dare That Launched a Nationwide Women's Movement with Deb Ferns

Have you ever wondered how stepping outside your comfort zone can change your life? In this episode of the Amateurs and Experts Podcast , hosts Erica Chin and Maggie Reese sit down with Deb Ferns live at the 2026 SHOT Show. Deb shares how a dare from Ted Nugent led her to create the Women's Outdoor Media Association back in 2009. The group talks about how learning to shoot, fish, and hunt helps women gain real confidence that carries over into their daily lives and careers. Deb explains how her all-volunteer team raises money at events like "She Never Quit" to help good causes, including buying special protective vests for police dogs. She also talks about passing the torch to new leaders so the organization can keep growing for years to come. Listeners who want to join an event or learn more can visit thewoma.org or email Deb directly. Links Timestamp 13:20: Explore upcoming specialized clinics and special events at thewoma.org . Key Takeaways Confidence Transfer: Mastering new, intimidating outdoor skills builds personal confidence that carries over into professional and daily life decisions. Ego-Free Mentorship: Top-level instructors achieve the best results by focusing entirely on student growth rather than personal accolades. Mission-Driven Leadership: Sustainable non-profit success relies on an all-volunteer structure and clear transparency regarding where funds go. Generational Succession: Organizations need to intentionally transition leadership to younger generations to stay dynamic and forward-looking. Living Outside the Comfort Zone: Embracing personal challenges allows individuals to fully utilize their inherent talents and potential. Key Words Used SHOT Show Otis Technology Amateurs and Experts Podcast Deb Ferns Women’s Outdoor Media Association (WOMA) Babes with Bullets She Never Quit Hunting Shooting sports Mentorship