Wild Strength Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Zetts as she shares her journey as a self-taught hunter, her experiences hunting in Pennsylvania, and the emotional connections that come with chasing deer in the woods. We explore the differences between public and private land hunting, the impact of social media on hunting culture, and the importance of persistence and learning through experience. Natalie also shares her thoughts on the process of butchering game and the fulfillment that comes from being connected to nature and the hunting experience.

In this episode, I sit down with Madison Horner, an avid hunter from Northwestern Montana. We discuss Madison's early experiences with hunting, the influence of her family, and the transition from youth to adult hunting. The conversation explores hunting with a traditional bow versus a compound bow and the unique challenges of hunting in different states, including Alaska and Hawaii. They also touch on the balance between work and personal passions, the challenges women face in the hunting community, and the significance of finding like-minded friends. Madison emphasizes the importance of getting out of one's comfort zone and making the most of life experiences, ultimately defining wild strength as the ability to pursue one's passions without excuses.

In this episode, I talk with  “Tall Paul” Frame, who shares his journey in hunting and in the hunting industry, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, education, and community throughout. We discuss the significance of curiosity in hunting, the balance between technology and traditional skills, and the emotional impact of hunting experiences. Paul also shares insights on physical preparation and injury management, and highlights the need for a supportive community in the hunting space.

This is a co-release episode with The Hunting Stories Podcast. In this conversation, I hopped on with Michael Scrogan to tell my story of why I started hunting and what hunting means to me. I also share a few hunting stories along the way!

In this episode, I sit down with Kiefer Rogers, a long time hunter and professional hunting guide, to talk about our shared experiences hunting in the field and the importance of pursuing one's passions. Keifer dives into the realities of guided hunts, the balance between work and personal life, and the significance of self-care in the hunting industry. He also shares his journey from a novice hunter to a guiding professional, including his recent adventures in New Zealand. The conversation emphasizes the value of taking risks, finding joy in life, and the importance of mentorship and networking in the outdoor community.

In this episode I welcome guest Brett Benton, an avid bear hunter and customer experience manager for Montana Knife Company. Brett grew up in Alabama and moved out West, ultimately ending up in Montana. We take a deep dive into the challenges of bear hunting and discuss the importance of understanding bear behavior, the significance of foraging skills, and the culinary aspects of bear meat and fat. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of hunting education and the joys of being in the wild.

In this episode, I sit down with Dillon Dietz, a hunter who enjoys sharing all of the highs and lows hunting offers in a comedic way. The conversation explores the importance of having fun while hunting, the pressures social media brings to hunting, and the balance between passion and business in the hunting industry.  We dive into some personal hunting experiences, the emotional connections formed through being in the woods, and the importance of understanding different perspectives on hunting. We also touch on the thrills of big game hunting and the lessons learned from mistakes in the field.

In this episode Josh Walker, a life-long hunter and prior NFL player, discusses his experiences chasing critters all over the country. Josh shares his early hunting experiences in the Southeast and how he moved out West and transitioned to hunting in the West.  We discuss Josh’s love for chasing turkeys and his goal to harvest one in every state, as well as the challenges of elk hunting and chasing critters on public land.

In this episode, Guy Duplantier, owner of Western Fly Covers, dives into the transformative power of hunting and the outdoors. The conversation explores personal life journeys, the importance of community, and the deep connections formed through shared experiences in nature. It also highlights how hunting can foster a certain respect for life and promote personal growth in helping to find meaning and purpose in life.

In this episode, Tana Grenda shares her unique lifestyle living in the Alaskan bush with her family and the journey her and her husband have been on to build a life there. She discusses the challenges of subsistence living, including the high cost of living and the isolation from friends and family. Tana also talks about her journey in foster care, adopting five children, and the impact of her lifestyle on her family dynamics. Additionally, she talks about her entrepreneurial journey, starting a fitness business, and how she empowers women through outdoor retreats that focus on survival skills and personal growth. The conversation explores the themes of empowerment, personal growth, and the importance of connection.

Live from the Mile High Hunt and Fish Expo, Whitney sits down with Dan Gates, who led the fight on Colorado’s Proposition 127 to keep mountain lion hunting alive. They discuss the ongoing challenges and victories in the realm of hunting and conservation and emphasize the importance of grassroots movements and individual engagement in legislative battles against anti-hunting initiatives. The conversation highlights the need for a consistent message against opposition, and the significance of science-based wildlife management. They emphasize the role of education in changing perceptions about hunting and wildlife management, and the necessity of building a coalition of supporters to advocate for sustainable practices.  This conversation is in collaboration with the Through the Gates Podcast and Rokslide’s Rokcast.

In this episode of the Wild Strength Podcast, Whitney speaks with Kevin Timm, founder of Seek Outside, about his passion for the outdoors and the importance of quality gear for hunting and outdoor experiences. The conversation dives into the significance of investing in quality sleep systems and the philosophy behind Seek Outside’s approach to innovation and creating quality gear. Kevin emphasizes the importance of testing gear in real-world conditions to ensure reliability and performance.

In this episode of the Wild Strength Podcast, Whitney sits down with Draya Grangroth– a small business owner, hunting guide, and author who has spent most of her life hunting and in the outdoors. They discuss the healing powers of wild places, the importance of solo hunting for personal empowerment, and the transformative experiences that come from being in the outdoors. Draya shares a journey of life lessons learned in the mountains and the connection between hunting, sharing wild places with others, and mental health. The conversation ends talking about Draya’s journey to becoming a hunting guide and her experiences along the way.

In this episode of the Wild Strength Podcast, Whitney sits down with Kenneth Thrall, a lifelong hunter and employee at Kifaru International. They discuss the essential elements of hunting- emphasizing the importance of preparation, mindset, and experience in the field. The conversations underscores the value of spending time outdoors, building confidence, and developing proficiency with weapons, while also acknowledging the unpredictability of hunting and the need for a respectful approach to wildlife.

Whitney sits down with Garrett Walker, who started High Alpine Outdoors - an outfitter for fly fishing and ice fishing in Colorado. Garrett was a mountaineer for years before he got into hunting and fishing. He talks about how he first got into chasing critters and how it became a passion of his over time, leading to the start of his outfit. Whitney and Garrett also discuss balancing work and being outdoors and share a few hunting stories.

Whitney sits down with 16-year old Diego Otero, who founded MainBeam Addiction at just 9 years old! Diego started MainBeam Addiction to inspire youth to engage in hunting and outdoor activities. Diego talks about all of the hunts he has been on since getting his hunters education certification at 8 and how he balances school, hunting, and running a business.

Join Whitney in the first solo episode of the Wild Strength podcast where she goes over the 2024 hunting season, a look into the 2025 season, a new podcast update, and answers questions from her Instagram story.

Jon Fischer shares his journey to running ultra marathons and highlights the role of ultra running in his personal development and the accountability required for growth. Jon also talks about being a SERE specialist in the Air Force and discusses the challenges he faced during training, the importance of resilience, and how he learned to embrace discomfort. The conversation delves into the significance of mindset, self-compassion, and the balance between helping others and taking care of oneself. Jon also shares a personal story that led him to choose life over suicidal thoughts and how embracing discomfort through running transformed his perspective on resilience and community. Jon emphasizes the importance of accepting help from others and the lessons learned from ultra running, including the value of companionship and the strength found in vulnerability. He also highlights his commitment to supporting veterans through his upcoming ultra marathons, showcasing the power of using personal experiences to inspire and uplift others. Takeaways: - John's initial desire to help people led him to the military. - Building resilience requires volunteering for discomfort. - Mindset is crucial for overcoming challenges and adversity. - Self-compassion is essential for personal growth and wellness. - Accountability is necessary for recognizing personal flaws. - Awareness of one's own needs is vital for effective service to others. - Ultra running served as a survival strategy and a path to self-discovery. - Embracing discomfort is essential for personal growth and resilience. - Vulnerability allows for deeper connections and acceptance of help. - Life is a marathon, not a sprint; progress is about consistency, not speed. - The lessons learned in ultra running can be applied to everyday life. - Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. - Movement is medicine; physical activity can aid mental health. - Choosing to be strong in adversity leads to greater resilience.

In this episode of the Wild Strength Podcast, I sit down with Drew Miles-- the founder of Tricer Tripods. Drew shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the hunting industry. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, experience over formal education, and the role of faith in his life and business. The conversation explores themes of breaking generational cycles, the significance of authenticity in business, and the learning curve associated with both hunting and entrepreneurship. Drew's story serves as an inspiration for those looking to pursue their passions and make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. Takeaways: Drew emphasizes that success comes from hard work and perseverance. Experience in the field is more valuable than formal education. Breaking generational cycles is possible through conscious effort. Faith plays a crucial role in Drew's life and business decisions. Authenticity in business fosters trust and loyalty among customers. Drew's journey illustrates the importance of learning from failures. The hunting experience is a continuous learning process. Drew believes in the power of optimism and a positive mindset. Surrounding yourself with knowledgeable people is key to growth. Drew's success with Tricer Tripods is attributed to innovation and quality.

In this episode of the Wild Strength podcast, Whitney sits down with Ryan Padgett, an Air Force veteran and current law enforcement chaplain. Ryan helps lead a nonprofit (Bold Face Fly Fishing) focused on helping military personnel and first responders through fly fishing. In this conversation, they discuss the importance of identity, the challenges of transitioning from military life, and the role of chaplaincy in trauma counseling. Ryan shares insights on coping with identity loss, the significance of outdoor activities for mental health, and the value of relationships in healing. The conversation emphasizes the need to grieve losses, embrace discomfort, and find strength in nature.