Claim OwnershipThe Winchester Life Podcast
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Hosted by award-winning director and longtime Winchester brand ambassador and storyteller Jason Brown, the “WinLife Pod” looks at the many aspects of what makes the Winchester brand so legendary and dives into the stories, the technology and the lifestyle associated with hunting and the shooting sports. With a list of incredible guests, the “WinLife Pod” discusses everything from deer camps to rabbit dogs, the Olympics to the backcountry or ammo innovation to wildlife art. This podcast reminds our listeners why living the hunting and shooting lifestyle means so much and reinforces the importance of passing that celebrated tradition on to the next generation.
In the landscape of podcasting, a very small collective of voices come from actual brands, and less than that come from brands that are legendary pillars in American culture like Winchester. As a show that focuses on the intersection of tradition and innovation, each episode will uncover the culture and craftsmanship that has defined an entire ammunition industry for generations. Winchester literally has built a lifestyle.
Through insider access to industry pioneers, first hand looks at cutting-edge tech advancements, and the stories behind the scenes that shape the world of shooting sports and hunting as we know it, the WinLife Pod will dive as much into sacred places like deer camps and duck blinds as it will innovation round tables and shooting tips from the world’s best, while also harkening back to the past, revisiting age old traditions of hunting and shooting still alive and well in our country.
We’ll talk about the past, the present and explore some of the innovators who have paved the way in the outdoor industry. A blend of Paul Harvey, Joe Rogan and Guy Raz…so to speak. It’s as much story time as it is tech talk, and in a podcast world oversaturated with divisive, meaningless opinions, the Winchester Life Podcast will engage by using its deep rolodex of industry titans in the hunting and shooting sports world they have literally pioneered. It’s a rare blend from a 158-year authority.
In the landscape of podcasting, a very small collective of voices come from actual brands, and less than that come from brands that are legendary pillars in American culture like Winchester. As a show that focuses on the intersection of tradition and innovation, each episode will uncover the culture and craftsmanship that has defined an entire ammunition industry for generations. Winchester literally has built a lifestyle.
Through insider access to industry pioneers, first hand looks at cutting-edge tech advancements, and the stories behind the scenes that shape the world of shooting sports and hunting as we know it, the WinLife Pod will dive as much into sacred places like deer camps and duck blinds as it will innovation round tables and shooting tips from the world’s best, while also harkening back to the past, revisiting age old traditions of hunting and shooting still alive and well in our country.
We’ll talk about the past, the present and explore some of the innovators who have paved the way in the outdoor industry. A blend of Paul Harvey, Joe Rogan and Guy Raz…so to speak. It’s as much story time as it is tech talk, and in a podcast world oversaturated with divisive, meaningless opinions, the Winchester Life Podcast will engage by using its deep rolodex of industry titans in the hunting and shooting sports world they have literally pioneered. It’s a rare blend from a 158-year authority.
22 Episodes
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From the wide-open fields of South Dakota to the bright lights of national television, Benny Spies has carved a path unlike any other in the outdoor world. For over a decade, he chased the dream of telling hunting stories his way — raw, real, and relatable.With his beat-up ’73 Winnebago, “The Toaster,” and a relentless passion for the outdoors, Benny became the voice for the EveryOutdoorsMan — proving that hunting isn’t just about trophies, it’s about laughter, mistakes, memories, and family traditions.Today, he joins us to talk about his journey from working behind the scenes at NBC and VH1, to hosting Gun It with Benny Spies, to his proud partnership with Winchester. This is a conversation about persistence, passion, and the power of keeping it real. This...is Winchester Life.
On today’s episode of Winchester Life, we sit down with one of the most respected competitors in sporting clays, a shooter whose precision, consistency, and competitive fire have made her a force around the world.Desirae Edmunds has spent years mastering the craft of sporting clays—reading the course, breaking the toughest targets, and inspiring the next generation of shooters. She’s not only a fierce competitor, but also an ambassador for the sport, helping it grow far beyond the tournament fields.As a proud member of Team Winchester, Desirae represents the legacy of a brand that has fueled champions for more than 150 years. Together, they carry forward the tradition of excellence, innovation, and trust that Winchester ammunition has delivered to sportsmen and women for generations.Today, we’ll talk about her journey into the sport, the discipline it takes to compete at the highest level, and the role Winchester plays in her success—both on the range and beyond.This is Winchester Life… and this is the story of Desirae Edmunds.
In the world of competitive trapshooting, few names carry the weight of the name Bartholow. From the dusty ranges of South Dakota to the championship podiums across the country, Foster’s journey has been one of discipline, consistency, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.Alongside his brother Matt, the Bartholow name has become synonymous with excellence…a family legacy built on countless targets, long days on the range, and a shared passion for the sport.But Foster’s story doesn’t end when the clays stop flying. An avid hunter, he’s chased wild game across the prairies and mountains…proving his skill and marksmanship translate from the trap fields to decoy spreads. At the heart of it all is a partnership that fuels his success…Winchester Ammunition. Trusted for its precision, performance, and history, Winchester has been there for every milestone in Foster’s career, from breaking records to bringing home game.Today, we sit down with a man who embodies the competitive spirit, the bond of brotherhood, and the deep tradition of America’s shooting sports — Foster Bartholow.
In Alaska, the wilderness doesn’t give second chances… and neither does the game you pursue. Our guest today has stared down charging brown bears, navigated storms that erase the trail behind you, and guided hunters to the kind of experiences most only dream about. When you hunt with him, you’re not just in the backcountry — you’re in his backyard.From the endless tundra…to the snow‑capped peaks of Alaska, Austin Manelick isn’t just a hunter — he’s a modern-day frontiersman. A master guide whose life has been built on grit, survival, and a deep respect for the animals he pursues. For over a decade, Winchester’s accompanied him into the wildest and most rugged places on Earth — depending on its performance from brown bear country to Dall sheep ridges — where a single shot can mean the difference between success and survival. Today, we step into his world — a place where the hunt is more than just a passion, it’s a way of life. This… is Winchester Life with Austin Manelick.
She once danced beneath the stage lights…Graceful. Precise. Determined.A ballerina’s discipline shaped her early years — but Dania Vizzi found her true rhythm not on stage… but on the range. From pirouettes to podiums, her journey is anything but ordinary. In 2024, she stood on the world’s biggest stage — representing Team USA at the Paris Olympics, with a shotgun in hand and a nation behind her. And through it all, her love for shooting sports has remained unshakable — driven by passion, sharpened by purpose, and backed by the legendary Winchester name.Today we’ll sit down with Dania Vizzi — and talk about grit, grace, and the power of chasing greatness… one shot at a time.
Some men are born into legacy. Others build it lap by lap, step by step, with steady hands and an unshakable heart. Austin Dillon has done both.Carrying the weight of a legendary name, and the spirit of Richard Childress Racing, Austin has carved his own path in the fast lane — not just as a driver, but as a man of purpose. He’s a husband, a father, and a believer. A soul anchored in faith, guided by family, and drawn to the quiet truths only the outdoors can offer.When he’s not chasing victory on the track, he’s chasing sunrises through the timber. Hunting, fishing, living life the way it was meant to be — with intention, with honor, and with Winchester on the side of the #3 car…and his rifle. Because for Austin Dillon, the race is never just about the finish line. It’s about where you come from, who you love, and what you stand for.
One of the most renowned shooters in the world of sporting clays, Anthony Matarese Jr. is a living legend. Anthony was the first American to hold the honor of winning the World Sporting Clays Championship, and in 2020 became the first person to win all four major Sporting Clays titles during his shooting career. As a highly respected and sought after shooting instructor, Anthony regularly has students fly in from all parts of the country to New Jersey for lessons, where he owns and operates M&M Hunting and Sporting Clays, one of the only full-service clay shooting and hunting operations in the US. In this episode, Anthony will talk about his ideal shotgun and ammunition set-up for competition and will also discuss his training regiment. He’ll also dive into the competitive mindset that has helped him become the most successful American sporting clay shooters of all time.
Winchester Repeating Arms isn’t just a gun manufacturer, they’re the heart and soul of the American hunting heritage. Each gun they assemble is not only exceptionally well built and trusted, but it is poised to become an heirloom passed down from generation to generation with stories to tell. The legendary horse and rider brand is not only firmly cemented in America culture, but is driven to keep up with the demands of present day gun enthusiasts. In this episode, we’ll sit down with Ryan Swaner from Winchester Repeating Arms and dive into what it takes to build a gun from concept to completion. We’ll also talk about the history of the brand and some of the most collectable Winchesters from the past…and look ahead at some of the biggest trends in the market and what they’re doing to not only keep up with them, but lead the way.
On today’s episode, we have a truly legendary guest—six-time Olympic medalist and one of the most decorated shooters in history, Kim Rhode. From breaking records on the world’s biggest stage, to inspiring the next generation of competitive shooters, Kim’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. We’ll dive into her Olympic experiences, her passion for the shooting sports, and how she continues to push the limits of excellence with every pull of the trigger.Plus, we’ll talk about her connection with Winchester Ammunition—what goes into selecting the perfect load for elite competition and how the right gear makes all the difference. So, grab your hearing protection and get ready for an exciting conversation with one of the greatest shooters of all time!
Since 1866 Winchester has continually manufactured quality products designed to provide security to Americans and their families. In 1991, that mission was taken to a new frontier and Winchester Safes was born. On today’s episode we’re joined by Greg Walters, a leader at Winchester Safes. With a passion for security, reliability, and the great American tradition of responsible firearm ownership, Greg brings us inside the world of Winchester Safes—where strength, technology, and peace of mind come together. Whether you’re a longtime safe owner, a firearms enthusiast, or simply someone looking to protect what matters most, this episode has a little bit for everyone. So sit back, lock in, and welcome to The Winchester Life Podcast.
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Col. Nick Nichols, President of Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members. Col. Nichols shares his life in a military family growing up, to his journey from military service to leading this impactful mission, offering insights into the power of education to transform lives and honor sacrifice.From the history and growth of Folds of Honor to exploring compelling stories of the families they’ve helped, we’ll discuss the importance of giving back to those who’ve given so much for our country. It’s a testament to the resilience of military families and the extraordinary ways communities can come together to support them.Service, legacy, family and the impact of Folds of Honor’s work…whether you’re a veteran, a military family member, or someone looking to make a difference, it’s a conversation that makes an impact at many levels.
The National Wild Turkey Federation has been at the heart of wildlife conservation since 1973, founded with the mission of restoring wild turkey populations across North America. At that time, there were fewer than 1.5 million wild turkeys in the United States. Thanks to the hard work of this organization and its 250,000 dedicated members, wild turkey populations now exceed 6 million. It’s one of the greatest conservation success stories in history.On this week’s show we’ll sit down with the Pete Muller from the NWTF and talk about everything from conservations stories, incredible spring turkey hunts, the NWTF Convention and the history of the national turkey calling competition and dive into the importance of their partnership with Winchester since the inception of the NWTF in 1973.
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has been dedicated to the research and conservation of the wild turkey. Now with over 500,000 members and 2,000 chapters nationwide, the NWTF has brought the wild turkey back from the brink of extinction, to present day population numbers over 6.5 million. Each year in February, thousands of turkey hunting enthusiasts find their way to Nashville to celebrate their turkey hunting heritage at the NWTF National Convention at the Opryland Hotel and Resort. Over 80,000 attendees from Thursday to Saturday stalked the aisles for the latest and greatest from call manufacturers, clothing brands, firearm and ammunition companies, taxidermy and wildlife artists…the list goes on. In Part Two of this special two-part live episode we sit down with NWTF editor Matt Stewart as he shares the behind the scenes preparation of running the Grand National Turkey Calling Championships. We’ll then sit down with outdoor legend Mark Drury and chat about his early days of turkey calling competitions and what it takes to win at the highest level. Waterfowl expert Shawn Stahl of Team Winchester shares some stories from his waterfowl season and how Winchester’s Last Call ammunition has changes the game for him. We’ll chat with Greg Sugg of Mossy Oak about the latest and greatest from their team and their partnerships with NWTF and Winchester. Finally, Jason Gilbertson of Winchester drops by to discuss the importance of their partnership with NWTF and talks about one of the best events of the week, the Veteran’s Breakfast.
For almost 20 years, Jason Gilbertson has been orchestrating the marketing efforts and brand initiatives from behind the scenes at Winchester Ammunition. Born and raised in Wisconsin, the outdoors were part of the very fabric in which he was raised. After spending the first four years of his career cutting his teeth at the National Wild Turkey Federation, Jason was hired into the world of Winchester, where he eventually worked his way up through the ranks and would lead groundbreaking initiatives like the launch of Longboard XR, Deer Season XP, 350 Legend and 6.8 Western to name a few. Carrying on the legacy of a 160 year old legendary brand is never easy, but with a work ethic unmatched, Jason exudes the very qualities and foundation of what the horse and rider has always stood for.
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has been dedicated to the research and conservation of the wild turkey. Now with over 500,000 members and 2,000 chapters nationwide, the NWTF has brought the wild turkey back from the brink of extinction, to present day population numbers over 6.5 million. Each year in February, thousands of turkey hunting enthusiasts find their way to Nashville to celebrate their turkey hunting heritage at the NWTF National Convention at the Opryland Hotel and Resort. Over 80,000 attendees from Thursday to Saturday stalked the aisles for the latest and greatest from call manufacturers, clothing brands, firearm and ammunition companies, taxidermy and wildlife artists…the list goes on. In Part One of this special two-part live episode we sit down with Winchester Ammunition engineer Grant Jeremiah and talk about the new Longbeard TSS turkey load. We also chat with Foster Bartholow from Team Winchester and his incredible story about a once in a lifetime gobbler. We’ll also chat with Mandy Harling from NWTF about how their education and outreach programs are making an impact on youth across the country. Finally former NWTF CEO of 30 years and turkey hunting legend Rob Keck talks about the early days of the NWTF, about how the Grand National Turkey Calling Championship got started and shares his new quest for the wild turkey provincial slam.
It’s 1989 and the outdoor industry was on the presuppose of exploding. A turf war of sorts was being waged between camouflage companies and record numbers of VHS hunting tapes were being distributed across the country to a rapidly growing contingent of hunters. In the middle of it all was a young Mark Drury, still in college and winning turkey calling contests at the state and national level at a rapid rate. In a stroke of luck that would forever change his life, through a crowded show floor, young entrepreneur Toxey Haas sought out a conversation with Mark, just minutes after winning another turkey calling competition. A lifelong friendship was forged and the rest is history. Since that day 35 years has passed, and the loyalty to Mossy Oak has never wavered. Early mentors like Will Primos and Cuz Strickland would help light the fire for Mark and his brother Terry as they entered the world of video production…where they have since released well over 125 titles that now reside in their library. Now one of the most accomplished and knowledgable whitetail deer hunters in America, Mark began to build that legacy in 1998 when he closed the deal on the largest free-range buck ever taken on film at the time. In 2019 Drury Outdoors was inducted to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, further cementing their place as innovators in outdoor media as producers and personalities. Mark’s determination to build a business and career in the outdoor space, paired with an unrivaled work ethic has lead his company to being at the forefront of the multi-billion dollar industry he helped build.
While SHOT Show is a kickoff to a new year with new product offerings, it’s also a celebration of another year in the books. On the third day of SHOT, about 180 of Winchester’s employees, media partners and industry professionals gathered in an outdoor venue right on the Vegas Strip for the Winchester After Party. As the sun set and the stories began to flow, Team Winchester’s Chris Keefer, Casey Keefer and Host Jason Brown sat down with a handful of partners and talked about everything from whitetail deer, to a Kodiak Island waterfowl hunt…to the latest and greatest from partners like Kids and Clays. Sit back and be part of this week’s episode, Live from the Winchester After Party.
Every year Las Vegas hosts the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trades show, also known as the SHOT Show, to over 60,000 attendees from over 100 countries. Throughout the week, I was there with the Winchester Life Podcast crew hunkered down in the Winchester booth while thousands of consumers and dealers checked out everything new from Winchester Ammunition and Repeating Arms. During the madness, I was able to steal some time from about a dozen of the industries finest to talk about hunting, shooting, technology innovations and some of the new offerings from the World of Winchester. In Part Two of the three-part SHOT Special, we’ll talk with Doug Kiesewetter about everything new at Winchester Optics and Winchester Pet, chat with competitive shooter from Team Winchester Becky Yackley about what’s new and upcoming for the Yackley family on 2025 and how they train, Troy Fouche at Winchester Licensing about what’s new, talk about what’s new with TV Personality and Team Winchester Shooter Michelle Viscusi and finally, we’ll go one-on-one with the highly decorated Team Winchester duo of Zach Kienbaum and Desi Edmunds as they reflect on their busy 2024 season on the sporting clays tournament circuit and look forward to what’s new in 2025.
Every year Las Vegas hosts the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trades show, also known as the SHOT Show, to over 60,000 attendees from over 100 countries. Throughout the week, we hunkered down in the Winchester booth while thousands of consumers and dealers checked out everything new from Winchester Ammunition and Repeating Arms. During the madness, we were able to steal some time from about a dozen of the industries finest to talk about hunting, shooting, technology innovations and some of the new offerings from the World of Winchester. In Part One of the three-part SHOT Show special, we sit down with Ben Frank from Winchester and talk about everything new this year from Winchester Ammunition, then chat with Olympic legend Kim Rhode and her push for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, hear from Robert Crow on what’s new at White Flyer, Ryan Swaner and what’s trending at Winchester Repeating Arms, Team Winchester’s Melissa Bachman on her year hunting across North America and wrap up with John Dunlap and his resurrection story on the Winchester Model 98 Canon.
For almost 160 years, Winchester has been part of the American culture…and for a better part of the last two decades, Jason Brown, Chris Keefer and Casey Keefer have been behind the scenes helping spearhead how visual storytelling of Winchester Ammunition’s most groundbreaking products, and the people who use them, will reach the masses. From short films to commercials, television episodes to brand campaigns all the way to documenting high speed bullet ballistics gel testing, the trio has made it a priority as a production team and show hosts to be a part of one of the most innovative and iconic brands in the outdoor industry. In this episode, the guys will talk about some of the most memorable projects they’ve been a part of with Winchester, behind the camera and behind the barrel. Projects like the massive launch of Deer Season XP and Longboard XR, the field testing of 350 Legend in Kansas and being part of a secret deer camp in Missouri as the first ever to hunt with 400 Legend. They’ll also talk about the unforgettable launch of the 6.8 Western and the locations they were lucky enough to chamber the game changing cartridge in. A mule deer camp out west in snowy Utah, chasing elk in the mountains of Colorado and whitetail deer camps in Kansas and Nebraska, they’ll talk about field-testing the 6.8 Western and the challenge the entire team had to maintain its secrecy. Jason, Chris and Casey will also discuss how the Winchester brand has played a key role in the success in their own brands like Dropped and the Keefer Brothers in some of the most rugged and remote places they’ve ever been. Finally, they’ll talk about the preparation as a production team to make sure these stories are documented to perfection, and how it feels to be some of the very first people to learn about Winchester’s new products and technology months before the rest of the world.
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