Claim OwnershipThe Josh Smith Show
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Listen along as Josh Smith, CEO of Montana Knife Company, talks to some of the most interesting people that he meets. Conversations vary from fellow business owners, politicians, hunters, and anyone else Josh finds interesting. If you enjoy the show, please share it with friends and make sure to subscribe.
131 Episodes
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Welcome to the official home of The Josh Smith Show!In this episode, Josh reunites with Travis Wuertz and Eric Fleming, pioneers in knifemaking tools. They reminisce on Hammer-In events, Travis's TW-90 invention mentored by Tim Hancock, Eric's forge automation expertise, and debut the portable mini grinder prototype for travel demos.Follow Travis Wuertz & Eric Fleming:traviswuertz.comflemingknives.comFOLLOW MONTANA KNIFE COMPANY and JOSH SMITH:www.montanaknifecompany.cominstagram.com/montanaknifecompanyinstagram.com/joshsmithknives
Josh Smith sits down with Tom Swenson, CEO of Bank of Montana, to explore the vital role of community banking in fueling American entrepreneurship. Tom shares his journey from a New Jersey kid to founding a bank in Missoula, emphasizing how small banks empower dreamers like Josh to build businesses from the ground up. They discuss the decline of community banks, the challenges of navigating big bank bureaucracy, and the unique ability of local institutions to take risks on promising ventures, like Montana Knife Company, that larger banks often overlook.
In this solo episode, Josh Smith shares a raw update on his recent elk hunting trip in New Mexico, chasing bulls across 80 miles of rugged terrain, and a thrilling goat hunt in Alaska. He reflects on the challenges of bow hunting, the soul-refreshing power of the outdoors, and the importance of public lands. Josh also gives a peek into Montana Knife Company’s progress, from new building updates to gearing up for the Christmas rush, and shares thoughts on family, community, and the state of the country.
Josh sits down with Lindsey Persico, a Montana-based survivalist and women’s outdoor retreat leader, to explore her inspiring journey. From her homeschool roots in a tiny Idaho town to navigating an abusive marriage, Lindsey shares how her love for the outdoors and hunting became her sanctuary. She recounts her experience on Alone: The Beast, surviving 30 days in the Northwest Territories with no tools, and discusses the mental fortitude that carried her through. Now empowering women through retreats with Grenda’s Getaways and Whiskey Creek Retreats, Lindsey’s story is one of resilience, faith, and finding purpose in the wild.
Josh chats with Bill Thompson, founder of Spartan Forge, and Andy Stumpf, a Navy SEAL veteran and pilot, in this episode. Bill shares his Army background as a tech innovator supporting special ops, from radar exploitation to rapid prototyping battlefield tools. They dive into AI's future—demystifying it as pattern recognition, not true intelligence—and its potential to democratize manufacturing, lower prices, and boost American innovation. Bill explains Spartan Forge's evolution: high-res LiDAR mapping, historical imagery, tag odds, and AI scouting for smarter hunts. Topics include business lessons from Evan Hafer, hiring for culture, and preserving rugged individualism in hunting.FOLLOW SPARTAN FORGE: https://spartanforge.ai/ http://instagram.com/spartan.forge http://x.com/spartanforge
In this episode, Josh sits down with Vrindavan Bellord, sister of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, to discuss her journey from a US Marshal to leading disaster relief efforts. Vrindavan shares her 11-year career with the US Marshals, her decision to leave to support Tulsi’s presidential campaign, and her current work with We Must Protect, a nonprofit rebuilding homes for North Carolina flood victims. She details the challenges of disaster recovery, the importance of community-driven aid, and plans to assist California fire victims. Vrindavan also reflects on Tulsi’s rise to DNI, their upbringing focused on service, and the impact of grassroots support. Learn how to support at WeMustProtect.org and follow @WMPorg on Instagram.
Josh sits down with Nate Kent and Peter Geary, owners of Freedom Flag and Pole, in this episode. They share their story of running a family business started by Pete’s dad in 1991, inspired by the Gulf War to provide quality flagpoles. From installing an 80-foot flagpole for Montana Knife Company to discussing the American Dream, they explore the pride of flying the flag, flagpole installation, and proper flag etiquette. Nate and Pete also touch on their hunting passion and the importance of supporting small, patriotic businesses.FOLLOW FREEDOM FLAG AND POLE: https://www.freedomflagandpole.com/ http://instagram.com/gofreedomflag http://facebook.com/gofreedomflag
Josh sits down with Mike Gerst, an emergency room doctor and founder of Prep Em Wild, in this episode. Mike shares his journey from growing up in Central Pennsylvania to managing 11 hospitals and launching a business focused on medical preparedness for outdoor enthusiasts. From treating horse-related pelvic fractures to teaching hunters how to handle life-threatening injuries, Mike breaks down essential first aid knowledge, including the proper use of tourniquets, gauze, and epinephrine for anaphylaxis. They dive into the realities of emergency medicine, the importance of preparation for natural disasters like floods, and the mental toll of being unprepared in critical situations. Mike’s mission with Prep Em Wild is to equip hunters, hikers, and everyday people with the tools and training to save lives in the field.FOLLOW MONTANA KNIFE COMPANY: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/ http://instagram.com/montanaknifecompany http://x.com/montanaknifeco
Josh sits down with Warren Harrocks, a British entrepreneur turned American road-tripper, in this episode, Warren shares his journey from growing up in Poole, Dorset, and splitting time in Florida, to building a successful mortgage and insurance business in London during the 2008 financial crisis. Now, after selling his company, he’s chasing a new dream: finding the best steak in all 50 U.S. states for his book, 50 Steaks in 50 States. From tales of boarding school mischief on the Isle of Wight to backpacking broke in Australia, Warren’s stories blend humor, grit, and a love for adventure. They dive into cultural differences between the U.S. and UK, the challenges of modern banking, and the allure of Montana’s big sky country.FOLLOW MONTANA KNIFE COMPANY: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/ http://instagram.com/montanaknifecompany http://x.com/montanaknifeco
Welcome to the official page of The Josh Smith Show!In this episode, Josh sits down with Matt Merritt—pro rodeo clown and barrel man—for an authentic chat in Montana. Matt shares stories from 26 years in rodeo, from the thrill of crowd work to the intense moments protecting bull riders. They dive into the cowboy spirit of legends like JB Mooney, the realities of animal care in rodeo, and Matt’s battle with cancer, revealing the heart behind the Western way of life. From hunting memories to the grit of the arena, this episode is a raw look at passion, resilience, and community.FOLLOW MONTANA KNIFE COMPANY: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/ http://instagram.com/montanaknifecompany http://x.com/montanaknifeco
This episode of The Josh Smith Show dives into the messy and current world of tariffs and how they’re hitting businesses Montana Knife Company hard. Josh breaks down the real impact: a 50% tariff on European steel, potentially the only option after Crucible Technologies went bankrupt. Last year, a 36% tariff would’ve added over half of a million dollars to MKC’s steel bill alone. Then there’s the German-made bevel grinders, essential for their new 51,000 sq. ft. Montana facility, facing 30-50% tariffs that could turn a $400,000 machine into $600,000.Josh argues tariffs on finished goods like knives make sense, but taxing raw materials and equipment unavailable in the US? That’s hurting the very businesses trying to bring manufacturing back. From Niagara Steel rolling European slabs in New York to MKC hiring local Montanans and engineers, these policies risk slowing growth and killing jobs. Josh calls for smarter, nuanced policies and urges leaders to talk to business owners to avoid wrecking the companies they claim to support.View the Harry Reid interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZvxvgy_fK8Follow Montana Knife Company: instagram.com/montanaknifecompanyFollow Josh Smith: instagram.com/joshsmithknives
1Welcome to the official page of The Josh Smith Show!In this re-aired episode, Josh sits down with Tulsi Gabbard—former Congresswoman, military veteran, and author—for a candid conversation in Montana. Tulsi shares her fight to protect women’s sports through Title IX advocacy, her evolving perspective on Second Amendment rights shaped by her military and congressional experience, and her concerns about government overreach, from executive orders to foreign policy missteps. They dive into the need for local solutions, the power of the American people, and her potential role in shaping a better future, possibly as Secretary of State. From Montana’s mountains to national issues, this episode is packed with raw insights on freedom, accountability, and hope.FOLLOW MONTANA KNIFE COMPANY:https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/http://instagram.com/montanaknifecompanyhttp://x.com/montanaknifeco
Welcome to the official channel of The Josh Smith Show!In today’s podcast, Josh sits down with Tyler Vanderkolk—owner of Archery Country in Austin, Texas, and a passionate entrepreneur who has built a community hub for archery enthusiasts and hunters.From his diverse journey as a taxidermist for high-profile clients to fostering local school archery programs, Tyler shares how Archery Country delivers top-tier bowhunting gear and mentorship, connecting with industry leaders like Joe Rogan and Cameron Hanes to champion the outdoor lifestyle.FOLLOW MONTANA KNIFE COMPANY: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/http://instagram.com/montanaknifecompanyhttp://x.com/montanaknifeco
Welcome to the official channel of The Josh Smith Show!In today’s podcast, Josh sits down with Jeff Helm—Sales Manager at PEAX Equipment, a Montana-based brand revolutionizing backcountry hunting gear with innovative trekking poles, headlamps, sleeping bags, and teepees.From his roots as a journeyman tool and die maker to building automated systems for Toyota and landing DOD contracts, Jeff shares how PEAX creates American-made gear that solves real problems for hunters, aligns with their values, and supports public land access—an issue both he and Josh passionately defend.FOLLOW MONTANA KNIFE COMPANY: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/http://instagram.com/montanaknifecompanyhttp://x.com/montanaknifeco
Welcome to the official YouTube channel of The Josh Smith Show!In today's hybrid podcast/vlog, Josh Smith goes solo to share an update on Montana Knife Company. From putting out literal fires at the new building site to navigating the challenges of scaling a folding knife business, Josh dives into the behind-the-scenes of running an American-made brand.As the founder of Montana Knife Company, Josh reflects on the company’s growth, learning curves, and commitment to quality while keeping the shop culture alive with events like Fancy Fulfillment Friday.FOLLOW MONTANA KNIFE COMPANY: https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/http://instagram.com/montanaknifecompanyhttp://x.com/montanaknifeco
Welcome to the official YouTube channel of the Josh Smith Show! In today's re aired podcast, we sit down with Donald Trump Jr.—American businessman, political activist, author, avid outdoorsman, and founder of Field Ethos. As the eldest son of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Don Jr. brings his passion for hunting and entrepreneurship to the conversation.FOLLOW DONALD TRUMP JR. : https://www.instagram.com/donaldjtrumpjr/FOLLOW MONTANA KNIFE COMPANY:https://www.montanaknifecompany.comhttp://instagram.com/montanaknifecompanyhttp://x.com/montanaknifeco
Welcome to the official YouTube channel of The Josh Smith Show!In today's hybrid podcast/vlog, Josh sits down with Andy Stumpf—retired Navy SEAL, record-setting wingsuit pilot, entrepreneur, and host of the Cleared Hot podcast. After 17 years in the SEAL teams, including time with SEAL Team 6, Andy transitioned into business, speaking, and extreme sports. He’s also involved with Black Rifle Coffee Company and co-owns their Kalispell location. FOLLOW MONTANA KNIFE COMPANY :https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/http://instagram.com/montanaknifecompany
Welcome to the official home of The Josh Smith Show!In this episode, Josh sits down with Jen Loree, a trailblazing welder and metal artist whose stunning sculptures are redefining the hunting world. They dive into Jen’s journey from gritty pipeline camps to crafting masterpiece dall sheep art at Sheep Show, her inspiration for women in trades, and the relentless passion behind her creations.
In today's episode of the Josh Smith Show, Josh sits down with Ryan Medlinger of Reliable Steel Erectors. Ryan Medlinger, president of Reliable Steel Erectors, is instrumental piece in constructing Montana Knife Company’s new 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the historic Missoula Stockyards. Follow Ryan and Reliable Steel Erectors https://reliablesteelerectors.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnOg9HwukzhBja6Qp7PpK6wFOLLOW MONTANA KNIFE COMPANY and JOSH SMITH www.montanaknifecompany.com / montanaknifecompany / joshsmithknives
In this episode, Josh sits down with Trent Fisher from Born and Raised Outdoors—a powerhouse in the hunting community. They unpack Trent’s emotional journey through a devastating flood that destroyed his home, the incredible support from the hunting community, and how Born and Raised Outdoors is giving back with an epic Ford F-350 truck giveaway. It’s a raw conversation about resilience, camaraderie, and the passion for hunting that binds us all.Follow Trent and Born and Raised Outdoors:www.bornandraisedoutdoors.cominstagram.com/bornandraisedoutdoorsyoutube.com/@bornandraisedoutdoorsinstagram.com/trent_bornandraised
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