This week on the podcast, I’m joined by my good friend Dustin and Nick from MTN Tough Fitness to dive deep into mental toughness and personal agency. While we often discuss mental toughness in the context of exercise, this episode takes a different angle, focusing on personal agency—the power to take control of your life and choices.

We explore how having strong personal agency can enhance your mental resilience, and how it applies to both fitness and life. Dustin also shares his incredible experience hunting the iconic Ibex, an animal he’s always considered the toughest on the mountain. Dustin chose the Ibex as the logo for MTN Tough because of its reputation for toughness, and this year, he finally had the chance to chase it down in the wild.

Check out MTN Tough’s new Post Season 2.0 for FREE

Maven Optics: Elevate your hunting game with high-quality optics designed for the serious hunter. Check out their incredible gear at MavenBuilt.com.

OnX Maps: Never get lost in the wilderness again! With OnX Maps, you’ll have the most trusted mapping system at your fingertips. Start your journey today at onxmaps.com.

Tricer Tripods: If you’re looking for lightweight and durable tripods that are made by hunters for hunters, look no further. Discover their innovative products at TricerUSA.com and take your outdoor photography to the next level!

EP 657: Jarret Johnson Alaskan Caribou 
This week on The Rich Outdoors, I’m excited to welcome back retired NFL linebacker Jarret Johnson. In this episode, Jarret recounts his epic Alaska adventure from this year, sharing insights into his newfound passion for western big game hunting—a pursuit he didn’t have time for while playing in the league.

Jarret discusses the physical challenges he faced during his hunt, emphasizing how even being in great shape couldn’t fully prepare him for the steep mountains of Alaska. He shares the intense experience of carrying half a caribou on his back and the valuable lessons learned from being pushed out of his comfort zone. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the trials and triumphs of hunting in the wild!

Maven Optics: Elevate your hunting game with high-quality optics designed for the serious hunter. Check out their incredible gear at MavenBuilt.com.

OnX Maps: Never get lost in the wilderness again! With OnX Maps, you’ll have the most trusted mapping system at your fingertips. Start your journey today at onxmaps.com.

Tricer Tripods: If you’re looking for lightweight and durable tripods that are made by hunters for hunters, look no further. Discover their innovative products at TricerUSA.com and take your outdoor photography to the next level!

This week on the podcast, we take a deep dive into elk season with one of our most intriguing guests yet—Nick Papsadora. A prior Marine Corps officer, Nick has immersed himself in the world of archery elk hunting, and his after-action review from this season is nothing short of impressive.

In our conversation, Nick shares his valuable insights, lessons learned, and candid breakdowns of both his mistakes and successes in the field. His journey provides a unique perspective that will resonate with both seasoned and novice elk hunters alike.

Beyond hunting, Nick serves as the Operations Manager for The Station Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting special operators, their families, and gold star families. Join us for an enlightening discussion that blends the challenges of elk hunting with the mission of giving back to the community.

Maven Optics: Elevate your hunting game with high-quality optics designed for the serious hunter. Check out their incredible gear at MavenBuilt.com.

OnX Maps: Never get lost in the wilderness again! With OnX Maps, you’ll have the most trusted mapping system at your fingertips. Start your journey today at onxmaps.com.

Tricer Tripods: If you’re looking for lightweight and durable tripods that are made by hunters for hunters, look no further. Discover their innovative products at TricerUSA.com and take your outdoor photography to the next level!

EP 655 Matthew Every on story telling, tracking deer with Hal Blood, and more.

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Matthew Every, an editor at Field & Stream Magazine, who brings a wealth of experience and captivating stories from his time in the outdoor writing world. We kick things off by discussing his fascinating tour of Teddy Roosevelt’s house, a historical gem for any outdoor enthusiast.

Matthew also shares insights on dangerous game guns and recounts his experience learning to track deer from the renowned Hal Blood. As we dive deeper into the art of storytelling, we explore the evolution of narrative in outdoor media—from the great writers of the past to the modern-day influencers on YouTube and other platforms. Join us for an engaging conversation filled with rich experiences and thought-provoking insights into the world of hunting and storytelling.

This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors who support your hunting adventures!

Maven Optics: Elevate your hunting game with high-quality optics designed for the serious hunter. Check out their incredible gear at MavenBuilt.com.

OnX Maps: Never get lost in the wilderness again! With OnX Maps, you’ll have the most trusted mapping system at your fingertips. Start your journey today at onxmaps.com.

Tricer Tripods: If you’re looking for lightweight and durable tripods that are made by hunters for hunters, look no further. Discover their innovative products at TricerUSA.com and take your outdoor photography to the next level!

EP 654: Craig Van Arsdale | Moose Hunting Adventures
This week on the podcast, I catch up with my good friend and hunting partner, Craig Van Arsdale, as we dive into our moose hunting experiences and the love-hate relationship we both have with the pursuit. While Craig and I were hunting different parts of the state, our adventures couldn’t have been more different—one was marked by an epic moose hunt, while the other ended in a spectacular fail.

We reminisce about the struggles of DIY moose hunting, including the challenge of escaping the crowds. After 47 days of hard work, Craig finally got the monkey off his back and harvested a magnificent moose. Join us for lessons learned, thrilling hunting stories, and an in-depth look at the realities of DIY moose hunting in Alaska.

Today’s podcast is sponsored by ON X HUNT, the unrivaled standard for hunting maps. On X is launch in features and upgrading their app faster than I can keep up. there are so many amazing tools that will improve your hunting experience this fall. On X is a must have for me. If you aren’t an elite on x hunt member yet you need to upgrade the elite tier has so much to offer. From elite only mapping features to major discounts on partner brands you are probably paying for anyway. upgrade your account and check out all the amazing features that make ON X HUNT the best mapping system for hunter. TRO to save 20%.

This podcast is brought to you by Tricer, innovators in fast, light, and simple gear for hunters. Tricer is hands down the most innovative company on the market when it comes to tri pods and glassing stabilization.

Explore Tricer’s range of gear and tripods designed for stability and durability in any terrain. Visit Tricer.com to learn more and upgrade your outdoor gear today. Use code TRO at checkout to save 10% on your order.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Maven Optics. I love my Maven’s and they are such a great group of dude’s. Maven optics is the first direct to consumer optics brand. This little Wyoming optics company is flipping the optics world on its head. Hands down the best bang for your buck and you support local. This year I’m running the  B6 in 12×50 this year and I am blown away at out good those things are for what they cost. Check em out at Mavenbuilt.com and use the code TRO and checkout for your extra gift.

EP 653: Jarret Johnson 
This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Jarret Johnson, a former NFL player and passionate outdoorsman. Jarret shares his inspiring journey from a small town to the professional football league, discussing the challenges he faced at every stage of his career. We dive into the importance of a growth mindset and the willingness to learn, no matter where you are in life.

In addition to his football journey, Jarret and I explore their shared love for audiobooks, discussing some of their favorites, including adventure tales like Shackleton’s incredible expeditions and the insights from John Krakauer’s works. Jarret also shares his excitement for adventure hunts, including his upcoming trip to Alaska to hunt caribou. Join us for an engaging conversation about resilience, adventure, and the lessons that come from both the gridiron and the great outdoors.

Books: 
Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

The Comfort Crisis 
The Second Mountain
The Four Agreements 

Endurance | Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage
Killing Crazy Horse
Rangers, Trappers, and Trailblazers 

 

Today’s podcast is sponsored by ON X HUNT, the unrivaled standard for hunting maps. On X is launch in features and upgrading their app faster than I can keep up. there are so many amazing tools that will improve your hunting experience this fall. On X is a must have for me. If you aren’t an elite on x hunt member yet you need to upgrade the elite tier has so much to offer. From elite only mapping features to major discounts on partner brands you are probably paying for anyway. upgrade your account and check out all the amazing features that make ON X HUNT the best mapping system for hunter. TRO to save 20%.

This podcast is brought to you by Tricer, innovators in fast, light, and simple gear for hunters. Tricer is hands down the most innovative company on the market when it comes to tri pods and glassing stabilization.

Explore Tricer’s range of gear and tripods designed for stability and durability in any terrain. Visit Tricer.com to learn more and upgrade your outdoor gear today. Use code TRO at checkout to save 10% on your order.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Maven Optics. I love my Maven’s and they are such a great group of dude’s. Maven optics is the first direct to consumer optics brand. This little Wyoming optics company is flipping the optics world on its head. Hands down the best bang for your buck and you support local. This year I’m running the  B6 in 12×50 this year and I am blown away at out good those things are for what they cost. Check em out at Mavenbuilt.com and use the code TRO and checkout for your extra gift.

This week on The Rich Outdoors podcast, Cody is joined by Zach Hanson, the intriguing host of the Okayest Trapper podcast and known as the Okayest Human. In this episode, Zach shares a harrowing tale from his recent outdoor adventures: a dramatic encounter with a charging sow black bear. In a high-stakes moment of survival, Zach made a precise and life-saving shot, bringing down the bear just feet away from himself and a companion. This gripping story highlights Zach’s remarkable courage and quick thinking in the face of danger.

Zach’s journey is as fascinating as his bear encounter. Formerly a successful professional in artificial intelligence, Zach found himself disillusioned and burnt out by the corporate grind. Seeking a drastic change, he purchased a remote cabin in Idaho during the COVID-19 pandemic and embarked on a new life as a trapper. This bold move was a complete departure from his high-tech career, driven by a desire for simplicity and a deeper connection to the outdoors.

In this episode, Zach delves into his personal transformation, discussing how he navigated the shift from a high-powered career to a life of trapping and self-sufficiency. He shares his insights on finding happiness and balance, even as he juggles family life with his passion for trapping and wilderness survival. Zach’s stories offer a compelling look at how significant life changes can lead to newfound fulfillment and adventure.

Tune in for a gripping conversation that covers survival tactics, career pivots, and the pursuit of happiness in unexpected places. Whether you’re interested in extreme outdoor experiences, career transformation, or simply a good survival story, this episode with Zach Hanson promises to deliver excitement and inspiration.

Today’s podcast is sponsored by ON X HUNT, the unrivaled standard for hunting maps. On X is launch in features and upgrading their app faster than I can keep up. there are so many amazing tools that will improve your hunting experience this fall. On X is a must have for me. If you aren’t an elite on x hunt member yet you need to upgrade the elite tier has so much to offer. From elite only mapping features to major discounts on partner brands you are probably paying for anyway. upgrade your account and check out all the amazing features that make ON X HUNT the best mapping system for hunter. TRO to save 20%.

This podcast is brought to you by Tricer, innovators in fast, light, and simple gear for hunters. Tricer is hands down the most innovative company on the market when it comes to tri pods and glassing stabilization.

Explore Tricer’s range of gear and tripods designed for stability and durability in any terrain. Visit Tricer.com to learn more and upgrade your outdoor gear today. Use code TRO at checkout to save 10% on your order.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Maven Optics. I love my Maven’s and they are such a great group of dude’s. Maven optics is the first direct to consumer optics brand. This little Wyoming optics company is flipping the optics world on its head. Hands down the best bang for your buck and you support local. This year I’m running the  B6 in 12×50 this year and I am blown away at out good those things are for what they cost. Check em out at Mavenbuilt.com and use the code TRO and checkout for your extra gift.

EP 651: Jaden Miller 
This week on The Rich Outdoors, Cody sits down with Jaden Miller from West Elk Precision Guns. Jaden has transformed his passion for building custom hunting rifles into a thriving career. He shares the highs and lows of his recent hunting season, including taking a giant velvet buck early with a leftover license. Cody and Jaden discuss hunting pressure in Colorado, strategies for finding hidden pockets of game, and Jaden’s love for the outdoors. They also dive into the art of gun building and Jaden’s thoughts on choosing the right rifle for tight quarters hunting versus long-range shots. Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with hunting stories and expert advice!

Today’s podcast is sponsored by ON X HUNT, the unrivaled standard for hunting maps. On X is launch in features and upgrading their app faster than I can keep up. there are so many amazing tools that will improve your hunting experience this fall. On X is a must have for me. If you aren’t an elite on x hunt member yet you need to upgrade the elite tier has so much to offer. From elite only mapping features to major discounts on partner brands you are probably paying for anyway. upgrade your account and check out all the amazing features that make ON X HUNT the best mapping system for hunter. TRO to save 20%.

This podcast is brought to you by Tricer, innovators in fast, light, and simple gear for hunters. Tricer is hands down the most innovative company on the market when it comes to tri pods and glassing stabilization.

Explore Tricer’s range of gear and tripods designed for stability and durability in any terrain. Visit Tricer.com to learn more and upgrade your outdoor gear today. Use code TRO at checkout to save 10% on your order.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Maven Optics. I love my Maven’s and they are such a great group of dude’s. Maven optics is the first direct to consumer optics brand. This little Wyoming optics company is flipping the optics world on its head. Hands down the best bang for your buck and you support local. This year I’m running the  B6 in 12×50 this year and I am blown away at out good those things are for what they cost. Check em out at Mavenbuilt.com and use the code TRO and checkout for your extra gift.

EP 650 Adam Weatherby 
In this week’s episode of the Elk Hunt Podcast, we’re joined by Adam Weatherby, an iconic figure in the hunting world and leader of Weatherby, Inc. Adam shares captivating stories from his recent hunting season, highlighting the unique experiences he’s had while hunting alongside his wife. Their joint adventures offer a rare glimpse into the dynamics of a hunting partnership and the joy of shared outdoor pursuits.

We also delve into Adam’s role as a leader and entrepreneur, exploring how his background and personal experiences have shaped his leadership style at Weatherby. Adam’s insights into communication and leadership provide valuable lessons not just for hunters but for anyone interested in effective leadership and personal growth.

Join us for an episode filled with great stories, practical insights, and an inspiring discussion on leadership and family in the world of hunting.

Today’s podcast is brought to you by OnX Maps. I rely on OnX for all my e-scouting needs, and their mapping tools are unbeatable for planning and navigating in the field. With detailed layers and offline access, OnX is a game-changer for hunters. Head over to onxmaps.com and use code TRO at checkout for a special discount!

Today’s podcast is brought to you by Maven Optics. I’m currently using their RS1.2 rifle scope, and it’s top-notch—delivering exceptional clarity and precision without breaking the bank. Maven’s direct-to-consumer model means you get high-quality optics at a great price. Check out Mavenbuilt.com and use code TRO at checkout for an extra gift!

 

Ep 649: Ty Stubblefield | Wild Bison Ranch
This week on the Rich Outdoors, we’re thrilled to feature Ty Stubblefield, the dynamic owner of Wild Bison Ranch, located in the heart of Montana. Ty’s journey from a casual idea sparked during a bison ranch tour in Canada to establishing his own thriving bison ranch is nothing short of extraordinary. In this episode, Ty reveals the inspiring story behind Wild Bison Ranch, where he now manages 300 acres and 50 head of bison.

Ty shares the trials and triumphs of transforming a dream into a reality. From starting with just a single bison in a suburban setting to expanding to a full-scale ranch, Ty provides deep insights into the challenges of bison ranching, including the sacrifices, strategic decisions, and innovative approaches required to make his vision a success.

We delve into the practical aspects of building a brand in the bison industry, discussing how Ty has crafted Wild Bison Ranch into more than just a meat supplier but a symbol of quality and sustainability. Learn how Ty navigated obstacles, refined his business strategy, and stayed committed to his passion.

Whether you’re interested in bison ranching, entrepreneurial endeavors, or simply love a compelling story of following your dreams, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration. Tune in to discover how Ty Stubblefield turned his wild idea into a flourishing business and gain insights into building and sustaining your own ventures.

https://www.wildbisonranch.com/

Today’s podcast is sponsored by ON X HUNT, the unrivaled standard for hunting maps. On X is launch in features and upgrading their app faster than I can keep up. there are so many amazing tools that will improve your hunting experience this fall. On X is a must have for me. If you aren’t an elite on x hunt member yet you need to upgrade the elite tier has so much to offer. From elite only mapping features to major discounts on partner brands you are probably paying for anyway. upgrade your account and check out all the amazing features that make ON X HUNT the best mapping system for hunter. TRO to save 20%.

his podcast is brought to you by Tricer, innovators in fast, light, and simple gear for hunters. Tricer is hands down the most innovative company on the market when it comes to tri pods and glassing stabilization.

Explore Tricer’s range of gear and tripods designed for stability and durability in any terrain. Visit Tricer.com to learn more and upgrade your outdoor gear today. Use code TRO at checkout to save 10% on your order.

Tune in to the ELK Hunt podcast for your ultimate guide to elk hunting and gear. Plus, learn how to enter our monthly gear giveaways and score some awesome free gear!

EP 648: Shawn McVey In this episode, we sit down with Sean McVey, a man whose life embodies the philosophy of “Be Epic, Do Epic.” Growing up in Santa Cruz, California, Sean’s childhood was split between the coastal surf and the rugged wilderness of the Sierra Nevada. This unique upbringing shaped him into a modern-day […]