The Rich Outdoors

There’s a certain type of person who can’t half-ass anything. The kind of guy who decides to climb the Grand Teton on a whim, rappels off a sheer face having never rappelled before, canyoneers into some of the most remote slot canyons in the American Southwest, and packs mules solo through the dark at midnight to make the opener. Justin Helvik is that guy — and somehow, impossibly, he’s also a 20-year educator who coached high school football and showed up Monday morning with a collapsed lung and six broken ribs, insisting everything was fine. Justin and I go way back. He was with me on one of my early bear hunts. I helped him build the pole barn that would eventually house the mules he didn’t own yet. Life moves fast when you’re the kind of person who’s always got the next adventure already on the calendar. In this episode, Justin breaks down his unconventional path from desk jockey to legitimate mountain mule skinner — and I mean that in the best possible way. We talk about what drove a guy with zero ranch background to go all in on mule packing, the gnarly wreck on a Montana mountain goat hunt that left him with a punctured lung and broken ribs (and how his mule, Bella, somehow knew he was hurt and carried him out of the backcountry gently), and what it actually feels like to go from being intimidated by stock animals to packing 80 miles through the Yellowstone Thoroughfare. But this conversation goes deeper than mules. We get into the philosophy of adventure — what it means to chase that feeling of uncomfortable, why comfort might actually be the most dangerous thing you can do to yourself, and how stacking experiences over a lifetime is the only real way to build confidence that transfers everywhere. Justin talks about identity, ego, legacy, and what Lonesome Dove’s Augustus McCrae got right about living versus dying. He’s also got a Substack — From Desk Jockey to Mule Skinner — that I’d encourage every one of you to go read. He’s a great writer, and the stories are even better on the page. If you’ve ever thought about getting into pack stock, or you’re someone who’s wired to always be pushing the next limit, this one’s for you. Episode Sponsors Bridger Watch This episode is brought to you by Bridger Watch — the smartwatch built specifically for hunters, by a hunter. Cody set out to build something better after getting tired of pulling his phone out 100 times a day just to check his OnX map in the field. The solution? Put the maps on the watch. Bridger Watch is the best smartwatch for hunters, period. If you’re a watch guy and a hunter, this is built for you. Website: https://www.bridgerwatch.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Coupon Code: TRO onX Hunt onX Hunt is the gold standard for hunting maps, and they just dropped a feature that’s going to change how you hunt with a buddy. The new Share Location feature inside the Go Track section lets you and your hunting partner see each other’s real-time position right on the map — like a modern-day Garmin Rino, but actually good. Fair warning: this only works in cell service, so it won’t help you in the deep dark. But for those in-service hunts? This is seriously cool tech that a lot of hunters have been asking for for years. Website: https://www.onxmaps.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Coupon Code: TRO Timestamp Chapters 0:00 Intro & Sponsor — Bridger Watch 2:15 Sponsor — onX Hunt: New Share Location Feature 4:30 Welcoming Justin Helvik / Catching Up After Years 6:00 Justin’s Background: 20 Years in Education, Small Town Roots 9:30 The Path to Mules — Pack Goats, Failed HOAs & Bighorn Disease Concerns 15:00 Justin’s Adventure DNA: Ultra Races, the Grand Teton & Canyoneering 22:00 Olo Canyon & Going Where Few Have Been 26:30 The Moment That Made Him Go All-In on Mules (Elk Down, No Help) 31:00 First Experiences with Pack Stock — Intimidation, Trust & Mule Personalities 36:00 Horses vs. Mules: Self-Preservation, Bells & the Classic ‘Brakes Are Broken’ 40:30 The Mountain Goat Hunt Wreck — A Collapsed Lung, Six Broken Ribs & Bella 48:00 What the Wreck Taught Him About Ego & Risk 51:00 How Adventure Changes When You Have a Family 53:30 Experience Stacking: The Philosophy of Going All-In Incrementally 56:00 Planning the Lee Metcalf Solo Ride & Why You Need the Next Trip on the Calendar 58:00 Wrap Up — Justin’s Substack: From Desk Jockey to Mule Skinner 3 Key Takeaways 1. Comfort is the real killer — not the mountains. Justin makes the point that denying yourself the adventures you’re wired for is a slow death from the inside. It’s not just a mindset cliché — he’s seen it play out in his own life. When he’s not planning something that makes him a little nervous, he loses motivation everywhere else: at work, at home, as a father. The takeaway for listeners isn’t to go do something reckless. It’s to identify your version of “uncomfortable” and book it. Put it in the calendar. Then don’t cancel. 2. Stack experiences, not just kills. One of the most practical threads in this whole conversation is the concept of experience stacking — the idea that every micro-adventure you complete is compounding interest on your confidence. Justin didn’t go from zero to packing 80 miles through the Yellowstone Thoroughfare overnight. He stacked years of backcountry hunting, mule rides with friends, short overnighters, and hard lessons (including that ER visit) until the big trips felt like a natural next step. If you’re waiting until you’re “ready” to do the hunt of a lifetime, you’ll wait forever. Start smaller, go often, and let the experiences compound. 3. The anticipation is half the experience — book the trip. Justin and Cody dig into something that doesn’t get talked about enough in the hunting world: the happiness that comes from having something on the calendar to look forward to. Science backs this up — humans are wired to find joy in anticipation. The planning, the e-scouting, the gear lists, the late-night what-ifs with your buddy — that’s not just prep, that’s part of the experience itself. Don’t wait for the perfect conditions or the perfect budget. Book it now, figure it out along the way, and let yourself enjoy the countdown.

Look, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it — life got in the way and we missed a week. But we’re back, and this one was worth the wait. Joe Epple is one of those guys who doesn’t fit neatly into a box. Retired professional football player. CFL veteran. Director of Business Development for Wild TV — Canada’s largest hunt and fish TV network. Co-host of The Edge, now in its 17th season. Father of two boys. Columbia blacktail hunter. Stone sheep chaser. A 6’8″ giant of a man who grew up in Squamish, British Columbia, hunting for meat and mushrooming in the rain just to make ends meet — and who somewhere along the way figured out that all those lessons in the wet coastal bush were actually building the foundation for everything that came after. This episode goes deep on what it really means to make the transition from professional athlete to serious hunter, and why the skills that make you elite in sports — goal-setting, resilience, the ability to learn from getting your ass kicked — translate directly to the mountains. Joe talks about growing up in a logging family that hunted out of necessity, not recreation. About being the fat, knock-kneed kid who nobody bet on, who started going to a rusty prison gym at 13 and never looked back. About how hunting blacktails in the miserable, soaking wet coastal bluffs of BC taught him to push through discomfort long before any football field did. We get into the mental game of hunting — specifically what it looks like when you’ve got 14-day fly-in stone sheep hunts on one end of the spectrum and a four-year-old who snaps every branch and asks to go back to the truck every five minutes on the other. How do you stay present? How do you keep the long game in mind when you’re sitting in the gutter on day 10 of a backcountry hunt wondering why you’re not home with your family? Joe’s got a framework for that, and it’s worth hearing. We talk about Kristen’s bear — a giant boar that’ll likely crack the top 15 all-time in the province. About Joe’s most-prized blacktail taken at 12 yards with a bow. About why archery hunting teaches you more about your weaknesses as a hunter than anything else. About what it’s like to hunt stone sheep as a resident in BC for a fraction of what nonresidents pay, and why he still hasn’t punched an archery tag on one. And about the pressure social media puts on new hunters to skip the learning curve entirely and shoot a 200-inch muley on their first trip out. Joe’s a straight shooter (pun intended), genuinely humble, and packed with perspective from both sides of the fence — the elite athlete world and the deep wilderness backcountry. This one’s got range. Turn it up. Episode Sponsors onX Hunt If you’re hunting out west and you’re not running onX, I don’t know what to tell you — it’s not optional at this point, it’s foundational. Land ownership, access layers, terrain intel, route planning — onX does it all. The difference it makes isn’t just convenience. It’s confidence. Confidence that you’re in the right spot. Confidence that you’re legal. Confidence that you can find your way back to the truck when things go sideways. That’s what elite membership gets you. Website: https://www.onxmaps.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss | Use code: TRO — Save 20% on Elite Membership Bridger Watch This one’s personal — I built Bridger Watch because I was frustrated. I was pulling my phone out 100 times a day just to check my onX, and I thought there had to be a better way. So we went down the rabbit hole and set out to build the best smartwatch for hunters. Maps on your wrist. Built for the field. If you’re a watch guy and a hunter, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. Website: https://www.bridgerwatch.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss | Use code: TRO — Exclusive discount Timestamp Chapters 0:00 — Intro & Sponsor: onX Hunt 1:30 — Sponsor: Bridger Watch 3:00 — Welcome & catching up — the missed week, quick intros 5:30 — Joe’s roots: growing up in Squamish, BC — logging family, pine mushrooms, coastal blacktails 10:00 — Why Joe pursued athletics instead of the outdoors — the unlikely path to pro football 14:30 — The transition: retiring from pro sports and returning to his outdoor roots 17:00 — Joe’s current life — Director of Business Development at Wild TV, The Edge TV show 20:00 — Raising kids in the outdoors — Walker and Wyatt, making it fun vs. making it serious 26:30 — Cody’s excavator story — how to build positive associations with hunting for young kids 30:00 — Spring bear hunting as a family — dance parties in the mountains and Kristen’s record-book bear 36:00 — The fat kid with a doctor’s note — Joe’s aha moment at 13, the rusty gym, and building self-confidence 42:00 — Growing up with zero sports culture in the house — how a 6’8″ kid ended up at Washington State on a full ride 47:00 — Blacktail hunting as the foundation — why the gray ghost builds hunters who can do anything 51:00 — Joe’s most prized blacktail — the 12-yard bow shot, the branch deflection, and the bluff recovery 54:00 — The mental game of backcountry hunting — learning lessons on every trip, reframing failure 57:30 — Archery vs. rifle — why Joe hunts with a bow even when he doesn’t have to, and what it’s cost him 60:00 — Dream archery hunts, stone sheep with a bow, and where to find The Edge on Wild TV 3 Key Takeaways 1. The Outdoors Builds the Foundation — Not the Other Way Around Joe flipped the typical narrative. Most people assume athletic success leads to outdoor opportunity. For Joe, it was the blacktail hunts in the BC rain — the cold hands, the wet wool pants, the days you saw nothing and came back a prune — that built the grit that eventually carried him to pro football. The outdoors taught him to show up when it sucks, because the lesson is in the discomfort. If you’ve ever wondered why some people can push through brutal hunting conditions while others fold, this conversation gives you the answer: it’s not a hunting skill, it’s a life skill — and you build it long before you ever draw a tag. 2. Play the Long Game With Your Kids Joe and Cody both land in the same place on this one: the goal isn’t to turn your four-year-old into a stealthy, branch-free hunting machine. The goal is to make sure they ask to go again. Unlimited bubbly water. Bring the toy excavator. Let them jump on every frozen puddle. Have a dance party in the mountains before you sneak over the ridge. The association you build right now — “hunting is fun, hunting is where we laugh and eat good snacks and do dumb stuff together” — is worth more than any lesson you could drill into them about staying quiet. The discipline will come. The desire to be out there has to come first. 3. Stop Writing the Story Before It’s Over Two or three days without seeing an animal and most hunters start mentally packing it in. Joe’s been there on 14-day fly-in hunts when the wheels come off and you start questioning every decision. His counterintuitive advice: that’s the point. That’s the adventure. The highs wouldn’t mean what they mean without the lows, and things change in a moment — a bull materializes, a bear steps into the open, the hunt you’ve been grinding finally breaks your way. The story isn’t finished until you’re back in the truck. Stay in the field. Stay sharp. The last two days have a funny way of making up for everything that came before.

EP 671: Chad Lubinski Hey folks, Cody Rich here from The Rich Outdoors podcast. Man, what a killer episode this one turned out to be! I sat down with my buddy Chad Lubinski, who’s gone from Midwest whitetail hunting to crushing it out West with backpack hunts, ultra-running, mountaineering, and now dialing in on elk and antelope in Wyoming. We dive deep into his wild journey – think getting whooped by Hell’s Canyon on his first archery tag, building insane mental toughness through 100-mile hikes and jiu-jitsu, and how all that endurance grit translates straight to the hunt. Chad shares epic fails like turning around 0.2 miles from a 14er summit, dialing back risk after losing a friend in the mountains, and strategies for packing out solo without losing your mind. We geek out on elk psychology, turning boredom into big plays during midday lulls, and why stacking hard experiences is the real key to unlocking confidence in the backcountry. If you’re chasing that next level in hunting or just love stories of pushing limits, this one’s gonna fire you up. Let’s get after it! Sponsored by OnX Hunt Today’s episode is brought to you by OnX Hunt, and I wanna tell you about a really cool feature that I use a lot – sharing waypoints and hunt plans with your buddies. My good friend Jaden and I were dialed in this year; drop all your glassing spots, tracks, and routes into a folder, share it, and boom – you’re both on the same page. If you didn’t know, now you know! Upgrade to Elite with code TRO and level up your game. Check it out at onxmaps.com. Sponsored by Stone Glacier This episode is also brought to you by Stone Glacier. I’ve been hauling with their packs for years, and this season I’m running the new Archer 6400 – big enough for a 10-day backcountry grind but streamlined for day hunts too. Love the minimalist, lightweight design; I pack enough gear without the bag adding extra weight. From day packs to expedition beasts, they’ve got you covered. Head over to stoneglacier.com and gear up. Show Notes 0:00 – Intro and Sponsors Kicking things off with shoutouts to OnX Hunt and Stone Glacier, plus a quick teaser on the episode’s vibe. 3:15 – Chad’s Backstory and Move West Chad shares his Midwest roots, early whitetail days, and why he headed to Oregon for backpack hunting – only to get humbled hard by Hell’s Canyon. 10:45 – Shift to Mountaineering and Endurance Diving into how Chad pivoted to through-hiking, ultra-running, and peak bagging after hunting felt too tough, and how it built his wilderness confidence. 18:30 – Mental Toughness from Hard Activities Discussing resilience from 100-milers, turn-back moments, and applying an endurance mindset to hunting – plus Cliff Gray’s tips on prime-time glassing. 27:00 – Building Evidence Through Challenges Chad’s advice on stair-stepping hard things: start with a 100-mile hike, add altitude like the John Muir Trail, try ultras, and mix in jiu-jitsu for persistence. 35:15 – Lessons from Failure and Integrity Chad’s story of turning around on Snowmass Mountain just shy of the summit, then crushing it on a day-hike redo – emphasizing integrity over shortcuts. 42:50 – Evolving Risk Tolerance How losing a friend on Mt. St. Helens and dodging rockfall lowered Chad’s risk appetite, plus quotes from Krakauer on ambition vs. survival. 50:20 – Pushing Limits and New Skills Chad on transitioning from ultras to bike-packing and hunting, stacking outdoor skills, and dreaming of primitive hunts or splitboard elk harvests. 57:40 – Solo Pack-Out Strategies Swapping epic pack-out tales, including Cody’s 60+ mile solo bull shuttle and tips for breaking it into manageable chunks. 1:04:10 – Elk Behavior and Hunting Psychology Deep dive on manipulating elk temperament, midday boredom hacks, and turning low-probability scenarios into kills by playing the long game. 1:10:45 – Wrapping Up and Future Plans Chad’s upcoming 14ers, Teton Crest Trail, and hunts; where to follow him; final thoughts on appreciating the landscape through hunting. Key Takeaways Build Mental Toughness Through Progressive Challenges: Start small with hikes or ultras to stack “evidence” of what you can handle – it translates directly to persevering through tough hunts when nothing’s happening. Focus on Strategy Over Brute Force: Whether packing out solo or glassing elk, break big tasks into manageable chunks and play percentages – like guarding mornings/evenings while using midday for recovery or scouting. Embrace Failure and Adjust Risk Wisely: Turning back from a peak or dialing down ambition after close calls builds integrity and longevity in the outdoors, reminding us that survival is mandatory while summits (or kills) are optional.

EP 669 Walt Miller’s Backyard Banter Join host Cody Rich for a nostalgic and action-packed episode with Brinker, a seasoned elk hunter with one of Oregon’s best public land elk tags. Recorded in Walts back yard, we dive into the chaos of hunt season prep, balancing life, kids, and epic tags. Brinker shares his evolution from a one-trick caller to a versatile hunter, recounting misses, triumphs, and the grind of outsmarting elk and hunters on crowded public land. From Roosevelt tactics to late-season rifle strategies, this episode is loaded with insights on adapting, staying open-minded, and finding elk in tough units. Whether you’re chasing antelope or a trophy bull, Brinker’s stories will get you pumped for the hunt! Timestamp Chapters 00:00 – Intro and Catching Up: Cody and Brinker reminisce about their first podcast seven years ago, joking about seltzer water and Liquid Death’s billion-dollar hustle. 03:15 – Antelope Hunt Prep: Brinker talks testing blinds for his upcoming antelope hunt, dealing with wind, and picking the right setup for him and his camera guy. 06:30 – Elk Tag Excitement: Brinker shares his Zen approach to a top-tier Oregon elk tag, plus plans for Alaska and a Montana rifle hunt. 09:45 – Self-Improvement in Hunting: Brinker reflects on becoming a better hunter by opening his mind to new strategies after humbling experiences in Montana. 14:20 – Learning from Mistakes: Stories of missing a giant Roosevelt due to rushed shots and heavy arrows, and tweaking gear for flatter trajectories. 20:00 – The One That Got Away: Brinker recounts chasing a legendary Roosevelt up Rick Rail, blowing it with friends, and never seeing it again. 25:30 – Adapting to Crowded Units: Navigating Oregon’s high-pressure public land, outsmarting hunters, and finding elk in overlooked, “shitty” pockets. 32:00 – Rifle vs. Archery Mindset: Brinker’s love for late-season rifle hunts, chasing lone bulls in rugged country, and why it’s a mental grind. 38:45 – Crossbows and Ethics: Debating crossbows, their accuracy, and the “injured card” loophole, while sticking to legal and ethical hunting. 44:10 – Helping a Cousin Hunt: Brinker’s stoked to guide his cousin Seth, an elk magnet, to his first bull in a unit known for giants. 49:00 – Oregon’s Trophy Units: The rarity of Oregon’s big bull tags, requiring a lifetime of points, and why Brinker’s Wallowa tag is a dream hunt. 54:30 – Wrap-Up and Season Hype: Cody and Brinker wish each other luck for antelope, elk, and blacktail, excited for a killer season. Brought to You by OnX Hunt Hunt smarter with OnX Hunt, the go-to tool for navigating crowded public land and finding those hidden elk pockets Brinker swears by. With Elite Membership, you get nationwide land ownership maps, Huntin’ Fool’s e-Magazine, Terrain X, and research tools to scout like a pro. Head to www.onxmaps.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss and use code TRO to save 20% on your Elite Membership. Find your bull this season! Powered by Maven Optics Glass smarter with Maven Optics, a Wyoming-based, direct-to-consumer brand built for hunters like Brinker who need to spot elk in tough terrain. Their B Series binoculars and RS.3.2 rifle scope deliver premium clarity without the markup. Check out Maven at www.mavenbuilt.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss and use code TRO for exclusive gift. See the big bulls others miss! Three Key Takeaways Stay Open to New Strategies: Brinker’s biggest growth came from ditching a one-dimensional calling approach for a full quiver of tactics—ambushing, spot-and-stalk, or waiting out silent bulls. Embracing flexibility makes you a better hunter in high-pressure units. Outsmart Hunters, Not Just Elk: In crowded OTC units, success hinges on finding overlooked pockets that don’t scream “elk habitat.” Brinker’s tactic of targeting “shitty” areas with low hunter traffic can lead to big bulls where others don’t look. Learn from Every Miss: Bonehead shots, like Brinker’s misses through limbs, teach critical lessons. Tweaking gear (like switching to a heavier bow for flatter arrows) and staying calm under pressure turn failures into future kills.

EP 667: Caleb Brewer | Stick Sniper Archery In this inspiring episode, host Cody Rich sits down with Caleb Brewer, a former Green Beret who lost both legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan on his birthday. Caleb shares his remarkable journey from military service to discovering archery and hunting as an adult, overcoming immense physical and mental challenges to become a passionate bow hunter and owner of Stick Sniper Archery in Tucson, Arizona. From dry-firing his first bow to epic backcountry hunts, near-death experiences like nearly drowning while pursuing antelope, and lessons in resilience, Caleb’s story highlights the power of mindset, community, and embracing the outdoors. Whether you’re a hunter, veteran, or anyone facing adversity, this conversation is a testament to turning trauma into triumph and finding joy in the hunt. Stick Sniper Archery Timestamp Chapters 0:00 – Introduction and Hunting Excitement: The host welcomes Caleb, discusses the thrill of hunting season, and Caleb’s “adult-onset” obsession with hunting. 3:00 – Caleb’s Background and First Hunt: Caleb recounts his outdoor childhood, military service, injury in Afghanistan, and his introduction to hunting through a veteran’s foundation. 10:00 – Transition to Archery and Bow Hunting: From dry-firing an old bow to falling in love with archery, Caleb explains how it became an all-consuming passion post-injury. 18:00 – Identity Shift and Opening a Bow Shop: Caleb opens up about losing his military identity, rediscovering purpose, and the wild story of acquiring and growing his bow shop, Stick Sniper Archery. 28:00 – Backcountry Adventures and Challenges: Tales of grueling hunts in Idaho’s Selway Wilderness, maintaining fitness as a double amputee, and innovative problem-solving with prosthetics. 38:00 – Sense of Humor and Parkour Falls: Light-hearted stories about tripping on prosthetics, embracing humor in tough situations, and the “parkour” yell as a safety check. 45:00 – Near-Death Antelope Hunt Story: Caleb’s harrowing account of nearly drowning in a flash flood while spot-and-stalking antelope in Arizona. 55:00 – More Close Calls and Life Lessons: Reflections on other accidents, burning through “nine lives,” and the importance of a positive mindset. 1:02:00 – Upcoming Hunts and Closing Advice: Caleb shares his 2023 hunting plans, promotes Stick Sniper, and offers wisdom on enjoying the moment in the outdoors. 1:08:00 – Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts: Final exchanges, excitement for future hunts, and a teaser clip. Three Key Takeaways Resilience Through Adversity: Caleb’s story shows how traumatic events, like losing both legs, can lead to unexpected positive paths—such as discovering archery and owning a business—if you maintain a problem-solving mindset and refuse to let challenges define you. The Power of Passion and Community: Getting into hunting later in life ignited an all-consuming drive for Caleb, but it was amplified by supportive friends, veterans’ groups, and shared experiences, reminding listeners that pursuing what excites you with good people can transform your life. Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Outcome: Caleb emphasizes focusing on the quality of the hunt—the moments in nature, friendships, and personal growth—over the kill, as obsessing over results can overshadow the true joy and lessons of the experience. Stone Glacier – Gear Up for the Backcountry Stone Glacier is built for hunters and adventurers who demand the highest level of performance and durability. From backcountry hunting to alpine climbing, our gear is designed to withstand the toughest conditions and perform when you need it most. With Stone Glacier, you’re not just buying gear; you’re investing in the next level of outdoor performance. Why Stone Glacier? Lightweight Durability: Our packs, gear, and apparel are crafted for maximum durability while keeping weight to a minimum. Engineered for Comfort: Every item is designed to provide the best fit and function, ensuring your comfort during long days in the field. Field-Tested: Built by hunters for hunters. Our gear is tested in the harshest conditions by experts who demand the best. When the wilderness calls, be ready. Explore Stone Glacier and equip yourself with the gear that will carry you further. OnX Maps – Navigate with Confidence OnX Maps is the ultimate tool for outdoor enthusiasts, providing you with the most detailed and reliable maps for hunting, hiking, and adventure. With powerful features like offline access, property boundaries, and custom waypoints, OnX Maps ensures you’ll always be prepared, no matter where your adventure takes you. Why OnX Maps? 20% Off with Code TRO: Use code TRO at checkout for 20% off your OnX Maps subscription! Offline Mapping: No signal? No problem. Download your maps ahead of time and navigate with ease, anywhere. Layered Features: Access crucial details like public/private land boundaries, trail systems, and topographic maps. Make your next hunt, hike, or adventure seamless with OnX Maps. Use code TRO for 20% off and take your navigation to the next level!

EP 665: Jake Purlee In this episode, Cody sits down with Jake to chat about the grind and the glory of bear hunting, mountain running, and everything in between. Jake shares his ups and downs during a tough bear season, including the challenges of sticking to one spot despite the temptation to bounce around. They dive deep into the highs and lows of the hunt, including the mental battles faced during late-season hunts and the grind of heavy packs. From bear hunting in Montana to training for races like the Rut, Jake shares valuable insights into how hunting, physical endurance, and mental toughness intersect. Whether you’re looking for tips on how to stay motivated during the long seasons or curious about how to balance hunting with physical training, this episode is packed with wisdom and real-life stories that every hunter and adventurer can appreciate. Time Stamp Chapters: 00:00 – Intro & Bear Season Talk 05:00 – Highs and Lows of Bear Hunting in Montana 10:00 – The Mental Game of Long Seasons & Sticking with One Spot 15:00 – The Challenge of Spotting Big Bears & Bouncing Around 20:00 – How Bear Hunting Compares to Other Big Game Hunts 25:00 – The Power of Patience & Learning from Past Experiences 30:00 – Balancing Running and Hiking with Hunting Season 35:00 – Training for the Rut & the Mental Toughness Required 40:00 – Dealing with Mental Fatigue & How Physical Training Helps 45:00 – The Lesson of Pushing Your Limits and What’s Next for Jake 50:00 – Closing Thoughts & Advice for the Upcoming Rut 3 Key Takeaways: Mental Toughness is Key in Both Hunting and Physical Endurance: Whether you’re in the field chasing bears or preparing for a race like the Rut, the mental game is just as important as the physical one. Jake emphasizes the value of staying consistent and mentally strong throughout the season. Patience Pays Off in the Hunt: Jake shares how sticking to one spot and putting in the hours is often more rewarding than constantly jumping around in search of a “better” spot. Even when it feels like nothing is happening, perseverance in the right spot can pay off. Balance Physical Fitness with Hunting Goals: The episode highlights how training for physical endurance events, like mountain races, can complement your hunting skills. Proper physical conditioning helps you tackle those long hunts and tough terrain, making you more effective and resilient in the field. Stone Glacier – Gear Up for the Backcountry Stone Glacier is built for hunters and adventurers who demand the highest level of performance and durability. From backcountry hunting to alpine climbing, our gear is designed to withstand the toughest conditions and perform when you need it most. With Stone Glacier, you’re not just buying gear; you’re investing in the next level of outdoor performance. Why Stone Glacier? Lightweight Durability: Our packs, gear, and apparel are crafted for maximum durability while keeping weight to a minimum. Engineered for Comfort: Every item is designed to provide the best fit and function, ensuring your comfort during long days in the field. Field-Tested: Built by hunters for hunters. Our gear is tested in the harshest conditions by experts who demand the best. When the wilderness calls, be ready. Explore Stone Glacier and equip yourself with the gear that will carry you further. OnX Maps – Navigate with Confidence OnX Maps is the ultimate tool for outdoor enthusiasts, providing you with the most detailed and reliable maps for hunting, hiking, and adventure. With powerful features like offline access, property boundaries, and custom waypoints, OnX Maps ensures you’ll always be prepared, no matter where your adventure takes you. Why OnX Maps? 20% Off with Code TRO: Use code TRO at checkout for 20% off your OnX Maps subscription! Offline Mapping: No signal? No problem. Download your maps ahead of time and navigate with ease, anywhere. Layered Features: Access crucial details like public/private land boundaries, trail systems, and topographic maps. Make your next hunt, hike, or adventure seamless with OnX Maps. Use code TRO for 20% off and take your navigation to the next level!

EP 663: Doug Champion In this episode, Cody sits down with Doug Champion, the founder of Champion Living Fitness, a business that trains rodeo athletes in strength and conditioning. Doug shares his fascinating journey from a professional rodeo career to running a fitness business, focusing on what it takes to excel in rodeo and in life. He dives deep into the intersection of fitness, mindset, and personal growth, discussing how staying strong physically and mentally helped him recover from a life-changing injury and pivot into a successful career. We also explore the evolution of rodeo as an industry, the importance of fundamentals, and the lessons he learned from his own experiences that can apply to everything from business to hunting. Time Stamp Chapters: 0:00 – Intro and setting the stage for the conversation 2:30 – Doug’s rodeo background and the injury that changed his life 8:30 – Doug’s journey into fitness and founding Champion Living Fitness 13:00 – Overcoming adversity and mindset shifts after a serious injury 22:00 – The role of fitness and recovery in rodeo and personal life 35:00 – Rodeo athletes’ mindset and the importance of confidence 46:00 – Insights on how rodeo is evolving with fitness and the importance of training 55:00 – Doug’s take on success, gratitude, and building a business from scratch 1:10:00 – The crossover between rodeo, business, and life lessons for hunters 1:20:00 – Advice for athletes and newcomers looking to succeed in competitive environments 1:30:00 – Conclusion and Doug’s final thoughts on health, fitness, and success Three Key Takeaways: Mindset is Everything: In rodeo, hunting, and business, confidence and the ability to shake off failure are critical. Doug emphasizes the importance of a “goldfish memory” to stay mentally resilient after setbacks. The Power of Fundamentals: Success in high-performance sports like rodeo or elk hunting often comes down to executing basic skills consistently. Whether it’s setting your feet properly in bull riding or maintaining a disciplined hunting approach, the small actions compound to big results. Pressure is a Privilege: Doug shares how embracing pressure and stress is essential for growth and success, whether it’s in the rodeo arena, business, or personal life. The hard times often lead to the biggest breakthroughs. This episode is brought to you by two of the best names in the hunting world – OnX Maps and Stone Glacier. First up, OnX Maps – the go-to app for hunters who need to stay connected and informed while out in the field. Whether you’re hunting elk, mule deer, or chasing big bulls in the mountains, OnX has you covered with topographic maps, landowner info, and the ability to mark your spots. The GPS capabilities and offline mapping make it the perfect tool to keep you on track, no matter how remote your hunt. Don’t leave home without it. Head to www.onxmaps.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss and use the code TRO to save 20% on your subscription. Next, we’ve got Stone Glacier, the brand that sets the bar for high-performance gear in the backcountry. From their lightweight, durable backpacks to their breathable, water-resistant clothing, Stone Glacier is built to help you go further and stay comfortable, no matter how tough the conditions. If you’re serious about your gear and need something that won’t hold you back on those long, rugged hunts, check out Stone Glacier at www.stoneglacier.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

EP 660: Trevor Farnes In this powerful episode, Trevor Farnes—founder of MTN OPS and author of The Conquer Code—shares his journey from financial collapse and personal doubt to building one of the most recognized brands in the hunting and fitness industry. Cody and Trevor dive into deep conversations on faith, failure, purpose, and the long game of building a mission-driven life. Trevor opens up about losing everything, learning to pivot, and how connection—to family, mentors, and God—pulled him through. Whether you’re building a business, raising a family, or just trying to find your path, this episode is full of hard-earned wisdom. Show Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by OnX Hunt, the ultimate tool for serious hunters. As an Elite Member, you get access to the Hunt Research Tool (HRT), making it easy to find draw odds and plan your season. Plus, OnX Elite includes a free subscription to Huntin’ Fool e-Magazine, giving you detailed unit insights to help you pick the best hunts. Upgrade to OnX Elite and start planning your next adventure today! 3 Big Takeaways “Let Time Do the Hard Work”Patience isn’t passive—it’s strategic. Trevor reminds us that consistency, perseverance, and letting time shape us is often the key difference between success and failure. Build a Life with Core Values as GuardrailsMountain Ops doesn’t just preach values—they live them. Trevor explains how decisions, both personal and business, are easier when guided by clear principles. Mentors Are Everywhere—Even If They Don’t Know ItWhether it’s a personal relationship or following someone online, Trevor outlines how to build a “personal advisory board” and learn from others, even from a distance.     Guest: Trevor Farnes, Founder of MTN OPS and author of The Conquer Code Topics Covered: The Myth of Overnight Success: Trevor shares his true origin story—including seven failed businesses and losing everything before MTN OPS ever existed. 2007 Franchise Disaster: The hard lessons from signing personal guarantees on seven failed retail franchises and what it taught him about risk, cash flow, and resilience. Faith in the Valley: The role of spiritual connection and divine timing during the darkest years of his life. Starting MTN OPS: How a supplement created for his father’s heart condition turned into a massive movement in the hunting industry. Let Time Do the Hard Work: What this phrase means to Trevor, and why patience is the entrepreneur’s most underrated weapon. Launching with Purpose: Why Mountain Ops was never just a supplement brand—and how connection, mission, and core values fuel its success. From Founder to Visionary: Trevor’s intentional decision to step down as CEO to focus on storytelling, relationships, and impact. Mentorship and the Personal Board of Directors: Trevor’s framework for finding mentors, even if they don’t know they’re mentoring you. Essentialism and Saying No: How Trevor balances opportunity overload with what matters most—his faith, his family, and his mission. The Auction Dream: A vivid dream that changed Trevor’s perspective on time and attention forever. Bonus Topics: Advice for 20-somethings and aspiring entrepreneurs How hunting deepened his relationships and reshaped his identity Insights from writing The Conquer Code Operation Conquer Hunger: MTN OPS’ impact initiative providing over 7 million meals to families in need Resources & Mentions: The Conquer Code by Trevor Farnes → [Link] How Will You Measure Your Life by Clayton Christensen Essentialism by Greg McKeown 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey MTN OPS: mtnops.com Operation Conquer Hunger → [Link]