Wild Strength Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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