Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast
Truth From The Stand is a weekly whitetail deer hunting podcast for serious DIY hunters. For 10 years, it has covered tactics, strategies, and real stories to help hunters consistently kill mature bucks. Topics include early season scouting, food plots, scrape hunting, rut tactics, and late season pressure. Each week, experienced whitetail hunters, bowhunters, and public land hunters break down what's actually working in the field. New episodes every Wednesday.
Episodes
EP. 496: One Thing The Best Hunters Do
There's a version of deer hunting where you show up every fall, do roughly what you did last year, and hope things go differently. A lot of hunters live there. I've lived there. And for a long time I didn't even realize it was a choice.
That's really what this conversation came down to. Chad and I kept circling back to this idea of hunting as a craft versus hunting as a habit. And the more we tal
EP. 495: The Hunt That Broke Everything He Thought He Knew | Ty Jennings | Discomfort Is The Strategy
There's a version of every hunter that gets comfortable. You find a stand you like, a pattern that's worked before, and you ride it. You tell yourself it's strategy. Most of the time, it's just fear dressed up as confidence.
Ty Jennings knows that feeling well, and he blew past it.
In this episode, Ty sits down with me to dig into the kind of hunting conversation I live for: not the highlight re
EP. 494: Hunting Dead Ground | The Mental Game of Finding Whitetails
There's a particular kind of restlessness that hits a hunter in the off-season. It's not impatience exactly. It's more like a low hum in the background of everything you do. You're mowing the lawn, you're half-present at dinner, but somewhere in the back of your mind you're replaying last season's misses and mentally walking new ground you haven't set foot on yet.
That's where K.C. and I found ou
EP. 493: Why Mature Bucks Live Where You Won't Go | HOS
Most hunters spend their off-season trying to make things easier. Better gear. Warmer clothes. Closer access. And honestly? I get it. Comfort is seductive. Your brain is literally wired to chase it.
But here's what nobody in the hunting industry wants to tell you: comfort might be the single biggest thing standing between you and consistently killing mature deer.
In this episode, we're digging i
EP. 492: Why Most Hunters Are Doing Too Much and Enjoying It Less
There's a version of hunting that looks great on the outside. Big buck, good photos, done by noon. Then there's the version most of us actually live, which is messy and complicated and tied up in kids and jobs and the slow realization that your priorities don't stay the same forever.
That's what Greg Litzinger and I got into on this one, and I'll be honest, it's one of those conversations that ke
EP. 491: What Years of Hunting One Buck Actually Teaches You
Tom Murphy and I have had a lot of conversations about deer hunting, but this one felt different. We got into the kind of detail that most hunters never talk about out loud, specifically what it actually takes to hunt a mature buck over multiple seasons without losing your mind or your confidence.
Tom's account of finally closing the deal on a deer he'd been after for years is worth the listen on
EP. 490: Why You Blow It When It Finally Happens | HOS
There’s a moment in every hunt that matters more than all the scouting, all the prep, all the miles you put in.
It’s the one where the deer finally shows up.
And if you’ve done this long enough, you know it doesn’t always go the way you thought it would. Your heart rate jumps, your breathing changes, and all of a sudden you’re not thinking as clearly as you were ten minutes before. You rush some
EP. 489: Why I Chose the Harder Way to Hunt
This week I’m joined by Kolton Schenker, and we spend some time talking through what it looks like when hunting starts to shift from something you do… to something you really commit to.
We get into his background—years behind a compound bow, time spent out West, and what came with finally stepping into land ownership. But where the conversation really settles in is around his move to traditional
EP. 488: The Longer You Do This, The More It Gives Back | Find Your Tribe
This week I’m joined by Will Coggin, and it’s one of those conversations where you realize pretty quick how many parallels there are between the things we spend our time on.
We talk about how hunting and jiu-jitsu have a way of bringing people together fast, and how a lot of what Will learned in the military—discipline, structure, adaptability—shows up again in the woods. Not in some forced way,
EP. 487: Big Buck Hunting on Public Land | The Reality vs. Expectations
This week I’m joined by Vince Battiata, and we spend a lot of time talking about what it really takes to hunt public land the way most guys say they want to—but don’t always follow through on.
We get into the reality of balancing time, making decisions when things aren’t clear, and what it actually looks like to chase big deer that don’t give you many chances. Vince shares some stories from past
EP. 486: The Most Beneficial Part of Hunting People Avoid
This week Chad Sylvester is back on, and we get into some of the parts of hunting that most guys would rather avoid.
Not tactics. Not setups. The stuff underneath that.
We talk about taking an honest look at yourself as a hunter—where ego gets in the way, how identity can start driving decisions, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is put yourself in a place you’re not comfortable. New g
EP. 485: Why Most Hunters Quit Too Early | The Grit Formula | HOS
I started thinking about something I’ve run into a lot lately—not just in the woods, but on a jiu-jitsu mat, and honestly even going back to my wrestling days. It’s that moment when things get hard and your brain starts trying to talk you out of it. Not because you’re in real trouble… just because you’re uncomfortable.
I’ve felt it getting smashed by guys half my size, I’ve felt it sitting in a t
EP. 484: The Deer Hunting Rules That Don’t Actually Work
This week Tony Peterson is back on the podcast, and we dig into the parts of hunting that don’t always follow the rules. We talk about how weather, pressure, and the difference between public and private ground shape deer movement—and why woodsmanship still matters more than most people think.
A lot of the conversation centers on paying attention to what’s actually happening around you, spending
EP.483: I Hunted 3 States in One Season—Here's What I Learned
This week I’m joined by Rendell Erik, and we cover a pretty wide range of things that all circle back to the same idea—getting better at the stuff we care about, whether that’s in the gym, on the range, or in the woods. We talk about the transition into traditional archery and how it forces you to slow down and really pay attention to your form, your shot process, and even the way your body moves.
EP. 482: The Bucks That Disappear (And Why Most Hunters Never Figure It Out)
This week Brian Dombrowski is back on the podcast, and we spend a lot of time talking about what actually happens after the plans fall apart—which, if you hunt long enough, is most of the time. We get into his season bouncing between Wisconsin and Illinois, the reality of hunting pressured ground, and why mature bucks have a way of simply disappearing when you think you’ve got them figured out.
W
EP. 481: Trust Your Gut or Trust Your Gear? | Nathan Killen
This week I’m joined by Nathan Killen, and we get into the stuff that doesn’t show up in highlight reels — weather that doesn’t cooperate, thermals that don’t do what you expect, and seasons that force you to adjust whether you want to or not.
We talk traditional archery, food sources, scrapes, rattling, and the little woodsmanship details that still matter no matter how much technology creeps in
EP.480: The Long Game: Mature Bucks, Mindset & Fitness
Alright, so this one’s just me.
I dug into a pile of listener questions and it turned into something bigger than I expected. We talk about antlers, sure—but mostly we talk about reps. About why the time in the woods matters more than the score on a tape. About building a life that actually lets you hunt the way you want to hunt, instead of squeezing it in around everything else.
I get into scout
EP. 479: Losing the Noise to Find the Hunt Again
Tim Palmer and I sat down in that quiet stretch after the season—the part of the year where the noise fades and you’re left with what the year actually gave you. We talk winter weather, ice fishing, and why water deserves more respect than most people give it.
We get into this past season—what went right, what didn’t, and how Tim shifted his approach away from pressure and back toward enjoyment.
EP.478: Standing On The Shoulders of Legends | No Shortcuts
On this episode of Truth From The Stand, I’m sitting down with Joe Miles, and we’re digging into the kind of hunting that doesn’t get easier with better gear—cold sits, traditional bows, and the work it takes to stay honest in the woods. We talk longbows, confidence at the shot, and why preparation matters more when you strip things back instead of piling them on. Joe shares what drew him deeper i
EP. 477: Is Hunting Being Watered Down
This week on Truth From The Stand, I’m sitting down with Chad Sylvester for a conversation that started light and ended up digging pretty deep. We talk about whether hunting has become watered down, and what that question really means in a world shaped by technology, influence, and constant noise. Somewhere along the way, we get into old boots, old lessons, and the kind of hunting experiences that
EP.476: Effort Over Outcome | Two Buck Season | Travis Keith
On this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with Travis Keith, and we wander through the overlap between hunting, wrestling, and the kind of mindset it takes to stay in the fight when things don’t go your way. We talk about tracking—both deer and personal progress—the role mentors play whether you realize it or not, and how most of the real learning comes from the hunts that don’t end the
EP. 475: When a Mature Buck Vanishes | What to Do Next | Jace Allen
On this episode, I’m sitting down with Jace to talk about what the season actually looks like when you strip away the highlight reel. We get into chasing specific deer that seem to vanish overnight, the mental grind that comes with late-season decisions, and how scouting, fitness, and intention all start to overlap when you’ve been at this long enough. We talk about the moments that don’t make soc
EP.474: When Hunting Stops Being Fun (And What That Teaches Us)
This episode feels like one of those late-season sits where you’re not just watching the woods—you’re taking inventory of yourself. John and I talk about rolling into 2026, how fast time keeps moving, and what it means to stay sharp when life, injuries, and expectations start stacking up. We get into the reality of hunting seasons that don’t always go as planned, a knee injury that forced John to
EP.473: Adapt or Go Home |Why Flexible Hunters Kill More Deer
On this episode of Truth From The Stand, Aaron Hepler and I catch up after a long season and miles on the boots, talking about how seasons evolve and expectations need to with them. We get into adapting under pressure, trusting your gut when plans fall apart, and why dogs and bird hunts can be the best reset a big-game hunter can get. It’s a conversation about balancing technology with instinct, p
EP.472: Chasing Mastery | Andy May
In this episode, I sit down with Andy May to talk bowhunting the hard way—how weather and wind messes with your shot, why traditional archery forces honesty, and what you give up when you decide to really chase mastery. We get into the mental side of hunting, the tension between time, technology, and ethics, and why the real competition is always with yourself. This one’s about sacrifice, perspect
EP.471: Expectations Vs. Reality
In this episode, I sit down with Cameron from Hawk Optics and we dig into the nuts and bolts of actually learning deer—how pressure, access, and human movement shape their behavior more than most folks realize. We talk about deer living in cattails, how their senses change with terrain, and why wind and entry routes quietly decide most hunts before you ever climb a tree. From a memorable Halloween
EP. 470: Why You Feel Stuck In Your Hunting
If you’ve ever hit that point in the season where you feel stuck—like the woods went quiet, the weather won’t cooperate, and your free time evaporated—this episode is for you. Chad Sylvester and I sit down and unpack everything from post-rut recovery to why late season success has far more to do with mindset and time management than perfect conditions. We get into the trap of comparing your season
EP. 469: Authenticity In Hunting | Tony Peterson
Today’s episode is one of those conversations that feels more like sitting around a tailgate after a long hunt than recording a podcast. Tony and I get into all the stuff most folks don’t ever say out loud—the weird mix of privilege and pressure in modern hunting, what ‘authenticity’ even means anymore when everything online looks perfect, and how easy it is to forget what actually matters in this
EP. 468: Everyday Carry Hunting Gear
In this one, we’re talking gear. Not a gear breakdown that’s chalked full of “here’s the free gear I received that I’m obligated to tell you about”…there are plenty of people who do those. I’m going to focus on …you know…things I actually use. With a heavy focus on stuff I keep in my truck as everyday carry for hunting season or just general preparedness. Lots of deals for the holiday season, so I
EP. 467: Five Yards From Success | The Hunt That Tested Everything
In this one, I walk you through a hunt that didn’t go the way I drew it up on the map. I lost access to ground overnight, the weather shut deer movement down, and I spent most of the trip bouncing around trying to find doe groups and make something happen with a longbow. It was frustrating, humbling, and honestly exactly the kind of hunt that teaches you more than a filled tag ever will. If you’ve
Captains Log 5| Big Buck Encounters x2
SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:
—Truth From The Stand Merch
—Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras
— Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15
—Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20
—Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt
—Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10
—Check out Faceoff E-Bikes
—Waypoint TV
Learn more about your ad
EP. 466: Late Rut Strategies To Stay In The Game | Dan Johnson
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Dan Johnson to talk about the chaos and beauty of the late rut — that unpredictable stretch when bucks are worn down, patterns fall apart, and you’ve got to grind for every opportunity. We swap stories from this season’s hunts, including Dan’s tough-as-nails mule deer trip and the lessons that came with it. From landlock
Captains Log 4 | 150 Inch Deer At 25 Yards
SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:
—Truth From The Stand Merch
—Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras
— Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15
—Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20
—Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt
—Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10
—Check out Faceoff E-Bikes
—Waypoint TV
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
Captains Log 3 | Driving And Crying (Glassing)
SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:
—Truth From The Stand Merch
—Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras
— Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15
—Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20
—Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt
—Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10
—Check out Faceoff E-Bikes
—Waypoint TV
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a
EP. 465: Against All Odds |180 Inches on Small Pennsylvania Ground | Dom Palombo
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by Pennsylvania hunter Dominic Palombo to talk about what it really takes to find success in the deer woods. We get into his journey as a hunter, the value of putting in the miles and hours before the season, and how patience and humility shape the kind of hunter you become. Dominic breaks down his approach to scouting, how he uses tr
Captains Log 2 | Right Place, Wrong Buck
SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:
—Truth From The Stand Merch
—Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras
— Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15
—Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20
—Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt
—Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10
—Check out Faceoff E-Bikes
—Waypoint TV
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Captains Log 1 | There Will Be Mud
SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:
—Truth From The Stand Merch
—Check out Tactacam Reveal cell cameras
— Save 15% on Hawke Optics code TFTS15
—Save 20% on ASIO GEAR code TRUTH20
—Check out Spartan Forge to map your hunt
—Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10
—Check out Faceoff E-Bikes
—Waypoint TV
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
EP. 464: Mastering Your Hunt | When to Specialize & When to Expand
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Chad Sylvester to break down what it takes to level up. We dig into his recent trip to Idaho—a hunt that didn’t exactly go as planned but came loaded with lessons that stick. We talk about when to double down on what you do best and when to push past your comfort zone to grow as a hunter. From understanding terrain-speci
EP. 463: Why Scrape Week Can Unlock Your Season | Jake Hofer
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Jake Hofer to talk all things whitetail — the anticipation of the season, the emotional rollercoaster of chasing mature bucks, and the critical stretch we all know as scrape week. We dig into the fine details that separate good hunts from great ones — how to actually read scrapes, what deer are telling you through their be
How Local Knowledge & Patience Kill More Bucks | Dom Bolognese
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Dom Bolognese to talk about balancing real life with the obsession of chasing deer. We get into mentorship, adapting to different terrains, and the art of reading deer behavior—especially in high-pressure and suburban areas. Dom breaks down what it takes to consistently find and kill mature bucks, from asking permission to hunt
EP.461: Adapt, Grind, Repeat: Lessons from Hill Country & Beyond | Justin Tabor
This week on the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Justin Tabor to talk about the grind of deer hunting, balancing family life, and why discipline matters just as much in the gym as it does in the woods. Justin and I dive into the emotional side of chasing deer—the highs of connecting on a good buck, the frustration of tough seasons, and the lessons that come from spending tim
EP.460: Early Season Presence, Patience & Process | Tyler Jones
In this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with my buddy Tyler Jones to talk about life, hunting, and the lessons that tie them together. We get into the joys and struggles of parenting — from youth sports to that bittersweet moment when kids start stepping into adulthood — and how those same lessons apply in the deer woods. Tyler and I swap stories about hunting around cornfields, buildi
EP.459: Early Season Lessons The Hard Way | Jacob Emery
In this week’s episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Jacob Emery to talk about everything from early-season Tennessee whitetails to raising the next generation of hunters. We get into the highs and lows of last year’s hunts, what it takes to be efficient in the field, and why preparation is the backbone of consistent success. Jacob shares the joy of hunting with his
EP.458: What Drone Research Teaches Us About Mature Buck Behavior
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Derrick Dixon to dig into some next-level whitetail insights. Derrick has been blending old-school woodsmanship with cutting-edge drone research, and what he’s uncovering about deer behavior—especially around wind shifts, thermals, and how individual bucks move—is flat-out fascinating. We talk about the legacy of land management,
EP.457: Develop A System Of Questions To Elevate Your Game | Bill Thompson
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Bill Thompson to dig into the overlap between hunting and jiu-jitsu. We talk about why having a system matters, how asking the right questions sharpens your approach, and why mindset is everything when the pressure is on—whether you’re on the mats or in the whitetail woods. Bill shares how flow state isn’t just a buzzword but a r
EP.456: Gear Helps, But Mindset Kills Bucks | Alex Chopp
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Alex Chopp to talk mobile and travel hunting. We dig into how early experiences and family shaped our approaches, the importance of staying adaptable in the field, and why mindset matters just as much as gear. Alex and I cover everything from learning hard lessons through failure to the freedom that comes with being mobile, refle
EP.455: Topo Maps, Scouting & Shot Placement Tips
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Podcast, I sit down with Greg Litzinger to talk all things deer hunting. We cover the realities of chasing whitetails on public ground, setting goals that actually make sense, and why scouting is the backbone of any solid plan. Greg dives into traditional bow setups, trusting your instincts, and how topo maps can make or break a hunt. We also get into th
EP.454:Thermals, Scrapes & Public Land Deer Hunting | Preseason Prep | Greg Litzinger
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast, I’m sitting down with Greg Litzinger to talk about the season that’s right around the corner. We get into what we’re seeing for deer prospects, how we’re thinking about thermals and scent this fall, and why historical sign always plays a big role in our setups. We also break down the nuances of scrape hunting, how weather can turn h
EP.453: Understanding Deer Behavior for Better Hunts | Justin Hollandsworth
In this episode, I’m joined by my buddy Justin Hollandsworth for a wide-ranging conversation on the discipline it takes to stay fit and ready for a hunt. We get into the weeds on deer behavior—why some bucks are social butterflies while others seem born to be loners—and how that knowledge can shape your scouting and stand placement. Justin and I swap stories on the highs and lows of traditional ar
Trail Cam University : Expose Hidden Buck Patterns | Most Hunters Miss This
Trail cameras aren’t just about catching pics of big bucks—they’re powerful scouting tools that reveal patterns most hunters overlook. In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Trail Camera University Podcast, we dive deep into advanced trail cam strategies that'll take your hunting from average to elite.
🎯 Learn how to:
Use cell cams for real-time intel you can act on
Find success in we
EP.452: Finding Gratitude In The Grind | Chasing Mature Bucks | Jacob Sklenar
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I caught up with my buddy Jacob Sklenar for a conversation that goes well beyond tree stand tactics. We talk about life changes—like his recent marriage—and how those moments shift the way we approach not just hunting, but everything. We dig into how mindset, resilience, and personal growth show up in the woods and in everyday life, and why focu
Trail Cam University: How To Turn Trail Cam Intel Into Filled Buck Tags
In Episode 4, host Clint Campbell goes deep on a topic that separates casual hunters from consistent tag-punchers: how to turn trail camera data into a real hunting strategy.
📸 You’ve got photos. You’ve got videos. But now what?
🦌 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ Why analyzing trail cam data is your most powerful tool as a hunter
✅ What timestamps, weather, and wind direction can tell you about
EP.451: Primal Instincts | How To Get The Most Out Of Your Hunting Experience
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Chad Sylvester for a conversation that digs deeper than gear and shot placement. We talk about what it really means to be prepared—not just physically, but mentally—for the hunt. We get into how instinct, mindset, and adaptability often matter more than any piece of equipment you can strap to your back. Chad and I reflect
Trail Cam University: This Is Why Your buck disappeared
In Episode 3, we dive into the season-by-season breakdown of how, where, and why to move your trail cameras throughout the year for maximum whitetail intel. Because if your cameras are sitting in the same spot in July and November… you’re leaving tags unfilled.
🦌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why “set it and forget it” is the biggest camera mistake hunters make
✅ The late-season survival m
EP.450: Simple Tactics, Big Results & Hunting Stupid | Jason Batson
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Jason Batson for a no-BS conversation about bowhunting, deer behavior, and the constant process of figuring it all out. Jason shares what it’s like chasing whitetails in the rolling terrain of Missouri, how he plays the wind, and why keeping things simple usually gets him closer to deer. We get into the highs and lows of past sea
Trail Cam University: Best Trail Camera Setups To Kill A Buck | Set It Here, Kill Him There
In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood parts of trail cam scouting: camera placement. Because it doesn’t matter how expensive your camera is—if it’s in the wrong spot, you’re wasting your time.
🦌 What You’ll Learn Today:
✅ Where to actually hang your cams to kill, not just see, big bucks
✅ The difference between “trail” and “travel corridor” (and why that matters)
✅ The
EP.449: Unplug, Hunt Harder | Cody D’Acquisto
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Cody D’Acquisto for a conversation that digs deep into more than just treestand setups and big bucks on the wall. Cody’s fresh off the road and gearing up for his upcoming road show, and we break down what it means to really unplug from the noise and lean into the lessons the woods — and the mats — have to offer. We get in
Trail Cam University: The Truth About Trail Cameras
In this kickoff episode, we break down the fundamentals of using trail cameras not as a gimmick, but as a strategic tool to scout smarter and hunt more effectively. This isn’t a gear review — it’s a deep dive into how real hunters use trail cam intel to gain a serious edge in the woods.
🦌 In This Episode You’ll Learn:
Why trail cameras are more than just motion-triggered gadgets
The truth about
EP. 448: Crafting Tradition | Trent Wengerd
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Deer Hunting Podcast, I sit down with Trent Wengerd—a dyed-in-the-wool bowhunter and a true craftsman when it comes to building stick bows that flat-out get the job done. We dig into Trent’s upbringing in the wide-open country of Montana, the early days that pulled him into archery, and how he turned a passion for hunting into an art form behind the bowy
EP. 447: Adapt or Fail | Why Your Strategy Needs To Change | Joe Miles
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by Joe Miles, and we cover a lot of ground—from the whitetail woods to the African bush. Joe and I get into that constant tug-of-war between old-school hunting instincts and the rapid rise of modern gear and technology. We talk about where tradition still matters, where innovation is helping, and how to walk the line between the two w
EP. 446: No Shortcuts and Hard Lessons | Chris Parinno
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by traditional bowhunter Chris Parrino—a guy who’s lived a hunting life most of us only dream about. We dig into the roots of his passion, from growing up in a blue-collar family to chasing grizzlies, moose, and polar bears with a stickbow.
Chris opens up about what it really takes to hunt at a high level with traditional gear—the fa
EP. 445: Chasing The Unknown & Small Details Kill Big Bucks | David Riley Jr.
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand Podcast, I sat down with my buddy David Riley to talk about more than just killing deer. We got into what really makes this whole thing matter—building friendships through the hunt, learning from the folks you meet along the way, and keeping your passion alive by stepping out of your comfort zone. David’s coming off a hell of a season, with stories from
EP.444: 10 Harsh Truths Of Bowhunting
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sat down with Chad Sylvester for a no-BS conversation about the real stuff—missed chances, pressure-packed decisions, and why some of our best lessons come from the hunts that don’t end with a grip-and-grin - the harsh truths of bowhunting.
We dig into the mental side of the game—why confidence matters, how deer behavior can turn on a dime, a
Why Slowing Down Might Be Your Best Hunting Strategy Yet | Jason Redd
Hey everyone, welcome back to the Truth From The Stand Podcast. In this episode, I’m joined by Jason Redd, and we dive into one of those conversations that feels a little more like sitting around a fire than checking boxes on a hunting talk list.
We cover everything from the pressure that comes with modern technology and constant communication, to how learning to unplug—both in the woods and in l
EP.442: Lessons in the Dirt - Tracking, Doubt, and Doing It Right | Michael Varady
In this episode, I sit down with my buddy Michael Varady for a wide-ranging conversation that covers way more than just tagging a buck. We dig into the lessons learned from switching between traditional and compound bows, how target panic creeps in, and why consistent practice—both physical and mental—is critical if you want to stay sharp when it counts.
Michael’s gearing up for a big move and ex
EP. 441: Professional Mindset To Kill Mature Bucks
Hey everyone, welcome to the Truth From The Stand podcast. In this episode, I’m catching up with Tom Murphy—a guy who knows his way around a ball field, and the big woods!
We cover some ground in this one. We dig into how growing up with rock and metal shaped us, how pro sports and bowhunting both demand a gritty mindset, and how the traditions we’re raised with show up in the woods whether we re
EP. 440: Visual Intel & Gut Instincts | A Blueprint for Public Land Whitetails | Brian Dombrowski
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by Brian Dombrowski—a guy who’s put in more than his fair share of miles chasing deer across a range of terrain, from flatlands to big woods. We dive deep into what makes mature bucks tick, how scouting plays a role beyond trail cams, and why visual confirmation still trumps digital data. Brian shares his approach to patterning deer b
EP. 439: Finding Your Rhythm | A Journey Of Growth | Johnny Utah
Hey everyone, welcome back to the Truth From The Stand podcast. In today’s episode, I’m catching up with my buddy Johnny to talk about life’s evolution—balancing family, chasing whitetails, and pursuing personal passions like jiu-jitsu. We dive into how parenting and the pressures of the hunting industry shift your perspective, and why finding community and staying true to your pursuits matters mo
EP. 438: The Long Game - Hunting, Habitat, and Hard Lessons | Jake Hoefer
This week on the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m catching up with Jake Hofer. If you’re into getting better at hunting and managing ground the right way, this one’s for you. We talk about the real work behind whitetail management, the kind that doesn’t show up in a highlight reel—tree planting, fixing screw-ups, and learning to let the land teach you a few hard lessons.
Jake also talks about
EP. 437: More Than Tags - Finding Meaning in the Misses | Tyler Jones
On this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Tyler Jones—someone you probably know from The Element crew. We get into the thick of it: deer hunting, turkey hunting, road trips, and all the curveballs that come from chasing critters in places you’ve never stepped foot in. But this conversation goes deeper than just chasing mature bucks and birds.
We talk about how li
EP. 436: Crack the Code on Mature Bucks with the 70 Rule
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sat down with my buddy Brandon Barlow to talk through some of the more nuanced aspects of deer hunting that go way beyond just putting a stand in a good spot and hoping for the best.
Brandon’s the kind of guy who’s not just chasing deer—he’s breaking down their behavior, layering in camera data, and making sense of the landscape they live in.
EP. 435: Sometimes You Gotta Suffer | Tony Peterson
In this episode, I sit down with Tony Peterson for a conversation that starts with deer and turkeys—and then runs as wide and deep as the backcountry itself. We get into the real nuts and bolts of hunting: why in-season scouting often trumps postseason planning, how observing deer in real time teaches more than any app ever could, and why flexible strategies almost always beat rigid ones in the wh
EP. 434: Chasing Ghosts - Grit, Heartbreak, and Big Woods Whitetails | Lucas Benoit
In this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with Lucas Benoit—a lifelong New Hampshire deer tracker with a deep understanding of big woods bucks. We dig into the realities of hunting low-density whitetails in the rugged backcountry of New England, where every step counts and patience is currency. Lucas talks about how terrain, pressure, and age class play into buck behavior, and why spendi
EP. 433: Big Bucks Don’t Just Die—You’ve Gotta Finish the Job | Chris Weist
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I’m joined by my buddy Chris Weist, a Pennsylvania native with deep roots in both hunting and competitive powerlifting. We cover a lot of ground in this one—from what it means to chase big deer on pressured ground to what it takes to recover from serious injuries and still get after it.
Chris shares the story of his first deer, what he learned
EP. 432: Hunting Without Expectations | Greg Litzinger
In this episode, we’re talking about setbacks, comebacks, and the kind of grit it takes to keep hunting when life throws you a curveball. Injury and recovery aren’t just physical hurdles—they test your patience, adaptability, and mental game just as much. We dive into how time off can shift your perspective, sharpen your focus, and make you appreciate the small victories that come with getting bac
Ep. 431: Mater The Mental Game | Joel Turner | Shot IQ
On this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with Joel Turner, a guy who knows more about the mental side of archery than just about anyone. We’re not just talking about shooting—we’re talking about the mind game behind every release, every draw, and every moment of high-stakes hunting. Joel breaks down the difference between thoughts and thinking, why what you say to yourself before a shot
EP. 430: Hunting Dog Hack That’ll Make You a Better Deer Hunter | Aaron Hepler
In this episode of Truth From The Stand, I catch up with Aaron Hepler to talk about everything from hunting strategy to the value of good hunting partners. We dig into the highs and lows of the season, the lessons learned, and the balance between solo and group hunting. Whether you're the kind of hunter who thrives on the camaraderie of a deer camp or someone who prefers the mental clarity of a so
EP. 429: However Long It Takes | A Killer's Mindset | Jace Allen
In this episode of Truth From The Stand, I sit down with Jace to talk about the raw journey of chasing particular mature deer . We dive into setting goals and learning from mistakes, and how true fulfillment comes from the chase itself—not just the kill. Jace and I break down how a mindset built on gratitude and preparation can transform the hunting experience, turning personal success into a way
EP. 428: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly | Chad Sylvester
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with Chad for a conversation about the raw realities of hunting and personal growth. We dive into everything from battling brutal winter weather to the highs and lows of hunting in Idaho, Ohio, and the Pennsylvania big woods.
We dig into the highs and lows of chasing a buck, the emotional rollercoaster of committing to one animal, an
EP. 427: Adapting To Pressure | Mature Buck Strategies | Cameron Derr
In this episode of the Truth From The Stand podcast, I sit down with my buddy Cam to talk about some big life changes—his recent engagement, a new farm, and, of course, chasing big deer. We break down the lessons learned from hunting in the plains, the importance of reading deer behavior, and why sticking to a plan can be just as important as knowing when to adapt.
Cam also shares the story of a
Recommended
0xResearch
10000 MINUTES
1000 Things You Should Know
1000x
1001 Classic Short Stories & Tales
1001raah | هزار و یک راه
1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories & The Best of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
1001 Songs That Make You Want To Die
100 Famous Dogs
#100MasterCoaches with Mel Leow, MCC
100% Mixtape Podcast
100 With The Hunter's
