California Clays
California Clays is a podcast dedicated to competitive shotgun sports, hosted by amateur competitor Henning Mathew. Each episode features interviews with world, national, and state champions, as well as their coaches and key industry figures. The show delves into techniques, personal stories, and insights from disciplines like Sporting Clays, FITASC, Helice, Trap, Skeet, and international competitions. Listeners can expect engaging conversations celebrating the world of competitive shooting.
Episodes
Todd Hitch - Back 2 Back US Open Champion
How does someone go from a relatively new competitive shooter to one of the best sporting clays shooters in the world in just a handful of years?
That’s what I wanted to understand in this episode.
Todd Hitch is a back-to-back U.S. Open Champion, former Junior World FITASC Champion, Spanish King’s Cup Champion, Team USA shooter, and one of the most dangerous competitors in both Sporting Clay
Winchester Life TV Season 5 - EP 7 - More Than a Medal
In this episode of Winchester Life, Winchester athletes Kim Rhode and Desirae Edmonds share what it takes to compete at the highest level of clay target shooting. From the pressure of national competition to the routines that build confidence, they reveal how preparation, mental focus, and years of dedication lead to success. Both Kim and Desi emphasize that managing pressure is a learned skill, s
James Jean - World Record Trickshooter
What can a world-record trick shooter teach clay shooters about vision, timing, and hand-eye coordination?
In this episode of the CA Clays Podcast, I sit down with James Jean of JamesJeanTrickShots, a multiple world record holder known for making seemingly impossible shots with bows, firearms, and other projectiles.
But the real story isn’t the trick shots. It’s what’s happening behind them.
Ben Husthwaite - Champion. Coach. Controversy.
World Champion, international coach and one of clay shooting’s most polarizing personalities, Ben Husthwaite joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about winning, coaching, controversy, gun fit, shooting myths, personal growth and his goals for another World Championship.
Tom John - 9-Time CA State Champion
Nine-time California State Champion. CA Sporting Clays Hall of Famer. Team USA shooter. Coach. And more than three decades competing at a high level in sporting clays.
In this episode, I sit down with Tom John to talk about his incredible career in clay shooting and the evolution of sporting clays in California.
Tom won his first California State Championship back in 1993 and has had a front
Grace Choe - 3-time CA State Lady Champion
Grace Choe is a three-time California State Lady Champion, a Ladies Pro Squad competitor and someone who has made an impact on California sporting clays both on and off the course.
In this episode, Grace talks about how she got started in the sport, the evolution of her shooting and what it takes to compete successfully at the state and national level.
We also discuss what she has learned fr
Cory Kruse - World & National Champion
Today I’m joined by Cory Kruse, one of the most accomplished sporting clays shooters in the game. Cory is a 2-time National Champion, World English Champion, U.S Open Champion, coach, content creator, and the man behind Sporting Collective, an app and website built to help shooters train, learn, and better understand the game.
He comes from a pretty incredible shooting pedigree, having been tra
Braxton Oliver - 2026 World English Sporting Champion
Braxton Oliver is the 2026 World English Sporting Champion.
In this episode I sit down with Braxton to talk about his huge win at the 2026 World English Sporting Championship, where he stepped into the Super Final one target back and came out on top against some of the best sporting clays shooters in the world.
But this conversation is not just about the win.
We get into Braxton’s backgro
The World Championship Mindset: Managing Terror and Success
What does it feel like when you are standing on the edge of winning a World Championship?
In this clip, David Radulovich talks about the pressure and anxiety he felt as he was closing in on the World FITASC title.
It is a great look into the mental side of championship shooting. The targets matter, but so does what is happening inside your head when everything is on the line.
David went o
Derrick Mein - Man On A Mission
Derrick Mein is a Man On A Mission.
Fresh off a silver medal at the ISSF World Cup in Almaty, Kazakhstan, a runner-up finish at the National Sporting Clays Championship, a third-place finish at the World English Sporting Championship, and another runner-up finish at the Western Regional, Derrick is proving once again why he is one of the most complete shotgun shooters in the world.
In this e
Grace Corselli - 2023 and 2025 CA State Lady Champion
Grace Corselli has enjoyed success at the highest levels of competitive shooting, earning the title of two-time California State Ladies Champion (2023 and 2025) as well as State Champion in Oklahoma, Utah, and Arizona.
She was the Lady Runner-Up at the 2024 NSCA National Championship and has accumulated numerous podium finishes at regional, national, and world championship events throughout her
Andy Shahidi - 2026 USHA Helice National Champion
In this episode of The California Clays Podcast, I sit down with Andy Shahidi, one of the youngest shooters making the biggest impact in the Helice and live pigeon shooting world.
Andy is a 2-time World Champion in Helice, a World Champion in live pigeon shooting, and the 2026 Helice Nationals HOA Champion, where he won both the overall title and the Junior title.
What makes Andy’s story so
Jonny Carter - Host of TGS Outdoors
Today I’m joined by Jonny Carter, the host of TGS Outdoors, one of the most recognizable shotgun and shooting lifestyle channels on YouTube.
Jonny is a former gunsmith who somehow turned his love of shotguns, shooting culture and storytelling into a career that has taken him all over the world. Through TGS, he has documented everything from beautiful guns and incredible shooting grounds to the
David Radulovich - 2017 World FITASC Champion
I sat down with David Radulovich, a former World FITASC and US Open Champion.
We discussed David's shooting journey, equipment evolution, and shooting philosophy. David explained how he recently switched guns after 11 years with his Perazzi Hi-Tech setup. He described how the new gun's different weight distribution and thinner rib design better complement his shooting style and ability.
Th
Cliff Seibert - Ops Manager of Northbrook Sports Club & Host of Sporting Clays Nation.
New episode with Cliff Seibert of Northbrook Sports Club and Sporting Clays Nation.
Cliff is not only a competitive shooter, but is deeply involved in one of the premier clubs in the country. He is also one of the voices helping tell the story of our sport through podcasting. We had a fun conversation about shooting, the sport, podcasting, different interview styles, and what keeps people engag
Derrick Mein - Debriefs the 2025 Nationals
I recorded this episode on November 17th with Olympian Derrick Mein, fresh off his 2nd place finish at the 2025 U.S. National Sporting Clays Championship.
In this episode, we debrief the shoot from Derrick’s perspective, how he evaluated the courses, managed pressure, and talked himself through the event to earn a podium finish at Nationals.
We also get inside the mind of Derrick a former O
Anthony Matarese Jr. - 2025 National Sporting Clays Championship Debrief
Today’s episode is a special follow-up with Anthony Matarese Jr., one of the most respected minds in our sport.
This time, Anthony reflects on his performance at the 2025 Sporting Clays National Championship, where he did not finish to his expectations. But as you’ll hear, he doesn't make any excuses.
Anthony and I talk about how he evaluates his own performance and where his mindset is head
Joe Fanizzi - 2021 NSCA National & Tour Champion
Today I’m joined by one of the brightest young stars in the shooting world, Joe Fanizzi. At just 22 years old, Joe has already accomplished what most shooters dream of in a lifetime. He’s the 2021 NSCA National and Tour Champion, 5x NSCA Regional Champion, 2x Jack Links Cup Champion, 4x Diamond Classic Champion, 2x World Championship Silver Medalist. He has also made 14 NSCA Team USA Teams. He als
David Dalu - 2025 U.S. National FITASC Champion
Today’s guest is someone who perfectly embodies the idea that it’s never too late to chase excellence.
Dr. David Dalu is a retired emergency room physician who recently shocked himself and the competitive shooting world by winning the 2025 National FITASC Championship.
He’s a member of Anthony Matarese’s A.I.M. Shooting Team, and while he might not be a household name — his performance this
Desi Edmunds - 2025 Sporting Clays Hall of Famer
Today I’m sitting down once again with one of the sport’s all-time greats, Desirae “Desi” Edmunds.
If you follow sporting clays, you already know Desi’s résumé: multiple-time national and world champion, PSCA Tour Ladies Champion, Team USA shooter, and one of the most consistent and respected competitors to ever step on the clay course.
This year marks an especially meaningful milestone as
Greyson Ponder - 2025 All American & FLC All-Around Champion
On this episode, I’m joined by someone who represents the next generation of elite competitive shooters, his name is Greyson Ponder.
Greyson’s journey began with hunting and fishing with his dad, long before he ever stepped onto a competition course. What started as a family passion turned into a lifelong pursuit behind the gun.
He’s a Master Class competitor, instructor, and proud member o
Macie Page - 2-Time Ladies World Helice Champion & 4-Time Ladies U.S. National Helice Champion
I sat down with one of the most dominant young athletes in the world of Helice shooting, Macie Page. She’s a 4-time Ladies U.S. National Helice Champion and now a two-time Ladies World Helice Champion, fresh off her win in Italy at the 2025 Worlds.
What makes Macie’s rise even more impressive is not just her dominance in the Ladies division, but how competitive she is again
Dillon Epp - 2025 North Carolina State Champion & 2025 All-American 2nd Team
Today’s guest is Dillon Epp, a guy who’s been flying under the radar…until he started beating some of the pros. He’s not a household name (yet), and that’s exactly why I wanted to talk to him.
He’s what I’d call an "Average Joe Pro", someone who built his skillset through time, reps, and a mindset that refuses to settle.
In this episode, we talk about how he got started, the real work beh
Theo Ribbs - 2025 Team USA - FITASC & 2024 North American FITASC Champion
Today’s guest is someone who brings a whole new level of perspective and purpose to the sport: Theo Ribbs III.
Theo is the 2023 Browning Briley Champion, the 2024 North American FITASC Champion and a member of the 2025 Team USA for FITASC.
In this episode, Theo shares some very personal experiences, including moments that touch on race and his path as the only Black professional in the spo
Ed Solomons & Gary Fitzjarrell (UK and US)
On this episode I sat down with Gary Fitzjarrell and Ed Solomons.
Gary, is an American shooter, target setter and operator of FLC Shooting Grounds in Whitehall, IL.
Ed, is a well respected international shooting coach and world champion from the UK, they both bring a ton of experience and perspective to the table.
We had a great conversation about the different shooting cultures in the
Dr. Ed Lyons - Sports Vision Consultant
Today’s guest is someone whose work is changing the way top shooters see the game—literally.
Dr. Ed Lyons is a renowned sports vision consultant who works with elite athletes across a range of disciplines, including some of the best clay shooters in the world. With a background in optometry and a deep understanding of eye performance under pressure, Ed helps shooters unlock visual skills most
Dominic Grossi - 2025 U.S. FITASC Grand Prix & North American FITASC Champion
Dominic Grossi is a professional sporting clays and FITASC shooter and instructor based out of Houston, Texas. As a member of the U.S. Sporting Clays and FITASC Teams, for nine consecutive years, Dominic has won over a dozen medals in international competition, including the men's team gold medal in the 2023 World FITASC Championship in Budapest. In 2025, Dominic has already claimed the U.S. FITAS
Anthony Matarese Jr. --- World Champion & Coach of Coaches
Anthony Matarese, Jr. is a 26-time NSCA All-American and 18-time Team USA Member that holds the honor of being the first American to win the World Sporting Clays Championship.
Inducted into the NSCA Hall of Fame in 2014, Anthony is one of the most renowned shooters in the sporting clays world with a bevy of regional, national, and world titles under his belt.
In 2020, Anthony became the fir
Chad Roberts - 2019 CA State FITASC & Sporting Champion
Today’s guest is none other than Chad Roberts— a name you’ve probably seen on leaderboards across the country.
Chad is the 2019 California State Champion in both Sporting and FITASC, the 2016 CA State FITASC Champion, a 4-time All-American and a former PSCA Pro. He is also a shooting coach and runs his own school called Breakpoint Shooting Instruction.
The road to becoming a top level compe
Justin Fox - CA State Sporting Clays Champion (2021 and 2023)
In this episode, I’m joined by a California standout—Justin Fox. If you shoot sporting clays in the Golden State, you already know his name.
Justin started young, trained under the guidance of Jay Braccini and Dan Carlisle, and quickly rose through the ranks—from Junior State Champion to a two-time CA State Champion, winning it all in 2021 and again in 2023. He was a 9x All American. From 2003
Ed Solomons - World Champion and Clay Shooting Coach
On today's episode I had the pleasure of interviewing Ed Solomons.
Many of you know him from the many videos he has done for TGS, ShotKam and Schoffel Country. You can find them all on YouTube.
If you don't know Ed, he is a very accomplished shooter who has been shooting for the past 27 years and has also been a sought after international clay shooting coach since 2015. Ed coaches shooters
Former U.S. Olympic Shotgun Coaches - Jay Waldron and Lance Bade - Part 3
In Part 3 of this series, Gary, Jay, Lance and I discussed upcoming shooting events for the International sports, and the importance of promoting Olympic shooting sports in the U.S.
We also addressed the issue of people falsely claiming to be Olympic athletes or coaches, and the excitement surrounding the U.S. shooting team for the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Former U.S. Olympic Shotgun Coaches - Jay Waldron and Lance Bade - Part 2
In Part 2 of this episode I interview Jay Waldron and Lance Bade. Former Olympic Athletes in bunker trap and double trap and recently retired coaches to the U.S. Olympic team in the shotgun disciplines.
Jay and Lance have a wealth of knowledge. We discuss their experience as Olympic competitors and their switch to coaching these elite athletes.
Lance and Jay emphasize the importance of buil
Former U.S. Olympic Shotgun Coaches - Jay Waldron and Lance Bade - Part 1
In this episode I interview Jay Waldron and Lance Bade. Former Olympic Athletes in bunker trap and double trap and recently retired coaches to the U.S. Olympic team in the shotgun disciplines.
Jay and Lance have a wealth of knowledge. We discuss their experience as Olympic competitors and their switch to coaching these elite athletes.
The discussion also covered their coaching philosophies,
Desi Edmunds - World and National Sporting Clays Champion
I interviewed, Desirae Edmunds, multiple-time World Champion, National Sporting Clays Champion, multiple time Team USA team Captain and multiple time All-American. She has also been a 16x member of Team USA. Desi's accolades in the clay shooting sports are impressive.
Desi is a trailblazer for women in the shotgun shooting sports and has been a great role model and ambassador for its growth.
Brett Seibert - GM of Northbrook Sports Club
I interviewed Brett Seibert. General Manager of Northbrook Sports Club and NSCA Executive Council Member.
Brett and I discussed a variety of topics, including his experience on what it is like managing a world-class gun club.The growth of the club under his leadership and how the club built a supportive and active membership.
He also talks about the new initiative that the NSCA is ponderi
Jake James - 2024 CA State Sporting and FITASC Champion
In this episode of California Clays, I interview Jake James, the 2024 California State Champion in both FITASC and Sporting Clays.
In just four years, Jake has risen to the top of the competitive sporting clays world in California and has quickly established himself as a serious contender on both the regional and national stages.
We explore the key factors behind his rapid progression betwee
Derrick Mein - U.S. Olympian, World and National Champion.
I interview, 2020 and 2024 US Olympian, multiple time World and National Champion, Derrick Mein. Derrick is known as one of the best All Round shotgunners in the world.
We discuss his experience and approach to competitive shooting, his gun setup, and mental strategies. Derrick also shared the lessons he's learned from competing on the largest stages including his Olympic journey and his Worl
Gary Fitzjarrell Interview
I interview Gary Fitzjarrell, 5th generation shotgunner, former All American, former Team USA Member, member of numerous All State Teams, holder of multiple State Titles, and inducted into the Illinois State Hall of Fame.
Now retired from farming, Gary is the owner and operator of FLC Shooting Grounds in Whitehall, IL. He is also the Admin for one of the largest Facebook clay shooting groups,
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