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 focusing on the process—not just the outcome—can make you a better hunter and a better human. From deer seasons to big life seasons, this one’s all about slowing down, staying present, and figuring out what really matters.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 452

• Gratitude and a positive mindset help navigate hunting and life challenges.
• Ben Askren’s recovery and the power of mental resilience.
• Hunting teaches life lessons that extend beyond the woods.
• Managing expectations prevents burnout and disappointment.
• The journey holds more value than the final result.
• Accountability and long-term focus drive meaningful growth.

Link In Bio: 

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

—Save on Lathrop And Sonsnon-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check outFaceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV

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 into how elimination and identification shape our hunting decisions, why mastering the fundamentals matters whether you’re tightening a choke in jiu jitsu or slipping an arrow through a buck’s ribs, and how the right mindset can make or break your hunt before you ever lace up your boots. 

Cody shares what he’s seeing out there, where he’s headed next, and why the pressure we carry these days sometimes needs to be left at the truck. It’s an honest look at discipline, flow state, and why the best lessons still come from just showing up, putting in the work, and staying present enough to enjoy the whole damn ride.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 449

• Unplugging from tech is tougher — and more rewarding — than folks think.
• Road shows give Cody fresh lessons and real connections with hunters everywhere.
• Cutting dead spots and doubling down on good ground makes all the difference.
• Mastery, whether on the mats or in the stand, comes down to intent and time under tension.
• Staying present and trusting flow beats overthinking every time.
• Hunting is unpredictable — persistence and grit usually beat raw talent.
• Cody’s fired up for the next hunt, the next roll, and the next chance to learn.

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

—Save on ⁠⁠Lathrop And Sons⁠⁠ non-typical insoles code TRUTH10

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—⁠⁠Waypoint TV

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 failures, the close calls, and the quiet discipline behind decades of consistent success. We talk about the changing face of bowhunting, the importance of humility, and why doing it the hard way still matters. If you’re into wild places, serious challenges, and learning from a guy who’s been there and done it the right way, this is one you won’t want to miss.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 446

• How a blue-collar upbringing shaped his bowhunting path.
• Building his own bows and sticking with traditional gear.
• Grizzly, moose, and polar bear hunts  – raw adventure.
• Chris explains why hunting stays a passion, not a profession.
• Technology has changed hunting—for better or worse.
• Solo hunts and failure taught him grit, patience, and perspective.
• His biggest hunts highlight the value of preparation and humility.

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

—Save on Lathrop And Sonsnon-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check outFaceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV

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 solo trips out west to lessons learned hunting closer to home in Michigan and Illinois. We dig into scouting strategies, adapting to unfamiliar terrain, and how the best education often comes from boots-on-the-ground experience.

We also talk about what happens after the shot—the gratitude, the reflection, and how those memories stick with you long after the freezer’s full. Whether you’re chasing whitetails in your home state or chasing a new tag across the country, this conversation is about growing as a hunter and appreciating the process every step of the way.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 445

• Scouting, especially in unfamiliar terrain, is key to consistent success.
• Travel hunts offer new challenges that test and sharpen your skills.
• Trusting your gut in the moment can often beat overthinking.
• Social media, when used right, can connect like-minded hunters and open doors.
• The joy of hunting comes as much from the process as it does from punching tags.
• Reflecting on wins and misses—especially solo—is where the real growth happens.

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

—Save on Lathrop And Sonsnon-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check outFaceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV

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 realize it or not. Tom opens up about a specific buck that taught him hard lessons—the kind that don’t show up on a trail cam. We talk about swampy, unforgiving terrain, and why sometimes, in both hunting and life, your best bet is to stop chasing perfection and just trust your gut.

This one’s about the crossover—where baseball meets bowhunting, where mindset trumps data, and where growing up with a little chip on your shoulder turns out to be your greatest asset.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 441

• Lifting weights, chasing deer, and traveling for pro sports all come with discomfort—but they build resilience.
• Hunting swamps in New York requires the same gut instincts and patience that make good ballplayers and better hunters.
• Understanding a buck’s personality can be just as important as reading sign or camera data.
• Balancing aggression with patience—and why sometimes you’ve got to push the pace to grow.
• The “weed mentality” comes up—thriving without support, adapting on the fly, and finding a way to win in tough terrain.
• Whether you’re behind a bat or behind a bow, success often comes down to one thing: trusting your gut and pulling the trigger.

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

—Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ cell cameras

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—Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Waypoint TV

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 by behavior, not just sign, and we get into everything from the strategic use of mock scrapes to the rising cost of deer mounts and the real reason some guys just burn out. We also hit on the value of solitude, instinct, and pushing yourself past the easy button in both public and private land settings. This one’s for the folks who are still grinding and still learning—season after season.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 440

• Scouting and understanding deer movement 
• Simple strategies often beat overcomplicated setups
• Property lines and public/private dynamics 
• Mature bucks don’t move like the rest
• Early scrapes, bedding shifts, and dominant does 
• Hunting alone sharpens your instincts, but burnout is real

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

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—Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠Faceoff E-Bikes⁠⁠⁠⁠

—⁠⁠⁠⁠Waypoint TV

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 more now than ever.

We also dig into the parallels between hunting and jiu-jitsu—how real growth usually comes from leaning into discomfort, and how being intentional, whether you’re in the woods or on the mats, makes all the difference. Johnny and I talk about confidence, the struggle with promotions, and how competition (in any area of life) sharpens you if you let it.

We also dive into  Iowa whitetails, lessons learned from missed opportunities, and how planning—whether for a big hunt or the next tournament—is what really sets you up for success. It’s a conversation about preparation, grit, and why shared experiences in the outdoors always seem to bring it all full circle.

• Life changes force you to reset your priorities and rethink how you spend your time
• Growth  comes from leaning into discomfort and showing up when it’s hard.
• Real progress demands discipline over motivation.
• Community and vulnerability are the real engines behind growth.
• The worst training days and the biggest hunting misses usually teach you the most.
• Planning and intentionality in both hunting and training lead to better, more consistent outcomes.

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

—⁠⁠⁠Truth From The Stand Merch⁠⁠⁠

—Check out ⁠⁠⁠Tactacam Reveal⁠⁠⁠ cell cameras

— Save 15% on ⁠⁠⁠Hawke Optics⁠⁠⁠ code TFTS15

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—⁠⁠⁠Waypoint TV

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. We take a deep dive into the Magnolia Buck—one of those hunts where patience, timing, and knowing the local deer intimately made all the difference.

We also cover Brandon’s “70 Rule” for aging fawns based on track size, why understanding bedding and social structure matters, and how using historical camera data can help build better strategies season after season. Whether it’s trail cam placement, identifying browse damage, or reading subtle travel corridors during the rut, this conversation is packed with real-world insight you can use.

If you’re serious about understanding why bucks do what they do—and how to build a plan that works around them instead of forcing one on them—this one’s for you.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 436

• It can take 2–3 years to truly understand a new hunting area and develop a strategy
• The “70 Rule” helps age fawns by track size and better predict estrus timing within doe groups
• Bedding shifts with weather and pressure
• The Magnolia Buck story shows how patience and historical intel lead to payoff
• Focus on primary bedding and “spot within a spot” setups to find mature bucks
• Use trail cams to inform woodsman-ship—not replace it

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

—Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check out Faceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV

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 growing up in a hunting family, and how the lessons from the gym carry over into the woods. We talk about the mental side of training, how injuries like a torn pec tendon shift your perspective, and why being mindful in both your training and your time afield matters more than you think.

We also dive into scouting, the difference between hunting with a compound and a trad bow, and why post-season prep is where the real work gets done. If you’re into the grind of deer hunting and the grit it takes to stay in the game—whether you’re in the gym or up a tree—this one’s for you.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 433

• Postseason scouting is key to staying ahead of big deer.
• Long-term observation and knowing how wind and thermals move through a spot pays dividends
• Traditional bowhunting forces you to slow down, get close, and think like a deer
• Good hunting isn’t about body counts—it’s about time in the woods and what you learn from it
• Training and recovery off-season matters just as much as boot time when the rut hits
• Injury or not, showing up and staying in the game speaks volumes about passion and grit

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

—Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check out Faceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV

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 back in the woods.

We also break down the raw beauty and brutal lessons of longbow hunting—why it challenges everything you think you know, how ground hunting changes the game, and why confidence with your gear is just as important as picking the right tree. From tuning a bow to adjusting your expectations in the field, we get into what it really takes to become a better hunter, not just a luckier one. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, diving into traditional archery, or just looking for ways to hunt smarter, this episode is all about learning, adapting, and getting after it.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 432

• Hunt for the experience, not just the outcome
• Ground hunting is a game-changer—more mobility, better adaptability, and a whole new challenge
• Relearning skills keeps you sharp
• Talking yourself through the shot matters—mental focus is as important as physical execution
• Mistakes make you better
• Scouting with intention 

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

—Save on Lathrop And Sons non-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check out Faceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV