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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, reflecting on how success in the deer woods often comes down to presence, persistence, and the willingness to keep moving.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 456

  • Hunting is about the process, not just the outcome.
  • Early lessons shape your expectations and mindset in the woods.
  • Adaptability and presence are key to consistent success.
  • Every hunter develops a style that matches their personality.
  • Mistakes and risk-taking create the best learning opportunities.
  • Gear matters, but mindset carries more weight.

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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 the practical stuff—like shot placement, patience in the stand, and balancing family life with time in the woods.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 455

  • Social media can warp realistic hunting goals
  • Trusting your instincts leads to better decisions
  • Shot placement: always aim for the exit
  • Terrain knowledge and topo maps reveal deer movement
  • Deer often take the path of least resistance

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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 archery, the adrenaline of chasing elk and moose, and the value of making mistakes you can actually learn from. It’s a conversation about preparation, patience, and the kind of experience you can only earn with time in the wild.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 453

  • Understanding local deer behavior and habits is critical for success.
  • Scouting and timing can significantly improve hunting outcomes.
  • Social bucks are often more predictable than loners.
  • Experience and learning from mistakes sharpen decision-making in the field.
  • Traditional archery adds unique challenges and rewards.
  • Hunting different species like elk and moose broadens skills and perspective.
  • Preparation and planning are as important as the hunt itself.

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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 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.

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EP.451: Primal Instincts | How To GetThe 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 on the importance of letting each hunt teach you something, even when the freezer stays empty. This one’s about learning from the process, leaning into the uncertainty, and letting the woods shape the kind of hunter—and person—you’re becoming.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 451

  • Set clear goals to get the most from every hunt.
  • Preparation—mental and physical—is non-negotiable.
  • A primal connection to the process makes the experience richer.
  • Intuition often beats overthinking in the moment of truth.
  • Mindset and adaptability matter more than most realize.
  • The hunt should shape you—not just your freezer.

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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 seasons—including the ones where things didn’t go as planned—and talk about adapting after injuries, trusting your gut, and learning from every sit. Whether it’s finding fresh sign, hunting scrapes, or just appreciating time in the timber, Jason brings a grounded, thoughtful approach to hunting that’s all about doing the work and enjoying the ride.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 450

  • Wind and deer behavior matter more than scent control.
  • Time in the woods and good gear—especially boots—go a long way.
  • Mentorship and trial-and-error shape better hunters.
  • Focus on bedding, scrapes, and habitat edges.
  • Public land calls for adaptable, confident strategy.
  • Enjoy the process—meat or antlers, it’s all part of the reward.

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EP. 446: No Shortcuts and Hard Lessons | Chris …

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.

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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 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.

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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, and why there’s no such thing as a universal strategy. Chad and I talk abou the myth of the perfect plan, and why understanding wind is probably more important than whatever new gadget you just bought.

We also get into how gear helps—but only if you know how to actually use it—and how experience in the field, not the checkout cart, leads to consistent success. Whether it’s learning how to draw on a cagey buck or deciding when to back out, this one’s full of the gritty, nuanced reality of chasing mature deer.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 444

  • Hunting success hinges on tough decisions made under pressure—not perfect conditions.
  • Missed opportunities often teach more than punched tags.
  • Confidence and adaptability are built through uncomfortable, real-world hunts.
  • Wind mapping and understanding deer behavior are non-negotiables for chasing mature bucks.
  • There’s no magic formula—developing a personal skillset is key.
  • Gear helps, but only if you’ve earned the know-how to use it well.

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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 life—can reset your mindset in a good way. Jason shares how his approach to hunting has shifted over time, especially as he’s taken on the challenge of chasing deer in low-density areas where patience, grit, and strategy really matter.

We also get into how your instincts tend to sharpen the more time you spend in the woods, and how sometimes success comes down to timing, adaptability, and a little bit of luck. This one’s about the long game—learning from your hunts, trusting your gut, and remembering that the hunt is about a lot more than just punching a tag.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 443

  • Disconnecting from tech isn’t just good for your brain—it’s good for your hunting too.
  • Chasing deer in low-density areas teaches a whole different kind of patience and grit.
  • The older you get, the more your strategies shift from aggressive to calculated.
  • Sometimes the smartest move you can make is slowing down and trusting your gut.
  • Hunting the Carolinas means dealing with tough terrain and even tougher deer—but the reward is worth it.
  • Success often hinges more on timing, discipline, and knowing the land than motivation or gear.
  • At the end of the day, it’s not just about filling a tag—it’s about learning something every time you step into the woods.

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