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 exploring new hunting ground, so we break down what it takes to scout fresh terrain, build a plan from scratch, and adapt to unfamiliar areas. We also dive into blood trailing, shot placement, thermals, and the reality of marginal hits—stuff every serious hunter wrestles with eventually. Whether you’re slinging a stickbow or shooting a compound, this episode is about progression, patience, and owning every step of the process.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 442

• Target panic is real—sharpening your mental game can help beat it.
• Practicing under pressure matters; you shoot how you train, especially when it counts.
• Tracking wounded deer—every decision matters.
• Trail cams help, but nothing replaces time in the woods.
• Visualization isn’t fluff—it’s a skill that separates consistent killers from the rest.
• New terrain brings new challenges, but adapting to it builds better hunters.
• Every missed shot, busted stalk, and long blood trail teaches you something.

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

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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:

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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

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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 life on the road chasing music dreams actually mirrors the pursuit of becoming a better hunter. Tyler shares what it’s like trying to balance it all—travel, family, and the grit it takes to keep moving forward when everything tells you to quit. There’s plenty of humility, a fair share of laughs, and some honest talk about the kind of perspective that only comes after missing more than you hit.

We dig into how failure can be the best teacher, why staying grateful matters more than you think, and how adapting in the field—and in life—is what separates those who keep growing from those who give up. This one’s as much about personal growth as it is about hunting. Hope you enjoy it.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 437

• Hunting, touring bands, and travel hunts all teach grit and resilience.
• Comfort isn’t guaranteed when you’re travel hunting in new places—it’s part of the fun.
• Failure, both in the field and in life, often teaches more than success ever could.
• Balancing family, passion, and purpose is messy—but it’s where growth happens.
• Humility, not ego, is the key to becoming a better hunter and a better person.
• The path to mastery—whether in hunting or life—is about learning, adapting, and showing up.
• Gratitude and perspective can turn even the toughest moments into something meaningful.

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

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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:

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—Waypoint TV

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 whitetail woods.

We talk about reading deer behavior, understanding annual patterns, and the critical role of food sources and bedding in getting close to mature bucks. Tony breaks down how deer navigate pressure and terrain, and why adapting to those conditions is non-negotiable if you want to be successful. There’s also some real talk about what it means to hunt well—how note-taking, self-awareness, and a healthy dose of humility can shift the whole experience.

And yeah, we even veer into fishing, failure, outer space, and the human condition. Because at the end of the day, it’s all connected—hunting, learning, growing, and finding joy in the process. This one’s about more than tags. It’s about doing the work, enjoying the ride, and becoming a better version of yourself along the way.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 435

• In-season scouting and real-time observation beat off-season assumptions.
• Flexibility in strategy is key—rigid plans rarely survive first contact with a deer.
• Trail cams are tools, not gospel—boots on the ground still matter most.
• Deer behavior is deeply individual; patterns help, but they’re not promises.
• Hunting is a long game, and success comes from learning, failing, and adapting.
• The experience in the woods—wins, losses, and quiet moments—is where the real value lies.
• Whether it’s hunting, fishing, or life, discipline, curiosity, and presence are what move the needle.

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

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—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

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—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:

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—Waypoint TV

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 solo sit, we break down the benefits and challenges of both.

We also get into the essentials—why scouting and gathering intel are game-changers, how boredom can actually spark creativity in the field, and why critical thinking separates successful hunters from the rest. Aaron and I swap stories on traditional archery, working with hunting dogs, and the nuances of scent and wind direction. At the end of the day, it’s about mastering the basics, learning from mistakes, and staying adaptable. If you’re looking to sharpen your skills and rethink your approach, this one’s for you.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 430

• Solo and group hunting each offer unique benefits and challenges
• Scouting and adapting strategies 
• Mastering the basics and learning from mistakes 
• Critical thinking and problem-solving enhance decision-making
• Traditional archery and working with hunting dogs add new dimensions to the hunt

SHOW NOTES AND LINKS:

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—Waypoint TV

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 to give back.

We also explore the evolution from opportunistic hunting to targeted strategies, discussing everything from understanding deer behavior across seasons to the pressure and solitude that come with the pursuit of a singular mature buck. If you’re looking for honest insights into the passion that drives us and the lessons learned in the field, this conversation is for you.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 429

• Opportunistic and targeted strategies
• Learn from every hunt—reflect on mistakes and successes to refine your approach
• Recognize and track deer behavior patterns for targeted, patient pursuit
• Embrace the journey; find fulfillment in the process rather than just the outcome
• Focus on simplicity and minimize distractions to stay true to your passion
• Balance personal growth with the demands of the hunting environment

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