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. It’s a different kind of discipline, and in a lot of ways it mirrors the same mindset you need if you’re trying to stay consistent with fitness or mobility work.

From there we get into the hunting side of things—postseason scouting, learning new terrain, and figuring out how deer actually move through the places we hunt instead of how we think they should. Rendell shares some experiences from this past season, including a few close calls and missed opportunities that most of us can probably relate to. And like most good hunting conversations, it eventually lands on the reality that the longer you do this, the more you realize the real progress usually comes from paying attention, adapting, and being willing to learn from every season.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 483

• Transitioning to traditional archery forces better body mechanics and shooting discipline than many hunters expect.
• Mobility, movement patterns, and proper technique matter just as much in fitness as they do in shooting a bow well.
• Small adjustments in anchor point, form, and consistency can dramatically improve shooting performance.
• Postseason scouting and terrain study reveal how deer actually move through landscapes—not how we assume they do.
• Mature deer often travel much farther between bedding and food sources than most hunters realize.
• Hunting new states and unfamiliar terrain pushes hunters to adapt quickly and rely on observation and instinct.
• The biggest improvements come from learning from mistakes, staying patient, and enjoying the process.

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

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 scouting in big woods, what’s changed for me with a traditional bow, and why humility shows up real quick when you put the wheels away and go back to wood and string. There’s some nuts-and-bolts stuff in there too—how I approach out-of-state hunts, what I’ve learned the hard way, and even a breakdown of the hunting trailer and cabin projects that are shaping the next few seasons.

But if there’s a thread running through all of it, it’s this: hunting isn’t separate from the rest of your life. Your fitness matters. Your recovery matters. Your mindset matters. If you want to do this for decades, you’d better treat it like something worth keeping.

This episode’s about playing the long game—on deer, and on yourself.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 480

• Nothing  is ever as bad as it feels in the moment — perspective matters.
• Build a life that supports your passions instead of squeezing them in.
• Reps kill more deer than antler obsession ever will.
• Big woods demand patience, wind awareness, and a willingness to feel lost.
• Traditional gear forces awareness and sharpens woodsmanship.
• Fitness, recovery, and sleep are part of staying in the game for decades.
• Set attainable goals — then stack experience until bigger ones make sense.

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

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. There are stories from the high country, close calls, grizzlies, and the kind of lessons you only learn when things don’t go perfectly.

A lot of this conversation lives in the mental space—trusting your prep, staying present when it counts, and understanding how mindset can either free you up or get in your way. This one’s about reset, perspective, and remembering why being out there matters in the first place.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 479

• Letting go of pressure can bring the enjoyment—and performance—back into hunting.
• Time in nature has real therapeutic value when you allow it to slow you down.
• Mindset often matters more than tactics when things get tense or uncertain.
• Trusting your preparation frees you to stay present when it counts most.
• High-stakes moments expose mental weaknesses faster than physical ones.
• Reflection after the season is how real growth actually starts.
• Resetting your approach can be the difference between burnout and longevity.

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 Sonsnon-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check outFaceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV

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 leave a mark because they’re earned, not curated.

We unpack how modern tools, social media, and shifting expectations have changed the way a lot of us experience the woods—and how easy it is to lose sight of why we started hunting in the first place. Chad and I get honest about influence, ego, motivation, and the tension between chasing outcomes and honoring the process. At the heart of it all is a reminder that woodsmanship, awareness, discomfort, and humility can’t be watered down—and that the best parts of hunting still live in the friction, the uncertainty, and the quiet moments when nobody’s watching.

This one’s about reconnecting with what matters, questioning our motives, and remembering that the hunt is supposed to shape us—not the other way around.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 477

• Hunting can feel watered down when friction and challenge are removed.
• Real growth comes from discomfort, effort, and earned experience.
• Woodsmanship and reading nature are skills that can’t be replaced or diluted.
• Influence can be driven by ego—or by a genuine desire to help others.
• Self-reflection reveals why we hunt and what truly motivates us.
• The dilution of hunting reflects broader cultural shifts, not just technology.
• The deepest value of hunting lies in connection, struggle, and personal growth.

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

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 slow down and rethink how he moves, and how recovery, discipline, and mental reps matter just as much as physical ones. We also dig into the pressure that comes with the outdoor industry, walking away from familiar paths, and having the guts to choose work that actually lines up with who you are. This one’s about paying attention—to your body, your goals, and the direction you’re headed—before the next season ever starts.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 474

• The turn of a new year often feels familiar, forcing honest reflection on where growth actually happened.
• Hunting seasons—and bodies—don’t follow plans, making adaptability and patience essential.
• Injuries and setbacks can become teachers when mindfulness and recovery take priority.
• Mental reps, scouting, and preparation matter just as much as physical execution.
• Managing expectations is key to keeping hunting fun instead of turning it into pressure.
• Stepping away—whether from a season, a sport, or an industry—can restore clarity and passion.
• Real fulfillment comes from doing work and pursuits you’d still choose without an audience.

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 Sonsnon-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check outFaceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV

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 to anyone else’s, how to qualify your own process so you’re actually improving, and what it looks like to reset and find opportunity when the plan starts to unravel. If you’re trying to figure out how to make the most of what’s left of the season—or how to learn from it—this is the kind of conversation that brings you back to center.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 470

• Late-season hunting demands adaptability, strategic thinking, and realistic expectations.
• Feeling “stuck” is common in the deer woods, and shifting your perspective can open new opportunities.
• Time management and planning hunts around the best weather windows greatly improve success.
• Every hunt—successful or not—should be treated as an intel-gathering mission for future decisions.
• Comparison to other hunters derails progress; the real work happens in qualifying your own process.
• Regularly evaluating and adjusting your strategy is essential for long-term growth.
• Hunting is a slow burn—patience, mindset, and continuous learning matter more than short-term results.

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 Sonsnon-typical insoles code TRUTH10

—Check outFaceoff E-Bikes

—Waypoint TV

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 landlocked access battles and busted stalks to adjusting when the weather and the deer both refuse to cooperate, this one’s packed with hard-earned truths. 

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 466

• Every day after the peak rut gets tougher, so you’ve got to work smarter, not harder.
• Cattle, terrain, and pressure can flip a hunt upside down — adaptability is everything.
• Missed shots and hard hunts teach more than perfect ones ever will.
• Humor and perspective keep the grind fun, whether you’re in the stand or in business.
• At the end of the day, it’s not about the tag — it’s about loving the process.

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

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-specific deer behavior to balancing specialization with adaptability, this one’s all about the mental side of the game—how you think, adjust, and evolve season after season.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 464

• Mastering your whitetail hunt requires a diverse toolkit and adaptable mindset.
• Specialization builds confidence but can narrow your perspective.
• Chad’s Idaho hunt delivered hard-earned lessons and real-world insights.
• Micro-terrain and historical data hold the keys to consistent deer encounters.
• Familiarity bias can stall growth—explore new ground and learn from it.
• Listening to what the hunt tells you is often more valuable than any plan.

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

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 time in the hills. We get into how travel hunting sharpens your skills, the importance of paying attention to details and deer behavior, and why building relationships with landowners through door knocking can open new opportunities. This one is about more than just filling a tag—it’s about savoring the wins, learning from the misses, and chasing that next challenge.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM PODCAST 461

• Discipline in Fitness & Hunting – Justin shares how staying disciplined in the gym builds the same mental toughness needed in the woods.
• Travel Hunting Lessons – Hunting new states forces adaptation, sharpens strategies, and makes you a better hunter.
• Attention to Detail – Understanding deer behavior, reading terrain, and focusing on genetics can tip the odds in your favor.
• Balancing Family & Hunting – Supportive partners and good planning make it possible to chase deer without sacrificing family life.
• Celebrate, Then Reset – Savor the win when you tag out but quickly shift focus to the next challenge.
• Relationships & Access – Door knocking and building trust with landowners can unlock new hunting opportunities.
• The Emotional Side of Hunting – The thrill of the chase, lessons from failure, and shared experiences are what keep hunters coming back.

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

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

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