Raise Your Glass Podcast

We're talking about a new partnership this month on the Vanguard Podcast as Tom Nelson from the Pope and Young Club joins host Mike Avery. Tom is a long time member of Pope and Young, a lifelong bowhunter and avid promoter of the sport through his American Archer TV show. Nelson talks about the state of bowhunting today, the appeal of archery and what the future might hold for bowhunting. He also discusses the partnership between Vanguard and Pope and Young...and why it's important for hunting related companies to support the industry.  

On this edition of the Vanguard "Raise Your Glass" Podcast, we're talking with Kelsey Johns of Southern Girl Pursuit TV. Kelsey describes herself as "an ordinary country girl who lives on a farm in a small town on the Kansas/Oklahoma border", but she's making a big impression in the outdoor industry. Her TV show is seen in Kansas and Minnesota, and Kelsey has a strong social media presence. Kelsey tells podcast host Mike Avery about how she got started in the outdoor business. They also talk about her favorite outdoor activities and her plans for the future. The conversation wraps up with details on her relationship with Vanguard and why she loves their products.  

We're talking food plots on this edition of the Vanguard "Raise Your Glass" Podcast. Nick Percy of Killer Food Plots has been in the habitat improvement business for three decades and is an expert in all aspects of property management. Nick talks about the basics of food plots...including consultation, soil samples, seed selection and more. He also discusses how to use timber management and cover screens to improve the hunting on a property.

This month we're talking with reality TV star and Vanguard Pro Staffer Justin Martin from Duck Commander. Justin describes himself as a "God fearing, duck killing" guy who happened to end up on one of the most popular TV shows on the air. He describes how he got started with the Duck Commander crew and what it's like to work with the Robertson family. Martin also talks about his relationship with Vanguard and why he doesn't hesitate to endorse their products.

Vanguard's Chief Photographer Bill Konway joins us on this edition of the podcast. Bill tell the story of how he became a professional photographer and what it's like to work with Vanguard. He also describes some of his favorite shoots and photographic subjects.   Then, he talks about what makes a good photo and has great advice on how to take better pictures.

This month on the Vanguard "Raise Your Glass" podcast we're talking with Bob Kaleta, the Product Marketing Manager for Optics, Hunting and Outdoors. First, Bob describes a recent hunting trip when his son was able to shoot his first buck.  Bob says it was a very rewarding adventure for both of them. Then Bob turns his attention to the new lineup of Vanguard products to be released at the upcoming SHOT show. He describes the new rifle scopes soon to be available and also the exciting new Vesta binoculars and spotting scopes.  

Vanguard Managing Director Tom Beecher joins us on this edition of the podcast. Tom tells the story of a successful handgun hunt for antelope, then has details of a grueling elk hunt. Tom had two close encounters with nice bulls, and thought his hunt might be over, but then scored on this beautiful New Mexico bull with his muzzleloader.

We're looking at the retail side of the outdoor business this month on the podcast as host Mike Avery talks with Bill Freet, manager of Shooters Outfitters in Traverse City, Michigan. Bill describes what it takes to run a successful store and how their partnership with Vanguard has helped business. We also talk about the importance of having the right product available for customers and why customer service is critical.

Tom Spisz talks about the growth of target archery and how it can prepare archers for bow season. Tom also discusses the gear necessary to be a top tier shooter and how to get started in the sport.

This month we're talking with German hunter and social media icon Carsten Raukohl.  Carsten describes hunting in Europe and talks about the growth of hunting in his native country.  The discussion also includes how social media is portraying hunting in a positive light and Carsten's partnership with Vanguard.

This month we're talking with "The Alligator Man", Bruce Mitchell of the Swamp People TV show. Bruce tells the story of growing up in the Louisiana bayou and why hunting and fishing are a big part of his life. He also gives us a glimpse behind the scenes on the TV show and talks about why hunting alligators isn't as profitable as it used to be. The conversation wraps up as Bruce describes his relationship with Vanguard and why he depends on their products.

Henry and Lakeisha Woodard of HALO Chronicles talk about raising their family in the outdoor lifestyle and the challenges of capturing their outdoor adventures on camera.

Tyler Jordan and David Blanton of Realtree talk about the partnership with Vanguard and why they think the two companies are poised to make a very strong impact in the hunting market.

Jessica Taylor-Byers is relatively new to the sport of bowhunting. Through her website and videos she's documenting the transition into the world of stick and string hunting. Jessica has great advice on choosing the right bow and archery gear.

We're talking turkey Josh Carney. Josh has demonstrated an uncanny ability to call birds using nothing more than his mouth and vocal cords. He has great advice for beginning turkey hunters, as well a seasoned veterans of the sport.

Cragg Fitz of Trained Assassins TV has great advice on filling your tag during the late season. Cragg also discusses his relationship with Vanguard and talks about some of their products he uses to be more successful in the field.

Bob Kaleta talks about the upcoming SHOT show and some of the new products to be unveiled there. He also describes the process of bringing a new product to market and the importance of field testing that gear.

We talk with James Trawick of First Light Productions, a dynamic multimedia production house. James is also involved in a new social media platform called YUDU. He talks about building relationships in the outdoor industry.

Kinion Bankston from Southern Boyz Outdoors talks about the power of new media and how to capitalize on that potential. Bankston then talks about Vanguard and their products as well as his excitement over new products on the way.

Dean Hulce is a hunting guide and owner of the Wilson Creek Hunt Club in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He recently hosted two young hunters, courtesy of Vanguard. Dean talks about that hunt and the impact hunting  can have on young person’s life.

“Low and slow”, that’s one piece of great advice from wild game chef Bri Van Scotter on this edition. Bri is a former anti hunter, who has now embraced the outdoor lifestyle as a way to gather top quality ingredients for her recipes.

Jessica and Christian Bond of The Outsiders TV show describe “noodling” for giant catfish and the technique of catching those fish by hand. Then, Eric Sherwood of Whitetail Select Seeds has great information on planting food plots to attract game.

On this inaugural edition of the “Raise Your Glass” Podcast presented by Vanguard, host Mike Avery talks with Vanguard Managing Director Tom Beecher. Tom describes the history of the company, including how it got started and the size of Vanguard today.