Welcome to The Rich Outdoors podcast, where host Cody Rich brings guest from all walks of life on to discuss adventure, hunting, and entrepreneurship. Cody is an avid hunter and entrepreneur who is continually looking to grow and learn from others. Join us if you want to learn, grow, and seek adventure along the way.
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The Rich Outdoors podcast is an exceptional resource for hunters of all experience levels. With a focus on elk and mule deer hunting, this podcast covers a wide range of topics including archery, rifle hunting, gear recommendations, and tips and tricks for different species. The hosts are experienced hunters who provide valuable information and insights that can help listeners become better hunters. This podcast was particularly helpful for me when I was preparing for my elk hunts out west, and I was able to apply the knowledge I gained to successfully harvest two bulls in my first two years.
One of the best aspects of The Rich Outdoors podcast is the high-quality information shared by the hosts and their guests. The episodes are packed with valuable content that is relevant and informative. Whether it's learning about bow setup, tactics for specific species, or hearing stories from experienced hunters, there is always something to take away from each episode. The guests are knowledgeable and provide unique perspectives that add depth to the discussions.
Another great aspect of this podcast is the variety of topics covered. From hunting strategies to gear recommendations to stories from old-timers, there is something for everyone. The hosts do a great job of keeping the content engaging and entertaining while still delivering valuable information. They also cover lesser-discussed topics like predator hunting and deer drives, which adds diversity to the episodes.
While it's difficult to find any major flaws with this podcast, one minor drawback could be that some episodes may not be as relevant or interesting to certain listeners. For example, if you're primarily interested in elk hunting but an episode focuses solely on bear hunting, it may not resonate with you as much. However, this is a minor issue considering the vast array of topics covered in other episodes.
In conclusion, The Rich Outdoors podcast is an exceptional resource for hunters looking to expand their knowledge and skills in elk and mule deer hunting specifically but also other types of hunting as well. The hosts provide valuable information, tips, and tricks that can benefit both beginners and seasoned hunters alike. The variety of topics covered and the engaging nature of the episodes make this podcast a must-listen for any hunting enthusiast.

EP 675: Cal Arnold Alright, so this episode is one I’ve been looking forward to for a while. Cal Arnold is the real deal—a guy who’s built an incredible business, survived a plane crash that should’ve killed him, and came out the other side with a perspective that’ll make you rethink everything. We dive deep into entrepreneurship, the trades, building BTI Log Home Care from nothing, and what it actually takes to become your best self. Cal’s story is wild—from buying his first business for $35k with no money, to crashing his plane into a power line and spending months in a wheelchair, to building a multi-million dollar company while learning to walk again. But this isn’t just another success story. We get into the hard stuff: gratitude when life kicks your teeth in, why busy is lazy, the difference between speed and velocity, and how to actually focus when everything’s pulling you in different directions. If you’re an entrepreneur, a DIY hunter, or just someone trying to figure out how to live life on your terms, this one’s for you. Cal doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and honestly, I needed to hear a lot of what he shared this week. Let’s get into it. OnX Hunt – The ultimate tool for elk hunters and the app I absolutely won’t go into the field without. Whether you’re e-scouting from the couch or actually hunting elk, OnX gives you detailed maps, property boundaries, and over 50 layers of mapping data including satellite imagery, offline maps, and waypoints. It helps you make smarter decisions no matter where you hunt. Save time, avoid mistakes, and stay connected to your crew. If you’re not an Elite member yet, you’re missing out on a whole other level of tools. Head over to onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20% off your membership. Tricer – These guys make gear that’s fast, light, and simple. From bomber tripods to spotting scope mounts, panheads, truck mounts, and now even bipods—Tricer makes gear that just works. I’ve been running their bipod hard this season and it’s been rock solid. If you’re looking to upgrade your glassing system, check out Tricer. Head over to tricer.com, use code TRO at checkout, and save yourself 10%. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro & Bridger Watch Announcement 6:15 – Meeting Cal Arnold & First Impressions 8:30 – Were You Always an Entrepreneur? 12:45 – The First Car & Learning to Hustle 16:20 – College Dropout to Ski Bum 19:40 – Buying the Soda Blasting Business 24:10 – Pawn Shop Financing & Early Struggles 28:35 – The Big Break & Building BTI Log Home Care 33:20 – The “Aha Moment” in Business 36:50 – The Contractor Doom Loop 41:15 – Why Most Tradespeople Shouldn’t Start Businesses 45:30 – Falling in Love with Business, Not the Trade 48:00 – COVID as a Dragon to Slay 51:45 – The Plane Crash Story Begins 56:20 – January 2nd, 2019 – The Day Everything Changed 1:01:30 – Waking Up in the Hospital 1:04:15 – The Power of Gratitude in the Wheelchair 1:08:40 – Choosing to Amputate & Keeping Your Foot 1:11:25 – Would You Go Back and Change It? 1:14:50 – Seasons of Life & Hunting Philosophy 1:19:30 – The Gratitude Muscle & Journaling 1:26:45 – Recognizing Gain vs. Chasing the Gap 1:31:20 – Removing Resistance & What Focus Really Means 1:38:15 – Busy is Lazy 1:42:30 – Speed vs. Velocity 1:46:50 – Efficiency vs. Effectiveness 1:50:00 – Writing a Book Someday? 1:52:15 – Outro THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS Gratitude is a Muscle You Must Exercise – Cal’s plane crash forced him into a wheelchair for months, but instead of falling into victimhood, he committed to writing down three things he was grateful for every day. This simple practice became the foundation for his recovery and business growth. You don’t need a wheelchair to start practicing gratitude—just 10 minutes and a journal. The discipline of recognizing what you have, rather than obsessing over what you don’t, is what separates those who thrive from those who survive. Focus Means Saying No, Not Thinking Harder – We hear “focus” all the time, but Cal breaks down what it actually means: saying no to everything that doesn’t serve your one primary goal. It’s not about grinding harder or being “busy”—busy is lazy. It’s about ruthlessly eliminating distractions and resistance. Most of us are driving with the gas and brake pedal pressed at the same time. Real progress happens when you take your foot off the brake by cutting out the things that don’t matter, even if they feel productive. Fall in Love with the Process, Not the Destination – If your only measure of success is the end result—whether that’s a dead bull, a business milestone, or a bank account number—you’ll miss 99% of your life. Cal built BTI over 20 years by showing up every day and doing the work, not by hitting some magical finish line. The same applies to hunting: if you only win when there’s an animal on the ground, you’re robbing yourself of the experience. Success is loving the daily grind, not reaching some arbitrary destination.

EP 674 Founding a New Tech Company Alright, welcome to the show. This is a special episode—dawn of a new era, if you will. We're doing something a little different today. I'm sitting at the table in our new podcast studio with my co-founders, and we're finally pulling back the curtain on a project we've […]

EP 673: Adam Callinan From Cubicle to Mountains What's up everyone! This week I sat down with Adam Callinan, entrepreneur and founder of Bottle Keeper (which sold over $60 million worth of product), and now the creator of Pentane, a tech platform for e-commerce brands. Adam and I dive deep into what it really takes […]

EP 672: Dallas Hemeyer In this episode, international hunting videographer Dallas Hemeyer returns to share how a simple camera transformed his life—from filming local Utah hunts to jet-setting across the globe for epic adventures in Africa, New Zealand, Asia, and beyond. Dallas dives into the power of networking, saying “yes” to risky leaps, and building […]

EP 672: Tyler Turco Man, if you're anything like me, that bittersweet sting of archery season wrapping up hits hard—like, one minute you're deep in the timber chasing bugles, and the next you're eyeing the rifle rack, wondering where the hell the summer went. That's exactly where we kick off this episode of The Rich […]

EP 671: Chad Lubinski Hey folks, Cody Rich here from The Rich Outdoors podcast. Man, what a killer episode this one turned out to be! I sat down with my buddy Chad Lubinski, who's gone from Midwest whitetail hunting to crushing it out West with backpack hunts, ultra-running, mountaineering, and now dialing in on elk […]

EP 670: Brierley's Battle: From African Trails to Unbreakable Spirit Cody Rich here, do we have a wild episode of The Rich Outdoors Podcast for you! I'm sitting down with my longtime friend Brierley, who's lived one heck of a life—think walking with elephants in the African bush, then facing a life-changing spinal injury that […]

EP 669 Walt Miller's Backyard Banter Join host Cody Rich for a nostalgic and action-packed episode with Brinker, a seasoned elk hunter with one of Oregon's best public land elk tags. Recorded in Walts back yard, we dive into the chaos of hunt season prep, balancing life, kids, and epic tags. Brinker shares his evolution […]

EP 668: Bo Depeña – Old Bull Winter Join host Cody Rich for a killer conversation with Bo DePeña, a country-Americana musician, elk hunter, and all-around passionate dude. Bo shares his journey from the stage to the mountains, diving into how hunting and music fuel his drive to live authentically. We cover chasing elk in […]

EP 667: Caleb Brewer | Stick Sniper Archery In this inspiring episode, host Cody Rich sits down with Caleb Brewer, a former Green Beret who lost both legs in an IED explosion in Afghanistan on his birthday. Caleb shares his remarkable journey from military service to discovering archery and hunting as an adult, overcoming immense […]

How Morgan Shot a Bear with a Bow & Built Two Thriving Businesses In this episode of The Rich Outdoors, Cody Rich sits down with Morgan Keenan, a Bozeman-based entrepreneur and passionate hunter, to dive into his wild journey from business ventures to hunting feats. Morgan shares his crazy story of shooting his first bear […]

EP 665: Jake Purlee In this episode, Cody sits down with Jake to chat about the grind and the glory of bear hunting, mountain running, and everything in between. Jake shares his ups and downs during a tough bear season, including the challenges of sticking to one spot despite the temptation to bounce around. They […]

EP 664: Tyler Horrocks In this episode, Tyler joins me to talk about his journey from a dedicated hunter to a successful entrepreneur. From peak bagging to bear hunting with hounds, Tyler's lifestyle is a unique mix of outdoor adventure and business hustle. He shares stories of growing up in Idaho, learning hard work from […]

EP 663: Doug Champion In this episode, Cody sits down with Doug Champion, the founder of Champion Living Fitness, a business that trains rodeo athletes in strength and conditioning. Doug shares his fascinating journey from a professional rodeo career to running a fitness business, focusing on what it takes to excel in rodeo and in […]

EP 661: Alishia Zemlicka This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, I'm joined by the incredible Alishia Zemlicka – a badass hunter and real estate investor. Alicia, along with her husband, is one of the best elk hunters I know, and her solo elk hunting success last season is one for the books. We dive […]

In this powerful episode, Trevor Farnes—founder of MTN OPS and author of The Conquer Code—shares his journey from financial collapse and personal doubt to building one of the most recognized brands in the hunting and fitness industry. Cody and Trevor dive into deep conversations on faith, failure, purpose, and the long game of building a […]

EP 659: Argentina Stag Hunting | Jaden Bales This week on the podcast, young Jaden is back from his guiding trip to South America, and we dive deep into his wild adventure! Jaden spent a couple of weeks in Argentina chasing free-range red stag on a ranch, and I couldn't wait to catch up with […]

EP 658: Montana Wild | Shooting In this engaging episode of the podcast, host Cody Rich welcomes back Jared and Zach from Montana Wild to dive into the intersection of competitiveness, skill-building, and hunting mastery. Recorded in Cody's signature conversational style, the trio explores the mental and physical demands of competitive shooting, backcountry hunting, and […]

This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Eric Clark, the mastermind behind Okayest Hunter. Eric and I dive deep into how the brand began and how it quickly resonated with hunters who are tired of the pressure to be the “best” in the field. We chat about their recent film on a blacktail hunt […]

Ep 656: Pete Muennich This week on the Elk Hunt Podcast, I'm joined by Pete Muennich, a true modern-day mountain man. Pete took my son and me out to check beaver traps, something I've wanted to do for years. As a guy who's read every mountain man and trapper book I can get my hands […]

EP 654: Making a Living as a Guide & Lessons from Wyoming's Backcountry with Nate Hommerding This week, I'm joined by Nate Hommerding, a hardworking guide chasing his dream of making a full-time living in the outfitting world. Nate originally reached out looking for advice on how to make extra money as an outfitter, so […]

EP 653 Nathan Endicott This week, I'm joined by the incredible Nathan Endicott, a diehard blacktail hunter, filmmaker, and all-around great human. Nathan shares the story of his absolutely unreal 2024 hunting season—a year that showcased his resilience, patience, and determination. Nathan's journey hasn't been easy. After battling a life-threatening autoimmune disease that sidelined his […]

EP 652: Gibson Butler | Archery, Elk, Moose, Goat This week, I'm joined by Gibson Butler, who shares his incredible journey of recovery, resilience, and success in the mountains. After a lifetime of knee troubles, Gibson suffered a major blow while chukar hunting in Idaho, sidelining him from his true passion: elk hunting. Frustrated by […]

EP 651: Brandon Purcell aka Durango Boone This week, I'm joined by none other than Brandon Purcell, aka Durango Boone, who just wrapped up an absolutely epic hunting season. Brandon is no stranger to the podcast or to success in the field—he's one of the most consistent rifle elk hunters out there. But even for […]

EP 660: Winning with the Wild Life: Brian Stephens' Toughest Hunt This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Brian Stephens, author of Winning with the Wild Life. Brian takes us through his toughest hunt to date—a Dall sheep hunt that started as a childhood dream and turned into a much harder journey than he […]

EP 659: Mike Herne This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Mike Herne, an avid elk hunter, career Army enlisted veteran, and someone in the midst of transitioning into a new chapter of his life. Mike shares his unique journey into elk hunting, which started with little knowledge of elk, and how he found […]

This week on the podcast, I'm joined by my good friend Dustin and Nick from MTN Tough Fitness to dive deep into mental toughness and personal agency. While we often discuss mental toughness in the context of exercise, this episode takes a different angle, focusing on personal agency—the power to take control of your life […]

EP 657: Jarret Johnson Alaskan Caribou This week on The Rich Outdoors, I'm excited to welcome back retired NFL linebacker Jarret Johnson. In this episode, Jarret recounts his epic Alaska adventure from this year, sharing insights into his newfound passion for western big game hunting—a pursuit he didn't have time for while playing in the […]

This week on the podcast, we take a deep dive into elk season with one of our most intriguing guests yet—Nick Popsadora. A prior Marine Corps officer, Nick has immersed himself in the world of archery elk hunting, and his after-action review from this season is nothing short of impressive. In our conversation, Nick shares […]

EP 655 Matthew Every on story telling, tracking deer with Hal Blood, and more. This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Matthew Every, an editor at Field & Stream Magazine, who brings a wealth of experience and captivating stories from his time in the outdoor writing world. We kick things off by discussing his […]

EP 654: Craig Van Arsdale | Moose Hunting Adventures This week on the podcast, I catch up with my good friend and hunting partner, Craig Van Arsdale, as we dive into our moose hunting experiences and the love-hate relationship we both have with the pursuit. While Craig and I were hunting different parts of the […]

EP 653: Jarret Johnson This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Jarret Johnson, a former NFL player and passionate outdoorsman. Jarret shares his inspiring journey from a small town to the professional football league, discussing the challenges he faced at every stage of his career. We dive into the importance of a growth mindset […]

This week on The Rich Outdoors podcast, Cody is joined by Zach Hanson, the intriguing host of the Okayest Trapper podcast and known as the Okayest Human. In this episode, Zach shares a harrowing tale from his recent outdoor adventures: a dramatic encounter with a charging sow black bear. In a high-stakes moment of survival, […]

EP 651: Jaden Miller This week on The Rich Outdoors, Cody sits down with Jaden Miller from West Elk Precision Guns. Jaden has transformed his passion for building custom hunting rifles into a thriving career. He shares the highs and lows of his recent hunting season, including taking a giant velvet buck early with a […]

EP 650 Adam Weatherby In this week's episode of the Elk Hunt Podcast, we're joined by Adam Weatherby, an iconic figure in the hunting world and leader of Weatherby, Inc. Adam shares captivating stories from his recent hunting season, highlighting the unique experiences he's had while hunting alongside his wife. Their joint adventures offer a […]

Ep 649: Ty Stubblefield | Wild Bison Ranch This week on the Rich Outdoors, we're thrilled to feature Ty Stubblefield, the dynamic owner of Wild Bison Ranch, located in the heart of Montana. Ty's journey from a casual idea sparked during a bison ranch tour in Canada to establishing his own thriving bison ranch is […]

EP 648: Shawn McVey In this episode, we sit down with Sean McVey, a man whose life embodies the philosophy of “Be Epic, Do Epic.” Growing up in Santa Cruz, California, Sean's childhood was split between the coastal surf and the rugged wilderness of the Sierra Nevada. This unique upbringing shaped him into a modern-day […]

EP 647: John Goforth: Jiu-Jitsu, Business Wisdom, and the Elk Hunter's Mindset This week on the podcast, I have the pleasure of sitting down with John GoForth, a multifaceted individual from my hometown who embodies true excellence in various aspects of life. John is a black belt in jiu-jitsu, the owner of Impact Jiu-Jitsu and […]

EP 646 Toby LaVigne This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Toby LaVigne, the dynamic CEO and founder of HubCast and host of the “Hunting 4 Purpose” podcast series. Toby's journey from dreaming of a simple life on a fishing boat to revolutionizing the printing industry with HubCast is nothing short of inspiring. He […]

EP 645: Hunter McWaters This week on the show, I'm joined by Hunter McWaters, who's back with some incredible stories since our last chat. Hunter shares the tale of his recent adventure hunting blacktail in Oregon, where he executed what seemed like an impossible stalk. We dive into his journey from authoring a book to […]

EP 643: Nate Illingsworth This week on the podcast, I'm joined by Nate Illingsworth, a man on a remarkable weight loss journey intertwined with rediscovering his passion for hunting. Nate's story began with a love for hunting in his youth, but his career in door-to-door sales pulled him away from his outdoor pursuits. Rediscovering hunting […]

EP 642: Dennis Stokes of Initial Accent Packs This week on the podcast, join us as we sit down with Dennis Stokes, co-founder of Initial Ascent, a pioneering backpack company. Dennis shares his journey from a dairy nutritionist in Florida to co-founding a backpack company in Idaho, driven by his passion for hunting and the […]

EP 641: Drew Miles | Tricer USA This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with fellow entrepreneur Drew Miles, who is the visionary behind Tricer USA, a company making waves in the outdoor gear space. In this episode, Drew shares his journey from running his family's sheet metal business for 24 years to pursuing […]

Ep 640: Casey Rash This week on the podcast, Casey Rash joins us to recount an unforgettable adventure that pushed his skills and survival instincts to the limit, resulting in a call for search and rescue. As an experienced outdoorsman, Casey shares insights on when it's crucial to seek outside assistance in the backcountry. He […]

EP 639: Cody Simons This week on The Rich Outdoors, I'm joined by Cody Simons, a professional tinkerer with a passion for the wild. In this episode, Cody and I delve into the world of old campers and share some unforgettable hunting stories. Cody recounts his challenging elk season, where he got his truck stuck […]

EP 638: Eric Wilson Hey everyone, Cody Rich here, and boy, do I have an incredible guest for you this week on The Rich Outdoors podcast. Eric Wilson's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From being a top athlete to facing health struggles and the grind of entrepreneurship, Eric's story is one of resilience and […]

EP 637: Rachel Ahtila and Kayla Reed In this week's podcast, get ready for a thrilling journey filled with exhilarating highs and challenging lows. Join us as we embark on an epic stone sheep hunt, made even more remarkable by the fact that it was a DIY expedition, born from the adventurous spirit of two […]

Ep 636: Ike Eastman | This Book Changed My Life This week, we're honored to have outdoor legend Ike Eastman joining us on the podcast. While many know Ike from his contributions to Eastmans' Hunting Journal, this episode offers a unique glimpse into his personal journey. Ike's family has a rich history of entrepreneurship, starting […]

EP 635 Caleb Stillian | Tales from an Alaskan Hunting Guide Join me this week as I sit down with Caleb Stillian, an intrepid Alaskan hunting guide whose passion for adventure led him from the heart of middle America to the untamed wilderness of Alaska. With nine years of experience as a hunting guide under […]

EP 634: Shawn Melland One thing. Just one thing. You stick to that and everything else don't mean shit. – Curly This week on the podcast, we're thrilled to welcome back Shawn Melland, a fan favorite and recurring guest. Join us as Shawn and I delve into topics ranging from bowhunting and success to achieving […]

EP 633: Ryan Rickert Join me this week as I sit down with the multifaceted Ryan Rickert—a true embodiment of the modern Renaissance man, blending rural charm with tech savvy and entrepreneurial prowess. From his roots as a rural country kid to his meteoric rise in the world of tech entrepreneurship, Ryan's journey is as […]