BOLOTOR Podcast

Steve West is the founder of Steve's Outdoor Adventures - and has hunted and guided all over the world for more than 25 years. He is considered by many a top authority on North & South American big game hunting as well as hunting rifles, ammunition, and ballistics. His journey began in his early years, where he found solace and passion in the wilderness, realizing that traditional schooling wasn't his path. Instead, he immersed himself in hunting and guiding, eventually carving out a career as an outfitter and booking agent for hunting trips. ⁣ In the mid-'90s, West recognized the potential of the internet and became one of the pioneers in his industry by establishing one of the first websites, which quickly gained traction among outdoor enthusiasts. Encouragement from friends and clients led him to venture into television, where he created his own outdoor adventure show that has been on air for over two decades, captivating audiences with thrilling tales of wilderness encounters. Throughout his career, West has been a staunch advocate for responsible management of wildlife populations, particularly focusing on the conservation of grizzly bears in regions like Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. ⁣ Beyond his contributions to hunting and conservation, West is also involved in technological innovations for outdoor enthusiasts, including the development of apps like Far Wide. With his wealth of experience and dedication to preserving the natural world, Steven West continues to inspire and educate others about the importance of responsible outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation.

Jamie Wildman Frizzle is an adventurer, survivalist, and rising star in the entertainment industry. His journey into the outdoors began during childhood camping trips with his family, where he discovered a deep connection to nature. Seeking solace during a challenging period in his life, Frizzle immersed himself in the wilderness, honing his bushcraft and outdoor survival skills. ⁣ Driven by a passion for sharing his experiences, Frizzle started documenting his adventures on a YouTube channel, captivating audiences with his tales of wilderness survival. His expertise caught the attention of the Discovery Channel, leading to an invitation to participate in the hit show Naked and Afraid. Frizzle's resilience and determination shone through as he navigated the rigorous preparation process for Naked and Afraid, overcoming paperwork, interviews, and COVID-related delays. Despite initial skepticism from loved ones about the nudity aspect of the show, Frizzle emphasized its integral role in the survival challenge. ⁣ Having participated three times on Naked and Afraid, Frizzle's experiences have taken him from the scorching heat of South Africa to the dense jungles of the Peruvian Amazon and the untamed wilderness of the Guyana Rainforest. He faced extreme conditions, encountered unfamiliar wildlife, and relied on his survival instincts to endure. Despite near-death experiences, including severe mosquito bites that led to his body going into shock, Frizzle remains undeterred in his pursuit of adventure. His ambition extends beyond survival challenges, as he aspires to become a Hollywood movie star. Currently, Frizzle shares his adventures online through platforms like YouTube and Instagram, captivating audiences with his wild escapades.

Michael Bliss is an outdoor and adventure photographer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. He extremely passionate about what he do and love to work together to help tell story whether that is through still images, a compelling film, or both. He immersed himself in the vibrant culture of the city, pursuing opportunities in the film industry. ⁣ Driven by a desire to capture the raw beauty of nature, Bliss traded the concrete jungle for the wide-open spaces of the great outdoors. From the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the rugged coastlines of the Pacific Northwest, he traversed the country, living out of his car and immersing himself in the diverse landscapes of America. Along the way, Michael honed his craft and forged partnerships with renowned brands such as American Airlines, Eddie Bauer, and Dure clothing. His work caught the attention of major companies, leading to collaborations in film production and commercial photography. ⁣ Michael embraces the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead, knowing that each new experience brings with it the opportunity for growth and self-discovery. With his sights set on the Arctic and beyond, he remains steadfast in his commitment to capturing the essence of the world around him and sharing it with others.

Mark Pattison is a multifaceted individual who has excelled in various fields including sports, philanthropy, podcasting, and entrepreneurship. He is a former NFL player turned executive at Sports Illustrated, and in 2021, he achieved the remarkable feat of climbing all Seven Summits, culminating with the perilous ascent of Mt. Everest. Mark dedicated his climb to his daughter Emilia, who battles epilepsy. Through his climb, he raised over $60,000 for Higher Ground, receiving support from individuals, the NFL, and the Las Vegas Raiders. ⁣ In the Fall of 2021, the NFL released a documentary titled "Searching for the Summit," chronicling Mark's Everest journey. The film received nominations for Best Cinematography and won Best Short Documentary at the 2022 Sports Emmy Awards. Mark's podcast, "Finding Your Summit," boasts over 200,000 downloads and features powerful conversations with various personalities discussing overcoming adversity. ⁣ As a father and compassionate individual, Mark is committed to giving back to others. He is currently organizing a Seven Summit/Summit event in Sun Valley, Idaho, aimed at helping people unleash their potential and get back into the active pursuit of their goals.

Jerad Neve's life has been a testament to resilience, redemption, and a passion for knives. Born and raised in the vibrant yet challenging streets of Chicago, Jerad's early years were marked by adversity and struggle. Growing up in a construction-oriented family, he learned the value of hard work from a young age, taking up carpentry alongside his father. ⁣ However, Jerad's path took a darker turn as he found himself entangled in a life of crime and addiction. His journey through drug addiction and brushes with the law led to periods of incarceration, reflecting the depths of his struggles. Despite the challenges, Jerad made a pivotal decision seven years ago to break free from the chains of his past. ⁣ Turning his life around, Jerad embarked on a new chapter filled with positivity and purpose. He channelled his energy into creating a YouTube channel, sharing his passion for knives with the world. This marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation, as Jerad committed himself to personal growth and making a positive impact.

Jason Knight's passion for knives developed at a young age while growing up in the hinterlands of Charleston, South Carolina. He was inspired as a child by stories that his father read to him by Edgar Rice Boroughs, costumes his mother made him, and backyard adventures through the brush with old knives and machetes. ⁣ His passion led him to attend the Bill Moran School of Bladesmithing in Old Washington, Arkansas, in 2001, where he trained under Master Bladesmith Jay Hendrickson. Jason turned his childhood passion into a 30-year career in bladesmithing. ⁣ In 2007, he received his ABS Mastersmith rating along with the B.R. Hughes Award for the best knife by a Mastersmith candidate. His techniq ue and recognizable style have made his blades some of the most sought after in the industry. Jason currently resides in East Tennessee with his wife.

Taylor Hutcheson, a spirited semi-nomad hailing from Georgia, found her calling amidst the vast expanse of nature and the thrill of outdoor adventures during her formative years. Her journey into the world of exploration began with a deep-rooted passion for camping and the great outdoors, blossoming during her teenage years. ⁣ Upon receiving a truck as a graduation gift, Taylor eagerly anticipated the day she could freely embark on her off-road escapades. It wasn't until she completed her college education that she could fully indulge in her newfound freedom. At the age of 20, she transformed her truck into a mobile haven, equipping it with a rooftop tent, marking the commencement of her budget travel expeditions and outdoor exploration. ⁣ Fueling her nomadic lifestyle, Taylor engages in a diverse array of side gigs, including event photography and website development, which she expertly juggles during her intermittent returns home. Embracing the digital age, she ventured into content creation and photography, steadily amassing a devoted following across various social media platforms. What began as receiving gifted products from brands evolved into lucrative collaborations, reflecting Taylor's adaptability and unwavering passion for exploration and sustainable travel practices.

Jordan grew up in the Idaho country, surrounded by the beautiful lakes of that vast state. Being surrounded by nature, he grew up spending his formative years in nature. As a young adult he came of age as he spent a year riding freight trains across the US - spending countless days and nights navigating both rural and urban environments. ⁣ Soon after he left for Russia where he would spend the better part of the next ten years living in Siberia in villages, with fur trappers, and ultimately with traditional nomadic reindeer herders. Amongst these people Jordan would learn the art of survival - not as taught in classes, but as lived day in and day out by people whose existence depends on those skills. The skills acquired over his life were proven effective and reliable when Jordan won season 6 of History Channel's Alone show, spending 77 days in the Arctic while also successfully hunting a bull moose, a wolverine, dozens of rabbits, squirrels, grouse and numerous fish. ⁣ Jordan learned to hunt, trap, fish, survive, and even thrive in good times and bad. He learned to deal with adversity and value his family and friends. He learned that experience is valuable, but that the development of character and love are the most important aspects of life. He values where he came from, both his Assyrian and Danish heritage, and strives to be someone worthy of the incredible sacrifices those before him made to give him a good life. He hopes to do the same for his children. He is very blessed and thankful to have an opportunity to live, and live life to its fullest.

Michael Dunphy is a seasoned surfer and adventurer, hails from Virginia Beach, where he navigated the inconsistent waves of his youth before eventually finding his stride in the waters of Florida. Embracing the thrill of surfing during hurricane season, Dunphy's passion for the sport led him on a competitive journey through national competitions and even the Olympics. ⁣ Despite triumphs on the waves, Dunphy has also faced unexpected challenges, such as a harrowing encounter at an Indonesian airport where false accusations of drug possession led to a humiliating search. Yet, amidst such trials, Dunphy's resilience shines through, as he humorously recounts his brother's daring escapade of smuggling pot to a wedding. ⁣ As a competitor, Dunphy's victories, including a hometown triumph in Virginia Beach and a recent win at the Cold Water Classic, fuel his motivation. Yet, contemplating a potential career transition, he ponders the pursuit of a pilot's license, inspired by friends in the aviation industry.

Jordan grew up in the Idaho country, surrounded by the beautiful lakes of that vast state. Being surrounded by nature, he grew up spending his formative years in nature. As a young adult he came of age as he spent a year riding freight trains across the US - spending countless days and nights navigating both rural and urban environments. ⁣ Soon after he left for Russia where he would spend the better part of the next ten years living in Siberia in villages, with fur trappers, and ultimately with traditional nomadic reindeer herders. Amongst these people Jordan would learn the art of survival - not as taught in classes, but as lived day in and day out by people whose existence depends on those skills. The skills acquired over his life were proven effective and reliable when Jordan won season 6 of History Channel's Alone show, spending 77 days in the Arctic while also successfully hunting a bull moose, a wolverine, dozens of rabbits, squirrels, grouse and numerous fish. ⁣ Jordan learned to hunt, trap, fish, survive, and even thrive in good times and bad. He learned to deal with adversity and value his family and friends. He learned that experience is valuable, but that the development of character and love are the most important aspects of life. He values where he came from, both his Assyrian and Danish heritage, and strives to be someone worthy of the incredible sacrifices those before him made to give him a good life. He hopes to do the same for his children. He is very blessed and thankful to have an opportunity to live, and live life to its fullest.