In this episode of the Hunt Test Hobo Podcast, host Chris Rudd sits down with Jake Stinson and Bill Schaefer for a wide-ranging, honest, and often hilarious conversation about life in the retriever world. From Bill’s unlikely journey with a Lab-Chesapeake cross named Bomber—who became a rare mixed-breed Grand Champion—to Jake’s start training his first dog on crutches in his mom’s backyard, this episode is packed with real stories that prove great dogs can come from humble beginnings.

They also dive deep into pre-Grand training stress, the mental side of competition, what separates good dogs from elite ones, and why consistency and heart often beat fancy pedigrees. And yes, you’ll hear the now-legendary story of how Jake’s ATV saved Chris during a bathroom emergency at his first SRS event.

Whether you're an amateur with one dog or a pro running ten, this episode is full of insight, humor, and heart from two handlers who’ve lived it.