Raise The Flag Podcast

In this episode of the Raise the Flag Podcast, hosts Nick Italiano, Happy Heather, and Mr. Nuge discuss their current projects and experiences in the outdoor and knife-making communities. They share exciting news about product launches, community support, and the challenges of running a small business. The conversation transitions to the journey of knife maker Adam from AA Forge, who shares his unique approach to crafting handmade knives and the balance between uniqueness and consistency in production. The episode concludes with insights into the challenges faced by makers in the industry, particularly regarding product trends and customer expectations. In this conversation, the participants discuss the dynamics of knife making, including the resurgence of retired models, trends in consumer preferences, and the importance of safety in design. They explore the value of craftsmanship and the mindset of collectors, highlighting the emotional connection people have with their knives and the aspirations they represent. This conversation delves into the intricacies of the knife collecting culture, the dynamics of the resale market, and the experiences at various knife shows, particularly Blade Show. The participants share insights on the challenges of traveling for shows, the importance of networking over profit, and the complexities of pricing in the knife industry. They emphasize the camaraderie found at events and the need for understanding the value of craftsmanship in pricing. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of learning through experience, the value of quality tools, and the fulfillment that comes from craftsmanship. They emphasize the need for customers to appreciate the craftsmanship behind their products and the personal touch that small makers provide compared to larger companies. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in the crafting community and the importance of customer satisfaction.

https://www.aaforge.com/

https://www.instagram.com/aa_forge_handcrafted_knives/

https://www.facebook.com/people/AA-Forge-Handcrafted-Knives/100063464709967/

In this conversation, the participants discuss the importance of community and collaboration among small businesses in the outdoor industry. They share personal experiences of building a support system, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the significance of mentorship. The discussion highlights the resilience required to overcome obstacles, the value of taking risks, and the power of collective knowledge sharing.

The conversation culminates in a reflection on how these experiences shape their mission to empower others in their respective fields. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the resilience required in business, emphasizing the importance of community, collaboration, and a problem-solving mindset. They share personal experiences and insights on overcoming challenges, the significance of having a purpose beyond profit, and the practical applications of outdoor gear in real-life situations.

The discussion culminates in inspiring stories that highlight the value of perseverance and innovation in both business and personal endeavors.

In this episode of the Raise the Flag podcast, host Nick Italiano and co-host Happy Heather welcome Jacks Genega from Wildcard Wilderness. They discuss Jacks' journey into the outdoors, her experiences teaching women survival skills, and the importance of building a supportive community in the outdoor space. The conversation highlights the healing power of nature, the significance of relatability in instruction, and the value of overcoming fears. Jacks shares her personal story of transformation and growth, emphasizing that everyone can find their place in the outdoors, regardless of their background. The episode concludes with Jacks sharing her upcoming classes and the launch of an online educational platform for survival skills.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Event Highlights

02:59 Nick's New Role and Exciting News

05:54 Jax's Journey into the Outdoors

12:02 Teaching Women's Classes and Overcoming Challenges

17:56 Building Community and Support in Outdoor Education

23:52 The Importance of Relatability in Outdoor Instruction

29:58 Personal Growth Through Outdoor Experiences

35:56 Conquering Fears and Finding Peace in Nature

41:51 Upcoming Classes and Online Learning Opportunities

Are trees real? Is the earth flat? or is it all a matter of perspective? Dr. Mark Merriwether Vorderbruggen, founder of Foraging Texas talks to us about Foraging, botany, evolutionary genetics, and much more! while this all sound real serious, we also have our usual run of fun and nonsense, so join us to learn something and laugh a bit while doing it!

Get you some more Merriwether!

Outdoors Adventures Guide - Foraging BookMedicine Man Plant Co. WebsiteForaging Texas Websitewww.facebook.com/foragingtexaswww.instagram.com/merriwetherforagerhttps://www.facebook.com/medicinemanplantco 
https://www.instagram.com/mmplantco/
www.youtube.com/user/drmerriwether
https://rumble.com/c/Merriwether
https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.merriwether

This week on Raise the Flag...Stu Shank, Co-founder of Reiff Knives joins us to talk about things and stuff! We have history, we have rants and raves, some laughs, and a whole bunch of comfy knife handles!

This week on Raise The Flag...Amy Valerious, Knife Maker, Leather Worker, and owner of Warlander Enterprises joins us for shop talk and the usual non-sense!

All Amy The Links

This Week on Raise The Flag...Joe Flowers, Wilderness Skills instructor and knife designer joins us to discuss his experiences with rainforests, tribal people, frogs, and bugs! Tom is down a finger, Heather is still happy, Hot Todd is heavily sedated, and Nick is happy to have a fellow science nerd on!

This Week on Raise the Flag...Our friend LT. Mike joins us to discuss every survival course ever! Also some knife talk, Heather is actually an assassin working for a major social media company and probably sacrificed Todd, somebody brought a spork, maybe things explode...who knows, stranger things have happened.