EP 677 Josh Smith – MKC

What’s up! This week on the Rich Outdoors Podcast, I’m sitting down with Josh Smith—founder of Montana Knife Company and honestly one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs in the outdoor space right now. This is a podcast I’ve been wanting to do for a long time, and we did not disappoint.

Josh went from being a lineman for the power company, making knives on the side in a 200 square foot shop in his horse pasture, to building one of the most beloved brands in the hunting industry from the ground up. No investors, no conglomerates, no selling out. Just a guy who refused to quit and built something that hunters actually care about.

We talk about the origin story of MKC, why he saw a massive hole in the hunting knife market, and how he quietly infiltrated the hunting community like a Green Beret special ops team before anyone even knew he was there. We get into the Benchmade lawsuit and why his entire team cheered when they found out they were getting sued. We dive deep into building company culture at scale, hiring the right people, why listening to your customer beats watching your competitor every single time, and why most people have no idea how many hunters have never even heard of a brand they think everyone knows about.

But this one goes way beyond knives. We talk about Bridger Watch, building a product in a category dominated by giants, the parallels between what Josh built and what we’re trying to build, and the advice he gave me that I’m going to be thinking about for a long time. We also talk about legacy—knives that get passed down, stories behind the blades, and why sometimes the most important tool isn’t the most impressive one, it’s the one that means something.

This is one of those conversations that reminds you why you started. Whether you’re a hunter, an entrepreneur, or both—this episode is for you. Let’s get into it.

Interested in the Bridger Watch?

If you heard us talk about the smartwatch we’re building for hunters and want to be the first to know what we’re up to—head over to bridgerwatch.com and get on the list. Three years in the making and we’re just getting started. Go check it out.

Tricer Tripods – They make gear that’s fast, light, and simple, from amazing tripods to bino mounts, panhead truck mounts, and now even bipods. Trier just dropped their new updated AD and BC tripods, and I got to test the new Tritech technology this year. The center post is now a T-post, which makes it pack down smaller and cleaner—Drew is a mad scientist and he just keeps innovating. If you want to use code TRO, it’ll save you 10% at checkout. Go support a great company. Head over to tricer.com.

Stone Glacier – If you’re in the market for a new pack, I ran the Sky Archer 6400 this year and packed out a lot of animals with it including a couple of elk. What I love about Stone Glacier packs is they work great whether you’re on a 10-day backpacking trip or day hunting from the side-by-side. Minimalist, tough, and they work. You don’t need to own multiple packs—this thing does it all. Check it out at stoneglacier.com and use code TRO for a discount.

EP 676 Heart Rate, VO2 Max, and Hunt Readiness with MTNtough

As we’re building the Bridger Watch (yeah, the smartwatch for hunters), we’ve been having deep conversations with the MTN Tough crew about what metrics actually matter when you’re training for elk season. Because here’s the thing: most fitness wearables are built for runners, cyclists, and gym rats—not for hunters humping 60 pounds on their back through deadfall at 9,000 feet.

Nick is a MTN Tough coach and physical therapist who programs their daily workouts, and Jason is one of their athletes who’s joining the Bridger team. These guys know what it takes to train for the mountains, and more importantly, they understand the difference between sustained Zone 2 cardio and getting absolutely crushed by a 42-minute Mountain Tough workout that leaves you laying on the floor.

We dive into what a “hunt readiness score” could look like, how to measure work capacity beyond just heart rate, why rucking strain is completely different than cardiovascular strain, and how we can use wearables to help hunters stay in that 80-90% efficiency zone all day long. We also talk about the mental side of fitness—how to make better decisions under fatigue, why discipline in the gym translates to discipline in the mountains, and what happens when you’re on day two of a hunt with frozen boots and a broken water filter.

This episode is part fitness science, part backcountry hunting strategy, and part startup talk about building products that actually solve problems hunters face. Whether you’re training for September or just trying to figure out how to not get your butt kicked on your next western hunt, there’s a lot of good stuff in here. Let’s get into it.

Stone Glacier – I’ve packed out a lot of animals with my Stone Glacier pack this year. The Sky Archer 6400 has been with me to Alaska, British Columbia, Wyoming, Montana, and I love the thing. Whether it’s a 10-day backpack hunt or you’re day hunting from the side-by-side, that’s what I love about Stone Glacier—it’s minimalist, it’s lightweight. You can use it day hunting or for an alpine backpack hunt. Stone Glacier makes an entire suite of hardcore mountain hunting gear. If you’re in the market, head over to stoneglacier.com. Use the code TRO and you’ll save yourself a discount and get some great gear.

EP 675: Cal Arnold 

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%.

EP 674 Founding a New Tech Company

Yeah, you heard that right. THREE YEARS. And we haven’t said much about it until now because, honestly, once you go long enough without saying anything, it’s like… where do you even start?

So today, we’re talking about the backstory of Bridger—how we went from a frustrating Turkey hunt where I kept pulling out my phone to check maps, to building an entirely new smartwatch company from the ground up. This is the full origin story: the late nights, the engineering challenges, the AI-generated designs, the battles over battery life, and why we decided to build our own operating system instead of taking the easy route.

I’m joined by David, our product genius who’s lived overseas building IoT devices and somehow ended up designing watches with a bunch of rednecks in Montana. And Travis, our CFO/COO who ran FP&A for public companies and decided a hunting watch startup sounded like a great idea.

This episode is raw, real, and honestly, we almost didn’t release it. But we figured, you know what? You’ve been with us on this podcast journey for years—you deserve to know what we’ve been building.

Let’s get into it.

Upcoming Dates: 

Maven Optics – Today’s show is also proudly supported by Maven Optics—direct-to-you, world-class glass with zero middleman markup. Binoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes—they build it all in Wyoming with premium components at unreal prices. Host has rocked Maven for years and stands behind the quality and the people. Need new optics? Head to mavenbuilt.com, check out with code TRO, and score a free gift at checkout. Tell ‘em TRO sent you. www.mavenoptics.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

Tricer Tripods – Fast, light, and simple—that’s what Tricer is all about. From amazing tripods to bino mounts and their new bipods, Tricer makes gear that just works. I’ve been using the heck out of their bipod and it’s helped me kill a lot of critters. Head over to triceroutdoor.com and use code TRO to save 10% at checkout.

How does mapping work on the Bridger Reckon?

We built Reckon and the Bridger OS to run any map as well as our own proprietary wearable-optimized mapping system. We have not officially signed with onX to integrate, but that has been the goal from the beginning and we are hopeful that technology is very close.

With that said, we knew if we wanted to be the best watch for hunters, that meant creating a wearable-native mapping experience that worked whether you use onX or anyone else. What we knew we had to have is the ability to bring in your waypoints, markups, routes, and saved information—because without your waypoints, your maps are pretty useless.

This is mapping built by hunters, for hunters. Not an afterthought, but the entire reason this watch exists.

EP 673: Adam Callinan From Cubicle to Mountains

We get into the nitty-gritty of entrepreneurship: the hospital-worthy panic attacks on launch day, the strategic patience required to make it through those critical first inflection points, and why most people completely screw up their pricing strategy. Adam breaks down how he and his cousin turned a hacksawed water bottle prototype into a multi-million dollar company with ZERO employees for years, and how you can actually test product ideas today without spending a fortune.

But this isn’t just a business podcast, we also talk about the parallels between building companies and hunting in the backcountry, the importance of doing hard things, and why getting comfortable being uncomfortable might be the most valuable skill you can develop. If you’re trying to build something that funds your passion for the outdoors, this episode is packed with real, actionable wisdom.

OnX Hunt – The ultimate hunting app just keeps getting better. Their new weather feature is a game-changer—tap anywhere on the map and get hyperlocal weather data that actually takes topography into account. No more guessing based on the nearest town. See wind variations across different parts of your hunting area and plan accordingly. Become an Elite member and get all the premium features. Head to onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20%.

Maven Optics – Direct-to-consumer optics out of Wyoming that punch way above their price point. From binos to rangefinders to rifle scopes, Maven delivers exceptional quality without the big box store markup. When people finally try them, the response is always the same: “Oh man, these are actually really good.” Check them out at mavenbuilt.com and use code TRO for a special gift at checkout.

00:00 – Intro

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 genuine relationships that open unexpected doors (like running marketing for a major company while still chasing hunts). He breaks down his unreal 2024 archery elk season—tagging two bulls in one week, including a heart-pounding chaos stock amid clashing herds in Oregon’s burn-scarred mountains. Fresh off a Southeast Alaska brown bear boat hunt (now a 45-min film on his YouTube), Dallas ranks his top bucket-list adventures and reflects on high-fence hunting, reps in the field, and why rut-crazed elk remain his ultimate obsession. Packed with raw stories, mindset shifts, and pro tips for hunters ready to level up.

 This episode is brought to you by OnX Hunt—the ultimate mapping tool for serious hunters. Their new hyper-local weather feature lets you tap any waypoint or random spot on the map for pinpoint forecasts, pulling from multiple stations and factoring in topo, elevation, and micro-wind shifts. No more guessing with the nearest town’s weather; see exactly what’s hitting that ridge or draw. White-tail fanatics know how fast wind flips in tight terrain—OnX nails it. Upgrade to Elite for full access and use code TRO at onxmaps.com/hunt to save 20%. Link in bio.

Today’s show is also proudly supported by Maven Optics—direct-to-you, world-class glass with zero middleman markup. Binoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes—they build it all in Wyoming with premium components at unreal prices. Host has rocked Maven for years and stands behind the quality and the people. Need new optics? Head to mavenbuilt.com, check out with code TRO, and score a free gift at checkout. Tell ‘em TRO sent you. www.mavenoptics.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

This episode is brought to you by Tricer, they make gear that is fast light and simple. From amazing Tri-pods, to Bino mounts, Pan Head, Truck window mounts, and now Bipods. Tricer makes gear that is fast light and simple. If you are looking for a new system for better glassing check out Tricer. They make great products and are a great company. Use the Code TRO and save your self 10%.

00:00 – Intro & OnX Hunt Ad

EP 672: Tyler Turco

Tyler’s got stories that’ll have you laughing one second (like busting trail through four miles of powder just to not call in a chopper) and nodding hard the next (on why solo hunting’s a superpower for life, not just the woods). We geek out on targeting mature bulls in off-the-map pockets, the grind of Colorado’s point creep and hybrid draw shake-up, and how shed hunting’s your cheat code to unlocking a unit’s secrets. Whether you’re a bow junkie mourning the close or a rifle slinger geared up for the rut frenzy, this one’s packed with raw, no-BS wisdom that’ll light a fire under your next hunt. Pour a coffee, crank it up, and let’s chase that horizon together—because out here, it’s all about stacking those micro-wins into something legendary.

Oh, and before you bolt for the woods: Gear up right with our sponsors. Hit OnX Hunt for that elite weather overlay—pin your exact hunt spot and never guess the forecast again. Upgrade to Elite at onxmaps.com and use code TRO for 20% off. (Pro tip: It’s a game-changer for dodging those late-season curveballs.)

Craving crystal-clear glass without the gouge? Maven Optics ships direct—no BS middlemen, just Wyoming-tough binos and scopes that punch way above their weight. I’ve been running ’em for years; the people behind ’em are salt-of-the-earth good. Snag yours at mavenoptics.com and drop code TRO at checkout for a free swag surprise. Tell ’em Cody sent ya.

What’s your wildest packout story? Drop it below—let’s swap war tales. #TheRichOutdoors #ElkHuntPodcast #HuntHarder #LateSeasonGrind”

Timestamp Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Sponsor Shoutouts: OnX weather magic and Maven’s no-markup optics love (with those TRO codes that’ll save your wallet).

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 and antelope in Wyoming. We dive deep into his wild journey – think getting whooped by Hell’s Canyon on his first archery tag, building insane mental toughness through 100-mile hikes and jiu-jitsu, and how all that endurance grit translates straight to the hunt. Chad shares epic fails like turning around 0.2 miles from a 14er summit, dialing back risk after losing a friend in the mountains, and strategies for packing out solo without losing your mind. We geek out on elk psychology, turning boredom into big plays during midday lulls, and why stacking hard experiences is the real key to unlocking confidence in the backcountry. If you’re chasing that next level in hunting or just love stories of pushing limits, this one’s gonna fire you up. Let’s get after it!

Sponsored by OnX Hunt Today’s episode is brought to you by OnX Hunt, and I wanna tell you about a really cool feature that I use a lot – sharing waypoints and hunt plans with your buddies. My good friend Jaden and I were dialed in this year; drop all your glassing spots, tracks, and routes into a folder, share it, and boom – you’re both on the same page. If you didn’t know, now you know! Upgrade to Elite with code TRO and level up your game. Check it out at onxmaps.com.

Sponsored by Stone Glacier This episode is also brought to you by Stone Glacier. I’ve been hauling with their packs for years, and this season I’m running the new Archer 6400 – big enough for a 10-day backcountry grind but streamlined for day hunts too. Love the minimalist, lightweight design; I pack enough gear without the bag adding extra weight. From day packs to expedition beasts, they’ve got you covered. Head over to stoneglacier.com and gear up.

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 hit outta nowhere. Brierley takes us through the insane moment a rare autoimmune condition paralyzed her while working as a trails guide in South Africa, the mental grind of recovery, and her unstoppable drive to keep chasing her dreams, wheelchair or not. Plus, we dive into her passion for anti-poaching with Global Conservation Force, protecting rhinos and changing lives through community-driven conservation. This episode’s raw, inspiring, and packed with lessons on grit, adaptability, and why you gotta get out there and live big. Tune in, get stoked, and let’s dive in!

Show Sponsors

onX Hunt: Your ultimate backcountry tool. onX Hunt delivers killer offline maps, property lines, and elite features like Terrain X to scout and navigate like a pro. Use code TRO for 20% off at onxmaps.com and kick off with a free 7-day trial. Don’t head out without it!

Maven Optics: Glass the backcountry with Maven’s top-notch binoculars and scopes, built for hunters who demand clarity and durability. From the B6 binos to the new S3 spotting scope, Maven’s direct-to-consumer model saves you cash without skimping on quality. Check out mavenbuilt.com and use code TRO for exclusive deals.

00:00 – 03:00: Cody’s Bottle Cap Story and Intro

Cody kicks off with a hilarious tale of mistaking a broken toe for a bottle cap in his shoe during a backcountry mishap, then introduces Brierley and their years-long connection.

03:00 – 08:00: Brierley’s Background and Connection with Cody

Brierley shares how she connected with Cody after loving his podcast with Micah Fink, their shared history, and a never-released episode about her first Africa trip.

08:00 – 20:00: The Traumatic Spinal Injury in Africa

Brierley recounts the life-altering moment in February 2025 when a rare autoimmune condition caused spinal lesions to rupture at T7, paralyzing her while working as a trails guide in South Africa.

20:00 – 35:00: Navigating Recovery and the Mental Game

Brierley and Cody get real about the emotional and physical toll of spinal injuries, frustrations with medical systems, and the mental toughness needed to push through rehab and doubt.

35:00 – 45:00: Adapting to Life and Accessibility Challenges

Brierley discusses adjusting to wheelchair life, tackling societal perceptions (like the “golf clap” incident), and the need for accessible outdoor spaces for healing and adventure.

45:00 – 55:00: Anti-Poaching and Conservation in Africa

Brierley dives into her work with Global Conservation Force, addressing the rhino poaching crisis, community-driven anti-poaching efforts, and their broader impact on local communities.

55:00 – 60:00: Looking Ahead and Call to Action

Brierley shares her plans to return to Africa, adapt old passions like wake surfing, and urges listeners to support conservation and live fully by visiting globalconservationforce.org.

Resilience is Everything: Brierley’s refusal to let a paralyzing injury define her life shows the power of mental toughness and adaptability in overcoming massive setbacks.

Conservation is Community: Her work with Global Conservation Force highlights how anti-poaching efforts protect wildlife like rhinos while uplifting local communities through jobs and empowerment.

Live Now, Not Later: Brierley’s story underscores the importance of chasing your passions today, whether it’s eco-tours or outdoor adventures, and contributing to the protection of wild places.

Instagram: Follow Brierley’s journey and conservation work at @brierleygrace.

Global Conservation Force: Support anti-poaching efforts and learn more at globalconservationforce.org.

EP 669 Walt Miller’s Backyard Banter

00:00 – Intro and Catching Up: Cody and Brinker reminisce about their first podcast seven years ago, joking about seltzer water and Liquid Death’s billion-dollar hustle.

03:15 – Antelope Hunt Prep: Brinker talks testing blinds for his upcoming antelope hunt, dealing with wind, and picking the right setup for him and his camera guy.

06:30 – Elk Tag Excitement: Brinker shares his Zen approach to a top-tier Oregon elk tag, plus plans for Alaska and a Montana rifle hunt.

09:45 – Self-Improvement in Hunting: Brinker reflects on becoming a better hunter by opening his mind to new strategies after humbling experiences in Montana.

14:20 – Learning from Mistakes: Stories of missing a giant Roosevelt due to rushed shots and heavy arrows, and tweaking gear for flatter trajectories.

20:00 – The One That Got Away: Brinker recounts chasing a legendary Roosevelt up Rick Rail, blowing it with friends, and never seeing it again.

25:30 – Adapting to Crowded Units: Navigating Oregon’s high-pressure public land, outsmarting hunters, and finding elk in overlooked, “shitty” pockets.

32:00 – Rifle vs. Archery Mindset: Brinker’s love for late-season rifle hunts, chasing lone bulls in rugged country, and why it’s a mental grind.

38:45 – Crossbows and Ethics: Debating crossbows, their accuracy, and the “injured card” loophole, while sticking to legal and ethical hunting.

44:10 – Helping a Cousin Hunt: Brinker’s stoked to guide his cousin Seth, an elk magnet, to his first bull in a unit known for giants.

49:00 – Oregon’s Trophy Units: The rarity of Oregon’s big bull tags, requiring a lifetime of points, and why Brinker’s Wallowa tag is a dream hunt.

54:30 – Wrap-Up and Season Hype: Cody and Brinker wish each other luck for antelope, elk, and blacktail, excited for a killer season.

Brought to You by OnX Hunt

Powered by Maven Optics

Stay Open to New Strategies: Brinker’s biggest growth came from ditching a one-dimensional calling approach for a full quiver of tactics—ambushing, spot-and-stalk, or waiting out silent bulls. Embracing flexibility makes you a better hunter in high-pressure units.

Outsmart Hunters, Not Just Elk: In crowded OTC units, success hinges on finding overlooked pockets that don’t scream “elk habitat.” Brinker’s tactic of targeting “shitty” areas with low hunter traffic can lead to big bulls where others don’t look.

Learn from Every Miss: Bonehead shots, like Brinker’s misses through limbs, teach critical lessons. Tweaking gear (like switching to a heavier bow for flatter arrows) and staying calm under pressure turn failures into future kills.