The Rich Outdoors

By Cody Rich

Conversations for people who want to build a bigger life. Hosted by hunter, entrepreneur, and Bridger Watch founder Cody Rich, this podcast explores hunting, adventure, hard things, personal growth, ... more

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The podcast currently has 656 episodes available.

Best of The Rich Outdoors

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: Choose Your Hard: Chris Piper on Business, Elk, and Building the Forever Ranch
I’ve known Chris Piper for a couple years now, ever since a mutual friend put us in touch and he told me he wanted to get into the hunting industry. I didn’t think that was a terrible idea — okay, I kind of did — but this guy’s skill set is legit. He’s built marketing and ops departments for a $5 billion car company, ran point for Cody Sanchez at Contrarian Thinking, and now he’s out on his own helping companies bridge the gap between marketing and operations. But this episode isn’t really about business tactics. It’s about the whole arc — losing the fighter pilot dream to asthma, racing Formula cars and street racing through his teens, becoming a dad at 21 with zero parenting rights and fighting his way back from that, and grinding through corporate America to build the life he actually wanted. We get into whether buying “boring” small businesses is a real path to freedom or just a fancy way to buy yourself a job, why being a generalist beats being a specialist in the AI era, and what losing a neighbor to a sudden brain tumor taught him about “someday.” We also talk hunting — his first elk hunt, what he picked up from a week at Cliff Gray’s Elk Camp, and why patience in the mountains is the same skill as patience in business. If you’ve ever felt like you’re behind, or like you’re waiting for “someday” to start living the life you actually want, this one’s for you. Sponsors Bridger Watch This is a project I’ve personally been working on for a long time — a smartwatch actually built for hunting. Everyone told us we couldn’t take on Garmin, but I think we’ve built something amazing. The standout feature is the mapping. On top of all your normal smartwatch stuff — health tracking, fitness tracking, texts — Bridger Watch has the best mapping capability of any wearable out there. You can save offline maps, send them straight to your watch, and pan around right on your wrist with a screen that’s genuinely impressive. And because we integrate directly with onX, you can share your waypoints, tracks, and markups right to the watch — so if your phone dies or you lose it in the field, you’ve always got a backup. We’re not trying to replace your phone maps. We’re trying to give you redundancy in a wearable you’ll actually use every single day of the year. bridgerwatch.com Maven Optics (Note: the ad copy for Maven wasn’t in the transcript I was given, so I’ve written this based on Maven’s general brand positioning — swap in the actual episode read if you have it.) Maven builds premium hunting optics — riflescopes, binoculars, and spotting scopes — and sells direct to the hunter instead of marking everything up through a retail middleman. That means you’re getting glass that goes toe-to-toe with the big legacy brands, at a price that actually makes sense, backed by their unconditional lifetime warranty. mavenbuilt.com Use code TRO at checkout for a discount. Chapters 00:00 – Cold open: onX Hunt’s new Go Track “share your location” feature 01:00 – Sponsor: Bridger Watch 03:00 – Welcome Chris Piper, how they met and reconnected 05:15 – Chris’s original dream: Air Force pilot, shut down by asthma 08:30 – The street racing years — the helicopter chase story 12:30 – Becoming a dad at 21 and the custody fight that followed 17:00 – Choosing responsibility, insurance sales, and the climb into corporate America 21:00 – Director of Market Strategy at DriveTime and the biggest lesson from his 20s 25:30 – Chasing money vs. mastering a skill — building a “Swiss Army knife” career 30:00 – Generalist vs. specialist in the age of AI — why curiosity is the real edge 35:30 – Leaving corporate for Tucker Max, moving the family, and near-jail custody stress 41:00 – Joining Cody Sanchez at Contrarian Thinking, buying “boring” businesses 47:00 – Is buying small businesses real, or are you just buying yourself a job? 53:00 – The most successful (and surprising) small businesses to own 57:30 – Specialists vs. operators — why the best welder shouldn’t run the company 1:00:30 – What Chris wants his 40s, 50s, and 60s to look like — the forever ranch and an elk tag in every western state 1:04:00 – Losing a neighbor to a sudden brain tumor and why “someday” isn’t guaranteed 1:07:00 – Where the audacity to go get what you want actually comes from 1:08:30 – Wrap-up: Cliff Gray’s Elk Camp, patience in hunting vs. business, and where to find Chris Three Key Takeaways Disappointment comes from unmet expectations, not from reality itself. Chris talks about resetting his expectations daily instead of holding himself (or his team, or his family) to a fixed standard 24/7. Some weeks call for going all-in on the business; other weeks, the win is just showing up as a present dad. Adjusting the bar to the moment isn’t lowering it — it’s being honest about what’s actually needed right now. In the AI era, being a curious generalist beats being a narrow specialist. Chris didn’t get ahead by mastering one skill — he stacked social media, SEO, PPC, PR, and operations, then learned to move fluidly between marketing and ops. The real leverage now isn’t knowing one thing deeply; it’s having enough taste and curiosity to judge what AI (or anyone else) hands you and say, “that works” or “that’s BS.” Buying a small business can absolutely change your life — but it’s still a job, just a different kind of hard. Chris saw thousands of people go through the acquisition process at Contrarian Thinking. Some genuinely built freedom and equity; others just bought themselves a demanding new job with their name on the door. The difference wasn’t the business model — it was whether the buyer had real operating leverage (sales, marketing, or ops chops) going in.
July 24, 20261h 12min
Number 2: Chasing Giants: A Hunter’s Journey in Alaska
EP 596: Zach Kenner Chasing Giants: A Hunter’s Journey in Alaska Join me on this week’s episode of the podcast as I sit down with Zach Kenner, a fearless adventurer who relocated to Alaska in search of an adrenaline-fueled life. From the very beginning, Zach’s passion for the outdoors led him straight into the world of sheep hunting—a pursuit any adventure-seeker would eagerly embrace given the chance. However, it was when he secured a coveted premium brown bear tag that Zach’s fascination with chasing massive brown bears truly took hold, relishing the exhilaration that accompanies hunting these apex predators. In this captivating episode, we delve deep into Zach’s extraordinary journey, exploring the epic bear hunts he has undertaken in recent years. With gripping tales and heart-pounding moments, Zach shares his firsthand experiences and recounts the challenges faced while pursuing these majestic creatures. We uncover what sets an Alaskan adventure apart, unraveling the unique allure and unparalleled thrills that await those who venture into the great north. But it doesn’t end there. Zach graciously imparts his wisdom and valuable advice to fellow hunters yearning for their own awe-inspiring escapades in the vast wilderness of Alaska. His insights, garnered from countless expeditions, offer a glimpse into the mindset, preparation, and techniques required to embark on a truly unforgettable hunting adventure in this untamed region. Prepare to be enthralled as we embark on a riveting conversation that captures the essence of Zach’s incredible journey, the adrenaline-pumping encounters with brown bears, and the indomitable spirit of Alaska’s wild landscapes. Tune in to this episode and let your imagination soar amidst tales of courage, passion, and the pursuit of adventure in the great northern frontier. This podcast is brought to you by Tricer USA they make Gear that is FAST, Light and simple. Just got the Tricer BC Tripod and this thing is a dream. This is the lightest tripod I have owned feels purpose built for how I use a tripod as a hunter. I just want to say this thing is beefy as heck, don’t get it twisted just because it’s light doesn’t mean it chensy. Tricer Made one of the biggest innovations I have ever seen on a tripod and once you see it make so much sense. The legs are thicker at the base which give it a super stable base. The New BC and AC Tripods are shipping now so go get your hands on one before season. Use the Code TRO and save 15% TricerUSA.com Tricer, Fast, Light, Simple This podcast is also brought to you by On X maps, the gold standard for hunting maps. Crush your hunting game with access to maps in all 50 states, hunt planning tools, and exclusive partner brand discounts. Upgrade today with code TRO to save 20% and become an elite member. Don’t miss out on the top-rated mapping app for online and offline use. Get On X and hunt like a pro! Check Out our Elk Hunt 201 course.
June 23, 20231h 1min
Number 3: Brad Brooks, Argali Outdoors. Balancing Life and Adventure
EP 594: Brad Brooks, Argali Outdoors In the latest episode of our podcast, we had a fascinating conversation with Brad Brooks from Argali Outdoors. Brad is an entrepreneur in the outdoor industry who has built a successful business by creating products that solve real problems. What sets him apart is his fortunate ability to combine work and pleasure through frequent “work trips” that take him on epic hunts in various locations throughout the year. During our discussion, we focused on Brad’s annual Alaska adventure to Kodiak, which serves as a way for him to test his backpacking gear and generate content for his brand. We caught up with him about his recent adventures and explored the delicate balance between growing a business, raising children, and pursuing soul-stirring adventures. Overall, our conversation with Brad shed light on his passion for the outdoors and his commitment to building a thriving business that caters to outdoor enthusiasts. His annual trips to Kodiak, Alaska, not only provide him with valuable insights into product performance but also contribute to the content that has helped establish his brand. We were captivated by Brad’s stories of triumph, adversity, and his unwavering determination to chase extraordinary experiences. Additionally, we discussed the challenges of maintaining a harmonious balance between professional success, family life, and the pursuit of fulfilling adventures. Brad’s journey is an inspiring example of how one can seamlessly integrate their passion for the outdoors into their entrepreneurial pursuits. His story encourages us to embrace the possibilities that lie in following our dreams with unwavering dedication, all while finding solace and inspiration in the natural world. If you’re interested in learning more about Brad Brooks and his remarkable journey, be sure to tune in to our podcast episode and join us as we explore the convergence of business, parenthood, and the exhilarating adventures that truly nourish our souls. This podcast is also brought to you by On X maps, the gold standard for hunting maps. Crush your hunting game with access to maps in all 50 states, hunt planning tools, and exclusive partner brand discounts. Upgrade today with code TRO to save 20% and become an elite member. Don’t miss out on the top-rated mapping app for online and offline use. Get On X and hunt like a pro! This Podcast is brought to you by ELK HUNT Check out the new ELK HUNT Podcast feed here. Or, get the ELK HUNT 201 Course and save yourself the time of listening to hundreds of hours of podcasts.
June 05, 20231h 4min
Number 4: EP 575: The Graylight Way: Strategies for Success and Archery Mule Deer Hunting
This week I am joined by Graylight Hunter, Marlon Holden to talk about the mule deer lifestyle. Marlon has an unparalleled track recorded when it comes to killing big bucks with a bow that is without question but the thing that I want to know is how are you able to hunt so dang much? People only see big buck after big buck and what I see is an individual that has build a life that allows him to hone his craft of being one the best mule deer hunters in the world. Marlon is a smart dude is as intentional about building the life he wants as he his about killing the buck he wants. Such a great episode. If you want to glean some of the knowledge that Marlon has build over the last 20 years of hunting big bucks from Mexico to Canada then check out his new education platform here. I honestly think this is such a cool opprotunity to learn from one of the best out there. This guy has probably forgotten more than must of us will ever know. Learning from someone like him is a rare opprotunity. Today’s podcast is brought to you by MEAT. The best meat processing equipment out there. Some guys dream of a fancy garage with cars and tools. personally I would rather have a bull butcher setup with walk-in cooler, stainless everything and a full kit of MEAT equipment. If your like me and you love processing your own game, making summer sausage, and experimenting with new braut recipes than you need to check out MEAT equipment. They have everything you need to take your processing to the next level. As someone who has used crappy vacuum sealers and meat grinders for more years than I like to admit, upgrading to a MEAT equipment might be the single greatest purchase I have made. Check them out at www.MeatYourMaker.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss and use the code TRO for 15% off. Today’s podcast is brought to you by the folk over at On X maps. Much more than just showing you public and private border, the On X app puts one of the most powerful GPS units out there in you pocket. From finding trail heads to finding unmarked water sources. I use my On X almost daily and trust even my most rugged backcountry adventures to my On X. On X has added a pile of benefits to their elite membership like massive insider discounts to brands you already use. Check out the Elite package from On X maps and use code TRO to save yourself 20% when you upgrade. This podcast is brought to you by new project the Rich Ideas Lab. If you are interested in some of the entrepreneur content that I have been doing you need to check out Rich Ideas Lab.
December 23, 20221h 18min
Number 5: EP 158: The Elk Nut Episode
Years ago, we recorded the most downloaded elk hunting podcast episode of all time with Paul “ElkNut” Medel—a masterclass in elk calling and strategy that hunters still rave about today. Now, we’ve taken the legendary wisdom from that episode and turned it into a structured system you can follow: The Elk Nut System. In this episode, we break down the core principles of the system, teaching you how to master elk vocalizations, locate bulls, close the distance, and seal the deal. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to elevate your skills, this episode is packed with actionable insights to transform your elk hunting game. Want to dive deeper and create your own elk hunting system? Check out our Elk Hunt 201 Course, the ultimate resource for taking your skills to the next level. Get expert guidance on calling, setups, e-scouting, and more to build a repeatable framework for success in the field. Learn more at Elk Hunt 201 and start building your elk hunting system today!
June 14, 20192h 35min