Episode 7 | Made By Hand: The Story of Walker Knife Co. & Taylor Walker | The True North Lifestyle PodcastIn Episode 7, we sit down with outdoorsman, filmmaker, and master knife maker Taylor Walker of Walker Knife Co. Taylor’s journey—from guiding whitewater rivers and fly fishing to crafting custom knives built to thrive in the toughest backcountry conditions, reveals the heart, soul and passion behind every blade he makes.🔪 Taylor’s story began with frustration over subpar commercial knives during his river guiding days. That frustration sparked a relentless pursuit of creating better, more reliable tools— made right in the woods of Maine, USA. Using cutting-edge MagnaCut steel and old-school craftsmanship, Taylor shapes knives that don’t just look good but work hard in the field.🎙 This episode also dives into Taylor’s filming Joe Kruse as they share stories from 2018 when Taylor followed Joe on hunts, falling in love with deer hunting and tracking—even though he had never deer hunted before and had no idea what to expect. Their friendship and shared experiences deeply shaped Taylor’s perspective on hunting and gear. Plus, stories of Taylor’s Pennsylvania flintlock hunt.🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:* The inspiration and design process behind the new Trackr 2.0 knife—a first look before its official release at Huntstock* Why MagnaCut steel is perfect for hunting knives* How lessons from river gear and fly fishing influence hunting knife innovation* The art and technique of hand-built sheaths, vacuum molding, and precision CNC handle work* Real talk on edge retention, heat treatment, sharpening myths, plus two expert guides on knife sharpening and care* Insights on filming hunts and capturing authentic outdoor storytelling* Why Maine-made craftsmanship matters and how honest hunter feedback shapes every iteration* Stories from Taylor’s life guiding rivers, hunting Maine’s woods, fly fishing, flintlock hunting in Pennsylvania, and filming adventures in the backcountry🔥 Who this episode is for:Whether you’re a craftsman, hunter, filmmaker, gear enthusiast, or simply obsessed with quality tools and storytelling that perform in real conditions—this episode delivers deep insight and inspiration you won’t want to miss.Taylor is also an experienced freelance filmmaker, having worked with Maine-based organizations like High Peaks Alliance and the iconic L.L.Bean.🔥 If you’re a craftsman, gear junkie, hunter, or lover of tools that truly work, this conversation brings serious depth and inspiration.👉 Catch Taylor at Huntstock, where the Trackr 2.0 will be officially released! Plus he will be sharpening knives so bring your hunting knife and anything else you need sharpened to huntstock!🎙 Handmade Blades: The Journey of Taylor Walker —a hunter, whitewater guide, filmmaker, and self-taught knife maker—whose Maine-made blades are built to last and born from the backcountry.#CustomKnifeMaking #MagnaCutSteel #MaineCraftsmanship #HandmadeKnives #HuntingKnives #RiverKnives #SheathDesign #OutdoorGear #KnifeSharpness #CNCKnifeHandles #EdgeRetention #Huntstock #MadeByHand #WalkerKnives #TrueNorthLifestyle #HuntingPodcast #KnifeMaker #WhitetailHunters #HuntingGear #OutdoorLife #Craftsmanship #BuiltByTheHunt #KnifeMaking #MadeInMaine #Hunting #HuntingLife #BladeSmith #KnifeCommunity #KnifeEnthusiast #BackcountryGear #FieldKnives #GearTalk #HuntingCulture #WildernessSkills #KnifeCollectors

"The Stories That Built Us." In Episode 6, we sit down with our own Jeff Paradis, one of the driving forces behind The True North Lifestyle, lifelong hunter, friend, and storyteller with a passion for pushing limits and making memories in the wild. From the big woods of New England to the jungles of Africa and the peaks of Alaska, Jeff shares what it means to chase your curiosity and say “yes” to the unknown. Whether it’s tracking leopards, facing down coastal brown bears with a bow, or taking scope-bite to the face from a .416 Rigby, Jeff brings you along for the ride.Jeff breaks down:• What it’s like hunting leopards in Africa and the surprising way they build a blind• A grizzly bear encounter that left him with a broken nose—and a lifelong story• How the thrill of the unknown keeps him saying yes to new adventures• The risks of bowhunting dangerous game and how to mentally prepare• Why we walk the fine line between passion and sponsorship in the outdoor world• The importance of community and staying true to what really mattersIf you love hunting stories with grit, humor, and heart—or you’ve ever dreamed of chasing something bigger—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.This one goes deep with three good friends, Jeff Paradis, Rick Labbe and Joe Kruse, talking and telling stories, lots of laughs and unforgettable moments that remind us why the outdoors and friendship mean so much. It’s about more than hunting. It’s about living life and enjoying the passion for the outdoors!👉 Hit Subscribe and follow along as we celebrate real people, real hunts, and real stories from the woods and waters.🏕️ FEATURED SPONSOR — GARY WILLIAMSONLooking for land in Western Maine? Hunting cabin or dream home? Gary’s your guy.📞 Call/Text Gary Directly: (207) 364-5326🌲 Learn More: https://www.cassiemason.com/about/jul...🏡 Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.comStay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle📺 YouTube: @truenorthlifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7...👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597W...📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle🎙️ Special Thanks to Taylor WalkerThe man behind the lens and edits — check out his incredible craftsmanship:🔪 Walker Knife Co: https://walkerknifeco.comInterested in sponsoring a future episode?Reach out: 📧 [email protected]’d love to feature brands that align with our values and audience.Hashtags:#TheTrueNorthLifestyle #JeffParadis #LeopardHunting #GrizzlyEncounter #BowhuntingBears #TrueNorthPodcast #HuntingStories #DangerousGame #AlaskaHunting #HuntingAfrica #RealOutdoorsmen #ScopeBite #LiveTheLifestyle #OutdoorPodcast #Huntstock2025 #TTN

Maine Moose Lottery, Winter Ticks & Moose Management with Biologist Lee Kantar | The True North Lifestyle PodcastIn this episode, we’re diving deep into Maine’s moose population with none other than State Moose Biologist Lee Kantar from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife — just in time for the Maine Moose Lottery on June 21st!Topics we cover include:🟤 Winter ticks and their devastating impact on moose (71% calf mortality!)🟤 Moose research and collaring projects dating back to 2014🟤 Cow/calf survival rates and predictive studies🟤 How body weight and tick loads determine survival in 8-month-old calves🟤 The Adaptive Moose Hunt and why it’s currently focused in Wildlife Management District 4🟤 Data collection methods, including helicopter transect line surveys🟤 Moose herd health: bull/cow/calf ratios🟤 How science and hard data shape moose hunt regulations in MaineHuge thanks to Lee Kantar and the team at MDIFW for joining us and sharing their insights. If you’re applying for a moose permit or just love talking big woods and big bulls, this one’s a must-listen.⸻🏠 Looking to buy or sell land, a home, a camp, or book a vacation rental in Western Maine?Gary Williamson is your go-to local expert and our trusted real estate guide!📞 Call/Text Gary: (207) 364-5326🔗 Learn more: https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.comSupporting our sponsors helps us keep creating content and growing this channel — thank you for keeping the adventure alive!⸻🧭 Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle⸻🛠️ Shoutout to Taylor Walker!🎙️ Taylor continues to crush it behind the scenes, making this podcast possible.🔪 Check out his handcrafted knives and tools at Walker Knife Co:➡️ https://walkerknifeco.com🔥 Built with pride. Ready for the woods.⸻🎯 Interested in sponsoring a future episode?We’d love to talk. Reach out at 📧 [email protected] to explore sponsorship opportunities.

Episode 4 | Hunting, Determination & Diagnosis | Brian Aubry | The True North Lifestyle PodcastWelcome back to The True North Lifestyle Podcast! In Episode 4, we’re joined by Brian Aubry, a hunter and outdoorsman who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2019. When you’re faced with a progressive disease, your perspective changes and Brian shares how that urgency has fueled his passion to live life full throttle, in the woods and on the water.From deer hunting in a boat to chasing bear and moose, Brian brings inspiration and insight for anyone who’s ever faced adversity or just needed that push to stop waiting and start doing.Brian breaks down: • What it means to be diagnosed with MS and how it changes everything • Why he plans ahead for every hunt and trip to make the most of every moment • How limitations shouldn’t stop you from chasing your outdoor dreams • The importance of your hunter safety card when hunting out west • Boat hunting tactics, using onX to your advantage, and how to adapt your methods • Bucket list hunts and why you should stop putting them offIf you’re hunting, planning to hunt in a new state, or facing physical or mental limitations, this episode is a must-listen. Let Brian’s story fire you up to go after the things that matter no matter what stands in your way.What’s on your bucket list? Don’t wait.Hit subscribe for more real stories, real adventures, and real passion for the outdoors.⸻HAVE REAL ESTATE QUESTIONS FOR WESTERN MAINE?SHOW OUR SPONSOR GARY SOME SUPPORT!📞 Call/Text Gary Directly: (207) 364-5326🏕️ Get in Touch:https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamsonFour Seasons Rentals:https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com⸻Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle⸻Shoutout to Taylor Walker!🎙️ Taylor continues to crush it behind the scenes, making this podcast possible.🔧 Check out his craftsmanship at Walker Knife Co:➡️ https://walkerknifeco.com🔥 Custom knives, tools, and gear built with pride.⸻Interested in sponsoring a future episode?We’d love to talk! Contact us at 📧 [email protected] to explore sponsorship opportunities.⸻#TheTrueNorthLifestyle #FullThrottle #HuntingWithMS #MSAwareness #TrueNorthPodcast #HuntingAdaptations #OutdoorPodcast #DeerHunting #BoatHunting #MockScrapes #HuntingWithLimitations #onXHunt #BucketListHunts #MooseHunting #BearHunting #WhitetailHunting #OutdoorMotivation #RealOutdoorsmen #NeverStopPushing #LiveTheLifestyle #TrueNorthMindset #Huntstock2025 #TTN

Episode 3 : Tall Tales of The True North | Garnett Robinson
Welcome back to The True North Lifestyle Podcast! In Episode 3, we sit down with the one and only Garnett "Big G" Robinson, a man full of stories, controversy, and comedy. While we don’t necessarily approve of his methods, you can’t deny he’s entertaining.
His adventures and storytelling are second to none. On this episode Garnett talks about his early years of growing up in The True North Lifestyle and all the characters he's met along the way.
From “natural” holes in the ice for spring fishing to close calls with Maine Game Wardens, and new nicknames for Rick and Lee you’ll get it all. We also dive into some hilarious and unexpected moments involving Garnett’s attraction to Rick’s rugged masculinity, tales of Lanny Benoit and Jeff Paradis kissing Rick…
Other topics include:
 • Avoiding hunter orange back in the day and why Garnett’s changed his mind
 • Maine hunting laws and run-ins with the wardens
 • Hunting, fishing, and wild storytelling at its best
If you’re into hunting, fishing, backwoods humor, outdoor life in Maine, and a bit of good-natured chaos, this episode is for you.
Hit subscribe for more wild tales, honest conversations, and real outdoorsmen living the lifestyle.
HAVE REAL ESTATE QUESTIONS FOR WESTERN MAINE: SHOW OUR SPONSOR GARY SOME SUPPORT!
📞 Call/Text Gary Directly: (207) 364-5326
🏕️ Get in Touch:
https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson
Four Seasons Rentals:
https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com
Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle
📺 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TrueNorthLifestyle
👕 Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop
🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com
📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr
👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr
📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle
⸻
Shoutout to Taylor Walker!
🎙️ Taylor has been a key part of our podcast production — from setup to editing, he’s been crushing it behind the scenes.
🔧 Check out his incredible craftsmanship at Walker Knife Co:
➡️ https://walkerknifeco.com
🔥 Custom knives, tools, and gear built with pride.
#TheTrueNorthLifestyle #TallTalesOfTheTrueNorth #TrueNorthPodcast #BigGStories #OutdoorPodcast #BackwoodsHumor #WildTales #OutdoorComedy #HuntingStories #FishingFunnies #GoodNaturedChaos #MaineHunting #MaineFishing #SpringFishing #HuntingLife #OutdoorsmanLife #HunterHumor #FishingHumor #WhitetailTales #GarnettRobinson #RickAndLee #LannyBenoit #JeffParadis #MaineGameWardens #NoHunterOrange #IceFishingFails #OutdoorRebels #RealOutdoorsmen #NorthernTraditions

Fiddleheads and Turkeys with Ole Guide Mike – Episode #2The True North Lifestyle PodcastHosted by Joe Kruse | Featuring Lee Libby & Rick LabbeSpecial Guest: Ole Guide Mike – Part of the True CrewAre fiddleheads a North Woods delicacy… or just dirt-covered weeds?We kick off Episode 2 with legendary Maine outdoorsman and True Crew member Ole Guide Mike, covering everything from Osceola turkey hunting and plywood boat wipeouts to smoked elk steaks, gravel rashes, and dodging Florida gators.We dive into fiddlehead foraging, moose hunting, drone scouting, shed hunting, jet boats, smelt runs, wild strawberries, and river fishing — all through the lens of springtime in the North. Mike also shares behind-the-scenes insights on his upcoming crow hunting film, and we officially welcome Gary Williamson as our newest sponsor!Hit SUBSCRIBE to join us on our journey to live wild, work hard, and always look True North.⸻Topics We Cover in This Episode:• Fiddlehead foraging vs. Lee’s anti-veggie stance• Turkey hunting Osceolas in Florida• Water skiing and plywood boat chaos• Mike’s fear of gators & gravel rash wipeouts• Spring ice-out fishing in Maine• Smelt runs, jet boats, and river action• Moose hunting and grouse encounters• Crow hunting and Mike’s new film project• Cooking wild food in a smoker• Shed hunting and drone scouting• Planes and Joe’s upcoming adventures• Wild strawberries, hearing loss, and more• PLUS: Welcome to new sponsor Gary Williamson!⸻SHOW GARY SOME SUPPORT!📞 Call/Text Gary Directly: (207) 364-5326🏕️ Get in Touch:https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamsonFour Seasons Rentals:https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com⸻Shoutout to Taylor Walker!🎙️ Taylor has been a key part of our podcast production — from setup to editing, he’s been crushing it behind the scenes.🔧 Check out his incredible craftsmanship at Walker Knife Co:➡️ https://walkerknifeco.com🔥 Custom knives, tools, and gear built with pride.⸻Stay Connected & Live The True North Lifestyle:👕 Shop Gear: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com/shop🌐 Website: https://thetruenorthlifestyle.com📖 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BC7Yrdq1f/?mibextid=wwXIfr👍 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/16597WbQ3B/?mibextid=wwXIfr📸 Instagram: @thetruenorthlifestyle🎟️ HuntStock 2025 Tickets (10% OFF with code TTN):https://huntstock.ticketleap.com/huntstock-massachusetts-2025/dates/Aug-08-2025_at_1100AM⸻Drop a comment:Do YOU eat fiddleheads, or are you siding with Lee?⸻#TheTrueNorthLifestyle #HuntingPodcast #FishingPodcast #OutdoorPodcast #TurkeyHunting #Fiddleheads #WildGameCooking #MooseHunting #SmeltRun #MaineOutdoors #TrueCrew #CrowHunting #ShedHunting #deerhunting

Joe, Rick, and Lee talk about where they've been and how the True North got started and what it's all about.