I'm proud of Braxton he has been carrying the torch for public lands and has helped it to enter in to the mainstream conversation. I heard him recently on Tucker Carlson Made me think back to our podcast back in 2018 

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Days in the Wild, John Stallone sits down with combat veteran, author, and elk hunting guide Braxton McCoy. Braxton shares the harrowing story of surviving a suicide bombing in Iraq, enduring dozens of surgeries, and ultimately forging a new path in the wilderness as a guide and advocate for healing through the outdoors.

From the battlefield to the backcountry, Braxton opens up about trauma, resilience, and the role hunting played in reclaiming his identity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in the restorative power of nature and the strength of the human spirit.

Braxton’s story of survival and recovery after his near-fatal injury in Iraq

The physical and emotional toll of trauma—and how the outdoors became his refuge

Why elk hunting helped him reconnect with his purpose and identity

The value of mentorship, grit, and persistence in both life and the hunt

His philosophy on what it means to truly live a wild and meaningful life

“I wasn’t looking for healing when I started hunting again—I was looking for purpose. The healing came anyway.”

“The backcountry doesn’t care about your excuses. It’s honest—and that’s why it saves people.”

📘 Author of The Glass Factory