In Pursuit

Join Rich Froning and the Mayhem hunt team as they dive into all things happening at Mayhem Hunt. From a brewing 5K grudge match and Ironman training to a 24-hour trail relay, fitness is front and center as always. The crew recaps their whirlwind trip through the NWTF Convention and Western Hunt Expo, where new connections were made and new hunts potentially landed on the calendar. They tease an exciting fall lineup that includes archery antelope, elk, mule deer, and a backcountry spring bear hunt that's equal parts exciting and uncertain. The big news? Hunt Camp is coming. Rich and the team break down their vision for an intimate beginner-to-intermediate Western hunting experience set in the Colorado mountains. Think full bow setups, glassing breakouts, pack skills, rucking, and plenty of campfire time. Whether you've never been out West or just want to tighten up your game, this episode gives you a first look at what to expect. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of In Pursuit with Rich Froning, we’ve got the guys from High Ground Beef Chips in the studio, Dylan Larson and Josh McCandless. It started with a problem that kicked it all off: finding real, lightweight nutrition on the move between deployments, long days, and no patience for filler ingredients. Dylan breaks down why they built High Ground as a meat chip: simple label, big protein, whole-food fuel that actually works in the backcountry. From there, the conversation goes into why hunting/training with the boys can be a reset when life gets loud. We also get the meaning behind the name High Ground and their bigger goal: supporting Gold Star families and telling the stories that shouldn’t get forgotten. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Cutting the Distance, Jason and Dirk sit down with Bruce Pettet, CEO of Leupold, and Tim Lesser, VP of Product & Marketing, for an in-depth conversation around Leupold’s new BX-6 rangefinding binocular. They dig into what makes the BX-6 stand out, from elite optical quality to the power of the 4DOF and PCA ballistic solutions, pinning features, and real-world shooting applications. The discussion also pulls back the curtain on Leupold’s broader product philosophy and gives listeners a glimpse at what’s coming next down the pipeline. If precision, confidence behind the glass, and the future of range-finding optics matter to you, this episode delivers. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of In Pursuit, the guys wrap up the home gym series by building the ultimate $10,000 setup—what’s actually worth the splurge, what’s a waste, and which “big ticket” pieces change the game (hello functional trainer, StairMaster debate, and all the toys you swear you need). They also drop some real-world housekeeping: a Western Hunt Expo late-night workout at Ute CrossFit (cap is currently 50), plus a February Playbook discount for Mayhem Hunt programming—and then Rich casually announces a super-limited Colorado Hunt Prep Camp aimed at getting you mountain-ready for September. If you'll be at Western Hunt Expo in Salt Lake City, then join Mayhem Hunt and MTN OPS for a workout at UTE CrossFit with Rich Froning!Where633 East 3300 South, #Suite B, Salt Lake City, UT 84106WhenFri, Feb 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mayhem-hunt-x-mtn-ops-western-hunt-expo-workout-tickets-1980562731445?aff=oddtdtcreator Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of In Pursuit with Rich Froning, Rich sits down with Father Steven Gadberry (the same Father Steven you’ve seen on the Shawn Ryan Podcast) for a mix of backcountry stories, real faith, and a lot of laughs. They relive the “Gunnison days”—two guys who had no business being that deep in the mountains, a bull elk at 54.5 yards, and the kind of near-miss you never forget. Then it gets even crazier: a snowstorm that turned into a full-on survival scramble, getting turned around on the ridge, and the legendary GoPro freakout that still makes camp laugh. From there, Father Steven shares why solo time in the mountains can be miserable at first—but powerful once the noise finally dies—plus the simple practices he leans on out there: Scripture, journaling, and silence. They also hit whitetails, kids getting into hunting, and why the “trophy” talk is mostly noise—any hard-earned animal is worth celebrating. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Rich and the crew break down their ideal mid-budget training setups and immediately get lost in plate math, duplicate lists, questionable equipment choices, and relentless chirping. From arguing whether 190 pounds of plates is “enough,” to sleds, sandbags, bikes, rowers, racks, yokes, ropes, and rucks, this one is part practical, part ridiculous, and fully honest. Along the way, the conversation drifts (as it always does) into accountability partners, why Snapchat might be sketchy after 30, GHDs that absolutely should not have been done, and what actually matters if your goal is to be harder to kill, not just fitter on paper. They also talk Conquer90, hybrid training, running volume, upcoming events at Western Hunt Expo, and why sometimes the best programming ideas come from testing things the hard way. If you’re building a home gym, training for the hunt, or just want to hear a group of competitive people argue over equipment like it actually matters, this episode delivers. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of In Pursuit with Rich Froning, we kick off a series on building a no-nonsense home gym, starting with a strict $1,000 budget. The goal is simple: what equipment actually matters if you want to train hard, stay consistent, and be prepared without wasting money. Next up is the $5,000 gym, followed by the $10,000 build. The crew debates sleds versus barbells, benches versus vests, dumbbells, sandbags, and pull-up bars, breaking down what gives you the most return when space and budget are limited. There’s plenty of disagreement, practical experience, and real-world perspective from years of training in stripped-down setups. They also touch on the end of whitetail season, property management, getting kids into shooting sports, and Conquer 90, a 90-day challenge built around discipline, fitness, and consistency. If you’re building a home gym or rethinking what you really need to train well, this episode delivers. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Rich Froning and Pat Spinosa on this episode of In Pursuit, as they sit down to talk rural America, agriculture, and the “Like a Farmer” brand Pat built with NFL QB Josh Allen. They cover the pillars behind the movement—outdoors, sports, food, and country music—plus why the next generation is crucial for keeping farming strong in a changing world. The conversation also digs into rancher-athlete culture, direct-to-consumer meat, processing realities, conservation, and a few fun detours—duck hunting stories and the never-ending chicken debate. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of In Pursuit, Rich Froning sits down with the crew to talk off-season training for hunters—why now is the time to build strength, maintain conditioning, and let fat loss happen as a byproduct of consistent work. They also preview the upcoming Conquer 90 Challenge with Mountain Ops, break down the different training tracks (including the new Everyday Hunter hybrid program), and discuss the importance of goals, accountability, and community in preparing for the hunts that matter most. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Rich Froning as he sits down with former Navy SEAL Ian Schinelli for a deep dive into preparation, pressure, and what it takes to stay ready when it matters. From marathon and swim events for the SEAL Foundation to the realities of SEAL training, Ian breaks down how running, swimming, and thousands of reps built the foundation he needed long before stepping into BUD/S. He explains the shock of Hell Week, the mindset that keeps you from quitting, and why controlling your head is more important than controlling your body. The conversation turns to shared suffering—how CrossFit, hunting, and even long mountain days create the same kind of bond Ian found in the military. He and Rich talk about balancing training with real life, why community makes hard things possible, and what happens to your calm under pressure when the chaos hits. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of In Pursuit, Rich heads to Texas with Watkins and Scott for a whitetail trip that turns into a crash course in ranch life, management tags, and making good shots under pressure. They walk through the buck that got away, the hog that didn’t, and the perfect heart shot that somehow left almost no blood on that dry Texas ground. They get into hunting over corn, how Stealth Rig and the crew manage 25,000 acres for better genetics and herd health, and what it feels like to leave knowing there were still tags on the table. If you care about bowhunting, meat in the freezer, and learning from both good shots and bad ones, this one is worth the listen. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Rich Froning for a lively episode with Dale Brisby, the cowboy comedian and rodeo hand known for turning ranch life into pure entertainment. Dale shares everything from announcing wild Can-Am races to fixing ranch problems, chasing mules, dealing with skunks, and surviving the daily chaos that comes with horses and small-town living. Rich and Dale get into how fitness fits into ranch work, why elk hunting has become a yearly reset, and what really happens on guided hunts and private land. Dale talks about running with Cam Haines, learning jiu-jitsu, and heading into Arizona to help the Navajo Nation rope wild maverick cattle — one of the craziest experiences he’s ever had. It’s an episode full of humor, honesty, and stories only someone like Dale can tell. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of In Pursuit, Rich Froning sits down with Scott and Byrd to catch up on the past few weeks of hunting, training, and time in the Tennessee woods. They share the moments that stood out most. Bird guiding his family into some great deer. Rich taking his kids out for their own first experiences. The small, quiet parts of a hunt that remind you why the outdoors matters. They also look back at their conversation with former NFL lineman and jiu-jitsu competitor John Welbourn and talk through what they learned about training with purpose, understanding backcountry demands, and why having a clear goal changes the way you prepare. From big woods to backyard ridge lines, this episode is a reminder that the pursuit is not about perfect timing or perfect conditions. It is about showing up, preparing well, and making memories with the people who matter most. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Rich Froning for a powerful conversation with John Welbourn, a former NFL lineman who forged a decade-long career battling the toughest competitors in the sport. John shares how he stumbled into the early days of CrossFit, competed at the Games with only a week of preparation, and eventually helped shape CrossFit Football after years of learning under some of the most influential strength coaches in the world. He opens up about the shift from life as a pro athlete to finding purpose in coaching, teaching, and raising a family. His stories move from the chaos of NFL trenches to the challenge of jiu-jitsu, the pull of addictive habits, and the comfort he’s found through training and structure. Rich and John talk honestly about identity, fatherhood, and the struggle to adjust when a chapter of life closes. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Spike Camp, Rich Froning discusses his recent rifle elk hunt, and recaps the trip with Scott and Watkins. Watkins goes through his first hunting experience and discusses how his training held up to the challenge the mountains provided. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of In Pursuit, Rich Froning sits down with Trent Ellis, ex-Marine, outdoorsman, and rising social media voice, whose mix of grit, humor, and authenticity has built him a loyal following. Trent opens up about his journey from small-town Mississippi dreams of football, to deployments overseas, to finding peace and purpose back in the woods. He shares how hunting with his brother shaped his early years, why fitness and preparation matter in the backcountry, and how storytelling on social media (and now stand-up comedy) has given him a new platform to inspire others. From lessons learned in the Marines to the joy of making memories with his own kids in the outdoors, Trent reminds us that living authentically isn’t about chasing the spotlight—it’s about keeping your priorities rooted in family, faith, and the wild. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Spike Camp episode, Rich, Scott, and Watkins discuss what all training Rich has had Watkins do to get ready for his first trip out west. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blood Trails is a new investigative podcast from MeatEater, hosted by writer and journalist Jordan Sillars. Each episode digs into true crime stories from the world of hunting and fishing—cases where the woods and the water became the backdrop for violence and mystery. From missing hunters deep in public land to poachers turned killers and fishing trips gone fatally wrong, Blood Trails uncovers the moments when outdoor life collides with the darkness of the human heart. But this isn't repackaged Wikipedia. Each story features original reporting you won't hear anywhere else, expert insight from detectives and hunters, and first-hand accounts from the people who were actually there. For true crime listeners looking for something new—and outdoorsmen who know the thrill and risk of time afield—Blood Trails exposes the stories left behind in the tracks. If you’re a fan of Dateline, Criminal, or Bear Grease but want your true crime set in the wild places you know, this podcast is for you. Follow now for Episode 1, dropping on Thursday, October 30th. Connect with Jordan Sillars and MeatEater MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Jordan Sillars on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of In Pursuit, Rich Froning sits down with Richard Ryan, co-founder of Black Rifle Coffee, author of The Warrior’s Garden, and regenerative agriculture advocate. They dig into the hidden costs of the attention economy, why stepping away from social media can reset your priorities, and how gratitude and community drive resilience. The conversation also ties directly into the backcountry: exploring how hunting offers a rare chance to disconnect, get uncomfortable, and rediscover what truly matters. From raising bison to building companies, Ryan shares hard-won lessons on focus, purpose, and living with intention in the wild and at home. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.