Best Dave Mercer Podcasts (2026)

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Santa Claus – Ready To Go! 17:19

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5d ago17:19

17:19

Send us a text This episode was first published last December 2024. It was so well received, I decided to make it available a little earlier than last time. Enjoy! In this heartwarming holiday special, we step into Santa’s workshop for an intimate and low-key conversation. Our guest? None other than Saint Nick himself. We talk about the elves' tire…

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Jason Christie Hates Losing on MERCER-243 1:47:43

8d ago1:47:43

1:47:43

Jason Christie hates losing. And in this episode of Mercer: The Awkwardly Honest Fishing Podcast, he doesn’t sugarcoat a single thing. Jason sits down with Dave Mercer for a no-filter conversation about the mental obsession of competition, what losing really does to him, and why that edge has defined his career. He also breaks down his new YouTube …

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Kevin VanDam Gets Real About the Future of Pro Fishing on MERCER-242 1:34:15

15d ago1:34:15

1:34:15

On this episode of Mercer : The Awkwardly Honest Fishing Podcast, Dave Mercer sits down with the greatest angler of all time—Kevin VanDam—for one of his most open, honest, and wide-ranging conversations yet. KVD dives deep into the future of professional bass fishing, sharing real, unfiltered thoughts on where the sport is headed, the changes he be…

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Jamal Saeed - From Damascus to Storytelling 41:59

23d ago41:59

41:59

Send us a text In this episode, host Dave Cunningham welcomes back Jamal Saeed, returning to the show nearly three years after the release of his acclaimed memoir, My Road from Damascus. We revisit the response to the book here in Canada and internationally, and reflect on the meaningful moments that have come from readings, talks, and community co…

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Jacob Wheeler Drinks Haters for Breakfast on MERCER-241 1:38:15

29d ago1:38:15

1:38:15

Jacob Wheeler is the youngest angler ever to win the All American and the Forrest Wood Cup. He also won the first two Elite Series events he fished. But that was just the start. To date he has won 14 tour level events and he has won 4 out of the last 5 Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year titles and he is only 35 years old. But it has not always been e…

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Leo Lund - Service, Community & the Legion 29:28

1M ago29:28

29:28

Send us a text In this episode, I sit down with Leo Lund, longtime member of the Canadian Armed Forces and current Past President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 560 in Kingston, Ontario. Leo reflects on more than 30 years in uniform, the friendships that endure long after service, and what ultimately led him to make Kingston his home in retirement…

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Bassmaster EQ Dream Team! 2:28:36

1M ago2:28:36

2:28:36

Who the heck are these rookies joining the elite series and could they actually be a dream team of anglers?? Well, prepare to get some answers because we have all 10 of them ram-jam packed into this episode. That’s right! We thought it was a good idea to book Fisher Anaya, Russ Lane, Aaron Jagdfeld, Austin Cranford, Sam Hanggi, Matt Messer, Caleb H…

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John Cox and Logan Parks on MERCER-239 1:54:06

1M ago1:54:06

1:54:06

We have an insane episode this week! First we are joined by an 8-time Classic qualifier, a 2-time Bassmaster winner, a 9-time FLW Tour winner, John Cox. Then we have 2-time Classic qualifier, Logan Parks who bring with him a whole cast of characters from his recent NSANE Tournament. The winners, college angler Dalton Head and highschool angler Jack…

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Matt Robertson "Ain't Nobody Else Gonna Tell You The Truth" on MERCER-238 1:37:25

1M ago1:37:25

1:37:25

From the trailer park to the top of the pro fishing world, is the road Matt Robertson has traveled. He has qualified for 5 Bassmaster Classics and won a Bassmaster Open. But maybe more impressive is the loyal legion of fans he attracted along the way. This week he joins the podcast to talk about the frustration of not catching them, getting ripped …

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Julie M. Green - The Author of "Motherness" 37:59

2M ago37:59

37:59

Send us a text In this episode, we meet Julie M. Green — a Kingston-based writer whose work has been featured in The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, Today’s Parent, and The Washington Post. Julie’s memoir, Motherness: A Memoir of Generational Autism, Parenthood, and Radical Acceptance, explores her family’s journey with autism — beginning with her son’…

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Nick Trim, Noah Winslow & Dylan Nutt on MERCER-237 1:28:57

2M ago1:28:57

1:28:57

In 1994 Bryan Kerchal became the only Bass Nation angler to ever win the Bassmaster Classic. Since then he has inspired countless Bass Nation anglers to try to do the same. This week we are joined by all three of the newest Bass Nation Classic qualifiers. Bass Nation National Champion Nick Trim, runner up Noah Winslow and 3rd place finisher Dylan N…

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Tripp Berlinsky-You Won't Believe What This College Angler Did! on MERCER-236 1:01:13

2M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

Tripp Berlinsky may just just be the perfect combination of Seth Feider, Shaggy from Scooby-Doo & Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The crazy part is Seth js most likely the only name on that list that Tripp has even heard of! The 20 year old Florida angler is a sophomore at The University of North Alabama. He recently won the Bassmaster C…

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Laker Howell-From Shooting Squirrels to Hoisting Trophies! on MERCER-235 1:24:56

2M ago1:24:56

1:24:56

It did not take Laker Howell, son of Bassmaster Classic champion Randy Howell long to make his own mark in pro fishing. In just his second year of Bassmaster Opens competition Laker doubled-down winning twice and double qualifying for the Bassmaster Classic. This week he joins the podcast to discuss his recent wins, growing up on tour, chasing his …

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Jerry Mercer - Keeping the Beat! 47:00

3M ago47:00

47:00

Send us a text Season 9 of The Kingstonian Podcast kicks off with a legend. Jerry Mercer has been keeping time for more than 70 years — three decades of that behind the drums with one of Canada’s most beloved rock bands, April Wine. In this conversation, Jerry talks about his lifelong passion for music, the instrument that’s captured his curiosity …

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Tucker Smith - What the Tuck Will They Say Now? on MERCER-234 1:10:10

2M ago1:10:10

1:10:10

At only 24 years old Tucker Smith has been successful at every level of fishing. He is a 3 time Bassmaster High School Champion, a former College Bass Champion, a Bassmaster Elite Series Champion and the reigning Elite Series Rookie of the Year. Before even making the tour, Tucker won a million dollars in the Johnny Morris U.S Open Team tournament.…

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Todd Castledine Has Something To Say About Everything on MERCER-233 2:12:30

3M ago2:12:30

2:12:30

Todd Castledine does not call himself a professional angler, but with over 50 tournament wins he may be one of the most pure forms of a pro. When he is not competing, Castledine is a bait designer and a YouTuber that is never shy of sharing his opinion. So buckle up because this week he joins the podcast and proves he truly has something to say abo…

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Emil Wagner - The Great Dane! on MERCER-232 1:16:40

3M ago1:16:40

1:16:40

My friendship with Emil Wagner started at NASA. Sounds made up but it’s true. Emil is a former All-American Champion, a Bassmaster Classic Qualifier and most recently, the winner of the first Bassmaster EQ event in history. But that’s not his only first. He is also the first and only pro born in Denmark, naturally making him the Great Dane. This we…

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Dakota Ebare “I Broke The Rule, But Is The Rule Broken??” on MERCER-231 1:35:04

3M ago1:35:04

1:35:04

Dakota Ebare just wrapped up his first season on the Bassmaster Elite Series and qualified for his first Bassmaster Classic. He is far from a rookie with 2 MLF wins and over a million dollars in earnings. But nobody is immune to challenges in pro angling and Dakota had his share in 2025. This week, the Texas pro joins the podcast for a very real an…

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Jeff Gustafson Loves A Good F-Bomb on MERCER-230 1:01:18

3M ago1:01:18

1:01:18

Some call him Gussy, some know him as the Great Canadian Snow Leopard but if you know him you love him. Jeff Gustafson is a 6-time Classic qualifier, an Elite Series Champion and the 2023 Bassmaster Classic Champion. This week he joins the podcast and talks about his toughest season on tour, the new Bassmaster rules, his future, on the water respec…

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Rick Clunn and Jake's Take on MERCER-229 1:26:49

4M ago1:26:49

1:26:49

Don’t miss this one, it’s the final Clunn-Clusion & Jake’s Take of the season. 4-time Bassmaster Classic Champion, the legendary Rick Clunn⁠ returns to the show and shares just a few of his many Clunn-Clusions on the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series. But that’s not all! We are also joined by Bassmaster videographer, Jake Latendresse with the ultimate …

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Chris Johnston "I Don't Care Either Way, I Just Want To Fish" on MERCER-228 1:14:19

4M ago1:14:19

1:14:19

Roland Martin, Guido Hibdon and Kevin VanDam were the only people in history to ever win back to back Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles until last week, when Chris Johnston joined the club. Chris Johnston took a break from winning tournaments to join the podcast and discuss his historic season, the stress of competition, team fishing, fans, hate…

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Pat Schlapper - Taking Notes and Kicking Bass! on MERCER-227 1:20:43

4M ago1:20:43

1:20:43

Pat Schlapper is a 5 time classic qualifier, a former Bass Nation National champion and a 2 time Bassmaster Elite Series Champion. Hot off his second Elite Series victory in just a few months, Schlapper joins the podcast and talks about turning his season around by taking notes and kicking Bass!

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Rick Clunn and Jake's Take on MERCER-226 1:52:59

4M ago1:52:59

1:52:59

4-time Bassmaster Classic Champion, the legendary Rick Clunn⁠ returns to the show and shares just a few of his many Clunn-Clusions on the Angler of the Year race between Chris Johnston and Trey McKinney. But that’s not all! We are also joined by Bassmaster videographer, Jake Latendresse with the ultimate Bassmaster behind-the-scenes show, Jake’s T…

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Trey McKinney - Silencing The Haters on MERCER-225 1:24:47

5M ago1:24:47

1:24:47

20 year old angling phenom, Trey McKinney just won his second Elite Series title in as many years. He is the reigning rookie of the year, he has ten top 10s, finished second at the Bassmaster Classic and is currently in a two-way tie for Angler of the Year. McKinney is one of the most scrutinized and polarizing pros on the water. He does nothing wi…

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Shaw Grigsby "It's Hard Not To Smile" on MERCER-224 1:32:12

5M ago1:32:12

1:32:12

Shaw Grigsby was the host of an award winning TV show, he has qualified for 16 Bassmaster Classics and has won 9 tour level events. Regardless if its television or tournaments, Shaw is truly one of the most entertaining pros on the water. This week Grigsby stops by the podcast to discuss his career and his recent retirement. But this is no tear-jer…

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Kyle Patrick "I Am Happy I'm Not Dead!" on MERCER-223 1:32:51

5M ago1:32:51

1:32:51

Kyle Patrick is a 2-time Bassmaster Classic Qualifier, a Bassmaster Open Champion and is currently sitting in 23rd in Angler of the Year points with just two events left in the 2025 season. However, Kyle’s season just came to a screeching halt all because of a tick bite that enlarged his heart, ended his season and left him happy that he is not dea…

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Tommy Wood - Living In a Van Chasing a Dream on MERCER-222 1:11:08

5M ago1:11:08

1:11:08

Tommy Wood is the only Australian to ever win a Bassmaster Open but his goals and dreams are a lot bigger than that. Tommy wants to become the second Aussie on the Bassmaster Elite Series and he is willing to chase his dreams to the other side of the world and live in a van to achieve them. Fueled by passion and his addiction to angling, no matter …

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Bernie Schultz "Are You Happy?" on MERCER-221 1:11:50

6M ago1:11:50

1:11:50

Bernie Schultz is a 9-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier and truly one of the most complete pros in fishing-not just on the water but off. Schultz’s resume includes success as a writer, an illustrator, lure designer and an angling educator. However, the most important lesson in his life may have come in his early 20’s when he asked a friend, “Are yo…

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Buddy Gross "I Created My Own Slump" on MERCER-220 1:15:05

6M ago1:15:05

1:15:05

Buddy Gross has had an incredible tour level career, amassing 4 FLW wins, 2 Bassmaster Elite Series wins and 3 trips across the Bassmaster Classic stage. However, for the first time in his career he is in a slump but Buddy is man enough to talk about it because in his words “he created his own slump”. But, the best thing about slumps is they don’t …

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Ed Loughran III "Life Happens!" on MERCER-219 1:32:05

6M ago1:32:05

1:32:05

Ed Loughran is a Bassmaster Classic Qualifier & an Elite Series Champion. However “The Barrister” does not live the life of an average pro angler because he is far from average. Ed is a full time lawyer that grew up dreaming of being a pro angler. A dream he wanted so bad that he was willing to lay it all on the line not once but twice. This week h…

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Rick Clunn and Jake's Take on MERCER-218 1:51:38

6M ago1:51:38

1:51:38

4-time Bassmaster Classic Champion, the legendary Rick Clunn⁠ returns to the show. But this time it’s with a very different outlook and approach than before. He has been following and studying the sport this year and he shares just a few of his many Clunn-Clusions from Lake Tenkiller.But that’s not all! We are then joined by Bassmaster videographe…

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Wes Logan and Byron Velvick on MERCER-217 1:55:03

7M ago1:55:03

1:55:03

Wes Logan is a two-time Classic Qualifier and now a two-time Elite Series Champion. Hot off his incredible 1 oz victory at Lake Tenkiller “the little ball of hate” joins the podcast for his first interview since winning one of the most compelling events this season. But that’s not all! We are then joined by former bachelor, Bassmaster Classic quali…

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Tucker Smith "I'm Just Here To Fish and Have Fun" on MERCER-216 1:01:05

7M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Tucker Smith is a 3 time Bassmaster High School Champion, a former College Bass Champion and now one of the newest Bassmaster Elite Series winners. The 23year old Alabama pro has been successful at every level he has competed, but he is not simply driven by trophies and accomplishments. In his words he is “Just here to fish and have Fun”.…

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Dakota Ebare "Fish The Way You Want To Fish" on MERCER-215 1:25:29

7M ago1:25:29

1:25:29

Dakota Ebare is a Bassmaster Elite Series rookie but he is no rookie. He is a former bullfighter that has 2 MLF wins and over a million dollars in earnings. He decided to risk it all and fish the Opens in a quest to qualify for the Bassmaster Elites and chase his Classic dream. This week Dakota joins the podcast for a very real and raw conversation…

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Rick Clunn "You Can't Handicap Knowledge" on MERCER-214 59:56

7M ago59:56

59:56

4-time Bassmaster Classic Champion, the legendary Rick Clunn finally returns to the show. But this time it’s with a very different outlook and approach than before. He has been following and studying the sport this year and he shares just a few of his many Clunn-Clusions and a big announcement.

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Pat Schlapper & Jake's Take on MERCER-213 2:42:13

7M ago2:42:13

2:42:13

Pat Schlapper is a 4 time classic qualifier, a bass nation national champion and the newest Bassmaster Elite Series Champion. Hot off his emotional wire-to-wire win on the Sabine River, Schlapper joins the podcast and as always he tells it like he sees it. But that’s not all! We are then joined by Bassmaster videographer, Jake Latendresse with the …

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John Cox and Byron Velvick on MERCER-212 1:38:41

8M ago1:38:41

1:38:41

John Cox is a pro angling anomaly. At a time where competitive fishing is dominated by technology he does not even have forward facing sonar on his boat. Cox is widely considered one of the greatest natural anglers in the history of the sport. This week he joins the show to talk about why he sees technology as a distraction, fishing dreams, shootin…

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Randy Howell and Jake's Take on MERCER-211 1:52:12

8M ago1:52:12

1:52:12

Randy Howell is a 16 time Bassmaster Classic Qualifier, a 4 time Bassmaster winner and the 2014 Bassmaster Classic Champion. 2025 marks his return to the Elite Series and Lake Hartwell marked his return to the top 10. This week he joins the podcast to talk about why he returned to B.A.S.S., what drives him and how he caught 'em at Lake Hartwell. Bu…

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Ryan Malcolm - Catching Up 36:02

8M ago36:02

36:02

Send us a text Back in 2003, Ryan Malcolm became a familiar face across Canada as the first-ever winner of Canadian Idol. After a whirlwind year that included performing with artists like Elton John and Kelly Clarkson, Ryan returned to his roots just west of Kingston. Over the past 20 years, he’s worn many hats: musician, restaurant manager, Buddy …

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Drew Cook and Paul Marks "Head To Head" on MERCER-210 2:12:20

8M ago2:12:20

2:12:20

This past weekend two elite series champions had an incredible head-to-head battle on Lake Hartwell. It was a Sight Fishing Master, Drew Cook versus a Herring Master, Paul Marks. This unbelievable battle played out blow-for-blow on BassLive for the fishing world to see. Less than 24 hours after the tournament we sat down with both Drew Cook and Pau…

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Dustin Connell "Hate Is Tackling Fuel" on MERCER-209 1:15:57

8M ago1:15:57

1:15:57

Alabama pro angler Dustin Connell is a former Elite Series champion and Rookie of the Year. He has stacked up 5 MLF wins and has won 3 out of the last 4 Redcrest Championships. Clearly DC is a force to be reckoned with no matter where he is fishing. Hot off his most recent Redcrest win, he joins the podcast to catch up and share his take on today's…

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Kyle Welcher and Jake's Take on MERCER-208 1:56:01

9M ago1:56:01

1:56:01

Stone Cold Kyle Welcher is a 3 time Classic Qualifier and a 2 time Angler of the Year. He joins the podcast hot off his record-breaking victory on the Pasquotank River where he shattered the all-time win margin record by winning his first Elite Series tournament by 45lb 7oz. But that’s not all! We are then joined by bassmaster videographer, Jake La…

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Kathy Brock - Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Vote 44:59

9M ago44:59

44:59

Send us a text With Canada heading to the polls on April 28th, 2025, voters across the country are weighing some big questions. Should we re-elect the incumbent party or opt for change? Who’s best positioned to lead the country—and how will the next government navigate the relationship with the U.S.? Should we be focusing on local candidates or nat…

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Carl Jocumsen "Being Positive Is Nearly Impossible" on MERCER-207 1:58:35

9M ago1:58:35

1:58:35

Carl Jocumsen is a bassmaster elite series champion and a three time classic qualifier. His incredible power of positivity and confidence fuelled him to chase a dream that was literally on the other side of the world. But none of that comes without work. Even the ultra optimistic Jocumsen will tell you being positive is nearly impossible. But that’…

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Lee Livesay "Cheating Is Stealing" on MERCER-206 1:23:13

9M ago1:23:13

1:23:13

Lee Livesay is a 4 time bassmaster winner and a 5 time classic qualifier with 2 bassmaster century belts. Lee is a Busch Light drinking, Whiskey Myers listening, bass catching bad ass from the red dirt of Lake Fork that prides himself on being a straight shooter that plays the game the right way. In his eyes, cheating is stealing!…

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Dave Barton - A Life in Music 54:29

9M ago54:29

54:29

Send us a text Kingston has a deep-rooted musical community, and few names stand out as much as Dave Barton’s. A self-professed "guitar nerd," Dave’s passion for the instrument began in Grade 4 and has shaped a lifelong career in performance, composition, and education. As co-leader of the Big Phat Horn Band, he brings bold, dynamic energy to the s…

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Bassmaster Classic Champion Easton Fothergill - Easton To Beaston!! & Jake's Take on MERCER-205 2:17:24

9M ago2:17:24

2:17:24

Hot off his Historic Bassmaster Classic victory, Easton Fothergill joins the podcast. We discuss his incredible victory on Lake Ray Roberts. His inspiring story of overcoming horrific obstacles and a whole list of hot topics. But that’s not all! Then we are joined by bassmaster videographer, Jake Latendresse with the ultimate Bassmaster behind-the-…

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John Garrett "All Pro Anglers Tell Lies" on MERCER-204 1:28:40

10M ago1:28:40

1:28:40

John Garrett is one of the brightest young stars in pro fishing. Not only is he a former College Bass Champion but he won an Elite Series title in only his 3rd event and finished his rookie season with a top 10 in Angler of the Year. Rookie luck? Not likely. This week he will compete in his second Bassmaster Classic and will do so as the current le…

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Art McDonald - Exploring the Universe from the Inside, Out! 40:00

10M ago40:00

40:00

Send us a text Physics is everywhere—even if you haven’t thought about it since high school! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Art McDonald, a professor of astrophysics at Queen’s University and winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2015. For forty years, Dr. McDonald and his team focused their research on neutrinos—tiny, elusive particles t…

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Seth Feider and Jake's Take "Anglers Who Read the Rules are Cheaters" on MERCER-203 1:49:50

10M ago1:49:50

1:49:50

Seth Feider is a 2-time Bassmaster winner and the 2021 Bassmaster Angler-of-the-Year. Feider has built a legion of loyal fans that connect with his open, honest and down-to-earth attitude. This week he once again returns to the podcast and as always “the lama” tells it like he sees it. Right down to the fact that he believes if you study the rule b…