Welcome to the Vortex Nation Podcast. Brought to you by lovers of hunting, shooting, public lands, the Second Amendment and dang good food.
…
continue reading
Vortex Nation Podcasts
An independent podcast guiding you through the crisis in media. Hosted by award-winning journalists Osman Faruqi and Scott Mitchell, new episodes out every Monday and Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
…
continue reading
1
Meatball by Telegram??? | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 30
42:21
42:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:21Things get saucy as Mark and Ryan debate why their opponent is on the naughty list, the hunt they’d take Santa on, the cartridge they’d hunt Iowa deer with and more. Are Mark’s answers and Christmas gift for Jim good enough or does Ryan come between him and the threepeat? Tune in to find out! As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if…
…
continue reading
Mark quietly did his research. In silence and unbeknownst to the guys, he finally pulled the trigger. It took everything he had to suppress his secret until the big podcast reveal. Disguised as a revisit to Jimmy’s pizza oven culinary exploits, he surprises them with the big news. Can they believe it? Which one did he pick? As always, we want to he…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 426 | Answering Your Questions | A Lot of Them!
2:02:31
2:02:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:02:31When we asked for questions, you guys delivered! Tune in as the guys tackle cartridges they don’t own but want, tire chains, dream hunts, the high-pressure cartridge they wish existed, and a heck of a lot more. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us…
…
continue reading
1
The Best Journalism Movies of All-Time, with Alexei Toliopoulos
58:39
58:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:39Os and Scott are joined by their friend, movie critic and comedian Alexei Toliopoulos from The Last Video Store podcast, to discuss the best journalism movies of all-time. First, they discuss the state of cinema in 2025 and the best films of the year. Then, they dive into what it is about journalism that makes it such a good setting for so many gre…
…
continue reading
1
How the Media Turned Bondi into a Blame Game Over Guns, Protest and Migration
1:16:30
1:16:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:16:30In their final regular episode for the year, Os and Scott discuss the aftermath of the Bondi shooting and how the media has united in an attempt to blame Anthony Albanese and push forward controversial plans that would restrict criticism of the Israeli government. They discuss the latest in the investigation into the shooting, and how revelations t…
…
continue reading
1
#10MinuteTalk | Coffee Talk | Will Jimmy Finally Like Coffee?
40:47
40:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:47Will a heart-felt letter and listener-submitted specialty coffee finally get Jimmy to see the coffee light? Tune in as the guys “pour over” this fun topic aimed at getting Jimmy’s life on the right track. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on In…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 425 | Deer of the Year | 2025 Season Recap
1:57:16
1:57:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:57:16Arrows flung and bullets sent, a crew of Vortex folks pack the podcast studio for a deer-season recap. Big bucks, medium bucks, young bucks, and doe’s — nothing was safe. Tune in to hear the stories behind the venison. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by …
…
continue reading
1
The Bondi Attack: How Misinformation and Politics Engulfed a Tragedy
43:45
43:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:45In this special episode, Os and Scott discuss the Bondi terror attack and the media and political reaction. They start by stepping through the details of the shooting on Sunday before discussing how it was covered by the media, on live TV, online and in print. Then they discuss the role played by social media and how this was one of the examples of…
…
continue reading
1
What the ABC's New Line-Up Says About Its Future. Plus, the Dark Arts Behind a Political Scandal
34:37
34:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:37Os and Scott kick off by stepping through the recent media coverage of the growing political entitlements scandal and look at who could behind the stories targeting Annika Wells and other senior politicians. They also discuss the revelation News Corp spiked a story about Wells because of their campaign supporting the teen social media ban. Next, th…
…
continue reading
1
The Two Huge Stories the Media Missed, the Scandal Engulfing Parliament and a Hollywood Update
1:03:40
1:03:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:40Os and Scott kick off by analysing the latest incendiary statements by Israeli politicians and their threat to execute Palestinian political prisoners if the world moves ahead with Palestinian statehood. They also discuss why the Australian media is so uninterested in covering the story, even as Israel continues to breach its ceasefires in Gaza and…
…
continue reading
1
#10MinuteTalk | Choosing a Binocular Configuration
29:04
29:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:04Choosing a binocular configuration shouldn’t be a daunting task. Vortex’s binocular expert, Mike McDowell, joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn to talk through the pros and cons of various models. Compacts, to “Big Eyes”, they cover them all. What binocular is right for you? Tune in to find out. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us k…
…
continue reading
Need the perfect gift? Vortex has you covered. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn highlight select Vortex products sure to keep you on everyone’s “nice list.” As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast…
…
continue reading
1
The Social Media Ban Is Here. Will It Work? Plus, Why Netflix's New Takeover Is A Disaster For TV and Film
40:13
40:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:13Subscribe to Lamestream during our summer sale and save 15% on an annual subscription! Buy a subscription for yourself or as a gift by clicking here. Ahead of the teen social media ban taking effect from this week, Os and Scott look at how the political debate over the ban has shifted, how the media has finally started reported on serious flaws in …
…
continue reading
1
How Australia is Ignoring the Housing Crisis. Plus, the TikTok Furore Explained and the Climate Protests the Papers Ignored
1:05:05
1:05:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:05Os and Scott discuss the growing housing and economic crises in Australia and why they seem to have dropped off the political agenda, and why the political media seem less interested in covering growing wealth inequality. Later in the show they look at the controversy around the TikTok awards held last week, including allegations of racism. They di…
…
continue reading
1
#10MinuteTalk | 7mm Backcountry Reloading Dies and Data
37:15
37:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:15As we hit the launch button on a bunch of 7mm Backcountry content, Federal hit the launch button on reloading dies and load data. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn cover what’s new and what it means for this cartridge. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by a…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 423 | Pedersoli Rocky Mountain Hawkin | Muckenhirn’s Traditional Muzzleloader
1:09:14
1:09:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:14Ryan Muckenhirn brings in his Pedersoli Rocky Mountain Hawkin muzzleloader. He and Mark Boardman talk through its features, the story behind it, and what makes it so cool. A link to our mountain-man past, traditional muzzleloaders are intrinsically awesome in every way. This podcast may just inspire you to purchase one of your own. As always, we wa…
…
continue reading
1
Our Epstein Scoop! Plus, Trump's New War and the Censored Gaza Speech
40:58
40:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:58Os and Scott share their thoughts on Australia's first ever Prime Ministerial wedding, before talking through their exclusive Jeffrey Epstein scoop, which involved a collaboration with a leading European news outlet. Then, Scott breaks down Donald Trump's looming war with Venezuela, including Australia's potential involvement. New episodes of Lames…
…
continue reading
1
Parliament Becomes a Joke, the SMH's War Crimes Hypocrisy and the Problem With Sports Media. Plus, Trump Now Runs Hollywood?
1:18:56
1:18:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:18:56Os and Scott talk about the bizarre news that Donald Trump has forced a major Hollywood studio to commission Rush Hour 4 and what that reveals about how grim the state of entertainment and culture is now. They unpack the bizarre week in federal Parliament, including Pauline Hanson's burqa stunt and what the political and media reaction revealed abo…
…
continue reading
1
Deer Drives, Ye or Nay | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 29
37:26
37:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:26Lights, camera, spaghetti! The ethics of deer drives, Adam Sandler movie characters, and more. Can Mark make a coherent argument and come away with another win? Does Ryan noodle around for the right words only to slip in the spaghetti sauce of life? Tune in to find out. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics y…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 422 | Ryan Muckenhirn’s New .300 SUPER WSM | Cow Elk Hunt Plan
1:09:45
1:09:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:09:45After talking about and testing the .300 SUPER WSM, Ryan had to build one of his own. Tune in for the breakdown of his new rifle and get the scoop on his and Mark’s plan to put their .300 SUPER WSM’s to the test on a late-season cow elk hunt. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vor…
…
continue reading
1
The Wild Mamdani-Trump Meeting, Australia's Extremism Problem, and the Nuzzi Files. Plus, the Ashes Media Beat-Up
46:31
46:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:31Os and Scott talk about the start of the Ashes, including how weird it is to watch this commercial TV, and the sports media beat-up over a round of golf that apparently jeopardised Australia's chances of beating England. Then they unpack the meeting with Zohran Mamdani and Donald Trump, including why Trump seemed so keen to praise the Mayor-elect a…
…
continue reading
1
How the World Abandoned Gaza, the ABC's Bizarro TV Era, and the Liberal Party Death Spiral
1:03:04
1:03:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:04We're hosting our first ever live event in Sydney on December 4. Click here to buy tickets. Today on the show, Os and Scott open by discussing the latest on the ground in Gaza and Israel's latest airstrike in Lebanon. They examine the significance of the UN voting to endorse Trump's "peace plan" for the region, and how the ceasefire deal has accele…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 421 | Remi Warren | Is the 7mm Backcountry the New .300 WSM?
36:52
36:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:52Remi Warren talks about his personal hunting experience with the 7mm Backcountry and its impressive performance. Like Mark Boardman, he is a big fan of the .300 WSM. They’ve even podcasted about the many fine attributes of the .300 WSM previously. But is the 7mm Backcountry claiming the crown as Remi’s big-game go-to? Listen and find out. As always…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 420 | 7MM Backcountry | The Short-Barreled Big Game Do-all?
1:10:02
1:10:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:10:02Back from the range shooting every Federal loading through two 7mm Backcountry rifles (Proof Research and Weatherby), Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn have a lot to digest. They analyze the chronograph data, bullet offerings, factory rifle options, and overall performance. Is owning a 7mm Backcountry in their future? Listen and find out. As always…
…
continue reading
1
The Most Explosive Epstein Revelations Yet. Plus, is the AI Bubble About To Burst?
39:01
39:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:01Special announcement: We're throwing an end of year event! Buy your tickets here to the first ever Lamestream awards night, December 3 in Melbourne. Click here to buy tickets. Today, Os and Scott begin the show talking about the Lamestream L's, the inaugural Lamestream awards night and how you can be a part of it! Then, they discuss the latest reve…
…
continue reading
1
What the BBC Scandal Means For the ABC. Plus, The B-Grade Radio Hosts Who Really Run Australia
1:07:32
1:07:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:32Os and Scott kick of this episode by briefly talking about some of the TV they're watching and music they're listening too right now, before discussing the coverage commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Whitlam Dismissal. Then they unpack the fallout from the Neo-Nazi rally outside NSW Parliament, stepping through how it was allowed to take pla…
…
continue reading
1
#10MinuteTalk | Folds of Honor | Crafted Impact
16:33
16:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:33Folds of Honor provides scholarships to the children and spouses of military and first responders fallen or disabled in the line of duty. Listen and learn more about this great organization and the Vortex/Folds of Honor Crafted Impact collaboration. Together, we can raise money and support their life-changing cause. As always, we want to hear your …
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 419 | 7mm Backcountry | The Full Story from Federal
54:02
54:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:02Federal’s Eric Miller gives a detailed rundown on their 7mm Backcountry cartridge and Peak Alloy case technology. High pressure coupled with short barrels optimal for suppression and magnum performance just might have you headed to your local gun shop. Tune in to get the gouge on this more than intriguing cartridge. As always, we want to hear your …
…
continue reading
1
The Mamdani Meltdown, Pauline Hanson Woos the Media From Mar-a-Lago, and a Big Grammys Miss
37:23
37:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:23Os and Scott start today's episode discussing their exclusive interview with the Carlton's mascot, who was attacked on the front page of the Herald Sun and accused of anti-semitism because he refused to help fundraise for the IDF. Then they discuss how most of the mainstream media missed a big, Australia angle to the Grammy nominations, which speak…
…
continue reading
1
Does Zohran Mamdani's Win Have Lessons For Australia? Plus, Sussan Ley is Cooked, and the Louvre Heist Debate
1:04:29
1:04:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:29Os and Scott begin the episode by discussing the news that the suspects involved in the Louvre heist have been arrested, before debating the heist itself, and who the good guys are. Then they break down the latest political crisis engulfing the Coalition, with the Liberal Party plummeting to record lows in opinion polls and a fresh ideological batt…
…
continue reading
Muzzleloader bullets come in all shapes and sizes. Round balls to polymer-tipped and custom-swaged, there are a lot of options to choose from. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn run through the different styles, advantages they offer, and which may be the best for you. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 418 | Semi-Auto Deer Rifles, Princes of Pie-Plate Precision?
59:08
59:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:08Semi-auto deer rifles are the Kings of fast follow-up shots, the Dukes of deer drives, and Princes of pie-plate precision (kidding on that last part). A cultural norm in some regions and nearly absent in others, semi-autos often prove much more accurate than many folks give them credit for. Tune in to this podcast where Mark Boardman and Ryan Mucke…
…
continue reading
1
The Controversy Every Journalist is Talking About, Epstein Brings Down a Royal, and Australia's First Treaty
30:28
30:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:28Os and Scott kick-off this episode by discussing the a front page story published by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age that alleges an ABC journalist sent text messages suggesting he wanted to kill a prominent YouTuber, and the journalist's claim that the text messages were faked. They unpack Lamestream's reporting on the story, and the dispute…
…
continue reading
1
#10MinuteTalk | Fall Hunt Recap | Early October Big Buck Down
27:51
27:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:51Vortex’s Maggie Carsello gives us the rundown on her early October archery whitetail. The biggest buck she’s shot to date, her story is proof positive it pays to strategically target bucks through every stage of the season. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast…
…
continue reading
1
How the Internet Is About to Change Forever. Plus, Trump Tours Asia and the Absurd Joy Division Scandal
1:05:13
1:05:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:13Os and Scott start this episode by discussing the ludicrous political scandal that has erupted over Anthony Albanese's decision to wear a Joy Division band t-shirt. They look at how criticism of Albanese spread from right-wing social media to mainstream news outlets like The Australian and Sky News before Sussan Ley slammed the PM in parliament. Os…
…
continue reading
1
The WORST Piece of Hunting Advice You Still Hear | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 28
43:11
43:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:11The gang is back with their spaghetti six shooters slinging meatballs and mild insults. Can Mark Boardman take down the all-knowing Ryan Muckenhirn or does he fall face first in his plate of pasta shame. Optimal rifle barrel length to hunting advice that’s just plain wrong, tune in as they battle it out in the name of spaghetti glory. As always, we…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 417 | Thermal Drone Deer Research — Unlocking Whitetail Secrets
1:21:22
1:21:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21:22Derrick Dixon, founder of the Whitetail Research YouTube channel, buzzes by virtually like a thermal drone to talk about his self-documented, year-long, thermal-drone-based deer study. If you’re interested in mature buck behavior, tune in to hear what he learned monitoring these mysterious creatures from above. As always, we want to hear your feedb…
…
continue reading
1
How Australia Inspired the Biggest Sports Betting Scandal in the US. Plus, Ita Buttrose's Comeback Tour
41:35
41:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:35Os and Scott kick-off this episode by breaking down the massive betting scandal that has rocked the US, ensnaring both the NBA and the mafia. They discuss the details of the scandal, which involves Oceans 11 style rigging of poker games and how Australia's culture of sports betting has been transferred to the US, complete with all the social harms …
…
continue reading
1
#10MinuteTalk | South Dakota Deer, Cattle, Mosquitos and Miles
29:37
29:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:37Dan Johnson joins Mark Boardman to report back on his SD muley hunt. He gives his take on an area that’s historically produced and why it was just plain tough this year. Successful or not, we learn from every hunt. This one is no exception. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vorte…
…
continue reading
1
The Real Reason Trump Loves Albanese, The Joe Rogan Podcast Bro Civil War, and Some Good News!
1:08:07
1:08:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:07Following the universal praise heaped on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese by the media after his visit to Donald Trump's White House this week, Os and Scott cast a more critical eye over the meeting. They cover what was discussed, Trump's attacks on a number of journalists and why the media are fawning over the Australian government for for giving D…
…
continue reading
1
#10MinuteTalk | Ryan Muckenhirn’s Pet .308 Load
33:46
33:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:46Ryan Muckenhirn loves the .308 Winchester and Barnes Bullets. These two facts combine making a podcast all about his pet .308 load and the compelling argument as to its incredible effectiveness. Tune in and prepare to buy a box or two for yourself. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on t…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 416 | The Vortex Origin Story with President and CEO, Joe Hamilton
1:44:01
1:44:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:44:01Joe Hamilton, President and CEO of Vortex, sits down with Mark Boardman to give Vortex’s gritty origin story, shed light on the philosophies that make Vortex what it is, and let you know about a brand-new podcast he’ll be hosting. If you like inspiring stories, great information, and want a sneak peek into a platform that may be exactly what you an…
…
continue reading
1
Could Barnaby Joyce Help One Nation Replace the Coalition? Plus, How Epstein Brought Down Prince Andrew
41:01
41:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:01Os and Scott discuss the significance of former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce announcing his shock resignation from the Nationals and the rumours that he is set to join One Nation, potentially as their next leader. They unpack what's really behind the decision, why conservative politics in Australia is in such disarray, and how One Nation cou…
…
continue reading
1
#10MinuteTalk | Fall Hunt Recap - Scottish Highlands Red Stag, Sika Deer and Salmon
1:13:23
1:13:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:13:23Mark Boardman travels to the Scottish Highlands to meet up with the Spartan Precision team. Together, they tackle its rugged terrain and inclement weather in pursuit of red stag, sika deer, and if the stars align, an Atlantic salmon. The landscape breathtaking, Kildermorie Estate Lodge historic, people amazing, and culture rich, this hunt exceeded …
…
continue reading
1
Is The Media More Pro-Israel Than Trump? Plus, The Death of Good Celebrity Journalism
1:06:58
1:06:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:58Os kicks off this episode by talking Scott through his experience watching 'The Morning Show', the star-studded Apple TV series set in a US TV network, and why it is one of the most bizarre show's he's ever seen, before Scott shares some of the better TV shows set in newsrooms. Then they discuss Donald Trump's trip to Israel, what his speech to the…
…
continue reading
1
#10MinuteTalk | Vortex Triumph HD 3-9x40 Riflescope and 850 Rangefinder
24:33
24:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:33The price/performance ratio bar has been set again. The Vortex Triumph HD 3-9x40 Riflescope and 850 Rangefinder are built to impress without depleting your pocketbook. Perfect for budget conscious hunters, casual hunters, and new hunters, these optics round out the Triumph series and will get you in the game. Listen as Luke Roberts and Shane Callag…
…
continue reading
1
Ep. 415 | 5 Listener-Requested Optics-Ready Pistols Tested
1:20:16
1:20:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:20:16You selected 5 optics-ready pistols. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn shot them. Listen as they run through the features, what they liked, didn’t like, and points to consider. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast…
…
continue reading
1
What Comes After Gaza's Ceasefire? Plus, News Corp's Phoney War On AI
42:11
42:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:11Os and Scott outline the latest on the ceasefire plan for Gaza, and run through the issues the remain outstanding, including details of the prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas and what happens in the coming days and weeks. They also discuss why politicians and the media seem so eager to claim that "Trump's peace plan" has been agreed too, ev…
…
continue reading
1
#10MinuteTalk | Fall Hunt Recap - Clay Hayes Alaska Adventure
56:01
56:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:01Clay Hayes joins Mark Boardman to talk through his month-long Alaska adventure. Moose hunting with his self-bow, fishing, bears, and more made this trip one to remember. Tune in to hear all about it. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagr…
…
continue reading
1
Journalists Censoring Journalists, Reviewing Two Years of Gaza Coverage, and Bari Weiss' $150m Buyout
1:04:37
1:04:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:37Os and Scott open this episode by discussing the NRL Grand Final and the sports media's obsession with creating controversy over nothing, before Os shares a scoop about Keith Urban (yes, seriously). Later in the episode, they unpack the story published by Lamestream this week about the National Press Club cancelled a talk by Pulitzer Prize-winning …
…
continue reading