Best Vortex Optics Podcasts (2025)

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#10MinuteTalk - Single Shot Rifles — Economical to Extravagant 58:07

5d ago58:07

58:07

Simple, utilitarian, elegant, romantic, inexpensive, exorbitantly priced — single shot rifles run the gamut. They also share undeniable commonalities. Ian Klemm and Ryan Muckenhirn drop by the studio to chat with Mark Boardman about single shot rifles, their charm, and where they sit in today’s rifle landscape. As always, we want to hear your feedb…

1
Ep. 396 | The Quarter-Bore Revival 1:16:28

4d ago1:16:28

1:16:28

Quarter-bores like the 25-06 have spent their lives in the shadows of more popular cartridges. Cult followings of folks in the know have kept them alive — barely. Was not reaching their full potential the reason they never got to sit at the cool kid’s table? Could spinning higher weight, higher BC bullets faster breathe new life into old classics —…

1
#10MinuteTalk - 5 Elk Hunting Tips from Elk Shape’s Dan Staton 21:54

12d ago21:54

21:54

Dan Staton has dedicated his life to perfecting his elk-hunting craft. For Dan, 11 months of the year exist for one reason — to get ready for September. The result of his intense focus — bulls on the ground with incredible consistency. Tune in and draft off his hard-earned experience. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there a…

1
Ep. 395 | Mule Deer and the Mule Deer Foundation 40:20

11d ago40:20

40:20

Trevor Hubbs from the Mule Deer Foundation jumps on to chat about mule deer, threats they face, and the great work MDF is doing to ensure a prosperous future for these amazing critters. Habitat, overpasses, funding, and the new Blacktail Deer Foundation, he migrates through interesting information you’ll want to know. As always, we want to hear you…

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Lightest Cartridge for Deer | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 26 29:56

16d ago29:56

29:56

All meatballs, all the time, the Spaghetti Shootout season-three finale is loaded with quippy questions from YOU! Jimmy gets kidnapped by thugs, fishing for Nessie, immortality, and more, the guy’s debate topics only true intellectuals dare ponder. Does Mark go out with a bang or shoot himself in the foot? Tune in to find out. As always, we want to…

1
#10MinuteTalk - The TC Encore is Back 39:09

17d ago39:09

39:09

The TC Encore is back for its encore appearance. After being purchased by S&W and subsequently shelved, some of the original owners are resurrecting the brand. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn talk about the rifles, what they offer a hunter, personal experiences with them, and where they fit in today’s modern firearm and muzzleloader landscape. As…

1
Ep. 394 | Wisconsin CWD, Deer and Predator Study — Dissecting the Results 1:16:39

20d ago1:16:39

1:16:39

Wisconsin DNR’s Dan Storm joins Mark Boardman to examine the multi-year Southwest Wisconsin CWD, Deer and Predator Study. He gives us the “why” behind the study, how it was conducted and their findings. Tune in for interesting information on a contentious topic. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd lik…

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#10MinuteTalk - Beekeeping Basics — Honey in Your Own Backyard 34:54

26d ago34:54

34:54

Vortex’s Gayla Gibson buzzes by the studio to talk bee keeping basics. Beekeeping is cool, interesting, and rewarding. Your suburban backyard could bee the perfect place to bee-gin your bee-keeping journey. More pollinators is a good thing, and we can’t forget the bounty of sweet golden goodness we get in return. Tune in to get turned on to beekeep…

1
Ep. 393 | .375 H&H vs .338 Win Mag — Battle of the Medium Bores 1:03:59

27d ago1:03:59

1:03:59

Big bears to big bulls, one thing is certain, the .375 H&H and .338 Win will handle the job. After some testing at the range, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn dive deep into these cartridges, what they like, and where they fit in today’s modern-cartridge landscape. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd…

1
#10MinuteTalk - Maggie Jo's Top 5 Bass Baits 36:26

1M ago36:26

36:26

Tournament angler, Maggie Carsello, joins Mark Boardman to walk-the-dog through her favorite bass baits. Tune in to get lined out on incredibly versatile bait styles that simply produce. 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 @vortexnat…

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Ep. 392 | 100 Years of the .270 Winchester 51:15

1M ago51:15

51:15

100-years-old and going strong, the now classic yet ever-venerable .270 is still stomping big game across the globe. This cartridge stands the test of time because critters hit with it don’t stand a chance. Tune in as we honor one of the greats. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the …

1
Talkin' Turkeys and Optics with the Vortex Crew! 1:10:27

1M ago1:10:27

1:10:27

Pat and Nicole are joined by Maggie Carsello, Graham Cronin, and Erik Barber to talk about their recent turkey hunts in Minnesota as well as many other optics and hunting topics!By Driven Hunter

1
#10MinuteTalk - The .338-06 — Deadly or Just Dead? 45:35

1M ago45:35

45:35

Ryan Muckenhirn brings in his .338-06 to talk all about its fantastic attributes. A cool cartridge with limited adoption by gun makers and the public alike, did this one deserve more fanfare? Or does it sit where it belongs at the bottom of the cartridge ocean? Tune in for the story of how he came to own this rifle, some history, and his plans to s…

1
Ep. 391 | Bear Hunting with Bear Hunting Magazine’s, Kolby Morehead 1:26:09

1M ago1:26:09

1:26:09

Bear Hunting Magazine owner, bear hunting fanatic, and bear advocate, Kolby Morehead, stops by to talk about — you guessed it, bear hunting. With a focus on baiting, he and fellow bear hunter, Mark Boardman, bear down on tips and tactics to get you in the game. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like…

1
Best Camo of All Time | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 25 30:26

1M ago30:26

30:26

In this week’s Spaghetti Shootout, Mark Boardman is back noodling around to find the right words, Ryan Muckenhirn is his collected self, Jimmy Hamilton is in a mood, and the trivia team takes pity. From movies that should have never been, to the best camo of all time, this episode is one spicy meatball. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let…

1
Recapping the Craziest Day of Turkey Hunting Ever with Tanner Blaschka and Sam Moore 1:11:57

2M ago1:11:57

1:11:57

Pat is joined by friends Tanner Blaschka and Sam Moore to talk about their wild day of turkey hunting, as well as how they met, hunting strategies, and more!By Driven Hunter

1
#10MinuteTalk - How to Make a Turkey Wing Bone Call 32:42

2M ago32:42

32:42

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn wing it in this podcast all about making your very own turkey wing bone call. How-to, anecdotal stories of success, and more, this podcast guarantees you’ll be saving your next bird’s wings. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcas…

1
Ep. 390 | .300 SUPER WSM — Your Questions Answered 1:14:18

2M ago1:14:18

1:14:18

The .300 SUPER WSM project garnered a lot of attention — and questions. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn sit down to address them. 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…

1
#10MinuteTalk - 212 Gr Barnes LRX Bore Rider in a .308 Case — You’re Going to Do What? 25:52

2M ago25:52

25:52

We loaded the Barnes 212 Gr LRX Bore Rider in a .300 WSM case. The result — impressive ballistics and payload on target at extended ranges. But what happens if we do the same thing with a .308 case? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn go back to the lab to explore the possibilities and hopefully begin unlocking another level of .308 Winchester potent…

1
Ep. 389 | Stalking Rifles — Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t 1:13:56

2M ago1:13:56

1:13:56

Stalking rifle aficionado, Ian Klemm, stops by the studio with a handful of classic rifles bearing unique form factors — yet all falling under the moniker, “stalking rifle.” How can this be? Ryan Muckenhirn brings a beautiful rifle of his own, and Mark Boardman realizes he’s been hunting modern-day stalking rifles nearly his whole life. Tune in for…

1
#315 - Wild Turkey Research in 2025 w/Mike Chamberlain and Patrick Wightman 56:50

2M ago56:50

56:50

Mike and Patrick discuss the status of various turkey research projects and talk about spring hunting seasons, gobbling data and wild turkey genetics. THP MERCH: https://bit.ly/30ZC1rm - Get 10% off THP Merch w/Code ZACH OPTICS - 10% off Vortex Optics w/code THP10 - https://bit.ly/3AOdKDQ TURKEY CALLS - Get 10% off Woodhaven Calls w/coupon code - T…

1
#10MinuteTalk - One Turkey Call for the Rest of Your Life — Who You Got? 40:51

2M ago40:51

40:51

One turkey call for the rest of your life is one of the scariest scenarios ever conceived. The gang unites like a pack of Jakes to tackle this tough question. 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…

1
Ep. 388 | Life of a Warden 50:38

2M ago50:38

50:38

Wisconsin Conservation Warden, Michael Burns, joins the podcast to chat about the profession, myths (you still have time to hunt), exciting cases, and how you can become a Conservation Warden yourself. If you’ve ever considered the profession, give this podcast a listen. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics …

1
#10MinuteTalk - Utah Nonresident License and Big-Game Tag Price Increases Shock Hunters 23:50

2M ago23:50

23:50

Want to hunt big game in UT? License and tag price increases may have you thinking twice. Huntin’ Fool’s Austin Atkinson joins Mark Boardman to talk through the 2025 changes, how UT distributes tags, and what your application strategy should look like moving forward. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'…

1
#10MinuteTalk - Hard Carbon Rings — Don’t Retire That Barrel Yet 41:07

2M ago41:07

41:07

Your barrel may still have life in it. A hard carbon ring could be your accuracy culprit. Ian Klemm drops in to drop knowledge on this hot topic. Identification, to prevention and removal, Ian covers it all. 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…

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Ep. 387 | Bonded Bullets Versus Shoulder Blades — How Did They Perform? 1:23:57

2M ago1:23:57

1:23:57

Bonded bullets blend bone-crushing, deep-driving, and high-weight-retention performance with some of the raciest profiles going. We shot 6 of the most popular through deer shoulder blades. The results are in. Listen as Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn recap how each did and get their take on the projectiles tested. As always, we want to hear your …

1
#314 - The Importance of Woodsmanship During Early Turkey Season w/Aaron Warbritton 1:18:03

2M ago1:18:03

1:18:03

In this episode, Zach and Aaron talk about hunting turkeys during the early season when the gobbling frequency is low. They discuss some of the things they have learned and how they approach it differently than late season turkey hunting. Topics Include: -hunting turkeys that aren't gobbling -using sign to pattern flocks of turkeys -listening for o…

1
#10MinuteTalk - NEW Muck-E AI Technology 16:17

2M ago16:17

16:17

Ryan Muckenhirn drops by the podcast studio to tell us how he’s dropped into your next riflescope. Vortex’s new Muck-E AI technology puts Ryan’s knowledge and expertise inside your optic. The future is now everybody. Buckle up. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ pod…

1
Ep. 386 | Barrel Finishes — What’s the Difference? 1:16:21

3M ago1:16:21

1:16:21

Barrel finish is a key feature on any rifle and one you should pay attention to. But what’s the difference between each type? Matt Pederson from Pederson Precision stops by to break it down for us. Tune in to find out which barrel finish is right for you. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like cover…

1
#10MinuteTalk - Spring Bear Tips and Ticks with Remi Warren 22:13

3M ago22:13

22:13

No, that’s not a typo in the title. Spring Bear hunting out west can require specialized gear and considerations — one of those considerations being pesky, bloodsucking, disease-carrying, ticks. In this podcast, expert hunter, guide, and Live Wild podcast host, Remi Warren, stops by to give us nuanced spring bear hunting information you can take to…

1
Ep. 385 | Seating Depth and Jump — Expert Reloaders Expound 1:05:18

3M ago1:05:18

1:05:18

Expert reloaders Ian Klemm and Scott Parks unite in this podcast all about bullet seating depth and jump. If you’re looking for insight and opinion on the finer points of these reloading variables from a couple guys who have been there and done that with credentialed success, look no further. Sit back and relax as they jump in, jam out, hit their g…

1
Best Hunting Super Power | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 24 34:29

3M ago34:29

34:29

Once again, Mark is throwing spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks, Jimmy is being Jimmy, and Ryan is dipping into his thesaurus-like encyclopedia of knowledge to rack up points with reckless abandon. Bringing back extinct animals to alien introductions, this episode is a saucy one…spaghetti sauce that is. As always, we want to hear your fe…

1
#10MinuteTalk - Lazzeroni Cartridges — Built for Speed, Speed, and Speed 38:40

3M ago38:40

38:40

John Lazzeroni blazed a trail for a new generation of “Magnum Mania” with his high stepping, hard hitting, and incredibly impressive cartridges. Catchy names like .782 Warbird, .721 Firehawk, and 6.57 Scramjet denote the single premise they were built on — velocity. The numbers his cartridges attain don’t lie. Tune in as Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilt…

1
Ep. 384 | Silencer Central — Suppressor Intel and Ownership Made Easy 56:33

3M ago56:33

56:33

Enter the Fully Loaded Full Foliage Gun Giveaway here! Silencer Central founder Brandon Maddox drops by for an in-depth discussion on the company, their model, tools they’ve developed to make getting a suppressor a headache-free process suppressor types, and more. If you’re interested in suppressors, don’t miss this podcast! As always, we want to h…

1
#10MinuteTalk - Shed Crazy Talks Crazy Shed Regulations 15:37

3M ago15:37

15:37

Ben Dettamanti, aka Shed Crazy, drops in to shed some light on his 50-state antler extravaganza and new regulations surrounding the ever-more popular practice of picking up antlers. Tine in for a fun conversation with the most shedicated guy we know. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on…

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Ep. 383 | Action Shotgun Olympics — The IPSC Shotgun World Shoot 59:34

3M ago59:34

59:34

5 days of shooting, approximately 30 stages, all while representing your country — the World Shotgun Shoot happens every 3 years and is the Olympics of action shotgun shooting. Vortex’s Reuben Aleckson and Adam Maxwell give a detailed rundown of the event and how you can qualify to represent the USA at the next one. As always, we want to hear your …

1
#10MinuteTalk - Tag Draw Tips with Huntin’ Fool 17:15

3M ago17:15

17:15

Big game application season is in full swing. Two months into the new year, several deadlines have already come and gone. Austin Atkinson from Huntin' Fool hits us with tag draw tips and strategies to get you in the game – literally. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Natio…

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Ep. 382 | The Ruger Model 44 — Bring it Back! 56:14

3M ago56:14

56:14

The Ruger Model 44 is a fast, handy, lightweight, carbine in 44 Mag. Perfect for brush busting, deer drives and even defensive work, what’s not to like? Nothing from 1961 to 1985. So, what changed? The gang is back together chatting all about this super cool rifle, a few of its cousins, and if it has a place in our modern world. As always, we want …

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#10MinuteTalk - Use Gravity and a Flashlight to Level Your Scope – The Reverse Projection Method 12:06

4M ago12:06

12:06

Getting your scope level is a critical component of the mounting process. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn demonstrate the reverse projection method to get perfect level. This process is illuminating and the gravity of the result it yields cannot be overstated. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd lik…

1
Ep. 381 | .22 Mag vs .17 HMR — Magnum Rimfire Reconnaissance 40:47

4M ago40:47

40:47

After hitting the range and shooting the 17 HMR and 22 Mag into gel, all signs point to a clear winner. So why are the guys still perplexed as to which one they’d select? Tune in as they break down the results. 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…

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Ep. 380 | Sheep Hunting and Your Chance to Win the Slam 45:19

4M ago45:19

45:19

Sheep hunting, getting lucky enough to draw a tag, and having the financial means to book a hunt with an outfitter are all difficult. Mark Boardman grabs Huntin’ Fool’s Austin Atkinson to discuss all these things — including how you can get the chance to win the entire North American Sheep Slam. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us k…

1
#10MinuteTalk - The Viper Shotgun Dot — Redefining Shotgun Red Dot Sights 32:53

4M ago32:53

32:53

Vortex took a dedicated, intentional, and problem-solving shotgun approach to the Viper Shotgun Dot. And it worked. Sitting incredibly low for optimal cheek weld with a fully enclosed emitter, this optic is ready to take on all your shot-gunning needs. Tune in to hear about your next shotgun sight. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us k…

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Ep. 379 | Boom to Bust - Research and Recovery with the Wild Turkey Doc 1:19:25

4M ago1:19:25

1:19:25

Mike Chamberlain, aka “The Wild Turkey Doc,” is back talking about the plight of the wild turkey, fascinating research, and what people who care about these amazing birds can do to help. Mike is a top research biologist in his field and has been studying wild turkeys for more than 30 years. As a hunter, his passion for these birds is personal and p…

1
#10MinuteTalk - The .358 Winchester — Good or Nearly Gone for Good? 38:50

4M ago38:50

38:50

Offspring of the .308, like so many great cartridges, the .358 Win offers big bullet performance in a compact package. What’s not to like? Nothing if shooting distance is moderate — particularly on critters where a large hole and increased structural damage fall firmly in the plus category. So why does this cartridge gasp for air like a trout tosse…

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Ep. 378 | Hunting South Africa — Tips to Have a Great Trip 1:26:28

4M ago1:26:28

1:26:28

Vortex’s Paul Neess has hunted South Africa multiple times. He stops in to share his knowledge, experience, and perspective. Travel to taxidermy, we cover it all. Tune in for great tips so you can plan your South Africa Safari. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ pod…

1
#10MinuteTalk - Ryan’s 6mm ARC — Hunt Proven 34:29

4M ago34:29

34:29

Ryan’s 6mm ARC made meat this year and did so with gusto. If you tuned into the podcast on his Howa Carbon Stalker or the 6mm ARC Terminal Test episode of Cartridge Talks, you’re familiar with the tools he was working with. If you didn’t, check them out. Now, listen as Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn recount how his rig performed on two successfu…

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Ep. 377 | Winchester’s Model 70 — The Rifleman’s Rifle 57:02

4M ago57:02

57:02

Introduced in 1936, Winchester’s Model 70 is one of the most iconic rifle series ever created. Winchester still makes a plethora of variants to this day — a testament to its greatness. Many folks wouldn’t consider owning anything different. Ryan Muckenhirn brings in a pre-64 in Jack O’Conner’s beloved .270 and Mark Boardman a recently procured .375…

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Conspiracy Theories and Tinfoil Hats | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 23 35:02

5M ago35:02

35:02

The gang’s back at it debating Big Foot, Area 51, the moon landing, and more. Who makes the strongest arguments? Are they right? Will they mysteriously disappear shortly after recording? Watch to find out…watch your back if you get too close to the truth. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like cover…

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#10MinuteTalk - How to Boresight Your AR 18:29

5M ago18:29

18:29

Mark Boardman grabs an AR and Ryan Muckenhirn to walk through a simple and effective way to get a solid boresight on AR platform rifles. 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…

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Ep. 376 | Elk Hoof Disease and What We Know — with Dr. Margaret A. Wild 1:03:57

5M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Elk Hoof Disease is a painful, debilitating affliction that reduces an affected elk’s ability to forage and evade predators. Significant prevalence in southwest Washington and confirmed cases in other states have prompted researchers to take it seriously. Dr. Margaret A. Wild, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Professor in the Department of Veter…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Vortex Optics Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen