Best Backcountry Zero Podcasts (2025)

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How Travel Writing Awards Catupulted Dom Tulett into Publication 27:58

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4d ago27:58

27:58

Eighteen months after his daughter was born, Dom and his wife still hadn't had a full night's sleep. An ambitious family trip to Colombia loomed, but they knew their little one just wasn't ready for the trip. Everything was booked, and the trip tied in with work commitments for Dom's university job, so a tough call was made: Dom would travel alone.…

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Ep. 199 – Rifle Setups to Cartridge Selection with Michael Waddell 1:08:30

6d ago1:08:30

1:08:30

Host Seth Swerczek and Preston Lentfer sit down with Michael Waddell for a technical deep dive into rifle and cartridge choices. Along the way, Waddell shares stories from the field—including his worst hunt—and turns the tables with questions of his own. From caliber selection to rifle setups, this episode blends real-world experience with technica…

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Ep. 198 - Is Your Zero Wandering? 1:16:11

13d ago1:16:11

1:16:11

Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Jayden Quinlan and Miles Neville to break down one of the most frustrating issues for shooters: a wandering zero. They talk about how they used to zero rifles, why your point of impact might be shifting, and how larger sample sizes and smarter practices can lock down a stable zero.…

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Behind the Scenes of "Small Earthquakes" - Telling The British South America Story with Shafik Meghji 38:24

14d ago38:24

38:24

Over the course of 15 years, Shafik Meghji traveled repeatedly to South America, falling in love with the continent and in particular with Buenos Aires, which he came to feel was his second home. Traveling from London, Shafik noticed that Britain came up a lot on his travels; the eerie hulk of a Harrods branch in central Buenos Aires, the rusting s…

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Ep. 197 - Let's Talk Optics | Q&A with Leupold 1:14:49

20d ago1:14:49

1:14:49

Host Seth Swerczek sits down with Tim Lesser, VP of Marketing and New Products, and Dr. Dustin Miller, Director of Engineering at Leupold, to answer listener questions about all things optics. From the basics of glass to deep dives into engineering, this episode covers what hunters and shooters really want to know.…

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From Zero to National Geographic; Jamie Edwards' Story of Travel Writing and Parenthood 31:54

22d ago31:54

31:54

When Jamie Edwards was a mother of a two-year-old and expecting a second child, her husband was offered a job in Tokyo. They left all that was familiar and headed overseas. What followed was a life rich in adventure, more often than not, with the kids in tow.Through over 50 countries, Jamie gained confidence not only in the art of parenting on the …

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Ep. 196 – Michael Waddell | Roots, Hunting, and Real Talk 56:00

27d ago56:00

56:00

Host Seth Swerczek and Preston Lentfer sit down with Michael Waddell to talk about his upbringing, the values that shaped him, and his philosophy on today’s hunting industry. From personal stories to unfiltered opinions, it’s a laid-back conversation with one of hunting’s most recognizable voices.

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Ep. 195 - Backcountry Sidearms | The RIGHT Choice? 47:12

1M ago47:12

47:12

Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Nick Earixson and newcomer Randy Ames to unpack the ins and outs of carrying a sidearm in the field. From cartridge selection and firearm type to different carry methods and real-world considerations, the crew explores what makes a sidearm the right—or wrong—choice for your next backcountry hunt.…

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Luke Waterson on the Travel Writing Career, Fatherhood Amidst Seperation, and Trading the Amazon Rainforest for Backcountry Britain 46:48

1M ago46:48

46:48

Luke Waterson was a prolific travel writer who wrote guidebooks for the likes of Moon Guides and Lonely Planet about destinations that ring exotic in the minds of most readers, like Cuba, Machu Picchu, or the Amazon rainforest. And then he became a father. Basing himself in rural Wales and largely confining his travels to regional Britain, he found…

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Ep. 194 – Tripods for Hunters: Game-Changer or Gimmick? 1:03:04

1M ago1:03:04

1:03:04

Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Preston Lentfer and Judd Jarzynka to break down everything you need to know about using tripods in the field. From choosing the right height and head style to understanding weight tradeoffs and field functionality, this episode covers the pros, cons, and real-world value of this often-overlooked tool. Whether you’re …

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64. A Hunter Falls In The Forest 41:17

2M ago41:17

41:17

If a hunter falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, do they make a sound?Of course they do. They call for help and people come running.On this episode of The Fine Line, we look at at how a hunter happened to trip and fall in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the thickest of timber you can imagine, just as the sun was going down. …

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Ep. 193 - 300 Savage | America’s Original Short Action | 45:37

2M ago45:37

45:37

Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Nick Earixson and Preston Lentfer to dive into the history of the legendary 300 Savage. From its early 20th-century debut to its role as the blueprint for future short-action cartridges, the team unpacks where it fit in, what made it special, and why it still deserves respect today.…

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Ep. 192 - Hornady Rifle Builds | 22 ARC Precision AR-15 | 48:55

2M ago48:55

48:55

What happens when you build the ultimate predator rifle? Seth and Preston break down every detail of Seth’s custom AR-15, chambered in 22 ARC — from barrel to buttstock. Whether you're chasing coyotes, ringing steel, or looking for the perfect youth deer rifle, this episode dives deep into the why behind each component choice. Tune in for a no nons…

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Ep. 191 - Earth's Curveball | The Truth About Coriolis 44:04

2M ago44:04

44:04

Is the Earth really messing with your shot? Host Seth Swerczek and Senior Ballistician Jayden Quinlan dig into the Coriolis and Eötvös effects to separate fact from fiction in long-range shooting. They bust the myths, crunch the numbers, and reveal what actually matters when Earth starts spinning.

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63. Resilience 1:03:20

2M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Resilience is like a whitebark pine tree: When life tries to beat you down, you stand up strong in the face of adversity. So what does that mean for those of us who like to go into the mountains? In this episode of The Fine Line, we step aside from our stories of rescues to have a conversation about resilience and the importance of mental health a…

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Ep. 190 - Right Cartridge - Wrong Rifle? 51:12

2M ago51:12

51:12

In this episode of the Hornady Podcast, host Seth Swerczek is joined by Miles Neville and Preston Lentfer to explore the idea of running cartridges designed for the AR-15 in bolt-action rifles. The team discusses the performance benefits, technical considerations, and real-world experiences of pairing rounds like the .223 Rem and 6mm ARC with preci…

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Ep. 189 - Let's Talk 6.5-284 46:20

3M ago46:20

46:20

In this episode of the Hornady Podcast, host Seth Swerczek is joined by Matt Ritchie and Preston Lentfer to dive deep into the 6.5-284 cartridge. From its wildcat origins to its SAAMI-standardized form, the team discusses the history, ballistic performance, and practical applications of this long-range favorite. Whether you're a precision shooter, …

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Daniel Stables on The Wild, Otherworldly Festivals that Define Our Humanity 33:44

3M ago33:44

33:44

A man walks calmly through a crowd, a BMX bike handle thrust through his cheek. Two fighters leap over a catholic cross, ready to engage in hand-to-hand combat with anyone who interrupts their ritual. A group of adherents whirl and spin, appearing intoxicated, yet no drugs have been taken. These are just some of the many otherworldly festivals Dani…

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62. Letting Go On The North Face 50:56

3M ago50:56

50:56

The most famous North Face in the United States... a terrible accident... a daring helicopter rescue... and some important lessons learned about risk and what it means to move on from chasing your dream.In this next episode of The Fine Line, climber Jim Dahle explains how a fall on the North Face of the Grand Teton left him unconscious, with severe…

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Ep. 188 - V-Max vs ELD-VT 50:23

3M ago50:23

50:23

In this episode of the Hornady Podcast, host Seth Swerczek is joined by Joe Thielen and Miles Neville to break down the key differences between V-MAX and ELD-VT bullets. Whether you're hunting varmints, dialing for distance, or looking for maximum velocity and precision, the team discusses the strengths, intended uses, and ballistic performance of …

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Ep. 187 - Hornady x Ruger | Cartridge Design Insights 53:26

3M ago53:26

53:26

On this episode, the team dives into the development of new cartridges and the vital role of SAAMI approval in bringing them to market. Special guests, Matt Wilson and Nate Lyon from Ruger join the conversation to share how they evaluate new cartridge designs—deciding whether they fit within the Ruger lineup, what performance benchmarks matter, and…

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Reid Mitenbuler on Peter Freuchen's Greenland, The Lost Age of Exploration, and the Future of Storytelling 35:55

3M ago35:55

35:55

When Reid Mitenbuler was denied travel during the long days of lockdown, he sought out the distillation of travel in human form. Peter Freuchen (1886-1957), the legendary Danish explorer, brought stories of remotest Greenland to the world. He married an Inuit woman, learned the language, fathered children, and ventured to its most extreme locations…

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Ep. 186 – Randy Luth: Machinist to AR Innovator 1:18:12

3M ago1:18:12

1:18:12

On this episode, Seth is joined by Jason Hornady, Neil Davies, and special guest, Randy Luth of Luth AR. The group explores Randy’s remarkable journey from machinist to founder of industry-leading firearm companies DPMS and Luth-AR. They highlight his extensive contributions to the AR platform, including numerous patents and groundbreaking innovati…

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From Sushi to Satanism; the Unique Travel Writing Career of La Carmina 32:04

3M ago32:04

32:04

It's no coincidence that we are releasing this special episode of the Travel Writing Podcast on Friday the 13th. La Carmina is a multi-talented author, influencer, blogger, food writer, television personality, and expert in the mysterious fringe communities that most tourists never even catch a glimpse of. She has authored a highly acclaimed treati…

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61. Severe Off On The Exum Ridge 39:36

3M ago39:36

39:36

When climber Dave Black got a new lease on life after receiving a revolutionary treatment for Parkinson’s, he wanted to once again stand on the summit of the Grand Teton. A lifelong climber with 15-20 ascents on the Grand, he invited two younger climbers to join him for a push up the Exum Ridge on July 16, 2024. The events that occurred that day re…

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Ep. 185 - The RIGHT Rifle for You with Savage Arms 1:06:42

3M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

Host Seth Swerczek is joined by RJ Contorno and Casey Diefenbach from Savage Arms to dive into a "good, better, best" breakdown of Savage rifles. The trio walks through key rifle models across performance tiers, making it easier to find the right fit for your needs and budget. They also explore how the versatile ammunition lineup from Hornady pairs…

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Mark Agnew on Resilience, Setting Records, and Conquering the Northwest Passage 31:01

4M ago31:01

31:01

When your mental health is fragile, the temptation may be to stay home and take things slow. Not so for Mark Agnew. When dealing with internal challenges, he took the fight externally, pitting himself against the elements. His ultimate quest? To be among the first to conquer the Northwest passage, the infamous route between the Atlantic and Pacific…

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Ep. 184 - So You Think You Know Powder? 1:30:39

4M ago1:30:39

1:30:39

Host Seth Swerczek teams up with Senior Ballistician Jayden Quinlan and special guest Jeff Siewert for a deep dive into smokeless propellants. From burn rates to behavior—and even a bit about primers—this episode is packed with expert-level insights for serious reloaders.

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60. Ride the Tram, Ski the 'Shoe 49:07

4M ago49:07

49:07

Season 9 of The Fine Line begins. In this premiere episode, we go deep into a backcountry skiing accident that occurred on May 18, 2024.Mark Fellermann and Tanner Flanagan recount how a picture-perfect spring day turned into a near-death experience after an accident in the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort backcountry.Meanwhile, Teton County Search & Re…

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Ep. 183 - Hornady High Speed 3‑in‑1 Power Case Trimmer 1:08:39

4M ago1:08:39

1:08:39

On this episode, Seth is joined by Tool Plant General Manager, Jason Slinkard and Project Engineer, Dylan Hood. The guys dive into the all-new Hornady High Speed 3-in-1 Power Case Trimmer. They break down the R&D process that took nearly 3 years and outline all of the design features that make this tool a game changer for high volume, precision rel…

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Ep. 182 - Pistol Setups | Ultimate Hunting Revolvers | 1:06:31

4M ago1:06:31

1:06:31

Host Seth Swerczek is joined by Preston Lentfer and Mike Jensen to dive into Mike’s custom 454 Casull and 475 Linebaugh hunting revolvers. From custom modifications to real-world hunts, they explore the performance and stories behind these powerful wheelguns.

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Season 9 Trailer: The Fine Line Returns on May 29 2:50

4M ago2:50

2:50

A new season of The Fine Line drops on May 29. Join Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation and Backcountry Zero as we bring you honest conversations about how accidents happen in the backcountry, and how first responders solve complex problems to get people home safely. In the first of six episodes, Season 9 begins with a story about a backcountry…

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On Travel and Fatherhood - Ash Bhardwaj Returns to the Travel Writing Podcast! 34:40

4M ago34:40

34:40

For people like travel writer Ash Bhardwaj, travel is the "driving force" that inspires and defines his life. But how do you balance the challenges and complexities of travel with the joys and demands of parenthood? This is a subject I am particularly interested in, having recently become a father myself!Ash and I sat down for a deep conversation a…

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Ep. 181 - Handloading for Success | The Winning Recipe | 1:10:29

4M ago1:10:29

1:10:29

On this episode, Seth sits down with successful PRS/NRL competitors, Joe Thielen and Miles Neville. The guys dive deep into what it takes to craft a precision handload capable of obtaining podium finishes. From powder, case prep, bullet seating, and load tuning, this episode is your blueprint for consistent, winning performance.…

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A Celebration of Unsung Cities: Interview with Ben Aitken 29:28

5M ago29:28

29:28

There are plenty of guidebooks about Venice and Edinburgh, but have you ever wondered about Chelmsford or Sunderland? Ben Aitken has. In this episode of The Travel Writing Podcast, we sit down with Ben, author of Shitty Breaks: A Celebration of Unsung Cities. He discusses his fun, irreverent approach to travel that seeks joy in the most under-visit…

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Ep. 180 - Hydraulic Form Dies | Wildcat Cartridge Part 3 | 41:00

5M ago41:00

41:00

On this episode, Seth is joined by Preston and Ben to bring you episode 3 of the How to Wildcat series. The topic of discussion is hydroforming cartridge cases. The team explains how the process works, what equipment is needed, and what matters when forming cases for a custom chamber. They also dive into alternative methods and share helpful tips f…

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Finding Peace as a Professional Travel Writer and Media Personality - Interview with Shebs Alom 33:57

5M ago33:57

33:57

What drives someone to keep exploring the world — not for clicks or clout, but for something deeper? In this episode of the Travel Writing Podcast, we sit down with Shebs Alom — award-winning writer, broadcaster, and host of the Take a Wander with Shebs podcast — for an authentic chat about his journey as a travel writer.Shebs opens up about mental…

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Ep. 179 - NEED for SPEED with Weatherby 59:35

5M ago59:35

59:35

On this episode, Seth is joined by Adam Weatherby and Luke Thorkildsen of Weatherby, Inc. The guys discuss the history of Weatherby and their move to Wyoming, legacy Weatherby cartridges, new cartridge offerings to include the 25 Creedmoor, along with some new and revamped rifle offerings. We hope you enjoy this conversation with an iconic industry…

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Ep. 178 - 25 Creedmoor 51:22

5M ago51:22

51:22

On today's episode, we are proud to announce the newest member of the Creedmoor family: the 25 Creedmoor. A .25 for '25! Seth is joined by Senior Ballistician Jayden Quinlan, Assistant Director of Engineering, Joe Thielen, and team shooter and PRS Champion, Austin Orgain. The group discusses the performance benefits of the 25 Creedmoor along with i…

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Mapping Murders: Interview with True Crime Travel Writer Dawn Barclay 24:59

5M ago24:59

24:59

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of real-life violence. Listener discretion is advised, and this content definitely isn't suitable for children.We approach travel from a new angle in this episode of the Travel Writing Podcast. Dawn Barclay — suspense author, award-winning travel journalist, and true crime enthusiast — joins us to …

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No Podcast Today - Find Out Why... 0:59

5M ago0:59

0:59

Tune in Friday, April 25th, 2025 for a special new product podcast!

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Ep. 177 - Custom Rifle Barrels 45:53

5M ago45:53

45:53

On this episode, Seth is joined by Joe Thielen and Austin Orgain. Not only is Austin a world class shooter, but he owns and operates a barrel manufacturing company called Custom Rifle Barrels. The guys dive into the story behind the origin of the company and some of the nuances and challenges of making accurate barrels for the demanding shooter. We…

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Ep. 176 - Frequently Asked Reloading Questions | ANSWERED | 1:00:21

6M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

On this episode Seth, Preston, and Ben meet to answer a slew of FAQ's surrounding reloading. Most seasoned reloaders have already learned a lot of the tips and tricks discussed in this podcast but if you are just beginning your reloading journey, this episode could really come in handy! We hope you enjoy this episode!…

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Ep. 175 - Increase Your Scores NOW feat. Austin Orgain 54:44

6M ago54:44

54:44

On this episode, Seth is joined by Joe Thielen, Miles Neville, and Hornady Sponsored Shooter, Austin Orgain. Joe, Miles, and Austin all have something in common, they are passionate about PRS and they are top-level competitors. The guys dive into some actionable items that will help you increase your scores (or hit percentage) at your next match. E…

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Reclaiming a Lost Eastern Europe: Interview with Jacob Mikanowski 33:49

6M ago33:49

33:49

What is Eastern Europe, and does it still exist? Jacob Mikanowski set out to answer these questions and more in his book "Goodbye Eastern Europe: An Intimate History of a Divided Land". In this episode of the Travel Writing Podcast, he shares how his Polish heritage, academic background, and personal travels shape his work.Staying in Warsaw at the …

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Ep. 174 - 300 Win Mag vs. 300 PRC 56:32

6M ago56:32

56:32

On this episode, Seth is joined by Senior Ballistician, Jayden Quinlan, to compare two popular cartridges; the venerable 300 Winchester Magnum and the modern 300 PRC. Both are heavy-hitting, magnum 30-caliber cartridges, but their differences are quite immense. Tune in to see which cartridge reigns victorious in this epic cartridge battle. Perhaps,…

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Ep. 173 – Hornady Rifle Builds | HAND-CARVED Wood Stock Rifle | 41:11

6M ago41:11

41:11

On this episode, Seth is joined by Project Engineer, Miles Neville, to discuss a one-of-a-kind rifle build. The pair dive into an NRL Hunter rifle, with a hand-carved walnut stock, that blends design elements from old school and modern alike. By fusing new technology with classic design and parts from a 1903 Springfield, Miles created a jaw-droppin…

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Ep. 172 - WHY Do Bullets Weigh What They Weigh? 51:05

7M ago51:05

51:05

On this episode, Seth is joined by Hornady Engineers, Ryan and Miles. The topic of discussion is one of our personal favorites - bullets. Specifically, how the weight of a bullet is determined. This episode is an excellent guide to help you understand what bullet weight is, how it affects internal and external ballistics, terminal performance, and …

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Ep. 171 - Hornady Rifle Builds | Mini (But Mighty) Action 6 ARC 41:40

7M ago41:40

41:40

On this episode of Hornady Rifle Builds, Seth is joined in the studio by Preston and his mini, but mighty rifle. This one is a 6mm ARC built on a Howa Mini Action. While often overlooked, the Howa Mini Action provided the perfect platform to build this utilitarian and ultra-capable 6mm ARC. We hope you enjoy!…

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Ep. 170 - 6.5 Creedmoor vs. 6.5 PRC 56:18

7M ago56:18

56:18

This week on the Hornady Podcast, it's the battle of the cartridges - the 6.5 Creedmoor vs the 6.5 PRC. Both cartridges are widely popular for hunting and shooting sports and while they share some similarities, each cartridge has it's own unique characteristics. Seth, Preston, and Ryan dive into the specifics that may lead you into choosing one ove…