Best Mike Upland Podcasts (2025)

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54. Christy Langston - Fighting Imposter Syndrome, Solo Hunting Shenanigans, and Lessons from a Failed Breeding 1:44:31

5d ago1:44:31

1:44:31

Christy Langston joins the show this week while Mike visited the Missouri Uplands NAVHDA chapter to judge. She shares candidly about fighting imposter syndrome, gives more great photography tips, and opens up about a recent failed breeding with one of her dogs. She also shares more about her experiences with long-distance solo hunting trips and not…

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Why You’re Closer to Early Retirement Than You Think 8:44

8d ago8:44

8:44

Are you wondering why it feels like everyone else is retiring early — and you're not? In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, we uncover the real reasons people delay early retirement, even when they have enough saved. Learn how to avoid the "one more year syndrome," stop chasing unrealistic retirement numbers, and discover 5 proven strategies…

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S5EP85 Ben Brettingen onX Hunt & Board Member of Ruffed Grouse Society 1:10:06

11d ago1:10:06

1:10:06

Send us a text In this special 85th episode, we welcome back Ben Brettingen of onX Hunt, who now brings a fresh perspective as a newly appointed Board Member of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS). We dig into Ben’s vision for the future of RGS and where he believes he can make the biggest impact. Topics include: Ben’s new role on the RGS board and wha…

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53. Carey Killion - Marathons to Bird Dogs, Facing Failure Head On, and Building Better a Weimaraner 1:09:39

13d ago1:09:39

1:09:39

Carey Killion joins the show this week to share how marathons brought her to bird dogs, facing failure head on, and how she is committed to bettering the breed of Weimaraners. Carey is refreshingly honest about her pursuits, whether that be making mistakes along the way with her dogs, tips to better show dogs in field trials, and joining the board …

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The $12,900 Health Insurance Loophole for Early Retirees! 11:19

16d ago11:19

11:19

What if you could save over $12,000 a year on healthcare—just by choosing the right account to withdraw from to fund your retirement? In this episode, I (early retiree and tax-planning nerd) break down the smartest way to structure your income before age 65 to maximize your ACA subsidy. You’ll learn why your taxable brokerage account might be your …

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52. Yia Vang - Hunting and Fishing as a Way of Life, The Power of Food, Conservation, and Community, and Bringing Hmong Food to the Mainstream 1:24:41

19d ago1:24:41

1:24:41

Yia Vang joins the show this week to discuss his award winning restaurant and how growing up in the Hmong community presented hunting and fishing as a way of life, not just a hobby. Yia is a James Beard Award Finalist and creator and head chef of Vinai, one of the top 50 best restaurants in the US. Yia discusses his thoughts on Hmong culture in reg…

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5 Retirement Regrets You’ll Want to Avoid 6:40

22d ago6:40

6:40

If you’re planning for retirement — or already enjoying your golden years — this episode is a must-listen. Dive into the five most common financial regrets retirees face, drawing from personal experience, hard-earned lessons, and recent data. From not saving early enough to underestimating healthcare costs, I break down how you can sidestep these p…

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51. Bailey Petersen - Falling in Love with Ruffed Grouse, Her Gaggle of Setters, and Pro-Tips for Navigating Grouse Cover 1:09:13

26d ago1:09:13

1:09:13

Bailey Petersen joins the show this week to talk all things Northwoods, Ruffed Grouse, and her pack of setters (and one microphone loving Munsterlander). She dives into how she grew her love of ruffed grouse and woodcock, moved from a golden retriever to a small munsterlander, and then to an ever growing pack of setter boys. She dives into her best…

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What Vanishes When You Retire (And How to Get it Back!) 10:59

1M ago10:59

10:59

You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and now retirement is here! But nobody warns you about the six major things that disappear the moment you leave the workforce. If you’re not prepared, these changes can hit harder than expected—but the good news? You can replace them with something even better! In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I’ll …

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50. Q&A with Mike - NAVHDA Invitational Prep, DD vs GWP, and The Day Everything Changed 1:43:59

1M ago1:43:59

1:43:59

This week's episode features Mike answering questions submitted on our Facebook and Instagram pages. He covers his mindset heading toward the NAVHDA Invitational, his thoughts on DDs vs. GWPs, answers a whole bunch of silly geese questions, and talks candidly about losing 2 of his dogs to heat stroke. This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunt…

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S5EP84 The Wisconsin Prairie Chicken Project 1:05:43

1M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with the founder of the Prairie Chicken Project in Wisconsin to explore the incredible work being done to protect one of North America’s most iconic grassland birds: the greater prairie chicken. Once a common sight across the Midwest, these vibrant birds are now fighting for survival as their native habit…

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Thinking About Retiring Early in 2025? Think Again. 7:57

1M ago7:57

7:57

Planning for early retirement in 2025? Before you hand in your notice, this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap is your essential guide to navigating the biggest risks facing early retirees this year. In it, I break down three critical threats — sequence of returns risk, rising inflation, and high market valuations, yes, even with the market downtu…

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49. Nick Dulas - Being the Young Guy in a PF Chapter, Driving All Night To Get a Setter, and Making The Choice To Go 1:13:28

1M ago1:13:28

1:13:28

Nick Dulas joins the show this week where he recounts his pre-COVID journey to joining the Rice County PF chapter and why he's stayed involved since. He also shares how he developed a love for setters and the french brittany. He and Mike also talk a little hockey, and dive into Nick's advice for making long-distance hunting trips. Enjoy! This episo…

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The Retirement Wake-Up Call: What the Study AND My Story--Reveals! 13:46

1M ago13:46

13:46

Thinking about early retirement or already living it? This episode is your wake-up call — and your roadmap. In this powerful and personal episode of The Early Retirement Roadmap, I talk about the retirement truths no one warns you about. Discover the real challenges behind the dream — from unexpected loneliness and identity loss to the surprising t…

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48. Nikki Flander - Loving Dogs So Much She Snuck One Home, Her Love of English Setters, and Diving Into The Industry and Creating Spaces for Women. 1:08:39

2M ago1:08:39

1:08:39

Nikki Flander joins the show this week to share her journey to working with the Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club, how she fell in love with English Setters, that one time she wanted a dog so bad she snuck one home in high school, and creating community for women in the hunting and shooting space. Nikki is dedicated to any pursuit she picks up and this e…

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How a Mutual Index Fund Cost Me $17K in Taxes (And How to Avoid This Mistake) 11:44

2M ago11:44

11:44

Investing in index mutual funds sounds like a safe bet, right? Well, I thought so—until I got hit with an unexpected $17,000 tax bill. In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I break down the hidden tax trap in taxable mutual funds and why an ETF might be the smarter choice. Plus, I’ll share how tax-loss harvesting helped me fix my mistake and…

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47. Hannah & Kyle Peterson - A Match Made Over Bird Dogs, Diving Into Cover Dog Trials, and Wanting An Assertive Female Setter. 1:28:28

2M ago1:28:28

1:28:28

Hannah & Kyle Peterson are a match made with a shared love of dog training, and then bird dogs in grouse country. In this episode they share their journey into dog training in very separate realms and how they eventually met, married, and now are growing a family, all while chasing English Setters through the grouse woods hunting and in Cover Dog t…

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Scared to Retire? Overcome Your RETIREMENT FEARS! 16:42

2M ago16:42

16:42

You’ve run the numbers, planned your finances, and dreamed of early retirement—but fear is still holding you back. You’re not alone! What if I run out of money? What about healthcare costs? Will I be bored? These fears are completely normal, and in this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I’ll help you tackle them head-on. 🌟 Here’s what you’ll lea…

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The Perfect Retirement Announcement: A Step-by-Step Guide 15:18

2M ago15:18

15:18

Planning to retire? Announcing your retirement isn’t as simple as picking a date and telling your boss—it’s about strategy, timing, and setting yourself up for success. In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I’ll guide you through the complete retirement announcement process, so you can make a smooth, professional transition. 🌟 Here’s what we…

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46. John Zeman - Letting a Dog Fill Up The Country, The Power of Helping Others Train Their Dogs, and Ensuring Others Have Access to Dog Training Areas 1:19:04

2M ago1:19:04

1:19:04

John Zeman got his first German Shorthair in 1978 and has had various types of bird dogs ever since. Through mentors he found field trials and training methods which he now shares with many who show up at his home on Wednesday nights for training. He still runs and judges field trials across the upper midwest and is also the current president of th…

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The ONE Retirement Mistake That Could RUIN You! 11:29

2M ago11:29

11:29

You’ve saved up, planned carefully, and are ready to enjoy your retirement—so what could possibly go wrong? In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, host Mike Upland reveals a critical mistake that could drain your retirement savings faster than you expect: Sequence of Returns Risk. With today’s economic uncertainty—rising inflation, stock mark…

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45. Greg Blair - An Education in Field Trials and Landing a Dream Job with Purina. 1:29:17

2M ago1:29:17

1:29:17

Greg Blair joins the show this week to share his origins in bird dogs, NSTRA, and ultimately field trials. He shares how he landed his dream job at Purina, became a field trial judge, breaks down accessibility in field trialing as well as a look at this year's National Championship and much much more. If you're looking to learn more about field tri…

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Health Insurance Options for Early Retirement: What You NEED to Know 14:18

2M ago14:18

14:18

Thinking about early retirement but worried about health insurance? You’re not alone! Healthcare costs are one of the biggest reasons people delay retirement. But don’t let that stop you! In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I break down all your options for staying covered before Medicare, including: ✅ COBRA – Keep your employer’s plan (bu…

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Retirement Tax Mistakes that Could Cost You Thousands! 13:36

2M ago13:36

13:36

💰 Are you unknowingly making tax mistakes that could drain your retirement savings? In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, host Mike Upland breaks down the biggest retirement tax traps and how to avoid them. 📉 Learn how improper IRA and 401(k) withdrawals can push you into a higher tax bracket, trigger unexpected Social Security taxes, and ev…

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44. Ray Esboldt - Finding NAHRA, Kelly Farms, and Keeping Keystone Woods WMA Open to Train Bird Dogs 1:19:33

3M ago1:19:33

1:19:33

Ray Esboldt is a member of the Four Points Retriever Club and an avid NAHRA enthusiast. Mike & Ray sat down to discuss his experience going from a meat dog to appreciating the abilities and year round training opportunities or a NAHRA dog. Ray also speaks up about the recent purchase of Kelly Farms in Minnesota, what's different now, and shares mor…

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43. Jacob Walter - Transitioning from Labs to Shorthairs, Going All-In on Bird Dogs, and Why Physical Fitness Is An Underrated Component for Bird Hunting 1:17:40

3M ago1:17:40

1:17:40

Jacob Walter joins the show this week to share his journey of upland bird hunting from growing up with Labrador Retrievers to raising a young family with German shorthairs. Jacob also discusses what inspired him to become a local volunteer for Pheasants Forever, how he approaches long-distance hunting trips, and some insight into why he believes ph…

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How Much Do You REALLY Need to Retire? 12:52

3M ago12:52

12:52

Retirement planning isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the question of “How much money do I REALLY need?” can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I’m diving deep into the essential factors that determine your retirement number, including: ✅ How to calculate your annual retirement spending …

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Ready to Ditch the 9-to-5? Your Early Retirement Checklist 12:07

3M ago12:07

12:07

Are You REALLY Ready to Retire Early? This Checklist Will Tell You! 🚀 You dream of ditching the 9-to-5 grind—but are you truly prepared to take the leap into early retirement? In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, host Mike Upland (early retiree at 55) walks you through the ultimate early retirement checklist—covering both financial and life…

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10 Powerful Reasons to Retire Early (Don't Wait Too Long!) 11:09

3M ago11:09

11:09

🚀 What if you could reclaim your time, health, and freedom—starting now? In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, host Mike Upland, a seasoned early retiree, shares 10 powerful reasons why retiring early might be the smartest move you can make. From prioritizing your health to maximizing your time, he breaks down how early retirement can lead t…

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42. Luc Ramthun - Loving Large Munsterlanders and a National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic Preview! 1:14:49

3M ago1:14:49

1:14:49

Luc Ramthun from Pheasants Forever joins the show this week to give a preview of the upcoming Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic being held in Kansas City (see y'all there), and share his journey into bird hunting. Luc shares how he pivoted from big city marketing and teaching to working for The Habitat Organization, and how Pheasant Fest led him to h…

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41. Dr. RuthAnn Lobos - On When and How To Feed Your Hunting Dog, Choosing a Puppy Food, and Coming to Hunting Later in Life 1:04:17

3M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Dr. RuthAnn Lobos is the Senior Veterinarian for Purina. She joins the show this week to share her journey with bird dogs and give some incredible, research backed insight into how we feed our dogs. You'll learn how to prioritize and plan your feeding schedule for hunting and training, whether you can feed 30/20 straight away or should choose a pup…

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40. Sam Tillman - A Lifelong Desire for Bird Dogs, The Importance of Going at Her Own Pace, and Making Sure to have Fun. 1:10:05

3M ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Sam Tillman joins the show this week where she shares her lifelong love of bird dogs and that love has only deepened over time. She also takes a dive into qualifying for the NAVHDA Invitational, building a lasting bond with her Pudelpointer, Stormie, and how keeping fun at the top of her training value system has helped her achieve success. This ep…

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Dan Raven-Ellison – Founder and CEO of Slow Ways 47:18

4M ago47:18

47:18

Dan Raven-Ellison describes himself as a guerrillageographer and creative explorer. He is the Founder and CEO of Slow Ways, a groundbreaking initiative to create a national walking network that connects all of Britain’s towns, cities, and National Parks. Check out Slow Ways and see how you can contribute: https://beta.slowways.org/. The movement ne…

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Tim Jepson – Climber, walker, paddler, BMC Cymru Gogledd/North Wales Chair. 42:31

4M ago42:31

42:31

Tim Jepson is best known for working the Bangor UniversityOutdoor Education PGCE. In that role he trained over 600 teachers of OutdoorEducation and as such he holds a special affection in the outdoor world. Healso worked at Plas y Brenin and more recently has been very involved with theBMC. We talk about how Tim got into the outdoors, the career he…

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39. Matt Kucharski - The Importance of Curiosity, Dogs of Opportunity, and The Power of Habitat 1:13:24

4M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

Matt Kucharski joins the show this week to discuss his "dogs of opportunity" and now having to raise a puppy, how an ad for a used truck landed him on the board of Pheasants Forever, and the importance of habitat is best demonstrated in before and after experience. Matt also shares why he believes curious hunters are the best hunters and shares a b…

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Mehmet Karatay - Mountaineering Instructor and MWIS weather forecaster 58:39

4M ago58:39

58:39

Mehemet Karatay is a Mountaineering and ClimbingInstructor, Winter Mountain Leader and Orienteering coach based in the Cairngorms. He is part of the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) team and has a doctorate in Glaciology. Mehmet reveals the origins of his name, howhe came to be a walker, climber and instructor in Scotland. We also talk a…

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38. Jake Faas - Marrying Into Grouse Hunting, The Importance of Managing Your Dogs, and His Journey From Bite Dogs to Bird Dogs. 1:26:35

4M ago1:26:35

1:26:35

Jake Faas of True Loyalty Dog Training joins the show this week to share how he fell in love with dogs doing bite sports and training working dogs and then through marriage came to upland hunting and owning French Brittanies. Jake is an experience bite dog trainer and decoy, but never hunted until his father-in-law told him he wasn't a member of th…

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Bonus Episode: Scent Work and Birds Dogs with the Road to Detection Podcast 1:08:36

4M ago1:08:36

1:08:36

This special bonus episode is a pod-share between Road to Detection, The Ugly Dog Podcast, and The Accidental Bird Dog. This episode dives into Scent Work and how it can be beneficial for you and your bird dogs. This includes laying a solid foundation with your dogs and giving you and your dog a fun and mentally stimulating activity to pursue when …

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New Year Special - Celyn Kehoe Welsh Upland Farmer 45:08

4M ago45:08

45:08

What do you really know about upland farming? Given the farming protests going on currently I think it's really important to talk to real farmers about the issues affecting them. Listen to this podcast with Celyn from 2021 then come and meet her in person on the farm in June to find out more... ⁠https://www.mikeraine.co.uk/event-details/up-on-the-f…

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Dr. Cath Flitcroft - Head of Access and Environment at the BMC 37:06

5M ago37:06

37:06

Dr Flitcroft is responsible for managing the BMC'srelationship with the Government and other countryside and recreational organisations. She is often to be found lobbying hard for the rights of hill walkers, climbers and mountaineers. She leads the BMC on policy and legislation issues affecting the cliff and mountain environment and is responsible …

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37. Luke Koch - Marrying A Passion for Video, Dogs, and Waterfowl Hunting, Getting Serious About Shotgun Loads, and Why Labs Aren't for Mike 1:48:33

5M ago1:48:33

1:48:33

Luke Koch runs Black Dog Marketing Company and joins the show this week to share how he fell in love with waterfowl hunting, his passion for video work, and his journey with his black lab, Jeb. Luke also dives into how he approaches waterfowl hunting around the metro area, why he'll remain a one dog household for now, and makes excellent points abo…

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36. Corey Hendrickson & Colton Strauss - A Conversation While Goose Hunting, Why Meat Dog Is A Derogatory Term, And Pillars For Making a Good Bird Dog 1:13:25

5M ago1:13:25

1:13:25

Corey Hendrickson and Colton Strauss join Mike on this week's podcast from layout blinds as they wait for geese on a recent hunt. They cover a bit of their backgrounds, different colors of labrador retrievers, tips for goose hunting, and why the term Meat Dog doesn't do a dog justice. We had a lot of fun recording this while waiting for geese to fl…

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Esther Foster MCI and Development Coach in the Lake District. 39:02

5M ago39:02

39:02

Esther does a lot of rock climbing work from beginners tocoaching for progression. She works on Mountain training Courses, she is Director of the Women’s Climbing Symposium and, with a Post Graduate Qualification in Environmental Education, she works with the Field Studies Council too. We talk about but her pathway to success, the Women’s Climbing …

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35. Tony Henry - Emergency Response for Hunting Dogs From a K9 Tactical Medic, The Importance of Planning, and Growing Your Network To Be A Better Bird Hunter. 1:04:38

5M ago1:04:38

1:04:38

Tony Henry joins the show this week to share his knowledge gained serving as a tactical medic as applied to working canines. Tony has a wealth of experience and training, and shares his pro tips and gear so you can be best prepared for an emergency when you go afield. Tony also shares his history bird hunting, resources folks should have on speed d…

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Jonny Hulson, Land Managment Development Officer at North Wales Wildlife Trust 38:01

5M ago38:01

38:01

A big chat about land management, particularly in the uplands. And what changes to the way we support farmers could mean for the hills.

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34. Roy Ames - A Journey of Decades in Bird Dogs, Picking Puppies Based On Parents and Attentiveness, and The Beauty of Watching a Dog Run 2:02:25

5M ago2:02:25

2:02:25

Roy Ames joins the podcast this week to share his decades long journey in bird dogs, including a host of events, clubs, and breeds. He dives into how he picks puppies, what he's learned training and testing in both the JGHV and NAVHDA systems, and how someone can set themselves up for success when joining a NAVHDA chapter. Roy also shares why he lo…

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Lou Tully - Freedom Outdoors 35:34

6M ago35:34

35:34

Lou runs Freedoms Outdoors based her in Eryri National Park. She, with her partner john, also run an accommodation base called Capel Tanrallt. In the podcast we find out how Lou got into the outdoors and the incredible range of pursuits in which she has, and does, take part. Lou has become known as one of the largest providers of ML training and as…

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33. Joe Perez - Building a Business with His Boys, Transitioning From Waterfowling to the Uplands, Navigating Season Ending Injuries, and Why You Should Have A Slip Lead In Your Vest 1:26:07

6M ago1:26:07

1:26:07

Joe Perez is the owner and operator of RPM Training Products with his two sons, Owen and Austin. In this episode Joe shares about how he got into hunting as a young person and grew into a waterfowl guide, but now focuses much of his time on the uplands. Joe, and RPM, are the newest manufacturer of collars and leashes for Ugly Dog and Joe describes …

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Iago Thomas, National Trust Peatland Officer in North Wales 32:00

6M ago32:00

32:00

Iago is managing upland peat restoration on the National Trust Ysbyty Ifan estate here in Eryri National Park. He helps to understand why peat and blanket bogs are incredibly important and how they are trying to enhancethe status quo.

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32. Braxton Watts - A Young Man's View of Quail Camp, Gaining Confidence in the Field, and Giving Up All His Sick Days to Keep Hunting. 1:13:22

6M ago1:13:22

1:13:22

Braxton Watts joins the show this week to share his perspective on quail camp and learning to bird hunt. Braxton recently joined Mike and friends for his second visit to Kansas chasing quail. In this episode he shares the lessons he's learned thus far, what he wants to work on to get better, and how he manages to get that much time out of the class…

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Mike Upland Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen