Where I've Been...

Chris Avery's story is about what can happen when faith, discipline, purpose, and consistency start changing the direction of a life.On this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Chris Avery—a life coach, marathon runner, man of faith, and creator of the Run with Christ Blueprint. Chris has overcome addiction, built a life around faith in Christ and endurance running, and is now preparing for an enormous challenge: running around the perimeter of the United States.This conversation goes well beyond running.Russell and Chris talk about the turning points that changed Chris's life, the role faith has played in that transformation, and how running became part of a larger journey toward purpose and discipline.They also get into a question that applies far beyond running:What happens when you stop focusing only on the finish line and start focusing on the purpose behind the journey?The conversation touches on addiction and recovery, replacing destructive habits with meaningful pursuits, faith-driven discipline, self-improvement, suffering, purpose, fatherhood, and the importance of consistency.Chris also explains the philosophy behind his Run with Christ Blueprint, a system designed to help men build faith and discipline.One of the biggest themes of the conversation is that transformation doesn't necessarily start with something enormous. It can start with something as simple as one mile.Chris started with one mile a day and continued building from there. That consistency eventually led to thousands of miles of running and the much larger challenges he's taking on today.The episode also explores the difference between pursuing discipline because of external expectations and pursuing discipline because of a deeper sense of faith and purpose.Chris' Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisaverycoaching/WHAT WE TALK ABOUT• Chris Avery's journey from addiction to transformation• Faith, Christianity, and personal discipline• How running became part of Chris's life transformation• Starting with one mile and building through consistency• Marathon running and endurance• Chris's upcoming run around the perimeter of the United States• The Run with Christ Blueprint• Faith-driven discipline vs. worldly self-optimization• Purpose and why it matters• The role of suffering and difficult seasons in personal growth• Addiction, replacing destructive habits, and finding meaningful pursuits• Fatherhood and leading by example• Building consistency through daily action• Why the journey can matter more than the finish lineThis is a conversation about running, but it's really about something much bigger: what you're building your life around and what happens when you keep showing up.If you've ever struggled with finding purpose, building discipline, changing direction, or simply figuring out where to start, there's plenty here to think about.If you enjoy the conversation, like the video, subscribe to Wild Life Outdoors, and leave a comment. Let us know what part of Chris's story resonated with you.And if you know someone who could use this conversation, send it their way.00:00 Chris Avery: From Addiction to Endurance Running00:53 The Turning Point That Changed His Life07:36 Faith, Sacrifice and Running Without Training13:06 From the First Marathon to Thousands of Miles15:26 Running Every Day16:06 The Run Around the United States21:00 Leading by Example for Your Kids23:01 Starting With One Mile27:39 Addiction, Discipline and Replacing Old Habits33:06 Faith vs. Self-Optimization39:17 Can Suffering Refine Us?44:26 The Run with Christ Blueprint49:57 Discipline vs. Purpose54:21 Finding Purpose and Moving Forward55:26 Where to Find Chris Avery#WildLifeOutdoors #ChrisAvery #RunWithChrist #FaithAndDiscipline #MarathonRunning #EnduranceRunning #ChristianMen #Faith #Purpose #Discipline #AddictionRecovery #PersonalTransformation #OutdoorPodcast #WildLifeOutdoorsPodcast

Why I have been silent.

In this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Kira Cates to talk about one of the most overlooked issues in conservation today, the decline of reptiles and amphibians.From habitat loss to public perception, this conversation breaks down why herpetofauna are struggling and why they matter more than most people realize. Kira shares insight from field work and research, explaining how these species fit into larger ecosystems and what happens when they start to disappear.We also get into misconceptions around reptiles, the role of land management, and how hunters, anglers, and everyday outdoorsmen can play a role in conservation.If you care about wildlife, biodiversity, and protecting public lands, this is a conversation you do not want to miss.Subscribe for more conversations on hunting, fishing, conservation, and the people working to protect wild places.Join Kira in Thailand here: https://www.worldpackers.com/epic/experiences/volunteer-with-kindred-spirit-elephants/slots/jd720260524KIRAC?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnIA0_DexaU9LuTdwhjTY3UNM1We3iR8ROmrvXVpdSThfTGY-t_mHzp1gVYi4_aem_XrL4vtNDf2uvYky8IRj_wgKira's YouTube:  @kiracates  Kira's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kira_fauna/#WildLifeOutdoors #Conservation #Herpetology #Snakes #Amphibians #EndangeredAnimals #EndangeredSpecies

Chronic Wasting Disease is one of the most controversial and misunderstood issues in modern deer management. In Part 2 of our conversation, Tim Horton returns to break down the science, the myths, and the real challenges surrounding CWD in wild deer populations.In this episode we dive deeper into the biology of the disease, how it spreads through the landscape, and what current research is telling us about genetics and resistance within whitetail populations. Tim also explains the role that deer breeding operations and management strategies may play in the future of combating the disease.We also discuss how CWD is impacting hunters, land managers, and wildlife agencies across the country. From testing programs and surveillance to long term conservation implications, this conversation explores what the future of deer hunting could look like if the disease continues to spread.Whether you are a deer hunter, conservationist, or simply interested in wildlife management, this episode offers an honest and thoughtful look at one of the most important issues facing North American wildlife today.Wild Life Outdoors is a podcast about hunting, fishing, public lands, conservation, and the people who dedicate their lives to understanding and protecting the wild places we all care about.Subscribe for more conversations with scientists, guides, conservationists, and outdoorsmen who live close to the land.Timmy Horton Outdoors: https://www.facebook.com/TimmyHortonBass/02:15 How CWD actually spreads across landscapes06:30 The role of genetics in disease resistance11:20 What current CWD research is revealing16:45 The impact of CWD on wild deer populations22:10 How states are responding to the disease27:30 The role of deer breeding operations33:40 Management strategies moving forward39:15 What hunters should understand about CWD45:00 The future of whitetail deer and conservation#WildLifeOutdoors #Conservation #Wildlife #TimHorton #TimmyHortonOutdoors #DeerHunting #CWD #Conspiracy

Chronic Wasting Disease is one of the most controversial topics in modern deer management. In this episode, Russell sits down with deer breeder and CWD researcher Tim Horton to unpack the science, the politics, and the real world implications surrounding CWD.What causes CWD to spread?Are current management strategies actually working?And could genetic resistance be the key to protecting wild deer herds?This conversation dives deep into the role of selective genetics, captive deer breeding, and how science is shaping the future of whitetail management. Russell and Tim discuss how resistant genotypes may influence herd survival, the differences between wild and captive testing, and why the conversation around CWD has become so heated among hunters, biologists, and policymakers.The discussion went longer than expected, so this episode has been split into two parts. Part 2 releases next week.If you care about the future of whitetail deer, hunting, and science based wildlife management, this is a conversation you do not want to miss.Subscribe for more conversations with hunters, scientists, conservationists, and outdoor leaders.Timmy Horton: https://www.facebook.com/TimmyHortonBass/0:00 Intro0:16 Welcome to the show8:58 CWD explained in simple terms16:41 Genetic resistance in whitetail deer20:27 Research and studies on CWD in Arkansas23:14 Deer populations and management challenges25:43 Scientific disagreements and study limitations31:50 Tim Horton background in captive deer breeding34:22 Testing and monitoring deer health36:06 Captive deer vs wild deer genetics38:11 Risk discussion and public perception of CWD41:43 State responses to CWD outbreaks42:01 Real world example from South Dakota elk wintering grounds#CWD #Hunting #Conservation #DeerHunting

In this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Dr. Reed Noss, one of the most influential conservation biologists of our time, for a deep conversation about biodiversity, public lands, and the future of wild places in America.Dr. Noss is widely known for his work on conservation biology, endangered species protection, and landscape scale preservation. In this conversation, we break down why biodiversity actually matters to hunters and anglers, how ecosystem collapse happens slowly and quietly, and why conservation decisions made today will shape access, opportunity, and wildlife populations for generations.We discuss the difference between preservation and conservation, how political pressure influences environmental policy, and why science is often ignored when it conflicts with short term economic interests. Dr. Noss also explains why public lands are critical not just for wildlife, but for clean water, resilient ecosystems, and outdoor recreation.This episode is not about fear or alarmism. It is about understanding reality, respecting science, and having honest conversations about what it means to be good stewards of the land. If you hunt, fish, hike, or care about the future of public lands, this is a conversation you need to hear.Learn More Here: https://conservation.dcp.ufl.edu/Sponsors:Bucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com00:00 Why biodiversity matters to everyday outdoorsmen01:30 Introduction to Dr. Reed Noss03:40 What conservation biology actually means06:10 How ecosystems collapse over time10:20 Why biodiversity loss affects hunting and fishing14:30 Preservation versus conservation explained18:50 The role of science in public lands decisions23:30 Political pressure and conservation outcomes28:10 Endangered species and habitat fragmentation32:45 What good stewardship really looks like36:30 Hopeful paths forward for conservation40:10 Final thoughts on responsibility and legacy#WildLifeOutdoors #ReedNoss #ConservationBiology #Biodiversity #BiodiversityLoss #PublicLands #PublicLandConservation #WildlifeConservation #WildlifeConservationScience #EndangeredSpeciesProtection #EcosystemHealth #EcosystemCollapse #EnvironmentalPolicy #ConservationPodcast #PublicLandsPodcast #OutdoorPodcast #OutdoorAdvocacyPodcast #HuntingAndConservation #FishingAndConservation #HuntersForConservation #AnglersForConservation #ScienceBasedConservation #ProtectPublicLands #WildlifeManagement #WildlifeManagementScience #ConservationScienceExplained #BiodiversityAndHunting

Take Action Here: http://bit.ly/SpeakUpForTheBWCACall Your Senator: 202-224-3121In this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Lukas Leaf, Executive Director of Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters, to talk about what is truly at stake in the fight to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.This conversation breaks past headlines and talking points. We dive into why the Boundary Waters is not just an environmental issue, but a sportsmen’s issue, an economic issue, and a public lands issue that affects hunters, anglers, outfitters, and rural communities far beyond northeastern Minnesota.Lukas explains the real risks of sulfide copper mining near a pristine watershed, why this type of mining has never been done without pollution, and how overturning current protections could set a dangerous precedent for public lands across the country. We also discuss how these decisions bypass public input, who actually benefits, and who bears the long term cost when wilderness protections are rolled back.Most importantly, this episode is a call to action. The clock is ticking, and everyday hunters and anglers still have a chance to make their voices heard. If you care about clean water, public land access, and protecting wild places for future generations, this is a conversation you need to hear.Links to take action, including Save the Boundary Waters, are included below.Act Now Here: http://bit.ly/SpeakUpForTheBWCASportsmen for the Boundary Waters: https://sportsmenbwca.org/Save the Boundary Waters: https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/00:00 Why the Boundary Waters matters beyond Minnesota01:00 Introduction to Lukas Leaf and Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters03:30 Lukas’ upbringing and connection to the Boundary Waters05:55 What is actually happening with mining proposals09:45 Why this is a sportsmen’s issue, not just environmental13:00 Why sulfide mining near water always leads to pollution17:15 Cascade effects and real world conservation examples21:45 Economic myths versus reality in the Boundary Waters25:10 Who benefits and who pays the long term cost27:30 How this sets precedent for other public lands30:05 What everyday hunters and anglers can do right now34:30 What we want future generations to remember36:00 Final call to action and where to get involved#BoundaryWaters #BoundaryWatersCanoeAreaWilderness #SportsmenForTheBoundaryWaters #SaveTheBoundaryWaters #PublicLands #PublicLandConservation #MiningNearWilderness #SulfideMining #EnvironmentalPolicyPodcast #HuntingAndConservation #PublicLandAccess #ConservationPodcast #OutdoorAdvocacyPodcast #GrassrootsConservation #WildernessProtection #WildLifeOutdoorsPodcast #HuntersProtectingPublicLands #AnglersForConservation #PublicLandsPodcast #WildLifeOutdoors #BWCA #OutdoorPodcast #HuntersForConservation #EnvironmentalPolicy #ProtectPublicLands #OutdoorAdvocacy #CleanWater #WildernessEthics

In this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with the hunters behind an unforgettable Afognak Island Alaska elk hunt. What started as a last minute tag turned into a once in a lifetime experience that tested preparation, endurance, and decision making in one of the most unforgiving environments in North America.This conversation goes far beyond the highlight reel. We break down the logistics of hunting a remote Alaskan island, how they prepared coming from a whitetail background, and what it really takes to hunt responsibly where mistakes carry serious consequences. From navigating brutal terrain and unpredictable weather to setting up bear fences and managing meat care with brown bears nearby, this hunt demanded discipline at every step.We also dive deep into ethical decision making, risk management, and lessons learned that apply to any backcountry hunter. The guys share what went right, what went wrong, and what they would do differently if they were headed back tomorrow. This episode is packed with real world insight for anyone dreaming about Alaska, remote hunts, or leveling up their approach to public land hunting.If you are interested in Alaska elk hunting, backcountry logistics, meat care ethics, or what it truly takes to hunt wild places the right way, this is an episode you do not want to miss.Watch the full hunt video linked below and make sure to follow our guests for more incredible content.Full Hunt Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IUfWns1IEc @DiscoveringtheLastFrontier1  Chase Parker: https://www.instagram.com/parker_chase_/?__d=1%2BIsaiah Johnson: https://www.instagram.com/duluth.mn.fishing/Sponsors:Bucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com01:02 Introduction and overview of the Afognak Island hunt02:20 Background and hunting experience of the guests05:45 How the last minute Alaska elk hunt came together08:25 Preparing for a remote island hunt12:11 First impressions of Afognak Island terrain14:36 Brown bears and the reality of hunting Alaska16:27 Logistics challenges once on the island20:18 Bear fences and camp safety23:07 Opening day harvest and decision making28:09 Sponsors31:18 Close encounters with brown bears38:28 The shot and immediate aftermath41:03 Realizing this could be a record elk49:08 Breaking down and packing out the bull52:05 Meat care and bear concerns55:14 Lessons learned from the hunt58:26 Public lands and protecting wild places01:03 Final advice for hunters dreaming of Alaska#WildLifeOutdoors #AfognakIsland #AfognakIslandElkHunt #AlaskaElk #AlaskaElkHunting #AlaskaHunting #AlaskaHuntingPodcast #ElkHunting #BackcountryElkHunt #BackcountryHunting #RemoteIslandElkHunt #RemoteHunting #PublicLandHunting #PublicLandHuntingAlaska #AlaskaBackcountryHunting #AlaskaWilderness #BrownBearCountry #AlaskaBrownBearCountry #MeatCare #MeatCareInAlaska #EthicalHunting #EthicalHuntingPodcast #WildernessHuntingEthics #HuntingPodcast #OutdoorPodcast #ConservationHunting #ExtremeHunting #ExtremeHuntingEnvironments #ElkHuntingStories #HuntingStories #RecordElkHunt #HuntingLogisticsAlaska #RealHuntingStories #HuntAlaska

In this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Anthony Dyer for an honest and wide ranging conversation centered on the outdoors, personal growth, and finding purpose through time spent outside.Anthony shares his background and the path that led him deeper into the outdoor lifestyle, including how challenging experiences in the field shaped his mindset and values. We talk about lessons learned the hard way, mistakes that turned into growth, and why discomfort in the outdoors often translates into clarity in everyday life.The conversation explores the deeper side of outdoor culture, touching on discipline, responsibility, mental toughness, and the importance of slowing down in a world that rarely does. Anthony also opens up about how the outdoors can serve as a reset button, helping people reconnect with themselves, their priorities, and the land.We also discuss the importance of conservation, respecting the resource, and why ethical outdoor practices matter now more than ever. From personal stories to broader conversations about stewardship and community, this episode reflects what Wild Life Outdoors is all about.If you are passionate about hunting, fishing, conservation, and becoming a better version of yourself through the outdoors, this is an episode you do not want to miss.Subscribe to Wild Life Outdoors for long form conversations focused on outdoor culture, conservation, and the people who live it every day.Bucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com#WildLifeOutdoors #AnthonyDyer #OutdoorPodcast #HuntingPodcast #FishingPodcast #OutdoorsAndMentalHealth #FindingPurposeOutdoors #HuntingLifestyle #FishingLifestyle #ConservationPodcast #OutdoorStorytelling #ModernMasculinityOutdoors #HuntingEthics #ConservationAndHunting #PublicLandHunting #PersonalGrowthOutdoors #OutdoorDiscipline #OutdoorMindset #HuntingStories #FishingAsTherapy #ConservationMindedHunters #FindingMeaningInNature

In this powerful episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Stephen Gadberry for a raw and thought provoking conversation that blends faith, service, masculinity, and the outdoors.Stephen’s life story is anything but ordinary. From military service and deep personal hardship to answering a calling into seminary and priesthood, Stephen shares how discipline, suffering, and purpose shaped the man he is today. This episode dives into what it means to live with intention in a chaotic world and how faith and the outdoors can ground us when everything else feels unstable.The conversation spans a wide range of topics including growing up through adversity, learning the value of hard work later in life, hunting and fishing as a form of connection and reflection, and why building things with your hands still matters. Stephen opens up about how hunting, fly fishing, knife making, fitness, and cooking wild game all connect to living a life rooted in responsibility and service.Russell and Stephen also discuss the modern challenges men face today, the importance of mentorship, how faith can feel inaccessible to many, and why authenticity matters more than appearances. Whether you come from a faith background or not, this episode challenges listeners to think deeper about purpose, sacrifice, and what it truly means to live well.If you are passionate about the outdoors, personal growth, faith, or finding meaning beyond the noise, this is an episode you do not want to miss.Subscribe to Wild Life Outdoors for more long form conversations on conservation, hunting, fishing, and the values that shape the outdoor community.Stephen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherstephenjgadberry/?hl=enBucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com00:00 Introduction and opening story02:10 Stephen Gadberry background and upbringing07:30 Hardship early in life and finding faith13:45 The role of discipline and hard work18:20 Military service and the call to seminary25:10 How Stephen knew he was being called30:20 Faith authenticity and breaking stereotypes35:40 Hunting fishing and building with your hands42:10 Memorable hunts and lessons learned47:30 Bucket list hunts and outdoor goals52:30 Knife making fly fishing and craftsmanship54:00 Final thoughts on faith purpose and the outdoors#FaithAndMasculinity #OutdoorsAndMentalHealth #ChristianMenPodcast #FindingPurposeAsAMan #MilitaryVeteransFaith #HuntingAsTherapy #OutdoorsAndSpirituality #ModernMasculinityCrisis #MenFindingPurpose #FaithBasedOutdoorPodcast #HuntingAndPersonalGrowth #WildernessAndFaith #WildLifeOutdoors #StephenGadberry #FaithAndTheOutdoors #HuntingAndFaith #ChristianOutdoorsman #MasculinityAndFaith #MilitaryToPriesthood #OutdoorPodcast #HuntingStories #FlyFishingPodcast #PurposeDrivenLife #FaithBasedPodcast #PublicLandHunting #KnifeMaking #WildGameCooking #ModernMasculinity #HuntingLifestyle #FlyFishingLifestyle #OutdoorStorytelling #MenAndFaithPodcast #SpiritualGrowthOutdoors #HuntingCommunity