Eastmans' Journal Podcast Edition

Hosted by Ike Eastman

Education

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Episodes

104

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Come along for the brand new Eastmans' Journal Podcast edition hosted by Ike Eastman! Listen and watch some of the most unique and exciting stories, business tips, and life inspiration we have found in our travels around Wyoming, the West, and the rest of the world!

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60 recent

June 5, 2026Episode 10148 min

#101 | Inside the RMEF: Conservation, Public Land & the Future of Elk Hunting | Steve Decker

Ike sits down with Steve Decker, Chief Revenue Officer of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, for a wide-ranging conversation about conservation, hunting heritage, and the future of one of America's most impactful wildlife organizations. Steve grew up in Libby, Montana — son of RMEF founding member Charlie Decker — and has spent his life woven into the fabric of elk conservation, from working in the visitor center as a college student to leading the organization's outward-facing operations today. They cover the RMEF's evolving mission to serve all of America's big game, the fight to protect public land access (including a 26-point ballot swing in Colorado), the launch of Outdoor Class as a next-level online hunting education platform, and what's ahead with Big Game Days in Missoula. If you care about keeping wild places wild and elk in the hills, this one's for you. 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_ 👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans Stealth Cam: https://bit.ly/StealthCam-Eastmans Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans Precision Pay: https://bit.ly/PrecisionPay-Eastmans

May 28, 2026Episode 10053 min

#100 | Mule Deer Hunt of a Lifetime: A Last-Minute Buck | Randy Bianchi

What does it mean to win a hunt of a lifetime — and walk away with a friendship you didn't expect? In this special episode of the Eastman's Journals Podcast, guest host Brandon Mason sits down with 2025 Eastman's Mule Deer Hunt winner Randy Bianchi, a retired Air Force veteran and 15-year Eastman's member from Utah, along with his son-in-law Zach Vigil — a former NFL linebacker who played for the Dolphins and Redskins — to relive their Montana mule deer adventure. From the suspense of Ike's voicemail to the chaos of getting to camp, battling wind and tough conditions for five days straight, to the last-minute, bonus-morning shot that brought it all together — this one has it all. But what really shines through is the brotherhood that formed between hunters who were strangers just days before. The conversation goes deep on reading deer country, the mental parallels between football and hunting, the power of time spent with good people in wild places, and why some of the most meaningful conversations men will ever have happen tailgate-side in the middle of nowhere. 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_ 👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans Stealth Cam: https://bit.ly/StealthCam-Eastmans Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans Precision Pay: https://bit.ly/PrecisionPay-Eastmans

May 26, 2026Episode 9943 min

#99 | Debanked: How Precision Pay Is Protecting Your Money & Your 2A Rights | Ronnie Brown

Your money, your rights, your data — are they really safe? In this episode of the Eastman's Journals Podcast, Ike Eastman sits down with Ronnie Brown, CFO and lead investor at Precision Pay, a payment platform built specifically for the firearms, hunting, and outdoor industry. Ronnie shares the origin story of Precision Pay — sparked when a veteran-owned tripod company had a six-figure balance seized by PayPal simply for having a firearm mounted in a product photo — and explains why the 2A community needs its own financial ecosystem. The conversation covers the real dangers of debanking, how your purchase data is being harvested and sold by major platforms, and how Precision Pay is building a secure, values-aligned alternative for hunters, manufacturers, and guides alike. Ronnie also shares his passion project, the Alabama Veterans Resource Center, a first-of-its-kind public-private initiative connecting veterans with the services they've earned. This one hits on freedom, finances, and what it really means to protect your rights from every angle. 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_ 👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans Stealth Cam: https://bit.ly/StealthCam-Eastmans Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans Precision Pay: https://bit.ly/PrecisionPay-Eastmans

May 22, 2026Episode 9853 min

#98 | Fitness, Injury Prevention & the Mental Game of Hunting | Angelo DiCicco, Mayhem Hunt

What does it take to truly be ready when the moment counts? In this episode of the Eastmans Journals Podcast, guest host Dan Pickar sits down with Angelo DiCicco of Mayhem Hunt — a fitness-first platform built specifically for hunters — to break down the physical and mental demands of hunting the West. Angelo shares how he went from Tennessee whitetail hunter to full-time fitness coach for Western hunters, working alongside Rich Froning (10-time CrossFit Games champion) to build programs that translate directly to the mountains. The conversation covers everything from functional fitness and injury prevention to the mental game of close encounters, knowing your limits in the backcountry, and why the pack-out is where the real hunt begins. Whether you're a seasoned elk hunter or just getting started, this episode will challenge you to think about how you're preparing your body and mind long before you ever set foot in the field. 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_ 👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans Stealth Cam: https://bit.ly/StealthCam-Eastmans Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans Precision Pay: https://bit.ly/PrecisionPay-Eastmans

April 29, 2026Episode 9742 min

#97 | Mark Drury: Building a Hunting Legacy, DEERCAST & the Future of Hunting

Ike Eastman sits down with Mark Drury for a deep dive into a lifetime in the hunting industry—where it started, how it evolved, and what still drives the fire today. From growing up in the timber along the Mississippi River to building one of the most recognized brands in hunting media, Mark shares the real story behind the success, the struggles, and the relentless pursuit of getting better. This episode goes beyond tactics. It's about family, mentorship, and the responsibility of passing hunting on to the next generation. Mark breaks down the mindset behind DEERCAST, how they built it, and why understanding "why animals move" matters more than ever. They also get into turkey season grind, evolving with media, and what it means to live a life in the outdoors. If you care about hunting, legacy, and doing it the right way—this one hits. (And yeah… those three questions get answered.) 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_ 👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans Stealth Cam: https://bit.ly/StealthCam-Eastmans Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans Precision Pay: https://bit.ly/PrecisionPay-Eastmans

April 24, 2026Episode 9637 min

#96 | Elk Calling Truths: What Most Hunters Get Wrong | Dirk Durham

Ike Eastman sits down with Dirk Durham of Phelps Game Calls for a deep dive into elk calling, hunting strategy, and what it really takes to get close to bulls in the West. Dirk breaks down real-world calling scenarios, common mistakes hunters make, and how to think like an elk when the pressure is on. From early season setups to high-intensity rut encounters, this conversation is packed with practical insight you can take straight to the mountain. If you want to become more confident with a call in your mouth and more lethal when it matters, this one's worth your time. 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_ 👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans Stealth Cam: https://bit.ly/StealthCam-Eastmans Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans Precision Pay: https://bit.ly/PrecisionPay-Eastmans

April 3, 2026Episode 9530 min

#95 | Inside Browning: History, Innovation & Purpose | Rafe Nielsen

At the Western Hunt Expo, host Ike Eastman sits down with Rafe Nielsen for a conversation that goes far beyond gear. With over two decades at Browning, Rafe shares his journey from a small-town kid touring the Browning offices at 12 years old… to leading marketing for one of the most iconic brands in hunting. The two dive into the legendary history of John Moses Browning, the innovation that shaped modern firearms, and why Browning continues to set the standard instead of chasing trends. But this episode isn't just about rifles and legacy. Rafe opens up about what hunting really means—from world-class adventures across Alaska and Africa to the quiet, simple mornings sitting alone in a duck blind. He shares powerful thoughts on family, purpose, and why being a contributor—not a bystander—is what truly matters in life. This is one of those real conversations—about hunting, legacy, and living a life that actually means something. 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_ 👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans Stealth Cam: https://bit.ly/StealthCam-Eastmans Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans Precision Pay: https://bit.ly/PrecisionPay-Eastmans

March 26, 2026Episode 9437 min

#94 | Montana Elk Tag Strategy Breakdown | Dan Pickar

If you've ever looked at Montana and thought, "Man… where do I even start?" — this episode is for you. Ike sits down with Dan Pickar to break down one of the most confusing tag systems in the West. From combo licenses and preference points to bonus points and outfitter strategies, this is a no fluff conversation on how to actually build a plan that gets you in the field. They dive into: The reality of Montana's two-draw system How preference vs. bonus points actually work Why nonresident strategy is getting tougher When to hunt general vs. limited entry How to line up your years so you don't waste points And what it really takes to prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime tag This isn't theory — it's real-world strategy from guys who've lived it. When you're talking 10, 15, even 20+ years of points… you don't want to screw it up. If you want to hunt Montana smarter, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your odds — this is one you don't skip. 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_ 👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans Stealth Cam: https://bit.ly/StealthCam-Eastmans Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans Precision Pay: https://bit.ly/PrecisionPay-Eastmans

March 20, 2026Episode 9333 min

#93 | Faith, Fitness & the Backcountry | Rich Froning

In this episode of the Eastmans' Journal Podcast, host Ike Eastman sits down with four-time CrossFit Games champion Rich Froning at the Western Hunt Expo to talk about the crossover between elite fitness and Western hunting. Rich shares how his competitive CrossFit background eventually led him deeper into hunting and how that journey inspired the creation of Mayhem Hunt, a fitness program designed specifically for hunters who want to be physically prepared for the mountains. The conversation dives into training for backcountry hunts, why hunters should treat the mountains like competition, and how simple workouts can make packing an animal out far more manageable. Beyond fitness, Ike and Rich swap hunting stories from recent seasons, including elk hunts across Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado, lessons learned from tough archery encounters, and the brotherhood that comes from time spent in hunting camp. Rich also opens up about faith, family, and raising kids in the hunting lifestyle—from cooking a fresh heart after a harvest to getting children comfortable behind the trigger. This episode is a mix of mountain hunting, mindset, fatherhood, and the drive to keep pursuing hard things—whether that's chasing elk in September or training for the next challenge ahead. 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_ 👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans Stealth Cam: https://bit.ly/StealthCam-Eastmans Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans Precision Pay: https://bit.ly/PrecisionPay-Eastmans

March 13, 2026Episode 9245 min

#92 | Inside Leupold: 120 Years of Optics Innovation | Tim Lesser

In this episode of the Eastmans Journal Podcast Edition, Ike Eastman sits down with Tim Lesser of Leupold at the Western Hunt Expo in Salt Lake City to talk about optics, innovation, and the technology behind the gear serious hunters rely on. Leupold has been building optics for more than 120 years, and their reputation for durability and trust in the field didn't happen by accident. Ike and Tim dive into what makes a high-performance rifle scope, how optics are engineered, and why reliability matters when you're miles deep in the mountains chasing a once-in-a-lifetime tag. Tim breaks down the science behind modern optics—including light transmission, magnification ratios, and the surprising complexity inside a rifle scope. They also discuss how Leupold stress-tests their gear to survive extreme recoil, harsh environments, and real-world hunting conditions. The conversation also covers Leupold's newest technology, including the NEW BX-6 Range HD binoculars, advanced ballistic features, and how integrated mapping and pin-drop technology can help hunters track animals and navigate the field with precision. Beyond gear, Ike and Tim explore a bigger topic: where technology meets hunting ethics. As innovations like thermals and drones change the landscape of modern hunting, they discuss where the line should be drawn and how companies like Leupold think about responsible innovation. If you've ever wondered what really separates high-end optics from the rest—or what goes on inside the engineering labs of one of America's most trusted optics brands—this is a conversation you don't want to miss. 👉 Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3oV1kEbu74HrR_GEK5VL9pCc6dME5py_ 👉 Eastmans Journal Podcast Sponsors: Browning: https://bit.ly/Browning-Eastmans Eberlestock: https://bit.ly/Eberlestock-Eastmans Stealth Cam: https://bit.ly/StealthCam-Eastmans Hornady: https://bit.ly/Hornady-Eastmans Leupold: https://bit.ly/Leupold-Eastmans Precision Pay: https://bit.ly/PrecisionPay-Eastmans

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Eastmans&apos; Journal Podcast Edition