Stay ConnectedBack to the Lodge shows the values, resiliency and determination of Gold Stars, country music artists, veteran non-profits & outdoor personalities.
Hear stories behind the scenes and off the camera of celebrity outdoor personalities combined with country music artists and veterans alike!
Stellar guests and stories on why valuing the outdoors has built amazing successes!
Ep 7 Emotional Intelligence, Outdoors and You with Icey-Tek USA CEO, Patrick Mudge
Emotional Intelligence has been instrumental in bringing positive results in achieving success in personal and professional goals. Recognizing your core competencies and full potential start from your ability to understand and manage your emotions, your self-perception and empathy.
In Today’s episode of Back To The Lodge Podcast, Patrick will talk about mindset, positivity, and subconscious control. He will also share how having an emotional intelligence helps him in his decision making process, stress management, and interpersonal relationships. He will also drop a lot more tips and great advice along the way. Plus, Icey-Tek’s revolutionary change in their upcoming products and distribution channels you don’t want to miss.
Patrick Mudge is the Chief Executive Officer at Icey-Tek USA, a 100% veteran owned and operated company. They are the exclusive U.S. distributor of ICEY-TEK coolers, recognized as the classic roto-molded cooler that started an entire industry. Their goals are to grow sales and create jobs by introducing more people to the superior, dollar-for-dollar value represented by ICEY-TEK brand coolers and allocate a portion of every sale to support military veterans through vetted organizations, programs and activities.
Enjoy!
Favorite Quote
“I want you to think of everybody in your life as a cup. You get liquid in the cup and the cup is liquid energy. You interact with several people throughout your day. There are people that take from your cup or just pour in yours. Nobody in this world controls your happiness. You are responsible for your health. If you're not happy, it's your fault, own it. If you can own it, you can tame it!”
-Patrick Mudge
In This Episode
14:09 - The significance of Emotional Intelligence in the decision making process, stress management, and interpersonal relationships
20:50 - How Matt learned and progressed in his personal development
23:32 - Patrick's thought process in learning and education system
34:16 - Patrick's excellent advice in finding your happiness
39:58 - Tips on how to shut off white noise
1:01:32 - Distinct features of Icey-Tek coolers that set itself apart from other brands
1:08:36 - What's coming up to Icey-Tek coolers you don't want to miss
1:16:44 - How to win 120-quart Icey-Tek cooler
1:41:39 - Patrick's unforgettable tequila story
Our Sponsors
Higdon Outdoors - The industry leader in the waterfowl industry for over 25 years
Icey-Tek USA - The classic rotomolded ice chest that started the entire premium cooler industry
Merica Bourbon - The sweet taste of freedom
Mossy Oak - Make sure the camo that you use is up to the task
Listen To More Episodes of BACK TO THE LODGE PODCAST
Visit our Website Back To The Lodge
Follow us on Facebook - Back to the Lodge
Tune in LIVE to WEIO 100.9 The Farm
Hosts: Patrick Mudge, Matthew Dretzka & Nick Conder
Podcast by: Knucklehead Media Group
FDNY and 9/11 Survivor Tim Brown: A personal story inside the World Trade Center
Today’s episode of BACK TO THE LODGE PODCAST is a heart wrenching and deeply emotional story from a survivor of the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center. It marks the 19th year anniversary of one of the most tragic events and terrifying terrorist attacks in American history.
Our guest, Tim Brown, will share his personal story about what happened on that day, his most unforgettable final moments with his comrades and best friends, and how he celebrates this dark moment of his life to honor those who demonstrate the greatest love for humanity.
After 19 years of living with the painful memory of losing 93 of his friends, including his two best friends, you can still hear in his voice the inflections when telling those stories.
Tim Brown is a retired, decorated 20-year FDNY Firefighter, a survivor of the 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, a first responder to the 1993 terrorist attack on the WTC and a veteran of the New York Urban Search & Rescue Task Force team that responded to the 1995 terrorist attack on the Alfred P. Murrah federal building in Oklahoma City.
Tim has been a leader in defending the memory of those who lost on 9/11 at Ground Zero and has been a sought after speaker regarding post-traumatic stress, grief, resilience of the human spirit and hope.
Also in this episode is a quick interview with Icey Tec's new Regional Sales Manager in the Great Lake Region, Jim Larkin.
Enjoy!
Favorite Quote
“I was lucky enough to get the greatest job in the world, New York City Firefighter! Even with what happened to us, we overcame the evil. Do with your life what is most meaningful to you, VOLUNTEER FOR YOUR COUNTRY!”
-Tim Brown
In This Episode
14:04 - Tim's background and he got involved in the 9/11 history
22:41 - Remembering the final moments with his great friends and comrades
38:25 - The dreadful situation in the lobby of South tower
43:31 - How Tim survived from the collapsing tower
50:19 - Facts and figures of how many innocent human being vanished in the 9/11 terror attack
55:50 - How outdoor recreation helps Tim in healing and clearing his pain away
59:45 - Tim's outdoor activities that aim to raise awareness of the 9/11 attack
1:10:58 - The most important advice he can give to his younger self
1:32:40 - How Jim Larkin got into the military
1:33:33 - What gravitated him towards law enforcement
1:38:55 - His favorite outdoor activity
1:41:10 - Jim's advice to his 16-year old self
How to get connected
Website: What Brothers Do
Book: What Brothers Do
Foundation: Stephen Siller Tunnel to Tower Foundation and 911 Trail
Our Sponsors
Higdon Outdoors - The industry leader in the waterfowl industry for over 25 years
Icey-Tek USA - The classic rotomolded ice chest that started the entire premium cooler industry
Merica Bourbon - The sweet taste of freedom
Mossy Oak - Make sure the camo that you use is up to the task
Listen To More Episodes of BACK TO THE LODGE PODCAST
Visit our Website Back To The Lodge
Follow us on Facebook - Back to the Lodge
Tune in LIVE to WEIO 100.9 The Farm
Please, if you're at all interested in the book Tim Brown spoke at length about, please click the link, buy the book and never forget. Thank you Tim Brown, what an amazing guest, we are all blessed to have met you, heard your story and owe you and so many other heroes so much! https://whatbrothersdo.com/ Hosts: Patrick Mudge, Matthew Dretzka & Nick Conder Podcast by: Knucklehead Media Group
Today’s episode of Back To The Lodge Podcast is a goofy conversation with the guys from CheyTac USA. Blaine and Ellison will share our listener’s the story of how CheyTac USA was established. They will also talk about what makes their products top-of-the-line among other brands, their favorite outdoor activities, and how they help and contribute to the veteran community.
Understanding the pain of wounded veterans and their struggle to come back, Blaine and Ellison have become a member and team-players of the foundations, HALO for Freedom and Healing Towers.
CheyTac USA is a global ammunition and firearms distributor to both civilian and military personnel. Their vision is to deliver 21st Century technological solutions that revolutionize the strategy and deployment of small arms. Attributes to their products are high accuracy, stopping power, flexibility, and ease of use. Their mission is to bring the full power and capability of CheyTac balanced flight ammunition and innovations to provide superior combat effectiveness.
Join our host, Patrick Mudge & Matthew Dretzka, together with our sound engineer Nick Conder as they give away amazing products from IceyTek USA and CheyTac USA on this goofy episode night.
Enjoy!
Favorite Quote
“Every dollar goes back to setting up fundraisers, education, training, and introducing the veterans to companies. A lot of guys just lock themselves away. We get them out, talk to peers, and talk to companies that are legitimately interested. Put them in your group plan, IT WILL HELP!”
-Blaine Campbell
In this Episode
33:33 - Backstory of CheyTac USA
37:01 - Dedicated units who are using CheyTac M200 Intervention
41:15 - Characterizing feature of M200 Intervention rifle
45:20 - How Blaine started the Campbell Arms
46:35 - Ellison and Blaine’s favorite outdoor activity
49:47 - The story behind the foundation of Halo for Freedom
51:42 - How Healing Towers help the veteran community
58:34 - Blaine and Ellison's advice to their 16-year old self
Know more about CheyTac USA
Website: CheyTac USA
Facebook: CheyTac M200 Intervention
Facebook: CheyTac USA
How to get Connected
Foundation: HALO for FREEDOM
HALO for Freedom Warrior Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to wounded warriors. Their mission is to provide support for wounded warriors as they face the many challenges during rehabilitation, reintegration, and healing process. Their goals are to ensure that wounded military members are cared for both physically and emotionally.
Foundation: Healing Towers
Healing Towers is a non-profit organization incorporated in the state of South Carolina. They put veterans with mentors and they take them on trips. They do a week-long trip up in Alaska and take them on the Alaska experience. They go out, do the crabbing, shrimping, and fly fishing. They've been around for about 15 years now and they've helped over 2000 service members.
Our Sponsors
Higdon Outdoors - The industry leader in the waterfowl industry for over 25 years
Icey-Tek USA - The classic rotomolded ice chest that started the entire premium cooler industry
Merica Bourbon - The sweet taste of freedom
Mossy Oak - Make sure the camo that you use is up to the task
Visit our Website Back To The Lodge
Follow us on Facebook - Back to the Lodge
Tune in LIVE to WEIO 100.9 The Farm
In today’s episode of Back To The Lodge Podcast, our hosts will jam to the original song and music of Nick Conder together with a fun interview with the “Alligator man” from History Channel’s Swamp People Bruce Mitchell and Outdoorsman Benny Elliot.
They will talk about their phenomenal adventures, their passion, and experiences that changed the way they live.
Bruce and Benny are doing an amazing job on what they do. On top of that, they are giving tremendous amounts of passion for the foundations and the veteran community.
Benny Elliot runs a company called BT Outdoors. They offer guided fishing trips for families or groups of people to have one of the most fun-filled and memorable bow fishing trips.
Bruce Mitchel is the legendary gator hunter of the Swamp People. During alligator hunting season, Bruce hunts the full 30 days and processes his own skins. He loves gunsmithing, collecting knives, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his grandkids.
Enjoy!
Favorite Quote:
“There were 25 people stranded on the rooftop, couldn't get a helicopter in there. The boat that I had was big enough to get in there. Trying to help people out, I should have died. But if you wouldn't do it again, you're doing it for the wrong reason.”
-Benny Elliot
In this Episode
33:41 - Bruce's exciting stories about alligators and pythons
45.27 - The most influential person in Bruce's life that got him outdoors
46:57 - His go-to when he wants to unwind by himself
51:02 - Philanthropic acts that Bruce engages in to give back to the veteran community
54:40 - How Bruce got onboarded in History Channel's Swamp People
57:49 - His advice to somebody getting through some hard times in life
1:26:33 - The boat Benny has been using to take people out
1:29:20 - The significance of bow fishing in bringing out the balance in the water environment
1:43:00 - What made Benny turn his passion in bow fishing to a serious profession
1:46:22 - The period of time Benny has been in the guide business
1:47:50 - Benny's horrible experience that changed his life for the better
2:00:54 - His piece of advice to somebody who needs a brighter outlook in life
Engage with Bruce Mitchell
Foundation: Wounded Warrior Outdoors
Foundation: Quad Vets
Connect with Benny Elliot
Must-Try Veteran Products
Our Sponsors
Higdon Outdoors - The industry leader in the waterfowl industry for over 25 years
Icey-Tek USA - The classic rotomolded ice chest that started the entire premium cooler industry
Merica Bourbon - The sweet taste of freedom
Mossy Oak - Make sure the camo that you use is up to the task
Visit our Website Back To The Lodge
Follow us on Facebook - Back to the Lodge
Tune in LIVE to WEIO 100.9 The Farm
Today’s episode of Back To The Lodge Podcast is a nice conversation with the Legendary Fisherman and Hall of Famer Babe Winkelman and the Founder of Merica Bourbon Derek Sisson.
Our first guest for tonight, Babe Winkelman is the host of “Good Fishing” and “Outdoor Secrets”. He will share the stories of his lifelong fishing experience, the amazing fishing moments with his father, and how he got Lyme disease and what he did about it. Babe has brought the outdoor world to people's living rooms for more than 35 years and has succeeded in fulfilling his dream of being self-employed in the outdoors industry through a combination of hard work, good business instincts, and a gift for communicating.
Our second guest, Derek Sisson, is the Owner and Founder of Merica Bourbon. Derek will talk about how he came up with the idea of producing bourbon, how he helps the veteran community, and what inspired him to get into the outdoors. His desire to create spirit brands true to the idea of America, its pride, and its patriotism, has resulted in award-winning bourbon gaining in popularity across the country.
The icing on the cake, our host Patrick Mudge & Matthew Dretzka will also have a fun and flavorful cheesecake moment with our birthday guy, Nick Conder.
Enjoy!
Favorite Quote
“Everything you do in the outdoors is a gift and a tribute to what the creator has given us here. They're all good. There's nothing more fun than taking some of your kids out and watching them get so excited to see a barb go down and get a bite.”
- Babe Winkelman
In This Episode
1:59 - More about today's guests
29:28 - What kept Babe bustling for the past months
33:53 - His most memorable fishing experience
47:10 - His sound advice on how to get kids into the outdoors
54:25 - Babe's fishing adventure with his father
59:15 - How he got Lyme disease and what he did about it
1:03:25 - Babe’s piece of advice to anyone who wants to get into the outdoors
1:41:44 - How Merica Bourbon was established
1:48:24 - What next for Merica Bourbon
1:51:30 - How Derek helps the veteran community
1:53:35 - What inspired him to get into the outdoors
1:56:30 - Derek’s favorite outdoor activity
2:00:34 - His piece of advice to somebody who's thinking about changing their life and finding their way in the outdoors
Engage with Babe Winkelman
Engage with Derek Sisson - Merica Bourbon
Our Sponsors
Higdon Outdoors - The industry leader in the waterfowl industry for over 25 years
Icey-Tek USA - The classic rotomolded ice chest that started the entire premium cooler industry
Merica Bourbon - The sweet taste of freedom
Mossy Oak - Make sure the camo that you use is up to the task
Visit our Website Back To The Lodge
Follow us on Facebook - Back to the Lodge
Tune in LIVE to WEIO 100.9 The Farm
Welcome to the premiere episode of BACK TO THE LODGE PODCAST. This podcast is framed around the value system of the outdoors and how that correlates with the veteran community outdoors, personalities, and country music.
In today’s first episode, our hosts, Patrick Mudge & Matthew Dretzka together with our sound engineer Nick Conder will speak about the resiliency of blue and gold star parents who raised children that grew up, became a warrior, and paid the ultimate price. They will also express their sentiments and commemorate comrades who fell during the Extortion 17.
Our three remarkable guests, Thomas O’Neill, Charlie Strange, and Dan Robinson are the proud and loving fathers of the brave and honorable service members who committed their lives serving the country and protecting the nation.
Thomas O’Neill is the father of the Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill who killed Osama bin Laden.
Charles Strange is a Gold Star father of Michael Strange, a Navy Cryptologist who served with an elite SEAL Team and was killed in action when the Chinook military helicopter operating with the call sign Extortion 17 was shot down while transporting an Immediate Reaction Force attempting to reinforce a Joint Special Operations Command unit of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the Tangi Valley in Maidan Wardak province, southwest of Kabul, Afghanistan. Charlie is also the founder of Michael Strange Foundation, a non-profit organization set up in the memory of Michael J. Strange which provides unconditional support and services to the families of recently fallen service members by professionals in several fields and also by those who have suffered similar losses so that the healing process can begin.
Dan Robinson is also a Gold Star father of Heath Robinson, Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) who is also a member of the Extortion 17. Dan is a member of Team Honor made up of veterans, their families, and fellow patriots who gather as a team at various events to raise awareness of Gold Star and Blue Star families.
Enjoy!
Favorite Quote
“With grief, there are five stages- denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. But with any other, you're not supposed to bury your children. What's so huge with this foundation, reaching to others, helping others and learning, sharing their experience, and what to do. But the great outdoor is so healing."
-Charles Strange
In this Episode
3:06 - Introduction of tonight's guests
9:20 - Remembering loved ones from Extortion 17 and the silver lining behind the tragedy
12:46 - Know more about our first guest - Tom O'Neill
16:22 - What got Tom into fishing and why he fell in love with it
18:57 - How Tom's outdoor driven life prepared his son, Rob O'Neill, to his military career and subsequently heroism
30:57 - His words of advice to all listeners
1:02:48 - How Michael Strange Foundation started
1:07:06 - The outdoor activity that helped Charlie coped up from losing his son
1:10:03 - The biggest stressor in his life today and how the outdoor has helped him manage that
1:15:45 - Charlie's parting notes to someone who needs relief
1:41:25 - Dan's way of engaging to other gold star parents
1:43:45 - His favorite outdoor activities
1:48:10 - The genesis of Team Honor
1:52:53 - The origin of Gold Star Parents
1:55:34 - His parting advice to all listeners
How to get connected:
Michael Strange Foundation Facebook
Our Sponsors
Higdon Outdoors - The industry leader in the waterfowl industry for over 25 years
Icey-Tek USA - The classic rotomolded ice chest that started the entire premium cooler industry
Merica Bourbon - The sweet taste of freedom
Visit our Website Back To The Lodge
Follow us on Facebook - Back To The Lodge
Tune in LIVE to WEIO 100.9 The Farm
In today’s episode of Back To The Lodge Podcast, our hosts will be chatting with the superstars behind the top-rated show Wicked Tuna, Capt. Paul Hebert of F/V Wicked Pissah and Capt. Dave Marciano of F/V Falcon and F/V Hard Merchandise.
Paul and Dave will share their life before joining the show, their greatest influence and inspiration in their fishing career, and their humbling actions to help disadvantaged and physically-challenged kids.
Watching these personalities fulfill their passion elevates your desire to experience the open water. But talking to them exposes their human side and reveals a whole new character that you can’t see on tv and realizes their amazing hearts that most people have no idea about.
Enjoy!
Favorite Quote
“You got one chance in this life, one chance and you can't go back. Don't go through life with regrets, do it right. You don't want to go through life being hated, be kind to people. It's a great life and being loved is the strongest thing in my life.”
- Paul Hebert
In This Episode
6:41 - Our hosts' painful stories with jellyfish encounters
23:29 - Knowing our guests’ in-depth character behind the camera
31:50 - Interesting story of how Paul got into the Wicked Tuna show
38:03 - Paul's greatest influence in his fishing journey
40:58 - The biggest lesson he teaches his crews when something goes wrong while fishing
42:33 - Paul’s greatest inspiration
50:30 - How Capt. Paul helps little kids and children with special needs experience marine life
55:30 - Sharing his real-time experience in reeling tuna
59:02 - Paul's advice to his 18-year old self
1:22:20 - Dave's biggest influence in fishing
1:23:57 - What was Dave been into before the Wicked Tuna
1:25:53 - The longest time he had reeled a tuna
1:28:27 - His biggest takeaway from participating in the show
1:30:02 - The thing that Dave looks forward to when docking
1:32:35 - The kind of music he's fond of listening
1:36:28 - Dave's most memorable experiences with Friends of Rollo
1:43:20 - His piece of advice to anybody who wants to find peace outdoor
How to get connected
Foundation: Captain Rollo’s Kids at Sea Website
Facebook: Friends of Captain Rollo
Engage to Paul Hebert
Email: paulhebert215@yahoo.com
Facebook: Wicked Pissah Fishing
Capt. Paul Official Wicked Tuna Merchandise
Engage with Dave Marciano
Website: F/V Hard Merchandise
Facebook: F/V Hard Merchandise
Our Sponsors
Higdon Outdoors - The industry leader in the waterfowl industry for over 25 years
Icey-Tek USA - The classic rotomolded ice chest that started the entire premium cooler industry
Merica Bourbon - The sweet taste of freedom
Mossy Oak - Make sure the camo that you use is up to the task
Visit our Website Back To The Lodge
Follow us on Facebook - Back to the Lodge
Tune in LIVE to WEIO 100.9 The Farm
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