The Fowl Life

Latest Episodes:

E494 - All You Need to Know When Buying a Gun Safe - with Tom Kubiniec of Secureit Gun Safes Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Chad and Tom are back at it! They're tackling the big issues, asking the right questions, and getting to the bottom of what’s happening in the world of business. From global tariffs and China’s shifting role in production, to the future of jobs and where work is headed next, this one is interesting from start to finish. Tom opens up about what he looks for when hiring, and it’s probably not what you think. Does college matter anymore? Are grades even relevant? Then, he brings us along for an exclusive first look at what’s next for SecureIt. Remember, this is not your average safe. He reveals a new approach to fast-access storage that’s never been done before—complete with mounting plates for moveable safes and a smart rethink of cluttered, outdated designs. You’ll hear the facts about storing ammo with your firearms and why it’s more dangerous than most people realize. This is one you won’t want to miss. This episode is brought to you by Secureit Gun Storage, Caesar's Palace and Entertainment, Travel Nevada, Jack Link's Outdoors, Benelli Shotguns, Banded Brands, ZLINE, Jack Link’s Jerky, Federal Premium Black Cloud, Hi Viz Sights, Jargon Duck and Goose Calls, and Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks.

E493 - How the Best Keep Getting Better, with Bret Maffett from Benelli USA Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

There’s a reason Benelli sits at the very top of the game. When it comes to innovation, performance, and undeniable dependability, they continue to raise the bar year after year, and they’re not slowing down! In this episode, Chad is joined by Bret Maffett, Senior Project Manager at Benelli USA. Bret is one of the key minds behind the scenes, helping shape the products we trust, use, and talk about every season. From early design to final product, he’s involved in it all. The guys dive into how Benelli continues to reinvent and refine what a shotgun can be, and what it takes to keep pushing the envelope in a space that’s crowded with imitators. They get into product development, planning, AI, and what’s coming down the pipe. This episode is for anyone and everyone who loves shooting, innovation, and hearing from the brilliant minds behind the products we love! This episode is brought to you by Benelli USA, Caesar’s Palace and Entertainment, Travel Nevada, Banded Brands, ZLINE, Jack Link’s Jerky, Federal Premium Black Cloud, Hi Viz Sights, Jargon Duck and Goose Calls, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, and The Provider Culinary

E492 - How To Cook 5 Star Trout Like A Professional Chef - The Provider Eat Wild Series Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

Ain’t nothin fishy about this super quick and easy recipe to take fish from pond to plate. Fowl Life Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch, culinary master Chef Ellie Lawton and TFL contributor Megan Salazar literally catch fish and have it on the dinner table within an hour, and so can you. This short format Eat Wild edition shows you how Provider seasonings take the guesswork out of delivering 5 star fish with no fuss. Tip the scales in your favor with this recipe for shore lunch or your fanciest dining room. This episode is brought to you by The Provider Culinary, Caesar's Palace and Entertainment, ZLINE, Oakley sunglasses, Jargon Game Calls, and Nappa Valley Olive Oil

E491 - Chasing What's Left - Navigating Changes in The Waterfowl World with Fred Zink Jul 04, 2025

Show notes

The game’s changing, and not everyone’s thrilled about it. In this episode, Chad sits down with Fred Zink for a no-holds-barred conversation about where waterfowl hunting is headed. From the pressure outfitters are putting on birds, to the flood of American hunters crossing into Canada, to public land restrictions and the role of social media — it’s all on the table. Has all of it made Fred lose some of that fire? Or is it just part of the evolution? The guys talk about Fred’s roots in product development, the early days of goose calling, and what’s changed since he first picked up a call back in the ‘90s. Whether you're new to the hunt or you’ve been in it for decades, this one’s got something for everyone who still loves the chase. This episode is brought to you by Avery Outdoors, Greenhead Gear Decoys, Banded, Federal Premium Ammunition, and Travel Nevada.

E490 - An Entrepreneurial Journey with Rick Scheen of PECOS Outdoor Part 3 Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

We’re back with Part 3 of our conversation with Rick Scheen of PECOS Outdoor, and it’s another deep dive into what it really takes to build something from nothing. In a time when a lot of companies are facing uncertainty, PECOS is staying true to its roots — Made in America, built to last, and proud of it. And the truth is, American-made gear is standing strong. Chad and Rick talk through the real challenges of entrepreneurship; how overconfidence can sometimes push you forward, how goals evolve, and what it means to build your own market from the ground up. In Chad’s words, Rick is the battery behind the whole operation. His mindset, his energy, his belief in the mission — that’s what keeps PECOS moving. They also dive into the pressure of leadership, the weight of having people count on you, how to keep relationships strong through all the ups and downs, and of course, the gear — from the game-changing PECOS tables to the details that make their products stand out. Listen to hear the one item Chad says he flat-out can’t live without! It’s an honest look at passion, pressure, and the kind of mindset that turns ideas into something real. Thanks for Listening! This episode is brought to you by PECOS Outdoor, Caesar’s Palace and Entertainment, Travel Nevada, LEER, Micket Thompson Tires, Nappa Valley Olive Oil, and Oakley Sunglasses

E489 - Turning Your Wild Game Meat Into Something Extraordinary - The Provider Eat Wild Series Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

You will be the hit of the party or your family’s dinner table with this fool proof easy recipe for and game or store-purchased meat. Host Joel Kleefisch and award-winning Provider Certified Chef Ellie Lawton break down the recipe everyone asks about. Look, if they can take wild mountain goat from the Emerald Isle and turn it into a delicacy, anyone can make their wild game delicious. It’s versatile, it’s easy…it’s the G.O.A.T.! This episode is brought to you by The Provider Culinary, Travel Nevada, Caesar's Palace and Entertainment, ZLINE, Oakley sunglasses, Jargon Game Calls, and Nappa Valley Olive Oil

E488 - Jack Link’s – The Unexpected Story Behind America’s Favorite Jerky Jun 19, 2025

Show notes

What if the brand you grab off the shelf for a quick protein fix had a story way deeper than you thought? In this episode, Chad sits down with Hunter Qualls of Jack Link’s to explore the surprising heart behind the company: small-town roots, real American values, and a mission that goes far beyond snacks. Chad and Hunter get into the type of people behind Jack Link’s, like Troy Link, a man who’s built an empire but still stays grounded in humility, respect, and community. From the front lines of product innovation to the fast-growing world of “better-for-you” options, this conversation unpacks why Jack Link’s is a reflection of what people are really craving today: honesty, quality, and food that fuels real life. There’s more to this story than meat sticks. Tune in to find out why Jack Link’s might just be one of the most quietly impactful companies in America. This episode is brought to you by Jack Link's, Caesar's Palace and Entertainment, LEER, Travel Nevada, Lethal, and Corning Ford!

E487 - Mossy Pond Masterclass – Breeding, Champions & Reading Your Dog - The Eukanuba Duck Dog Series Jun 14, 2025

Show notes

Chad sits down with Brad Arington and Lee Howard of Mossy Pond Retrievers, the powerhouse kennel that’s taken home the SRS Crown Championship two years running! The team at Mossy Pond go way beyond dog training. They are true hunting partner matchmakers, breeding strategists, and top-tier competitors at the highest level of the game. From the science behind elite breeding to the subtle art of knowing when your dog is thriving or when it’s time to consider retirement, Brad and Lee break down what it takes to build, train, and care for a champion. They share why choosing a reputable breeder matters more than most people realize, and how Mossy Pond matches handlers to the right dogs for long-term success. When it comes to duck dogs, you’d be hard pressed to find more valuable information than we have to offer on the Eukanuba duck dog series, and we are proud to be your source! This episode is brought to you by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food, Caesar's Palace and Entertainment, Banded Brands, Gator Tail Boats and Motors, LEER, Oakley Sunglasses, and Avery Sporting Dog

E486 - A Simple Recipe From Ireland to Wow Your Tastebuds - The Provider Eat Wild Series Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

Travel the globe with The Fowl Life Provider Series Eat Wild Edition. Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch and Provider’s award-winning Chef Ellie Lawton hunt and eat on the Emerald Isle. Irish waterfowler and big game guide James Fallon lets us in on a simple traditional Irish family recipe anyone can make with any wild game and the Provider lineup. And the crew touches on how to make even a wild goat abundant in Ireland a gourmet dish. Buckle up your Irish accent translator for this week’s edition! This episode is brought to you by The Provider Culinary, Caesar's Palace and Entertainment, ZLINE, Oakley sunglasses, Jargon Game Calls, and Nappa Valley Olive Oil

E485 - Tony Vandemore – Chasing the Flyways & Living the Lifestyle Jun 07, 2025

Show notes

Buckle up! Tony Vandemore is back on the mic with Chad for another waterfowl deep dive you won’t want to miss! From early teal to late-season birds, the guys break down what made last season great and what’s coming next. Listen in for the inside knowledge you need to keep your edge sharp. Here where the birds were flying, which guns they’re reaching for, how the migration is shifting, and why staying in tune in the off-season matters more than ever. Tony shares insights from the field, straight from one of the most respected names in the game. If you live for the flight lines and the frosty mornings, this one’s for you! episode is brought to you by Caeser's Palace and Entertainment, Benelli Shotguns, Federal Premium Black Cloud, Hi Viz Sights, Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, Banded Hunt Gear, Greenhead Gear Decoys, Avery Outdoors, Realtree Camo, Corning Ford, KERSHAW Knives, Safari Club International, MyOutdoor TV, PECOS Outdoor, and The Provider Culinary.

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