The Fowl Life

Latest Episodes:

E504 - The Triple S Hot Seat: Preseason Prep with Sierra Strength & Speed Aug 16, 2025

Show notes

Waterfowl season doesn’t start in the blind...It starts in the gym, in the kitchen, and with the daily choices you make way before the first birds hit the decoys. In this special Fowl Life Podcast series, Chad Belding sits down with trainer and fitness guru Rob from Sierra Strength and Speed. In part one of the Triple S Hot Seat, Rob lays out how small, intentional changes in your fitness and lifestyle can pay off big when it’s time to hunt. From preseason prep to energy levels, recovery, and mindset, this episode is all about giving your body a little r e s p e c t! If you want to hit the marsh stronger, healthier, and ready to perform at your best, this one’s for you! This episode is brought to you by Sierra Strength and Speed, Nappa Valley Olive Oil, Oakley Sunglasses, ZLINE, and The Provider Culinary

E503 - Dan Compton with Federal Premium Ammunition - The Science Behind The Shot Aug 13, 2025

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Chad sits down with Dan Compton, Global Product Line Director for Shotshell and Rimfire at Federal Premium Ammunition, and one of the gurus behind Federal Premium Black Cloud--The official ammunition of The Fowl Life Podcast, and trusted by serious bird hunters across the country. Dan has spent decades perfecting shotshell performance, from pattern density and wad design to the cutting-edge technology that makes Black Cloud one of the deadliest tools in the arsenal. He also brings his expertise in rimfire to the table, offering insight into how Federal keeps pushing the limits on performance across the board. The guys talk everything from science, testing, and hunting that fuel Federal’s innovation. If you want to understand why Black Cloud hits harder, patterns better, and keeps evolving, this one's for you. This episode is brought to you by Federal Premium Black Cloud Ammunition. Benelli Shotguns Banded Gear Hi Viz Rob Roberts Custom Gun Works and Z-Line Kitchen

E502 - Sip Wild: The Provider’s Guide to Summer Drinks! - The Provider Eat Wild Series Aug 08, 2025

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Rubs, spices, and sauces for summer drinks!? Level up your game with amazing, easy recipes for summer drinks with The Provider. Midwest Host Joel Kleefisch, Acclaimed Provider Chef Ellie Lawton, and foodie Megan Salazar dive into uncharted liquids in this short-format episode. Turn your drinks into the talk of the party. Buckle up, rim your glass, and get ready to spice up your splash in this edition of The Fowl Life Podcast, Provider Series, Eat Wild Edition! This episode is brought to you by The Provider Culinary, Travel Wisconsin, Banded Brands, Gate Coolers, and Oakley Sunglasses!

E501 - Trucks, Torque & Life with Francis Hopping of Corning Ford Aug 05, 2025

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In this episode, Chad sits down with Francis Hopping from Corning Ford, and they get into one thing we all care about...Trucks. From engine packages to suspensions, towing setups to tech features, they break down what really matters when you’re buying your next rig and why Corning Ford is the #1 Super Duty dealer in the country. If you’ve ever wondered which truck fits your lifestyle, this one will help you dial it in. But it’s not all specs and horsepower. Chad and Francis talk DEF, road trips, life, golf, fishing, and everything in between. This episode’s all about what makes the Corning Ford family something we’re proud to be a part of. If you love trucks and good conversation, you’ll be all in on this one. This episode is brought to you by Corning Ford, LEER Truck Toppers, Mickey Thomoson Tires and Wheels, RIGID Industries LED, BedSlide, Bodyguard Bumpers, California Waterfowl Association, And, Oakley Sunglasses.

E500 - Grill Kebabs Like a Pro with Provider Chef Ellie Lawton - The Provider Eat Wild Series Jul 31, 2025

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There is no better, easier summer slam dunk than kebabs on the grill. The Fowl Life’s Eat Wild Host Joel Kleefisch and acclaimed culinary master Chef Ellie Lawton take you from field to table with easy, no-fail kebab creations from hors d’oeuvres to dessert. These weekly short-format series will make you the Provider!

E499 - Your Kitchen Dreams Come True - with Mason Watkins from ZLINE Appliances Jul 28, 2025

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This episode takes a turn into new territory! Chad sits down with Mason Watkins, Senior Director of Marketing with ZLINE Kitchen and Bath, to talk about the unspoken gear that brings your hunt full circle: your kitchen. ZLINE is changing the way hunters and home chefs think about their space, offering professional-grade appliances at an attainable price. Whether you're cooking wild duck, backstrap, or a big weekend breakfast, your kitchen setup matters, and ZLINE is built to handle it with professional quality. ZLINE has stepped up in a big way to support the hunting and outdoor community, and that’s something we should all take seriously. When you spend your hard-earned money, knowing a brand stands with your lifestyle makes all the difference. This episode is about quality, purpose, and building something that works as hard as you do. This episode is proudly brought to you by ZLINE, The Provider, Nappa Valley Olive Oil, HAVIK Knives, Travel Nevada, PECOS Outdoor, LEER, Corning Ford, and Mickey Thompson Tires.

E498 - Mark Hennelly of California Waterfowl: It's All About The Birds Part 2 Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

In part two of this two-part conversation, Chad continues the deep dive with Mark Hennelly of California Waterfowl Association, picking up where they left off with the questions every hunter has wondered. They discuss the data on drakes vs. hens, and whether restricting hen harvest actually makes a difference in breeding success. And of course, they circle back to pintails, diving even deeper into why raising the limit is about more than numbers, it’s about keeping hunters in the field and building the next generation of waterfowlers. Mark connects the dots between farming, irrigation, conservation, endangered species, and something that will surprise you, and how misplaced priorities on a certain fish are costing ducks their habitat and, in some cases, their lives. If you care about the future of hunting, this is one you need to hear. And if you’re not a member of California Waterfowl, now’s the time—no matter where you live. Because protecting this way of life starts with showing up. This episode is Proudly brought to you by California Waterfowl Association, Benelli, Federal Premium Ammunition, PECOS Outdoor, Secureit Firearms Storage, and Caesar’s Palace and Entertainment, Nutrien Ag Solutions, and Nappa Valley Olive Oil

E497 - Mark Hennelly of California Waterfowl: It's All About The Birds Part 1 Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

In part one of this two-part conversation, Chad sits down with Mark Hennelly of California Waterfowl Association—one of the most knowledgeable voices in the country when it comes to waterfowl policy, conservation, and how hunting seasons actually get made. Mark breaks down the science and strategy behind season dates, bag limits, hen restrictions, and why some states run longer seasons than others. You’ve probably heard that hunting has to shut down before mating season—but is that really the full story? They also dive into what makes California such a powerhouse for bird hunters..Not just ducks, but geese, turkeys, quail, and more. From extended seasons to special hunts, Mark explains why the Golden State is still one of the best in the country. Of course, they talk pintails, the kings of California, and why raising the bag limit matters more now than ever. If you've ever asked yourself, “Do bag limits actually help the population?” or “Why are we still stuck at one pintail?” you’re going to want to hear this. This one’s full of sharp insight, real answers, and a whole lot of passion for the birds we chase. Part two drops next—don’t miss it. This episode is Proudly brought to you by California Waterfowl Association, Benelli, Federal Premium Ammunition, PECOS Outdoor, Secureit Firearms Storage, and Caesar’s Palace and Entertainment, Nutrien Ag Solutions, and Nappa Valley Olive Oil

E496 - Inside The Brilliant Mind of Banded's CEO, Austin Booth - The Banded Hour Jul 18, 2025

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Chad sits down with Austin Booth, the CEO of Banded Brands, for a conversation that digs into the grit behind leadership, hunting, raising a family, and running a company in today’s world. Austin grew up in Arkansas and served his country as a Marine Corps lawyer. He spent time with the Arkansas Game & Fish, and now he’s running one of the most respected brands in the hunting industry. But his roots and passion are still in the dirt, in the woods, and in the water. They talk about balancing family and business, and what the courtroom taught Austin that still guides his leadership today. Austin breaks down what it takes to lead a big operation without losing the mission, and why clear communication and real trust in your team are everything. Of course, they talk ducks. Where are they? Has hunting really changed in the last decade? Austin’s take is sharp, honest, and backed by experience on both sides of the industry. This episode gives a real look behind the curtain at the minds building the future of waterfowl gear and why Banded would rather take bold risks than ever play it safe. This episode is brought to you by Caesar’s Palace and Entertainment, Travel Nevada, Banded Brands, Avery Outdoors, Greenhead Gear Decoys, Avery Sporting Dog, Corning Ford, Benelli Shotguns, Federal Premium Black Cloud, Hi Viz Sights, Realtree Brand Camo, and Rob Roberts Custom Gun Works.

E495 - How To Get Started with Simple Foraging - The Provider Eat Wild Series Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

No matter where you live in the U.S., there’s a bounty outside your doorstep. From dandelions to Pheasantbacks, side dishes grow under your feet in every state. TFL’s fun-gi Joel Kleefisch and Award Winning Provider Chef Ellie Lawton break down foraging into simple, easy ways to make sure there are delicious sides from the field on your table. There won’t be mush-room on your plate. Check it out! This episode is brought to you by The Provider Culinary, Caesar's Palace and Entertainment, Travel nevada, Travel Wisconsin, ZLINE, and Nappa Valley Olive Oil

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