Podcast
Run The Rack Outdoors
The Run the Rack Outdoors Podcast is an all-in, leave no doubt approach to adventure hunting. Each week we bring on special guests that share what it takes on how to be successful in the backcountry. From the high country to the big woods; here you will find the content that will guide you to make the most of your next adventure hunt. Tune in as we grow together to not only better ourselves in the outdoors, but in life as well.
- Episodes
- 87
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 1 hr 9 min
- On air since
- 2025
- Latest episode
- 1 day ago
Episodes
87 episodes, newest first
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1 hr 6 min
Ep. 086: The RIGHT to HUNT: Colorado Amendment 83 & Wildlife Conservation
Show notes
YES on 83 ! Cassie Melvin sits down with host Weston Homa this week to discuss Colorado's Amendment 83, the proposed constitutional right to hunt and fish, that will be decided on this Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.
Cassie is a hunter, runner and conservation advocate who works with Howl for Wildlife and other groups. Cassie discusses how the amendment would keep wildlife management in the hands of the biologists at Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Cassie also shares her story of tagging out on her bull elk this year as well as her passion for running. Tune in and enjoy the conversation about hunting, wildlife, and conservation!
How to help: if you're in Colorado, vote YES on Amendment 83. Ballots are due November 3. If you know people in Colorado, send them a quick reminder!
Partners:
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On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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1 hr 7 min
Ep. 085: Backcountry Cardio: Building Endurance, Hunting, & Having a DAWG Mentality w/ Brad Taylor
Show notes
Brad Taylor of Backcountry Cardio sits down with host Weston Homa this week. Brad is a 2:17 marathoner and Olympic Trials qualifier, and he's also a lifelong hunter.
Tune in to hear Brad discuss his "just go all in" mindset, and why it works in running, hunting and life.
Brad also gives practical tips for the listener who is looking to build their endurance including, how to start running, why go easier than you think, and simple 90-seconds-on interval workout you can do once a week.
If you need motivation to get out and put in some miles, this one's for you.
Partners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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40 min
Ep. 084: Dad's BUCK: LIVE on the Mountain, Hunt Recap, Lifelong Memories w/ Dwayne Homa
Show notes
LIVE on the mountain, host Weston Homa sits down with his father Dwayne Homa to recap their backcountry mule deer hunt.
Tune in to an amazing episode of a father-son successful backcountry deer hunt. The two recap the hunt, discuss the overcomings, and provides tips on gear and how to maximize time in the wilderness.
This episode is unlike any other hunting podcast episode you have listened to or watched. Enjoy a great chat around the fire on the mountain with these two sharing a lifelong memory and hunt story.
Partners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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1 hr 5 min
Ep. 083: Turning Up BUCKS: Mule Deer Terrain, Migration, & How to Find More Bucks w/ Alex Moore
Show notes
Alex Moore sits down with host Weston Homa this week to talk ALL THINGS Mule Deer bucks.
The conversation begins with what to look for to find good deer country then continues on to talk the significance of feed weather, migration, etc.
Alex also shares his story from his monster 2024 buck that taught him the valuable lessons of returning to the same areas and how to capitalize on every opportunity.
Whether you are heading out West to chase deer for the first time or even if yuo have a few good bucks under your belt, this episode is filled with great nuggets for all hunting skill levels.
Partners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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1 hr 18 min
Ep. 082: Chasing MULE DEER: Glassing, Patience, & Making the Most of Every Opportunity w/ Austin Folkman
Show notes
Austin Folkman sits down with host Weston Homa this week to break down the mindset and tactics that help him consistently find mature mule deer bucks.
Austin shares how he builds his season around time in the field, why access and elevation matter more than most hunters realize, and why glassing all day beats the common morning-and-evening routine
Austin also shares his success story behind his trophy archery buck this year on a leftover tag.
If you’re chasing October mule deer, planning your first western hunt, or trying to get more out of your glassing sessions, this one is packed with real-world advice you can use immediately.
Partners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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https://www.instagram.com/austin_folkman/
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1 hr 10 min
Ep. 081: Elk Hunt RECAP pt. 2: Hunt Recap, One Tag Punched, & Lessons Learned - Solocast
Show notes
Host Weston Homa recaps his elk hunting adventures in Idaho this September and discusses all of his learned lessons.
Weston recaps a month of backcountry bowhunting as a chasing OTC elk, The highs are real, the lows are painful, and the takeaways are immediately useful if you're trying to do the same thing.
He also shares the emotional side of the hunt: the frustration of blowing opportunities and the mental reset that comes from living out of a tent for days with no cell service.
Weston doesn’t sugarcoat the result, but that’s what makes the lessons valuable: finding elk, getting close, and finishing the job are all different skills, and this hunt shows exactly where the work still has to happen.
Partners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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1 hr 11 min
Ep. 080: Spot & Stalk ELK HUNTING: Staying Quiet, Punching Tags, & Building Mental Toughness w/ Dillon Ness
Show notes
Dylan Ness sits down with host Weston Homa this week to breakdown why spot-and-stalk is his go-to tactic, how he uses terrain to cut bulls off in transition, and why the smartest move on a hunt is often choosing the spot that fits your method first.
Dylan shares the lessons that turned him into a deadly elk hunter, including why he rarely packs a spotter, how he reads open sage, sparse timber, and mountain basins differently, and why evening hunts often feel more killable than mornings.
This episode is especially valuable if you hunt elk on public land, backpack into country, or want a better way to think about where to start when the mountains give you multiple good options. If you want more confidence in your first move and a sharper approach to reading elk, this one is worth your time.
Partners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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https://www.instagram.com/dillon_ness/
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1 hr
Ep. 079: Elk Hunt RECAP pt. 1: Hunt Recap plus Backcountry Gear & Food Breakdown - Solocast
Show notes
Host Weston Homa recaps hunting elk in the early season on public land in his home state of Idaho.
From a solo backpack hunt in Idaho to dead batteries, brutal weather , blown stalks, and hard-earned lessons on thermals, patience, and mobility, this episode is an honest field report for anyone trying to kill elk the hard way.
Weston also gets into the gear that held up and the gear that didn’t, including his sleep system, tent, stove, water filtration, boots, rain gear, and food plan.
He shares what he’d change next week, what he’ll pack for colder weather, and the exact lesson every western hunter needs to hear about calories, dry clothes, and being ready when conditions turn ugly.
Partners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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1 hr 16 min
Ep. 078: Chasing BIG BULLS: How to Approach Elk & Close the Final Distance w/ Jay Scott
Show notes
Jay Scott joins this week with host Weston Homa to break down the exact field decisions that separate a rushed elk hunter from a wise , experienced hunter who can actually finish the deal.
Weston sits down with one of the best-known voices in elk hunting for a deep, practical breakdown of real mountain scenarios: a bull answering across a canyon, a herd bull surrounded by cows and satellites, a bumped-up drainage, and those maddening midday moments when everything feels close but nothing is easy.
This episode is essential if you're chasing elk this season and want to make better decisions in the field, close more distance, and stop wasting your best opportunities.
Partners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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https://www.instagram.com/jayscottoutdoors/
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1 hr 18 min
Ep. 077: ELK CALLING: How to Call in Elk & Not Screw it Up w/ Joel Turner
Show notes
Joel Turner sits down with host Weston Homa this week to break down a simpler, more aggressive calling strategy that can really increase a bowhunter's chances for success. He explains why he prefers distressed calf sounds over bull bugles, how to locate elk without spooking them, and the exact moments when a herd bull is most likely to commit.Joel shares the hard-earned lessons behind his approach and he explains why distressed calf sounds often outperform most other elk calls.He also distinguishes the difference between a bull talking to cows vs. a bull challenging another bull. This one is packed with field-tested insight you can use this season!
Partners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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https://www.instagram.com/joelturneractual/
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1 hr 7 min
Ep. 076: ELK HUNTING MINDSET: How to Think Like an Elk & Find More Success w/ James Nash
Show notes
James Nash of Six Ranch Outfitters joins this week with host Weston Homa to break down the mindset, patterns, and sign-reading tactics that can help you punch your elk tag this year.
James is a fifth-generation rancher from northeast Oregon, a longtime archery elk guide, Marine Corps veteran, and the voice behind the whiteboard-heavy elk series that’s been blowing up on Instagram.
In this conversation, you’ll discover how to think about calling as a conversation, not a performance, what ideal elk habitat really looks like when you factor in food, water, security, and thermal comfort, and so much more!
Partners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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https://www.instagram.com/6ranchoutfitters/
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1 hr 15 min
Ep. 075: ELK HUNTING 201: Why MOST Elk Hunters Don’t Punch Tags w/ Cliff Gray
Show notes
Cliff Gray sits down with host Weston Homa this week to break down the mistakes that quietly kill hunts, from bad mountain prep to treating elk hunting like a math problem instead of an art.
Cliff has extensive experience as guide, outfitting roots, and hard-earned backcountry knowledge that brings this conversation to the next level.
Tune in to learn why the best callers aren’t always the best killers, why some bulls react completely differently depending on how close you are, and why many hunters mistake activity for progress.
• 00:00 — The Calling Mistake Most Elk Hunters Make
• 00:49 — Introduction: Cliff Gray on Elk Hunting
• 06:58 — Cliff’s Background: From Finance to Outfitting
• 15:20 — The Biggest Backcountry Hunting Mistake
• 23:21 — Stop Treating Elk Hunting Like a Math Problem
• 32:03 — Calling Elk: Proximity Before Vocalizations
• 45:00 — How to Approach a Herd in the Timber
• 47:46 — What to Do When a Bull Hangs Up
• 52:22 — Building Better Setups for Close Encounters
• 56:50 — Why Local Knowledge Produces More Elk
• 65:06 — Why Hunters Quit—and How to Stay in the Hunt
• 73:12 — Closing Thoughts and Where to Find CliffPartners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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1 hr 14 min
Ep. 074: ULTRA Running: Endurance, Hunting, & Finding Balance w/ Hayden Hawks
Show notes
Hayden Hawks, professional ultra runner, sits down with host Weston Homa this week to discuss running, hunting, and finding balance in life.
Hayden has won and podiumed at some of the biggest races in the sport, but this episode goes deeper than results. He breaks down how growing up in the outdoors shaped his competitive edge, why hunting and trail running are more alike than most people realize, and how the process matters more than the trophy at the end
Hayden also shares the reality of balancing professional running with being a husband, father, and man of faith, plus the simple habits that keep him grounded when life gets busy.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Hayden intro
(03:42) Hood 100 recap
(06:35) Hunting schedule(
08:01) Southern Utah elk
(10:44) Childhood mountains
(13:56) Slowing down
(16:54) Family traditions
(19:58) Pack-out calls
(23:40) Baseball to running
(27:29) Career breakthrough races
(31:40) Western States pressure
(34:00) Flagstaff fall
(36:24) Post-race lessons
(41:46) Week-after rule
(45:23) Balance and faith
(53:23) Being present
(55:42) Distractions and excuses
(58:09) Chamonix simplicity
(59:34) New Zealand lessons
(64:01) Recovery plan
Partners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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1 hr 3 min
Ep. 073: HOOD HUNDRED: 100-Mile Ultra Recap & Lessons Learned About Life
Show notes
Host Weston Homa recaps his experience at the Hood 100-mile ultramarathon. A massive turn of uncontrollable events makes this story one worth checking out.
Tune in to discover how to harness tough moments for growth in running and life and the powerful lesson of focusing on what you can control, even when everything else falls apart.
The big wins are often in the mindset, not the medal and Weston explains that through his journey in this episode.
Prepare to be inspired to see every obstacle as an opportunity to grow stronger.
Join us for a brutally honest look at chasing goals, battling disappointment, and the true meaning of endurance — inracing, in life, and in yourself.
Timestamps:
00:00 - The unexpected ending of the Hood 100 due to wildfire smoke00:30 - Course changes and race day setup amid wildfire concerns01:00 - Weston’s back-to-back marathons to prepare mentally and physically01:43 - Test of mental toughness during Eugene and Boston marathons02:10 - The significance of evidence and experience in ultra endurance03:08 - Managing race-day nerves and focus through present-moment awareness04:06 - Camping out and morning reflections before the race start05:15 - The importance of race mindset and energy management06:14 - Staying in a good headspace and embracing the chaos of race day setup07:09 - Race morning feelings, soreness, and mental preparation08:03 - The chaotic, dirtbag nature of ultra racing—setting expectations10:44 - The start of the race and the mental state at 5 a.m.11:14 - The significance of gratitude and enjoying the moment12:40 - Climbing Mount Hood and the importance of experience in tough terrain13:33 - The mental game: managing perceived effort and pain15:02 - Writing "the place is here and the now" on his arm to stay present22:34 - Pushing through fatigue and managing a smoky, challenging environment25:35 - The wildfire smoke and its impact on breathing and safety29:01 - The abrupt race cancellation and emotional breakdown30:12 - Reflecting on fairness, hard work, and the incompleteness of the race32:30 - Personal story of starting running later in life and the growth of mental resilience34:18 - The acceptance of uncontrollable factors in races and life44:32 - Lessons from setbacks: things just are and opportunities within adversity45:52 - Action and movement as cures for fear and overthinking49:18 - The reality that success requires effort, but it’s never guaranteed54:35 - The upcoming focus on hunting season and future challenges55:33 - Final thoughts on resilience, community, and the story we choose to tell56:30 - Closing gratitude and encouragement to leave no doubt in pursuit of your goals
Partners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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2 hr 50 min
Ep. 072: East Meets West Hunt: Adventure, Entrepreneurship, & Personal Development w/ Beau Martonik
Show notes
Beau Martonik joins from East Meets West Hunt joins host Weston Homa to reveal how adventure molds character,builds confidence, and teaches resilience that applies far beyond the hunt.
Beau shares the story of his first trip out West and how those tough days laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of growth. You'll discover why embracing the unknown—whether pursuing a big bull or exploring new terrain—can unlock unexpected personal breakthroughs.
The discussion emphasizes that success isn't about perfection but persistence—daring to take initial steps, learn from failures, and stay committed to the journey. Perfect for anyone cravingadventure, personal development, or looking for inspiration to start their next chapter.
Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Weston’s background and journey into hunting and podcasting
01:23 - Weston’s move from Pennsylvania to Idaho and its influence
02:45 - Personal development through hunting and embracing hard things
03:14 - Weston’s upcoming 100-mile trail race around Mount Hood
04:10 - Reflection on goal setting and the importance of the process
05:08 - How hunting and adventure shape character and life skills
06:21 - Early influences: podcasts, gear, and learning to hunt the West
09:12 - The challenge and reward of public land whitetail hunting on the East Coast
12:12 - The mindset shift from failure to experience in hunting
17:14 - Bo’s first trip hunting elk in Colorado and lessons learned
19:39 - Starting the East Meets West Hunt podcast and its purpose
33:25 - The power of community and connection through social media and events
62:24 - Building a community through Mountain Buck Mondays and shared success stories
68:23 - How adventure is defined personally and its broader meaning
69:34 - The importance of taking risks and stepping into the unknown
70:39 - Bo’s definition of adventure: challenge, experience, and growth
72:02 - Strategies for goal setting and enjoying the journey in hunting and life
74:44 - The experiential value of hunting in diverse landscapes
75:34 - How to find and connect with like-minded hunters online and offline
77:01 - Final thoughts: the ongoing journey of growth, learning, and adventurePartners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
Website/Blog:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/beau.martonik/
https://www.instagram.com/eastmeetswesthunt/
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1 hr 19 min
Ep. 071: The EXO DEATH HIKE: Recap & The Importance of Doing Hard Things w/ Alex Moore
Show notes
Alex Moore joins this week to recap the EXO Mountain Gear Death Hike with host Weston Homa in Idaho’s rugged Lost River Range.
Tune in to hear about the intense experience of summiting multiple 12,000-foot peaks—facing lightning storms, class III scrambles, and some crazy adventures.
Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts aiming to elevate their mental game, this episode will leave you motivated to embrace the hard challenges waiting in your own life, armed with new perspectives on risk, safety, and grit.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Alex Moore
00:54 - Recap of the recent death hike adventure and its significance
01:24 - Alex Moore’s background in hunting and mountain experience
02:57 - The motivation behind mountain training and outdoor scouting
04:11 - Insight into the environment and routes planned for the death hike
06:02 - Explaining the route: peaks, elevation, and high country camping
08:02 - The mental and physical preparation for such challenging climbs
10:01 - The story behind the route sourced from ultra runners and mountaineers
11:11 - Key peaks: Bora, Idaho, Leatherman, Donaldson, and church
13:03 - The technical aspects: scrambling, class three moves, safety gear
15:28 - The importance of safety equipment, helmets, and risk awareness
18:02 - Climbing and summit reflections, outstanding views, and weather challenges
19:10 - Encountering Chicken Out Ridge and the scramble experience
20:38 - Storm approaching and lightning safety precautions
27:57 - The lightning strike experience and feeling electricity in gear
32:10 - Rescue operations: spotting a fallen hiker, coordinating safely
33:48 - Lightning and weather hazards, decision to evacuate, and the role of search and rescue
36:21 - Helicopter insertion, medevac, and the chaos of mountain rescue
44:07 - Reflections on the rescue effort, Garrett’s heroism, and lessons learned
55:02 - The importance of gear, helmets, confidence, and overcoming fear
60:04 - Team support, climbing tips, and mental toughness during technical ascents
66:29 - How mountain challenges build confidence for hunting and outdoor pursuits
67:53 - The analogy between technical climbs and hunting obstacles
68:34 - Applying lessons of overcoming fear and risk management to broader life challenges
73:49 - Training, physical endurance, and mental strategies for preparation
75:08 - Acknowledgments for first responders, rescue teams, and safe practices
76:22 - Final thoughts: pushing limits safely, learning from experiences, and chasing big goalsPartners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
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1 hr 12 min
Ep. 070: UPHILL ATHLETE: Essentials for Mountain Training & Evoke Endurance w/ John Frieh
Show notes
John Frieh from Evoke Endurance sits down with host Weston Homa to discuss how to build endurance tailored specifically for mountain hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. This episode drops insights from John who breaks down how to optimize your training for serious mountain adventures, ultra races, and hunting adventures.
Discover why slow, consistent aerobic work is the key to unlocking your body’s fat-burning potential and how scientific principles like periodization can elevate your performance, reducing injury risk and maximizing recovery.
No matter where you are on your fitness journey, this episode equips you with the knowledge to develop a personalized, science-driven plan. John’s insights will help you avoid commonpitfalls and leverage your training to maximize performance in the backcountry.
Partners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
Website/Blog:
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https://www.instagram.com/evokeendurance/
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47 min
Ep. 069: HIGH COUNTRY: Elk Scouting Recap & Lightweight Pack Dump
Show notes
LIVE on the mountain, host Weston Homa shares his experience of summer scouting in Idaho for elk and mule deer.
Weston also breaks down his lightweight gear setup, showing how pack, clothing, and gear choices kept him mobile, comfortable, and effective in high-alpine terrain.
You'll learn concrete tips for high-country scouting, like reading burn areas for elk activity, understanding terrain folds preferred by mule deer, and finding water sources that can make or break a hunt.
Dive into the real highs and lows of mountain hunting, and get inspired to hit your next trip with renewed purpose and smarter strategies.
00:00 — Welcome + Solo scouting recap
Weston opens the episode, sets the scene, and previews the lessons learned.00:29 — Lightweight backpacking setup
He explains his ultra-light gear approach and how he’s fitting multiple days into a 2200-cubic-inch pack.02:24 — Scouting mindset: high country, no motorized access
Weston shares how he chooses hunting areas and why he prefers remote, hard-to-reach terrain.04:22 — Getting into camp and glassing the high country
He describes the approach hike, setting camp, and moving into alpine terrain to start glassing.05:19 — Elk found in every basin
Weston talks about seeing elk throughout the high country and why the area looked so productive.06:16 — Dangerous fall on loose scree
He recounts a scary slip on steep alpine terrain and the lesson to be more careful in exposed country.08:40 — Why the elk are up high
Weston explains the food, water, and safety factors that keep elk in the high basins right now.11:02 — Lower country scouting + rut sign
He shifts into a different area to look for more sign, including trails, rubs, and timbered bedding areas.14:22 — Mule deer terrain and access
Weston breaks down what mule deer want, including terrain folds, micro-drainages6:49 — Evening glassing and deer movement
He shares how deer started moving late and how the terrain produced multiple good sightings.18:18 — Burn areas and fresh growth
Weston highlights old burns as excellent feed sources for deer and elk and a key e-scouting tip.20:15 — Reflection on progress and effectiveness
He reflects on how far he’s come and how good it feels to be finding animals consistently.21:13 — Gear dump: optics and digiscoping setup
Weston starts breaking down his optics, tripod, and digiscoping gear.24:06 — On Glass system + bino adapter
He explains the setup he uses for filming and how the adapter system makes field use easier.25:04 — Stove and cooking system
Weston shows his tiny stove setup and compares it to his old, louder stove.27:26 — Sleep system: puffy, pad, and quilt
He walks through his insulation, sleeping pad, and quilt choices for summer scouting.31:17 — Tent and pack setupPartners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
Website/Blog:
Instagram:
Facebook:
Youtube:
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1 hr 9 min
Ep. 068: The ELK HUSTLE: How to Find Success & Grind Out Your Elk Hunt w/ Will Meyers
Show notes
Will Meyers joins host Weston Homa to share his mindset as a true public land grinders who finds a way to punch tags year after year.
Discover how understanding elk behavior, creating effective, and mental toughness leads to elk encounters that turn into bull tags — even in heavily pressured areas.
Will breaks down common mistakes that rookies make and why confidence, patience, and readiness to fail are the real keys to success.
Whether you're chasing elk in Idaho or planning your next western hunt, this episode supplies the mental edge, tactical insights, and motivation to take your game to the next level.
Chapters:
• 00:00) Introduction to Will Myers and his elk hunting background
• (02:22) Will’s approach to working hard in both real estate and mountain hunting
• (03:46) Preparing for the upcoming EXO Death Hike and ultra marathon events
• (07:05) Best timeframes for elk hunting in September and how terrain affects success
• (09:00) How weather and pressure influence elk movement and rut behavior
• (11:25) Optimal hunting windows based on multiple years of experience
• (14:41) The significance of dark timber and water in elk habitat
• (19:38) The importance of understanding elk body temps and comfort zones
• (24:43) Challenges of solo hunting and call setup strategies
• (30:30) The mindset of embracing failure and adapting tactics
• (32:36) Pre-season scouting tips and identifying key elk sanctuary areas
• (39:33) The concept of elk “creating a nest” for rut preparation
• (44:45) Maintaining mental toughness through tough hunting conditions
• (55:06) Transitioning from mountain hunter to ultra-distance athlete
• (58:58) Connecting with Will Myers on social media & upcoming do-it-yourself adventures
• (60:39) Final thoughts on adventure, mindset, and what's nextPartners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
Website/Blog:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/willis_meyers/
https://www.instagram.com/id_archeryhunts/
Facebook:
Youtube:
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1 hr 8 min
Ep. 067: 100-MILER Training: Developing an Ultramarathon Training Plan & Update
Show notes
Host Weston Homa breaks down how to build a plan to run an ultramarathon as well as provides an update on his training for The Hood 100 miler.
This episode breaks down how to structure your weekly mileage around hours on feet, incorporate back-to-back long runs for mental toughness, and match your long training sessions to the elevation profile of your race.
He also dives deep into fueling strategies, hydration, and gear essentials, revealing what works (and what doesn’t) for long days on rugged terrain.
Whether you're contemplating your first 50K or wanted to get more in shape for hunting season, Weston’s straightforward advice will leave you motivated to start training smarter, longer, and with purpose.
Chapters:
. 0:01 — Welcome + why this episode is different
Weston opens with a shift from hunting content to running, and introduces the Hood Hundred.• 0:30 — Training for the Hood Hundred
He explains why he wants to share his ultra training, nutrition, and planning approach.
• 1:26 — Weston’s running background
A look at his path from a non-runner to Boston Marathon qualifier and ultra runner.
• 4:16 — Western States and the big picture
He breaks down the prestige, difficulty, and qualification system for Western States 100.
• 7:07 — Race progression and ultra lessons learned
From his first race win to stepping up in distance and learning hard lessons in 70-mile and 100-mile races.
• 12:24 — Hood Hundred course + goals
Details on the race, Mount Hood, elevation gain, and the Western States qualifier goal.
• 13:53 — Books and podcasts that shaped his thinking
The books and ultra-running podcasts he uses to learn and stay motivated.
• 15:42 — Building an ultra training plan
Easy runs, speed work, and long runs, plus how those differ for marathon versus ultra prep.
• 19:12 — Volume, time on feet, and smart progression
Why ultra success is more about durability, hours, and elevation than pure speed.
• 20:11 — Weekly mileage, deloads, and training by time
Rules of thumb for increasing volume and recovering intelligently.
• 27:46 — Back-to-back long runs
Why training on tired legs matters and how he uses it to prepare for races.
• 30:42 — Daily training routine + life structure
A real look at balancing early-morning training, work, and recovery.
• 33:08 — Nutrition and fueling for endurance
Calories, carbs, whole foods, and why he keeps his diet clean and high-carb.
• 39:40 — Fueling runs the right way
Carbs per hour, calories per hour, sodium intake, and how he plans his long-run fueling.
• 49:28 — Gear that helps on long runs
Electrolytes, vest setup, poles, wipes, shoes, and socks.
• 57:13 — The “why” behind doing hard things
Why he trains for ultras and how it connects to mountain hunting and identity.Partners:
Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296d
On Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9ab
Website/Blog:
Instagram:
Facebook:
Youtube:
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