The Winchester Life Podcast

In this episode of the Winchester Life Podcast, Becky Yackley takes us through her remarkable journey in competitive shooting, from years of national-level competition to representing Team USA on the international stage.

Becky shares what it takes to prepare for competition at the highest level, the importance of precision and ammunition consistency, and how she stays focused when the pressure is on.

Beyond the range, she opens up about raising three sons who have followed in her footsteps as competitive shooters, balancing family life with military service, and building a family tradition around discipline, hard work, and a shared passion for the shooting sports.

Join us for an inside look at the people, preparation, and dedication behind a life in competitive shooting—and the role Winchester ammunition has played along the way.

In this episode of Winchester Life Quickshots, host Jason Gilbertson sits down with Kyle Masinelli, Director of Product Innovation and Strategy, to explore what makes Winchester Deer Season XP a purpose-built choice for whitetail hunters.

Kyle explains the thinking behind the Extreme Point bullet, including how its large polymer tip and tailored construction work together to deliver rapid expansion on deer. Jason and Kyle also discuss the field testing behind Deer Season XP and the design choices that contribute to its accuracy.

With 25 caliber and bullet-weight offerings today, Deer Season XP gives hunters a range of options for their preferred rifles. The conversation offers a closer look at the technology, performance and value behind one of Winchester’s most popular hunting rounds.

Tune in to hear the story behind Deer Season XP straight from the people who helped develop it.

For Kevin Guillen, hunting has never been just about the animal at the end of the trail—it’s about the preparation, miles, and lessons that come with chasing game in the West.

As a writer for Western Hunter and part of the Wilderness Athlete team, Kevin brings a unique perspective on backcountry hunting, from training and nutrition to the gear and ammunition hunters trust when it matters most.

On this episode of the Winchester Life Podcast, Kevin shares the hunts, places, and experiences that have shaped him and what he’s learned from years of pursuing game in demanding country.

We’ll also get his first impressions of Supreme Long Range and find out what he’s putting in his hunting pack this fall.

On this episode of the Winchester Life Podcast, Matt Drury of Drury Outdoors shares what it takes to prepare for another deer season and the work that begins long before Opening Day.

From food plots and trail cameras to the latest gear and ammunition, Matt discusses the strategies, preparation, and experience that go into chasing mature whitetails.

He also shares his perspective on the longstanding partnership between Drury Outdoors and Winchester Ammunition, including the evolution of Deer Season XP and the growing popularity of the .350 Legend.

Beyond the hunt, Matt reflects on conservation, the friendships built in the deer woods, and the lessons learned through a lifetime of pursuing whitetails.

On this episode of the Winchester Life Podcast, we sit down with Team Winchester sporting clays champion Zach Kienbaum to discuss his journey to the highest levels of competitive shotgun shooting.

Zach shares the hard work, techniques, and preparation that have helped him become one of the sport’s elite competitors, along with the importance of consistency and confidence when every target counts.

He also gives an inside look at his role in testing and developing Winchester ammunition, including AA Diamond Grade, and what makes quality ammunition so important in competition.

From championships to traveling the country with fellow shooters, Zach reflects on the people, friendships, and experiences that make competitive shooting about so much more than breaking targets.

For years, Mike Wilgus has dedicated his life to mastering the art of sporting clays and representing Team Winchester at the highest level of competitive shooting.

A competitor. A hunter. A mentor. Mike has built a career through discipline, precision, and an unwavering commitment to the shooting sports. From the competition course to the hunting field, his passion for the outdoors and dedication to excellence have inspired shooters across the country.

Mike brings a wealth of knowledge in competitive shooting, shotgun performance, ammunition, target presentation, shooting fundamentals, and the mindset required to succeed when every target counts.

Today, we sit down with one of Team Winchester's premier sporting clays athletes to talk competition, family, hunting, and the lessons learned through a lifetime behind the shotgun.

This is Winchester Life, and our guest — Mike Wilgus.

In this special episode of Winchester Life Quick Shots, Senior Marketing Director Jason Gilbertson is joined by White Flyer National Sales Manager Josh Taylor for a deep dive into the powerful partnership between Winchester Ammunition and White Flyer — and their unwavering commitment to the shooting sports for decades.

Jason and Josh explore how Winchester and White Flyer have become cornerstones of the clay target community. They discuss their role as the Official Ammunition of the ATA, SCTP, and NSCA Championship Tour Powered by Winchester, the industry-leading performance of Winchester AA shotshells, and the unmatched quality and durability of White Flyer targets that competitors trust at major events across the country.

The conversation also shines a spotlight on Team Winchester, featuring one of the deepest and most talented rosters of top competitive shooters in the world. From grassroots youth programs to elite national champions, discover how Winchester and White Flyer continue to invest in the sport, support shooters at every level, and help grow the future of trap, skeet, and sporting clays.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a serious competitor, or someone who simply loves the shooting sports, this episode celebrates the history, passion, and ongoing legacy behind two iconic brands that continue to fuel American shotgun sports.

Tune in and hear what it truly takes to support the shot — from the range to the podium.

For 45 years Ron Spomer has had the good fortune to photograph and write about the outdoor life.

A hunter. A hiker. A fisherman. An explorer. Ron has connected with nature on 6 continents and been able to see the beauty that he believes everyone should see.

Ron has an in-depth knowledge of guns, ammo, optics, ballistics, boots, clothing, wildlife behavior, hunting tactics, conservation programs, and anything else pertaining to our roles as hunter-conservationists and Natural citizens.

Today, we sit down with the man behind the pictures, the stories, and the passion that continues to shape how we think about the outdoors.

This is Winchester Life, and our guest — Ron Spomer.

In this episode of Winchester Life Quick Shots, Senior Marketing Director Jason Gilbertson and Divisional Director of Operations Kyle Masinelli sit down for an in-depth look at Winchester Ammunition’s highly anticipated Super Suppressed line.

From the advanced bullet design and optimized powder technology to the precise engineering that delivers exceptional suppressor performance, Jason and Kyle break down exactly what makes Super Suppressed stand apart from every other suppressed ammunition on the market. They discuss the real-world benefits shooters will experience — including significantly reduced sound signature, lower recoil, outstanding accuracy, reliable cycling, and cleaner burning — along with how the line was developed and tested to meet the demands of both serious suppressor enthusiasts and professional users.

Tune in as they cover the full product offerings, key features of each load, ideal applications, and practical tips for getting the most out of your suppressed setups. Whether you’re running a suppressor on a pistol, rifle, or SBR, this episode delivers the technical details and expert insights you’ve been looking for.

Winchester Super Suppressed is engineered for superior suppression, unmatched performance, and the silent confidence every shooter wants.

In this episode of Winchester Life Quick Shots, host Jason Gilbertson (Senior Marketing Director at Winchester) sits down with Divisional Director of Operations Kyle Masinelli for an in-depth conversation on the launch of Winchester Supreme Long Range ammunition.

After years of development and a relentless focus on manufacturing excellence, Winchester has created what many are calling the best-in-class long range ammunition for serious hunters and precision shooters. Jason and Kyle discuss the challenges, key breakthroughs, advanced technologies, and rigorous testing that went into bringing this revolutionary new line to market.

From design philosophy to on-the-ground performance, this episode gives listeners a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build truly elite ammunition.

Tune in for expert insights straight from the leaders who made it happen.

Join Winchester Marketing Director Jason Gilbertson and Product Manager Jimmy Wilson as they break down the engineering behind two of the most advanced turkey loads ever developed — Long Beard XR and Long Beard Tungsten.

In this technical deep dive, Jimmy and Jason explain how Shot-Lok® technology in Long Beard XR protects the lead shot during launch, delivering dramatically tighter patterns with twice the pellets in a 10-inch circle out to 60 yards compared to traditional loads. They also explore the cutting-edge advantages of Long Beard Tungsten, featuring ultra-dense 17 g/cc Tungsten shot that provides exceptional energy transfer, superior penetration, and incredible pattern density — often 6-8X more pellets on target at extended ranges.

From payload construction and velocity to real-world pattern performance and choke compatibility, this episode gives hunters an inside look at the science, innovation, and testing that make these loads lethal in the turkey woods. Whether you're a longtime Long Beard XR fan or considering the jump to tungsten, you’ll walk away with a clear understanding of what sets each load apart and how to choose the right one for your hunt.

Tune in for an expert conversation packed with actionable insights on engineering the perfect pattern.

There are people who hunt deer… and then there are those who understand them.

For decades, Dr. Grant Woods has walked that line between hunter and scientist — part biologist, part storyteller — studying whitetails with the kind of curiosity that never fades. From the rolling hills of the Ozarks to the screens of GrowingDeer.tv, he’s turned science into strategy, and passion into purpose.

But behind every study and every hunt, there’s something deeper — a belief that conservation and faith go hand in hand… that great hunts aren’t just about the harvest, but about what we learn in the process.

And through it all, one name has followed that same tradition of trust and precision — Winchester. For years, Dr. Woods has relied on Winchester Ammunition not just as a product, but as a partner in the pursuit of better hunting, better understanding, and better stewardship of the land.

Today, we sit down with the man behind the data, the stories, and the passion that continues to shape how we think about deer and the wild places they call home.

This is Winchester Life, and our guest — Dr. Grant Woods.

From the wide-open fields of South Dakota to the bright lights of national television, Benny Spies has carved a path unlike any other in the outdoor world. For over a decade, he chased the dream of telling hunting stories his way — raw, real, and relatable.

With his beat-up ’73 Winnebago, “The Toaster,” and a relentless passion for the outdoors, Benny became the voice for the EveryOutdoorsMan — proving that hunting isn’t just about trophies, it’s about laughter, mistakes, memories, and family traditions.

Today, he joins us to talk about his journey from working behind the scenes at NBC and VH1, to hosting Gun It with Benny Spies, to his proud partnership with Winchester. This is a conversation about persistence, passion, and the power of keeping it real. This...is Winchester Life.

On today’s episode of Winchester Life, we sit down with one of the most respected competitors in sporting clays, a shooter whose precision, consistency, and competitive fire have made her a force around the world.

Desirae Edmunds has spent years mastering the craft of sporting clays—reading the course, breaking the toughest targets, and inspiring the next generation of shooters. She’s not only a fierce competitor, but also an ambassador for the sport, helping it grow far beyond the tournament fields.

As a proud member of Team Winchester, Desirae represents the legacy of a brand that has fueled champions for more than 150 years. Together, they carry forward the tradition of excellence, innovation, and trust that Winchester ammunition has delivered to sportsmen and women for generations.

Today, we’ll talk about her journey into the sport, the discipline it takes to compete at the highest level, and the role Winchester plays in her success—both on the range and beyond.

This is Winchester Life… and this is the story of Desirae Edmunds.

In the world of competitive trapshooting, few names carry the weight of the name Bartholow. From the dusty ranges of South Dakota to the championship podiums across the country, Foster’s journey has been one of discipline, consistency, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.

Alongside his brother Matt, the Bartholow name has become synonymous with excellence…a family legacy built on countless targets, long days on the range, and a shared passion for the sport.

But Foster’s story doesn’t end when the clays stop flying. An avid hunter, he’s chased wild game across the prairies and mountains…proving his skill and marksmanship translate from the trap fields to decoy spreads.

At the heart of it all is a partnership that fuels his success…Winchester Ammunition. Trusted for its precision, performance, and history, Winchester has been there for every milestone in Foster’s career, from breaking records to bringing home game.

Today, we sit down with a man who embodies the competitive spirit, the bond of brotherhood, and the deep tradition of America’s shooting sports — Foster Bartholow.

In Alaska, the wilderness doesn’t give second chances… and neither does the game you pursue. Our guest today has stared down charging brown bears, navigated storms that erase the trail behind you, and guided hunters to the kind of experiences most only dream about. When you hunt with him, you’re not just in the backcountry — you’re in his backyard.

From the endless tundra…to the snow‑capped peaks of Alaska, Austin Manelick isn’t just a hunter — he’s a modern-day frontiersman. A master guide whose life has been built on grit, survival, and a deep respect for the animals he pursues. For over a decade, Winchester’s accompanied him into the wildest and most rugged places on Earth — depending on its performance from brown bear country to Dall sheep ridges — where a single shot can mean the difference between success and survival.

Today, we step into his world — a place where the hunt is more than just a passion, it’s a way of life. This… is Winchester Life with Austin Manelick.

She once danced beneath the stage lights…Graceful. Precise. Determined.

A ballerina’s discipline shaped her early years — but Dania Vizzi found her true rhythm not on stage… but on the range. From pirouettes to podiums, her journey is anything but ordinary. In 2024, she stood on the world’s biggest stage — representing Team USA at the Paris Olympics, with a shotgun in hand and a nation behind her. And through it all, her love for shooting sports has remained unshakable — driven by passion, sharpened by purpose, and backed by the legendary Winchester name.

Today we’ll sit down with Dania Vizzi — and talk about grit, grace, and the power of chasing greatness… one shot at a time.

Some men are born into legacy. Others build it lap by lap, step by step, with steady hands and an unshakable heart. Austin Dillon has done both.

Carrying the weight of a legendary name, and the spirit of Richard Childress Racing, Austin has carved his own path in the fast lane — not just as a driver, but as a man of purpose. He’s a husband, a father, and a believer. A soul anchored in faith, guided by family, and drawn to the quiet truths only the outdoors can offer.

When he’s not chasing victory on the track, he’s chasing sunrises through the timber. Hunting, fishing, living life the way it was meant to be — with intention, with honor, and with Winchester on the side of the #3 car…and his rifle. Because for Austin Dillon, the race is never just about the finish line. It’s about where you come from, who you love, and what you stand for.

One of the most renowned shooters in the world of sporting clays, Anthony Matarese Jr. is a living legend. Anthony was the first American to hold the honor of winning the World Sporting Clays Championship, and in 2020 became the first person to win all four major Sporting Clays titles during his shooting career. As a highly respected and sought after shooting instructor, Anthony regularly has students fly in from all parts of the country to New Jersey for lessons, where he owns and operates M&M Hunting and Sporting Clays, one of the only full-service clay shooting and hunting operations in the US.

In this episode, Anthony will talk about his ideal shotgun and ammunition set-up for competition and will also discuss his training regiment. He’ll also dive into the competitive mindset that has helped him become the most successful American sporting clay shooters of all time.

Winchester Repeating Arms isn’t just a gun manufacturer, they’re the heart and soul of the American hunting heritage. Each gun they assemble is not only exceptionally well built and trusted, but it is poised to become an heirloom passed down from generation to generation with stories to tell. The legendary horse and rider brand is not only firmly cemented in America culture, but is driven to keep up with the demands of present day gun enthusiasts. In this episode, we’ll sit down with Ryan Swaner from Winchester Repeating Arms and dive into what it takes to build a gun from concept to completion. We’ll also talk about the history of the brand and some of the most collectable Winchesters from the past…and look ahead at some of the biggest trends in the market and what they’re doing to not only keep up with them, but lead the way.