Son of a Blitch

George Blitch

George Bowe Blitch has been a Wildlife Manager, 5th generation Texas Rancher, Professional Writer, Videographer, Photographer, Editor, Speaker, Brand Developer & Designer, Cartographer, Touring Musician, Teacher, Coach, Serial Entrepreneur, Finance Manager, and the owner of numerous businesses. George has met some wildly interesting people in his lifetime, and this "Son of a Blitch” is sure to share some impactful stories, interviews, and messages that will be informative, educational, and highly entertaining!  Guests often include: #1 New York Times Best Selling Authors, Television Show Hosts, International Touring Musicians, Actors, James Beard Award-Winning Chefs, Leaders in the Outdoor Industry, Photographers, Filmmakers, Navy SEALS, Green Berets, Veterans and related Veteran Organizations, a Master BladeSmith, a Federal Judge, Professional Athletes, Business Leaders, Inventors, Survival & Wilderness Experts, Instructors, Publishers, Inventors, Cartel Fighting Game Wardens, other podcasters, and more! "I've met some incredible people in my life, and I want to share their stories!" ~GB

  1. 19h ago

    Ep. 154 - StoryTellers Vol. 1 - The Night I Met Nirvana - A Kurt Cobain & Dave Grohl Story

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when a 14-year-old Nirvana fan gets elbowed in the head trying to grab a guitar pick, only to have Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl turn an unforgettable concert into an even more extraordinary experience? In the debut episode of his Son of a Blitch StoryTellers series, George Blitch takes listeners back to December 6, 1993, at Houston's Astro Arena, where he and his longtime friend Colin Williams* found themselves pressed against the front barricade for a performance by one of the most influential bands in rock history: Nirvana. With Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl, and Krist Novoselic delivering an unforgettable live performance, the night was already one for the books. But what happened after the final song would become a story George would carry with him for the rest of his life. As the band began clearing the stage, a guitar pick was tossed from Kurt Cobain's microphone stand, landing just within George's reach. When he bent down to retrieve it, an adult concertgoer attempted to take it by force, driving an elbow into George's temple and leaving him dazed and nearly unconscious. Houston Police and security intervened, separating the individuals and checking on the injured teenager. Watching from nearby were none other than Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl. What happened next was extraordinary. Seeing what had unfolded, Kurt reached into his pocket and personally handed George the guitar pick he'd actually played with that night. Dave followed with additional memorabilia, including photocopied backstage pass reference sheets. What began as an ugly confrontation became an unforgettable act of kindness from two musicians at the height of Nirvana's fame. George also reflects on how that experience influenced his own years as a touring musician, reinforcing the importance of looking out for concertgoers, and caring for the safety and security of the fans. Side Note: Legendary concert poster artist Frank Kozik created the artwork for Nirvana's December 6, 1993, Houston concert. Years later, George connected with Kozik while purchasing some of his digital artwork. During their correspondence, George shared the story of his unforgettable night seeing Nirvana, which Frank deeply appreciated, creating another personal connection to a concert that had already left a lasting impression. *Colin Williams is the co-founder of Map My Ranch, a company he and George created that creates printed and digital maps for outdoor adventurers. To see the photos mentioned in the episode, visit: www.sonofablitch.com/nirvana.html ABOUT GEORGE BLITCH George Blitch is the host of the Son of a Blitch Podcast, featuring authentic conversations with musicians, actors, authors, chefs, outdoor industry leaders, and other fascinating personalities. His StoryTellers series explores remarkable experiences, unexpected encounters, and the stories behind the stories. Learn more: SonofaBlitch.com MapMyRanch.com Instagram: @thesonofablitch

  2. Oct 13

    Ep. 153 - 9 Years of Sobriety: If You're Struggling, Please Hear This

    Send us Fan Mail YOU ARE NOT ALONE - ADDICTION & RECOVERY RESOURCES As I celebrate nine years of sobriety, I want to share a message with anyone who may be struggling with alcohol, drugs, or other addictions: There is hope. There is help. And you do not have to face this journey alone. If you're struggling, please reach out to someone. It might be a family member, a trusted friend, a licensed professional, or a recovery support group. Taking that first step can be difficult, but it could change your life. There are many paths to recovery, and what works for one person may be different for another. The important thing is finding the support you need. I've included some resources below for anyone who may need them, or who knows someone who does. If you're struggling today, please don't wait to ask for help. Nine years ago, I couldn't have known everything that was waiting for me on the other side of sobriety. Recovery isn't always easy, but a better life is possible. You are worth the effort. Your life matters. And there are people who want to help you. Reach out. Get help. There is hope. ~George Bowe Blitch Son of a Blitch Podcast SonofaBlitch.com IG: "thesonofablitch" Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Peer support and meetings for people seeking recovery from alcohol addiction. https://www.aa.org Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Recovery support and in-person or virtual meetings for people struggling with drug addiction. https://na.org/MeetingSearch SMART Recovery Free recovery meetings and practical tools for overcoming addictive behaviors. Offers both online and in-person support. https://smartrecovery.org SAMHSA National Helpline Free, confidential, 24-hour treatment referrals and information for individuals and families facing substance use or mental health challenges. Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help FindTreatment.gov A confidential resource to help locate substance use and mental health treatment facilities throughout the United States. https://findtreatment.gov 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline If you're experiencing emotional distress, a mental health crisis, substance use concerns, or thoughts of suicide, trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call or text 988. https://988lifeline.org Al-Anon Family Groups Support for family members and friends affected by a loved one's drinking. https://al-anon.org

  3. Sep 30

    Ep. 152 - Hank Shaw on his book, "Buck Buck Moose" (new edition now available)

    Send us Fan Mail Hank Shaw returns to talk about why he rebuilt his classic venison cookbook, "Buck, Buck, Moose" for a new edition after a decade of its release, and a decade of hunting, butchering, and answering thousands of wild game cooking questions through Hunt Gather Cook. The update is more than extra recipes and better stories: it reflects sharper technique, clearer instruction, and the reality that most people want wild game recipes that work on a busy weeknight. He explains how reader feedback shaped major upgrades like crystal-clear color butchering photos, practical time-saving meals, and guidance for modern kitchen tools such as the air fryer, Instant Pot, slow cooker, and sous vide. For anyone searching for a venison cookbook that bridges field-to-table cooking with real life, the message is simple: better meals start with better basics.   Those basics begin long before the first recipe. Shaw makes the case that shot placement, animal stress, and immediate cooling are meat science, not tradition or opinion. A clean kill keeps adrenaline and lactic acid from changing flavor and texture, and rapid cooling protects tenderness and prevents off tastes. He urges hunters to gut the deer quickly, skin it when conditions are warm, and treat early steps as the foundation for every steak, roast, and grind pile that follows. He also talks about choosing animals with eating quality in mind, from the difference between pre-rut and rut bucks to why yearlings can be “deer veal” tender. This practical field care for venison is the difference between clean, mild meat and the “gamey” reputation that turns new wild game cooks away.   From there, the conversation gets specific about tenderness problems that show up in the kitchen. Shaw explains rigor mortis, “hot boning,” and the shortening that can make backstrap tough if it’s removed at the wrong time. He calls out a common mistake: submerging deer in ice water for days, which can wash flavor out, create food safety issues, and leave meat dry and bland. Instead, he recommends controlled cooling and smart handling, then cooking choices that match the cut. Tender cuts like backstrap and tenderloin should be cooked to medium rare or medium, because lean venison heats fast without the insulating marbled fat found in beef. Tough cuts like shanks, shoulders, neck, (and wild turkey legs) need time, not higher heat, to melt connective tissue into something rich and silky.   The new edition leans into solutions that make wild game easier to use every day. Pressure canning venison comes up as a freezer-saver and a weeknight lifesaver, turning jars of chili, stew, or pulled meat into fast meals you can trust. Shaw also shares “set it and forget it” thinking with recipes that reward planning, like Swedish-style frost bump venison and other make-ahead options. He highlights expanded charcuterie and sausage projects, plus showstopping dishes like raised meat pies and traditional mincemeat pies made with venison.  Along the way, he connects the craft to community, explaining how reader support and direct sales made independent publishing possible, and why he keeps showing up to teach, write, and answer questions for anyone trying to cook wild game with confidence. Learn more about Hank Shaw: HuntGatherCook.com IG: "huntgathercook" Learn more about the host, George Blitch: SonofaBlitch.com MapMyRanch.com IG: "thesonofablitch" YT: "sonofablitch"

  4. Sep 28

    Ep. 151 - Romey Swanson - Modern Texas Naturalist (New Podcast & Newsletter)

    Send us Fan Mail Romey Swanson joins host George Blitch again on the Son of a Blitch Podcast to discuss his return to publishing through the Modern Texas Naturalist newsletter and announces an all new outdoor podcast of the same name, with the first episode launching Sept. 30th!  Both relay a strong connection to nature, a steady creative practice, and a way to translate real conservation values into stories people actually want to read and share.   A major theme in theor conversation was choosing positivity without denying reality. Romey points out that outdoor media and conservation news often tilt toward conflict, outrage, and constant alarm. There is a place for that information, but there should also be a reliable place to find good outcomes, strong role models, and practical hope. That is where the “good-natured” approach comes in: a weekly nature newsletter that curates what caught his eye, pairs it with a personal field note, and ends with a standout wildlife photo. The format stays intentionally flexible, which makes it easier to be consistent and keeps readers curious about what will land in their inbox next.   The podcast expands that same idea through conversation. Romey wants to record the kind of long, thoughtful talks that usually happen before anyone hits the record button and use them to explore each guest’s “operating system” for conservation. We discuss how curiosity begins, how it turns into decisions, and how it becomes action in careers, service, or home life. The ambition is listener-friendly actionability: stories that spark a tangible next step, whether that is learning a species, supporting a project, improving habitat management, or simply asking better questions about the natural world in Texas.   One of the clearest examples of story-driven impact comes from snakes. Romey describes how sharing snake photography and natural history helped people stop defaulting to fear and misinformation. When someone can identify an eastern hognose snake and understand its harmless behavior, the outcome can be literal: they stop killing it. George adds the awe of his encounters with an Texas Indigo Snake and the practical value of the “Rancher’s Best Friend” predators that even take on and eat rattlesnakes. These moments connect to a broader conservation ethic: wildlife management is often habitat management, and healthy ecosystems show up in the species you notice near home.   The conversation also widens the definition of who counts as a conservationist. Romey argues that conservation is not owned by professional biologists or nonprofit staff. Backyard birding businesses, landowners, hunters, and even industry leaders can meaningfully contribute when they reinvest locally, educate their community, and make better decisions over time.  The takeaway is an invitation: lean into curiosity without feeling like an imposter. When we focus on shared values and trust, we can disagree on policy and still collaborate toward healthier rivers, better habitat, and a more connected conservation culture across Texas and beyond. Learn more about Romey here:| Modern Texas Naturalist Podcast ModernTexasNaturalist.com Modern Texas Naturalist Newsletter IG: “@romeyswanson.wildlife” Learn more about the host, George Blitch: SonofaBlitch.com MapMyRanch.com IG: "@thesonofablitch"

  5. Sep 14

    Ep. 150 w/ Jeremy Denson of Bison Coolers

    Send us Fan Mail Jeremy Denson from Bison Coolers joins me for this very special 150th episode of the Son of a Blitch Podcast. I have been using their coolers for over 12 years and have 5 different hard coolers, and a few soft coolers, in regular rotation at home, sporting events, vacations and out at the ranches. My company, Map My Ranch, has created custom cooler top graphics for their coolers for many of our clients, as well. I fully endorse their products and Jeremy and his team. I highly suggest you tune into this one! Jeremy also walks through Bison’s hard cooler lineup and how sizing fits different use cases, from compact day trips to large group hunts. They offer 25, 50, 55 quart wheeled, 75, and 125 quart hard cooler models, designed for ice retention, long-term durability, and everyday usability. The standout product story is the 55 quart wheeled cooler with a newly approved patent. Instead of the common wheel-outside-the-body layout that snags on vehicle interiors and wastes packing space, Bison moves the wheels inward to keep the profile streamlined, making it easier to slide into an SUV or truck bed and helping maximize every inch when you’re playing cargo Tetris. Beyond hard coolers, the episode digs into soft coolers, drinkware, and a broader “own the backyard and campground” approach. A major differentiator is manufacturing: Bison emphasizes that they make both their hard coolers and soft coolers in the United States, a rarity in the cooler industry. They’re transparent about drinkware being imported because domestic manufacturing capability for that category isn’t really available at scale, and they instead focus on sourcing high-quality production. For listeners who care about American made products, small family-run companies, and long-term quality control, that candor matters. Customization becomes the other big theme. Bison can customize nearly every product they sell, which turns a cooler or soft cooler into a memorable gift, corporate item, fundraiser prize, or ranch thank-you. From logos and team graphics to full-color lid art like ranch maps or family photos, customization adds emotional value on top of performance.  The episode rounds out with newer gear like dry backpacks and dry duffels for keeping hunting apparel and camera gear protected, plus a soft rifle case Jeremy believes is underrated despite its build quality.  And as a reminder that small businesses can land on big stages, Jeremy shares how a missed-looking Google email turned into a Super Bowl commercial moment that brought his team and family to tears.  To learn more about the products line and to place your orders, visit: BisonCoolers.com If you want to order custom products, check out CustomBison.com To learn more about the podcast host, George Blitch, visit: SonofaBlitch.com MapMyRanch.com AmericanMadeMaps.com IG: "thesonofablitch"

  6. Aug 17

    Ep. 149 w/ Kenny Feinstein - On His New Book, "MORE THAN TALENT: 7 Steps To Attain The Brand, Acquire The Gigs & Amass Lifetime Fans"

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, George Blitch talks with Kenny Feinstein, author of “More Than Talent : 7 Steps To Attain The Brand, Acquire The Gigs, and Amass Lifetime Fans,” about building a sustainable creative career with seven practical steps that apply to musicians, podcasters, filmmakers, and any creator who needs an audience. Kenny’s core promise is simple: make the path less confusing by focusing on a small set of repeatable actions that build skills, visibility, and trust over time.  The biggest myth in the music business is that success is mostly about raw talent. What actually moves an independent musician forward is a clear system for artist branding, fan acquisition, and consistent execution. We unpack the seven-step system behind his book “More Than Talent,” from personal discipline to real-world fan growth. We connect the dots between daily content, busking, gig strategy, and the mailing list habits that keep a creative career stable even when platforms change.  • why Kenny writes a simple seven-step manual instead of a dense music industry playbook  • getting your mind right with meditation, movement, nutrition, and cold exposure  • investing money and time into your craft because the music is the product  • a practical social media strategy built around daily vertical music content  • why 100 true fans can matter more than 1,000,000 casual followers  • using the “goodwill vault” to give value before asking for support  • busking as a fast feedback loop for songs, performance, and confidence  • bringing full energy to every show, even the smallest room  • using lead websites and marketplaces as nets for consistent gig inquiries  • running a “More Fans Now” campaign and understanding the fan journey funnel  • owning your audience with an email list so you are not dependent on social platforms  • book recommendations that reinforce the mindset behind the work   Learn about Kenny Feinstein, his band "Water Tower" and grab your copy of "More Than Talent", today! To learn more about the host, George Blitch, visit: SonofaBlitch.com IG: "thesonofablitch"

  7. Aug 3

    Ep. 148 w/ Jake Muise - Maui Nui Venison & The Science Of Balancing Hawaii’s Axis Deer

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we are joined by Jake Muise to discuss how Maui Nui Venison turns Maui’s axis deer overpopulation into delicious, nutrient and protein rich products, while supporting local families, protecting the landscape, and watersheds. We dig into the data, the regulations, the night-by-night harvest methods, and why “balance” is the only honest word for what this work requires.   • Maui Nui’s origin story and a 19-year obsession with axis deer • Why axis deer explode in population on Hawaii and what that does to native plants • The Big Island effort to find and remove illegally introduced deer • Forward-looking infrared, camera traps, and what “successful” invasive species work looks like • Why Maui Nui only harvests on private land and how commerce rules differ on public land • Paying ranchers per pound and building trust through shared incentives • Managing deer with surveys, movement data, and habitat targets • How deer pressure reduces forest water capture and aquifer recharge • The operational reality of USDA FSIS standards in the field • The dark-moon schedule change and why rest periods improve harvest efficiency • How we decide what gets sold versus shared locally • Tiered community distribution, free general-store freezer program, and food bank support • Product lineup from whole-animal use: aged cuts, sticks, organ capsules, velvet, bone broth, pet products  We highly encourage you to follow MAUI NUI VENISON on all socials and visit their website to place your order of the most nutrient-rich protein on the planet:    MauiNuiVenison.com To learn more about the host, George Blitch, visit: SonofaBlitch.com IG: "thesonofablitch"

  8. Jul 20

    Ep. 147 - Dr. John McCall - Stealth Vision - Riflescopes, Binos, Spotting Scopes & Supplements

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, George Blitch sits down with Dr. John McCall, who is the owner of Stealth Vision, a leader in higher end riflescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes & supplements. Stealth Vision sits at the intersection of hunting optics and human vision science, and that is what makes Dr. John McCall’s approach so different. As an optometrist and eye surgeon, he thinks in both geometrical optics and physiological optics, meaning how light moves through premium glass and how your eye and brain interpret that image under stress. That blend matters most in long range shooting, where tiny errors compound into big misses. In the conversation, we trace how decades of safari hunting, clinic work, and a patented glaucoma procedure shaped his obsession with clarity, repeatability, and real-world accuracy.   A core problem the episode tackles is rifle cant, the subtle tilt that sneaks in when a shooter leans their head to see through the scope. McCall explains the anatomy: your eyes perform best when aligned, but when your head tilts, the eyeball tries to cyclo-rotate while extraocular muscles limit that correction. Your brain’s sense of vertical and horizontal relies on imperfect signals, so it can confidently “feel” level while you are not. At 100 yards, the error may look harmless. At 1,000 yards, a common five-degree cant can push impact feet off target, turning a planned ethical shot into a miss or worse.   That leads to Stealth Vision’s signature patented anti-cant system: a bubble level placed where you can actually use it, paired with a microprocessor-driven green light that acts like a simple go or no-go signal. When the scope is level within about one degree, the green illumination appears. Tilt left or right and it shuts off, so you can correct instantly without breaking your sight picture. For hunters taking quick shots on moving hogs or coyotes, that speed is the point. For precision rifle shooters, it is a consistency tool that reduces one of the most common hidden errors in field and match conditions.   The episode also digs into what “best glass” really means for rifle scopes, binoculars, and spotting scopes. McCall describes working with Light Optical Works in Japan and designing a scope from scratch, focusing on eye relief, the eyebox, coatings, and extra-low dispersion glass so the image stays bright in low light. He extends that thinking into binoculars and spotting scopes by using an ultra-reflective mirrored surface technology borrowed from surgical optics, aiming for measurable gains in brightness and resolution.  Finally, we talk about practical setup basics like diopter and parallax so the reticle and target sit on the same focal plane, plus how Stealth Vision supports customers with custom turret data, QR-code training, and even on-range rifle setup out to 1,200 yards. Highlights include: • Dr. McCall’s background in Crockett, Texas and a 76-year family practice in optometry  • Patented glaucoma laser procedure and how medical optics shapes product design  • Why shooters cant the rifle and why the brain misreads level  • How a luminous bubble and green light signal helps correct cant without losing target  • Building scopes with premium glass, coatings, eye relief, and a scratch-built optical design  • Binocular design using mirrored surfaces for a more telescopic viewing experience  • Spotting scope performance and what side-by-side testing reveals at distance  • Plans for new optics including a dangerous game scope and building a family legacy  • Vision supplements for hunters and shooters using carotenoids plus omega-3  • Joining the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and what the role covers  To learn more about Stealth Vision optics and supplements, visit: StealthVision.com To learn more about the host, George Blitch, visit: SonofaBlitch.com IG: "thesonofablitch"

5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

George Bowe Blitch has been a Wildlife Manager, 5th generation Texas Rancher, Professional Writer, Videographer, Photographer, Editor, Speaker, Brand Developer & Designer, Cartographer, Touring Musician, Teacher, Coach, Serial Entrepreneur, Finance Manager, and the owner of numerous businesses. George has met some wildly interesting people in his lifetime, and this "Son of a Blitch” is sure to share some impactful stories, interviews, and messages that will be informative, educational, and highly entertaining!  Guests often include: #1 New York Times Best Selling Authors, Television Show Hosts, International Touring Musicians, Actors, James Beard Award-Winning Chefs, Leaders in the Outdoor Industry, Photographers, Filmmakers, Navy SEALS, Green Berets, Veterans and related Veteran Organizations, a Master BladeSmith, a Federal Judge, Professional Athletes, Business Leaders, Inventors, Survival & Wilderness Experts, Instructors, Publishers, Inventors, Cartel Fighting Game Wardens, other podcasters, and more! "I've met some incredible people in my life, and I want to share their stories!" ~GB

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