The Flippin' Sticks and Throwin' Lead Podcast

Erik Tasker

Flippin' Sticks and Throwin' Lead is an outdoor storytelling podcast focused on hunting, fishing, and the people behind the pursuit. Each episode features authentic conversations about the wins, losses, lessons, and memories made outdoors — the kind of stories usually shared at the end of the day with the tailgate down. For those who live for the season and the stories that come with it.

  1. 9h ago

    Getting Home Safe w/ Malta Safety

    Tree stand safety starts before you ever leave the ground. In this episode of Flippin Sticks & Throwin Lead, Erik Tasker sits down with Jordan Unternaher of Malta Hunting Safety to discuss hunting harnesses, fall protection, and the preparation every elevated hunter should take seriously. Jordan shares how Malta Dynamics brought its workplace fall-protection experience into the hunting industry and explains what goes into a properly fitted fall-arrest harness. From leg straps and tether placement to weight ratings and equipment compatibility, we break down the details hunters can overlook when climbing into a tree stand. We also discuss suspension trauma, the purpose of a suspension-relief strap, and why wearing a harness is only one part of a complete safety plan. Jordan explains the differences between fall arrest and saddle-hunting restraint, why a harness should be replaced after a genuine fall, and what to consider when fitting young hunters. Whether you hunt from a ladder stand, hang-on stand, climbing stand, or hunting saddle, this conversation is a reminder to inspect your equipment, understand your system, and have a plan for getting home safely. In this episode: • Choosing and fitting a hunting safety harness • Why leg straps and tether height matter • Understanding suspension trauma and relief straps • Checking weight limits across your entire tree-stand system • Preparing for an emergency when hunting alone • Malta’s Hunter’s Elite, Ultralight, and Core harnesses Chapters 00:00 Why tree-stand safety gets overlooked 02:38 Malta Dynamics’ path from workplace safety to hunting 07:31 How hunting harnesses differ from construction harnesses 10:10 Why a harness must be replaced after a real fall 12:32 Quiet features and comfortable harness design 15:18 Why leg straps are critical in a fall 18:05 Saddle restraint, tether height, and reducing free fall 23:21 Suspension trauma and using a relief strap 28:10 Why comfort and price shouldn’t push safety aside 32:16 Harness ratings, weight limits, and youth fit 40:16 Getting a harness properly sized and tested 44:18 Trade shows, industry cooperation, and new products 49:54 Where to find Malta Hunting Safety Subscribe to Flippin Sticks & Throwin Lead for more hunting conversations, outdoor stories, and practical insights. Share this episode with someone you hunt with and make tree stand safety part of your preseason preparation. https://maltadynamics.com/ https://www.instagram.com/maltadynamics https://www.facebook.com/maltadynamics https://www.youtube.com/maltadynamics

About

Flippin' Sticks and Throwin' Lead is an outdoor storytelling podcast focused on hunting, fishing, and the people behind the pursuit. Each episode features authentic conversations about the wins, losses, lessons, and memories made outdoors — the kind of stories usually shared at the end of the day with the tailgate down. For those who live for the season and the stories that come with it.