JoinTeamHunt's Podcast

Cody O'Reilly

I’m Cody O’Reilly from JoinTeamHunt—bringing you real stories from the West, fresh insights from the hunt, and new ways to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Each week, we talk hunting and outdoor life with special guests who offer their perspectives, help grow our community, and inspire unforgettable adventures we can share together.

  1. Jul 12

    Episode 18: Backcountry Bowhunting - Mobility, Adaptability, & Grit With Brian Barney

    SummaryJoin us as Brian Barney shares his extensive experience in backcountry bow hunting, covering his success stories, tactical insights, and the importance of preparation, mindset, and community in hunting. This episode is a treasure trove for hunters looking to elevate their game and understand the nuances of mountain hunting.Keywordsbackcountry bow hunting, mountain hunting, hunting tactics, mule deer, elk, sheep, hunting success, hunting tips, outdoor adventureKey topics-Hunting success stories and lessons learned-Tactical insights for mountain and backcountry hunting-Importance of preparation, mindset, and community in hunting-Season planning and species-specific strategies-The role of experience and learning from failurestitlesSound Bites"Wind more stocks busted by the wind than anything else""The wind can be your best friend or worst enemy""Sleep is crucial for recovery and decision making"Chapters00:00Introduction to Brian Barney and His Passion for Hunting03:02The Journey of a Backcountry Bow Hunter06:01Podcasting Insights and the Art of Storytelling09:08Challenging Hunts and Lessons Learned11:59Understanding Mule Deer Behavior and Movement15:03Mistakes and Learning in Bow Hunting17:59Planning for the Upcoming Hunting Season21:11The Thrill of Different Species and Hunting Tactics24:02The Importance of Experience in Hunting27:12Strategies for Staying Mobile in the Mountains43:40Strategizing for Success in Hunting45:47The Role of Llamas in Hunting Adventures48:29The Importance of Organization and Mobility50:55Maximizing Hunting Efficiency57:03The Balance of Solo and Group Hunting01:00:56Building Strong Hunting Partnerships01:17:02Innovative Community Building in Hunting#eastmans elevated #Brian Barney

  2. Jun 27

    Episode 17: Sitka Gear, Hunting Partnerships & the Systems That Win in the Mountains with John Barklow

    SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Cody O'Reilly interviews John Barklow, who shares his extensive knowledge and experiences in hunting, military training, and personal growth. Barklow discusses his current projects, including his new book 'Knowledge from Storms' and his work with Sitka Gear. The conversation delves into the importance of mental toughness, teamwork, and the value of shared experiences in hunting. Barklow emphasizes the significance of setting immediate goals and the role of quality gear in outdoor success, while also reflecting on the challenges of finding good hunting partners. In this conversation, Cody O'Reilly and John Barklow discuss the essential components of a successful hunting clothing system, innovations in hunting apparel, the future direction of Sitka, the importance of hunting partnerships, and the safety considerations when hunting with others. Barklow outlines the eight essential pieces of clothing for hunters, emphasizing their functionality and adaptability. He also shares insights into upcoming products and the challenges of developing new technologies in hunting gear. The discussion highlights the value of camaraderie in hunting experiences and the necessity of preparedness for safety in the field. In this conversation, John Barklow shares his insights on hunting styles, particularly focusing on elk and whitetail hunting. He discusses his preferred tactics for elk hunting, emphasizing the importance of mobility, efficiency, and learning from experience. Barklow also highlights the significance of setting realistic goals and the value of gaining experience through various hunting opportunities. As he shares his upcoming hunting plans, he expresses a desire to help others succeed in their hunting endeavors.Chapters 00:00Introduction and Current Endeavors 02:54Knowledge from Storms: The Journey of Learning 05:47Military Experience and Mental Toughness 09:08The Importance of Shared Goals in Hunting 11:55The Value of Teamwork and Partnership 15:04Experiences in Solo vs. Group Hunting 17:59The Role of Quality Gear in Outdoor Success 27:09The Eight Piece Clothing System 37:20Innovations in Hunting Apparel 43:30Future of Sitka and Hunting Gear 47:44The Value of Hunting Partnerships 53:19Safety in Numbers: Hunting with a Buddy 58:08Hunting Styles and Preferences 01:01:50Elk Hunting Tactics 01:07:23Strategies for Success in Elk Hunting 01:12:18The Importance of Mobility and Efficiency 01:17:04Learning from Experience and Setting Realistic Goals 01:19:04Upcoming Hunting Plans and Future Aspirations Resources Knowledge from Storms (Book)Sika GearOutdoor Class - Backpack Hunting Course

  3. May 21

    Episode 16: Walking with Grizzlies - Jason Matzinger on Bear Recovery, Conservation & Western Hunting

    Guest: Jason Matzinger — Host of IntoHigh Country on Sportsman Channel, award‑winning conservation filmmaker, andlifelong Montana hunter. Episode Summary: Cody sits down with JasonMatzinger to talk spring bear season, the explosive rise of grizzlypopulations, and the importance of telling real conservation stories. Jasonshares how he built Into High Country, why he creates long‑form conservationfilms, and what it takes to produce cinematic hunting content in rugged westerncountry. They also dive into the future ofhunting, the responsibility of today’s hunters, and how to pass the torch tothe next generation. 🔥 Key Topics Covered Spring bear hunting in Montana Dry winters, bear movement, andlow sightings Rifle vs. bow for spring bears Jason’s filmmaking origins andearly solo filming Building a professional film crew The purpose behind Project Elk,Mule Deer, Landlocked, Selective New film: Walking With Grizzlies Grizzly bear delisting, populationdata, and conflict Conservation ethics &generational responsibility Filming gear, Canon setups, andfield workflow Hunting solo vs. building a team 🎬 Featured FilmsMentioned Project Elk — How hunting fundsconservation Project Mule Deer — Migrationcorridors & habitat Circle of Life — Governor tags& wildlife funding Project Landlocked — Public landaccess issues Selective — The true meaning oftrophy hunting Walking With Grizzlies — Grizzlyrecovery & delisting 📍 Where to Find Jason Instagram: @jasonmatzinger TV: Into High Country on SportsmanChannel Streaming: MOTV, CarbonTV,Waypoint TV YouTube: Into High Country Episode Timestamps 00:03 — Opening: Bear Hunting inMontana 01:06 — Weather Differences AcrossStates 01:25 — Low Bear Sightings & ABlonde Bear Encounter 02:09 — Archery vs. Rifle forSpring Bears 02:56 — Introducing Jason &Into High Country 03:46 — Busy Spring: Family,Banquets, Sheds, Turkey, Bears 04:41 — Football Talk: MontanaState Bobcats 06:04 — Jason’s Son: Rodeo,Trades, and Future Plans 07:54 — Jason’s Background &What Drives Him 10:05 — Walking With Grizzlies:New Documentary 13:48 — Conservation Values &Passing the Torch 15:19 — Why Grizzlies Must BeDelisted 20:21 — Grizzlies Expanding IntoNew Areas 21:44 — Early Filmmaking Years 24:01 — Building a ProfessionalFilm Crew 26:29 — The Difficulty of Self‑FilmingHunts 28:22 — Camera Gear & FilmingSetup 29:37 — Jason’s Films & TheirPurpose 36:10 — Chasing a Ghost: The GiantBull Elk Film Jason describes the multi‑yearjourney of hunting a legendary bull. 38:36 — What It Takes to Kill aMonarch Bull 43:15 — How to Consistently KillMature Animals 46:48 — Favorite Species to Hunt 48:00 — Elk Tactics: Calling,Water, and Strategy 52:52 — A Wild Story: ThePorcupine Killer 01:00:35 — Upcoming Hunts Nebraska whitetails, Patagonia redstag, and a future desert sheep hunt. 01:03:04 — Solo vs. Hunting WithOthers 01:08:15 — Walking With GrizzliesRelease Plans 01:09:16 — Where to Find Jason’sWork Social media, Sportsman Channel,MOTV, YouTube, CarbonTV, Waypoint.

  4. Apr 19

    Episode 14: Mountain Hunting Fitness - Rucking, Gear & Mental Toughness with Gage Smith.

    Summary Join Cody O'Reilly and Gage Smith as they explore the worlds of hunting, mountain training, jiu-jitsu, and personal development. Discover insights on rucking, mental toughness, gear optimization, and building community among hunters and athletes. Topics Rucking training for mountain huntsMental toughness and disciplineGear optimization and injury preventionBuilding community among hunters and athletesMastering Mountain Hunting and Fitness: Gage Smith's JourneyFrom Powerlifting to Elk Hunting: Gage Smith's StoryChapters 00:00The Thrill of the Hunt and Fitness Journey 01:59Jiu Jitsu: A Mental and Physical Challenge 06:14Training for the Mountains: Rucking Regimen 12:17Injury Prevention and Recovery Techniques 14:10The Path to Personal Training 16:06The Rewards of Coaching and Mentorship 20:16Strength Training and Performance 30:17Peptides: The New Frontier in Fitness 37:40Building Partnerships in the Hunting Community 40:09The Joy of Hunting and Personal Achievements 42:47Adapting to Different Hunting Environments 46:47The Mental Challenges of Western Hunting 49:11The Importance of Companionship in Hunting 53:41Finding the Right Hunting Partner 56:32Creating a Supportive Hunting Community 58:39Future Hunting Plans and Aspirations 01:07:11Advice for New Hunters and Training ⁠⁠Join Team Hunt community⁠⁠⁠⁠SmithStrengthSurvival Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠SmithStrengthSystem coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠Oryx Outdoors⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠

About

I’m Cody O’Reilly from JoinTeamHunt—bringing you real stories from the West, fresh insights from the hunt, and new ways to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Each week, we talk hunting and outdoor life with special guests who offer their perspectives, help grow our community, and inspire unforgettable adventures we can share together.