Vortex Nation Podcast

Pocket lint to pistol, Brennan Brennecke from Vortex Edge® joins Jimmy Hamilton and Mark Boardman for a rundown on his EDC kit and the “why” behind each item. Too much? Too little? You decide. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

What the heck makes a defensive handgun round right for the application? Ballistician, Jayden Quinlan, from Hornady joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn to answer this question and more. Bullet design, powder selection, penetration requirements in specific media, and a host of other important factors, this is a podcast you don’t want to miss. Your life may depend on it.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

In this turkey meatball inspired, season 1 finale of Spaghetti Shootout, Jimmy Hamilton is back from his weirdo unicorn conference and ready to talk turkey with Ryan Muckenhirn and Mark Boardman. They debate 12- or 20-gauge shotguns and their gobbler smacking efficacy, the best recipe for the dark meat parts, and more. Mark comes out of the gate hot and promptly trips over his…turkey beard. Can he recover? Watch or listen to find out.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The Hunting Public’s, Aaron Warbritton, drops in digitally to download his single most important piece of turkey hunting advice. Aaron is one of the best turkey hunters in the country and is in the woods more days than he isn’t. Tune in and tag out on a tip any hunter can benefit from.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

From insanely pressured birds to trigger pressure, Mark Boardman, Graham Cronin, Erik Barber along with camera guys Mike Wozniak and Cooper Long, give a behind-the-scenes look at their “Vortex Hunts” Nebraska turkey trip. A hunt that went from zero to flop-fest in a matter of seconds. Listen and watch the hunt go down on the Vortex Nation™ YouTube channel.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

A good sheducation is important. Every antler you pick up tells a story…and has the potential to be the start of your next big buck story. Mark Boardman and Erik Barber sit down to “shed” some light on the invaluable insight these fantastic forest-finds offer.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Red dots, like the Vortex® Defender-CCW, are the future of concealed carry sighting systems. But there are considerations when going this route. Mark Boardman and Jimmy Hamilton bring on Vortex Edge® instructor, Brennan Brennecke, for a red-hot red dot discussion. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

A broken truck can’t stop Vortex’s Travis Jones and his wife Angie from stacking drops like it’s hot. From limp-mode, to brand new ride, and a bed full of brown gold, Travis details their shedcation full of comical trials and gains on their piles. Stay shedicated my friends.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Welcome to “Myth Busters - Optics Edition.” On this episode, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn debunk common optics myths and misconceptions. Oculars to objectives, tubes to turrets, they break down stuff folks get, well, wrong.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Remi Warren swings by Vortex® and gives us a rundown on his bow, and the “why“ behind the way it’s set up. Remi is one of the most experienced bowhunters in the game. His knowledge is invaluable. From draw weight to arrow weight, broadheads to bow-sight, Remi dives into his rig, providing incite you can take to the bank – and the field.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

When Vortex’s Erik Barber told us he had a Winchester Model 64 Deluxe handed down from his great grandfather, we had to see it. Then we had to talk about it. Deemed “The Deer Rifle,” this lever gun is about as cool as it gets. Mark Boardman, a very jealous Ryan Muckenhirn, and Slingin’ Rik himself chat about the model and the story behind it.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The puffy vest is the ultimate tweener technical garment. It is the perfect solution for cool weather spring and fall outdoor endeavors. A go-to for those in the know, the puffy vest delivers unrestricted core warmth and an extra layer of insulation when temps drop. Tune in to hear Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat about its versatility and validity.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The wild turkey – one of conservation’s greatest success stories – is facing extreme challenges in certain regions. Mark Boardman grabs Sam Soholt to break down what’s affecting historic strongholds of these fine birds and how we as hunters can help. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Mark Boardman tags in as host for Jimmy while he’s out on “personal business,” Ryan Muckenhirn is his usual collected self, and Cody Dummer from Vortex Edge® makes his debut in this exciting episode of Spaghetti Shootout. They debate the best movie gunfight of all time, the best cartridge that never took off, how a dog would most likely wear pants, and more. Tune in for a good time. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Of German origin and common in Europe, the 8x57 Mauser isn’t a popular cartridge in the USA. Curiously though, it shares the same rim diameter/bolt face of our beloved 30-06, along with performance characteristics not too far off. Tune in to hear Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn talk through its history, multiple iterations, bore diameter(s) and more.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

It’s lever time! Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn cock their repeaters for this podcast all about lever action rifles. They cover history, cultural significance, operating mechanism differences, Hollywood film influence, and more. If you didn’t want a lever gun before tuning into this podcast, you will now…Or maybe you’ll be inspired to blow the dust off a lever-action relic that’s laid dormant in the dark recesses of your safe and give it a spin. Either way, lever guns are just plain cool! As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

In today’s digital, AI, electronically controlled world, there’s still room for doing things the old-fashioned way. Not for nostalgia’s sake, but because it flat out works. And in some cases, works better. A selection of open-reed and closed-reed calls on an easy-to-access lanyard (knowing when and how to use them) can be the difference maker on any coyote-calling set. We bring coyote hunting guru, Dustin Butler, back on to talk about the importance of hand calls and what makes them so great!As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Mark Boardman buries his truck in the ditch and promptly grabs Jimmy Hamilton to tap into his recovery gear knowledge repertoire. They cover vehicle recovery philosophy, equipment, what you need, use cases, safety, and more. If you drive a car, tune in for some great information.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Flavorful, vibrant, and downright delicious meals don’t have to be overly complex or labor intensive. Gerard Masih is back to chat about a recipe sure to dazzle on Valentine’s Day. We also cover “cooking outside the box”, where a person can find the melting pot of spices common to Pakistani cuisine and more.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Gerard Masih is a first generation Pakistani American, hunter, father, and traditional Pakistani cooking enthusiast. His family migrated to America primarily due to religious persecution. In this podcast, we chat about his family’s journey to America, his hunting journey, his passion for traditional Pakistani cooking and more. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

.22 Long or 410 for small game? Trick question! The only choice you have to make with host Mark Boardman’s small-game-special – his vintage Savage Model 24 – is which barrel you select when it’s go-time. This unique combination gun features .22 long over 410 bore shotgun barrels and is the perfect solution for any woods walk requiring a bit of versatility to bring birds, bunnies and bushytails to bag. Tune in to hear all about it and its combination-gun cousins. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The start of the year is a great time to evaluate your gear set. In this episode, the gang at Vortex looks back at the hunting kit they ran last year – and really liked! If you’re as big a gear nerd as we are, tune in to hear all about it. You just might make a “New Gear Resolution.” Warning: This podcast may cause you to spend money.Sign up now for a chance to win an optics and apparel shopping spree valued at $5,500.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

In this episode, Ryan Muckenhirn plays the sheriff while Jimmy Hamilton works to send Mark Boardman spiraling into an irrecoverable flat spin of meatball melancholy. Does Jim come out victorious, or does Mark get vengeance against Jim’s notorious favorite playing? Tune in to get their takes on the most important pocket tool, tacos vs. burritos, which Top Gun movie is better and more. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

How to choose an AR-15 optic? Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and special guest Mike Griffin from Vortex Edge® tackle this nuanced question head on. From red dots, magnifiers, holographic sights, prism scopes, and LPVO’s, to higher zoom range riflescopes – they cover all these great AR-topping options. Which is right for your AR applications? Listen to find out.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The scout rifle concept carries with it a storied history. What are the benefits of the scout rifle? Did it ever really accomplish what it was intended to do? Are we creating modern scout rifles today and not even knowing it? Tune in as Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn chat all about this interesting rifle, its curious attributes, and if it got caught in the land of in-between. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Dedicated coyote hunter Bill Krivanek takes to airwaves, giving us a rundown of his get-it-done predator kit. From his rifle, optics, and calls to the chair for his derriere, and everything between, tune in to get tuned in on what it takes to consistently put dogs on the ground. Spoiler alert, it really isn’t that much. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Mid-magnification riflescopes can be the perfect solution for most of your hunting and shooting needs. Less specialized and ideal for general use, sometimes the best tool for the job is the one that does everything ok. Versatility is the name of the game with mid-magnification riflescopes. Listen as we discuss the merit of these workhorse configurations.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Experienced western hunter/Vortex employee, Travis Jones and Elk Shape’s Dan Staton join Mark Boardman for an Elk Shape Camp recap. They talk through the camp from the perspectives of participant and instructor. Dan’s camps teach folks about elk hunting and themselves. As hunters we are perpetual students. Commit to your elk education and sign up for one of Dans events.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Perhaps no other topic kicks the cartridge hornets nest harder than crowning the best cartridge for whitetails. The title of this podcast alone has enough click bait to draw hunters like deer to a January corn pile. Tune in as the Vortex Nation Podcast’s usual suspects tackle this impossible question. What’s your go-to cartridge for America’s most popular big game animal?As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Jerry Miculek is back on the podcast clock giving us a rundown on his open-division race gun. This thing is cool as heck and built for speed – just like Jerry. It’s always fun chatting with the “godfather of shooting”. This podcast is no exception! As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Sometimes the pre-podcast discussion turns into its own podcast. In this episode, The Fowl Life’s Chad Belding joins Mark to chat about goose tactics. Immediately derailed from the start, they spend all their time talking about the incredibly positive spiderweb effect hunting has on our lives, our interpersonal relationships and more.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

“I know what you're thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five? Well to tell you the truth in all this excitement I kinda lost track myself. But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world…” This classic quote excerpt from Clint Eastwood’s movie character, Dirty Harry, helped give the .44 Mag its iconic reputation in American cartridge lore…that and the serious punch it delivers on target. But is it everything it’s cracked up to be in our minds? Will it stop a charging brown bear in its tracks? Tune is as we go ahead and make your day talking about one of our cultural favorites, the .44 Mag.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The crossover between long-range precision shooting and hunting is undeniable these days. The line is more blurred than ever. On impact, the terminal requirements for success are very different. Is the 6mm Creedmoor the perfect deer cartridge for most folks, or does it leave a person under gunned? How important is spotting impacts for targets and game? Listen as we chat through the attributes of this petite powerhouse.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The 7mm has been a long-time favorite for long-range shooting. So, it just makes sense Hornady added the 7mm PRC to the incredibly popular PRC family. Will it leave all the current 7mm’s in its cartridge dust? If you’re a 7mm fan, are your current rifles now obsolete? Will it be your new lucky-number-7 next fall? Tune in to find out.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

If bigger is better, the .22 Mag should be in every gun safe alongside or in place of the .22 Long. But it isn’t. So where does this small but effective rimfire shine? Listen in to see if you need to add this mini-magnum to your cartridge repertoire.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

For a cartridge introduced in the late 1800s that initially used black powder as its propellant, the .303 British is astonishingly modern. From a historical perspective, is it the Brit’s version of the 30-06? Is it basically a .308 in some ways? Grab your tea and crumpets for a fun talk on this rimmed, bottlenecked beauty that has stood the test of time. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

In classic Weatherby form, the 6.5 RPM is built for speed! That’s the only classic Weatherby thing about this cartridge. RPM stands for rebated precision magnum – a dramatic departure from their traditional offerings. Maximizing the efficiency of 6.5mm bullets, as well as the entire Mark V 6-lug action, should it be more popular? We think so! Tune in to hear all about this modern-cartridge marvel.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

It’s Meatball Madness just in time for the giving season on the latest episode of Spaghetti Shootout. Tune in as Mark and Ryan debate our favorite listener-submitted questions. Happy Holidays, Vortex Nation™. Keep your eyes peeled for a duel for all the marbles as we find out who’s quicker to the draw. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Bolt guns feature varying bolt-throw angles. Why? Are some better than others? What can it effect? Does a person need to factor it into their rifle purchase decision? Ryan Muckenhirn joins Mark Boardman to chat through the angle of the dangle in this convo on bolt throw. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Muzzle Brakes are a diverse lot. Different lengths, port angles, port styles, port locations, materials and brands abound. But is adding a muzzle brake to your rifle right for you? And if so, what attributes make a particular muzzle brake the right one for you? Competitive shooter (amongst other things), Reuben Aleckson, brings a wealth of knowledge and visual aids to this podcast all about muzzle brakes. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

A huge component of executing precise long-range shots – sound ballistic data. Ryan Muckenhirn joins Mark Boardman to break down ballistic calculator basics. The good news is all you need are some baseline inputs. The math is done for you – thank goodness!As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Brady Miller will do whatever it takes to hunt big mule deer bucks. Couple that with his masochistic enjoyment of tough hunts that test his mind, body, and spirit to the limit, and you get a damn good story. Pull up to our virtual campfire as he recalls a dangerously tough hunt for his biggest buck.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The Fowl Life’s, Chad Belding, lays down a couple holiday goose recipes to make your waterfowl mouth-watering. Impress your friends, eat good, and give yourself a reason to get back in the blind after the holiday dust settles.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

We get goosy with The Fowl Life’s, Chad Belding as he peppers us with advanced goose hunting tactics you can take to bank. Networking, scouting, calling, decoy spreads and more – Chad covers it all in this goostastic podcast you won’t want to miss. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Corey Eliasson from Vortex Edge® drops by the podcast studio to drop a little knowledge on how to clean your bolt rifle after the closing bell of rifle season rings. There’s more than one way to skin the proverbial gun-cleaning cat, but Corey’s background and record of success give his methods some hard-earned street cred. Tune in and clean up your act with these helpful tips.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ryan Lampers is one of the most respected big game hunters in the west. A byproduct of that — some damn good hunt stories. Listen to Ryan as he recounts this backcountry mule deer hunt with his cousin Joey Pyburn. Packed with adventure, grit, risk, and success, this was truly a hunt of epic proportions!As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

It’s no secret Ryan Muckenhirn has a fond appreciation for fine firearms and upland bird hunting. Budget and taste in many cases can find themselves at opposite ends of their respective spectrums. So, what is Ryan’s dream shotgun? Why? How long has he been enamored with it? Will he ever own it? Does he own it? Hit play to find out.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Since the beginning of cartridge time, shooters have been enamored with extending the capabilities of their equipment and their ability. Sometimes going to extreme lengths. Scott Austin, Shepard Humphries, and team of passionate shooters planned and executed the 4.4-mile world record shot on September 13, 2022. Their motive – fun. Listen in and get the backstory on this impressive feat along with the unique equipment used to make it happen.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, the guys debate the best wild game dish to serve on Turkey Day, crossbows, and more. After Jimmy pops in with a serious Meatball and some wild turkey trivia, there’s only one question left to answer. Will Mark have something to be thankful for, or will Ryan go back to #Winning? Tune in to find out.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Garrett Prahl of DIY Sportsman shares bowhunting tips and strategies to help gun hunters fill their whitetail buck tag. From stand locations, to scouting, and more, Garrett has hard-earned incite into whitetail deer habits, behavior and what they do when the orange army hits the woods.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast