When Hunting Becomes Medicine - Rob Herbert

In this episode, Matty sits down with Rob Herbert from R&N Blades for a conversation that goes well beyond knives. Rob shares his background growing up on a farm where hunting and using tools was simply part of everyday life — from trapping rabbits to learning how to keep a knife sharp from his grandfather. That early exposure eventually led him into knife making, but also into careers in the military, Victoria Police, and later the Game Management Authority. As the conversation unfolds, Rob opens up about the impact of trauma from his time in policing, and how making knives, along with time spent hunting, became a way to manage that mental load. There’s a strong theme throughout the episode around hunting as more than just a pursuit… For many people it becomes a form of reset, a place to think clearly, and a way to reconnect with something real. The discussion also moves into the current state of hunting in Australia, including challenges around legislation, representation, and the need for a more unified voice across the broader outdoor community.  Rob shares a grounded perspective on how hunters are perceived, the importance of presenting the right image, and why education matters more than emotion when it comes to protecting the future of hunting. There’s also plenty of practical insight from Rob’s own hunting journey, from traditional bows through to compound and rifle, and how changing tools can expose weaknesses and ultimately make you a better hunter. This is a wide-ranging, honest conversation about hunting, mental health, community, and the role it all plays in people’s lives. 🔍 What We Cover: Growing up with hunting as part of everyday lifeLearning knife skills and craftsmanship from a young ageTransition from military and policing into knife makingThe impact of trauma and finding balance through making and huntingHunting as a form of mental reset and “medicine”Why time in the bush changes perspective and reduces stressThe importance of community within huntingChallenges facing hunting in Australia and lack of unified representationHow hunters are perceived and why image mattersSocial media, communication, and presenting hunting responsiblyFitness, discipline, and preparation for huntingTraditional bow vs compound vs rifle — and what each teaches youHow pushing yourself in the bush builds better decision-making For a lot of people, hunting isn’t just about the outcome — it’s about what happens while you’re out there. Time in the bush, working with your hands, and focusing on something real has a way of cutting through everything else. Find Our Guest Rob Herbert Instagram: @robert_herbert Follow Becoming a BowhunterInstagram: @becomingabowhunter.podcast Hosted by: @mattyafter 🎧 Episode Sponsors Dog and Gun Coffee – Fuel your hunt with premium coffee. Use code BOWHUNTER for $10 off @dogandguncoffee Kayuga Broadheads – Precision and reliability for every shot. Use code BAB10 for 10% off @kayuga_broadheads Venture Hunting & Outdoors – Gear up for your next hunt @venturehunting Jab Stick Outdoors – Precision-engineered carbon shafts. Use code BAB10 for $10 off @jabstickoutdoors