The Cody Silver Podcast

What you choose to keep in focus says everything about who you are. Austin Koon is the founder of Made Film Co. out of Chattanooga, TN and has built his business telling stories for some of the biggest brands in sports. We get into the grind of running a creative business, what the sports world demands from a filmmaker, and how to hold your vision together when life is moving fast. New husband, new dad, all in. This one's for the builders.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:50 Moving to Chattanooga05:59 Education and Early Career09:03 Starting a Videography Business12:08 Videography Style and Passion15:00 Niche and Flexibility in Work18:06 Filmmaking Style and Techniques21:02 Gear Talk and Equipment Choices23:58 Game-Changing Equipment in Videography27:07 The Evolution of Video Gear30:09 Shifting Focus: Lenses and Color Grading32:08 Balancing Client Vision with Creative Instincts35:28 Memorable Projects and Personal Fulfillment38:20 Work-Life Balance in the Creative Industry44:49 Future Aspirations and Scaling Relationships••••Follow Austin on IG: auskooFollow Made Film Co. on IG: madefilmco•••••My Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilver

Alex Bond was the very first guest on this podcast before it was even called the Cody Silver Podcast. Years later, he's back and there's a lot more to carry. A photographer and outdoorsman rooted in Kane, Pennsylvania, Alex has built a life around capturing what's real in the field, behind the lens, and in the people around him. In this episode, we talk craft, community, hunting, and the weight of losing someone who meant the world to both of us. Some conversations pick up right where they left off. This one goes deeper.••••Follow Alex on IG: abondphoto••••My Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilver

Andrew Weber spent years learning how to perform under pressure as a college athlete. Now as the founder of Valo Red Light Therapy, he brings that same mindset to building a business in the health and wellness space. In this episode, he talks about the mental routines, habits, and mindset shifts that helped him compete at a high level and how those same principles carry over into entrepreneurship and everyday life. It's an honest conversation about what it actually takes to stay focused and show up consistently when the stakes are high.••••Follow Andrew on IG: aweberphotowww.valoredlight.comMy Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilver

Will Cooper is a Texas native, outdoorsman, content creator, and family man who has built a career doing what he loves. In this episode, we dig into his journey from college sports and a self-started fishing team to landing in the outdoor industry and working with the HuntStand app. Will opens up about how fatherhood has shifted his perspective, why he thinks family is the greatest adventure, and how he balances the grind of content creation with life at home with his wife and two young kids. We also get into bow hunting vs. rifle, turkey hunting as a newcomer, fitness and how it connects to time in the field, and what it really takes to build a career in the outdoor space.If you love hunting, the outdoors, or just a good story about finding your path — this one's for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Will Cooper03:01 College Life and the Birth of a Fishing Team06:15 Transitioning into the Outdoor Industry09:01 Personal Life: Meeting His Wife and Family12:00 Fatherhood and Its Impact on Life15:01 Teaching Kids About the Outdoors17:59 Working with HuntStand and Career Development23:41 From Camo to Content: Will's Journey25:11 The Art of Content Creation in Hunting27:20 Turkey Hunting: A Newbie's Adventure28:48 Bow vs. Rifle: Embracing All Hunting Methods32:23 The Challenge of Hunting with Different Weapons37:29 Fitness and Hunting: The Importance of Being Prepared41:40 Life Changes: New Home and New Baby44:30 Connecting with the Hunting Community••••Follow Will on IG: willtcooperFollow Hunstand on IG: huntstand••••My Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilver

Heather Foss didn't follow a straight path. She carved one. From working in physical therapy to stepping out on her own and building Titus Strength and Fitness from nothing, Heather earned every bit of what she's built. In this episode, I sit down with Heather to dig into what it really took to open and run a gym in South Carolina, how powerlifting rewired the way she thinks, the raw and real story behind her family's adoption journey, and why community isn't just a buzzword at her gym. It's the foundation. This conversation has weight to it.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Heather Foss and Her Journey03:12 Family Background and Early Life05:47 Adoption Story and Family Dynamics08:48 The Birth of Titus Strength and Fitness11:43 Transitioning from Lifestyle to Business14:27 The Meaning Behind the Name 'Titus'21:03 The Growth of Somerville and Its Impact on Business26:22 Niche Training and Community Building27:48 Heather's Journey in Powerlifting33:30 Finding Rhythm in Life and Business37:13 Future Aspirations for the Gym39:53 Advice for Aspiring Gym Owners••••Check out Titus Strength & Fitness www.titusstrengthandfitness.comFollow Heather on Instagram: misfit_faas••••My Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilver

In this episode, Cody Silver shares insights on leadership, focusing on leading with strength, courage, and creativity. He discusses personal experiences, the importance of discipline, and practical ways to develop as a leader in everyday life.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Gratitude03:02 Leadership Insights from a Men's Conference05:28 Leading with Strength17:33 Leading with Courage26:38 Leading with Creativity34:10 Integrating Strength, Courage, and Creativity•••My Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilver

I sit down with my longtime friend James Nixon to talk about growing up in Jacksonville and the seasons that shaped us. From sweaty hardcore shows and youthful mistakes to military service, law enforcement, and ministry, we dig into the grit of those early years. The conversation moves through discipline, faith, missed opportunities, and the lessons learned along the way. At the core, it’s about grace, asking hard questions, and finding peace in the outdoors.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup07:00 Reflection on Missed Opportunities in Youth14:22 Military Service and Calling to Chaplaincy19:35 Impact of Military Service on Discipline and Awareness27:55 Grace and Patience in Relationships34:42 The Lifestyle and Appreciation of the Outdoors••••Follow James on IG: jamesnixonoutdoors••••My Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilver

In this episode, I sit down with Aldo Maldonado to talk real ranch life in South Texas. We get into how drought hits wildlife, what it takes to manage habitat the right way, and how Aldo went from a small Texas town to running a ranch. He also shares what it’s like working with oil companies that use the land he manages, and how that overlaps with wildlife and habitat decisions. We break down what makes Texas whitetail hunting different, the story behind my buck on the ranch, and the balance of building this life while raising a family, holding onto faith, and doing things the right way for the long haul.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup05:13 Transition to Wildlife and Oil Industry12:36 Ranch Management and Day-to-Day Operations22:23 Wildlife Management and Outfitting29:06 The Joy of Hunting with Others35:09 Habitat Management and Wildlife Health41:04 Raising Children on a Ranch48:10 The Influence of Family and Faith••••Follow Aldo (Herrington Ranch): _herringtonranch••••My Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilver

Jake Dahlke left the Midwest and bet on something new in Charleston. Salt air, new ground, and no safety net. He talks about trading marketing for the grind of content creation, building stories in the hunting industry with Murray Road Agency, and what it really takes to film in the dirt at 4 a.m. The conversation hits turkey woods, open water, team pressure, and the tension of building a career while building a life in a brand new place.Chapters00:00 Career at Murray Road Agency24:41 Professional Journey and Team Dynamics30:14 The Challenges and Excitement of Turkey Hunting39:17 Balancing Work and Personal Life45:27 Settling in Charleston and Future Plans••••Follow Jake on Instagram: jakedahlke••••My Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilver

Robin McGee shares how Essential Provisions began, building healthier MREs for Special Forces because the people carrying the heaviest loads deserve better fuel. Then the story turns personal, as she opens up about her father and the feeding tube formula that became a lifeline, and eventually a mission.This episode is about food as medicine, turning a life saving idea into a real product, and the grit it takes to scale it into something that’s making an impact across multiple industries.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Weather Chit-Chat11:16 Starting Essential Provisions22:10 The Story of Robin's Father30:33 The Healing Power of Food55:08 Expanding Product Line and Market Presence••••Essential Provisions on Instagram: Essential Provisionswww.essentialprovisions.com My Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilver

This conversation sits at the intersection of work, water, and real life. From building a career in insurance to balancing marriage and responsibility, Shawn shares how fishing has shaped his patience, faith, and perspective. The story behind Saltwater Gospel is less about apparel and more about community, honest work, and staying grounded while building something that matters.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Jacksonville Life05:53 Career in Insurance11:21 Marriage and Work-Life Balance31:08 The Kayak Venture39:11 Favorite Type of Fishing44:48 Future Plans for Saltwater Gospel••••Follow Shawn on IG: Saltwater Gospel•••My Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilver

Ryan Burt joins the podcast for a grounded conversation about building a life with intention. From growing up out West to settling in Colorado, Ryan shares how faith, marriage, work, and the outdoors have shaped the way he thinks and makes decisions.We talk about marrying young, trusting timing when the path is unclear, and learning to stay calm under pressure both in life and in work. Ryan dives into his background in philosophy, theology, and tech and how hunting quietly trained him to solve problems, take responsibility, and respect the process. That same mindset led to his work with MeatSafe and a deeper focus on meat care and stewardship.This episode sits at the intersection of faith, work, creativity, and the outdoors and explores what it looks like to stay grounded while building something meaningful.Chapters00:00 Introducing Ryan Burt07:47 Career and Education14:40 Genesis of MeetSafe21:25 Influence of Hunting on Children27:59 God's Perfect Timing40:11 Balancing Work and Life45:50 Creativity and Purpose••••Follow Ryan on IG: burtclan_ryanMy Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilver

This conversation digs into the roots of Viking Coffee—where it started, how it grew, and the work it took to keep it moving. Evan shares his path into entrepreneurship, the early trial-and-error of building a coffee company, and what it’s really like running a business alongside his wife. We talk through the highs and lows of showing up to events, figuring out marketing and networking the hard way, navigating sourcing and production challenges, and learning how to separate work from life when the two overlap. At its core, this episode highlights the grind behind building something from nothing—staying consistent, earning trust one customer at a time, and letting word of mouth do the heavy lifting.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Gnarly Beard06:30 Starting Viking Coffee15:13 Involvement of Evan's Wife23:02 Building Viking Coffee31:05 Marketing and Networking38:40 Challenges of Running a Business with a Spouse••••Support Viking Coffee Co https://vikingcoffeeco.com/Follow Viking Coffee Co on Instagram: Viking Coffee CoMy Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilver

The conversation covers the journey of Dustin Burt in the private security industry, from starting his own firm to working with high-profile clients and handling security for major events. It also delves into the challenges of balancing work and family life, highlighting the importance of intentional family time and support from loved ones. The conversation delves into the significance of work-life balance and the support of a team in entrepreneurship. It highlights the value of family support and understanding, as well as the impact of balancing work and personal life on productivity and well-being.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dustin Burt and His Journey02:45 The Evolution of a Security Firm06:48 Working with High-Profile Clients12:51 The Reality of Event Security15:30 Differences in Security for Events vs. Political Functions21:40 Balancing Family Life with a Demanding Career27:48 Balancing Work and Personal Life30:35 The Roots of a Hunting Legacy36:13 Innovating Meat Preservation with Meat Safe41:57 Brotherly Bonds in Business50:30 Future Endeavors and Exciting Projects••••My Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilverDustin's IG: dustinburt

Tina shares her journey of moving, building a home, and her upbringing in Colorado. She also discusses her family's adoption journey from India, highlighting the faith, trust, and advocacy involved in the process. Tina shares her journey of working with Water Mission and the challenges she faced with her adopted son's health. She also reflects on the loss of her mother and the impact of grief on her faith.Chapters00:00 Moving and Building a Home09:56 The Adoption Journey28:36 Working with Water Mission38:24 Reflections on Grief and Faith53:59 Moving Forward•••My Website: www.codysilver.comIG: codysilver

In this episode, I reintroduces his podcast, now named the Cody Silver Podcast, emphasizing its focus on real stories from ordinary people.. I discusses the importance of sharing genuine experiences and the value of everyday conversations. The podcast aims to create a space for authentic dialogue, exploring themes of personal growth, struggles, and life lessons.

On this episode of the Hidden Humanity Podcast, I'm going solo and talking about my Wyoming pronghorn hunt that I did back in October. I'll be going over the hunt as well as the gear I used in detail. •••• Instagram: www.instagram.com/codysilver/ Website: www.codysilver.com

On this episode, we have my friend, Adam Wies, aka Who Tee Who. Adam is a Youtuber in the hunting and shooting industry. He loves this space and loves to share his knowledge with regular everyday people in a raw and real way. •••• Follow Adam (Who Tee Who) Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mrwho_tee_who_ Website: https://whoteewho.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/WHOTEEWHO Follow me: Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/codysilver/⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠www.codysilver.com⁠⁠

On this episode, we have my friend, Tim Smith. Tim is the Next Gen pastor at Faith Church in Summerville, SC. We talk about just his upbringing and what led him to become someone who works in ministry. •••• Follow Tim Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/pastortimmy/ Follow me: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/codysilver/⁠ Website: ⁠www.codysilver.com⁠

On this episode, we have my friend, Joe Pettit. Joe is a keynote speaker and the author of the book, Seeds to Success.  His mission is clear: to empower leaders with the skills, knowledge, and emotional intelligence needed to thrive in today’s complex world. •••• Follow Joe: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joe.pettit.7773 Website: https://joepettitinspires.com Follow me: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codysilver/ Website: www.codysilver.com

On this episode, we have Caleb Stillians. Caleb is someone that I have known for two and a half years and is a guide in Alaska, but also guides in places like Africa. We have a great conversation about just his passion for what he does. ••• Follow Caleb: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/calebstillians/⁠ Outfitter Services: ⁠https://outfitter.services/home⁠ Follow Me: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/codysilver/⁠ Website: ⁠www.codysilver.com⁠

On this episode, we have my good friend of 10+ years, Chris Dalisay. I've known Chris through playing music together and eventually starting a hardcore band. Chris spends most of his time in the gym CrossFit training. •••• Follow Chris: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chrisjdalisay/ Prime Genics: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/primegenics/ •••• Follow Along: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/codysilver Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.codysilver.com⁠⁠⁠

On this episode, we have Aj Czeresko. Aj is a great friend of mine who I have had the privilege of working with. Aj is a really good pastry chef and makes bomb fire food that has flour in the ingredients. •••• Follow Aj: Czerry On Top https://czerryontop.square.site/#5 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/czerryontop/ •••• Follow Along: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/codysilver/⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.codysilver.com⁠⁠⁠

This week on HHP, we're joined by Justin Anderson, a devoted family man and the owner of Historic Coast Outfitters in St. Augustine, Florida. Justin shares his unique approach to running a fishing outfitter as well as balancing time with his family. •••• Follow Justin and Historic Coast Outfitters: Justin: https://www.instagram.com/j.anderson904/ HCO: https://www.instagram.com/historiccoastoutfitters/ •••• Follow Along: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stories/codysilver/⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.codysilver.com⁠⁠⁠

On today's episode of the HHP, we chat with Stephen Ridley. Stephen is a Youtube Manager for the Trinity Broadcast Network as well as a host on the podcast, Moviga. He is not only a great friend, but he is a great family man. •••• Moviga https://www.instagram.com/movigapodcast/ •••• Follow Along: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/codysilver/ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.codysilver.com⁠⁠⁠

Alex, a close friend from Pennsylvania, is the inaugural guest on the Hidden Humanity Podcast. A commercial and lifestyle photographer, Alex also creates content for Tacticalories, a seasoning company considered by many to be a top choice. •••• Follow Alex & buy some bbq seasoning: Alex Bond: https://www.instagram.com/abondphoto/ Tacticalories Website: https://www.tacticalories.com •••• Follow Along: Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stories/codysilver/⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠https://www.codysilver.com⁠⁠

The inaugural episode of the Hidden Humanity Podcast introduces the show's concept and outlines the types of guests to be featured. •••• Make sure you like and subscribe to this podcast for new content every week.