PODCAST · sports
Vortex Nation Podcast
by Vortex Optics
Welcome to the Vortex Nation Podcast. Brought to you by lovers of hunting, shooting, public lands, the Second Amendment and dang good food.
Episodes
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#10MinuteTalk | The Two Shot Zero
Zeroing your rifle can be accomplished in as few as two shots. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn run through a few of their favorite tips to make zeroing your rifle fast, efficient, and easy. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the...
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Ep. 467 | The Deer ID App with Identical Draw
What if you could turn years of trail camera photos and deer data into a clearer plan for where and when to hunt? On this episode, Nate and Thomas Krick of Identical Draw join us to break down their new Deer ID app and how it can help hunters organize, catalog, and make sense of massive amounts…
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#10MinuteTalk | Down Insulation Explained with Argali’s Brad Brooks
What makes down insulation so warm, lightweight, and packable—and how do you know what you’re actually buying? Argali’s Brad Brooks takes us deep into the world of down insulation, explaining everything from fill power and feather-to-down ratios to water-resistant down, temperature ratings…
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Ep. 466 | Cool Guns with Ian | Historic Swiss Pistols
Vortex’s resident cool-gun expert, Ian Klemm, is back with another deep dive into some seriously fascinating Swiss pistols. This time, he’s bringing out a selection of historic Swiss firearms known for exceptional craftsmanship, innovative engineering, and some truly unique designs. Ian breaks…
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#10MinuteTalk | The .30 TC | The Lead Ballon that Made Other Cartridges Famous
.30-06 performance out of a highly efficient short-action case wasn’t enough to slingshot the .30 TC into cartridge glory. It should have been. That said, the engineers at Hornady saw its promise, tweaked it, and created one of the most popular cartridges of all time — along with others that make...
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Ep. 465 | Heckler & Koch Pistol x Vortex Red Dot Packages
Heckler & Koch’s James Williamson and Tommy Brooker are back to chat about their incredible VP9 pistols, CC9 pistols, pairing them with Vortex Defender Red Dots, and the purpose-built pistol packages being offered. H&K has a reputation for doing things right. The products themselves and the…
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#10MinuteTalk | Modern Suppressor design and Two Paths to Suppressor Ownership | Exigent Defense
Exigent Defense suppressor manufacturer, lawyer, and Kentucky Gun Owners of America representative, Evan Wilson, stops in to talk through modern suppressor design and the current suppressor ownership landscape. The tax stamp going to $0, a lawsuit filed against the ATF, and a recent ruling have...
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Ep. 464 | H&K’s Most Iconic Firearms | James Williamson and Tommy Brooker
H&K’s James Williamson and Tommy Booker join Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn for an unforgettable range session featuring some of the coolest and most legendary firearms ever made by Heckler & Koch (H&K). From the HK MP7 and MP5SD to the legendary P7, MK8, and more, this episode of the Vortex...
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#10MinuteTalk | Hunting Riflescope Magnification | Is Less More?
How much riflescope magnification do you really need for hunting? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn get into a “healthy discussion” about the best hunting scope magnification and whether more power actually means better performance in the field. Is there one magnification range that can handle...
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Ep. 463 | Behind the Scenes Stories of Wildcatting the 6.5 BC
The 6.5 Bitchcat (6.5 BC) is back—and this wildcat cartridge is getting a serious deep dive. In this episode of the Vortex Nation Podcast, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn have put their new custom 6.5 Bitchcat rifle through its paces, testing three custom handloads across a range of real-world...
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#10MinuteTalk | Practical Shooting Sports for Hunters: Build Real-World Marksmanship
Want to fill your freezer more consistently? The moment of truth rarely offers a flat, stable setup. In this episode, Vortex’s Mike Tassoul and Jimmy Jordan break down how practical shooting sports translate directly to real-world big game hunting scenarios. Learn how competing under pressure...
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Ep. 462 | TUSC Loadout: Tactical Urban Sustainment Course Gear & Kit
What gear do you actually need for a Tactical Urban Sustainment Course (TUSC)? Vortex Edge® instructor, in-house prepper, and survival hobbyist Mike Griffin joins Mark Boardman to break down the TUSC loadout he selected for his recent course with the Direct Action Resource Center (DARC) in Little...
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#10MinuteTalk | Razor® HD Gen III 6-36x56 | The NEW VMR-5 Reticle
The Razor® HD Gen III 6-36x56 adds the new VMR-5 reticle to its lineup for shooters who prioritize a clean field of view. Less can be more for some shooters when it comes to reticles. Andrew Lunde from Vortex’s product development team walks us through the VMR-5. As always, we want to hear your...
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Ep. 461 | PRSuit: The New Precision Rifle Hobby You Didn’t Know You Needed
What happens when precision rifle shooting meets real-world field scenarios? Mark Boardman sits down with Ken Wheeler, owner of the Precision Rifle Series (PRS), and Vortex’s Tucker Schmidt to explore Ken’s path into long-range shooting, and the story of how he came to purchase the Precision…
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#10MinuteTalk | What’s New with GeoBallistics®? | Features, Tech, Functionality
The Vortex Optics GeoBallistics® app just got better. In this video, we break down the latest GeoBallistics® updates, new features, technology, and functionality—including what’s changed and how these improvements can make your ballistic calculations and shooting experience more intuitive....
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Ep. 460 | New Gear and Arrow Setup Secrets with Day Six Gear | Ft. Bryan Broderick
Bryan Broderick from Day Six Gear drops by Vortex to drop some serious arrow and broadhead knowledge. Bryan’s archery philosophies are backed by 10 lifetimes of practical field experience and are as sound as the products he’s developed. Tune in to hear about Day 6 Gear’s new products and get...
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#10MinuteTalk | How to Become a Successful YouTube Creator | Hunting & Fishing with Gone All Season
What does it really take to build a successful YouTube channel in the hunting and fishing world? Gone All Season’s Cole Booth and Brett Walker join Mark Boardman to share how they got started, what they’ve learned along the way, and their philosophy on creating content that connects with an...
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Ep. 459 | Packs We Like | Features, Accessories, Considerations
Packing gear in and game out requires a quality backpack purpose-built for the job. Quick day hunt or a multi-day backcountry adventure, the right backpack can make all the difference. In this episode, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn break down the hunting packs they've been using lately, what...
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#10MinuteTalk | NEW Product Alert | Anarch+ Golf Rangefinder
The next evolution of our flagship rangefinder is here. Built from real golfer feedback, the NEW Anarch+ is engineered to help you play with more confidence. Ultrafast distance readings and image stabilization to Pin-Spotter Mode and premium optics, every upgrade is designed to make finding your...
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Ep. 458 | .308 SUPER is Better Than .300 SUPER WSM???
The .308 SUPER is here—and it might be one of the most interesting new .30-caliber cartridge concepts we've tested. In this episode, we put the Barnes 212-grain LRX Bore Rider to work in a .308-based case and answer the questions everyone is asking: Did we hit our target velocity? How does the…
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#10MinuteTalk | The 25 GT | Most Versatile Quarter Bore and it’s NOT Commercially Available!
The perfect blend of velocity, recoil, bullet profile, bullet weight, wind deflection, splash, and versatility. And at press time, there’s not a commercial option. Long range competition to medium-size game, the 25 GT has a lot going for it. Does it make sense for you? Listen to find out! As...
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Ep. 457 | New Studio Reveal + Listener Q&A
The NEW podcast studio is in full effect. In this special listener Q&A, the Vortex Nation and CARE podcast teams join forces to answer your best hunting, shooting, CARE, and just-for-fun questions. A .308 SUPER update to the best beef jerky flavor and more, the guys tackle your hard-hitting...
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#10MinuteTalk | Could Oregon Ban Hunting, Fishing & Ranching? The PEACE Act Explained
Rob Sexton, Senior Vice President of the Sportsmen's Alliance, joins Mark Boardman to explain Oregon Initiative Petition 28, also known as the PEACE Act (People for Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions). It seeks to eliminate long-standing legal exemptions that effectively eliminate hunting,...
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Ep. 456 | Waterfowl Competition Calling, Quill Creek Calls, and Hunting Tactics | Chance Wadsworth
Three-time Live World Goose Calling Champion and founder of Quill Creek Calls, Chance Wadsworth, drops into our podcast decoys to talk contest calling, waterfowl hunting tactics, what makes his calls so good, and his entrepreneurial journey. If you’re a waterfowl hunter, competition caller, or...
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#10MinuteTalk | NEW Crossfire® II Red Dots | Features, Performance & Models Explained
The all-new Vortex Crossfire® II Dot Sight delivers fast target acquisition, rugged reliability, and upgraded performance for ARs, rifles, shotguns, and PCCs. In this episode, Vortex director of product development, Rob Morell, breaks down everything you need to know about the latest Crossfire®…
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Ep. 455 | The Best Tents We've Used: Backpacking, Hunting & Camping
Not all tents are built for the same adventure. In this episode, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn break down tents they've trusted over years of hunting, backpacking, camping, and backcountry travel. They cover different models, styles, material compositions, and best applications for each....
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#10MinuteTalk | The Hunting Essential Your Buddies Never Pack
Mark Boardman puts Vortex hunters on the spot with one simple question: What's the one piece of hunting gear you never leave home without? From overlooked hunting essentials to game-changing gear that can save a hunt, you'll hear the items experienced hunters always pack—but most don't. This...
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Ep. 454 | 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Velocity and Gel Test | Full Report!
After velocity and gel testing Federal 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak loaded with 130 Grain Terminal Ascent bullets and comparing it to 6.5 PRC, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn break down everything they learned. Does Federal's innovative Peak Alloy high-pressure case deliver the velocity gains hunters…
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#10MinuteTalk | Backcountry Sleep Systems — Sleep Your Way to the Top of the Mountain
Quality sleep can make or break a backcountry hunt. When you're covering miles, climbing elevation, and recovering for another full day in the field, your sleep system is one of the most important pieces of gear you carry. Sleeping bags, pads, pillows and cots — Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn...
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Ep. 453 | Kifaru Packs, Hunting Gear & Backpack Design | Behind the Brand
The crew from Kifaru steps away from spring turkey season to talk hunting packs, technical fabrics, backpack design, apparel, and the philosophy behind building some of the toughest backcountry gear in the industry. We also recap a memorable turkey hunt, discuss what makes a great hunting pack,...
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#10MinuteTalk | Model 307 MZY | Weatherby's First Muzzleloader
Weatherby enters the muzzleloader arena in a big way with the ultra-premier Model 307 MZY. Blending features of a high-end rifle with state-of-the-art ignition technology, the Model 307 MZY delivers impressive performance and accuracy. Adam Weatherby and Luke Thorkildsen give us a primer on the...
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Ep. 452 | Boots We Like — Best Hunting Boots for Mountain Hunts to Whitetails
Mark Boarmdan and Ryan Muckenhirn lace up for a podcast all about boots they’ve used, trust and would recommend. Mountain hunts to farmland whitetails, your footwear can make or break the entire experience. Tune in to get the rundown on boot models to consider for your upcoming season. As always,...
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#10MinuteTalk | Pack Fit, Backpack Setup & Backcountry Hunting Tips with Exo Mtn Gear Founder Steve Speck
How do you properly fit a hunting pack? What's the best way to pack your backpack for the backcountry? And how did Exo Mtn Gear become one of the most respected names in hunting packs? Exo Mtn Gear founder and lead pack designer Steve Speck joins the podcast to break down pack fit, load...
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Ep. 451 | International Hunt Tips You Need to Know with Nick Hoffman
Nick Hoffman, experienced international hunter and host of Nick's Wild Ride, shares expert advice on traveling internationally for hunting adventures, including firearm and ammunition regulations, customs paperwork, rifle permits, travel documentation, health precautions, food and drinking water...
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#10MinuteTalk | The 7.62x39 | Most Popular Rifle Cartridge in the World?
The 7.62x39 is one of the most recognizable and widely used rifle cartridges ever created. Paired with AK-pattern rifles, it has earned a reputation for reliability, effectiveness, and global popularity. But what turned this intermediate cartridge into a worldwide phenomenon? In this episode, AK...
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Ep. 450 | Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Changes Everything
Federal Ammunition’s Joshua Vickers and Brad Abramowski join Vortex to give us the gouge on their all-new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak ammo. How does a round that’s long been known for efficiency suddenly gain up to 300 fps over comparable brass-cased 6.5 Creedmoor loads and roughly 100 fps over 6.5 PRC?…
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Most Ridiculous Concealed Carry | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 34
The most ridiculous concealed carry item you would still carry to finishing the lyrics of popular songs, the season finale of Spaghetti Shootout is sure to hit the spot. Who goes out on a high note? There’s only one way to find out. Grab your fork and dig in. As always, we want to hear your...
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#10MinuteTalk | Drawing from Concealed and More with Pro Shooter Hunter Constantine
Check out the limited edition Constantine Carry Belt here on hunterconstantine.com Hunter Constantine is a USPSA Grand Master, competitive shooter, professional firearms instructor, entrepreneur, successful YouTube host, inventor of the Constantine Carry Belt, and pro shooter for Team Smith &...
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Ep. 449 | How to Choose the Right Hunting Shelter | Argali Founder Brad Brooks Explains
What hunting shelter should you buy? Argali founder Brad Brooks joins Mark Boardman to break down the pros and cons of hunting tents and backcountry shelters. Learn how tent size, weight, materials, weather protection, and intended use impact performance in the field. They also discuss the latest...
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#10MinuteTalk | Train How You Hunt: Build Mountain-Endurance with Pack Training
Your ability to hike and hunt hard for multiple days is directly dependent on your fitness and mental toughness. If you do one thing to prepare for your hunt, rucking/pack training may just be your best bet. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn show their current systems and talk through how they...
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Ep. 448 | Cool Guns with Ian Klemm — Rare Old Sako’s
Vortex’s in-house firearm historian, collector, and extreme enthusiast, Ian Klemm, drops by the studio with two rare vintage Sako’s. Obscure chamberings. Classic Finnish craftsmanship. Ian Klemm breaks down the history behind an early L46 in .25-20 WCF and a unique L461 Vixen in 6x45mm. As…
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#10MinuteTalk | The Smith & Wesson 1854 — Born from Lever Action Legacy
Lever-action rifles may be a new category for Smith & Wesson, but the company’s connection to lever guns goes back to the very origins of the platform itself. In this episode, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn explore the history behind the legendary action and take a closer look at the classic...
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Ep. 447 | You Don't Have to Be Rich to Hunt International | Nick Hoffman
The international hunt of a lifetime may be way more within reach than you think. New Zealand to Scotland and much more, Nick Hoffman walks us through economical hunts around the globe. The flight might be long, but life is short. Book it! As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if...
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#10MinuteTalk | Mark Boardman’s Long-Range Ruger 10/22 Squirrel Setup and Hunt Recap
Mark Boardman proved out his long-range Ruger 10/22 squirrel sniping setup. He and videographer Cole Booth talk through the rifle, suite of advanced kit used, and how it worked in the field. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the...
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Ep. 446 | Slow Motion Terminal Performance Breakdown
Firing cup and core, bonded, and monolithic bullets into ordnance gel is cool. Documenting it with a high-speed camera to analyze terminal performance is cooler. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn unpack their findings after getting a unique look in slow motion. As always, we want to hear your...
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#10MinuteTalk | Three Words Could Save Your Life
The What3Words App may save your life. It helped do just that for Jared Leuzinger who suffered a freak broadhead-induced injury while hunting deer. Tune in to hear his story and learn what you may want to do to add an extra layer of safety to your outdoor adventures. As always, we want to hear…
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Ep. 445 | Unknown Suppressors and Unknown Munitions — Get to Know Them
Unknown Suppressors is a fast-moving company making innovative suppressors. Unknown Munitions specialize in aftermarket Tikka components, custom Tikka rifles, ammunition and more. If you don’t know them, this podcast is your chance. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there…
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#10MinuteTalk | Sim-X Pistol Ammo — Low Weight, Ultra-High Velocity
Sim-X Pistol ammunition bucks convention with its low mass/high velocity offerings for both target and defensive applications. Mark Boardman shoots some Sim-X 9mm at the range, compares it to standard loads, and he and Ryan Muckenhirn chat through this interesting ammo. As always, we want to hear...
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Ep. 444 | West Texas Aoudad Cull Hunt & .300 SUPER WSM Report
Vortex’s Travis Jones and Ryan Muckenhirn sit down with Mark Boardman to recount their one-of-a-kind west Texas aoudad hunt. A cull hunt moderated by biologists and orchestrated to put a dent in the burgeoning aoudad population, allowed the group to get a lifetime’s worth of reps and product...
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Bearded Hen…Smash or Pass | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 33
Shooting bearded hens, name your opponent’s outdoor brand, a meatball in a bottle, and more. Tune in for a full scoop of Spaghetti Shootout! 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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Vortex Nation Podcast. Brought to you by lovers of hunting, shooting, public lands, the Second Amendment and dang good food.
HOSTED BY
Vortex Optics
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Vortex Nation Podcast have?
Vortex Nation Podcast currently has 960 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Vortex Nation Podcast about?
Welcome to the Vortex Nation Podcast. Brought to you by lovers of hunting, shooting, public lands, the Second Amendment and dang good food.
How often does Vortex Nation Podcast release new episodes?
Vortex Nation Podcast releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 960 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Vortex Nation Podcast?
You can listen to Vortex Nation Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Vortex Nation Podcast?
Vortex Nation Podcast is created and hosted by Vortex Optics.
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