Finding HAViK

In this episode, Mel and Jake sit down with Hilary to talk about a journey that goes far beyond the typical career path. From her early days counting pills at Walgreens to stepping into the fast-evolving world of oncology pharmacy, Hilary shares firsthand insight into how cancer treatment has changed and where it’s headed.Hilary also dives into the realities of building a business from the ground up with Ranch Water Works, a company focused on innovative livestock watering solutions. Hilary talks about why she started gardening and the benefits that come from growing your own food. We also touch on the importance of community through initiatives like the Reno Gleaning Project, and how small, local efforts can make a real impact.

In this episode, we sit down with firearms instructor Sierra Matoza to talk about how she got into the shooting world and what it really takes to build confidence with a firearm. From growing up in an anti-firearms household to becoming an instructor, her story isn’t your typical path.We get into firearm safety, training, and the mindset behind responsible gun ownership. We also talk self-defense, gear, and how concealed carry fits into everyday life.Sierra is doing a great job through her own podcast and instagram promoting self-reliance and taking responsibility for your personal safety.

In this episode, we sit down with military veteran Shane Davis to talk about the transition from the Marine Corps to civilian life and what it really takes to build a disciplined, self-reliant lifestyle. From structure and routine to finding purpose after the military, this conversation goes deeper than most.We get into leadership, personal growth, and the importance of real-world skills that actually carry over into everyday life. From hunting ethics and long-range shooting to firearm safety and raising resilient kids, this one covers a lot of ground, all rooted in experience.

In this episode, we sit down with Zach Rhodes to talk about what it really means to take ownership of your life when things don’t go as planned. The conversation moves from his roots in the rodeo world to the challenges he’s faced fighting legislation that nearly took away his ability to pursue his craft.We get into resilience, mental toughness, and the mindset it takes to turn setbacks into comebacks. Zach shares how embracing responsibility, staying grounded in purpose, and pushing through adversity have shaped both his career and who he is today.Along the way, we talk about animal dentistry, breaking barriers, and the importance of educating others while staying true to your roots.

In this episode, Jake Holland sits down with Dennis Pishock, HAViK’s first “First Responder of the Month” winner, to talk about what life really looks like on the front lines of public safety. The conversation moves from Dennis’s journey from firefighting into law enforcement to the unseen challenges first responders carry every day.We get into the weight of the job, the impact of trauma, and why mental health awareness and peer support matter more than ever. Dennis shares what it takes to find balance in a career that can easily consume you and why strong community support makes all the difference.Along the way, we touch on social media, writing a book, and the importance of honest conversations within the first responder community. This episode is about resilience, connection, and showing up for the people who spend their lives showing up for everyone else. 

In this episode, we talk about the story behind HAViK and the values co-founder and CEO Jake Holland built it on from day one. We talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, holding the line on quality, and why building with purpose matters.The conversation also moves into community events, giving back, honoring first responders, and why foundational skills and self-sufficiency still matter today. At the core, this one’s about building more than a business, it’s about building people and creating something that actually stands for something.

In this episode, we sit down with Steven Milich to talk about raising capable, grounded kids in a digital world. We get into parenting, setting boundaries with technology, and why getting outside, embracing discomfort, and learning real-life skills still matter. The conversation touches on survival skills, time in nature, and outdoor experiences that build confidence and character. This episode is about finding balance in modern life and passing down the values and skills that still matter today.

In this episode, we sit down with Mel Cowan to explore what it means to say yes to uncomfortable, from early lessons with horses and ski racing to pack stations, hunting, and time spent alone in the backcountry. Mel shares how curiosity, mentorship, and life in nature build resilience, independence, and grit.

Gabe’s story isn’t polished, it’s real. From addiction to narcotic pain meds to rebuilding his life through discipline, fitness, and mental resilience, this episode dives into the hard moments most people avoid talking about. Gabe shares what finally pushed him to change, how recovery reshaped his purpose, and why he’s committed to supporting the community through Precision Resilience. If you believe strength is built through struggle, this conversation hits home.

The Finding HAViK Podcast dives into the skills, grit, and self-reliance that modern life has lost. Through raw, honest conversations with hunters, makers, firefighters, and builders, we explore how they’ve built independence, learned the hard way, and stayed grounded in a world that’s forgotten meaning and craft.