The Bowtreader Podcast

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"Life's like a vapor—here today, gone tomorrow." These words resonate deeply throughout this candid exploration of life's unpredictable seasons. Unlike hunting seasons with their clear opening and closing dates, our personal seasons transition without warning. One day you're changing diapers, the next you're watching your child leave home, with no ceremonial moment marking the shift from one phase to another.
The conversation weaves through the challenges and joys of parenting at different stages—from the sleep-deprived early years when simply "keeping everyone alive" feels like achievement, to the delicate balance of letting children experience skinned knees while protecting them from genuine danger. As John puts it, parenting begins as "occupying another country," providing total support before strategically withdrawing as children develop independence. We share personal stories of how boys and girls navigate this territory differently, with boys often claiming independence prematurely while girls seek connection differently.
Beyond parenting, the discussion explores a profound mid-life transition many face: shifting from being a "striver" in our 20s and 30s to becoming more of a wisdom-giving "sage" in later decades. Many resist this change, fearing loss of position or relevance, yet embracing it leads to renewed purpose. This perspective shift represents one of life's great ironies—we only truly understand a season after we've moved beyond it, yet must find meaning while in the midst of it.
Faith emerges as the essential anchor through these transitions. Through biblical examples and personal testimonies, we illustrate how developing trust in something beyond ourselves provides stability when circumstances change. The wisdom shared offers a refreshing counterpoint to our culture's frantic pace: "If it's not going to matter in 30-60 days, don't worry about it." This perspective helps listeners focus on what truly matters while navigating their own changing seasons with purpose and hope.

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The springtime symphony of gobbling turkeys takes center stage as we share triumphs and near-misses from this season's turkey hunts. Brandon kicks off with his recent success, describing not just the tactical aspects of the hunt, but the pure, unbridled celebration that followed - comparing two grown men's reaction to "sorority sisters who haven't seen each other in a long time." This raw emotional response captures why turkey hunting hooks us so deeply.
We journey through several heart-pounding close calls, where Dub and John found themselves just one move away from success in. Turkey hunting truly is "a gentleman's chess game." These stories reveal the mental fortitude required when birds hang up at 100 yards, circle but never commit, or disappear after being just seconds from stepping into range. Each tale carries that familiar sting of opportunity slipping away that every turkey hunter knows all too well.
The conversation shifts to equipment preferences, with some hunters maintaining loyalty to traditional 12-gauge shotguns while others embrace newer technologies like tungsten shot that allow effective hunting with smaller gauges. We explore how the physical demands of turkey hunting vary dramatically depending on hunting style and location, challenging the notion that ounces always matter when choosing gear.
Throughout the discussion, one truth emerges repeatedly - turkey hunting delivers immediate feedback on your skills and mistakes. As John puts it, "A turkey will tell you if you do something wrong." It's this unforgiving nature that makes success so sweet and keeps hunters coming back season after season, chasing that perfect moment when preparation, patience, and opportunity converge.

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The Bowtreader guys share the craziest hunting stories.

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What does authentic masculinity look like in our hyperconnected, distracted world?

On this episode we were thrilled to have Robert Wyrick join the conversation. Robert has been a customer here at the shop for years and has truly become a valued friend along the way. We have had many conversations, while building his arrows or tuning his bow, about the current state of men in our culture and the role we can play to help right the ship. Robert is sharp and a joy to talk with which I am sure you will quickly hear.

Our conversation reveals powerful insights about finding purpose and spiritual connection through nature, perseverance, and intentional living. Robert shares how hunting became more than just harvesting animals—it created space for a deeper connection with God. "I talk more to God when I'm in the stand or in the woods," he explains, noting it takes about two days for his mind and spirit to truly quiet down enough to hear and feel what's happening around him. This struggle to find stillness reflects our modern condition: our brains process more information daily than our ancestors did in years.

We confront cultural misconceptions about masculinity, rejecting both toxic dominance and passive weakness in favor of the model Jesus demonstrated—strength under perfect control. True leadership means serving others sacrificially, taking responsibility, and creating spaces where families and communities can thrive. "We live in a world where it is so scary for men to be men," yet the biblical call isn't to dominate but to "love a woman like God loved the church"—a standard requiring complete selflessness. This has bred society's growing acceptance of quitting when things get difficult. Building character requires working through adversity: "Everything that happens in your life is your fault" might sound harsh, but taking ownership rather than blaming others creates opportunities for genuine growth. Robert's African hunting adventures provide vivid metaphors about vigilance, awareness, and community protection that apply directly to family leadership.

Perhaps most valuable are the vulnerable discussions about parenting and marriage. We shared honest reflections about our failures, the weight of responsibility, and the importance of creating environments where family members feel safe to make mistakes. "I want my kid to go 'Oh my God, I just messed up. I got to call my dad,' not 'Oh my God, I can't tell my dad.'" In a world pulling us in countless directions, this conversation offers a compelling invitation to slow down, take responsibility, and lead with humility and purpose.

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The journey from traditional tree stands to modern saddle hunting reveals more than just gear evolution—it highlights our quest for silence, mobility, and effectiveness in the woods. In this gear-focused episode, we unpack the critical differences between hunters who carry everything but the kitchen sink versus those who embrace minimalist setups.
Saddle hunting has revolutionized bow hunting for many, ourselves included, but not without significant learning curves and occasional embarrassing moments. We candidly share stories of getting stuck in trees, forgotten equipment, and the surprisingly steep learning process of one-stick climbing techniques. The consensus? While your first attempts might be discouraging (and potentially humiliating), perseverance pays off with a hunting system that offers unmatched flexibility and stealth.
For southern hunters especially, managing heat is a constant battle. Most hunting clothing companies design for conditions under 72 degrees, leaving those hunting in 90+ degree temperatures searching for specialized solutions. We discuss how ventilated materials, strategic packing choices, and careful accessory selection can make the difference between comfort and misery during early season hunts.
This episode also takes a meaningful turn as we reflect on Holy Week and the significance of Jesus's crucifixion. We explore how the sacrifice made over 2,000 years ago connects to Genesis through a "red thread" of sacrifice, and why Good Friday represents more than just a historical event—it's the moment that bridges humanity's separation from God. The foundation of our faith shapes how we approach hunting, business, and relationships, creating purpose beyond the pursuit itself.
Whether you're considering upgrading your saddle system, curious about one-stick climbing methods, or simply interested in the intersection of faith and your daily life, this conversation offers honest perspectives from hunters still refining their own approaches. What accessories can't you hunt without? How does your faith influence you? Join us as we tackle these questions and more.

Thanks for joining us on The Bowtreader Podcast. Leave a comment to let us know where you are listening from as well as any topics that you would like to hear us cover. Be sure to like the episode and subscribe to follow along.
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