The Dreaded Archer Podcast | Archery, Bowhunting & Conservation

On this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sit down with Colton Davis for a conversation that goes way beyond bows and broadheads.

We get into the gear-obsessed side of modern archery and one simple truth: spending more money won’t fix the suck. From constantly tinkering with setups and chasing the newest flagship bow to understanding when the problem is actually the person behind the string, we talk about what really makes someone a better archer.

We also dive into the controversial world of high-fence hunting and ranches. Is high-fence hunting still hunting? Do...

On this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sit down with Austin Comrie, an Idaho hunter and outdoorsman with a serious passion for the wild.

Austin has experienced some incredible hunts, from red stag and fallow deer to mule deer, ducks, and mountain lions. We sit down and talk about how he got started hunting, some of his most memorable experiences in the field, the gear he relies on, and what he's looking forward to this upcoming season.

But Austin's story goes beyond hunting.

Austin is on the autism spectrum, and he...

In this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sit down with Dustin Ennis for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state and future of the archery industry.

Dustin and I originally connected over a conversation about the difference between customization and personalization when it comes to compound bows, but that discussion opened the door to a much bigger question: Where is archery headed?

We talk about Dustin’s journey into archery, the state of the industry, and why bow manufacturers continue to release new flagship bows every year. Are these annual releases actually driving in...

What happens when someone who doesn't hunt becomes one of the strongest voices advocating for the future of hunting?

In this episode of the Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sit down with Colorado resident Ashley Johnson to discuss Oregon's proposed Initiative Petition 28 (IP28) and why she believes it could have implications far beyond the state's borders. Although Ashley isn't a hunter herself, she grew up around hunting, her family hunts, and she has become a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation and science-based wildlife management.

Together, we break down what IP28 proposes, discuss the concept of ballot...

In this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, I'm joined by Matt Glassmeyer, owner of Tainted Carbon Archery Shop & Custom Arrows, and the creator behind @matt.veganless. We dive into one of the most important conversations facing the hunting and archery community today: Are we becoming our own worst enemy?

Matt recently sparked a lot of discussion after sharing his thoughts on what he calls the "cancer in the archery community". The growing trend of hunters and archers tearing each other down instead of building one another up. We talk about how social media has changed hunting...

In this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, I'm joined by Matt Glassmeyer, owner of Tainted Carbon Archery Shop & Custom Arrows, and the creator behind @matt.veganless. We dive into one of the most important conversations facing the hunting and archery community today: Are we becoming our own worst enemy?

Matt recently sparked a lot of discussion after sharing his thoughts on what he calls the "cancer in the archery community". The growing trend of hunters and archers tearing each other down instead of building one another up. We talk about how social media has changed hunting...

This week, I'm joined by Jay for a conversation that starts with archery and ends somewhere completely unexpected.

We break down what it really costs to get into archery, why you don't need to spend thousands of dollars on your first setup, and how beginners can build a quality bow package without breaking the bank. We also discuss choosing your first bow, avoiding the gear rabbit hole, and why practice matters far more than having the latest equipment.

Then... the conversation takes a turn.

After discovering we're both fans of Power Rangers, Star...

What does it take to build a career preserving memories from the hunt?

This week on the Dreaded Archer Podcast, I'm joined by Karissa Jones, owner of Countrified Glitz LLC, to talk about her journey into one of the most unique careers in the outdoor industry taxidermy.

Karissa shares how she walked away from sports, chose trade school over the traditional college route, became a certified welder, and unexpectedly built a successful business creating custom European mounts before expanding into full taxidermy.

We dive into the art and business of taxidermy, what it...

In this episode of the Dreaded Archer Podcast, I'm joined by Mark Bussell of South Louisiana Archery, one of the most outspoken voices in the archery community. If you've spent any time on Archery TikTok, you've probably seen Mark in his shed, working on bows and giving his unfiltered opinions on everything from bow setups to the future of the sport.

We dive into Mark's journey into hunting and the outdoors, the special bond he shares with the hunting camp he's built with the same guys he grew up with, and why those friendships are just as...

This week on the Dreaded Archer Podcast, I'm joined by De'vina Jackson (Melanated Archer) and Ana for one of the most honest and inspiring conversations we've had on the show.

What started as a discussion about archery quickly became a conversation about resilience, personal growth, friendship, and the impact a community can have on someone's life.

De'vina shares her powerful story of battling chronic pain, multiple surgeries, depression, and the difficult moments that left her questioning how much more she could endure. She opens up about how her son's archery coach recognized the pain she...

This week on the Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sat down with Pierre Cheek, better known as P_Outside, for a conversation that covered everything from competitive archery to anime.

Pierre shares how he got started in archery, what it's been like documenting his journey on social media, and his experience competing at the 57th Indoor Nationals. We also dive into the unique challenges of being a left-handed archer, the growth of archery on platforms like TikTok, and why now might be one of the most exciting times to be involved in the sport.

One of...

On this episode of the Dreaded Archer Podcast, Trey is joined by Alonzo Andrews from Arrow Zona Born to talk archery, turkey hunting, bow setups, and the evolving culture of the outdoors community.

Alonzo shares how he first got into hunting and archery, what inspired him to start documenting his journey online, and how the outdoor space is changing as more African Americans get involved in hunting and archery. The conversation also covers his recent move from Bear bows to Hoyt, what he looks for in gear, and whether today’s hunters rely too heavily on expensive se...

On this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, Brayden Henson from Double H Outdoors joins me for a deep dive into the details that actually matter in bowhunting.

We get into bow setups, strings, arrow builds, broadhead tuning, animal reaction time, bow speed vs forgiveness, sights, and the importance of putting in reps instead of constantly chasing new equipment. Brayden also breaks down why confidence in your setup matters more than hype, and why too many archers overcomplicate the process instead of mastering the fundamentals.

We also discuss practicing at long range, ethical shot selection...

What does it really take to build something in the archery industry… and what does it cost you along the way?

In this episode of the Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sit down with Michael Stonebreaker, the man behind The Bowtique one of the most respected custom arrow wrap companies in the game. If you’ve built arrows in the last few years, you’ve seen his work. But this conversation goes way deeper than wraps.

We get into how Michael fell in love with archery, what pushed him to start The Bowtique, and how he turned...

This episode meant a lot to me.

I sat down with Rob Mahaffey. Rob is an avid hunter, conservationist, but most of all he's my friend. We had one of those conversations that every hunter needs to hear. Not just about drones, not just about technology, but about the future of hunting as a whole.

We talked about thermal drones and where they fit, but what this episode really turned into was a deeper discussion about responsibility. About what it means to be a hunter today… and what it’s going to take to make sure...

In this episode of the Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sit down with Michael Wilkerson, the creator of SafeHunt Pro, to talk about a problem every hunter has seen—but nobody was really solving.

We get into how the idea for SafeHunt Pro came together, the gap in the hunting app space, and how technology is starting to change the way we hunt. This is a real conversation about innovation in the outdoors, and what happens when hunters stop complaining and start building solutions.

If you’re into bowhunting, hunting tech, and where the industry is head...

In this episode of the Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sit down with Dontae Thorne, one half of the team behind Inhale Exhale Outdoors alongside his wife Arie. Together, they are building a brand centered around hunting, archery, firearms education, and living with purpose in the outdoors.

Dontae is a bowhunter, firearms instructor, and law enforcement professional who brings discipline, focus, and a strong code of ethics to everything he does. We talk about his journey into the outdoors, what it’s like building a platform with his family, and how their “Inhale Exhale” philosophy applies not just to sho...

On this episode of the Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sit down with Kurt Belding, the founder of Western Obsessions TV, to talk about chasing adventure, taking risks, and the mindset it takes to live life on your own terms.

Kurt shares his journey from the business world into the hunting industry and why he ultimately decided to walk away from the traditional “rat race” to pursue a life built around hunting, storytelling, and the outdoors. We dive into the concept of the rugged athlete mindset, the physical and mental preparation required for Western hunts, and why the real...

In this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, Trey sits down with Steve and Darnell, founders of Southern Culture Outdoors (OSC), to talk about hunting, entrepreneurship, and building a brand in today’s outdoor industry. What started as a rejection from their favorite deer attractant company turned into motivation to create their own line and build something bigger than themselves.

We dive into how Southern Culture Outdoors got started, their vision for the brand, and the impact they want to make in the hunting community. The conversation also explores African American hunting culture, the growth of Black ou...

In this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, Trey sits down with IFBB Pro bodybuilder, entrepreneur, and dedicated hunter Jay Lane to talk discipline, mindset, and building a life on your own terms. Jay shares his journey to becoming an IFBB Pro, what it takes to compete at an elite level, and how he balances intense bodybuilding training with time in the woods.

They dive into bowhunting, ethical hunting practices, mentorship, high fence vs. low fence debates, and how hunting shapes perspective on life and death. This episode blends bodybuilding, hunting culture, and personal growth into one...

On this episode of the Dreaded Archer Podcast, I’m joined by Bryan Thomas, one of the founders of SHOT The 3D Experience one of the fastest-growing 3D archery events in the country.

SHOT has quickly become known for delivering a true archery experience, blending challenging and realistic 3D targets with a high-energy atmosphere that brings together seasoned shooters and newcomers alike. But with rapid growth comes scrutiny.

We dive into Bryan’s archery and hunting background, the origins of SHOT, and what it’s really been like building a major archery event from the ground...

In this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, Trey sits down with Brayden Henson of Double H Outdoors for a real, unfiltered conversation about modern hunting culture.

Brayden shares how he got started in hunting and archery, the vision behind Double H Outdoors, and how fitness plays a critical role in being hunt-ready year-round. From training with purpose to building confidence in your equipment, this episode dives into the preparation most people never talk about.

The conversation goes deeper into some of the more uncomfortable topics in the hunting world bow vs rifle culture, ego...

On this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, Trey sits down with Ralph Smith, founder of CBM Outdoors, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about hunting, culture, and what the outdoor lifestyle truly means.

Ralph shares his journey into the outdoors and how duck hunting, raccoon hunting, and deer hunting have shaped him—not just as a hunter, but as a man. From early mornings in the duck blind to long nights chasing raccoon dogs and the discipline required during deer season, Ralph breaks down the lessons the woods have taught him about patience, respect, and community.

In this episode of the Dreaded Archer Podcast, Trey sits down with avid bowhunter and outdoorsman Jordan Racca for a deep conversation on what it truly means to be a complete archer.

Jordan breaks down how he learned to work on his own bows and why understanding your setup — from tuning to troubleshooting — is one of the most overlooked advantages in bowhunting. When your equipment is dialed, confidence follows, and that confidence shows up when the moment of truth arrives.

The conversation shifts to the woods as Jordan shares his approach to locking in on big...

In this episode of the Dreaded Archer Podcast, Trey sits down with Jay Campbell, the founder of Equalized Outdoors, to talk about the future of bowhunting, outdoor culture, and authentic content creation. Jay breaks down the mission behind Equalized Outdoors a brand dedicated to representation, diversity, and leveling the playing field for hunters, anglers, and outdoor adventurers.

Trey and Jay dive deep into the 2026 bow launches, discussing the newest flagship bows, emerging archery technology, hunting gear trends, and how these updates may change the bowhunting landscape. They also talk about the current hunting season, whitetail behavior, bowhunter...

In this explosive episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, Trey sits down with motivation speaker and hard-hunting truth-teller Dean Harvey for one of the most controversial conversations in the outdoor world today.

Dean has gone viral for calling out what he sees as the real problems in modern hunting from ego-driven trophy photos and fake “big buck” angles to hunters prioritizing clout, views, and social media influence over fair chase and real woodsmanship.

Together, Trey and Dean dive into:
 • The difference between hunting and just killing
• The rise of food plots, corn feeders, and “easy...

In this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, Trey sits down with Colter Dufault, Owner/Sales, and Max Hoefs, Owner/Head String Maker of Squatch Bowstrings one of the most exciting rising brands in the archery and bowhunting world.

Colter and Max break down what makes a truly elite custom bowstring, the craftsmanship behind Squatch’s builds, and how the right string can completely elevate your shooting performance. From bowstring materials and tuning tips to durability, stretch resistance, and the innovation driving their brand, this conversation delivers deep insight for bowhunters, competitive archers, and gear enthusiasts.

...

In this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sit down with my brother Nick Reed, who’s stepping into his first official hunting season and taking on the challenge of managing land for whitetail deer.

Nick opens up about what it’s really like learning to balance habitat management, archery practice, and the emotional highs and lows that come with being a first-time hunter. We talk about the process of turning raw land into a space that attracts and sustains deer, the lessons he’s learned from the soil to the stand, and how this journey has de...

Man, this one was a blast. I got to sit down with Hannah Lee, a new archer who’s been making waves on TikTok for her creative shooting setup — yep, she literally shoots her bow from her bathroom, through her bedroom, and out the window. Now that’s dedication.

We talk about how she first got into archery, what made her fall in love with the sport, and how she’s built such a strong community online. Hannah’s also a mom of three, a cornhole board maker, and she even won the Hike to Hunt Long Shot Chall...

On this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sit down with my guy Johnny, another African American who’s fallen head over heels for the world of archery and bowhunting. Johnny has done it all from chasing big game in Africa to taking down whitetails in Texas and his passion for the outdoors is contagious. What really blew my mind, though, is his bow collection. This man bought five bows this year alone! We had to dig into that.

We talk about where his love for archery started, how he chooses and customizes his bows, and wh...

We’ve officially hit 100 episodes of the Dreaded Archer Podcast! 🎯 Before diving in, I want to take a moment to thank all the Dreaded Listeners, supporters, and our partners at CarbonTV for being part of this journey. Your support has helped this podcast grow into a space where hunters, archers, and outdoor enthusiasts can come together to share stories, knowledge, and passion for the outdoors. This milestone is as much yours as it is mine, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

To celebrate episode 100, I’m joined by Chris Burghardt, the creator behind Red Outdoors. Chris is an avi...

On this episode of the Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sit down with Kristen Moore, a passionate outdoorswoman who hunts, fishes, and is now stepping into the world of archery. Kristen shares her story of what first drew her into hunting and fishing, the memories that shaped her outdoor lifestyle, and what inspired her to pick up a bow.

We dive into the challenges and excitement of being new to archery, her goals as she develops her skills, and how she envisions her journey as both a hunter and an archer. Kristen also opens up about her experience...

On this episode of the Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sit down with returning guest Cliff Cadet—the creator of Urban Archery NYC and host of the NYC Bowhunting Podcast. Cliff was one of my very first guests when I started this show, and I’m excited to have him back on to catch up.

We dive into Cliff’s growth as a bowhunter and content creator, his mission to make archery and hunting more accessible in urban environments, and the rise of his podcast in the NYC hunting community. Cliff shares what it’s been like building his soci...

On this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, I’m joined by Micah Culbreth and Gregg Kimbell for an in-depth conversation about the fast-growing world of saddle hunting. If you’ve been curious about making the switch from a traditional tree stand or you’re already experimenting with a saddle setup, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

We kick things off by breaking down the basics of saddle hunting—what it is, how it differs from traditional methods, and the key advantages it brings to today’s mobile hunter. From there, we dive into the gea...

In this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sit down with Steve Ciasullo, lifelong hunter and founder of Signal 11 Lures, a family-owned American hunting company that’s been perfecting deer lures for over 15 years.

Steve shares his 40+ years of hunting experience, the story behind starting Signal 11, and the “old school” science of making effective lures from glands, oils, and botanicals. We dive into deer behavior, the incredible power of a whitetail’s nose, common mistakes hunters make with scents, and how to use lures to increase your odds in the field.

We also tal...

In this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, I’m joined by Harry Howland, founder of Maniac Outdoors. Harry shares his journey into the hunting and archery world, what inspired him to start Maniac Outdoors, and the challenges and wins of building a brand in today’s outdoor industry.

We dive into his personal hunting background, the role social media plays in shaping the outdoor community, and how hunters can stay authentic in a world driven by likes and follows. Harry also opens up about his favorite hunts, future goals, and what’s next f...

In this episode, I sit down with Austin Bond of Big K Outdoors. Austin has built a huge following on TikTok by sharing his passion for hunting, archery, and the outdoors, and I wanted to get his perspective as part of my New School Hunter series. We talk about how he first got into hunting, what inspired him to start creating content, and how TikTok has helped him connect with other hunters all over the country.

We also dive into how he goes about choosing his gear, the role social media plays in shaping opinions in the...

In this episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, Trey sits down with Sue Tidwell, award-winning author of Cries of the Savanna, to talk about her unforgettable adventures in the Tanzanian bush, the “African fever” that captured her heart, and the powerful role of storytelling in wildlife conservation.

Sue shares behind-the-scenes moments from her time in Africa — from awe-inspiring encounters with wildlife to eye-opening lessons from local communities living alongside some of the world’s most dangerous animals. She opens up about the realities of conservation, the misconceptions many people have about Africa, and what it truly ta...

In this special episode of The Dreaded Archer Podcast, I sit down with Trent Cole — former NFL Pro Bowler and founder of Blitz TV — to talk about life beyond the gridiron and deep in the woods.

Raised on the farms of Southern Ohio, Trent’s love for the outdoors runs generations deep. From getting his first bow in 5th grade to passing on D1 offers just to stay close to his hunting grounds, Trent’s journey proves he’s always been “Tha Hunter.” We dive into how his football career fueled his passion for the outdoo...

In this powerful episode of the Dreaded Archer Podcast, Trey sits down with Clark, the founder of Recovered Outdoors, to talk about his incredible journey from addiction to recovery—and how the outdoors played a vital role in his healing.

Clark opens up about the struggles he faced after getting clean, dealing with depression, and how faith and time in nature gave him a renewed purpose. He shares heartfelt stories about hunting with his grandfather, the lessons learned along the way, and why his grandpa’s 5-pointer remains the most meaningful deer on the...