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Ben O'Brien
Ben O’Brien is a writer, editor, host of The Hunting Collective podcast, a member of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Board of Directors, and MeatEater’s Director of Hunting.
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Podcasts
Ep. 173: The Beginning of the End, Elk Don't Want to Die, and Animal Rights as a Conservation Model with Dr. Robert C. Jones
On this week's episode, Ben and Phil check in with California chapter leader Nurry Hong to talk about what's happening in his state, including an inspiring story of a disabled hunter who's kicking ass in the field. In the interview portion of the show, Ben chats with his favorite vegan and animal...
Podcasts
Ep. 172: Texas Turkey Success, Phil's Burner Account, Sit/Git versus Run/Gun, and Top Turkey States with Sam Soholt
On this week's episode, Ben reports back on his turkey success in Texas and his pure, unadulterated excitement for the rest of the season. The guys also cover the philosophical debate that is sit/git versus run/gun and update the progress of THC's regional chapters. In the interview portion of the...
Podcasts
Ep. 170: A Podcast About THC Chapters with Luke Reeves
On this episode, Ben and Phil break down the creation of regional chapters for THC and what it means for the future. The guys are joined by Nebraska chapter leader Luke Reeves to give everyone all the details they need to join. Enjoy.
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Podcasts
Ep. 169: Coyote Shootin' Folk Songs, Anti-Hunting Hyperbole, and Unpacking Wildlife Killing Contests with Cornell Ethicist Dr. James Tantillo
On this week's episode, Phil the Engineer is out sick, so Ben is joined by Brian Lynn of the Sportsmen's Alliance to talk about a troubling documentary about wildlife killing contests and the progress with our regional chapter work. In the interview portion of the show, Ben is joined by Cornell...
Podcasts
Ep. 168: Looking for Leaders, Aldo Leopold's Green Fire, and Wisconsin's Wolf Hunt Drama with Patrick Durkin
On this week's episode, Ben and Phil check in with the amazing progress of THC's regional chapters. In the interview portion of the show, writer and journalist Patrick Durkin details the drama around Wisconsin's recent wolf hunt and why he considers it a failure. Enjoy.
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Podcasts
Ep. 167: Kayla Ray's New THC Tune, Deadly Vegan Data, and Animal Welfare versus Animal Rights with Paul McCarney
On this week's show, Ben and Phil are joined by musical legend Kayla Ray to finally hear the new THC theme song. The guys also break down the death totals of large scale plant agriculture and discuss THC cult regional chapters. In the interview portion of the program, Ben chats with conservationist...
Podcasts
Ep. 166: The Value of Mentorship, THC’s First Regional Chapter, and Hunters of Color Co-Founders on Achieving Real and Lasting Diversity in Hunting
On this week’s episode, Ben and Phil answer reader emails on the Bojangles Fraud, Ben’s Minnesota lookalike, and the Virginia “emergent” hunter who now has a whole lot of friends in the Blue Ridge mountains. In the interview portion of the show, Ben is joined by the founders of Hunters of Color to...
Podcasts
Ep. 165: The Anthem of a Cult, Tahr Wars, and the Many Sides of Trophy Hunting with SCI’s Ben Cassidy
On this week’s episode, Ben and Phil read listener emails, talk Valentine’s Day, and go through a list of hunting bills that have proposed recently throughout the country. In the interview portion of the show, Ben welcomes SCI’s Director of Government Affairs Ben Cassidy to talk about Tahr Wars, the...
Podcasts
Ep. 164: Cameo for Turks, Dad Noises, the Anti-Hunter Populist High Ground, and Another Ask the Eagle with Janis Putelis
On this week’s show, Ben and Phil talk about their Cameo for Turks campaign to raise money for the NWTF, examine the anti-hunter populist high ground, and talk about making big bets on the Super Bowl. Next, Janis Putelis joins the guys for another Ask the Eagle segment. Enjoy.
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Podcasts
Ep. 163: THC Marriage Counseling, a New Theme Song, and the California Bear Ban Saga with Clay Newcomb
On this week’s episode, Ben and Phil read some listener emails, announce plans for a new theme song, and dive into bear hunting in California. Next up, Clay Newcomb joins the show to talk about the “Bear Protection Act,” what it means for hunters in all states, and how to make our voices heard...