Vortex Nation Podcast

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 weave rucking into their pre-season training regimen.  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 @vortexnationpodcast

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 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 @vortexnationpodcast

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 styling and modern performance of the Smith & Wesson 1854. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

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 there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

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 Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

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 feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

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 your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

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 are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

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 your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

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 testing in three days… including the inaugural fielding of Ryan’s .300 SUPER WSM. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

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 @vortexnationpodcast

Subsonic cartridges are fun, pleasant to shoot, practical and tactical. Specialized military applications, personal defense, hunting, discrete pest control, and more, subsonic cartridges serve multiple roles. Damon Zito from Vortex’s product development team joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn for a fun discussion on subsonic cartridges, their versatility, and how they are using them. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Cody Osborn from Q sits down with Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn for an in-depth discussion about Q, their ethos, and some very cool products. Known for their engineering, bucking the status quo, and personality, Q is a unique company doing impressive things in the firearms space. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Big medicine in a standard-length action pushing a heavy .366 diameter bullet, the 9.3x62 Mauser is legally accepted as a dangerous game option in parts of Africa with a .375 bullet diameter minimum. This cartridge has a storied history and reputation for getting the job done…Big jobs. Commonly referred to as the poor man’s .375 H&H, the 9.3x62 Mauser may just be the coolest cartridge you didn’t know about. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

All your thermal scanning needs are met with the high-performing, feature-rich, easy-to-use, intuitive, Veil™ 400 Thermal Monocular. Joe Heltemes and Ben Farrell from Vortex’s product development team join Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn to talk through its tech, features, and user-friendly functionality. Hog hunting, predator hunting, game recovery, and more, if you’ve been thinking about getting into the thermal game, the Veil 400™ is your ticket.  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 @vortexnationpodcast

Vortex’s Reuben Aleckson talks through and demonstrates the ACE Virtual Shooting Simulator. This thing is cool, fun, and has legitimate training merit that will make you better. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Maine Moose Biologist, Lee Kantar, joins Mark Boardman to discuss “Winter Tick” and its impact on the region’s moose population. Winter Tick is literally sucking the life out of Maine’s moose until they succumb. Lee talks through the biology of the ticks themselves, research he’s been involved with, and what the future holds. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn talk forced reset triggers and super-safeties. Once installed, these things still require a single trigger pull per round sent downrange — but do it fast. With no firsthand experience, they chat through their functionality, merit, place in the shooting world and debate if they should give them a shot — more accurately, lots of shots.  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 @vortexnationpodcast

The video is a wrap, but the discussion isn’t over. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn are back in the podcast studio breaking down their slow-motion copper bullet comparison. Listen as they deep-dive the results, provide opinions, and give final conclusions. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

OnX Map’s Dylan Dowson navigates his way over to highlight new and useful features to make your hunt more successful start-to-finish. Pre-hunt scouting to in-field execution, OnX is an invaluable tool. Tune in for tips to amplify its capabilities. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Hunting legend and Knight & Hale’s very own, Harold Knight, is in the studio. We get the incredible history of this iconic brand, some great stories, and an inside look from the man himself. One of the first content-marketers in the hunting space, his passion for calling critters and the outdoors is palpable. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Joel Webster from the TRCP is back on for a quick chat covering current conservation-related issues, what we should be keeping our eyes out for, and how you can make a difference. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Enter the Vortex Dream Build Experience When it comes to hunting, Remi Warren is as good as it gets! Mark Boardman sits down with him to find out what a person can be doing in the off-season to make their archery hunts a success. Tune your bow and tune in for great archery tips you can take to the field. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Incredible performance, optics, versatility, durability, and new tech make the Strike Eagle® 1-10x24 FFP an absolute contender for any firearm built for speed and quick target acquisition with the need to engage targets at distance. Rob Morell from our product development team drops in to tell us about this awesome addition to the Strike Eagle® lineup. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Matt Pederson from Pederson Precision drops by to put his spin on rifling. We cover the different types, their processes, and pros/cons of each. Will the newest method be the future? Only time will tell.  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 @vortexnationpodcast

This unique wildcat comes at us from listener Chasen Wolfford with a detailed letter, dimensional drawing, and a whole lot of “cool factor.” Listen as we cover the why behind his creation and what we think it’s capable of. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Garret Caldwell and Tim Farrell from Mack Brothers drop by the studio to chat everything Mack Brothers — including sneak peeks at new products. Suppressors, actions, complete guns, history and more, this is a fun, in-depth interview with a couple great guys who know what they are talking about.  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 @vortexnationpodcast

Get the rundown on the Vortex Dream Build Experience. One person will be selected to work with Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn on their perfect build followed by a day of instruction with them and the Vortex Edge® crew. Find out how to get your name in the hat. Will it be you? There’s only one way to find out. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Huntin’ Fool’s Austin Atkinson joins Mark Boardman to chat western tag draw strategies. Shotgun approaches of the past aren’t your best bet. The game has changed. You need to match your personal goals with a targeted multiyear plan that gets you in the field. Just starting out or point-rich, Austin tells us how. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Episode 32 of Spaghetti Shootout is one spicy meatball! Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn bring the banter, the jabs, and debate questions so philosophically sophisticated even Socrates would be impressed. With Jimmy as the judge, anything can happen. Watch to find out who takes the win. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Is your action bedded? Should you bed your action? What does bedding even do? Tune in as the guys put all your bedding questions to bed. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn take the show on the road as they traverse the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo in search of cool products. They go booth to booth, grabbing folks to chat about gear and equipment that caught their eye. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

U.S. Rifle Team Shooter Ian Klemm joins the guys to chat long-range shooting past and present. Tune in for a highly educational, insightful, and interesting conversation with one of the world’s best shooters.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 @vortexnationpodcast

Adam Weatherby, Weatherby CEO, and Luke Thorkildsen, Weatherby COO, drop by Vortex for an awesome conversation that traverses the company’s history, ethos, new for 2026 products, and more. Tune in for a fun and informative podcast that may have you buying a new ultralight rifle.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 @vortexnationpodcast

The base of a bullet and its design dictate a good portion of how it behaves down range. Tune in as the guys talk through the most common types, what they offer, and where they shine.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 @vortexnationpodcast

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn engage in an electric conversation about the revolutionary, cutting edge (at the time), and very short lived, Remington 700 ExtronX rifle. The world wasn’t ready for this tech and its execution. It still isn’t. But that’s what makes it so fun to talk about. Tune in. We’ll be shocked if this isn’t one you enjoy.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 @vortexnationpodcast

The modern cartridge landscape hasn’t forgotten about the crafty coyote. Daytime or night, bolt gun or AR, there are cartridges optimized for the task of putting fur on the ground. Tune in as Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn cover a few of our newer standouts. 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 @vortexnationpodcast

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn highlight new-for-2026 SHOT Show product releases based solely on a single criteria — they thought the items were cool. Tune in for a rundown on some great gear you may want to add to your kit.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 @vortexnationpodcast

The gang is back throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. Best cartridge for coyotes, the change they’d make to predator hunting regulations, technology impacting the spirit of the hunt, and the Mandela effect are all on the dinner table. Heck, did this episode of Spaghetti Shootout even really happen? Watch to find out.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 @vortexnationpodcast

GeoBallsitcs® is a robust and comprehensive ballistic solver that integrates with select Vortex products —and it just got better! Tune in as the guys run through its incredible features and capabilities. Get the PRO version free with purchase of any GeoBallistcs® equipped product. Download the free version to check it out!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 @vortexnationpodcast

The holy grail of binoculars, the holy grail of weather meters, and the ability for the units to talk to one another via the Relay™ Network gives hunters and shooters a new level of capability. Tune in to get the scoop on these new products, the new tech that makes them tick, and more.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 @vortexnationpodcast

Ian Klemm is back with a collection of straight pull rifles of different designs and eras. Tune in as he details the intricacies of each, gives us some history, and is his eternally interesting self.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 @vortexnationpodcast

A new tier of optic is born. The Vortex AMG® 1-10x24 is the most-advanced, highest performing, feature rich, optically superior, LPVO we’ve ever built. Astonishingly lightweight and compact, it is a true engineering marvel. Tune in and listen to AMG team members Andy Haffemann and Connor McDermot talk through its pedigree, features, and capabilities.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 @vortexnationpodcast

Avid shooters from Vortex get together to share information on new products they used, liked, and made a difference. Tune in to get the scoop on gear you may need too!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 @vortexnationpodcast

2025 is in the books — along with every hunt the guys could fit in. Listen and watch as they highlight gear they used for the first time, liked, and would recommend.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 @vortexnationpodcast

High pressure cases appear to be the next evolution of cartridge performance. Shell Schock Technologies and their NAS3 cases are at the forefront of the trend. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat through their experiences with Blackarc Munitions ammo loaded using NAS3 cases. Tune in for their thoughts on the technology itself and what they saw.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 @vortexnationpodcast

Rob Morrel from Vortex’s New Product Development team drops by the studio to chat suppressors, manufacturing processes, material composition, trends, and what he’s personally excited about. Don’t suppress your urge to tune in. This is a good one.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 @vortexnationpodcast

Introduced in 1895 for the Winchester 1894, the .25-35 Winchester was fast for its time, flat shooting, and optimized for the lever gun. This cartridge had and still has a lot to offer. Saddle up for an informative discussion focused on this classic cartridge.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 @vortexnationpodcast

The 7mm SAUM has everything a long-range hunter or shooter is looking for — today. This cartridge was ahead of its time. Those who understood its capabilities have kept it alive in custom rifles to this day. Tune in as Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Jimmy Hamilton cover this cool cartridge that should have been a household name.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 @vortexnationpodcast

Lightning fast, low recoil, mild report, and perfect for varmints — what’s not to like about the .17 Remington Fireball? Apparently, a lot. This cartridge and rifles chambered in it weren’t long for this world. Tune is as the gang chats through this ultra-cool cartridge that never got traction.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 @vortexnationpodcast