Episode List
Ep. 075: ELK HUNTING 201: Why MOST Elk Hunters Don’t Punch Tags w/ Cliff Gray
Cliff Gray sits down with host Weston Homa this week to break down the mistakes that quietly kill hunts, from bad mountain prep to treating elk hunting like a math problem instead of an art.Cliff has extensive experience as guide, outfitting roots, and hard-earned backcountry knowledge that brings this conversation to the next level. Tune in to learn why the best callers aren’t always the best killers, why some bulls react completely differently depending on how close you are, and why many hunters mistake activity for progress. 00:00 — The Calling Mistake Most Elk Hunters Make00:49 — Introduction: Cliff Gray on Elk Hunting06:58 — Cliff’s Background: From Finance to Outfitting15:20 — The Biggest Backcountry Hunting Mistake23:21 — Stop Treating Elk Hunting Like a Math Problem32:03 — Calling Elk: Proximity Before Vocalizations45:00 — How to Approach a Herd in the Timber47:46 — What to Do When a Bull Hangs Up52:22 — Building Better Setups for Close Encounters56:50 — Why Local Knowledge Produces More Elk65:06 — Why Hunters Quit—and How to Stay in the Hunt73:12 — Closing Thoughts and Where to Find CliffPartners:Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296dOn Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9abWebsite/Blog:https://runtherackoutdoors.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/runtherackoutdoors/https://www.instagram.com/westonhoma/https://www.instagram.com/cliffgry/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/wes.homa/Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGX3Lj3pEbXQNd1T-eYo9xAWebsite:
Ep. 074: ULTRA Running: Endurance, Hunting, & Finding Balance w/ Hayden Hawks
Hayden Hawks, professional ultra runner, sits down with host Weston Homa this week to discuss running, hunting, and finding balance in life. Hayden has won and podiumed at some of the biggest races in the sport, but this episode goes deeper than results. He breaks down how growing up in the outdoors shaped his competitive edge, why hunting and trail running are more alike than most people realize, and how the process matters more than the trophy at the endHayden also shares the reality of balancing professional running with being a husband, father, and man of faith, plus the simple habits that keep him grounded when life gets busy. Timestamps:(00:00) Hayden intro(03:42) Hood 100 recap(06:35) Hunting schedule(08:01) Southern Utah elk(10:44) Childhood mountains(13:56) Slowing down(16:54) Family traditions(19:58) Pack-out calls(23:40) Baseball to running(27:29) Career breakthrough races(31:40) Western States pressure(34:00) Flagstaff fall(36:24) Post-race lessons(41:46) Week-after rule(45:23) Balance and faith(53:23) Being present(55:42) Distractions and excuses(58:09) Chamonix simplicity(59:34) New Zealand lessons(64:01) Recovery planPartners:Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296dOn Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9abWebsite/Blog:https://runtherackoutdoors.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/runtherackoutdoors/https://www.instagram.com/westonhoma/https://www.instagram.com/hawks_hayden/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/wes.homa/Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGX3Lj3pEbXQNd1T-eYo9xAWebsite:
Ep. 073: HOOD HUNDRED: 100-Mile Ultra Recap & Lessons Learned About Life
Host Weston Homa recaps his experience at the Hood 100-mile ultramarathon. A massive turn of uncontrollable events makes this story one worth checking out. Tune in to discover how to harness tough moments for growth in running and life and the powerful lesson of focusing on what you can control, even when everything else falls apart.The big wins are often in the mindset, not the medal and Weston explains that through his journey in this episode. Prepare to be inspired to see every obstacle as an opportunity to grow stronger. Join us for a brutally honest look at chasing goals, battling disappointment, and the true meaning of endurance — inracing, in life, and in yourself.Timestamps:00:00 - The unexpected ending of the Hood 100 due to wildfire smoke00:30 - Course changes and race day setup amid wildfire concerns01:00 - Weston’s back-to-back marathons to prepare mentally and physically01:43 - Test of mental toughness during Eugene and Boston marathons02:10 - The significance of evidence and experience in ultra endurance03:08 - Managing race-day nerves and focus through present-moment awareness04:06 - Camping out and morning reflections before the race start05:15 - The importance of race mindset and energy management06:14 - Staying in a good headspace and embracing the chaos of race day setup07:09 - Race morning feelings, soreness, and mental preparation08:03 - The chaotic, dirtbag nature of ultra racing—setting expectations10:44 - The start of the race and the mental state at 5 a.m.11:14 - The significance of gratitude and enjoying the moment12:40 - Climbing Mount Hood and the importance of experience in tough terrain13:33 - The mental game: managing perceived effort and pain15:02 - Writing "the place is here and the now" on his arm to stay present22:34 - Pushing through fatigue and managing a smoky, challenging environment25:35 - The wildfire smoke and its impact on breathing and safety29:01 - The abrupt race cancellation and emotional breakdown30:12 - Reflecting on fairness, hard work, and the incompleteness of the race32:30 - Personal story of starting running later in life and the growth of mental resilience34:18 - The acceptance of uncontrollable factors in races and life44:32 - Lessons from setbacks: things just are and opportunities within adversity45:52 - Action and movement as cures for fear and overthinking49:18 - The reality that success requires effort, but it’s never guaranteed54:35 - The upcoming focus on hunting season and future challenges55:33 - Final thoughts on resilience, community, and the story we choose to tell56:30 - Closing gratitude and encouragement to leave no doubt in pursuit of your goalsPartners:Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296dOn Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9abWebsite/Blog:https://runtherackoutdoors.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/runtherackoutdoors/https://www.instagram.com/westonhoma/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/wes.homa/Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGX3Lj3pEbXQNd1T-eYo9xAWebsite:
Ep. 072: East Meets West Hunt: Adventure, Entrepreneurship, & Personal Development w/ Beau Martonik
Beau Martonik joins from East Meets West Hunt joins host Weston Homa to reveal how adventure molds character,builds confidence, and teaches resilience that applies far beyond the hunt.Beau shares the story of his first trip out West and how those tough days laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of growth. You'll discover why embracing the unknown—whether pursuing a big bull or exploring new terrain—can unlock unexpected personal breakthroughs.The discussion emphasizes that success isn't about perfection but persistence—daring to take initial steps, learn from failures, and stay committed to the journey. Perfect for anyone cravingadventure, personal development, or looking for inspiration to start their next chapter. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Weston’s background and journey into hunting and podcasting01:23 - Weston’s move from Pennsylvania to Idaho and its influence02:45 - Personal development through hunting and embracing hard things03:14 - Weston’s upcoming 100-mile trail race around Mount Hood04:10 - Reflection on goal setting and the importance of the process05:08 - How hunting and adventure shape character and life skills06:21 - Early influences: podcasts, gear, and learning to hunt the West09:12 - The challenge and reward of public land whitetail hunting on the East Coast12:12 - The mindset shift from failure to experience in hunting17:14 - Bo’s first trip hunting elk in Colorado and lessons learned19:39 - Starting the East Meets West Hunt podcast and its purpose33:25 - The power of community and connection through social media and events62:24 - Building a community through Mountain Buck Mondays and shared success stories68:23 - How adventure is defined personally and its broader meaning69:34 - The importance of taking risks and stepping into the unknown70:39 - Bo’s definition of adventure: challenge, experience, and growth72:02 - Strategies for goal setting and enjoying the journey in hunting and life74:44 - The experiential value of hunting in diverse landscapes75:34 - How to find and connect with like-minded hunters online and offline77:01 - Final thoughts: the ongoing journey of growth, learning, and adventurePartners:Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296dOn Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9abWebsite/Blog:https://runtherackoutdoors.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/runtherackoutdoors/https://www.instagram.com/westonhoma/https://www.instagram.com/beau.martonik/https://www.instagram.com/eastmeetswesthunt/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/wes.homa/Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGX3Lj3pEbXQNd1T-eYo9xAWebsite:
Ep. 071: The EXO DEATH HIKE: Recap & The Importance of Doing Hard Things w/ Alex Moore
Alex Moore joins this week to recap the EXO Mountain Gear Death Hike with host Weston Homa in Idaho’s rugged Lost River Range. Tune in to hear about the intense experience of summiting multiple 12,000-foot peaks—facing lightning storms, class III scrambles, and some crazy adventures. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts aiming to elevate their mental game, this episode will leave you motivated to embrace the hard challenges waiting in your own life, armed with new perspectives on risk, safety, and grit.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Alex Moore00:54 - Recap of the recent death hike adventure and its significance01:24 - Alex Moore’s background in hunting and mountain experience02:57 - The motivation behind mountain training and outdoor scouting04:11 - Insight into the environment and routes planned for the death hike06:02 - Explaining the route: peaks, elevation, and high country camping08:02 - The mental and physical preparation for such challenging climbs10:01 - The story behind the route sourced from ultra runners and mountaineers11:11 - Key peaks: Bora, Idaho, Leatherman, Donaldson, and church13:03 - The technical aspects: scrambling, class three moves, safety gear15:28 - The importance of safety equipment, helmets, and risk awareness18:02 - Climbing and summit reflections, outstanding views, and weather challenges19:10 - Encountering Chicken Out Ridge and the scramble experience20:38 - Storm approaching and lightning safety precautions27:57 - The lightning strike experience and feeling electricity in gear32:10 - Rescue operations: spotting a fallen hiker, coordinating safely33:48 - Lightning and weather hazards, decision to evacuate, and the role of search and rescue36:21 - Helicopter insertion, medevac, and the chaos of mountain rescue44:07 - Reflections on the rescue effort, Garrett’s heroism, and lessons learned55:02 - The importance of gear, helmets, confidence, and overcoming fear60:04 - Team support, climbing tips, and mental toughness during technical ascents66:29 - How mountain challenges build confidence for hunting and outdoor pursuits67:53 - The analogy between technical climbs and hunting obstacles68:34 - Applying lessons of overcoming fear and risk management to broader life challenges73:49 - Training, physical endurance, and mental strategies for preparation75:08 - Acknowledgments for first responders, rescue teams, and safe practices76:22 - Final thoughts: pushing limits safely, learning from experiences, and chasing big goalsPartners:Oryx Outdoors - Fitness apparel for those who are driven to push boundaries—whether that means improving their gains at the gym or filling their freezers. Use code WESTON for 10% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/yeay296dOn Glass Adapters - The best digiscoping products on the market. Founded by hunters for hunters, use code WESTON for 15% off your next order! - https://tinyurl.com/47bmm9abWebsite/Blog:https://runtherackoutdoors.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/runtherackoutdoors/https://www.instagram.com/westonhoma/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/wes.homa/Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGX3Lj3pEbXQNd1T-eYo9xAWebsite:
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