Hosted by award-winning director and longtime Winchester brand ambassador and storyteller Jason Brown, the “WinLife Pod” looks at the many aspects of what makes the Winchester brand so legendary and dives into the stories, the technology and the lifestyle associated with hunting and the shooting spo
On this episode of the Winchester Life Podcast, we sit down with Team Winchester sporting clays champion Zach Kienbaum to discuss his journey to the highest levels of competitive shotgun shooting. Zach shares the hard work, techniques, and preparation that have helped him become one of the sport’s elite competitors, along with the importance of consistency and confidence when every target counts. He also gives an inside look at his role in testing and developing Winchester ammunition, including AA Diamond Grade, and what makes quality ammunition so important in competition. From…
For years, Mike Wilgus has dedicated his life to mastering the art of sporting clays and representing Team Winchester at the highest level of competitive shooting. A competitor. A hunter. A mentor. Mike has built a career through discipline, precision, and an unwavering commitment to the shooting sports. From the competition course to the hunting field, his passion for the outdoors and dedication to excellence have inspired shooters across the country. Mike brings a wealth of knowledge in competitive shooting, shotgun performance, ammunition, target presentation, shooting fundamentals, and…
In this special episode of Winchester Life Quick Shots, Senior Marketing Director Jason Gilbertson is joined by White Flyer National Sales Manager Josh Taylor for a deep dive into the powerful partnership between Winchester Ammunition and White Flyer — and their unwavering commitment to the shooting sports for decades. Jason and Josh explore how Winchester and White Flyer have become cornerstones of the clay target community. They discuss their role as the Official Ammunition of the ATA, SCTP, and NSCA Championship Tour Powered by Winchester, the industry-leading performance of Winchester AA…
For 45 years Ron Spomer has had the good fortune to photograph and write about the outdoor life. A hunter. A hiker. A fisherman. An explorer. Ron has connected with nature on 6 continents and been able to see the beauty that he believes everyone should see. Ron has an in-depth knowledge of guns, ammo, optics, ballistics, boots, clothing, wildlife behavior, hunting tactics, conservation programs, and anything else pertaining to our roles as hunter-conservationists and Natural citizens. Today, we sit down with the man behind the pictures, the stories, and the passion that continues to shape…
In this episode of Winchester Life Quick Shots, Senior Marketing Director Jason Gilbertson and Divisional Director of Operations Kyle Masinelli sit down for an in-depth look at Winchester Ammunition’s highly anticipated Super Suppressed line. From the advanced bullet design and optimized powder technology to the precise engineering that delivers exceptional suppressor performance, Jason and Kyle break down exactly what makes Super Suppressed stand apart from every other suppressed ammunition on the market. They discuss the real-world benefits shooters will experience — including…
In this episode of Winchester Life Quick Shots, host Jason Gilbertson (Senior Marketing Director at Winchester) sits down with Divisional Director of Operations Kyle Masinelli for an in-depth conversation on the launch of Winchester Supreme Long Range ammunition. After years of development and a relentless focus on manufacturing excellence, Winchester has created what many are calling the best-in-class long range ammunition for serious hunters and precision shooters. Jason and Kyle discuss the challenges, key breakthroughs, advanced technologies, and rigorous testing that went into bringing…
Join Winchester Marketing Director Jason Gilbertson and Product Manager Jimmy Wilson as they break down the engineering behind two of the most advanced turkey loads ever developed — Long Beard XR and Long Beard Tungsten. In this technical deep dive, Jimmy and Jason explain how Shot-Lok® technology in Long Beard XR protects the lead shot during launch, delivering dramatically tighter patterns with twice the pellets in a 10-inch circle out to 60 yards compared to traditional loads. They also explore the cutting-edge advantages of Long Beard Tungsten, featuring ultra-dense 17 g/cc Tungsten shot…
There are people who hunt deer… and then there are those who understand them. For decades, Dr. Grant Woods has walked that line between hunter and scientist — part biologist, part storyteller — studying whitetails with the kind of curiosity that never fades. From the rolling hills of the Ozarks to the screens of GrowingDeer.tv, he’s turned science into strategy, and passion into purpose. But behind every study and every hunt, there’s something deeper — a belief that conservation and faith go hand in hand… that great hunts aren’t just about the harvest, but about what we learn in the process.…
From the wide-open fields of South Dakota to the bright lights of national television, Benny Spies has carved a path unlike any other in the outdoor world. For over a decade, he chased the dream of telling hunting stories his way — raw, real, and relatable. With his beat-up ’73 Winnebago, “The Toaster,” and a relentless passion for the outdoors, Benny became the voice for the EveryOutdoorsMan — proving that hunting isn’t just about trophies, it’s about laughter, mistakes, memories, and family traditions. Today, he joins us to talk about his journey from working behind the scenes at NBC and…
On today’s episode of Winchester Life, we sit down with one of the most respected competitors in sporting clays, a shooter whose precision, consistency, and competitive fire have made her a force around the world. Desirae Edmunds has spent years mastering the craft of sporting clays—reading the course, breaking the toughest targets, and inspiring the next generation of shooters. She’s not only a fierce competitor, but also an ambassador for the sport, helping it grow far beyond the tournament fields. As a proud member of Team Winchester, Desirae represents the legacy of a brand that has…
In the world of competitive trapshooting, few names carry the weight of the name Bartholow. From the dusty ranges of South Dakota to the championship podiums across the country, Foster’s journey has been one of discipline, consistency, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Alongside his brother Matt, the Bartholow name has become synonymous with excellence…a family legacy built on countless targets, long days on the range, and a shared passion for the sport. But Foster’s story doesn’t end when the clays stop flying. An avid hunter, he’s chased wild game across the prairies and…
In Alaska, the wilderness doesn’t give second chances… and neither does the game you pursue. Our guest today has stared down charging brown bears, navigated storms that erase the trail behind you, and guided hunters to the kind of experiences most only dream about. When you hunt with him, you’re not just in the backcountry — you’re in his backyard. From the endless tundra…to the snow‑capped peaks of Alaska, Austin Manelick isn’t just a hunter — he’s a modern-day frontiersman. A master guide whose life has been built on grit, survival, and a deep respect for the animals he pursues. For over a…
She once danced beneath the stage lights…Graceful. Precise. Determined. A ballerina’s discipline shaped her early years — but Dania Vizzi found her true rhythm not on stage… but on the range. From pirouettes to podiums, her journey is anything but ordinary. In 2024, she stood on the world’s biggest stage — representing Team USA at the Paris Olympics, with a shotgun in hand and a nation behind her. And through it all, her love for shooting sports has remained unshakable — driven by passion, sharpened by purpose, and backed by the legendary Winchester name. Today we’ll sit down with Dania…
Some men are born into legacy. Others build it lap by lap, step by step, with steady hands and an unshakable heart. Austin Dillon has done both. Carrying the weight of a legendary name, and the spirit of Richard Childress Racing, Austin has carved his own path in the fast lane — not just as a driver, but as a man of purpose. He’s a husband, a father, and a believer. A soul anchored in faith, guided by family, and drawn to the quiet truths only the outdoors can offer. When he’s not chasing victory on the track, he’s chasing sunrises through the timber. Hunting, fishing, living life the way it…
One of the most renowned shooters in the world of sporting clays, Anthony Matarese Jr. is a living legend. Anthony was the first American to hold the honor of winning the World Sporting Clays Championship, and in 2020 became the first person to win all four major Sporting Clays titles during his shooting career. As a highly respected and sought after shooting instructor, Anthony regularly has students fly in from all parts of the country to New Jersey for lessons, where he owns and operates M&M Hunting and Sporting Clays, one of the only full-service clay shooting and hunting operations in…
Winchester Repeating Arms isn’t just a gun manufacturer, they’re the heart and soul of the American hunting heritage. Each gun they assemble is not only exceptionally well built and trusted, but it is poised to become an heirloom passed down from generation to generation with stories to tell. The legendary horse and rider brand is not only firmly cemented in America culture, but is driven to keep up with the demands of present day gun enthusiasts. In this episode, we’ll sit down with Ryan Swaner from Winchester Repeating Arms and dive into what it takes to build a gun from concept to…
On today’s episode, we have a truly legendary guest—six-time Olympic medalist and one of the most decorated shooters in history, Kim Rhode. From breaking records on the world’s biggest stage, to inspiring the next generation of competitive shooters, Kim’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. We’ll dive into her Olympic experiences, her passion for the shooting sports, and how she continues to push the limits of excellence with every pull of the trigger. Plus, we’ll talk about her connection with Winchester Ammunition—what goes into selecting the perfect load for elite competition and…
Since 1866 Winchester has continually manufactured quality products designed to provide security to Americans and their families. In 1991, that mission was taken to a new frontier and Winchester Safes was born. On today’s episode we’re joined by Greg Walters, a leader at Winchester Safes. With a passion for security, reliability, and the great American tradition of responsible firearm ownership, Greg brings us inside the world of Winchester Safes—where strength, technology, and peace of mind come together. Whether you’re a longtime safe owner, a firearms enthusiast, or simply someone looking…
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Col. Nick Nichols, President of Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members. Col. Nichols shares his life in a military family growing up, to his journey from military service to leading this impactful mission, offering insights into the power of education to transform lives and honor sacrifice. From the history and growth of Folds of Honor to exploring compelling stories of the families they’ve helped, we’ll discuss the importance of giving back to those…
The National Wild Turkey Federation has been at the heart of wildlife conservation since 1973, founded with the mission of restoring wild turkey populations across North America. At that time, there were fewer than 1.5 million wild turkeys in the United States. Thanks to the hard work of this organization and its 250,000 dedicated members, wild turkey populations now exceed 6 million. It’s one of the greatest conservation success stories in history. On this week’s show we’ll sit down with the Pete Muller from the NWTF and talk about everything from conservations stories, incredible spring…
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has been dedicated to the research and conservation of the wild turkey. Now with over 500,000 members and 2,000 chapters nationwide, the NWTF has brought the wild turkey back from the brink of extinction, to present day population numbers over 6.5 million. Each year in February, thousands of turkey hunting enthusiasts find their way to Nashville to celebrate their turkey hunting heritage at the NWTF National Convention at the Opryland Hotel and Resort. Over 80,000 attendees from Thursday to Saturday stalked the aisles for the latest and…
For almost 20 years, Jason Gilbertson has been orchestrating the marketing efforts and brand initiatives from behind the scenes at Winchester Ammunition. Born and raised in Wisconsin, the outdoors were part of the very fabric in which he was raised. After spending the first four years of his career cutting his teeth at the National Wild Turkey Federation, Jason was hired into the world of Winchester, where he eventually worked his way up through the ranks and would lead groundbreaking initiatives like the launch of Longboard XR, Deer Season XP, 350 Legend and 6.8 Western to name a few.…
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has been dedicated to the research and conservation of the wild turkey. Now with over 500,000 members and 2,000 chapters nationwide, the NWTF has brought the wild turkey back from the brink of extinction, to present day population numbers over 6.5 million. Each year in February, thousands of turkey hunting enthusiasts find their way to Nashville to celebrate their turkey hunting heritage at the NWTF National Convention at the Opryland Hotel and Resort. Over 80,000 attendees from Thursday to Saturday stalked the aisles for the latest and…
It’s 1989 and the outdoor industry was on the presuppose of exploding. A turf war of sorts was being waged between camouflage companies and record numbers of VHS hunting tapes were being distributed across the country to a rapidly growing contingent of hunters. In the middle of it all was a young Mark Drury, still in college and winning turkey calling contests at the state and national level at a rapid rate. In a stroke of luck that would forever change his life, through a crowded show floor, young entrepreneur Toxey Haas sought out a conversation with Mark, just minutes after winning…
While SHOT Show is a kickoff to a new year with new product offerings, it’s also a celebration of another year in the books. On the third day of SHOT, about 180 of Winchester’s employees, media partners and industry professionals gathered in an outdoor venue right on the Vegas Strip for the Winchester After Party. As the sun set and the stories began to flow, Team Winchester’s Chris Keefer, Casey Keefer and Host Jason Brown sat down with a handful of partners and talked about everything from whitetail deer, to a Kodiak Island waterfowl hunt…to the latest and greatest from partners like Kids…
Every year Las Vegas hosts the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trades show, also known as the SHOT Show, to over 60,000 attendees from over 100 countries. Throughout the week, I was there with the Winchester Life Podcast crew hunkered down in the Winchester booth while thousands of consumers and dealers checked out everything new from Winchester Ammunition and Repeating Arms. During the madness, I was able to steal some time from about a dozen of the industries finest to talk about hunting, shooting, technology innovations and some of the new offerings from the World of Winchester. In Part Two…
Every year Las Vegas hosts the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trades show, also known as the SHOT Show, to over 60,000 attendees from over 100 countries. Throughout the week, we hunkered down in the Winchester booth while thousands of consumers and dealers checked out everything new from Winchester Ammunition and Repeating Arms. During the madness, we were able to steal some time from about a dozen of the industries finest to talk about hunting, shooting, technology innovations and some of the new offerings from the World of Winchester. In Part One of the three-part SHOT Show special, we sit…
For almost 160 years, Winchester has been part of the American culture…and for a better part of the last two decades, Jason Brown, Chris Keefer and Casey Keefer have been behind the scenes helping spearhead how visual storytelling of Winchester Ammunition’s most groundbreaking products, and the people who use them, will reach the masses. From short films to commercials, television episodes to brand campaigns all the way to documenting high speed bullet ballistics gel testing, the trio has made it a priority as a production team and show hosts to be a part of one of the most innovative and…
For nearly two decades, Melissa Bachman has been the standard. Entering the outdoor industry landscape at its peak in 2006, Melissa had her sights set on the big things…and in her own words “I just wanted to hunt every day”. Before that, she was a girl from Minnesota who grew up in the outdoors with a family who embraced the hunting lifestyle, so much so that during her high school years her parents would sign a work permit so she could start school after her morning hunts. With a dogged mindset and determination that would later in her career power her up mountains, Melissa broke through…
On this inaugural first episode of the Winchester Life Podcast, host Jason Brown will dive into how his roots of growing up in a small Northern Michigan town laid the groundwork for a career in the outdoors as a media personality, writer, executive producer and business owner and discuss how the 15-year relationship with Winchester originally got started. He’ll discuss what living a Winchester Life means to him and how a 160-year-old brand continues to innovate like never before while leading the way in the hunting and shooting sports. Finally, he’ll wrap up with a quick look into the future…
About The Winchester Life Podcast
Hosted by award-winning director and longtime Winchester brand ambassador and storyteller Jason Brown, the “WinLife Pod” looks at the many aspects of what makes the Winchester brand so legendary and dives into the stories, the technology and the lifestyle associated with hunting and the shooting spo
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