EP 150: Okayest Hunter w. Eric Clark
The conversation explores the importance of hunting for the experience and memories rather than focusing solely on antler size. The guests discuss the shaming that occurs in the hunting community and the need for a more positive and inclusive approach. They also touch on the origins of the Okayest Hunter brand and its mission to promote humility and authenticity. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges of ego in the hunting industry and the importance of unity in preserving hunting rights. Eric Clark discusses the journey of building a podcast network in the hunting and fishing industry. He shares how the podcast led to the creation of the Where to Hunt podcast, and how they expanded to include fishing podcasts. Eric talks about the challenges of growing the network and the transition to becoming a media company. He also discusses the sacrifices and imposter syndrome that come with entrepreneurship. Eric emphasizes the importance of pushing boundaries and helping others, while also optimizing life and finding happiness.
Takeaways
- Focus on the experience and memories of hunting rather than the size of the animal or antlers.
- Promote a positive and inclusive hunting community that embraces hunters of all skill levels and preferences.
- Challenge the unrealistic expectations and standards set by social media and focus on personal hunting goals and values.
- Embrace humility and authenticity in hunting and reduce ego to create a more positive and supportive hunting culture. Building a podcast network requires a clear vision and a focus on the core topics of the industry.
- Entrepreneurship involves sacrifices and challenges, but it can also lead to personal and professional growth.
- Being a small business in a competitive industry requires perseverance and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Helping others and building a brand that resonates with the target audience is crucial for success.
- Finding happiness and fulfillment in entrepreneurship involves optimizing life and focusing on what truly matters.
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Creators and Guests
Host
Carter Mckenzie
Carter grew up in North Georgia and from a young age had a passion for fishing and the outdoors. He was introduced to hunting as a freshman in college and had been hooked ever since. He has hunted in many states including black bear in Alaska, mule deer and antelope in Wyoming, ducks in Arkansas and North Dakota and most often, whitetail in his home state. With hunting has come a passion for cooking wild game and sharing it with others. Carter is a high school history teacher in John’s Creek, Ga where he teaches AP US history, AP Psychology, and World History. He also coaches several sports including cross country, tennis, and swim team. He lives on a small farm with his wife and 1 year old girl where gardening and self sufficiency are important.
Host
Luke Cox
Luke grew up an Army brat, but his family's farms in Grayson County, VA were constants in his life. He spent his childhood camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting. He barely graduated from Virginia Tech in 2013, where he studied History & Appalachian Studies (super useful in the real world). He somehow commissioned as an Army Infantry Officer despite spending most of his time at Hokie House (local watering hole) or the tree stand. During his second deployment to Afghanistan, he discovered powerlifting and competed in a couple Army competitions. On that deployment his started his MBA but dropped out the first day. Missing hunting season that deployment motivated him to take advantage of every opportunity to be in the woods & lit a spark that has since grown into an obsession. He figured the best way to learn business was to start one, so he launched HLE. He lives with his beautiful wife Caroline in Colorado Springs, CO. They have a young son, a little girl, and two dogs.
Producer
Cole Ried
Cole grew up around the United States as an Army brat but spent most of his time in the DC metro area. Having grown up in the outdoors with camping and fishing from a young age, hunting didn’t come until recently in 2019. He has now hunted whitetail deer, mule deer, antelope, and elk in various states such as Georgia, Colorado, Virginia, Wyoming, & Montana. Being a young hunter, Cole has spent time learning new ways to introduce game meat into his life and share it with others. Cole also has a passion of educating people on hunting and conservationism overall. Cole is currently pursuing his master’s degree in international affairs and political science while working for a private defense contracting firm based out of the DC Metro area. Cole, outside of hunting and fishing, enjoys training for half-marathons and spending time in his garden growing enough vegetables to share with his friends and family. Cole lives in South Carolina with his girlfriend and German Shorthaired Pointer.
