JRE 2248 · December 26, 2024

Michael Waddell

huntingbusinessenvironmentsportsphilosophy

Who is Michael Waddell?

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Topics and Timestamps

01Michael Waddell discusses his journey building the Bone Collector brand and hunting television empire
02Conversation covers the evolution of hunting shows and how they've changed over the past two decades
03Waddell shares stories about memorable hunts and the physical and mental demands of professional hunting
04Discussion touches on conservation efforts and the role hunters play in wildlife management
05The episode explores the appeal of hunting content and why it resonates with audiences
06Waddell talks about balancing business ventures with his passion for actually being in the field
▶Michael Waddell introduced as founder of Bone Collector and outdoor legend0:00:00
▶Discussion about the evolution of hunting television and content creation0:10:00
▶Waddell shares insights on conservation and the role of hunters in wildlife management0:25:00
▶Conversation about the physical and mental demands of professional hunting0:40:00
▶Discussion of building and sustaining the Bone Collector brand as a business0:55:00

The Show

Joe brings on Michael Waddell, the founder and host of the wildly popular Bone Collector hunting show, for a wide-ranging conversation about hunting, television, and outdoor life. Waddell has built an incredible brand around hunting content, and he's got stories for days about what it takes to make compelling TV while actually pursuing game in remote locations.

The conversation digs into how hunting shows have evolved and what separates the real deal from guys just playing around with cameras. Waddell explains the grind of being out in the field for extended periods, the unpredictability of hunting, and how that translates to content that keeps people engaged. He's been doing this long enough to see the entire landscape shift from traditional outdoor programming to the streaming era, and he's navigated those changes successfully.

They get into the philosophy of hunting, conservation, and why hunters are actually critical to wildlife management. Waddell breaks down how license fees and hunting culture fund the vast majority of conservation efforts in America, a point that often gets lost in mainstream conversations. It's not some abstract debate for him either—this is his life and livelihood.

The discussion also touches on the business side of things. Building an empire like Bone Collector requires way more than just knowing how to hunt. There's production, marketing, merchandise, and all the stuff that goes into making something sustainable. Waddell seems genuinely passionate about all of it, not just the kill itself, which is probably why his brand has endured and grown.