The LandTrust Podcast
The LandTrust Podcast explores the intersection of land technology and outdoor experiences. Hosted by LandTrust, a platform connecting landowners with outdoor enthusiasts for activities like hunting, fishing, and camping, the podcast dives into innovative solutions for land access, conservation, and recreation. Each episode features insights from experts, landowners, and adventurers, highlighting how technology is transforming the way we engage with the outdoors.
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Episodes
Friday Jan 16, 2026
Friday Jan 16, 2026
Fly fishing has changed, but the core values of access, stewardship, and earned experience still matter.
In this episode of The LandTrust Podcast, we sit down with Joe Simonds of Salt Strong to talk about building a career in fly fishing, the realities of guiding and outfitting, and how access to land and water shapes the future of the sport. Joe shares lessons learned from decades in the industry, what it takes to succeed as a guide today, and why protecting opportunity matters as outdoor participation grows.
This conversation dives into the intersection of fly fishing, entrepreneurship, conservation, and the evolving outdoor economy.
What You’ll Learn- How careers in fly fishing and guiding actually get built- The realities of access to land and water for anglers- How the fly fishing industry has evolved over time- Why stewardship and responsibility matter more than ever- Lessons for hunters, anglers, and outdoor entrepreneurs
🔔 Subscribe for more stories from hunters, anglers, industry pros, & landowners🌐 Find private-land fishing spots → https://landtrust.com#LandTrust #LandTrustPodcast #FlyFishing #FlyFishingLife #FishingAccess #OutdoorIndustry #GuidingLife #Conservation #PublicAccess #Angling
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Joe Simonds02:15 – Getting started in fly fishing and guiding06:40 – Building a career in the outdoor industry11:20 – Access, land, and water challenges16:05 – The evolution of fly fishing culture20:30 – Stewardship, responsibility, and the future25:10 – Advice for aspiring guides and anglers
🔗 Follow & Learn MoreSalt StrongInstagram: instagram.com/thesaltstrong Facebook: facebook.com/thesaltstrongYouTube: youtube.com/@SaltstrongWebsite: saltstrong.comLandTrustInstagram: instagram.com/landtrust_huntFacebook: facebook.com/landtrusthuntLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/landtrustincWebsite: landtrust.com
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
Wednesday Jan 07, 2026
In this episode of The LandTrust Podcast, we sit down with John Calagaz, Founder and CEO of Fishing Chaos, to talk about building trust, scaling access, and operating successfully in the modern outdoor industry.John shares lessons from growing Fishing Chaos into a trusted technology platform within the fishing and outdoor space, along with hard-earned insights on product development, credibility, and operational decision-making. This conversation explores how outdoor tech companies can scale without losing the trust of their users... and why access, relationships, and execution matter more than ever.What You’ll Learn:- How Fishing Chaos was built with trust at the core- The challenges of scaling technology in the outdoor industry- Why credibility is critical for outdoor and land-access platforms- Operational lessons from building a founder-led outdoor tech company- How technology can support access without replacing relationships🔔 Subscribe for more stories from industry experts, sportsman, & landowners🌐 Book private-land hunts → https://landtrust.com#FishingChaos #LandTrust #OutdoorTech #FishingIndustry #OutdoorBusiness #FounderStories #LandAccess #OutdoorStartups Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to the LandTrust Podcast02:10 – John Calagaz’s background and founding Fishing Chaos05:25 – Building trust in outdoor technology platforms10:05 – Scaling access while maintaining credibility15:00 – Operational challenges in outdoor startups20:10 – Technology’s role in the future of outdoor access25:30 – Lessons for founders and operators30:15 – Where outdoor tech is headed next🔗 Follow & Learn MoreLandTrustInstagram: www.instagram.com/landtrust_huntFacebook: www.facebook.com/landtrusthuntLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/landtrustincWebsite: landtrust.comFishing ChaosInstagram: www.instagram.com/fishing_chaosFacebook: www.facebook.com/fishingchaosLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/fishingchaosWebsite: app.fishingchaos.com
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
In this episode of the LandTrust Podcast, Nic sits down with Walker Clawson, a Kansas farmer and rancher whose family has stewarded land across western Kansas, Oklahoma, and the Texas Panhandle for generations.
Walker shares what it’s really like to host hunters on working ranch ground, how family values, daily operations, and long-term stewardship guide decisions around access. The conversation covers southwest Kansas hunting, including mule deer, whitetail, upland birds, turkeys, waterfowl, and the role of playa lakes in supporting wildlife.
This episode offers an honest look at private land access from the landowner’s perspective, and why trust, respect, and experience matter more than ever.
🔍 What You’ll Learn- How landowners balance hunting access with active farm and ranch operations- What makes southwest Kansas a unique region for deer, birds, and waterfowl- Why playa lakes are critical habitat across the Plains- How thoughtful hunter behavior supports long-term stewardship- What landowners look for when deciding who gets access- Why private land hunting is about relationships, not just opportunity🔔 Subscribe for more stories from hunters & landowners🌐 Book private-land hunts → https://landtrust.com#LandTrustPodcast #KansasHunting #LandownerStories #HuntPrivate #PrivateLandAccess #UplandBirdHunting #MuleDeer #WhitetailHunting #TurkeyHunting #WaterfowlHunting #Conservation #Stewardship #FarmAndRanch #DIYHunting
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to the LandTrust Podcast00:30 – Introducing Walker Clawson & his family ranch02:10 – Growing up on a working farm and ranch land04:00 – What makes southwest Kansas unique06:20 – Wildlife diversity: deer, birds, turkeys & waterfowl08:40 – The importance of playa lakes and habitat11:10 – Balancing ranch operations with hosting hunters14:00 – Stewardship, conservation & long-term land health17:00 – Why control and trust matter for landowners19:30 – What hunters often misunderstand about private land22:00 – Creating meaningful outdoor experiences24:30 – Final thoughts on legacy and the future of access🔗 Follow & Learn MoreInstagram: www.instagram.com/landtrust_huntFacebook: www.facebook.com/landtrusthuntLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/landtrustincWebsite: landtrust.com
Friday Dec 12, 2025
Friday Dec 12, 2025
In this episode of the LandTrust Podcast, Nic sits down with Josh Kline, founder of Grover, the AI-powered travel assistant built specifically for RV owners, van lifers, and outdoor travelers, along with Zach Linder, CEO of Stellar, the AI team that helped engineer Grover’s rapid build.They discuss how RV owners struggle with overwhelming manuals, confusing hand-off days, hard-to-access rig knowledge, and the stress of planning off-grid routes. Josh explains how Grover uses AI, rig-specific data, and community travel knowledge to simplify everything from basic operation to finding safe, trusted places to stay, including LandTrust properties now integrated directly into Grover.Zach gives an inside look at how modern AI development lets teams go from idea to working product in weeks, and why the new era of AI feels nothing like the old “machine learning buzzword years.” Together they outline how Grover is combining rig documentation, off-grid capability, travel planning, weather data, air quality, map layers, and community validation to build the most complete RV travel assistant on the market.If you care about RV tech, AI travel planning, van life tools, or the future of outdoor innovation, this episode goes deep into the real problems, real solutions, and what’s coming next.🔍 What You’ll Learn- Why RV manuals and hand-off days overwhelm new owners- How Grover uses AI to reduce support tickets and eliminate confusion- How rig-specific metadata helps determine off-grid power, heating, cooling & capability- Why RV travel planning requires more than Google Maps & campground apps- How people actually use their rigs (KOA vs. private land vs. dispersed camping)- How LandTrust properties integrate into Grover for off-grid, exclusive access- Why community travel knowledge builds safety, trust, and confidence- How Stellar built Grover’s AI engine, including multi-context integrations- How fast modern AI lets founders go from idea to working product🔔 Subscribe for more stories from hunters & landowners🌐 Book private-land hunts → https://landtrust.com#VanLife #RVLife #RVTravel #GroverAI #TravelTech #AITravel #AdventureVan#RVCamping #OffGridCamping #VanLifeCommunity #RVSafety #RVApps #RVTripPlanning #LandTrust #ExplorePrivateLand #PrivateLandAccess #LandTrustPodcast #RVTools #OutdoorInnovation #OutdoorTech #RecTech⏱️ Chapters
0:00:00 - Introductions
0:01:37 - Josh Kline's Background: Career in go-to-market, early-stage startups, and the importance of sales vs. product-market fit.
0:02:26 - From Exits to Investing: Founding Ground Game Ventures and accidentally finding his way into the RV/Van Life space.
0:04:41 - Zach Linder's Background: From tech, data, and analytics to founding Stellar—a tech consultancy for implementing AI/ML solutions.
0:07:40 - What is Grover? How the AI-driven travel assistant solves rig support and complex travel planning for RV and Van Life owners.
0:11:39 - The Problem of Trust: Discussing the anxiety and information overload in off-grid travel and the value of trust and community (like Land Trust properties).
0:19:39 - The AI-First Advantage: How quickly Grover was built (weeks vs. years) using AI coding tools and a chat-based UI.
0:27:32 - The UX/UI Paradigm Shift: How generative AI is changing user experience from visual design to conversational chat streams.
0:35:59 - Revenue Capture After the Sale: Using the AI assistant to provide helpfulness and capture revenue from subsequent gear and trip-related purchases.
🔗 Follow & Learn MoreGroverInstagram: www.instagram.com/getgrover.aiWebsite: getgrover.ai/StellarLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/getstellar-aiWebsite: www.getstellar.aiLandTrustInstagram: www.instagram.com/landtrust_huntFacebook: www.facebook.com/landtrusthuntLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/landtrustincWebsite: landtrust.com
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Friday Dec 05, 2025
Cody joins Nic to break down his newest project, Bridger Watch, a purpose-built GPS smartwatch for hunters designed to solve the real problems guys face in the field. They dive into why most “hunting watches” aren’t actually built for hunters, how offline mapping and waypoint syncing really should work, and what it takes to build gear that actually serves the hunting community.This episode also digs into entrepreneurship in the outdoor space, how founders lose their way, and the pressure the tech world puts on growth at all costs. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build tech that actually works for hunters, or you’re tired of forcing general fitness watches to act like hunting tools, you’ll get a ton out of this conversation.✅ What You’ll Learn- How Bridger Watch is redefining hunting smartwatches with offline topo maps and waypoint syncing- Why hunters struggle with current mapping tools and how Cody plans to beat everything on the market- The real challenges behind building hunting tech, hardware, and software from scratch- Why rec-tech companies should focus on time-effective hunting as life gets busier- Honest talk about startup culture, growth pressure, VC expectations, and staying customer-first- How purpose-built gear can change the experience for hunters who don’t have unlimited days afield🔔 Subscribe for more stories from hunters & landowners🌐 Book private-land hunts → https://landtrust.com#HuntingTech #HuntingGear #GPSWatch #HuntingWatch #OfflineMaps #OnX #HuntingNavigation #WaypointMapping #BridgerWatch #HuntMore #PublicLandHunting #PrivateLandHunting #RecTech #EntrepreneurLife #OutdoorIndustry #LandTrustPodcast #ModernHunting #HuntingTools #HuntSmart⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Intro & catching up02:30 – Podcast series and industry conversation setup04:30 – Cody’s background, entrepreneurship & hunting lifestyle06:45 – Building a business to hunt more vs. wanting deeper purpose08:10 – “Now what?” — Founders, exits & meaning11:00 – Lifestyle design, Tim Ferriss, and rethinking success13:20 – Why Big Tech gets out of touch with customers16:00 – Turning away from board-first thinking to customer-first18:00 – The long road to developing Bridger Watch35:50 – How beta testing works for a hunting GPS watch50:00 – Why Bridger Watch won’t chase runners, golfers, or casual markets52:00 – “Effective time in the field” and the future of rec-tech54:10 – Building better maps, waypoint syncing & offline navigation56:30 – Where to follow the project & pre-sales timeline🔗 Follow LandTrust & Bridger WatchInstagram: www.instagram.com/landtrust_huntFacebook: www.facebook.com/landtrusthunt/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/landtrustincWebsite: landtrust.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/bridgerwatchFacebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582075620140Website: bridgerwatch.com
Monday Dec 01, 2025
Monday Dec 01, 2025
A Washington turkey hunt turns into an all-day cat-and-mouse chase across steep ridges, deep ravines, and BLM-connected private land. In this episode of the LandTrust Podcast, Joseph Shea shares how one solo hunt near Lake Roosevelt became his most unforgettable turkey experience, complete with close calls, aggressive gobbles, cliffside scrambles, and a wild final recovery at the bottom of a ravine.
What You'll Learn:- Hunting pressure on Washington public land- How private land access changes the entire turkey hunting experience- Why Joseph chose LandTrust to make his limited time more effective- The exact setup, calling strategy, and terrain challenges he worked through- Lessons learned about movement, patience, and staying safe while hunting solo
- His thoughts on public land access, landowner partnerships & the future of hunting
Whether you're a Washington turkey hunter, a new caller learning the ropes, or someone considering private land access for the first time, this story delivers real-world takeaways from a hardworking DIY hunter.
🔔 Subscribe for more stories from hunters & landowners🌐 Book private-land hunts → https://landtrust.com#LandTrust #TurkeyHunting #WashingtonHunting #MerriamsTurkey #HuntPrivate #PrivateLandAccess #BLMAccess #HuntStories #TurkeySeason #HuntingPodcast #DIYHunting #WesternHunting #HuntLandTrust #OutdoorLife #PublicLandVsPrivateLand
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Intro00:40 – Joseph’s background & hunting in Washington02:30 – Why he turned to private land for turkey season05:10 – Early morning setup & first gobbles of the day08:45 – Navigating steep terrain around Lake Roosevelt11:20 – Turkey pressure on Washington public land14:30 – Closing distance & adjusting calling strategy18:00 – The bird hangs up… then finally commits21:45 – Shot opportunity & the ravine tumble24:10 – Recovering the bird at the bottom26:30 – How LandTrust simplified access28:00 – Thoughts on landowners, access & hunter behavior30:10 – Final lessons from the hunt🔗 Follow & Learn MoreMore Podcast Episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcq9iLfV9qHVlSbdMEiiBRe_twwyGqtUgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/landtrust_huntFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/landtrusthunt/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landtrustinc
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Monday Nov 24, 2025
Join Nic De Castro on the Land Trust Podcast as he sits down with Dylan Matter of Matter Farm in Perry County, Pennsylvania.
Dylan shares his story of hosting hunters on his 110-acre property, offering incredible opportunities for whitetail deer, spring gobblers, and freezer-filler hunts. From trail cam insights and gear support to tips for first-time hunters, discover how Dylan balances his farm chores, family life, and love for the outdoors.
In this episode, you’ll learn:– Expert deer hunting strategies in Pennsylvania 🍂– Insider tips for turkey hunting success 🦃– How to manage private land for hunting and wildlife habitat– How Land Trust connects hunters with exclusive private land– The story behind the farm and his approach to hospitality
Perfect for new hunters, families, and seasoned outdoorsmen, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at Matter Farms and what makes it a premier hunting destination.
📍 Book your hunt here: https://landtrust.com/l/matter-farm/647cae22-02c5-4b5e-bc5b-536204e798b0
Chapters:0:00 – Introduction: Nic & Dylan Matter1:45 – The story of Matter Farms3:20 – Becoming a duck farmer & managing the land5:00 – Hosting hunters: hospitality and trail cams8:00 – DIY hunting and Land Trust platform overview10:00 – Deer hunting strategies & tips12:30 – Turkey hunting insights15:00 – Family experiences and first-time hunters18:00 – Balancing personal hunting with hosting guests20:00 – Lessons learned & final thoughts
🔗 Follow & Learn More
More Podcast Episodes → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcq9iLfV9qHVlSbdMEiiBRe_twwyGqtUgInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/landtrust_huntFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/landtrusthunt/LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/landtrustinc
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
In this episode of the LandTrust Podcast, host Nick DeCastro sits down with Adam Seward, a fifth-generation Iowa farmer, rancher, and U.S. Marine veteran who’s turning his operation, Buckboard Livestock, into more than a working farm... it’s a place where hunting, conservation, and community thrive together.
Follow along as Adam shares how he balances production agriculture with wildlife habitat restoration, what it takes to host hunters on private land, and why he believes the future of the outdoors depends on farmers, ranchers, and sportsmen working together.
He also dives into what it's like building a hunting lodge, managing cattle and whitetail habitat, the relationship between hunters and cattlemen, and much more.
💡 What You’ll Learn
- How private landowners are shaping the future of conservation and access
- The economics of turning farmland into outdoor recreation opportunities
- What makes Iowa’s whitetail and upland bird hunting world-class
- How to create an authentic guest experience that builds long-term relationships
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – Meet Adam Seward of Buckboard Livestock02:00 – Life on a fifth-generation Iowa farm05:00 – Bridging the gap between hunters and cattlemen08:00 – Hosting meaningful hunts and lasting memories12:00 – Building habitat for whitetail, turkey, and pheasants15:00 – How LandTrust changed Adam’s view on private access20:00 – Why experience matters more than harvest24:00 – Adding lodging and value to your property30:00 – Lessons for landowners thinking about joining LandTrust
🔗 Follow & Learn More
Explore Adam's properties: https://landtrust.com/u/645d7da4-ba17-4c2d-b7dd-5f84fccd364cListen to more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcq9iLfV9qHVlSbdMEiiBRe_twwyGqtUgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/landtrust_huntFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/landtrusthunt/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/landtrustinc