Zach Maddox shares his journey from firefighter to Ironman competitor and how outdoor pursuits saved his mental health while inspiring his mission to help fellow first responders and veterans heal through nature and community support.

• Former firefighter/paramedic who found healing through hunting and fishing after mental health struggles
• Currently training for Ironman triathlon to raise $500,000 for mental health treatment
• Lost 50 pounds through training while gaining mental clarity and purpose
• Created Healing Heroes guide company to take first responders/veterans hunting and fishing for free
• Works with Combat Vets to Careers helping military transition to civilian life
• Motivated by colleague's suicide to become more active in suicide prevention
• Emphasizes that outdoor activities provide therapeutic escape from daily stressors
• Connected with Eco Outfitters, a veteran-owned company focused on quality coolers at accessible prices
• Passionate about helping others find the same peace and healing he discovered in nature

Visit HookaHero.com/projectironmind to support Zach's mission to fund mental health therapy for first responders and veterans.

Companies we LOVE | Ways to Support the Podcast ↓

Code onehellofalife15 for 15 percent off https://dirtyduckcoffee.com/

Williamson Outfitters (Coastal Florida Waterfowl Hunts, Fishing, Gator Hunts and Much more!)

https://floridaducks.com/

Looking to waterfowl hunt in Arkansas? Give our good friend Kade Weatherford, Owner of Delta Thunder Outfitters a call at (870)-926-7944

We sit down with Ryan Burnett, founder of Pattern Pros, who's revolutionizing waterfowl hunting with innovative shotgun shell variety packs that help hunters find their perfect ammunition match for improved accuracy and fewer wounded birds.

• Pattern Pros creates variety packs containing multiple shotgun shell brands in one box
• Their waterfowl box includes 8 different shells with 3 of each in a 24-shell box
• Turkey edition offers 5 different shells in one box
• Helps hunters identify which shells pattern best with their specific gun and choke combination
• Proper patterning reduces crippled birds and improves hunting efficiency
• Pattern Pros experienced 50% business growth at this year's Delta Waterfowl Expo
• Company now receives orders nationwide with overwhelmingly positive customer feedback
• New products include upland boxes for pheasant and dove hunting
• Innovative choke tube rental program coming soon, allowing hunters to test before buying
• Patterning shotguns reduces overall shooting, creating less pressure in hunting areas
• Conservation impact through improved harvesting efficiency and fewer wounded birds
• Ryan emphasizes that effective patterning doesn't necessarily require expensive shells

If you're tired of wasting money on shells that don't perform with your gun or missing shots on birds, check out Pattern Pros at patternpros.com and take the guesswork out of your shotgun ammunition.

Companies we LOVE | Ways to Support the Podcast ↓

Code onehellofalife15 for 15 percent off https://dirtyduckcoffee.com/

Williamson Outfitters (Coastal Florida Waterfowl Hunts, Fishing, Gator Hunts and Much more!)

https://floridaducks.com/

Looking to waterfowl hunt in Arkansas? Give our good friend Kade Weatherford, Owner of Delta Thunder Outfitters a call at (870)-926-7944

Travis Thompson shares his journey as a fifth-generation Floridian dedicated to conservation through All Florida, his duck guiding business, and his work with the International Order of Theodore Roosevelt. His passion for protecting wild spaces while respecting private property rights shapes his approach to Florida's conservation challenges.

• Working in conservation through three roles: All Florida organization, Duck Ranching guide service, and the International Order of Theodore Roosevelt
• Securing Florida's constitutional right to hunt and fish as the 24th state to have this protection
• Navigating the balance between responsible development and conservation in Florida's growing landscape
• Explaining how the Florida Wildlife Corridor protects 10 million acres with a goal of 18 million acres
• Creating partnerships between landowners, hunters, and conservationists to keep land wild while generating revenue
• Celebrating the restoration of Florida's black bear hunt as a conservation success story
• Managing land for duck hunting that unexpectedly provided habitat for 10% of North America's endangered Snail Kites
• Encouraging everyone to find their personal "conservation ethic" beyond social media activism
• Supporting complementary organizations like Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl for their unique conservation roles

Check out All Florida at allflaorg to learn more about conservation initiatives in the Sunshine State and follow Travis Thompson's work protecting Florida's natural resources.