The Harden Up Podcast

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Episode 62: Elk, Elevation & Ethics: Inside the World of a Backcountry Hunting Guide with Lucas Bode
In this episode, I sit down with Lucas Bode, a professional hunting guide with nearly 20 years of backcountry experience. Lucas started as a self-taught, DIY mountain hunter and built his career the old-fashioned way — through in-the-field experience and hard-earned lessons in unforgiving terrain.
Now guiding for Montana Trophy Outfitters in southwest Montana, Lucas specializes in elk hunting — both archery and rifle — while also leading hunts for antelope, bear, mule deer, and whitetail. We talk about what it really takes to lead clients in remote country, the responsibility that comes with guiding, and the ethics behind a successful harvest.
Montana Trophy Outfitters: 
Social: @mtoutfitters
Web: https://mttrophy.com/
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Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

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In this episode, I’m joined by James Fairfield, a retired police lieutenant with over 30 years in law enforcement and a deep operational background in SWAT, use-of-force instruction, and tactical leadership. James now serves as the Director of Training for the world’s largest body armor manufacturer, where he brings real-world experience to the development and delivery of protective solutions for those on the front lines.
We dive into the realities behind soft and hard armor—from design and testing to field application—and explore what most officers and agencies don’t know about the gear that’s supposed to keep them alive. James shares hard-earned insights from his time as a Tactical Entry Team Leader, instructor, and subject matter expert in officer-involved shootings.
Point Blank Enterprises: 
Social: @pointblankenterprises
Web: https://www.pointblankenterprises.com/
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The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
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@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

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In this episode, I’m joined by Jason, a 13-year law enforcement veteran serving in the greater Atlanta area. With years of experience on one of Georgia’s busiest full-time SWAT teams, Jason has worked as both an assaulter and a sniper—taking part in high-risk search warrants, barricaded subjects, and hostage rescue operations.
We dive into the mindset and tactics behind precision urban sniper work, plainclothes interdictions, and the realities of undercover support missions involving narcotics, human trafficking, and ICAC. Now serving as a department instructor, Jason shares how he’s training the next generation in marksmanship, CQB, and real-world decision-making under pressure.
Jason: 
Social: @sierraone
Web: https://silverlake-special-projects.square.site/
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The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
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@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

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Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

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In this episode, I’m joined by Paul Holle—a wilderness medicine instructor, mountain athlete, and the founder of Idaho Rescue Training. Paul’s work and passion have taken him to 18 countries, climbing some of the world’s most iconic peaks and leading wilderness medicine courses in remote, high-stakes environments.
We dive into his journey from the Colorado Rockies to the mountains of Nepal, how he built a wilderness training company from the ground up, and what it takes to teach life-saving skills in some of the most unforgiving terrain on earth. Whether he’s soloing Idaho’s 12,000-foot peaks, running 30+ courses a year, or guiding treks with his two young sons, Paul brings the mindset of resilience, curiosity, and service to everything he does.
Idaho Rescue Training: 
Social: @idahorescuetraining
https://www.idrescuetraining.com/
NOLS: https://www.nols.edu/
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The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
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Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/

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In this episode, Matt sits down with Sheriff Chad Bianco, a 30-year law enforcement veteran and the current Sheriff of Riverside County—one of the largest sheriff’s departments in the nation. They explore his personal journey through the ranks, from patrol deputy to leading a department with over 3,600 personnel and a billion-dollar budget.
Sheriff Bianco shares his unfiltered perspective on how policing in California has changed over the last two decades, the impact of state legislation on frontline officers, and what he sees as the root causes of rising crime, non-prosecution policies, and the mass exodus of families and businesses from the state. They also talk about leadership, accountability, and his vision for the future of public safety in California.
If you’re interested in real talk about law enforcement, leadership, and the evolving role of police in a challenging political climate—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Chad Bianco: 
Social: @sheriffbianco @newgovenorintown
https://biancoforgovernor.com/
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The OpTempo Training Group website for an updated list of classes:
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@optempotraining on Instagram and Facebook

Find us on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4kBpYUjDdve9BULTHRF2Bw/featured?view_as=subscriber

Lowa Boots
IG: @lowa.professional and @lowaboots
https://www.lowaboots.com/