Geoff Arias - How Tough Times Can Refine You or Define You

Geoff Arias joins the podcast today to talk about his story. Geoff was diagnosed with leukemia as a teenager and we originally met through his Make A Wish opportunity to go on a fishing trip with me. In this episode we talk about that trip back in August 2009 and the stories that went along with it. Geoff has overcome cancer, gotten married and has a beautiful family. We talk about fishing, going through the leukemia treatment as a young man and what he took away from that experience. Geoff has applied what he has learned to parenting, his business and fishing. Fascinating conversation with a great guy.

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How 2 Tuesday - How To Catch A Slam

Have you ever attempted to catch a Grand Slam? Do you want to in the future? Well I recently was filming an episode for Saltwater Experience and we set out to catch a Grand Slam (Permit, Tarpon and Bonefish). I realized that it would make a great How 2 Tuesday.

The thing about a Grand Slam is that it can be intimidating as it is often talked up to be the greatest angling accomplishment. Though it is tricky and difficult, it is also possible and shouldn’t deter you from going out there and trying to achieve it…

So some things to consider are firstly that you will need to be disciplined to accomplish your goal even if something unexpected happens. For example, you might go to catch tarpon first and get it in the first 15 minutes. However it might also be some of the best tarpon fishing you’ve ever seen and you’d be tempted to stay out there for another 2 hours enjoying it… That’s the trick, you have to be willing to leave that fishing to go find the Bonefish and Permit and be aware that you might not catch the other two species.

Also whether you are the angler or guide you need to plan out how you are going to approach the three species. Will you leave the tarpon for last? What if it gets cloudy after you catch the first two species? Tarpon are the best when it’s cloudy. But tarpon break you off quite a bit… What if you catch Tarpon and Permit and leave Bonefish last? Bonefish are easily spooked…

So there are a lot of things to consider and it is tricky, but it is certainly possible and we actually achieve the Grand Slam on the Saltwater Experience episode. If you have any further questions or future podcast topics let me know: podcast@saltwaterexperience.com

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Physical Friday - Words: Control Your Tongue

This is number 2 of a six-part series dealing with your thoughts, words and how it determines your success or failure. To start off we have a couple of quotes, this one is from Chad Wright: “Your tongue is your rutter, it will steer the direction of your life and the outcome of your situations 98% of the time.”

Zig Ziglar says: “There is power in words, what you say is what you get.”

Pierre du Plessis: “Words create worlds”

It is very difficult for us to have complete control over our thoughts. Our thoughts often run wild and sometimes when you are in a difficult situation you have some thoughts that you might fail or you might think you aren’t good enough. Most of the time you can dismiss them, but there is a serious change when you speak that you are going to fail or that you “can’t do it.”

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Pete Erickson - Fly Fishing Team USA - Great Outdoor Games Champion - Former Roommate of Tom Rowland

An old friend of mine, Pete Erickson, joins the podcast today. Pete and I met back when we were both fly fishing guides and even room mates in Jackson Hole. Pete has gone on to do some amazing things in the fly fishing industry. From winning the ESPN Outdoor Games two years after I did, to joining Fly Fishing Team USA, to designing fly rods, Pete has done it all. In this episode we reminisce on some old memories from Jackson Hole. We try to figure out what the magic recipe from that time and place to launch the careers of Pete, myself who both won the Great Outdoor Games, Carter Andrews, Lori Anne Murphy, Matson Rogers, Tom Montgomery, Paul Bruun, Jeff Currier, Jack Dennis, and so many others. We discuss euro nymphing techniques, and more. Be sure to check Pete out on Instagram, @pete_erickson_flyfishing

Pete’s WorldCast Euro Nymphing Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6j8ell1mqU

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How 2 Tuesday - SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen Or No Sunscreen?

This week on How 2 Tuesday, I answer a commonly asked question about how to protect yourself from the sun. As a fishing guide, the sun is one of the most dangerous factors. It could possibly be even more dangerous to anglers who wait all year for their trip and spent most of their time inside. It is crucial to your health AND to the success of your trip that you protect yourself in the sun. I go over how to best protect yourself from the sun while out on the boat. The gear I use has improved over time like the hooded shirt I like by Huk (www.hukgear.com) and is made with sun protective materials to protect you even further. We tackle the question of sunscreen vs. no sunscreen, and more. I have worn a BUFF (www.buffusa.com) for years out on the boat and it has become a necessity for fighting the sun in the Florida Keys. How do you stay protected from the sun? Shoot me a text and let me know. 305-930-7346

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Physical Friday - Thoughts Become Words, Words Become Actions, Actions Become Habits, Habits Become Character, Character Becomes Your Destiny

Your thoughts will influence your words, which determines your actions. Your actions will define your habits which make up your character. Your character will determine your destiny. Learn to master your thoughts.

In this 6 part series we will go over each of these evolutions beginning with how your thoughts influence your words.

It is very difficult for us to have complete control over our thoughts. Our thoughts often run wild and sometimes when you are in a difficult situation you have some thoughts that you might fail or you might think you aren’t good enough. Most of the time you can dismiss them, but there is a serious change when you speak that you are going to fail or that you “can’t do it.”

Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your character, and your character determines your destiny.

If we can become aware that we can control our thoughts that is the first step to being able to choose the positive thought that will move you forward rather than allowing your inner voice to tell you unproductive things. If thoughts are left unchecked, they can become words and you can actually speak things into existence. On this episode we dive in on your thoughts.

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Billy Davis - Melton Hill Bill

Capt. Billy Davis joins the podcast this week to talk freshwater and reservoir fishing. Billy specializes in striper and muskie fishing and he has really figured out the striper fishing over the years. In this episode, we talk about the time that he has put in, the techniques and rod setups that he uses to catch these fish, how and where he looks for bait, and more. Billy guides over 300 days a year and has a ton of experience guiding these fish. If you want to go fish with Billy yourself, I would highly suggest it. We had a blast the last time I fished for striper with him. Check out his website https://www.meltonhillbill.com/ for even more striper information and to book a trip.

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How 2 Tuesday - NEVER STOP LEARNING

“It’s better to be known as a fast learner than a know it all”

That is a quote that Capt. Sam Milazzo heard when he was young, and has taken that as motivation to always be learning. Sam is one of the best guides in the keys because of his constant desire to learn. He is a seasoned vet now and is still learning every day. Sam talks about why he thinks this way in the podcast and how you can even learn from bad advice, and people doing things the wrong way.

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Physical Friday - 4 Things I’ve Changed THIS YEAR That Have Me Feeling My Best

Many people in their 50’s would say that they are on a decline physically. I feel exactly the opposite. In fact, I have set multiple PR’s in many different workouts and weight lifting and I am 53! I had a person text me and ask if I had changed anything in my life this year that has lead to me feeling and performing so well. At first, I didn’t nothing really came to mind because the things I have added have taken place over a long period of time. However, upon really thinking about it, I narrowed it down to 4 things: changes in my sleep schedule, supplements in the form of vitamins and minerals, stretching, and water intake.

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Mike Counihan - @NoDonutsHere

Mike Counihan is a New York City police officer that has a passion for fitness and fishing. He goes by @NoDonutsHere on Instagram and has had extreme success growing his social media platforms by advocating for better fitness for police and first responders. This episode was filmed/recorded live at Hawks Cay after Mike was a guest on Saltwater Experience. Mike tells us about his love for fishing, some crazy stories from being a NYC cop, and much more. If you like what Mike has to say, be sure to follow him on Instagram @NoDonutsHere you won’t regret it.

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How 2 Tuesday - Get Your Live Bait DEEPER With This Technique

Last week I had the chance to go fishing with Capt. Sam Milazzo and we were trying to trick spooky yellowtails by getting our baits lower in the water column, but without adding lead. Sam likes to belly-hook his baits and that helps them to swim deeper. We were able to use this technique to catch some yellowtails and blackfin tuna.

Check out Sam’s description on this podcast to see how you might incorporate this into your fishing.

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Physical Friday - Nutrition 101 With @NoDonutsHere

Mike Counihan (AKA @nodonutshere on Instagram) Is a New York City police officer with a passion for fitness and helping first responders get into better shape. In this episode Mike talks about nutrition and we draw some parallels between first responders and fishing guides when it comes to fitness and nutrition. Mike has a ton of great knowledge in this episode, and be sure to follow him on Instagram @nodonutshere for even more helpful advice.

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Dr. Mike Simpson - Honed

"This is the man who can kick your ass and then fix it for you."

That's how Tim Kennedy introduces Dr. Michael Simpson at the beginning of every Sheepdog Response training where he serves as the doctor on hand for the weekend.

He also served as the "doctor on hand" for the Joint Special Operations Command while serving as the unit's medical emergency physician. He was 48 years old when he was running his last mission in Afghanistan.

Dr Mike Simpson recently wrote a book called “Honed: Finding Your Edge As A Man Over 40” and it was so good that I read the whole book in an afternoon. You all know that I am extremely passionate about my physical fitness and this book was right up my alley. Mike tells us about his background in this episode, goes into what the book is about, and we dismiss some of the myths that come with physical fitness at an older age. Be sure to check out his book by clicking the link here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09C11QYR4/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

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How 2 Tuesday - How To Hook A Sailfish Ft. Record Holder Sam Milazzo

Sam Mallino joins the podcast this week to tell us how to properly hook a sailfish. Sam recently broke the keys sailfish record, catching 76 in one day. So Sam obviously has a lot of experience with catching sailfish. He goes over what hook he uses and how to properly set that hook. Be sure to check out this episode so that you will have the most success with sailfish!

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Physical Friday - Failing To Plan Is Planning To Fail - Road Workouts

I am filming Saltwater Experience this week. Filming calls for very early mornings and LONG days but it is crucial to stick as tightly to my programming as I can. In this episode I go over how I can look over my program before a trip and figure out what few pieces of equipment I could bring with me and modify my programming for the road. I may not improve my conditioning while I am traveling, but I will make sure that I do not take a step backwards.

We discuss how you can work with your Coach or trainer to come up with alternatives to your program that allow you to maintain fitness and momentum. All it takes is a little planning.

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Matt Smythe - Free Range American Writer

Matt Smythe joins the podcast today to talk about his writing, films, and more. Matt has a degree in poetry and you can really see it in the writing that he does for Free Range American.

Matt tells us about his background, his current projects and what he has coming in the future. Be sure to check out his writing at https://freerangeamerican.us/ and follow him on Instagram @fishingpoet

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Physical Friday - IMPROVE Your Pushup Numbers & Be Ready For February’s 10,000 Pushup Challenge

We’re still a little ways out from our 10,000 pushup challenge in February, but now is the time to start preparing yourself, especially if you are unsure if you can do it. In this episode, I break down a proven method to increase your pushup numbers. If you start now, you will have a great base to work off of come February. And trust me, you are not going to want to miss the pushup challenge this February. We already have a lot of brands involved and it will be the biggest yet this year.

I have included the entire document that I go over on my website, so be sure to check it out here: https://tomrowlandpodcast.com/blog/improve-pushup-numbers

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Todd Bumgardner - The Human Predator Pack Mule

Todd Bumgardner is a fitness coach that has a few specialties, one of those being training for stalk hunting. In this podcast we talk about how you should be training for a hunt, as well as other training specialties that Todd is involved in. I recently had the chance to go on an elk hunt in Montana with my son Turner, and I am so glad I was in good physical fitness for this trip.

Todd and I have similar opinions on some training but differ in others. It made for an interesting conversation.

If you want to learn more about Todd, check out some of his articles on Free Range American, or check out his Instagram @todd_bumgardner

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Physical Friday - Regain CONTROL Of Your Fitness

Like many people, Justin Napior lost touch with his fitness routine when COVID hit. Justin gained some weight, but recently regained control and lost 35 pounds! Justin talks about how he was noticing a difference while he was out on the boat, and that gave him the drive to get it back together. In this episode, Justin talks about what he did to get back in shape, and also tells us about his nutrition and the impact that has on his fitness. If you want to book a trip with Justin, check out his website https://www.backcountryculture.com/

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McDojo Life - Exposing FRAUDULENT Martial Artists

Rob from McDojo life joins the podcast today to tell us about the surprising amount of fraud that takes place in martial arts. Rob started McDojo Life as a way to expose fraudulent dojos, pedophiles, con-artists, and more. We talk about everything that takes place in this industry and how Rob is helping bring the truth to life. You definitely are going to want to give him a follow on social media @mcdojolife

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