Connecting with Conservation

Season 2: Episode 34: Brandon Maddox: CEO of Silencer Central on silencers, myths, and conservation.

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Brandon Maddox, founder and CEO of Silencer Central—the largest silencer dealer in the United States. Brandon shares his unique journey from pharmacist to leading the suppressor industry, making the purchase process simple and accessible nationwide. We bust common myths about suppressors, explore their benefits for hunting, shooting sports, and hearing protection, and discuss why they’re embraced by conservation-minded shooters around the world. Brandon also reveals how Silencer Central partners with conservation groups, donating millions in products to support wildlife habitat, public lands, and hunting heritage. Plus, hear his thoughts on upcoming legislation that could reshape suppressor ownership in America, his own hunting adventures, and the launch of new products like the Banish shotgun suppressor.
If you’re curious about how suppressors work, their role in modern conservation, and the easiest way to get one delivered to your door, this episode is for you.
#Suppressors #Hunting #Conservation #SilencerCentral #BanishSuppressors #Firearms #WildlifeConservation #ConnectingWithConservation #HearingProtection #OutdoorStewards #WildlifeManagementInstitute

Season 2: Episode 33: Selling the Outdoors: Matt Whitman Conservation and Connecting with Consumers

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, we sit down with Matt Whitman, Vice President of Marketing for American Outdoor Products, to explore how outdoor brands connect with today’s consumers—and what that means for the future of conservation. Matt shares insight from years of experience leading marketing strategy for well-known outdoor gear and apparel companies, and how those brands position themselves in a crowded marketplace.
We discuss the importance of authenticity in outdoor messaging, how companies navigate trends like sustainability and access, and why brand loyalty often stems from more than just product quality. From freeze-dried meals to lifestyle branding, Matt offers a behind-the-scenes look at how outdoor products are marketed—and how that marketing can support broader conservation goals.

Season 2: Episode 32: Rethinking Conservation: Tony Wasley on Wildlife Policy and the Public Trust

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Cucaruto sit down with Tony Wasley—former Director of the Nevada Department of Wildlife and current President and CEO of the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI). The conversation dives deep into the roots and evolution of North American conservation, the challenges of outdated funding models, the need for broader public engagement, and the launch of a new initiative to define conservation’s next 50 years.
 
Tony shares insights on his personal journey in wildlife management, the shifting role of public trust in conservation, and how modern issues like technology, habitat loss, and relevancy are shaping the future. Whether you’re a hunter, angler, policymaker, or simply passionate about the outdoors, this episode sheds light on why conservation affects us all—and what we can do to protect our natural heritage.

Season 2: Episode 31: How Hunters Are Fighting Hunger in America with Josh Wilson of FHFH.

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Cucaruto welcome Josh Wilson, Executive Director of Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH). Josh shares the powerful story behind this national ministry—founded by his father in 1997—and its mission to connect hunters with families in need through donated wild game. From humble beginnings in Maryland to impacting over 30 states, FHFH has provided nearly 24 million meals and counting.
 
We explore the origins of the program, its spiritual inspiration, and the surprising public health benefits of wild game like venison. Josh also discusses the logistics of meat donation, the growing need for high-quality protein in food-insecure households, and how you—whether you’re a hunter or a supporter—can get involved.
 
🎧 Whether you’re passionate about conservation, faith, or feeding the hungry, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.

Season 2: Episode 30: Fair Chase & Fighting Poaching: Inside Boone & Crockett with Tony Schoonen.

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Cucaruto sit down with Tony Schoonen, CEO of the Boone and Crockett Club, America’s oldest wildlife conservation organization founded by Theodore Roosevelt. Tony takes us on a journey through the club’s storied history — from pioneering the National Forest Service and National Wildlife Refuge System to their renowned records program that showcases the success of North American conservation. We dive into critical topics like fair chase hunting ethics, the growing challenges of modern technology in the field, and Boone & Crockett’s groundbreaking “Poach & Pay” initiative aimed at tackling wildlife crime and protecting public trust resources. The discussion also shines a light on the club’s efforts to safeguard public lands from unnecessary sales and to ensure that conservation stays front and center in wildlife policy. Whether you’re a hunter, angler, wildlife enthusiast, or simply love the outdoors, this episode underscores the vital role ethical sportsmen and women play in sustaining healthy wildlife populations and habitats for generations to come.

Season 2: Episode 29: Ruger: How America’s Largest Firearms Manufacturer Supports Conservation

Join us for this episode of Connecting with Conservation as we sit down with Todd Seyfert, President & CEO of Ruger and Marlin, to discuss how the largest firearms manufacturer in the U.S. contributes to state-based fish and wildlife conservation through excise taxes. Todd shares his personal journey from growing up hunting in Wisconsin to leading iconic American outdoor brands. We explore Ruger’s investments in youth shooting sports, environmental health, and product innovation — all of which help fund habitat restoration, public lands, and outdoor recreation for everyone. Whether you’re a hunter, angler, target shooter, or simply enjoy the outdoors, you’ll learn how manufacturers like Ruger & Marlin are critical partners in North America’s unique conservation funding model.

Season 2: Episode 28: How Social Media is Changing Conservation with Chuck R. of Open Source Defense

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, we sit down with Chuck R, founder of Open Source Defense and a longtime tech industry leader from Google and Facebook. We explore how technology and cultural perspectives around firearms shape modern wildlife conservation funding. Chuck shares fascinating stories from taking over a thousand Silicon Valley colleagues to the range for their first experience, discusses how Open Source Defense works to demystify responsible gun ownership, and explains why most of today’s conservation funding actually comes from recreational shooting — not hunting.

Season 2: Special Alert: Public Lands Sell Off!

Your public lands under management of the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are in the crosshairs of congress. Give a listen to what several conservation community leaders think about this misguided approach.

Season 2: Episode 27: Dustin Wallace talks about Faxon's contribution to conservation.

In this episode of Connecting with Conservation, hosts Jon Gassett and Jim Curcuruto sit down with Dustin Wallace, Director of Sales & Marketing at Faxon to explore the fascinating intersection between American manufacturing, innovation, and wildlife conservation funding. Dustin shares Faxon’s journey from a machining operation to one of the most respected barrel manufacturers in the country. He discusses their commitment to quality, agility in a shifting market, and how the excise taxes on sales directly support state fish and wildlife agencies through the Pittman-Robertson Act. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how companies like Faxon help sustain outdoor recreation and habitat conservation—while also creating reliable, precision-built products for sportsmen and women.

Season 2: Episode 26: Talking High Performance Rimfires with Scott Volquartsen

Enjoy plinking or are you more of a competition type? This week on Connecting with Conservation we talk with Scott Volquartsen, the owner and innovator of high-end accessories and upgrades for your favorite rimfire calibers. Give it a listen!