Drills Gone Wild Podcast

About Drills Gone Wild Podcast

You’ve never seen Drill Sergeants like this before! They’re breaking ranks, cracking jokes, and taking shots — the kind that don’t come from the range. Join R.J. Steiskal and Gentry Ward, two Army veterans gone rogue, as they take you from the barracks to the backwoods, talking all things outdoors, the military, and life after the uniform. Unscripted, unfiltered, and unhinged — DRILLS GONE WILD: the hats are off… so tune in and listen up!

Publisher

Robert Steiskal and Gentry Ward

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

19 Oct 2025

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Oct 2026

   Three Veterans Try to Fix America. It Goes About as Expected. | Cast & Blast x DGW

   Apparently, putting three veterans in front of microphones wasn't enough. We also decided to solve America's problems. Ben from Cast & Blast Podcast is back with Gentry and RJ for Part 2 of our completely unscripted crossover. We get into military training disasters, negligent discharges, broken equipment, government spending, congressional pay, political corruption, microplastics, questionable history, and some ideas for fixing the country that probably won't make it through Congress. Somewhere along the way, we also get into hunting, camping, dangerous wildlife, cold-weather misery, deployments, COVID quarantine, and the usual military stories that make absolutely no sense to civilians. Three veterans. Two podcasts. No script. Still no adult supervision. Cast & Blast Podcast × Drills Gone Wild #MilitaryHumor #VeteranPodcast #DrillsGoneWild 00:00 — Back for Round Two 03:00 — Military Drills & Negligent Discharges 06:02 — Army Equipment & Everyday Problems 09:10 — Government Spending & Corruption 12:03 — Microplastics & Forever Chemicals 15:00 — Congressional Pay & Wasted Money 17:59 — History, Culture & Offending Everybody 21:02 — Hunting, Camping & Outdoor Stories 24:04 — Cold Weather & Military Gear 26:59 — Dangerous Wildlife on Training Grounds 29:52 — Deployments & Military Logistics 32:52 — COVID Quarantine After Deployment 35:59 — Politics, Satire & General Bullshit 38:57 — Rewriting History 41:59 — How We'd Fix the Government 45:05 — Where Does America Go From Here? 47:57 — Closing Thoughts military humor, veteran podcast, military stories, Army stories, drill sergeant stories, military training, government spending, political satire, congressional spending, veteran experiences, deployment stories, military equipment, military life, Cast and Blast Podcast, Drills Gone Wild, hunting and fishing, military comedy

2. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Three Veterans. Two Podcasts. Zero Adult Supervision. | Cast & Blast x Drills Gone Wild

   We had a plan for this episode. That plan lasted approximately zero minutes. Ben from Cast & Blast Podcast sat down with Gentry and RJ from Drills Gone Wild for an unscripted conversation between three veterans that went exactly where you'd expect it to go. Basic training, Drill Sergeants, ridiculous punishment, Army leadership, deployments, freezing your ass off, dealing with civilians, questionable decisions, military culture, and the kind of stories that only get funnier after enough time has passed. No script. No expert panel. No attempt whatsoever to stay on topic. Just three veterans talking shit and telling stories. Cast & Blast Podcast × Drills Gone Wild CHAPTERS 00:00 — Three Veterans, One Terrible Idea 01:59 — Civilians & Military Protocol 05:03 — Basic Training & Drill Sergeant Stories 10:06 — Creative Punishment & Wall Locker Shenanigans 14:57 — Leadership in the Field 19:55 — When Training Gets Weird 24:59 — Competition, Camaraderie & Talking Shit 30:05 — Being Cold Sucks 35:00 — Laughing Through the Bullshit 39:58 — What the Military Leaves With You #MilitaryStories #VeteranPodcast #DrillsGoneWild #outdoorsman #podcast #cast&blastpodcast Merch! (https://drillsgonewild.printful.me/)

3. 

   24 Sept 2026

   A TV Show’s Lawyers Made Him Rename His Bait Company | Stormborn Baits

   oe from Stormborn Baits is back for Part 2, and this time we get into the company itself, the baits they're building, and the freshwater predators they're building them for. Joe tells us how Stormborn came to be—including the ridiculous story of attorneys connected to a famous TV show “gently suggesting” that he change the company's original name. From there we get into snakeheads, giant bass, gar, invasive-species management, and Joe's thoughts on how snakeheads may actually be affecting the fisheries they now inhabit. We also talk federal invasive-species funding, fish behavior, lure design, retrieve speeds, inline spinners, subtle presentations, and what goes into making a bait that'll survive fish that aren't particularly interested in being gentle with it. Joe also breaks down some of Stormborn's newer products and the results they've seen while testing them—including some pretty ridiculous days on the water. Then, naturally, we wander into hunting, military bullshit, local bait shops, small businesses, and whatever else crosses our minds. Joe — Co-Owner, Stormborn Baits Predators on the menu. 00:00 — Stormborn Baits & How It All Started 01:59 — The Story Behind Stormborn 04:01 — Giant Bass, Snakeheads & Changing Fisheries 07:58 — Invasive Species & Federal Funding 11:59 — New Baits & Lure Design 15:59 — Putting the Prototypes to the Test 20:05 — Building Baits for Freshwater Predators 22:37 — Retrieve Speed, Spinners & Getting More Bites 25:01 — Somehow We’re Back to Military Bullshit 27:08 — Why Local Bait Shops Matter 28:01 — Gar Are Weird as Hell 32:01 — What’s Happening to the Fishery? 36:03 — What Stormborn Is Working on Next 40:02 — Closing It Out Stormborn Baits, snakehead fishing, snakehead lures, bass fishing, gar fishing, freshwater predators, fishing lures, lure design, topwater fishing, inline spinners, fishing techniques, fishing gear, invasive species, snakehead invasive species, bass fishery, freshwater fishing, bait and tackle, local bait shops, fishing small business, veteran podcast, outdoor podcast, Drills Gone Wild

4. 

   10 Sept 2026

   “I Live by the Frog, I Die by the Frog” | Fishing with Stormborn Baits

   Joe, co-owner of Stormborn Baits, joins Drills Gone Wild for Part 1 of a conversation that somehow covers frog fishing, snakeheads, water pollution, winter fishing, military and police culture, and more than a few questionable side conversations. Joe breaks down how he works different topwater baits, why water temperature and weather matter, and why once you start catching fish on a frog, it’s hard to want to fish anything else. From there, the conversation drifts into environmental issues affecting fisheries, guys dragging kayaks across ice to reach open water, cold-weather fishing gear, police uniforms, tattoos, discipline, and how much military culture carries over into law-enforcement training. Joe also tells the story of a police-academy instructor and former Marine who treated recruits like they were at Paris Island—complete with sand, yelling, and the kind of training story that fits DGW a little too well. Guest: Joe — Co-Owner, Stormborn Baits Part 2: Stormborn Baits itself, lure design, product testing, snakehead, business, and the story behind the company’s name. Coming soon! 00:00 — Fishing With Grandpa 02:52 — When Should You Start Throwing a Frog? 04:00 — Why Snakehead Are Worth Catching 07:00 — Frogger, Cryptwalker & Picking the Right Lure 09:06 — Weather Changes Everything 11:58 — Police Training & Mental Toughness 15:05 — What’s Happening to Our Waterways? 16:01 — Changing Your Fishing With the Conditions 20:01 — Conservation & Protecting the Water 20:02 — The Mental Side of the Job 24:01 — Fishing in the Cold & Gators Stealing Fish 25:00 — Fish, Techniques & More Rabbit Holes 28:08 — Learning How to Actually Work the Baits 30:01 — Weather, Climate & Fish Behavior 32:00 — Water Temperature & Seasonal Bass 35:00 — Protecting Local Waterways 36:02 — Fishing Gear & Customization 40:01 — Discipline, Training & Police Culture 43:59 — Police Uniforms & the Dog-and-Pony Show 48:05 — Why the Training Is Supposed to Suck

5. 

   27 Aug 2026

   He Survived Iraq. Now He’s Building a Business & Chasing 100 Miles | QRF Archery Solutions

   Army combat veteran QRF Archery Solutions joins Drills Gone Wild to talk Iraq, bowhunting, launching a mobile archery business, and why he's now training toward a 100-mile race with a much bigger purpose behind it. QRF shares how he built his mobile archery business in roughly 60 days, why keeping overhead low gives him an edge, and how he plans to bring bow service directly to hunters across Arkansas. The conversation also gets into military deployments, Army culture, veteran friendships, hunting, Total Archery Challenge, custom arrows, and life after service. One of the strongest parts of the episode is QRF’s goal to eventually run the Leadville 100. He explains that August has carried a painful meaning since losing members of his scout platoon in a helicopter crash in 2007, and that running Leadville is part of turning that month into something positive and honoring the guys he lost. As usual, the serious parts are mixed with Army stories, MREs, questionable barracks decisions, dark humor, and the kind of veteran conversations that go completely off the rails. Chapters 00:00 — Season 2 Begins / Meet QRF Archery Solutions 01:32 — Hunting & Scouting Arkansas 05:06 — Joining the Army at 17 12:21 — Two 15-Month Deployments to Iraq 15:55 — NTC, Army Food Trucks & Military Chaos 18:01 — MREs & the Parts of the Army Nobody Misses 21:35 — Rank, Leadership & Army Culture 27:37 — Wild Barracks Stories 30:27 — Launching QRF Archery Solutions 33:06 — Total Archery Challenge & Outdoor Events 42:50 — Deployment Stories & Military Camaraderie 49:46 — The Mobile Bow Shop Business Model 53:11 — Veterans Supporting Veterans 01:03:44 — Where the QRF Idea Came From 01:06:12 — Building the Business in 60 Days 01:07:39 — Why He Started Running 01:09:46 — The Leadville 100 Goal 01:16:57 — Perspective After the Military 01:21:44 — Finding a Healthy Outlet 01:25:43 — Breaking Down Gentry’s Custom Hunting Arrows

6. 

   21 Aug 2026

   From Combat to Compound Bows | QRF Archery Solutions | DGW Season 2 Ep. 1 Part 1.

   Season 2 of Drills Gone Wild kicks off with QRF Archery Solutions out of Arkansas. This one goes way beyond bows. We get into Army deployments, the realities and ridiculous moments of military life, MREs, hunting, archery, business, Vegas stories, COVID-era experiences, and the kind of conversations that happen when veterans start swapping stories and nobody knows where the conversation is going next. We also dig into QRF Archery Solutions, the archery world, equipment, hunting experiences, and what it takes to build a business without burying yourself in unnecessary overhead. Things get more serious along the way as we talk about personal struggles, coping after difficult experiences, and why some veterans continue seeking out physically demanding challenges long after leaving the military. It's exactly what we wanted Drills Gone Wild to be: veterans, outdoorsmen, stories, laughs, some serious shit when it comes up, and absolutely no guarantee we'll stay on topic. In this episode: Army deployments and military life The good, bad, and questionable world of MREs Veteran camaraderie and stories QRF Archery Solutions Compound bows, archery equipment, and hunting Building a business while keeping overhead down Vegas stories and other questionable decisions Personal struggles and finding productive ways to push yourself COVID-era Army and travel experiences Food, seasoning, and several completely necessary detours Chapters 00:00 — Hunting & Scouting 03:04 — Military Deployments & Experiences 14:59 — MREs & Military Life 20:22 — Military Experiences & Challenges 29:50 — Archery, Recreation & Events 41:08 — Deployments & Army Stories 42:27 — MREs & Culinary Stories 43:30 — Building a Business & Keeping Overhead Low 44:56 — Food, Seasonings & More Detours 47:23 — Military Bonds & Camaraderie 59:56 — Vegas Stories 01:00:45 — Personal Struggles & Finding an Outlet 01:24:03 — Archery Equipment & Hunting 01:27:56 — More Military Stories 01:39:30 — COVID, Travel & Army Life

7. 

   12 Mar 2026

   We Didn't Crappie Fish.. We Just Fished Crappy

   What started as a simple crappie fishing trip in Virginia, for the season one finale, quickly turned into one of the most chaotic outdoor trips we’ve had yet. Three veterans, Co-Hosts of Drills Gone Wild, and Guest Speaker, long-time Veteran friend of RJ, James Baughn, head out on the water expecting to fill a cooler. Instead, we spent the weekend battling wind, cold weather, bad fishing, and our own questionable decisions. From failed fishing tactics and homemade lures to Army stories, combat training memories, and the strange situations you only experience in the military, this episode turns into the kind of conversation that happens when veterans sit around after a long day outdoors. No script. No filters. Just real stories, real laughs, and a fishing trip that didn’t go as planned. Topics in this episode include: • Crappie fishing in Virginia • Why early-season fishing can be brutal • Homemade fishing lures and tackle finds • Army basic training and Drill Sergeant stories • Combat training chaos and combatives • Veteran life after the military • Hunting, bowhunting, and wild game • Why sometimes the best trips are the ones where nothing goes right Even though we didn’t catch a single fish, we still managed to come back with some good stories. And that’s what Drills Gone Wild is really about. 🎣 Follow Drills Gone Wild YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Instagram TikTok New episodes weekly. Veteran mindset meets the outdoors. 0:00 The Fishing Trip That Went Completely Wrong 2:30 Learning to Fish on a Boat 5:40 Shooting Bows and Bad Aim 7:30 Drill Sergeant Stories from the Army 10:00 Living Off Wild Game and Venison 14:30 Homemade Fishing Lures 18:00 Why Fishing Was So Tough 21:30 Getting Hooked by a Crankbait 23:30 Combat Training & Army Combatives 27:00 Fishing Strategy and Reading Water 31:00 Cooking and Eating Bass 34:00 Basic Training Shower Chaos 39:00 Army Deployment & Overseas Stories 46:00 Combatives and Barracks Brawls 52:00 Military Stories That Probably Shouldn't Be Told 56:00 The Gas Station Incident 1:01:00 Bowhunting and Beginner’s Luck 1:05:00 Field Dressing Deer 1:11:00 The Best and Worst Parts of Fishing Trips 1:17:00 Random Internet Culture & Harambe 1:22:00 Japan Deployment Story 1:28:00 Learning Japanese & Culture Shock 1:30:00 Final Thoughts on the Trip

8. 

   26 Feb 2026

   AI for Hunters & Anglers: The Dryads Outdoors Story

   Joel, creator of Dryads Outdoors, shares his journey from frustration with existing outdoor apps to developing his own all-in-one solution. Discover how his background in AI and coding led to a powerful tool for outdoor enthusiasts, emphasizing user feedback and real-time data accuracy. key topics: Development of Dryads Outdoors app Use of AI and mapping tools in outdoor activities Importance of user feedback and community engagement takeaways Joel's journey from frustration with existing apps to creating his own solution The significance of real-time, precise data for outdoor safety and activities Community feedback drives continuous improvement of the app key frameworks Community-driven development Iterative app improvement Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dryads Outdoors 02:47 The Development Journey of the App 04:49 User-Centric Features and Community Engagement 06:17 Innovative AI Features and Wind Analysis 07:14 Understanding AI in Hunting Applications 10:00 The Role of Moon Phases and Animal Behavior 13:00 Scent Control and Hunting Strategies 15:47 Community and Learning in Hunting 18:59 Achievements and Competitions in the App 21:49 Future Goals for Dryads Outdoors 24:43 User Experience and App Features 28:32 Innovative Tracking Features in Hunting Apps 31:34 Ethical Hunting and Animal Recovery 34:27 Hunting Regulations and Community Dynamics 38:27 Future Aspirations for Dryads Outdoors 42:16 Exclusive Offers and Community Engagement 47:34 Drills Gone Wild Intro.mp4 FREE 60-DAY TRIAL: 📣 Dryads “Founding Community Access” – 2 Months Free We’ve unlocked 2 months of Pathfinder FREE for your community. Use code: DRILLSGONEWILDFREE How to Redeem (Takes 2 Minutes) 1️⃣ Go to https://web.dryads.app (https://web.dryads.app) (Must be done on web browser — phone or computer. Not inside the iOS/Android app.) 2️⃣ Create your account. 3️⃣ Click on any locked feature inside Dryads. 4️⃣ Select the Pathfinder subscription. 5️⃣ Click “Add Code” 6️⃣ Enter: DRILLSGONEWILDFREE 7️⃣ Complete checkout → You’ll see $0.00 due today (2 months free) Once you’re subscribed through web, you can log in and use Dryads normally on iOS or Android.

9. 

   19 Feb 2026

   How to Track Animals Like the Military pt. 2

   The conversation delves into the significance of understanding animal tracks, particularly in the context of hunting and fishing. It explores the insights that can be gained from animal tracks, the behavior and patterns of deer, and the strategies employed in hunting and fishing. The conversation covers the topics of animal behavior, hunting, deer mating, tracking, fishing, and health/environmental impact. It emphasizes the importance of understanding animal behavior for successful hunting and fishing, as well as the impact of experience and observation in learning how to pattern animals. Takeaways Understanding animal tracks can reveal valuable information about the gender, age, and behavior of the animal. Animal behavior and survival instincts play a significant role in hunting and fishing strategies. Understanding animal behavior is crucial for successful hunting and fishing. Experience and observation are key to learning how to pattern animals. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Tracking Animals 02:36Understanding Tracks: What They Reveal 05:17Patterns of Deer Behavior 08:14The Art of Patience in Hunting 11:01Identifying Deer Movement 13:52The Importance of Terrain Knowledge 16:34Scrapes and Rubs: Social Signals 19:42Deer Diet and Its Implications 22:25Finding Core Areas of Deer 25:12The Connection Between Hunting and Fishing 27:51Final Thoughts on Animal Tracking

10. 

    12 Feb 2026

    How to Track Animals Like the Military pt. 1

    Mastering Animal Tracking and Wilderness Navigation: Insights from Army and Outdoors Experts In this episode, we dive into the art and science of tracking animals, reading terrain, and navigating challenging outdoor environments. Whether you're a hunter, hiker, or military enthusiast, learn practical tips on patterning deer and fish, reading signs, and avoiding dangers like muskeg traps or bears. Key Topics How to interpret animal tracks for size, gender, speed, and travel patterns Differentiating bass beds: bluegill vs. smallmouth preferences and signs Reading deer rubs, scrapes, and travel corridors to predict behavior Navigating muskeg terrain and avoiding sinkholes in Alaska How pressure, terrain, and time influence animal movements Lessons from military land navigation: importance of terrain association and attention to detail Real-life stories of survival and mishaps in the woods and swamp situations Tips for identifying signs of bears and avoiding nighttime encounters Tools and mental models for effective wilderness tracking Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to tracking animal signs for hunting success 02:06 - Differences between bass species and what their beds indicate 03:13 - Common mistakes in tracking and how to interpret signs 04:34 - Terrain awareness: how terrain shapes animal movement patterns 05:52 - First near-death experience in Alaska muskeg terrain 07:25 - Navigating muskeg and avoiding deadly sinkholes 08:54 - Using game trails and terrain cues to locate points in land navigation 10:00 - The dangers of swamp water and how to survive underwater mud pulls 12:01 - Military land nav lessons: importance of terrain association and detail orientation 13:58 - How distractions and equipment loss can impact survival and mission success 16:12 - Nighttime navigation in bear country and spotting signs of predators 17:45 - The significance of terrain familiarity and avoiding surprises in wilderness 19:21 - Lessons from failed land nav and equipment loss during military training 20:51 - Wild animal encounters: identifying wildlife and avoiding dangerous cats 22:23 - The pitfalls of poor terrain awareness in the woods and swamp 23:44 - Equipment and chain of command issues during outdoor operations 25:19 - The importance of attention to detail in tracking equipment and personnel 27:34 - Final thoughts on becoming better trackers and terrain readers Resources & Links The Hunter's Guide to Tracking Deer by David Petzal Bluegill and Bass Bed Identification - Fish Finder Land Navigation Techniques - US Army Field Manuals Muskeg Terrain Overview Connect with the Hosts RJ Steiskal @the1robertsteiskal - Instagram |Tiktok |Youtube |Facebook Gentry Ward @Heathenoutdoors - Tiktok |Youtube

11. 

    29 Jan 2026

    West Coast Hunting & Fishing Tactics From Army Veteran and Guide: Tristan Mussati

    RJ Steiskal and Gentry Ward are joined by special guest Tristan Mussatti, former Army infantryman and skilled hunter and angler from the Pacific Northwest. The conversation spans Army life—first-day challenges, live-fire training, and lessons from JRTC and AP Hill—before shifting to the outdoors, where Mussatti breaks down real-world hunting and fishing tactics. From chasing steelhead to tracking massive bull elk across the high plains and vast coastal wilderness of Oregon, this episode blends hard-earned military lessons with elite outdoorsman knowledge, tied together by humor, camaraderie, and lived experience.

12. 

    15 Jan 2026

    Late Season Tactics

    In this episode, RJ and Gentry discuss some late season tactics for tackling the various challenges of hunting and fishing during the winter. Offering advice, gear recommendations, knowledge, and another wild conversation.

13. 

    2 Jan 2026

    A caveman, a fisherman, and a dude with a bad haircut

    This conversation explores the intricate world of taxidermy and hunting, focusing on the experiences of veterans transitioning from military life to civilian careers. The speakers discuss various techniques in taxidermy, the challenges faced in the field, and the importance of understanding wildlife behavior. They share personal stories and insights, emphasizing the value of hands-on experience and community in both hunting and taxidermy. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of hunting and fishing, sharing personal experiences, techniques, and humorous anecdotes. They discuss the challenges of targeting specific game, the impact of hunting regulations, and the intricacies of processing game. The conversation also touches on the influence of outfitters in the hunting industry and the importance of genetics in deer breeding. With a mix of practical advice and entertaining stories, the episode offers insights into the outdoor lifestyle.

14. 

    2 Jan 2026

    New Year, New Goals: A Fresh Start for 2026

    In this engaging conversation, RJ Steiskal and Gentry Ward reflect on their experiences and resolutions for the new year, discussing personal growth, challenges in content creation, and the importance of community in the outdoor industry. They share insights on fishing and hunting, memorable catches, and the learning curves they faced throughout the year. The duo emphasizes the significance of continuous development and offers advice for newcomers in the industry, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone.

15. 

    7 Dec 2025

    The Shark Attack and The First 100 Yards

    In this episode of the Drills Gone Wild podcast, hosts Robert Steiskal and Gentry Ward discuss their Thanksgiving experiences, hunting adventures, and the challenges of targeting specific game. They share insights on the importance of discipline in the military, comparing the Shark Attack and First 100 training methods. The episode also highlights the launch of the Future Soldier Prep Program on the SKOL app, designed to prepare recruits for basic training.

16. 

    17 Nov 2025

    Veteran's Day

    Thanking our Veterans. The conversation delves into the mental health crisis faced by veterans, highlighting alarming statistics on suicide rates and PTSD. Personal stories of loss and grief are shared, emphasizing the impact of leadership and the challenges of coping with the death of a fellow soldier. The discussion reflects on the need for better mental health support and the importance of effective leadership in maintaining morale within military units.

17. 

    2 Nov 2025

    Smoke Pit Sessions: 1

    In this episode of Drills Gone Wild, hosts RJ Steiskal and Gentry Ward share their experiences with hunting, fishing, and the cultural nuances of America. They discuss the transition from bank fishing to boat fishing, reflect on their military experiences, and address serious allegations of abuse within the military. The conversation is light-hearted yet insightful, touching on leadership styles and the importance of local businesses.

18. 

    19 Oct 2025

    The First 72 (Fall Hunting & Fishing)

    In this episode of Drills Gone Wild, RJ Steiskal and Gentry Ward discuss the transition into fall for both fishing and hunting. They explore the behavioral changes in deer as the season shifts, the importance of understanding terrain features for effective hunting, and the preparations needed for opening day. The conversation also touches on fishing techniques and the impact of environmental factors on both fishing and hunting success.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.