Cleared Hot Podcast Episode 367: Robbie Kröger

Host: Andy Stumpf
Guest: Robbie Kröger
Release Date: December 30, 2024

Introduction of Robbie Kröger

Timestamp: [02:22]

Andy Stumpf welcomes Robbie Kröger, a South African native and American citizen residing in Mississippi. Robbie comes from a hunting family and brings extensive experience in conservation, addressing topics such as rhinos, elephants, and poaching.

Andy Stumpf:
"Today's guest, his name is Robbie Kroger. Robbie Kroger, a native of South Africa, now an American citizen living in Mississippi, member of the hunting family. And today's conversation is all based around conservation."

Conservation and the Role of Hunting

Timestamp: [04:12] - [11:12]

Robbie emphasizes the importance of shifting the narrative from merely "saving" certain species to sustaining them through responsible hunting practices. He argues that hunting plays a crucial role in conservation by providing necessary funding and management for wildlife populations.

Robbie Kröger:
"One of the things he brings up in this episode that I couldn't support more is this narrative that is no longer true about certain species and how we can shift the narrative towards sustainment and just the role that hunters play in the conservation ecosystem."

Personal Stories and Experiences

Timestamp: [05:00] - [15:11]

Robbie shares his recent activities, including multiple trips to Costa Rica and a Christmas party in Nashville. He highlights his involvement in charitable initiatives, such as supporting underprivileged kids through Jiu Jitsu programs funded by hunting-related events.

Robbie Kröger:
"What we're doing is we're using hunting to fund projects that help communities, like building soccer fields and providing medical support. It's about creating sustainability for both wildlife and people."

Rhetoric and Media Influence on Hunting Narratives

Timestamp: [14:30] - [23:18]

Robbie discusses the pervasive negative rhetoric surrounding hunting, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram. He explains how Blood Origins aims to counteract these misconceptions by presenting factual information and positive stories about hunting's role in conservation.

Robbie Kröger:
"I have learned my lesson in trying to change people's minds on social media. It is not a medium... People are pretty fixed in what they believe. Instead, we focus on long-form content to truly capture attention and convey our message."

Specific Conservation Examples

Timestamp: [15:48] - [45:33]

Robbie delves into various conservation projects, such as building staff housing for medical clinics in Zambia and managing elephant populations in Botswana and Tanzania. He critiques the "Save the Elephant" narrative, arguing that sustainable hunting is essential for maintaining healthy wildlife populations and habitats.

Robbie Kröger:
"Operation Noah was incredible. These communities rely on hunting revenue to fund conservation efforts like building medical clinics and schools. Without hunting, these projects wouldn't be possible."

Storytelling and Outreach Efforts

Timestamp: [74:05] - [99:22]

Andy and Robbie discuss the importance of storytelling in changing perceptions about hunting and conservation. They highlight Blood Origins' efforts to produce documentaries and podcasts that showcase the positive impacts of hunting on wildlife and communities worldwide.

Andy Stumpf:
"We wanted to tell a hunter's story in a way that’s gripping and authentic, similar to how Christian testimonials are shared. Through Blood Origins, we’ve produced 83 impactful stories that highlight sustainable hunting and its benefits."

Robbie Kröger:
"Our documentary 'Lionheart' played a significant role in changing minds about lion hunting in Colorado, contributing to a decisive electoral victory against banning certain hunting practices."

Conclusion and Call to Action

Timestamp: [133:28] - [138:48]

Andy and Robbie conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with Blood Origins through donations, sharing content, and following their platforms. They stress the importance of understanding the true role of hunting in conservation and urge listeners to support sustainable practices.

Andy Stumpf:
"If you feel inspired by our podcast, consider donating to Blood Origins. Absorb the content, share it with your community, and help us continue the conversation about sustainable hunting and conservation."

Robbie Kröger:
"By sharing our stories and educating others, we can shift the narrative and demonstrate the crucial role hunters play in preserving wildlife and supporting communities globally."

Notable Quotes

• Robbie Kröger at [05:00]:
  "We're using hunting to fund projects that help communities, like building soccer fields and providing medical support. It's about creating sustainability for both wildlife and people."

• Robbie Kröger at [14:30]:
  "I have learned my lesson in trying to change people's minds on social media. It is not a medium... People are pretty fixed in what they believe."

• Andy Stumpf at [74:05]:
  "We wanted to tell a hunter's story in a way that’s gripping and authentic, similar to how Christian testimonials are shared."

• Robbie Kröger at [45:33]:
  "Operation Noah was incredible. These communities rely on hunting revenue to fund conservation efforts like building medical clinics and schools."

• Andy Stumpf at [133:28]:
  "If you feel inspired by our podcast, consider donating to Blood Origins. Absorb the content, share it with your community, and help us continue the conversation about sustainable hunting and conservation."

Key Takeaways

• Sustainable Hunting as Conservation: Hunting, when properly regulated, provides essential funding for wildlife management and community projects.

• Changing Narratives: Blood Origins focuses on storytelling to shift public perception from viewing hunters negatively to understanding their conservation efforts.

• Global Conservation Efforts: Projects in Africa, New Zealand, and other regions demonstrate the positive impacts of sustainable hunting on ecosystems and local communities.

• Media and Education: Long-form content and authentic storytelling are pivotal in educating the public and countering misinformation about hunting.

For more insights and to support their mission, visit Blood Origins and follow their podcast on popular platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.