Kevin Paulson talks about Outdoor Story Telling, Tradeshows, Hunting, and more

Episode Summary Kevin Paulson joins Rick Saez to talk about growing up in a U.S. Forest Service family, how hunting shaped his life, and the path that led him from guiding and outfitting to founding HuntingLife.com and later stepping into the role of Executive Director at AGLOW Outdoors. Kevin breaks down what "authentic" outdoor media really means today, why podcasting is exploding, how AI will challenge creators, and why every creator needs to start building an email list now. He also shares how AGLOW conferences and media camps work, why networking is everything, and what gear he's most excited to test this year.

In This Episode, You'll Hear

Kevin's upbringing around public lands and the Forest Service (and how it shaped his values)

Hunting "in his dad's hip pocket" starting at age five

Why he launched HuntingLife.com (and how the 2007–2009 economy forced a pivot)

What AGLOW is, why it matters, and how it evolved from local newspaper columns to modern creators

Why authenticity + trust beats "information" (especially in an AI-driven content world)

The biggest threat in outdoor media: AI "slop content" and the fight for attention

The most underrated asset: your email list

Why niche audiences ("100 true fans") often beat massive reach

Kevin's "year of the coyote" and what predator control looks like on working ranch land

OutdoorHive.com: a job resource built specifically for the hook-and-bullet + trade show industry

Gear, books, and advice for new outdoor communicators

Memorable Quotes

"Connection and authenticity—at the end of the day—that's what wins."

"It's more important to have an audience of a hundred that loves you than a hundred thousand that may or may not pay attention."

"Begin tomorrow… building your own mailing list."

"Proximity is power—be in the room with the people doing the things."

Resources & Links Mentioned

HuntingLife.com

OutdoorHive.com:

AAGLOW

Organizations mentioned: Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, RMEF, Ducks Unlimited, NWTF, SCI, POMA, OWAA

Books Kevin mentioned:

The Old Man and the Sea (Hemingway)

A Sand County Almanac (Aldo Leopold)

Peter Ryan titles, including The Hunting Life and Wild South (as referenced in the interview)

About Kevin Paulson

Kevin Paulson is a lifelong outdoorsman, entrepreneur, and advocate for hunting and conservation. He's the founder of HuntingLife.com, creator of OutdoorHive.com, and serves as the Executive Director of AGLOW Outdoors, one of the oldest hook-and-bullet media organizations in the industry.

Connect with Kevin

Social: @HuntingLife (most platforms)

Kevin Paulson LinkedIn

Email: kevin@atglowoutdoors.com

kevin@huntinglife.com

kevin@outdoorhive.com

Sponsor / Partner With the Show

Hey there, adventure crew—want to reach 4,000+ outdoor lovers each week? Promote your brand, product, destination, or project to an audience of campers, hikers, and adventure travelers.

Email Rick: rick@ricksaez.com

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