Best Mike Upland Podcasts (2025)

1
🚨Roth Conversion Warning: Miss This 2025 Window, Regret It FOREVER! 11:58

4d ago11:58

11:58

🚨 Roth Conversion Warning: Miss This 2025 Window, Regret It FOREVER! In this episode, I break down why Roth conversions in 2025 are more important than ever—and how early retirees, those already retired, or those thinking about retirement could face massive tax regret if they don’t act soon. Whether you're already in early retirement or planning to…

1
61. Ben Brettingen - The Importance of Public Lands in Bird Hunting, Transitioning from Drahthaars to Cover Dogs and Building a Career in the Hunting Industry. 1:25:58

9d ago1:25:58

1:25:58

Ben Brettingen from onX Maps joins the show this week to cover the current movement in the Senate to sell public lands (speaking of, have you called your Senator yet?), and share his journey from filming hunts in college to a career in marketing in the hunting industry. He also shares how he got started in bird dogs, fell head first into drahthaars…

1
STOP Worrying About Running Out of Money in Retirement! 8:40

11d ago8:40

8:40

Are you constantly worried about running out of money in retirement? You’re not alone—and the good news is, the truth might surprise you! In this podcast, I reveal what most people get wrong about retirement spending, how rare it actually is to run out of money, and the real strategies that work—especially if you're retiring early. We’ll break down…

1
60. Your Public Lands Are For Sale - Are You Really Going To Let That Happen Without Speaking Up? 34:41

17d ago34:41

34:41

Your public lands could be for sale soon if your Senator doesn't help torpedo a specific part of the budget reconciliation bill. Call them and let them know that CANNOT happen. Call: 202-224-3121 Ask for your Senator's office. Adapt this script to your voice (remember, be polite): “Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m from [place]. I am one of your …

1
S5EP87 Ryan With The Upland Social Podcast 1:16:07

17d ago1:16:07

1:16:07

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with Ryan, the voice behind The Upland Social podcast. Ryan shares the story behind starting his own podcast and how his love for bird dogs, upland hunting, and faith all intersect. We dig into what fuels his passion, why he felt called to create content in the upland world, and the deeper meaning he find…

1
How Much Do You REALLY Need to Retire on $10K a Month? 12:55

18d ago12:55

12:55

Want to retire on $10K a month? This episode shows exactly how much you need saved in 2025 and beyond—factoring in taxes, healthcare, inflation, Social Security, and investment risk. We’ll break down what it really takes to sustain $10,000 in monthly retirement income spending —whether you're aiming for early retirement, following the 4% rule (and …

1
59. Mike Neiduski - Planning a Long Distance Bird Hunting Trip 1:00:02

24d ago1:00:02

1:00:02

This episode is the audio of a presentation Mike did at the 2025 NAVHDA Annual Meeting in Montana. He covers his tips and tricks to plan and execute a long distance road trip including pre-planning, checklist making, and some helpful pro-tips to keep you out of trouble when it inevitably finds you. If you have any follow up questions, feel free to …

1
Will ACA Subsidies Disappear After 2025? What You NEED to Know! 6:00

25d ago6:00

6:00

⚠️ Are ACA subsidies really going away after 2025? If you're planning to retire early or already living off your investments, this could impact your healthcare costs in a big way. In this episode, I explain exactly what's happening with ACA subsidies in 2026—what's expiring, what's staying, and how you can still qualify for financial help through s…

1
If You’re in Your 40s, 50s, or 60s: 25 Life Lessons from 70+ Year-Olds 11:50

30d ago11:50

11:50

If you're in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, listen to this! In this podcast, I share 25 life lessons from people over 70 — timeless wisdom for navigating midlife, retirement planning, relationships, purpose, and happiness. These life lessons are based on the powerful research of Dr. Karl Pillemer, author of 30 Lessons for Living, who interviewed over 1,000…

1
58. Tanya Caram - Her Journey With Wirehaired Vizlas and Attacking Goals Tenaciously 1:15:14

1M ago1:15:14

1:15:14

Tanya Caram joins the show this week to share how she fell in love with Wirehaired Vizlas, her journey to having the first VC WHV, spending extended time in Hungary, and working to develop the breed here in North America. Tanya also shares some unique insights about her journey along the way, including challenging doubters and tirelessly pursuing h…

1
How Your Kids Can Derail Your Retirement (Unless You Plan for It) 7:37

1M ago7:37

7:37

Many early retirees forget to factor in their adult children when planning retirement. From weddings and tuition to ongoing support, the financial impact can be substantial—especially when you no longer have a paycheck coming in. In this episode, I’ll walk you through how to plan for potential financial support, set healthy boundaries, and protect …

1
57. Matt Sather and Jason Rice - Bird Hunting and Dog Training from a Track Chair 1:13:49

1M ago1:13:49

1:13:49

Matt Sather and Jason Rice join the show this week to share Matt's journey into NAVHDA and hunting with a versatile dog. Jason discusses connecting Matt with the Track2Wing Project and Matt reflects honestly on how much of the world has opened up to him and his dog now that he has a track chair. These two go back and forth with ribbing and heartfel…

1
Claim Social Security at 62, 67, or 70? The Answer May Surprise You! 9:45

1M ago9:45

9:45

Should you claim Social Security early, wait until full retirement age, or delay until 70? In this podcast, we walk through a real retirement case study and run the numbers to show how your claiming age affects your investments, taxes, and even your health insurance premiums. 📊 See why delaying may not always be the best choice—and how opportunity …

1
56. Ted Wentink - The Beauty and Function of the Spinone, Walking Along in European Hunt Tests, and The Importance of Taking Things Slow 1:24:38

1M ago1:24:38

1:24:38

Ted Wentink joins the show this week to share his never-ending love for Spinoni Italiani. He shares candidly about his journey with dogs throughout the years, making an effort to show his dogs form and function, and his experiences attending hunt tests in Italy and England. He also dives into the importance of learning to train the dog in front of …

1
How Early Retirees Can Pay WAY Less for Health Insurance! 12:46

2M ago12:46

12:46

Want to pay WAY less for health insurance in early retirement? This follow-up to my previous very popular video (link below in watch next) shows how smart retirees legally slash ACA premiums by strategically managing their income. You'll learn how MAGI impacts subsidies, and see real scenarios using Healthcare.gov. Don’t overpay for healthcare—plan…

1
S5EP86 Public Land Sell Off With The Pubic Land Advocate 1:33:06

2M ago1:33:06

1:33:06

Send us a text In this episode, we welcome John, widely known as The Public Land Advocate, to discuss a critical and timely issue facing the outdoor community: the federal government's recent proposal to sell off up to 500,000 acres of public land. We dig into what this means for hunters, anglers, hikers, conservationists, and anyone who values acc…

1
55. Ellen Neiduski - Lessons Learned On The Journey to A Well-Trained Companion 1:21:49

2M ago1:21:49

1:21:49

For a little something different this week Mike sits down with his mother, Ellen, on Mother's Day to discuss their family history in pets. Ellen shares her decision and commitment to having a well-trained family dog and a variety of lessons she learned along the way. She also taps into the power of working with a trainer part time to develop confid…

1
Retirement Stats That’ll Make You Rethink Working Another Year 7:07

2M ago7:07

7:07

Is working longer really worth it? In this episode, I break down 3 retirement stats and insights that could completely change the way you think about work, wealth, and health in retirement. If you're planning for early retirement, these numbers might just shift your whole retirement strategy. Here's what you'll learn: • Why 63.9 years is a critical…

1
54. Christy Langston - Fighting Imposter Syndrome, Solo Hunting Shenanigans, and Lessons from a Failed Breeding 1:44:31

2M ago1:44:31

1:44:31

Christy Langston joins the show this week while Mike visited the Missouri Uplands NAVHDA chapter to judge. She shares candidly about fighting imposter syndrome, gives more great photography tips, and opens up about a recent failed breeding with one of her dogs. She also shares more about her experiences with long-distance solo hunting trips and not…

1
Why You’re Closer to Early Retirement Than You Think 8:44

2M ago8:44

8:44

Are you wondering why it feels like everyone else is retiring early — and you're not? In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, we uncover the real reasons people delay early retirement, even when they have enough saved. Learn how to avoid the "one more year syndrome," stop chasing unrealistic retirement numbers, and discover 5 proven strategies…

1
S5EP85 Ben Brettingen onX Hunt & Board Member of Ruffed Grouse Society 1:10:06

2M ago1:10:06

1:10:06

Send us a text In this special 85th episode, we welcome back Ben Brettingen of onX Hunt, who now brings a fresh perspective as a newly appointed Board Member of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS). We dig into Ben’s vision for the future of RGS and where he believes he can make the biggest impact. Topics include: Ben’s new role on the RGS board and wha…

1
53. Carey Killion - Marathons to Bird Dogs, Facing Failure Head On, and Building Better a Weimaraner 1:09:39

2M ago1:09:39

1:09:39

Carey Killion joins the show this week to share how marathons brought her to bird dogs, facing failure head on, and how she is committed to bettering the breed of Weimaraners. Carey is refreshingly honest about her pursuits, whether that be making mistakes along the way with her dogs, tips to better show dogs in field trials, and joining the board …

1
The $12,900 Health Insurance Loophole for Early Retirees! 11:19

2M ago11:19

11:19

What if you could save over $12,000 a year on healthcare—just by choosing the right account to withdraw from to fund your retirement? In this episode, I (early retiree and tax-planning nerd) break down the smartest way to structure your income before age 65 to maximize your ACA subsidy. You’ll learn why your taxable brokerage account might be your …

1
52. Yia Vang - Hunting and Fishing as a Way of Life, The Power of Food, Conservation, and Community, and Bringing Hmong Food to the Mainstream 1:24:41

2M ago1:24:41

1:24:41

Yia Vang joins the show this week to discuss his award winning restaurant and how growing up in the Hmong community presented hunting and fishing as a way of life, not just a hobby. Yia is a James Beard Award Finalist and creator and head chef of Vinai, one of the top 50 best restaurants in the US. Yia discusses his thoughts on Hmong culture in reg…

1
5 Retirement Regrets You’ll Want to Avoid 6:40

2M ago6:40

6:40

If you’re planning for retirement — or already enjoying your golden years — this episode is a must-listen. Dive into the five most common financial regrets retirees face, drawing from personal experience, hard-earned lessons, and recent data. From not saving early enough to underestimating healthcare costs, I break down how you can sidestep these p…

1
51. Bailey Petersen - Falling in Love with Ruffed Grouse, Her Gaggle of Setters, and Pro-Tips for Navigating Grouse Cover 1:09:13

3M ago1:09:13

1:09:13

Bailey Petersen joins the show this week to talk all things Northwoods, Ruffed Grouse, and her pack of setters (and one microphone loving Munsterlander). She dives into how she grew her love of ruffed grouse and woodcock, moved from a golden retriever to a small munsterlander, and then to an ever growing pack of setter boys. She dives into her best…

1
What Vanishes When You Retire (And How to Get it Back!) 10:59

3M ago10:59

10:59

You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and now retirement is here! But nobody warns you about the six major things that disappear the moment you leave the workforce. If you’re not prepared, these changes can hit harder than expected—but the good news? You can replace them with something even better! In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I’ll …

1
50. Q&A with Mike - NAVHDA Invitational Prep, DD vs GWP, and The Day Everything Changed 1:43:59

3M ago1:43:59

1:43:59

This week's episode features Mike answering questions submitted on our Facebook and Instagram pages. He covers his mindset heading toward the NAVHDA Invitational, his thoughts on DDs vs. GWPs, answers a whole bunch of silly geese questions, and talks candidly about losing 2 of his dogs to heat stroke. This episode is brought to you by Ugly Dog Hunt…

1
S5EP84 The Wisconsin Prairie Chicken Project 1:05:43

3M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Send us a text In this episode, we sit down with the founder of the Prairie Chicken Project in Wisconsin to explore the incredible work being done to protect one of North America’s most iconic grassland birds: the greater prairie chicken. Once a common sight across the Midwest, these vibrant birds are now fighting for survival as their native habit…

1
Thinking About Retiring Early in 2025? Think Again. 7:57

3M ago7:57

7:57

Planning for early retirement in 2025? Before you hand in your notice, this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap is your essential guide to navigating the biggest risks facing early retirees this year. In it, I break down three critical threats — sequence of returns risk, rising inflation, and high market valuations, yes, even with the market downtu…

1
49. Nick Dulas - Being the Young Guy in a PF Chapter, Driving All Night To Get a Setter, and Making The Choice To Go 1:13:28

3M ago1:13:28

1:13:28

Nick Dulas joins the show this week where he recounts his pre-COVID journey to joining the Rice County PF chapter and why he's stayed involved since. He also shares how he developed a love for setters and the french brittany. He and Mike also talk a little hockey, and dive into Nick's advice for making long-distance hunting trips. Enjoy! This episo…

1
The Retirement Wake-Up Call: What the Study AND My Story--Reveals! 13:46

3M ago13:46

13:46

Thinking about early retirement or already living it? This episode is your wake-up call — and your roadmap. In this powerful and personal episode of The Early Retirement Roadmap, I talk about the retirement truths no one warns you about. Discover the real challenges behind the dream — from unexpected loneliness and identity loss to the surprising t…

1
48. Nikki Flander - Loving Dogs So Much She Snuck One Home, Her Love of English Setters, and Diving Into The Industry and Creating Spaces for Women. 1:08:39

3M ago1:08:39

1:08:39

Nikki Flander joins the show this week to share her journey to working with the Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club, how she fell in love with English Setters, that one time she wanted a dog so bad she snuck one home in high school, and creating community for women in the hunting and shooting space. Nikki is dedicated to any pursuit she picks up and this e…

1
How a Mutual Index Fund Cost Me $17K in Taxes (And How to Avoid This Mistake) 11:44

3M ago11:44

11:44

Investing in index mutual funds sounds like a safe bet, right? Well, I thought so—until I got hit with an unexpected $17,000 tax bill. In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I break down the hidden tax trap in taxable mutual funds and why an ETF might be the smarter choice. Plus, I’ll share how tax-loss harvesting helped me fix my mistake and…

1
47. Hannah & Kyle Peterson - A Match Made Over Bird Dogs, Diving Into Cover Dog Trials, and Wanting An Assertive Female Setter. 1:28:28

4M ago1:28:28

1:28:28

Hannah & Kyle Peterson are a match made with a shared love of dog training, and then bird dogs in grouse country. In this episode they share their journey into dog training in very separate realms and how they eventually met, married, and now are growing a family, all while chasing English Setters through the grouse woods hunting and in Cover Dog t…

1
Scared to Retire? Overcome Your RETIREMENT FEARS! 16:42

4M ago16:42

16:42

You’ve run the numbers, planned your finances, and dreamed of early retirement—but fear is still holding you back. You’re not alone! What if I run out of money? What about healthcare costs? Will I be bored? These fears are completely normal, and in this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I’ll help you tackle them head-on. 🌟 Here’s what you’ll lea…

1
The Perfect Retirement Announcement: A Step-by-Step Guide 15:18

4M ago15:18

15:18

Planning to retire? Announcing your retirement isn’t as simple as picking a date and telling your boss—it’s about strategy, timing, and setting yourself up for success. In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I’ll guide you through the complete retirement announcement process, so you can make a smooth, professional transition. 🌟 Here’s what we…

1
46. John Zeman - Letting a Dog Fill Up The Country, The Power of Helping Others Train Their Dogs, and Ensuring Others Have Access to Dog Training Areas 1:19:04

4M ago1:19:04

1:19:04

John Zeman got his first German Shorthair in 1978 and has had various types of bird dogs ever since. Through mentors he found field trials and training methods which he now shares with many who show up at his home on Wednesday nights for training. He still runs and judges field trials across the upper midwest and is also the current president of th…

1
The ONE Retirement Mistake That Could RUIN You! 11:29

4M ago11:29

11:29

You’ve saved up, planned carefully, and are ready to enjoy your retirement—so what could possibly go wrong? In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, host Mike Upland reveals a critical mistake that could drain your retirement savings faster than you expect: Sequence of Returns Risk. With today’s economic uncertainty—rising inflation, stock mark…

1
45. Greg Blair - An Education in Field Trials and Landing a Dream Job with Purina. 1:29:17

4M ago1:29:17

1:29:17

Greg Blair joins the show this week to share his origins in bird dogs, NSTRA, and ultimately field trials. He shares how he landed his dream job at Purina, became a field trial judge, breaks down accessibility in field trialing as well as a look at this year's National Championship and much much more. If you're looking to learn more about field tri…

1
Health Insurance Options for Early Retirement: What You NEED to Know 14:18

4M ago14:18

14:18

Thinking about early retirement but worried about health insurance? You’re not alone! Healthcare costs are one of the biggest reasons people delay retirement. But don’t let that stop you! In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I break down all your options for staying covered before Medicare, including: ✅ COBRA – Keep your employer’s plan (bu…

1
Retirement Tax Mistakes that Could Cost You Thousands! 13:36

4M ago13:36

13:36

💰 Are you unknowingly making tax mistakes that could drain your retirement savings? In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, host Mike Upland breaks down the biggest retirement tax traps and how to avoid them. 📉 Learn how improper IRA and 401(k) withdrawals can push you into a higher tax bracket, trigger unexpected Social Security taxes, and ev…

1
44. Ray Esboldt - Finding NAHRA, Kelly Farms, and Keeping Keystone Woods WMA Open to Train Bird Dogs 1:19:33

4M ago1:19:33

1:19:33

Ray Esboldt is a member of the Four Points Retriever Club and an avid NAHRA enthusiast. Mike & Ray sat down to discuss his experience going from a meat dog to appreciating the abilities and year round training opportunities or a NAHRA dog. Ray also speaks up about the recent purchase of Kelly Farms in Minnesota, what's different now, and shares mor…

1
43. Jacob Walter - Transitioning from Labs to Shorthairs, Going All-In on Bird Dogs, and Why Physical Fitness Is An Underrated Component for Bird Hunting 1:17:40

5M ago1:17:40

1:17:40

Jacob Walter joins the show this week to share his journey of upland bird hunting from growing up with Labrador Retrievers to raising a young family with German shorthairs. Jacob also discusses what inspired him to become a local volunteer for Pheasants Forever, how he approaches long-distance hunting trips, and some insight into why he believes ph…

1
How Much Do You REALLY Need to Retire? 12:52

5M ago12:52

12:52

Retirement planning isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the question of “How much money do I REALLY need?” can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, I’m diving deep into the essential factors that determine your retirement number, including: ✅ How to calculate your annual retirement spending …

1
Ready to Ditch the 9-to-5? Your Early Retirement Checklist 12:07

5M ago12:07

12:07

Are You REALLY Ready to Retire Early? This Checklist Will Tell You! 🚀 You dream of ditching the 9-to-5 grind—but are you truly prepared to take the leap into early retirement? In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, host Mike Upland (early retiree at 55) walks you through the ultimate early retirement checklist—covering both financial and life…

1
10 Powerful Reasons to Retire Early (Don't Wait Too Long!) 11:09

5M ago11:09

11:09

🚀 What if you could reclaim your time, health, and freedom—starting now? In this episode of Early Retirement Roadmap, host Mike Upland, a seasoned early retiree, shares 10 powerful reasons why retiring early might be the smartest move you can make. From prioritizing your health to maximizing your time, he breaks down how early retirement can lead t…

1
42. Luc Ramthun - Loving Large Munsterlanders and a National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic Preview! 1:14:49

5M ago1:14:49

1:14:49

Luc Ramthun from Pheasants Forever joins the show this week to give a preview of the upcoming Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic being held in Kansas City (see y'all there), and share his journey into bird hunting. Luc shares how he pivoted from big city marketing and teaching to working for The Habitat Organization, and how Pheasant Fest led him to h…

1
41. Dr. RuthAnn Lobos - On When and How To Feed Your Hunting Dog, Choosing a Puppy Food, and Coming to Hunting Later in Life 1:04:17

5M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Dr. RuthAnn Lobos is the Senior Veterinarian for Purina. She joins the show this week to share her journey with bird dogs and give some incredible, research backed insight into how we feed our dogs. You'll learn how to prioritize and plan your feeding schedule for hunting and training, whether you can feed 30/20 straight away or should choose a pup…

1
40. Sam Tillman - A Lifelong Desire for Bird Dogs, The Importance of Going at Her Own Pace, and Making Sure to have Fun. 1:10:05

5M ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Sam Tillman joins the show this week where she shares her lifelong love of bird dogs and that love has only deepened over time. She also takes a dive into qualifying for the NAVHDA Invitational, building a lasting bond with her Pudelpointer, Stormie, and how keeping fun at the top of her training value system has helped her achieve success. This ep…

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