Ep. 143 - The Boxmasters - Billy Bob Thornton & J.D. Andrew Celebrate Their 21st Album, 20 Years Together & The Morro Rock Tour

Ep. 143 - The Boxmasters - Billy Bob Thornton & J.D. Andrew Celebrate Their 21st Album, 20 Years Together & The Morro Rock Tour

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1991122/fan_mail/new] Today, George Blitch joins the two founders and main songwriters from The Boxmasters, J.D. Andrew and Billy Bob Thornton. With their 21st album “In the Bay” newly released and the Morro Rock Tour underway, we begin by discussing the first handful of shows and how this album took shape.  Billy describes spending time near Morro Bay while his daughter attends Cal Poly, with long quiet stretches overlooking the bay that turned into melodies, lyrics, and the beginning ideas for an album. Back home, he and J.D. begin shaping those sketches into finished songs and realize a strong Brian Wilson influence was creeping into the writing. Instead of fighting it, they lean in, using more adventurous structure and harmony while staying unmistakably The Boxmasters. They were not chasing “Pet Sounds,” but honorably paying respect to a songwriter whose ideas and songs still echo and impress.   They also pull back the curtain on how a long running band stays productive. You tend to learn a thing or two, after being in a band for 20+ years! Planning matters because labels need lead time, but their process is always rolling, with songs waiting in the wings. They shout out their artist focused label, Thirty Tigers in Nashville, and explain how they keep releasing music that is intentionally not mainstream. They play what they love. That includes “Better Velvet,” a limited vinyl project made with Brad Davis that leans more Americana and singer-songwriter, proving their sound can shift record to record without needing a rebrand as it has for 20+ years, now! They even tease another upcoming release with a darker, classic rock edge and hints of Pink Floyd influence.   Live, The Boxmasters chase the feeling of the arena rock shows they grew up loving, even in clubs, theaters, and amphitheaters. The set list stays mostly consistent so the band can hit hard, build momentum, and avoid mid-show lulls, with tweaks made when the rhythm of the night demands it. They discuss iconic venues, dream stages, and how different rooms change the energy, especially seated theaters where audiences sometimes need permission, or a little prodding to stand, let loose, and enjoy a live rock band, at its best.  Their approach is simple: play the best live show every night, whether it’s 300 people or 25,000, and treat the audience as a true partner, while “blowing the cobwebs out of every room!”   Get the new album “In The Bay”, check out Morro Rock Tour - now through August 8th - and learn more about The Boxmasters:   TheBoxmasters.com [https://theboxmasters.com/home] Learn more abou the host, George Blitch at:   SonofaBlitch.com [https://www.sonofablitch.com/]   IG: "thesonofablitch [https://www.instagram.com/thesonofablitch/]"

Ep. 142 - Chief Arvol Looking Horse - White Buffalo Teachings, Prophecy, & World Peace & Prayer Day

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1991122/fan_mail/new] Chief Arvol Looking Horse is the 19th generation keeper of the sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe (chanupa) for the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota - the Great Sioux Nation. He describes being entrusted with the sacred bundle at age twelve, during an era when Native ceremonies were pushed into hiding and public prayer at sacred sites was not protected until the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978.  Arvol speaks of the oral traditions of his people, the importance of respecting and listening to elders, and how prophecies have shaped a narrative in his life, and those around him.   He begins by telling the story of the White Buffalo Calf Woman and the white buffalo prophecy, which is also covered in his book, White Buffalo Teachings, first published in 2001*. Looking Horse recounts how White Buffalo Calf Woman brought the sacred pipe and sacred teachings and ceremonies to the Lakota. Arvol goes on to explain that when the white buffalo returns, it will be a moment of great importance. In 1994, one was born in Wisconsin, and since, many more have been born, which is very significant to the times and challenges we face, globally.  That also ties into another discussion about World Peace and Prayer Day [https://www.worldpeaceandprayer.com/], which began in 1996, by Chief Arvol Looking Horse. WPPD is held on June 21, every year, on sacred sites across the world. He encourages people to go to their local, sacred sites - the places of importance to their own people, and pray for global healing, in our hearts, minds and of the Earth, itself, on the 30th anniversary of this sacred day. Looking Horse says we face a very important choice, as we are at the Crossroads: continued division that leads to sickness, viruses, disasters, and false leaders, or a spiritual uniting across nations and faiths. His phrase “all nations, all faiths, one prayer” is not about everyone adopting one religion; it is an invitation to return to your own language, your own traditions, and your own “medicine,” while recognizing relationship across boundaries.  The episode closes with guidance for youth: remember life as a circle, move forward with purpose, and protect the source of life rather than treating it as a resource. “Mitakuye Oyasin” As Arvol explains, "Mitakuye Oyasin" a concise prayer that acknowledges the sacred connection of all relations: two-legged, four-legged, winged, swimmers, crawlers, and the Earth itself. It means We Are All Related. We Are All One.  Learn more about World Peace & Prayer Day at: WorldPeaceandPrayerDay.com [https://www.worldpeaceandprayer.com/] Learn more about the host, George Blitch, at: SonofaBlitch.com [https://www.sonofablitch.com/] Instagram: "thesonofablitch [https://www.instagram.com/thesonofablitch/]" *George Blitch was a part of the group that first published Arvol's book, and then he and Harvey Arden published the 2nd printing under George's publishing company, HYT Publishing [https://www.haveyouthought.com/].

Ep. 141 w/ Bob St. Pierre - Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1991122/fan_mail/new] America’s grasslands are disappearing in plain sight, and the ripple effects hit everything from bobwhite quail and pheasants to pollinators, water quality, and the long-term health of working farms and ranches. We sit down with Bob St. Pierre, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer with Pheasants Forever [https://www.pheasantsforever.org/] and Quail Forever [https://quailforever.org/] to trace how a lifelong bird hunter and baseball guy chose a career in upland habitat conservation, and why he’s never looked back after more than two decades of building habitat-focused momentum.   We dig into what makes Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever different: a mission that prioritizes habitat over bird releases, and a chapter-driven model where local volunteers raise funds and then decide how to put those dollars to work in their own landscapes. That can mean supporting CRP enrollment, hosting landowner workshops, improving public access through walk-in programs, or funding hands-on projects that restore native prairie and functional grassland structure. If you’ve ever wondered where conservation dollars actually go, this conversation makes it tangible.   We also unpack today’s biggest habitat pressures, including woody encroachment from eastern red cedar and juniper, and the practical tools that reverse the trend: prescribed fire, removing invading trees, planting native grasses and forbs, and building pollinator habitat that benefits far more than upland birds. Then we shift into the community side of conservation with National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic, the Concert For Conservation, and why reaching younger, more diverse audiences matters if we want a real legacy of wise land use.   If you care about quail hunting, pheasant hunting, bird dogs, grassland restoration, or simply leaving the land better than you found it, tune in, share this with a friend, and be sure to visits the sites, below, to sign up for newsletter updates. You can learn more at PheasantsForever.org [https://www.pheasantsforever.org/] and QuailForever.org [https://quailforever.org/]

Ep. 140 - Celebrating Four Years of The Son of a Blitch Podcast

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1991122/fan_mail/new] Four years ago, the Son of a Blitch Podcast was launched and today I’m celebrating a few major milestones: 140+ episodes, listeners in 115+ Countries and Territories, millions of downloads, listens and views from the podcast and related social media content. This anniversary update also provides a preview of what’s coming up in year five, with a mix that reflects the show’s identity: meaningful interviews, and curiosity-driven storytelling.  One of the highlights for year five is a conversation with Chief Arvol Looking Horse, the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe and a Spiritual Leader of the Lakota people. The discussion centers on the 30th anniversary of World Peace and Prayer Day [https://www.worldpeaceandprayer.com/], an initiative begun in 1996 that brings people together at sacred sites around the world on June 21st. Alongside the history of the White Buffalo Teachings, the episode points toward themes that resonate beyond any one tradition: honoring sacred places, remembering lineage, and treating prayer as a lived practice rather than a slogan. For anyone searching for Indigenous wisdom, Lakota spirituality, or the deeper story behind modern peace gatherings, this upcoming interview stands out as a rare chance to hear context from a living steward of tradition. The show also previews a conservation-focused conversation with Bob St. Pierre from Pheasants Forever [https://pheasantsforever.org/default.aspx] and Quail Forever [https://quailforever.org/], highlighting habitat work and how people get involved in organizations that actually put resources into the field. This is a useful reminder that conservation is not just policy talk; it’s membership, volunteering, land access, and long-term habitat projects that protect wildlife and upland birds.    Along the same practical line, a forthcoming interview with Dr. John McCall of Stealth Vision [https://stealthvision.com/] moves into hunting and shooting gear innovation, including an anti-cant level built into a rifle scope reticle that illuminates green when the rifle is truly level. It’s a small design detail with big implications for long-distance accuracy, and an episode that is rich for listeners interested in optics, rifle scopes, marksmanship, and precision performance. We also discuss Dr. McCall's tenure as a Texas Wildlife Commissioner, appointed directly by his friend, Texas Gov. Abbott.   Another exciting conversation coming up is one with The Boxmasters, including founders J.D. Andrew and Billy Bob Thornton, focusing on their 22nd album, 20 years together as a band, and a fast-selling run of live dates on the upcoming tour. Learn more and get tickets for The Morro Rock Tour at TheBoxmasters.com [https://theboxmasters.com/]   The episode also tees up more author conversations, including New York Times bestselling writer M.P. Woodward [https://www.mpwoodward.com/], continuing from work connected to The Fourth Option with Jack Carr [https://www.officialjackcarr.com/] and branching into upcoming book releases, and gear collaborations (with Mike Irwin [https://mikeirwinguitarlessons.com/]) around his brand, Motu Truck Caps [https://motutruckcaps.myshopify.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqLyRATbFGcCc2b09N1zvj3V9fGa5y-UznWxPKymbxmyr-EjZbr], for vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Gladiator.  Although I've been teasing it for a while now, I will be working on getting up to the Headquarters of Vortex Optics [https://vortexoptics.com/] to record a podcast with the CEO, Joe Hamilton. We'll talk about the history of Vortex Optics and some of their incredible product line (read my review, here [https://www.sonofablitch.com/vortexoptics.html]), but will spend a lot of the time covering the C.A.R.E. Movement [https://www.vortexcare.com/], which stands for Create A Rare Experience, something his time does time and time again. I also suggest you check out the CARE Movement Podcast, and sign up for the newsletters on the website.  Another exciting interview on the horizon is one I will be hosting with Kent Yoshimura, the CEO and Co-Founder of Neuro Gum & Mints [https://neurogum.com/], providing clean energy and focus, calm and clarity, memory and focus, or recharging through better sleep, depending on the product and your personal needs. We'll also talk about the company's focus on philanthropy, and their partnership with Beast Philanthropy [https://www.beastphilanthropy.org/] (Mr. Beast), of which 100% of proceeds from this tin are donated to help improve lives and drive meaningful change around the world. Their origin story and development is incredible and I can't wait to chat with Kent about it. Fun fact: I take Neuro Mints before every single podcast.  This upcoming year of the podcast promises some exciting new interviews, as well as more written articles and product and book reviews on website, Sonofablitch.com  [https://www.sonofablitch.com/articles.html] Speaking of, here are some of the recent product reviews that I have put together for some of my Partners, Sponsors & Affiliates (PSA's): Decked [https://www.sonofablitch.com/decked.html] Seekins Precision [https://www.sonofablitch.com/seekinsprecision.html] Vortex Optics [https://www.sonofablitch.com/vortexoptics.html] If you haven't already subscribed to the podcast, I'd really appreciate you doing that.  You'll be notified when new episodes drop. And, if you have time, leaving a 5 star rating and a positive review for the podcast really helps the show grow! Thanks for all your support and encouragement!  -George Blitch SonofaBlitch.com [https://www.sonofablitch.com/] IG: "thesonofablitch [https://www.instagram.com/thesonofablitch/]"

Ep. 139 w/ SCOTT MANN - Discussing His New Book, THE GENEROSITY OF SCARS

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1991122/fan_mail/new] The conversation opens with Scott Mann’s one-man play, 11 Days, drawn from Operation Pineapple Express and the final, chaotic days of the Afghanistan withdrawal. He explains why live theater is a different kind of truth telling: it reaches veterans, military families, and civilians who only absorbed political sound bites and 24-7 news coverage. By touring community venues around key anniversaries, the project aims to restore context, honor Afghan partners, and put the human cost back in the center. If you care about veterans’ stories, moral injury, and national memory, the play becomes more than art. It is a bridge between people who served and people who feel disconnected from what service required. From there, Scott introduces Generosity of Scars, the second book in his leadership trilogy after Nobody Is Coming to Save You. The central idea is narrative competence: the ability to repurpose struggle into stories that serve other people. He frames modern life as “the churn,” an environment of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity amplified by distraction, disengagement, disconnection, and distrust. In a trust recession where audiences question what is real, authentic storytelling becomes a leadership skill that cannot be outsourced to AI or reduced to talking points. When leaders name the struggle, show what changed, and offer a hard-won lesson, they create clarity, deepen human connection, and build durable trust inside teams, families, and communities.   A major takeaway is Scott’s practical model for working with pain without turning it into oversharing. He describes struggles as wounds, scabs, or scars. A wound is still bleeding and may be unsafe to share. A scab has begun to heal but can be reopened without care, often needing therapy, time, and support. A scar is resolved enough to become a generous asset: evidence of a life lived full out and a story that can help someone else. This is where neuroscience and communication meet. He points to narrative transportation, the moment a listener enters the safety of your story and starts listening autobiographically, mapping your experience onto their own. That is why stories can support mental health, suicide prevention, and recovery: they create reciprocity, reduce isolation, and remind people they are seen.   The episode also traces Scott’s personal arc from Special Forces confidence to a rough transition marked by identity loss, shame, and suicidal ideation, then back toward purpose through storytelling. He explains how story functions as a sense-making tool for trauma and grief, and how repeated practice built the courage to speak, coach, and even write plays.  Today his work focuses on training leaders, founders, and executives to craft and deliver strategic stories that build trust, strengthen workplace culture, and move audiences to action. His definition of legacy is simple and demanding: help people find their voice and tell their story, because one honest story can change a life, a team, and eventually a community. Learn more about Scott Mann: ScottMann.com [https://scottmann.com/] TFPineapple.org [https://tfpineapple.org/] Learn more about George Blitch: SonofaBlitch.com [https://www.sonofablitch.com/] Follow on IG: "thesonofablitch [https://www.instagram.com/thesonofablitch/]"