Nordic Tales & American Trails

⚠️ Re-upload Notice ⚠️We had an issue with the original Spotify upload, so we're re-uploading this episode in hopes of fixing it for everyone. The original version still works for most listeners, but hopefully this resolves any problems for those who were having trouble.In this episode, Erik sits down with Andreas Gering to discuss his journey with hunting hounds, importing American Bluetick Coonhounds to Sweden, and the challenges of developing and hunting these dogs in a very different environment.Andreas shares his experiences hunting in both Sweden and the United States, comparing hunting traditions, dog culture, training methods, and the regulations that shape how hunters operate on each side of the Atlantic.The conversation covers breeding, puppy development, and the importance of early exposure when building confident hunting dogs. We also discuss the growing interest in American hounds in Sweden, the future of Blueticks, and how changing regulations continue to influence hunting with dogs.Highlights include:🐶 Importing American Blueticks to Sweden🌍 Differences between Swedish and American hunting traditions🧬 Breeding, genetics, and developing hunting dogs🐾 Early exposure and confidence building in young dogs🛰️ Eseek – a new GPS tracking system for hunting dogs🦌 Hunting regulations and their impact on dog work🇺🇸 Andreas' hunting experiences in the United StatesA wide-ranging conversation about hounds, hunting culture, and what happens when American dog traditions meet Scandinavian hunting.www.eseek.se

In this episode, Erik sits down with Andreas Gering to discuss his journey with hunting hounds, importing American Bluetick Coonhounds to Sweden, and the challenges of developing and hunting these dogs in a very different environment.Andreas shares his experiences hunting in both Sweden and the United States, comparing hunting traditions, dog culture, training methods, and the regulations that shape how hunters operate on each side of the Atlantic.The conversation covers breeding, puppy development, and the importance of early exposure when building confident hunting dogs. We also discuss the growing interest in American hounds in Sweden, the future of Blueticks, and how changing regulations continue to influence hunting with dogs.Highlights include:🐶 Importing American Blueticks to Sweden🌍 Differences between Swedish and American hunting traditions🧬 Breeding, genetics, and developing hunting dogs🐾 Early exposure and confidence building in young dogs🛰️ Eseek – a new GPS tracking system for hunting dogswww.eseek.se 🦌 Hunting regulations and their impact on dog work🇺🇸 Andreas' hunting experiences in the United StatesA wide-ranging conversation about hounds, hunting culture, and what happens when American dog traditions meet Scandinavian hunting.

In part three of Bjorn to Be Wild,Erik sits down once again with Wayne Dixon to continue documenting the real-time development of a young West Siberian Laika toward becoming a solo bear dog.This episode focuses on something often overlooked in hunting dog development — nutrition, health, and the bond between dog and handler. Wayne shares his thoughts on feeding strategies for both puppies and adult dogs, the role of raw diets, and why proper nutrition can influence everything from growth and recovery to confidence and long-term performance.We also discuss epigenetic expression, conditioning, and how environment, stress, and daily routines shape a dog beyond genetics alone.The conversation returns to bonding and trust — especially in primitive breeds — and why the relationship between handler and dog becomes the foundation everything else depends on. Wayne explains why patience, consistency, and making the kennel a positive place are critical parts of raising a confident hunting dog.The episode also touches on vaccinations, parasite control, health monitoring, and building confidence in young dogs through gradual exposure and repetition.This isn’t just about creating a hunting dog.It’s about building a healthy, stable, and dependable partner over time.Highlights include:🐾 Nutrition and feeding strategies for working dogs🧬 Epigenetics, growth, and environmental influence🐕 Bonding and trust in primitive breeds🩺 Vaccination, parasite control, and health routines🐻 Building confidence for future bear work🧠 Patience, repetition, and long-term developmentAnother honest step in the ongoing process of turning potential into performance.

We’re re-uploading both parts of our conversation with George Lambert from Mountain Music and Mules as one complete episode. 🐾🐴This conversation dives into hunting dogs, mule work, mountain hunting culture, and the lessons that come from a lifetime spent working animals in tough country.We discuss:🐶 Dog training, patience, and communication🐴 What mules can teach us about handling dogs🌍 American vs. European hunting dogs🐻 Bear hunting, tracking, and mountain terrain🧠 The mindset behind developing good working animalsGeorge brings decades of experience and a grounded perspective shaped by hounds, mules, and hard country. Whether you run Laikas, hounds, feists, or just appreciate working dogs and hunting culture, there’s something in this one for you.🎥 You can also find George on YouTube under Mountain Music and Mules.

In this episode, Erik and Adam sit down to reflect on the podcast journey so far — from the early days to now reaching listeners in more than 90 countries.We talk about what we’ve learned through conversations with hunters and dog handlers, how the podcast has influenced our own training and hunting approach, and what’s ahead this season.The discussion moves between upcoming hunts in Sweden, breeding plans, blood tracking, solo hunting with one dog, and the practical side of importing and exporting dogs. We also share thoughts on merchandise, events, and growing an international hunting community.Highlights include:🎙️ Reflections on building the podcast🐕 Dog training insights and solo hunting philosophy🩸 Blood tracking and breeding considerations🌍 International listeners and community growth🧢 Merchandise and upcoming events✈️ Importing and exporting hunting dogsA grounded conversation about growth, lessons learned, and where the next trail leads.

In this episode, Erik and Adam sit down with Mikael Andersson for a focused and experience-based conversation on wounded game hunting, blood tracking, and wild boar pen work in Sweden.We dive into what happens after the shot — when responsibility truly begins. Mikael shares real-world insights into tracking wounded game, reading dog behavior under pressure, and preparing young dogs for controlled exposure in boar pens.The discussion moves between breed traits, scent imprinting, recall challenges, and the ethical use of training tools. We also touch on protective vests, gear development, and why equipment should always be tested in realistic scenarios before entering the field.At its core, this episode centers on responsibility, preparation, and the partnership between handler and dog when situations become serious.Highlights include: Blood tracking and wounded game recovery Wild boar pen training and evaluation Reading and managing dog behavior Ethical use of training tools Protective gear and field preparationA grounded conversation about dog work, ethics, and the realities of hunting beyond the first shot.

In part two of Bjorn to Be Wild, Erik sits down again with Wayne Dixon to continue the real-time journey of developing a West Siberian Laika into a solo bear dog.This episode shifts the focus toward bonding and expectations — the foundation that everything else is built on. Wayne explains why primitive breeds require a strong relationship from day one, and how patience, repetition, and steady leadership shape a young dog’s mindset long before serious hunting begins.We talk about puppy development stages, realistic goals for different ages, and why rushing progress can create long-term setbacks. The conversation also touches on progressive exposure to game, pack mentality, breeding influence, and the balance between instinct and obedience.This isn’t about quick results. It’s about building something that lasts.Highlights include:🐾 Bonding as the foundation of training 🎯 Managing expectations by age and experience 🐻 Preparing for future solo bear work 🧬 Breeding influence vs. daily effort 🧠 Patience and long-term developmentA continued, honest look at what it truly takes to turn potential into performance.

In this episode, Erik and Adam sit down to reflect on a Erik's recent journey to the USA— a trip that blended hunting, culture, food, and landscape into one shared experience.We explore what it’s like to see American nature through Scandinavian eyes — from the Smoky Mountains and the Natchez Trace Parkway to Louisiana swamps and backroads. The conversation moves between scenic drives, national parks, and small towns, highlighting how terrain, habitat, and scale shape both wildlife and hunting traditions.Erik shares his impressions of American small game hunting, including running beagles on rabbits, navigating different terrain, and observing how land use and habitat management differ from Sweden. We also touch on turkey hunting culture, predator balance, and how wildlife management systems reflect broader societal values.Beyond hunting, the episode reflects on lifestyle contrasts — housing, land ownership, driving culture, and how Americans and Swedes prioritize space, nature, and outdoor life.Food becomes part of the story as well, from crawfish boils and sweet tea to regional traditions that say as much about culture as they do about taste.But beyond comparisons, this episode centers on something deeper — perspective. How travel reshapes understanding. How different systems can pursue similar goals. And how hunters, regardless of country, are connected by shared experiences in the field.Highlights include:🌄 Scenic routes through the Smoky Mountains and Southern landscapes🐕 Beagle rabbit hunting and terrain differences🌿 Habitat and wildlife management comparisons🦃 Turkey hunting culture in the U.S.🐊 Louisiana wetlands, airboats, and wildlife encounters🍽️ Regional food traditions and cultural exchange🌍 Swedish vs. American approaches to land and lifestyle