In this episode of The Lab, Barton Ramsey sits down with UK field trialer and judge Simon Capstick for an in-depth conversation on retriever training, trialing, and the traditions behind British gun dogs. Simon shares his journey into Labradors through the legendary Drakeshead kennels owned by his Aunt, Sandra Halstead. They discuss how he learned the foundations of training and how his philosophy has evolved over the past decade. The conversation explores UK field trials, judging across Euro...

#027 Step into the rich heritage of the American West as Clay Forst shares the remarkable story of Stewart Ranch, Oklahoma's oldest continuously family-owned ranch dating back to 1868. As the sixth generation steward of this legacy, Clay offers a fascinating glimpse into modern ranching life while explaining how his family has adapted their traditional cattle operation to thrive in today's world. Clay walks us through the fascinating journey of how a calf becomes the steak on your plate, cha...

#026 Remember when social media wasn't just about mindless scrolling? When photograph quality mattered more than viral potential? When online connections regularly turned into real-life friendships? Barton and his guest Reagan Renfroe take us back to what they call "the golden age" of outdoor social media—that sweet spot between 2013-2017 when platforms were still about genuine community. Reagan shares the origin story of the once-legendary Sitka Gear Fanatics Facebook group that connected t...

#025 Ever wondered what drives someone to completely reinvent an essential product that everyone takes for granted? Meet Addison Edmonds, the visionary founder of Gunner, who transformed dog travel safety by refusing to accept the status quo. Addison's journey began with his beloved chocolate Lab, Gunner, and a simple frustration: why don't travel kennels actually protect dogs? From humble beginnings at Ole Miss to bootstrapping a revolutionary product design, this conversation takes you beh...

#024 What happens behind the scenes when champion Labradors are bred? Dr. Lee Payne, one of the most sought-after reproductive veterinarians in the Labrador world, pulls back the curtain on the science, skill, and precision required to maintain top-quality working dog genetics. From his unexpected journey into veterinary medicine to becoming the go-to expert for breeders across the Southeast, Dr. Payne shares invaluable insights on health testing that every prospective Lab owner should under...

#023 Ranar Moody takes us on an authentic journey through his remarkable path from aspiring entrepreneur to co-founder of 24.7Hunt. This conversation explores the beautiful intersection of hip-hop culture and waterfowl hunting while challenging perceptions about who belongs in outdoor spaces. Growing up in Georgia with deep family hunting traditions, Ranar shares how his college business plan evolved into a visionary outdoor brand that's reshaping the culture. Rather than joining his father'...

#022 What happens when a phone call about a hunting dog leads to lifelong friendship, a marriage, and a thriving business? Chase White, owner of Fowl Plains Outfitters in Great Bend, Kansas, joins Barton to unpack their decade-long journey from dog trainer and client to witnessing life's most profound moments together. Chase shares the remarkable story of how his British Labrador Jet, purchased from Southern Oak Kennels, became the foundation for both his professional guiding career and his ...

#021 From 3 AM boat ramp conversations to thawing frozen hands with body heat, Wade Shoemaker pulls back the curtain on what it really means to bridge the gap between the waterfowl industry and the passionate hunters who fuel it. As the driving force behind Migra Ammunition's revolutionary Boat Ramp Tour, Wade has transformed what began as simple marketing into something far more valuable – genuine connection in an increasingly fragmented outdoor community. Wade shares his remarkable journey...

#020 Our conversation explores the journey of dog training and the nuances of being a responsible dog owner. Luke Moore from Gunner shares valuable insights on training, breeding, and the reality behind the "off switch" concept in Labradors. • Luke defines the "off switch" as a misleading term in dog training • Importance of socialization and proper training for young dogs • Luke's experience with his own dog, Dex, and the journey to becoming a well-rounded retriever ...

#019 In this episode, Josh Parvin joins Barton Ramsey as he shares the story of his recent experience with a dog named Buck, detailing the journey of bringing him from the UK to the US, the challenges faced during the importation process, and the unfortunate incident of Buck escaping shortly after his arrival. The conversation delves into the significance of field trials, the emotional investment in selecting the right dogs, and the unexpected challenges that arise in dog training and care. I...