Nordic Tales & American Trails

In this episode, Erik and Adam sit down with Kylin White to explore what it was like growing up hunting rabbits and deer with dogs in rural Louisiana. Kylin shares how hunting has been a part of his family for generations, from following his father and grandfather through the woods to developing a lifelong passion for working dogs. The conversation covers the traditions of rabbit hunting with Beag...

In this episode, Erik and Adam catch up as a new hunting season begins in Sweden. They discuss what they're looking forward to in the months ahead, upcoming hunts, podcast plans, and the projects they've been working on behind the scenes. The conversation also marks the launch of the Nordic Tales & American Trails Merch Store . After months of planning, designing, and testing, we finally share...

We sit down once again to continue documenting the real-time development of a young West Siberian Laika on the path toward becoming a solo bear dog. This episode centers around one of the most important—and often most difficult—aspects of dog training: consistency. We discuss why every interaction with a young dog matters, how small inconsistencies can create confusion, and why successful training...

In Part Two of our conversation with Mikael Kronstrand, we continue our discussion by diving deeper into the equipment, technology, and practical decisions that shape modern hunting. From rifles and optics to GPS systems, dog boxes, and hunting vehicles, Mikael shares what has changed over the years, what equipment has proven itself in the field, and where hunting technology is heading next. We al...

In this episode, Erik and Adam sit down with Swedish hunter and dog handler Mikael Kronstrand for a conversation covering hunting dogs, breeding, hunting equipment, and the technology shaping modern hunting. Mikael shares his thoughts on developing young hunting dogs, breeding for consistency, and how different breeds mature over time. The discussion explores tracking work, scent training, and the...

In this episode Chris Sundström returns for a conversation focused on importing and exporting hunting dogs between Europe and North America. Drawing from years of experience on both sides of the Atlantic, Chris shares the realities of moving hunting dogs across borders, navigating regulations, and helping dogs adapt to new environments, game species, and hunting styles. We discuss common mistakes,...

⚠️ 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 Coo...

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 sh...

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 ad...

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 🌍 A...

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, bre...

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...

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 le...

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 pa...

Following the Making of a Bear Dog In this episode, Erik sits down with Wayne Dixon to launch a new standalone series within Nordic Tales & American Trails — Bjorn to Be Wild . This series will follow the real-time journey of developing a West Siberian Laika puppy into a solo bear dog. From breeding decisions and bloodlines to early socialization and first introductions to game, we explore wha...

In this episode, Erik sits down with Heath Hyatt — dog trainer, hunter, and law enforcement professional — for a wide-ranging conversation about the deeper foundations of dog training and hunting culture. We explore Heath’s journey into hunting and working dogs, and how his experience in law enforcement shaped his philosophy around patience, consistency, and long-term development. Rather than chas...

In this episode, Erik sits down with Björn Sundgren from the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management to take a closer look at moose management and the foundations of Swedish wildlife conservation. We explore how Sweden built one of the world’s most recognized wildlife management systems — from rebuilding game populations after historical declines to today’s data-driven approach sha...

In part two with Chris Sundström, we shift focus toward how environment, culture, and hunting systems shape the way dogs are bred, trained, and used. We talk about what happens when dogs bred in one system are introduced into another, and the challenges that come with adapting to different terrain, game, and hunting conditions. From Scandinavian forests to North American landscapes, environment pl...

In this episode, Erik and Darren sits down with Chris Sundström to explore the origins, breeding, and working style of plot hounds in both the United States and Sweden. We begin with the background of the breed and how plot hounds have developed across different regions, shaped by terrain, game, and hunting traditions. Chris shares his experience working with both Scandinavian and North American d...

In part two of our conversation, we continues speaking with Daniel Ligné from the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management , shifting the discussion toward modern challenges in wildlife management and hunting culture. We begin by exploring hunting with dogs — including cultural differences in dog hunting traditions, pack versus solo hunting strategies, and the ethical considerations...

In this episode, Erik sits down with Daniel Ligné from the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management to explore the history and foundations of wildlife management in Sweden. We begin by looking back at how hunting rights and wildlife conservation evolved over the past two centuries, including the societal changes that followed the French Revolution , which reshaped land ownership and...

In this episode, Erik sits down once again with James Edwards to discuss hunting culture, modern legislation, and the future of working dogs across Europe and the UK. We explore new EU animal welfare rules — including microchipping and kennel standards — and how changing laws are shaping rural life and long-standing hunting traditions. From the legacy of the UK Hunting Act to hunting experiences i...

In this episode, we sit down with David Scallan , Secretary General of FACE — Europe’s largest hunting federation, representing over 7 million hunters across 37 countries . David explains how EU legislation, conservation policy, and public perception are actively reshaping the future of hunting in Europe, and why hunter engagement has never been more important. We talk about real, current issues a...

In this episode, Erik and Darren sit down for an open conversation about dogs, training, and the thinking behind building functional hunting dogs over time. We talk about choosing puppies, attitude testing, breeding and generational traits, and the differences between male and female dogs. The discussion also touches on neutering and behavior, retrieving work, and how a handler’s mindset, confiden...

In this episode Erik Rhodin sits down with Josh and Dallin from Snowy Mountain Bear Dogs for a deep dive into hunting culture, Karelian Bear Dogs, and what it really takes to build functional, hard-working hunting dogs in today’s world. This conversation moves from personal hunting journeys to the realities of breeding, training, and selecting dogs for real-world predator work. We explore the uniq...