Sixteen days alone in the mountains — just her, her bow, and the 340 inch bull elk stalk that would shake the hunting world. Today's guest is a force of nature. She’s an artist who pours her soul into every stroke, a mustang trainer who finds freedom in patience and the untamed, and a solo hunter who faced one of the toughest hunts of her life — and an even tougher storm online. After an unforgettable 16 day solo archery hunt that ended in the bull of a lifetime, she faced a wave of criticism that would have made most people go silent. But instead, she chose to stand tall and stay grounded in the same strength that carried her through the mountains. She's using her story to shed light on solitude and authenticity in the outdoors. Today we're diving into the hunt, the heartbreak, the backlash and how Lydia continues to blend wildness and art into everything she touches. Please welcome, Lydia Smith!
Connect with Lydia:
@lydiasmith00
Connect with Victoria:
@shegoesbeyondthe8
@victoriafriedges
Part two with Maggie Carsello! We talk all things bass fishing, fishing in tournaments, how to be a good co-angler, her love for Morgan Wallen and so much more. Thanks for joining in on the fun with us for a second week!!
Connect with Maggie:
@maggiejo_outdoors
Connect with Victoria:
@shegoesbeyondthe8
@victoriafriedges
This week on the podcast, I’m joined by someone whose name has been echoing across the outdoor world specifically in the bass world but don't you know, she's making her mark in the woods too. Just days after knocking down an incredible archery buck, she’s here to relive that moment with us— the rush, the emotion, and the story behind the hunt that has everyone talking. But this guest's story doesn’t stop there. From her days at UW–Stevens Point to building a platform that’s changing how women show up in the outdoors, we’re diving deep into how she’s built her voice and earned her seat at the table in a space still dominated by men. This is raw, inspiring, and full of passion — and little Busch light, so let’s get into it with the one and only Maggie Carsello with episode one of two.
Connect with Maggie:
@maggiejo_outdoors
Connect with Victoria:
@shegoesbeyondthe8
@victoriafriedges
Today's guest is someone who truly lives where the adventure is. She's a travel and outdoor photographer who's carved out her own lane by capturing spaces that make you want to pack a bag and disappear for a weekend... or a month! From rustic Airbnbs tucked in the woods to wild landscapes most of us only dream of, her lens tells stories that feel both rugged and deeply intentional. We dive into how she built her brand from the ground up, how her time in nature shapes her creativity, the realities of working with Airbnbs and what it means to be a woman confidently blazing her own trail in the outdoor space. Please welcome, Breanne Jada Nichol!
Connect with Breanne:
@breannejada
Connect with Victoria:
@shegoesbeyondthe8
@victoriafriedges
Taylor and Co:
https://taylorandco.boutique
shegoesbeyond15 for a one time 15% off
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If you don't take anything else away from this episode, I hope you remember that the world wants you to always be, YOU. Our guys today is the most authentic, real girly out there. She gives us life advice, elk hunting tips, and explains to us why her favorite place in the world is right in her backyard. She talks trapping lines and her typical trapping strategy. But what originally drew me to this guest was her business! She is a true artist and if you want to find out just what it is that she does, you better listen in! Please welcome, Laura Groesbeck!
Connect with Laura:
@lauras_outdoorlife
@westernskies_skullsandjewelry
Connect with Victoria:
@shegoesbeyondthe8
@victoriafriedges
Today's guest is going to wow you with her ambition. Her husband chose to participate in the PMTT which left her with a tough choice... fish a lot less... or... get a kayak and fish a lot more. She chose the latter! And boy is she glad she did. She comes with tips and tricks on musky fishing from a kayak, her set up and why, and what baits she tosses regularly. And I highly suggest listening close... she has been a hammer on the water this year! Please welcome, Kayla Frome!
Connect with Kayla:
@kastingwithkayla
Connect with Victoria:
@shegoesbeyondthe8
@victoriafriedges
Kyle spent two weeks up in Canada in August and our buddy Levi Kuehn and myself joined him on week two. We had a fantastic week up there, though, if you ask Kyle, the trip wasn't the trip of a lifetime. Listen in to hear about or 2025 Canada adventure and what we have going on this fall!!
Connect with Kyle:
@kylefriedges
Connect with Victoria:
@victoriafriedges
Well I'm sorry to all the ladies leading up to today's episode who have been on the podcast, but this week I talk to two of the CUTEST girlies in the outdoor industry. I'm talking 8 and 11 years old, musky obsessed, cute as can be. These two have been in the boat since the pack and play days and now they're out-fishing their dad on certain occasions! They both caught their first musky this year and they're here to tell us all about it. Please welcome Braelyn and Brynlee Holmgren and of course, on of our favs, Ashley Holmgren.
Connect with the Holmgren's:
@devoted.outdoors
Connect with Victoria:
@shegoesbeyondthe8
@victoriafriedges
Today’s guest has carved out her own path in the hunting world — from chasing elk out West, to climbing high into the timber with her saddle setup, to building strength in the gym that carries over into every hunt she takes on. In this episode, we dive into why she’s so passionate about saddle hunting, how lifting has shaped her time in the woods, and the story behind her unforgettable elk hunt last fall... with her dad! We also get into her journey of discovering the outdoors and what keeps her coming back for more. If you’re curious about new ways to hunt, or just love hearing from women who are pushing boundaries in the outdoor space, you’re going to love this one.
Connect with Jaylyn:
@jaylyn_luciano_
Connect with Victoria:
@shegoesbeyondthe8
@victoriafriedges
Honestly one of my fav episodes this year. Autumn is an absolute hammer when it comes to understanding the ins and outs of trapping. She gives us SO much info on how to get involved, how to start trapping, what to use for bait/lure/traps, and so much more. She is beyond passionate about trapping and what the industry has done and will do as it grows; or should I say, hopefully grows. Trapping is so important for conservation and Autumn tells us all about it. Welcome, Autumn McEntee!!
Connect with Autumn:
@pa.trapper.girl
Connect with Victoria:
@shegoesbeyondthe8
@victoriafriedges
This conversation is with Camryn Shoffner. We discuss how she got into hunting and the outdoor world, along with her goals and much more! We discuss her connection to MTN OPS and how she uses training in the gym to prep for her hunts. Please welcome, Camryn!
Connect with Camryn:
@camryn_nickelle
Connect with Victoria:
@shegoesbeyondthe8
@victoriafriedges
Michelle Morey from WAM joins us today to give a run down of how to get involved, what a membership can do for you and all of the amazing events that they put on each year as a group. She gives us so many great insights to this group and I truly enjoyed this conversation so much. I can' t wait to hear what you think and make sure you head to our instagram page to view the clip of my favorite part of the episode :)
Connect with WAM:
https://womenanglersmn.com
Connect with Victoria:
@shegoesbeyondthe8
@victoriafriedges
This episode was so fun and you're going to learn a bunch of info about how Ricca and her hubby prep their land for fall deer season here in the Midwest. Ricca gives us some tips and tricks to getting deer to travel a certain way, and how her and her husband pattern the bucks on their property. We also talk about photography and her passion for working with outdoor brands. She’s actually a powerhouse when it comes to working with outdoor brands! She already has some dream brand connections- think Lund Boats and more! Something I didn’t expect us to talk so deep about was a question I asked "what is something she would tell her younger self?" This ended up in a sweet conversation about how you should just go out there and do it, regardless of how nervous you are! Enjoy!
Connect with Ricca:
@rretzloff
Connect with Victoria:
@victoriafriedges
@shegoesbeyondthe8
This guest just published her first YA novel, Rapid City Summer, a book about a teen girl who moves from one state to another mid high school and meets a boy who teaches her many life lessons, but one in particular is fly fishing. You can find this book anywhere books are sold online! Connie found a passion for fishing with her husband and loves anything outdoors that can keep her moving! From running to fly fishing to muskies, this girl enjoys it all. Please welcome Connie Richardson!
Connect with Connie:
@connierichardsonwrites
Connect with Victoria:
@victoriafriedges
@shegoesbeyondthe8
Today's guest is a total baddy! She's a passionate outdoorswoman with trout streams running through her veins, a kayak rigged like a battleship, and has a love for Wisconsin's wild places. Whether she's on the ice or just chasing the next perfect cast, her energy is contagious. But today, we also go beyond the fishing gear and the fun to talk about something deeply personal. She's currently in the middle of a fight that requires more grit, more faith and more strength than any backcountry adventure. She's facing breast cancer head-on and she's doing it with grace, humor and the heart of a warrior. I'm honored to share the mic with her today. Welcome Taylor Cunningham!
Connect with Taylor:
@taylortello
Connect with Victoria:
@victoriafriedges
@shegoesbeyondthe8
This episode feels like a warm hug- because I'm joined by the incredibly kind, genuine and all around lovely Dori Sell! Dori is the type of woman you instantly feel at home with - the kind of friend we all need in our lives. She's a true girls-girl who's just as comfortable getting her hands dirty on the boat or in the woods... or out with her chickens and bees, as she is showing up with heart and authenticity in everything she does. We talk about life, walleye fishing, her long-anticipated bear hunt, chicken momming, beekeeping and much more! If you need a breath of fresh air and a convo that's good for the soul- this one's for you.
Connect with Dori:
@Dorii_Sell
Connect with Victoria:
@victoriafriedges
@shegoesbeyondthe8
Spending the next 50 minutes of your life yapping about my new Mathews Lift RS and how I made the decision to switch from my Mission Craze that I've been shooting for 13 years!! I give my why, the specs and exactly how I accessorized and built my personal new Mathews Lift RS. At the end I chat about recent 'favs' and discuss bra shopping at Nordstrom (you must do this), tongue scraping (LOL) and all about the protein powder I am drooling over (see link below!!). Let's jump in-
AND if you prefer to watch my experience at Schaffers Archery picking up my bow, dialing it in, target practice and discussing my personal build, head over to our YouTube channel Beyond The 8 to see it for yourself!
My fav clear protein: https://1stphorm.com/products/phormula-1-clear/?a_aid=SheGoesBeyond&a_aid=SheGoesBeyond&a_bid=60961e8d
Connect with me:
@victoriafriedges
@shegoesbeyondthe8
In this episode I sit down with Macey Bundt, someone who's carved out her own path in the outdoor and photography/creative space - from getting her first break at 15 shooting for the MN Wild, to now working alongside Cameron Hanes and having a background with MTN OPS. We unpack her story- how she got her foot in the door, the moments that shaped her career, and what it's really like behind the scenes of some of the industry's biggest names. Macey shares how fitness plays a role in her life, what a typical day in the life looks like for her and where she's inspired to head next. Whether you're chasing a creative dream or grinding through your own journey, there's something in this episode for you.
Stephanie is someone whose heart is rooted deep in both storytelling and the soil. She’s the author behind a series of charming children’s books that open the barn doors letting young readers peek in to the real, down-to-earth life on the farm. In this episode, we dive into the heart of farm life, why it matters, and why it's often misunderstood. Stephanie shares how most farmers are simply too busy doing the hard, honest work of feeding the world to explain that they’re not part of some big, scary system — they’re families. Real people. Just like yours and mine.Stephanie also gives us some fun tips on how to get innovative in the woods for whitetail hunting and she shares some great hunting stories that might get you thinking on how to trend and track your deer to ensure you have a successful season. Whether you’re a parent, a hunter, or someone who’s just curious about where your food comes from, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Connect with Stephanie:Instagram: the.whitehousefarmWebsite: www.welcometoourfarmlife.comConnect with Victoria: @victoriafriedges@shegoesbeyondthe8
Sarah was a blast to have on the pod! We chat all about her big game hunts over seas and how her and Josh give back to the communities after taking an animal. We dive into her special bracelet she wears every day, how she went from vegan to badass bow hunter and so much more. We dive into hormone health and Sarah gives many takeaways on recovery/post-workout and how she starts and ends her day. TUNE IN to find out more!
Connect with Sarah:
@Sarah_bowmar
Connect with Victoria:
@victoriafriedges
@shegoesbeyondthe8
