10000 adventures by Matthew Holthaus & Max Cowger

Last weekend, we traveled to Upper Red Lake for early season ice fishing in the shallow flats. We found 10-12 inches of solid ice, used rattling spoons and deadsticks with shiners for steady walleye action, and caught plenty of keepers along with some slot fish to release. Join us on this episode of 10,000 Adventures for the full recap of the trip.

Dive into the festive chaos of Minnesota’s wildest holiday pop-up bars, where tinsel-drenched dives and over-the-top themed cocktails turn winter nights into pure magic. Then we recap the St. Paul Ice Fishing Show— Whether you’re chasing seasonal sips or dreaming of hard-water glory, this episode of 10,000 Adventures has your Minnesota holiday bucket list covered!

In this eye-opening episode of 10000 Adventures, hosts Matt and Max delve into the alarming $2 billion fraud scandal emerging from Minnesota, with a significant portion linked to the Somali community. We investigate how kickbacks and corrupt practices have infiltrated various sectors, including autism centers, Feeding Our Future programs, and housing stabilization efforts. 

Join Matt and Max in this week's episode of 10,000 Adventures as they recount their thrilling deer hunting experiences from the past week in the scenic woods of Minnesota. From early morning treks to unexpected encounters with wildlife, the duo shares their favorite stories, lessons learned, and the camaraderie that makes each adventure unforgettable.

Join hosts Matt and Max as they dive into the 2024 Minnesota deer hunting opener, exploring key statistics from the recent season and what they reveal about trends and success rates. They discuss the latest data, highlight what factors contribute to a successful hunt, and share insights that both seasoned hunters and newcomers can use to improve their chances.

 In this episode, Matt and Max dive into the spooky season with a trip to Scream Town in Chaska, Minnesota, sharing their favorite haunted attractions and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the state’s top Halloween destinations. Then, the guys shift gears to the gridiron, breaking down the Minnesota Vikings’ latest struggles and what needs to change to turn the season around 

 Matt and Max dive into Halloween festivities across Minnesota — from spooky pop-up bars and themed cocktails to haunted hayrides, corn mazes, and ghost tours that’ll test your nerves. They share some of the best spots to get into the Halloween spirit, swap stories from past scares, and highlight a few must-visit events happening around the state this October. 

In this episode, Matt and Max recap Minnesota’s duck hunting opener and share stories from Max’s recent trip to the Boundary Waters. They swap notes on waterfowl conditions, early season success, and what makes fall in the North Woods so special. Plus, the guys break down the latest on the Vikings’ quarterback situation and what it means for the rest of the season.

 Matt and Max gear up for Minnesota’s waterfowl hunting opener with special guest Luke Koch, diving into everything from scouting conditions and migration patterns to favorite gear and strategies for success on opening weekend. The guys share stories, tips, and a few laughs as they preview what hunters across the state can expect this season. Whether you’re a seasoned duck hunter or just curious about the traditions around Minnesota’s opener, this episode has you covered. 

Matt and Max are back to discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of current state of some of our favorite Minnesota sports teams. From the Wild not being able to sign Kirill Kaprisov to the Vikings being a full on free fall, we have it covered.

 Matt and Max are back with a packed episode! First, they recap their trip to the Minnesota State Fair sharing their favorite new foods, wild drinks, and the can’t-miss exhibits that stood out this year. Then, they shift gears to football season with special guest Tyler Forness, breaking down everything you need to know about the Minnesota Vikings heading into the year. From roster strengths and weaknesses to bold predictions and key matchups, this preview will get you ready for kickoff. 

On this episode Matt and Max deep dive the 2025 Minnesota State Fair. They look at new foods, drinks and this years grandstand line up. Listen as they highlight some things from years past as well as some state fair staples. 

On today's show, Matt joins us fresh from U.S. Bank Stadium with a firsthand recap of the Minnesota Vikings' preseason opener against the Houston Texans. He breaks down key moments—from J.J. McCarthy’s emotional return to in-game action, to Sam Howell’s efficient performance, and the concerning punt-return injury to Rondale Moore. Meanwhile, Max reports live from the 44th Annual Minnesota Game Fair at Ramsey’s Armstrong Ranch Kennels. He walks us through the show’s family-focused lineup with shotgun shooting demos, duck and goose calling championships, dog obstacle courses, and seminars on everything from Labrador field training to elk-hunting tactics. It's the perfect combination of sports excitement and an outdoor tradition celebrating gear, wilderness, and community in the great Minnesota outdoors 

Today (28:48) Matt sits down with Jack Christopher, the visionary behind Silent Run Adventures in Monticello, Minnesota. Jack shares how he made the bold leap from a desk job to founding a thriving dog-sledding business built around 26–35 Siberian huskies, many rescued, and explains why the team’s well‑being always comes first. As we trail along the frozen lakes near his former horse ranch, Jack brings listeners into the world of mushing—explaining commands, gear, the trail layout, and what makes these dogs tick—while reflecting on personal stories, adventurous close calls, and how skijoring first lit the spark that turned into a year‑round outdoor business You'll also hear how visitors get hands-on with the huskies, learn sled‑driving basics, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the kennel in action, making this a perfect listen for anyone curious about life behind the sled or seeking winter adventure just an hour outside the Twin Cities.

In this installment of 10000 Adventures, we cover a few key headlines from Minnesota before moving on to our main event: ranking the top 5 steakhouses in the Twin Cities metro. From time‑honored establishments to chef‑driven newcomers, we’ll share what makes each one stand out in flavor, atmosphere, and overall experience.

 In this festive 4th of July episode, we dive into the best ways to celebrate Independence Day right here in Minnesota. From fireworks over Lake Superior and lakeside cabin cookouts to small-town parades and iconic 5K fun runs, we’ve got your full holiday weekend covered. Hear about top events across the state, where to catch the best fireworks shows, and which races to run if you want to start your day on a patriotic note. Whether you’re heading to the cabin, the city, or staying local, this episode is your guide to making the most of the 4th in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. 

In this episode, we hear the story of how Matt pulled off the perfect surprise proposal at Grand View Lodge. From secretly planning the trip to the unforgettable moment she said yes, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at a weekend full of nerves, excitement, and a whole lot of love.

In this episode, we break down the chilling details of the targeted attacks on Minnesota lawmakers that left two dead and two injured. We walk through the full timeline—from the early morning shootings to the dramatic two-day manhunt—and unpack what we learned in court about the suspect’s motives, text messages, and hit list. This is a deep dive into one of the most shocking political crimes in Minnesota history. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode (36:09), we sit down with Claire Butorac of the Minnesota Frost to reflect on the championship season and what it took to claim a second straight Walter Cup. We look back at the team’s growth, biggest challenges, and defining moments throughout the year. Plus, we get her thoughts on the upcoming expansion draft and how the team is preparing for a new chapter in the league. It’s a celebration of the season—and a look ahead at what’s next for the Frost.

Max is back from his trip in the BWCA while Matt to the championship game of the Minnesota Frost.

Matt is back with Evan from Twolvesinsider. We preview the highly anticipated showdown between the Timberwolves and the Thunder. We break down key matchups, from Anthony Edwards vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the battle in the paint between Rudy Gobert and Chet Holmgren. Plus, we talk X-factors, coaching strategies, and what’s at stake as both teams look to make a statement. Don’t miss our take on one of the most exciting games of the season.

Get ready for the Minnesota Fishing Opener! In this episode, we dive into the traditions, tips, and tales that make this weekend a can't-miss event for anglers across the state. From lake conditions to must-have gear, we’ve got you covered. Whether you're a seasoned pro or casting for the first time, this one’s for you. Matt is joined in the show (25:42) by Luke Heath to breakdown everything you need to hear to get you ready for the weekend.

The Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the LA Lakers in the first round of the NBA playoffs. They are on to round two and will play against the Golden State Warriors.  Matt is joined by Evan from Twolvesinsider again to preview the match up.

There has been a shooting spree across Minneapolis. In a 12 hour span there were 3 separate shootings in the Phillips neighborhood. 6 people were shot, 3 of them fatally. The boys discuss the latest of what we know.

The first round of the playoffs are in full swing and both Minnesota teams are tied 1-1 as the series shift back to Minnesota. The boys discuss the first two games of each series and give their thoughts on who has looked the best so far. 

For the fourth time ever both the Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota Timberwolves have made the postseason but can either of them get out of the first round. The boys are back to discuss the matchups and give their take on which team is more likely to win their match up.

On today's show it is more hometown sports. We have finally arrived to the Minnesota Twins home opener. The boys take a look back and talk through some memorable moments throughout the history of the Twins. They look at the festivities scheduled for this years home opener and all of the new foods on display at Target Field.

Will the Wild blow a late season lead and miss the playoffs just like the Twins did? The boys breakdown the odds. Later in the show (26:58) Matt chats with Jake Useldinger. Jake is an assistant coach for the East Grand Forks GreenWave varsity boys hockey team who recently won the MSHSL State Championship for Class 1A. Jake talks about the championship run and the experience of winning state at the X.

The boys are back after a months hiatus just in time to get you ready for March Madness. They take an in=depth look at the Gophers history in the tournament.

The boys have shaken off their Super Bowl hangover. They recap the game and discuss their favorite commercials. 

Matt's home improvement debacles continue. He recaps his week from hell with his septic backing up into his basement. Max tries his luck ice fishing again.

All things hockey on this weeks episode of the show. Max competed in the US Pond Hockey Championships on Lake Nokomis. Matt went to check out Hockey Day MN at Valley Fair in Shakopee. They both give their rundown of each even.

Max went out to try his luck trout fishing on opener this past weekend. He details the results of his excursion and the guys explore the soft white underbelly of stream trout being stocked in lakes around the state.

The Vikings suffered a devasting lost in the first round of the NFL playoffs. The boys mourn the loss and ask where do they go from here. Max details his recent expedition pheasant hunting South Dakota. Matt goes over his spear fishing excursion up on Lake Winnibigoshish.

On today's show (30:24) Matt is joined by Dr. Gretchen Hansen. Dr. Hansen is an associate professor of Fisheries Ecology in the Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology department at the University of Minnesota.

The Wisconsin kayaker who faked his own death has returned to the US and is facing federal charges. The guys go over the latest updates to the story.

The Minnesota Vikings spoiled the return of Kirk Cousins back to US Bank stadium. The UHC CEO is assassinated in New York City. Max tries the European Christmas Market. The boys break all of that down and more.

In this episode we dive into 2 intriguing topics: the beloved traditions surrounding Thanksgiving Eve (ie. dranksgiving, i.e. blackout Wednesday) and the unbelievable story of a kayaker who fakes his own death. First we take a closer look at the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, one of the biggest drinking days of the year. The boys discuss their home town watering holes where you run into people you never wanted to see again.

The boys swap stories from their successes and shortcomings of an eventful deer hunting opener. Max got out and checked out a show at the Guthrie Theatre while Matt tried out a new brewery in town.

The boys are getting you ready for the 2024 Minnesota Firearm Deer Hunting opener. They dive into state record bucks harvested throughout the years, some trivia and factoids from last year. They share a few past hunting stories about getting the deer and missing the all-time buck.

Max is back from a 10 day hunting trip and Matt has been hopping around town at a handful of Halloween events. The guys recap their recent excursions then look ahead to some upcoming events on the Horizon.

Max is back from the BWCA and recaps his trip. Matt tries new dinner spot Barcelona Wine Bar in the North Loop. He also gives his review of the Haunted Trolly Tour being put on by River Siren Brewery in Stillwater.

Today Matt speaks with Karen George (36:08) from the Anoka Halloween Committee. They discuss the rich history of Anoka and how it became the Halloween capital of the world. They also hit on some of the events happening around town throughout the month of October.

Hunting season is in full swing! The boys break down their hunts during opening weekend and look ahead to upcoming hunts on the horizon. Max discusses his latest bark in park experience at Target Field.

Hunting opener is right around the corner! The boys discuss their opener traditions and what they are most looking forward to this hunting season. 

The NFL season is right around the corners and the boys are back to get you ready with a Vikings preview. The boys are joined again by returning guest Tyler Forness to break down how we think this season is going to play out!

It has been a very busy week in Minnesota. Join us as the boys recap their time at the Minnesota State Fair and seeing Zach Bryan at U.S. Bank stadium. 

The Minnesota State Fair is right around the corner and the boys are here to get you ready. Today we deep dive into the new attractions, foods, drinks and events coming to this years fair. We look at the Grand Stand line up and for the first time ever, the state fair has an app. 

Join us as we recap two of Minnesota's top summer events: the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival and the 3M Open Golf Tournament. We cover the excitement of the concerts and vibrant festivities at the Yacht Club Festival, then shift to the thrilling moments and standout performances at the 3M Open. Whether you're into music or golf, this episode captures the essence of a great summer in Minnesota. Tune in for a quick and exciting rundown! 

Today Matt is joined by his good friend Tim Goth. (30:45) Tim is a recovering alcoholic and is working on a new passion product titled Recovery Is Possible. He joins the show to share his journey to sobriety and share his message.

Tired of not being able to watch Twins baseball? On this episode Matt discuss the Bally Sports bankruptcy Drama with Dan Kaplan (25:41). Dan is a sports business journalist that has been following the story since its inception. You can follow him and his work on X @KaplanSportsBiz.

Today Matt chats with Olympic Sailor Lara Dallman-Weiss (49:54) as she gets ready to compete in her second Olympics this July in France. Lara is from Shoreview, MN and grew up sailing in the White Bear Lake Yacht Club.

On  this episode we chat with Joey Peters. Joey is a journalist for the Sahan Journal and has been covering the Feeding Our Futures Trial.

Summer is officially here, when it is not raining at least! Early in the episode the boys talk about their first trips up to cabin land for the season.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have defeated the Denver Nuggets and reached the Western Conference Final. The guys break down game 6 & & 7 as well as look ahead to the match up with the Dallas Mavericks.

In this episode, we delve into the time-honored tradition of Minnesota's Fishing Opener, where anglers from across the state eagerly anticipate the start of the season. We also discuss the science behind the northern lights and why we are already seeing a haze in the sky.

On today's episode the boys are joined by Dylan from the CND NBA Show to give us a preview for the Timberwolves second round series match up against the Denver Nuggets.

Max bagged his first Tom turkey hunting this past weekend. He re-tells the story and shares his experience with the first annual 'bark in the park' night at Target Field.

The boys chat with Tyler Forness about what the Vikings should do in the upcoming NFL draft taking place on April 25th. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, USA Today, Voices of Wrestling, SB Nation, and NBC Sports Edge among others. You can find him on Twitter/X @TheRealForno. Also hopping on this episode to help share his Vikings insight is good friend of the show Trace Adams. 

On this episode the boys are  joined by Eric Glasson. Eric is an avid outdoorsman living in Ely, MN just outside of the Boundary Water Canoe Area. He lives and breathes the outdoors. You can check him out at his youtube channel FarWater or on his website ChasingFarwater.com. He joins to give us his BWCA experience and chat with us about early season trips into the Boundary Water Canoe Area.

The Minneapolis city council has made a new ride share ordinance raising the pay for drivers. In return, Uber and Lyft have said they will leave the city when the ordinance goes into effect starting May 1st.  The boys breakdown the last updates with the story and what it means for rideshare travel around the city.

Minnesota sports continue to be cursed. The boys discuss Kirk Cousins not resigning with the Vikings and the injury to KAT. Max gives his breakdown of his experience at the Minnesota State Boys High School Hockey Tournament. 

With all of the talk this week around the section seeding and how all of the top teams in Class AA play each other before making it to state, the boys discuss alternative ideas to allow more of the top teams into the state tournament.

The COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup is coming to Minneapolis in February 2024! The world’s best athletes in cross-country skiing will race in the first world cup race to be held on U.S. soil in twenty years and the Loppet Foundation is amped to bring the world to Wirth. Inspiration is everywhere in Theodore Wirth Park. Come explore world-class ski trails in the heart of the city we love.

On this episode the guys discuss their soap boxes of the week. Then they go over some recent headlines coming from around the state of Minnesota. Later in the episode they are joined be Kellen from Embrace North to explore the craze around sauna and cold water immersion.

Joe Mauer is officially a first ballot hall of famer! Matt and Max talk about one of their childhood icons being officially inducted into the hall of fame.

On this episode Matt and Max discuss the artic blast sweeping across the US, How well do electric vehicles hold up in the cold and finally getting a true winter jacket. 

In this episode we chat with Ryan Paul. Ryan is a professional snowboarder from Cottage Grove, MN. He walks us through his journey on how he became a pro snowboarding being from Minnesota. Then he tells us what people should expect from the Red Bull Heavy Metal Event.

Join us for a special episode diving into New Year's resolutions and the top stories coming out of Minnesota to follow in 2024!

On this episode Matt & Max discuss their favorite Christmas activities then debate their favorite Christmas movies.

Join Matt & Max on "10,000 Adventures" for a joyful ride through Minnesota's holiday scene! This episode is all about discovering the best pop-up bars with cozy vibes and exploring the dazzling lights that make our state sparkle during Christmas.

Gear up for an exhilarating episode of "10,000 Adventures" as we dive into the heart of Minnesota's ice fishing season! Join [Host Name] as we chat with local legend Tony Dahlberg, a seasoned fisherman with a treasure trove of ice fishing wisdom.

Join us as we sit down with Edible Minnesota to explore the stories behind Minnesota's food and drink

Dive into the dynamic realm of bar trivia with us in this episode of 10000 Adventures. We're joined by Trivia Mafia, the maestros behind the trivia scene, to uncover the magic behind the questions and the laughter.

Join us on 10,000 Adventures as we look back at Minnesota's first weekend for Deer Hunting season and uncover the best ways to enjoy November in the state.

Join us on 10,000 Adventures as we celebrate the time-honored tradition of Minnesota's Deer Hunting Opener. In this episode, we dive into the excitement, camaraderie, and natural beauty that define this iconic event. We'll chat with the big game specialist from the Minnesota DNR, Paul Burr, to get the inside scoop on what makes this experience so special. Whether you're an avid hunter or just curious about Minnesota's outdoor heritage, this episode is your ticket to the Northwoods' unique charm. Grab your gear, and let's head into the woods for an unforgettable Minnesota adventure!

Join hosts Matt and Max on a journey to discover the best of Minnesota's outdoor wonders in the "10000 Adventures" podcast. In this trailer, we give you a taste of the excitement as we explore the state's hidden gems, share thrilling tales of hiking and kayaking, and celebrate the vibrant culture of the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Get ready for an adventure like no other. Subscribe now and stay tuned for our first full-length episode!

In this episode we break down our top 5 most haunted attractions from around the North Star State.

Get ready to embark on a magical journey through the dark and mystical realms of Halloween as we explore the enchanting Jack-O'-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo. In this special episode, join us as we venture into a world of wonder, where thousands of intricately carved pumpkins come to life in a mesmerizing display of artistry and light.

Prepare for a spine-tingling journey through the Land of 10,000 Lakes as we uncover the most chilling and thrilling Halloween and haunted activities in Minnesota. In this episode, we'll guide you through a web of ghostly tales, haunted houses, and macabre events that will send shivers down your spine. From historic haunts to terrifying mazes, we'll explore all the hair-raising experiences awaiting you in the North Star State. So, grab your flashlight and join us for a podcast episode that's sure to make your Halloween season one to remember.

Join us as we explore the best fall activities in Minnesota. From scenic drives to pumpkin patches and cozy sweater weather, we've got your autumn adventures covered. Get ready to savor the season with us!

In this episode, we'll take you on a journey to the heart of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Discover the history, characters, and the magical atmosphere that makes this festival a beloved tradition. From knights and jousting to whimsical performances and artisan crafts, we'll immerse you in the enchanting world of this annual event. So, grab your goblet of mead and join us as we explore the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.

Jesse joins the guys to discuss his adventure of trying to  visit every brewery around the state. He gives some insight on how he stays in the know with the latest breweries that are opening and closing.  He also shares some hidden gems from the far corners of the state as well as some off the beaten path places right here in the twin cities. 

Discover the Minnesota State Fair like never before in our latest episode! Join us as we uncover the best of this annual tradition – from classic thrills to the freshest food trends.

Join us on a sonic adventure as we uncover the hidden gems and iconic concert venues that resonate with the beats of Minnesota. From historic theaters with a rich musical past to intimate indie stages fostering the next generation of artists, we'll dive deep into the vibrant live music scene that makes Minnesota a melody-filled destination.

Embark on an epic adventure as we explore Minnesota's top hiking trails. From lush forests to stunning waterfalls, join us to discover the Land of 10,000 Lakes at its finest. Happy hiking!

Whether you're a curious outsider or a proud Minnesotan looking to deepen your understanding of your state's festive heritage, join us for an enthralling audio adventure that captures the heart and soul of Minnesota's 4th of July celebrations. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as we reflect on the vibrant traditions and unforgettable near miss firework incidents that shape this cherished holiday in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Summer is finally in full swing. Today we cover a plethora of activities and attractions to squeeze every last ounce out of summer 2023. Then we tackle a few  of the top boating and recreational lakes around the state.

On this episode we talk with Jeff from the Break80 Golf podcast to bring you some golfing insight around the state of Minnesota. We go over some of our favorite courses and some we are eager to try. We finish it off with some swing tips and a few things to work on to improve our own game.

Today we were joined by Gunnar to take an in-depth look at the growing sport of mountain biking around the state of Minnesota and how you can get involved.

On this episode we take an in-depth look at one of Minnesota's top destinations for outdoor adventure seekers, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).

Playoff season is here for both the Timberwolves & Wild! Today we discuss the championship droughts for all 4 of the major sports teams in Minnesota. We also discuss restaurants that we are looking forward to trying & give out a few recommendations of our favorite spots around the metro.

Tara joins the show to tell us everything we need to know about curling and her experience representing Team USA at the World Championships and the 2022 Winter Olympics. 

On this episode we dive in to discus everything we love and hate about spring in the great state of Minnesota. We also discuss upcoming events around the state. Matt tells us about his audition to be on a golf reality TV show.

Today we are joined  by Corey Bechtold from Macula Tackle and What's Working Now to give us his insight on late ice fishing and his favorite Minnesota fishing memories.

Today we are joined by Kelsey who is the President of USA Women's Bandy & the US Representative on the International Bandy Federation Women's Committee.

Mitch joins us to discuss his experience with the US Pond Hockey Championship, Polar Plunge and his favorite Minnesota activity.

Introductions, Podcast Inspirations, 3 Favorite Minnesota Outdoor Activities, Minnesota Trivia.