From Illinois to Tennessee: Business, Freedom, Taxes & Starting Over with Dustin Rhodes On this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with bladesmith and entrepreneur Dustin Rhodes for a wide-ranging conversation about what happens when you decide to leave one state behind and build a new life and business somewhere else. Dustin shares the story behind moving from Southern Illinois to Tennessee and why he believes the move has made such a difference for both his business and his personal life. We talk about taxes, property costs, wages, gas prices, groceries, business regulations, and what it actually takes to relocate a small business. Dustin explains the transition from his Illinois operation to Smoky Mountain Forge Works and Trading Post LLC in Sevierville, Tennessee, including the challenges of setting up a new LLC, obtaining business licenses, dealing with sales tax, finding the right location, and investing in a new shop. We also get into the economic struggles Dustin saw in rural Southern Illinois, the loss of manufacturing jobs, employment challenges, declining communities, and how economic conditions can affect everything from local businesses to grocery-store selection. Michael and Dustin compare the cost of living in Illinois and Tennessee, including property taxes, state income taxes, sales taxes, gas prices, groceries, and the overall business climate. Dustin also shares his experience buying property and vehicles outright, avoiding financing, and why he believes owning your assets outright can make a huge difference in the long run. But this conversation isn't just about money. Dustin talks about the differences he has experienced in the communities, the atmosphere, faith, personal freedom, and what he describes as feeling like he has been “delivered from evil” by getting away from an environment he felt was holding him and his family back. The conversation also covers the challenges of relocating, including vehicle titles, mail forwarding, getting a Tennessee driver's license, concealed-carry permits, firearm regulations, and the differences Dustin experienced between Illinois and Tennessee. And because this is Behind The Anvil, eventually we end up talking about groundhogs! Dustin shares his recent experience hunting and cooking groundhog, including his slow-cooker method. Michael and Dustin also talk about trucking, pursuing happiness, making positive changes in life, and why sometimes changing your surroundings can make a tremendous difference. It's another episode proving that you never know where the conversation will go on Behind The Anvil! Follow Dustin & Smoky Mountain Forge Works and Trading Post LLC Facebook: Smoky Mountain Forge Works & Trading Post Dustin's business is located in Sevierville, Tennessee, near Smoky Mountain Knife Works. CHEYENNE RHODES' GROUNDHOG RECIPE Groundhog Flavor until your ancestors approve: mesquite, garlic powder, Tony Chachere's, and anything else that sounds good. Heck, throw in the kitchen sink if you'd like. Ingredients Groundhog Mesquite seasoning Garlic powder Tony Chachere's Anything else that sounds good 2 sticks of margarine 1 bottle of carbonated drink — Angry Orchard Original Water as needed (to not burn meat) Directions Sear the exterior of the groundhog, adding 1 stick of margarine and small amounts of water as needed. Add the seared groundhog and all remaining ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for a minimum of 12 hours. Occasionally add water to keep the meat moist. Eat when you're feeling like it, or when your wife/daughter tells you to. Make sure your neighbor knows it's groundhog and that you didn't steal a small dog for dinner. Cheyenne's Recommendation: Flavor until your ancestors approve! For wild game, make sure the animal was legally harvested and properly cleaned and handled. Cook thoroughly to a safe internal temperature.

Behind The Anvil S3 E5 — Getting Started in Bladesmithing for $1,000 or Less

In this solo episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson gets back to the basics and talks about one of the questions he hears often: How can someone get started making knives without spending a fortune? Michael breaks down how to get into bladesmithing for $1,000 or less, covering both traditional forging and stock removal. He walks through the basics of choosing the right steel, essential tools and supplies, belt grinders, handle materials, and where to find quality materials without breaking the bank. Michael also takes a look at his e-book on getting started in knife making, discussing the different chapters and resources included—from choosing your first steel and tools to finding reliable suppliers. He shares plans to update the book with new information based on what he has learned throughout his years in the craft. Along the way, Michael talks about his own journey into bladesmithing, the lessons he learned from mistakes, and why beginners shouldn't feel like they need an expensive shop or every piece of equipment available before making their first knife. He also gives an update on the shop, his decision to temporarily pause knife-making classes, and his plans for revamping both the shop and Behind The Anvil Podcast. Whether you're thinking about making your first knife or you've already started building your shop, this episode is a reminder that you don't need the biggest forge, the most expensive grinder, or a shop full of equipment to begin. Start simple. Practice. Learn from your mistakes. Learn from experienced makers. Most importantly—enjoy the craft. Welcome to Behind The Anvil with host Michael Peterson.

From Combat Zones to Open Roads: The Story of John Dunn In this episode of Behind The Anvil Podcast, Michael Peterson sits down with John Dunn for a wide-ranging conversation about military service, aviation, deployments, motorcycles, trucking, and the challenges veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life. John shares stories from his time in the U.S. Air Force, beginning at just 17 years old in 1988. He talks about working with experimental weapons at Eglin Air Force Base, including the Bunker Buster and stealth weapons, before serving at a NORAD alert site in Alaska where F-15s stood ready to respond to potential threats. John also takes us into the extreme conditions of Alaska, where temperatures could reach 90 degrees below zero, making ordinary maintenance work a serious challenge. He shares stories about aircraft maintenance, ordnance, protective equipment, and the realities of working around military aircraft and weapons systems. The conversation continues with John's time in the Army National Guard, including his deployment to Iraq from 2009–2010, where he supervised maintenance on OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopters. John discusses the realities of tactical aviation, life in a combat zone, equipment restrictions, and the experiences that stayed with him after returning home. Michael and John also talk about the difficult transition many veterans face after leaving military service, including the loss of fellow service members, depression, and finding the courage to ask for help. John shares resources and personal experiences that may help veterans who are struggling. Then the conversation takes a turn toward motorcycles, including John's journey from a Buell Blast to BMW adventure bikes and his experiences riding The Tail of the Dragon, one of America's most famous—and dangerous—motorcycle roads. From military aviation and frozen Alaskan runways to Iraq, trucking, motorcycles, veterans' struggles, and life after the military, this episode is packed with stories, opinions, and experiences you won't want to miss. Behind The Anvil Podcast — where we talk to the people behind the craft, the stories, and the life experiences that shape us.