Behind the Scenes of the Gundies: A Celebration of Firearms Creators

In this episode of the No Lowballers Podcast, hosts Logan Metesh and Allen Forkner sit down with Ben and Will from Forge Relations to discuss their brainchild, the Gundies Awards, and the ever-changing world of firearms creators. From the early challenges of legitimizing influencers to creating an award show inspired by The Office, the Gundies have become a staple in the shooting community. The discussion also touches on the evolution of authenticity in content creation, the shifting landscape of digital media, and how creators are reshaping the industry. • The Gundies Origin Story: o Inspired by The Office’s Dundee Awards to bring the firearms community together. o Transitioned from a fun gathering to a major industry event recognizing creators and brands. • The Rise of Influencers in the Firearms Space: o Authenticity as the key to longevity and trust. o Overcoming misconceptions about influencers as “shills.” • The Evolution of the Gundies: o Highlights new award categories, including "Top 2A Writer" and "Podcast of the Year." o The Gundies as a community-driven event promoting creators across platforms. • Content Creation in the Digital Age: o How the shift from print to digital has changed firearms media. o The importance of consistency, professionalism, and contracts in creator-brand relationships. • Voting and Participation: o Open voting at The Gundies, with daily votes and bonus opportunities. o A grand prize for voters: an all-expenses-paid trip to the Gundies ceremony in Las Vegas. What are your favorite channels and creators? Are you a creator? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Vote daily at The Gundies (including a vote for Podcast of the Year) and join the celebration of creators, brands, and industry leaders. Don't forget to share this episode with friends and leave a review—it helps us keep the conversation going! The No Lowballers podcast explores the history and heritage of firearms. We hope to expose you to the vintage guns of the golden age along with newer, modern guns, specialty items, and a few other odd balls along the way. Jump in and come along for the ride! The show launches every Thursday morning. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.