California Clays
Welcome to California Clays, your home for all things competitive shotgun sports.
As an amateur competitor and passionate student of the game, Henning Mathew dives into the world of clay shooting through interviews with some of the best to ever point a shotgun.
He interviews World, National, and State Champions, their coaches, and key figures across the industry.
They explore the techniques, stories, and insights that fuel the sports we all love, from Sporting Clays to FITASC, Helice, Trap, Skeet, and the International disciplines.
If you enjoy learning and celebrating the world of competitive shooting, make sure to Subscribe for new videos and conversations from California and beyond.
Listen on:
Episodes
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
Thursday Mar 27, 2025
I interviewed Brett Seibert. General Manager of Northbrook Sports Club and NSCA Executive Council Member. Brett and I discussed a variety of topics, including his experience on what it is like managing a world-class gun club.The growth of the club under his leadership and how the club built a supportive and active membership. He also talks about the new initiative that the NSCA is pondering, a recreational association to help grow the sport and make clay target shooting accessible to more folks in the United States.If you like this content, please be sure to like and subscribe! Thanks!
Monday Mar 24, 2025
Monday Mar 24, 2025
In this episode of California Clays, I interview Jake James, the 2024 California State Champion in both FITASC and Sporting Clays.In just four years, Jake has risen to the top of the competitive sporting clays world in California and has quickly established himself as a serious contender on both the regional and national stages.We explore the key factors behind his rapid progression between 2020 and 2023, including his health and wellness routines, mental strategies for building confidence, and his approach to consistent performance under pressure.Jake also shares insights into how he prepares for tournaments, and we also discuss why he carries a gallon jug of water with him everywhere he goes.
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
Tuesday Mar 18, 2025
I interview, 2020 and 2024 US Olympian, multiple time World and National Champion, Derrick Mein. Derrick is known as one of the best All Round shotgunners in the world. We discuss his experience and approach to competitive shooting, his gun setup, and mental strategies. Derrick also shared the lessons he's learned from competing on the largest stages including his Olympic journey and his World FITASC win. Our conversation also touched on his switch from his Kolar Max Lite Sporter to his Krieghoff Parcour X.
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025
I interview Gary Fitzjarrell, 5th generation shotgunner, former All American, former Team USA Member, member of numerous All State Teams, holder of multiple State Titles, and inducted into the Illinois State Hall of Fame. Now retired from farming, Gary is the owner and operator of FLC Shooting Grounds in Whitehall, IL. He is also the Admin for one of the largest Facebook clay shooting groups, "Clay Shooting!". Gary and I talk about his family's background in shotgun sports and the evolution and future of clay sports in the U.S. We explored challenges in the industry, such as classification systems, target setting, and attracting new participants. We discuss the importance of social aspects and fellowship in shooting events and at clubs. The conversation also touches on Gary's experiences as a gun club owner, his participation in professional tours, and potential strategies for growing the sport and appealing to diverse demographics.