In this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Anthony Dyer for an honest and wide ranging conversation centered on the outdoors, personal growth, and finding purpose through time spent outside.Anthony shares his background and the path that led him deeper into the outdoor lifestyle, including how challenging experiences in the field shaped his mindset and values. We talk about lessons learned the hard way, mistakes that turned into growth, and why discomfort in the outdoors often translates into clarity in everyday life.The conversation explores the deeper side of outdoor culture, touching on discipline, responsibility, mental toughness, and the importance of slowing down in a world that rarely does. Anthony also opens up about how the outdoors can serve as a reset button, helping people reconnect with themselves, their priorities, and the land.We also discuss the importance of conservation, respecting the resource, and why ethical outdoor practices matter now more than ever. From personal stories to broader conversations about stewardship and community, this episode reflects what Wild Life Outdoors is all about.If you are passionate about hunting, fishing, conservation, and becoming a better version of yourself through the outdoors, this is an episode you do not want to miss.Subscribe to Wild Life Outdoors for long form conversations focused on outdoor culture, conservation, and the people who live it every day.Bucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com#WildLifeOutdoors #AnthonyDyer #OutdoorPodcast #HuntingPodcast #FishingPodcast #OutdoorsAndMentalHealth #FindingPurposeOutdoors #HuntingLifestyle #FishingLifestyle #ConservationPodcast #OutdoorStorytelling #ModernMasculinityOutdoors #HuntingEthics #ConservationAndHunting #PublicLandHunting #PersonalGrowthOutdoors #OutdoorDiscipline #OutdoorMindset #HuntingStories #FishingAsTherapy #ConservationMindedHunters #FindingMeaningInNature

In this powerful episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Stephen Gadberry for a raw and thought provoking conversation that blends faith, service, masculinity, and the outdoors.Stephen’s life story is anything but ordinary. From military service and deep personal hardship to answering a calling into seminary and priesthood, Stephen shares how discipline, suffering, and purpose shaped the man he is today. This episode dives into what it means to live with intention in a chaotic world and how faith and the outdoors can ground us when everything else feels unstable.The conversation spans a wide range of topics including growing up through adversity, learning the value of hard work later in life, hunting and fishing as a form of connection and reflection, and why building things with your hands still matters. Stephen opens up about how hunting, fly fishing, knife making, fitness, and cooking wild game all connect to living a life rooted in responsibility and service.Russell and Stephen also discuss the modern challenges men face today, the importance of mentorship, how faith can feel inaccessible to many, and why authenticity matters more than appearances. Whether you come from a faith background or not, this episode challenges listeners to think deeper about purpose, sacrifice, and what it truly means to live well.If you are passionate about the outdoors, personal growth, faith, or finding meaning beyond the noise, this is an episode you do not want to miss.Subscribe to Wild Life Outdoors for more long form conversations on conservation, hunting, fishing, and the values that shape the outdoor community.Stephen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherstephenjgadberry/?hl=enBucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com00:00 Introduction and opening story02:10 Stephen Gadberry background and upbringing07:30 Hardship early in life and finding faith13:45 The role of discipline and hard work18:20 Military service and the call to seminary25:10 How Stephen knew he was being called30:20 Faith authenticity and breaking stereotypes35:40 Hunting fishing and building with your hands42:10 Memorable hunts and lessons learned47:30 Bucket list hunts and outdoor goals52:30 Knife making fly fishing and craftsmanship54:00 Final thoughts on faith purpose and the outdoors#FaithAndMasculinity #OutdoorsAndMentalHealth #ChristianMenPodcast #FindingPurposeAsAMan #MilitaryVeteransFaith #HuntingAsTherapy #OutdoorsAndSpirituality #ModernMasculinityCrisis #MenFindingPurpose #FaithBasedOutdoorPodcast #HuntingAndPersonalGrowth #WildernessAndFaith #WildLifeOutdoors #StephenGadberry #FaithAndTheOutdoors #HuntingAndFaith #ChristianOutdoorsman #MasculinityAndFaith #MilitaryToPriesthood #OutdoorPodcast #HuntingStories #FlyFishingPodcast #PurposeDrivenLife #FaithBasedPodcast #PublicLandHunting #KnifeMaking #WildGameCooking #ModernMasculinity #HuntingLifestyle #FlyFishingLifestyle #OutdoorStorytelling #MenAndFaithPodcast #SpiritualGrowthOutdoors #HuntingCommunity

In this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Ingrid Lyons, Executive Director of Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness, for a critical conversation about the future of public lands and the fight to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.Ingrid breaks down what is happening right now in northern Minnesota, including the ongoing threats of sulfide ore mining near the Boundary Waters and why these decisions matter far beyond Minnesota. We discuss how public land policy is shaped, who actually has a voice in these decisions, and why outdoor recreationists, hunters, anglers, and everyday citizens must stay engaged.This episode dives deep into conservation advocacy, grassroots organizing, and the real world consequences of losing protected wilderness. Ingrid explains why the Boundary Waters is one of the most visited wilderness areas in the United States, what makes it ecologically irreplaceable, and how short term resource extraction could permanently damage watersheds, wildlife habitat, and outdoor access.We also talk about how listeners can get involved, why advocacy is not just for activists, and how protecting public lands directly impacts hunting, fishing, paddling, and outdoor traditions for future generations.If you care about public lands, conservation, wilderness access, and the future of America’s wild places, this is an episode you do not want to miss.Subscribe to Wild Life Outdoors for honest conversations about conservation, public lands, outdoor culture, and the policies shaping the wild places we love.Save the Boundary Waters: https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/actnow26Sportsmen of the Boundary Waters:https://sportsmenbwca.org/stauber-resolution/#WildLifeOutdoors #IngridLyons #BoundaryWaters #BoundaryWatersCanoeAreaWilderness #BWCA #PublicLands #PublicLandConservation #WildernessProtection #MiningNearWilderness #SulfideMining #OutdoorConservationPodcast #EnvironmentalPolicy #PublicLandAccess #GrassrootsConservation #WildernessAdvocacy #HuntingAndFishingConservation #OutdoorRecreation #CanoeingWilderness #MinnesotaWilderness #ConservationPodcast #PublicLandsPodcast #EnvironmentalActivism #ProtectingWilderness #OutdoorEthics #ConservationEducation #WildPlaces #OutdoorAdvocacy

In this special intro episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sets the tone for what 2026 will look like for the podcast and the community we are building around it.This episode is about direction purpose and why the conversations around conservation public lands and outdoor ethics matter more now than ever. After reflecting on the lessons growth and challenges of 2025, Russell outlines how Wild Life Outdoors is evolving with deeper discussions more educational content and a stronger focus on protecting the places we all rely on to hunt fish and explore.We talk about why public land access can no longer be treated as a background issue and how legislation policy and management decisions directly impact recreation conservation and the future of the outdoors. This episode also introduces a renewed commitment to fly fishing, fly tying, hunting, and telling real stories from the field that reflect what it actually means to be a modern outdoorsman.Listeners can expect more solo episodes more expert voices more respectful debate and more involvement from the Wild Life Outdoors community. The goal for 2026 is simple to educate inspire and mobilize people who care about wild places and want to be part of protecting them.If you care about conservation, public lands, fly fishing, hunting, ethics, and the future of outdoor recreation this episode is for you.Listen now subscribe to the channel and join us as we head into 2026 with purpose clarity and a commitment to doing things the right way.Let us know in the comments what topics you want covered this year and how you want to be involved.#WildLifeOutdoors #2026OutdoorPodcast #ConservationPodcast #PublicLandsPodcast #OutdoorConservation #FlyFishingPodcast #HuntingAndConservation #PublicLandAccess #OutdoorEthics #FlyFishingContent #FlyTying #OutdoorRecreation #PublicLandsProtection #FlyFishingEducation #OutdoorCommunity #ConservationConversations #GrassrootsConservation #OutdoorMedia #ArkansasOutdoors #TexasPublicLands #BLMPublicLands #OutdoorAdvocacyPodcast

This week on Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Devin O’Dea, Western Policy and Conservation Manager for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, for one of the most important conversations we have ever released on this podcast.This episode takes a deep dive into the real threats facing America’s public lands, from attempts to rescind the Roadless Rule to legislative proposals that could open the door to privatizing or selling off the lands that belong to every American. Devin breaks down exactly what’s happening behind the scenes, how certain bills bypass public input, and why hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts need to pay attention right now.Russell and Devin also talk through:• What the Roadless Rule actually protects• Why attempts to rescind it are dangerous for wildlife, watersheds, and recreation• How public land bills get disguised as “affordable housing” or “fire mitigation”• Why bipartisan stewardship is the only real path forward• The role hunters and anglers play in conservation through Pittman-Robertson & Dingell-Johnson• What everyday people can do today to protect public access• Why public lands are part of every American’s inheritanceThey also swap stories about learning to hunt, navigating difficult terrain, clean water issues, wildlife fragmentation, and even some unexpected wild-game culinary adventures (yes, crow and coyote recipes come up).If you hunt, fish, hike, camp, or simply care about the natural spaces that define this country, you cannot miss this episode. This discussion affects every Western state, every public land user, and every future generation that deserves access to wild places.Watch, share, and help protect what belongs to all of us.Take Action: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/get-involved/take-actionBucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com00:00 – Public land ownership and the threat of selling public land00:22 – Welcome to Wild Life Outdoors00:54 – Introducing Devin O’Dea (BHA Western Policy Manager)01:38 – Why public lands are facing major threats03:27 – Russell’s hunting experiences and challenges06:24 – Rifle vs bow hunting in thick terrain07:14 – What is the biggest threat to public lands right now?11:40 – How “affordable housing” bills hide land-sale attempts13:26 – Why selling public lands makes no sense16:39 – Why certain politicians push land-transfer bills18:19 – America’s unique public land heritage21:30 – What the Roadless Rule protects23:42 – Wildlife fragmentation and fire-related myths27:22 – Why “fire mitigation” is used as misleading justification29:53 – Why public comment matters32:53 – What bipartisan conservation should look like37:06 – How Pittman-Robertson & Dingell-Johnson actually fund conservation41:51 – Why the U.S. system is unique globally45:02 – Wild-game cooking stories and food chain impacts48:07 – What YOU can do right now to protect public land51:36 – Clean water, invasive species, and eagle recovery issues54:33 – More wild-game talk (crow, coyote, black bear)56:00 – Closing thoughts from Devin57:09 – Final sendoff and call to action#publiclands #RoadlessRule #Conservation #BackcountryHuntersAndAnglers #BHA #PublicLandAccess #HuntingPodcast #OutdoorPodcast #ConservationPolicy #PittmanRobertson #DingellJohnson #PublicLandThreats #SavePublicLands #WildLifeOutdoors #WesternHunting #FlyFishingCommunity #HabitatProtection #OutdoorAdvocacy #HuntingAndFishing #PublicLandOwner

In this episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with Doc Jaynes for one of the most informative conversations we have ever had about wild game cooking, proper meat handling, ethical harvest, and long range shooting.The episode opens with a bold statement that sparks the entire discussion. If your wild game tastes gamey, chances are it is not the animal it is the way the meat was handled. From there, we dive deep into the cold, clean, dry rule and how improper field care, storage, and processing can destroy the quality of even the best harvest.Doc breaks down how to properly handle deer, bear, waterfowl, and other wild game from the moment of harvest all the way to the freezer. We discuss aging meat, whether soaking in water actually helps or hurts, how to properly grind wild game, and why removing silver skin and sinew matters more than most hunters realize.Russell also shares his experience cooking snow geese during the conservation order and how proper preparation turned a commonly disliked bird into incredible pulled BBQ and fajitas that even his kids loved. The conversation expands into black bear cooking, including bear gumbo, rendered bear fat, and why historically bear grease was a staple in American cooking.Later in the episode, the talk shifts to long range shooting. Doc explains his mountain shooting setup, what it takes to shoot extreme distances, and how small fundamentals make massive differences in accuracy. Russell also shares lessons learned from archery hunting on public land and how understanding animal behavior changes your success in the field.This episode is packed with real world knowledge for hunters, anglers, wild game cooks, and anyone who wants to better understand responsible harvest and ethical use of our natural resources.If you care about conservation, field to table living, and becoming a more capable outdoorsman, this episode is for you.Bucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com00:00 When Wild Game Tastes Gamey It Is Not the Animal02:10 Introducing Doc Jaynes and His Background05:25 The Cold Clean Dry Rule Explained09:40 The Biggest Field Care Mistakes Hunters Make14:55 Aging Wild Game Meat Properly18:20 Water Soaking Myth Does It Help or Hurt22:05 Snow Goose Cooking During Conservation Order26:40 Pulled Goose and Goose Fajitas for Kids30:15 Black Bear Cooking Traditions and Bear Gumbo34:10 Rendering Bear Fat and Historical Uses38:40 Grinding Wild Game the Right Way43:00 Removing Silver Skin and Sinew for Flavor47:30 Long Range Shooting Setup and Gear52:15 Shooting Fundamentals That Matter the Most57:20 Mountain Hunting and Shot Placement1:01:45 Ethics of Harvest and Respecting the Animal1:06:10 Final Advice for Better Wild Game and Better Hunting#wildgamecooking #fieldtotable #hunttotable #wildgamemeat #howtomakewildgametastegood #gameymeatfix #deermeatprocessing #bearmeatcooking #snowgooserecipes #waterfowlcooking #wildgamerecipes #huntingandcooking #coldcleandryrule #ethicalhunting #meathandlingforhunters #wildgamefieldcare #wildgameprocessingmistakes #blackbearmeat #beargumborecipe #snowgooseconservationorder #howtoprocessdeer #publiclandhunting #longrangeshooting #extremelongrangeshooting #huntingaccuracy #mountainhunting #flyfishingpodcast #huntingpodcast #outdoorpodcast #WildLifeOutdoors #RussellWildLifeOutdoors #conservationhunting #huntereducation #wildgamemeattips

In this week’s episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell sits down with angler and Wild Fly Productions feature guest Willie Nelson to dive deep into his powerful journey into fly fishing and his life-changing trip to Maine for native brook trout.If you watched Wild Fly’s film from Maine, you’ve already seen Willie’s passion, grit, and gratitude on full display. In this long-form conversation, we unpack everything that didn’t make it into the film, from his upbringing, his introduction to fishing, and the often difficult transition into fly fishing, to how this trip fundamentally shifted his life and outlook on the outdoors.What We Cover:• Willie’s upbringing and how fishing shaped his early years• His tough introduction to fly fishing, failures, and breakthrough moments• The story behind being selected by Wild Fly Productions for his dream trip• His experience chasing native brook trout in the wild waters of Maine• How nature, solitude, and challenge became life-changing therapy• His growing passion for conservation and native species• The importance of “failing forward” in fishing and in life• How his community has grown since the film and the people he’s brought into fly fishing• Species he has caught since getting deeper into the sport• Plans for future fishing trips, species goals, and how the journey continuesThis episode is packed with inspiration, storytelling, conservation discussion, and the real human side of fly fishing. If you love Wild Fly, native fish, outdoor storytelling, or the meaning behind why people fish, this one is for you.🎣 If you enjoy the episode, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop a comment:What is your dream fly fishing trip? @WildFlyProductions Thank you for the introduction!Wild Fly Video with Willie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1v2w65b3mABucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com00:00 Intro01:10 Meeting Willie Nelson03:45 Willie’s upbringing and early fishing memories08:22 How he discovered fly fishing12:51 The struggles of learning the sport17:10 Applying for Wild Fly’s Maine trip20:02 What it felt like to be selected23:48 Behind-the-scenes of the Wild Fly film29:35 Chasing native brook trout in Maine34:12 How the trip changed his life40:44 Conservation and protecting native fish45:18 Fishing as therapy and personal growth50:02 New species he’s caught since the trip54:11 Fishing goals and dream adventures58:40 Advice for new fly anglers01:02:14 What’s next for Willie01:04:50 Closing thoughts#WillieNelsonWildFly #WildFlyProductionsMaine #NativeBrookTroutFishing #BrookTroutFlyFishing #MaineFlyFishing #FlyFishingDocumentary #WildLifeOutdoorsPodcast #LearningFlyFishing #FlyFishingStruggles #FlyFishingJourney #NativeFishConservation #EasternBrookTrout #TherapeuticFishingStories #OutdoorStorytellingPodcast #FishingChallenges #DreamFishingTrip #FishingMentalHealth #FlyFishingMistakes #WillieNelson #WildLifeOutdoors

In this special Veteran’s Day episode of Wild Life Outdoors, Russell and Jose sit down with Cody Fongemie and Dustin Spilman from the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Armed Forces Initiative (AFI) for an in-depth conversation about veterans, mental health, public land access, and the irreplaceable role outdoor recreation plays in healing after service.Throughout this episode, Cody and Dustin share powerful stories about:• The challenges many veterans face transitioning into civilian life• Why hunting, fishing, and time outdoors can reduce anxiety and depression• How the camaraderie of outdoor communities restores purpose• The real-world impact AFI has on active-duty and former service members• Training veterans to become conservation-minded leaders• How public lands serve as therapy, community, and identityJose and Russell dive deep into how AFI works at the ground level — from local chapter leadership and mentorship programs to group hunts, fishing trips, conservation projects, and volunteer outreach. Cody and Dustin explain why public access is critical for America’s servicemen and women, and what happens when that access begins to disappear.We also explore:• How outdoor skills translate into resilience• The importance of structure, discipline, and shared suffering• How hunting ethics and conservation reconnect veterans to mission and purpose• The long-term benefits of mentorship in the field• Ways everyday citizens can support veterans OUTSIDE of politicsWhether you’re a veteran, active duty, a military family member, an avid outdoorsman, or someone passionate about conservation — this episode will educate, inspire, and challenge the way you think about access to the wild places we all depend on.🎧 Enjoying the podcast?Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and leave a comment telling us how outdoor recreation has impacted YOU.👇 Want to help support veterans?Find a Backcountry Hunters & Anglers chapter near you, donate time, gear, or mentorship, or learn how to advocate for public lands in your state.Outdoor recreation isn’t just a hobby — for many veterans, it’s survival, therapy, purpose, and community.AFI Website: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/get-involved/take-action/armed-forces-initiativeBucked Up- https://bckd.co/vnjzgTkForetold Coffee Co.- https://www.foretoldcoffeeco.com00:00 Welcome and episode introduction02:15 Meet guests Cody Fongemie and Dustin Spilman05:10 What the Armed Forces Initiative actually does09:45 Why public land access matters for veterans13:20 Outdoor recreation and mental health benefits17:55 The struggle veterans face transitioning to civilian life22:30 Hunting and fishing as therapy27:40 Stories from the field and community impact33:05 The importance of conservation education38:10 Suicide prevention and veteran isolation42:25 How AFI builds purpose and belonging47:00 Real world success stories51:45 How listeners can help support veterans55:30 Final thoughts from Dustin and Cody58:40 Closing message and call to action#WildLifeOutdoors #veteranmentalhealthoutdoors #publiclandaccessforveterans #outdoortherapybenefits #veteransandconservation #hownaturehelpsPTSD #veteransuicidepreventionoutdoors #veterantransitionchallenges #healingpowerofhuntingandfishing #veteransoutdoorsrecovery #outdoorprogramsforPTSD #ArmedForcesInitiative #BackcountryHuntersandAnglers #VeteransDaypodcast #veteransupportprograms #veteranadvocacy #veteranhuntingstories #veteranshelpingveterans