Driftwood Outdoors Podcast

Driftwood Outdoors Podcast

Join award-winning outdoor columnist Brandon Butler and renowned radio DJ Nathan "Shags" McLeod as they team up to bring you the ultimate Midwest outdoor adventure experience on the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast. Whether you're an avid hunter, passionate fisherman, or just love the great outdoors, this podcast is your go-to source for everything Midwest outdoor life. As the Midwest's outdoor authority, Driftwood Outdoors Podcast delivers a perfect blend of information and entertainment, covering topics like hunting, fishing, conservation, outdoor gear, and even a bit of fun with stories about Shags' Alien encounter! Every Tuesday morning, new episodes will take you on a journey through the wild, featuring exciting interviews, expert tips, and inspiring outdoor adventures. So, whether you're on the hunt for knowledge or just looking to have some fun, we invite you to join us on this wild ride. We’ll see you down the trail!

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep. 339: It’s Not Goodbye…It’s See You Later

    After more than six and a half years, 339 episodes, and countless miles traveled, this isn’t goodbye… it’s see you later. In this special episode, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod sit down to reflect on the journey of the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast—from the early days of clinking ice in whiskey glasses at the cabin to recording across the country and around the world. What started as a passion project grew into something far bigger than either of them imagined, opening doors, building lifelong friendships, and creating memories that will last forever. They revisit the moments that mattered most—unforgettable trips, incredible guests, personal highs and lows, and the community that formed around the podcast. From health scares and loss to growth, success, and new beginnings, Driftwood has been there through it all. But as life gets busier and priorities shift, the guys have made the decision to step back from the weekly grind. This episode dives into the why behind that choice, what’s next—including new adventures, films, and future projects—and how they plan to focus on quality over quantity moving forward. Most importantly, this is a thank you—to every listener, supporter, guest, sponsor, and friend who made this journey possible. The podcast may be pausing… but the stories aren’t over.  We’ll see you down the trail Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

    47 min
  2. MAR 24

    Ep. 338: MoNSAP: Missouri State Archery Tournament

    With Brandon Butler overseas in Europe, Nathan “Shags” McLeod calls in a special co-host—his wife Savannah—to help bring you a boots-on-the-ground episode from the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) State Archery Championship in Branson, Missouri. Held annually at the Branson Convention Center, the MoNASP State Championship is one of the largest youth archery tournaments in the country, drawing more than 4,000 student archers from nearly 300 schools across Missouri. This episode captures the energy, excitement, and heart behind the event, featuring conversations with the people who make it all happen—from conservation leaders and organizers to students competing on the biggest stage of their young archery careers. Guests in this episode include: Tricia Burkhardt, Executive Director of the Missouri Conservation Heritage FoundationWill Coates, Board President of the Missouri Conservation Heritage FoundationMicah and Carter, Rock Bridge High School Archery TeamChris Massman, VP of Member Services with Missouri Electric CooperativesMiahra, 5th grade archer from Billings, MissouriTanner and Tripp from Arnold, MissouriAshlie Veede and Francisco Delgado with Explore BransonLevi Henry with Morrell TargetsRob Garver, Missouri Department of Conservation State Education Outreach CoordinatorFrom first-time competitors to lifelong conservation advocates, this episode highlights what makes MoNASP so special—building confidence, discipline, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors for students across the state. For more info: Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation Missouri Dept. of Conservation Missouri Electric Co-op Missouri Electric Co-op Youth program MoNasp Morrell Targets Explore Branson Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

    1h 29m
  3. MAR 10

    Ep. 336: Ozark Stories and Trout Season Traditions | Live at Big Rock Candy Mountain

    Driftwood Outdoors went live in the Ozarks to celebrate one of Missouri’s great outdoor traditions — the opening day of trout season. Recorded in front of a live audience at Big Rock Candy Mountain Retreat near Jadwin, Missouri, this special episode brings together storytellers, conservationists, and lifelong outdoorsmen to talk about trout fishing, Ozark heritage, and the traditions that keep people coming back to the Current River year after year. Guests include: Mark Van Patten, former Missouri Department of Conservation biologist and founder of the Clean Stream movement in Missouri, who discusses his new book Moonshine and Watermelons, and Other Ozark Tales — a collection of stories inspired by life in the Ozarks and the communities around Plato in Texas County. Ben Timson, retired Missouri State University professor and author of Summers at Cedar Grove: The Rise and Fall of an Ozark Village, shares the fascinating history of Cedar Grove and the changing culture of the Current River region. Longtime trout season attendee “Uncle” Keith Mueller reflects on more than 60 years of opening day memories and explains why the tradition continues to bring generations of anglers together. The episode also features Roger Franklin, owner of Big Rock Candy Mountain Retreat, who shares the story behind one of the Current River region’s most unique outdoor destinations.  From Ozark storytelling and conservation history to trout fishing traditions, this live episode captures the spirit of the Current River and the people who love it. For more info:  Big Rock Candt Mtn Website Big Rock Candt Mtn FB Big Rock Candt Mtn Insata Mark Van Patten Book Ben Timson Book Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

    1h 34m
  4. MAR 3

    Ep. 335: Two Grumpy Old Men and Kevin Orthman: Public Lands, Outdoor Media, and Hard Truths

    Former Professional Outdoor Media Association Executive Director Kevin Orthman joins Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations in Driftwood Outdoors history. Kevin shares stories from living and fishing overseas, including fly fishing for smallmouth near Mount Fuji, the realities of fishing culture in Japan, and hunting opportunities in California and beyond. But the conversation quickly turns to deeper issues facing the outdoor community. The guys discuss the evolution—and decline—of traditional outdoor media, the rise of pay-to-play influence on social platforms, and what that means for conservation and public trust. They also dive into major concerns facing hunters and anglers today, including public land access, conservation funding, changing public perception, and the growing disconnect between outdoor traditions and modern culture. It’s thoughtful. It’s frustrated. It’s occasionally funny. And it’s the kind of real conversation that happens when passionate outdoorsmen care deeply about the future. Plus, the episode wraps up with the always-unpredictable Mystery Bait Bucket question. For more info: POMA Website POMA Facebook POMA Instagram Special thanks to: Living The Dream Outdoor Properties Superior Foam Insulation LLC Doolittle Trailers Scenic Rivers Taxidermy Connect with Driftwood Outdoors: Facebook Instagram YouTube Email: info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

    1h 32m
4.9
out of 5
141 Ratings

About

Join award-winning outdoor columnist Brandon Butler and renowned radio DJ Nathan "Shags" McLeod as they team up to bring you the ultimate Midwest outdoor adventure experience on the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast. Whether you're an avid hunter, passionate fisherman, or just love the great outdoors, this podcast is your go-to source for everything Midwest outdoor life. As the Midwest's outdoor authority, Driftwood Outdoors Podcast delivers a perfect blend of information and entertainment, covering topics like hunting, fishing, conservation, outdoor gear, and even a bit of fun with stories about Shags' Alien encounter! Every Tuesday morning, new episodes will take you on a journey through the wild, featuring exciting interviews, expert tips, and inspiring outdoor adventures. So, whether you're on the hunt for knowledge or just looking to have some fun, we invite you to join us on this wild ride. We’ll see you down the trail!

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