Fathers And The Great Outdoors

Great Outdoors Podcast

Welcome to Fathers and the Great Outdoors! Our podcast is dedicated to sharing stories of fathers spending time in the great outdoors and introducing their children to the wonders created by our heavenly father. Join us as we explore the beauty of nature and the joys of fatherhood in our walk with God.

  1. 08/18/2025

    25: Reese Richards – Transformation Through Christ

    More ways to watch & listen at: https://www.greatoutdoorspodcast.com/post/25-reese-richards-transformation-through-christ   Reese Richards is a passionate Christian father, outdoorsman, and founder of Bearded Outdoors, a Florida-based initiative that blends his love for hunting, fishing, and serving others with a deep faith in Christ. Born in 1990 near Detroit to a family immersed in drinking and outdoor traditions, Reese transformed his life after being baptized at Phil Robertson’s property, shifting from a worldly upbringing to full-time ministry, including prison outreach and writing devotionals for veterans and men. A homeschooling dad to his 5- and 8-year-old children, he instills a love for flats fishing and nature while modeling a Christ-centered life, teaching them to see God in creation’s beauty, like snowflakes and breezes. Through his nonprofit, Operation Freedom Beard, Reese prioritizes serving veterans over profit, driven by Proverbs 3:27 and a commitment to breaking generational curses through faith and intentional parenting.   __ Introduction & Outdoor Beginnings 0:48 - Meet Reese Richards: Jacob introduces Reese, aFlorida outdoorsman. They discuss favorite outdoor memories.  1:10 - Early Outdoor Life: Reese grew up hunting nearDetroit. His dad, a narcotics detective, took him to public lands.  2:33 - Family Roots: Reese’s family camped and hunted.Social drinking shaped early outdoor experiences.  3:21 - First Tree Stand: At age 2, Reese’s dad hoisted himinto a tree stand. It was an unsafe but memorable start.   Faith Transformation & Testimony 10:26 - Non-Godly Upbringing: Reese grew up around drinking.Faith was absent until his 20s.  36:16 - Baptism Story: Reese and his wife were baptized atPhil Robertson’s property. It marked a turning point.  43:35 - Life Change: Post-baptism, Reese’s faith grewslowly. He embraced full-time ministry.  47:17 - Ministry Roles: Reese leads prison ministry andmen’s Bible studies. He serves boldly for Christ.  54:60 - Breaking Chains: A friend’s advice to clear his mindbefore prayer transformed Reese’s faith.   Fatherhood & Kids in Outdoors 5:27 - Kids in Nature: Reese’s kids (5 and 8) love fishingmore than hunting. They explore islands and catch reds.  6:60 - Son’s First Hunt: At 8, Jace shot at a buck. It was athrilling moment.  13:53 - Outdoor Lifestyle: Homeschooling and country livingimmerse kids in nature. They reject city life.  59:40 - Kids’ Faith: Reese models Bible reading daily. Hiskids see it as fuel for life.  62:38 - Son’s Baptism: Jace, 8, accepted Christ after ahunting trip talk. He was baptized with his grandma.   Serving Through Outdoors 14:18 - Bearded Outdoors: Started in 2017, it’s now aplatform to serve veterans. Reese prioritizes giving over profit.  26:00 - Nonprofit Mission: Reese’s nonprofit supportsveterans with beard products. It fosters Christ-centered outreach.  37:03 - Writing Devotionals: Reese authored veteran andmen’s devotionals. They share his testimony.  74:31 - Veteran Banquet: Reese hosts a September 5th event.It aims to share Christ’s joy.  83:09 - Fishing with Kids: Reese takes kids flats fishing ina johnboat. They love coastal adventures.   Faith, Wisdom & Closing 29:50 - Biblical Parenting: Reese rejects harsh discipline.He models Christ’s love for his kids.  69:16 - God in Nature: Reese sees God in snowflakes, trees,and breezes. A clear mind reveals His presence.  91:06 - Seeking Mentors: Reese found mentors throughobedience. They guide him to Christ.  100:38 - Favorite Bible Verse: Reese picks Proverbs 3:27. Itinspires serving others selflessly.    Shop:https://www.greatoutdoorspodcast.com/category/all-products   Reese Richards’ Socials: www.beardedoutdoorsusa.com https://www.youtube.com/@SeekAndFindOutdoorTv https://www.facebook.com/beardedoutdoorsUSA 'The Doorkeeper - Become the Husband and Father God Wants You to Be' by Sonny Guess https://www.amazon.com/dp/1888237678?

    1h 47m
  2. 06/16/2025

    24: Charles Cobb – Stewardship in God’s Creation

    More ways to watch & listen at: https://www.greatoutdoorspodcast.com/post/24-charles-cobb-stewardship-in-god-s-creation   Charles Cobb is a devoted Christian father, avid outdoorsman, and lifelong resident of a small North Carolina town, where hunting and fishing are woven into everyday life. Raised by a father who led a local hunting club, Charles’s earliest memories involve pursuing deer and fish, a passion he now shares with his two sons, emphasizing stewardship and conservation over trophy hunting. A self-taught angler who ties his own lures and reloads ammunition, he prefers hands-on experiences, trolling for catfish and offshore species like mahi, while instilling a DIY ethos in his children. Grounded in faith since his baptism at 12, Charles sees God’s hand in nature’s wonders and strives to model a godly life for his boys, drawing strength from Psalm 46:10 and his supportive wife, who helps him find peace amidst life’s challenges.   __ Topics Introduction & Outdoor Roots 1:05 - Early Hunting & Fishing: Charles grew up huntingand fishing. His dad led a local hunting club.  1:34 - Hunting Club Life: The club focused on still-huntingbig bucks. Few locals hunted thousands of acres.  2:32 - Shift to Fishing: Charles paused hunting in college.His dad switched to fishing after he stopped.   Family & Outdoor Activities 3:21 - Charles’s Hunting Now: Charles harvests deer on arented 80-acre property. He prioritizes food over trophies.  3:57 - Wild Game Use: His family eats ground deer meatweekly. They mix it with beef fat for flavor.  5:27 - Kids in Outdoors: Charles’s sons (10 and 5) grew uphunting and fishing. It’s normal in their small town.  6:07 - Kids’ Fishing Preferences: His oldest loves offshorefishing, aiming for wahoo. They enjoy boat time.  17:05 - Kids’ Hunting: His 10-year-old shot his first deer.His 5-year-old isn’t ready yet.   Faith & God in Nature 9:55 - God in Outdoors: Charles sees God in nature’s beauty,like sunrises and sea turtles. It’s no accident.  10:02 - Faith Journey: Baptized at 12, Charles questionedfaith in college. Nature reaffirmed God’s presence.  12:16 - Kids’ Faith: His 10-year-old grasps God’s role innature. They discuss stewardship while fishing.  12:58 - Church Involvement: His kids love Vacation BibleSchool. The 10-year-old attends adult services.  43:14 - Favorite Bible Verse: Charles picks Psalm 46:10, “Bestill and know that I am God.” It brings peace.   Fishing Techniques & Skills 7:25 - Fishing Methods: Charles ties his own flies and jigs.He uses fresh bait for catfish tournaments.  13:48 - Trolling Passion: Charles loves trolling forcatfish, crappie, and offshore fish. It’s thrilling.  15:04 - Trolling Gear: He uses deep-diving plugs overplaners. They’re easier to manage.  21:09 - Rod Selection: Charles chooses rods by line classand fish size, not species. He prefers light action.  26:32 - Reloading Ammo: Charles loads pistol and rifle ammo.His son helps, learning responsibility.   Fatherhood & Closing 28:27 - Father’s Role in Faith: Charles believes dads mustmodel a relationship with God. Boys emulate their fathers.  30:38 - Music with Kids: Charles plays bass; his kids dabblewith drums and guitar. They lack focus to learn fully.  33:51 - Hunting & God: Charles links hunting tostewardship, like Adam and Eve. Conservation is key.  41:01 - Bucket List: His son wants a wahoo. Charles dreamsof catching bluefin tuna and marlin independently.    Shop:https://www.greatoutdoorspodcast.com/category/all-products

    47 min
  3. 06/02/2025

    23: Ken Yang – From Refugee to Fisherman

    Ken Yang is a dedicated Christian father, fisherman, and former car dealer who embodies resilience and faith, shaped by his family’s journey from a Thai refugee camp to North Carolina. Born in 1980 to Laotian parents fleeing communism, Ken grew up in poverty, learning to fish and hunt for survival in Wisconsin before transitioning to leisure activities in North Carolina, where he’s lived since 1989. A father of three sons, he prioritizes their spiritual growth, teaching them to follow Jesus while fostering outdoor passions like fishing and hunting, often choosing catch-and-release to focus on family bonding. After selling his car dealership, Ken now coaches others online, aiming to integrate Christian principles into business without alienating non-believers. His life reflects a commitment to leading his family with faith, drawing inspiration from Bible verses like Philippians 4:13 and his parents’ perseverance.   More ways to watch & listen at: https://www.greatoutdoorspodcast.com/post/23-ken-yang-from-refugee-to-fisherman   __ Topics Introduction & Outdoor Beginnings 1:11 - Early Fishing Days: Ken started fishing at four inWisconsin. He joined his dad at creeks and ponds. 2:08 - Family Background: Ken was born in a Thai refugeecamp. His parents fled Laos post-Vietnam War. 4:08 - Necessity to Leisure: Ken’s family hunted and fishedfor food. It became fun as they gained stability.   Faith & Family Journey 10:36 - Christian Roots: A Lutheran church sponsored Ken’sfamily. His parents became Christians in the U.S. 11:20 - Kids’ Faith: Ken’s sons have strong faith. Hismiddle son was recently baptized. 12:22 - Teaching Christ: Ken teaches his boys to pray andfollow Jesus. He guides them intentionally. 24:13 - Father’s Role: Ken believes men must lead familiesto Christ. He learned from his dad’s example. 27:08 - Oldest Son’s Challenge: Ken’s oldest son dates anon-Christian. Ken encourages showing Jesus through actions.   Raising Kids Outdoors 9:06 - Kids in Nature: Ken took his sons fishing at two orthree. They hunted as they grew older. 17:19 - Making It Fun: Ken prioritizes kids’ enjoyment. Heleaves hunts early if they’re cold or tired. 20:04 - First Deer Hunt: Ken’s youngest shot his first deeryears later. Patience kept him engaged. 21:44 - Kids’ Preferences: Ken’s oldest loves fishing. Hismiddle son prefers hunting; the youngest enjoys ocean fishing. 29:41 - Grandparents’ Bond: Ken’s kids rarely hunt withtheir grandfather. He’s busy with farming and rice fields.   Business & Christian Principles 42:03 - Car Dealer to Coach: Ken sold his car dealership. Henow teaches car flipping online. 43:09 - Faith in Business: Ken wants to weave Christianprinciples into his course. He avoids exclusivity. 45:23 - Sharing Faith: Ken aims to show God’s impact subtly.He fears turning people away. 46:43 - Open Approach: Jacob suggests casual faith-basedbranding. It attracts without scaring off. 48:02 - Online Teaching: Ken’s course is pre-recorded. Hecoaches dealers via Zoom, avoiding travel.   Dreams & Closing 29:38 - Bucket List Trip: Ken dreams of fishing in Panamawith his sons. They want big yellowfin and dolphin. 34:58 - Offshore Fishing: Ken loves bottom fishing forgrouper. He keeps grouper and trigger fish to eat. 38:14 - Favorite Bible Verse: Ken picks Philippians 4:13. Itgave him strength as a teen. 39:17 - Growing Faith: Ken values James’ “resist the devil”verse. It protects his marriage and family.   Shop:https://www.greatoutdoorspodcast.com/category/all-products

    53 min
  4. 05/20/2025

    22: Josh Becker – Finding God In The Waves

    Josh Becker is a Marine veteran and passionate fisherman who transitioned from a childhood of hunting in Northern California’s foothills to a life centered on fishing in North Carolina, where he now lives just minutes from a boat ramp. A former trout and bass angler, he’s embraced Atlantic coast fishing. As a stay-at-home dad, Josh prioritizes raising his kids with outdoor experiences, teaching his sons to fish from age one while fostering their curiosity. He values God’s creation in nature’s beauty and plans to root his family in a church after a year-long RV trip, aiming to instill Christian values in his children. With a laid-back yet dedicated approach, Josh balances fatherhood, fishing, and future faith-building goals.   More ways to watch & listen at: https://www.greatoutdoorspodcast.com/post/22-josh-becker-finding-god-in-the-waves __ Topics Introduction & Outdoor Roots 0:42 - Meet Josh Becker: Jacob introduces Josh, a Marineveteran and fisherman. They discuss outdoor beginnings. 1:08 - Growing Up Hunting: Josh grew up in NorthernCalifornia. His dad hunted on private quarry land. 2:57 - Moving to Fishing: Josh now fishes in North Carolina.Public land hunting is too stressful. 4:11 - Marine Veteran Life: Josh left the Marines in 2009.He’s now a stay-at-home dad.   Fishing Across Coasts 4:52 - Fishing Diversity: Josh fished trout in California.He switched to bass in Oklahoma. 6:07 - Pacific vs. Atlantic: Pacific fishing offers morevariety. Atlantic has fewer species. 7:19 - Fish Size Differences: Atlantic has bigger fish likekings. Pacific rockfish are smaller. 9:22 - Mackerel Insights: Pacific mackerel are oily, used asbait. Atlantic mackerel are edible. 15:20 - Inshore Fishing: Josh loves redfish and trout. Hisboat struggles in shallow creeks.   Fatherhood & Kids in Nature 9:26 - Kids’ Outdoor Start: Josh took his son fishing atone. He caught a trout assisted. 10:43 - Son’s First Catch: His three-year-old caught seabass unassisted. Josh was proud. 12:19 - Camping Adventures: Josh “glamps” with a fifthwheel. He plans tent camping later. 13:43 - Fishing Passion: Josh’s son loves fishing. He castsrods daily. 39:56 - Raising Outdoorsmen: Josh teaches fishing. He’llteach hunting if kids want.   Faith & God’s Creation 19:03 - God in Nature: Josh sees God’s splendor inestuaries. Calm waters inspire him. 20:58 - Kids’ Faith: Josh’s kids are too young for faith. Heplans church involvement later. 22:21 - Future Faith Plans: Josh will find a church after ayear-long RV trip. He wants kids grounded. 29:06 - Father’s Role in Faith: Josh knows dads must teachGod’s word. He’s starting soon. 66:46 - Favorite Bible Verse: Josh doesn’t have one. Jacobshares Psalm 23:2-3 and Psalm 119:105.   Dreams & Closing 43:07 - Bucket List Trips: Josh wants to catch snook, goldentrout, and Alaskan halibut. A big king is next. 45:10 - Military Fishing: Josh fished in San Diego. Nooverseas opportunities arose. 50:05 - Manatee Sightings: Josh heard of manatees in NorthCarolina. They followed cooler currents. 61:03 - Spear Fishing Past: Josh sold his gear. Florida’sGulf wrecks could be great.   Shop:https://www.greatoutdoorspodcast.com/category/all-products

    1h 11m
  5. 04/21/2025

    21: Jessie Davis – The Perfect Turkey Hunt

    Jesse Davis is a devoted Christian, father, and outdoor enthusiast who transformed his life through faith, now serving as a Gideon distributing Bibles in jails. Born in 1985 to a single teenage mother in a challenging environment marked by addiction, he faced his own struggles with opiate addiction and incarceration before finding salvation in a Wake County jail through a Gideon Bible. A passionate turkey hunter and fisherman, Jesse began hunting at 12 and cherishes the peace of nature, especially on the water, where he feels closest to God. As a father to an 11-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter, he encourages their growing faith, largely nurtured by his wife, while hoping to share his love for fishing and hunting with them. With a successful career in sales at City Electric, secured through a miraculous job opportunity, Jesse uses his testimony and outdoor experiences to inspire others, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and gratitude in Christ.   More ways to watch & listen at: https://www.greatoutdoorspodcast.com/post/21-jessie-davis-the-perfect-turkey-hunt __ Topics Introduction & Outdoor Beginnings 1:33 - Start in Hunting: Jesse began hunting at 12.Neighbors took him deer hunting. 2:08 - Turkey Hunting Spark: Jesse’s cousin introducedturkey hunting. A gobble hooked him. 4:01 - Kids’ Outdoor Interest: Jesse’s kids are young. Hisdaughter loves fishing; his son prefers art.   Testimony & Finding Faith 5:07 - Jesse’s Testimony: Jesse shares his past. He facedaddiction and jail time. 7:26 - Salvation in Jail: Jesse found Jesus in jail. AGideon Bible changed him. 9:28 - Life-Changing Moment: Jesse felt God’s call. Heaccepted Christ during a prayer circle. 12:06 - Leading Prayer: Jesse started prayer calls in jail.He saw God move. 47:07 - Gideon Ministry: Jesse joined the Gideons. He nowdistributes Bibles in jails.   Faith, Family & God’s Creation 18:12 - God in Nature: Jesse sees God everywhere outdoors.Sunrises and oceans inspire him. 19:04 - Spiritual Connection: Jesse feels closest to God onwater. It reflects Jesus’ stories. 21:38 - Kids’ Faith: Jesse’s kids love God. His wife teachesthem Bible stories. 24:02 - Church Impact: Jesse’s church nurtures kids’ faith.They serve and grow. 29:52 - Father’s Role: Jesse says dads must model Christ’slove. Kids need to see it.   Hunting, Fishing & Kids’ Future 32:34 - Kids’ Talents: Jesse’s son plays guitar. Hisdaughter sings “Jesus Loves Me.” 35:13 - Bucket List Hunts: Jesse dreams of fishing inBimini. He loves ocean adventures. 37:05 - Early Fishing: Jesse fished with cane poles as akid. Simple methods worked. 39:56 - Plans for Kids: Jesse wants kids fishing more. Hehopes they’ll hunt soon. 41:17 - Sharing Experiences: Jesse aims to capture hunts oncamera. He wants kids to love nature.   Reflections & Closing 38:31 - Favorite Bible Verse: Jesse picks Psalm 34:6. Godsaved him from troubles. 43:53 - Gratitude for God: Jesse marvels at his life now.His job and family are miracles. 51:59 - Job Miracle: Jesse’s faith led to a job. God movedhis application forward. 56:36 - Call to Share Faith: Jesse urges Christians to shareJesus. Outdoors opens doors. 57:51 - Wrap-Up & Merch: Jacob thanks Jesse. They pluggreatoutdoorspodcast.com for Christian gear.   Shop:https://www.greatoutdoorspodcast.com/category/all-products   Jessie Davis’ Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdavis85_big_city/

    59 min

About

Welcome to Fathers and the Great Outdoors! Our podcast is dedicated to sharing stories of fathers spending time in the great outdoors and introducing their children to the wonders created by our heavenly father. Join us as we explore the beauty of nature and the joys of fatherhood in our walk with God.