Podcast
Driftwood Outdoors Podcast
Hosted by Driftwood Outdoors Podcast · EN
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!
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!
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep. 339: It’s Not Goodbye…It’s See You Later
Mar 3100:47:29Tap to summarizeAfter 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 trailSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com
Transcribe →Ep. 338: MoNSAP: Missouri State Archery Tournament
Mar 2401:28:44Tap to summarizeWith 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 FoundationMissouri Dept. of ConservationMissouri Electric Co-opMissouri Electric Co-op Youth programMoNaspMorrell TargetsExplore BransonSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com
Transcribe →Ep. 337: Raise Your Vibe: Nick Boskovich on HI-VIBE, Health, and the Outdoors
Mar 1701:42:24Tap to summarizeThis week on Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod welcome Nick Boskovich, founder of HI-VIBE, a superfood juicery built around organic cold-pressed juices, cleansing programs, and lifestyle transformation.Nick shares the journey that led him to create HI-VIBE and his philosophy that health is about more than just food—it’s about energy, discipline, and reconnecting with your body. HI-VIBE’s programs focus on raw organic juice, intermittent cleansing, movement, and time in nature to help people reset digestion, increase energy, and rethink their relationship with food and wellness.The conversation covers everything from nutrition and mental clarity to the role of outdoor activity in personal growth. Nick also explains how his programs combine cleansing, exercise, and mindfulness practices to help people improve their health and overall performance.It’s a wide-ranging conversation about health, lifestyle, and how intentional living can help people show up stronger in every part of life—including the outdoors.For more info:HI-Vibe WebsiteHI-Vibe FacebookHI-Vibe InstagramSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com
Transcribe →Ep. 336: Ozark Stories and Trout Season Traditions | Live at Big Rock Candy Mountain
Mar 1001:33:55Tap to summarizeDriftwood 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 WebsiteBig Rock Candt Mtn FBBig Rock Candt Mtn InsataMark Van Patten BookBen Timson BookSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com
Transcribe →Ep. 335: Two Grumpy Old Men and Kevin Orthman: Public Lands, Outdoor Media, and Hard Truths
Mar 301:31:51Tap to summarizeFormer 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 WebsitePOMA FacebookPOMA InstagramSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com
Transcribe →Ep. 334: Citizen Conservation: Why Missouri Leads the Nation
Feb 2401:23:55Tap to summarizeThis week on Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod welcome CFM Executive Director Tyler Schwartze.Tyler explains how CFM represents thousands of Missourians and more than 100 affiliate organizations in the fight for wildlife, clean water, healthy forests, and outdoor access. The conversation covers policy, funding, and the importance of citizen involvement.For more info:CFM WebsiteCFM FacebookCFM InstagramSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com
Transcribe →Ep. 333: Hot Walleye Action Through the Ice at Devils Lake
Feb 1701:34:15Tap to summarizeBrandon Butler travels to Devils Lake, North Dakota for the second year in a row to pursue the hot walleye bite through the ice with McQuoid Outfitters. Aaron McQuoid has been a premier provider of fishing trips and comfortable accommodations on Devils Lake, North Dakota for over 20 years. McQuoid specializes in walleye, northern pike, white bass and jumbo perch Brandon and Aaron are joined on the podcast by Warren Johnson, and David Ray.The foursome discusses what to expect at Devils Lake and how to catch the fish you're after. For more info: McQuoid Outdoors WebsiteMcQuoid Outdoors FP pageDevils Lake WebsiteSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com
Transcribe →Ep. 332: Through the Lens of the Outdoors with Russell Graves
Feb 1001:37:07Tap to summarizeThis week on Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod welcome Texas native and professional photographer Russell Graves.From roaming creeks as a kid to becoming one of the most recognized outdoor photographers in the country, Russell shares stories of wildlife, teaching, hunting, fishing, and why capturing a trophy buck on camera might be harder than doing it with a bow.This episode dives into the intersection of conservation and creativity as Russell Graves discusses wildlife photography, outdoor education, and his passion for protecting public lands.For more info:Hackberry Farm Nature Photography WorkshopsRussell Graves WebsiteThe Wildlife Photo Show YouTubeRussell Graves FBRussell Graves InstagramSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com
Transcribe →Ep. 331: Tight Lines w/ Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited
Feb 301:21:26Tap to summarizeBrandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod sit down with Curt Morgret and Doug Grove from Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited to talk cold-water conservation, share fly fishing stories, and how Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited is protecting Missouri’s trout waters.Plus details on their 2026 fundraising banquet and the always unpredictable Mystery Bait Bucket question.For more info:Mid-MoTrout Unlimited WebsiteMid-Mo Trout Unlimited BanquetMid-Mo Trout Unlimited FB pageSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com
Transcribe →Ep. 330: Hunting the Marsh Ghosts: A Sika Deer Story with Joe Enders
Jan 2701:25:51Tap to summarizeWeek three of Brandon’s 50-by-50 adventure takes him to Virginia’s eastern shore where he meets Joe Enders and chases Sika deer in the marshes. Along the way, the guys talk hunting, fishing, life after loss, medical comebacks, and how the outdoors has a way of putting the right people in your path.Special thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com
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