Duck Call Room Podcast

Episode: Godwin Undergoes Surprise Cancer Removal Surgery

Hosts: Si Robertson, Justin Martin, John-David Owen, John Godwin, Jay Stone, Phillip McMillan, Jacob Mayo
Date: February 26, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, the Duck Commander crew gathers for their signature blend of laughs, stories, hunting talk, pop culture commentary, and lighthearted banter. The main focus shifts between Justin Martin’s frigid trip to Minnesota, small-town American culture, rodeos, health routines, and, most notably, John Godwin’s recent surprise cancer removal surgery. The group riffs on topics ranging from Olympic hockey and small-town festivals to aging, diet struggles, and the importance of sunscreen. The conversation closes on a reflective spiritual note, tying their health journeys to faith.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. USA Hockey Wins Olympic Gold in Dramatic Fashion

• Hunter celebrates Team USA’s rare gold in hockey, amusingly attributing their win to the goalie’s bass fish helmet.
  • "The reason America won is because a man played goalie with a large mouth bass printed on the side of his head." (03:37, Hunter)
• Justin Martin recalls being up north during the game, describing how even church services paused for hockey.
  • "They were watching it in church. It was sanctioned." (09:09, Christian/Martin)

2. Justin Martin’s Frozen Minnesota Adventure

• Martin describes his time in Frazee, MN, and the uniquely cold hospitality of small-town America.
  • Discusses Polar Fest, where people cut a hole in the lake and jump in for charity.
  • "The prize is survival. You just, you get to live." (07:43, Christian)
• Compares the frigid temperatures with southern weather and reflects on the ins and outs of the local culture.

3. Community Events & Rodeo Life

• Goblin (Godwin) recounts visiting a rodeo in Jackson, Mississippi:
  • Rides in a mule-pulled wagon, meets a gubernatorial candidate.
  • Shares amusing “horse whisperer” anecdotes and interacts with thousands of fans.
  • "[Horse acted up…] I said, 'Hey, settle down, settle down.' He stopped, looked at me… He was looking for the voice. He couldn’t see me, but he did settle down. I’m known as the horse whisperer." (17:24, Goblin)

4. Classic Duck Call Room Jokes & Humor

• Banter includes dad jokes and playful one-upping:
  • "How do you catch a unique rabbit? You 'neak up on it." (18:43, Christian)
  • "How do you catch a tame rabbit? Tame way." (18:52, Goblin)

5. Godwin’s Surprise Cancer Removal Surgery

• John Godwin reveals he underwent surgery to remove skin cancer from his face.
  • "I got five or six stitches on. I can’t see them… But they called me today and said, they got it all." (19:32–19:46, Galvin/Godwin)
  • Discusses the depth of the removal, healing processes, and stitches.
• The group emphasizes sunscreen’s importance, especially for outdoorsmen.
  • "Sunscreen, fishing season is coming, y’all wear it… Advice for the future." (25:39, Christian)
• Notable quote:
  • "I had a deal. Paula keep saying, put that sunscreen on, and I got that skin cancer. And they whacked it out…" (19:40, Galvin/Godwin)

6. Health, Diets, & Aging Conversations

• The crew discusses dietary changes, inflammation, and joint pain.
  • Galvin shares foods he’s cut out to feel better—fried fish, cheese, green beans, carrots, onions (in moderation).
  • "There are certain things you eat, causes inflammation in your joints." (33:21, Galvin)
  • They joke about bacon being an essential ("not turkey bacon!").
• Talk about adapting attire and habits for sun exposure (large hats, long sleeves, buffs).
  • "Most bass fishermen have got the gloves and the little face mask." (28:11, Goblin)
• Godwin and others reminisce about past running and fitness routines.
  • Godwin surprises with military-running stories, running a six-minute mile while smoking two packs a day.
    • "That's when I was smoking two packs of cigarette a day. I walked four, I had to do four laps... and I walk..." (44:30, Goblin)
  • "If you exercise every day for three months, that routine should get where it ain't even nothing for you." (50:13, Goblin)

7. Light Debate on the Value of Sunscreen & Veggies

• Hunter jokes about "Big Sunscreen," while others reinforce sunscreen’s importance.
  • "Or we've been fooled by big sunscreen..." (25:55, Hunter)
• The values of different vegetables are hotly debated for their effect on inflammation and flavor.
  • "Vegetables are supposed to be white and you’re supposed to be able to mash them, fry them, stick them in a stew, and dip them in ranch — Amen! Or cover them with gravy." (29:47, Hunter)

8. Health Goals, Gadgets & Group Motivation

• Martin shares his new goal: run a 5K in under 30 minutes by age 37.
  • "By the time I’m 37…I’m gonna run a 5K in under 30 minutes." (36:26, Hunter)
• The group discusses fitness gadgets (Garmin), jump rope routines, step counts post-duck season, and the motivation behind setting personal goals.
  • "I jump rope like three times a week. We can do it together. It'll be fun." (32:51, Hunter)
  • "Motivation comes and goes, boy, doesn’t it? Habits stick." (33:57, Christian)

9. Faith & Perspective

• The episode closes with reflective religious guidance, connecting health goals to spiritual purpose.
  • "Do you not know that in a race, all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way to get the prize…" (55:21, Hunter; 1 Corinthians 9:24)
  • "Physical training is of some value, but spiritual is forever." (56:12, Christian; 1 Timothy 4:8)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Surviving Polar Fest:
  "I said, 'What do you win?' And they were like, 'Well, nothing.' I said, 'So the prize is survival.'" (07:43, Christian)
• On Godwin’s Surgery:
  "They whacked it out, but they called me today and said they got it all." (19:46, Galvin/Godwin)
• On Changing Habits:
  "Motivation comes and goes, boy, doesn't it? Habits stick." (33:57, Christian)
• On Humor:
  "How do you catch a tame rabbit? Tame way." (18:52, Goblin)
• On Health and Grandkids:
  "When they get 10 years old, I want to be able to run and play with… whatever you’re eating, they figured out it will help you." (48:25, Galvin)
• Si's Wisdom on Spiritual Fitness:
  "Just stay in there. Everything else will get taken care of." (56:09, Goblin)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [03:00–05:00] – Olympic hockey gold, large mouth bass helmet story
• [06:00–10:00] – Justin Martin’s Minnesota travel, Polar Fest tales
• [14:41–16:19] – Godwin meets “governor-to-be” at rodeo; Mississippi shoutouts
• [18:40–19:10] – Classic Duck Call Room rabbit joke run
• [19:32–20:03] – Godwin reveals surgery, details outcome
• [25:35–26:56] – Sunscreen and fishing hats—cancer prevention advice
• [28:40–32:10] – Diet tweaks, veggie debates, practical changes with age
• [36:25–37:35] – Martin’s 5K goal and group running stories
• [44:28] – Godwin’s military running while smoking story
• [55:21–56:18] – Spiritual fitness passages and closing reflections

Summary & Takeaway

Episode highlights include Godwin’s frank and positive update on his surprise cancer removal, comedic riffs on northern culture and icy exploits, a lively discussion of health and aging, and the group’s usual banter about food, running, and family. Woven throughout are reminders of national and local pride, humor about country living, and a faith-driven encouragement to care for physical and spiritual well-being.

Overall, it’s a fun, honest, and occasionally poignant time with the Duck Commander crew: stories about community, the passing of time, and the wisdom to cherish health and family—all seasoned with classic Duck Dynasty humor.