Duck Call Room – Episode Summary

Episode Title: "Uncle Si Shares the Vietnam Moment He Thought Was the End"
Date: January 15, 2026
Hosts: Si Robertson, Justin Martin (Martin), John-David Owen (JD), John Godwin, Jay Stone, Phillip McMillan, Jacob Mayo
Special Guest: Hunter (from Harlan County, Kentucky)
Live Audience: Present

Overview

This lively episode of Duck Call Room features the usual cast of Duck Commander crew, joined by a live studio audience and special guest Hunter, whose health journey had previously united the group in prayer. The episode meanders through trademark banter, hunting tales, and Vietnam war stories—centered around Si’s most harrowing helicopter moment. It’s a blend of hilarious Southern storytelling, heartwarming camaraderie, and reflective moments on faith and family.

Key Topics & Discussion Highlights

1. Welcoming Hunter and Family Updates

• The episode opens with good-natured ribbing about “post-holiday weight” and a “shrinking shirt.”
• Hunter is introduced as a special guest; the group reminisces on praying for him after his brain surgery.
• Heartfelt prayers and humor set the tone for the room’s dynamic.
  • “He took Mr. Hunter in the throne room of God almighty himself.” – Si ([01:53])
• Family updates included JD’s new baby and tales of kids’ antics—duct-taping swings to the ceiling and first cars for teenagers.
• Si discusses his 54-year marriage, “I’ve had more fun than any two people have a right to have. I’m serious.” ([03:37])

2. Faith & Miracles

• Hosts reflect on “miracle babies” and God’s ongoing miracles.
• Spontaneous devotional moments blend with playful worship song banter.
  • “God’s still doing miracles. He never did stop, and he’s never going to.” – Si ([04:31])

3. Duck Tape & Vietnam War Stories

• After a segment on household duct tape use, Si shares jaw-dropping details about duct tape’s role in the Vietnam War.
  • “We called it 100 mile an hour tape because those Hueys and gunships, them babies get up there and get after it.” – Si ([13:26])
• The group challenges and verifies these stories on Google, providing comedic disbelief and validation.
• Si’s harrowing memory: flying in patched-together helicopters, one of which led to the “moment he thought was the end.”
  • “[I] near had a heart attack in a helicopter because…they opened up both .50 calibers…guy in the back jumps down...shooting at a stupid school of fish. And I said, you idiots like to make me have a heart attack, actually thinking I was in combat against the enemy.” ([15:48])
• Discussion about military improvisation—using duct tape on real aircraft, and the culture of “fix it however you can.”

4. Travel, Missions, and the Africa Adventure

• JD shares about his upcoming trip to Africa for Celebrate Recovery leader training.
  • “Celebrate Recovery is like popping off in Africa. That’s all over the place, man.” – JD ([21:11])
• Best flights, longest flights, and anxieties about the 12-hour trip ensue.
• Si dreams about African safaris (but not “shooting anything”), though quickly admits, “I would like to pop a crocodile.” ([21:44])
• JD banters about being able to watch the Super Bowl mid-flight, despite the trip’s serious mission.

5. Outlandish Theories and Lighthearted Debates

• Spirited arguments about geography (“mouth” versus “headwaters” of the Nile), rivers versus ditches, and dubious pet aspirations.
• The crew debates the number of people on Earth; Si confidently guesses “40 billion,” despite online sources.
  • “I’m looking in the future. It’s 40 billion.” – Si ([43:05])
• The “bottomless pond” and “how far does creation go?” lead to a playful pseudo-theological discussion.

6. Introducing Hunter – Audience Interaction

• Hunter shares about life in Kentucky: hunting, fishing, ATV riding, and a menagerie of pets including a pit bull and a chihuahua.
• The guys tease and bond with Hunter, offering advice about algebra and school—and the true value (or lack thereof) of a PhD.
• Si gets nostalgic about riding giraffes and owning an elephant for a pet.

7. Faith, Encouragement & Closing Blessing

• The episode closes on a touching note, asking Hunter to share his favorite Bible verse.
  • Ezekiel 43:2: “And I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory.” ([56:19])
• Si leads a heartfelt prayer for Hunter’s healing and future.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Prayer and Faith:
  • “Father, here’s our request…Throw it out, and let him go on about his business. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” – Si ([02:15])
• On Vietnam Helicopters:
  • “If you could have seen some of the stuff that our men in uniform flew, you wouldn’t believe it.” – Si ([19:29])
• On the Ridiculousness of War:
  • “They were shooting at a stupid school of fish…I said, you idiots like to make me have a heart attack.” – Si ([15:48])
• On Family:
  • “Me and that redhead have had more fun than any two people have a right to have.” – Si ([03:37])
• On Africa and Adventure:
  • “What’s the point of traveling somewhere and just staying confined to the areas that are safe?” – JD ([32:42])
• On Creation and the Infinite:
  • “You could get in a time machine and live to be 500 years old, and you would be a child compared to what God has for you to see.” – Si ([41:32])
• Hunter’s Bible Verse:
  • “And I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters…” ([56:19])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Welcoming Hunter, Faith & Miracles: 01:17–06:12
• Duct Tape & Vietnam Stories: 13:24–16:56
• Si’s Near-Death Helicopter Story: 15:48
• Africa Trip & Safari Jokes: 21:05–26:31
• Debates on Rivers, Population, and Creation: 34:03–44:12
• Hunter Joins the Table: 48:08–54:50
• Hunter’s Favorite Bible Verse & Group Prayer: 56:04–58:04

Tone & Style

The episode is a rollicking blend of Southern wit, reverent faith, and off-the-wall storytelling. Si’s tales blur the lines between fact and legend (“I throw in about 4, 5% ha ha ha…to make it funny”), anchored by the group’s affection for each other and their audience. Moments of hilarity (duct-taped helicopters, crowd debates) mix with earnest spiritual encouragement, creating a uniquely Duck Dynasty-style “family meeting.”

Conclusion

Whether recounting war stories, joking about crocodile safaris, or praying for a young guest with cancer, the Duck Call Room crew deliver an episode both heartwarming and hilarious. New listeners will feel welcomed into the extended Duck Commander family, while longtime fans get exactly what they’ve come for: wild stories, bold faith, and timeless laughter.