Legends of the Wild: Episode 0 - Introducing Legends Of The Wild

Legends of the Wild is a biweekly podcast produced by Field & Stream, hosted by conservationist and outdoorsman Sam Soholt. In the inaugural episode, Sam introduces himself, his background, and the vision for the podcast. Co-hosting the conversation, Sam delves into his adventures, career trajectory, passion for conservation, and the stories that shape the wild outdoor experience.

1. Introduction to Sam Soholt and His Journey

[01:02] Sam Soholt welcomes listeners to Legends of the Wild, describing it as a platform to share epic adventures, hunting and fishing stories, and conversations with legendary outdoor figures. He emphasizes the podcast’s mission to bring the outdoors closer to enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

[01:46] Co-host shares admiration for Sam’s decade-long journey, highlighting his transformation from fixing an old school bus to becoming a prominent figure in the outdoor media space. The co-host mentions the team's decision to bring Sam on board to modernize Field & Stream’s voice in the outdoor community.

2. Sam’s Career Path: From MBA to the Wild

[04:10] Sam Soholt recounts his unconventional career path, starting with an MBA from North Dakota State University. His passion for archery hunting led him to intern with Midwest Whitetail, igniting his career in outdoor media. Sam describes a series of serendipitous opportunities—moving to Colorado, Montana, and Alaska—that propelled him into professional photography and filmmaking.

Notable Quote:

Sam Soholt [04:10]: "My whole career has been about just saying yes to things... It just kept snowballing into more and more of a career."

3. Transition to Photography and Content Creation

[09:29] Co-host inquires about Sam’s shift to photography, to which [09:40] Sam Soholt explains his early fascination with cameras and how an internship led him to develop his skills in video and photography. He emphasizes the importance of documenting experiences to capture memories and share stories.

Notable Quote:

Sam Soholt [24:12]: "When I finally had a camera that could take photos like that and figuring out that little thing... I was like, I'm in forever."

4. Building Public Land Tees and Conservation Efforts

[17:03] Sam Soholt introduces Public Land Tees, a lifestyle hunting brand launched in 2017, where five dollars from every sale is donated to conservation initiatives. He details various projects funded through this initiative, such as habitat projects, access projects, and the purchase of duck stamps for wetland conservation.

Notable Quote:

Sam Soholt [17:03]: "We have raised thousands upon thousands of duck stamps over the last six years. Then almost 100% of that goes into wetland conservation."

5. Personal Challenges and Resilience

[19:01] Sam Soholt shares a personal story about tearing his Achilles in June and how it affected his hunting season. Despite the injury, his dedication to the outdoors led him to adapt and continue hunting while wearing a walking boot, demonstrating his resilience and passion.

Notable Quote:

Sam Soholt [19:01]: "There are very few things that'll keep me away from the whitetail woods, and a ruptured Achilles was not one of them."

6. The Significance of Field & Stream and Future Goals

[20:09] Co-host asks about Sam’s choice to host a podcast for Field & Stream. [20:36] Sam Soholt expresses his admiration for the magazine's legacy and how it inspired him growing up. He articulates his goals for the podcast—to share stories from influential figures in the outdoor world, explore their lives beyond hunting and fishing, and discuss balancing passions with professional life.

Notable Quote:

Sam Soholt [20:36]: "Field and Stream was always the pinnacle. It was such an iconic thing that had been around for so long... it's a pretty amazing honor to be the voice of that."

7. Toughest Adventures and Memorable Experiences

[32:55] Sam Soholt narrates his toughest hunt—a stone sheep hunt in northern British Columbia. The expedition was fraught with challenges, including heavy pack weight, difficult terrain, and encounters with wildlife, culminating in exhausting but memorable experiences that underscored the unpredictable nature of outdoor adventures.

Notable Quote:

Sam Soholt [33:24]: "We drove it for three weeks just praying I wouldn't blow up on the road."

8. Conservation Issues and Public Land Protection

[37:52] Sam Soholt addresses pressing conservation issues, notably the proposed public land sell-off initiated by a Utah senator aimed at offsetting royalty cuts for the oil and gas industry. He explains the detrimental impact of such sell-offs, emphasizing that public lands should remain protected and managed for the public’s benefit.

Notable Quote:

Sam Soholt [37:52]: "We have to protect public lands in perpetuity. We cannot sell our nation's public lands."

9. Rapid-Fire Questions: Personal Preferences and Insights

Towards the end of the episode, Sam participates in a rapid-fire Q&A segment with his co-host, answering questions about his favorite gear, hunting preferences, and personal philosophies. This segment provides a lighthearted glimpse into Sam’s personality and preferences.

Sample Questions & Answers:

• Favorite Piece of Gear:
  Sam Soholt: "A good headlamp."

• Toughest Hunt:
  Sam Soholt: "A stone sheep hunt in northern British Columbia."

• Public Land Owner Meaning:
  Sam Soholt: "Public landowner is the essence of public lands. We all own it."

• Motivation for Hunting and Fishing:
  Sam Soholt: "It changes me every single time I go on one. I come back a different person."

10. Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

[51:50] Sam Soholt offers wisdom for aspiring young outdoors enthusiasts, emphasizing the importance of learning the craft and embracing the challenges rather than fixating solely on outcomes like tags or trophies.

Notable Quote:

Sam Soholt [51:50]: "Don't get too wrapped around the axle on making piles or filling tags... Just go and learn the craft."

Conclusion

Episode 0 of Legends of the Wild serves as a comprehensive introduction to Sam Soholt’s journey, his dedication to conservation, and his vision for the podcast. By blending personal anecdotes with broader environmental issues, Sam sets the stage for future episodes that promise engaging stories and meaningful conversations with key figures in the outdoor world. Listeners can look forward to deep dives into hunting and fishing adventures, conservation advocacy, and the human stories that connect us to the wild.