Live Wild with Remi Warren: Episode 161 | The Christmas Special
Release Date: December 19, 2024
Host: Remi Warren
Podcast Description: Remi Warren shares his outdoor experiences and hunting knowledge through stories and applicable tips and tactics from countless days in the wild.
Introduction
In the heartwarming Christmas Special of Live Wild with Remi Warren, Remi transforms his podcast into a festive variety show, blending his passion for the outdoors with the spirit of the holidays. This episode not only recaps his hunting adventures from the year but also delves into cherished family traditions, offers a delectable holiday recipe, and engages listeners with exciting giveaways.
Year in Christmas Verse
Remi kicks off the special by sharing a poetic recap of his hunting season, turning his experiences into a Christmas verse that encapsulates the highs and challenges of the year.
"Twas the night before Christmas in the woods. I thought back on this season. Man, it was good. The freezers are full with enough to share."
— Remi Warren [00:00]
His verse covers diverse hunts, from pursuing elk with his bow to guiding cow elk hunts and tracking musk oxen. Each stanza not only recounts successful hunts but also highlights the dedication and skill required to thrive in the wild.
"At 50 yards I let the day six arrow fly. A perfect shot and the 6x6 was mine."
— Remi Warren [03:00]
This poetic reflection serves as both a summary of his achievements and an inspirational tale for fellow hunters.
Legacy Reimagined: Grandpa Smut as Santa
The episode takes a nostalgic turn as Remi honors his grandfather, Smut, who intertwined his hunting prowess with the magic of Christmas.
"I know that it comes from my grandpa Smut. So he actually was a guide and outfitter back in the day."
— Remi Warren [05:00]
Through a narrated story, listeners learn how Smut donned a Santa suit post-hunting season to distribute gifts, meals, and essential supplies to families in need. This legacy of generosity and community spirit deeply influenced Remi's own approach to the holidays.
"He even actually built a little Santa shop where kids could come and visit, tell Santa what they wanted, and then pick out a toy when they left."
— Remi Warren [06:00]
The narrated segment beautifully captures the essence of Smut's contributions, blending tradition with heartfelt giving.
Holiday Cooking: Elk Shanks Recipe
Transitioning from stories to the kitchen, Remi shares his favorite winter dish: slow-cooked elk shanks. He provides a detailed, step-by-step guide, perfect for hunters looking to make the most of their harvest.
"So this, for this recipe we're using essentially a whole shank, you know, cut into larger pieces. It saves on butchering time as well."
— Remi Warren [15:04]
Ingredients:
- Elk shanks
- Beef broth
- Fresh rosemary and thyme
- Garlic
- Sweet onions
- Butter
- Mushrooms (optional)
- Live Wild Sierra Sage seasoning
- High-temp oil (e.g., avocado oil)
Cooking Steps:
- Preparation: Remi emphasizes the importance of cutting the shanks while partially or fully frozen for precise slicing.
- Caramelizing Onions: Dice and caramelize onions with butter and seasoning to build a flavorful base.
- Seasoning and Browning: Generously season the shanks with Sierra Sage and brown them in hot oil to lock in moisture.
- Braising: Transfer the shanks to a slow cooker or oven, add beef broth, herbs, garlic, and mushrooms, then cook until tender.
"When it comes to the butchering of the shank, there's a few ways you can do it on smaller game animal or smaller big game animals. I often just leave it whole."
— Remi Warren [16:30]
Remi concludes by suggesting serving the shanks with mashed potatoes or turning the broth into a rich mushroom soup, highlighting the versatility and deliciousness of this hearty meal.
Gift Giving and Listener Engagement
Remi reminisces about his favorite holiday gift traditions, emphasizing the value of shared memories and personalized gifts. From handmade photo albums to edited hunting videos, he underscores the importance of capturing and cherishing outdoor adventures.
"One of my favorite gifts to give every year was my... assemble a photo album for him of the adventures of the year."
— Remi Warren [17:50]
He has evolved this tradition by now sharing hunting videos on YouTube, allowing a wider audience to relive these moments. This personal touch not only strengthens his connection with listeners but also fosters a sense of community among hunting enthusiasts.
Exclusive Giveaways for Listeners
Adding excitement to the episode, Remi announces several giveaways exclusive to his podcast listeners, reinforcing his appreciation for their support.
Giveaway 1: YouTube Comment Entry
Listeners are invited to comment on his latest muskox hunt video with an emoji as a secret code to enter for a chance to win a $150 Live Wild gift card.
"If it's an emoji, like some form of cup... I'll know if it's from the podcast."
— Remi Warren [18:30]
Giveaway 2: Instagram Interaction
For Instagram users, Remi plans to host a Live Wild Christmas Special post where participants must use a specific emoji in the caption to qualify for the second gift card.
"If you see where I wrote and have like the mug... that will be it."
— Remi Warren [19:10]
Giveaway 3: Canadian Contests
Exclusively for his Canadian listeners, Remi offers a Live Wild Yeti Yonder bottle, shirt, and hat through a photo contest. Participants must tag him in a photo from the past year and mention the podcast.
"Just tag me in a picture from this past year. Mention the podcast..."
— Remi Warren [20:00]
Remi stresses the importance of avoiding scams, advising listeners to only trust communications from his official channels and to never provide sensitive information.
"Don’t get scammed. Be smart. Be like Kevin McAllister in Home Alone."
— Remi Warren [21:00]
Additionally, he reminds listeners about his ongoing 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway on his website, featuring prizes like Matthews bows, decked-out truck systems, and comprehensive Stone Glacier kits.
"There’s still some incredible stuff... got a Stone Glacier kit, which has like a tent, a backpack, sleeping bag."
— Remi Warren [22:00]
Conclusion
Wrapping up the special, Remi extends heartfelt holiday wishes to his listeners, blending gratitude with encouragement for the upcoming hunting season.
"I hope you guys enjoyed this podcast today. Thank you for joining me in my magical Christmas cabin in the mountains."
— Remi Warren [23:30]
He reiterates his best wishes for Christmas and the New Year, leaving listeners with a sense of warmth and anticipation for future adventures.
"Merry Christmas to you and your families and Happy New Year's as well. Best of luck this coming season."
— Remi Warren [24:00]
Key Takeaways
- Reflective Recap: Remi's poetic summary offers an engaging overview of his hunting year, celebrating successes and lessons learned.
- Honoring Legacy: By sharing his grandfather's legacy, Remi highlights the importance of giving back and preserving family traditions.
- Culinary Tips: The detailed elk shanks recipe provides practical guidance for preparing a hearty, flavorful meal from the hunt.
- Community Engagement: Through personalized gift traditions and exclusive giveaways, Remi fosters a strong sense of community among his listeners.
- Safety First: Remi emphasizes caution against scams, ensuring his audience can participate in giveaways securely.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
-
"Twas the night before Christmas in the woods. I thought back on this season. Man, it was good. The freezers are full with enough to share."
— Remi Warren [00:00] -
"I know that it comes from my grandpa Smut. So he actually was a guide and outfitter back in the day."
— Remi Warren [05:00] -
"When it comes to the butchering of the shank, there's a few ways you can do it on smaller game animal or smaller big game animals. I often just leave it whole."
— Remi Warren [16:30] -
"If you see where I wrote and have like the mug... that will be it."
— Remi Warren [19:10] -
"Don’t get scammed. Be smart. Be like Kevin McAllister in Home Alone."
— Remi Warren [21:00] -
"Merry Christmas to you and your families and Happy New Year's as well. Best of luck this coming season."
— Remi Warren [24:00]
This Christmas Special episode of Live Wild with Remi Warren seamlessly blends storytelling, practical advice, and community engagement, offering listeners a comprehensive and festive listening experience. Whether you're revisiting cherished memories or seeking new hunting tips, Remi's heartfelt narration and expert knowledge make this episode a standout holiday treat.