Podcast
The Ozark Podcast
Hosted by Kyle Veit & Kyle Plunkett · EN
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our guests and the information they share are especially relevant to men and women in northern Arkansas, southern Missouri, eastern Oklahoma, and southeast Kansas.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep. 217 - Dan Roberts - How to Fly Fish a Lake without a Boat
6d ago00:45:20Tap to summarizeHe just quit his career in the fly fishing industry to become Beaver Lake's only full-time fly fishing guide. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Download this episode's synopsis to take into the woods On this episode, Dan breaks down the art and obsession of fly fishing on a massive body of water: how fish relate to seasonal water temps, why clear water is your best friend, and what it really takes mentally to "go hunting" instead of just fishing. Whether you're an experienced fly angler curious about flat water or a complete beginner wondering where to even start, Dan's honest, practical perspective will change how you look at Ozark lakes. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 0:00 – Quitting the Industry to Guide Full-Time on Beaver Lake 7:00 – Fly Fishing a Lake vs. a River: What Transfers & What Doesn't 17:30 – How to Break Down a Big Lake Seasonally 25:00 – Stripers, Bass & the Ecology of Beaver Lake 30:00 – What a Day on the Water with Dan Actually Looks Like What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep. 216 - A.J. Hendershott - The Ozark Chinquapin: Functionally Extinct But Coming Back
2w ago00:46:45Tap to summarizeThe Ozark Chinquapin is functionally extinct, and you might be the one to bring it back. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Download this episode's synopsis to take into the woods → Get your seeds today from The Ozark Chinquapin Foundation In Part 2, A.J. Hendershott of the Ozark Chinquapin Foundation gets into the nitty-gritty of how you can actually get involved in one of the most meaningful conservation efforts happening in the Ozarks right now. From grow tubes and welding gloves to blue jays planting seeds five miles from their source, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and genuine heart. You'll also hear firsthand historical accounts from Ozark elders — stories of shoveling nuts onto wagons, rolling them across schoolroom floors, and brewing leaf tea to treat whooping cough. This isn't just a tree. It's our conservation story. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 0:00 Foundation Research: Pollination, Blight Resistance & Root Discoveries 9:00 How to Plant & Keep Your Chinquapin Alive1 5:00 Historical Accounts of The Ozark Chinquapin 28:30 Every Use of the Tree: Nuts, Bark, Leaves, Wood & Honey 33:30 How YOU Can Join the Movement What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep. 215 - A.J. Hendershott - The Ozark Chinquapin: Restoring An American Treasure
3w ago00:45:19Tap to summarizeThere's a tree native to the Ozarks that's being restored, and you've maybe never even heard of it. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Download this episode's synopsis to take into the woods → Get your seeds today from The Ozark Chinquapin Foundation We're joined by A.J. Hendershott of the Missouri Department of Conservation to discuss the loss of the Ozark Chinquapin and WHY hunters, anglers, and conservationists should be the first people to help bring it back. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 00:00 Why should outdoorsman care about this tree? 14:00 History of The Ozark Chinquapin 22:00 Working with Chinquapin wood 31:00 Wildlife Benefits of Chinquapins What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep. 214 - First Turkeys, Close Encounters, & Gobbler Dreams: Turkey Camp 2026
4w ago01:28:16Tap to summarizeWas 2026 turkey camp as successful as last year?? Only one way to find out. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Download this episode's synopsis to take into the woods Join us up in the Missouri Ozarks to discuss a fun week of camaraderie, chasing birds, and running into family? Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 00:00 Last year's camp 8:30 Turkey stories 1:03:00 Roy Pilgrim gets his first bird What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep. 213 - Moe Shepherd - 50 Years of Turkey Hunting Stories ("6 Turkeys in 6 Days")
Apr 2201:07:06Tap to summarizeWhat does 50 years of turkey hunting actually teach you? → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Download this episode's synopsis to take into the woods In this episode, Moe Shepherd sits down and opens up the playbook—sharing hard-earned lessons from decades in the Ozarks, over 200 birds, and countless miles on public land. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still not getting results, this conversation will reframe how you think about turkey hunting. It’s less about fancy tactics and more about patience, persistence, and learning how to read a bird in real time. From early mistakes and missed opportunities to unforgettable hunts that took hours (and miles) to come together, Moe walks through the evolution of a turkey hunter. He breaks down why slowing down often beats running and gunning, how turkeys can pinpoint your location with precision, and why some of the best opportunities happen when you least expect them—like on the walk back to the truck. It’s a mix of practical strategy and storytelling that reminds you: the longer you stay in the woods, the more the woods start to teach you. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 00:00 Welcome Moe Shepherd 2:45 Question from the Holler 8:15:00 Lessons learned over 50 years 16:15 Moe's "perfect" hunt 32:30 Moe's hunt that changed "everything" 42:00 6 days = 6 turkeys What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep. 212 - Moe Shepherd - This One Mistake is Costing You Turkeys on Public Land
Apr 1501:00:52Tap to summarizeIf you’ve ever chased a gobbler on public land and walked away empty-handed, this episode will hit home. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler Moe Shepherd brings 50 years of Ozark turkey hunting experience (and over 200 birds) to the table, breaking down what actually works when birds get pressured, quiet, and unpredictable. From reading subtle sign to knowing when to stay put or make a move, this conversation is packed with the kind of hard-earned insight you only get from decades in the woods. Moe walks through how he finds birds without even hearing a gobble, why terrain matters more than most hunters think, and how small adjustments—like calling less, moving smarter, or setting up just a few yards differently—can make or break a hunt. He also shares tactics for dealing with hung-up gobblers, hunting around hens, and why patience (sometimes hours of it) is often the difference between going home empty-handed or packing out a longbeard. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 00:00 Welcome Moe Shepherd 4:30 Question from the Holler 14:00 Turkey hunting in the 70s 19:00 Moe's public land philosophy 35:00 Moe's calling strategy 47:00 Mistakes turkey hunters make What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep. 211 - Roy Pilgrim - The Future Health of Ozark Forests Depends on This ONE Shift
Apr 801:24:56Tap to summarizeNow we know (from part 1) what's wrong with Ozark woods and forest... what's the solution? → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler In this episode, logger Roy Pilgrim returns to move beyond the problem and into real solutions. If you’ve ever wondered how to improve your land, support wildlife, or simply understand what “good stewardship” looks like, this conversation is as practical as it gets. Roy brings a rare, boots-on-the-ground perspective, connecting logging, conservation, and everyday landowners into one bigger story about the future of the Ozarks. Roy breaks down how healthy forests are built through a combination of prescribed fire, thinning, and intentional management, and why responsibility ultimately falls on landowners, supported by industry and public awareness. He also shares a compelling vision for the future: a model where timber harvesting funds restoration, and local wood products reconnect communities to their forests. From market challenges to hopeful solutions, this episode ties together ecology, economics, and culture in a way that feels both honest and forward-looking. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure 00:00 Recap of last episode 2:30 Question from the Holler 10:00 Do loggers steward the woods well 20:00 State of the hardwood industry 34:00 Timber industry and fear of fire 47:00 Roy's solution 59:00 3-layer forest management 1:17:00 A little song What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep. 210 - Roy Pilgrim - Why Forests in the Ozarks are Declining...According to a Logger
Apr 100:54:38Tap to summarizeWhat’s really happening in the Ozark woods right now, and why aren’t more people talking about it? → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler In this episode, we sit down with first-generation logger Roy Pilgrim, a guy who spends more time in the forest than just about anyone. From horse logging with mules to running a modern timber operation, Roy brings a rare, ground-level perspective on the health of our woods. If you hunt, hike, or care about the future of the Ozarks, this conversation will challenge what you think a “healthy forest” actually looks like. Roy breaks down the history of Ozark forests, from fire-shaped oak savannas to today’s closed-canopy woods, and introduces the concept of “mesophication,” where shade-tolerant species like maple and elm are quietly replacing oak and hickory. The result? Darker, denser forests with less biodiversity, fewer game species, and long-term unknown consequences. It’s a thoughtful, eye-opening look at how removing fire (and stepping away from active management) has reshaped the landscape in ways most people never notice. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure 00:00 Roy getting into logging 7:00 Are the Ozark woods healthy? 16:00 Fire on the landscape 25:00 Managing for how it "was" 29:00 The importance of oak trees 40:00 What will losing Oak trees do to the woods? What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep. 209 - The Check Station - How We Voted on AGFC's Proposed Regulation Changes, The Illinois River Settlement, & NEW Merchandise Reveal
Mar 2500:50:34Tap to summarizeThis is our last episode...well kinda. → Download your free Neosho Bass Field Guide → Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler In this episode, we break down how we voted on the newest AGFC proposed regulation changes + discuss the Illinois River settlement. If you care about bear hunting, stream bank health, blue ribbon zones, and smallmouth fishing, this one is worth your time. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure 00:00 Our last episode 7:00 New merchandise 13:00 AGFC Regulation changes 29:00 An email from a listener 34:00 Reel reactions 42:00 Shootin' from the Hip What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Transcribe →Ep. 208 - Neosho Bass Will Change Ozark Smallmouth Fishing Forever (Here’s How) with Jeremy Risley & Eric Naas of AGFC
Mar 1801:11:35Tap to summarizeThe Neosho Bass research is finally here, how will it affect regulations? → Download your free Neosho Bass Field Guide → Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler In this episode, Jeremy Risley and Eric Naas of Arkansas Game & Fish Commission break down how the brand-new genetic research of the Neosho Bass will affect state-wide (and perhaps even region-wide) regulations. This discovery of a new species is now helping scientists better understand the four distinct smallmouth bass lineages across Arkansas, and now comes the hard part of putting the research into action. If you care about fishing, stream bank health, smallmouth bass, and conservation stories, this one is worth your time. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure 00:00 Research is here...now what? 6:00 History of smallmouth management in Arkansas 13:00 Habitat health vs. public desire 22:00 Where are the smallmouth bass hatcheries? 32:00 Why are stream banks changing? 45:00 Neosho bass regulation updates What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
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