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.
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep. 222 - Clint Johnson & Dylan Jacobs - Is It Even Possible to Bring Quail Back to the Ozarks?
3d ago01:05:55Tap to summarizeWe're back with part 2. Part 1 was history, now let's dive into the burning question... → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Quail biologists from both Arkansas Game & Fish (Clint Johnson) and Quail Forever Missouri (Dylan Jacobs), join us to unpack one of the most fascinating and heartbreaking conservation stories in the region. This is the kind of episode that makes you wonder if we're too far gone to make a difference for quail. The easy answer? No way. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 0:00 – Last episode recap: History of Quail 6:00 – Can we bring quail Back? 9:00 – How to assess quail viability on your property 16:00 – Habitat needs for quail 23:00 – Quail success stories 37:00 – Does trampling improve land? 50:30 – The cultural shift that needs to take place 55:30 – Word of advice to land owners 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. 221 - Clint Johnson & Dylan Jacobs - The History of Our Dwindling Quail Population in the Ozarks
1w ago00:49:29Tap to summarizeQuail used to be EVERYWHERE. Now they're almost nowhere...what happened? → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Quail biologists from both Arkansas Game & Fish (Clint Johnson) and Quail Forever Missouri (Dylan Jacobs), join us to unpack one of the most fascinating and heartbreaking conservation stories in the region. We discuss what the Ozarks actually looked like 200 years ago — open savannas so vast that early explorers couldn't find firewood — and exactly how fire suppression, post-war farming, and even Bambi systematically erased quail from a landscape they once dominated. This is the kind of episode that makes you look at the woods differently the next time you walk outside. Whether you're a young hunter just getting started, a longtime outdoorsman, or a dad wanting to pass down something real, this is history worth knowing. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 0:00 – Intro: Why We're Talking About Quail in the Ozarks 3:00 – The Northern Bobwhite Conservation Stamp 6:30 – What the Ozarks Looked Like 200 Years Ago 11:00 – When Did the Decline Start? Tracing Quail Populations Back to 1900 13:00 – How the American Farm Changed Everything for Quail 16:00 – The Anti-Fire Propaganda Campaign 25:00 – What Quail Actually Need to Survive 38:00 – Where Quail Still Exist in Arkansas & Missouri Today 42:00 – S.C. Turnbo's Story 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. 220 - Ben Levin - 3 Keys for Shallow Water Fly Fishing on the White River
2w ago00:49:56Tap to summarizeThe fish are still out there. You just have to think differently to find them. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Expert White River guide Ben Levin breaks down his 3 keys for catching trout during the toughest conditions of the summer: low water, clear water, and fishing pressure that pushes fish out of their usual spots. Whether you've never set foot on the White River or you've been fishing it for years, this episode hands you a practical, no-fluff playbook you can apply the next time you hit the water. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 0:00 – Why This Summer Could Be a Tough One on the White River 7:00 – Key #1: Downsize Everything 23:00 – Key #2: Fish Shallower 36:00 – Key #3: Adjust Your Expectations 44:00 – This Might Be Your Best Summer to Get Off the Boat 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. 219 - Ben Levin - 4 Ozark Species to Catch Before This Summer Ends
3w ago00:59:21Tap to summarizeThe fish you've been walking right past might be the most fun you'll have all summer. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Expert Ozark fly fishing guide Ben Levin joins the guys at Diamond State Fly Co. to break down a 4-species bucket list that skips the glamour fish entirely. This one's for every angler who's been chasing the same two species on repeat. Ben makes a convincing case that the Ozarks' most overlooked fish are secretly its most fun — and he tells you exactly how, where, and what to throw to catch all four. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 0:00 – Recording at Diamond State Fly Co. 5:00 – Species #1: The Ozark Bass 20:00 – Species #2: Common Carp 34:00 – Species #3: Spotted Bass (Kentucky Bass) 45:00 – Species #4: Green Sunfish 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. 218 - Dan Roberts - From Crappie to Walleye: A Full Species Breakdown on Fly Fishing a Lake
May 2700:32:16Tap to summarizeWe're back with the man who 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 → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Part two with Dan Roberts gets tactical — and it doesn't disappoint. Dan walks through exactly how to fly fish for crappie using a game-changing indicator setup, breaks down the pre-spawn and post-spawn bass bite, and reveals why spotted bass might be the most underrated fly fishing target in the Ozarks. Whether you're a beginner wanting a confidence-building species or a seasoned angler ready to chase topwater strikes, there's something here for every skill level. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks 0:00 – Recap & What We're Covering: Species & Tactics on Beaver Lake 1:30 – Crappie on the Fly: The Easiest Entry Point Into Still Water Fishing 5:30 – Dan's Secret Indicator Setup 10:00 – Bass Season Breakdown: Pre-Spawn Streamers to Post-Spawn Topwater 14:00 – Spotted Bass, Smallmouth & the Four Bass Species in Beaver Lake 20:00 – Walleye, White Bass & Everything Else Worth Chasing on the Fly 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. 217 - Dan Roberts - How to Fly Fish a Lake without a Boat
May 2000:45:20Tap 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
May 1300:46:45Tap 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
May 600:45:19Tap 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
Apr 2901:28:16Tap 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 →