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.
44episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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
Transcribe →Ep. 207 - The New Neosho Bass Research Every Ozark Angler Should Know with Chris Middaugh & Tyler Chafin
Mar 1101:06:10Tap to summarize→ Download your free Neosho Bass Field Guide https://ozarkweekly.beehiiv.com/neoshoguide → Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler The Neosho bass story keeps getting deeper. In this episode, Chris Middaugh of Arkansas Game & Fish and Tyler Chafin of the University of Arkansas break down brand-new genetic research on the Ozarks’ most fascinating fish. What used to be treated like “just another smallmouth” is now helping scientists better understand four distinct bass lineages across Arkansas, how hybridization has changed some streams, and why this matters for the future of Ozark fishing and conservation. If you care about smallmouth, native fish, or the hidden stories inside Ozark rivers, 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 If you missed our Neosho Bass series 7:00 History of Neosho research 15:00 Research expectations vs. reality 35:00 Summary of new findings 52:00 Why this matters for anglers 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. 206 - Curtis Copeland - How Digital Maps Are Reshaping Conservation in the Ozarks
Mar 401:03:15Tap to summarize→ Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler What if the map on your phone isn’t just showing you reality… but shaping it? In Part 2 with Curtis Copeland (GIS manager, cartographer, and co-host of Ozark Folk Chronicles) we dive deep into the hidden power behind maps. From OnX hunting layers and lidar data to property boundaries and Google Earth, this episode unpacks how digital mapping influences how we hunt, fish, build, conserve, and even define the Ozarks themselves. If you use trail cams, depth finders, AllTrails, or drop pins before a public land hunt, this conversation will completely change how you see the world. Curtis explains why maps are interpretive, not neutral, how data is gathered (from aerial lidar to crowdsourcing), and why companies like OnX depend on massive public and private datasets. We talk about mental maps, the Age of Discovery, political boundaries, bathymetry from fishing electronics, and how GIS can either expose fragile swimming holes or protect entire watersheds. This episode is about stewardship as much as technology, how better data can lead to better conservation in the Ozarks, if we use it wisely. 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 Maps have an agenda 12:00 How software like OnX collects its data 27:00 From mental to data-based mapping 34:00 Ozarkers vs. Ozarkians 44:00 How does all of this inform good land stewardship? 51:00 Illinois River watershed data 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. 205 - Curtis Copeland - Creating the Cultural Map of the Ozarks That Upset... Ozarkers
Feb 2501:00:50Tap to summarize→ Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler Why do the Ozarks mean so much to the people here and who actually gets to decide where it begins and ends? In Part 1 of our conversation with Curtis Copeland (GIS Manager for the City of Branson and co-host of Ozark Folk Chronicles) we unpack the story behind the massive Ozarks map hanging in our studio. What started as a commission for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival turned into a cultural lightning rod, sparking debate across state lines and igniting thousands of passionate responses online. This episode isn’t just about geography, it’s about identity, heritage, and why people feel so fiercely protective of this place. Curtis walks us through how he was tasked with mapping the cultural Ozarks, the committee of historians and folklorists who helped define its boundaries, and why Southern Illinois ended up inside the hashed lines. We dive into hillbilly stereotypes, gig-making traditions, music passed down through generations, and how a single map went viral after the Ozark Mountain Daredevils shared it from Washington, D.C. 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 How did this map come to life? 14:00 Smithsonian Folklife Festival 24:00 Public's reaction to the map 34:00 Ozarkers vs. Ozarkians 38:00 Is Illinois in the Ozarks? 47:00 What Ozarkers thought of the map 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. 204 - The Check Station - We're Back in our New Studio to Discuss: Public Land Threats, Arkansas Trout Regulations, & MDC Regulation Updates
Feb 1800:53:20Tap to summarize→ Listen to 'LIVE from the Ozarks' on Spotify → Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler WE'RE BACK after over 2 months off. Thank you for your patience! We haven't been idle... In this Check Station episode, we're recording in our NEW studio space (which has come along way) to discuss the recent Arkansas trout regulations, the boundary waters situation in Minnesota, and an MDC coyote upate among many other topics. Welcome back! 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 New Studio Space 7:00 What is The Ozark Podcast? 12:00 Public Land Under Threat 30:00 Questions from 'The Holler' 39:00 The Old Ozarks 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. 203 - Jack Barclay & Ethan Kemna - Harvesting Mature Whitetails with a New Hunter and a Veteran Hunter
Dec 1000:55:56Tap to summarize→ Join our community on Patreon "The Holler" It’s the holiday season and we've got two certified big buck hunters with two MASSIVELY different hunting experiences. In this episode, we're joined by Jack Barclay and Ethan Kemna to discuss their hunting styles, their approaches to the season this year, and their stories of harvesting big ol' mountain bucks. Our Trusted partners for this episode: Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure 00:00 New Studio 7:30 Approaches to Season 14:00 Sam's Rifle Buck 30:30 Josh's Buck 44:00 Takeaways 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. 202 - Josh Matthews & Sam Hallam - Harvesting Mature Whitetails with a Weekend Warrior and a Full Time Hunter
Dec 301:02:20Tap to summarize→ Join our community on Patreon "The Holler" It’s the holiday season and we've got two certified big buck hunters with two MASSIVELY different approaches this year. In this episode, we're joined by Josh Matthews and Sam Hallam to discuss their hunting styles, their approaches to the season this year, and their stories of harvesting big ol' mountain bucks. Our Trusted partners for this episode: Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure 00:00 New Studio 3:00 Hunting Styles 7:30 Approaches to Season 17:00 Sam's Rifle Buck 25:30 Josh's Buck 39:30 Sam's Buck 54:00 Takeaways 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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