The Storied Outdoors

Jaksot

• 
  Ep. 185: Stoking Embers: Howard Schaap 16.09.2026 52min

  Bryan and Brad sit down and stoke the embers of thier conversation with Howard Schaap and his Memior Brooding over the Waters. Today on The Storied Outdoors, we sit down with writer Howard Schaap, author of Brooding Upon the Waters: A Memoir of Farming, Fishing, and Failure in America’s Lost Landscape. Howard’s writing carries the weight of place—the smell of river water, the ache of family stories, and the long memory of the American landscape.Growing up in rural Minnesota during the farm crisis of the 1980s, Howard learned early that the places we inhabit become part of who we are. In this conversation, he reflects on his childhood creek, the farms and small towns that shaped him, and the pull that eventually brought him back to the landscapes he had left behind. We talk about what happens when rural communities are hollowed out, what is lost when we become disconnected from land and tradition, and what it might look like to recover a deeper sense of rootedness.Howard also speaks candidly about failure—failed fishing trips, struggling farms, family wounds, and the ways failure can shape our understanding of grace. Drawing on Tom McGuane’s The Longest Silence, he reflects on those long, unproductive stretches on the water and how they can become a picture of the long silences we sometimes experience in our relationship with God.From fishing and fly fishing to Wendell Berry, Charles Ingalls, and Little House on the Prairie, the conversation explores the connection between story, landscape, faith, and memory. Howard offers a beautiful vision of what it means to imagine the new heavens and the new earth not in abstract terms, but through the particular places we have loved—the very waters where our fathers fished, the landscapes where our stories unfolded, and even the shores where Christ might meet us with a breakfast of fish.At the heart of this conversation is a simple but profound idea: our faith, our stories, and our lives happen somewhere.We are creatures of place, and learning to love the particular places we have been given may be part of learning to see God’s grace more clearly.Join us as we sit with Howard Schaap and brood upon the waters—considering failure and grace, fishing and prayer, memory and place, and what it means to hope for a restored creation through the local pictures of the landscapes we know and love.
• 
  Ep. 184: Howard Schaap Author of Brooding Over the Water 09.09.2026 1t 13min

  Howard Schaap, author of Brooding Over the Water: A Memoir of Farming, Fishing, and Failure in America's Lost LandscapeToday on The Storied Outdoors, we sit down with writer Howard Schaap, author of Brooding Upon the Waters: A Memoir of Farming, Fishing, and Failure in America’s Lost Landscape. Howard’s writing carries the weight of place—the smell of river water, the ache of family stories, and the long memory of the American landscape.Growing up in rural Minnesota during the farm crisis of the 1980s, Howard learned early that the places we inhabit become part of who we are. In this conversation, he reflects on his childhood creek, the farms and small towns that shaped him, and the pull that eventually brought him back to the landscapes he had left behind. We talk about what happens when rural communities are hollowed out, what is lost when we become disconnected from land and tradition, and what it might look like to recover a deeper sense of rootedness.Howard also speaks candidly about failure—failed fishing trips, struggling farms, family wounds, and the ways failure can shape our understanding of grace. Drawing on Tom McGuane’s The Longest Silence, he reflects on those long, unproductive stretches on the water and how they can become a picture of the long silences we sometimes experience in our relationship with God.From fishing and fly fishing to Wendell Berry, Charles Ingalls, and Little House on the Prairie, the conversation explores the connection between story, landscape, faith, and memory. Howard offers a beautiful vision of what it means to imagine the new heavens and the new earth not in abstract terms, but through the particular places we have loved—the very waters where our fathers fished, the landscapes where our stories unfolded, and even the shores where Christ might meet us with a breakfast of fish.At the heart of this conversation is a simple but profound idea: our faith, our stories, and our lives happen somewhere.We are creatures of place, and learning to love the particular places we have been given may be part of learning to see God’s grace more clearly.Join us as we sit with Howard Schaap and brood upon the waters—considering failure and grace, fishing and prayer, memory and place, and what it means to hope for a restored creation through the local pictures of the landscapes we know and love.
• 
  Ep 183: A New Era for The Storied Outdoors 03.09.2026 48min

  A New Era for The Storied OutdoorsAt the onset of what would normally be the beginning of season 12, The Storied Outdoors enters into a new era of “the last season.” But don’t fret, we’re not ending, we’re just beginning. Starting with this introduction episode, The Storied Outdoors will begin dropping weekly episodes for the entire year. This episode recaps a summer full of adventures from the Hill and Gill families. We also look back at our origin story that took place along the banks of the Toccoa River in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the spring of 2020. We also foreshadow the upcoming guests for the fall. As always, thank you for listening and for following along with us in this journey. The best is yet to come!
• 
  Ep. 182: Season 11 Stoking Embers and the End of an Era 01.04.2026 1t 7min

  Ep. 182: Season 11 Stoking Embers and the End of an Era In this episode of the Storied Outdoors, Brad and Bryan recap their quail hunting adventure at Turkey Creek Outdoors Lodge. Bryan recalls his first quail hunt, and they reflect on several stories of their day with Ben and Al Bracewell. They also look back at season 11 highlights and the guests who joined them this season. In the final segment of this episode, Brad and Bryan say goodbye to an era as the last season of the Storied Outdoors ends. Be sure to tune in for news of what is next for the podcast. Email us: [email protected]
• 
  Ep. 181 : Quail Hunting in Alabama–The Story of Turkey Creek Outdoors with AL & Ben Bracewell 25.03.2026 1t 29min

  Quail Hunting in Alabama: A Conversation with Al & Ben Bracewell of Turkey Creek OutdoorsIn this episode of The Storied Outdoors, we sit down with Al and Ben Bracewell, the father-and-son team behind Turkey Creek Outdoors—a premier hunting lodge located in Eldridge, Alabama. Spanning more than 2,000 acres of diverse terrain, Turkey Creek has become a sought-after destination for those looking for an authentic quail hunting experience in Alabama, along with unforgettable outdoor adventure.Built as a family-owned and operated retreat, Turkey Creek Outdoors was created with a clear mission: to offer a place where guests can find rest, connection, and meaningful experiences in the outdoors. Today, the property hosts everything from guided quail hunts and Continental pheasant shoots to sporting clays, corporate retreats, and group gatherings—all set against the quiet beauty of Alabama’s countryside.Bryan and Brad had the privilege of experiencing a traditional quail hunt firsthand, and it delivered in every way. But what stood out most began the night before—gathered around a roaring fire pit, swapping stories under the open sky. That evening captured the heart of Turkey Creek: genuine hospitality, unhurried conversation, and the kind of moments that stay with you long after you leave.This episode is a continuation of that fireside conversation.We hear how Turkey Creek Outdoors grew from hosting sawmill customers into a full-scale destination for hunters, families, and organizations seeking quail hunting in Alabama and beyond. Al and Ben share their story of building something rooted in legacy, faith, and a deep love for people.Recorded inside the lodge’s main hall—overlooking a peaceful lake and framed by wide windows and rolling hills—this conversation reflects the setting itself: open, thoughtful, and rich with perspective. It’s more than a hunting story. It’s about fatherhood, stewardship, and creating spaces where people can reconnect with what matters most.As the Bracewells put it:"We strive to ensure that every visitor leaves feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges of the world."From wild coveys rising in the field to quiet moments by the fire, this episode captures the spirit of Turkey Creek Outdoors—an Alabama hunting lodge where adventure and story meet.If you’ve ever searched for the best quail hunts in Alabama, or longed for a place where the pace slows and the stories deepen, this conversation is for you.Visit https://www.turkeycreekoutdoors.comEmail us [email protected]
• 
  Ep. 180 Stoking Embers: Feathers, Fields, and Frigatebirds and the Posture of Looking up. 18.03.2026 43min

  In this reflective episode, Bryan and Brad sit back down after their conversation with Kevin Burrell, author of Considering Sparrows, to linger a little longer in the world of birds, beauty, and attention.From the everyday entertainment of backyard bird feeders to the surge of birding during COVID, they explore how these small, winged moments invite us to notice something deeper. Bryan shares how even a simple sighting can offer a glimpse into the Creator’s design, while Brad recalls a memorable duck hunt in the rice fields of Arkansas—rich with species, history, and the echoes of early birders who once hunted as their only means of close observation.The conversation drifts offshore as Bryan tells the story of spotting a Magnificent Frigatebird in the Caribbean—a “lifer” moment made possible with a little help from the Merlin app and a downloaded regional guide.Along the way, Brad and Bryan reflect on birding as a mindful practice—one that slows us down, pulls us into the present, and gently shifts our focus away from ourselves. Whether it’s spotting birds along the roadside in winter when the trees are bare or giving full attention to a fleeting moment of movement, they consider how this often-overlooked hobby can be both restful and eye-opening.They also celebrate the encouraging return of bald eagles to their region—something rarely seen in their younger years, but now a shared joy they get to experience with their children.Rooted in their conversation with Kevin, the episode weaves together nature’s metaphors and spiritual insight—from the persistence of a kingfisher to the care God shows even to sparrows—reminding us that time outdoors can lead us not just to observation, but to worship.In a world that keeps our eyes down, birding invites us to look up—and in doing so, draws us out of ourselves and back into wonder.
• 
  Ep. 179: Kevin Burrell: Author of Considering Sparrows 11.03.2026 1t 13min

  In this episode of The Storied Outdoors, Bryan and Brad explore the rich connection between birdwatching and the Book of Philippians, inspired by a recent conversation with author Kevin and his beautifully illustrated new book on birds and faith.We had a wonderful discussion about backyard bird feeders — complete with mischievous squirrels, bold woodpeckers, and hovering hummingbirds — unfolds into a thoughtful reflection on how observing birds invites us to slow down, pay attention, and rediscover wonder.During the COVID-19 pandemic, birding surged in popularity as people searched for meaningful outdoor hobbies. Bryan and Brad reflect on that cultural moment and share their own birdwatching experiences, from spotting winter bald eagles to studying the vibrant detail of pintail drakes and hen mallards. These encounters remind them that birding is more than a hobby for retirees; it is a mindful practice that pulls attention away from self and toward the Creator.Drawing from themes in Philippians and Kevin’s bird-centered reflections, Bryan and Brad discuss how creation points beyond itself. The persistence of a kingfisher, the care of sparrows, and the elegance of a soaring eagle become living metaphors of provision, humility, endurance, and joy.As always, The Storied Outdoors sits somewhere between Lewis and Tolkien and Lewis and Clark — finding clarity in the stories we tell and the adventures that shape us. This episode invites listeners to step outside, lift their eyes, and rediscover worship in the wild.Visit https://www.ornitheology.com/aboutPurchase his book Here
• 
  Ep. 178 Stoking Embers: Longbeards and Lost Legacy Essay by Brad Hill 04.03.2026 59min

  In this episode, Bryan and Brad return to the fire to stoke the embers of “Maybe Today, Granddad,” rekindling the flame of spring mornings spent chasing longbeards with a century-old shotgun and a heart full of memory.They sift through the smoke of missed shots and close calls, turning over the coals of legacy, brotherhood, and belonging. What does it mean to carry a grandfather’s gun into the dark? Can a story be inherited through pursuit rather than proximity? With warmth, honesty, and a few hard-earned laughs, they rekindle the fire of conversation, reflecting on turkey hunting, patience, public land lessons, and the quiet ache of stepping into a story you didn’t grow up in but somehow feel invited to continue.Pull up a chair. The fire’s still burning.
• 
  Ep. 177 : Longbeards and Lost Legacy Essay by Brad Hill 25.02.2026 28min

  In this reflective episode of The Storied Outdoors, Brad walks into the spring woods carrying more than a shotgun — he carries memory, longing, and the quiet hope of stepping into a story he never inherited. With his grandfather’s century-old gun in hand and the dawn breaking over the Mobile Delta, he recounts a season of near misses, unexpected lessons, and the slow shaping of a woodsman’s heart.Through owl calls in the dark, conversations with his brother, and encounters that range from humorous to humbling, this story explores what it means to receive legacy not only through family, but through pursuit. It’s a meditation on patience, belonging, and the sacred work of showing up, whether or not a longbeard ever hits the ground.For anyone who has felt the pull of wild places, wondered about the stories that formed them, or sensed that inheritance sometimes arrives from behind rather than ahead, this episode is an invitation to listen for the promise in the dawn.
• 
  Ep. 176: Stoking Embers With Chase Bowers- Saltwater & Sharks 18.02.2026 53min

  Bryan, Brad, and Chase sit down to stoke the embers from Saltwater and Sharks, reflecting on fear, wonder, and faith in the deep. Together they take a deeper look at the stories, Scripture, and experiences behind the essay—exploring how God meets us in chaos and invites us back into the water with trust.Email us [email protected]
• 
  Ep. 175 Saltwater and Sharks: Finding Hope in the Chaotic Deep Essay by Dr. Chase Bowers 11.02.2026 22min

  “There is, one knows not what sweet mystery about this sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath. The same waves wash the moles of the new-built California towns, but yesterday planted by the recentest race of men, and lave the faded but still gorgeous skirts of Asian lands older than Abraham.”– Herman Melville, Moby-Dick, Chapter 58What do sharks, saltwater, and the sea teach us about fear, wonder, and faith? In this wonderfully reflective episode of The Storied Outdoors, Dr. Bowers traces a lifelong relationship with the ocean from childhood awe in the Caribbean, to fear sharpened by real danger, to a hard-won return to wonder. Along the way, dolphins dance, sharks surface, reefs shimmer, and Scripture speaks. Drawing on personal stories, biblical imagery, and the ancient human fear of the deep, this episode explores why the sea has always symbolized chaos and why God repeatedly meets His people there. From Newport Beach to Grand Cayman, from Jonah to Revelation, this episode wrestles with the tension between beauty and danger, awe and fear, chaos and hope. It’s a meditation on the ocean as both mirror and metaphor: reflecting a broken world groaning for redemption, and pointing us toward the God who still speaks peace over the waters.This is a story about getting back in the water—not because the sea is safe, but because God is faithful.
• 
  Ep. 174: Stoking Embers: A People Business and Excellent Craftsmanship 04.02.2026 40min

  Brad and Bryan sit down to reflect on their recent meeting with Saddleback Leather founder, Dave Munson — a man whose business acumen is matched only by his humility, generosity, and gospel-driven imagination. Like a modern-day Matt McPherson, Munson builds excellence not for the sake of product alone, but for the sake of people. His priorities run from employees to customers to orphans and single mothers through Saddleback’s nonprofit arm, Love 41.Their conversation wanders the trail of Munson’s fascinating life — from living in tents and working out of a Toyota Tacoma, to navigating cartel-controlled roads, to trusting God in the face of uncertainty. Along the way, Brad and Bryan marvel at the quality and longevity of Saddleback’s Indiana Jones–inspired leather goods, the kind of items built to last a century and inherit a story of their own.The episode even detours to Japan, where a colleague shares the gospel with playful clarity, and to the cold southern winter sweeping across the country. But at the heart of the discussion is a simple truth: faith, craftsmanship, and generosity can shape a company into something far more than the sum of its products.
• 
  Ep 173: Risk, Resilience, and Leather: Dave Munson Owner of Saddleback Leather Co. 28.01.2026 1t 31min

  In this episode, Brad and Bryan sit down with leather craftsman and adventurer Dave Munson—founder of Saddleback Leather—to explore the intersection of family, risk, craftsmanship, and faith. Munson’s story is one of unlikely beginnings, from selling bags on eBay during his youth ministry years to building a global leather-goods brand shaped by adventure, hardship, and deep conviction.They trace the Munson family’s intentional approach to raising resilient kids—complete with tent living, travel mishaps, calculated risk, and a healthy respect for bravery vs. stupidity. Dave reflects on losing millions, run-ins with cartels, and stolen shipments, yet speaks of character formation and God’s providence with surprising joy.Along the way, he makes a compelling case for Christian entrepreneurship that doesn’t wear a label but shines through excellence, generosity, and faithful storytelling. Together they discuss Martin Luther on craftsmanship, what it means to serve customers like actual people, and the surprising ways the gospel shows up—whether in conversations with Toyota executives or in the story of a beloved dog named Blue.Rich with humor, vulnerability, travel tales, reflections on parenting and legacy, and a vision for living one’s faith in public, this conversation pushes listeners to see adventure not as escapism but as discipleship, and craftsmanship not as branding but as service.Purchase Dave's Book "They'll fight over it when you're dead." Click HereCheck out the article about the tents where their family lives. These tents are not your normal tents but wildly adventurous and unique. Click Here Visit and Support Love 41Visit Saddleback Leather Co. website Here Follow Saddleback on Instagram Here
• 
  Ep. 172: Stoking Embers "The Lion, The Huntsman, and Pursuit of Story 21.01.2026 42min

  In this episode of Stoking Embers, Bryan and Brad revisit their recent conversation with Tyler Sharp, Editor-in-Chief and Owner of Modern Huntsman. Recorded during Thanksgiving week 2025, a few days after the original interview, the pause gave time for the conversation to marinate, and just like spaghetti it was better after it sat a while and the ideas, stories, and vision Tyler brought to the table genuinely developed and jumped out. They unpack the tension and overlap between conservation and the roles of hunters and anglers, wrestling with what it means to “do good” while stewarding the very landscapes, waters, and wildlife we depend on. The discussion widens to explore the creative world as well: the resurgence of print, the future of storytelling, and the surprising influence of AI on culture, creativity, and even the environment through massive data infrastructure.Throughout the conversation, Bryan and Brad recognize a growing alignment between Modern Huntsman and The Storied Outdoors—two efforts committed to elevating the narrative of outdoor pursuit, craftsmanship, and stewardship.Finally, they revisit one of the standout moments from Tyler’s interview: an unforgettable encounter with an African lion which was easily one of the all-time great campfire stories ever shared on the show.Whether you’re a creative, conservationist, hunter, angler, or simply captivated by adventure and good storytelling, this episode offers a thoughtful look at why these pursuits matter and how they shape us.
• 
  Ep. 171 : Reframing Hunting Through Story & Stewardship with Tyler Sharp of Modern Huntsman 14.01.2026 1t 22min

  Tyler Sharp, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Modern Huntsman, joins us to share the unlikely journey behind one of the most influential voices in modern outdoor culture. Blending art, adventure, and conservation, Modern Huntsman reframes hunting and the outdoors through responsible storytelling, cultural awareness, and ethical stewardship.Tyler reflects on global travels—including formative time in Africa—where he witnessed the complexities of conservation firsthand. He discusses how Modern Huntsman curates photographers, writers, Indigenous voices, and scientists to tell stories that emphasize ecology, ethics, and human connection over trophies or sensationalism.We also explore the realities of building an independent publication, navigating business pressures and editorial integrity, and how storytelling shapes conservation, culture, and the way we engage with wild places.Whether you’re a hunter, creative, conservationist, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, this conversation invites you to slow down, look deeper, and consider why stories matter.
• 
  Ep. 170. Stoking Embers: Dr. Matt Lewis, Redeye Bass and some regrets 07.01.2026 36min

  Ep. 164. Stoking Embers: Dr. Matt Lewis, Redeye Bass and some regrets
• 
  Ep. 169 Dr. Matt Lewis: Author Alabama’s Best Fly Fishing 31.12.2025 1t 10min

  On this episode of The Storied Outdoors, we welcome Dr. Matthew Lewis—fisheries scientist, writer, and one of the leading voices in Southern fly fishing. Matt takes us deep into the waters of Alabama as we explore his newest book, Alabama’s Best Fly Fishing: Complete Guide to the State's Best Fly Fishing. From childhood adventures in Geneva to his surprising career shift from human genetics to native fish conservation, Matt shares the stories, science, and soul behind Alabama’s most overlooked fisheries. We talk redeye bass, small-stream magic, the craft of writing a guidebook, and the sacred responsibility of caring for wild places. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who simply loves the outdoors, this episode offers a rich look at the waters that shape the South—and the stories waiting in every riffle and bend.
• 
  Ep 168 Christmas Story: Hidden Wonders by Dr. Bryan Gill 24.12.2025 40min

  Grab a cup of hot chocolate and cozy up by the fire for this episode of The Storied Outdoors as Brad Hill reads “Hidden Wonders,” a short story written by Dr. Bryan Gill. “Hidden Wonders” follows the Heatherford’s, a family whose plans were thwarted by an unexpected blizzard that grounded all southbound flights out of New York—including theirs. With limited options, they decide to drop in on their eccentric Uncle Doc for the holidays. While this was not their original plan for Christmas, it might just be the one they needed to restore their children’s fading Christmas spirit. We hope you enjoy this story and have a Merry Christmas!Visit Redbeardsoutfitter.com and use promo code TSO for a 20% discount online and in store. They have some amazing apparel and gear to outfit you for your next adventure. We would love to hear from you, if you have any questions, comments, poems, and or recommendations for us, email us [email protected] Music written and recorded by Brad Hill.
• 
  Ep 167 Christmas Story: Christmas Jubilee by Dr. Bryan Gill 23.12.2025 39min

  One of Bryan’s mentors, Calvin Miller once wrote, “Much of Christmas’ beauty is in its sameness. The same traditions. The same meals. The same songs. The same story. Yet each Christmas is a little different.” Just like your favorite Christmas movies and songs are played and replayed each year, we’re replaying four of our past Christmas story episodes as well as a brand new Christmas story for you this season. Play them while you’re driving to see family and friends, while you’re tying flies, or wrapping those last minute presents. This story, written by Dr. Bryan Gill and read by Brad Hill, is brand new and entitled “Christmas Jubilee.” It’s a story about a young boy who spends the week of Christmas with his grandparents on Mobile Bay. While he’s there, he casts a net for shrimp, sets traps for crabs, and fishes for speckled trout from his grandparents’ pier. He also finds himself trying to help fix a feud between his Pawpaw and neighbor. He soon finds out that this feud is too big for him to fix by himself and without a Christmas miracle, his Christmas vacation on Mobile Bay as well as his Pawpaw’s friendship with his neighbor might be ruined. We hope you enjoy this new story and some “sameness” during this Christmas miniseries. And from Brad and Bryan at the Storied Outdoors, Merry Christmas! Support our effort by preordering a hat ⁠HERE⁠Visit Redbeardsoutfitter.com and use promo code TSO for 20% of online and in store.Questions or comments email [email protected] we would love to hear from you. Music Written and recorded by Brad Hill
• 
  Ep 166 Christmas Story: One Horse Open Sleigh by Dr. Bryan Gill 22.12.2025 31min

  “One Horse Open Sleigh” by Dr. Bryan Gill is inspired by the original lyrics of “Jingle Bells,” that read, “A day or two ago, I thought I'd take a ride And soon, Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side…” Bryan wrote this story about two little girls and a mahogany Clydesdale that loved nothing more than pulling a shiny red sleigh in the snow. The horse changes the lives of the little girls, but that’s not the only transformation that takes place. Enjoy this story that takes a peek into the fictional life of the iconic Christmas card image of a horse-drawn sleigh. Visit Redbeardsoutfitter.com and use promo code TSO for a 20% discount online and in store. They have some amazing apparel and gear to outfit you for your next adventure. We would love to hear from you, if you have any questions, comments, poems, and or recommendations for us, email us [email protected] Music written and recorded by Brad Hill.