Driftwood Outdoors Podcast

With Brandon Butler overseas in Europe, Nathan “Shags” McLeod calls in a special co-host—his wife Savannah—to help bring you a boots-on-the-ground episode from the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) State Archery Championship in Branson, Missouri.Held annually at the Branson Convention Center, the MoNASP State Championship is one of the largest youth archery tournaments in the country, drawing more than 4,000 student archers from nearly 300 schools across Missouri.This episode captures the energy, excitement, and heart behind the event, featuring conversations with the people who make it all happen—from conservation leaders and organizers to students competing on the biggest stage of their young archery careers.Guests in this episode include:Tricia Burkhardt, Executive Director of the Missouri Conservation Heritage FoundationWill Coates, Board President of the Missouri Conservation Heritage FoundationMicah and Carter, Rock Bridge High School Archery TeamChris Massman, VP of Member Services with Missouri Electric CooperativesMiahra, 5th grade archer from Billings, MissouriTanner and Tripp from Arnold, MissouriAshlie Veede and Francisco Delgado with Explore BransonLevi Henry with Morrell TargetsRob Garver, Missouri Department of Conservation State Education Outreach CoordinatorFrom first-time competitors to lifelong conservation advocates, this episode highlights what makes MoNASP so special—building confidence, discipline, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors for students across the state.For more info:Missouri Conservation Heritage FoundationMissouri Dept. of ConservationMissouri Electric Co-opMissouri Electric Co-op Youth programMoNaspMorrell TargetsExplore BransonSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod welcome Nick Boskovich, founder of HI-VIBE, a superfood juicery built around organic cold-pressed juices, cleansing programs, and lifestyle transformation.Nick shares the journey that led him to create HI-VIBE and his philosophy that health is about more than just food—it’s about energy, discipline, and reconnecting with your body. HI-VIBE’s programs focus on raw organic juice, intermittent cleansing, movement, and time in nature to help people reset digestion, increase energy, and rethink their relationship with food and wellness.The conversation covers everything from nutrition and mental clarity to the role of outdoor activity in personal growth. Nick also explains how his programs combine cleansing, exercise, and mindfulness practices to help people improve their health and overall performance.It’s a wide-ranging conversation about health, lifestyle, and how intentional living can help people show up stronger in every part of life—including the outdoors.For more info:HI-Vibe WebsiteHI-Vibe FacebookHI-Vibe InstagramSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Driftwood Outdoors went live in the Ozarks to celebrate one of Missouri’s great outdoor traditions — the opening day of trout season.Recorded in front of a live audience at Big Rock Candy Mountain Retreat near Jadwin, Missouri, this special episode brings together storytellers, conservationists, and lifelong outdoorsmen to talk about trout fishing, Ozark heritage, and the traditions that keep people coming back to the Current River year after year.Guests include: Mark Van Patten, former Missouri Department of Conservation biologist and founder of the Clean Stream movement in Missouri, who discusses his new book Moonshine and Watermelons, and Other Ozark Tales — a collection of stories inspired by life in the Ozarks and the communities around Plato in Texas County.Ben Timson, retired Missouri State University professor and author of Summers at Cedar Grove: The Rise and Fall of an Ozark Village, shares the fascinating history of Cedar Grove and the changing culture of the Current River region.Longtime trout season attendee “Uncle” Keith Mueller reflects on more than 60 years of opening day memories and explains why the tradition continues to bring generations of anglers together.The episode also features Roger Franklin, owner of Big Rock Candy Mountain Retreat, who shares the story behind one of the Current River region’s most unique outdoor destinations. From Ozark storytelling and conservation history to trout fishing traditions, this live episode captures the spirit of the Current River and the people who love it.For more info: Big Rock Candt Mtn WebsiteBig Rock Candt Mtn FBBig Rock Candt Mtn InsataMark Van Patten BookBen Timson BookSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Former Professional Outdoor Media Association Executive Director Kevin Orthman joins Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations in Driftwood Outdoors history.Kevin shares stories from living and fishing overseas, including fly fishing for smallmouth near Mount Fuji, the realities of fishing culture in Japan, and hunting opportunities in California and beyond. But the conversation quickly turns to deeper issues facing the outdoor community.The guys discuss the evolution—and decline—of traditional outdoor media, the rise of pay-to-play influence on social platforms, and what that means for conservation and public trust. They also dive into major concerns facing hunters and anglers today, including public land access, conservation funding, changing public perception, and the growing disconnect between outdoor traditions and modern culture.It’s thoughtful. It’s frustrated. It’s occasionally funny. And it’s the kind of real conversation that happens when passionate outdoorsmen care deeply about the future. Plus, the episode wraps up with the always-unpredictable Mystery Bait Bucket question.For more info:POMA WebsitePOMA FacebookPOMA InstagramSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod welcome CFM Executive Director Tyler Schwartze.Tyler explains how CFM represents thousands of Missourians and more than 100 affiliate organizations in the fight for wildlife, clean water, healthy forests, and outdoor access. The conversation covers policy, funding, and the importance of citizen involvement.For more info:CFM WebsiteCFM FacebookCFM InstagramSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Brandon Butler travels to Devils Lake, North Dakota for the second year in a row to pursue the hot walleye bite through the ice with McQuoid Outfitters. Aaron McQuoid has been a premier provider of fishing trips and comfortable accommodations on Devils Lake, North Dakota for over 20 years. McQuoid specializes in walleye, northern pike, white bass and jumbo perch Brandon and Aaron are joined on the podcast by Warren Johnson, and David Ray.The foursome discusses what to expect at Devils Lake and how to catch the fish you're after. For more info: McQuoid Outdoors WebsiteMcQuoid Outdoors FP pageDevils Lake WebsiteSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod welcome Texas native and professional photographer Russell Graves.From roaming creeks as a kid to becoming one of the most recognized outdoor photographers in the country, Russell shares stories of wildlife, teaching, hunting, fishing, and why capturing a trophy buck on camera might be harder than doing it with a bow.This episode dives into the intersection of conservation and creativity as Russell Graves discusses wildlife photography, outdoor education, and his passion for protecting public lands.For more info:Hackberry Farm Nature Photography WorkshopsRussell Graves WebsiteThe Wildlife Photo Show YouTubeRussell Graves FBRussell Graves InstagramSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod sit down with Curt Morgret and Doug Grove from Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited to talk cold-water conservation, share fly fishing stories, and how Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited is protecting Missouri’s trout waters.Plus details on their 2026 fundraising banquet and the always unpredictable Mystery Bait Bucket question.For more info:Mid-MoTrout Unlimited WebsiteMid-Mo Trout Unlimited BanquetMid-Mo Trout Unlimited FB pageSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Week three of Brandon’s 50-by-50 adventure takes him to Virginia’s eastern shore where he meets Joe Enders and chases Sika deer in the marshes. Along the way, the guys talk hunting, fishing, life after loss, medical comebacks, and how the outdoors has a way of putting the right people in your path.Special thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Brandon Butler joins a crew of Delta Waterfowl members from Missouri for an unforgettable “body booting” duck hunt on the Susquehanna Flats of Maryland. The crew takes 21 ducks, including nine different species and receives a private tour of the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, which houses one of the finest collections of working and decorative Chesapeake Bay decoys ever assembled. Located at the northern end of Chesapeake Bay, Havre de Grace is regarded as the decoy carving capital of the world. Few families have more history in the craft than the Jobes, and you’ll be introduced to Joey Jobes on this podcast.Brandon is also joined by Kaleb Nunan, Missouri Delta Waterfowl State Chairman and Matt Kneisley a Senior Regional Director for Delta. For more info:Joey Jobes decoys and huntsHavre de Grace Decoy Museum Delta WaterfowlSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

This week on the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast, Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod are joined by West Virginia guide and outdoorsman Charlie Mooney to break down a one-of-a-kind adventure: floating the New River while hunting squirrels and fishing—aka “Squirrelishing.”Charlie shares his journey growing up in Appalachia, working across the outdoor industry, fly fishing in the West, and eventually returning home to raise his family and guide on the waters he loves.The conversation covers creative ways to experience the outdoors, public land access, conservation, and why protecting these places matters for the next generation.Fore more info:Fly Rod Chronicles With Curtis FlemingWest Virginia AdventuresCountry Road CabinsRocky Mountain RaftsSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Missouri Department of Conservation Director Jason Sumners joins Driftwood Outdoors for an in-depth conversation on chronic wasting disease, MDC’s decision to pause post-season targeted removal, and what comes next.We ask the hard questions Missouri hunters and landowners are asking—what’s paused, why now, what replaces it, and what benchmarks could bring it back.This is a long-form, transparent discussion about science, trust, and the future of deer hunting in Missouri.For more info: Missouri Dept of Conservation websiteMissouri Dept of Conservation FB pageMissouri Dept of Conservation InstagramSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Driftwood Outdoors' Unpaid Pro-Staffer Paddle Don joins Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod to look back on a huge year for Driftwood Outdoors—historic adventures, conservation conversations, and a surprising announcement that now makes all three hosts married.Special thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

It’s a Christmas special on the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast, and Brandon Butler and Nathan McLeod are joined by the one-and-only Lisa Snuggs for an episode packed with warmth, nostalgia, music, and outdoor tradition.A heartfelt conversation filled with outdoor traditions, music, and unforgettable stories. From growing up in a family rooted in fishing and hunting to singing her way into meetings with legends like Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, Lisa shares memories that feel like Christmas around the campfire.Fore more info:Lisa McDowell Snuggs MusicFreshwater Fishing Hall of FameThe Lindsay Sale-Tinney AwardsSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

This week, Brandon Butler and Nathan McLeod sit down with Paul Johnson of River Bend Resort to explore the heart and heritage of Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods.From family-run resorts to lifelong fishing traditions, Paul shares how he and his wife, Brandi, turned their love of the outdoors into a legacy that brings families together year after year.A warm, nostalgic, and inspiring look at how fishing trips become lifelong memories.For more info:River Bend Resort WebsiteRiver Bend Resort FacebookRiver Bend Resort InstagramWalley Capitol of the WorldSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Former NFL linebacker Don Cherry joins Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod to share his remarkable journey from professional football to groundbreaking research on service dogs and trauma recovery. Cherry opens up about life after the NFL, the impact of brain injuries, and how working with veterans and service animals led him to pursue a PhD at Mizzou.This episode explores the powerful bond between humans and animals—and how it’s helping redefine healing.For more info:ReCHAI WebsiteReCHAI FacebookSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Deer on the powerline, blacktails in the rainforest, and salmon on the Columbia—this episode celebrates every corner of the outdoors. Uncle Steve joins Brandon and Shags to recap his Missouri success, the hospitality of great landowners, the beauty of Oregon’s rugged hunting country, and how a Midwest/Oregon bond keeps growing year after year.A nostalgic, hilarious, heartfelt celebration of what deer camp really means. Big bucks get shot, big meals get cooked, and big stories get told. From Oregon blacktails to Missouri monsters, this episode proves the best trophy in the woods is the time spent with the people who matter.Special thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

It felt more like summer than deer season. The crew unpacks Missouri’s low opening-weekend totals, crazy heat, and the moments that still made it special.Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod sit down with Unpaid Pro-staffers, Paddle Don, Joe Hawkins and Michael Collins. Emotions run high as Shags shares the story of harvesting a buck with his father’s rifle. While the rest of the crew break down the unusual opener and the odd weather that came with it.Special thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

Chronic Wasting Disease, hunter recruitment, and outdoor education take center stage as Scott Cronin joins the Driftwood Outdoors crew to talk about the changing face of hunting and why sharing knowledge is key to the sport’s future.From the power of mentorship to lessons learned from wounded deer and missed shots, this conversation with Scott Cronin celebrates the honesty and heart that make hunting more than a hobby — it’s a way of life.For more info: Scott Cronin BioSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

This week, Brandon and Shags welcome veteran outdoorsman and award-winning writer Dan Stefanich, who’s been sharing his passion for hunting, fishing, and conservation across the Midwest for over three decades.From tales of close calls in the woods to tried-and-true deer strategies, Dan brings both knowledge and laughs. Plus, Brandon learns a valuable lesson about what not to do for social media likes.For more info:Boneyard Fishing websiteBoneyard outfitters hunting websiteBoneyard outfitters fishing and lodge FBDan Steff Outdoors WebsiteSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com