Did you know? Before Oklahoma became Indian Territory, there was nearly an Indigenous homeland carved into the heart of the Ozarks. In this episode, Dr. Brooks Blevins traces a forgotten chapter of Ozark & American history: when Native leaders tried to claim a permanent home in the White River Valley. Summary: From “Wade and Butchers” to “Arkansas Toothpicks,” Dr. Blevins opens with the colorful language of the hills and how it connects to a bigger story: how the Shawnee leader Qua-ta-wa-pea...
Jun 27, 2025•18 min
In the heat of summer, deer hunting might be the last thing on your mind but it’s the perfect time to start preparing for fall. In this episode, Arkansas Game & Fish’s Ralph Meeker joins Kyle and Kyle to break down how to attract and hold whitetail deer on small parcels of land. Whether you're managing 20 acres or just want to understand deer biology better, this episode is packed with science-backed tips that’ll help you outsmart mature bucks before the season even starts. > Join our Pa...
Jun 25, 2025•51 min
Fly fishing the White River is part science, part sorcery and no one unpacks that mystery better than Chad Johnson. In this episode, he breaks down the bug calendar, why hatches behave strangely, and what to throw when there’s no hatch at all. Whether you’re dialed in or just getting started, this episode is packed with seasonal tips, fly strategy, and river wisdom from one of the best in the business. > Join our Patreon aka "The Holler" < Support for this episode: Vortex Optics...
Jun 18, 2025•43 min
When you hear the name “Austin” - Texas might come to mind but its roots run deep in the rocky soil of Missouri’s lead belt. In this third episode of The Old Ozarks, historian Dr. Brooks Blevins unearths a forgotten chapter of Ozarks history: how the rise of lead mining in southeastern Missouri shaped early America, laid the groundwork for industrial expansion, and gave rise to one of Texas’s founding fathers. Summary: Meet Moses Austin: a Connecticut-born entrepreneur whose mining empire in Pot...
Jun 13, 2025•18 min
If you’ve ever fished the White River and left wondering what just happened, this episode is your cheat sheet. In this tactical deep-dive, master guide Chad Johnson joins us at Diamond State Fly Co. to explain the water flows, unit predictions, and on-the-water adjustments that separate casual anglers from the pros. Whether you’re fishing high water, low water, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you stop guessing and start catching (especially those trophy brown trouts). > Join o...
Jun 11, 2025•47 min
The Ozarks are changing—and so are we. In this Check Station episode, we open up about big changes, new shows, and the birth of a brand-new community called The Holler. From freezer venison stories to storm-pounded chickens, the conversation blends the real and the ridiculous as the hosts unpack where the podcast is headed, why connection matters, and how listeners can now get involved more than ever before. Support for this episode: Vortex Optics - Industry-defining scopes, rangefinders...
Jun 04, 2025•50 min
In this second episode of The Old Ozarks, Dr. Brooks Blevins tackles one of the trickiest questions in regional history: where exactly is the Ozarks—and who gets to call themselves an Ozarker? It's a ride full of crooked roads, crooked terms, and crooked definitions. In true hill country fashion, nothing is ever quite straight… or simple. Summary: From “whomper-jawed” bookshelves to the karst-rich plateaus of Missouri and Arkansas, Dr. Blevins continues his weekly “long sweetening” by tracing bo...
May 30, 2025•23 min
In this episode of The Ozark Podcast, local angler and tournament co-director Jackson Butt joins the crew for a deep dive into the upcoming Mayfly Project Smallmouth Shootout—a catch-and-release charity tournament. Whether you're in it to win or just out for a good float, this episode offers insider tips, heartfelt stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the Ozarks’ most meaningful events. > SIGN UP HERE < Support for this episode: Vortex Optics - Industry-defining scopes, ...
May 28, 2025•58 min
If you were dropped into the Ozark wilderness with nothing but your hands—could you survive? In this episode of The Ozark Podcast, survival expert and author Bo Brown returns for a hands-on breakdown of primitive skills that have sustained humans for thousands of years. From starting a fire with nothing but sticks to crafting stone blades and forging clothing from deer hides, Bo shares the forgotten knowledge that kept early Ozarkers alive—and why it still matters today. Watch this episode on Yo...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this debut episode of The Old Ozarks, historian Brooks Blevins dives deep into the origin of that peculiar word—“Ozark”—and charts its journey across maps, cultures, and centuries. If you've ever wondered where the name came from, how it got tied to Arkansas and Missouri, or why it doesn’t include parts of the land it once did, this episode is a storytelling masterclass in regional history. Summary: From 17th-century French explorers to 20th-century federal agencies, the Ozarks have worn many...
May 16, 2025•23 min
Drumroll please, we have a new show: The Old Ozarks... ...is your gateway to the forgotten history of the Ozarks. Hosted by renowned historian Dr. Brooks Blevins, the leading authority on the region’s history, this podcast explores the lives, legends, and landscapes that have shaped this unique region. Whether you’re a native Ozarker, a new resident, or a curious listener, join us as we share the stories that make the Ozarks special and connect us to our past.” Support for this episode: Vorte...
May 14, 2025•33 min
You can’t take a step in the Ozarks without walking on food—but most of us don’t even realize it. In this rich and thought-provoking episode of The Ozark Podcast, renowned forager, author, and primitive skills expert Bo Brown joins Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett for a deep dive into the history, science, and culture of foraging in the Ozarks. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or just forage-curious, this episode will forever change how you see the plants under your feet. Support for this episod...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Turkey camp in the Ozarks is about a lot more than tagging a bird—it's about camaraderie, chasing gobbles at sunrise, laughing around the fire, and learning lessons that only come from the hills. In this episode of The Ozark Podcast, the Kyles—including Sam Hallam, Bear Newcomb, John Whittinghill, and Jack Barclay—recount the highs, lows, and unforgettable stories from an action-packed week of turkey hunting. Whether you’ve hunted for years or are chasing your first bird, this episode captures t...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 33 min
In the heart of the Ozarks lies a native fish species that tells a bigger story—not just about streams and scales, but about identity, ecology, and cultural heritage. In this special episode of The Ozark Podcast, we take you inside a unique panel presentation that unites science, management, and culture to explore the past, present, and uncertain future of the Neosho Bass—a true Ozark original. Hosted at a regional conservation summit, this three-part live presentation features USGS research sci...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 13 min
When the redbuds bloom and the gobbles echo down the hollers, spring has officially arrived in the Ozarks. In this episode, we sit down with seasoned Turkey hunters Sam Hallam and Bear Newcomb to break down everything from pre-season scouting strategies, to reading a bird’s temperature in the moment, and how to avoid the most common mistake made by turkey hunters. Whether you’re new to Turkey hunting or looking to tag out this spring, this is your go-to guide to chasing longbeards in the Arkansa...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 15 min
Smallmouth bass are more than just a native fish—they’re the true emblem of Ozark angling. In this episode, we reconnect with expert fly fishing guide Ben Levin for a deep dive into the creeks, rivers, and strategies that define smallmouth fishing in the Ozarks. If you’ve ever wondered what separates a good smallmouth creek from a great one—or which fly patterns actually catch fish—this episode is your new go-to field guide. Book a trip with Ben: Fly South Adventures Support for this episode Vor...
Apr 09, 2025•45 min
The White River in Arkansas has quietly become one of the premier caddis hatch destinations in the country. In this episode, fly fishing legend Ben Levin joins us for an in-depth, no-fluff masterclass on fishing the caddis hatch: how it works, why it’s exploding in popularity, and exactly how to fish it to catch both numbers and trophy browns. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or a seasoned angler looking to master a specific hatch, this episode is a deep dive into the science, art, and strategy...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 5 min
As spring hits full swing in the Ozarks, it's prime time to hit the water—and in this episode of The Ozark Podcast, guide Jon Conklin of FishOn Guide Service is back to help us do just that. Whether you’re targeting crappie, chasing trophy stripers, or just trying to become a better angler, Jon offers a masterclass in multi-species fishing on Beaver Lake and beyond. We also dive into conservation concerns and how increased pressure on Ozark lakes is affecting fish populations and habitat. If you...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Walleye fishing in the Ozarks is often overlooked - but for those who know where to look and how to fish for them, the rewards are well worth the effort. In this episode of The Ozark Podcast, we sit down with walleye expert and fishing guide Jon Conklin of Fish On Guide Service to learn how to target walleye year-round in Beaver Lake and beyond. If you want to improve your walleye fishing success, this episode is essential listening. Jon’s decades of experience will help you understand walleye m...
Mar 19, 2025•54 min
What makes the Ozarks truly special? Is it the rolling hills, the winding rivers, or the deep-rooted traditions passed down for generations? In this episode of The Ozark Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Brooks Blevins—renowned Ozark historian—to announce an exciting new show, The Old Ozarks. We talk with Dr. Blevins about his decades of research on Ozark history, the fascinating dialect of the region, and how understanding the past helps us connect to our present. Plus, we share what listeners can ...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 2 min
If you love the intersection of wild food, land stewardship, and outdoor adventure, this episode is for you. Learn how to use bear fat in your cooking, forage native plants, and get the latest updates on community events that celebrate the Ozark lifestyle. Plus, get inspired to try your hand at creating your own Arkansas gumbo—tomatoes and all. Support for this episode Vortex Optics - Industry leading scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Moultrie Mobile - The ONLY cell trail cameras with A.I. in...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 1 min
For hunters and land managers, success isn’t just about luck—it’s about preparation and stewardship. In this episode of The Ozark Podcast, Daniel Mallette of GrowingDeer.TV returns to share expert insights on managing habitat, using prescribed fire, and balancing predator populations to boost deer and turkey numbers in the Ozarks. If you’re a hunter, landowner, or conservationist passionate about improving wildlife habitats, this episode offers practical strategies for balancing predator control...
Feb 26, 2025•49 min
Fire is often feared, but when used correctly, it’s one of the most powerful tools for land and wildlife management. On this episode of The Ozark Podcast, we sit down with Daniel Mallette of Growing Deer TV to explore the benefits of prescribed fire, winter land management, and how to improve habitat for whitetails, turkeys, and other wildlife in the Ozarks. If you’re a landowner, hunter, or conservationist looking to improve your property for wildlife, this episode provides invaluable insights ...
Feb 19, 2025•49 min
In PART 2 of this episode, we continue our conversation with Tim Hammer of Homegrown Native Foods, exploring how responsible foraging can benefit both people and the environment. Tim shares his extensive knowledge on native edibles, sustainable harvesting, and the role foragers play in conservation efforts. If you’re a hunter, angler, homesteader, or simply someone interested in sustainable food, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Learn how foraging complements conservation, how to e...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In PART 1 of this episode, we sit down with Tim Hammer of Homegrown Native Foods to explore the abundance of wild, native ingredients thriving in the Ozarks. From acorn-breaded fried chicken to wild onions and sumac seasoning, Tim shares his expertise on identifying, harvesting, and cooking with nature’s overlooked ingredients. If you’ve ever been curious about foraging but don’t know where to start, this episode is packed with practical advice, fascinating history, and mouthwatering inspiration...
Feb 05, 2025•59 min
We've just finished 'diving' into two cave episodes with Tom Aley and Dave Woods of Ozark Underground Laboratory and now we're back with an internal episode full of deer and duck hunting stories as well as some news from the region. Enjoy! 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 disconnec...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 4 min
We're back with Dave Woods of The Ozark Underground Laboratory (OUL) after we've literally gone down into the cave! This episode dives into the creatures of the cave, the impact of the surface on the subsurface, and how land management is connected to all sorts of habitat and wildlife health. Enjoy! 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 l...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 1 min
We're visiting with the world's leading karst expert, Tom Aley of The Ozark Underground Laboratory (OUL) to discuss the importance of groundwater and its impact on human and wildlife health. We also dive into some of the craziest things Tom and his team have found in his cave...an endemic snail, some bear bones, and even a jaguar bone (just to name a few). Tom's friend and colleague Dave Woods also joined us for the conversation and took us down into the cave afterwards. We'll be back next week ...
Jan 15, 2025•55 min
It's Christmas Day! We hope you're enjoying some time off with friends and family. 2024 was an amazing year, and we've got some exciting news for 2025...Merry Christmas, and thank you, from Kyle, Kyle and Dan, for listening to The Ozark Podcast. Vortex Optics - Industry leading scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Moultrie Mobile - The ONLY cellular trail cameras with A.I. integration Umarex Airguns - Discount Code: 'JIMBLUFF' for 12% off Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work returned on time...
Dec 25, 2024•5 min
We've combined our 2-PART discussion with Dr. Brooks Blevins into one MEGA episode, re-gifted for you this Christmas Season. This is one of our most asked about episodes and one of our personal favorites! A few questions we discuss with Dr. Blevins are: Has Hillbilly culture disappeared? What is the regional identity of the Ozarks? AND finally Are the Ozarks Southern? Enjoy! Vortex Optics - Industry leading scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Moultrie Mobile - The ONLY cellular trail cameras wi...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 34 min
