Afield Podcast

English Cocker Spaniels have become one of the most exciting breeds in upland hunting, and few people know them better than Brittany Formby of Otter Creek Farmstead & Kennels. Brittany joins Ellis Terry to discuss what separates great hunting dogs from great companions, how Otter Creek develops its breeding program, and why matching each puppy to the right owner is just as important as genetic...

In this episode of Afield, Ellis Terry sits down with legendary outdoorsman and Buckmasters founder Jackie Bushman to discuss the remarkable story behind one of the most influential brands in hunting history. From his days as a nationally ranked tennis player and Auburn athlete to building Buckmasters into a household name among hunters, Jackie shares the journey that helped shape modern deer hunt...

In this episode of Afield, Ellis Terry sits down in Birmingham, Alabama with James Beard Award-winning chef and lifelong outdoorsman Chris Hastings. Known nationally for Hot and Hot Fish Club, OvenBird, and Highlands Bar & Grill, Chris shares the untold story behind his deep connection to hunting, fishing, Southern food culture, and the Alabama outdoors. From growing up fishing the South Carol...

In this episode of Afield , presented by the Poarch Creek Indians, Season 2 host Ellis Terry sits down with legendary turkey hunter Mike Pentecost, founder of WoodHaven Custom Calls, in Heflin during the opening week of Turkey Season 2026. From building turkey calls in a basement woodshop to leading one of the most respected brands in the hunting industry, Mike shares the story behind his craft, h...

In this episode of Afield with Christiana Roussel , we sit down in Homewood, Alabama with Luke Kolbie, founder of Avontuur and Kingfisher Leatherworks, and CEO of Russell Moccasin. What started as a teenage passion for crafting a better cartridge bag in Southwest Georgia has grown into a bold undertaking. Reviving a 125-year-old American heritage brand, building a coalition of master craftsmen, an...

In this episode of Afield , we step inside the world of Alabama Sawyer, where fallen city trees are reborn as heirloom furniture with soul. Host Christiana Roussel visits the Birmingham workshop of Leigh and Cliff Spencer , the husband-and-wife team behind Alabama Sawyer—an acclaimed design studio turning urban timber into custom furniture, guitars, and one unforgettable Turkey Credenza (yes, real...

In this episode of AFIELD, host Christiana Roussel sits down with Marilyn Vetter, President and CEO of Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever, for an in-depth conversation on conservation, leadership, and the future of upland wildlife.  This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in quail hunting, wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, upland birds and outdoor heritage.  Marilyn discusse...

Christiana Roussel sits down with Alabama Wildlife Federation's Executive Director, Tim Gothard, to talk about his passion for wildlife, taking care of Alabama's outdoor resources and raising up the next generation of land stewards!

Forester and conservationist, Kyle Lybarger, sits down with Christiana Roussel in a location special to him, his heritage, and his passion for the outdoors in Alabama. Kyle shares with Christiana the importance of protecting, replanting, and maintaining native species in Alabama and beyond. His talks about his work discovering new species and how social media has given him a platform to raise awar...

In this heartfelt episode of  Afield , presented by Gusto Hunting Preserve, host Christiana Roussel sits down with outdoorswoman and content creator  Alyssa Hall , better known as  Aly from Alabama . From grabbing  giant catfish with her bare hands  (a Southern tradition known as  noodling ) to becoming a passionate  whitetail hunter , mother, and steward of conservation — Aly shares her journey f...

In this episode of Afield, host Christiana Roussel sits down with Commissioner Chris Blankenship, head of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, for an in-depth conversation about the future of Alabama’s natural resources and outdoor opportunities.🎙 What you’ll hear in this episode:The debut of brand-new lakefront cottages at Wind Creek State Park 🌊Commissioner Blankenship’...

In this episode Christiana sits down with Pam Swanner, President of Alabama Blackbelt Adventures. As one of the most popular hunting destinations in the state, Pam shares her passion for the outdoors, explains which hunt she thinks is the perfect hunt for a woman getting into the sport, and why the Belt Belt region’s rich landscape attracts tourism from all over the world.

In this episode of Afield, Christiana sits down with renowned Alabama chef and James Beard semifinalist Rob McDaniel to explore the intersections of food, faith, and conservation. Christiana shares a fun throwback picture of Chef Rob during a live-fire cooking event, after his first Birmingham restaurant, Helen has been a hit, Chef Rob is now diving deep into sustainable seafood with the launch of...

In this premier episode of Afield, presented by Gusto Hunting Preserve, host Cristiana Roussel sits down with acclaimed wildlife artist and Alabama native Vaughan Pursell Spanjer. Broadcasting from the scenic backdrop inside Vaughan's studio at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga, Alabama, this conversation weaves together themes of Southern heritage, outdoor living, and creative purpose. Vaughan’s jou...