Driftwood Outdoors Podcast

Brandon Butler flies solo in Wisconsin at Doug Duren’s legendary farm for a deep dive into fall in the Driftless. From glowing autumn hillsides to cold spring creeks full of browns and rainbows, this multi-part conversation explores why the Driftless is one of the Midwest’s most unique outdoor destinations. In Part One, Brandon sits down with Eric Johnson, Community Marketing Manager for Trout Rou...

Brandon and Nathan welcome Joel Nelson from OnX Fish for a conversation that starts with a hat swap in a Wisconsin boat and quickly dives deep into the future of fishing. From the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers conference to chasing smallmouth and crappie, the crew shares stories about conservation, outdoor media, and the power of technology on the water. Joel explains how OnX Fish is...

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan McLeod welcome guest Keith Hannaman to talk all things bear hunting across the country and here in Missouri. What should’ve been a smooth conversation turned into one of the wildest recordings yet — Brandon’s iMac Pro took a nosedive, Missouri weather kept knocking Keith offline, and the whole thing quickly spiraled into a comical disaster...

In this episode of Drifting Outdoors, hosts Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod sit down with Missouri farmer, rancher, realtor, and outdoorsman Bob Parker for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond Facebook debates. Together they dig into chronic wasting disease, habitat management, property rights, and the often messy relationship between conservation policy and life on the ground...

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, the crew sits down with longtime friend and international fishing traveler, Bob Critser. From chasing whitetails in Indiana to hauling tuna off Mexico’s coast, Bob shares how his outdoor journey shifted from deer stands to the deep sea — and the adventures, challenges, and laughs along the way. To follow Bob's adventures: BC Instagram Page Special thanks to: Living...

In this episode of Drifting Outdoors, the crew dives into what it really means to be a hunter in today’s world. Brandon returns from Indiana after keynoting a Backcountry Hunters & Anglers event, reflecting on conservation, community, and the responsibility modern hunters carry. Jameson Hibbs — BHA regional coordinator — shares insights on the organization’s mission, growth, and the fight for...

In this laid-back episode of the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast, Brandon, Shags, and Joe take a breather from the heavy topics of recent weeks to catch up on life, health experiments, and the outdoors. Shags shares the highs, lows, and surprising benefits of his 72-hour water fast—including euphoria, insomnia, and the ultimate reward: a bowl of sauerkraut. The crew also recaps Paddle Don’s wedding, di...

This week, we pay tribute to one of Missouri’s greatest conservationists — Jerry Presley , former Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation, who passed away on August 9, 2025, at the age of 94. Jerry dedicated nearly four decades to protecting and managing Missouri’s natural resources and inspired generations of outdoor lovers through his leadership, mentorship, and passion for the outdo...

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, Shags heads north to the legendary Lake of the Woods for the Fishing with Shags Experience at Ballard’s Resort—recently ranked the #3 fishing lodge in the country by USA Today. From early morning casts to big-time catches, Shags and the crew teamed up with expert guide Brian for an unforgettable few days on the water. Hear the stories, the laughs, and the highlight...

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is more than just a wildlife issue—it's a crisis reshaping Missouri's deer hunting culture and threatening our landowners’ way of life. With confusion, controversy, and misinformation running rampant, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod of Driftwood Outdoors are hosting a powerful, event to cut through the noise and get to the truth. Recorded live at Runge Nature...

We’re joined by Jeff Trigg, a seasoned smallmouth fishing guide and sales rep for MeatEater’s top brands like First Lite and FHF Gear. From Missouri’s scenic rivers to the shifting landscape of outdoor retail, we dive into everything: the proposed non-resident fishing license hike, the disappearing fly shops of the Midwest, stream pressure, life in the outdoor industry, and of course—our signature...

In this episode of Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan McLeod sit down with Elsa Gallagher, Habitat Program Director at The Bee & Butterfly Habitat Fund. Elsa shares how her work is helping pollinators thrive across the Midwest by creating diverse, high-quality habitats on public and private lands. From seed mixes to sustainable management strategies, learn how the NextGen Habitat Pr...

If you love stories about the great outdoors, media evolution, and chasing your passion—this one’s for you. This week on the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast, Brandon Butler and Nathan McLeod sit down with legendary outdoor photographer Bill Konway for a wide-ranging conversation that dives deep into life behind the lens and beyond. From photographing U.S. presidents and sports legends like Michael Jord...

Brandon and Nathan take a deep breath and look back on nearly six unforgettable years behind the mics of Driftwood Outdoors. From the surreal honor of interviewing childhood heroes like Bill Dance and Al Lindner, to life-altering moments like Shags surviving a stroke and the arson that destroyed Brandon’s cabin, this episode is a heartfelt reflection on the wild ride so far. It’s a celebration of...

We hit a major milestone with Episode 300, and who better to share it with than Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe? Brandon and Nathan sit down for a wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from the Governor’s deep love for Missouri’s great outdoors—hunting, fishing, conservation, and public lands—to the current state of politics both in Missouri and across the nation. Of course, it wouldn’t be...

Brandon Butler is joined by Paddle Don, Derek Butler, and Adam Voight to relive their unforgettable journey through Minnesota’s legendary Boundary Waters—without co-host Nathan McLeod, who sat this one out. Guiding them through the adventure was special guest Scott Mackenthun, a seasoned fish biologist with the Minnesota DNR, who not only planned the trip but played a key role in helping the crew...

 Brandon Butler and Nathan McLeod are joined by special guests Paddle Don, Derek Butler, and Adam Voight for an exciting deep dive into their upcoming first-ever trip to the legendary Boundary Waters of Minnesota. With candid conversation and plenty of laughs, the group discusses everything from essential gear and fishing plans to the unpredictable nature of wilderness travel—including food prep,...

Award-winning journalist Hal Herring joins Brandon Butler and Nathan McLeod for a deep dive into the critical issues facing public lands and conservation in America today. As a veteran writer for Field & Stream, The Atlantic Monthly, The Economist, and more, Herring brings a sharp perspective and years of investigative reporting to this no-holds-barred conversation. In this episode, the trio t...

In this heartfelt and fish-filled episode, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod sit down with longtime friend and avid angler Ryan “Milo” Miloshewski. The trio dives into Milo’s latest venture, Milo’s Flies, a new fly tying business born from passion and countless hours on the water. They swap fishing stories from Lake Taneycomo and the White River, test out new fly patterns, and reflect on th...

Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod are joined by Michael Collins of Misty Mountain Guiding Service for a deep dive into fly fishing across the Midwest. From the clear streams of mid-Missouri to the legendary Driftless waters of Wisconsin and Iowa, the trio covers it all—smallmouth, trout, and the magic of chasing wild fish in wild places. They also get into fly tying, the evolving culture of...

In this flavorful episode, we’re joined by two Martha’s Vineyard legends—Johnny Graham, celebrity chef and owner of Revel Catering & Events, and Brett Stearns, Director of the Natural Resources Department for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah). Together, they take us on a journey through the island’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and world-class food and fishing traditions. We div...

Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod sit down with Kevin Rhodes founder and operator of B4 Outdoors.  B4 Outdoors is a 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to serving those who serve us, our communities, and our nation: veterans, first responders, and law enforcement officers. We provide these selfless servants with transformative outdoor experiences through hunting and fishing adventures. Additiona...

In this heartfelt episode, Nathan "Shags" McLeod returns to the mic after a month away with family, grieving the loss of his father. Joined by Brandon Butler, who’s calling in from a turkey hunt on Martha’s Vineyard with celebrity chef Johnny Graham, the conversation moves between mourning and memories to the healing power of the great outdoors. Brandon shares stories from the field, highlights hi...

With Shags still in Oregon due to the loss of his father, Brandon Butler calls in a couple of Driftwood Outdoors known associates to talk turkey at mid-season and other joys of spring. The Josh Lane and his three boys have already knocked down four birds. The Lanes rarely have an empty freezer. Josh shares their success stories on private and public land. Ryan Miloshewski checks in from Kansas Cit...

Want to hear what the Missouri DOGE committee learned about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)? Listen to the actual audio from the Chronic Wasting Disease hearing conducted by the Missouri State Senate Committee on Government Efficiency, or DOGE.  Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Director Jason Sumners testifies before the committee on the reasoning behind the state's handling of this unfortu...