The Ozark Podcast

Ever had to make a quick getaway? In the Ozarks (surprise surprise) we have our own unique way of saying that... In episode #5 of The Old Ozarks, Dr. Blevins blends frontier idioms, pioneer grit, and American history as he explores the story of Nathan Boone (son of the legendary Daniel Boone) and the legacy he and his wife Olive left behind in the hills of southwest Missouri. Summary: From the Rev...

When it comes to chasing big smallmouth in skinny water, few know the game like Duane Hada and Tadd Fore. This episode takes you deep into the art of summer fly fishing on clear, low-water Ozark streams. Whether you're an expert or novice this episode is packed with tactics, conservation talk, and some good old-fashioned Ozark storytelling (a lost phone rescue that rivals many fish tales). > ⁠⁠⁠Jo...

In this episode, we bring back the “Check Station” with a fresh new format—blending Ozark news, reel reactions, and controversial takes. IF you're a ozark regionalist, trout angler, and/or avid camper, this episode is for you! Welcome...to the Check Station > ⁠⁠Join our Patreon aka "The Holler"⁠⁠ < Our Trusted partners for this episode: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Vortex Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Industry-defining scopes, ran...

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 l...

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-bac...

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 busi...

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 foun...

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 episod...

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 e...

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...

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....

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 forgott...

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. Sum...

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...

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-curio...

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 tur...

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. Ho...

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 hunt...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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 lea...

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...