The Storied Outdoors

We have often discussed the joy of sitting around the campfire and inviting it is for telling stories. After looking around, we found an article discussing the health benefits of looking in the flames of a fire.  In this episode, we meet Dr. Christopher Lynn, professor of anthropology at the University of Alabama, and hear about his research on the benefits of fire gazing. We also discover that th...

In this episode, we travel with Brad and his family from Alabama to Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park. While driving home from this family adventure, Brad and his wife Paige are in a bit of disbelief that they actually did it. The long road trip provided valuable time to reflect on all that had passed and perhaps bask in the glow of having accomplished what they thought was out of reach. T...

This week’s guest is author and Southern humorist, Sean Dietrich! Sean is a columnist, novelist, and podcast host, known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Newsweek, Southern Living, Garden and Gun, The Tallahassee Democrat, Good Grit, South Magazine, Alabama Living, the Birmingham News, Thom Magazine, and The Mobile Press Register. He has authored thirteen...

Steve Davis knows first hand what it's like to grow up as a kid who experienced trauma. So, it was no surprise to many when he started a nonprofit, On River Time, in 2012, that helps kids who have survived abuse and neglect find clarity about their past and see the future God has for them. Coupled with his love of fly fishing, Steve and the incredible volunteers and staff at On River Time use fly...

The Nine Mile Ride “It’s been true in my life that when I’ve needed a mentor, the right one shows up.” –Ken Blanchard In this essay episode, Dr. Gill reflects on the impact cycling and mentors have had in his life over the years. This essay covers a lot of territory from learning to ride a bike for a cub scout bike-a-thon in the 80s, to a hilarious encounter with Bo Jackson at Bo Bikes Bama in 201...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Louis Markos, author and expert in C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien literature. We explore a wide range of topics in this fast-paced episode ranging from the beauty of national parks to the importance of male friendships. You don't want to blink during this episode or you'll miss the treasures this episode holds.  Buy Louis' book, On the Shoulders of Hobbits:...

Welcome to season 5 of The Storied Outdoors! This episode is a little longer than the others, but we had a full summer of adventures to recap. Also, we had a special guest and friend of the show, Wade Blevins with us and Wade is always good for a story or two. In this episode, we reminiscence about the highlights of Season 4 and preview the incredible lineup for Season 5. We also tell two stories...

Brittany is a passionate Jesus girl and outdoorswoman from a big, loud Northern Michigan family. She now resides in Pittsburgh, where she is an avid skier and fly fisher, as well as a hobby writer and occasional speaker. Brittany is passionate about working with teenagers and currently works as the Student Activities Director at a major public high school and leads student ministry at her local ch...

 Season Four Wrap up Bryan and Brad Sit down to look back at the amazing Season 4, some of their favorite guest and favorite quotes. I am Sure there will be a story or two to be told about some of the adventures over the winter and Spring. Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter  Visit our Website We would love to hear from you email us thestoriedoutdoor@gmail.com Music written and recorded by...

Andy Blanks is the Co-Founder and Publisher for Iron Hill Press. He is an author, speaker, former marine, avid outdoorsman, woodworker, and podcast host. He lives in Birmingham, AL with his wife, Brendt, and their four children. The best way to describe Andy is that he’s the most published author you’ve never heard of. He’s authored dozens of books and sold hundreds of thousands, but my favorite w...

Dr. Wess Stafford, President Emeritus of Compassion International son of missionaries to the Ivory Coast, Wess grew up as one of the village children cared for by a wise and loving African “extended family.” He earned undergraduate degrees from Moody Bible Institute, Biola University and a master’s degree from Wheaton College, as well as a Ph. D. from Michigan State University. Wess is a veteran,...

We are thrilled to be joined by fellow Alabama fly fisherman, Wade Blevins. Wade tells us about one of the most versatile fly fishing bugs around, the Sams One Bug. The problem is, you can’t buy them anywhere. But lucky for us, Wade openly shares the recipe and if you ask him nicely, he’s likely to send you a few in the mail. This conversation covers a lot of ground and we could’ve gone on for hou...

Long time friends of Brad, Jayme and Morgan Snellgrove join the podcast to share their story about life on a sailboat. We learn all sorts practical things that go into sailing and we hear the about the recent naming of their lovely sail boat. Ultimately we get to hear the harrowing tail of how they survived Hurricane Sally in fall of 2020. There is so much to love about this conversation and...

In this essay, Bryan recalls a frightening night where he was lost in a swamp as a teenager. Reflection and journaling helped him to more fully understand this event and others. Reflection and journaling have been a big part of Bryan’s adulthood and in this essay, he offers insights into the practice of both. We hope you will enjoy this episode entitled, “Alone in the Dead Marshes,” written by Dr....

Ed Litton is the 63rdt President of the Southern Baptist Convention; more importantly, since 1994, he has Pastored Redemption Church in Saraland, Alabama, faithfully shepherding many, including my in-laws, for many years. Although there is much more we could include in this bio, He is also an avid fly fisherman, photographer, and all-around outdoor adventurer. We cover lots of topics in our conver...

Since 1997 Jon has worked professionally in the outdoor recreation industry,  He has a degree in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership from Western Washington University & has logged thousands of miles on rivers throughout the Northwest as both a whitewater and fishing guide and instructor. As much as the trips and activities themselves, Jon enjoys building relationships and memories with others, espe...

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. -John Muir In this episode, Brad reflects on beauty and where we find it—looking back at his trip to Wyoming and his weekly experience in Mobile, on Bolton Branch near his office. This essay is chocked full of fishing stories, including a personal best brown trout in an...

Scott Goolsby is the 2021 Broyles Award winner for the state of Alabama, given to the most outstanding assistant coach in each state. Co-host, Bryan Gill grew up with Scott and looked up to him as a role model when he was a kid. Bryan still looks up to Scott as adults because he is a man of God who loves his family well. Oh, and by the way, he just so happens to be one of the best high school foot...

For those who aren’t physically able to: Hike IT, Forge IT, Climb IT, Cross IT, or Ascend IT,  Luke 5 Adventures can make IT possible.  On this episode we are joined by the team from Luke 5 Adventures;  Kevin Schwieger- Founder and President Whitney Blackston- Vice President  Tricia Cartner- Volunteer Coordinator. We get to hear how this adventure began, some stories of some of...

We are so excited to have a conversation with David Kakish. Husband to Ashley, Father to Em, Lewis, Ruth, and Kaiah, The Kakishes: "we're a Twizzlers family," David has moved around a good bit growing up in Boston, living in Mobile,AL where He and I worked together, he is now Pastor at Cornerstone Church in St. Leavenworth, WA. He is an adventurer, flyfisherman, and a developing woodsman. David Sh...

This season begins with an incredible guest and author, the lovely Patti Callahan Henry. What an honor to have Patti with us to kick off this season on The Storied Outdoors. Patti is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sixteen novels and podcast host. She is the recipient of The Christy Award — A 2019 Winner “Book of the Year”; The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year for 2...

We are fired up to start a fresh season of stories and interviews for the fourth season of The Storied Outdoors. We are joined today by one of our previous guests, Dr. Hugh Cheek who graciously and courageously shared his story of suffering and life with us. Our other special guest has been a huge encouragement to Brad in this venture and one of his dearest friends in life, pastor of Temple Bible...

As we close out this calendar year and wrap up Season Three of The Storied Outdoors, we invited a few friends from past seasons to join us. James D. Witmer, Ronnie Gatrey, Milla Chappell, and Courtney Munson all join us in a fun conversation about where they are in life. There are some big announcements and major life updates that make this lively episode one of the most fun we've had yet. We...

Grab a cup of hot chocolate and cozy up by the fireplace as Fireside Tales for Christmas takes you to a place where Christmas brings out the best in everyone. Reading Fireside Tales for Christmas is like stepping into a scene on a Christmas card and witnessing what those characters' lives might be like. You will feel nostalgic as characters such as Uncle Doc, sweet little Penny and her grandma Idy...

Kyle Beshears is campus pastor of Mars Hill Church in Mobile, Alabama. He holds a PhD from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, teaches courses on religion at the University of Mobile, and is author of the recently published "Apatheism: How We Share When They Don't Care." Kyle’s favorite spaces for sabbath are in the cockpit of a kayak and among the peace of woodland trails. We cover a lot o...