Driftwood Outdoors Podcast

Driftwood Outdoors Podcast

Join award-winning outdoor columnist Brandon Butler and renowned radio DJ Nathan "Shags" McLeod as they team up to bring you the ultimate Midwest outdoor adventure experience on the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast. Whether you're an avid hunter, passionate fisherman, or just love the great outdoors, this podcast is your go-to source for everything Midwest outdoor life. As the Midwest's outdoor authority, Driftwood Outdoors Podcast delivers a perfect blend of information and entertainment, covering topics like hunting, fishing, conservation, outdoor gear, and even a bit of fun with stories about Shags' Alien encounter! Every Tuesday morning, new episodes will take you on a journey through the wild, featuring exciting interviews, expert tips, and inspiring outdoor adventures. So, whether you're on the hunt for knowledge or just looking to have some fun, we invite you to join us on this wild ride. We’ll see you down the trail!

Episodes

July 29, 2025 75 mins
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 Mystery Bait Bucket question.

A must...
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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 Projects are changing the game for bee...
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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 Jordan and Walter Payton, to capturing t...
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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 the friendships made, the fish caught...
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July 1, 2025 43 mins
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 Driftwood Outdoors without a little...
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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 navigate the challenges of the backc...
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 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, bear safety, and the thrill (and cha...
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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 tackles the controversial attempted s...
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June 3, 2025 92 mins
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 the legacy of the late Chuck Gries of ...
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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 conservation, and proposed changes ...
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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 dive into Brandon Butler’s ambitious “5...
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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. Additionally, opportunities for youth are pro...
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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 his ambitious "50 in 50 by 50" quest—...
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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 City after returning home from a succe...
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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 unfortunate disease. 

For more info:
MDC Web...
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Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod sit down with John Bledsoe creator and owner of the Co-Angler App. 

Co-Angler connects anglers for fishing trips, while also allowing them to share costs, making fishing more accessible, affordable, and enjoyable. From creating a personalized profile to exploring a customized home feed, Co-Angler lets you tailor your fishing experience to your preferences. Co-Angler BETA is our first product ...
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Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod sit down with Minnesota DNR's fish biologist, Scott Mackenthun.

In this episode, we explore the state of Minnesota’s legendary waters, from the 10,000 lakes to the vast Boundary Waters and beyond. We dive into conservation efforts, the health of the fish populations, and what the future holds for Minnesota's iconic lakes and rivers. But it’s not all science—Shags takes us on a personal journe...
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April 1, 2025 95 mins
Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod record from the Branson convention center during the MoNASP State Championship.

Every March, the MoNASP State Championship brings together talented youth archers from across the state to compete in a celebration of skill, sportsmanship and teamwork. The MoNASP State Championship has seen tremendous growth and is the second largest state archery tournament in the nation. More than 4,300 studen...
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Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod sit down with Kyle Spradley owner and operator of Kyle Spradley Photography. 

Kyle Spradley is a landscape and nature photographer who also specializes in sports, photojournalism and video production. He is a St. Louis, Missouri based photographer available for commercial and editorial services, wedding photography and portraits, and is an FAA-certified Drone Pilot producing aerial photograph...
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March 18, 2025 83 mins
Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod sit down with lifelong friend, outdoorsman, and firefighter Eric Hoskins for a wide-ranging conversation that covers a bit of everything in the world of hunting, fishing, and conservation.

Eric shares his unique perspective on hunting in Missouri while hailing from Indiana, touching on the challenges of navigating different landscapes and regulations. The guys dive into heavy topics like poac...
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