Driftwood Outdoors Podcast

After more than six and a half years, 339 episodes, and countless miles traveled, this isn’t goodbye… it’s see you later.

In this special episode, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod sit down to reflect on the journey of the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast—from the early days of clinking ice in whiskey glasses at the cabin to recording across the country and around the world. What started as a passion project grew into something far bigger than either of them imagined, opening doors, building lifelong friendships, and creating memories that will last forever.

They revisit the moments that mattered most—unforgettable trips, incredible guests, personal highs and lows, and the community that formed around the podcast. From health scares and loss to growth, success, and new beginnings, Driftwood has been there through it all.

But as life gets busier and priorities shift, the guys have made the decision to step back from the weekly grind. This episode dives into the why behind that choice, what’s next—including new adventures, films, and future projects—and how they plan to focus on quality over quantity moving forward.

Most importantly, this is a thank you—to every listener, supporter, guest, sponsor, and friend who made this journey possible. The podcast may be pausing… but the stories aren’t over. 

We’ll see you down the trail

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
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Email:
[email protected]

With Brandon Butler overseas in Europe, Nathan “Shags” McLeod calls in a special co-host—his wife Savannah—to help bring you a boots-on-the-ground episode from the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) State Archery Championship in Branson, Missouri.

Held annually at the Branson Convention Center, the MoNASP State Championship is one of the largest youth archery tournaments in the country, drawing more than 4,000 student archers from nearly 300 schools across Missouri.

This episode captures the energy, excitement, and heart behind the event, featuring conversations with the people who make it all happen—from conservation leaders and organizers to students competing on the biggest stage of their young archery careers.

Guests in this episode include:

• Tricia Burkhardt, Executive Director of the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation
• Will Coates, Board President of the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation
• Micah and Carter, Rock Bridge High School Archery Team
• Chris Massman, VP of Member Services with Missouri Electric Cooperatives
• Miahra, 5th grade archer from Billings, Missouri
• Tanner and Tripp from Arnold, Missouri
• Ashlie Veede and Francisco Delgado with Explore Branson
• Levi Henry with Morrell Targets
• Rob Garver, Missouri Department of Conservation State Education Outreach Coordinator

From first-time competitors to lifelong conservation advocates, this episode highlights what makes MoNASP so special—building confidence, discipline, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors for students across the state.

For more info:
Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation
Missouri Dept. of Conservation
Missouri Electric Co-op
Missouri Electric Co-op Youth program
MoNasp
Morrell Targets
Explore Branson

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Email:
[email protected]

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod welcome Nick Boskovich, founder of HI-VIBE, a superfood juicery built around organic cold-pressed juices, cleansing programs, and lifestyle transformation.

Nick shares the journey that led him to create HI-VIBE and his philosophy that health is about more than just food—it’s about energy, discipline, and reconnecting with your body. HI-VIBE’s programs focus on raw organic juice, intermittent cleansing, movement, and time in nature to help people reset digestion, increase energy, and rethink their relationship with food and wellness.

The conversation covers everything from nutrition and mental clarity to the role of outdoor activity in personal growth. Nick also explains how his programs combine cleansing, exercise, and mindfulness practices to help people improve their health and overall performance.

It’s a wide-ranging conversation about health, lifestyle, and how intentional living can help people show up stronger in every part of life—including the outdoors.

For more info:
HI-Vibe Website
HI-Vibe Facebook
HI-Vibe Instagram

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Email:
[email protected]

Driftwood Outdoors went live in the Ozarks to celebrate one of Missouri’s great outdoor traditions — the opening day of trout season.

Recorded in front of a live audience at Big Rock Candy Mountain Retreat near Jadwin, Missouri, this special episode brings together storytellers, conservationists, and lifelong outdoorsmen to talk about trout fishing, Ozark heritage, and the traditions that keep people coming back to the Current River year after year.

Guests include: Mark Van Patten, former Missouri Department of Conservation biologist and founder of the Clean Stream movement in Missouri, who discusses his new book Moonshine and Watermelons, and Other Ozark Tales — a collection of stories inspired by life in the Ozarks and the communities around Plato in Texas County.

Ben Timson, retired Missouri State University professor and author of Summers at Cedar Grove: The Rise and Fall of an Ozark Village, shares the fascinating history of Cedar Grove and the changing culture of the Current River region.

Longtime trout season attendee “Uncle” Keith Mueller reflects on more than 60 years of opening day memories and explains why the tradition continues to bring generations of anglers together.

The episode also features Roger Franklin, owner of Big Rock Candy Mountain Retreat, who shares the story behind one of the Current River region’s most unique outdoor destinations.

 From Ozark storytelling and conservation history to trout fishing traditions, this live episode captures the spirit of the Current River and the people who love it.

For more info: 
Big Rock Candt Mtn Website
Big Rock Candt Mtn FB
Big Rock Candt Mtn Insata
Mark Van Patten Book
Ben Timson Book

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Email:
[email protected]

Former Professional Outdoor Media Association Executive Director Kevin Orthman joins Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations in Driftwood Outdoors history.

Kevin shares stories from living and fishing overseas, including fly fishing for smallmouth near Mount Fuji, the realities of fishing culture in Japan, and hunting opportunities in California and beyond. But the conversation quickly turns to deeper issues facing the outdoor community.

The guys discuss the evolution—and decline—of traditional outdoor media, the rise of pay-to-play influence on social platforms, and what that means for conservation and public trust. They also dive into major concerns facing hunters and anglers today, including public land access, conservation funding, changing public perception, and the growing disconnect between outdoor traditions and modern culture.

It’s thoughtful. It’s frustrated. It’s occasionally funny. And it’s the kind of real conversation that happens when passionate outdoorsmen care deeply about the future. Plus, the episode wraps up with the always-unpredictable Mystery Bait Bucket question.

For more info:
POMA Website
POMA Facebook
POMA Instagram

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Email:
[email protected]

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan “Shags” McLeod welcome CFM Executive Director Tyler Schwartze.

Tyler explains how CFM represents thousands of Missourians and more than 100 affiliate organizations in the fight for wildlife, clean water, healthy forests, and outdoor access. The conversation covers policy, funding, and the importance of citizen involvement.

For more info:
CFM Website
CFM Facebook
CFM Instagram

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Email:
[email protected]

Brandon Butler travels to Devils Lake, North Dakota for the second year in a row to pursue the hot walleye bite through the ice with McQuoid Outfitters. Aaron McQuoid has been a premier provider of fishing trips and comfortable accommodations on Devils Lake, North Dakota for over 20 years. 

McQuoid specializes in walleye, northern pike, white bass and jumbo perch Brandon and Aaron are joined on the podcast by Warren Johnson, and David Ray.

The foursome discusses what to expect at Devils Lake and how to catch the fish you're after. 

For more info: 
McQuoid Outdoors Website
McQuoid Outdoors FP page
Devils Lake Website

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Email:
[email protected]

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod welcome Texas native and professional photographer Russell Graves.

From roaming creeks as a kid to becoming one of the most recognized outdoor photographers in the country, Russell shares stories of wildlife, teaching, hunting, fishing, and why capturing a trophy buck on camera might be harder than doing it with a bow.

This episode dives into the intersection of conservation and creativity as Russell Graves discusses wildlife photography, outdoor education, and his passion for protecting public lands.

For more info:
Hackberry Farm Nature Photography Workshops
Russell Graves Website
The Wildlife Photo Show YouTube
Russell Graves FB
Russell Graves Instagram

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Email:
[email protected]

Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod sit down with Curt Morgret and Doug Grove from Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited to talk cold-water conservation, share fly fishing stories, and how Mid-Missouri Trout Unlimited is protecting Missouri’s trout waters.

Plus details on their 2026 fundraising banquet and the always unpredictable Mystery Bait Bucket question.

For more info:
Mid-MoTrout Unlimited Website
Mid-Mo Trout Unlimited Banquet
Mid-Mo Trout Unlimited FB page

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Email:
[email protected]

Week three of Brandon’s 50-by-50 adventure takes him to Virginia’s eastern shore where he meets Joe Enders and chases Sika deer in the marshes. Along the way, the guys talk hunting, fishing, life after loss, medical comebacks, and how the outdoors has a way of putting the right people in your path.

Special thanks to:
Living The Dream Outdoor Properties
Superior Foam Insulation LLC
Doolittle Trailers
Scenic Rivers Taxidermy

Connect with Driftwood Outdoors:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

Email:
[email protected]