A country artist opens up about healing, hunting roots, and rediscovering purpose far beyond the spotlight.

In this deeply honest conversation, we sit down with Michael Ray to explore the outdoor heritage, family legacy, and hard-earned perspective that shaped his life long before Nashville knew his name. Raised in central Florida’s hardwoods, cypress swamps, and bass lakes, Michael grew up running cable with his grandfather, learning harmony in living rooms, and chasing gobblers, gators, and early-morning largemouths across Lake County.

But after years of nonstop touring, personal loss, and the noise of the entertainment machine, Michael found himself off the road for the first time since he was seventeen—facing the weight he’d carried for decades. Here, he opens up about the spiritual and mental reset that followed, including ayahuasca therapy, reconnecting to faith, and using time in the woods and on the water to rebuild joy, clarity, and direction.

Listeners will hear how stepping away helped him fall back in love with music, how hunting and fishing played a grounding role throughout his life, and what he’s learned about navigating pressure, comparison, and identity in a world driven by algorithms instead of authenticity. Whether you’re a lifelong hunter or a weekend angler, this episode offers a rare, inside look at growth, grit, and finding your compass again.

Follow the show for more weekly hunting and fishing conversations.

Presented by: Field & Stream

Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/

Get to know your host, Mary O’Neill Phillips: https://www.countryoutdoors.com 

Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/ 

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