Natural Obsession Podcast

Ever wonder why we're so passionate about conserving the land while neglecting our own bodies? In this eye-opening episode, we turn the mirror on ourselves and explore the fascinating connection between our health and our relationship to nature.

We dive into the stark differences between how our grandparents lived—with gardens, canning, and natural food sources—compared to our modern existence of processed foods and convenience-driven choices. The statistics are sobering: diabetes rates have quadrupled since the 1980s, we consume 50 times more vegetable oil than a century ago, and the average person unknowingly ingests the equivalent of a credit card worth of microplastics every week.

But this isn't just about alarming health trends. We explore practical ways to reclaim our bodies while honoring our connection to the land. From the hidden dangers of seed oils and forever chemicals to the surprising impact of artificial light on our sleep and wildlife, we share personal experiences and research-backed insights that will change how you think about everyday choices.

"We're reclaiming our land. We're reclaiming our bodies. It's all the same journey," becomes our rallying cry as we consider what kind of legacy we want to leave. After all, what good is restoring native plants if we're not around—or healthy enough—to enjoy them with our grandkids?

Whether you're a dedicated conservationist, a health-conscious individual, or simply someone who wants to live more intentionally, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on slowing down and living closer to nature's patterns. We're not doctors or experts—just two guys trying to align our lives with how we believe we were meant to live.

Listen now and join us in questioning the convenience-driven status quo. Your body and the land will thank you.

For more info on light pollution, how it disrupts wildlife and the effects of artificial light on our health visit DarkSky International’s website:

https://darksky.org/

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What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at [email protected].

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

Think bats are blind? Think again. In this myth-busting episode, we sit down with wildlife biologist Phillip Jordan to explore the surprising truths about one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.

With nearly two decades of bat research under his belt, Phillip shares stories from late-night fieldwork, remote caves, and even a volcanic island in Nicaragua—where he studied dozens of bat species ranging from mosquito-hunters to nectar-feeders. You’ll learn how bats use both echolocation and night vision to navigate, why they're worth billions to U.S. agriculture, and what makes Arkansas a hotspot for bat diversity.

We also dig into real threats facing bat populations, including habitat loss and white-nose syndrome, a devastating fungal disease that's wiped out entire colonies. But it’s not all doom and gloom—Phillip offers practical steps we can take to protect these animals, from setting up bat boxes to rethinking how we manage our forests.

Whether you’re a curious naturalist or just want fewer mosquitoes in your yard, this episode will give you a new appreciation for the silent flyers above us—and why they matter more than most people realize.

For info on gardening for bats and all things bat boxes and visit the website of Bat Conservation International:

https://www.batcon.org/about-bats/bat-gardens-houses/

_______________________

What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at [email protected].

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

Have you ever wondered what it takes to help people fall in love with the outdoors? Sam Files, photographer and park interpreter at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, offers a fascinating glimpse into this world through his unique lens.

Growing up glued to Animal Planet and spending his childhood exploring nature, Sam found his calling in park interpretation—connecting visitors with Arkansas's natural wonders. His dual passions for education and photography create a powerful combination for inspiring conservation. "If you can invoke feelings in someone through a photograph, you can capture their heart. You can give them a reason to want to protect that," Sam explains, highlighting photography's crucial role in environmental stewardship.

Throughout our conversation, Sam debunks common misconceptions about outdoor photography, emphasizing that expensive gear isn't necessary for impactful images. "The phones in your pocket have a more powerful camera than what National Geographic photographers were using fifteen years ago," he points out. His advice focuses instead on intentional framing: knowing your subject and how everything else in the frame can enhance it.

Beyond photography, Sam reveals the hidden treasures of Pinnacle Mountain State Park—a 2,600-acre wilderness with five mountains, two rivers, and approximately 30 miles of biking trails that most visitors never discover. From the peaceful East Quarry Trail with its spectacular overlook to the unexpected wildlife like collared lizards and American eels, the park offers far more than its famous summit.

Perhaps most valuable is Sam's closing message to those hesitant to explore the outdoors: "Don't be afraid to get out and explore. So many people are held back because it's unknown." He recommends starting with guided experiences at state parks, building confidence with experts who can keep you safe while introducing you to nature's wonders. It's a gentle reminder that the natural world is waiting—no matter your experience level—with its transformative power just one trail away.

To start your own outdoor journey visit Sam or one of the many other park interpreters at your nearest Arkansas State Parks.

Follow Sam's photography journey on Instagram and discover how the marriage of art and education can inspire us all to venture outside.

To see some of Sam's photos and connect with him go to: https://www.instagram.com/samfiles/

Pinnacle Mountain State Park: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/pinnacle-mountain-state-park

_______________________

What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at [email protected].

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

What happens when you ask yourself "Between now and death, what do you want life to look like?" For Alan and Angela Mahan of Rabbit Ridge Farms, that question sparked a revolution in how they approach farming, community, and food.

In this captivating conversation, we journey from their contrasting childhoods—Angela at the country club and Alan on a dairy farm "sitting on a pile of melons"—to their creation of a regenerative farm that's changing how people think about food in Arkansas. Their story isn't just about farming; it's a love story of healing a blended family and creating a shared vision that grew far beyond what they initially imagined.

The Mahans take us deep into their farming philosophy, explaining how they manage livestock through rotational grazing to build soil health while supporting native wildlife. You'll discover why their heritage breed hogs—raised in wooded areas where they forage for acorns and persimmons—produce pork so flavorful it brings grown men to tears, reminding them of their grandmothers' cooking.

What makes this episode especially powerful is the Mahans' transparency about their own health journeys. Despite being surrounded by nutrient-dense food, they found themselves in poor health until they recommitted to their original mission. Their candid insights about the modern food system challenge conventional wisdom about what we eat and how it affects our bodies.

Whether you're passionate about regenerative agriculture, curious about where your food comes from, or simply looking for inspiration to make a major life change, this conversation offers wisdom that extends far beyond farming. Visit Rabbit Ridge Farms in Bee Branch, Arkansas to taste the difference yourself, or find their products in restaurants throughout Little Rock and beyond.

Rabbit Ridge Website:  https://www.rabbitridgefarm.com/

Rabbit Ridge Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RabbitRidgeFarms

Establishments that carry/serve Rabbit Ridge products:

The Root Cafe: https://www.therootcafe.com/

The Sterling Market: https://www.sterlingmarket.com/

Bell Urban Farms: https://bellurbanfarm.com/

Table 28: https://www.table28lr.com/

Brave New: https://www.bravenewrestaurant.com/

The Pantry: https://littlerockpantry.com/

Fidel's Coffee: https://fidel.coffee/

Prestonro

_______________________

What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at [email protected].

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

In this intriguing conversation the guys talk to Ryan Parker and Katrina Sims about how approximately 98% of Arkansas's native prairies have disappeared, replaced by dense forests and non-native grasses that create "biological deserts" for wildlife. Yet hope remains. "Native seed can sit in the soil for decades, a hundred years or more," explains Parker. "With the right management conditions, if you run a fire across it at the right time, those seeds will germinate." This resilience forms the foundation of Quail Forever's restoration work.

While their name suggests a focus solely on quail, Quail Forever's mission encompasses entire ecosystems. Their work benefits thousands of species from native bees and butterflies to songbirds and amphibians. The organization offers free consultations to landowners, helping them navigate restoration options whether they own a windowsill garden or thousands of acres. For those without land, volunteer opportunities exist through local chapters that conduct community projects and educational programs.

Perhaps most surprising is how conservation and agriculture can work hand-in-hand. Native grasses not only provide critical wildlife habitat but also excellent forage for livestock, with documented weight gains rivaling or exceeding those from introduced forages. "It's a win-win," Sims explains, discussing their demonstration sites where cattle producers can see native grazing systems in action.

Ready to make a difference? Contact Quail Forever through their Facebook page (Quail Forever in Arkansas) or visit their website to learn about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and how you can transform your own space—no matter how small—into thriving habitat that helps make Arkansas truly worthy of its nickname.

Here is the list of links referred to in this episode.

Web Soil Survey Map: https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx

Quail Forever Website: https://www.quailforever.org/

Seed Store: https://www.pfhabitatstore.com/

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArkansasQF/about

_______________________

What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at [email protected].

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

When Paul Foshee says a good coon dog "don't run anything but a coon," he's speaking from decades of midnight adventures tracking through Arkansas backwoods with his faithful hounds. The second part of our conversation with Paul delivers pure storytelling gold as he recounts tales that few modern outdoorsmen will ever experience firsthand.

Picture this: Paul and his hunting partner Don tracking their dogs through miles of soybeans and woodlands, completely disoriented, only to discover they've crossed all the way to Hattieville Lake (Lake Cargile). Or the night they stood flipping quarters for hours while their dogs caught four raccoons without the men moving an inch. These aren't just hunting stories—they're windows into a vanishing culture where outdoor skills and camaraderie shaped men's characters.

Paul's adventures extend well beyond coon hunting. His whitewater canoeing experiences on Arkansas rivers and creeks reveal a man who embraced challenge and calculated risk. The storytelling comes alive as he describes navigating massive waves with his son Randy, their canoe filling with water, or nearly getting swept into a dam when a boat motor failed at exactly the wrong moment. "Put your life jacket on. If we get to the dam, get on it," was his practical advice in the face of potential disaster.

What makes these stories truly special isn't just the adventure, but the relationships woven throughout. When Paul speaks about the original TJ Virden (our host's great-grandfather), his voice softens with genuine emotion: "He's about as good a man as I ever knew." The story of TJ helping the young couple set up their first home without accepting payment reveals how these outdoor communities supported each other in ways that transcended mere friendship.

As Paul reflects on his life's journey, his philosophy emerges with simple clarity: "You don't ever own any property. You think you do, but you don't." He understands we're all just "dust in the wind," temporary stewards passing through. Yet his final wisdom encourages boldness: "If you don't try new things, you ain't never going to accomplish very much."

Listen now to experience these authentic stories from a man who's truly lived the outdoor life. Follow us on Instagram @natobpodcast or find us on Facebook at Natural Obsession for more content celebrating the human connection to nature.

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What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at [email protected].

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

Paul Foshee's weathered hands tell the story of a life richly lived—from barbering, to precisely shaping stone as a mason, to the patient nurturing of pecan trees that now stand as his legacy. Paul represents a generation that built America through versatility and an unyielding work ethic, skills that seem increasingly rare in our technological world.

It's in his pecan operation, started in 1984, where Paul's deep wisdom truly shines. Through decades of trial and error, he transformed what others might have seen as worn out old fields into thriving orchards that eventually produced what processors called "the best crop in the nation" in terms of quality.

Join us for this first installment of a two-part conversation with a man whose coon hunting adventures, canoe expeditions, and lifetime of outdoor experiences remind us that true wealth comes from connection to land, family, and the satisfaction of creating something meaningful with your own two hands.

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What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at [email protected].

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

In this eye-opening conversation, Tyler Savage, a biologist from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, takes us on a journey through time and paints a clear picture of what habitat in the Natural State looks like today versus several hundred years ago. Areas that are now a dense sea of trees were once open woodlands and savannas maintained by frequent, low-intensity fires. These fire-dependent ecosystems supported diverse wildlife communities that have declined as forests became overgrown in the absence of this essential ecological process.

Drawing from his childhood experiences growing up in Mammoth Springs, where weekends meant chasing fish and hunting turkeys, Tyler explains how his passion for conservation took root. Today, through various programs offered by AGFC, he helps landowners restore their properties to more historically accurate and wildlife-friendly conditions. He shares success stories of small landowners making big impacts, emphasizing that conservation work doesn't require vast acreage – even backyard projects contribute to the greater ecological good.

Whether you manage thousands of acres or simply enjoy hiking through Arkansas's beautiful landscapes, this episode will transform how you see the forests around you and inspire you to join the effort to restore the Natural State to a truly natural condition.

🔗 AGFC Website: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Private Lands Habitat Condition

🔗 Facebook Group: AGFC Private Lands Habitat Division

_______________________

What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at [email protected].

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

Come with us as we talk to our good friend, UK native, and Arkansas waterfall chaser, Gez Rogers. Looking for seclusion, Gez's waterfall journey started in 2018 after he tragically lost his son, Josh. Since then, he has visited over 500 waterfalls in the Natural State alone.

In this episode, Gez shares how you can visit waterfalls yourself, offers advice on hiking with a loyal canine companion, and discusses the healing qualities of the outdoors. Listen as he talks about his journey and tells about some interesting encounters he had along the way.

Follow Gez's waterfall adventures on social media:

On TikTok: @gezrogers Waterfalls in AR & Beyond

On Facebook: Waterfalls in Arkansas & Other Cool Places

On Instagram: @waterfallsinar

🔗 Epic Glass Recycling

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What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at [email protected].

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram

Most of us live with fear lurking beneath the surface, controlling our choices without our awareness. For Danny Williams, it took his daughter's devastating cancer diagnosis – a prognosis with just 5-10% survival odds – to begin the brutal process of confronting this hidden controller. 

This raw, vulnerable conversation explores what he calls "the crucible" – a three-year period that ground away everything he thought defined him. His 12-year lawn care business collapsed, depression and dark thoughts threatened to consume him, and the future seemed impossibly dim. Yet somehow, from these ashes emerged something unexpected: freedom.

The turning point arrived through a seemingly simple memory of his young son frozen in fear at a swimming spot, unable to jump from a bridge despite his father's encouragement. "Do you trust me?" he had asked his son, "When do I tell you to do things that will hurt you?" In that moment of recollection, he realized those were exactly the questions God was asking him about his own fear-paralyzed life.

What follows is a remarkable story of transformation – not just of survival, but of renewal. His daughter, now seven years post-diagnosis without tumor growth for nearly six years, stands as a living miracle. Meanwhile, Danny finds himself called back to the very industry that once broke him, but with a fundamental difference: "The first time I called you into this, you did it on your own... what I want you to do, I want you to do it with me." For anyone navigating life's darkest valleys or feeling trapped by invisible fears, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that sometimes losing everything becomes the first step toward finding what truly matters.

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What is the Natural Obsession Podcast all about?

Growing up, we all had those moments in nature that stuck with us—whether it was a quiet walk in the woods or a grand adventure. On Natural Obsession, it’s our desire to bring those moments to life. As we talk to people from all walks of life we will learn how they fell in love with the outdoors, the different ways they enjoy it today, and explore how we can work together to ensure these spaces are around for years to come. It’s all about sharing memories from the outdoors and ensuring future generations can make their own.

To find out more about Natural Obsession and hosts, Daniel Emison and TJ Virden, visit our website at https://www.natob.co/.

If you have questions about episodes or have guest recommendations please email us at [email protected].

Follow us on social media to keep up with upcoming guests and episode info:

• Natural Obsession on Facebook
• @NatObPodcast on Instagram