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The Ozark Podcast
Based on Podcast App listening data
The Ozark Podcast episodes
- Ep. 213 - Moe Shepherd - 50 Years of Turkey Hunting Stories ("6 Turkeys in 6 Days")
What does 50 years of turkey hunting actually teach you?
→ Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler
→ Download this episode's synopsis to take into the woods
In this episode, Moe Shepherd sits down and opens up the playbook—sharing hard-earned lessons from decades in the Ozarks, over 200 birds, and countless miles on public land.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still not getting results, this conversation will reframe how you think about turkey hunting. It’s less about fancy tactics and more about patience, persistence, and learning how to read a bird in real time.
From early mistakes and missed opportunities to unforgettable hunts that took hours (and miles) to come together, Moe walks through the evolution of a turkey hunter. He breaks down why slowing down often beats running and gunning, how turkeys can pinpoint your location with precision, and why some of the best opportunities happen when you least expect them—like on the walk back to the truck.
It’s a mix of practical strategy and storytelling that reminds you: the longer you stay in the woods, the more the woods start to teach you.
Together with...
Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars
Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks
00:00 Welcome Moe Shepherd
2:45 Question from the Holler8:15:00 Lessons learned over 50 years16:15 Moe's "perfect" hunt32:30 Moe's hunt that changed "everything"42:00 6 days = 6 turkeysWhat is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: [email protected]
1 hr 8 min - Ep. 212 - Moe Shepherd - This One Mistake is Costing You Turkeys on Public Land
If you’ve ever chased a gobbler on public land and walked away empty-handed, this episode will hit home.
→ Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler
Moe Shepherd brings 50 years of Ozark turkey hunting experience (and over 200 birds) to the table, breaking down what actually works when birds get pressured, quiet, and unpredictable.
From reading subtle sign to knowing when to stay put or make a move, this conversation is packed with the kind of hard-earned insight you only get from decades in the woods.
Moe walks through how he finds birds without even hearing a gobble, why terrain matters more than most hunters think, and how small adjustments—like calling less, moving smarter, or setting up just a few yards differently—can make or break a hunt.
He also shares tactics for dealing with hung-up gobblers, hunting around hens, and why patience (sometimes hours of it) is often the difference between going home empty-handed or packing out a longbeard.
Together with...
Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars
Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks
00:00 Welcome Moe Shepherd
4:30 Question from the Holler
14:00 Turkey hunting in the 70s
19:00 Moe's public land philosophy
35:00 Moe's calling strategy
47:00 Mistakes turkey hunters make
What is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: [email protected]
1 hr 1 min - Ep. 211 - Roy Pilgrim - The Future Health of Ozark Forests Depends on This ONE Shift
Now we know (from part 1) what's wrong with Ozark woods and forest... what's the solution?
→ Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler
In this episode, logger Roy Pilgrim returns to move beyond the problem and into real solutions. If you’ve ever wondered how to improve your land, support wildlife, or simply understand what “good stewardship” looks like, this conversation is as practical as it gets.
Roy brings a rare, boots-on-the-ground perspective, connecting logging, conservation, and everyday landowners into one bigger story about the future of the Ozarks.
Roy breaks down how healthy forests are built through a combination of prescribed fire, thinning, and intentional management, and why responsibility ultimately falls on landowners, supported by industry and public awareness.
He also shares a compelling vision for the future: a model where timber harvesting funds restoration, and local wood products reconnect communities to their forests. From market challenges to hopeful solutions, this episode ties together ecology, economics, and culture in a way that feels both honest and forward-looking.
Together with...
Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars
Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks
Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation
Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround
Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure
00:00 Recap of last episode
2:30 Question from the Holler
10:00 Do loggers steward the woods well
20:00 State of the hardwood industry
34:00 Timber industry and fear of fire
47:00 Roy's solution
59:00 3-layer forest management
1:17:00 A little song
What is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: [email protected]
1 hr 25 min - Ep. 210 - Roy Pilgrim - Why Forests in the Ozarks are Declining...According to a Logger
What’s really happening in the Ozark woods right now, and why aren’t more people talking about it?
→ Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler
In this episode, we sit down with first-generation logger Roy Pilgrim, a guy who spends more time in the forest than just about anyone.
From horse logging with mules to running a modern timber operation, Roy brings a rare, ground-level perspective on the health of our woods. If you hunt, hike, or care about the future of the Ozarks, this conversation will challenge what you think a “healthy forest” actually looks like.
Roy breaks down the history of Ozark forests, from fire-shaped oak savannas to today’s closed-canopy woods, and introduces the concept of “mesophication,” where shade-tolerant species like maple and elm are quietly replacing oak and hickory.
The result? Darker, denser forests with less biodiversity, fewer game species, and long-term unknown consequences. It’s a thoughtful, eye-opening look at how removing fire (and stepping away from active management) has reshaped the landscape in ways most people never notice.
Together with...
Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars
Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks
Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation
Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround
Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure
00:00 Roy getting into logging
7:00 Are the Ozark woods healthy?16:00 Fire on the landscape25:00 Managing for how it "was"29:00 The importance of oak trees40:00 What will losing Oak trees do to the woods?What is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: [email protected]
55 min - Ep. 209 - The Check Station - How We Voted on AGFC's Proposed Regulation Changes, The Illinois River Settlement, & NEW Merchandise Reveal
This is our last episode...well kinda.
→ Download your free Neosho Bass Field Guide
→ Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler
In this episode, we break down how we voted on the newest AGFC proposed regulation changes + discuss the Illinois River settlement.If you care about bear hunting, stream bank health, blue ribbon zones, and smallmouth fishing, this one is worth your time.Together with...
Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars
Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks
Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation
Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround
Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure
00:00 Our last episode7:00 New merchandise13:00 AGFC Regulation changes29:00 An email from a listener34:00 Reel reactions42:00 Shootin' from the HipWhat is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: [email protected]
51 min - Ep. 208 - Neosho Bass Will Change Ozark Smallmouth Fishing Forever (Here’s How) with Jeremy Risley & Eric Naas of AGFC
The Neosho Bass research is finally here, how will it affect regulations?
→ Download your free Neosho Bass Field Guide
→ Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler
In this episode, Jeremy Risley and Eric Naas of Arkansas Game & Fish Commission break down how the brand-new genetic research of the Neosho Bass will affect state-wide (and perhaps even region-wide) regulations.This discovery of a new species is now helping scientists better understand the four distinct smallmouth bass lineages across Arkansas, and now comes the hard part of putting the research into action.If you care about fishing, stream bank health, smallmouth bass, and conservation stories, this one is worth your time.Together with...
Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars
Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks
Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation
Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround
Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure
00:00 Research is here...now what?6:00 History of smallmouth management in Arkansas13:00 Habitat health vs. public desire22:00 Where are the smallmouth bass hatcheries?32:00 Why are stream banks changing?45:00 Neosho bass regulation updatesWhat is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: [email protected]
1 hr 12 min - Ep. 207 - The New Neosho Bass Research Every Ozark Angler Should Know with Chris Middaugh & Tyler Chafin
→ Download your free Neosho Bass Field Guide
https://ozarkweekly.beehiiv.com/neoshoguide
→ Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler
The Neosho bass story keeps getting deeper. In this episode, Chris Middaugh of Arkansas Game & Fish and Tyler Chafin of the University of Arkansas break down brand-new genetic research on the Ozarks’ most fascinating fish.
What used to be treated like “just another smallmouth” is now helping scientists better understand four distinct bass lineages across Arkansas, how hybridization has changed some streams, and why this matters for the future of Ozark fishing and conservation.
If you care about smallmouth, native fish, or the hidden stories inside Ozark rivers, this one is worth your time.
Together with...
Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars
Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks
Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation
Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround
Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure
00:00 If you missed our Neosho Bass series
7:00 History of Neosho research
15:00 Research expectations vs. reality
35:00 Summary of new findings
52:00 Why this matters for anglers
What is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: [email protected]
1 hr 7 min - Ep. 206 - Curtis Copeland - How Digital Maps Are Reshaping Conservation in the Ozarks
→ Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler
What if the map on your phone isn’t just showing you reality… but shaping it?
In Part 2 with Curtis Copeland (GIS manager, cartographer, and co-host of Ozark Folk Chronicles) we dive deep into the hidden power behind maps.
From OnX hunting layers and lidar data to property boundaries and Google Earth, this episode unpacks how digital mapping influences how we hunt, fish, build, conserve, and even define the Ozarks themselves.
If you use trail cams, depth finders, AllTrails, or drop pins before a public land hunt, this conversation will completely change how you see the world.
Curtis explains why maps are interpretive, not neutral, how data is gathered (from aerial lidar to crowdsourcing), and why companies like OnX depend on massive public and private datasets.
We talk about mental maps, the Age of Discovery, political boundaries, bathymetry from fishing electronics, and how GIS can either expose fragile swimming holes or protect entire watersheds. This episode is about stewardship as much as technology, how better data can lead to better conservation in the Ozarks, if we use it wisely.
Together with...
Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars
Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks
Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation
Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround
Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure
00:00 Maps have an agenda
12:00 How software like OnX collects its data
27:00 From mental to data-based mapping
34:00 Ozarkers vs. Ozarkians
44:00 How does all of this inform good land stewardship?
51:00 Illinois River watershed data
What is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: [email protected]
1 hr 4 min - Ep. 205 - Curtis Copeland - Creating the Cultural Map of the Ozarks That Upset... Ozarkers
→ Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler
Why do the Ozarks mean so much to the people here and who actually gets to decide where it begins and ends?
In Part 1 of our conversation with Curtis Copeland (GIS Manager for the City of Branson and co-host of Ozark Folk Chronicles) we unpack the story behind the massive Ozarks map hanging in our studio.
What started as a commission for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival turned into a cultural lightning rod, sparking debate across state lines and igniting thousands of passionate responses online.
This episode isn’t just about geography, it’s about identity, heritage, and why people feel so fiercely protective of this place.
Curtis walks us through how he was tasked with mapping the cultural Ozarks, the committee of historians and folklorists who helped define its boundaries, and why Southern Illinois ended up inside the hashed lines.
We dive into hillbilly stereotypes, gig-making traditions, music passed down through generations, and how a single map went viral after the Ozark Mountain Daredevils shared it from Washington, D.C.
Together with...
Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars
Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks
Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation
Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround
Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure
00:00 How did this map come to life?
14:00 Smithsonian Folklife Festival
24:00 Public's reaction to the map
34:00 Ozarkers vs. Ozarkians
38:00 Is Illinois in the Ozarks?
47:00 What Ozarkers thought of the map
What is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: [email protected]
1 hr 1 min - Ep. 204 - The Check Station - We're Back in our New Studio to Discuss: Public Land Threats, Arkansas Trout Regulations, & MDC Regulation Updates
→ Listen to 'LIVE from the Ozarks' on Spotify
→ Join other Ozarkers on our Patreon - The Holler
WE'RE BACK after over 2 months off. Thank you for your patience! We haven't been idle...
In this Check Station episode, we're recording in our NEW studio space (which has come along way) to discuss the recent Arkansas trout regulations, the boundary waters situation in Minnesota, and an MDC coyote upate among many other topics. Welcome back!
Together with...
Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars
Maverik - Adventure's first stop in the Ozarks
Prism Glass Co - Luxury residential glass and mirror installation
Big Pete's Taxidermy - High-quality work with quick turnaround
Pack Rat Outdoor Center - Everything you need to start your next adventure
00:00 New Studio Space
7:00 What is The Ozark Podcast?
12:00 Public Land Under Threat
30:00 Questions from 'The Holler'
39:00 The Old Ozarks
What is The Ozark Podcast?
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews
Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton
Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast
PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: [email protected]
54 min
About The Ozark Podcast
From the publisher's feed
In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.
Our guests and the information they share are especially relevant to men and women in northern Arkansas, southern Missouri, eastern Oklahoma, and southeast Kansas.
Best of The Ozark Podcast
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