The Storied Outdoors

By Bryan Gill & Brad HillSports Wilderness

The Storied Outdoors episodes

May 02, 2022 Ep. 48: Andy Blanks: Co-Founder and Publisher for Iron Hill Press
Andy Blanks is the Co-Founder and Publisher for Iron Hill Press. He is an author, speaker, former marine, avid outdoorsman, woodworker, and podcast host. He lives in Birmingham, AL with his wife, Brendt, and their four children. The best way to describe Andy is that he’s the most published author you’ve never heard of. He’s authored dozens of books and sold hundreds of thousands, but my favorite way to describe him is that he’s been a mentor and friend of mine for nearly 24 years. When Bryan was a junior in high school in Eufaula, Alabama, Andy was a college student and his disciple now leader at First Baptist Eufaula. They reconnected when Bryan was in grad school in Birmingham and have been writing books together since then.
Andy Blanks dons many a moniker : Father. Husband, Author. Speaker. Podcast host. Co-founder of YM360 & Iron Hill Press. Co-host of The Big, Full, Fun Podcast. Marine. Self described Sub-par but impassioned runner. We hope you enjoy this conversation we were blessed to have with Andy.
In this episode we cover a ton of ground like why story resonates with all ages, parenting struggles and goals, as well as the work Andy I doing in Men's Ministry.
Tolkien Response to the question, Why not fly the Eagles to Mordor, it would have been a whole lot easier. Check it out Here.
Download the New Strive App Here
Learn more about Iron Hill Press Here
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Music written and recorded by Brad Hill
56 min
April 25, 2022 Ep. 47: Dr. Wess Stafford President Emeritus Compassion Int
Dr. Wess Stafford, President Emeritus of Compassion International son of missionaries to the Ivory Coast, Wess grew up as one of the village children cared for by a wise and loving African “extended family.” He earned undergraduate degrees from Moody Bible Institute, Biola University and a master’s degree from Wheaton College, as well as a Ph.D. from Michigan State University.
Wess is a veteran, having served four years in the U.S. Army as a linguist in military intelligence.
Wess joined the staff of Compassion International in 1977 and worked with the ministry, both overseas and at headquarters. He served as President for 20 years.
He is also an avid outdoorsman and committed family man, living on a small ranch near Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his wife Donna who was a Compassion sponsor even before she met Wess. They have two daughters, Jenny and Katie — the two children in the world for whom Wess is the greatest advocate of all.
We are so honored to have this conversation with Dr. Stafford. We cover a lot of ground hearing from Wess about his upbringing in Africa and all the lessons he learned that structured his leadership in serving Compassion International and ultimately being its president for 20 years.
Check out Dr. Stafford's Books; "Just A Minute" and "Too Small To Ignore."
To join Dr. Stafford in the battle against poverty visit www.compassion.com and support a child in need.
Questions and Comments, we would love to hear from you email us at [email protected]
Music Written and Recorded by Brad Hill
57 min
April 18, 2022 Ep 46: Wade Blevins and the Story of the Sam's One Bug
We are thrilled to be joined by fellow Alabama fly fisherman, Wade Blevins. Wade tells us about one of the most versatile fly fishing bugs around, the Sams One Bug. The problem is, you can’t buy them anywhere. But lucky for us, Wade openly shares the recipe and if you ask him nicely, he’s likely to send you a few in the mail. This conversation covers a lot of ground and we could’ve gone on for hours. We hope you enjoy this rich conversation with our friend, Wade.
Follow Wade on Instagram at @samsonebug
Watch the instructional video from Wade on how to tie the Legendary "Sam's One Bug" Here
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Music written and recorded by Brad Hill
59 min
April 11, 2022 Ep 45: Jayme & Morgan Snellgrove: Surviving Sally
Long time friends of Brad, Jayme and Morgan Snellgrove join the podcast to share their story about life on a sailboat. We learn all sorts practical things that go into sailing and we hear the about the recent naming of their lovely sail boat. Ultimately we get to hear the harrowing tail of how they survived Hurricane Sally in fall of 2020. There is so much to love about this conversation and we know you will enjoy getting to Know Jayme and Captain Morgan.
If you would like to follow the Adventures of the Snellgrove's follow their Jayme's instagram and Captain Morgan's Instagram
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Music written and recorded by Brad Hill
1 hr 9 min
April 04, 2022 Ep. 44: Alone in the Dead Marshes: Essay by Dr. Bryan Gill
In this essay, Bryan recalls a frightening night where he was lost in a swamp as a teenager. Reflection and journaling helped him to more fully understand this event and others. Reflection and journaling have been a big part of Bryan’s adulthood and in this essay, he offers insights into the practice of both. We hope you will enjoy this episode entitled, “Alone in the Dead Marshes,” written by Dr. Bryan Gill and read to you by Brad Hill.
“No Man is an Island.” No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. John Donne,
We would love to hear from You email us at [email protected]
For More Content visit our website www.thestoriedoutdoors.com
If you are Looking for a great leather journal checkout Growley Leather
The Art of Manliness journal can be found here.
27 min
March 28, 2022 Ep. 43: Pastor Ed Litton: President Of Southern Baptist Convention
Ed Litton is the 63rdt President of the Southern Baptist Convention; more importantly, since 1994, he has Pastored Redemption Church in Saraland, Alabama, faithfully shepherding many, including my in-laws, for many years. Although there is much more we could include in this bio, He is also an avid fly fisherman, photographer, and all-around outdoor adventurer.

We cover lots of topics in our conversation with Ed, from such a busy schedule, and how you find rest and sabbath—to navigating the death of his wife of 25 years.
As an all-around outdoorsman and lover of adventure, Ed shared with us some photography stories about an incredible picture he was fortunate to capture from the bottom of the Grand Canyon and seeing a white Buffalo. Both Bryan and I love photography, so we geeked out a little on the technical side of how you capture the night sky with your camera and whether you prefer landscape or wildlife.
One of our favorite topics on the podcast, if you have listened for any time, is fly fishing. Ed joins us in our love for fly fishing and shares some of his favorite places where he can fish. Idaho continues to come up in our conversations, and Bryan and I feel the call to Idaho to fish, so if you know anyone out there, put us in contact with them.
We had such a splendid time getting to know Pastor Ed Litton. Ed shared a photo album filled with photos we talked about, along with some of his favorites, including a few of the beautiful fish he has caught over the years.
Follow Ed and his incredible photos and adventures @edlitton on his instagram
If you would like to watch this interview visit our YouTube channel
We would love to hear from you, please send your questions and comments to [email protected]
Music Written and Recorded by Brad Hill
45 min
March 21, 2022 Ep 42: Jon Hagedorn: Founder of Family Lines
Since 1997 Jon has worked professionally in the outdoor recreation industry, He has a degree in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership from Western Washington University & has logged thousands of miles on rivers throughout the Northwest as both a whitewater and fishing guide and instructor.
As much as the trips and activities themselves, Jon enjoys building relationships and memories with others, especially families. Jon and his beautiful bride Julie currently live in Leavenworth, WA with their 2 sons.
Jon is the founder of Family Lines , Husband of Julie, Father of two sons, a Level 4 A.C.A. Raft Instructor, Fish Whisperer ( A moniker bestowed on him by someone else) and apparently a Pass the Pigs Pro
In this episode with Jon Hagedorn, we cover a wide range of topics, from his work developing the Family Lines ministry their documentary series to him being on the other side of the Camera. We get a glimpse into one of his defining moments and how the Lord has graciously led him through it to now beginning not just a new chapter but a new Volume altogether. We hear about some of the work Family lines do; we discuss one of our favorite topics, "Why is discussion around an open fire so good? And we discussed a little bit of fly fishing.
We hope this conversation leads you to ask yourself, "what is your defining moment in your life?
If you want to know more about Family Lines visit their website. www.familylines.org
Check out the video series here.
We would love to hear from you, email us [email protected]
Music Written and recorded by Brad Hill
1 hr 7 min
March 14, 2022 Ep. 41: All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter: Essay by Brad Hill
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.
-John Muir
In this episode, Brad reflects on beauty and where we find it—looking back at his trip to Wyoming and his weekly experience in Mobile, on Bolton Branch near his office. This essay is chocked full of fishing stories, including a personal best brown trout in an epic place, discovering a gem of a place to fish right in his back yard, and reflections on the idea of beauty.
This sparked some questions for lots of self reflection about looking harder for what perhaps is hidden beauty all around us that we could be missing. The trip out to Wyoming cultivated a healthy reflection on evaluating my schedule and creating more margin for conversation and enough time to be known.
“ There is no place on earth without the potential for unearthing holiness. Right where we are with these people we are with.”- Eugene Peterson
If you would like to see more content including photos from this essay and videos visit our website for that and much more.
Connect with the Refuge Foundation
Check out the incredible street photographer We mention in the story. @dino.serrao
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We would love to hear from you email us [email protected]
Music written and recorded by Brad Hill
35 min
March 07, 2022 Ep. 40: Scott Goolsby: Broyles Award winner for Alabama
Scott Goolsby is the 2021 Broyles Award winner for the state of Alabama, given to the most outstanding assistant coach in each state. Co-host, Bryan Gill grew up with Scott and looked up to him as a role model when he was a kid. Bryan still looks up to Scott as adults because he is a man of God who loves his family well. Oh, and by the way, he just so happens to be one of the best high school football coaches in America.
We hope you will enjoy this episode with Scott Goolsby, Defensive Coordinator for Auburn High School as he talks about some of his successes and insecurities that he's had to face over time as well as one of the most heart-wrenching losses a coach can ever endure on the field. It was the Alabama 7A state championship game in December of 2020. Auburn High was winning with 18 seconds left verses touted Alabama high school powerhouse, Thompson High School. Bryan was watching from Birmingham and had already sent a congratulatory text to Scott who was coaching the game. However, the game wasn't over....and well, you can read the rest of the story below and listen to Scott's incredible perspective in this episode. Enjoy!
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/thompson-high-school-alabama-scores-10-points-18-seconds-win-state-championship-game
We would love to hear from you, send us an email [email protected]
Music Written and Recorded by Brad Hill

53 min
February 28, 2022 Ep. 39: Luke 5 Adventures: Hiking With Those Who Can't Hike Themselves
For those who aren’t physically able to: Hike IT, Forge IT, Climb IT, Cross IT, or Ascend IT, Luke 5 Adventures can make IT possible. On this episode we are joined by the team from Luke 5 Adventures; Kevin Schwieger- Founder and President Whitney Blackston- Vice President Tricia Cartner- Volunteer Coordinator. We get to hear how this adventure began, some stories of some of their hikes, and how you can partner with them in this incredible organization.

For more info and to connect with Luke 5 Adventures, visit their website www.Luke5adventures.com
We would love to hear from you, email us at [email protected]
Music Written and Recorded by: Brad Hill
56 min