Show Notes — Stoking Embers with Jeremiah Doughty

In this episode, we introduce a new format on The Storied Outdoors that we’re calling “Stoking Embers.” The name, sparked during a brainstorm with our friend Hank Hershey, captures what we’ve always aimed to do—find clarity in the stories we tell and the adventures that shape us. These episodes are our chance to slow down, sit with what we heard in the previous conversation, and let the embers of those stories warm us just a little longer.

This week, Bryan and Brad sit down after a rich and mouthwatering conversation with Jeremiah Doughty of From Field to Plate. Jeremiah is a wild game chef, hunter, and storyteller who shared not only his passion for ethical and intentional hunting, but also a long list of recipes that had us hungry before the episode wrapped.

In this Stoking Embers reflection, we talk about:

• The recipes and cooking methods Jeremiah shared during the interview

• How wild game preparation has shaped our own tables and memories

• The connection between food, story, and gratitude

• Why taking time to reflect after a good conversation helps the story settle deeper

We also share a few of our own favorite wild game dishes—and would love to hear yours.

We want these Stoking Embers episodes to be conversations with you, not just for you.
What resonated?
What challenged you?
What sparked something deeper?

Send us a message and let us know.

We’re always looking to connect with people whose lives reflect wonder, courage, curiosity, and love for the outdoors.
If someone came to mind, introduce us.

Thanks for listening, and for tending the fire with us.
Keep your eyes open.
Your stories are shaping you.
Let’s pay attention together.

What Stood Out to You? Know Someone With a Story Worth Sharing?

Episode Title: From Field to Plate with Jeremiah Doughty

“The real trophy is the one you put on your plate.”

Show Notes:
In this episode of The Storied Outdoors, we sit down with Jeremiah Doughty—wild game chef, hunter, and founder of From Field to Plate. After developing a beef allergy, Jeremiah turned fully to wild game and discovered more than a new way to feed his family—he found a calling. Through his hands-on schools, writing, and his podcast Tasting Wild, Jeremiah teaches others to harvest, butcher, and cook their own food, reminding us that the true trophy isn’t on the wall—it’s the meal shared at the table.

We talk about:

• Jeremiah’s roots in Southern California and how his love for dove hunting sparked a lifelong passion for the outdoors.

• The journey from beef allergy to a field-to-table mission.

• What it really means when he says, “The real trophy is the one you put on your plate.”

• How his 4-day hunting, butchering, and cooking school in South Texas transforms the way people view food and faith.

• Lessons from his devotional Game & Grace—how hunting reveals deeper truths about gratitude, stewardship, and grace.

This conversation explores the intersection of faith, food, and the wild. Jeremiah reminds us that honoring the hunt and giving thanks for every harvest can bring us closer to creation—and the Creator.

Connect with Jeremiah Doughty:

• Website & Links: linktr.ee/fromfieldtoplate

• Instagram: @fromfieldtoplate

Listen & Subscribe:
Find more episodes of The Storied Outdoors wherever you listen to podcasts.

Season 11 kicks off with new adventures from Jekyll Island to the White River, a fresh series called Stoking Embers, and big news ahead. Join Brad Hill and Bryan Gill for stories of faith, adventure, and reflection.

In this heartfelt season finale of The Storied Outdoors, Bryan and Brad sit down to reflect on the remarkable guests and memorable essays that made Season Ten so special. From deep conversations to inspiring stories, they revisit the moments that left a lasting impact—and share what they’ve learned along the way.

In classic Storied Outdoors fashion, this episode also takes a few scenic detours. Bryan shares about a recent family trip to Jekyll Island, GA, and a peaceful birding outing with friend Damian Bankhead. The two co-hosts also catch up on life, laughter, and what’s on the horizon for the podcast.

Plus, don’t miss the exciting announcement about the future of The Storied Outdoors, and a quick reminder—only 7 more hat preorders needed to bring the next batch to life!

This episode is both a reflective snapshot of a full season and a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the friendship that fuels the storytelling.

Episode Summary:
In this deeply moving episode, co-host Bryan Gill shares a reflective and emotional story of guiding his teenage son through his first deer hunt. A Father’s Charge is more than just an account of a hunting trip—it's a meditation on legacy, manhood, reverence for life, and the sacred responsibility of fathers to lead with both courage and tenderness.

Set in the quiet, golden light of a frosty Alabama morning, Bryan recounts the moments of anticipation, a whispered prayer, and the irreversible stillness that follows a successful shot. With vivid storytelling and honest emotion, this episode explores the tension and beauty of passing on a tradition that shapes character and invites young men into a deeper awareness of their place in creation.

In This Episode:

• The emotional weight of a first hunt

• The sacred nature of taking life

• How the outdoors can be a space for spiritual formation

• What it means to be a father raising a son

• Reflections on legacy, reverence, and responsibility

Whether you're a hunter, a parent, or simply someone drawn to stories that matter, this episode offers something meaningful to hold on to.

🔗 Links & Resources:
Website: thestoriedoutdoors.com
Watch on YouTube: The Storied Outdoors Channel
Follow us on Instagram: @thestoriedoutdoors

Legacy, Leadership & the Moose Story – A Conversation with Dr. Jay Wolf

Episode Description:Dr. Jay Wolf served as Pastor of First Baptist Montgomery for nearly 30 years and now continues his Kingdom work as Pastor Emeritus. In this episode of The Storied Outdoors, we sit down with Dr. Wolf to talk about life, legacy, leadership, and a few unforgettable stories—like how the amazing story of his daughter-in-law's healing makes his epic Moose Hunt look like a mouse.

Raised as the son of a cowboy in Texas, Dr. Wolf shares how his roots shaped his faith and calling. From his first deer to his philosophy of family discipleship—“If you hunt with your son, you won’t have to hunt for your sons”—Jay emphasizes the deep importance of relationships and outdoor moments that form lasting bonds.

We also explore his global mission work, his passion for Christ-centered service, and what’s next as he continues supporting ministries like Hope Heals, led by his son and daughter-in-law.

This is a rich, meaningful, and often hilarious conversation with a man who embodies what it means to Fix Your Eyes on Jesus.

🎙️ Topics Covered:

• Growing up cowboy-style in Texas

• The first deer hunting story

• An Epic Moose Story

• Family, discipleship, and outdoor ministry

• His current mission work and future adventures

🔑 Quote of the Episode:“Relationship is the meat and marrow of life.”

In this soul-stirring episode of The Storied Outdoors, we welcome Jim Barger Jr.—a nationally recognized trial lawyer, acclaimed author, environmental advocate, and College Professor. But his résumé only scratches the surface of a man whose life is deeply rooted in story, place, and purpose.

From his childhood on the coastal shores of St. Simons Island, Georgia, to the literary halls of Ole Miss, Jim’s journey weaves through courtroom battles, conservation efforts, and deeply personal revelations. You may know him from his essays in The Bitter Southerner or as co-author of Jimmy Carter: Rivers & Dreams, a beautiful exploration of Carter’s lesser-known love for fly fishing.

But in this episode, Jim opens up about the deeper currents shaping his life—faith, family, and finding peace in a complicated world.

🎣 What shaped his love for the outdoors?🌿 Why did he move his family back to the Georgia coast—and what does he hope to pass on to his sons?📖 What sparked the creation of “Rivers and Dreams,” and how did that journey transform him?🙏 What does it mean to live with “two great loves”—a love for Jesus, and for the person standing right in front of you?

Jim doesn’t just talk about the outdoors—he lives out a net-positive lifestyle, using his platform to fight for environmental preservation and cultivate generational legacy.

This episode is a quiet invitation to rethink what matters most. And somewhere between the salt marsh and the written word, you'll discover a story about returning—both to a physical place and to a deeper sense of calling.

Don’t miss this episode—whether you’re a reader, a father, a fisherman, or someone just searching for deeper clarity in your own story, there’s something here for you.

Hit play, and let the tide of Jim Barger Jr.’s story carry you to places you didn’t expect to go.

Purchase “Jimmy Carter: Rivers and Dreams” HERE, use promo Code StoriedOutdoors at checkout to save some money.

“The deer hunter habitually watches the next bend; the duck hunter watches the skyline; the bird hunter watches the dog; the non-hunter does not watch.”— Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac, 1949

A Feather For My Hat – Pheasant Hunting, Heritage, and Outdoor Legacy

In this episode of *The Storied Outdoors*, we take you deep into the heart of South Dakota’s upland fields for an unforgettable pheasant hunting experience. More than just a sport, this journey is about heritage, camaraderie, and the enduring traditions passed down through generations.

From childhood memories of flipping through hunting magazines in a barbershop to the thrill of stepping into the golden switchgrass fields with shotgun in hand, Brad shares a reflective and nostalgic story of his long-awaited pheasant hunt. Alongside seasoned sportsmen and skilled bird dogs, he discovers the profound connection between hunting, storytelling, and legacy.

**Key Topics Covered:**

✅ The thrill and tradition of pheasant hunting in South Dakota

✅ How hunting fosters a deeper appreciation for nature and conservation

✅ The history and beauty of the ring-necked pheasant in North America

✅ The importance of sportsmanship, ethics, and respect for the land

✅ The bond between hunters and their dogs in the pursuit of upland game

✅ Reflections on outdoor heritage, family traditions, and passing down a legacy

**Why Listen?**

Whether you're a seasoned upland hunter, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone who appreciates storytelling rooted in adventure, this episode will resonate with you. We explore not just the sport, but the values and lessons it instills—honoring the past while looking forward to future generations of hunters and conservationists.

**Share Your Story!**

Have you ever had a hunting experience that connected you to your heritage? We’d love to hear about it! Tag us on Instagram @TheStoriedOutdoors and share your story with our growing community of outdoor storytellers.

#PheasantHunting #UplandHunting #HuntingTraditions #TheStoriedOutdoors #OutdoorHeritage #HuntingPodcast #Conservation #SouthDakotaHunting

In this episode, we’re joined by Damion Bankhead, a wildlife and nature portrait photographer based in Birmingham, AL, whose work goes beyond simply capturing images—it’s about revealing the beauty both around us and within us. Damion’s journey into photography started young, seeing the world in pictures before he even had a camera in hand. His passion took a defining turn on a simple hike when he captured a Carolina wren in full song—a moment that connected him to the birding community and set him on the path to having his work published in Amateur Photographer and Alabama the Beautiful.

With a background spanning fitness, the Army, and law enforcement, Damion has always been drawn to storytelling, and through his lens, he aims to help people see themselves and the world with fresh eyes. Today, we’ll dive into his adventures, his approach to natural portraiture, and the moments that have shaped his creative journey.

We sit down with wildlife and nature photographer Damion to explore the journey that led him behind the lens. From an early love of photography and art to his time as a musician and personal trainer and even his service in the military and law enforcement, Damion’s path has been anything but ordinary.

We discuss how his experiences have shaped his ability to see beauty in the world, even after witnessing its darkest moments. He shares the deeper meaning behind his philosophy, “It’s all God’s art, and I just capture it,” and how faith plays a role in his creative process. And, since we like to think of this podcast as a digital campfire, we ask Damion to share one of his go-to stories—one that embodies his adventurous spirit and passion for the outdoors.

Finally, we look ahead to what’s next for Damion as he continues his journey of capturing the natural world through his lens. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

Visit Damion’s Website HERE

Follow Damion on Instagram HERE

Support Damion’s Work by visiting his store HERE

The Storied Outdoors with Aaron Scheer

In this episode of The Storied Outdoors, we welcome Aaron Scheer, Executive Director of Centershot Ministries. As an expert bowhunter and passionate archery advocate, Aaron has dedicated his life to using the sport as a tool for faith-based outreach. Based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Aaron leads Centershot Ministries, a program that equips churches and communities to engage with archery while sharing the gospel. His family boasts three generations of devoted elk hunters, faithfully participating in Colorado elk season year after year.

• A Life Shaped by the Outdoors: Aaron shares powerful lessons from his upbringing on a Colorado ranch, where his father instilled wisdom about hard work, resilience, and the natural cycle of life.

  • Quote from Aaron: "The outside is good for the inside."

  • Wisdom from Matt McPherson: "Boys do what they want to do; men do what they should do."

• Archery as a Calling: We explore Aaron’s journey into bowhunting and professional archery. He discusses the discipline, patience, and life lessons archery has taught him.

  • Key Takeaway: "Aim with grace. Judge targets, not people."

• Elite Partnerships – Mathews Archery: Aaron shares his journey with Mathews Archery, his experiences competing at a professional level, and insights into the world of competitive archery.

• Centershot Ministries – Archery Meets Faith: Discover how Centershot Ministries merges archery with Christian outreach, using the sport as a powerful metaphor to share the gospel.

• Epic Backcountry Adventures: Aaron recounts a thrilling mountain lion encounter and other unforgettable moments from his years in the wilderness.

• What’s Next for Aaron: From upcoming shooting competitions to one of the world’s largest archery events in Kentucky, Aaron discusses what’s on the horizon.

This episode is packed with inspiration, adventure, and wisdom for bowhunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a deeper connection between faith and the outdoors. Whether you're passionate about archery or just love a good hunting story, you won't want to miss this conversation with Aaron Scheer.

Want to be part of this mission? Visit Centershot.org to learn more about how you can get involved, donate, or start an archery ministry in your community.

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Storied Outdoors, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow hunters, archers, and outdoor enthusiasts!

Episode Highlights: Why You Should Listen: Support Centershot Ministries: