The Storied Outdoors

An award-winning documentary-adventure photographer, filmmaker, and conservationist, Navy Veteran Chad Brown is the founder/president of non-profits Soul River, Inc. and Love is King. In addition, Chad’s latest efforts include outdoor adventure travel, threatened wild spaces, and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. Through his projects, he connects the public to endangered lands, capturing the true essence of their peoples in moments of passion and the indomitable human spirit. Utilizing striking documentary portraits, photographic exhibitions and film, Chad also advocates for social and environmental justice. 

Chad’s pathway began as a conventional one, but took on a number of unexpected twists and turns. He studied communication and photography at American Intercontinental University, then moved onto the Pratt Institute in NYC earning his Master’s Degree in Communication Design. He went on to manage interdisciplinary teams in multiple agencies, serving in various roles including creative/art director and photographer, as well as a freelance artist and editorial photographer for the New York Times. His efforts crossed into the world of hip-hop fashion and culture, where he worked with hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons of PhatFarm and Rasheed Young of Run Athletics, photographing and developing creative campaigns for national hip-hop culture magazines. 

In 2007, Chad moved from New York to Portland, Oregon, once more expanding his life and career path beyond the conventional. Today, his adventure photography leads him around the globe - Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, and into the Alaskan Arctic several times a year. Mother Nature played a significant healing role from the war trauma he experienced during his Navy service. After a failed suicide attempt, he launched his first non-profit, Soul River Inc. in 2013. The organization specializes in cultural expeditions called “deployments” which bring at-risk youth and Veteran mentors together in threatened wild spaces for mission-driven experiences where advocacy and outdoor education meld seamlessly together. Soul River, Inc. also led Chad to Capitol Hill, where he advocates for public lands, wild places, and indigenous peoples and provides youth leaders of tomorrow the opportunity to interact with Congressional members. 

In 2021, Chad founded Love is King, a second non-profit organization focusing on access, safety, and healing in the outdoors as well as conservation leadership training opportunities for BIPOC communities and other underserved voices.

Chad also serves on the board of the Alaska Wilderness League, Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership, and Northern Alaskan Environmental Center. He has been featured on the BBC and CBS, including Good Morning America and NatGeo/Disney’s Called to the Wild, as well as national publications like Outside Magazine and The Drake and regional publications in the Pacific Northwest. Chad was the first recipient of the Breaking Barriers Award presented by Orvis, and the Bending Toward Justice Award from Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley.

Most recently Chad is the 2024 recipient of three prestigious IndieFest Film Awards – including the African American Theme Award of Recognition, the African American Filmmaker Award of Merit, and the African American Theme Award of Merit. 

To learn more about Chad’s non-profits and how to help, please visit Soul River Inc. and Love is King.  

To experience Chad’s award-winning and life-changing creative works, please visit https://chadocreative.com/about/.

In this episode of The Storied Outdoors, we're thrilled to welcome Kansas Sartin, the Head Adventurer and Founder of Pakmule Cargo Carriers. Kansas shares his journey from struggling with the hassles of packing and organizing gear during outdoor trips to creating a game-changing solution for adventurers everywhere.

The Origins of Pakmule Cargo Carriers

As a passionate outdoorsman, Kansas experienced firsthand the frustration of managing gear. From constantly asking, "How do I fit all this stuff?" to losing track of essential items like his camera, he knew there had to be a better way. After trying everything from plastic rooftop boxes to various hitch racks, nothing provided the safety, convenience, or ease of use he desired.

In 2012, Kansas was inspired by the rigging on coastal fishing boats to create the original Pakmule. Its curved edges made it easy to maneuver, and the lightweight aluminum construction allowed it to haul large amounts of gear effortlessly. Whether it was a South Texas dove hunt or a family road trip to Colorado or Montana, Pakmule proved its reliability. From there, the legend of Pakmule grew, and today the brand offers a full range of cargo carriers and accessories designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts.

The Pakmule Mission

Kansas and the Pakmule team are driven by a mission to help people enjoy the great outdoors while focusing on what truly matters—creating lasting memories with family and friends. Their innovative gear allows adventurers to spend more time on what they love and less time worrying about logistics. As they put it:

"Our purpose is to design gear that helps people get away from it all and focus on what matters most: Good times with friends and family, pursuing hobbies that rejuvenate you, and creating memories that last well beyond the weekend. We want to inspire a love of the outdoors that drives conservation for future generations."

Behind the Scenes with Kansas Sartin

In this episode, we dive deep into Kansas's love for the outdoors, the reason behind his unique title of "Head Adventurer," and the meticulous processes used to create Pakmule’s exceptional products. Kansas also shares the ethos behind Pakmule’s design philosophy, giving us a glimpse into why their cargo carriers are more than just gear—they’re tools for adventure.

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Each season of The Storied Outdoors is a new chapter, wrapped up and delivered as a gift to our incredible listeners who continue to support this journey. Season after season, your loyalty fuels the adventure, and we’re grateful for every mile we walk together.

Since the close of Season 8, we've trekked from global destinations inspired by Indiana Jones himself to the wild peaks of Eastern Europe. Together, we’ve roamed the rugged Appalachians and drifted down the Blue Ridge, returning with stories as vast as the landscapes we’ve explored.

One of our favorite highlights this season? An epic float trip with the legendary Stephen Rockarts—angler extraordinaire and burger master. With Stephen, every cast holds the promise of fish, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

In Season 9, we’re back with a cast of unforgettable characters and a lineup of conversations that are as diverse as they are meaningful. We dive deep into topics ranging from birding and fish biology to conservation and supporting quality American craftsmanship. Get ready for an unforgettable season filled with passion, wonder, and wisdom. This is the adventure, and we're just getting started and I am sure you won't want to miss an episode.

Book a trip with Stephen Rockarts: flyfishingalabama.com

Visit Redbeardsoutfitter.com and use promo code TSO for 20% of online and in store.

Questions or comments email [email protected] we would love to hear from you.

Music Written and recorded by Brad Hill

In this season wrap-up of "The Storied Outdoors" podcast, hosts Brad and Bryan take you on a journey through their recent fishing trip, sharing stories and memorable moments from the day. They also revisit the standout episodes from season eight, offering insights and reflections on the diverse range of topics and guests featured. Additionally, Brad and Bryan discuss their latest family adventures, filled with outdoor activities and bonding experiences, and reveal exciting plans for upcoming summer adventures.

Whether you're passionate about fishing, love exploring the great outdoors, or enjoy inspirational storytelling, this episode is packed with content that will captivate and inspire you. Don't miss out—listen now and share this episode with friends who appreciate the beauty of nature and the thrill of adventure.

Use Promo Code TSO For 20% off of your next purchase from www.redbeardsoutfitter.com or in Store 

We would love to hear from you, if you have any questions, comments, poems, and or recommendations for us, email us [email protected] Music written and recorded by Brad Hill.

Rev Gates Shaw, the esteemed retired Pastor of St. Mary's on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church, is a man of multifaceted interests and unwavering commitment. Renowned for his passion for quail hunting and the great outdoors, Rev Shaw's influence extends far beyond his pastoral duties. Despite his retirement from Church work in 2013, he remains deeply engaged in serving his community, serving as a counselor to those in need, and lending his influence to several organizations.

For over three decades, Rev Shaw has poured his heart into his Family’s  Brierfield Farm in Bibb County, Alabama, where his love for the land and its conservation has flourished since 1993. His home in Birmingham, AL, is not just a dwelling but a sanctuary of warmth and wisdom, where we are privileged to share in his life's journey.

Our conversation with Rev Gates Shaw takes us on a drive “looking and seeing” through a few small windows of his past, exploring the formative years that shaped his remarkable character. As we sit with him, topics ranging from the importance of conservation to the deep necessity of solitude, from books to read,  the transformative power of poetry, and the profound value of camaraderie unfold before us. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of Rev. Shaw's life and insights, a tapestry woven with threads of faith, adventure, and deep-rooted humanity.

Rev Gates Shaw, Brierfield Farm, Birmingham AL, St. Mary's on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church, quail hunting, outdoorsman, conservation, solitude, literature, poetry, camaraderie, Alabama, Bibb County.

Use Promo Code TSO For 20% off of your next purchase from www.redbeardsoutfitter.com or in Store 

We would love to hear from you, if you have any questions, comments, poems, and or recommendations for us, email us [email protected] Music written and recorded by Brad Hill.

In this episode, Dr. Bryan Gill contemplates what it means to “consider the lilies” in his latest essay. From fly fishing the Cahaba River and standing in awe of how the beautiful Cahaba Lilies thrive through adversity to reminiscing on days of his childhood walking through flower gardens with his Grandaddy, lilies are a constant theme in this essay. What does it mean to “consider the lilies?” Bryan explores parenting, worry, fear, and enjoying life despite the craziness happening around us all when we stop to consider the lilies. We hope you will enjoy this essay and, whether it’s visiting the Cahaba River to gaze upon the Cahaba Lilies or strolling through your own backyard, take a moment to consider the lilies for yourself.

“‘Consider the Lilies’ is the only Commandment I ever obeyed.” 

–Emily Dickinson, The Letters of Emily Dickenson

 “We have overprotected children in the real world and under-protected them in the virtual world.” - Jonathan Haidt

"If you’re going to make your kids tough, and they better be if they are going to survive in the world, you can’t interfere when they are doing dangerous things carefully.”- Jordan Peterson

Use Promo Code TSO For 20% off of your next purchase from www.redbeardsoutfitter.com or in-store 

Music written and recorded by Brad Hill.

In this episode on The Storied Outdoors we sit down with Ty Walker, the passionate owner of The Hatchery, where he and his family are on a mission to revitalize land stewardship. Ty shares the remarkable story of transforming a 1930s trout hatchery in Virginia into a beacon of sustainability and spiritual renewal. Fed by pure spring water and nestled in a nutrient-rich Virginia stream, The Hatchery boasts 7 ponds where trout are nurtured from eggs to full-grown fish, packaged, and shipped nationwide. Ty's vision at Smoke in Chimneys is to metaphorically put the smoke back into the chimneys, breathing life back into the land, both physically and spiritually. Discover how Ty and his family's pursuit of the Lord guides their stewardship, and learn about their deep connection to God and nature, inspiring others to live in harmony with creation.

Listen to Ty on The Dad’s on the Fly Podcast

In this essay Brad reflects on the experiences and thoughts during his first season of duck hunting. It begins with a contemplation on the spiritual aspect of adventure and the beauty of nature, beginning with  noticing the flight patterns of wood ducks. Brad recounts his initial hesitation and eventual enthusiasm for duck hunting, guided by friends who invited him into the experience. He describes the early morning preparations, the thrill of the hunt, and the camaraderie shared with friends. He cherishes the memories made and the new perspective gained from the adventure.

Use Promo Code TSO For 20% off of your next purchase from www.redbeardsoutfitter.com or in Store 

J. Wayne Fears grew up in the Cumberland Mountains roaming around on a mountain named Tater Knob. His dad was a trapper and an expert woodsman, and his mom was a country schoolteacher. From his dad, he learned to live in the wilds, and from his mom, he obtained a love of the written word. When other kids were playing team sports, J. Wayne was spending days, often alone, trapping, hunting, and fishing.

J Wayne served in the U.S. Army. After his time in the Army, he graduated from Auburn University and went to work as a wildlife specialist with the University of Georgia to develop wildlife resources in a rural test county in South Georgia. The resulting program was published as a feature article in the March 1966 issue of Outdoor Life magazine. This article gave J. Wayne and his work national attention and introduced him to the world of outdoor writing.

Wayne is a prolific writer, having written thousands of articles in nearly every major outdoor publication and 40 books. He is also an explorer, photographer, survivalist, hunter, and storyteller. If we listed all he has accomplished, it would be an entire podcast. 

In this episode, we delve into the art of storytelling and survival skills and hear gripping tales of adventure, including one harrowing experience in the wilds of Canada where our guest, J. Wayne Fears, faced the ultimate test of survival. Joining us is Craig Haney, a long-time best friend of J Wayne, adding his unique perspective to our conversation. Settle in for a captivating discussion among friends, old and new, as we explore the depths of the great outdoors and the stories that define us.

Use Promo Code TSO For 20% off of your next purchase from www.redbeardsoutfitter.com or in Store 

We would love to hear from you, if you have any questions, comments, poems, and or recommendations for us, email us [email protected] Music written and recorded by Brad Hill.