Podcast Show Notes: The Sporting Life Notebook – Season 2, Episode 1

Title: “Rebuilding a Team, What’s in a Name, and Late-Season Pro Tips from BKC”

Episode Summary: In this kickoff to Season 2, The Sporting Life Notebook returns to its roots with host Durrell Smith, reflecting on a transformative journey since 2017. This season focuses on capturing the unfiltered realities of life in the field and beyond. With new stories, hard-learned lessons, and fresh creative energy, this episode dives into rebuilding a personal and professional team, the deeper meaning behind naming hunting dogs, and essential late-season hunting tips.

Episode Highlights: Introduction (0:00 – 5:00)

• Welcome back to Season 2 of The Sporting Life Notebook!
• A heartfelt reflection on the podcast’s journey since 2017 and the challenges of losing creative inspiration.
• A renewed focus: sharing raw, real-time stories from the host’s personal journey with a fresh perspective.

Segment 1: The Story Behind the Journey (5:00 – 20:00)

• Rediscovering Creativity: Shifting from storytelling about others to a more personal narrative.
• The role of American Soil, American Soul 2 in reconnecting creativity with the outdoors.
• Defining turning points, including personal losses and the symbolic rebranding with the new quail logo.
• A fresh take on the sporting life: blending outdoor practice, art, and music for a richer creative vision.

Segment 2: Rebuilding – “What’s in a Dog’s Name?” (20:00 – 35:00)

• Honoring family history through dog names like Vegas, Joker, and Spade, inspired by casino and card games.
• Stories behind the current dog team (Joker, Ícaro, and Spade) and their unique roles.
• Mythological inspiration for Ícaro and the poignant connection between Spade, Neal, and Honey.
• Future plans for breeding and catching up on a dream team rooted in legacy.

Segment 3: Late-Season Pro Tips for the Field (35:00 – 45:00)

• Essential gear recommendations, including insights from Benchmade Knife Company.
• Practical advice for handling challenging conditions, staying optimistic, and adapting to client needs in the field.

Segment 4: Guiding Reflections (45:00 – 55:00)

• Lessons learned from guiding: staying humble and embracing every opportunity to learn.
• Building resilience in both dogs and self, including training methods to foster independence in younger dogs like Cai.
• Sharing the culture: gifting Rich his first bird dog, Georgia, and guiding him into the upland lifestyle.

Extra Nuggets:

• Slowing down for clients and allowing them to dictate the pace.
• Finding joy and opportunity in tough conditions.

Closing Thoughts (55:00 – 60:00)

• Reflections on growth as a guide and storyteller.
• Call to Action:
  • Subscribe, share, and follow The Sporting Life Notebook on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (@SportingLifeShow).
  • Support the Minority Outdoor Alliance.

Links & Resources:

• Benchmade Knife Company Blog
• Minority Outdoor Alliance

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @TheSportingLifeNotebook
• TikTok: @TheSportingLifeNotebook
• YouTube: The Sporting Life Show

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review to support our mission of connecting creativity and the outdoors!