The Ozark Podcast

Did you know? Before Oklahoma became Indian Territory, there was nearly an Indigenous homeland carved into the heart of the Ozarks. In this episode, Dr. Brooks Blevins traces a forgotten chapter of Ozark & American history: when Native leaders tried to claim a permanent home in the White River Valley. Summary: From “Wade and Butchers” to “Arkansas Toothpicks,” Dr. Blevins opens with the colorful language of the hills and how it connects to a bigger story: how the Shawnee leader Qua-ta-wa-pea and Cherokee allies fought to establish an Indian territory in present day Missouri and Arkansas. As frontier tension mounted and white settlers (known by Native nations as “long knives") moved west, tribal leaders pushed for autonomy. Backed by William Clark and fueled by a vision for peace, Qua-ta-wa-pea's movement almost succeeded, but political resistance, broken promises, and tragic timing sealed a different fate. What is The Old Ozarks? The Old Ozarks is your gateway to the forgotten history of the Ozarks. Hosted by renowned historian Dr. Brooks Blevins, the leading authority on the region’s history, this podcast explores the lives, legends, and landscapes that have shaped this unique region. Whether you’re a native Ozarker, a new resident, or a curious listener, join us as we share the stories that make the Ozarks special and connect us to our past.

In the heat of summer, deer hunting might be the last thing on your mind but it’s the perfect time to start preparing for fall. In this episode, Arkansas Game & Fish’s Ralph Meeker joins Kyle and Kyle to break down how to attract and hold whitetail deer on small parcels of land. Whether you're managing 20 acres or just want to understand deer biology better, this episode is packed with science-backed tips that’ll help you outsmart mature bucks before the season even starts. > ⁠Join our Patreon aka "The Holler"⁠ < Support for this episode: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Vortex Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Industry-defining scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Moultrie Mobile⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The ONLY cell trail cameras with A.I. integration ⁠⁠Diamond State Fly Co.⁠⁠ - Cotter's premiere fly fishing shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Umarex Airguns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The leader in Air Rifle technology ⁠⁠Big Pete's Taxidermy⁠⁠ - High-quality work returned in a reasonable time 00:00 – What deer look for in a small property 08:00 – Core vs. home range: why some bucks stay and others roam 15:00 – Forbes, browse, and how deer pick high-nutrient plant parts 26:00 – Hinge cutting, prescribed burns, and habitat rejuvenation tips 36:00 – The science behind hunting pressure 42:00 – What to do if you find a fawn 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: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com

Fly fishing the White River is part science, part sorcery and no one unpacks that mystery better than Chad Johnson. In this episode, he breaks down the bug calendar, why hatches behave strangely, and what to throw when there’s no hatch at all. Whether you’re dialed in or just getting started, this episode is packed with seasonal tips, fly strategy, and river wisdom from one of the best in the business. > Join our Patreon aka "The Holler" < Support for this episode: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Vortex Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Industry-defining scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Moultrie Mobile⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The ONLY cell trail cameras with A.I. integration ⁠Diamond State Fly Co.⁠ - Cotter's premiere fly fishing shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Umarex Airguns⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The leader in Air Rifle technology ⁠Big Pete's Taxidermy⁠ - High-quality work returned in a reasonable time 00:00 – The three major White River hatches: midges, caddis, and sulfurs 06:00 – Caddis hatch chaos 14:00 – Caddis, Sulfurs, and Hopper season 22:00 – Why girdle bugs work—even without stoneflies 29:00 – Reading trout behavior: depth, lead flies, and water clarity 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: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com

When you hear the name “Austin” - Texas might come to mind but its roots run deep in the rocky soil of Missouri’s lead belt. In this third episode of The Old Ozarks, historian Dr. Brooks Blevins unearths a forgotten chapter of Ozarks history: how the rise of lead mining in southeastern Missouri shaped early America, laid the groundwork for industrial expansion, and gave rise to one of Texas’s founding fathers. Summary: Meet Moses Austin: a Connecticut-born entrepreneur whose mining empire in Potosi, Missouri transformed the Ozarks into an industrial hub long before the Wild West was even wild. From the French and Spanish colonial roots of lead mining to the enslaved labor that powered it, Moses Austin's ambition (and eventual downfall) led his son, Stephen F. Austin, to fulfill a vision that would forever change American history. Whether you’re a fan of regional history, American industrialization, or Ozark folklore, this story-rich episode is a must-listen. What is The Old Ozarks? The Old Ozarks is your gateway to the forgotten history of the Ozarks. Hosted by renowned historian Dr. Brooks Blevins, the leading authority on the region’s history, this podcast explores the lives, legends, and landscapes that have shaped this unique region. Whether you’re a native Ozarker, a new resident, or a curious listener, join us as we share the stories that make the Ozarks special and connect us to our past.

Chad Johnson, a master guide on the White River, shares his expertise in fishing tactics that can elevate anglers from novices to pros. He breaks down how water flows impact fishing success, particularly for trophy brown trout. Listeners will learn about the importance of adapting techniques based on varying water conditions and how to read the river's behavior. Chad also discusses the challenges of managing river flows and provides valuable tips on making real-time adjustments for effective fishing. A must-listen for any fishing enthusiast!

The Ozarks are changing—and so are we. In this Check Station episode, we open up about big changes, new shows, and the birth of a brand-new community called The Holler. From freezer venison stories to storm-pounded chickens, the conversation blends the real and the ridiculous as the hosts unpack where the podcast is headed, why connection matters, and how listeners can now get involved more than ever before. Support for this episode: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Vortex Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Industry-defining scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars ⁠⁠⁠⁠Moultrie Mobile⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The ONLY cell trail cameras with A.I. integration ⁠⁠⁠⁠Umarex Airguns⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The leader in Air Rifle technology 00:00 – Introduction 11:00 – Introducing “The Holler” 26:30 – Reel reactions 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: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com

In this second episode of The Old Ozarks, Dr. Brooks Blevins tackles one of the trickiest questions in regional history: where exactly is the Ozarks—and who gets to call themselves an Ozarker? It's a ride full of crooked roads, crooked terms, and crooked definitions. In true hill country fashion, nothing is ever quite straight… or simple. Summary: From “whomper-jawed” bookshelves to the karst-rich plateaus of Missouri and Arkansas, Dr. Blevins continues his weekly “long sweetening” by tracing both the physical and cultural boundaries of the Ozarks. Is it the steep hills, rocky soil, and spring-fed rivers that define the region? Or is it something more personal—ancestry, dialect, self-identification? This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever wondered: “Am I in the Ozarks? And do I feel like it?” What is The Old Ozarks? The Old Ozarks is your gateway to the forgotten history of the Ozarks. Hosted by renowned historian Dr. Brooks Blevins, the leading authority on the region’s history, this podcast explores the lives, legends, and landscapes that have shaped this unique region. Whether you’re a native Ozarker, a new resident, or a curious listener, join us as we share the stories that make the Ozarks special and connect us to our past.

In this episode of The Ozark Podcast, local angler and tournament co-director Jackson Butt joins the crew for a deep dive into the upcoming Mayfly Project Smallmouth Shootout—a catch-and-release charity tournament. Whether you're in it to win or just out for a good float, this episode offers insider tips, heartfelt stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the Ozarks’ most meaningful events. > SIGN UP HERE < Support for this episode: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Vortex Optics⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Industry-defining scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars ⁠⁠⁠⁠Moultrie Mobile⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The ONLY cell trail cameras with A.I. integration ⁠⁠⁠⁠Umarex Airguns⁠⁠⁠⁠ - The leader in Air Rifle technology 00:00 – What is the Smallmouth Shootout? 21:00 – How to fish the "Butt crawler" 29:00 – Lessons from past winners and effective fly patterns 44:00 – Jackson’s strategy 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: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com

If you were dropped into the Ozark wilderness with nothing but your hands—could you survive? In this episode of The Ozark Podcast, survival expert and author Bo Brown returns for a hands-on breakdown of primitive skills that have sustained humans for thousands of years. From starting a fire with nothing but sticks to crafting stone blades and forging clothing from deer hides, Bo shares the forgotten knowledge that kept early Ozarkers alive—and why it still matters today. Watch this episode on YouTube Support for this episode: ⁠⁠⁠Vortex Optics⁠⁠⁠ - Industry-defining scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars ⁠⁠⁠Moultrie Mobile⁠⁠⁠ - The ONLY cell trail cameras with A.I. integration ⁠⁠⁠Umarex Airguns⁠⁠⁠ - The leader in Air Rifle technology 00:00 – Introduction 06:30 – The 5 essentials for wilderness survival 13:20 – Stuffing your clothes with leaves to fight hypothermia 22:00 – Starting fire with a bow drill vs. hand drill 36:30 – The atlatl: more powerful than a .357 Magnum 50:00 – Living off the land: a culture that honored what it took 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: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com

In this debut episode of The Old Ozarks, historian Brooks Blevins dives deep into the origin of that peculiar word—“Ozark”—and charts its journey across maps, cultures, and centuries. If you've ever wondered where the name came from, how it got tied to Arkansas and Missouri, or why it doesn’t include parts of the land it once did, this episode is a storytelling masterclass in regional history. Summary: From 17th-century French explorers to 20th-century federal agencies, the Ozarks have worn many names—and claimed many shapes. In this inaugural "long sweetening," Dr. Blevins unpacks the etymology, evolution, and even political reshaping of the Ozark identity. Learn how rivers, ridges, steamboats, and even naval vessels played roles in shaping what we now call the Ozarks. And yes—he finally settles the score between the Ozark and the Washitaw Mountains. (Spoiler: The U.S. Board on Geographic Names had a hand in it.) What is The Old Ozarks? The Old Ozarks is your gateway to the forgotten history of the Ozarks. Hosted by renowned historian Dr. Brooks Blevins, the leading authority on the region’s history, this podcast explores the lives, legends, and landscapes that have shaped this unique region. Whether you’re a native Ozarker, a new resident, or a curious listener, join us as we share the stories that make the Ozarks special and connect us to our past.