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.

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We would love to hear from you, if you have any questions, comments, poems, and or recommendations for us, email us thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com 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 thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com 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

We would love to hear from you; if you have any questions, comments, poems, and or recommendations for us, email us at thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com

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 Subscribe and Follow: @smokeinchimneys Subscribe to The Storied Outdoors on YouTube Follow us on Instagram for more inspiring stories of nature and adventure. @thestoriedoutdoors Support The Hatchery: Visit [The Hatchery Website] to learn more about their mission and how you can support their sustainable practices. Music Written and recorded by Brad Hill

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 We would love to hear from you, if you have any questions, comments, poems, and or recommendations for us, email us thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com Music written and recorded by Brad Hill.

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 thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com Music written and recorded by Brad Hill.

In this episode, we had the opportunity to sit on the tranquil front porch of Robin Taylor. Robin is a staple in the outdoor community of Alabama and creates some of the most striking photography and paintings. Birds were chirping and woodpeckers were rattling as we rocked in our rocking chairs overlooking a quiet pond in front of Robin's house. It was a fantastic conversation and we covered a variety of topics.

We discussed everything from milky way photography to landscape and wildlife painting, exotic travel, his award-winning fishing lure collection, and synchronized fireflies. Robin's love for the outdoors and his quiet faith is so evident in how he treats people as well as how he cares for God's creation. We hope this episode encourages you to get outside and find your own adventures and write your own stories in the Storied Outdoors.

Follow Robin on Instagram Here

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 thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com Music written and recorded by Brad Hill.