The Meant 2B Outdoors Podcast

In this week's episode we tackle the complicated, but very important topic of having an awakened awareness.  We discuss how our level of awareness can influence our perception of reality. From wilderness survival, hunting, fishing, and our walk with the Lord, an awakened awareness is pivotal. Tune in to better understand the components of awareness and how increasing our knowledge can make us all better outdoorsman and better in tune to the Holy Spirit. Hit play and let's grow together! 

From the beginning of time death has sparked questions and stirred deep emotions. But what if we view death not merely as a natural occurrence, but as a disruption to God's intended order of creation? This episode challenges listeners to reconsider death through a theological lens, exploring how the concept of sin altered the course of humanity and introduced mortality. Listen in as we use theology, philosophy, and personal reflection, to confront the discomfort and fear surrounding death, inviting listeners to think about its unnatural nature and the transformative power of faith.   

In this week's episode, Ben and Brian each share their top three awe-inspiring wonders of nature, exploring how they serve as a testimony to the existence of God the Creator. As we spend time in the natural world, from mountains to prairies, we unravel the intricacies of creation and contemplate its origin.  Our discussions and personal reflections surround the design evident in every aspect of nature, from the skin of bass to the wonder of fire. We ponder the questions raised by the complexity and diversity of nature, considering how they point to a Creator with boundless wisdom and creativity.

We've got something a little different for you this week! Join us beside the crystal clear waters of an Ozark's creek, where we leaned back in our trusty lawn chairs to share some surprising confessions about our outdoor passions. In this episode, we talk camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking, revealing our innermost outdoor preferences. 

In an age where technology and urban living dominate our daily lives, the call of the wild remains as strong as ever. But what does it mean to be an outdoorsman in the 21st century? Is it ok to call a woman an outdoorsman? Are outdoorsman today different than outdoorsman a century ago? Does God want us to be outdoorsman? We address all these questions and more this week and hope you'll join us! 

In a world increasingly defined by technological advancements and urban living, the necessity of primitive survival skills is often questioned. In this week's episode, we unpack the debate: Do people still need primitive survival skills? We'll also discuss the psychological and cultural significance of primitive survival skills, exploring how reconnecting with nature and learning these skills can foster resilience, confidence, and a sense of peace. 

In this week's episode, we're discussing faith and adventure, focusing on the grace filled journey of the Christian outdoorsman. We discuss ethical hunting, responsible stewardship, and the spiritual discipline of solitude in nature. We also uncover the values that underline what it means to be a Christian outdoorsman . Our talks dive into the symbiotic relationship between reverence for God's creation and the responsibility to conserve and protect it for future generations.  

In this week's episode, we dive into the shifts occurring in our perception of wisdom in the digital era. We explore how the Information Age has disrupted traditional notions of the "wise old man" and reshaped the way we seek and value wisdom. With the advent of the internet and increase of information at our fingertips, we are no longer solely reliant on elders and authority figures for guidance. Instead, we find ourselves navigating a vast sea of knowledge, accessible with just a few clicks. But with this abundance comes challenges – how do we discern credible information amidst the noise? And what happens to the wisdom passed down through generations when it competes with the constant stream of digital data?

When history is made, and God gets the glory, it deserves to be talked about! The professional fishing circuits are well underway in 2024 and history has been made! In this week's episode we dive into the record setting Bassmaster Opens victory by Scott Martin and the run away domination that occurred in Major League Fishing. We end by answering why we think we are seeing these huge victories. 

There's a passion that drives anglers to participate in the competitive world of tournament bass fishing. This week we sit down to discuss the world of tournament angling, discussing the latest trends, technologies, and conservation efforts that shape the sport. Learn about the impact of environmental factors, the significance of catch-and-release practices, and how anglers are actively contributing in bass conservation. Finally, we'll answer the question, is tournament bass fishing dead or alive?

In this week's episode we dive into the impact of recent extreme cold temperatures on wildlife, survival strategies, and the challenges faced by farmers. As the mercury drops, so do the temperatures of ecosystems and communities, but we shouldn't let that keep us from enjoying and respecting the outdoors! 

In this episode we dive into the world of predator trapping. We discuss the essential skills and strategies employed by experts to maintain ecological balance between predators and prey. We even spend some time shedding light on the ethical considerations and challenges faced in this crucial wildlife management endeavor. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or just a curious new listener this episode will help you be prepared to defend and protect an important American pastime. 

In this episode we take a journey into the world of Everyday Carry (EDC). We discuss everything from practical preparedness mindset, core EDC principles, and empty our pockets to talk about our personal EDC items. Everyone has Everyday Carry, but is yours right for you? Join us for this episode and find out how you can be best prepared for each day! 

Breathtaking views, unobstructed trails, and solitude are just a few of the great reasons to enjoy winter hiking. On the Meant 2B Outdoors Podcast we want listeners to enjoy Creation year round, so this week we thought we'd provide some encouragement to get out and endure the cold. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, listen to this weeks episode, then lace up those boots and get outdoors! 

Dive into the untamed world of wild game meats with this weeks episode. Join us as we embark on a flavorful journey through the diverse and rich flavors of wild game, where every bite tells a story. Whether you're an avid hunter, a food enthusiast, or just curious about expanding your palate, "Wild Bites" offers a feast of information for you. Tune in to learn about the nutritional benefits, cultural significance, and ecological impact of incorporating wild game into your diet.  

There are still many questions to be answered about Chronic Wasting Disease, but there have been some new developments in recent years bringing a glimmer of hope. In this episode we share everything currently known in the industry about this scary disease. Will there ever be a cure? Will all the deer die? Can humans get CWD? We answer all these questions and more this week! 

There is a long list of physical benefits to the human body associated with spending time outdoors. In this episode we share many of those benefits in an effort to encourage listeners to go outdoors. It doesn't have to be expensive grand plans in National Parks, listen in as we highlight easy steps you can take to experience physical healing provided by Creation. 

People spend a lot of time in their vehicles and in those vehicles things like jumper cables, extra oil, and tire pressure gauges can often be found. It is all great stuff to help your car if it is in need, but do you have things in your vehicle to help you? What if you were stranded? In this episode we cover everything you should consider carrying in your vehicle to be prepared for a survival situation. It's winter and you need more than a credit and phone charger!

Buying gifts for outdoorsman can be difficult as we are often quite picky about our gear. Don't worry though, we are here to give you some great ideas that all outdoorsman will love! Whether the outdoor lovers in your family are bikers, hikers, hunters, fishermen or anything in between, we have some great gift ideas for them. We aren't associated with any outdoor companies, so only 100% unbiased opinions here! 

It is easy to get caught up in the traditions of holidays and miss the  benefits of putting their meaning into practice. In this episode we share what it truly means to give thanks and the benefits it brings to our lives. We even share how a thankful perspective can make our time outdoors more enjoyable and successful. 

We recently got to share some very special outdoor experiences with our sons watching them experience large first time milestones. Boedy harvested his first whitetail buck and Hayes got to deer hunt and experience a harvest for the first time. Memories of first time milestones are strong and their influence is powerful in our lives, in this episode we share just how powerful they can be. We hope this episode inspires you to go experience some new "firsts".

Children today are met with higher cultural expectations than ever before. It is more about matching clothes and fancy haircuts, and less about dirt smeared faces or scraped up knees. We believe children have become too civilized! In this episode we talk about how camping can be a great way to uncivilize our children. After hearing all the benefits it provides you're going to be rushing to take your kids camping! 

Fall bass fishing certainly presents its challenges, but it also has the potential to create some memorable days. In this episode we share everything we know about fall bass fishing and how we have been implementing it over the last several weeks. This episode will prepare you to go out and try some fall bass fishing on your own! 

Many states now have special dates set aside for youth deer hunting. We believe teaching kids to hunt is important for many reasons, so in this episode we share everything there is to know about taking kids deer hunting for the first time. We cover everything from why you should take your kids hunting to what they should wear when they go. 

Most people, regardless of their background or beliefs, acknowledge the importance of fathers. Fathers often use the word "intentional" when talking about being a better father, but what does that mean? In this week's episode we discuss being intentional with our families and how it impacts our children and spouses. 

We are all leaders in some shape or form and there are many ways to go about leading others, but is there a best way? In this episode we discuss everything we have learned and believe to be true about leadership. Most important, we open our bibles and examine the example Christ left for us on how to lead others well. 

Backpacking is an awesome outdoor activity to enjoy. Backpackers get to explore new areas, clear their minds of distraction, and get some serious physical exercise. It takes a pretty long list of gear to get started backpacking and not everyone has an extra three grand lying around, so in this episode we share our list of the best backpacking gear kit for under $1000! 

This week's special guest Tony Kalil from Kalil Media just returned from a once in lifetime dove hunt in Argentina. We sit down with him to hear the details of his hunt and pick his mind for all the best dove hunting tips. It is dove season in much of the U.S., so if you're thinking of giving it a try this episode will get you fully prepared. 

With the recent tragic natural disaster events in Hawaii and Morocco, we thought it would be a good time to stop and consider our own preparations for natural disasters. There are so many types of natural disasters and they do not discriminate. They can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime! This episode will help you prepare your family for a natural disaster event where you live. 

They call it fishing, not catching, but not many people will argue with reeling in more fish. Technology in recent years has allowed fisherman to learn new locations to fish and even develop new techniques to catch more fish, but has it gone too far? There is a massive debate brewing in the fishing community about banning forward facing sonar. In this episode we share our thoughts on the topic. 

Fall is just around the corner and it is time to start planning or prepping for backpacking adventures. In a market saturated with gear from every category it can be difficult to know what is good. In this episode Ben shares his expertise on building an awesome backpacking setup. 

In today's fast paced culture we believe it is important for parents to intentionally plan outdoor adventure with their children. In this episode we discuss some recent trips with our kids before they head back to school. We also share tips for making family time outdoors impactful and memorable. 

The concern about ticks and the diseases they carry increases with every passing year. Tick populations continue to soar as do tick transmitted illnesses. In this episode we cover everything you need to know about avoiding ticks, reducing populations, and what to do when you get bit by one. 

It is no secret deer LOVE corn, but should we really be feeding it to them? In this episode we talk about the science and ethics of feeding corn to deer. Some of these truths may not be what you expect. 

We often have folks reach out to us asking what kayak they should buy. In this episode we talk through the questions and considerations we use to help people choose the correct kayak for their needs. If you kayak or are considering getting into kayaking then we hope you find this episode useful. 

We recently spent a day collecting enough crawdads to boil up and share with our families. The process was rewarding, but left us exhausted and with little more than a few bits of tasty crawdad tail. The experience sparked a question: If our modern food supply was to end, is there enough food for the world's population to "live off the land"? 

In this episode we sit down with Axel Liimatta and Brandon Maxwell, co-founders of Whetstone Boys Ranch. These men have a passion for developing boys who have lost all hope because of life's difficult circumstances. Utilizing a ranch setting, the outdoors, and God, they build relationships that transform lives. The story of this ranch and the men that run it will leave you inspired.

Spending time meandering down a river with people you love is an amazing outdoor activity. Planning the trip can be overwhelming and lead to people staying home. We want people to go, so in this episode we cover everything to consider when planning a fun day on the river. 

When the summer temperatures start to flirt with triple digits, creek fishing is one of the few outdoor activities that you can do and remain comfortable. The cool waters, pockets of shade, and abundance of unpressured fish are great ingredients for an awesome outdoor experience. In this episode we share all our secrets for catching fish in creeks, as well as some stories from our recent adventures. 

We believe everyone should be finding ways to spend time outdoors because it has so many benefits. In this episode we discuss all of our favorite things to do in the summer with our families. We hope you'll listen and be inspired to give some of our ideas a try! 

This week we sit down to discuss all the written and "unwritten rules" of boating on freshwater lakes. We talk about how to be respectful, safe, and considerate at all times on the water. Whether you own a boat or rent one we hope you'll listen so you are prepared next time you're on the water. Some of our personal stories will really hit home and inspire you to be part of the change. 

The drop shot is a great way to catch bass in all depths of water, but we love to use it to target deep post spawners. In this episode we share how we rig it, when we use it, where we use it and how we learned the technique. We also share stories from a recent trip utilizing the drop shot. Whether you want to learn for the first time or just compare you technique to ours, we hope you'll join us. 

In this episode Brian and Ben sit down with missionary and good friend Cody Rogers to discuss life in Cambodia. Cody and his wife have lived in Cambodia for eight years and have seen more of the world than most people can imagine. We discuss everything from the outdoors to sharing the Word of God in a country that has experienced Communist genocide. 

Post spawn bass fishing can be a great time of year to catch lots of fish. As summer approaches and the bass begin to leave their spawning areas it is time to make some tactical adjustments.  We recently went and spent a day fishing for post spawn bass. In this episode we share the details of our day on the water and several tips and tricks for targeting post spawn bass. If you plan to get out and chase some bass soon, then you don't want to miss this episode! 

In this episode hosts Brian and Ben sit down with guest Aaron Norrick to discuss all things outdoors in New England. Aaron is from the Ozarks, but now resides in Connecticut and has been able to experience some incredible outdoor adventures. After this episode you'll be planning a trip to experience all the East Coast outdoors has to offer. There is so much more to be excited about out east than we ever imagined! 

This time of year there are several types of wildlife having babies. From birds and rabbits to whitetail deer, the question becomes what do we do when we encounter these young? In this episode we give examples and share advice about how to handle some of the most common situations we encounter with baby wildlife. 

Turkey populations have shown a steady decline in much of the U.S. over the last several years. In this episode we discuss why this is happening, what state agencies are doing to combat it, and the changes "We the People' need to be making. Whether you are a hunter or not, this episode is for you,  as we all have a role to play in reversing this trend. 

In this episode Ben and Brian share the details of their recent turkey hunting adventures. Including, one of the best days of turkey hunting they've ever had! 

In this episode we talk about one of our favorite Spring outdoor activities, morel mushroom hunting! Morel mushrooms have a short growing season and are highly sought after table fare. Hear all our tips and tricks for finding more! We also debunk some common folk-lore associated with morels. 

There are so many different camo patterns and clothing brands it is overwhelming when trying to choose one. In this episode we share some things to consider when shopping for camo, even if you're just buying it for fashion! We also share our personal opinions about this highly debated topic, and it may not be what you think. 

Sight fishing for bass is an exciting challenge, and we love it! In this episode we share stories from a recent trip sight fishing for bass. We also share all the tips and tricks we know about sight fishing. Hopefully, these tips are enough for you to go give it a try yourself!