The Storied Outdoors – Details, episodes & analysis

In this soul-stirring episode of The Storied Outdoors, we welcome Jim Barger Jr.—a nationally recognized trial lawyer, acclaimed author, environmental advocate, and College Professor. But his résumé only scratches the surface of a man whose life is deeply rooted in story, place, and purpose.

From his childhood on the coastal shores of St. Simons Island, Georgia, to the literary halls of Ole Miss, Jim’s journey weaves through courtroom battles, conservation efforts, and deeply personal revelations. You may know him from his essays in The Bitter Southerner or as co-author of Jimmy Carter: Rivers & Dreams, a beautiful exploration of Carter’s lesser-known love for fly fishing.

But in this episode, Jim opens up about the deeper currents shaping his life—faith, family, and finding peace in a complicated world.

🎣 What shaped his love for the outdoors?🌿 Why did he move his family back to the Georgia coast—and what does he hope to pass on to his sons?📖 What sparked the creation of “Rivers and Dreams,” and how did that journey transform him?🙏 What does it mean to live with “two great loves”—a love for Jesus, and for the person standing right in front of you?

Jim doesn’t just talk about the outdoors—he lives out a net-positive lifestyle, using his platform to fight for environmental preservation and cultivate generational legacy.

This episode is a quiet invitation to rethink what matters most. And somewhere between the salt marsh and the written word, you'll discover a story about returning—both to a physical place and to a deeper sense of calling.

Don’t miss this episode—whether you’re a reader, a father, a fisherman, or someone just searching for deeper clarity in your own story, there’s something here for you.

Hit play, and let the tide of Jim Barger Jr.’s story carry you to places you didn’t expect to go.

Purchase “Jimmy Carter: Rivers and Dreams” HERE, use promo Code StoriedOutdoors at checkout to save some money.

“The deer hunter habitually watches the next bend; the duck hunter watches the skyline; the bird hunter watches the dog; the non-hunter does not watch.”— Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac, 1949

A Feather For My Hat – Pheasant Hunting, Heritage, and Outdoor Legacy

In this episode of *The Storied Outdoors*, we take you deep into the heart of South Dakota’s upland fields for an unforgettable pheasant hunting experience. More than just a sport, this journey is about heritage, camaraderie, and the enduring traditions passed down through generations.

From childhood memories of flipping through hunting magazines in a barbershop to the thrill of stepping into the golden switchgrass fields with shotgun in hand, Brad shares a reflective and nostalgic story of his long-awaited pheasant hunt. Alongside seasoned sportsmen and skilled bird dogs, he discovers the profound connection between hunting, storytelling, and legacy.

**Key Topics Covered:**

✅ The thrill and tradition of pheasant hunting in South Dakota

✅ How hunting fosters a deeper appreciation for nature and conservation

✅ The history and beauty of the ring-necked pheasant in North America

✅ The importance of sportsmanship, ethics, and respect for the land

✅ The bond between hunters and their dogs in the pursuit of upland game

✅ Reflections on outdoor heritage, family traditions, and passing down a legacy

**Why Listen?**

Whether you're a seasoned upland hunter, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone who appreciates storytelling rooted in adventure, this episode will resonate with you. We explore not just the sport, but the values and lessons it instills—honoring the past while looking forward to future generations of hunters and conservationists.

**Share Your Story!**

Have you ever had a hunting experience that connected you to your heritage? We’d love to hear about it! Tag us on Instagram @TheStoriedOutdoors and share your story with our growing community of outdoor storytellers.

#PheasantHunting #UplandHunting #HuntingTraditions #TheStoriedOutdoors #OutdoorHeritage #HuntingPodcast #Conservation #SouthDakotaHunting

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome two incredible guests to The Storied Outdoors: Pastor Joby Martin and author Charles Martin. Joby, the founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, Florida, is not only a devoted husband and father but also an “epic outdoorsman,” as described by our mutual friend Léonce Crump. With countless hunting stories and a deep well of spiritual insight, Joby brings a unique perspective to our conversation.

Joining him is an acclaimed author and now a three-time guest on the podcast Charles Martin. Together, Joby and Charles have co-authored the powerful new book Run Over By the Grace Train, which explores the transformative nature of God’s grace—how it changes everything about us and leaves us powerless in the best possible way.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How time in the outdoors shaped Joby’s early years, including lessons from his father about hunting, fishing, and faith.
• The connection between scripture and outdoor experiences, as Joby shares how encounters in nature have deepened his understanding of God’s Word.
• Charles’s reflections on the enduring power of adventure stories and how they create lasting memories are often more vivid than even the grandest celebrations or trips.
• Insights into their unique friendship, forged through shared faith and outdoor adventures.
• The metaphor of grace as a freight train— transformative and utterly life-changing—is explored in their new book.

We also hear some exciting news about Charles’s Keeper Series of novels and a new book that dives deeper into the idea of biblical manhood, addressing the responsibilities and privileges that come with it.

• Joby’s reflections on his father’s influence and early outdoor experiences.
• Lessons on turning down the noise of the world and tuning into God’s voice through a “hunt encounter.”
• Stories of hunting red stag in Scotland and the profound reflections that came from it.
• Charles’s unique approach to parenting through outdoor adventures and their impact on his sons.
• A heartfelt discussion on the responsibilities of manhood and the transformative journey of encountering God’s grace.

• Joby Martin: The Church of Eleven22 | Instagram: @jobymartin
• Charles Martin: CharlesMartinBooks.com | Instagram: @charlesmartinauthor
• The Storied Outdoors: Website | Instagram: @thestoriedoutdoors

Grab a copy of Run Over By the Grace Train and dive into the incomparable, immeasurable grace of Jesus: Link to purchase.

Thank you for listening to this episode of The Storied Outdoors. If you enjoyed it, please take a moment to rate, review, and share it with someone who loves adventure, faith, and the great outdoors.

Brittany is a passionate Jesus girl and outdoorswoman from a big, loud Northern Michigan family. She now resides in Pittsburgh, where she is an avid skier and fly fisher, as well as a hobby writer and occasional speaker. Brittany is passionate about working with teenagers and currently works as the Student Activities Director at a major public high school and leads student ministry at her local church. Follow Brittany's journey on instagram @okthisismylifenow Email us at thestoriedoutdoors.com Music written and Recorded by Brad Hill

 Season Four Wrap up Bryan and Brad Sit down to look back at the amazing Season 4, some of their favorite guest and favorite quotes. I am Sure there will be a story or two to be told about some of the adventures over the winter and Spring. Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter  Visit our Website We would love to hear from you email us thestoriedoutdoor@gmail.com Music written and recorded by Brad Hill

Andy Blanks is the Co-Founder and Publisher for Iron Hill Press. He is an author, speaker, former marine, avid outdoorsman, woodworker, and podcast host. He lives in Birmingham, AL with his wife, Brendt, and their four children. The best way to describe Andy is that he’s the most published author you’ve never heard of. He’s authored dozens of books and sold hundreds of thousands, but my favorite way to describe him is that he’s been a mentor and friend of mine for nearly 24 years. When Bryan was a junior in high school in Eufaula, Alabama, Andy was a college student and his disciple now leader at First Baptist Eufaula. They reconnected when Bryan was in grad school in Birmingham and have been writing books together since then.

Andy Blanks dons many a moniker : Father. Husband, Author. Speaker. Podcast host. Co-founder of YM360 & Iron Hill Press. Co-host of The Big, Full, Fun Podcast.  Marine. Self described Sub-par but impassioned runner. We hope you enjoy this conversation we were blessed to have with Andy.

In this episode we cover a ton of ground like why story resonates with all ages, parenting struggles and goals, as well as the work Andy I doing in Men's Ministry. 

Tolkien Response to the question, Why not fly the Eagles to Mordor, it would have been a whole lot easier. Check it out Here. 

Download the New Strive App Here

Learn more about Iron Hill Press Here

Follow Andy on Twitter

Follow Their podcast "The Big, Full Fun Podcast."

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Twitter 

Visit our Website

We would love to hear from you email us thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com

Music written and recorded by Brad Hill

Dr. Wess Stafford, President Emeritus of Compassion International son of missionaries to the Ivory Coast, Wess grew up as one of the village children cared for by a wise and loving African “extended family.” He earned undergraduate degrees from Moody Bible Institute, Biola University and a master’s degree from Wheaton College, as well as a Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Wess is a veteran, having served four years in the U.S. Army as a linguist in military intelligence. Wess joined the staff of Compassion International in 1977 and worked with the ministry, both overseas and at headquarters. He served as President for 20 years. He is also an avid outdoorsman and committed family man, living on a small ranch near Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his wife Donna who was a Compassion sponsor even before she met Wess. They have two daughters, Jenny and Katie — the two children in the world for whom Wess is the greatest advocate of all. We are so honored to have this conversation with Dr. Stafford. We cover a lot of ground hearing from Wess about his upbringing in Africa and all the lessons he learned that structured his leadership in serving Compassion International and ultimately being its president for 20 years.  Check out Dr. Stafford's Books; "Just A Minute" and "Too Small To Ignore." To join Dr. Stafford in the battle against poverty visit www.compassion.com and support a child in need.  Questions and Comments, we would love to hear from you email us at thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com  Music Written and Recorded by Brad Hill

We are thrilled to be joined by fellow Alabama fly fisherman, Wade Blevins. Wade tells us about one of the most versatile fly fishing bugs around, the Sams One Bug. The problem is, you can’t buy them anywhere. But lucky for us, Wade openly shares the recipe and if you ask him nicely, he’s likely to send you a few in the mail. This conversation covers a lot of ground and we could’ve gone on for hours. We hope you enjoy this rich conversation with our friend, Wade. 

Follow Wade on Instagram at @samsonebug

Watch the instructional video from Wade on how to tie the Legendary  "Sam's One Bug" Here

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Twitter 

Visit our Website

We would love to hear from you email us thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com

Music written and recorded by Brad Hill

Long time friends of Brad, Jayme and Morgan Snellgrove join the podcast to share their story about life on a sailboat. We learn all sorts practical things that go into sailing and we hear the about the recent naming of their lovely sail boat. Ultimately we get to hear the harrowing tail of how they survived Hurricane Sally in fall of 2020. There is so much to love about this conversation and we know you will enjoy getting to Know Jayme and Captain Morgan. 

If you would like to follow the Adventures of the Snellgrove's follow their Jayme's instagram and Captain Morgan's Instagram 

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on Twitter 

Visit our Website

We would love to hear from you email us thestoriedoutdoor@gmail.com

Music written and recorded by Brad Hill

In this essay, Bryan recalls a frightening night where he was lost in a swamp as a teenager. Reflection and journaling helped him to more fully understand this event and others. Reflection and journaling have been a big part of Bryan’s adulthood and in this essay, he offers insights into the practice of both. We hope you will enjoy this episode entitled, “Alone in the Dead Marshes,” written by Dr. Bryan Gill and read to you by Brad Hill.   “No Man is an Island.”  No man is an island entire of itself;  every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;  if a clod be washed away by the sea,  Europe is the less,  as well as if a promontory were,  as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were;  any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind.  And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;  it tolls for thee.  John Donne,    We would love to hear from You email us at thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com   For More Content visit our website www.thestoriedoutdoors.com    If you are Looking for a great leather journal checkout Growley Leather    The Art of Manliness journal can be found here.