Afield Podcast

In this episode of Afield, Ellis Terry sits down with wildlife artist Jared Knox at the Kelly Gallery in Wetumpka to talk about his unexpected journey from Auburn engineering student to full-time artist.Jared grew up painting and drawing, but never imagined it could become his career. After studying engineering and preparing to join his family’s HVAC business, a few successful gallery shows—and one conversation with a gallerist—helped him realize that painting might be what he was meant to pursue.Jared shares the story behind his breakthrough bobcat and bobwhite painting, how hunting and the outdoors influence his work, and why he tries to capture the feeling of a moment rather than simply recreate a photograph.Ellis and Jared also dive into the unique community surrounding wildlife art, the people who helped open doors for Jared, his love for Alabama’s Black Belt, and the role faith plays in how he views his talent and career.It’s a conversation about art, the outdoors, community, and following the path you may not have originally planned for yourself.

What makes Mobile Bay such a special place — and what does it take to protect it?In this episode of Afield, Ellis Terry sits down with Jason Kudulis from the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program to talk about the incredible ecosystem that connects Alabama’s rivers, bays, marshes, and coastline.Jason shares his story growing up around Mobile Bay, explains what an estuary actually is, and breaks down why the health of this water system matters to everyone from fishermen and boaters to oyster farmers, businesses, and families who simply enjoy being on the water.We also get into some of the biggest challenges facing coastal Alabama, including growth, sediment, stormwater, shoreline erosion, and the effects of boat traffic. Jason explains how the Estuary Program is working with communities and partners to find solutions — including an innovative restoration project on Fowl River that used a “mud cannon” to help restore fragile marsh habitat.And of course, we talk oysters, seagrass, fishing, and what the future of Mobile Bay could look like 20 years from now.This is a conversation about more than conservation. It’s about understanding the place we call home, appreciating what makes it special, and doing our part to leave it better than we found it.In this episode:What an estuary is and why Mobile Bay is so uniqueHow rivers across Alabama connect to the coastThe importance of marshes, seagrass, and oyster bedsThe biggest threats facing coastal AlabamaHow the Fowl River restoration project is bringing marsh habitat back to lifeWhy nature-based solutions matter for coastal resilienceThe connection between conservation, recreation, and the economyWhat the future of Mobile Bay could look likeLearn more about the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program and explore their resource library at Mobile Bay NEP.If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Afield and share it with someone who loves Alabama’s outdoors.#Alabama #MobileBay #Conservation #Fishing #Oysters #CoastalAlabama #Afield

Alan Hill joins Ellis Terry to share the story of Selwood Farm & Hunting Preserve, one of Alabama's oldest hunting preserves. From its family history to the growth of sporting clays and bird hunting, Alan discusses what makes Selwood unique, how new shooters can get started, and why creating family-friendly outdoor experiences is more important than ever.The conversation dives into:Selwood Farm's historySporting clays and shotgun instructionQuail and dove huntingFamily-friendly shooting sportsHunting preserve membershipsChoosing the right shotgunAlan's favorite hunting stories and rapid-fire questionsHosted by Ellis TerryPresented by Poarch Creek Indians

English Cocker Spaniels have become one of the most exciting breeds in upland hunting, and few people know them better than Brittany Formby of Otter Creek Farmstead & Kennels.Brittany joins Ellis Terry to discuss what separates great hunting dogs from great companions, how Otter Creek develops its breeding program, and why matching each puppy to the right owner is just as important as genetics. The conversation also explores gun dog training, obedience, temperament testing, and the growing role sporting dogs can play beyond the field.The conversation dives into:English Cocker Spaniels as flushing dogsBreeding philosophy and bloodlinesPuppy temperament testingBasic obedience and gun dog developmentHunting with flushing dogsService dog potentialLife at Otter Creek Farmstead & KennelsHosted by Ellis Terry.Presented by Poarch Creek Indians.

In this episode of Afield, Ellis Terry sits down with legendary outdoorsman and Buckmasters founder Jackie Bushman to discuss the remarkable story behind one of the most influential brands in hunting history. From his days as a nationally ranked tennis player and Auburn athlete to building Buckmasters into a household name among hunters, Jackie shares the journey that helped shape modern deer hunting, outdoor television, conservation, and hunting culture across America.Over four decades, Jackie has pioneered some of the outdoor industry's biggest innovations, including Buckmasters Magazine, the Buckmasters Classic, outdoor television programming, youth outreach initiatives, adaptive hunting programs, and conservation efforts that continue to impact hunters nationwide. He also reflects on growing up in Alabama, introducing kids to the outdoors, the importance of hunting camps, and how social media is changing the future of outdoor storytelling.The conversation dives into:• The founding and growth of Buckmasters• Alabama deer hunting and Southern hunting traditions• The early days of outdoor television and hunting media• Building one of the first nationally televised hunting shows• Conservation, hunter advocacy, and wildlife management• The Buckmasters Expo and Buckmasters Classic• Introducing children and families to hunting and fishing• Adaptive hunting programs for disabled hunters, veterans, and special-needs youth• Turkey hunting, bowhunting, and whitetail deer strategy• Hunting camps, outdoor friendships, and lifelong memories• Entrepreneurship, branding, and building a lasting legacyThis episode is a must-listen for deer hunters, outdoorsmen, conservationists, Buckmasters fans, and anyone passionate about Alabama outdoor culture, hunting traditions, and the people who helped shape the modern outdoor industry.Hosted by Ellis TerryPresented by Poarch Creek Indians

In this episode of Afield, Ellis Terry sits down in Birmingham, Alabama with James Beard Award-winning chef and lifelong outdoorsman Chris Hastings. Known nationally for Hot and Hot Fish Club, OvenBird, and Highlands Bar & Grill, Chris shares the untold story behind his deep connection to hunting, fishing, Southern food culture, and the Alabama outdoors.From growing up fishing the South Carolina coast and learning to fly fish as a kid to discovering turkey hunting, dove shoots, duck camps, and wild game cooking after moving to Alabama in the 1980s, Chris explains how the outdoors shaped both his life and his approach to food.The conversation dives into:• Alabama hunting culture and Southern sporting traditions• Turkey hunting, duck hunting, dove hunting, and quail hunting• Wild game cooking tips from a James Beard Award-winning chef• Birmingham’s rise as a Southern food destination• The story behind Hot and Hot Fish Club and OvenBird• Fly fishing, conservation, and coastal traditions• Cooking wild turkey, duck, dove, and quail properly• Southern hospitality, camp culture, and gathering around foodThis episode is a must-listen for Alabama outdoorsmen, hunters, anglers, food lovers, and anyone passionate about Southern culture and the outdoors.Hosted by Ellis TerryPresented by Poarch Creek Indians

In this episode of Afield, presented by the Poarch Creek Indians, Season 2 host Ellis Terry sits down with legendary turkey hunter Mike Pentecost, founder of WoodHaven Custom Calls, in Heflin during the opening week of Turkey Season 2026.From building turkey calls in a basement woodshop to leading one of the most respected brands in the hunting industry, Mike shares the story behind his craft, his faith, and the relentless pursuit of doing things the right way—even when no one is watching.This episode dives deep into the art of turkey hunting, including calling techniques, woodsmanship, and the philosophy behind what Mike calls the “gentleman’s chess match” between hunter and turkey.

In this episode of Afield with Christiana Roussel, we sit down in Homewood, Alabama with Luke Kolbie, founder of Avontuur and Kingfisher Leatherworks, and CEO of Russell Moccasin.What started as a teenage passion for crafting a better cartridge bag in Southwest Georgia has grown into a bold undertaking. Reviving a 125-year-old American heritage brand, building a coalition of master craftsmen, and redefining conservation through craftsmanship.Luke shares the story behind acquiring Russell Moccasin in 2022, preserving its generational boot making traditions in Berlin, Wisconsin, and modernizing the business without compromising its soul. We dive into the Conservation Through Craftsmanship Coalition (CCC), the philosophy of making products that last generations—not seasons—and why repairability, sustainability, and Southern values matter more than ever in today’s throwaway culture.From dove fields and bird dogs to Namibia’s Kalahari Desert, vintage heritage gear, and artisan brands made in the American South, this conversation explores:• The revival of Russell Moccasin and American-made boots • Kingfisher Leatherworks and heirloom-quality hunting gear • Conservation through craftsmanship as a sustainable business model • Southern heritage brands and small-batch manufacturing • Why buying once (and buying well) mattersIf you care about upland hunting, wildlife conservation, heritage craftsmanship, American-made goods, or the stories behind the products you wear and use—this episode is for you.Follow along for more conversations at the intersection of field sports, conservation, and culture.

In this episode of Afield, we step inside the world of Alabama Sawyer, where fallen city trees are reborn as heirloom furniture with soul. Host Christiana Roussel visits the Birmingham workshop of Leigh and Cliff Spencer, the husband-and-wife team behind Alabama Sawyer—an acclaimed design studio turning urban timber into custom furniture, guitars, and one unforgettable Turkey Credenza (yes, really 🦃).Cliff, a Birmingham native and self-described “wood whisperer,” shares his journey from building theater sets in New York and working in film in Los Angeles to founding a nationally recognized furniture company rooted in sustainability. Lee brings the big-picture perspective, discussing strategy, community, and how Birmingham’s creative ecosystem—especially Make Birmingham—helped shape Alabama Sawyer’s path.Together, they explore craftsmanship, conservation, and what it means to design with intention—honoring the full life of a tree and creating work meant to last generations.In this episode, you’ll hear about:What urban timber really means and why it mattersHow fallen Alabama trees are saved from landfills and transformed into furniture, flooring, and artThe full tree-to-table process: log, kiln, and finished pieceAlabama Sawyer’s most popular designs, including the Winston TableWhy so-called “junk trees” like hackberry and sweet gum deserve a second lookLimited-run guitars crafted from salvaged Alabama ashFeatured in Garden & Gun, Southern Living, Food & Wine, and Architectural Digest, Alabama Sawyer blends organic modern design with deep Southern roots—proving sustainability and beauty can go hand in hand.Whether you’re into design, woodworking, architecture, conservation, or Southern stories, this episode is for you.Learn more & follow:Alabama Sawyer: https://alasaw.comGarden & Gun feature: https://gardenandgun.com/articles/alabama-sawyer/Instagram: @soulgrown_alabamaHost: @christiana.russellInterested in sponsoring or supporting Afield?📧 [email protected] or DM @soulgrown_alabama on Instagram

In this episode of AFIELD, host Christiana Roussel sits down with Marilyn Vetter, President and CEO of Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever, for an in-depth conversation on conservation, leadership, and the future of upland wildlife. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in quail hunting, wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, upland birds and outdoor heritage. Marilyn discusses the mission of Quail Forever, the importance of bobwhite quail habitat restoration, and how hunters, private landowners, and public agencies work together to protect grasslands and wildlife ecosystems across Alabama and beyond. She explains how conservation biologists partner with landowners, how Farm Bill programs support habitat preservation, and why upland hunting traditions are deeply connected to sustainable wildlife management.The conversation also explores Marilyn’s passion for hunting dogs, public lands access, leadership lessons, and why taking risks can lead to meaningful change. From restoring native prairie and improving water quality to expanding public access for hunters, Marilyn outlines a clear vision for the future of conservation in America.