FFOD276 : Turkeys, Veterans and a Mission Bigger Than Me

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again … I don’t do snakes. And after hearin’ some of y’all’s stories? I feel like I’ve got good reason. In this episode, we’re kickin’ off Part 1 of our listener submitted snake tales. From blinds to barns, these stories had me laughin’, wincin’, and in one case, lookin’ around my feet just to be sure.   Y’all did not disappoint. So grab a chair, take a deep breath, and get ready for some honest-to-goodness snake chaos straight from the people who lived it.   Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

This week on Fist Full of Dirt, we’re on location at Allen Chiropractic with Dr. David Allen. He’s a longtime friend, golf partner, hunting buddy, and the guy who just helped put me back together after a rough episode with my back. We’re talking about what causes those back blowouts, how to fix one, and more importantly how to keep your back strong in the first place.     Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

This week on Fist Full of Dirt, we’ve got Keith Mark, fellow outdoorsman and founder of Hunter Nation, to talk about the proposed public land sale that had folks fired up across the country. Keith gives us the behind the scenes story of how they stood their ground with the rally cry “not an acre, not an inch”, and how going straight to the source stirred up a little controversy.   This conversation sets the record straight and reminds us why we’ve got to stay sharp when it comes to protecting what’s ours. Hopefully… we just dodged a bullet.     Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

This week on Fist Full of Dirt, we’re joined by Dr. Mike Chamberlain.. wild turkey expert, lifelong hunter and the National Wild Turkey Federation Distinguished Professor at the University of Georgia. With all the rain we’ve been seeing, we had to ask, how’s this weather affecting our turkeys?   Dr. Chamberlain breaks down what’s happening in the woods, what it means for young poults and what we can do to help. It’s science meets storytelling with one of the most respected voices in the field.     Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

This week, I’m back from a quick trip to Georgia where I had the joy of taking my three grandsons on a guided fishing trip with Captain Mark Smith of Reel Time Guide Services out on Lake Oconee. If you’ve ever fished that lake, you know it runs DEEP in some spots. Turns out, so did our conversation.   Captain Mark shares stories about his life, guiding folks in and out of the water, and what it means to truly connect with the next generation.   Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

We asked and y’all delivered. This week on Fist Full of Dirt, we’re sharing some of the most powerful, funny and downright moving stories sent in by our listeners. From first birds to final hunts, quiet lessons to loud gobbles… these stories are what make turkey season special. They’re about family, faith, failure and finding something bigger than ourselves in the woods. Laureen helped pick a few that hit especially hard, and we’re reading them aloud for all to hear. Grab a seat (and maybe a tissue) … this one’s full of heart.   Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

I’m back from the mountains of West Virginia, and let me tell you… this one’s gonna stick with me. I had the honor of hunting with Marine SgtMaj Chris Singley and spending time with 3-Star General Randy West, combat pilot, ordained minister and one of the most incredible men I’ve ever met. We laughed, we hunted and I witnessed firsthand the life changing work being done through Patriots Four, a place where wounded Veterans find healing in the outdoors. This one’s about way more than turkeys, it’s about purpose, service and the power of showing up for others.     Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

We’re back in Fordyce, Arkansas, for Part Two with Sheriff Mike Knoedl and the stories just keep getting better. Before he was a Sheriff and recipient of the Medal of Freedom, Mike was a boots on the ground Game Warden. He admits that bending the rules early in his hunting life gave him an advantage. In part 2 of this episode you'll hear just how good he was.   Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

In Part One of this two part Fist Full of Dirt we sit down with Sheriff Mike Knoedl in Fordyce, Arkansas, to discuss his incredible 30 year career in wildlife law enforcement. From humble beginnings as a Game Warden to leading the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission.. and eventually becoming Sheriff of Dallas County.. he’s worn more badges than most see in a lifetime, including a Medal of Freedom. Y'all are going to love this one.    Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411

This past week I hit the road and landed deep in the heart of Texas. I sat down with Kevin Burleson and his partner Mark Bradberry of Heart of Texas Bowhunting to dive into the gritty details of chasing whitetails on legendary Texas land. We’re covering DIY hunts and what makes Texas a bowhunter’s dream.   Stay connected with Fist Full of Dirt:  Instagram: @ffodpodcast Instagram: @moplandforsale Twitter: @FistDirt TikTok: @originalturkeythug Instagram : @CuzStrickland Twitter: @CuzStrickland Facebook: @CuzStrickland YouTube: Cuz411