Episode 9: Levi Prater, Changing Brain Chemistry, and Trophy Hunting... also more Christmas Tree Cakes

Pull up a chair by the fire as we welcome Chef Joshua Schwencke to the Campfire Chronicles Podcast. Born and raised on a German family farm in South Central Texas, Chef Josh has spent his life blending the traditions of rustic farming with the art of modern culinary mastery. From his early days exploring the rhythms of agricultural life to founding Gastronomy—a culinary education enterprise, Chef Josh’s journey is as inspiring as it is flavorful. In this episode, we delve into his passion for wild game cooking, the importance of sustainable food systems, and the unique ways he brings people together over the shared experience of breaking bread. Whether he’s teaching hunters how to elevate their harvest beyond chili and jerky or writing for Wild Sheep Magazine, Chef Josh’s stories and insights will leave you hungry for more. Don’t miss this mouthwatering conversation about food, family, and the great outdoors! To learn more visit https://www.gastronomycompany.com/outdoors Don't forget to like and subscribe to Campfire Chronicles Podcast! Follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠!

RENÉE THORNTON. Born and raised in rural Alberta to a large farming family, Renée Thornton serves as Chair of the Wild Sheep Foundation’s (WSF) Women Hunt® program and committee, and the Women in Hunting® initiative. Although not raised in a hunting family or with a hunting background, in 2016 Renée embarked on a personal journey to become a hunter. This decision was driven by a decade-long pursuit of sourcing her meat more ethically and organically from small local producers and farmer’s markets. To Renée, the logical progression was to obtain her protein from animals that lived freely in nature, until harvested quickly and humanely, by her own hand. Renée believes in giving back of her time, talent, and treasure, and being of service is a core value. In addition to creating and leading Women Hunt®, she is active in volunteering and speaking at various WSF and Chapter & Affiliate events. Renée leads the charge for Women Hunt® in engaging with state and national legislators in the advocacy of the rights and heritage of hunters; she has built a presence and relationship with established and upcoming wildlife professionals through a partnership with The Wildlife Society; she collaborates with industry leaders and influencers; and she values her relationships with the extraordinary women and men of the hunting, shooting and conservation landscapes. To learn more about Women Hunt®, visit https://www.wildsheepfoundation.org/womenhunt Don't forget to like and subscribe to Campfire Chronicles Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Don’t let Sue Tidwell‘s soft, gentle exterior, fool you! This wife, mother and grandmother is one of our generation’s most formidable forces in the fight for wildlife conservation and hunting on the continent of Africa… and she’s not even a hunter herself! Sue’s story of her path to enlightenment, which led her to write what is fast becoming recognized as the definitive authority on the need for hunting in Africa, is amazing! “Cries of the Savannah” author Sue Tidwell… remember the name, because she will be known as one of our generation's strongest, and most impactful, hunting advocates! Like what you hear? Don't miss out on any updates—follow us on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠ for behind-the-scenes content and more! And make sure to follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. Stay connected and join the conversation!

In this information-packed episode, we visit with Rick Nolan, the president of the newest and fastest-growing conservation nonprofit organization, the Oklahoma Hunters and Anglers (OHA). Rick gives us the scoop on the special niche that OHA fills in Oklahoma and why every sportsman in the state should join. We also visit in detail about the upcoming annual Oklahoma Deer Conference (Aug. 17) in Midwest City, OK. For more info on OHA and the Deer Conference, visit www.oklahomahuntersandanglers.org Like what you hear? Don't miss out on any updates—follow us on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and more! And make sure to follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. Stay connected and join the conversation!

Herman W. Brune is a Native Texan born in San Antonio and raised scouring the Live Oak and Yaupon country north of Columbus, Texas. His first 40 years were spent cowboying, packing mules, and hunting and guiding from Montana's Bob Marshal Wilderness, the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness, Wyoming's Washakie Wilderness, all around Texas, and into Old Mexico. He also was a PRCA Saddle Bronc rider filling his permit in 1981 and competing at a pro level until 2000. He was the Lone Star Circuit Saddle Bronc Director from 1988-92. At 40, he went back to Texas A&M to study journalism. He sold his first written article to "Western Horseman" in 1999. He's hosted the "News from the Camp House" on KULM 98.3 FM since 2000 and has produced three self-published "Lost Rider" books. Since 2014 Brune has served on the Texas Outdoor Writers Association Board of Directors. Brune appreciates everything 'Old School' from writer's integrity to throwing a hitch on a mule; but he relents when he says, "God Bless air conditioning". He perceives his greatest life's fulfillment was raising his daughter who teaches writing at Texas State University. To get all of what Campfire Chronicles has to offer, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CampfireChroniclesPodcast

Janet Holcomb, as the wife of Governor Eric Holcomb, currently serves as First Lady of Indiana. Growing up on a horse farm, she rode competitively and participated in regional shows and 4-H. She developed a love of the arts and completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine arts at Ball State University. Beginning in 2009, she served as vice president of her family’s manufacturing business, R&R Engineering. Janet has also led many record-setting political fundraising efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. She has used this experience to benefit many non-profit organizations, including veterans’ groups, social service providers, animal welfare, arts organizations, and scouting programs. Janet's initiatives as First Lady are as broad as her interests. They include combating infant mortality, promoting the arts, supporting the state's economic development efforts, and promoting women in business. As a ten-year member of 4-H, she enjoys encouraging youth organizations and remains very active in the 4-H community as a guest speaker. Janet serves on the boards of Riley Children's Foundation, the Hoosier Art Salon, and the Indiana chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Janet also enjoys cooking, reading, gardening, equestrian and bicycle riding, and anything that involves being outdoors, including fishing, hunting, and hiking. Driven by her love of nature, Janet particularly enjoys sharing her passion for shooting sports and personal protection with other women. Earning her pistol instructor certification in 2015, she has led training classes throughout the state, often partnering with the Indiana National Guard and members of law enforcement. Despite being relatively new to the hunting world, Janet is halfway to completing a grand slam, having successfully hunted a Dall and a Stone Sheep. Previous hunting trips in Wyoming, Tennessee, and Spain have resulted in trophies including a wood duck, antelope, and roe deer. Janet also appeared in an episode of the hunting show, “Pursue the Wild”, during which she successfully completed a Colorado Elk Hunt.

Brian Johnson is a native born son of the Lone Star State. He is the founder of DuckDogTrainer.com and has trained well over a thousand dogs how to duck hunt. In the process he created not only championship level dogs, but also many faithful hunting companions that have been hunted around the US and as far away as Peru. He is an avid bass fisherman and specializes in shallow water fishing for trophy-sized bass. He loves to share his fishing tactics in articles for The Port Arthur News, The Fish & Game Report and on his social media platforms. Brian has recently started guiding for trophy bass on select private water bodies where he has caught bass up to 11 pounds. Brian is also an avid bowhunter who took a 209-inch whitetail on free range on a self-guided hunt in Kansas. He pastors First Baptist Church in Winnie Texas and is even more passionate about sharing the story of how he found true meaning in life and helping others do the same.

BASHEER BENHALIM. Basheer Benhalim serves as the Texas Ambassador for Hunters of Color (HOC) a nationwide 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In his role as ambassador, Basheer works to provide opportunities and space for those wanting to learn to hunt, expand their hunting skills, and those looking to mentor and share knowledge. HOC has a simple goal: to make sure everyone has access to the outdoors, and to build a stronger, more equitable community for ALL hunters. From beginners to seasoned hunters alike HOC works to foster a community of passionate hunters and Conservationists. In addition to his work with HOC, Basheer is a passionate waterfowler, camp cook, and snow goose guide. Basheer lives with family and two dogs in his native Central Texas. The son of a Libyan father and a Texan mother, Basheer lives at the intersection of religion, culture, and traditions. About HOC - Hunters of Color is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are the only nationwide hunting nonprofit led by BIPOC, for BIPOC. We are working on increasing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) participation in hunting for the sake of conservation, food sovereignty, and to preserve our ancestral traditions.

Mikayla is a Program Specialist for AgriLife Extension working on addressing education needs for Wildlife Damage Management. Mikayla’s efforts focus primarily on matters of issues related to feral hogs, predators, and vultures. She works to provide management options for damage caused by wildlife, options to prevent conflict, and resources to assist with disease management. If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to leave us a review! And if you really really like this episode follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Join Todd and Smokey as they talk about their shared job experience, complicated words, and the possibility of some new merch!