Country Outdoors | A Field And Stream Production

Texan and Country artist, Aaron Watson joins the Country Outdoors Podcast with Mary O’Neill Phillips for a conversation about family, hunting traditions, and building a career in country music on his own terms.

Watson has spent more than two decades proving that independent country artists can succeed without following the traditional Nashville path. In this episode, he shares why time spent hunting with his kids matters more than trophies, how the outdoors has shaped his perspective on life, and what authenticity really means in modern country music.

From raising a family around hunting culture to staying grounded in faith and values while navigating the music industry, Aaron talks about the experiences that have defined both his career and his life outside the spotlight.

In this episode

• Aaron Watson on hunting with his kids
• Why family matters more than trophies
• Building an independent country music career
• Faith, values, and life on the road
• The connection between country music and the outdoors

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Tomorrow on the Country Outdoors Podcast, independent country artist Aaron Watson joins us for a conversation about doing things your own way — in music and in life.

From the meaning of being an “outlaw” in country music to why he’d rather hunt with his boys than chase trophies alone, Aaron shares the mindset that’s guided his career outside the Nashville machine.

Full episode premieres tomorrow at 6 PM CST.
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In this episode of the Country Outdoors Podcast, Mary O’Neill Phillips sits down with Hunter and Chase Farrior of Spring Legion and Austin Collins, founder of the Quack Shack Podcast — three young hunters building brands around their passion for turkey hunting, duck hunting, and the traditions of the outdoors.

Hunter and Chase Farrior are the brothers behind Spring Legion, a brand rooted in the history and culture of turkey hunting. Hunter is also the author of Ballad of a Turkey Hunter and Any Given Spring Morning. Hunter draws inspiration from the storytelling traditions of legendary turkey hunters like Tom Kelly and Gene Nunnery and wants to be a bridge to the next generation of turkey hunters. Together, the Farrior brothers are committed to honoring the heritage of turkey hunting while helping preserve its future through conservation and storytelling.

Austin Collins is the voice behind the Quack Shack Podcast, a waterfowl hunting platform built around his passion for duck hunting and the culture that surrounds it. Through Quack Shack, Austin travels, records conversations with other hunters and outdoor entrepreneurs, and tells the stories behind the people, brands, and traditions that make up the waterfowl world.
Beyond the hunt itself, Austin is also a husband and father who believes the outdoors should be something worth passing down. For him, building Quack Shack isn’t just about duck season — it’s about creating a community and a legacy that his kids can one day be part of.

In this conversation, they discuss:
• The traditions and history behind turkey hunting culture• Building grassroots hunting brands from scratch• The influence of writers like Tom Kelly and Gene Nunnery• The role of conservation in the future of turkey and waterfowl hunting• Why storytelling and podcasts are shaping the next generation of hunters• The passion that drives hunters every spring and fall

For these hunters, the goal isn’t just building a brand — it’s preserving the traditions of the outdoors and creating something worth passing down to the next generation.
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Recorded live from the NWTF Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, this special episode of the Country Outdoors Podcast brings together some of the most exciting voices in country music and the outdoor world.

Host Mary O’Neill Phillips sits down with a lineup of guests who share a passion for hunting, conservation, and the outdoor lifestyle. From stories on the road in country music to conversations about turkey hunting, conservation, faith, and the future of outdoor media, this episode captures the energy of one of the biggest gatherings in the hunting community.

Guests in this episode include:

• Drake White – sharing his story of faith, resilience, and finding purpose through hardship.
• Colby Acuff – talking music, Western roots, and the outdoors.
• Sydnie Wells – discussing hunting, conservation, and the next generation of outdoor media.
• Tyler Booth – on traditional country music and life outdoors.
• Leon Majcen – sharing insights from the shooting sports world.
• Kasey Tyndall – discussing her music career, time on the road, and her connection to the outdoors.

Filmed on location at the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention, this episode highlights the intersection of country music, hunting culture, conservation, and the outdoor lifestyle—all from the heart of one of the outdoor industry’s most iconic events.
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Recorded live from the NWTF Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, this special episode of Country Outdoors brings together leading voices from country music, hunting, storytelling, and conservation — all from the floor of one of the most important gatherings in the outdoor industry.

This live podcast captures conversations with artists, filmmakers, advocates, and conservation leaders who share a common passion for the outdoors and preserving hunting traditions for future generations.

Featured Guests

Michael Ray
Country music artist and lifelong outdoorsman Michael Ray discusses balancing life on the road with his passion for hunting and why the outdoors continues to play a central role in his life.

Sam Soholt
Public land advocate and filmmaker Sam Soholt joins the conversation to talk about conservation responsibility, protecting access to public lands, and the future of hunting in America.

Ben O’Brien
Outdoor storyteller and conservation communicator Ben O’Brien shares perspectives on modern hunting culture and the importance of authentic storytelling within the outdoor community.

HunterGirl
Country music artist HunterGirl discusses her connection to hunting, faith, and family, and how her outdoor upbringing continues to influence her career and music.

Mo Pitney
Traditional country artist Mo Pitney talks about songwriting, heritage, and the deep relationship between country music, rural values, and outdoor life.

William Toll
Filmmaker William Toll discusses conservation storytelling and the role film plays in documenting and protecting America’s natural resources.

Matthew H. McGee and James B. Lawson — The Buffalo River Project
Representing the Field & Stream short film The Buffalo River Project, McGee and Lawson share the conservation story behind protecting one of America’s most significant waterways.

About This Episode

The NWTF Convention represents more than hunting. It is a gathering of people committed to conservation, community, and the preservation of outdoor traditions.

This episode highlights the conversations and stories shaping the future of hunting, conservation, and country music culture today.

Recorded live at the National Wild Turkey Federation Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
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