Back At The Lodge — A New Podcast

One of my absolute favorite times in the outdoors comes at the end of the day when you are back in camp and rehashing all the memories made just hours earlier.   It’s a time when jokes are told…stories become legendary and occasionally a person gets to brag about what went right making others just a wee bit jealous.

When Michelle Scheuermann and I were trying to think up a name for our new podcast we wanted something with meaning.   We wanted something that quickly explained what the show was all about.   Indeed, the concept of being back at camp after a long day spent outdoors had a certain appeal…not just because it’s comfortable, but because sharing thoughts and feelings is what takes place when good friends gather in such places.

That’s how Back at the Lodge was born.   The concept of relaxing near a campfire with new and old friends alike.   It’s the time of the day when everyone gets to say what’s on their mind.   It’s a time when you sit near an open campfire (or perhaps a fireplace) and let those tired ol’ aching muscles in your body begin their recovery.   Yet, best of all…it’s when not only do you get to look back on what has just recently happened, but anticipate an even better tomorrow spent outdoors with brand new stories and experiences soon to tell.

I’m not really sure who’s idea it was to do a podcast.   I guess I will give that credit to Michelle.   Longtime readers of this blog might remember how back in 2006 and 2007 I produced 9 episodes of a podcast called The Sportsman’s Blog Podcast.   It was a fun experiment, but became very time consuming arranging guests and coordinating schedules just to produce.

As Michelle and I have learned, some things really don’t change.   Coordinating schedules can be frustrating as hell.   Because we live about an hour apart here in Minnesota, it means either hooking up midway at some noisy restaurant with our recording equipment or one of us driving to the others’ home.   Sure, we could more easily Skype our sessions and then use that recording, but so far we have resisted doing so as it sort of goes against the concept of meeting face-to-face “Back at the Lodge.”

So, what can listeners expect to hear by tuning in?   Ha!   That will change with any given day.   We don’t go into these sessions well scripted for the most polished audio recording possible.   We don’t want that.   We want you to feel as though you are joining us in a casual conversation that may involve current events, certain happenings in our lives, pet peeves, outdoor industry trends…I think you get the picture.

Occasionally, Michelle and I will invite others to join us on the podcast to get other perspectives on matters or to share a certain outdoor expertise.   With that in mind, we also encourage listener involvement.   Drop us an e-mail through our respective blog sites and we might use YOUR thoughts on a future episode.   We appreciate your feedback and we welcome the opportunity to engage our listeners in this fun auditory manner.

Well, enough of this introductory podcast talk.   How about we get down to business and listen to that first episode?   Please give us a listen and be sure to add us to your podcast aggregator so you don’t miss a single episode.   You’ll find us available in the following locations:

Thanks for listening!

 

Tags: , ,

Sportsman’s Blog Podcast Episode #7-2007

PodcastiTunes Listen in iTunes
PodcastDownload Download mp3 file    24.5mb (26:45 minutes)
   RssIcon http://sportsmansblogpodcast.com/rss2.aspx

With the Minnesota Fishing Opener now just a week away we turn to spending some time making sure the boat/motor/trailer is ready to go.   Actually, this is something we should have started last fall when we put the boat away for the season, but we all know how those things sometimes go.   After all, it’s easy to procrastinate, isn’t it?

Joining me today is Steve Floreck, director of special events for Crystal-Pierz Marine, located in several areas spread throughout Minnesota and one of the largest marine dealers in the U.S.   Steve’s many years of working in the marine industry, specifically in the service department, positions him to provide some great advice to everyone who owns a boat and plans to use it this year.   Consider today’s show to be a boating primer of what items need to be checked over before taking to the water.

We’ve all seen that sickening sight.   You’re driving along and there parked along side the road is a family pulling their boat to the lake, but now experiencing problems.   It could be a flat tire…it could be bearing problems…maybe a support holding the boat suddenly broke.   You drive by witnessing the frustration written all over their faces, while at the same time under your breath giving thanks the problem is theirs and not yours.

Today’s program offers up some pointers to ensure your summer boating season gets off to the right start.   Whether your boat is brand new or has several seasons of experience behind it, investing a small amount of time right now often pays very big dividends by eliminating potential frustrations later.

As a reminder, if you’re experiencing any difficulty listening to these podcasts you may also link to www.SportsmansBlogPodcast.com and listen by clicking on the desired show episode.   By doing so you can listen to the show directly from your computer.   It’s not necessary to own a portable mp3 player to hear these shows.   However, if you own an iPod you can also subscribe and download each show from the iTunes Store.   Either click on the link above or do a search for “sportsmans blog” and you’ll find the show.   Finally, if you like what you’re hearing be sure to leave a comment.

2007 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission

Sportsman’s Blog Podcast Episode #6-2007

PodcastiTunes Listen in iTunes
PodcastDownload Download mp3 file    20.5mb (22:20 minutes)
   RssIcon http://sportsmansblogpodcast.com/rss2.aspx

Alex-rutledgeToday’s special guest is Alex Rutledge, noted turkey hunting expert and pro staffer for Hunter’s Specialties.   Alex explains his philosophy on turkey hunting when the conditions experienced are less than favorable.   Imagine yourself setting the alarm clock for 4am only to awake to wind or rain.   It can be downright aggravating to dream all year about the perfect turkey hunt and then experience conditions that are far from ideal.   Well, Alex points out there are ways to ensure the hunt does not have to be a total bust.

I also discuss with Alex what qualities he believes most successful turkey hunters must possess.   Indeed, Alex rubs elbows with most of the nation’s top turkey hunters and I can assure you these guys do not rely purely on luck to fill their tag.   See what he has to say about developing the skills necessary to become a turkey hunter who consistently scores.

You know, I really have to thank Alex for his time in conducting this interview.   The man is incredibly busy with so much on his plate, particularly during this time of the year.   I was lucky enough to conduct the interview while he was en route to Ohio to hunt with Governor Ted Strickland tomorrow morning.   In talking with Alex I could sense his excitement, and rightly so, but with everything going on involving this news-making event, he made the time necessary to share the passion of his beloved turkey hunting sport with us.   Check out this podcast…if you’re a turkey hunter you’ll certainly be glad you did.

2007 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission