Ep. 164. Stoking Embers: Dr. Matt Lewis, Redeye Bass and some regrets

On this episode of The Storied Outdoors, we welcome Dr. Matthew Lewis—fisheries scientist, writer, and one of the leading voices in Southern fly fishing.

Matt takes us deep into the waters of Alabama as we explore his newest book, Alabama’s Best Fly Fishing: Complete Guide to the State's Best Fly Fishing. From childhood adventures in Geneva to his surprising career shift from human genetics to native fish conservation, Matt shares the stories, science, and soul behind Alabama’s most overlooked fisheries.

We talk redeye bass, small-stream magic, the craft of writing a guidebook, and the sacred responsibility of caring for wild places. Whether you're a seasoned angler or someone who simply loves the outdoors, this episode offers a rich look at the waters that shape the South—and the stories waiting in every riffle and bend.

Grab a cup of hot chocolate and cozy up by the fire for this episode of The Storied Outdoors as Brad Hill reads “Hidden Wonders,” a short story written by Dr. Bryan Gill. “Hidden Wonders” follows the Heatherford’s, a family whose plans were thwarted by an unexpected blizzard that grounded all southbound flights out of New York—including theirs. With limited options, they decide to drop in on their eccentric Uncle Doc for the holidays. While this was not their original plan for Christmas, it might just be the one they needed to restore their children’s fading Christmas spirit. We hope you enjoy this story and have a Merry Christmas!Visit Redbeardsoutfitter.com and use promo code TSO for a 20% discount online and in store. They have some amazing apparel and gear to outfit you for your next adventure. We would love to hear from you, if you have any questions, comments, poems, and or recommendations for us, email us thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com Music written and recorded by Brad Hill.

One of Bryan’s mentors, Calvin Miller once wrote, “Much of Christmas’ beauty is in its sameness. The same traditions. The same meals. The same songs. The same story. Yet each Christmas is a little different.” Just like your favorite Christmas movies and songs are played and replayed each year, we’re replaying four of our past Christmas story episodes as well as a brand new Christmas story for you this season. Play them while you’re driving to see family and friends, while you’re tying flies, or wrapping those last minute presents.

This story, written by Dr. Bryan Gill and read by Brad Hill, is brand new and entitled “Christmas Jubilee.” It’s a story about a young boy who spends the week of Christmas with his grandparents on Mobile Bay. While he’s there, he casts a net for shrimp, sets traps for crabs, and fishes for speckled trout from his grandparents’ pier. He also finds himself trying to help fix a feud between his Pawpaw and neighbor. He soon finds out that this feud is too big for him to fix by himself and without a Christmas miracle, his Christmas vacation on Mobile Bay as well as his Pawpaw’s friendship with his neighbor might be ruined.

We hope you enjoy this new story and some “sameness” during this Christmas miniseries. And from Brad and Bryan at the Storied Outdoors, Merry Christmas!

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Visit Redbeardsoutfitter.com and use promo code TSO for 20% of online and in store.

Questions or comments email thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com we would love to hear from you.

Music Written and recorded by Brad Hill

“One Horse Open Sleigh” by Dr. Bryan Gill is inspired by the original lyrics of “Jingle Bells,” that read, “A day or two ago, I thought I'd take a ride And soon, Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side…” Bryan wrote this story about two little girls and a mahogany Clydesdale that loved nothing more than pulling a shiny red sleigh in the snow. The horse changes the lives of the little girls, but that’s not the only transformation that takes place. Enjoy this story that takes a peek into the fictional life of the iconic Christmas card image of a horse-drawn sleigh. Visit Redbeardsoutfitter.com and use promo code TSO for a 20% discount online and in store. They have some amazing apparel and gear to outfit you for your next adventure. We would love to hear from you, if you have any questions, comments, poems, and or recommendations for us, email us thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com Music written and recorded by Brad Hill.

The Christmas Pageant (A Christmas Story) by Dr. Bryan Gill is the story of a sweet family trying to figure out how to navigate the holidays after a tragic accident that took their mother and left their son disabled. After a resurgence of the town’s Christmas Pageant that reunites a town, this family finds a way to redeem their sadness with new Christmas traditions. We hope you enjoy this Christmas episode written by Dr. Bryan Gill and read by Brad Hill. Intro music is also presented by Brad Hill.Visit Redbeardsoutfitter.com and use promo code TSO for a 20% discount online and in store. They have some amazing apparel and gear to outfit you for your next adventure. We would love to hear from you, if you have any questions, comments, poems, and or recommendations for us, email us thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com Music written and recorded by Brad Hill.

The Fox and the Fawn, by Dr. Bryan Gill, is a whimsical story about a little girl and her father’s never-ending love for her. Brad Hill masterfully reads this story and makes the characters come alive. We hope you’ll enjoy this heartwarming Christmas story, The Fox and the Fawn.

Visit Redbeardsoutfitter.com and use promo code TSO for a 20% discount online and in-store. They have some amazing apparel and gear to outfit you for your next adventure.

We would love to hear from you, if you have any questions, comments, poems, and or recommendations for us, email us thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com Music written and recorded by Brad Hill.

Season 11 Reflections, Christmas Stories, and Adventures | The Storied Outdoors Podcast

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s hard to believe just how full this year has been. In this special episode, Bryan and Brad settle into the regal lodge at Turkey Creek near Jasper, Alabama, surrounded by towering Alabama whitetail bucks and other unforgettable taxidermy, to look back on the highlights of Season 11 of The Storied Outdoors.

From cooking wild game with Jeremiah Doughty of Field to Plate, to epic bear hunts and conservation conversations with Dr. Jenkins of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, to the deeply inspiring story of Dr. Rachael Hagues and the founding of the Girls School in Tanzania, the guys revisit the moments that made this season unforgettable.

With Christmas just around the corner, Bryan and Brad also preview upcoming Christmas week stories, tease future guests still to come this season, and share powerful reflections from their recent mission trips to Central America and the Dominican Republic. Along the way, Brad recounts a harrowing (and humorous) customs experience—navigating the process with the shrewdness of a snake and the innocence of a dove—and both hosts reflect on the lessons learned through travel, service, and time spent abroad.

If you’re new to The Storied Outdoors Podcast, this episode is a perfect place to jump in. We hope these Christmas-week stories invite you into wonder, reflection, and a Merry Christmas.

Finally, thank you. Your continued support—especially through reviews and ratings—means more to us than you know. These small acts make a big difference in helping the podcast grow, and we are deeply grateful.

We’d love to hear from you.📧 Email us: thestoriedoutdoors@gmail.com