Country Outdoors Podcast

Brett Maverick and Brayden Pridemore from Farmer Wants a Wife join Mary O'Neill on Country Outdoors to talk life after the show—relationships, farming, hunting, bull riding, concussions, CTE, and neurofeedback. Brett and Brayden share what Farmer Wants a Wife was really like, from intense filming days and life around the cameras to long-distance relationships, family farms, cattle, horses, and what it takes to stay rooted in rural life. They also get into Illinois big bucks, turkey hunting, duck hunting, fishing, bull riding, rodeo injuries, brain health, and Brett’s personal experience with neurofeedback after years of concussions. Plus: music, songwriting, business ventures, and what both guys are building after the show.

Eva Shockey joins Mary O'Neill on Country Outdoors for an honest conversation about becoming the second woman featured on the cover of Field & Stream, women in hunting, bowhunting, motherhood, and building a legacy of her own. Eva reflects on growing up in the Shockey family, finding her path in the outdoor world, learning to hunt on camera, and navigating the pressure of being one of hunting’s most recognizable women. She also shares thoughts on family, faith, travel, marriage, authenticity, and making outdoor life work alongside motherhood. In this episode: • Eva’s Field & Stream milestone • Growing up with Jim and Louise Shockey • Starting to hunt after college • Her first hunt in Africa • Being “the only girl” in hunting • Bowhunting, motherhood, and career • Building an independent path and legacy Follow Eva Shockey: https://evashockey.com Follow Country Outdoors: https://linktr.ee/countryoutdoorsoffi CHAPTERS 00:00 Eva Shockey: Women in Hunting 00:57 Welcome Eva Shockey 01:43 Moving to Franklin, Tennessee 05:11 Growing Up in the Shockey Family 12:47 Wild Game and Outdoor Upbringing 13:45 Starting to Hunt After College 16:54 First Hunt in Africa 18:22 Learning to Hunt on Camera 19:08 Being the Only Girl in Hunting 22:14 Lessons From Jim Shockey 23:10 Creating Her Own Path 27:22 Bowhunting, Motherhood, and Career

What does it take to create a legacy that outlives the spotlight? In this episode of Country Outdoors, Mary O’Neill Phillips sits down with Jamie Nudie, granddaughter of legendary tailor Nudie Cohn—the visionary behind the rhinestone-studded Western suits that helped define the look of country music, Hollywood cowboys, and rock ’n’ roll. Jamie shares the family stories behind Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors: from Nudie’s early beginnings and his bold decision to bring sparkle, fringe, and rhinestones to Western wear, to the artists who wore his work—including Roy Rogers, Tex Williams, Lefty Frizzell, Gram Parsons, Marty Robbins, David Lee Roth, and Elvis Presley. They talk about the making of Elvis’ iconic gold lamé suit, the personal friendship behind the famous clients, the origin of the “Rhinestone Cowboy,” Nudie’s custom cars, and the irreplaceable vintage pieces Jamie now protects and shares with the world. Jamie also opens up about growing up with her grandfather, his unmatched boots that honored his humble beginnings, the original North Hollywood store, and what it means to preserve a family archive when every suit carries a story. From country music history to Western fashion, family, craftsmanship, and the American dream—this is the legacy of the man behind the stones. Visit Nudie’s Honky Tonk at 409 Broadway in Nashville, where vintage suits, historic memorabilia, and Nudie’s final Cadillac are on display.

@breakingbenjamin Jasen Rauch joins Country Outdoors for a wide-ranging conversation about music, life on the road, fatherhood, the band’s new album—and the unbelievable day he returned to his Nashville home and found squatters inside. Jasen shares what happened when he walked into the house during a move, discovered the damage and stolen belongings, and had to navigate an incredibly stressful situation while preparing to leave for tour. He also talks about the journey from working in Nashville recording studios and co-founding Red to joining Breaking Benjamin, writing alongside Ben Burnley, and completing the band’s biggest and longest album-production process yet. We get into some of Jasen’s biggest career moments, including playing with Metallica during the Black Album anniversary celebration and sharing a bill with Ozzy Osbourne. He also opens up about being a dad while living the touring life, raising his daughters to pursue their passions, his love for the outdoors, his interest in hunting and fishing, and using his platform to support veterans and first responders. This episode was recorded at Scuba Diving International headquarters in Florida while training for a future wounded-veteran dive program.

Eric Tansey is a former police officer, combat veteran, podcaster, and author of Pig Latin: A Seriously Funny True Story of a Former Police Officer. In this episode, Eric tells the unbelievable story of his first day as a rookie cop—only minutes into the job—when a routine call became absolute chaos. We dive into the hilarious, outrageous, and sometimes dark real-life police stories that inspired Pig Latin, including what it was like learning law enforcement on one of Raleigh’s toughest beats. Eric shares how writing helped him process the job, how a collection of wild police stories became a book, and why Pig Latin is more than just another “cop book.” But this conversation goes much deeper than rookie cop chaos. Eric takes us back to his life as a Saint Augustine beach kid and deep-sea fishing deckhand, the moment he felt called to join the military, his combat deployment to Afghanistan, Green Beret selection, SERE school, leadership lessons, and the complicated transition from military service to police work. We also discuss his personal perspective on the war in Afghanistan and the U.S. withdrawal. Eric also opens up about being wounded in the line of duty, trauma, faith, marriage, raising five kids, homeschooling, getting rid of screens, building self-reliant children, and learning to put fatherhood ahead of personal ambition. He shares why he recently rededicated his life to Christ and what becoming a spiritual leader in his home means to him. We begin at Scuba Diving International, where Eric helped create a veteran-focused scuba-diving initiative designed to bring wounded veterans, combat veterans, first responders, Gold Star families, and their loved ones into a healing experience on the water. This is one of the funniest and most honest conversations we’ve had: from combat stories and police academy pressure to fatherhood, faith, healing, outdoor living, and the wild true stories behind Pig Latin.

Former police officer, combat veteran, and Pig Latin author Eric Tansey joins Country Outdoors to share the wild true stories behind his time in law enforcement—from his unbelievable first call as a rookie cop to military service, fatherhood, faith, and the moments that changed his life. Listen to this preview now, then come back tomorrow for the full conversation.

Mary O’Neill sits down at CMA Fest with Australian farmer and rising country artist Jarrad Wrigley, fresh off winning the Star Maker competition that funded his first-ever trip beyond Australia. They dive into his humble background, how Star Maker changed his life, and what it’s like to perform in Nashville for the 1st time. Jarrad shares behind-the-scenes stories from Farmer Wants a Wife Australia, from producers living under the same roof to the drama that changed the rules for later seasons. You’ll hear how the show really works when the cameras aren’t rolling, plus why he chose a more respectful approach while other farmers leaned into the chaos. Mary and Jarrad dig into meeting the American Farmer Wants a Wife cast at CMA Fest, nights out in Nashville, and the differences between country fans in the U.S. and Australia. They swap stories about travel, music, hats and merch, and what Jarrad is dreaming up next for his music career after reality TV.

“When I met God, I high‑fived the devil.” — @wakaflocka In one of the most raw and unfiltered conversations we’ve ever had on Country Outdoors, Waka Flocka Flame sits down with Mary O’Neill Phillips to share his full testimony. He opens up about losing two younger brothers and carrying the weight of survivor’s guilt, years of numbing pain through ecstasy starting in seventh grade, and facing a 10‑year prison sentence after being caught with a stolen car and a sawed‑off shotgun. From divorce and depression to rebuilding his life, Waka walks through the moments that nearly broke him—and how God met him right in the middle of it all. Today, his perspective is clear: “If it moves me away from God, I’m not doing it. I don’t care how profitable it is. The devil gets no play in my ride.” He also shares how that mindset shapes everything—his views on marriage, friendship, forgiveness, and the kind of father he wants to be. If you only know Waka Flocka Flame from the high-energy anthems, this episode will completely change how you see him. In this episode, we cover: The tragic accident that took his younger brother’s life and the guilt that followed Losing another brother to suicide and questioning God Years of drug use and the moment he realized he needed change A life-altering legal scare in Georgia Divorce, failure, and the growth that came from it Making decisions rooted in faith, not profit Fatherhood, boundaries, and still choosing to believe in love Welcome to the Country Outdoors Podcast—where country music, entertainment, and the outdoor lifestyle meet real conversations about faith, life, and the wild.

Michael Ray is back—and this time it’s on his terms. In this episode of the Country Outdoors Podcast, Michael opens up about burning out in the country music grind, stepping away to get physically and mentally healthy, and why this new chapter of his career feels more honest than ever. We talk about: Growing up country and how the industry almost pulled him away from who he really is Hitting a breaking point and resetting his life, health, and priorities Getting clear‑eyed again through faith, time outdoors, and real friendships Lining up his first blacktail hunt, future elk tags, and a Canada bear hunt with UFC legend Chad Mendes Launching his new show Offstage America and building a lifestyle brand around faith, the outdoors, sports, and real stories What “Michael Ray 2.0” looks like on stage: more stripped‑down, more present, and more connected

Too Country for Country Music? – Shane Profitt, Madden Metcalf & Cole Goodwin Live from CMA Fest on the Bottomland‑wrapped pontoon, Mary O’Neill Phillips sits down with Shane Profitt, Madden Metcalf and Cole Goodwin to talk real country music, hunting, fishing, faith and small‑town life. Shane shares stories from his biggest turkey season yet, Osceola hunts in Florida, and the journey of songs like “Long Live Country” and “Comes With the Country” as he heads out on tour with Luke Bryan. Madden dives into his Florida Forgotten Coast commercial‑fishing roots and how working crab boats and Gulf Coast docks turned into saltwater Southern country songs, while Cole brings Pooler, Georgia grit and a roots‑first sound that’s helping lead country music back to its traditional core. If you’re searching for country music that actually sounds like country—turkey hunting, coastal fishing, bass ponds, faith, family, and small towns—you’ll feel right at home in this episode.

Spend a day at CMA Fest with Country Outdoors as Mary sits down for a fan-fair special with  ⁨@DrewBaldridgeMusic⁩  ,  ⁨@GraceTyler⁩  and  ⁨@prestoncoopermusic⁩  diving into the heart of farm, faith and family in country music. To make it happen, the Country Outdoors crew pulled a Mossy Oak Bottomland Veranda pontoon straight into Fan Fair X and turned it into the ultimate country music hangout spot.Drew looks back on the early days before his radio No. 1, including the time Country Outdoors filmed his first-ever turkey hunt and the hunting traditions he now passes on to his boys. Preston shares how he actually learned to hunt from his sister, and how growing up in the woods shaped his songwriting and his first Fan Fair experience. Grace brings the Texas banter with hilarious CMA Fest and hunting-adjacent stories, plus the highs and lows of chasing it in Nashville.If you love country music, hunting camps, pontoon hangs and honest conversations about faith, family, and the grind of being an independent artist, you’ll feel right at home in this episode.

Jo Dee Messina IS BACK! In this episode, Mary O’Neill Phillips sits down with 90s country icon Jo Dee Messina to unpack the highs, lows, and miracles behind her return to country music. Jo Dee shares how everything she’d built seemed to crumble, her battle with cancer, and the front‑porch encounter with Jesus that changed the entire direction of her life and career. They dive into why she stepped away from the spotlight for 12 years, how fame, labels, and industry pressures impacted her, and what led to her finding peace, purpose, and a deeper faith. Jo Dee talks through the journey to her new album Bridges, the CMA stage she was told she’d never stand on again, and why her biggest desire now isn’t another No. 1—but a ministry and space where people can come to know Him. If you grew up on “I’m Alright” and her 90s hits or you’re walking through your own season of rebuilding, this conversation will hit you straight in the heart. Listen in as Jo Dee Messina and Mary O’Neill Phillips go to “church” on country, calling, and the goodness of God in the middle of real‑world struggles.

Jo Dee Messina IS BACK. In this 50‑second sneak peek, 90s country icon Jo Dee Messina shares why she stepped away from the spotlight, how Jesus changed everything, and what brought her back with her new album ‘Bridges’ and a vision for ministry. If you grew up on her hits or love faith‑filled country stories, this teaser will give you chills and leave you wanting the full conversation. Watch the full episode on Country Outdoors Podcast to hear the entire comeback story. Airing on Wednesday!

Koe Wetzel talks fishing, fatherhood, getting arrested, and his new album The Night Champion in this Country Outdoors podcast episode. If you’re searching for a Koe Wetzel interview that mixes country music, hunting, fishing, and real life stories from the road, this is it. Join country music star Koe Wetzel and host Mary O’Neill for a day of fishing in Tennessee that turns into a wide‑open conversation about life, fatherhood, and his new album, The Night Champion. Out on the boat in Tennessee, they’re catching fish, laughing, and swapping stories from the road — including the time Mary got arrested as a teenager in Australia. On the water, Koe talks about becoming a dad, why he decided to slow down on drinking, and how that shift is showing up in his music. He and Mary get into wild hunting stories from Australia and all over the States, chasing big deer across Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, and more. If you love Koe’s music, hunting and fishing, or just honest talk about growing up without losing your edge, this episode is for you. Pull up a seat on the pontoon, crack a cold one, and go “Fishing With Koe.”

Koe Wetzel jumps on the boat with Mary O’Neill for a fishing day that turns into stories about fatherhood, getting arrested in Australia, and his new album The Night Champion. This trailer gives you a taste of the laughs, big deer tales, and real talk from the full Country Outdoors episode.

Country Outdoors Podcast Host Mary O’Neill sits down with country star Dustin Lynch live from CMA Fest at Creatures Studio for a deep dive into his double life: hardcore hunter and Vegas EDM headliner. In his return to the Country Outdoors Podcast, Dustin breaks down how a PBR afterparty turned into a full-blown DJ show, what it’s like headlining a Wynn nightlife residency, and why he’s obsessed with dropping high-energy dance collabs while still staying rooted in country. They dig into his new music and recent collaborations with heavy-hitting DJs and producers, how today’s festival crowd wants rapid-fire, high-BPM sets, and what it means to bridge the gap between country fans and global dance audiences. On the hunting side,  @DustinLynch  nerds out on habitat management, food plots, and his love of making the woods better, then shares the “One That Got Away” Bog segment—complete with a double-beard Tennessee turkey that still haunts him and archery encounters that changed how he hunts. You’ll also hear stories from spring turkey seasons in Missouri, Iowa and Tennessee, behind-the-scenes pressure of hunting on camera, his legendary pool party at CMA Fest, and why he’s more fired up than ever about the future—with hints at what’s coming next in both his country and EDM worlds.

Country star Dustin Lynch joins Country Outdoors for a no‑filter hang talking new music, life on the road, and why the outdoors still feels like home. Hit play for a sneak peek at tomorrow’s full episode and get ready for stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

“When I met God, I high‑fived the devil.” - Waka Flocka Flame In one of the rawest conversations we’ve ever had on Country Outdoors Podcast, Waka Flocka Flame sits down with Mary O’Neill Phillips to share his full testimony. From losing two younger brothers and carrying survivor’s guilt, to living on ecstasy from seventh grade into his twenties, facing a 10‑year prison sentence with a stolen car and a sawed‑off shotgun, and walking through divorce and depression, Waka opens up about the moments that nearly broke him—and how God met him in the middle of it. He talks about why he now refuses to take any opportunity that pulls him away from God (“If it moves me away from God, I’m not doing it. I don’t care how profitable it is. The devil gets no play in my ride.”), how he thinks about marriage, friendship, forgiveness, and what kind of father he wants to be for his son. If you’ve only known Waka Flocka Flame from the turn‑up anthems, this episode will change the way you see him. What we cover in this episode: The tragic accident that took his little brother’s life and the guilt he carried for years Losing a second brother to suicide and wrestling with “Why them, God?” Ecstasy, numbing the pain, and realizing “this is not me” Getting locked up in Georgia and the legal scare that forced a change Divorce, failure, and why he says he needed that season to grow How he now makes every decision based on whether it moves him closer to or further from God Fatherhood, boundaries, and why he still believes in love Welcome to the Country Outdoors Podcast, where country music, entertainment, and outdoor lifestyle collide with honest conversations about faith, life, and the wild. 🔔Subscribe and turn on notifications!🔔 https://bit.ly/4a9ntZW New Content Weekly! https://linktr.ee/countryoutdoorsoffi... Get Country Outdoors merch here! ➡️ https://countryoutdoors.com/shop ---------- OUR Partners : Field and Stream https://bit.ly/3MpZgp4 OnX Hunt https://bit.ly/3UyuOKN Yuengling https://bit.ly/yuenglingbeer Rural 1st https://www.rural1st.com/00:00 – Cold open: “When I met God…” 00:34 – Mary’s intro & setup 01:52 – Getting comfortable on set 03:00 – “I want to talk about Jesus” 04:20 – Gifts, Solture & Mossy Oak 06:00 – Hunting stories & turkey invite 07:45 – Why Waka’s faith stands out 08:40 – What “testimony” means 09:30 – Waka’s view of Jesus & Spirit 11:40 – Losing his little brother 15:00 – Second brother, suicide & “why?” 17:40 – Ecstasy, numbness, hitting bottom 20:50 – Prison scare & legal grace 24:00 – People feeling trapped 26:30 – Forgiveness & friendship lines 29:30 – Divorce, depression, growth 33:40 – Marriage, dating & standards 38:30 – Music, Satan & influence 41:10 – Prayer calls & fiancée’s faith 42:13 – What he wants to be remembered for 42:36 – God’s wrath & no attention to devil 42:50 – “When I met God, I high‑fived the devil” #WakaFlockaFlame #CountryOutdoorsPodcast #Testimony #FaithJourney #ChristianPodcast #CountryMusic #HipHop #GodFirst #SpiritualWarfare #PodcastInterview

Actor, entrepreneur, health tinkerer, husband, dad and all‑around weapon of a human—AJ Buckley is back in the studio, and this time Mary is on his turf at The AJ Buckley Show. From CSI lab coat to SEAL Team kit, from “soft” to “most jacked dad on the block,” AJ walks through the exact moment a lost franchise role forced him to change everything. He opens up about the studio note that gutted him (“we don’t have time to get him ready”), the promise he made to his wife and newborn daughter that night, and how he turned that embarrassment into the discipline that built Sonny Quinn. They dig into his 4 a.m. mornings, the biohacking dungeon in his basement (cold plunges, sauna, oxygen training, red light, PEMF, hyperbaric), and why he treats getting in shape like a full‑time job when a big role comes in. AJ breaks down blood work, hormones and inflammation, why most guys are guessing with their health, and how carnivore, fasting, sardine experiments and even parasite cleanses have changed the way he feels on set and at home. They talk about carrying too much size on SEAL Team, coming back from injury, chasing muscle density for longevity, and still showing up as a present husband and dad—not just a guy who looks good on camera. If you love SEAL Team, need a kick in the ass to finally handle your health, or just want to hear two friends talk honestly about failure, ego, and doing the work, this episode is for you.

Trailer for our AJ Buckley episode—actor, entrepreneur, health nut, husband and dad—on the moment he lost a dream role and the ruthless routine that turned him into Sonny Quinn.