Episode 45: The Googans’ Return

The Norway Tetralogy comes to a close! Mike, GT, Poppy, and Caitlin reunite stateside to reflect on the trip of a lifetime, from puffins in Iceland to halibut in Sorøya. This episode ties it all together—what worked, what didn’t, what they’d do differently, and whether hauling fish halfway across the world was really worth it.

Highlights:

Iceland revisited – Puffins on the Westman Islands, tectonic plate hikes, secret lagoons, and a listener’s tip about farmhouse meals.

Oslo surprises – Poppy’s encyclopedic navigation skills, museum hopping (Fram, Kon-Tiki, Maritime, and Natural History), and thoughts on city life.

Tromsø tales – Cab rides, ice cream, late-night leg wrestling, and imagining a winter return for Northern Lights and dog sledding.

Fishing reflections – The guides at Camp Halibut, big halibut vs. big cod, wolf fish, and why musky fishing is the right comparison.

The great fish debate – The true cost (and stress) of bringing 80 pounds of fish home; was it worth it? Or would Whole Foods have been easier?

Family takeaways – Making memories with Robert, bonding with Neil, Nate, Zach, and Emmy, and why the people made the trip as special as the fish.

Looking forward – GT heads to Alaska, Caitlin preps for archery elk season, and the Outdoor Ruhls shift back into hunting mode.

Closing Thoughts:

Poppy: Fishing was the highlight.

GT: The realization that making more of these trips with family is the real prize.

Mike: Pride in Robert hauling up a redfish from 1,000 feet and gratitude for all the people who made the journey unforgettable.

Caitlin: Content to sit this one out, but already scheming future trips closer to home.

📸 Follow the adventure on Instagram: @outdoorruhls

🌐 Show notes, recipes & more: outdoorruhls.com

📧 Email us: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

Episode 44: So Long Sørøya

Mike Ruhl, Jacob (Camp Halibut Guide), Nate Weise, Neil McCullum, GT

Join Mike on the final days of his Northern Norway adventure at Camp Halibut! This episode kicks off with an in-depth interview with Jacob, one of the guides who helped make the week unforgettable. Later, Mike sits down with Nate, Neil, and GT to share stories, reflections, and hard-earned lessons from a week chasing Arctic halibut and cod.

Why Listen:

Discover insider tips for Arctic fishing from a seasoned guide.

Hear the story behind Poppy’s 161 cm halibut—trip record!

Learn about gear, tactics, and teamwork that make a remote fishing trip a success.

Get practical advice for planning your own Northern Norway adventure.

Episode Highlights:

Jacob’s top tips for landing halibut and cod.

Stories from the guides and anglers about the week’s challenges and triumphs.

Reflections from Nate, Neil, and GT on technique, preparation, and camaraderie.

Mike’s closing thoughts on the trip and gratitude for the incredible guides and organizers.

Next Up:

The final Norway episode wraps up the adventure with lessons learned, ideas for future trips, and reflections on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Connect with the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast:

Website: www.outdoorruhls.com

Instagram: @OutdoorRuhls

Email: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

Episode 43: Fiske, Endelig (Fishing, Finally)!

Mike Ruhl, Zach Klein, Poppy, Robert

In this episode, we kick off the Norway fishing adventures at Camp Halibut on Sørøya Island, deep in the Arctic Circle. Mike is joined by first-time guest Zach Klein, along with Poppy and Robert, as they recount their experiences fishing for a variety of species in this unique and remote location.

Topics Discussed:

Norway Fishing Adventures: The group talks about their time fishing at Camp Halibut and the diversity of fish they caught, including halibut, cod, redfish, wolf fish, placie, and ling.

Fishing Techniques: From using paddle tail baits to cranking up redfish from 1,000 feet of water, the group shares stories of the fishing methods they used and what they caught.

Camp Halibut & Sørøya Island: A look at the small, remote village and the fishing camp where they stayed, including insights into the local culture and what it’s like fishing so far north.

Robert’s First Big Fishing Experience: Mike reflects on how Robert, at only six years old, handled the long days and challenging fishing conditions.

Fishing with Zach Klein: Zach shares how he and Mike became friends in New Mexico, how they started hunting together, and now they’re experiencing a new fishing adventure in Norway.

Key Highlights:

A variety of fish were caught including halibut, cod, coalfish, and redfish.

Fishing days averaged 10-12 hours, with some stretching to 14 hours.

The group reflects on the gear used, including custom-built rods made by the guides at Camp Halibut.

A behind-the-scenes look at life on the island, including boat rides, wildlife sightings, and fishing techniques in both shallow and deep waters.

Next Week’s Preview:

Next week, we continue our Norway fishing adventure with a special guest interview with Jacob, one of the guides at Camp Halibut. Stay tuned as we discuss more fishing stories with Neil McCullum and Nate Wiese.

🎙️ Episode 42 – Chasing the Midnight Sun
Guests: Poppy, GT, and Robert
Host: Mike Ruhl
Length: ~90 minutes
Recorded in: Reykjavik, Iceland & Tromsø, Norway

In this jam-packed kickoff to the "Norway Adventure" trilogy, Mike, his son Robert, Poppy, and GT set off on a multi-generational journey across Iceland and Norway in pursuit of puffins, pastries, and (eventually) halibut.

🛫 TRIP ORIGINS:

• GT and Mike's group fly from Santa Fe to Denver, then direct to Reykjavik

• Poppy flies from Pennsylvania to Reykjavik via BWI

• The crew reunites, loads into a diesel Toyota Land Cruiser, and starts their Icelandic road trip

🏔️ ICELAND HIGHLIGHTS:

• Whale Museum in Reykjavik

• The Hallgrímskirkja church and top-tier seafood dinners

• Waterfalls you can walk behind

• Puffin spotting on the Westman Islands

• Black Sand Beach and tern attacks (ask Poppy)

• Secret Lagoon hot springs (shhh!)

• Geysir and tectonic plate hikes

• Several bakeries – one was life-changing

🍲 ROBERT’S RANKINGS:
Robert (age 6) offers a full list of favorites and not-so-favorites, including:

• 🥇 Secret Lagoon

• 🥈 Second bakery

• 🥉 Whale museum and mussels dinner

• 🥄 Least favorite: not being allowed to ride a scooter 😆

🔥 SPECIAL ICELANDIC MOMENT:
On the drive to the airport, the crew unexpectedly witnesses a volcano eruption near the Blue Lagoon — a surreal farewell from Iceland.

✈️ ONWARD TO NORWAY:

• Flight from Reykjavik to Oslo

• Chaos at baggage claim delays their escape from the Oslo airport

• They discover the Oslo Pass, which unlocks a packed itinerary of museums, ferries, and public transport

🏛️ OSLO MUSEUM BLITZ:

• Fram Museum

• Kon-Tiki Museum

• Nobel Peace Center

• Munch Museum (yes, The Scream)

• Norway’s Maritime & Natural History Museums

🌊 ROBERT SWIMS AGAIN:

• Swims in the Oslo harbor near the opera house

• Later, tricks GT into letting him swim in a fountain

🥵 DOWNSIDE:

• Oslo was hot, with no A/C in their 7th floor Airbnb

• Also, tiny coffee cups

📈 GT’s FISH-SHIPPING COST METER:

• A running joke/theme emerges: how much will it ultimately cost GT to bring fish back to New Mexico?

• Current tally: $230 and counting...

🌄 TROMSØ ARRIVAL:

• The group flies to Tromsø, 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle

• Reindeer roam the beaches while Norwegians swim in the icy water

• Mountains rise from sea level, and the setting stuns the entire group

🎣 FISHING ANTICIPATION:

• The whole crew, especially Robert, is ready to fish

• But they haven’t even started yet…

💬 Quotes of the Episode:

“It’s a sheep in wolf’s clothing!” – Mike
“No, it’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.” – GT
“I think he chafed his nipples on the bottom of the fountain.” – Mike
“The biggest problem in Iceland? Tiny coffee cups.” – GT

📍Where We’ve Been (So Far):

• Reykjavik

• Secret Lagoon

• Westman Islands

• Oslo

• Tromsø

📦 Next Up in Episode 43:
The crew finally arrives in Hasvik, Norway for Camp Halibut and the fishing adventure begins! Expect big catches, late-night fileting, and the most expensive fish per pound you’ve ever heard of.

📲 Follow along on Instagram and Facebook: @OutdoorRuhls
📬 Got comments or a verdict on the sheep/wolf debate? Email us: OutdoorRuhls@gmail.com

Episode 41: Joeski, Part 2 – What Doesn’t Kill You

Guest: Joe Skorupski
Host: Mike Ruhl

Description:
In Part 2 of this conversation, the story continues from the Alaskan wilderness... but quickly turns in an unexpected and deeply personal direction. Not long after returning from one of the greatest hunts of his life, Joe began a battle that nearly cost him everything. What follows is a raw and emotional account of surviving liver failure, undergoing a transplant, and finding strength through family, friends, and sheer will.

Joe opens up about the grueling physical and mental toll of waiting for a donor, the shock of a rare diagnosis, and the long road to recovery. This is a story about resilience, perspective, and gratitude.

Topics Covered:

• Final days and drama of the Alaska float hunt

• Life-threatening health collapse and rare liver disease

• Misdiagnoses, dry runs, and weeks of uncertainty

• The gift of a transplant—and what comes after

• Finding meaning in survival, service, and second chances

• What matters most: family, community, and the drive to live fully

Teaser:
If you’ve ever questioned what you’re capable of enduring, Joe’s story offers a stunning reminder. And next week, we’ll shift gears with the first of our Norway fishing episodes—travel tales, family memories, and big fish from the far north.

Episode 40: Joeski, Part 1 – From Fly Rods to Float Planes

Guest: Joe Skorupski
Host: Mike Ruhl

Description:
In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Mike sits down with longtime friend and fisheries biologist Joe Skorupski for a conversation that spans decades of friendship, public lands work, and unforgettable hunts. From their first meeting in Yellowstone National Park to shared river time in Montana and a legendary pheasant hunt in a Lewistown blizzard, this episode is full of storytelling gold.

The highlight is Joe’s epic DIY drop-camp Alaska hunt with two friends, chasing caribou and moose across the tundra and down a wild river. You’ll hear about monster bulls, failed crossings, and everything that can—and did—go wrong on a backcountry expedition.

Topics Covered:

• Joe’s early years fishing Pennsylvania’s Schuylkill River

• Yellowstone work and wild stories from the field

• Grad school hustle and macroinvertebrate research

• Western big game hunting, bird dogs, and backcountry mindset

• DIY Alaska float hunt: planning, caribou success, and moose close calls

• Lessons from the woods, the water, and the people who chase both

Teaser:
Come back for Part 2, where the story takes a powerful turn. You won't want to miss what happens next. Also, watch for upcoming episodes from our Norway fishing trip—stories, misadventures, and hopefully some giant halibut.

Episode 39: A Pair of Bassholes

Guest: Bob Bridges
Hosts: Mark & Matt Ruhl
Theme: Bass fishing stories, unforgettable trips, and a lifetime of laughs

In this episode, longtime friend and die-hard bass angler Bob Bridges joins Matt and Mark Ruhl to share decades of stories from the water. From childhood fishing memories in Texas to legendary boat trips across Pennsylvania, New York, and Canada, the guys trade tales about tackle obsessions, muskie mayhem, bear encounters, and one epic bass tournament win.

They break down their favorite gear, favorite lakes (including Cowanesque, Gaston, and Raystown), and what keeps them coming back year after year for topwater blowups, late-night crappie bites, and the occasional kidney stone.

🐟 Episode Highlights:

• Bob’s Fishing Origin Story: Bluegill in Missouri, bass in Texas, and the purple worm that started it all

• Conodoguinet Creek & PA Roots: Smallmouth and rock bass in backyard waters

• College Connection: Meeting the Ruhl crew at Mansfield University in 2000

• The “Green Weenie” Boat: DIY bass rig and a symbol of simpler times

• Annual Trips to Cowanesque Lake: 20+ years of tradition, big bass, and rotating camp spots

• Lake Gaston: Exploding spotted bass population and a 2.6 lb crappie on a jerkbait

• Topwater Magic: Canada tournament win and the best smallmouth popper bite of their lives

• Tackle Addictions: TRDs, poppers, Shimano reels, and overflowing basement pegboards

• Animal Antics: Bear vs. honey buns, raccoon snack theft, and deer camp dogs with ticks

• Fishing Philosophy: Don’t leave fish to find fish. Unless you’re Bob.

🎯 Gear & Go-To Tactics:

• Bob: G. Loomis rods, Shimano reels, TRD (Ned Rig & Drop Shot)

• Matt: St. Croix rods, Shimano reels, Topwater poppers

• Favorite species: Largemouth, smallmouth, crappie, spotted bass, and stripers

• Notable catches: 6.9 lb bass, 20+ lb striper on topwater, 2.6 lb crappie

• Least favorite move: Watching Bob leave biting fish to try something “interesting”

🛶 Favorite Fishing Spots:

• Cowanesque Lake, PA

• Lake Gaston, VA/NC

• Raystown Lake, PA

• Tioga & Hammond Lakes, PA

• Canadian Shield Lakes

• Future Goals: St. Lawrence River, Thousand Islands, and maybe even chasing 10-pounders down south

🦫 Bonus Stories:

• The kidney stone that didn’t stop Bob from fishing

• The “bear break-in” that left nothing but a trail of Entenmann’s wrappers

• That time Bob caught his own lost lure… inside a fish’s throat

• Legendary bass tournament win powered by topwater chaos and bug hatches

📸 Follow & Explore:

• Instagram:@OutdoorRuhls

• Website:www.outdoorruhls.com – listen, read, and grab wild game recipes

🎧 Listen Now:

Stream A Pair of Bassholes and every episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

🎣 Episode 37 – “The Bass Bug: From Snitz Creek to the Bassmaster Open”

Guests:

• Matt Ruhl

• Mark Ruhl

• Special guest: Matt Goudie (@mgoudie1756)

Overview:
In this special bass-centric episode, Mark introduces his oldest fishing friend, Matt Goudie, for a deep dive into lifelong fishing memories, bass boat obsessions, and tournament prep. From catching sunfish with cigarette butts to prepping for the Bassmaster Open on the Upper Chesapeake, this episode covers it all: stories, laughs, strategy, and obsession.

Highlights Include:

• 🎣 Fishing Origins: Childhood days chasing trout in Snitz Creek and outlaw fishing at Gretna Lake

• 🐮 Bull Encounters & Rat’s Nests: Stories of sprinting from cows and chucking tangled rods

• 🚤 Bass Obsession: How Matt caught the bass bug and built a year-round habit around it

• 🧠 Bass vs. Variety: The debate between mastering one fish or being a jack-of-all-trades

• 📅 100+ Days a Year: How Matt balances work and over 100 fishing trips annually

• 🎯 Favorite Techniques: Jerkbaits, frogs, Ned rigs—and why tubes made a comeback

• 🏆 Tournament Life: Local opens vs. the Bassmaster Open, how it works, and why he’s fishing it

• 🧭 Home Water Advantage: Insight into the Upper Bay, tidal nuance, and grass as the X-factor

• 🌊 Dream Destinations: From Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River to peacock bass in Florida

• 🎣 Funny Memory Lane: The “Set the Hook” trip with Phil Steinke and the legendary baitless sunfish episode

Follow Along:

• Follow Matt Goudie on Instagram: @mgoudie1756

• Watch the Bassmaster Open leaderboard and weigh-in at bassmaster.com

• More Outdoor Ruhls episodes and recipes: www.outdoorruhls.com

• Instagram: @outdoorruhls

🎣 Outdoor Ruhls Podcast – Episode 36: From Pickled Pike to Po’ Boys

Guests: Rachel, Mark, Caitlin
Host: Mike Ruhl

Summary:
In this deliciously detailed episode, Mike is joined by Rachel, Mark, and Caitlin to talk about one of the Ruhls’ favorite topics: fish and food. The crew recaps rainy days at deer camp, trout fishing adventures with their kids, and plans for their upcoming trip to Cape Charles. They dive deep into their favorite fish recipes—from smoked trout dip and pickled pike to air-fried fish tacos and salmon fusion bowls. Along the way, they share laughs, family traditions, and some truly mouthwatering ideas.

Topics Covered:

• 🎣 Rainy trout fishing at Ole Bull State Park and Stevenson's Dam

• 🧂 Smoked trout prep and dip recipes

• 🐟 Trout cleaning (CJ’s moment of fame), filleting tips, and pin bone tricks

• 🍽️ Rachel’s sourdough journey: discard rolls and venison pot pies

• 🌮 Fish taco how-to: seasoning, battering, and air frying

• 🐠 Walleye vs. saltwater species – the crew debates favorites

• 🧪 Pickling pike and plans for pickled trout (video pending!)

• 🥫 Pressure canning venison (stroganoff, taco meat, and stew ideas)

• 🍓 Camp jelly making with Pop Grant and wild strawberries

• 🦀 Crab-stuffed flounder, soft shells, and family ceviche nights at the beach

• 🍚 Cajun po’ boys, poke bowls, and the cult of Japanese BBQ sauce

• 🧳 Norway prep, fish freezer strategy, and packing old clothes to throw away

Recipes Mentioned:

• Smoked Trout Dip

• Sourdough Discard Rolls

• Brown Sugar Garlic Air-Fried Salmon

• Chimichurri Grilled Halibut

• Mayo-Lime Baked Walleye with Panko-Parmesan

• Pickled Pike (BHA style)

• Fried Fish Tacos with Kinders seasoning

• Blue Crab Deviled Eggs and Crab-Stuffed Flounder

• Trader Joe’s Chimichurri and Truff Mayo recommendations

Listener Shoutout:
👋 Special thanks to Dan Stoltzfus for the Japanese BBQ sauce rec!

Don’t forget to visit:
🌐 www.outdoorruhls.com
📸 Instagram: @outdoorruhls

🎙️ Episode 35: For Better or For Worse?

Description:

On the eve of their 13th wedding anniversary, Mike and Caitlin sit down for a candid, funny, and heartfelt conversation about what they've learned from marriage—especially in the context of outdoor adventures. From backcountry days in Yellowstone to an epic (and slightly disastrous) fishing trip for golden dorado in Argentina, they reflect on how the outdoors shaped their relationship and continues to teach them about partnership, parenting, and perseverance.

Along the way, they call on loved ones to share hard-earned marriage wisdom—including both sets of parents, family friends married nearly 70 years, Mike's sister and brother-in-law, and Mike’s brother Matt. The result is a warm, real, and often hilarious tapestry of stories and advice.

🔑 Key Topics:

Reflections on 13 years of marriage

Spam, side-eyes, and backcountry bonding in Yellowstone

An unforgettable golden dorado trip in Argentina (bus delays included)

Marriage advice from family: 165+ years of combined experience

Outdoor memories with kids and the evolution of a relationship

The importance of patience, laughter, and choosing wisely

💬 Guest Voices & Advice:

Catherine & Leonard Schott – Married 69 years: "Learn to communicate. Don’t go to bed angry."

Mike’s Parents (Memaw & Poppy) – Married 51 years: “Patience. Do things together as a family.”

Caitlin’s Parents (Necie & GT) – Married 45+ years: “Support each other. Learn from each other. And laugh.”

Kate & Jed – Married 13 years: “Communicate constantly—and avoid double kayaks.”

Matt (Mike’s Brother) – Divorced, father of four: “Do whatever you can to keep her happy.”

🐟 Adventure Spotlight:

🎣 Golden Dorado in Argentina

A wild ride featuring midnight buses, mystery guides, big fish, broken reels, and last-minute hotel miracles. Lesson: Not every genius plan feels like a good one while it’s unfolding.

❤️ Final Takeaway:

Whether it’s fishing flooded rivers, parenting young kids, or navigating life's messy logistics—partnership is about persistence, good humor, and showing up for each other again and again.

📸 Photos & Recipe:

Check out the golden dorado catch and anniversary pics at: outdoorruhls.com

Wild game and outdoor-inspired recipes: outdoorruhls.com/cooking

📱 Follow & Subscribe:

Instagram: @outdoorruhls

YouTube: Outdoor Ruhls Podcast

Website: outdoorruhls.com

Episode 34: Why Did the Beaver Cross the Road?
Guest: Ben Goldfarb, award-winning environmental journalist and author
Hosts: Mike and Caitlin Ruhl
Duration: ~1 hour 10 minutes

🦫 Episode Summary:
This week’s episode of Outdoor Ruhls brings together old friends for a heartfelt and fascinating conversation about fish, fieldwork, writing, and the creatures that shape our landscapes. Mike and Caitlin are joined by Ben Goldfarb, renowned environmental journalist and author of Eager and Crossings, for a wide-ranging conversation that starts with shared memories of working in Yellowstone National Park and travels through fisheries science, book writing, and beaver admiration.

Ben talks about freezing nights electrofishing on the Madison River, lake trout battles on Yellowstone Lake, and the epic ecological significance of the humble beaver. The crew also explores the deeper reasons why fish captivate us, and Ben shares insights into his upcoming book on fish movement. There’s even a little Mets-Phillies banter to close things out.

📚 Topics Covered:

• How Mike, Caitlin, and Ben met working fisheries in Yellowstone (2009)

• Electrofishing for brown trout at night on the Madison River

• The ecological war against lake trout in Yellowstone Lake

• Why Eager became a breakout conservation book — and what Dan Flores had to do with it

• Crossings: the surprising and devastating ways roads affect wildlife

• Writing with humor and heart about dark ecological subjects

• Fish as tactile gateways to the wild

• Mussels, minnows, mystery, and ichthyophilia

• Ben’s upcoming book on fish movement

• And yes… Mets vs. Phillies

📘 Featured Works by Ben Goldfarb:

• Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter

• Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet
  🏆 Winner: Banff Mountain Book Award for Environmental Literature
  🏆 E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation Award (shortlisted)

🧠 Quotables:

“You can hold a fish in your hand and feel the wild.” – Mike
“We’re all just trying to figure out why we love fish.” – Ben
“Roadkill is the carnage of modernity.” – Ben
“Writing with joy about hard things is the way in.” – Caitlin

🔖 Tags / SEO Keywords:
Yellowstone National Park, Ben Goldfarb, beavers, road ecology, electrofishing, brown trout, lake trout, native fish, conservation writing, fish movement, freshwater mussels, Eager book, Crossings book, Aldo Leopold, Dan Flores, outdoor podcast, fisheries, Mike Ruhl, Caitlin Ruhl

📸 Follow & Connect:

• Website: www.outdoorruhls.com

• Instagram: @outdoorruhls

• Facebook: Outdoor Ruhls

• Email: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

🎧 Listen + Share:
Love the episode? Leave a review, share it with your favorite fisheries nerd, or tell us why you think beavers matter.

Episode Summary:
Mike sits down with his brothers Mark and Matt for a spring catch-up covering all things Outdoor Ruhls. They swap stories about this year’s turkey season—Mike’s morning in the woods with Caitlin, close calls with Poppy, and the joys and struggles of chasing thunder chickens. Mark breaks down his spring bass trips to North Carolina and northern PA, shares thoughts on lure selection and spawning cycles, and explains how tubes made a comeback. The guys also talk about Caitlin’s lucky elk tag draw, summer fishing trips (Norway and Cape Charles), and tease some exciting episodes ahead.

Topics Covered:

• Turkey hunting stories from New Mexico and Pennsylvania

• Introducing kids to turkey hunting (CJ and Robert updates)

• Caitlin’s perfect hunt and turkey enchilada recipes

• Mark’s bass trips: Lake Gaston & Northern PA lakes

• Spring lure tactics: finesse vs. power fishing

• Boat issues, dreams of LiveScope, and catching citation sheep’s head

• Summer plans: Deer Camp, Cape Charles, and Norway

• Caitlin draws her premium elk tag again

• Future episodes teased:

  • Conservation writer Ben Goldfarb

  • “Hell on Wheels” bike crash episode

  • Bassin' with Bob

  • Norway travel recordings

Recipes Mentioned:

• Turkey Green Chile Enchiladas (similar to Mike’s pheasant version)

• Turkey Green Chile Corn Chowder

Connect with Us:
🌐 OutdoorRuhls.com
📸 Instagram: @OutdoorRuhls
📧 Email: OutdoorRuhls@gmail.com
🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Title: Mid-Mike: a middle brother in middle age

Release Date: June 2025
Length: ~1 hour 17 minutes
Guests: Mark Ruhl (Host), Mike Ruhl (Guest)

Description:
In a special birthday edition of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast, Mark turns the tables and interviews Mike on the occasion of his 45th birthday. This in-depth conversation traces Mike’s journey from growing up the middle Ruhl brother in Pennsylvania to building a life as a fish biologist and conservation leader in the American West. Along the way, they discuss family dynamics, deer camp memories, outdoor mentors, career milestones, and the timeless value of relationships and experiences.

Topics Covered:

• 🎂 Reflections at 45: What time teaches us and why middle age brings gratitude.

• 🎣 First Outdoor Memories: Crabbing at Cherrystone, native brook trout at Poplar Run, and Mike’s first deer.

• 🧬 A Career in Conservation: From Mansfield University to Yellowstone and New Mexico Game & Fish.

• 📚 Books that Shaped a Life: Hemingway, Steinbeck, Leopold, and the influence of Pop Grant’s reading habits.

• 🎓 Formative Educators: Mr. Stover and Harold Berkheiser’s roles in guiding Mike’s passion for biology.

• 🧭 The Move West: Dreaming of Montana as a kid, internships in Yellowstone, grad school in Kentucky, and the decision to move to New Mexico.

• 🐟 Fisheries Work in Wild Places: Tagging trout, hunting oryx, and navigating the balance between field biology and family.

• 🎧 Behind the Podcast: How MeatEater inspired the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast, and why recording family stories matters.

Quotable Moments:

• “Time is the one thing you can’t buy more of.”

• “I’ve decided what matters most in my life is the interplay between relationships and experiences.”

• “We never found any trout in caves, which made writing my thesis very easy.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Steve Rinella and MeatEater

• Student Conservation Association (SCA)

• Mansfield University & Western Kentucky

• Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls and Green Hills of Africa

• Wallace Stegner’s Angle of Repose

• Conservation authors Ben Goldfarb (Eager, Crossings)

• Memorable teachers: Mr. Stover, Harold Burkheiser, Dr. Soderberg

Call to Action:
Subscribe, leave us a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little inspiration to chase their wild life. Follow us on Instagram @outdoorruhls and visit outdoorruhls.com for more.

Outdoor Ruhls Podcast — Episode 31: “Kids Ruhl”
📍 Released: May 27, 2025

Show Notes:

This heartwarming and adventurous episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast is all about the kids who make our outdoor lives even more meaningful. Titled “Kids Ruhl,” it’s a multi-chapter celebration of the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts—recorded over the past several months and released just after Memorial Day, in honor of both remembrance and summer’s start.

🎣 Chapter 1: Froggin' with Robert and Poppy

Mike kicks things off with a lively pre-frogging chat between Poppy and 6-year-old Robert, who walks Poppy through the ins and outs of his favorite warm-weather tradition: frogging. From gear and tactics (black rooster tails!) to frog-catching strategy and the all-important net, Robert shares his frogging wisdom. Later in the episode, they return to give a full debrief of their successful trip—including catching seven bullfrogs and turning them into a delicious dinner of yogurt-marinated, fried frog legs.

🐸 Recipe for Robert’s Fried Frog Legs will be posted at www.outdoorruhls.com/cooking

🌻 Chapter 2: CJ’s Outdoor Life

CJ (age 8) joins her dad, Mark, for a conversation about her favorite outdoor memories—from deer stands and crying over button bucks to ice fishing, foraging in creeks, gardening, and dabbling in beekeeping. She talks about her love for science, her dream of getting a bearded dragon, and her plans to camp like the Outdoor Boys this summer. A sweet, insightful portrait of an imaginative and capable kid with a love for nature.

🌾 Chapter 3: Kaylee on FFA and Ag Education

Mike sits down with high school sophomore Kaley to talk about her experiences in FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America). They cover everything from welding and chicken butchering to public speaking, wildlife contests, and parliamentary procedure. Kaylee reflects on her growth, her officer application, and how FFA connects to outdoor passions like hunting and conservation. Mike also shares how his own journey in FFA led him to a career as a fish biologist.

🎙️ Chapter 4: Froggin' Recap

We circle back to Robert and Poppy post-frogging to relive their day. They used a bamboo rod, a crappie jig, and teamwork to bring in seven big frogs (despite forgetting the net!). Robert’s joy is infectious, and his younger brother Emmet even makes a surprise dinner-time appearance—proclaiming, to everyone’s surprise, that he does like frog legs after all.

🐟 Bonus: Emmet’s First Recording

As a final treat, Mike includes a special throwback clip—his very first podcast recording, featuring then-3-year-old Emmet talking about his love of fishing and hopes of catching a catfish.

Closing:
Mike wraps the episode with a reminder that kids are central to the Outdoor Ruhls experience. Through their curiosity, energy, and love of being outside, they remind us what it's all about.

🔗 Find more at: www.outdoorruhls.com
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @OutdoorRuhls
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🎧 Episode 31 is a celebration of family, mentorship, and the joy of raising kids who Ruhl the outdoors.

Episode 30: From Potato Punishment to Poultry Fraud

Description:
Recorded at deer camp, this unforgettable conversation brings together Poppy, Mark, and the last two living brothers of a remarkable generation—Uncle Sim and Uncle Dick. They recount stories of growing up on a sharecropping farm in Rexmont, Pennsylvania during the Great Depression, raising chickens, canning vegetables, share-farming “for the half,” surviving farm chores, and pulling pranks on their father. The episode weaves together stories of hardship, humor, and unshakable family bonds.

Highlights include:

• 🥔 Potato Punishment: Dick recalls missing basketball practice and spending a week sorting potatoes as penance.

• 🐔 Poultry Fraud: Sim caponizes a rooster who later learns to crow—and still wins grand champion at the farm show.

• 👟 Cows, Crap, and Tootie at the Post Office: How the brothers’ barn-scented shoes caused a stir in town.

• 🐇 Rabbit Pranks: The infamous incident involving a stuffed rabbit, a garden, and a startled father with a shotgun.

• 🚜 Farm Life: Sharecropping for wheat and corn, treating grain for weevils, digging spuds, and surviving on hard work.

• 🦃 Turkey Tactics: Guy’s annual success hunting fall turkeys with a .22 magnum, and early deer hunting tips from Wilmer.

• 🍝 Spaghetti Stew: A legendary dish made with pheasants, squirrels, and rabbits from Thanksgiving hunts.

• 🎯 Shotgun Skills and Sibling Injuries: Tales of being accidentally peppered with birdshot—and forgiving each other anyway.

• 💔 Al’s Near-Death Car Crash: A serious high school accident that left Al with lasting injuries and a massive scar.

• 🧼 Market Days and Homemade Cakes: How their mother’s baking prowess packed a market booth with customers every week.

• 🚲 Bike Races in the Barn: Childhood hijinks, manure missions, and scraped knees in the cobbled barnyard.

• 🦌 Hunting Traditions: Classic deer drives, pheasant flushing, and the brothers' deep respect for Wilmer’s woodsmanship.

• 🏠 Why Family Matters: Reflections on how and why the Ruhl family stayed so close—and passed that tradition down.

Closing Thought:
As the next generation carries the torch, this episode preserves not only hunting lore and family stories, but the values that made them who they are: hard work, love, humor, and forgiveness. This is old-school deer camp, and we’re lucky to be invited in.

Mentioned in the episode:

• Rexmont, Pennsylvania

• Crossroad and Rexmont farms

• Kettering Woods

• Cornwall-Lebanon School District

• Nobles Grove, Knoebels Grove, Washington DC trips

• Market baking days and the Wenger Store

• Reverend Booker’s tribute at the family funeral

Find Recipes From This Episode:
Visit outdoorruhls.com/cooking for spaghetti stew and other family food traditions.

Follow Us Online:
📸 Instagram: @OutdoorRuhlsPodcast
🌐 Website: outdoorruhls.com

Episode 29 – Third Time’s a Charm

Guest: Hunter Ruhl
Host: Mike Ruhl
Location: Outdoor Ruhls West Studio, Santa Fe, NM

🔍 Episode Summary:

In this family-packed episode, Mike sits down with his nephew Hunter Ruhl—Matt’s youngest son—for a wide-ranging conversation about college, fisheries work, and a wild three-day turkey hunting adventure that truly lives up to the episode’s name: Third Time’s a Charm. From Pennsylvania to New Mexico, Hunter recounts two gut-wrenching missed opportunities before finally bagging his first tom.

🦃 Topics Covered:

• Family & Birth Order – Hunter's place in the Ruhl family tree

• Following in Mike’s Footsteps – Studying fisheries biology at Mansfield University

• Life at Mansfield – Hunting, fishing, and college life in north-central Pennsylvania

• Aquatic Invasive Species Work – Hunter’s 2023 summer with Wyoming Game & Fish

• Cody, WY Bound – Upcoming summer job as a fisheries tech near Yellowstone

• Turkey Hunting Mayhem –

  • Strike 1: Lost bird in Pennsylvania after a close-range shot

  • Strike 2: Missed bird in New Mexico after a perfect call-in

  • Strike 3: Redemption! Hunter’s first successful turkey hunt

• Zebra & Quagga Mussels Explained – A conservation deep dive

• Black-Footed Ferret Survey – A rare conservation experience in Matitsi, WY

• Epic Camp Meals – Shout-out to Jeremy Romero’s next-level wild game cooking

🧠 Notable Moments:

• “I might be the only guy to miss turkeys 2,000 miles apart in the same week.”

• “If you’re in it for the money, you’re not in it for the right reason.”

• “Third time’s a charm.”

🍳 Food Highlight:

• Pacific Cod Tacos and Lamb Rib Tacos by Jeremy Romero

• Green Chile Breakfast Burritos to close it out right

🔗 Outro Mentions:

• Follow us on Instagram: @outdoorruhls

Summary:
In this episode, Mike sits down with his son Robert—along with Poppy and GT—to share the story behind their upcoming multi-generational fishing trip to Norway. What started as a father-son moment watching Outdoor Boys on YouTube turned into a once-in-a-lifetime halibut fishing expedition to far northern Norway’s Camp Halibut, just above the Arctic Circle. The crew discusses past halibut trips in Alaska, the unique logistics of getting to Sørøya Island, stops in Iceland and Oslo, and the unforgettable memories they hope to make along the way.

Guests:

• Robert (Mike’s 6-year-old son)

• GT (Caitlin’s dad)

• Poppy (Mike’s dad)

Topics Covered:

• The Outdoor Boys inspiration behind the trip

• Halibut fishing history: Alaska trips in 1997, 1998, and 2015

• The unique "Rent Me" boat adventures and what they taught us

• Logistics of flying from New Mexico, Maryland, and beyond to the Arctic

• Planned stops in Reykjavík and Oslo: hot springs, puffins, and more

• Camp Halibut overview: boats, lodging, guides, and fish species

• Target species: Atlantic halibut, cod, ling, wolf fish, and placey

• Budgeting breakdown and how shockingly affordable the trip is

• Planning challenges: carrying gear, food, and 40 lbs. of fish per person

• Why this is a special trip for Robert, traveling with both grandfathers

• Hopes for travel, food, family time, and making memories abroad

Key Quote:

“It’ll be funny to look back after the trip and see just how much of this we got right—or wrong. But either way, it’s going to be an unforgettable adventure.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Camp Halibut, Sørøya, Norway

• Outdoor Boys YouTube Channel

• Atlantic salmon fishing on the Målselva River

• Travel logistics with Icelandair and public transport in Oslo

Next Up:
Stay tuned for field recordings from Norway and Iceland as the trip unfolds—complete with updates from Robert, on-the-ground fishing stories, and maybe even a puffin sighting.

🔥 Episode Summary:

In this heartfelt episode, Mike, Mark, and Matt are joined by their "other brother" — lifelong friend and extended family member Davey Schultz. Growing up side-by-side, Davey was practically a Ruhl brother, and today we finally bring him onto the show to talk about childhood adventures, outdoor traditions, and a lifetime of brotherhood.

We dig into early memories of fishing trips, hunting camps, and mischievous road trips with Pop Grant. Davey shares the story of his first deer, taken with a flintlock rifle, and the incredible hunt for a record-setting Pennsylvania buck with a rare drop tine. Plus, we swap some hilarious Pop Grant stories, reveal how Davey survived a moped crash, and talk about how family, friendship, and the outdoors have always been at the heart of it all.

🧭 What We Talk About:

• How Davey fits into the Ruhl family and the “other brother” origin story

• Childhood memories of family reunions, trout fishing, and Christmas tree cutting

• Growing up outdoors — from flipping creek rocks to late-season deer drives

• Davey’s first deer — and the perfect (and lucky!) flintlock shot

• The incredible story of the big drop-tine buck and recovering the broken antler

• Road trip memories with Pop Grant — including running over reflector signs (on purpose)

• The “ghost buck” story: tracking down a deer that survived a spine shot

• Why we believe in the power of storytelling to honor family and tradition

🦌 Highlight Stories:

• The Flintlock Miracle: Davey's first deer, first shot, and a blood trail you couldn't miss.

• Big Buck at Camp: The biggest whitetail ever taken at deer camp — complete with a dramatic recovery of a broken drop tine.

• Pop Grant's Driving School: Trust us, reflector poles are bouncier than they look.

• Brennessel Lessons: Matt’s memorable (and itchy) lesson about stinging nettle and jewelweed.

• The Ghost Buck: A buck that survived a spinal broadhead injury — and the wild morning Davey finally crossed paths with it.

💬 Favorite Quotes:

“One boy is a boy, two boys is half a boy, and three boys is no boy at all.” – Pop Grant
“We weren’t just cousins. We were family, and we did everything together.” – Mike
“If I had a bayonet on that flintlock, I would’ve been in business.” – Davey
“Podcasting like this — it’s about collecting the stories before they disappear.” – Mike

🌲 Stay Connected:

• 🌐 Website: OutdoorRuhls.com

• 📧 Email: OutdoorRuhls@gmail.com

• 📸 Instagram: @OutdoorRuhls

• 👍 Facebook: Outdoor Ruhls Podcast

🙏 Thanks for Listening!

Big thanks to Davey for joining us and to all our listeners — family, friends, and the Outdoor Ruhls community. If you’re enjoying these episodes, we'd love if you shared the podcast with someone who loves family, hunting, fishing, and storytelling.

🎧 Stay tuned — more stories are coming, including “Unscheduled Landings II” and “Hell on Wheels!”

🔥 Episode Summary:

We made it to Episode 26, and that means six months of weekly storytelling from the Ruhl crew! In this milestone episode, all four Ruhl siblings — Matt, Mike, Mark, and Kate — sit down together for the first time to reflect on what this podcast has become, why it matters, and where it's going.

This episode is part celebration, part behind-the-scenes, and a whole lot of heartfelt laughs and family honesty. From chasing each other with sticks (or not), to lost cassette tapes, old vans, broken feet, family reunions, and how the power of storytelling keeps memories alive—this one hits all the notes that make Outdoor Ruhls special.

🧭 What We Talk About:

• The significance of 26 episodes and half a year of podcasting

• What it means to grow up in a tight-knit outdoor family

• Kate’s perspective on being the only sister (and the “indoor cat” with a sharp wit)

• Favorite episodes and why they matter

• The priceless value of family stories and the tapes we hope to find again

• Unsung parenting strategies and van seating rotations

• Upcoming episode ideas: “Unscheduled Landings II,” “Hell on Wheels,” “Hell on Ice,” and more

• Teasers for future episodes with Davey (“our other brother”), Jim Jones, and wildlife tales

• Why we’re doing this: not for the listeners (though we love you!) but for our kids, our memories, and the bonds that last

🎁 Episode 26 Giveaway!

To celebrate 6 months of episodes, we're giving away some Outdoor Ruhls swag!
👉 Check out the Instagram post for this episode to enter to win:

• Outdoor Ruhls T-shirts

• Stickers

• Custom 3D-printed bait pucks with our logo & QR code
  (What’s a bait puck? Tune in and find out!)

📸 Instagram: @OutdoorRuhls

💬 Quotes Worth Repeating:

“Podcasting’s not something you do for financial gain. This is a passion project, and we’re just grateful we get to do it together.” – Mike
“I hope someday my grandkids are sitting around a table telling stories about us like we are about our grandparents.” – Mark
“If you don’t save the stories or recipes, they don’t just keep existing. You have to save them.” – Kate
“They chose laughter and forgiveness over grudges. That’s why they stayed close.” – Mike

Episode 25: Voices from the Past
Host: Mike Ruhl
Guests: Jane Shultz, Lana, and Randy

This heartfelt and laughter-filled episode of Outdoor Ruhls is a family treasure trove, capturing memories, stories, and recipes passed down through generations. Mike is joined by cousins Jane and Lana—daughters of Sarah and Bobby—and Randy, who shares travel stories and fond memories of their time with Sarah and Bobby.

🧬 Highlights from the Episode:

• The Ruhl Family Legacy
  Jane and Lana reflect on their parents, Sarah and Bobby, their lifelong home in Quentin, PA, and their deep family roots. They recall growing up in a duplex shared with extended family and how connected the Ruhl clan was to Quentin and the local church.

• Life During WWII
  Lana shares how her father was drafted before her birth and spent four years away in the Pacific with the Signal Corps. The emotional impact of those years on their family is palpable.

• The House, the Garden, and the Canning Tradition
  Vivid recollections of the enormous backyard garden, canning corn and peaches, and pickling everything from red beets to chow chow. We hear how Sarah and Bobby gave produce to neighbors and kept an entire town fed.

• Special Recipes & Family Dishes

  • Chow Chow – the Pennsylvania Dutch way

  • Opera Fudge & Caramels – staples of church bake sales

  • Lime Pickles and Stuffed Peppers – long-sought family recipes

  • Cherry Crumb Pies and 25+ pies at a time for picnics

  • Jane’s Famous Rice Krispie Treats – the gold standard

• Stories from the Past
  Mike and the guests discuss a rediscovered audio tape from a 1989 family reunion where the nine Ruhl siblings—except Wilmer—recorded themselves telling stories. Jane digitized it, and the family has been deeply moved hearing their voices again. Excerpts from this tape are played throughout the episode.

• Travel Adventures with Sarah and Bobby
  Randy recounts two family trips: a hilarious journey through Florida—complete with an accidental visit to a nude beach—and a New England fall foliage trip where they ended up scraping ice off windows in Vermont.

• Woodworking, Sewing & Industrious Spirits
  Bobby’s intricate wooden creations and Sarah’s knitting, sewing, and baking show the pride and talent woven through Ruhl family life.

• Faith, Forgiveness, and Fun
  The episode highlights not just hard work and tradition, but the deep love and humor that bound the family together—exemplified in the storytelling, teasing, and quick forgiveness among the siblings.

💬 Memorable Quotes:

• “It’s amazing how easy it is to lose that stuff and how special it is to have it.”

• “They were serious people and hard workers, but they had a sense of humor about life.”

📍 Mentioned Locations:

• Quentin, Pennsylvania

• Bismarck & Quentin Cemeteries

• Cape Canaveral, Key West, Lake Placid, Bar Harbor, Mystic Seaport

🎧 Listen Now:
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

🌐 Visit: outdoorruhls.com
📸 Instagram: @outdoorruhls
📬 Email: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

🍳 Recipes from this episode will be posted at outdoorruhls.com/cooking