Outdoor Ruhls

episode 83: Tackling Matt’s Addiction

Episode 83: Tackling Matt’s Addiction This week on the podcast, Mike and Matt sit down for the first-ever one-on-one brother episode in Outdoor Ruhls history, and it quickly turns into a deep dive into the world of fishing tackle. What starts as a simple conversation about fishing line spirals into rods, reels, braided line, fluorocarbon leaders, drag systems, warranties, Japanese tackle websites, Pennsylvania bass fishing, and the very real addiction of always needing “just one more setup.” The brothers also recap Matt’s annual Northern Tier Pennsylvania bass fishing trip to Cowanesque, Tioga, and Hammond Lakes, including multiple six-pound largemouth bass and discussions about how those fisheries differ from one another. Along the way, they try to answer a practical question for newer anglers: if you only wanted one versatile rod and reel combo for trout, bass, and light saltwater fishing, what should you buy? Of course, the conversation eventually proves why serious fishermen somehow end up owning hundreds of pounds of tackle anyway. As always, thanks for listening to the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast. Find all of our content at Outdoor Ruhls Website [https://www.outdoorruhls.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Follow us on Instagram at @outdoorruhls [https://www.instagram.com/outdoorruhls?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Questions or comments? Send us an email at outdoorruhls@gmail.com

Episode 82: A Mother’s Love!

Episode 82: A Mother’s Love! In this Mother’s Day episode, Mike and Caitlin open with a family weekend in Glenwood, New Mexico, where the boys helped stock Gila trout, Robert caught his first Sonora sucker, and Caitlin had a true “mother’s instinct” moment when she jumped into a cold pool to help both boys after Emmit got in over his head. The episode then shifts into a conversation about mothers in the wild, including Caitlin’s close encounter with a grizzly sow and her yearling cubs while working in Yellowstone. From there, Mike, Poppy, and Aunt Beth sit down to remember Grandma June Gettle Ruhl — a talented artist, loving mother, proud grandmother, and deeply important presence in the Ruhl family, even for those who lost her too young to really know her. Aunt Beth shares stories of June’s artistic gifts, her work teaching residents at Cedar Haven to paint and do ceramics, her love of family, her calming presence, and the special bond they shared. The episode closes with reflections on how family traits, stories, love, and influence can pass through generations — even from people we barely got to know — and with gratitude for mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and the family friends who fill those roles in our lives. Find Outdoor Ruhls online: Website: www.outdoorruhls.com [http://www.outdoorruhls.com] Instagram: @outdoorruhls Email: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

Episode 81: A Mother’s Love?

Episode 81: A Mother’s Love? In Part 1 of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast Mother’s Day series, Mike sits down with Caitlin, Poppy, and his mom Karen for an honest and surprisingly emotional conversation about Mike’s grandmother, Elizabeth “Nutt” Hartlieb — a woman remembered as tough, stubborn, guarded, and often unable to show affection, even to the people she loved most. The episode opens with stories from a recent family turkey camp weekend, where kids, friends, and multiple generations gathered to hunt, laugh, and spend time outdoors together — a sharp contrast to many of the memories that follow. Through stories both funny and painful, the family reflects on Nutt’s difficult Depression-era childhood, her complicated marriage to the endlessly generous Pop Bud, and the lasting impact that emotional distance can have across generations. Along the way are unforgettable stories involving road trips that ended in Arizona, a surprise avocado-green refrigerator, family grudges, and the unique personalities that shaped the Hartlieb and McMinn families. But beneath the humor and storytelling is a deeper reflection about gratitude, affection, and choice. Mike reflects on how growing up around someone who struggled to express love ultimately taught him the value of warmth, kindness, and appreciation for the people who openly share those things. The episode closes with a heartfelt Mother’s Day message about family, resilience, and the importance of choosing to project love and positivity into the world — no matter where you came from. As always, find more episodes, recipes, and stories at www.outdoorruhls.com [http://www.outdoorruhls.com], email us at outdoorruhls@gmail.com [outdoorruhls@gmail.com], and follow along on Instagram at @outdoorruhls.

Episode 80: Minecraft

Mike sits down with Uncle Sim and Poppy to explore the history of the Cornwall iron mines, from their role in early American industry to their impact on the local community. Uncle Sim shares firsthand stories of mining life and explains how iron ore was mined and processed in Lebanon County. The episode wraps with the mine’s closure after Hurricane Agnes and reflections on how it shaped both the region and the Ruhl family.

Episode 79: Love in the Time of Turkey Season

Episode 79: Love in the Time of Turkey Season In this laid-back spring check-in, the crew gathers to catch up on life, family, and the outdoors during a busy and slightly chaotic time of year. From a full-on Ruhl family reunion back in Pennsylvania to a stretch of rapid-fire podcast recordings, the conversation reflects on recent episodes covering everything from zoos and conservation to Hershey history and Cornwall iron mining. Mike, Caitlin, Mark, and Rachel dive into the realities of spring: mower season vs. turkey season, weddings stacking up on weekends, and the challenges of finding time to get outside. At the center of it all is opening day of turkey season in New Mexico—Mike and Caitlin’s unofficial “Valentine’s Day”—where a close encounter with a stubborn gobbler turns into a memorable (if unsuccessful) hunt. The episode wanders in the best way, touching on gardening plans, Pennsylvania Dutch markets like Roots and Green Dragon, bass fishing updates from Matt, and the anticipation of upcoming family trips—including Cape Charles and dreams of getting the next generation fully hooked on deer camp life. It’s a mix of stories, laughs, and seasonal transitions—less about any one topic and more about the rhythms of family, tradition, and making time for what matters. 🌐 Website: www.outdoorruhls.com [http://www.outdoorruhls.com] 📧 Email: outdoorruhls@gmail.com [outdoorruhls@gmail.com] 📸 Instagram: @outdoorruhls 📘 Facebook: OutdoorRuhls 🎧 Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube