episode 83: Tackling Matt’s Addiction

Episode 85: Have You Learned Anything?

Episode 85: Have You Learned Anything? In this special birthday episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast, Caitlin takes over hosting duties to interview Mike on the morning after his 46th birthday. The conversation explores what life has taught him through family, fatherhood, conservation work, hunting, fishing, and simply getting older. From raising kids as an older dad to lessons learned through decades in the outdoors, Mike reflects on what matters most and how his perspective has changed over time. The discussion touches on favorite outdoor memories, the influence of family traditions, lessons passed down from parents and mentors, and what Mike hopes Robert and Emmit will carry forward into their own lives. Along the way, he shares thoughts on leadership, mistakes, humility, gratitude, and why experience often teaches you how much you still have left to learn. There are stories from Yellowstone, Montana, family fishing trips, youth sports, hunting camps, and life in New Mexico, all woven together into a conversation about growing older, appreciating the people around you, and making the most of the time you're given. Whether you're in your twenties or your sixties, this episode is a reminder that learning never stops. Connect with Outdoor Ruhls: 🌐 Website: www.outdoorruhls.com [http://www.outdoorruhls.com] 📸 Instagram: @outdoorruhls 📧 Email: outdoorruhls@gmail.com 📘 Facebook: Outdoor Ruhls Thanks for listening to another episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast. If you enjoy the show, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and reach out—we'd love to hear from you.

Episode 84: Ole Bull Memories

Episode 84: Ole Bull Memories On this Memorial Day episode of the Outdoor Ruhls Podcast, Mike, Mark, and Caitlin reflect on family traditions, trout fishing, and growing up around one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved state parks — Ole Bull State Park along Kettle Creek. The conversation wanders through childhood memories of Deer Camp, feeding giant trout below the dam, fishing the kids-only section at Ole Bull, and the legendary story of young Mark and cousin Liz getting caught completely naked in the sandbox while Pop Grant “closed his eyes for just a minute.” The crew also dives into the fascinating history of Ole Bull himself — the world-famous Norwegian violinist who attempted to establish a Norwegian colony in Potter County in the 1850s — along with stories about the Austin Dam disaster, longtime camp neighbors, Pennsylvania trout culture, and the unique character of north-central Pennsylvania. Along the way, they swap fishing stories from the weekend, discuss braided line disasters, Cape Charles cobia plans, blue crabs, sheephead recipes, and why some fish are simply better eaten fresh from the creek. As always, the episode is packed with family stories, outdoor nostalgia, and the kind of conversations that happen when generations grow up around Deer Camp, trout streams, and campfires. Website: www.outdoorruhls.com [https://www.outdoorruhls.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Instagram: @outdoorruhls [https://www.instagram.com/outdoorruhls?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Email address: outdoorruhls@gmail.com

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.