Brent Reaves
Outdoorsman & Podcast Host
Intro
Brent Reaves is a lifelong outdoorsman who’s family roots go back over 150 years in the river bottoms of rural Arkansas. After a long career in both law enforcement & guided waterfowl hunts in the famed timber of Stuttgart, Brent is now the host of “This Country life” podcast, presented by MeatEater. The proud parent to three children, and grandparent to three grandchildren, when he’s not spending time with family you can probably find him in the woods or on the water. Brent is passionate about hunting, whether it be with his hound dogs or a bow and equally as enthused to run a trot-line or catch some pan fish on a fly rod. No matter the chase, it all ends up on the dinner table with a story to go along with it.
Q&A
What is your profession? Did you always know this is what you would end up doing or was it something you “stumbled into”?
I host the This Country Life Podcast for Meateater. I retired after 32 years in law enforcement. Working in the outdoor space has been more or less accidental. I started out behind the camera then someone made the mistake of letting me talk.
Favorite movie?
Jeremiah Johnson
Favorite book?
The Old Man and The Boy, Where the Red Fern Grows, Death in the Long Grass, I could go on and on.
Most inspiring quote, piece of art, saying, or advice that has impacted the way you live today?
“You'll never be anywhere you can't have fun. If it's not fun, you make it fun” - Buddy Reaves. My dad told me this when I was 10.
When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?
Having fun is my job now. I hunt, fish and tell stories.
Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?
Northern Saskatchewan
Bucket list destination you haven’t been yet?
Yukon
You’re stranded on a deserted island - who is coming with you and why?
My wife, Alexis. She’s my best friend.
You get to have drinks with anyone (dead or alive) - who are you calling?
My dad.
What advice would you give an 18-year-old that wants to do what you do?
Never give up, work hard, believe in what you do, expect nothing in return, and prioritize your family above all else. The rest will take care of itself.
Any guilty pleasures?
Yacht Rock Radio
Favorite wild meat/fish to eat? (i.e. venison, dove, quail, king fish, redfish, etc.) And in what kind of meal do you prepare it/eat it?
Deep fried bluegill bream with cornmeal breading. Gray squirrels battered and fried in an iron skillet are a close second.
What’s your favorite element of Turtebox? (battery life, durability, waterproofness, sound, togetherness, elevating experiences)
My favorite thing about Turtlebox is how tough it is. When I’m running the river, pulling nets, or running trotlines, it gets splashed and kicked around like a rented mule and keeps on playing. I can’t wait to get it in a snow goose spread this winter.
How do you use your Turtlebox?
I have it playing everywhere from pool parties and family get-togethers to projects I’m working on outside. It’s one of the first things I grab when loading my boat too.
Name the most famous contact in your phone.
Steve Rinella
