Tennessee WildCast

Celebrate a milestone with us—Tennessee WildCast has officially reached its 500th episode! What began as a simple idea back in 2016 has grown into an award‑winning podcast and radio show featured on 36 stations across Tennessee. In this special episode, host Jason Harmon and co‑host Don King welcome every regional information coordinator who has helped shape WildCast through the years. Amy Spencer, Barry Cross, Mime Barnes, and Matt Cameron step out from behind the microphone to share their personal journeys, their love for the outdoors, and the work they do every day on behalf of Tennessee’s wildlife. This episode reflects on the roots of WildCast, from the early inspiration of Doug Markham to memorable moments interviewing Bill Dance on the banks of Kentucky Lake, wildlife rehab tales, emotional interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes conservation stories that rarely reach the public. Together, the team looks back at standout episodes—from snapping turtles and spotted skunks to YouTube personalities, country artists, and meaningful interviews that have saved lives. It’s also a moment to honor the people who make the agency shine: educators, wildlife officers, biologists, communicators, and the passionate crews behind fisheries, biodiversity, and WMAs. WildCast has always been about showcasing the heart of TWRA—its mission, its people, and the wildlife they protect. Thank you for 500 episodes of listening, watching, and supporting Tennessee’s outdoors. Here’s to the next 500!

Tennessee WildCast hits the road for a special on‑location episode from Henry Horton State Park, where host Jason Harmon sits down with a remarkable group of partners working to protect one of the most biodiverse river systems in North America. This episode dives into the heart of the Tennessee River Basin Network (TRBN), highlighting the collaboration, science, and passion behind efforts to conserve the Tennessee River System. Park Manager Shaun Rainone opens the show with exciting updates on major improvements at Henry Horton, including a new visitor center, restaurant, archery and mountain biking expansions, disc golf additions, and a highly anticipated lodge expected to open next year. From there, the conversation shifts to biodiversity as TWRA’s Jason Miller explains why the Duck River is a national hotspot for aquatic species and how conservation teams monitor and protect rare mussels and fish. Guests Shannon O’Quinn of TVA and Daniel West of TRBN break down how the network formed, why collaboration across seven states matters, and how local stories, students, agencies, and citizen scientists all play a role in caring for the river system. The episode also features filmmaker and long‑distance paddler John Guider, who recounts unforgettable river adventures and shares insights from paddling the full Duck River for an upcoming documentary. Listeners will hear how partnerships, science, and community involvement are shaping the future of the Tennessee River Basin and how anyone can get involved. Don’t miss this deep dive into conservation, connection, and the rivers that make Tennessee special.

Take a quick trip into Tennessee’s wild side as Tennessee WildCast brings you the latest updates on the return of the red‑cockaded woodpecker. Host Jason Harmon and co‑host Mimi Barnes welcome guests David Haney (TWRA) and Sam King (TDEC) to break down the progress of this major restoration effort at Savage Gulf. From habitat management to planting future pine forests, the team explains how partners across the state are working together to bring this once‑lost species back to Tennessee. You’ll hear how RCWs build their tree cavities, why they need mature shortleaf pines, what other species benefit from this habitat work, and how experts capture and relocate birds safely. Plus, learn about the partnerships fueling this project, updates from the Biodiversity Summit, and ways you can support conservation — including some very comfy merch. If you love wildlife, conservation wins, or just enjoy learning something new about Tennessee’s outdoors, this episode is a must‑listen. Tune in, share with your fellow nature fans, and follow along as this historic comeback unfolds.

Step back into the heart of West Tennessee with this week’s Tennessee WildCast as we explore one of the state’s most iconic landscapes—Shelby Forest. Host Jason Harmon and co‑host Amy Spencer bring listeners inside the stories, challenges, and everyday adventures of the team that manages more than 35,000 acres of wild land stretching from the Mississippi River to the Chickasaw Bluffs. Recorded at the National Bird Dog Museum, this episode introduces Chris Park, Austin Bibb, and Kenny Lepard—three dedicated TWRA staffers who have built their careers (and sometimes second careers!) around caring for wildlife, stewarding habitat, and supporting Tennessee’s hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. From high‑stakes waterfowl management to the legendary President’s Island quota hunt, the crew shares what it really takes to protect habitat, plant vital food plots, battle unpredictable river levels, and keep a complex network of wildlife areas functioning year‑round. Hear the inside stories—from planting corn three times thanks to flooding, to tracking daily river gauges, to managing impoundments that operate around the clock. You’ll also get a behind‑the‑scenes look at how they work with hunters across the state, maintain partnerships with the park system, and adapt to challenges like wild hogs that have reshaped the landscape since 2011. Whether you love duck hunting, birding, deer season, or simply exploring Tennessee’s natural spaces, this episode delivers a deeper appreciation for the people protecting them. Tune in, learn something new, and rediscover why the call of Tennessee’s wild places keeps bringing us back.

In this episode of Tennessee WildCast, host Jason Harmon and co‑host Amy Spencer take listeners inside one of Tennessee’s most unique treasures—the National Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction. This 30,000‑square‑foot facility is home to more than 40 breeds of pointing, flushing, and retrieving dogs, and preserves more than 150 years of bird‑dog history, field‑trial tradition, and sporting‑dog heritage. Jason and Amy sit down with Rex Brotherton, a lifelong West Tennessee local whose deep ties to the area’s bird‑hunting culture make him the perfect guide for exploring the museum’s origins, its archives, and the incredible artifacts inside. From foundational sires like Count Noble to historic trophies, handler saddles, artwork, taxidermy collections, and extensive breed Hall of Fame exhibits, Rex shares stories that bring the museum’s rich past to life. Listeners will also hear how the Bird Dog Foundation, a 501(c)(3), keeps the museum thriving through donations, endowments, and community support—ensuring future generations can discover the legacy of field trials and sporting dogs. Amy highlights the museum’s impact on field trips, research, and youth engagement, while Rex reflects on how preserving this heritage helps keep bird hunting traditions alive in a rapidly changing world. Whether you're a dog lover, history buff, sporting enthusiast, or simply curious about Tennessee’s outdoor culture, this episode is full of reasons to make the National Bird Dog Museum your next destination. Tune in for stories, history, and inspiration—straight from the heart of West Tennessee’s bird‑dog country.