Episode 5 - Cheetah Relocation, Conservation Grit, and Rewriting Hunting’s Public Narrative
What does it take to move wild cheetahs across Africa, carrying on after unthinkable loss—and win over the world in the process?
Robbie Kroger joins Legends of the Wild to share the inside story of The Origins Foundation (formerly Blood Origins) to go behind the scenes of the largest open-range cheetah relocation effort ever attempted. Kroger shares the mission’s triumphs, its brutal setbacks—and the devastating death of a close friend and partner, Vincent Van Der Merwe, just days before a major milestone in the project.
From chaos in the Kalahari to an emotional fundraising auction in San Antonio—where a single moment of generosity steeled the team’s resolve to carry the mission forward—this is the story of what it truly means to fight for wildlife, and to finish the work when it matters most.
Also in this episode:
What it takes to translocate cheetahs across international borders
Why cheetahs are fragile yet vital to Africa’s ecosystem balance
How hunters raised over $250,000 to fund the project
Rebranding Blood Origins into The Origins Foundation
Why “trophy hunting” needs an SEO war plan
Lessons in sustainable use from around the globe—from Namibia to New Zealand
The future of digital advocacy for hunting, wildlife policy, and conservation
This conversation blends heart, science, chaos, and purpose—offering a rare look at the work, loss, and grit behind the world’s most misunderstood conservation tool: ethical, science-based hunting.
Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/
Get to know your host, Sam Soholt: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/
Check out the work The Origins Foundation does: https://theoriginsfoundation.org
Listen to The Origins Foundation podcast wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/1543788045
Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/
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Episode 4 - Sell the Brand, Live the Hunt: Hunting Industry Lessons from Dan Moultrie
How do you build a hunting brand that lasts 50 years? Dan Moultrie shares the secret.
Dan Moultrie, founder of Moultrie Feeders and a 50-year industry veteran, joins host Sam Soholt to unpack the innovations that shaped modern hunting—and why company culture rooted in outdoor passion still matters. From the compound bow revolution to thermacell breakthroughs and Gore-Tex game changers, this episode tracks the gear, mindset, and market shifts that helped grow the sport.
Whether you're a whitetail bowhunter, backcountry elk chaser, or just looking to get your family outdoors, you'll find valuable insights in this conversation about recruitment, retention, and what it really means to “sell the brand.”
Topics covered include:
Why compound bows changed everything for hunters
Building an outdoor company culture that recruits and retains talent
The evolution of hunting gear: from wool to Gore-Tex and thermacells
Why innovation matters for the future of hunting and fishing
The importance of making the outdoors accessible and enjoyable for new hunters
Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/
Get to know your host: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/
Check out Moultrie’s legendary products: https://www.moultrie.com
Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/
This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com
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Episode 3 - Hunting, Home, and the Changing West: Stories from Bozeman and Beyond
Legends of the Wild kicks off again this week with Sam Soholt being joined by legendary outdoor TV producer Jason Matzinger. The guys sit down for a wide-ranging conversation about how hunting, outdoor media, and conservation are changing in the modern age. What starts as reminiscing about the nostalgic vibe of classic hunting camps, like the Field & Stream Lodge, evolves into how these places shape the stories hunters carry for life.
From there, they turn their sights to Bozeman, Montana—a town once defined by its small-town feel and close-knit community. Rapid growth and an influx of newcomers have transformed both the city and the surrounding landscape, raising tough questions about access, crowding, and the true cost of “outdoor living.”
The discussion moves into the realm of storytelling, exploring why authentic voices matter in hunting media and filmmaking, sharing their experiences navigating the outdoor industry and how longevity in this space often comes down to staying true to your message. They also tackle conservation, explaining how films and visual storytelling can educate the public about wildlife management and shift perspectives on practices like trophy hunting—which, when done selectively, can actually support healthier animal populations.
Whether it’s passing down ethical hunting practices to future generations or creating content that reflects the real highs and lows of life in the wild, the hosts make it clear that the outdoor world is about far more than just the hunt. Looking ahead, Sam and Jason tease some exciting projects designed to connect the dots between storytelling, conservation, and the deep-rooted culture of the hunting community.
Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/
Get to know your host: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/
Follow Along With Jason’s Into High Country show: https://intohighcountry.com/jason-matzinger/
Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/
This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com
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Episode 2 - Wild Lands, Wild Minds: An Arctic Conversation with Ryan Callaghan
Sam Soholt sits down with Ryan Callaghan from MeatEater fame for an unforgettable dive into the Arctic wilderness and beyond. Together, they swap stories from remote places where biting cold and vast landscapes shift your entire outlook on life.
But this conversation is about more than adventure. Sam and Ryan dig deep into why wild places matter — not just for those who hunt or fish, but for every American who treasures the freedom to roam public lands. They explore how technology can help conservation rather than harm it, and why telling personal stories might be our most powerful tool for protecting the places we love.
From the anxiety of watching wild lands disappear to the hope found in grassroots movements, this episode is a rallying cry for anyone who believes that the wild should remain wild — for us, and for the generations coming
Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/
Get to know your host: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/
Follow the Cal Of The Wild podcast: https://www.themeateater.com/listen/cals-week-in-review
Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/
This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com
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Episode 1 - Protecting What’s Ours: Randy Newberg on the Fight for Public Lands
Sam Soholt sits down with Legend of the Wild Randy Newberg — public lands advocate, seasoned hunter, and familiar voice from the incredibly popular Fresh Tracks series — to explore why America’s public lands matter more than ever.
Together, they dive into:
Why public lands are the backbone of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation
The behind-the-scenes work of advocating for public land access and conservation in light of the recent controversy surrounding public land sales in the 2025 Congress.
How personal stories can ignite a passion for protecting wild places
The media’s power to shine a light on conservation battles
The complex, ongoing legislative fights that determine the future of public lands
Strategies for outdoor communities to unite and amplify their voices
Randy shares his own journey from hunter to public lands champion, offering practical insights on how every outdoorsman and woman can get involved. Whether it’s contacting lawmakers, educating others, or simply telling your own story, the message is clear: our public lands belong to all of us, and it’s up to us to keep them wild and free.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you ready to stand up for the places we all love.
Get more from Field & Stream: https://www.fieldandstream.com/
Get to know your host: https://www.instagram.com/samsoholt/
Follow Randy & Fresh Tracks On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fresh_Tracks
Join the F&S 1871 Club and experience a membership dedicated to the outdoor culture of sporting traditions, storytelling, and the conservation of our lands: https://www.fieldandstream.com/1871-club/
This podcast is powered by Moultrie, the official trail camera of Field & Stream: https://www.moultrie.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
About Legends of the Wild, A Field And Stream Production
Legends of the Wild takes you into the heart of the outdoors. Hosted by conservationist, outdoorsman, and storyteller Sam Soholt, this Field & Stream original podcast shares epic adventures, unforgettable hunting and fishing stories, and candid conversations with legendary figures from across the outdoor world.
Whether you’re a lifelong hunter, a conservationist advocating for public lands, or simply love a good story, Legends of the Wild brings the outdoors closer than ever.
New episodes drop biweekly.
Listen to Legends of the Wild, A Field And Stream Production, Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app