Midwest Flyways Podcast
Sports
About
The Midwest Flyways Podcast is an authentic take on waterfowl hunting from Midwest Flyways. Duck and goose hunting has continued to evolve throughout the years and we aim to connect duck hunting traditions with the future of waterfowling. If you’re passionate about ducks and geese then come hang with Joey Vassallo, Conor Olstad and Cal Ness as they talk duck hunting, goose hunting and everything else in between.
Episodes
- History Lesson, The Herter’s Legend
In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, the guys take a deep dive into the fascinating history of Herter’s—the legendary catalog company that helped shape Midwest hunting culture for generations. Long before online shopping, big-box outdoor…
- Sports Guyz Only; Playoff Problems
This week on Sports Guyz Only , the crew dives headfirst into playoff season as hockey heartbreak and NBA drama take center stage. The guys break down what went wrong for the Colorado Avalanche, whether the Minnesota Wild are actually clos…
- Banded Birds and Hunting Banter
In this episode of the Midwest Flyways Podcast, the crew dives into everything from replica duck bands and waterfowl conservation to predator management and bizarre wildlife facts. The guys swap stories about banded birds, discuss the risi…
- History Lesson: Duck Calls
In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, the guys dive into the fascinating history of duck calls — from hunters using live decoy ducks and mouth calling in the 1800s to the rise of legendary call makers like P.S. Olt, Victor Glodo, Chick Ma…
- Sports Guyz Only; Bully Ball
This week on Sports Guyz Only , the boys are back in the studio — bruised, injured, and talking reckless. What starts as a backyard foot race quickly turns into accusations of false starts, torn plantar fascia, and one of the most heated “…
- Sports Guyz Only; NBA IS RIGGED
The Sports Guyz discuss NBA playoff controversies, including potential officiating bias and the impact of sports gambling. They also cover NHL playoff scenarios, golfer Rory McIlroy, NFL player arrests, and LeBron James's future.
- Jeremy Cmiel, Something Deeply Human
Jeremy Cmiel discusses his first waterfowl hunting trip in South Dakota, which evolved into a profound experience. The conversation covers first-time hunting, migration, nature, and the deep human connection found in such activities, exten…
- Sports Guyz Only; Trouble in Paradise
This episode of Midwest Flyways Podcast features The Sports Guyz discussing the NBA playoffs, focusing on the Timberwolves' performance and Anthony Edwards. They also cover Kevin Durant's legacy, NBA and NFL draft picks, NHL playoff strugg…
- Department of Grievances
The Midwest Flyways Podcast episode "Department of Grievances" covers the proposed Greyhound Protection Act and its implications for bird dog training and hunting, alongside discussions on federal overreach and legislative vagueness. It al…
- From Open Marshes to Regulated Access: The Hunting License
This episode traces the evolution of the hunting license, detailing the shift from open-access hunting to regulated practices driven by waterfowl population declines and the question of wildlife ownership. It covers the historical resistan…
- Sports Guyz Only; Law Offices of SGO
On Sports Guyz Only, the hosts discuss the opening of the Kolles and Kolles law offices, contract negotiations, the MLB pitch clock, the NFL Draft, and the NBA Playoffs.
- Looking Back, Looking Ahead
In this episode, Cal, Joey, and Carter explore waterfowl culture, discussing goose calls, gear, and regional hunting variations. They also reflect on building Midwest Flyways, balancing work and family with outdoor passions, and pursuing f…
- Sports Guyz Only; Flopping for Championships
The guyz are back—well, mostly. With Cal out, Nathaniel, Gavin and Carter dive into a packed week in sports. From the Minnesota Wild battling the Dallas Stars in a gritty playoff series to heated debates about physicality, dirty play, and…
- Logan Webster; Love Island
Logan Webster shares his experience hunting a special, unknown spot in the gulf with hosts Joey Vassallo and Cal Ness. The discussion covers the details of the unique hunting trip and the preservation of tradition, alongside general huntin…
- Shotgun Evolution: From Flintlocks to Semi-Autos
This episode traces the history of the shotgun from its flintlock origins to modern semi-automatic models, detailing its influence on waterfowl hunting. It covers innovations like self-contained shells and breech-loading, the impact of rep…
- Sports Guyz Only; Boys 2 Men
Logan Webster discusses his 4.5 years photographing University of Arkansas sporting events. The hosts also discuss Rory McIlroy, Kyler Murray and the Vikings, and play a game.
- Duck Summit Recap
Joey Vassallo and Cal Ness discuss the Minnesota Duck Summit, addressing concerns about declining mallard populations, proposed regulatory changes like reducing the hen mallard limit, and the impact of hunting pressure on ducks. The conver…
- A Taste of Flyways Hunt Club
This episode offers a glimpse into the Flyways Hunt Club, highlighting its role in building a passionate community for waterfowl hunters. Members connect, share experiences, and discuss hunting topics.
- What Was Your A-Ha Hunting Moment?
Joey Vassallo and Cal Ness discuss listener-submitted 'a-ha' moments in waterfowl hunting, sharing personal insights and lessons learned that impacted their approach to duck and goose hunting.
- Sports Guyz Only; Solving Problems, Waging Wars
The Sports Guyz debate NBA defensive ratings and recap March Madness. Fact-checking claims and statistics becomes a central point of contention during the discussion.
- Derek Helms; Adventure Guide
Adventure guide Derek Helms joins Joey on the Midwest Flyways Podcast to discuss his life, duck hunting, and new projects. The conversation also includes thoughts on the recent duck summit in Minnesota.
- History Lesson: Pintail Controversy
This Midwest Flyways episode examines the historical controversy surrounding northern pintail populations, exploring reasons for declines such as habitat loss and agricultural expansion, and the resulting debates between hunters and biolog…
- Sports Guyz Only; Debate Hijacked, Bracket Busted
In this episode of the Midwest Flyways Podcast, the hosts discuss March Madness upsets and bracket predictions, including a potential Michigan vs. Arizona matchup. They also touch on NBA playoff storylines and a personal story about golfer…
- Saskatchewan Problems
The Midwest Flyways Podcast covers new regulations impacting American duck hunters in Saskatchewan. Hosts Joey and Cal also prepare for the MN Duck Summit.
- Decoys Through Decades
This MWF History Lesson details the evolution of duck decoys, from early Indigenous traditions and wooden blocks to mass-produced plastics and the collector's market. It covers the golden age of carving, legendary makers, and the shift to…
- Sports Guyz Only; Blazing Hot Takes
The hosts recap the first weekend of March Madness, noting the Big Ten
- Sea Ducks…Lost at Sea?
This episode of Midwest Flyways Podcast covers topics such as eiders becoming lost at sea during storms and taking refuge on ships, snow goose season, and a close race on the Say What?! Leaderboard.
- History Lesson: Why Do We Band Ducks?
This episode explores the history of waterfowl banding, detailing its crucial role in North American conservation efforts. It highlights how banding provided data on migration, survival, and harvest, influencing regulations and ensuring su…
- Sports Guyz Only; QB1 & Madness
The Midwest Flyways Podcast episode "Sports Guyz Only; QB1 & Madness" covers Kyler Murray joining the Minnesota Vikings and its implications for the NFC North. The hosts also discuss favorite upsets and games from the men’s NCAA basketball…
- Hunt Club & Snow Geese
Midwest Flyways launches the Flyways Hunt Club on the Whop platform, providing members with exclusive content and benefits. The episode also discusses snow goose season and features a segment called "Say What?!".
- History Lesson: Lead Shot
This episode revisits a history lesson on the lead shot ban. It covers the multi-year transition away from lead ammunition, explaining how scientific findings revealed lead poisoning in birds, impacting waterfowl hunting history.
- Sports Guyz Only; Coming or Going?
This episode of the Midwest Flyways Podcast covers the unpredictable nature of NFL free agency, focusing on the Maxx Crosby situation and the Ravens' trade process. The hosts break down player movements and offer predictions for the upcomi…
- The Next Chapter for Midwest Flyways
Midwest Flyways announces upcoming changes after ten years, discussing the next phase of their waterfowl journey and how listeners can participate. They also outline a plan for introducing new people to waterfowl hunting affordably.
- A Ringneck in Tallahassee
This episode of the Midwest Flyways Podcast features "Say What?!" with guests Gavin and Nathaniel. They discuss wild scenarios presented by Carter, including a notable story about a ringneck duck in Tallahassee.
- Sports Guyz Only; Starting Over
This episode of Midwest Flyways Podcast covers NFL player contracts, notable free agents like Kyler Murray and Trent Williams, and speculates on the Vikings' future. It also touches on the combine and draft preparations.
- The Problem with Duck Hunting
Midwest Flyways Podcast hosts Cal and Joey address the escalating conflicts within duck hunting culture. They discuss the lack of common ground and its negative impact on hunters, exploring what changes are needed and how all hunters can b…
- Duck Stamps and the Dust Bowl
This episode of the Midwest Flyways Podcast delves into the history of Duck Stamps in the United States and examines the significant impact of the Dust Bowl era on waterfowl hunting.
- Sports Guyz Only; Dream Come True
This episode of the Midwest Flyways Podcast discusses the Olympic hockey game between USA and Canada, with the United States ultimately winning. The hosts also touch on NBA MVP candidates. A new waterfowl film and various sponsor mentions…
- A River USED TO Run Through It
Joey and Cal discuss potential changes to improve bird production and hunting across the US and Canada, touching on EPA rollbacks to the Clean Water Act and their possible effects on bird populations. They also introduce a new game, What t…
- Andy the Goose, Say What?!
In this episode of Midwest Flyways Podcast, Carter hosts a game called Say What?! with guests Nathaniel and Gavin. Nathaniel demonstrates his knowledge while Gavin faces challenges during the game.
- Sports Guyz Only; Gold Medal Dreams
The Midwest Flyways Podcast covers recent Winter Olympics events, debating athletic requirements for different sports and the compensation of gold medal-winning American athletes.
- Duck Hunting is Changing
The Midwest Flyways podcast discusses current changes in duck hunting nationwide and their implications, alongside the anticipated MN Duck Summit.
- Sports Guyz Only; Fake Slide
This episode of the Midwest Flyways Podcast discusses the Super Bowl, focusing on Vikings fan reactions to Sam Darnold's win and critiquing quarterback sliding techniques. The NBA is also briefly mentioned.
- Sub-gauge Shotguns
Joey and Cal from the Midwest Flyways Podcast discuss their experiences using sub-gauge shotguns for duck hunting, specifically mentioning a Weatherby Orion 28 SxS and a .410.
- Wins and Losses; History Lesson
This episode covers the Mack’s Prairie Wings snow goose contest, listener feedback, and new duck hunting permits in Missouri. Cal shares a history lesson on a past era of waterfowl hunting.
- So You Hired a Guide, Huh?
This episode of Midwest Flyways Podcast addresses common questions about hiring a hunting guide. It covers client expectations, what constitutes a good guide, and tipping advice for guided hunts.
- Sports Guyz Only; Giannis Sweepstakes, Vikings Debacle
This episode covers the NBA's Giannis Antetokounmpo trade speculation, examining the value of potential offers. It also discusses the NFL, focusing on Minnesota Vikings' front office changes and Sam Darnold's impact on the Seahawks, and co…
- Flooded Corn
Joey and Cal on Midwest Flyways Podcast discuss the controversy surrounding flooded corn practices in waterfowl hunting. They share their perspectives on the debate, acknowledging differing opinions and emphasizing the importance of open d…
- Balancing Life & Hunting
Joey and Cal from Midwest Flyways share their strategies for balancing hunting with home life, family, and friends. They discuss managing relationships and the sacrifices involved in integrating hunting into one's life.
- Sports Guyz Only; Belichick Snubbed and Darnold Advances
The episode discusses Sam Darnold