Ultimate Hobbyist

Daniel and Samantha Chamberlain

A place to listen to us, The Chamberlains and our friends, discuss the multitude of hobbies we've come to enjoy in our time as adults. Follow along as we brew beer, harshly judge espresso, build and shoot guns, talk about the military, raise our livestock, hunt wild game and much much more. read less
LeisureLeisure

Episodes

Sunset Ridge Series - Year Two of A Homestead Garden
May 20 2022
Sunset Ridge Series - Year Two of A Homestead Garden
Gardening was passed down to both of us from our families. We’ve spent many hours of our lives prepping, planting, watering, wedding, and picking a garden. We plan to continue this well into our late lives, and passing the passion on to our boys.On this episode we’re talking about garden follies from last year, what we’re doing to fix it this year, and what some of our plans are for the future.Issues faced last yearPlanting our first garden at the new house came with many issues, including rocks… lots and lots of rocksMany of our taller crops (corn, okra, etc) didn’t grow to full height. It was stunted for some unknown reasonFungi killed all of our gourds and cucumbersGreen Beans never made enough to eatWhat we’re doing this yearThis year we’ve relocated our squash, zucchini, and cucumbers to separate areas in the garden so they won’t interact with each other, and to keep the fungi from killing both crops if it comes back. Corn and Okra are planted with more spacing in between, and moved locations in the gardenWe will eventually have 7 rows of Green Bean plants (if they’ll ever come up)Future Plans Our plans really are the same. Provide fresh produce for ourselves, our family, and anyone in our area in needWe will once again try to sell the bulk product at the local feed storeWe will be canning WAY MORE produce this year than last, along with saving seeds from our crops to replant with next year
Sunset Ridge - Poultry Farming At Home
May 13 2022
Sunset Ridge - Poultry Farming At Home
Welcome to Season 2! As you may remember last season we discussed our inability to keep our chicken brood alive, and that we had started over. Since Season 1’s end, we have added many more chickens to our coop, and unfortunately begun losing some as well. Darn Bird Flu.On this episode, we’re discussing the newest edition of poultry farming at home with the Chamberlains. We talk about how many chickens we ended up with, by breed, about the new run that we built with extra lumber “Ft. Bocks”, and about Bird Flu 2022 that’s eating our brood alive.Our Chickens (by the numbers)Poultry farming at home is more fun with varietyWe purchased nearly 30 chickens to make our start this time aroundBrahmas, Rhode Island Reds, Silver and Gold Laced Wyandottes, and a mess of Speckled Banty hens and a roosterThe New RunWe found out the hard way last year, that without a proper run we would lose everything to predatorsThis year we built the Fort Knox of chicken runs.We named it Ft. Bocks…We used some left over lumber that had been lying around for several years and made something to hopefully keep our chickens safe for years to comeBird Flu 2022We started losing birds about a week after we finished our brood purchasingThe symptoms have been setting in pretty quicklyImagine the influenza that you experience… but in a chicken.The small birds are dead within 48 hours (normally)The full grown brahmas have been living for 3 weeks with the flu
And Miles To Go Before I Sleep - Our Family Travels
Apr 8 2022
And Miles To Go Before I Sleep - Our Family Travels
Traveling has always been a hobby for us, since our first spontaneous Hawaii trip, to Boston, to a Spring Break we won’t soon forget, our family has lived on the go.In this episode Daniel and Samantha talk about their family travels since before they were even “family”. Join us on this adventure as we walk you through all of our past family travels and the ones we have planned in the future.Historical Family TravelsIn January 2016 our friend Jessica told us about sub-$100 flights to Hawaii where she was living at the time. We found out and something like 3 or 4 days later were on a jet airliner headed West.Schofield Barracks was our home for the few nights we stayed on the island. North Shore was our first stop, and it was a great experience.Bellows Air Base has a beach that is at least one pair of Oakley sunglasses richer. Boogie boarding and expensive glasses don’t mix.Spring Break 2016 involved a Harley ride in a GIANT loop across the mid-west. Harley shops and taprooms/breweries were our key objectives, coffee shops etched their way into our plans as well.OKC - Longview - Memphis - KC - GuthrieIn late 2016, we found ourselves in Austin, TX. It was a pre-deployment pass that led us to some of the most fun we’ve had on the go.6th St was a great place for two-steppin’ and playing a game of pool that Daniel doesn’t remember. Thanks Heath for joining us.Breakfast burritos from the sketchy trailer on some random corner are a thing of legend now. We contemplate going back just for another bite.Luckenbach is awesome. Luckenbach by way of Harley is almost untouchable. Thanks, Jon, for joining us there.Boston in October, when baseball is roaring loudly into the playoffs… one of the greatest places to experience.We went to two Red Sox games, and bought three games worth of tickets… (playoffs!)Our AirBNB was infested with a fungus. That led us to a trip up to Revere Beach. That’s a way better place to stay anyway.Whale Watching was apart of this adventure and it was enough fun that I promise we will go againMany more places have been a beacon to our traveling souls. Listen in to hear about our cruise, our trips for business and more.
Beards, Bands, and Antlers Oh My! - Hunting Wild Game
Apr 1 2022
Beards, Bands, and Antlers Oh My! - Hunting Wild Game
Hunting has almost become more sport than true survival, but it hasn’t lost its luster regardless of the reason. Every year over 15.2 million people climb into a blind, stand, or just the brush to try and take home a prize. In this episode Brian and Daniel discuss a little bit of everything about hunting wild game. From their favorite camo to funny first timer stories, this episode promises to deliver!When did you start hunting wild game?Brian:2012 deer seasonFroze in 10 degree weather without enough gearFirst kill was a doe with a heart shot that eliminated the top of her heart and all arteriesFirst buck kill was the 2021 season. Biggest buck on the ranch. Daniel:Earliest recollection is deer hunting with my Dad. I couldn’t keep my “propellers” from spinning (long sleeves of dad’s coat I was wearing)Shot a dam once because I was too cold to stay thereFirst attempt at bow hunting was 68 yd miss on a monster buck!What seasons do you hunt wild game, and what gear do you use?Brian:Brian only hunts deer, and he hunts in bow and rifle seasonsHe shoots a Hoyt RX3 bow with custom FOC arrows (prepping for elk hunting days)He also uses a 6.5 Creedmoor during rifle season, a black friday special from Bass Pro/Cabela’sDanielI hunt many forms of wild game, to include deer, ducks, and turkeyI hunt every deer season availableI use my Tikka T3X CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor during rifle season, a Thompon Center break over during muzzleloader, and a Hoyt Ventum 30 during bowFor a shotgun I have a Berreta A400 Xtreme PlusLet’s talk about camo!Brian uses mainly Kuiu, but got there via Bass Pro’s Red Head gear.Brian prefers his thinner camo during bow seasonI use a mixture of Sitka, Under Armour, and First Lite camo in many many layers.I essentially have a matching kit for each part of the season.I wear whatever the weather dictates, regardless of the weapon in my handsFuture hunting plans?Brian wants to bow hunt an elk, and prioritizes that over any waterfowl huntsI want to start public land bow hunting in a saddle standTurkey hunting may be on the list for this spring (I think we’re 1 day away)An elk hunt of any weapon type would be my largest goal!
Meat Sweats - Our Favorite Meals and Smoking for Beginners
Mar 18 2022
Meat Sweats - Our Favorite Meals and Smoking for Beginners
Smoking meats has long been one of our favorite hobbies. Even before we had the proper equipment, the buzz around the house on smoked brisket, chicken, or bologna day was something to write home about. We’ve gotten better at the skill and now its an integral part of our lives.In this episode, the novel Meat Sweats series, Daniel is talking with Brian about their smoking rigs, what their favorite meats (and odd ball shit) are to cook, and some beginner advice for those ready to take the plunge!Our Smokers and Accessories:Brian is using a traditional offset smoker from Oklahoma Joes. He has made many mods to the smoker to help it be a better smoker.He’s added many heat retaining mods, along with diffuser plates to keep the heat moving.Daniel uses a Traeger Ironwood 885 for the ease and perfection of the cook.They both use instant temp probes (ThermoWorks ThermaPen One for Daniel) and Daniel uses a constant probe in the ThermoWorks Smoke X4.Our Favorite Smokes:Meats:Brian cooks brisket over 80% of the time, followed by ribs and pork butts. Brian lays out the 3,2,1 method of cooking ribs here.Daniel is a chicken cooking phenom (self proclaimed), but also enjoys briskets, burnt ends, and turkey.Brian makes his own rubs and barbecue sauce, but Daniel prefers the Fiesta lineup of rubs and spices.Sides:Both cooks enjoy making barbecue beans, but go about it in different ways.Any veggies can be a favorite if you like veggies with your meat.Odd Ball Shit:PiesCobblersEggsCookiesJerkyThis list could be endless!Smoking for Beginners:2 Hours is really all you get to add smoke flavor, after that you’re just cooking the meat.Wraps: Aluminum Foil vs Butcher PaperUse whichever you want. There isn’t a wrong answer.Foil = less bark, faster cook, and moisturePaper = BARK, slower cook, and you don’t get to catch your drippingsFat side up vs fat side down debate:Put the fat towards the heat and protect what’s most important… your meat.What meat to start on:Brisket is by far the most forgivingChicken is quick and easyProbing for tenderness:Your temp probe isn’t just to check the temp. If it’s sliding in without resistance, you’re probably done cooking.Social Media:Brian Stuart:On FacebookDaniel Chamberlain@CoachChamboOK on twitter@UltHobbyist on twitterThe Ultimate Hobbyist on YoutubeThanks for joining us on this adventure, we’ll talk to you next time on the Ultimate Hobbyist.
Gunpowder and Lead - Competitive Shooters
Mar 11 2022
Gunpowder and Lead - Competitive Shooters
Competition shooting is a sport that isn’t as well known as one might believe in a nation with a strong support of the 2nd Amendment. Even members of the military aren’t always well aware of the fun, and addiction, that competitive shooting can be. On this episode you’re introduced to the podcasts first Co-Host and long military (and best) friend of Daniel, Brian Stuart. Daniel and Brian discuss their first competition shoots, why they enjoy the sport, and what rigs/builds they use as competitive shooters.First Time being Competitive ShootersBrian bought a new Glock, and upon letting his friend know was invited to a pistol shoot THAT weekend. Daniel joined Brian at a pistol match for competitive shooters in Arcadia, OK.Daniel also went solo to a rifle match in Missouri as a part of the MOST (Missouri Steel Tactical) circuit.Why do we choose to be competitive shootersBrian enjoys the sense of competition that most people lose once their High School sporting days are over.Daniel enjoys staying proficient for the military, the same competition that Brian is after, and chasing the greats that are online.Competitive Shooters rigs and weapons, and the futureBrian loves his Glock, his recently added Battle Belt, and custom rifle in .308. He prefers 9mm when shooting pisolsDaniel uses a common chest rig with built in pouches, a Tikka T3X CTR in 6.5 Creedmoor, and shoots a M&P 2.0 in 40 Cal.Daniel and Brian co-parent a 12-Gauge shotgunYou can follow the team at:Facebook:- Brian StuartTwitter:@UltHobbyist@CoachChamboOK@BrianStuart405YouTube:The Ultimate HobbyistThanks for joining us on this adventure, we’ll talk to you next time on the Ultimate Hobbyist.
Sunset Ridge Series - Introducing our Homestead
Mar 4 2022
Sunset Ridge Series - Introducing our Homestead
It’s time to introduce our homestead. We have a nice little spread in NE Oklahoma, and we’re using the place to make us happy! From an assortment of animals to a ginormous garden, we’re using the country life to help raise our boys, better ourselves, and stay connected with the world around us.On this episode we’re talking about Sunset Ridge Homestead, our little slice of heaven. We will discuss the goats, O’Malley and Thelma Louise, the donkey, Pancake, and the newest addition… chickens! With a special introduction from the one and only Beckett.Find us on YouTube at: Sunset Ridge Homestead and Ultimate HobbyistFind us on Twitter at: @SunsetRidgeOK and @UltHobbyistWhy do we have a homestead?Enjoyment of the animals is our number one reason to have a homestead. We love watching Beckett learn about life through the farm. Life, death, birth… it’s all taught first hand when livestock are involved.Learning discipline and hardwork goes well beyond our boys, and even envelops us on those blustery cold nights or when the Sooners are playing on Saturdays.We love to watch things flourish. Whether it’s our crop of tomatoes, the newest kids, or my coveted yard… we want to see things grow and do well.We also like to provide things for ourselves, from meat, to eggs, and even vegetables. Someday we hope to add money to this equationScience BABY!!!!Goats, Chickens, and Pancake2 Goats (and a kidO’Malley, Thelma Louise, baby buckOne doe died recently from ring wombNew kid born 24 FEBChickensOn our third attemptFox storiesAlready lost two, Beckett is chicken daddyPancake - the miniature donkeyHe’s an assO’Malley’s best friend, unbeknownst to usFuture additionsMore does (3-6 more)Green HouseBeesWhat do you need to get started?A safe place to keep the animals. They have to be secured at all times. A large lot isn’t required, but it sure is nice!Water and food (a local feed store)The ability to learn, and a love for other living things