The Okayest Cook Podcast: Where Hunting Stories and Cooking Collide

As I’ve advanced in my hunting career, my appreciation for all things involving the outdoors has grown exponentially. When I first started hunting, my understanding was very basic; more or less it was to kill and eat. There is a lot missing in that statement. I’ve come to understand that in hunting “the kill” is the least important part. It’s about the adventure and gaining the ability to take control of a very important aspect of a healthy life, sustainability. 

Butchering and cooking are the essence of hunting. I’ve come to appreciate that more and have experienced a wild game cooking renaissance myself. I’ve evolved from a “two wild game recipe” guy into someone that loves to try new things in the kitchen and push the boundaries that were set by people who never tried to be creative. I will admit that I’ve had a little help in this. Thanks to the Okayest Podcast Network, I have found the Okayest Cook Podcast. 

The Okayest Cook Podcast is hosted by Chris Whonsetler, a freelance commercial photographer with a love of good food. He is joined regularly by his hunting buddies and fellow cooks Andy Heiser, Colton Heiniger, and Corey Cole as they share recipes, talk hunting, and do as all other buddies do, shoot the breeze. The show provides several foundational episodes that discuss the basics of cooking such as browning meat, grilling, choosing side dishes, and cooking gear basics, while also diving into more nuance topics like sauces, food competition, and culinary diversity. If you are interested in cooking and the outdoors, the Okayest Cook Podcast is definitely for you.

 Why You Should Listen

Chris and his crew do not admit to being professional chefs, but the regard for creativity and trying new things is evident in their conversations. This is what keeps things fresh and you can tell that they enjoy producing the podcast. When asked what he enjoyed most about producing the podcast Chris stated “I absolutely love meeting new people. This includes the amazing creatives in the food industry and just the real people who can cook some awesome dishes. It’s ruined a lot of restaurants for me.” Andy states that producing the podcast has also improved his personal skill. “We get to talk to so many amazing people and I was a little surprised that all that has rubbed off on me.” 

The podcast falls right in line with the Okayest brands. So much cooking media is presented with a holier than thou attitude but not the Okayest Cook podcast. The hosts talk about real life, real recipes, and real cooking mistakes. “We are admitting from the get go that we don’t know anything at all and are just average dudes try to learn more. I want to ask all the silly, basic questions on air that the average listener may have.” The podcast blends the curious nature of the hosts with expertise of the guests and it makes for a valuable listening experience. “The podcast does a great job of peaking behind the curtain at some awesome chefs and showing them as normal folks that have just dedicated a lot of time to their craft.”

The main takeaway from this article needs to be that this is a very listener-friendly show. The down-to-earth attitudes of the hosts along with willingness of the guests to share their techniques makes for an enjoyable listen. The podcast also does a good job of going deeper than just a couple of recipes. “We just want listeners to try new things” Andy reiterates. Chris finishes off with “we want listeners to have a good time in the kitchen, but also remember that food can be more than just sustenance. It’s culture, a legacy, jam-packed with memories, and brings people together. Food is better with people.”

The Okayest Cook podcast has definitely delivered on its promise of entertainment and inspiration. As avid hunters, we automatically take on some level of wild game cooking. It’s easy to get into a rut, but getting creative in the kitchen and trying new things has only added to the enjoyment of hunting. If you are already a foodie or looking to take your cooking to the next level, give the Okayest Cook podcast a try. 

Will Bowen, Okayest Hunter Contributor