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For rising country artist Maddox Batson, the outdoors isn't just a hobby. It's where he goes to slow down, recharge, and reconnect with what matters most.
Recorded live from DUX 2026, hosts Jimbo Robinson & Matt Harrison sit down with Maddox Batson for a conversation about family, music, hunting, and navigating success at a young age.
Maddox shares how his grandfather first introduced him to the outdoors, why duck hunting quickly became an obsession, and how hunting remains an important escape from the demands of a rapidly growing music career. The discussion also covers songwriting, social media, Nashville, mentorship, and the values that continue to keep him grounded as his platform continues to grow.
Along the way, Maddox talks about the influence of his parents, his appreciation for mentors like Lainey Wilson and Devlin "Duck" Hodges, and why being kind to others is one of the most important lessons he hopes to pass on to the next generation.
Topics Covered
- Growing up hunting with his grandfather
- How duck hunting became a passion
- Moving to Nashville and pursuing music
- The role social media played in his career
- Songwriting and creative inspiration
- Mentors in the music and outdoor industries
- Why hunting helps him disconnect and recharge
- Advice for young people navigating life and success
Listen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcast
Send feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.org
SPONSORS:
Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:
Whether you’re winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Creators and Guests
Host
Jimbo Robinson
DUPodcast Co-Host
Host
Matt Harrison
DUPodcast Co-Host
What is Ducks Unlimited Podcast?
Ducks Unlimited Podcast is a constant discussion of all things waterfowl; from in-depth hunting tips and tactics, to waterfowl biology, research, science, and habitat updates. The DU Podcast is the go-to resource for waterfowl hunters and conservationists. Ducks Unlimited is the world's leader in wetlands conservation.
And, man, by by by the time this show is over, you
Jimbo Robinson:know that that the duck hunting will be will be your favorite. And that you'll have so many invites to
Maddox Batson:go I'll have so many invites go hunting, man. I want I
Matt Harrison:don't I don't know to do with them.
Maddox Batson:Yeah. I'm booked for the entire winter. Just don't even try to call me.
Matt Harrison:I'm I'm in the woods. There's no music.
Maddox Batson:I got no Internet. No Internet.
VO:Restoring habitat, and working to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever. From field tested hunting insights to the biggest conservation wins across North America, this is your front row seat to wetlands conservation in action. The DU Podcast is proudly sponsored by Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails. Whether you're wrapping up a hunt with your best friend or kicking back with your crew, Bird Dog brings award winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.
Jimbo Robinson:We are back. Are we ready, Chris?
VO:Yeah.
Jimbo Robinson:That's the most Alright. We are welcome to the Duck Den at the two thousand twenty six DU Expo. We're excited for today's guest. Maddox Batson's joining us. Also, Harrison.
Jimbo Robinson:Welcome back.
Matt Harrison:Thank you.
Maddox Batson:This guy's just cool as me. I don't know why you didn't introduce him first. He's a host. Because
Jimbo Robinson:I hang out with him all the time.
Maddox Batson:Truly hang out
Jimbo Robinson:with you
Maddox Batson:all time. Thank you for having me. I appreciate
Jimbo Robinson:Yeah, man. We're excited you're here. So
Matt Harrison:excited. So let's talk a little bit about how this kinda came about.
Jimbo Robinson:So what
Matt Harrison:was that? I think it was like Tuesday or Wednesday, Matt. Yeah. I saw where Maddox had followed us on social media, so I automatically I was like, I gotta reach out to him. I was like, I wanna send him some swag, hat, shirt, and as soon as I messaged him, I was like, he probably won't even see it.
Matt Harrison:Anyway, right back, he's like, I'm actually coming to Ducks. I was like, really? So that's when I called Jimbo, I was like, Jimbo, we gotta have him on the podcast, man.
Jimbo Robinson:Yep, gotta
Maddox Batson:do it.
Matt Harrison:And now here you are.
Maddox Batson:Absolutely, dude, I saw the I saw the message and I'm a big I'm checking my DMs constantly, right, for stuff like that, right? And I knew I was coming to the expo, was excited about it, I wasn't expecting a DM, followed you guys, right, and I'm just glad it all got sorted out. I couldn't be more excited to be here with you guys, and it's my first time at the expo, and it's it's already awesome. I'm, like, geeking out. I'm, like, a nerd over this kind of stuff.
Maddox Batson:It's, the biggest store I've ever been to. It's awesome, but I'm having a good time, and I'm I'm excited to be here. I appreciate it.
Jimbo Robinson:How did how were you introduced to the outdoors?
Maddox Batson:Honestly, for me, it was my grandfather, my mom's dad. I call him papa, but, you know, he's I've been in the outdoors with him ever since I could remember. Right? I grew up what my family does and what my friends do, where I grew up is about an hour north of Nashville, and we're all tobacco farmers, right, and that's what you know, how I really got in the outdoors, but just hunting and fishing has always been a big part of my life, and I did it with him. Right?
Maddox Batson:I was originally a big deer hunter, turkey hunter, and you know, stuff like that and I'd fish a lot. I didn't get into ducks until a few years ago, but now it's like it's like the bug, bro. It's like golf, you know, it gets you and he's like, if you think about it year round. Fun thing about golf, can play it whenever. Ducks, you can't do, you know.
Maddox Batson:You can't just you can't go harvest ducks whenever you want to, but, you know, it's all good. I love it, and it's you know, the outdoors for me is a very important way to wind down, you know. Life can get away ahead of you whether, you know, any kind of line of work you're in, whether you're 16 years old or you're 65, you know, life can just kinda take you by the harness and you don't even realize it. Right? And the outdoors has always been a way for me to just escape and go out there and just be by myself and, you know, take a few seconds to relax, breathe, and, you know, be in the moment for sure.
Jimbo Robinson:Being 16 year old and in this industry, it it can't be easy. Right? And and I Pat Spinosa and I are good friends. I know you're on Like a Farmer Yeah.
Maddox Batson:A while back.
Jimbo Robinson:Yeah. And, you know, he said and Maddox is we talked about he's like, man, he's mature beyond his age. And and what you just said is and that's for most of us older guys have been doing it for a long time. It is our exit. Right?
Jimbo Robinson:It's also a a safe space to go and spend time with your kids. And Yep. Both of my kids spend a lot of time with me in the outdoors. I do it with them together, and I do it with them, you know, separate. I like to take each one of them on their own trip during duck season because that's a special time.
Jimbo Robinson:And
Maddox Batson:so you say that's it is. You can't even explain it. It's just, know, those moments with my grandfather are some stuff that I'll have for the rest of my life, killing my first deer with him and, you know Yep. Doing all those different type of things that I did for the first time ever with him. It's just like, it's it's stuff I'll remember forever, and it's just key moments of my life that I wouldn't trade for anything.
Maddox Batson:You know?
Jimbo Robinson:Yeah. So growing up, now you're, so you've moved to Nashville. Right?
Matt Harrison:Mhmm.
Jimbo Robinson:And, chasing the the music career. What's what's it been like, moving to Nashville and being amongst, you know, the the mecca of country music?
Maddox Batson:The mecca of country music, man. It's you know, like I said, I was only an hour away growing up. When I was eight, I moved to Alabama. I lived there till I was around 14 and then, moved back to Nashville. And, know, it's it's different.
Maddox Batson:There's a lot happening in Nashville, you know. It's a lot of city. It's a lot of it's a lot of it's a lot of people and it's, you know, it's very I don't know necessarily the word. It's just it's a lot happening a lot, especially when you're trying to make it in the music industry. Right?
Maddox Batson:It's a I mean, to be honest, it's it's the place to be, whether it's, you know, country music or any type of music. I think Nashville is just one of those meccas these days, and luckily, was born there, and I and I'm familiar. Right? But, you know, it's different. I like the city, but I also don't at times, but, you know, it is what it is.
Maddox Batson:I'm glad I'm there and a lot of opportunity for sure.
Matt Harrison:Talk a little bit about kinda how you got your start because I came across you on TikTok Mhmm. Years and years ago. Yeah. I think it's when when when did you first start on TikTok?
Maddox Batson:Probably around 2023, I was probably on '13. Okay.
Matt Harrison:Yeah, I think it was one of the videos you were like getting ready or something like that and it was one of the funniest videos. How did that kind of all transpire like from you posting TikToks and you started singing, I mean, now look
Maddox Batson:Absolutely. Where you are So social media has always been like a big part of my life as is for like pretty much any kid really, you know, today's day and age, social media just plays a really big role. And I grew up around music. My parents, you know, both of them are very musically inclined. My dad grew up in bluegrass music.
Maddox Batson:My mom's in the church singing a lot. I grew up in church, you know, singing, and it's just always been a part of my life. At family reunions, we wouldn't, you know, do anything else other than bring out the guitar and start playing that. Right? And just like I said, very core memories of me, like, as a child and stuff that stuck with me.
Maddox Batson:And, you know, I never really thought never in a million years I think I'd be doing what I'm doing, especially at 16 years old. Right? If you no. You know, I I think I'd in I'd be in school. I'd be, you know, playing sports, all that kind of stuff and hunting when I can.
Maddox Batson:Right? You know, not doing cool stuff like this, but, man, I wouldn't trade it for nothing. It's the coolest thing. And, you know, whether I started on TikTok, I started posting videos when I was around 13. Me and my dad would go to Texas.
Maddox Batson:I mean, I'm playing three, four hour live gigs for more. I mean, for less people that are standing in front of me now, people had no clue who I was, wasn't paying attention for nothing, and it's hot. I mean, Texas is hot in the summer, and you ain't playing no inside rooms, man. Golly. But, you know, it is what it is, and I've only lived sixteen years of my life, but the fact that I went out there and, know, thugged it out for a little while is, you know, that's something I'm proud of, and, you know, I'm just I'm happy where I'm at, and it's just opportunities that I couldn't never be.
Maddox Batson:I can't thank God enough, man. Yeah. The fact that I get to do what I do is just truly amazing and No doubt. It's awesome.
Jimbo Robinson:Welcome to the Old Timer Minute, sponsored by Old Timer Knives.
VO:The person who taught me the most about duck hunting was my dad. He's who I hunt with today still. I hunt I've hunted first person I've hunted with hunted with him my whole life. And, you know, my dad's real passion in when it comes to duck hunting and in life is teaching people to duck hunt. And that's been really interesting as his daughter and, like, both my brother would say this too, like, he was always so hard on us.
VO:And now we watch him teach other people, but also we watch him teach our kids. And he's so much kinder and, like, more patient than he ever was with us. When we were kids, we never even had a dog, so we had to get everything. Like, he would always be like, Katie, back, and make us go run out and get ducks. And now he has all we have dogs and all this nice stuff, so but I couldn't have asked to be taught by anybody better.
Jimbo Robinson:Visit the oldtimer.com.
Matt Harrison:And you write most of your songs. Right?
Maddox Batson:Yes, sir. All of them.
Matt Harrison:All of them.
Maddox Batson:I am a writer on all of them.
Matt Harrison:Yes, sir. Singer songwriter, which is I mean incredible because I mean you got that singing talent which is one thing, but then also writing is an incredible, incredible talent too
Maddox Batson:that Yeah, not many people appreciate it. Yeah, songwriting's always been a big thing for me. I just take a lot of pride in it, right? Because the fact that I can say I've been a songwriter on every single one of my songs, it's a very common misconception that I've written all written them all by myself. No, I haven't, but I've had the I've had the help of some people and that's just, you know, that's part of writing songs.
Maddox Batson:But yeah. I mean, I I think songwriting is is beautiful and watching a song come together from an idea to a full production song that you put out for people to listen to is just it's unparalleled. You can't really for me, I can't really compare that to anything else. And you're just watching that come together. It's it's crazy.
Maddox Batson:It's like putting out a food plot and then, you know, putting the game cameras up and then getting the deer in there, you know, and it's like watching it all come together is it's just a great feeling. It's kinda like the same.
Jimbo Robinson:Yeah. You've had a lot of a lot of popular songs have gone out. Mhmm. And they and and all of them you write, you know, how whatever whatever inspiration you had at the time, what's been what's
Maddox Batson:your favorite song? My favorite song of mine? Oh, man. That's tough. That's tough.
Maddox Batson:I hate I hate talking man, that's tough. For me, probably my most recent one, I just came out with one. It's called Fallin' Easy. It's really it's a it's a it's cool. It's it's easy for me to sing, and the fans love it, and I just think it's upbeat and fun.
Maddox Batson:There's some, you know, really important songs to me as well I haven't necessarily come out yet with, like the first song I ever wrote by myself or I wrote it with my dad. Me and him wrote it together. It's called Look Up. Right? I wrote about one of my buddies and it's a very, very, you know, meaningful song to me and I'm excited for that one to come out as well.
Matt Harrison:That sounds
Maddox Batson:And yeah, it's really cool. So, you know.
Jimbo Robinson:My household likes southbound. Southbound. Nice. I love that.
Maddox Batson:That's one of my is that is that y'all's favorite? What's your favorite? You. Layla. What's your favorite?
Maddox Batson:Layla, what's your favorite? Southbound?
Jimbo Robinson:I knew.
Maddox Batson:What about yours? Southbound? Nice. Great picks. I like it.
Jimbo Robinson:I asked them the other day. Girling Green was another one.
Maddox Batson:Oh, yeah. That one's huge. Yeah. That one's that one's I get that answer the most. Girling Green's big for sure, But I I appreciate the I appreciate the support, guys.
Jimbo Robinson:It's it's fun. So, you know, but I was talking to it's funny y'all call him Dano. Yeah. I heard you yelling.
Maddox Batson:He is my dad. I know. Is
Matt Harrison:my dad.
Jimbo Robinson:I said, did he call
Matt Harrison:you Dano? He's like, yeah. I was
Jimbo Robinson:like, that's awesome. He said, you know, and and we were talking, while y'all were walking around and we were going to get some meat. And what's really cool is is watching his pride and and watching how excited he is and
Maddox Batson:and Absolutely.
Jimbo Robinson:And being a dad myself, I I understand, how proud you are of your kids, and and that spoke a lot about you and about him and and just the fact that, you know, down here together and sharing it with your buddy. And Mhmm. And it's just really we're really thankful that, you took the opportunity to be here and took the opportunity to spend some time with us. And, I know you're gonna be walking around for for the next two days.
Maddox Batson:Absolutely. I'm Mike.
Jimbo Robinson:You got a lot of people to come and see and a lot of a lot of hands to shake and
Maddox Batson:Absolutely. I plan on
Matt Harrison:it. And, man, by by the time this show is over, you
Jimbo Robinson:know that that the duck hunting will be will be your favorite. Yes. And that you'll have so many invites
Maddox Batson:It's not I'll have so many invites go hunting, man. Want I don't
Matt Harrison:I don't know to do with them.
Maddox Batson:Yeah. I'm booked for the entire winter, just don't even try to call me,
Matt Harrison:I'm in the woods. There's no music.
Maddox Batson:I got no internet, no internet.
Matt Harrison:I told him, I said, what's your dream waterfowl hunt? Because he told me he just got into it three years ago, right? I'm new to it really. Jack got him on his first duck, which was a green winged teal. Mhmm.
Matt Harrison:Green A tough duck to hit
Maddox Batson:at. Yep.
Jimbo Robinson:But I
Matt Harrison:was like, if you had one place to go and hunt, what would it been? He's like, flooded timber. Was like, I think we got out.
Maddox Batson:Dude, it's like the mega. When you think of duck hunting for me, I think of flooded timber and it's just like, I don't know, I've always wanted to do it, watch them come down in the trees, man. There's nothing like You know?
Matt Harrison:We know a guy. Well,
Maddox Batson:wouldn't know if there's anything like it because I haven't done it, but there's nothing like watching it happen on video. So I'm excited to experience it, like, in real life, and I
Jimbo Robinson:I shared I shared I I my first duck was killed in the woods with my dad, who who's here today, and and, my son's first duck, out of the air was in the woods. And so, it's a passion. It's not something I do all the time now, but I love to do it. But you will. Once that happens Yeah.
Jimbo Robinson:You know, it will, it there's no feeling like it.
Maddox Batson:Oh, dude. I cannot wait.
Jimbo Robinson:But what what got you into music? Because, you know, my kids always talked about how bad you love sports, and basketball is a huge part of your life. Right? And so what?
Matt Harrison:29 points a game.
Maddox Batson:Used to. I used to. I
Matt Harrison:used He to be told
Maddox Batson:me that. In, like, 83. Was in like
Matt Harrison:83. Don't know.
Maddox Batson:Got Memphis Grizzlies. Look at me. Look at me. Look at me. You know, I ain't going to the league.
Maddox Batson:I I, you know, I made that decision early. I accepted my fate, right? Heard. I got hurt, you know, that's really what it was. I got hurt playing basketball and music had always been a part of my life.
Maddox Batson:It never been like something I'd really grabbed onto until I had nothing else to do and I was like, man, this this thing's really cool for, you know, a number of reasons. One, because music will stick with you for the rest of your right? Music is something that's not gonna wear out, I guess I can sing songs at 99, right? I can't play basketball at that time, but another one of those things that I figured out very early on is, you know, females also like guys who play music. Like, you know, you pick up a guitar at a campfire, you can't pick up a basketball, you know.
Maddox Batson:So you can't just start dribbling, know.
Jimbo Robinson:I told
Maddox Batson:you that's not gonna do the same work.
Jimbo Robinson:Told my son you need start playing the piano. I'm telling
Maddox Batson:you, man, it'll stick with you forever and it'll open more doors and more opportunities for you than you could ever imagine and
Jimbo Robinson:yeah. So who've been some big influences in your life besides your parents in in the music industry?
Maddox Batson:Oh, man. That's tough. I mean, I look up to so many guys, and, you know, I just got off the road with Tucker Wetmore. I did a few shows with him. He's a really good guy, really good to look up to.
Maddox Batson:I think he's very clean-cut. He's really good at what he does, and he's a great family man, he's always been amazing to me. Miss Laney Wilson, I opened up for her for a few shows this last year, and getting to play my first arenas with her and, you know, just experience that, play my hometown arena at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville was impeccable, and she is arguably one of the best performers I've ever watched in my entire life and just, you know, she's an even better mentor. How amazing she is at music and how amazing she is at, you know, performing, she's an even better person. And she just taught me so much, and I just I couldn't be more thankful to do that with her.
Maddox Batson:And who else? I look up to, like, I really look up to, like, the Jonas Brothers and, who else? Like, the One Direction guys. I always get compared to Justin Bieber. Look up to him as well.
Maddox Batson:Just there's so many guys whether what kind of genre it is, don't necessarily care. In the country music space, pop, rap, you know, punk, whatever it is, you know, I look up to so many different guys and you can learn things from everyone.
VO:Stay tuned to the Ducks Unlimited Podcast sponsored by Bird Dog Whiskey after these messages.
Jimbo Robinson:And talk about Lainie, you know, a true power couple. Right?
Maddox Batson:Oh, absolutely.
Jimbo Robinson:In the industries. Her husband, Ducks is here. Just launched an incredible collab this weekend with Gunner Kennels.
Maddox Batson:That was heat.
Jimbo Robinson:Your dog. Yep. I was I was been rocking the shirts all week.
Maddox Batson:Dude, that's hype. I really like that. He sent me some Club Country stuff.
Jimbo Robinson:Oh,
Maddox Batson:yeah. And I love it. It's comfy. Best in the game. And then Gunner, like I was telling you early earlier, mister Addison, his daughter's first ever concert they ever went to is me in Nashville just this past few months.
Maddox Batson:And, you know, I reached out to him with Goose. I was like, hey, man. I'm getting a brand new dog. I'm excited to get some, you know, Gunner stuff. I just wanted to say I'm a huge fan of the brand.
Maddox Batson:And I didn't know he's he he they're based in Nashville. I really didn't know that. They're based he's born and raised in Brentwood Yep. Which is like a little suburb outside of Nashville. He got me everything I could ever imagine.
Maddox Batson:I'm just so grateful. Goose is set up. I'll tell you that right now. He's got, like, the food crates, the the the bowls, the ratchet straps, the big kennel, the small kennel. You know?
Maddox Batson:It's like he's set up, and I love it, and I couldn't be more grateful.
Jimbo Robinson:Great guys over there. Another one like Addison is is a true, you know, icon of the sport. And and what you may not know about Addison is, went to Ole Miss, went out to an agency, started that that, Gunner Kennels, and one of his long term goals was to put the duck head on the kennel. And if you go back and you watch the ten year anniversary video
Maddox Batson:Yeah.
Jimbo Robinson:Which I happen to be a small part of.
Maddox Batson:Nice.
Jimbo Robinson:He talks about, you know, his original designs and a kid being on part of it, they're Gunner's a great corporate partner of Ducks Unlimited. And, so that that was a really neat thing. And and Ash and I went to North Dakota last year together to launch the dog vest, which I know Goose will have soon.
Maddox Batson:Absolutely. When he grows into it.
Jimbo Robinson:Oh, yeah. And so, Addison is just an amazing guy, and and so, you know, you're aligning yourself with the right people in the industry. Absolutely. Back to, you know, Ducks and and Lanny, they're just down to earth people.
Maddox Batson:Absolutely. They coolest people I know. Absolutely.
Jimbo Robinson:And being able to, you know, grow up and hang out with them, what they do and how they teach you, like, there's no better people to surround
Maddox Batson:yourself with. Absolutely not. And I've learned so much from, you know, both of them, whether it's, you know, Duck and getting into, you know, waterfowl hunting over these past few years and learning a lot from him, getting to golf with him and stuff like that, or it's Laney, you know, my professional career, I guess, you know, whether it's on stage or off stage, I got somebody to talk to in the Wilson family. So or wait. Would it be the Hodges family these Yeah.
Maddox Batson:Okay. Awesome. Gotcha. Well, Laney's yeah. I don't know.
Maddox Batson:Laney's cool. That's awesome. I'd take Wilson.
Matt Harrison:I'm kidding.
Maddox Batson:I'm kidding. I'm kidding. I
Jimbo Robinson:can't wait to tell Duck.
Maddox Batson:Duck Wilson. What a name that is, Come on. I like that.
Jimbo Robinson:No. That would be something that he would say. So I I gotta ask you a question. So you posted you dropped something on Instagram the other day. You didn't tell Matt or I about this, but it was an old magazine cover.
Jimbo Robinson:Yeah. So where where did you find that?
Maddox Batson:Probably I think I got it on eBay. It's like $8. It was awesome. And I I got like eight of them. It was like, was scrolling through, and they're like, call this number to buy this sweatshirt.
Maddox Batson:And I'm like, I don't think I should call. You know? These are from like spring of eighty five, and they're like, woah. Okay. Yeah.
Maddox Batson:They didn't have credit cards or nothing.
Jimbo Robinson:Woah. Woah. Woah. That was the year I was born, Maddox. Don't be talking about spring of eighty five too much now.
Maddox Batson:Apologies. Apologies.
Jimbo Robinson:No.
Maddox Batson:I'm taking too bad.
Jimbo Robinson:No. No.
Maddox Batson:No. Jeez.
Jimbo Robinson:But it's You
Matt Harrison:you also got what were you telling me you just got to? A lab? Yeah.
Maddox Batson:I got like a cool figurine. It's like a lab figurine. It's like a black lab figurine, like, probably early two thousands.
Matt Harrison:It's a d u. It's d u.
Maddox Batson:It's d u. Oh. Yeah. It's really cool.
Jimbo Robinson:Well, it's just cool that that that you found that magazine because Ducks Unlimited is gonna celebrate our ninetieth anniversary, this upcoming year. Yep. Ninetieth anniversary. Woah. And so a lot of things that we've been talking about doing as a company, have to do with some of our old, vintage stuff.
Maddox Batson:And when
Jimbo Robinson:you guys like, oh, I want
Matt Harrison:to talk
Jimbo Robinson:to Max about this this cover he has here and see what, see where he got it. Yeah. Because it's just it's it's our heritage. It's our legacy in in in ninety years, and and we're we're excited to celebrate it.
Maddox Batson:My grandfather was also I think he was a member of Ducks Unlimited, so he would get the the the one that introduced me to hunting. He wasn't a waterfowl hunter, but he he was a he was a fan. Right? So he he was a he would get the magazines in the mail. I remember seeing those as a little kid as well.
Maddox Batson:Not eighties, you know, maybe like 2010, 2012, you know, but still it's he's, yeah, been a big part of my life just as much as you guys think. It's awesome.
Jimbo Robinson:Well, one of the things that, you know, the the using you talked about social media and the platform and and it being a big part of you and and some of the icons that you looked up to. What what's been inspiring, to you, with this next generation? Because it's not really the next generation. Right? A lot of these people that look up to
Maddox Batson:you, you're in age. Right? Yeah.
Jimbo Robinson:You're in it. But, you know, what is something that means a lot to you, and what's something that you think you can pass on to to these kids?
Maddox Batson:Honestly, a big a big thing for me is I don't care, you know, who you are, and I I've I've experienced my end of it. I've been I've been on the opposite end of it, but, like, the biggest thing to me is just, you know, just be nice to each other. I mean, I feel like that's something that can get really lost and it can be, like, you know, kinda looked down on and not, you know, focused on as much as it should be. It's like the lot of lot of problems we solve. You know?
Maddox Batson:It's just it's life's so much easier that way. I've been the mean guy, I've been the nice guy, I've been the guy in between, and a 100 times out of a 100, I'd I'd choose the I'd choose the nice guy just because you feel better about yourself, you know. It's it's just one of those things that it's I don't know. I grew up with amazing parents, and both of my mom and my dad are, you know, extremely influential in my life and, you know, taught me things at a young age that have stuck with me, you know, now till the till the day I pass away. And, you know, I don't know.
Maddox Batson:Just being nice to each other is a huge thing. Always following what you think you should do, you know, Stay true to your character. Don't let anybody influence you too quick. Surround yourself with the right people. You never know, you know.
Maddox Batson:There's so many things that can dictate the way your life goes, and I still got a lot of it to live. Right? But I know I'm not, you know, the most wise guy, the most, you know, whatever on the face of the planet. I ain't I ain't got there yet, but I can tell you that I'm just peaceful when I'm nice. I'm peaceful when I'm nice to each other.
Maddox Batson:I'm peaceful when I'm doing what I love and, you know, doing it because I love it, not because anyone else told me to love it, you know? Yeah. That's powerful. Yeah. I do I do what I do.
Maddox Batson:I do music and I do I I I hunt ducks and I, you know, I hunt deer and I do stuff because I love it, not because anyone else tells me to. So just do it because you do it and, it's very important and something can can get lost. So So I just try to, you know, to get that messages out there as much as I can for sure.
Matt Harrison:That's some advice a lot of people need to take right there.
Jimbo Robinson:Absolutely. And as and as a father of a seven year old, and and and a 10 year old boy Mhmm. You know, I appreciate people like you. Thank you. Because there's not there's not a lot of influencers out there that that are are are doing it, for for the next generation or doing it for the right reasons.
Jimbo Robinson:Mhmm. Right? And and it speaks to a lot about about Dano. Gonna I'm have to stick to that.
Maddox Batson:Shout out Dano. Shout out Selena. That's my mom's name. Shout out miss Selena. Selena.
Maddox Batson:She She she helps me out a whole lot with that kind of stuff. More and more Noel Dano. No disrespect to Dano. But, you know, mama's big on the manor. She's she's taught a lot to me whether she knows it or not.
Jimbo Robinson:Yeah. And so I I you know, it just speaks a lot to to your parents. And and Thank you. And and, you know, being a parent and being a parent of kids, like, you know, it's proud to see people like you. And Thank you.
Jimbo Robinson:We're just thankful that that you're here. And, man, I know that, this won't be your last trip Absolutely. Because of, what else is gonna happen
Maddox Batson:Come on.
Jimbo Robinson:Over the next two days. Yes. We just hope
VO:that you love
Jimbo Robinson:Memphis, man.
Maddox Batson:Like I do. I love it out here. Yes, sir.
Jimbo Robinson:Means a lot and and and Memphis is the the a lot of people said this, but Memphis is truly the waterfowling hub. Right?
Maddox Batson:It combines No. Everything was Mississippi. Yeah. Everything was yeah. Ducks Unlimited found it in Memphis.
Maddox Batson:Shen found it in Memphis. Yep. Like it's, you know, like big big big big big stuff with waterfowl has been founded here. It's a big Mecca for sure and, you know, it's kinda you don't even look at it as like that, but if you really dissect it, you're like, oh, Memphis. It is.
Maddox Batson:And Yeah. While you take it,
Matt Harrison:I mean Home
Maddox Batson:of the Grizz.
Jimbo Robinson:Come on. Love the Grizz. I'm looking forward to this season. Big Grizz fan.
Maddox Batson:Yeah. I'm not. I I can't say I am. I'm a huge basketball fan. I've just never been an NBA guy.
Maddox Batson:I'm a big college guy.
Jimbo Robinson:Who's your team? Duke.
Maddox Batson:Yeah. I know. I'm sorry. I'm balls everywhere else.
Jimbo Robinson:Nano's got a Tennessee hat on.
Maddox Batson:No. I'm balls everywhere else, brother. I'm telling you right now. I'm balls basketball, baseball, curling, you know, whatever the Tennessee balls. Curling.
Maddox Batson:Whatever the balls do, I'm there, but basketball is Duke. I don't know. It's just always been blue blood
Jimbo Robinson:for sure. But it's an iconic. Right? Like, I mean
Matt Harrison:Same way Kentucky. Kentucky is up there.
Maddox Batson:You're a Kentucky fan? No. Okay. Awesome. Yeah.
Jimbo Robinson:Matt was a baseball player.
Maddox Batson:Gotcha. Where'd you play? I mean, you played college.
Matt Harrison:Yeah. I played two years at a community college in Meridian then went to Nickel State in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
Maddox Batson:Y'all know Muscadine Bloodline? Yeah. Y'all know those guys? Yeah. They were opening up with Mulaney and them.
Maddox Batson:They have a song called My Meridian. A really good Just taking a break from midlife. Really? Yeah. No.
Maddox Batson:They're from Mobile. Really? Get
Jimbo Robinson:What's next in music for
Maddox Batson:you? I promise you, I ain't. Just watched
Jimbo Robinson:him walk through the shin. I
Maddox Batson:think he's ready. I'm ready, buddy. I'm trust me. I ain't need nothing else. I don't need nothing else but the knowledge, brother.
Maddox Batson:I just just gotta get out there now. I got everything I need, you know. Well, if I don't I don't harvest ducks, it ain't on anything else but me.
Jimbo Robinson:Well, I saw the talk about the timber hunt or an amazing hunt. I saw
Matt Harrison:a guy walk by a second ago. I was gonna try to grab him,
Jimbo Robinson:but, I know a a guy that, want to go want to go to his place and hunt this year.
Maddox Batson:Come on.
Jimbo Robinson:Get that timber hunt. Amazing supporter of DU and and an awesome guy. So, I'm run him down here a little bit. But, man, what else? What are you looking forward to this weekend?
Maddox Batson:Honestly, just getting around, you know, just walking around, seeing all the things I can see and just making relationships, shaking hands, and just, you know, being me. You know? Just I I just love it out here. It's like if you know who I am, like, if you know me as a person, you know I'm flipping out being here right now. I'm a huge gear guy, and I love just anything that has to do with it.
Maddox Batson:So I'm just happy to be here, excited to meet cool people, and, you know, just excited to talk about hunting,
Jimbo Robinson:man. Know got
Matt Harrison:a good opportunity over there.
Jimbo Robinson:I know mister Bo Brooks said, he had something under the table for you at the Higdon booth, and and I know that you're going to, he's he's an amazing guy.
Maddox Batson:Yeah. Oh, and golly, the guy's talented. I don't even know. Talented is not It's not even
Jimbo Robinson:a You can't call him Like,
Maddox Batson:it's crazy.
Jimbo Robinson:There's nobody like him.
Maddox Batson:No. I've never I've never seen anything like it. Every single animal. Like, he can Literally. Dude, he can call in a snail probably.
Maddox Batson:You ever been you hear like frog gigging?
Jimbo Robinson:Snail season. Yeah.
Maddox Batson:Snail season? Yeah. Starts starts January 1 and December 31. It's year round. Yeah.
Jimbo Robinson:Well, Maddox, on behalf of Ducks Unlimited Thank you, thanks for being here. Yep. Absolutely. We're gonna do some more fun stuff, this week and Yep. And, we're excited that, that you're here.
Maddox Batson:Thank you so much. I appreciate you gentlemen, and I cannot wait to have a great weekend. I appreciate it.
Matt Harrison:Thank you, Maddox.
Maddox Batson:Yes, sir.
Jimbo Robinson:Alright. We will, be back, in a little while. We've got another great episode here in the Duck Den. Thanks everybody for coming out, and we will be back soon.
VO:That's a wrap for today's episode of the Ducks Unlimited Podcast brought to you by Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails. From post hunt unwinds to celebrations back at camp, Bird Dog delivers award winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe, and check out ducks.org/dupodcast for more stories, science, and all things waterfowl. Guest opinions are their own and don't necessarily reflect those of Ducks Unlimited.
VO:Until next time, stay fired up, stay focused, and stay tuned to the Ducks.