Blog Archives
J Ranch Wild Turkey Cuisine: Wild Turkey Hunter Recipes
What I found in J Ranch Wild Turkey Cuisine is not just a cookbook, but a particular kind of camp chronicle: part recipe collection, part family scrapbook, part ode to the rituals that gather around a successful hunt. Lee and Mike Joyner frame the book around decades of turkey seasons, camp hospitality, and life at their log-cabin homestead in Cortland County, then build outward into an enormous spread of recipes that runs from Smoked Turkey Jambalaya and Pan Fry Popp’n Turkey Breasts to breakfast burritos, “Redneck Sushi,” desserts, and a final section of cocktails. The result is a book with a big appetite and an even bigger personality, one that treats wild turkey not as a novelty ingredient but as the center of an entire social world.
I never felt as though the Joyners were trying to impress me with technical finesse or culinary trendiness. They’re trying to welcome me into camp. That warmth matters, and it comes through in the affectionate roughness of the prose, the teasing humor of the recipe titles, and the repeated insistence that these dishes are meant to be flexible, forgiving, and cooked by real people who might be tired, under-equipped, or halfway improvising. I liked that spirit a lot. A recipe like the jalapeño and cheese stuffed Pan Fry Popp’n Turkey Breasts feels designed by someone who wants dinner to be both hearty and fun, while Gobbler Crusted Pizza and Long Beard Nigiri Sushi show a willingness to be playful without losing the practical center of the book. It’s homespun, and I trusted it more because of that.
Beneath the jokey names and campfire swagger, there’s a clear philosophy here about honoring the hunter’s bounty, cooking generously, and making a seasonal life feel abundant rather than austere. The Joyners understand that camp food is emotional architecture. It steadies a morning, fills the dead space in an afternoon, and turns a hunt into a memory worth retelling. The photos help sell that vision. Some are genuinely mouthwatering, especially the richer, messier dishes where steam, sauce, and browned edges do the work for them. Others have a more homemade, documentary quality that I found endearing.
J Ranch Wild Turkey Cuisine’s real achievement is fellowship. It’s generous and deeply rooted in place, marriage, habit, and appetite. I’d recommend it most strongly to wild game cooks, turkey hunters, camp hosts, and readers who love regional, personality-driven cookbooks. It made me feel, more than once, that the best thing in the book wasn’t only the food, but the life gathered around it.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0GLDVZNFW
Snapshots in Time
Random³ Musings is your candid collection of reflections, rants, and remembrances that blend humor, grief, and unfiltered commentary into a conversation both raw and relatable. Why was this an important book for you to write?
In some ways, it is a therapeutic effort; I look back periodically to review the reasoning and logical thinking, or in some cases, the emotional responses I had recorded. It is important, I think, to encourage readers to engage in their own thoughts and develop their own.
Which section or story was the most difficult for you to write, and why?
In Passing, as it was entirely personal, with some recently passing and the ongoing sorrow of an estranged son.
You admit your biases openly in the book. How do you hope readers with different viewpoints will respond to that honesty?
I don’t have any expectations of a warm reception to some of them, as our current culture is rather explosive and expressed in the worst ways possible. To those who read past the chapter titles and the first few paragraphs, I hope I convey genuine thought or opinion. There are a few chapters I openly poke fun at or poke the bear, as it might be received.
Looking back, do you see Random³ Musings more as a journal of personal growth or as a snapshot of your voice in a particular moment in time?
A little of both, it can be said that all three books in this series are snapshots in time. I do see movement in the three titles, and growth, more growth may come as I review again over time and compare where my thinking has led me to conclude. Thank you for the interview questions, as they most certainly cause me to ponder these things and gather my thoughts that are more current and timely.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
As we continue to review, rationalize, and tackle some of what gnaws at us, it is suspect it does to some extent for each of us. It is a worthy effort to go back and revisit these mental exercises in thought when something doesn’t seem to fit or conflicts with thoughts previously resolved. It is healthy and fuel for growth to give weight to questioning such matters of importance. Sometimes these matters evolve, mold, and change. Other times it is our depth of rationalizing and understanding that has changed.
Meaningful Improvement
One Percent 365 lays out a simple but powerful idea: small daily efforts, as little as one percent, can add up to huge changes over time without feeling overwhelming. Why was this an important book for you to write?
To share what I have found to be useful in improving outcomes and personal perspectives in my life. TO break it down to be manageable, no matter the stress endured, real or perceived.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
To show the possibilities and value of applying this to many aspects of our day-to-day living.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
That I have revoiced a known one percept concept and shown how applicable it can be to many aspects of our lives besides weight loss and work metrics. Kindness and forgiveness, as applied, appear to impact my readers.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from One Percent 365?
This concept can be tailored to each of us in a way that is palatable and shows a meaningful improvement over time.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
The author takes the reader on a journey to illustrate the possibilities of change that we can examine, address, and begin to make progress one percent at a time, each day. The simplest truth will become evident that each of us can tackle any aspect of our lives and work toward a desired goal with small incremental efforts while making steady, daily gains.
One Percent 365
One Percent 365 lays out a simple but powerful idea: small daily efforts, as little as one percent, can add up to huge changes over time. Joyner walks through how this principle can be applied across life, like health, habits, relationships, work, athletics, and even random acts of kindness. He mixes straightforward math with personal reflection, showing how incremental progress compounds in surprising ways. The tone is approachable, with stories and examples that make the concept easy to connect with.
I’ll be honest, at first I was skeptical. A whole book about one percent? It sounded like it could get repetitive fast. But Joyner’s style is conversational and, at times, playful. I liked how he broke things down into bite-sized chunks. His sections on “Spousal Approval Units” made me laugh, and they gave a very real reminder of how little things add up in relationships, too. I found myself nodding along, thinking of my own routines, and realizing how often I expect big leaps instead of small wins. That realization made me pause, and I felt a mix of relief and guilt. Relief because the book reminded me that I don’t have to overhaul everything all at once. Guilt because I know I’ve ignored those small steps too many times.
The math examples were clear, and some parts leaned into motivational talk. I found myself craving more stories from real people who had applied the one percent rule. Still, the honesty of Joyner’s voice carried it. He doesn’t come across as a guru preaching from a mountaintop, but more like a guy who has tried things, stumbled, and wants to share what’s worked for him.
This book doesn’t promise instant success, and that’s refreshing. It’s a steady nudge, not a shove. I’d recommend One Percent 365 to anyone who feels overwhelmed by self-improvement books that demand too much too fast. It’s especially good for readers who like practical, no-frills advice with a human touch. If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book might be the gentle push you need to start moving forward, one small step at a time.
Pages: 92 | ASIN : B0DZYV1QZY
Random³ Musings: A Left Hemisphere Reveal
Mike Joyner’s Random³ Musings is exactly what the title suggests: a meandering, personal collection of reflections, sharp opinions, and off-the-cuff observations. The book moves through a wide range of topics, from heartfelt stories of friendship and loss to biting critiques of politics, media, and modern society. It mixes humor with anger, grief with gratitude, and storytelling with commentary. Sometimes the chapters feel like journal entries. Other times, they read like rants written in the heat of the moment. The voice is steady and familiar, like listening to a friend or neighbor talk.
I often felt like I was being pulled into a conversation that could change tone on a dime. One page had me nodding along with a story about kindness and connection, and the next page left me bristling at a fiery political jab. That unpredictability made the book lively. Joyner’s bluntness is his strength. When he strips things down to human moments, like reflecting on lost friendships or the fragility of life, the writing shines. It’s simple, raw, and moving. When he leans into politics, the words come out sharp and unfiltered, which can feel cathartic if you agree.
Joyner doesn’t hide his frustrations or dress them up. He admits his biases, he vents his anger, and he celebrates the little joys that keep him grounded. The prose is plainspoken, sometimes rough around the edges, but always true to his voice. I found myself liking the sections where he slows down the most, moments when he’s fishing, remembering friends, or pausing to notice the good in strangers. Those passages gave the book a warmth that balanced out the harder edges.
Random³ Musings feels like a long talk with someone who isn’t afraid to tell you what they think, even if it ruffles feathers. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy personal essays that mix heart and grit, especially those interested in the perspectives of someone who values tradition, directness, and lived experience. It’s not a polished or neutral read, but it is an honest one, and sometimes that’s exactly what makes it worth the time.
Pages: 170 | ASIN: B0F1K8VDC7
Time in the Turkey Woods
In Tales From the Roost, you share with readers a collection of both heartfelt and humorous tales taken from decades of time spent sharing the experience of hunting with friends. Why was this an important book for you to write?
As with the other turkey hunting storybooks, it is a capture in time. It is an important period as many changes in life had taken place in that period. It has altered my perspective, and how I experience my time in the turkey woods and I hope that my readers see that in this collection of time in the turkey woods.
Is there anything you left out of this book that you now wish you had included? Any anecdotes?
My initial response to that would be no, but as I give it a little bit of thought, I might have captured more with how I rough out my writings now. Voice-to-text is something I am using to make it more immediate, maybe a bit rawer emotion. From there I can edit and apply more nuance that I strive for. Any delay in capturing the experiences for me tends to gloss over or omit many finer details.
Why was it important for you to use a conversational tone when writing Tales From the Roost?
It goes all the way back to my first book, Hills of Truxton as I was greatly inspired by Tim Herald’s book Gobblers I Have Known that came out in 2001. It reminded me so much of the conversations at the local diner, or at the back of a pickup truck at a gate.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Two long-term projects are next to finish up. Empire Limb Hangers is wrapping up. It’s a wild turkey records book for New York, and a data-intensive, with and lot of moving parts to finish. The second big project is D.D. Adams: Evolutionary Turkey Call Pioneer, which is a biography of the famous turkey call maker, and again, it has many moving parts to it, and several setbacks that occurred. Both projects have been interrupted due to career and life changes I have had, but it will be a great thing to complete both of them.
I have other titles in various stages and will be coming out with my first novel in 2026. In addition, I am working on a wild turkey cookbook with my wife and several interesting novel concepts with my cousin in Australia!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Tales From the Roost: Roost’n Time Tales
Mike Joyner’s Tales from the Roost is a heartfelt, often humorous, and nostalgic collection of turkey hunting stories pulled from decades of woods-walking, gobbler-chasing, and camaraderie among fellow outdoor enthusiasts. This book is about the moments that make up a hunter’s life. Each chapter offers a fresh snapshot of Joyner’s exploits across the U.S., from foggy Maine mornings to sun-drenched Texas pastures. Through it all, Joyner captures not only the thrill of the hunt but also the quiet reflection that comes with time spent in nature.
Joyner’s writing is conversational. He doesn’t hide behind fancy words or inflated drama. Instead, he tells it like it happened—funny, awkward, successful, or not. I found myself laughing at his misadventures (hello, Whack O’ Mole) and nodding along during his more poignant moments of introspection, especially when he reflected on aging, loss, and the irreplaceable bond with his hunting friends and family.
The sheer volume of stories could feel a bit overwhelming at times, and some tales tread similar ground in terms of setup and outcome. But honestly, that’s how campfire storytelling goes. You don’t critique your buddy for retelling the same tale—it’s part of the ritual. What kept it fresh were Joyner’s sharp observations, his eye for detail, and his emotional honesty. He doesn’t shy away from talking about personal health scares, the passing of loved ones, or the bittersweet ache of time slipping by. That vulnerability is rare in books about hunting, and I appreciated it more than I expected.
I’d recommend Tales from the Roost to anyone who’s ever sat under a tree waiting for a gobble or just dreamed of doing so. Die-hard turkey hunters will see themselves in Joyner’s predicaments, and those new to the woods will come away with a genuine feel for what makes this pursuit so addictive. It’s not a technical manual or a how-to guide—it’s better. It’s a tribute. This book is for the storytellers, the memory-makers, and anyone who knows the joy of a quiet sunrise and a bird that finally answers back.
Pages: 287 | ASIN : B0F1MLQNMH
Random² Musings: A Left Hemisphere Continuum
Dec 23
Posted by Literary Titan
Random² Musings: A Left Hemisphere Continuum, presents a tapestry of personal reflections, experiences, and viewpoints from Mike Joyner on a variety of subjects including religion, social media, family dynamics, relationships, and politics. Joyner, with his accumulated wisdom, offers a transparent and unreserved discourse, unafraid to delve into topics that may spark controversy or dissent. His perspective on American politics, for example, provides a unique angle, enriching the reader’s understanding, even when one may not align with his views.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its exploration of human connections and the ephemeral nature of life, emphasizing the significance of nurturing enduring relationships. Joyner’s commentary on societal changes in America also paints a vivid picture of the nation’s evolution and shifting ideologies. Particularly noteworthy is the chapter “Truisms for Generations,” which serves as a repository of life lessons and social etiquette, alongside valuable insights gleaned from various experiences.
Joyner’s identity as a hunter adds an intriguing dimension, with his hunting narratives offering a blend of the personal and the adventurous. The book’s tone strikes a balance between being personal and informative, creating an engaging and thought-provoking read. While Joyner presents his thoughts without imposing them, I feel some readers might find it a challenge to reconcile with some of his ideas. However, this aspect only adds to the book’s appeal as a candid and unfiltered exploration of diverse topics.
Random² Musings: A Left Hemisphere Continuum, by Mike Joyner, stands out for those in search of a book that breaks away from conventional themes, offering fresh perspectives on critical issues like politics, well-being, family, and more. This book is a commendable choice for readers looking to engage with a range of ideas and possibly revisit them for a deeper understanding.
Pages: 159 | ASIN : B0CK4WH86B
Share this:
Like this:
Posted in Book Reviews, Four Stars
Leave a comment
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, ebook, family, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, Mike Joyner, nook, novel, politics, Popular Culture, Random² Musings: A Left Hemisphere Continuum, read, reader, reading, social commentary, story, violence in society, writer, writing