Trent Ellis Talks Social Media, Stand-Up Comedy, Southern Culture and the Value of a Dad’s Tough Love on “The Michael Waddell Podcast”

March 11, 2026

Trent Ellis and Waddell Discuss Being Real and Staying Positive in the Face of Criticism

DENVER (March 11, 2026) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Trent Ellis, enormously popular internet personality, content creator and burgeoning stand-up comedian joins host Michael Waddell on the latest episode of The Michael Waddell Podcast, presented by Spandau Arms and in partnership with Folds of Honor and Cigars International. Southern, blue collar roots are on full display during internet sensation Trent Ellis’s visit with Waddell. The two hard-hunting country boys share similar life experiences and discuss a wide variety of subjects, including much of what serves as Trent’s inspiration for social media content, from his youth and school days to work experiences, to his time in the Marines and, especially, faith, family and hunting.

The Michael Waddell Podcast is produced by Outdoor Sportsman Group and is available widely on Outdoor Channel YouTube, MyOutdoorTV, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and OutdoorChannel.com, to name a few.

In this episode, Trent Ellis talks about the formative events that led to the realization he could make a living by creating social media content and that all those years of his playing the class clown just might pay off. Married with a young family, Trent was working as an independent contractor selling insurance and helping people with their personal finances when he came upon a podcast with internet personality Justin Nunley talking about creating reels on social media. “I’ve got a harebrain,” said Trent, “just random stuff that comes to mind. I’ve got funny stories from my childhood…that strict dad that would knot your tail in a second, and so I thought, ‘Why don’t I try to make some videos that are relatable to Southern humor, to outdoor stuff?’ You know, there’s a ton of humor in just going to deer camp.”

After giving the idea some more thought, Trent talked with his wife and decided to download TikTok and begin posting two videos a day for a week, and if he didn’t hate it, he just wasn’t going to quit. But if he hated it, he vowed never to do it again. “But, from the first video I put out,” Trent said, “I was having fun. I enjoyed it. And about three weeks later, I was starting to make videos of “Southern Phone Calls.” Some of those early videos went viral, and soon Trent had received enough positive feedback and gained enough followers to really put his foot on the gas.

Today, Trent Ellis has a following of millions across numerous social media platforms, but he has remained humble. “I never thought we’d be where we are,” Trent admitted. “I never would have dreamed that we’d be doing a podcast or that anyone would know my name. I just thought if maybe I can do enough to help pay the bills that would be great. Thank God when those first videos didn’t blow up that I didn’t quit.”

Seems Trent’s take on life and sense of humor really struck a chord with a large online audience, and while he has his detractors, the vast majority of the responses he receives are positive. “It’s a reminder to me, in this crazy world that we live in, with what we’re constantly seeing everywhere,” said Trent, “that there are still a ton of folks who were raised like us and are raising their kids like us and are trying to live right and do right and stuff like that.” It’s for those folks that Trent has vowed to continue creating the content that makes them laugh.

“I think if I had all the money in the world,” Trent admitted, “I wouldn’t push out three videos a day on social and one a week on YouTube, but I would still do videos because I love it. I love getting messages from people, I love getting reactions out of people, making people laugh, but the biggest thing is when you can be relatable. That’s what I always want to do,” said Trent. “I always want to be true to myself and be relatable. When I meet people in public, probably the number one comment I get is, ‘My Daddy was just like yours.’”

“The time I spent with Trent just flew by,” said Waddell, “and I felt like we’re definitely from the same neck of the woods. He was real, and he was fun, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to sit down with him. I can say that he is 100% who he says he is, and I think that’s why millions can relate to his humor and have followed him online. If turkey season had been in, I’m sure we would have headed straight for the holler.”

The Michael Waddell Podcast releases new episodes every other week.

Waddell’s story began in the backwoods of Booger Bottom, Georgia, where he grew up surrounded by nature, family, and a love for the outdoors. A self-proclaimed “rowdy redneck,” his passion for hunting and storytelling led him to win a Realtree turkey-calling contest, which launched his career in the outdoor industry. From guiding and filming hunts to creating hit shows like Realtree Road Trips and Bone Collector, Waddell has become a beloved figure in the outdoor world.

About Outdoor Sportsman Group: Outdoor Sportsman Group is comprised of the world’s foremost media and entertainment brands for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. It includes four leading multichannel networks: Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, and GAME & FISH TV, a dynamic new Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channel dedicated to sports enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Additionally, Outdoor Sportsman Group operates Sportsman Channel (Canada) and MOTV, the world’s leading subscription streaming platform created for outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts. The Group also consists of numerous established publishing assets, including 14 outdoor magazines such as Guns & Ammo, Game & Fish, Petersen’s HUNTING, and In-Fisherman, along with 20 top websites. Outdoor Sportsman Group also includes television production operations through Winnercomm. For more information, visit www.outdoorsg.com.

********

MEDIA CONTACT:

Outdoor Sportsman Group | OSGPress@OutdoorSG.Com