Lyle Russell is an author, blogger, wildlife educator, and podcast host rooted in the heart of Middle Tennessee. He is a TEDx speaker who talks frequently on raptor conservation, and regularly leads hands-on educational programs with his birds of prey. He has developed public presentations on topics ranging from the history of the American Flag to the importance of urban forestry to the ghost stories and legends of Tennessee. As host of the Tennessee Ghosts and Legends podcast, he appeared as a guest on The UnXplained with William Shatner on The History Channel (Season 7, Episode 11).
Lyle’s credentials reflect a career built on public service in multiple disciplines. He holds a Bachelor of Integrated Studies from Middle Tennessee State University, an Associate of Science from Motlow State Community College, and undergraduate certifications in Public Land Management and Fish & Wildlife Management from American Military University. He is a Certified Arborist and Urban Forest Professional through the International Society of Arboriculture, a certified Tennessee state Naturalist by Tennessee State Parks, a Certified Heritage Interpreter through the National Association for Interpretation, a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive through the National Recreation and Parks Association, and a Master Public Information Officer through the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center.
He is a member of multiple genealogical societies, with ancestral links in the United States back to the Mayflower landing, and is a documented first cousin of George Washington. He has also received multiple awards for his work, including the Bronze Roger Sherman Medal for Outstanding Service to the Sons of the American Revolution, The Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association Arts Award, and the Medal of Merit for Lifesaving from the Boy Scouts of America. He is also the co-founder of Middle Tennessee Raptor Center, a non-profit wildlife rescue dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured birds of prey.
Lyle began writing in 2014, and received his first professional writing job authoring pop culture articles for That Hashtag Show in 2019. His debut novel, titled Code Name: Augustine, is scheduled for publication in 2026. In the style of historical fiction authors Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett, Russell weaves the story of George Washington’s real life attempt to capture Benedict Arnold after he defected to the British Army and put him on trial. Against the background of colonial New England in the midst of the American Revolution, Sergeant Major John Champe and Agent 355 chase Arnold through the colonies to bring him to justice, only to find there is a far worse traitor than Arnold lurking behind the scenes.
Having experienced multiple unexplained encounters that can only be described as paranormal, and launched his breakout podcast, Tennessee Ghosts and Legends in 2022. The podcast focuses on strange tales and true historical legends from in and around the Volunteer State. Listeners can enjoy TN G&L on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and more.
When he’s not writing, blogging, or creating podcasts, Lyle enjoys woodworking, reading, hiking, and falconry. He is originally from Florida, and now lives and writes in the heart of Middle Tennessee.
What People Are Saying:
“Lyle’s writing is a great gift to the world. All he has to do now is finish one of his many tales and get it published!”
John Robinson, author and purveyor of curiomacabre.com.
“You’re amazingly talented and always a surprise!”
Mary Jane Miller, Author of “Life Lessons from the Hive“
Lyle S. Russell 