Jordan Jonas: Living Among the Evenki
In this episode I talk with Jordan Jonas, survivalist and contestant on the History Channel’s Alone Show, Season 6. We discuss Jordan’s experiences hopping trains as a youth and eventually making his way to Russia on a whim where he spent 5 years in Siberia, 3 of which were among a band of Evenki Reindeer herders living the traditional herding lifestyle on the Siberian Taiga. We talk about the traditional Evenki lifestyle and the possible future for the Evenki people.Jordan’s WebsiteJordan’s Instagram @hobojordoJordan’s pageJordan’s Youtube PageAlone ShowThe film referenced by Jordan: The White ReindeerBooks recommended by Jordan:The Gulag ArchipelagoStorm of SteelThey Can Live in the Desert but Nowhere Else
Donny Dust: Scavenger - A Primal Approach to Lifestyle Change
In this episode we talk with self-described Earthroamer, Donny Dust, who is a prolific primitive skills practitioner, sometimes spending a month or more in the bush, unsupported, with only a stone knife, clay water vessel, animal hide, and handrill fire kit. Donny is also a contestant on the History Channel’s “Alone” show season 6. In our discussion we focus chiefly on Donny’s recently released book “Scavenger: A Primal Approach to Lifestyle Change” which espouses Donny’s 13 principles of living a healthier, fuller life. Some of those principles are “Eat Wild”, “Functional Fitness”, “Never Set Goals”, “Find My Tribe”, and more.Connect with Donny at:Donny’s Instagram PageDonny’s Facebook ProfilePaleo Tracks Survival Website Book Recommendations:Donny’s Book: Scavenger: A Primal Approach to Lifestyle ChangeAcross Atlantic Ice: The Origin of America’s Clovis CultureHatchetCafé Neandertal: Excavating Our Past in One of Europe's Most Ancient PlacesUS Army Survival Manual: FM 21-76Send questions, comments, or feedback to [email protected]
Aldo Leopold: What if there be no more goose music?
In this episode, I consult Aldo Leopold (the Father of modern wildlife conservation in the U.S.) in his work “A Sand County Almanac” to discuss the richness of our earth and environment, it’s intrinsic social value, and our duty as stewards and caretakers in preserving it for future generations. In short, the question is asked “what if there be no more goose music?”Aldo Leopold BioA Sand County Almanac
Dan Kriesberg: Nature Connection for the Rest of Us (Ideas for Typical Modern Families)
Discussion with environmental educator and author Dan Kriesberg about how everyday people can maintain their nature connection and raise nature connected kids amidst the hustle and bustle of living a fast-paced modern existence. We discuss ideas for navigating the desire and need to get out for long or short-term trips and still maintain peace at home with one’s spouse. We also talk about philosophies and practices for building nature connected kids, the importance of allowing kids to take the lead and meshing our outdoor activities to suit them, and how the outdoors provides opportunities for kids (and all people really) to develop mental toughness and resilience. We also riff a bit on the life lessons that kids can gain while interacting directly with little wild creatures. We finish the discussion talking about the importance of maintaining daily nature connection routines to maintain wellness and also talk about the struggle of being good environmental stewards while living a modern existence with all the trappings of society. Connect With Dan: Witness to the Wild Website Dan’s Books: A Sense of Place: Teaching Children About the Environment with Picture Books Think Green, Take Action: Books and Activities for Kids Book Recommendations: The Path: A One-Mile Walk Through the Universe Seeing Nature: Deliberate Encounters with the Visible World Resources: Children and Nature Network Kitty O’Meara Poem “And the People Stayed Home” “And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently. And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal. And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, a
Michelle Wohlberg: Raised in the Bush, Survive in the Bush, Alone Show Season 6
In this episode I sit down for a chat with mother, wife, survivalist, fishing and big game hunting guide, and Alone Show Season 6 contestant Michelle Wohlberg. Michelle talks about growing up in the Canadian bush hunting and trapping, the events leading up to and how she prepared for her time on the Alone show. Michelle gives us more details about her experience on the show and the mental and physical recovery she went through afterwards. She fills us in on her recent adventures as a backcountry hunting and fishing guide in Canada, with her 7 year old son in tow. Michelle fills us in on her school “Legacy Survival Training”, and offers some tips on how we can more easily incorporate a preparedness mindset into our lives. Connect with Michelle and her school Legacy Survival Training Legacy Survival Training Website Legacy Survival Training page Legacy Survival Training Instagram Page Book Recommendations My Side of the Mountain Series Hatchet Series The Alice Network Other Links The History Channel's Alone Show
Evan Hill: Equipage - Practical Gear Tips for Safe and Efficient Wilderness Travel
In this episode I sit down with Hill People Gear Co-founder, Evan Hill. Evan and I have a great discussion about the practical applications and philosophies behind gear selection and use as Evan discusses and expounds on the following topics: · The importance of gear and tools for humans from time immemorial · Otzi the caveman’s tool kit · The way gear and material culture can be a conduit for a spiritual connection with the environment · General considerations for choices of gear carry · The rule of 3’s for survival as it relates to gear · The contributions gear can make to energy conservation and overall fitness · Specifics on the levels of equipage from every-day carry to long-term wilderness living · The importance of developing an awareness of environmental changes while outdoors Connect with Evan and Hill People Gear HPG Website – Equipage Essay HPG page HPG YouTube Channel (With Longhouse Instructional Series) Book-Resources Recommendations Bart Combs (SOLKOA) – SERE survival Boy Scout Fieldbook Essential Wilderness Navigation, by: Craig Caudill Tony Nester’s Books (Survival & Bushcraft) Undaunted Courage, by: Stephen Ambrose True North: A Journey Into Unexplored Wilderness, by: Elliott Merrick
Dr. Denise Mitten: Human Wellness and Time Spent in Nature
In this episode I talk with Dr. Denise Mitten about the traditional ecological knowledge of the Gwich’in Alaskan Natives, how one’s negative or positive approach towards nature affects our health and relationship with it, the importance of proper time in nature for body image and overall health and wellness for children and adults. We also discuss the importance of social justice and access to natural environments as well as the importance of research in the field of nature connection and ecopsychology.Dr. Denise Mitten Faculty PageGwich’in Tribal Council WebpageDr. Mitten’s Book Recommendations:Natural Environments and Human Health, by: Ewert, Mitten, and OverholtThe Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative, by: Florence Williams
John Slattery: Healing and Hope from our Plant Allies in the midst of COVID-19
Discussion with southwest bioregional herbalist, forager, and author John Slattery. In this episode John offers a message of healing, hope, connection, and personal empowerment in the midst of the fog caused by the COVID-19 virus. John and I touch on the current social fallout from the recent events including the fear that is being spread and we discuss ways to stand in our own power in light of the fear and uncertainty. John talks about the power of the plants as allies and healers, even when not ingested or used in conventional herbal applications. John discusses our ability to approach the natural world and the plants directly to receive direction, guidance, and healing and how this can prepare and strengthen us for times such as these. He also talks about the idea of getting to the heart of the matter and not becoming lost in nuance when it comes to healing and personal connection. Finally, John relays his experience with a few specific herbs that he has found to be of particular benefit for treating the Coronavirus. Contact John: John’s Website John’s page John’s Instagram Desert Tortoise Botanicals Website Desert Tortoise Botanicals Facebook Desert Tortoise Botanicals Instagram John’s Books · Southwest Medicinal Plants · Southwest Foraging Book Recommendations: Herbal Antivirals: Natural Remedies for Emergent and Resistant Viral Infections The Lost Language of Plants
Barry Karcher: Self-defense, Survival, and the Alone Show Season 6
Discussion with Barry Karcher, a minimalist survival expert, self-defense instructor, and participant on the Alone Show Season 6. In this episode Barry expounds to us the virtues of keeping our promises to our loved ones, staying in the fray, and overall approaching everything we do in life with a Viking mentality. Never one to hold back (as anyone who has watched Barry on the Alone show can attest) Barry delves into details about his 69 day solo survival experience in the Canadian Arctic, his recommendations for approaching martial arts and self-defense, and the various ways that outdoor survival skills and self-defense overlap and promote overall wellness and fitness in the individual. We also delve quite a bit into the psychological aspects and realities of wilderness survival and surviving a violent self-defense encounter.Contact:Barry’s pageBarry’s Instagram PageBarry’s LinkedIn [email protected]’s Alone Show ProfileHike It LLC - The Barry Karcher Experience, backpacking trip in the mountains of Colorado guided by BarryBook/Survival info recommendations:Wazoo Survival Gear edible/medicinal plants buffSamuel Thayer Foraging booksNatural Navigation Book – Finding Your Way Without Map or CompassBarry’s Sponsors:Wazoo Survival GearHikeIt LLCMcCloud WindowsCamo Crane RentalsRipple Wine Bar
Kimberly Beck: Ecotherapy and Rewilding – Healing the Harms of Divorcement from Nature
Join me for a discussion with ecotherapist, rewildling coach, and outdoor skills practictioner Kimberly Beck as we explore ways to reverse the ill effects of our divorcement from the natural world due to human domestication. Kimberly shares her nature connected background as well as healing experiences and epiphanies she had which led her down the path of learning the principles of therapy and how to facilitate a relational reconnection between people and the natural world. Kimberly expounds specifically on rewilding and how it fits into the ecotherapy conversation of reunifying people with nature. We talk about ways that people project onto the the natural world, and others, and what one can learn by properly observing and asking questions about one’s projections. Kimberly offers stories of experiences with clients, exemplifying ways that nature connecting events can become an anchor for those struggling with mental illness. We also discuss the natural ability of the awareness skills, such as tracking, bird language, and naturalist knowledge, to facilitate ecotherapeutic self-exploration. We explore the importance of play and its role in helping people become fully realized human beings, as well as other nature reconnective activities that can be incorporated into one’s life. Connect With Kimberly: Relational Rewilding Nature Coaching Website E-mail: [email protected] Kimberly’s Instagram Page Book Recommendations: How to Raise a Wild Child, by: Scott D. Sampson Deep Nature Play: A Guide to Wholeness, Aliveness, Creativity, and Inspired Learning, by: Joseph Cornell Nature and Therapy: Understanding Counselling and Psychotherapy in Outdoor Spaces, by: Martin Jordan A New Path: To Transcend the Great Forgetting Through Incorporating Ancestral Practices into Contemporary Living, by: Arthur Haines The Power of Now, by: Eckhart Tolle Other Links: John Stokes and “The Tracking Project” Jon Young, “8 Shields Institute” Wilderness Awareness School
Dr. Doug Tallamy: Nature’s Best Hope – A Grassroots Revolution to Create a Homegrown National Park, One Lawn at a Time
Join me for a discussion with Dr. Doug Tallamy about a simple yet revolutionary way that we can save nature while building a relationship with it and gaining the health benefits of such an activity at the same time. With his extensive research background on the interactions of the plant and insect world, Dr. Tallamy skillfully teaches us: · The ecology of native vs. non-native plants and why maintaining native plants matters to the insect population. · how the health of the insect population is foundational for the health of the ecosystem, especially birds. · Why it is important not just to protect places where people aren’t inhabiting, such as national parks and preserves, but to also maintain suitable habitat in the places people do inhabit. · How we can cut our lawns in half to create a “Homegrown National Park” and shatter the almost universally accepted myth that humans and nature cannot coexist in the same areas. · How to approach prohibitive homeowners’ associations to advocate for the planting of more native species. · The three historical missteps that modern western humans have made that have disconnected us from nature and helped to create the ecological crisis we now face. · Ideas for getting started creating your own “Homegrown National Park”. Connect with Dr. Tallamy and “Homegrown National Park”: Homegrown National Park Website Dr. Tallamy’s Presentation to The National Wildlife Federation Book Recommendations: Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard, by: Douglas Tallamy Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants, Updated and Expanded, by: Douglas Tallamy The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees , by: Douglas Tallamy (Available March 30, 2021) Garden Revolution: How Our Landscapes Can Be a Source of Environmental Change, by: Larry Weaner & Thomas Christopher Essential Native Trees and Shrubs for the Eastern United States: The Guide to
Dan Gardoqui: Lead With Nature: Nature Connection for a Healthy Life, Community, and World
Nature connection mentor and coach, Dan Gardoqui, draws upon 30 years of experience leading nature connection programs for children and adults to give us insights into why and how nature can improve our lives, communities, and the world as a whole. We talk about the issues that we face getting our kids and ourselves a healthy dose of nature connection and ways we can overcome those issues. Dan explains his new venture starting a nature connection coaching and consulting business, tells us a story of one of the most transformational nature-facilitated changes he’s seen in an individual, and expounds on the virtues of strategic questioning. Finally, Dan provides his insight and wisdom about the ways that nature connection can contribute to community wellness and social justice. Connect with Dan through “Lead With Nature”:“Lead With Nature” Website – www.leadwithnature.comInstagramFacebookTwitter @Lead_NatureBook Recommendations:The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More CreativeOur Wild Calling: How Connecting with Animals can Transform Our Lives—and Save TheirsResources:White Pine Programs (nature connection programs in Maine)Kamana Naturalist Training Program (self-led independent home study)The Children and Nature Network (Organization started by Richard Louv)
Nikki van Schyndel: Becoming Wild, a Journey of Survival on a BC Island and on the Alone Show Season 6
In this episode I reconnect with survivalist, wilderness guide, homesteader, instructor, and many more titles I don’t have time to name, Nikki van Schyndel. We talk about Nikki’s life, homesteading on a remote island in Echo Bay British Columbia, as well as how her story evolved from being a privileged city girl to roughing it while engaging in the world of wilderness living skills. We speak at length about her experience surviving with minimum modern tools on a wilderness island in B.C. with someone who was at first a complete stranger, but became a cherished friend. Nikki offers details about their experiences of starvation and plenty, failure and success, the changes that happen to the body and mind, and the life lessons on relationships, self-care, gratitude, and learning to work with the natural world instead of against it. We also talk about how her 1 ½ year survival journey prepared her for her time on the Alone Show and the overall themes of her Alone Show experience. We also delve into Nikki’s ability to communicate directly with beings in the natural world and her belief that all people have this ability to connect with the unseen world lying dormant within them. Nikki leaves us with a reflection on the importance of understanding how our thoughts and language shape our attitude and understanding of the world around us and how we attract things into our life. Connect with Nikki: Nikki’s Blog - The Chronicles of Daisy Crocket: The Magic, Mastery, and Madness of Wilderness Living Nikki's Becoming Wild page Nikki’s “Becoming Wild” YouTube Channel Nikki’s Instagram Nikki’s Book: Becoming Wild: Living the Primitive Life on a West Coast Island Becoming Wild Trailer Book Recommendations: The Secret Life of Plants Do Fish Feel Pain?
A Flock of Birders: The Joy of Everyday Birding with the Pawson-Ryan Family
Join me for a discussion with the Pawson-Ryan family as they tell the story of their journey into the world of birds. We learn about David and how his friend Noel introduced him to birding which had a profound effect on him, causing him to do a complete about-face in his education track as a PhD candidate in engineering. We then learn about how David’s newfound obsession for birding slowly rubbed off on his partner Alison, and then quickly bled over to her parents and sister, giving them a new appreciation for this aspect of the natural world and bringing them all closer together through their newfound love of identifying and appreciating the feathered beings around us, especially during this time of social distancing with the coronavirus and the timely opportunity it has provided for delving into the natural world more fully. Enjoy this delightful story of an everyday family who got smitten by the birding bug and became closer to the natural world and each other in the process. Featuring the voices of: David Cuban, mechanical engineer, starting his PhD in Biology at the University of Washington studying birds, the group's gateway into birding; Noel Bond, naturalist, National Park Service Ranger, Peace Corps Volunteer, original birder of the group, and best friend to David; Alison Ryan, public health professional and partner to David; Blair Ryan and Peter Nerothin, sister and brother-in-law to Alison, and the newest bird enthusiasts in the family. Dean Ryan and Lynn Pawson, residents of Ventura, California, and parents to Alison and Blair. Dean's bird photos are available for viewing here: Dean’s photography page Other Pertinent Links: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center The Behavioral Ecophysics Lab website San Diego Natural History Museum Jim Gilbert, WCCO radio's Nature Notes Book Recommendations: Desert Solitaire When Breath Becomes Air Quiet Find a Way The Feather Thief Edge of the Sea Silent Spring A Gentleman in Moscow: A Novel
10 Minute Guided Sensory Meditation by Josh Lane
Enjoy the mental benefits of a break from the hustle and bustle with this guided meditation from Josh Lane. Enjoy anywhere, anytime, except while driving ;-)
Kristi Dranginis: How to Know the Birds
In this episode of the podcast I speak with naturalist, herbalist, and field ornithologist Kristi Dranginis. Kristi is a mentor and educator for people in all kinds of naturalist skills, but especially in the world of birding and bird language. During Kristi and I’s conversation we discuss the power of birds and developing the skills to know them. We talk specifically about building relationships with birds and how to truly look at each bird. Kristi is gracious enough to let us in on some of her unconventional secrets and techniques for learning about the birds and explains why the instant gratification that comes from immediately learning a bird’s name through apps or other methods is actually the bane to a budding birder’s progress in learning. Contact Kristi:www.BirdMentor.com – Online and live courses, books, blog, and more! Book Recommendations:Identify Any Bird Anywhere: in 8 Easy LessonsMaria’s Online Bookshop with all of Kristi’s recommendations for field guides and more
*Article Review* - Nature Needs a New Pronoun: To Stop the Age of Extinction, Let’s Start by Ditching “It”, by: Robin Wall Kimmerer
In this episode, I engage in an article review of Robin Wall Kimmerer's (author of Braiding Sweetgrass) 2015 article entitled Nature Needs a New Pronoun: To Stop the Age of Extinction, Let’s Start by Ditching “It”. Through Dr. Kimmerer's words we explore the power of everyday language and a way suggested by Dr. Kimmerer to deepen our relationship with the more than human beings (animals, plants, trees) in the natural world by changing one single pronoun. Article Link Robin Wall Kimmerer's Amazon Author Page
Tony Nester: Bushcraft to foster self-reliance and nature connection
Discussion on the subject of bushcraft with long-time bushcraft instructor and author, Tony Nester. In this interview we talk about what bushcraft is, its evolution in the last several decades, and the importance of curiosity and getting outdoors for the budding bushcrafter and naturalist. Tony gives tips for anyone wishing to delve into bushcraft or increase their self-reliance while outdoors, what to consider for gear that won’t break the bank, and how to be prepared for a disaster type situation. We also discuss how bushcraft relates to human health and wellness. Additionally, Tony tells a harrowing story of one of his craziest experiences while in the backcountry. This proves to be an extremely informative and entertaining episode about Tony’s evolution as an outdoorsman and his love for the never-ending study of the natural world and the skills necessary to spend time in it comfortably. Contact Info:Ancient Pathways (Tony’s School) WebsiteBook Recommendations:Diamond Creek Press (Tony’s Publishing Company)JT Sawyer (Tony’s Penname) Amazon PageBushcraft: by Mors KochanskiMastery: by George LeonardGary Snyder Poetry
Introduction to the Podcast
This episode serves as the introduction to the podcast. In this episode I discuss what I intend to focus on and cover for this project. What the name of the podcast means and why I chose it in spite of some issues with the term “wilderness”. Why I feel the topic of the podcast matters to modern people. My stake in this topic of bushcraft and nature connection/education, and my background. This podcast is just the beginning of a larger education effort that I started tied to my organization “Coyote’s Path Bushcraft and Naturalist Skills Education”.Coyote’s Path WebsiteWilderness and Wellness Podcast page
Josh Lane: "Conscious Nature", Meditation and Deep Nature Connection
Interview with Josh Lane, deep nature connection mentor and author of the book “Conscious Nature: The Art and Neuroscience of Meditating in Nature”. In this discussion Josh enlightens us on the meaning of “deep nature connection”, the qualities that people can develop when they practice deep nature connection, and the profound way that nature immediately benefits our mental well-being, even if we don’t feel like we are enjoying our time out. Josh explains the complementary pathway of meditation and awareness skills such as tracking and bird language. He also goes more in depth on the actual practice of meditation, the difference between turning inward and turning outward, the various brainwave patterns that we experience and what they represent, and how to quiet our monkey mind through an active style of meditation. Finally, Josh offers tips for beginning and maintaining a sit spot and meditation practice. At the end, we are treated to a 10 minute guided sensory meditation that one can return to as often as they’d like. Contact for Josh www.Consciousnature.net Conscious Nature page Conscious Nature Coach Instagram Page 8 Shields Website Josh’s Book and Free Audio Program Conscious Nature: The Art and Neuroscience of Meditating In Nature “Rewilding Our Ecology of the Imagination” A free audio program with guidebook from Josh Book Recommendations Cultures of Habitat Relaxation Revolution
