Mountain & Prairie

Conversations & Contemplations from the New American West

Category: Podcast

Matt Barber & Joel Doub, Part 2 – Tales from an Entrepreneurial Adventure

Matt Barber and Joel Doub are the owners of Tom Morgan Rodsmiths, one of the West’s most renowned custom fly rod companies.  I was introduced to Matt and Joel nearly three and half years ago and was quickly fascinated by their entrepreneurial journey and Tom Morgan Rodsmiths’ storied history in the fly fishing world. As longtime listeners may remember, I recorded a podcast with Matt and Joel in January of 2018, about a year after they had purchased the company from Tom and Gerri Morgan. In that conversation we talked in-depth about the history of the company, Matt and Joel’s unconventional backgrounds, and their plans for the future of TMR– it was a fun conversation that led to a great friendship between all of us.

But in the more than three years since I published that episode, Tom Morgan Rodsmiths has grown in size and scope, and Matt and Joel have continued to evolve as business owners.  They’ve enjoyed highs that include being featured in the New York Times and steadily growing their sales year over year. But they’ve also faced unexpected challenges, most notably a global pandemic and its far-reaching supply chain and economic effects. But thanks to their creativity, planning, complementary skill sets, and unwavering commitment to the values of the founders Tom and Gerri Morgan, Matt and Joel have thrived as entrepreneurs and built wonderful lives for their families in Montana.

A quick, one-time snapshot of any entrepreneurial venture can never provide the full, vivid story of a company and its owners, so I wanted to bring Matt and Joel back on the podcast to give us an update and share some of their hard-earned wisdom and lessons learned. We talked a bit about the specifics of the fly fishing business, but most of the topics we discussed were around resilience, teamwork, marketing, managing complex work, and maintaining a positive attitude– actionable advice that almost anyone could put to use in business or creative endeavors. You don’t need to listen to our first episode to glean value from this one, but it’s worth a listen too, so there’s a link in the notes to access that episode if you’d like.  

Be sure to check out the Tom Morgan Rodsmiths website and follow them on social media– links to everything are in the notes. They will be celebrating the company’s 25th anniversary in the coming weeks and offering some special, one-of-a-kind products that will be of interest to anglers and outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. Thanks to Matt and Joel for the inspiring conversation, and I hope you enjoy.

Header photo by Paolo Marchesi

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 4:30 – Introduction to Matt and Joel
  • 11:30 – Update on the progress of Tom Morgan Rodsmiths
  • 16:15 – Matt and Joel discuss the benefits and challenges of co-owning a business
  • 12:15 – Matt and Joel discuss how they navigate owning Tom Morgan Rodsmiths while respecting the legacy of its founders
  • 27:45 – Matt and Joel talk about the coverage they received from the New York Times
  • 31:45 – Matt and Joel explain their thoughts and practice of marketing their products
  • 38:15 – How Matt and Joel stay organized to manage the many, many challenges of running a business
  • 49:30 – Matt and Joel discuss generosity in their work and lives
  • 53:15 – Matt and Joel talk about living in Montana, having recently moved there
  • 56:15 – Matt and Joel’s book recommendations
  • 58:45 – Matt and Joel’s parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on May 27, 2021 by

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Max Wenerstrom – Timeless Craftsmanship
Max Wenerstrom (Photo by Claudia Landreville, courtesy of Ranchlands)

Max Wenerstrom is a blacksmith and craftsman best known for creating hand-forged knives that balance a beautiful aesthetic with practical durability. Max started blacksmithing at the age of 15, became obsessed with the craft, and quickly demonstrated an elite talent for creating one-of-a-kind knives. His passion led him to study under a 17th-generation Japanese bladesmith, who began teaching Max the art of forging knives in the Japanese tradition– a labor-intensive, time-honored method of creating some of the world’s sharpest and most durable knives.

I was introduced to Max by my friends at Ranchlands, one of the West’s most respected ranch management companies. Max was participating in a residency at Ranchlands’ 87,000-acre Chico Basin Ranch, where he was offering blacksmithing demonstrations and forging a specific model of knife developed in partnership with Ranchlands. It’s a knife created specifically for ranchers– designed to be used on horseback for everyday work and high-stakes situations. So when the folks at Ranchlands told me about Max, I drove out, and we sat down for an inspiring conversation.

Max is only 21 years old, and as you’ll hear in the interview, I was blown away by his maturity, work ethic, and commitment to quality. But aside from my endless amazement with his age, we covered a ton of interesting topics. We chatted about his beginnings in the craft, and what led him to study with world-famous Japanese bladesmith Murray Carter. We discussed his dedication to creating the highest quality products, how he pushes himself to constantly improve his craft, and the hard work involved in both. We discuss how he started building his business during high school and how it has grown and evolved in recent years. We talked about his partnership with Ranchlands, the process of making a knife, his deep love of the West, and advice for anyone seeking to begin a deliberate practice of craftsmanship.

I really loved this conversation and appreciated Max taking the time to chat. Be sure to check out the episode notes for links to Max’s website and to the specific Ranchlands-inspired knife that we discussed. I hope you enjoy!

Photos by Claudia Landreville, courtesy of Ranchlands

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 3:15 – When Max started forging knives
  •  11:35 – Why Max start smithing at such a young age
  • 13:45 – When Max realized he had a talent for bladesmithing
  • 16:30 – How Max ended up using his bladesmithing at Ranchlands
  • 23:30 – Max discusses his mentality in bladesmithing, why he values quality in his knives, and how he pushes himself to improve his craft
  • 26:00 – Max walks us through the process of making a knife
  • 29:15 – Max talks about what you need if you are interested in starting bladesmithing
  • 32:30 – Max discusses what made his teacher, Murray Carter, such a good teacher
  • 34:15 – Max highlights other craft-makers he admires
  • 37:30 – Max discusses his plans for the future of his craft
  • 43:00 – Max discusses knife sharpening, care, and styles of knives 
  • 53:15 – Max identifies the West as a source of inspiration 
  • 1:00:45 – Max’s parting advice

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 Posted on May 20, 2021 by

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Dr. David Hewitt – The Science of Wildlife Conservation
Dr. David Hewitt

Dr. David Hewitt is the Executive Director of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, an organization widely recognized as the leading wildlife research organization in Texas. The Institute is located on the campus of Texas A&M – Kingsville, and its mission is to provide science-based information for enhancing the conservation and management of Texas wildlife. Dave and his team at the Institute are focused on applied science– research that is useful, actionable, and tightly focused on helping land managers meet their goals.  

Dave was born and raised in Colorado and followed in his grandfather’s footsteps to become a wildlife biologist. After earning his undergraduate degree from Colorado State, his education and research took him to many different corners of the United States, and in 1996 he landed at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute. For the past 25 years, Dave has been fully focused on the flora and fauna of Texas, and many of his projects have positive ripple effects on land management throughout the American West and beyond. Whether discussing the management of ocelot, restoration of native grasslands, or the history of the Institute, Dave’s enthusiasm for the natural world is palpable and inspiring.

Dave and I had a fun discussion about the Institute’s past, present, and future, as well as his fascinating career path. We started out discussing the Institute’s namesake, Caesar Kleberg, and why Caesar is known as the father of Texas wildlife conservation. We then discussed why the huge proportion of private land in Texas makes the state so unique from a land and wildlife management perspective. We also dug into several of the Institute’s success stories, including its work with ocelots and native grasses throughout the state. Then we chatted about Dave’s personal background– his impressive educational journey, his love of teaching, and his vision for the future of the Institute. 

If you enjoy learning about wildlife, native plants, and the people who have devoted their lives to protecting them, then you’ll love this episode with Dave. There’s a ton of fascinating information in this conversation, so be sure to check out the episode notes for links to everything we discuss. Enjoy!

Ocelot photo by Ben Masters. Headshot courtesy of David Hewitt.

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This episode is brought to you in partnership with EXPLORE RANCHES

Explore Ranches was born out of a desire to share some of the most wild and scenic places in the world with others. We offer authentic outdoor experiences and access to charming ranch homes on some of the world’s least explored private lands. In return for enabling access to these natural treasures, we are making new connections between our guests and land owning partners. In the process, we are all contributing to a network of open space that not only benefits wildlife but the very food we eat, water we drink and air we breathe. Whether you are one of our guests, a ranch partner or one of our guides, at Explore Ranches we are all on an endless journey to find our place in the wild.

www.exploreranches.com

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 5:00—Dave discusses the story of Caesar Kleberg.
  • 14:00—Dave explains the differences between land management in Texas and states Colorado or Montana.
  • 16:30—Dave explains the type of research that goes on at the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute.
  • 19:30—Dave discusses victories during his tenure with CKWRI.
  • 22:30—Dave discusses building trust with private landowners in wildlife conservation.
  • 24:45—Dave dives deeper into the CCWRI Ocelot Program. 
  • 32:00—Dave discusses the varied opinions regarding the Endangered Species Act.
  • 37:45—Dave discusses the CKWRI Grasslands program.
  • 47:00—Dave walks us through his career path.
  • 53:30—Dave explains how he balances his research with his teaching. 
  • 57:00—Dave projects where he thinks the CKWRI is headed in the future. 
  • 1:00:30—Dave’s book recommendations.
  • 1:03:00—Dave’s parting words of wisdom.

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 Posted on May 4, 2021 by

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NEW WEST DISPATCH – Marci McLean & Cora Neumann on COVID’s Impact on Native Communities

Marci McLean and Cora Neumann are joining me for another episode of my ongoing series called New West Dispatches. In each New West Dispatch, I break from the normal Mountain & Prairie format of discussing a guest’s personal experiences, influences, and life story, and instead we spend the hour diving deep into a specific, timely issue that is creating challenges in the American West. The goal of these episodes is to offer a clear-eyed examination of a pressing issue, then to highlight the people and ideas that are helping to solve these sometimes-overwhelming problems. These episodes are meant to educate and provide actionable information, while also offering hope and optimism in the face of challenges. 

In today’s New West Dispatch, we’ll be discussing COVID’s impact on Native communities in Montana and throughout the American West. Marci and Cora are uniquely qualified to discuss this topic, as they have been on the front lines of Montana’s public health response to the devastating effects of COVID across tribal lands. Marci grew up on the Blackfeet Nation and currently serves as Executive Director of Montana Native Vote, an organization with the mission of building leaders in Montana’s Indian County. Cora Nuemann is a PhD-level public health expert and the founder of We Are Montana, an organization that supports public health leadership across rural and Native Montana. In early 2020, when it became clear that COVID was a true threat, Marci and Cora teamed up and took action, offering much-needed education, funding, and support to combat the virus in Native communities.

We had an enlightening and educational conversation, and I am so grateful to Marci and Cora for joining me to share their experiences and wisdom. We start out by discussing both Marci and Cora’s backgrounds, and how they decided to take action as the pandemic descended on Montana. We talk about the specific factors that made this pandemic so devastating to Native communities and why Native Americans suffered the highest death rates of any community in the United States. We discuss the Native response to the pandemic– what worked, what didn’t, and some specific success stories.  And we also talk about vaccine rollout and how Marci and Cora see the next year playing out. Finally, they both offer up some excellent book recommendations on Native American history, culture, and current events.

The notes for this episode are even more robust than usual, so be sure to check them out for links to articles, resources, and further information on everything we cover. Thanks again to Marci and Cora for their hard work and focus on this important issue. I hope you enjoy and learn as much as I did!

Photos courtesy of Marci and Cora.

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 4:00 – Introductions
  • 13: 15 – When did Cora and Marci know when COVID was going to be a big impact on their communities
  • 20:45 – What worked in communicating public health in Cora and Marci’s community
  • 24:00 – Reflections on how Indigenous communities responded to information coming from the Trump administration regarding COVID
  • 27:15 – Why Indigenous communities are so vulnerable in pandemic scenarios like COVID
  • 33:45 – Cora and Marci discuss the extensive work they have done in and around Indigenous communities in Montana regarding public health and COVID. 
  • 40:30 – The vaccine rollout progress in and around Indigenous Montana communities
  • 42:00 – How do we get to the new normal
  • 43:30 – How can people help in these efforts
  • 47:45 – Book recommendations
  • 51:15 – Parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on April 13, 2021 by

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Brendan Leonard, Part 2 – On Running, Creating, and Other Irrational Passions
Brendan (and Rowlf) Leonard

Brendan Leonard is a prolific writer and artist who is best known as the creator of Semi-Rad.com. He’s also the author of a brand new book titled I Hate Running and You Can Too: How to Get Started, Keep Going, and Make Sense of an Irrational Passion. The book offers motivation and witty insights into the sometimes-crazy pastime of running. And Brendan knows a thing or two about running irrational distances– he’s completed multiple 100-mile ultramarathons, ran 52 marathons in 52 weeks, directed the film How to Run 100 Miles, and co-hosts the Off The Couch Podcast, which features interviews with runners of all stripes.  

Through his books, filmmaking, and writing on Semi-Rad.com, Brendan offers a unique perspective into the world of outdoor recreation and adventure. Rather than focusing on the mind-blowing feats of super-elite athletes, Brendan’s work highlights the passion and determination of regular people who enjoy pushing themselves hard in the outdoors. Brendan has also perfected the ability to draw larger life lessons from these outdoor adventures– lessons that can be applied to creative endeavors of any kind. You don’t have to be a runner or mountain athlete to glean actionable wisdom from Brendan’s work, and I personally credit Brendan’s influence with helping me to grow and evolve Mountain & Prairie. 

Brendan and I connected a few days before the release of his new book and had a fun and wide-ranging conversation about everything from running to reading, from Ted Lasso to Matthew McConaughey. We started out by discussing his new book I Hate Running and You Can Too— how the book came to be, the process of writing it, and how its lessons can be applied to writing or other creative pursuits. We then discussed some of his own running achievements, including running 52 marathons over the course of 52 weeks and the life lessons he learned from that year-long commitment. We talked about the fallacy of looking for hacks in running or life, some of Brendan’s creative heroes, the importance of vulnerability, the process of finding his creative voice, recent good books, and much more.

If you’re the type of person who likes to push yourself creatively or physically, this episode is full of wisdom and insight that you can put to use immediately. I’d also encourage you to check out Brendan’s new book, and really all of his work– check out the links in the episode notes or just head to Semi-Rad.com.  Huge thanks to Brendan, and I hope you enjoy.

Header image by Mile90 Photography; photo of Brendan and Rowlf courtesy of Brendan.

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 6:00 – Brendan discusses his latest book, I Hate Running and You Can Too
  • 10:00 – Brendan discusses his progression as a runner
  • 18:15 – Brendan talks about his experience running 52 marathons in 52 weeks
  • 27:00 – The lessons Brendan learned from 52 marathon challenge
  • 33:00 – Brendan explains how becoming a runner influenced other areas of his life
  • 36:30 – Brendan discusses his claim that “there are no hacks” in running (or life)
  • 42:00 – Who Brendan looks up to
  • 50:30 – Brendan explores the process of finding his voice
  • 55:30 – Brendan discusses vulnerability and the process of sharing his own experiences in his writing
  • 1:02:30 – Brendan’s book recommendations
  • 1:07:30 – Brendan’s parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on March 25, 2021 by

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Mitsu Iwasaki – Adventure, Advocacy, & Alpinism

Mitsu Iwasaki is the CEO of the American Alpine Club (AAC), a historic and storied organization whose mission is to “share and support our passion for climbing and respect for the places we climb.” Founded in 1902, the AAC began as a social club for east coast elites who shared a passion for climbing, adventure, and conservation. But over the past 119 years, the AAC has evolved into an open and equitable organization, which provides “knowledge and inspiration, conservation and advocacy, and logistical support for the climbing community.” Mitsu took the helm of the AAC in the summer of 2020, ushering in a new phase for the Club’s growth and focus.

Mitsu was born in Japan but immigrated to Seattle with his family when he was six years old. In high school, at the urging of his father, Mitsu began spending his summers working on commercial fishing boats in Alaska, experiences that he credits as the genesis of his lifelong pursuit of adventure. He attended college in Washington State at the foot of the Cascade Mountains, then spent years as an Outward Bound instructor– successfully merging his love of climbing, skiing, and adventure with his career. A graduate degree in nonprofit management propelled Mitsu into leadership positions with several outdoor recreation organizations, which led him to his new role at the AAC.

For anyone interested in melding personal passions with lofty career aspirations, Mitsu’s life story will be both inspiring and instructional. We had a fascinating conservation covering everything from his days as a climber living out of his van to his current focus of creating more equitable access in the climbing community. We started by discussing the AAC– its history, goals, and evolution over nearly 120 years. We then talked about Mitsu’s personal background– moving to the US as a child, adjusting to life in the US while maintaining close connections to his Japanese heritage, lessons learned from working in commercial fishing, and experiences as an outdoor educator. We talk about his vision for the AAC, and he explains AAC’s exciting new equity initiative known as Climb United. We also discuss his mentors, favorite books, the best advice he’s ever received, and Mitsu offers some useful parting words of wisdom.

Be sure to check the episode note for a complete list of topics and links to everything we covered. Hope you enjoy.

Images courtesy of Mitsu Iwasaki

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 3:40 – Mitsu explains the history of American Alpine Club (AAC)
  • 6:40 – Mitsu discusses programs and projects of AAC
  • 9:25 – Mitsu discusses his role as CEO of AAC
  • 12:10 – Mitsu explains some of his goals to adapt the AAC
  • 14:10 – Mitsu discusses AAC’s work in the arena of climate change
  • 19:10 –Mitsu discusses his early life and how he became interested in the outdoors, including his time spent on an Alaskan fishing boat
  • 28:10 – Mitsu discusses his prior career with Outward Bound and his thoughts on experiential education 
  • 33:40 – Mitsu discusses his transition from outdoor enthusiast to executive
  • 37:25 – Mitsu talks about his mentor, Brendan Leonard
  • 41:25 – Mitsu talks about the AAC program, Climb United, and equity in the sport of climbing
  • 48:55 – Mitsu’s book recommendations
  • 52:25 – The best piece of advice Mitsu ever received
  • 53:40 – Mitsu’s parting advice

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 Posted on March 16, 2021 by

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Jason Gardner – A Life of Purpose & Service

Jason Gardner is a father, homesteader, leadership instructor, and regenerative agriculture devotee who lives with his family on a remote property in the mountains of northeastern Washington State. Jason is also a retired Navy SEAL Master Chief who spent nearly thirty years in the SEAL teams and is a recipient of the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, and numerous other awards. As you’ll hear in our conversation, Jason applies the lessons learned from his years of service toward building a meaningful life for his family in the wilds of Washington– a life lived with purpose and intention, built on a deep respect for the land.

If Jason sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the husband to Iris Gardner, who was a guest on the podcast just a few weeks ago. Given all of the wisdom that Iris shared regarding parenting and intentional living, and how fondly she spoke of Jason as a father and husband, I thought it would be fun to have Jason join me for a conversation. It was fascinating to hear Jason discuss many of the same topics that Iris and I covered, as he provided a complementary perspective on subjects including parenting, marriage, and thriving as a family in such a remote, wild region of the West.

This was a fantastic conversation, and I can’t thank Jason enough for taking the time to share his wisdom with me. We talked a lot about his military service– from his decision as a high-schooler to join the SEALs to his long and diverse career as a SEAL leader. We also discuss his life-long love of wild, mountainous places, and why he and Iris have chosen to raise their family in northeastern Washington. We talked about how to find purpose in work, no matter what your chosen career. We discuss the idea of having a warrior’s mentality and how he applies that idea to parenting and his current career as a leadership consultant. Jason explains the dichotomy of being an elite special forces operator and gentle father and husband. And we also talk about regenerative agriculture, the many life lessons he’s learned from training horses, influential music, his favorite books, the best advice he’s ever received, and much more.

There are so many insights and resources packed into this episode, so don’t forget to reference the episode notes for a full list of topics and links to everything we discussed. And if you’d like more insights into Jason and Iris’s life in Washington, you can check out their Youtube channel, which I’ve linked to in the notes. Thanks again to Jason, and I hope you enjoy.

Images courtesy of Jason Gardner

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 3:50 – Where Jason grew up
  • 5:50 – How Jason developed a love of wild places
  • 6:10 – When Jason first started considering military service and the SEALS 
  • 10:05 – How music helped frame Jason’s mindset
  • 12:50 – Jason explores the dichotomy of his military and personal life
  • 17:50 – What makes Jason so good at his job
  • 19:20 – How Jason knew it was time to retire
  • 23:20 – Jason explores the intentionality that enabled he and Iris to live the life they do
  • 24:35 – How Jason’s approach to parenting has changed since retiring from the SEALS
  • 28:20 – How did Jason come up with the points of To My Daughter
  • 32:20 – What being a warrior means to Jason
  • 34:35 – Jason explores how marriage works between two strong-willed individuals
  • 37:50 – Jason discusses his recent work with horses and its impact on himself
  • 43:50 – Jason’s advice on finding purpose, told through the lens of sniper training and “the stalk”
  • 52:05 – Jason discusses his current role as a leadership coach
  • 56:35 – Jason discusses books that have been important to him
  • 58:05 – Jason discusses regenerative agriculture
  • 1:01:05 – What Jason does for fun
  • 1:02:50 – The best piece of advice Jason ever received
  • 1:06:20 – Jason’s parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on March 9, 2021 by

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Kelsey Johnson – Chasing Her Artistic Ambitions
Kelsey Johnson

Kelsey Johnson is a Bozeman-based artist whose work highlights the epic wildlife, people, and landscapes of the American West. Using graphite pencils and oil paints, Kelsey creates stunning, life-like artwork– works that you would assume were created by a full-time artist with decades of experience. But in reality, Kelsey is new to professional art– she balances her artistic endeavors with a full-time job, and she actually started her art business only a few years ago, back in 2018. While Kelsey’s artistic career will undoubtedly continue to grow and flourish in the coming years, I am inspired by the commitment and work ethic she exhibits on a daily basis to turn her creative passions into a self-sustaining business.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, Kelsey was always artistic, but she put art aside and earned her undergraduate degree in agricultural business and agronomy. After graduation, she began a career with a large corporation where she sold corn and soybean seeds across the United States. While the job was safe and steady with plenty of upward mobility, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was not completely fulfilled by her work. So, as you’ll hear her describe, a series of events came together that prompted her to pack up and move to Montana, where she rededicated herself to her artistic inclinations.

I greatly admire Kelsey and the way she has created a life and career here in the West. I also feel that she serves as a perfect example of how to balance professional, practical obligations with the pursuit of artistic goals. If you’ve got creative ambitions but struggle to fit them in between the other demands of life, you’ll find Kelsey’s story inspirational. We had a wide-ranging conversation, discussing everything from her childhood on the east coast to her eventual move to Montana. We talked about her evolution as an artist, some of her artistic breakthroughs, and her creative influences. She talks a lot about juggling professional and artistic commitments, and she also offers up some excellent book, music, and film recommendations.

And as you’ll hear in the episode, Kelsey and I will be doing a giveaway of a print of her newest painting, titled “Land of the Desert Poppy.” If you want to enter to win, follow me on Instagram and look for a post about the giveaway later this week, the week of February 22, 2021. 

Thanks so much to Kelsey for taking the time to chat. Hope you enjoy this conversation.

Images courtesy of Kelsey Johnson

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 3:45 – Where Kelsey grew up
  • 4:45 – How Kelsey initially got into agriculture
  • 6:30 – When did Kelsey realize that agriculture was not the path for her
  • 8:45 – How did Kelsey come to set her eyes on Montana
  • 12:15 – What did Kelsey have to do to move to Bozeman
  • 14:45 – Kelsey’s art
  • 18:30 – How the art community in Southwest Montana influenced Kelsey’s art
  • 20:45 – The first time Kelsey sold art
  • 23:45 – Kelsey’s experience balancing her art with the rest of her life
  • 25:45 – Kelsey’s biggest surprise in setting up her art business
  • 26:45 – Kelsey discusses “big break” moments that helped get her work in front of more people
  • 30:30 – Kelsey’s role models in the creative community of the American West
  • 33:45 –Kelsey discusses how she knows she’s finished with a piece and explores those moments when a piece just “doesn’t work out”
  • 37:15 – Kelsey’s advice for those getting started in creative pursuits
  • 35:30 – Kelsey’s most recently finished piece (ft. information on a print giveaway!)
  • 42:30 – Kelsey’s adventures in hunting
  • 45:45 – What Kelsey does for fun
  • 46:30 – Kelsey’s favorite books
  • 50:00 – Kelsey’s favorite musicians
  • 53:00 – Kelsey’s favorite movies
  • 55:30 – Parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on February 22, 2021 by

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Iris Gardner – Living with Intention
Iris Gardner

Iris Gardner is a writer, horse wrangler, mother, and former organic farmer who lives with her family on a homestead in northeastern Washington State. After many years of living and farming in southern California, Iris, her husband Jason, and their two children moved to their current home– a rural property located close to the Canadian border and more than two hours from the nearest city. As you’ll hear in our conversation, Iris and Jason have chosen to live and raise their children deliberately, with intention, and close to nature– in a beautiful landscape far removed from many of the so-called conveniences of modern life.

Iris grew up off the grid in rural Washington, in an area so remote that her home did not have electricity. During her childhood, she developed a deep love of reading, horses, and wild landscapes– all passions that are still of great importance to her and her family today. Iris’s husband Jason is a retired, highly decorated Navy SEAL who shares her devotion to intentional living and parenthood. Working as a team, Iris and Jason are building a meaningful and unique life for their family in the wilds of eastern Washington– a life that I have found both inspiring and instructional.

Iris and I have been following each other online for years, so it was wonderful to finally get the opportunity to have a conversion. We spent a lot of time discussing parenting– how she is raising her children to be both tough and compassionate, and how she balances managing risk with letting her kids learn from their own mistakes. We discuss her marriage with Jason and how they have grown as a couple through the various phases of their lives and careers. Iris is an enormously talented writer, and she is currently finishing up her first book, so we discuss her writing process, and she offers some excellent advice for people interested in pursuing creative endeavors. We also discuss the power of positivity, our shared love of reading, Iris’s heroes and mentors, and Iris offers some valuable words of wisdom.

If you want to learn even more about Iris’s journey, I’d encourage you to watch or listen to her conversation with retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink on the Jocko Podcast. You’ll hear us reference Jocko often in our conversation, and that podcast episode is one of the most powerful conversations I’ve ever heard in my life, no exaggeration. 

Iris is an inspiring, strong, tough, talented, and thoughtful woman, and I know you’ll enjoy our conversation. Thanks for listening. 

Photos courtesy of Iris Gardner

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 3:40 – Iris describes her homestead
  • 7:10 – Iris discusses parenting
  • 12:40 – Iris describes raising kids tough
  • 20:40 – Iris shares whether she always planned on being a mother
  • 21:55 – How Iris and her husband, Jason, met
  • 24:10 – Iris discusses the transition in her husband’s work (from SEAL to leadership consultant) and building independence within a marriage
  • 26:55 – Iris talks about learning from each other in a marriage
  • 29:55 – Iris discusses her memoir
  • 31:40 – Iris discusses the relationship between reading and writing in her life
  • 34:10 – Iris discusses her relationship with social media
  • 39:10 – Iris’s advice for people with creative impulses/aspirations
  • 43:55 – who are Iris’s heroes/mentors
  • 46:25 – Why Iris feels positivity is important in the face of challenges
  • 51:40 – How Iris uses the outdoors for introspection
  • 53:10 – How Iris sets examples and encourages introspection, communication, and connection with her kids
  • 1:00:40 – How having kids has impacted Ed and Iris
  • 1:02:00 – Iris’s book recommendations
  • 1:10:25 – Words of wisdom

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 Posted on February 15, 2021 by

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The Ramblings of a “Conquistador of the Useless”

This episode is a little different than normal– it’s me being interviewed on the Off the Couch podcast by my friends Jonathan Ellsworth and Brendan Leonard. Brendan is likely familiar to many of you long-time listeners– he joined me on the podcast a few years ago to discuss his writing career, his film “How to Run 100 Miles” and his blog Semi-Rad. Jonathan is the creator of Blister, an amazing online resource that includes outdoor gear reviews, a podcast network, and much more. Jonathan will be joining me on this podcast in the coming months.

Jonathan and Brendan were nice enough to invite me on Off the Couch to discuss a somewhat silly challenge that I imposed on myself on my 43rd birthday. Every hour on the hour for 24 hours, I ran a 1.3-mile loop around my neighborhood. In between laps, I did a long list of tasks that I had been putting off, including stacking firewood, cleaning and rearranging my basement, sending a ridiculous number of emails, and other mindless tasks. The whole thing was based on a film by a guy named Beau Miles who did a similar challenge in Australia. I stumbled across the film on Youtube and decided to give it a shot a few days later. I’ve linked to that film in the episode notes.

That birthday challenge was just one part of what turned out to be a wide-ranging conversation about a ton of fun and funny topics. We discussed the backstory on the Mountain & Prairie, my experiences running 50 and 100-mile races, some scary moments I’ve had running ultras, why I’m so obsessed with reading books, and some of my favorite books from 2020. There were enough interesting topics that overlap with what we discuss here on Mountain & Prairie, so I thought some of y’all might enjoy it and get a few laughs at my expense.

If you’re interested in running and some of the fascinating characters that the sport attracts, I encourage you to check out Off the Couch. You’ll recognize a few past Mountain & Prairie guests, including Mike Foote and Joe Grant, but all of the episodes are fun and inspiring. There’s a link in the episode notes, so check it out. Enjoy!

Top photo by Ed, from the top of Gothic Mountain outside Crested Butte

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • Ed’s podcast, Mountain & Prairie (3:32)
  • The Procrastinator’s Punishment 50k (11:49)
  • Ed’s Scary DNF (33:02)
  • Ed’s Gross DNF (39:21)
  • Triathlon community vs the Ultra community (42:11)
  • Ed’s bi-monthly book recommendations (47:20)

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 Posted on January 29, 2021 by

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Chris Douglas – An Unexpected Artistic Journey
Chris Douglas on horseback (photo by Paul King)

Chris Douglas is a Montana-based photographer and creative director who is one of the most sought-after visual storytellers in the American West. Chris is a go-to photographer for iconic brands such as Filson, Stetson, and Mossy Oak, and his editorial work appears regularly in publications including Modern Huntsman and Men’s Journal. In a world flooded with iPhone photography and armchair creatives, Chris’s work stands out as being artistically stunning and of the highest professional caliber.

When viewing Chris’s work, most people would assume that he’s been laser focused on photography for his entire career. But even though his interest in photography began at age ten, the first half of his career was spent in front of the lens– first as an international model for brands such as Versace, and then as a successful television actor. But life moving between LA, New York, and Milan was not a fit with his love of the outdoors, so Chris eventually moved to Montana, where he continued his life-long passion for hunting and adventure. Then, as you’ll hear him describe, Chris was severely injured in a horse accident, which became the catalyst that led him to leave acting behind and devote his full energies to photography.

Those of you who are long-time listeners know that I spend a lot of time preparing for each of these interviews, but, as you’ll hear, I was completely surprised by much of Chris’s story. Chris is unbelievably humble and keeps a low profile, so I was honored that he was open to sharing his full journey with me on the podcast. We started out chatting about his upbringing in east Tennessee and his tight-knit, supportive family that he credits with being the foundation for all of his success. Then we discussed his fascinating career trajectory– from international model to soap opera star to television host to photographer. We had a great conversation about his Native American ancestry and how Native culture has influenced his work and family’s life in Montana.

Chris’s story is both entertaining and instructive– he is a wonderful example of how life’s unexpected twists and turns can lead people on the most interesting journeys. And how hard work, humility, creativity, and professionalism can result in a one-of-a-kind life and career. Check out the extensive episode notes for links to everything we discuss.  Enjoy!

Photo by Chris Douglas
Photo by Chris Douglas

Photos courtesy of Chris Douglas, top photos of Chris by Paul King

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 5:00 – Where Chris grew up
  • 6:45 – How did Chris become interested in photography?
  • 10:00 – Chris’s other artistic talents
  • 11: 15 – Chris beginning to work with Bruce Weber
  • 16:00 – Chris learning more about photography through observation
  • 18:00 – Social media’s impact on photography from Chris’s perspective
  • 19:00 – Chris pursuing his passion for hunting while modeling
  • 22:45 – Chris reflects on the best and worst parts of his career in front of the camera
  • 24:30 – What pushed Chris to spend time in the outdoors in the middle of a successful modeling/acting career
  • 26:00 – Why Chris decided to move to Montana
  • 28:30 –Chris’s gradual transition to professional photography behind the lens
  • 30:30 – Chris’s horse accident
  • 39:30 – Chris reflects on all the jobs that got him to where he is now
  • 42:00 – Chris’s keys to success in business and photography
  • 47:00 – Chris’s Native heritage
  • 50:00 – Chris reflects on learning about his heritage
  • 55:43 – Where Chris thinks his career will go from here
  • 58:15 – Book recommendations
  • 1:01:45 – Parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on January 17, 2021 by

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Monte Burke – Exploring Obsession
Monte Burke

Monte Burke is a journalist, New York Times bestselling author, and contributing editor at Forbes, Garden & Gun, and The Drake. His most recent book is Lords of the Fly: Madness, Obsession, and the Hunt for the World-Record Tarpon, which was one of the best books I read in 2020. He’s also the author of Saban: The Making of a Coach, which also happens to be one of my all-time favorite books. Whether he’s writing about fly fishing, Colorado conservationists, elk hunting, or football, Monte’s work is always impeccably researched and fun to read.

I loved every page of Lords of the Fly, and both anglers and non-anglers alike will be drawn into the book’s engaging story and wild characters. One of my favorite aspects of the book was how it opened my eyes to the connections between the 1970s Florida fishing scene and modern-day art, poetry, and literature of the American West. Western luminaries who are frequently mentioned on this podcast– Tom McGuane, Jim Harrison, Richard Brautigan, Russell Chatham, and more– all created art and chased tarpon together in Florida in the 1970s. They all eventually moved West and became some of the most respected western artists of their time, but were it not for the creative foundation they built in Florida, today’s western literary and art scene would look quite different. 

Monte and I had a fun and wide-ranging conversation discussing everything from fly fishing to fatherhood. We started out talking about Lords of the Fly— we obviously talked about the crew of anglers that included McGuane and Harrison, but we also discussed the full cast of obsessed characters who make up the history of fly fishing for tarpon. Monte explains why this story was so compelling to him, and he discusses some of the headwinds he encountered while trying to get the book published. We discuss Monte’s attraction to writing about intense, obsessed people, whether they happen to be world champion coaches or anglers. We chatted about Monte’s writing and journalism career, as well as some of the routines that allow him to be such a prolific writer. And as usual, we discuss favorite books, authors, films, and he offers up some wise parting words.

If you love fishing and literature, or if you’re an aspiring writer or artist, this episode is chock-full of useful information. Be sure to check out the show notes for links to everything we discuss– this episode may very well hold the record for most books and authors recommended! Hope you enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Monte Burke

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 3:50 – Why Monte was drawn into the story of fly fishing for tarpon 
  • 8:30 – Early stages of writing the book
  • 14:30 – Jim Harrison, Tom McGuane, and tarpon fishing
  • 20:45 – What McGuane such a unique writer?
  • 23:15 – Monte’s decision to include himself in the story
  • 26:45 – His obsession with obsessed people
  • 31:15 – Monte’s personal obsessions
  • 35:45 – How having children affected his outlook and career
  • 40:15 – When writing and reading became his focus
  • 42:45 – Getting started in journalism + writing at night
  • 45:45 – The coolest part of writing
  • 48:45 – Writing routine
  • 53:15 – Techniques for convincing people to share their stories
  • 56:15 – Writers that Monte admires
  • 59:45 – Favorite books
  • 1:00:30 – Favorite movie
  • 1:02:15 – Favorite place in the West
  • 1:03:45 – Parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on December 27, 2020 by

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Malcolm Brooks – Epic Tales from the American West

Malcolm Brooks is a Montana-based author best known for his epic novel Painted Horses, a sweeping, large-scale tale of life in the American West in the 1950s. Published in 2015, Painted Horses has quickly become a classic among those who love Western literary fiction. Even more impressive, Painted Horses was Malcolm’s first published novel– a truly remarkable feat when you consider the story’s breadth and depth and its characters. 

Malcolm’s obsession with writing began at age fourteen when a teacher gave him a copy of Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove during an incredibly formative period of his life. From that point on, Malcolm was laser-focused on becoming an author– so much so that he completed his first full-length novel when he was only 18 years old. Malcolm continued to consistently write throughout his twenties, experiencing moderate success in journalism, but never publishing a novel. When he was in his early thirties, Malcolm decided to go all-in on writing his dream novel– “to go big or go home” as he says– and he began the five-year process of writing Painted Horses. It’s safe to say that his efforts paid off– Painted Horses has been compared to the works of Cormac McCarthy, Wallace Stegner, and more.

Malcolm and I were introduced by another gifted author and past podcast guest, Chris Dombrowski, and we had a wonderful conversation. If you’re interested in the creative process or the ins-and-outs of craftsmanship, you will love this episode. We started out by talking about our mutual love of Lonesome Dove, and Malcolm shares how that book changed the trajectory of his life. We discuss Malcolm’s upbringing, formal education, commitment to carpentry, and artistic and literary influences. We obviously discuss Painted Horses, and he offers a sneak preview of his upcoming novel, Cloudmaker. Malcolm tells a great story about finding an ancient buffalo skull and offers tons of great book recommendations. And finally, he has some wise parting words that I think you’ll find useful and timely.

Thanks to Malcolm for taking the time to chat. Be sure to check out the episode notes for links to everything we discuss. Hope you enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Malcolm Brooks

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 3:30 – Influence of Lonesome Dove
  • 9:30 – When did Malcolm discover he wanted to be a writer?
  • 10:30 – Malcolm’s foray into carpentry and its overlaps with his writing
    • 11:30 – Malcolm’s first manuscript
  • 14:00 – When did Malcolm first get published?
  • 15:45 – How Malcolm first became interested in Montana
  • 17:45 – Malcolm’s formal education experience
  • 20:30 – Painted Horses
  • 22:30 – Malcolm’s self-critique and artistic influences
  • 25:30 – Malcolm’s writing process
    • 27:30 – Is writing fun for Malcolm?
    • 28:15 – Legends of the Fall
  • 30:30 – The importance of reading to Malcolm
  • 32:00 – The importance of supplementary income for creatives and authors
  • 37:00 – Malcolm’s advice for finishing a project and notes on new projects he is working on
  • 40:30 – Yellowstone and its impact on American Western-focused television
  • 41:30 – What authors does Malcolm admire?
  • 48:00 – Slight teaser for Malcolm’s upcoming book, Cloudmaker
  • 51:45 – What other art has shaped Malcolm’s world view?
  • 53:30 – Malcolm’s most powerful experience in the outdoors
  • 1:00:00 – Words of wisdom

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 Posted on November 29, 2020 by

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Mike Foote – Perfection is in the Process
Mike Foote (photo by Clayton Boyd)

Mike Foote is a Montana-based professional ultrarunner and ski mountaineer who is best known for his inspiring performances in 100-mile ultramarathons and multiday endurance expeditions through wild landscapes. In 2018, he set the world record for the most vertical feet climbed and skied in 24 hours– a mind-blowing 61,200 feet. And in addition to his impressive athletic career, Mike is also a committed conservationist, serving on the board of directors of the Five Valleys Land Trust, an innovative conservation organization that serves the five valleys surrounding Missoula.

Mike grew up in Ohio and had never visited the American West until a life-changing college road trip took him to Moab, Utah. He instantly fell in love with the wide-open landscapes of the American West– so much so that he left college in Ohio and moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. During that first year in Steamboat, Mike became obsessed with the mountains– skiing, running, and enjoying all aspects of life in a Rocky Mountain ski town. Although the learning curve was steep, Mike loved every minute of his new life in the mountains, and he gradually became more and more obsessed with endurance sports. Fast forward to today, and Mike’s list of endurance accomplishments is astonishing– he’s earned podium finishes at some of the world’s most notable races, including the Hardrock, UTMB, Big Horn 100, and more. 

Despite all of his world-class athletic accomplishments, Mike is an amazingly down-to-earth and humble guy. We had a wonderful conversation and managed to cover a lot in a little over an hour– topics that will be impactful to runners and nonrunners alike. We started by discussing his early years in Ohio and that fateful, life-changing trip out West. We talked about his progression in endurance sports, and his transformation from complete beginner to North Face sponsored athlete to race director of The Rut Mountain Runs. We spend a lot of time talking about mental health, and Mike graciously shares some of the techniques, books, and resources that have helped him manage the inevitable ups and downs in life and sport. We also talk about his hands-on work with the Five Valleys Land Trust, and why he has chosen to be so deeply involved in conservation. And Mike is a voracious reader, so he offers up quite a few excellent recommendations throughout the conversation.

This is an excellent episode, and I can’t thank Mike enough for being so open and thoughtful throughout the entire conversation. I hope you enjoy!

Header photo by Steven Gnam, headshot by Clayton Boyd

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 4:00 – Where Mike grew up
  • 5:45 – What drew Mike out West
  • 11:50 – What was Mike’s first year out West like
  • 14:25 – When Mike first started running
  • 15:45 When did Mike realize he had a talent for distance running
  • 19:10 – How did Mike end up in Missoula? 
  • 21:20 – Mentality shift from ”just going running” (paraphrased) to professional, goal-oriented training? 
  • 27:35 – What drives Mike on his runs?
  • 32:00 – Community of ultra-endurance events
  • 35:47 – Mike getting into the race directing business
  • 39:57 – How does Mike deal with the mental struggles when running.
  • 46:20 – Mike’s book recommendations for setting his mind right
  • 49:00 – The importance of having deep conversations about mental health
  • 50:30 – Mike’s commitment to land conservation
  • 59:00 – General book recommendations
  • 1:02:42 – Film recommendations
  • 1:06:00 – Parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on November 15, 2020 by

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NEW WEST DISPATCH: Matt Skoglund – Ranching in the Age of COVID

If you’ve listened to the podcast for a while, then you’re probably familiar with each episode’s general format: I have a long-form conversation with an interesting person who is doing important work in the American West. We usually spend about half of the time discussing their work and the other half discussing their personal backstory—a format that I thoroughly enjoy and seems to have struck a chord with a surprisingly large audience of listeners. The episodes are designed to be evergreen—whether you listen to them now or ten years from now, guests offer up timeless lessons you can apply to your own life.

But given our current moment in history and the public health, economic, social, and environmental challenges that have been accelerated by COVID, I’ve decided to periodically experiment with a new episode format, one that I’m calling New West Dispatches.  In each New West Dispatch, I’ll speak with an expert about a very specific, current issue that is creating challenges for a specific sector of the American West. We’ll dig deep into the nitty gritty of the topic, going into more detail than usual, with the goal of gaining a better understanding of time-sensitive issues facing the West. We’ll hear firsthand stories from people on the front lines of their sectors, and discuss solutions to the problems at hand. The vast majority of Mountain & Prairie episodes will continue to follow the tried-and-true interview format, but every so often, as opportunities present themselves, I’ll look forward to getting a little more technical with Dispatches.

My guest for the first New West Dispatch is Matt Skoglund. Matt is an attorney-turned-bison rancher who joined me on the podcast last year for a fun and wide-ranging conversation about his path to founding his business North Bridger Bison. Matt came back to discuss some of the specific COVID-related challenges facing his bison business, specifically the astounding shortage of meat processing facilities throughout the American West. As you may remember, when COVID hit in March, there were endless news stories about meat shortages and breakdowns in supply chains linking producers and consumers. Although it’s not on the front page of the paper anymore, large-scale challenges persist, and Matt is in the middle of it all on a daily basis. So he was kind enough to return to the podcast to share his extensive knowledge on the subject, and to offer some potential solutions toward bolstering the food production system here in the West.

Matt covers a lot of ground in less than an hour, so be sure to check out the episode notes for a list of all the topics we discuss and links to resources. Hope you enjoy!

The Skoglund Family (photo by Chris Douglas for Boot Barn)

All photos by Chris Douglas for Boot Barn

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 4:00 – Overview of North Bridger Bison
  • 8:30 – COVID’s effects on meatpacking
  • 11:45 – Big outbreaks in packing plants
  • 15:30 – Challenges to regenerative ag because of COVID
  • 17:30 – Cause of the processing backlog
  • 21:00 – Fragility of the US food system
  • 23:30 – What prevents entrepreneurs from opening more processing plants?
  • 26:00 – Appreciation for good meat
  • 29:30 – Grazing as healing for the ecosystem
  • 33:00 – Will more meat processing businesses open?
  • 35:15 – Will meat processing go back to “normal” after post-COVID?
  • 39:00 – Gov. Steve Bullock’s COVID relief
  • 40:30  – Labor shortages
  • 42:00 – The art of butchery
  • 44:00 – Be intentional with impact
  • 49:00 – Externalities of cheap meat
  • 53:00 – Books to read about meat
  • 54:30 – Productive actions to take

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 Posted on November 1, 2020 by

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Juanita Vero, Part 2 – A Deep Desire to Serve

If you’re a long-time listener, then surely you remember Juanita Vero. Juanita is a fourth-generation Montana rancher, conservationist, community leader, and all-around inspiring woman. She’s also a devoted public servant, serving as a Missoula County Commissioner, where she gets her hands dirty with the critical and often not-so-glamorous work of county government. Juanita’s name will be on the ballot in Missoula County this November, where she is hoping to win a six-year term to continue her service as a Commissioner.

Juanita joined me on the podcast back in 2018, then again on stage at last year’s live podcast in Bozeman, so her personal story is probably familiar. I wanted to have her back on the show as we approach the election because her story serves as an inspiring example of how citizens can push outside of their comfort zones to lead the communities they love. As you’ll hear, Juanita had never considered assuming a public office—but when the opportunity presented itself, and she was encouraged to pursue it by fellow community leaders, she jumped at the chance. Since then, she has gone all-in and has thrived in her role as County Commissioner.

If you’re like me, you are probably overwhelmed with the negative, inflammatory news regarding politics and the upcoming election. But Juanita’s campaign and her desire to serve stands in stark contrast to much of our national discourse—she’s driven by a love of place, humility, a sense of duty, genuine curiosity, and a desire to find common ground. I think it’s important to remember that there are committed public servants in every county and city—good people who are driven not by the desire to accumulate power but by a desire to leave their communities better than they found them. Wherever you live, I hope that Juanita’s example will encourage you to engage with your local elected leaders, truly understand the candidates running for local offices, or maybe even run for office yourself. But at the least, I know you’ll enjoy listening to Juanita’s story, which will hopefully make you feel better about the world during these crazy times!

Photos courtesy of Juanita Vero

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 3:30 – Why and how Juanita decided to enter politics
  • 9:30 – Specific experiences that let Juanita know she was ready to be a commissioner
  • 13:30 – Importance of talking to her Grandfather
  • 19:15 – What exactly is a county commissioner?
  • 22:15 – Example of how commissioners can influence development
  • 25:30 – Why she’s running for office
  • 28:30 – Commissioners as true public servants
  • 32:30 – COVID’s impact on Missoula County
  • 34:30 – Positive effects of the “new normal” of COVID
  • 36:00 – Transition from working on the land to an office job
  • 39:20 – Advice for citizens who want to work productively with local government
  • 42:30 – Greatest challenges and opportunities in Missoula County
  • 46:15 – Smaller issues worth considering
  • 48:00 – Climate change & Missoula County solutions
  • 52:00 – Importance of community leadership
  • 53:30 – Favorite books
  • 57:15 – Favorite films
  • 58:30 – Funny and surprising activities
  • 59:30 – Parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on October 16, 2020 by

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Jessica Wahl Turner – Outdoor Recreation & Rural Economies
Jessica Wahl Turner

Jessica Wahl Turner is the Executive Director of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), America’s leading coalition of outdoor recreation trade associations and organizations. Currently, ORR is comprised of 31 national association members that serve more than 100,000 outdoor-related businesses, which is an amazing feat considering that the organization is less than three years old. Jessica and her team bring together all sectors of the outdoor economy to harness the industry’s collective power and advance issues related to conservation, outdoor access, public lands infrastructure, and much more. Whether she’s in the halls of Congress or the wide-open spaces of the American West, Jessica is a devoted, effective advocate for the outdoor industry.

This conversation is part of the Montana Governor’s Office of Outdoor Recreation’s “Business of Outdoor Recreation Summit“—a gathering of some of the most notable names in the outdoor recreation sector. Because of COVID, this year’s summit has gone virtual, but the need for collaboration and idea-sharing among industry experts has never been greater. The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable is a case study in focusing on common goals, putting aside petty differences, and overcoming challenges with new and innovative approaches. So I was thrilled to get a chance to learn exactly how Jessica has gone about leading her organization during these changing times.

Jessica and I connected on Zoom and had a fun, educational, and wide-ranging conversation about all aspects of the outdoor economy. We started by chatting about the history of ORR and precisely what the organization does. We also discussed the Great American Outdoors Act and how this landmark legislation will positively affect the outdoor industry. We talked about COVID’s effect on the outdoor economy and how ORR is working to support outdoor businesses during these unprecedented times. We also talked about how the outdoor economy contributes to rural and urban areas and how all aspects of the outdoor economy are interconnected. We also spend some time talking about Jessica’s educational and professional backgrounds, and what makes her so uniquely qualified for her current role. And as usual, we discuss favorite books, favorite outdoor adventures, and she offers some wise parting words. 

This was a wonderful conversation, and I hope you enjoy. Be sure to check out the “Business of Outdoor Recreation Summit” webpage, as there are many resources, films, and other podcasts that you will find enjoyable and educational. Links to everything are in the episode notes.

Photos courtesy of Jessica Wahl Turner

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 3:30 – Outdoor Recreation Roundtable explained
  • 8:00 – Focusing on the commonalities in the outdoor industry
  • 12:00 – Impact of the Great American Outdoors Act
  • 17:30 – How the upcoming election could affect the recreation economy
  • 22:00 – The national interconnectedness of the outdoor economy
  • 26:45 – How COVID has affected the outdoor recreation economy
  • 32:00 – Balancing conservation and increased outdoor activities
  • 36:30 – Future goals and measures of success for the roundtable
  • 40:30 – Jessica’s education and early career
  • 44:15 – Lessoned learned from the Outdoor Industry Association
  • 48:45 – Advice to aspiring industry advocates/lobbyists
  • 53:15 – Heroes and mentors
  • 58:00 – Favorite books
  • 1:01:30 – Favorite place in the outdoors
  • 1:03:00 – Jessica’s parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on October 13, 2020 by

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Steve Casimiro – Voice of Adventure
Steve Casimiro (Photo: Sinuhe Xavier)

Steve Casimiro is the founder and editor of Adventure Journal, an online and quarterly print magazine devoted to outdoor adventure in all its forms. AJ began as Steve’s personal blog back in 2008—a project he created on the side while writing for National Geographic Adventure. Steve’s unique perspective and devotion to adventure writing struck a chord with the outdoor community, and AJ’s audience grew and grew. When National Geographic Adventure closed its doors, Steve decided to pursue AJ with his full professional focus, building a loyal following who is deeply devoted to AJ online and in print.

Steve grew up on the east coast, and from an early age, he was obsessed with writing, photography, and storytelling. After earning a degree in journalism, he spent his early twenties writing for traditional newspapers, including USA Today. But when presented with the opportunity to meld his passion for the outdoors with his journalism career, he left the newspaper business to join the team at the legendary ski magazine Powder. From there, Steve immersed himself in all aspects of the adventure media world, honing his craft for storytelling and dialing in his voice as a writer and editor. The culmination of these years of hard work is Adventure Journal, which is, in my opinion, one of the most essential voices in the outdoor community.

It’s no secret that I’m a massive fan of Adventure Journal. I reference it often in my weekly newsletter and suggest the quarterly print publication in my reading recommendation emails. But what I find most impressive about Steve is how he has built such a loyal community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts—curious, thoughtful, open-minded readers who enjoy thinking deeply about the outdoors and adventure. In this conversation, Steve shares how he managed to create such a unique community and what drives him to work so hard to continue to build it. We talk about AJ’s values as a business, and we discuss his recent commitment to make AJ carbon neutral. We talk about how Steve welcomes ideas and opinions that he may not necessarily agree with, and the unique niche that AJ fills in the outdoor community. Steve also discusses how his his wife Joni, who is the AJ Art Director, has played an invaluable role in the growth of AJ. We talk about the importance of attention, the need to support independent media, what he looks for in writers, the importance of optimism, his ideas on building community, and much more.

Whether you’re a writer, photographer, business owner, community builder, or outdoor enthusiast, I can promise you that you’ll learn a lot from this conversation. And please keep an eye on my Instagram account, because I’ll be doing a giveaway of a few copies of AJ later this week. You can find a link to my Instagram Account in the episode notes.

Thanks to Steve for taking the time to join me. I hope you enjoy!

Photos by Sinuhe Xavier

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 4:00 – AJ’s decision to be carbon neutral
  • 7:00 – Founding values of AJ
  • 9:45 – Thoughts on the business decision of going carbon neutral
  • 15:00 – Importance of where we focus our attention
  • 20:00 – Influences on Steve’s unique approach to media and AJ
  • 24:30 – AJ’s transition from personal project to full-time gig
  • 26:30 – Thoughts on AJ’s tone, consistency, and content
  • 30:30 – Evolution from traditional journalism to AJ
  • 35:00 – Importance of doing work that is new and innovative
  • 40:45 – Impactful notes and letters from AJ readers
  • 41:30 – Deep feelings brought out by outdoor adventure
  • 43:00 – Important example that pursuing one’s passion can set
  • 46:00 – Pushing through being “stuck”
  • 51:00 – Optimist or Pessimist?
  • 55:45 – What Steve looks for in writers
  • 1:01:30 – Importance of supporting media with your dollars
  • 1:06:00 – Having high expectations of the brands you support
  • 1:09:00 – Favorite books
  • 1:12:00 – Parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on October 5, 2020 by

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Chris Castilian – Community, Conservation, and Colorado
Chris Castilian

Chris Castilian is the Executive Director of Great Outdoors Colorado (also known as GOCO), an organization that has committed more than $1.2 billion toward preserving and enhancing Colorado’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers, and open spaces. Founded in 1992, GOCO is truly a one-of-a-kind conservation funder—the organization invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds into a wide variety of critical projects, with a current emphasis on issues including equitable access and community vitality. GOCO’s impact around Colorado is staggering—its funding has conserved more than 1.2 million acres, added over 47,000 acres to the state park system, protected over 1,000 miles of rivers, and much more.

Chris is a native Coloradan, and all aspects of his professional success and personal passions speak to his deep love of his home state and its wide-open spaces. Chris was formally trained as an attorney, but early is his career, he chose to focus on service rather than billing hours at a fancy law firm. He served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Bill Owens and as Director of the Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners. He also had a successful stint in the private sector, honing his business skills which have served him well at GOCO. And, as you’ll hear, his focus manifests itself in his personal life through his commitment to the outdoors and mountain biking—he’s completed the Leadville 100 mountain bike race multiple times.

Since we’re all sticking close to home these days, Chris and I connected via Skype to talk about GOCO, his career, and his thoughts on conservation in Colorado and beyond. We started with a deep dive into the history of GOCO, discussed how the organization has evolved, and talked about its goals and plans for the coming years. We also discussed how GOCO is working to address some of the current public health and social challenges here in Colorado, including equitable access to the outdoors. Chris and I spent a lot of time discussing his personal background—why he chose to pursue a service-based career, his thoughts on leadership, lessons learned from his time in the business world, and what characteristics he looks for in employees. We also discussed his love of mountain biking, the Leadville 100, our shared interest in books and history, and he offered some wise parting words to listeners.

If you care about protecting the West’s open spaces and communities, then this episode is a must listen.  Enjoy!

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This episode is brought to you by Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Partners in the Outdoors program. The Partners in the Outdoors program brings together diverse interests from across the entire spectrum of the outdoors to advance and balance both outdoor recreation and conservation in Colorado. The program seeks to foster alignment and trust through three cornerstone initiatives: the Partners in the Outdoors Conference, the Colorado Outdoor Partnership, and the Colorado Outdoor Principles, as well as extensive resource sharing and network building.

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 5:00 – The history of GOCO
  • 7:30 – Similar programs in other states
  • 8:30 – Why conservation matters during these crazy times
  • 11:15 – GOCO’s new strategic plan
  • 15:30 – A new holistic approach to community and conservation
  • 18:45 – The evolution of GOCO
  • 21:30 – Core values of GOCO
  • 24:45 – Equitable access to the outdoors
  • 28:30 – GOCO’s Equity Principles
  • 34:00 – Inspiring work in Leadville, Colorado
  • 37:45 – Growing up in Denver
  • 38:30 – Life after law school
  • 40:30 – Why pursue mission-based work?
  • 45:00 – Transition into the private sector
  • 47:30 – Changing mindset of the oil and gas industry
  • 50:00 – Benefits of having business experience
  • 56:00 – What Chris looks for when hiring people
  • 58:00 – Favorite books
  • 1:00:45 – Mountain biking, Leadville 100, Breck Epic, and other outdoor activities
  • 1:07:00 – Favorite places in Colorado
  • 1:08:45 – Parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on September 20, 2020 by

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Anna Brones – Committed to Creativity

Anna Brones is a freelance journalist, author, artist, and producer who is prolific in all of her creative endeavors– she’s published four books, produced documentary films, is currently publishing a quarterly print journal about food, and much more. One of her most recent projects was the Women’s Wisdom Project, in which she showcased the wisdom of inspiring women by creating 100 papercut portraits. All of Anna’s work is authentic and enlightening, and her personal commitment to cultivating creativity is instructive and inspiring.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Anna always had a deep appreciation for nature and community. She has studied, lived, and worked in many different countries and cities, but several years ago decided to return to her hometown in Washington state where she and her husband currently live. As you’ll hear in our conversation, Anna has read and thought deeply on the importance of place, and offers a unique perspective on what it means to be truly connected to a landscape or community. 

Anna and I connected via Skype and had a wide-ranging conversation about her creative process, her current and past artistic projects, the importance of wilderness and nature, and much more. We started by discussing her Creative Fuel Challenge email newsletter– an amazing resource that has been very helpful to me during these past few crazy months. We also discussed her Women’s Wisdom Project–how she researched all 100 inspirational women and the process of creating 100 intricate pieces of art. Anna talked about her experience leading kids on a wilderness leadership retreat, as well as how camp and wilderness experiences in her own youth helped to shape her life and career. And as usual, we discussed favorite books and her most powerful outdoor experience, and she also offered some excellent words of wisdom for anyone with creative aspirations.

There are tons of resources mentioned in this episode.  Be sure to check out the episode notes for links to everything, including a few bonus resources that Anna and I discussed before and after recording the actual episode. Enjoy!

Photo of Anna outdoors is by Julie Hotz, others courtesy of Anna Brones

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 3:30 – The Creative Fuel Challenge explained
  • 6:30 – Why provide creative prompts?
  • 7:45 – Importance of putting out regular content
  • 9:30 – Time as an artist in residence
  • 12:30 – Process of finding balance in life and creativity
  • 15:30 – Pushing through creative blocks
  • 19:00 – Fighting the reptile brain
  • 20:45 – Using social media productively
  • 23:45 – The Women’s Wisdom Project
  • 27:45 – Process of researching women leaders
  • 32:30 – The myth of having millions of ideas
  • 36:00 – Anna’s early years in Washington state
  • 41:00 – Importance of “place”
  • 45:30 – How Anna came to appreciate the complexities of place
  • 50:30 – Artists that Anna admires
  • 53:30 – Anna’s experience leading wilderness trips
  • 57:45 – How camp experiences benefited Anna
  • 1:02:00 – Favorite books
  • 1:06:30 – Most powerful outdoor experience
  • 1:09:00 – Parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on September 18, 2020 by

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Carlos Fernández – The Power of Partnerships
Carlos Fernandez

Carlos Fernández is the State Director for the Nature Conservancy in Colorado, where he and his team build alliances that advance conservation outcomes both in Colorado and around the world. Building on his formal training as an attorney, Carlos has had a long and successful career in conservation that extends far beyond the American West. He has worked extensively in his home country of Argentina, both as the Nature Conservancy’s Southern Andes Conservation Strategies Manager and as the Patagonia Program Manager. Since taking the helm in Colorado in 2015, Carlos and TNC have enjoyed many notable achievements—everything from protecting large swaths of native grasslands to helping to create Colorado’s newest state park.

Carlos grew up in Mendoza, Argentina, an agricultural region known for producing some of the world’s best beef and exceptional Malbec wine. After a childhood spent hunting and fishing along the base of the Andes Mountains, Carlos trained as an attorney and went on to practice law for large international law firms in Buenos Aires and Washington DC. Several years into his career, Carlos realized that the legal profession was not providing deep fulfillment that he needed from a job—so he made the career switch into conservation and has never looked back.

Carlos and I had a fascinating conversation that I know you’ll enjoy. We started by discussing the Nature Conservancy, and specifically what the organization does both globally and here in Colorado. We then chat about several of TNC’s recent successes, including the creation of Yampa River Fund and TNC’s critical role in acquiring and protecting the 19,200-acre Fisher’s Peak property, which will soon be Colorado’s newest state park. Carlos talks about the importance of partnerships in conservation, with other land trusts, governmental organizations, and local communities. We then discuss the future of conservation in the West and the challenges and opportunities facing the region in the next 30 years. Carlos and I both have five-year-old daughters, so we talk a bit about fatherhood and the outdoors’ role in raising children. And as usual, we discuss favorite books, films, his favorite places in Colorado, and he offers some actionable words of wisdom.

This is an excellent episode, full of optimism, inspiration, and educational resources. Be sure to check out the episode notes for links to everything we discuss. Enjoy!

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This episode is brought to you by Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Partners in the Outdoors program. The Partners in the Outdoors program brings together diverse interests from across the entire spectrum of the outdoors to advance and balance both outdoor recreation and conservation in Colorado. The program seeks to foster alignment and trust through three cornerstone initiatives: the Partners in the Outdoors Conference, the Colorado Outdoor Partnership, and the Colorado Outdoor Principles, as well as extensive resource sharing and network building.

EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 5:00 – The Nature Conservancy explained
  • 9:30 – TNC’s mission in Colorado
  • 10:30 – Yampa River Fund explained
  • 16:30 – Importance of community in conservation
  • 19:30 – Fishers Peak State Park
  • 26:00 – TNC and equitable access to the outdoors
  • 28:30 – The importance of partnerships
  • 30:45 – Civic duty of partnerships
  • 32:00 – Colorado Outdoor Partnerships
  • 35:00 – Early years in Mendoza, Argentina
  • 38:00 – Transitioning from corporate law into conservation
  • 41:30 – Moving to Colorado
  • 42:30 – Carlos’s unique professional background
  • 46:00 – Conservation in the time of COVID
  • 48:45 – Heroes and mentors
  • 52:00 – Advice for people transitioning from the private sector into non-profits
  • 55:30 – Envisioning the future of conservation
  • 59:30 – Favorite books
  • 1:04:00 – Favorite films
  • 1:05:45 – Carlos’s favorite outdoor activities
  • 1:07:00 – Rediscovering the outdoors through your kids’ eyes
  • 1:08:00 – Favorite location in the West
  • 1:10:30 – Parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on August 23, 2020 by

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David Gessner, Part 3 – A Confluence of Conservation Ideals

David Gessner is back for his third appearance on the podcast, and this time we are discussing his brand new book Leave It As It Is: A Journey Through Theodore Roosevelt’s American Wilderness. Most long-time listeners will remember David’s past two episodes– we discussed everything from Edward Abbey and Wallace Stegner to his daily writing rituals and his hand-built coastal writing shack. If you haven’t listened to those first two episodes, I encourage you to do so—they are chock-full of wisdom, good humor, and inspiration to fight to conserve the places you love. But first, take a listen to this episode, as it offers some timely insights into this current moment in history.

In this episode, we spend the full hour discussing his new book and digging into the good, the bad, and the ugly of Theodore Roosevelt’s legacy. As many of your know, I’ve read way-too-many TR books, and Leave It As It Is offers the most balanced, clear-eyed examination of the man that I’ve read to date. It’s not a strict biography or historical examination of TR, although there’s plenty of both within the pages. Rather, it’s David’s search to capture the best of TR’s conservation ethos, to discard the worst, and to use the balance to build a new, holistic model for conservation and environmental justice. David melds together a “confluence of ideals” that acknowledges the wrongs of the past and sets an equitable, sustainable course for the future. During this time when we are rightfully reexamining many of our country’s revered historical figures, Leave It As It Is provides a valuable, well-timed deep dive into the complexities of TR and his influence on conservation in the United States.

Although an hour-long interview is no substitute for reading the book, I believe that this conversation will give you a good taste of the fresh and unique perspective that David brings to the well-worn subject of Theodore Roosevelt. We start by discussing the relevance of studying TR now, in the midst of a global pandemic, economic crisis, and social turmoil. David also explains the series of events that led him to begin writing this book, a multi-year project that took him from Bears Ears to Yosemite with many stops in between. We talk in-depth about TR’s unacceptable views and treatment of Native Americans, some of the hypocrisies that defined TR’s life, and why David chose to stare these uncomfortable facts in the eye rather than just make excuses, as many biographers do. David discusses how TR’s idea of the Strenuous Life has helped define his own life, and how writing this book has encouraged David to become more of an activist for specific causes. We also talk about the removal of the TR statue in New York, the idea of the Confluence of Ideals, and David offers up a long list of further reading on TR.

I loved every minute of this conversation, and I highly encourage you to read Leave It As It Is. It’s an important book that is perfect for this important time in history. Hope you enjoy!

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 5:00 – What is the value of studying TR during this moment in history?
  • 9:00 – The Antiquities Act explained
  • 12:30 – Why read biography?
  • 14:00 – TR’s attitude toward Native Americans
  • 17:00 – Importance of open conversation and hypocrisy
  • 18:30 – “Walking the ridge”
  • 20:00 – David’s “What would Teddy do?” list
  • 21:00 – Why David had to write this specific book
  • 27:00 – “Confluence of Ideals”
  • 32:00 – Importance of living strenuously
  • 33:30 – Combining books and adventure
  • 37:30 – Focused action
  • 39:30 – Morris and McCullagh’s TR work
  • 41:30 – Thoughts on the removal of the NYC TR statue
  • 46:00 – TR as an effective, energetic liberal
  • 49:30 – Backstory on the title “Leave It As It Is”
  • 52:30 – Who wins in a TR vs. Trump fight?
  • 55:00 – How did writing this book change David?
  • 58:00 – Activists that David admires
  • 59:30 – Additional recommended books on TR

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 Posted on August 9, 2020 by

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Becky Edwards – Amplifying the Power of Women in the West

Becky Edwards is the Executive Director of the Mountain Mamas, an organization whose mission is to amplify women’s voices into a movement to ensure that kids grow up in a healthy climate with clean air and access to public lands. Operating out of both Montana and Colorado—and currently expanding throughout the West—the Mountain Mamas harness the power of mothers to advocate to solve some of the West’s most pressing conservation and environmental challenges. Whether helping to garner support for the recently passed Great American Outdoors Act or fighting for clean water in our Rocky Mountain rivers, the Mountain Mamas have become a formidable force for good in the West.

Becky grew up in Iowa but moved West to pursue her passion for climbing and mountaineering. After many years of being single-mindedly focused on life in the big mountains, her priorities drastically shifted with her daughter’s birth. No longer was she focused on big accents, but instead on making the world a better place for her little girl. And it’s worth noting that Becky’s early years of motherhood were no walk in the park—she spent many years as a single mother while simultaneously starting several successful businesses as well as the Mountain Mamas. But despite all of the challenges, Becky never gave up and built an impactful movement that is spreading across the West.

We caught up via Skype the day after the House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoors Act, so we started out talking about that victory and its impacts on conservation and recreation. Becky is very gifted at explaining complicated legislative jargon, so she graciously and entertainingly walks me through many of the details around the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the importance of its permanent funding, and more. We discuss the importance of advocacy work with elected officials, and she offers up practical advice for anyone who wants to become more involved in guiding their elected officials on important issues. We also discuss her journey as a mother, as well as her journey as a woman in the conservation sector. Finally, we talk about the need for more diversity in conservation, and why now is a wonderful opportunity for positive change.

This was such a fun conversation—I think you’ll find it equal parts educational, inspiring, and empowering. Hope you enjoy.

Photos courtesy of Becky Edwards

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 5:00 – Mountain Mamas explained
  • 6:00 – Background of the organization
  • 9:30 – Land and Water Conservation Fund explained
  • 13:00 – What does “fully funding” the LWCF mean?
  • 17:00 – Ability of groups to do conservation rather than fight for $$
  • 19:00 – Importance of advocacy and discussions with Congress
  • 23:45 – Practical tips for advocating for your cause
  • 27:00 – The vital role of the outdoors during Covid
  • 29:30 – Importance of “finding the area of commonality”
  • 32:00 – Transitioning the Mamas into advocacy work
  • 37:00 – Becky’s journey as a mother
  • 42:30 – Decision to start a business while being a single mother
  • 47:00 – The driving force behind Becky’s career
  • 50:00 – Importance of storytelling
  • 53:30 – Need for increased diversity and inclusion in conservation
  • 58:00 – Opportunities that will arise from this moment in history
  • 59:30 – Heroes
  • 1:01:30 – Favorite books
  • 1:03:30 – Favorite films
  • 1:06:00 – Parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on July 29, 2020 by

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Ivan McClellan – A New Look at the Old West
Ivan McClennan
(Photo credit: The Black Cowboy)

Ivan McClellan is a professional photographer and the creator of the Eight Seconds Project, a storytelling project with the goal of extending the cowboy icon to include people of color. Ivan started the project back in 2015, after a series of chance encounters led him to an all-black rodeo in Oklahoma. Over the course of photographing the event, he became enamored with the black cowboy way of life and obsessed with documenting this unique subculture. In the years since, the Eight Seconds Project has garnered the attention of iconic western brands such as Stetson and Wrangler, and Ivan’s work has helped to tell the story of black cowboys to a nationwide, mainstream audience.

A Kansas City native, Ivan grew up in a tough neighborhood were gangs and violence were the norm. Just after high school, he headed east to New York City, where he studied and worked in the arts for many years. A career transition into the advertising business led him to Portland, where he currently lives with his wife and two children. Ivan juggles many commitments—family, a career in advertising, and his photography projects—but through hard work, mindfulness, and obsession, he somehow manages to keep all the balls in the air and continues to evolve as an artist and storyteller. 

Ivan and I connected via the internet for a wide-ranging and enlightening conversation. We started out talking about the genesis of the Eight Seconds Project and how a random conversation at a party started the entire project. We talk about Black Cowboy culture, how he came to learn about the community’s deep roots and its ties to the history of the United States and the West. Ivan shares some thoughts on the importance of having creative control over projects, and how hard work, year after year, allowed him to find his true voice as a storyteller. We also chat about mindfulness and how mindfulness practice has improved Ivan’s life and creative output. As usual, we discuss favorite books, films, and Ivan offers some timely words of wisdom.

I loved this conversation, and I felt like it got better and better with each minute. Be sure to check out the episode notes for all of the subjects we covered and links to everything discussed. Hope you enjoy!

Photo by Ivan McClellan
Photo by Ivan McClellan
Photo by Ivan McClellan

Rodeo photos by Ivan McClennan; photos of Ivan courtesy of The Black Cowboy

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 4:30 – Background of the Eight Second Project
  • 7:00 – Ivan’s first black rodeo in Oklahoma
  • 9:30 – Publishing his first black rodeo images
  • 11:00 – Working with big brands
  • 15:00 – Ivan’s decision to self-fund the Eight Seconds Project
  • 16:30 – Treating photography as sacred
  • 18:30 – The long road toward creative freedom
  • 23:00 – Ability to pivot into other creative niches
  • 25:00 – Process of becoming a pro photographer
  • 27:30 – Ivan describes his work and process
  • 32:00 – History of Black Rodeo in Oklahoma
  • 35:00 – Why more black riders aren’t in the PBR
  • 39:00 – Shifting into a more equitable “new normal” in rodeo
  • 41:00 – Dealing with the frustration of shifting perspectives
  • 43:30 – Growing up in Kansas City
  • 45:00 – Discovering the need for mindfulness
  • 47:30 – Family’s role in mindfulness
  • 49:00 – Details on Ivan’s meditation practice
  • 52:00 – Mindfulness’s effects on Ivan’s creativity
  • 56:00 – Lessons learned from rodeo riders
  • 59:00 – Favorite books
  • 1:00:30 – Favorite films
  • 1:02:30 – Craziest thing Ivan’s every seen at a rodeo
  • 1:04:30 – Parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on July 16, 2020 by

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Gabe Vasquez – Advocate for Equity in the Outdoors

Gabe Vasquez is the founder of the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project and currently serves as a city councilor in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Gabe has devoted his entire career to advocacy and conservation, specifically for the people and places in the border region of New Mexico. He’s worked for Senator Martin Heinrich, the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, and recently drafted New Mexico’s Outdoor Equity Fund legislation, which was the first of its kind in the nation. 

Growing up in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Gabe developed a childhood passion for the outdoors while fishing with his father and learning about hunting from his grandfather. The outdoors has remained a focal point of his life, both professionally and personally, whether advising lawmakers on federal land policies or hunting, fishing, and hiking in the Coronado National Forest. But most importantly, Gabe has made it his mission to ensure that people of all socio-economic backgrounds and races can enjoy the outdoors, and hopefully, become advocates for protecting our country’s wild places.

Gabe was scheduled to be a keynote speaker at Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Partners in the Outdoors Conference, a popular gathering of some of the country’s foremost experts in conservation and recreation. But because of the COVID pandemic, the in-person conference was converted into a virtual conference. And instead of an on-stage keynote, Gabe is now appearing on this podcast with me! As you’ll hear, Gabe’s message of balancing conservation and recreation, while ensuring equitable access to the outdoors, is a perfect fit with the conference’s theme of cultivating common ground to ensure a sustainable future for Colorado’s outdoors.

This was a fascinating interview, and I left the conversation better informed and inspired by Gabe’s leadership and vision. We started out chatting about the formation of the Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project and talking about the history and mission of the organization. Gabe then discussed lessons learned from his time working with Senator Heinrich, and how a brief stint living and working in Washington DC solidified his love for the West. We discuss New Mexico’s Outdoor Equity Fund, and how he played a significant role in creating this historic and cutting-edge, public-private program. We talk in-depth about the importance of getting kids into the outdoors, and the idea of how people need to fall in love with the outdoors before they can advocate for it. And as usual, we discuss favorite books, his favorite place in the West, and Gave offers some timely words of wisdom.

A huge thanks to Gabe for taking the time to chat, and thank you to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for inviting me to be a part of its virtual conference. Visit the episode notes for links to everything we discuss, including the full conference schedule, which will give you access to all presentations from the virtual conference. There’s a ton of exciting and informative content. But in the meantime, enjoy this conversation with Gabe Vasquez.

Photos courtesy of Gabe Vasquez

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 4:00 – Gabe’s family connection to the outdoors
  • 6:00 – Early job with Senator Heinrich
  • 8:30 – Moving to Washington DC
  • 11:30 – Back out West, working for the NWF
  • 14:00 – Formation of Nuestra Tierra
  • 19:00 – Why Gabe chose a service-based career
  • 24:00 – Lessoned learned from working with Senator Martin Heinrich
  • 30:15 – New Mexico’s Outdoor Equity Fund, explained
  • 37:00 – What Outdoor Equity Fund funds
  • 32:30 – Alternative funding sources for recreation
  • 44:00 – Other states’ response to the Outdoor Equity Fund
  • 47:00 – Thoughts on privilege and the outdoors
  • 51:00 – Creating new generations of conservationists
  • 54:00 – Gabe’s role as a City Councilor 
  • 1:04:00 – Favorite books
  • 1:10:00 – Favorite place in New Mexico
  • 1:14:00 – Parting words of wisdom

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 Posted on June 28, 2020 by

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Chris La Tray – Rediscovering His Past, Writing His Future

Chris La Tray is a writer, poet, and musician, as well as the author of the award-winning book One Sentence Journal: Short Poems and Essays from the World at Large. Chris is also an enrolled member of the Little Shell Tribe—a Native American tribe that was just recently recognized by the United States government, and prior to the recognition was known as the “landless Indians of Montana.” Chris’s immense talents as a storyteller combined with his unique personal perspective allow him to offer a fresh approach to understanding the complexities of the modern-day American West.

Chris was born and raised in Frenchtown, Montana, a small blue-collar community located just west of Missoula. Growing up with a deep passion for music, Chris headed to Seattle soon after high school to pursue a career as a professional rock musician, but he eventually made his way back to Frenchtown, where he worked for years in the manufacturing industry. But in 2015, following the death of his father, Chris quit his manufacturing consulting job and went all-in on pursuing his dream of being a full-time storyteller. A few years later, he published One Sentence Journal and has been widely recognized as one of the West’s most unique up-and-coming authors.

Chris and I had an interesting and timely conversation about his career, his life as a writer and musician, and his family’s heritage as members of the Little Shell Tribe. We start out by discussing the genesis of his idea for “One Sentence Journal,” how writing the book has changed his life, and a few stories from his many years as a professional musician. Then, we talk in-depth about the long-overdue federal recognition of his tribe and his thoughts on how the tribe can move forward. We also discuss how the long-term treatment of his tribe gives Chris unique insights into the current national discussions around race and privilege here in the United States. Chris also offers up a long list of excellent books on a wide variety of subjects related to the West and Native Americans that I know you will all find useful. Links to everything are in the episode notes.

Thanks to Chris for taking the time to chat, and I encourage you to check out One Sentence Journal. But in the meantime, enjoy this conversation with Chris La Tray.

Photo courtesy of Chris La Tray

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 6:30 – Influence of Jim Harrison
  • 8:40 – Writing practice that led to “One Sentence Journal”
  • 11:30 – The amazing community of Montana writers
  • 14:30 – The “practice” of creative output
  • 16:30 – Decision to leave his manufacturing job
  • 19:30 – Early years in Montana and beyond
  • 21:30 – Music’s role in Chris’s life
  • 24:00 – Becoming a “musician”
  • 25:30 – Reading/writing vs music
  • 27:00 – Chris’s Little Shell Tribe heritage
  • 32:30 – Emotional impact of learning family’s history
  • 35:15 – Thoughts on the Little Shell’s federal recognition
  • 38:30 – Ideas for the future of the Little Shell Tribe
  • 40:00 – Specifics of federal recognition
  • 44:00 – How to read to expand knowledge and eliminate blind spots
  • 46:30 – Hope for the future?
  • 54:00 – Fact and Fiction Bookstore
  • 59:00 – Favorite books
  • 1:03:30 – Favorite location in the West
  • 1:05:30 – Parting words of wisdom

Information Referenced:

SPECIAL OFFER FOR M&P LISTENERS!

Freeflow Institute is a Montana-based organization focused on re-wilding the creative spirit, connecting people to places, and preserving wild spaces. Freeflow eliminates the barrier between your ideas and your environment by bringing emerging and established writers, leaders, artists, and communicators together into wild landscapes. 

On a Freeflow course you can expect to gain perspective and identify new tools to help you be effective in your creative work and build creative community. You can also take Freeflow courses for college credit and infuse your academic career with outdoor learning. 

The line-up of Freeflow instructors includes many guests of the Mountain & Prairie Podcast, including Alexis Bonogofsky, Hal Herring, Brendan Leonard, and today’s guest, Chris La Tray. This summer, Freeflow is adapting their programming to meet the challenges of the current moment, and I want to share two specific opportunities with you now. 

Starting on July 1, join a small cohort of writers and artists of all backgrounds for a unique, online, five-week Community Workshop Series, the theme of which is SHIFT. SHIFT is meant to empower you to find your voice amid the chaos and tackle the question of how we use our art and words to catalyze positive change, while exploring the natural world closest to and within you. Guest speakers will include Pam Houston, Amy Irvine, and Craig Childs, among others. Scholarships are available, and there are only a few spaces left. 

Then, in September, join Pulitzer Prize finalist William DeBuys on a five-day writing workshop on the Green River’s Gates of Lodore, where you’ll spend days floating between canyon walls, analyzing the concept of change in literature, climate, and life, and writing.

Find out more about all of Freeflow Institute’s programs by visiting their website: www.freeflowinstitute.com or shoot them an email at info@freeflowinstitute.com

The first ten Mountain & Prairie listeners who register for SHIFT or the Gates of Lodore Workshop will get $150 off their tuition! Just mention the Podcast when you register.

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 Posted on June 24, 2020 by

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Rachel VandeVoort – Harnessing the Power of Outdoor Recreation

Rachel VandeVoort is the Director of the Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation, an office that advocates for the outdoor recreation industry and works to leverage its numerous benefits to the state. The office was created in 2016 by Montana Governor Steve Bullock, and he tapped Rachel to be its first director, where she built the office from the ground up. Since then, the office has experienced amazing growth in influence and effectiveness, and it has served as a shining example for other states that have formed similar offices.

A native Montanan, Rachel has a diverse background that makes her uniquely qualified for her role as Director. She grew up working for her family’s river guiding business in and around Whitefish, MT and also spent time as a fishing guide. After graduating from the University of Montana, she worked in a wide variety of industries that are closely connected with land and recreation, including organic farming, skiing, and firearms manufacturing. Thanks to her diverse and deep experience in all facets of the outdoor world, Rachel has had great success finding common ground between sometimes-competing stakeholders to harness the collective power of Montana’s recreation industry.

Rachel was slated to be a keynote speaker at Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Partners in the Outdoors Conference, an annual gathering that brings together stakeholders from all corners of the conservation and outdoor recreation industries. But because of the COVID pandemic, the in-person conference was transformed into a virtual conference—and Rachel’s keynote speech was transformed into this episode of Mountain & Prairie. I was thrilled to have the chance to speak with Rachel because her work aligns so well with the theme of the Partners in the Outdoors Conference, specifically, how do we find common ground and mutually beneficial solutions for balancing conservation and recreation.

We covered a lot in a little over an hour, including the history of her job and the office, the staggering positive economic impacts of the outdoor industry, and ideas around funding conservation through recreation now and into the future. We also talked a lot about Rachel’s eclectic background and how all of her varied experiences make her uniquely qualified for her position. Rachel shares some thoughts on finding common ground among competing stakeholders, the importance of understanding history in the West, and the collaborative nature of the outdoor recreation industry. Be sure the check out the episode notes for a full list of topics discussed.

Big thanks to Rachel for taking the time to chat and to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for partnering with Mountain & Prairie for this series of podcasts. If you have a chance, visit the Partners in the Outdoors website all of the conference content—there’s quite a line up of virtual courses and learning opportunities. But in the meantime, enjoy this educational episode with Rachel VandeVoort.

Photos courtesy of Rachel VandeVoort

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 3:45 – Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation explained
  • 7:45 – Massive economic impacts of outdoor recreation
  • 10:00 – Economic impacts in Montana specifically
  • 11:30 – Process of creating the office for Montana
  • 12:45 – Outdoor infrastructure in Montana
  • 15:15 – The positivity of the recreational economy
  • 17:45 – Learning from other states’ outdoor rec offices
  • 18:45 – How Montana’s rec office differs from Colorado’s
  • 20:45 – Rachel’s eclectic background
  • 22:45 – Desire to stay in Montana
  • 26:00 – First job in organic food
  • 29:30 – Starting her job in the firearms industry
  • 34:00 – Communication lessons learned from a childhood in recreation
  • 37:15 – Techniques for finding common ground between competing stakeholders
  • 39:45 – The false premise of “consumptive” vs “non-consumptive” recreation
  • 46:45 – Thoughts on Pittman-Robertson, Dingell-Johnson, and the future of conservation funding
  • 54:45 – Collaboration between outdoor rec stakeholders
  • 59:35 – Favorite books
  • 1:01:00 – Favorite films
  • 1:02:45 – Rachel’s family history in Montana
  • 1:03:45 – Parting words of wisdom

Information Referenced:

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 Posted on June 1, 2020 by

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Chris Burkard – The Art of Suffering
Chris Burkard

Chris Burkard is a world-renowned photographer, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work captures the beauty and rawness of some of the earth’s wildest places. Whether documenting iconic climbs in Yosemite or frigid surf trips deep in the Arctic Circle, Chris has established himself as a committed artist who is willing to suffer extensively to get the perfect shot. And because of his love and respect for these wild places, Chris is also a committed conservationist, using his artistic skills to showcase the importance of endangered places and effect positive policy changes.

Born and raised on the Central Coast of California, Chris spent much of his youth exploring the mountains and coastline of his home state. During high school, he fell in love with photography and eventually left college to pursue it as a full-time career. After several years of working to establish himself in the business, Chris’s commitment and hard work paid off—he’s now one of the most sought after photographers for a wide range of clients, from corporations like Apple to independent publications such as Surfers Journal or Modern Huntsman. Chris’s career is a testament to the power of hard work, positivity, boundless energy, and laser-like focus.

I’ve been a fan of Chris’s for years, so it was a real pleasure to have the chance to chat with him. We both took a break from our respective quarantines and kid-wrangling duties to meet up via Skype for a fun and wide-ranging conversation. The specifics of Chris’s photography career have been documented extensively in audio and print, so I wanted to learn more about what makes Chris tick—why he chooses to suffer in dangerous environments, how he and his wife engrain grit in their two sons, and how he manages to muster positivity during tough times. We also talked a lot about his commitment to conservation, as well as his commitment to working with smaller, independent outdoor publications. And as usual, we discuss favorite books, places in the West, and Chris offers some timely words of wisdom. Links to everything are in the episode notes.

A huge thanks to Chris for taking the time to chat during such a crazy time. I hope you all enjoy this conversation—it’s a much-need burst of energy and optimism during this challenging time!

Photos courtesy of Chris Burkard

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 3:30 – “Pain is a shortcut to mindfulness”
  • 7:15 – The process of learning to appreciate pain
  • 10:00 – Growing up in California
  • 14:00- When photography entered Chris’s life
  • 16:00 – Deciding to leave school to pursue photography
  • 18:30 – Choosing to be positive
  • 22:30 – Thoughts on cultivating grit in children
  • 25:00 – Striving to live up to one’s full potential
  • 27:15 – Outdoor adventure as a parenting tool
  • 29:30 – Re-evaluating risk as a parent
  • 36:00 – Training for mental stress
  • 37:30- Ultra-endurance bike riding
  • 42:00 – Meditation training
  • 43:00 – Dealing with the stress of COVID-19
  • 46:30 – Work in the conservation world
  • 53:45 – Commitment to working with smaller outdoor publications
  • 58:30 – Favorite books
  • 1:02:30 – Favorite places in the West
  • 1:04:45 – Parting words of wisdom

Information Referenced:

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 Posted on May 26, 2020 by

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Dan Prenzlow – Generous Service, Humble Leadership

Dan Prenzlow is the Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the agency charged with managing wildlife, lands, natural resources, and outdoor recreation throughout the great state of Colorado. Dan started with the agency back in 1986 as a District Wildlife Manager and steadily worked his way through the ranks, assuming the role of Director in the spring of 2019. Born and raised in Colorado, Dan has had a lifelong love of recreating in the state’s open spaces and wild places, and he has devoted his entire career toward protecting and managing them for the benefit of present and future generations.

Dan and I were scheduled to meet at CPW’s annual Partners in the Outdoors Conference, an extremely popular gathering that brings together stakeholders from all corners of the conservation and outdoor recreation sectors. The conference has become the foremost opportunity for organizations, businesses, agencies, universities, and more to come together to find common ground and mutually beneficial solutions for balancing conservation and recreation here in Colorado. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic made the in-person conference impossible, but thankfully the amazing team at CPW was able to move the conference online, and this podcast is a part of the new virtual conference.

If you love spending time outdoors, whether here in Colorado or anywhere else, I know you’ll glean lots of valuable information from this conversation. Dan and I spend the first half of the conversation discussing some of the specifics around CPW—the organization’s history, the success of the Partners in the Outdoors Conference, CPW’s important role in private land conservation, and CPW’s role as a national leader in balancing conservation and recreation. During the second half of the conversation, we discuss Dan’s personal backstory—why he decided to pursue public service as a career, his family’s long history of service-minded work, and how he worked his way up to the role of Director. Dan also shares many valuable leadership lessons, including the importance of humility, empathy, and surrounding yourself with a strong team. 

As usual, there is a ton of valuable information in this episode, so I encourage you to check out the episode notes for a full list of the topics we discussed and links to all of the information we reference. And if you’d like more information about how you can participate in Partners in the Outdoors Virtual Conference, that link is in the episode notes as well.  

Thanks to Dan and his team at CPW for all of their important work. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

Photos courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 3:30 – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (“CPW”) described
  • 6:50 – CPW’s “Partners in the Outdoors” program
  • 11:45 – Colorado’s population boom and its impact on CPW’s work
  • 16:00 – CPW as a trusted conservation partner
  • 21:30 – CPW’s “Ranching for Wildlife” program
  • 26:30 – Partnership successes that can result from adversity
  • 28:00 – CPW as a national leader in conservation and recreation
  • 22:30 – Dan’s personal journey to CPW
  • 37:30 – The importance of service for Dan and his family
  • 40:30 – Leadership lessons gleaned from rising through the ranks at CPW
  • 45:30 – What characteristics Dan looks for in employees
  • 50:45 – Techniques for finding common ground between competing stakeholders
  • 57:00 – Favorite books
  • 58:50 – Favorite location in Colorado

Information Referenced:

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 Posted on May 10, 2020 by

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Callan Wink – A New Voice for the New West

Callan Wink is a writer, novelist, fishing guide, and surfer who currently splits his time between Livingston, Montana and Santa Cruz, California. He’s the author of the newly released novel August, as well as the highly regarded short story collection Dog Run Moon, books that I recently read and thoroughly enjoyed. Callan’s writing speaks for itself, but if you’re looking for credentials, he’s got those too—he’s been published in The New Yorker, Men’s Journal,  The Best American Short Stories Anthology, and more. He’s also been awarded fellowships by the National Endowment for the Arts and Stanford University, where he was a Wallace Stegner Fellow.

A native of Michigan, Callan moved west soon after high school, where he began guiding on some of Montana’s most renowned rivers. In the ensuing years, writing became more and more of a focus, and eventually, he published Dog Run Moon. Currently, Callan writes seasonally—he guides in Montana during the warm months, then moves to California during the winter, where he focuses exclusively on writing, with surfing filling the remainder of his non-writing time.

Callan and I connected via the internet from our respective quarantines and had a fun conversation about fishing, writing, reading, creativity, and more. We started out talking about his upbringing in Michigan and how fishing eventually led him to build a life in the West. We discuss the pros and cons of his seasonal approach to writing, and how working as a fishing guide helps to fuel his writing career. We talk about the importance of being a keen observer of people, and we also discuss where and how he finds inspiration for his characters. We also talk about his friendship with the legendary author Jim Harrison, and how that relationship has positively affected his life and work.

I encourage you to check out August and Dog Run Moon—I think you’ll enjoy them both. But in the meantime, enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with Callan Wink.

Photo courtesy of Callan Wink

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

  • 6:30 – Heading to Montana to fish
  • 10:30 – Childhood obsession with reading
  • 12:30 – Progress toward becoming a professional writer
  • 18:30 – Lessons learned from grad school
  • 21:00 – Balancing writing and fishing
  • 23:30 – Gathering material for characters
  • 30:15 – Callan’s writing routine
  • 33:30 – How an idea becomes a short story or novel
  • 37:00 – How the novel August evolved from a short story
  • 39:30 – Outlining versus organic growth of a story
  • 43:00 – Jim Harrison’s influence
  • 45:45 – Poetry Recommendations
  • 51:00 – Callan’s current reading habits
  • 54:00 – Advice for aspiring writers
  • 58:30 – Favorite books
  • 1:00:30 – The magic of Road House
  • 1:01:30 – Favorite location in the West
  • 1:04:00 – Best advice ever received

Information Referenced:

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 Posted on May 8, 2020 by

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