Podcast Archives • Page 6 of 9 • Mountain & Prairie

Agriculture, Conservation, Conservationists, Leadership, Service

George Hodgin is the founder and CEO of Biopharmaceutical Research Company (BRC), a California-based business with the mission of providing federally legal cannabis for approved researchers in the United States. Prior to starting BRC, George served as a US Navy SEAL officer, leading counterterrorism operations in combat zones such as Afghanistan. And to top it all off, he’s a graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and the University of North Carolina, where he was a Morehead-Cain Scholar. With a resume like this, it’s safe to assume that George is a driven, hard-working guy.

From a very young age, George knew he wanted to be a Navy SEAL. So after participating in ROTC during his undergraduate years, he began the Navy SEAL training, also known as BUD/S, immediately after graduation. After nearly seven years in the SEAL teams, George left the military to pursue his MBA at Stanford. During grad school, while helping one of his SEAL teammates seek treatment for combat injuries, George was shocked by the inability of doctors to advise patients on the use of marijuana for therapeutic, healing purposes. Despite being legal in many states, it is still illegal at the federal level, and therefore unable to be studied by federally approved researchers and doctors. George and his company seek to change this status-quo so that cannabis can be better understood and more widely prescribed as an alternative to opioids and other drugs.

The state-legal marijuana business has its roots in the American West, so I’ve wanted to speak with a cannabis entrepreneur for some time now. George offers excellent insights into the industry, discussing the challenges, governmental roadblocks, and opportunities for optimistic, innovative entrepreneurs. We also talk about why he decided to become an entrepreneur, and why he has consistently chosen some of the most challenging careers imaginable. We talk a lot about his service in the Navy, including the common traits of SEALs, the lessons learned from service, and the challenges of transitioning from the military into civilian life. Since we recorded this episode a few weeks into the Coronavirus crisis, he offers some hard-earned wisdom on how best to deal with high-stress, potentially dangerous situations like the one we all find ourselves in now.

George and I were supposed to record this episode in person, but the Coronavirus had other plans. But we still made it happen– each of us holed up in our homes and connected via Zoom– so I hope this episode offers some entertainment and motivation during this challenging time. Thanks for listening.

Photos courtesy of George Hodgin

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EPISODE NOTES

Topics Discussed:

4:00 – BRC explained
7:00 – Genesis of the idea for BRC
10:15 – Decision to be an entrepreneur
13:00 – Complexity of the cannabis business
16:00 – What fuels his passion for BRC
18:00 – Early years in NC
21:30 – Morehead-Cain Scholarship explained
24:00 – Early desire to be a SEAL
26:00 – Path from college to BUD/S
31:30 – Common trait of successful SEALs
34:30 – Transition from the Navy to civilian life
38:00 – Finding purpose outside of the SEALs
43:00 – Military lessons applied to business
47:30 – Main business challenge facing BRC
53:30 – Thoughts on the Coronavirus
57:45 – Favorite books
1:00:00 – Favorite Films

Information Referenced:

Biopharmaceutical Research Company (BRC)
Navy SEALs
Stanford Graduate School of Business
Morehead-Cain Scholarship
National Outdoor Leadership School
Navy SEALS movie clip
BUD/S
Navy SEAL Foundation
“Commander’s Intent”
Good to Great by Jim Collins
The Cruelest Miles Gay Salisbury
Washington’s Farewell by John Avalon
Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
Daniel Day-Lewis
Lincoln
Gangs of New York
Becoming Warren Buffett

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Posted on April 8, 2020 by ELR

Adventurers, Entrepreneurs, Leadership, Public Health, Service

Kyle Richardson is a Colorado-based professional runner and mountain athlete who is best known for his high-stakes, high-speed endurance feats in the Rocky Mountains. Over the past two years, Kyle has set several Fastest Known Time (“FKT”) records in the Colorado mountains—most notably on Boulder’s First and Third Flatirons, as well as the renowned LA Freeway route that stretches from Longs Peak to Arapahoe Peak. Away from his endurance feats, Kyle is a formally trained musician, and he composes original music for filmmakers and outdoor brands such as Black Diamond and La Sportiva.

Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Kyle’s youth was defined by time in the outdoors with his family and a deep commitment to music and playing the drums. His love of the West’s wide-open spaces led him to college at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he began to realize his talent for endurance and moving quickly through the mountains. After several years of running and climbing throughout Colorado, he captured the attention of the endurance community with his record-setting time on the LA Freeway, a difficult and exposed route that combines running, scrambling, and rock climbing. Since then, he has earned sponsorships from major outdoor brands that have allowed him to pursue his adventures in the mountains with full focus and intensity.

I met up with Kyle in Boulder, where we had a wide-ranging conversation about his passion for the mountains and music. We started by discussing his athletic career and some of the details around his fastest known times on well-known mountain routes. We also discussed Kyle’s love of the process of training—in both athletics and music—and how his commitment to preparation gives him the confidence to pursue challenging and sometimes dangerous goals. We discuss the common skills required to be great in both endurance sports and music, and Kyle talks about some of the mentors and heroes who have shaped his career. Kyle is a voracious reader, so we talk a lot about books, and Kyle reveals a very interesting personal tie to one of my favorite history books, Empire of the Summer Moon.

Kyle is humble and thoughtful, and it was a real pleasure getting to know him. Hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Photos courtesy of the Kyle Richardson

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

3:00 – How Kyle describes his athletic pursuits
6:00 – Kyle and Fastest Known Times (“FKT”)
10:30 – FKTs in the Boulder’s Flatirons
16:00 – Training routine
18:00 – Growing up in Texas
20:30 – Music and how it informs athletics
22:50 – Film scoring, composing, and music industry
26:30 – Heroes and mentors in the music world
28:00 – Drums, running, and excess energy as a kid
29:30 – When people began to take note of Kyles running
32:30 – Athletic mentors
38:30 – Artistic, cerebral aspects to mountain sports
39:30 – Assessing risk in the mountains
42:30 – Nature making you feel small
46:30 – Kyle’s parent’s support for his career
48:30 – Running goals for 2020
52:00 – Books he’s currently reading
54:15 – Favorite books about the West
56:00 – Limiting screens and social media
57:30 – Favorite location in the West
58:45 – Most powerful outdoor experience
1:00:25 – Parting words of wisdom

Information Referenced:

Kyle Richardson
Kyle on Instagram
Black Diamond
La Sportiva
Peter Bakwin
FKT website
FKT podcast
Third Flatiron
Art Blakey
Jeremiah Green
Carter Beauford
Wilco
LA Freeway
Buzz Burrell
Longs Peak
Joe Grant
Joe Grant podcast episode
Anton Krupicka
The Rut
The Big Wonderful Thing by Stephen Harrigan
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay Michael Chabon?
Blood and Thunder by Hampton Sides
Hampton Sides podcast interview
Empire of the Summer Moon by SC Gwynne

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Posted on March 26, 2020 by ELR

Adventurers, Artists, Athletes, Creativity

Daniela Ibarra-Howell is the CEO and a co-founder of the Savory Institute, an organization whose mission is to regenerate the world’s grasslands through holistic management. By restoring and protecting grasslands– both in the American West and around the globe– Daniela and her team at Savory effectively address pressing issues such as climate change, economic well-being, and food and water insecurity. Through inspiring leadership, masterful storytelling, and cutting-edge research, Savory is shifting the paradigm around agriculture’s role as a solution to many of the world’s challenges.

Daniela was born and raised in Argentina, and from a very young age, she loved the land, agriculture, and adventure. Her studies of agronomy led her to some of the far reaches of the globe, including New Zealand, where she met her now-husband Jim Howell. After many years managing ranches and working in the trenches of holistic management, they helped to found the Savory Institute in 2009, and Daniela took the reigns as CEO in 2011. Since then, the organization has grown and evolved, and Daniela has become one of the world’s leading voices for Holistic Management.

I was thrilled to finally get the chance to chat with Daniela on the podcast because my guests and I have referenced the Savory Institute so many times over the years. We started by discussing the organization– its mission, goals, structure, and global reach. We then talk about Daniela’s leadership philosophy and how she values thoughtful action, failing fast, and embracing complexity in all aspects of life. We talk about her upbringing in Argentina, her adventurous personality, and her partnership with her husband, Jim. We also talk about motherhood and how she has managed to balance such a high-performing career with raising two impressive and accomplished daughters. Whether you are interested in agriculture, leadership, or parenting, there are many lessons to be learned from Daniela, so I hope you enjoy!

Photos courtesy of the Savory Institute

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

5:00 – Savory Institute explained
9:30 – Growth and evolution of Savory
14:00 – On taking risks and failing fast
16:00 – “Holistic Management” defined
18:30 – “Regenerative Agriculture” defined
21:00 – Business inertia in agriculture
27:00 – Importance of storytelling (and data!)
31:00 – Will Harris and White Oak Pastures as storytellers
34:45 – Daniela’s upbringing and education in Argentina and beyond
40:30 – Meeting Jim in New Zealand
44:00 – How managing ranches made her a better leader of people
52:00 – Heroes and mentors in business and leadership
56:00 – Balancing action and planning
1:00:30 – Thoughts on motherhood and raising children
1:07:00 – Important books on agriculture
1:12:30 – Parting words of wisdom

Information Referenced:

Savory Institute
Savory Hubs
Allan Savory
Jody Butterfield
Jim Howell (episodes 1 and 2)
Grasslands LLC
Paris Agreement of 2015
Will Harris – White Oak Pastures
Wilbur Smith
Indiana Jones
Holistic Management by Allan Savory
Savory’s Land to Market Project
Tre Cates
Auden Schendler episode
The Continuum Concept by Jean Leidloff
The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know is Possible by Charles Eisenstein
For the Love of Land by Jim Howell

This episode is brought to you by the FREEFLOW INSTITUTE. The first ten Mountain & Prairie listeners who register for a 2020 summer course will get $100 off their tuition. Just mention the Podcast when you register. For more information go to freeflowinstitute.com or shoot them an email at info@freeflowinstitute.com.

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Posted on March 12, 2020 by ELR

Agriculture, Conservation, Conservationists, Ecology, Leadership, Ranchers, Regenerative Ag, Service

Andrew Ramiro Tirado (photo credit: James Cochrane)

Andrew Ramiro Tirado is a Colorado-based artist who is best known for his award-winning large-scale sculptures and paintings of human hands. Using wood, metal, or traditional paint and canvas, Andrew combines his unique artistic eye with decades of experience as a craftsman to create remarkable pieces that are stunning in both their size and presentation. His hand sculptures can exceed ten feet in length and are sometimes displayed hanging from the ceilings of galleries or buildings—when you see Andrew’s work, there is no mistaking who created it!

Andrew grew up in Colorado and graduated high school with the intention of studying and pursuing art as a vocation. During college, he landed a job in New York City, working as an assistant for the renowned artist Chuck Close—a coveted position for any budding artist. But soon after leaving New York, Andrew decided to walk away from making art, and he stayed away for 23 years. But in 2012, a serendipitous life-changing event rekindled his interest in making art, and he returned to the art world with full focus and passion. Just four years later, in 2016, Andrew resigned from his job at Colorado College and began pursuing art full time… and has never looked back.

We met at Andrew’s brand new Colorado Springs studio, which happens to be just a few blocks from my own house. We had a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from making art to mountain climbing to the realities of life as a full-time artist. We started out by discussing his upbringing in Colorado Springs and how he found his way to art school and eventually, New York City working for the world-famous Chuck Close. Then we discuss his decision to leave the art world, and why—after more than two decades away—he decided to return to making art. We talked about the importance of writing to Andrew’s artistic process, as well as lessons he’s learned from spending time up high in the Colorado mountains. And finally, we talk about artistic heroes, favorite books, favorite films, and Andrew offers wisdom to those who dream of pursuing art as a full-time vocation.

Andrew is an amazingly thoughtful and humble guy, and I greatly admire his soft-spoken and wise approach to chasing his dreams. Be sure to check out all of Andrew’s art on his website, but for right now, enjoy this insightful conversation with Andrew Ramiro Tirado!

Photos courtesy of Andrew Tirado, headshot by James Cochrane

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

4:00 – Andrew’s background
6:15 – Studying art in school
8:00 – Working for Chuck Close
11:00 – “Leaning in” to opportunities
12:00 – Lessons learned from Chuck Close
15:30 – The importance of self-imposed limitations
18:00 – Taking a hiatus from art
21:30 – The moment he decided to return to art
25:30 – Making his first-hand art piece
31:00 – Discovering a demand for his art
34:00 – Decision to pursue art full time
36:00 – Chasing the feeling of “peak experiences”
41:00 – Importance of “inflection points”
42:30 – Importance of writing to Andrew’s writing process
47:30 – How time in the mountains has affected his art
50:00 – Andrew’s artistic heroes
52:45 – Favorite books
55:00 – Films
59:00 – Favorite location in the West

Information Referenced:

Andrew Ramiro Tirado
Andrew’s Blog
Andrew on Instagram
Floyd Tunson
Chuck Close
Bemis School of Art
Colorado College
Strand Book Store
Canoecraft by Ted Moores
Masters of Scale Podcast
James Surls
James Herriot
All Creatures Great and Small by James Harriet
Lawrence of Arabia
Road House
NOLS
Art Institute of Chicago

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Posted on February 18, 2020 by ELR

Artists, Craftsmanship, Creativity, Entrepreneurs

Jessica Ilalaole is a New Mexico-based artist who specializes in handcrafted jewelry inspired by the natural world and the landscapes of the American West. Through her online store CobraCult Jewelry, Jessica has built a loyal following of customers and admirers who are drawn to her uniquely stunning designs, as well as her authentic and unconventional lifestyle. Jessica’s personality is a unique mix of confident yet humble, social yet solitary, fiercely independent yet fully devoted to her friends and family– a special blend of traits that have allowed her to create unique art and one-of-a-kind life.

Jessica grew up in Hawaii but now lives on a spectacular property in Northern New Mexico on the western slope of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Her jewelry studio looks out onto the mountains, and she and her partner Cody are in the process of building an adobe cabin from the ground up. But while the views are spectacular, their lives are currently fully focused on hard work– home construction, jewelry making, and the day-to-day realities of running Jessica’s business. Their vision and work ethic are extremely inspiring, and it was a pleasure to meet and record this episode at the property.

We sat down in Jessica’s studio and had a wonderful and wide-ranging conversation. We started by chatting about the property– how they decided to move there, how they acquired it, and their plans for it. We then talked about Jessica’s journey as an artist, and when and why she decided to make a go of it as a full-time jewelry maker. We discuss the influence of her parents, her artistic influences, her love of motorcycles and tattoos, and how social media has helped her to grow her business. We also discuss her commitment to positivity, the roots of her independent streak, and she offers some excellent advice for other aspiring artists. And as usual, we discuss favorite books, films, the best advice she’s ever received, and more.

Be sure to check the episode notes for links to everything. Hope you enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Jessica Ilalaole

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

3:10 – Jessica describes her property
5:40 – Growing up in Hawaii
8:10 – Being considered a haole
10:10 – Source of Jessica’s independent streak
11:10 – Similarity to parents
15:55 – Early years as an artist and jewelry maker
18:00 – Decision to make jewelry making a full-time job
20:00 – Skills learned from taking jewelry classes
22:00 – Deciding to take become a full-time artist
24:10 – Challenges of working solo while being a social person
25:40 – Relationship with Cody and building their cabin
30:10 – Artistic influences
31:10 – Riding motorcycles
37:00 – Jessica’s connection to tattoos
39:40 – Independent streak revisited
42:00 – Daily routines
44:40 – Exciting personal news!
47:30 – Long-term plans
49:10 – Influences or heroes
51:40 – Meaning of CobraCult
54:00 – Instagram’s role in her business and life
59:30 – Favorite books
1:03:00 – FAvorite documentary
1:04:00 – Favorite location in the West
1:05:30 – Best advice ever received
1:09:30 – Advice for aspiring artists

Information Referenced:

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Posted on January 29, 2020 by ELR

Artists, Craftsmanship, Creativity, Entrepreneurs

Kate Kavanaugh is an entrepreneur and regenerative agriculture advocate who co-owns and operates Western Daughters Butcher Shoppe in Denver, Colorado. Along with her partner Josh Curtiss, Kate sells fresh, local, grass-fed and pasture-raised meats that are all raised and harvested within 150 miles of Denver. Although she has been featured in such notable publications as The New York Times and Forbes, Kate is most proud of the deep connections she has formed with regenerative ranchers and farmers– and the positive impact her business has had on the land.

As you’ll hear in our conversation, Kate is deeply committed to regenerative agriculture and specifically the role that ruminants play in the health of soil and grasslands in the American West and beyond. She’s also a seasoned businesswoman who has paid her dues and suffered the bumps and bruises that come with any entrepreneurial endeavor. And it is the combination of her passion, toughness, curiosity, and willingness to think outside the box that has made Western Daughters such an inspiring success story.

I had a great time chatting with Kate, and I learned a lot from our conversation. We started by talking about the story of Western Daughters–how the business began, challenges of running a brick and mortar store, and specifics around how the company supports local agriculture. We discuss Kate’s upbringing in Colorado and how she felt a deep connection to the land and the environment from an early age. We talk about Kate’s childhood commitment to vegetarianism and why she began eating meat again at age 20. We also chat about Kate and Josh’s exciting recent purchase of a farm in upstate New York, and how they plan to balance Western Daughters with farming their new land. We discuss food’s role in mental health, and Kate graciously shares some of her daily practices that help her manage anxiety and depression. Kate is a voracious reader, so there are tons of good books mentioned– be sure the check out the episode notes for links to all the books and more. Hope you enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Kate Kavanaugh

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

3:15 – Western Daughters Butcher Shoppe, explained
4:45 – Kate’s early interest in agriculture
6:15 – Kate’s seriousness as a child
8:45 – Ending her run with vegetarianism
10:30 – Authors that helped Kate understand regenerative ag
11:15 – Starting Western Daughters
13:15 – Tribalism around food
15:45 – New York Times article
17:45 – Working with farmers and ranchers
22:45 – The ins and outs of regenerative ag
29:15 – The challenges of explaining regenerative ag to the masses
30:45 – Unexpected challenges of running Western Daughters
34:45 – Economic challenges of regenerative ag
37:45 – Kate and Josh’s new farm!
40:15 – Realities of running a brick and mortar business
45:15 – Thoughts on leaving the West
49:00 – Advice to people who want to farm
53:00 – Heroes and mentors
55:30 – Managing mental health
1:00:45 – Diet’s role in mental health
1:03:45 – Favorite books
1:04:45 – Favorite documentaries
1:06:15 – Favorite location in the West
1:07:15 – Most powerful outdoor experience
1:08:45 – Best advice ever received
1:10:45 – Request of the listeners

Information Referenced:

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Posted on January 14, 2020 by ELR

Agriculture, Conservation, Conservationists, Craftsmanship, Creativity, Ecology, Entrepreneurs, Mindfulness, Ranchers, Regenerative Ag

Peter Heller is a renowned novelist, as well as an award-winning adventure writer and former contributing editor to Outside, Men’s Journal, and National Geographic Adventure. Since age eleven, Peter has been committed to the craft of writing, and his lifelong love of words and stunning prose are the threads that connect all of his work– from fiction to non-fiction to poetry. His most recent novel, The River, is the culmination of Peter’s decades of storytelling– the book weaves a masterful tale that combines adventure, deep friendships, wild places, chilling violence, and page-turning suspense. [For those of you who subscribe to my bimonthly book recommendations email, you may remember that I devoured the book in less than two days and absolutely loved it!]

Peter was born, raised, and educated on the east coast but headed West soon after college to paddle rivers and immerse himself in the wide-open spaces of the American West. His writing career has taken him to some of the most far-flung corners of the earth. Still, he always returns to the Rockies, where he currently splits his time between Denver and Paonia, a rural community on Colorado’s Western Slope. The people and landscapes of the West play prominent roles in all of Peter’s novels, and his talent for capturing the beauty and complexity of people and wild places is second to none.

We met up at Peter’s home in Denver and had a fun, wide-ranging conversation covering everything from his early obsession with writing to his current writing process to our mutual love of surfing. We discuss his first big paddling trip in Colorado, which started his decades-long love affair with the West. We talk about his early days as a professional writer– discussing everything from how he made it work financially to how he dealt with rejection. We dig into the specifics of his daily writing routine, and why he stops writing at 1,000 words, even if he is mid-scene. We also talk about how he avoids thinking when writing novels, his obsession with “finding the flow” in writing and outdoor pursuits, the importance of momentum, and balancing physical exuberance with the writer’s life. If you love Peter’s books, the West, or learning about writers, you will love this episode.

And as a special bonus, I’m giving away a copy of The River via Instagram. On Friday, January 3, 2020, I’ll post all the details, so head to my Instagram page, give me a follow, and be on the lookout for the giveaway. You can either search by my name- Ed Roberson- or follow this link. The River was one of the best books I read in 2019, so I know you’ll enjoy it too.

Thanks again to Peter for being so generous with his time and so insightful with his answers. I hope you enjoy!

Photo of Peter by John Burcham

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

5:00 – Where Peter grew up
6:30 – Deciding to be a writer at 11-years old
10:00 – Specific disciplines to become a writer
10:40 – Peter’s parents’ backgrounds and their influence
13:30 – Peter’s love of writing as a career
14:50 – Childhood adventures
15:40 – Falling in love with the West
18:30 – Starting out as a writer
21:00 – Dealing with early rejections
22:50 – First published story
25:00 – “Not thinking” while writing fiction
29:00 – Starting Dog Stars
31:30 – Peter’s method – 1,000 words per day
36:00 – The inevitability of Peter’s stories
38:30 – Winslow Homer paintings and other real-life influences [Click to see “The Gulf Stream” painting]
41:45 – Importance of confidence and craftsmanship in writing
46:50 – Importance of momentum
49:00 – Love of entering “the zone” through writing, surfing, fishing, and more.
51:30 – Peter’s love for Paonia
55:00 – Surfing!
1:02:15 – Favorite books
1:04:00 – Favorite location in the West
1:05:45 – Best advice ever received

Information Referenced:

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Posted on December 30, 2019 by ELR

Adventurers, Artists, Books, Creativity, Hunting & Fishing, Mindfulness, Writers

Hal Herring is an award-winning journalist and writer whose work has appeared in such notable publications as the Atlantic, the Economist, and Orion. He is also a contributing editor at Field and Stream and a regular contributor to High Country News. Most recently, Hal has made a name for himself in the podcast world as the host of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers’ popular podcast, called the Podcast & Blast with Hal Herring. If there’s one common thread that runs through Hal’s prolific and wide-ranging career, it’s a love of the West, its people, and its public lands.

I’ve long admired Hal and specifically his refusal to be boxed in by any particular political party or close-minded ideologies. He could be considered progressive on some issues and conservative on others, but his opinions are always the result of a lot of deep thinking, extensive research, and thorough consideration. And as you’ll hear him say in this interview, he’s endlessly curious and always open to having his mind changed– two characteristics that I personally admire and try my best to emulate, especially when it comes to issues here in the American West.

Hal and I covered a lot in a little over an hour, and regular listeners will enjoy his depth and breadth of knowledge, as well as his unbridled passion for the West. We start by discussing his upbringing in Alabama and why he decided to move West. We talk a lot about books, and Hal offers up a massive selection of titles that have influenced his work, most of which have never before been mentioned on this podcast. We discuss the importance of journalism at this specific moment in history, and how he goes about finding the facts in today’s overwhelming deluge of media. We also chat about his work ethic, family, his current home in Augusta, Montana, his climbing and mountaineering adventures, and his recent success in the world of podcasts.

There’s a lot to learn and digest in this episode, so be sure to check out the episode notes for links to everything. Also, I hope you enjoy the southern accents– I think Hal really brought mine out in full force. Hope you enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Hal Herring

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C lick Here to Download on Google Play

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

3:05 – Growing up in Alabama
4:15 – Intro to Montana
5:50 – Deep love of Alabama
6:45 – Early years writing & traveling
9:30 – Source of Hal’s early wanderlust
11:35 – When Hal got serious about writing
15:00 – Importance of constraints
18:00 – How Hal’s work on public lands influences his journalism
20:45 – Decision to focus on public lands
22:10 – Need for real journalism
25:00 – Where does Hal get his news?
29:00 – Public land discussion
32:15 – Optimistic or pessimistic for the future of public lands?
36:30 – Mountaineering and climbing
41:15 – Having kids
44:00 – Hal’s foray into podcasting
48:15 – Most important books
50:50 – Connection with Teal Blake
55:30 – Importance of preparation and hard work
57:15 – Hal’s new book
1:00:30 – Favorite films
1:01:50 – Favorite location in the West
1:06:30 – Request of the listeners

Information Referenced:

Tom McGuane
At Play in the Fields of the Lord by Peter Matthiessen
Peter Matthiessen
Davis Bacon wages
Alan Jones
Fishboy and Ice at the Bottom of the World by Mark Richard
City of Thieves by David Benioff
Whitebark pine
Chronic wasting disease
Missouri Border Wars
Wildwood Boys by James Carlos Blake
Woe to Live On by Daniel Woodrell
Ride with the Devil by Daniel Woodrell
Squatter Sovereign
Ed Abbey
Federalist Papers
Bernard DeVoto
El Capitan of the Bitterroots
NOLS
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
Rock Springs by Richard Ford
A Piece of My Heart by Richard Ford
Wildlife in America by Peter Matthiessen
Jim Harrison
Ninety-two in the Shade by Tom McGuane
Hal’s podcast with Tom McGuane
Rinella’s podcast with McGuane
Teal Blake episode
Guy De Maupassant
Stephen King’s On Writing
Draft No. 4 by John McPhee
Erst Junger
Seven Beauties
The Accidental Life by Terry McMillan
The Heart of the Game

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Posted on December 16, 2019 by ELR

Adventurers, Books, Conservation, Conservationists, Craftsmanship, Ecology, History, Hunting & Fishing, Writers

Mark Kenyon is a conservationist, outdoorsman, and author of the fantastic new book That Wild Country: An Epic Journey through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands. For years, Mark has been well-known and respected in the hunting world, thanks in part to his website, blog, and podcast called Wired to Hunt, which focuses on the finer points of big game hunting. Mark and Wired to Hunt recently joined forces with Steven Rinella’s MeatEater, which has helped to amplify Mark’s impact on the worlds of hunting and conservation. That Wild County is the culmination of many years of Mark’s adventures, experiences, and writing, and I expect that Mountain & Prairie listeners will thoroughly enjoy it.

From the outside, it appears that Mark is cruising through life, living the dream– he hunts, writes, creates shows, and generally pursues his passions at full speed on a daily basis. But when you scratch below the surface, you’ll see that Mark’s professional path has been (and still is) defined by extreme focus and hard work, as well as an insatiable curiosity for everything from whitetail deer to US history to the finer points of public lands legislation. He walked away from an impressive and safe career at Google to merge his vocation and avocation, choosing to bet on himself rather than corporate America. And his bet paid off– between his podcasts, articles, essays, videos, and, now, a book, Mark’s body of work has educated and inspired countless people throughout the world.

We started our conversation by discussing That Wild Country, which is one of the most engaging and “user-friendly” explanations I’ve read of the history of public lands, as well as the modern-day controversies surrounding public lands. We discuss the conservation legacy of the other Roosevelt– Franklin D Roosevelt– and how his presidency revived our nation’s commitment to public lands stewardship. We dig into the details of the Pittman-Robertson Act, a historic piece of legislation that all of us who love the outdoors need to understand. We discuss the short and impactful life of Bob Marshall, the famed conservationist who is the namesake of Montana’s legendary Bob Marshall Wilderness. We also discuss a lot about Mark’s personal backstory– his decision to leave Google for Wired to Hunt, his recent merger with Meateater, how having a son has changed his perspective, his daily routine for maximum productivity, and much more. And finally, we touch on why Michigan seems to produce so many committed conservationists and outdoor writers.

I’ve admired Mark and his consistent, high-quality work for years, so it was a thrill to finally chat. I encourage you to check out That Wild Country and the Wired to Hunt Podcast, but in the meantime, enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with Mark Kenyon.

Photos courtesy of Mark Kenyon

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

5:00 – An overview of “That Wild Country”
9:00 – Timeline of writing the book
11:00 – FDR’s influence on the conservation movement
16:30 – Ins and outs of the Pittman-Robertson Act
20:50 – Arguments around a “backpack tax”
21:40 – Who was Bob Marshall?
25:00 – How to write about dry subjects in an entertaining manner
29:00 – The effort of writing a book
29:40 – How having a kid changed Mark’s working style
32:20 – Mark’s morning routine
35:45 – Mark’s unique career path
38:00 – Epiphany moment in Mark’s career
40:30 – Merging with Meateater
42:30 – Secrets to Wired to Hunt’s success
47:00 – Mark’s “Back 40” project
50:00 – Why does Michigan produce so many outdoor leaders?
52:45 – New information learned about Theodore Roosevelt
57:45 – Optimism or pessimism for the future of public lands
1:01:30 – Important non-profits that Mark supports
1:06:45 – Mark’s favorite books

Information Referenced:

Mark Kenyon
Wired to Hunt
That Wild Country: An Epic Journey through the Past, Present, and Future of America’s Public Lands by Mark Kenyon
MeatEater
Pittman-Robertson Act
Deep Work by Cal Newport
“Backpack Tax” article
Franklin Roosevelt
Bob Marshall
Gifford Pinchot
Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk
Tim Ferriss
Steven Rinella
Seth Godin
Seth Godin’s failure blog post
The Back 40
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
Rick Bass
Why I Came West by Rick Bass
A Scavenger’s Guide to Haute Cuisine by Steven Rinella
American Serengeti by Dan Flores

Posted on December 6, 2019 by ELR

Books, Conservation, Creativity, Entrepreneurs, History, Hunting & Fishing, Writers

Matt Skoglund and his wife Sarah are bison ranchers and the owners of the North Bridger Bison Ranch, which is located in Montana’s iconic Shields Valley. The Skoglund’s bison operation is deeply rooted in Holistic Management and Regenerative Agriculture principles, and their goal is to produce healthy and delicious meat, while simultaneously improving the land, helping the environment, and contributing to Montana’s economy. Through hard work and genuine curiosity, Matt has found his life’s true calling in bison ranching—a challenging yet deeply rewarding business that combines so many of Matt’s passions into one dream job.

By now, you may be assuming that Matt comes from a western ranching family or perhaps holds agriculture degrees from a land-grant university. But the reality is that Matt grew up in the Chicago area, attended college in the northeast, then law school, then began a career as an attorney in the litigation department of a large Chicago law firm. After several years of practicing law, he and Sarah could no longer resist the desire to move West, so they took a leap of faith and moved to Bozeman. Matt found a job with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), where he worked for nearly ten years, digging deep into many conservation issues that affect the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, including bison. Finally, in 2018, after several years of dreaming and planning, they pulled the trigger, bought some land, and started their adventure in bison ranching.

Matt and Sarah’s story is inspiring and instructive, especially for those who have dreams of pursuing lives and careers in the West. Instead of jumping all over the place like I normally do, this conversation is pretty much split into two main sections. The first half covers all the details about North Bridger Bison, how they acquired the ranch, their process of field harvesting the meat, who their customers are, and some of the biggest surprises of running their own business. The second half covers some broader personal topics, such as how being a father has affected Matt’s outlook, why he was able to walk away from a lucrative career in law, and the life lessons learned from being a college hockey player. Whether you are strictly interested in agriculture or only interested in people’s personal evolutions, there are aspects of the Skoglund’s journey that will be fascinating to both groups.

Be sure the check the episode notes for a list of everything we discussed. Hope you enjoy!

Header photo courtesy Courtney Green, other photos courtesy of Matt Skoglund

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

4:00 – The location of the ranch
5:45 – Why they chose the Shields Valley
8:15 – Details around purchasing the ranch
12:30 – Genesis of the bison ranch idea
14:30 – Books that shaped Matt’s business philosophy
16:00 – Transitioning from dreaming about ranching to doing it
18:15 – Criteria when searching for land
22:45 – Collaboration among bison ranchers
25:30 – Details of field harvesting bison
30:40 – Biggest surprises of bison ranching
36:00 – How past professional experiences inform bison ranching
37:00 – Lessons learned from stressful situations
39:30 – Transition from the law to conservation
42:00 – Moving to Bozeman
43:00 – Getting off the big law firm “treadmill”
44:50 – Where Matt got his independent streak
47:30 – Lessons learned from high-level athletics
49:30 – How having kids changed Matt’s life and perspective
54:30 – Three specific heroes and mentors
58:45 – Aldo Leopold obsession
1:00:15 – Favorite books

Information Referenced:

North Bridger Bison
North Bridger Bison on Instagram
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chiounard
Buffalo for the Broken Heart by Dan O’Brien
Natural Resources Defense Council
Wild Idea Buffalo
Dan O’Brien
Theodore Roosevelt
Aldo Leopold
A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
American Buffalo by Steven Rinella
Last Stand by Michael Punke

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Posted on November 6, 2019 by ELR

Agriculture, Conservation, Conservationists, Ecology, Entrepreneurs, Ranchers, Regenerative Ag

Becca Aceto is an Idaho-based conservationist and is currently the Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Idaho Wildlife Federation. Prior to this position with IWF, she worked in a variety of jobs closely connected to Idaho’sIdaho’s rugged landscapes—as a naturalist, Forest Service wilderness ranger, and a Forest Service Wildlife Technician. Given her professional commitment to the lands and wildlife of the northern Rockies, you might assume that she’s a native westerner, but in fact, she grew up in Ohio and attended the University of Kentucky before heading West after graduation.

As the oldest of six siblings, Becca has never been shy about “putting herself out there,” learning new skills, or diving head-first into new experiences. She’s studied various types of conservation in far-flung places like Thailand and Costa Rica, and she moved to the small town of Stanley, Idaho, without knowing a soul who lived there. Most recently, in 2017, she took up hunting and has fallen in love with the sport, becoming the Idaho ambassador for the sportswomen’s group Artemis. Becca’s willingness to step outside her comfort zone both professionally and personally can serve as a blueprint for many non-western young people who want to build a fulfilling life and career for themselves in the Rocky Mountains.

Becca and I caught up between a few of her fall hunts and had a wonderful conversation, discussing everything from her early days in Ohio to her current life and work in Idaho. We started by chatting about her upbringing—her childhood spent fishing in a small neighborhood creek, her love of horses, and the positive influence of her grandmother (who happens to be a Buddhist and a vegetarian). We talked about her time working as a ranger and some of the hard-won lessons she learned by suffering in the backcountry. We talk a lot about her relatively new journey becoming a hunter and some of the challenges and opportunities that come with learning to hunt as an adult. We also discuss the important conservation work of the IWF, in politics, on-the-ground stewardship, and public lands advocacy. As usual, we discuss lots of books and the best advice she’s ever received.

We cover a lot in a little over an hour, and I jump around with my questions even more than usual, so be sure the check out the episode notes for a list of everything we discuss. Enjoy!

All photos courtesy of Becca Aceto

C lick Here to Download on iTunes

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

4:00 – Where Becca grew up
6:10 – Decision to study natural resources at University of Kentucky
8:45 – Working in Costa Rica
10:00 – Decision to move West
11:30 – First jobs in Idaho
14:30 – Bravery to move out West on her own
16:30 – Becca’s Buddhist, vegetarian grandmother’s influence
19:30 – Working conditions as a forest ranger
21:00 – Importance of discomfort and fear
25:00 – Starting to work at the Idaho Wildlife Federation
29:15 – Importance of politics
30:00 – Threat to public lands
34:30 – Learning to hunt
38:30 – Hunting lessons learned from year to year
42:45 – Artemis sportswomen
45:20 – Need for diversity in hunting and conservation
47:00 – Advice for novice hunters
49:15 – Becca’s most recent hunting trip
57:00 – Writing
1:00:15 – Favorite books
1:02:30 – Favorite films
1:04:30 – Out-of-the-ordinary hobbies
1:06:00 – Favorite location in the West
1:07:00 – Best advice ever received
1:08:30 – Words of wisdom
1:10:00 – Connect with Becca

Information Referenced:

Idaho Wildlife Federation
Artemis Sportswomen
University of Kentucky
Stanley, Idaho
Frank Church Wilderness
Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow conference
National Wildlife Federation
Coming Into the Country by John McPhee
Encounters with the Archdruid by John McPhee
Draft No. 4 by John McPhee
The Solace of Open Spaces by Gretle Erhlich
The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen
Never Cry Wolf
265 Images of Northern Rocky Mountain Wildflowers by Scott Earle

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Posted on October 17, 2019 by ELR

Conservation, Conservationists, Hunting & Fishing

Duke Phillips III (photo by Charles Post)

Duke Phillips III is the founder and CEO of Ranchlands, a Colorado-based, family-owned ranch management company. If Ranchlands sounds familiar, that’s because last week’s episode was with Duke’s son, Duke Phillips IV. You may remember that the younger Duke referenced his father’s philosophies around business and leadership several times, so I thought it would be fun to have the elder Duke on the podcast for an in-depth conversation. And in-depth it was—in a little under an hour we covered a wide range of subjects, everything from the future of ranching to world travels to poetry.

Duke has led a fascinating life, starting with his early years spent growing up on a remote cattle ranch in rural Mexico. His twenties were devoted to traveling and working around the world, including places like Europe, Central America, Australia, and the Bering Sea. Around age thirty he started his first “real job” in ranching, which eventually led to the formation of his company Ranchlands. Since its beginnings over two decades ago, Ranchlands has set a new standard what is possible when ranching, conservation, education, and business are successfully combined. And Ranchlands partnership with Colorado’s State Land Board is a case study in effective, mutually beneficial public-private partnerships.

I caught up with Duke on the phone, where he was gracious enough to take time away from one of his New Mexico operations to chat with me. We started by talking about his childhood in Mexico and the lessons he learned from growing up in such a wild and remote landscape. Then we discussed the series of travels and jobs that led to his founding Ranchlands in his mid-forties. From there, our conversation hits on a variety of subjects, including the joys of working with his kids, Duke III and Tess, the ins-and-outs of the bison ranching business, and his thoughts on the recent popularity of regenerative agriculture. There’s minimal overlap between the topics covered in this conversation and my conversation with young Duke, so be sure to check the episode notes for a full list of all the interesting information discussed.

Palmer Land Trust will be honoring Duke and his family at the 10th Annual Southern Colorado Conservation Awards on October 3rd in Colorado Springs. It’s going to be a fun and inspiring evening, so follow the link in the episode notes for more information and tickets. Hope to see you there!

Enjoy the podcast!

All photos courtesy of Charles Post, who also generously donated his Ranchlands photos to Palmer Land Trust for promotion of the 2019 Southern Colorado Conservation Awards.

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

3:30 – Where Duke grew up
6:30 – Lessons learned from growing up in Mexico
8:30 – Having patience with those new to ranching
9:45 – Leaving Mexico
11:50 – World travels and adventures in his 20s
14:30 – First “real job”
15:45 – Lead-up to Chico Basin
17:00 – Ranchlands explained
22:00- Ranchlands’ grazing philosophy
26:00 – Joys of working with Tess and Duke IV
27:30 – Keys to running a successful family business
29:30 – Keeping kids humble
31:20 – Importance of positivity in life and business
35:00 – Importance of honesty in business
37:40 – Successful partnerships with Colorado’s State Board and The Nature Conservancy
41:30 – Running a bison ranch
45:00 – Regenerative agriculture
48:30 – Heroes and mentors
52:00 – The future of ranching
54:00 – Favorite books and poetry
56:30 – Most powerful outdoor experience

Information Referenced:

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Posted on September 26, 2019 by ELR

Agriculture, Conservation, Conservationists, Ecology, Entrepreneurs, Leadership, Ranchers, Regenerative Ag, Service

Duke Phillips IV (photo by Charles Post)

Duke Phillips IV is the Chief Operating Officer of Ranchlands, a Colorado-based ranching and ranch management company that is widely celebrated for its deep conservation ethic. Duke oversees all operations across Ranchlands’ properties, which include the renowned 87,000-acre Chico Basin Ranch and the 103,000-acre Medano Zapata Ranch. Working closely with his father Duke III and his sister Tess, the Duke and his family share a commitment to long-term land stewardship, and they embody the Ranchlands philosophy of “Working together to live with the land.”

As part of a multi-generational ranching family in southeastern Colorado, Duke grew up with one foot in the ranching culture and the other in a more traditional life of school, sports, and typical childhood activities. After college, he decided to return to the family business, where he began to work his way up through the ranks to his current role of COO. Along the way, he learned lessons in leadership, humility, conservation, stockmanship, and business, many of which he shares with me during this conversation. Duke is one of the more humble and understated people I’ve met, especially when considering all that he’s accomplished so early into his career.

I met Duke out at the Chico where we sat around his kitchen table and chatted– and it was truly a delightful conversation. We talked about the operations at their ranches, delving into some of the details around their breed of cattle, the Beefmaster. We discussed the apprentice and intern programs at Ranchlands, and why he and his family value teaching and educating both the general public and the next generation of land stewards. We discussed Duke’s thoughts on leadership and the importance of being humble and calm in all situations. He also explains Ranchlands open gate policy, and how that philosophy differs from some of the conventional wisdom around access to land in the West. We also discuss books, his heroes and mentors, flying helicopters, lessons learned from living and working internationally, and much more.

Finally, I wanted to note that Ranchlands will be honored at Palmer Land Trust’s 10th Annual Southern Colorado Conservation Awards on October 3rd in Colorado Springs. We’ll be debuting a short film about the Phillips family that highlights some of their innovative conservation work throughout the state. I guarantee it will be an inspiring and fun evening.

There are many important lessons to be learned from this conversation with Duke– check the episode notes below for a full list of everything we discussed. Hope you enjoy!

All photos courtesy of Charles Post, who also generously donated his Ranchlands photos to Palmer Land Trust for promotion of the 2019 Southern Colorado Conservation Awards.

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

3:30 – Background on Chico Basin
6:00 – Chico Basin’s open gate policy
8:00 – Education and birding programs on the ranch
11:15 – Background on open gate policy
14:00 – Beefmaster cattle breed
19:00 – Ideal characteristics of the Beefmaster breed
22:15 – Good books about grazing and ranching
23:30 – How travel and education have shaped their business
25:00 – Finishing high school and starting college
28:00 – Choice to study liberal arts
30:00 – Internship and apprentice program
34:00 – Traits Duke looks for in employees
40:00 – Duke’s evolution as a leader
42:00 – Importance of good communication
44:00 – Heroes and mentors
49:00 – Importance of being positive
54:00 – Importance of controlling anger
56:30 – Favorite books
59:00 – Flying helicopters and planes
1:01:30 – Using helicopters in ranching
1:03:10 – Most powerful outdoor experience
1:07:30 – Favorite place in the West

Information Referenced:

Ranchlands
Chico Basin Ranch
Medano Zapata Ranch
Colorado State Land Board
The Nature Conservancy
Charlie Russell
Lasater Family
Becca Frucht
The Lasater Philosophy of Raising Cattle by Laurance M Lasater
Endurance by Alfred Lansing
Empire of the Summer Moon by SC Gwynne
Jim Kane by JPS Brown
The Outfit by JPS Brown
Forests of the Knight by JPS Brown
Tribe by Sebastian Junger
10th Annual Southern Colorado Conservation Awards
SCCA Film Trailer

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Posted on September 20, 2019 by ELR

Agriculture, Conservation, Conservationists, Ecology, Entrepreneurs, Leadership, Ranchers, Regenerative Ag, Service

Live in Bozeman!

This episode is a special recording from a Mountain & Prairie live podcast in Bozeman, Montana. On August 30th more than 300 folks gathered at the historic Ellen Theatre in downtown Bozeman to watch, listen, and participate in a wide-ranging conversation with four amazing women of the West—hat-maker and farmer Cate Havstad; silversmith and all-around artist Jillian Lukiwski; adventure photographer and writer Becca Skinner; and rancher and county commissioner Juanita Vero. We also held a raffle that benefited the Montana Land Reliance and the critical conservation work it is doing throughout the state of Montana.

The show started out with a hilarious, high-energy welcome from the amazing Becca Frucht, who is one of the funniest and most unique human beings I’ve ever met. Then I spent about an hour and fifteen minutes asking the women questions about their lives, work, and a shared love of western landscapes. After that, we had some excellent questions from the audience, followed by a few words from the Jessie Weisse from the Montana Land Reliance. As you’ll hear, a good bit of our conversation centered around the land, conservation, and agriculture, so it was very fitting that the Montana Land Reliance was such an important part of the evening. My only complaint about the event is that I wish it could’ve been much longer—as you’d expect, we only scratched the surface of all the fascinating topics we could’ve discussed.

A heartfelt thank you to Cate, Jillian, Becca, and Juanita for being so open, thoughtful, and funny with all of their answers—the evening would not have been even a fraction of the success it was without their participation. Thanks to Becca Frucht for her energizing welcome and for figuring out a way to work Road House into her remarks. Thank you to the Montana Land Reliance for all of their important work throughout the state and for being part of the evening. A huge thanks to our sponsors—Chris Dombrowski Fly Fishing, Tom Morgan Rodsmiths, ONDA Wellness, Modern Huntsman, Beargrass Writing Retreat, Heyday, Head West Bozeman, and Big Agnes. And last but definitely not least, thanks to everyone who attended the event—I know we had people travel to Bozeman from many other states and even Canada for the show, so I can’t thank you all enough for being such important members of this podcast community.

It was truly a night to remember, and I’m excited to do more live shows in 2020, so stay tuned for that. But in the meantime, enjoy this audio version of the Mountain & Prairie Podcast, live in Bozeman!

All photos by Jasper Poore

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C lick Here to Download on Google Play

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

3:30 – Welcome from the great Becca Frucht
8:30 – A few words from Ed
11:30 – Quick intros
13:00 – Update on Cate’s involvement in farming
15:30- Juanita’s entrance into county politics
20:00 – Jillian’s evolving connection to her place
21:00 – Becca’s immersion in private land conservation
27:30 – Juanita’s thoughts on private land conservation
32:00 – Jillian discusses the importance of hard work and adventure in wild places
35:30 – Cate discusses the business realities of farming
44:00 – Jillian and Becca talk about “putting herself out there”
47:30 – Using social media productively
50:00 – Other places the ladies would choose to live
55:30 – Best books read in the past year
1:01:30 – How their husbands/partners bolster them as individuals
1:06:30 – Jillian’s “Big Enough Theory”
1:12:00 – Q&A – Mentors and mentoring
1:17:00 – Q&A – Roots to the past in the women’s trades
1:20:30 – Q&A – Role of horses in the ladies lives
1:28:00 – Q&A – Balancing development and conservation in Montana
1:35:30 – Q&A – How do we connect people with their food
1:40:15 – A few words from the Montana Land Reliance

Information Referenced:

Cate Havstad
Jillian Lukiwski
Becca Skinner
Juanita Vero
Becca Frucht
Montana Land Reliance
Road House clip
Robert Krapfel podcast
Jim Howell podcasts 1 and 2
For the Love of Land by Jim Howell
Montana block management
“Extinction of Experience” by Pyle, explained
Wendell Berry
Palmer Land Trust
The Unsettling of America by Wendell Berry
It All Turns on Affection by Wendell Berry
Dirt by David Montgomery
The Hidden Half of Nature by David Montgomery
Growing a Revolution by David Montgomery
American Serengeti by Dan Flores
Neither Wolf Nor Dog by Kent Nerburn
Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher by Timothy Egan
Lentil Underground by Liz Carlisle
Grain by Grain by Liz Carlisle
Claiming Ground by Laura Bell
The Biggest Little Farm
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
Tom Morgan Rodsmiths podcast
Seth Godin
Sarah Wentzel-Fisher podcast
Stacy Townsend (who made the epic Road House poster)

THANKS AGAIN TO OUR SPONSORS!

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William deBuys is a renowned writer and conservationist who is known as one of the most influential thinkers in the modern-day American West. To call Bill prolific would be a blatant understatement—a few of his many books include The Walk, A Great Aridness, River of Traps, and The Last Unicorn. For more than 40 years, Bill has owned and tended a small farm in the Sangre de Cristo mountains of northern New Mexico, a property that has heavily influenced his life, work, and appreciation for land. I was fortunate enough to meet Bill at his farm for this interview, which was a thrill and an experience I won’t soon forget.

Bill was born and raised on the east coast but moved to New Mexico after college to take a job as a research assistant with writer Robert Coles. Bill found himself immersed in the arid landscape of the American Southwest and very quickly fell in love with the people, culture, and terrain. From then on, Bill’s life and work centered around the land, whether earning his Ph.D., working for the Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Fund, or pursuing full-time writing. His life serves as an inspiring case study of how to meld on-the-ground conservation work with high-level aspirational writing and journalism.

My biggest challenge with this conversation was figuring out how to fit five hours of questions into a single hour! We start by discussing how Bill ended up in New Mexico, and then chat a good bit about his farm. We discuss lessons learned from his work in land conservation, and techniques he uses to find common ground among competing stakeholders. We talk a lot about his writing process and routine, including Bill’s excellent advice related to the technical and psychological aspects of writing. We also discuss several of his books, and how writing each book has influenced his perspective and appreciation for his beloved New Mexico home. Bill offers up a useful and completely unique technique for summoning gratitude, a practice I believe we all can benefit from. And as usual, we discuss his favorite books, his favorite location in the West, and the best advice he ever received.

It was a dream come true to spend time with Bill at his farm, so I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Be sure the check the episode notes for links to everything we discussed!

Header photo courtesy of Bill deBuys, headshot by Ben Moscona

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

4:30 – El Valle, New Mexico, described
5:45 – How Bill ended up in New Mexico
10:30 – Work with The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Fund
12:30 – Lessons learned from conservation work
14:30 – Early writing experience
15:25 – Looking back at old work
16:30 – Understanding and appreciating “place”
19:45 – How Bill wrote “The Walk”
22:15 – Dealing with feedback on his writing
23:15 – The writer’s mindset
24:30 – Bill’s writing process
29:00 – Decision to focus mostly on writing
30:15 – Discussion of his book “A Great Aridness”
34:25 – Actionable ideas for dealing with climate change
38:00 – Valles Caldera Trust
42:00 – Techniques for finding common grounds
45:30 – “The Last Unicorn” and other international adventures
46:50 – Influentials writers and thinkers
49:00 – Teaching and its influence on his work
51:00 – Favorite books
53:00 – Practice of writing down all the “aunts and uncles”
55:00 – Most powerful outdoor experience
56:10 – Threats to ANWR and the Rio Grand corridor
59:25 – Favorite location in the West
59:30 – Best advice ever received

Information Referenced:

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Posted on September 4, 2019 by ELR

Books, Conservation, Creativity, History, Writers

Emilene Ostlind is a Wyoming-based journalist and storyteller whose work focuses on the landscapes, natural resources, and communities of the American West. She may be best known for her work studying and documenting the long-distance migration of pronghorn antelope from Grand Teton National Park down into the Green River Valley—a topic that was the basis for her graduate school thesis, as well as her award-winning High Country News cover story about the “Path of the Pronghorn.” Emilene is also the editor of Western Confluence, an amazingly informative, entertaining, and free magazine published by the University of Wyoming’s Ruckelshaus Institute of Environment and Natural Resources. And if all of that is not enough, she is also working closely on the production of an upcoming documentary called Deer 139, which tells the story of a mule deer’s migration across Wyoming and a researcher’s attempt to follow that same path on foot.

Emilene grew up at the base of the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming, a third-generation Wyomingite from a family closely connected to ranching and the land. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Wyoming, she landed a job in Washington DC with National Geographic, where she learned first hand the power of storytelling as a means of communicating important, complex issues. She returned to the University of Wyoming for a graduate degree in creative nonfiction writing, with a focus on understanding and documenting pronghorns’ migration patterns throughout her home state. Along with photographer Joe Riis, they explored the mountains of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, shedding light on one of the lower 48’s last remaining big game migration corridors.

If you’ve enjoyed my conversations with folks like Dan Flores and Bryce Andrews, then you’ll love this episode. We dig deep into the specifics of pronghorns and discuss why they are one of the more interesting and impressive North American mammals. We talk about how Emilene initially became interested in pronghorn migrations, and how the project began and played out over several years. We also discuss her work editing Western Confluence and the 2018 book Wild Migrations. As you’d expect, we discuss her upbringing in Wyoming, her career path in storytelling, and she offers some excellent advice for aspiring journalists who’d like to follow a similar path. And of course we discuss favorite books, so be sure to check the episode notes for links to all of those– there are a lot of new titles.

I encourage you to subscribe to Western Confluence—it’s totally free which is quite a deal when you consider just how much you’ll learn from reading it. But in the meantime, enjoy my fun and educational conversation with Emilene Ostlind.

Photos courtesy of Emilene Ostlind

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

4:30 – Emilene’s family history in Wyoming
7:00 – Her life-long interest in storytelling
8:00 – Experience at National Geographic
12:30 – Heading back West from DC
13:30 – Genesis of pronghorn migration idea
15:00 – Applying to grad school
17:00 – “Path of the Pronghorn”
21:50 – Pronghorns explained
26:30 – Reception of migration story by the general public
30:00 – Steps that landowners can take to help animal migrations
35:00 – Wyoming as a last major migration corridor
37:30 – “Deer 139”
41:20 – Storytelling through film
44:45 – Western Confluence
50:00 – Mentors, heroes, and books
53:30 – “Wild Migrations”
56:40 – Advice to aspiring storytellers
59:45 – Favorite books about the West
1:01:00 – Favorite films
1:02:00 – Most powerful outdoor experience
1:03:40 – Favorite location in the West
1:05:00 – Best advice she’s ever received
1:06:15 – Request of the listeners
1:07:40 – Connect with Emilene

Information Referenced:

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Posted on August 19, 2019 by ELR

Adventurers, Conservation, Creativity, Ecology, History

PART 1: Behind the Scenes with Ed – Cutting-Edge Land & Water Conservation in the West

This episode is a little different—this is part one of a two-part series in which I’m the one in the hot seat. It’s a repost of my recent appearance on the Quivira Coalition’s excellent podcast called “Down to Earth – The Planet to Plate Podcast.” They were nice enough to invite me on to discuss some of my conservation work at Palmer Land Trust, particularly around our focus of conserving irrigated farmland in southeastern Colorado. It’s fascinating work that hits on many of the issues we’ve previously discussed here on Mountain & Prairie—water rights, pressures facing agricultural communities, holistic approaches to resource management, balancing the needs of agriculture with that of municipalities, and more. It’s what I spend the vast majority of my time doing, and I hope you’ll find it interesting and informative.

Regardless of whether or not you listen to my episode, I highly encourage you to check out Down to Earth. The host Mary-Charlotte is a journalistic pro who likes to dive deep in the nuances of agriculture and has interviewed some of the most impressive people working in agriculture today (present company excluded). If you’ve enjoyed my past episodes with folks like Jim Howell, Pat O’Toole, Christine Su, and, of course, Quivira Executive Director Sarah Wentzel-Fisher, then I can guarantee you’ll love the Down to Earth podcast. There’s a link to Down to Earth in the episode notes, so be sure to check it out and give them a great iTunes review if you’re so inclined.

Thanks again to Down to Earth for being interested in my work, and thanks to you all for listening. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. Hope you enjoy!

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PART 2: Behind the Scenes with Ed – A Never-Boring, Often-Crazy Personal Journey

If you listened to the previous episode above, then you know that I’m mixing things up a bit. This is Part 2 of a two-part series in which I’m the one in the hot seat. This episode is a repost of my recent appearance on the Truth & Dare Podcast, a wonderfully inspiring show that features in-depth conversations about personal growth, risk-taking, and living life to the fullest.

In the first part of this two-part series, you’ll remember it being detailed discussion around my professional interests—land, water, and agriculture. This conversation on Truth & Dare is equally detailed and deep, but focused almost exclusively on my personal life—my journey from North Carolina to the West, my obsession with long-distance running, the crazy way that I met my wife, lessons learned for a semester of NOLS, how my wife and girls’ influence has made me a much better person, and much more. Many of the books and ideas that we’ve discussed on Mountain & Prairie play a big role in my personal evolution from wanna-be real estate developer to conservationist, so I wanted to share this with you all.

As you’ll hear, the host Camden is a curious, kind, and natural conversationalist who likes to talk deeply about subjects of substance—not surface-level nonsense. I was turned on to her podcast when she interviewed my friend—artist, surfer, and family-man Kevin Mirsky—and I was thrilled and a little nervous when she asked me to join her on the show. But we had an instant connection and a great conversation that I hope you’ll enjoy. But regardless of my episode, if you are interested in personal growth and stories of people who have taken unconventional paths, you should definitely give Truth & Dare a listen.

A huge thanks again to Camden for having me on, thanks to you all for listening, and I’ll be back with regular Mountain & Prairie episodes in the next few days.

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Posted on August 7, 2019 by ELR

Adventurers, Agriculture, Conservation, Conservationists, Creativity, History, Mindfulness, Regenerative Ag

Morgan Irons is a Montana-based artist whose captivating oil paintings combine the classic style of late 19th-century painters with her own modern-day interpretation of the West’s people and places. When I first discovered Morgan’s art, I assumed I was looking at the work of a classically trained artist who’d been in the trenches of painting for decades… and I couldn’t have been more wrong. Morgan has only been painting since 2015, with virtually no artistic training prior. Her innate talent is matched only by her work ethic and commitment to the craft—she has built her life around the process of making art, which is inspiring and instructive for anyone with creative aspirations.

Morgan was born in Durango and spent her youth in various parts of the West, including Alaska and Idaho. After college in the flat midwest, she immediately returned to more rugged landscapes, working in Alaska and eventually landing in Bozeman. She tried her hand at a “normal” job but found the corporate world to be uninspiring and frustrating. So rather than wallow and complain, she moved on from that job and soon thereafter, discovered her talent for painting. Since then, she’s gone all-in on her career as an artist, and she is building quite a strong following in the art world.

If you are a person who dreams of pursuing your creative passion full time, then you will love this episode—it’s full of actionable ideas around art and the creative process. We talk about the remote cabin where Morgan lives and paints, and why she needs solitude and open spaces for maximum creative output. We discuss her daily routine and how she primes her artistic mindset through hiking, meditation, and writing. We also discuss how she blocks out distractions and her techniques for using the productive aspects of social media while avoiding the time-wasting traps. We obviously talk about the point when she discovered her talent for painting and how she has honed that talent through workshops and mentorships from top painters. Finally, Morgan tells some great stories about hunting for ghosts with her dad, her favorite books, a bear that broke into her car, and the importance of having no “Plan B.” Enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Morgan Irons

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

5:00 – Where Morgan is based
6:00 – Why Morgan likes solitude
8:00 – Balancing technology—productivity vs. distraction
11:00 – Morgan’s younger years
12:00 – Heading to college in St. Louis
14:30 – Family history in Alaska
17:30 – Job in Alaska
22:00 – Lessons learned in Alaska
23:00 – Moving in Bozeman
25:15 – Discovering art
27:00 – Buying paint and starting to make art
30:00 – Feelings during the process of painting
32:30 – Learning from the masters while keeping the originality
35:30 – Formal learning from world-class artists
38:00 – Learning from fellow students as well as professors
40:00 – Daily routines
44:00 – Meditation practice
46:30 – Balancing friendships with her need for solo time
50:00 – How the West shapes her work
53:30 – Mentors and artists Morgan admires
56:00 – A non-painting artist who Morgan admires
58:30 – How her psychology degree has helped her art
1:00:00 – Favorite books
1:04:00 – Ghost hunting!
1:08:30 – Crazy bear encounter
1:12:00 – Words of wisdom
1:14:30 – Connect with Morgan online

Information Referenced:

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Posted on July 22, 2019 by ELR

Artists, Creativity

Heather Hansman is a freelance writer and editor whose work explores the intersection of science, adventure, and culture. Her new book Downriver: Into the Future of Water in the West should be required reading for everyone who enjoys this podcast—it strikes the perfect balance of being entertaining and educational while examining all sides of the many issues facing the West’s water supply. There are few topics in the West as divisive and emotional as water, and in her book, Heather provides a balanced overview of all the issues, delving deep into the substance of water-related arguments, without crossing over into the mind-numbing jargon that defines most water-related writing.

The book follows Heather’s 730-mile float down the length of the Green River, starting at the base of Wyoming’s Wind River mountains and ending at the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers in Utah. Along the way, she meets with a wide range of western water stakeholders—ranchers, farmers, river guides, government employees, scientists, conservationists, and more—and digs into their sometimes competing interests fighting for their shares of water in the West. But the book is far from an academic examination of water law—Heather paddled two-thirds of the river completely alone, so there is also a compelling adventure narrative that runs throughout the book.

To understand most of the challenges facing the West, you need to understand water, and this episode is a perfect place to start. Heather and I start our conversation by laying out some of the basics around water—terminology that you may have heard thrown around but never truly understood. She explains how water in the West is a property right separate from land, and she explains some of the common language used when discussing water. We chat about why the Colorado River is over-allocated, and how transbasin diversions have transformed much of the West into a very large and complex plumbing system. For the second half of the conversation, we discuss Heather’s professional path as a writer, journalist, and former river guide. We talk about why she moved west, her first gig as a professional writer, and some of the tricks of the trade she uses to force herself to write. And as usual, we discuss favorite books, films, and favorite locations in the West.

As a guy who spends much of my day working with water and water rights, I can’t thank Heather enough for writing this book. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

Photos courtesy of Heather Hansman

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

4:15 – Events leading to writing the book
7:30 – Overview of the river trip
11:00 – Women pursuing adventure for adventure’s sake
15:00 – Water as a private property right
16:30 – What does “over-allocation” mean?
19:20 – How do we overcome water shortages?
20:30 – Transbasin diversions and the West’s plumbing system
23:00 – Ins-and-outs of dams
26:00 – Importance of being open-minded to all sides of issues in the West
29:40 – “Water flows uphill towards money”
32:00 – True value of water
33:45 – Potential water crisis
35:00 – Reasons for optimism
39:10 – Early years of river guiding
42:30 – Pursuing a career in journalism
44:30 – Benefits of journalism grad school
45:45 – Process of writing and writing the book
48:00 – Mentors
50:50 – Becoming a full-time writer
52:15 – Favorite books
56:30 – Favorite films
57:30 – Scariest event on the Green River trip
1:02:30 – Favorite location in the West
1:05:00 – Request of the podcast listeners
1:06:30 – Connect with Heather online

Information Referenced:

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Posted on July 9, 2019 by ELR

Adventurers, Agriculture, Books, Conservation, Creativity, Ecology, History, Writers

If you’re a regular Mountain & Prairie listener, then you are undoubtedly familiar with best-selling author David Gessner. He has written several of my all-favorite books, most notably All the Wild That Remains: Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and the American West. He was also a past guest on this podcast almost exactly a year ago—a conversation that continues to receive excellent feedback and ranks as one of my most downloaded episodes. Between his writing, teaching, chairing the Creative Writing department at University of North Carolina Wilmington, and his role as a committed family man, David is a busy guy—so I greatly appreciate his sitting down to record a second episode.

We caught up during his annual trip to Colorado and covered a wide range of fascinating topics, all presented with his signature style of deeply considered insightfulness balanced with a hilarious sense of humor. We chatted about his ongoing work on his new book about public lands and Theodore Roosevelt, as well as a recent research trip in which he flew in a Cessna from Colorado to northwest Montana and many places in between. We discussed his thoughts on Theodore Roosevelt, and how his opinions of the man have evolved throughout this book project. David shares more insights into his writing process and how endurance and team sports have helped build his discipline and work ethic as an author. We spend a good amount of time discussing his book Ultimate Glory, digging into the mindset that allowed David to pursue the sport of Ultimate Frisbee—and writing—with laser-focused obsession. We finish up by chatting about some of the best books he’s read in the past year, as well as one relatively unknown author that everyone who loves the West should read.

This episode will obviously be of great interest to people who love the West, but I highly recommend it to anyone who is focused on a creative pursuit—writing, painting, poetry, sculpture, you name it. Thanks to his decades of daily grinding and obsession, David is a shining example of the discipline and commitment required to be a professional artist, and he’s damn good at explaining it in a way that really sinks in.

If you haven’t already, check out my first conversation with David as well—there’s a link in the episode notes. But right now, enjoy this enlightening and hilarious conversation with David Gessner.

Headshot courtesy of David Gessner, Banner photo by Ed

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

4:00 – The importance of Boulder, Colorado in David’s life and work
9:00 – Endurance feats as a metaphor for writing
11:00 – Importance of having massive goals
12:45 – Importance of ambition
15:00 – Current book project and trip to the West
18:45 – Recent flight around the West
20:00 – Examining TR in a modern context
22:20 – Reluctance to become an activist
25:50 – Changing perspectives on TR
30:00 – Political cartooning
32:00 – David on taking feedback from editors and others
35:15 – Importance of constraints in writing and life
39:50 – Arête
42:15 – Finding camaraderie outside of team sports
46:50 – Teaching the writing mindset
50:50 – Best books David read this year
53:45 – Lesser known authors worth reading

Information Referenced:

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Posted on June 24, 2019 by ELR

Books, Conservation, Creativity, History, Writers

Mike Phillips is the Director of the Turner Endangered Species Fund (“TESF”), an organization that he co-founded in 1997 with Ted Turner. Mike is also a Montana state senator representing District 31, which encompasses parts of his hometown of Bozeman and the surrounding area. In his work as an ecologist, Mike has spent much of his career studying and implementing the reintroduction of wolves throughout the United States. And in both science and politics, he’s never shied away from taking vocal leadership roles involving a wide range of important issues in southwest Montana and beyond.

Mike is very well known for his work with gray wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and also for his efforts to reintroduce the species into western Colorado. But as you’ll hear in our conversation, wolves are just a small part of his work– his overarching interest is the persistence of many imperiled species, with a particular emphasis on private land’s role in the recovery efforts. Whether considering the fate of monarch butterflies, cutthroat trout, or gray wolves, Mike’s approach is the same– an action-oriented, science-backed strategy toward conserving biological diversity.

No matter where you stand on the issue of gray wolf reintroduction, I encourage you to give this conversation with Mike a very close listen. If you’re like me, you’ll be struck not only by his passion for ecology but by his deep reliance on non-emotional, quantitative scientific data. You’ll also notice his insatiable curiosity and his willingness to change his when presented with compelling new information. And finally, I think you’ll be impressed by his ability to discuss controversial topics such as wolves or politics in a respectful, considered tone that welcomes conversation and input from all sides of the issues.

I can’t thank Mike enough for taking the time out of his busy schedule to chat. This is an important conversation that will make you think, and Mike’s enthusiasm will likely motivate you to dedicate more of your time to a cause that is important to you.

Headshot courtesy of Mike Phillips

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

3:30 – Beginnings of the Turner Endangered Species Fund
9:30 – Mike’s background in ecology
14:00 – TESF success stories
17:30 – Wolf recovery in Colorado
24:30 – Mike addresses the counterarguments to wolf recovery
35:00 – Mike’s ability to not shy away from conflict—in ecology and politics
39:30 – Decision to enter into politics
43:30 – Importance of being mission and service oriented
44:30 – Lessons learned from baseball
47:30 – Importance of being able to “see around the next corner”
48:30 – Private land’s role in conservation
53:30 – Favorite books
56:00 – Favorite films
58:00 – Favorite location in the West
1:00:00 – Request of the listeners

Information Referenced:

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Posted on June 9, 2019 by ELR

Conservation, Conservationists, Ecology, History, Leadership, Service

James Decker is a farmer, attorney, and the Mayor of Stamford, TX, a tight-knit agricultural community located about 45 minutes north of Abilene. James grew up in Stamford, left for college and law school, but immediately returned home to begin his career– his love of his hometown and desire to contribute to its success far outweighed any material success that could result from practicing law in a big city. With his service-oriented mindset and natural leadership abilities, James worked his way up from city council to Mayor, all while working as an attorney and growing his family.

Like so many devoted small-town mayors, James is driven by a deep desire to see his community thrive, despite the many forces that seem to be conspiring against small-town America. He approaches local politics with an inspiring amount of focus and determination, and he’s not afraid to seek out new ideas from a variety of sometimes-unexpected sources. His weekly essays are worth a read whether you live in Stamford or not– he explores subjects ranging from the nuts and bolts of economic development to the writings of Wendell Berry to quotations from Theodore Roosevelt.

James is a shining example of the positive impact that one passionate person can have when he or she decides to lead with enthusiasm, optimism, and old-fashioned hard work. We covered a lot in our conversation, starting with his upbringing in Stamford and some of the history of the town. We talk about how he chose to return to Stamford after law school, despite having plenty of other opportunities elsewhere. We discuss the challenges facing rural America and how he chooses to approach economic development with an aggressive, proactive posture. We also talk about his mentors and heroes, and how his love of history and biographies inform his leadership. We obviously talk a lot about Wendell Berry and Theodore Roosevelt, as well as his favorite books and our shared love of the greatest movie of all time, Road House.

The West is full of many small agricultural towns, and many of those communities share the same opportunities and challenges facing Stamford. I think you’ll be inspired by this episode, and be sure to check the notes for links to everything we discuss. Enjoy!

Photos courtesy of James Decker

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

4:15 – How James describes his work
5:00 – Stamford, Texas described
7:00 – Family history
8:30 – Growing up in Stamford
9:30 – Choice to return to Stamford
15:30 – Local heroes and mentors
18:00 – What creates community pride?
22:30 – James’s weekly essays
26:00 – Decision to run for mayor
28:00 – Biggest surprise of being mayor
31:30 – Biggest challenge facing Stamford
35:30 – Economic opportunities in small towns
39:45 – Sources of inspirations, Wendell Berry and TR
45:15 – Seeking out different opinions
47:00 – National and local politics
51:45 – How kids have changed James’s perspective
57:00 – Importance of aggression
1:00:00 – Best Texas history books
1:02:30 – Favorite books
1:08:50 – Favorite films
11:11:30 – Hobbies away from work
1:13:30 – Favorite location in the West
1:15:30 – Best advice ever received
1:16:30 – Request of the listeners
1:18:00 – Connect with James

Information Referenced:

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Posted on May 24, 2019 by ELR

Agriculture, Conservation, History, Leadership, Ranchers, Regenerative Ag, Service

Logan Maxwell Hagege (*photo credit:* *Jason Frank Rothenberg* *for Best Made Co.*)

If you love the West and you love art, then you are likely already a fan of Logan Maxwell Hagege. He is a renowned painter whose depictions of the people and landscapes of the West have won him acclaim around the globe. His work is as stunning as it is unique, and when you see one of Logan’s pieces, there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind as to exactly who painted it. He uses bold colors and striking composition to create a style that is entirely his own– a style that continues to evolve, even after all of his success.

Logan was born and raised in California, and he has been an obsessive artist for as long as he can remember. Whether drawing, playing music, surfing, or painting, Logan has always gone “all in” on his creative pursuits. And as you’ll hear, Logan’s tendency towards obsession is fueled by a tireless work ethic and deep commitment to continuing to grow as an artist– he is always pushing himself and refuses to rest on his laurels. That’s not to say that Logan doesn’t suffer from artistic blocks from time to time. But when he does, rather than wallow, he’s developed hard-nosed, time-tested methods of summoning creativity and continuing to push forward.

I’ve been a fan of Logan’s for many years, so I was thrilled to get the opportunity to chat with him. We covered a lot, including his childhood creative obsessions and how his parents nurtured his artistic streak. We talk about his formal art education, and how he made the jump from art student to professional artist. Logan describes the evolution of his work, and how his early paintings are almost unrecognizable when compared to his current style. We chat about how he maintains focus after so many years of professional art, and he describes specific ways that he pushes himself to continue to evolve as an artist. He explains how he knows when a painting is finished, and how having a son has changed his routine and outlook. And as usual, we discuss favorite books, films, and the best advice he’s ever received.

There’s a ton of useful information in this episode so be sure to check the episode notes for links to everything. Enjoy!

“By the Light of Day” by Logan Maxwell Hagege

Photos by Jason Frank Rothenberg for Best Made Co.

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

4:00 – How Logan describes his work
6:30 – Logan’s childhood artistic endeavors
8:15 – Art education
10:00 – Transition from art school to professional artist
12:15 – Old work compared to new work
15:00 – Transition to a new style of painting
16:45 – Source of Logan’s independence
19:15 – Importance of work ethic
20:30 – How he keeps the artistic motivation alive
21:20 – When the southwest became a focus
23:15 – Logan’s daily creative schedule
25:00 – How parenthood affected Logan’s outlook
26:30 – Logan’s studio spaces
28:00 – The inspiration for Logan’s works
29:45 – How to know when a painting is done
32:00 – Thoughts on looking at others’ artwork
35:00 – What Logan listens to while painting
36:30 – The business of art
38:35 – Mentors and heroes
41:00 – Books on creativity
42:30 – Other non-art activities
46:30 – Favorite books
48:30 – Daily rituals and getting to work
51:00 – More favorite books
52:00 – Favorite films
54:30 – Most powerful outdoor experience
58:45 – Best advice ever received
1:03:30 – Request of the listeners

Information Referenced:

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Posted on May 10, 2019 by ELR

Artists, Craftsmanship, Creativity, Native American History

Mary Rondepierre is a fourth-generation Montanan, avid sportswoman, and a public lands advocate who has explored our nation’s wild places from coast to coast. She is also the Marketing and Experiences Manager at Filson, one of the most renowned and respected outdoor apparel brands anywhere. Currently based in Seattle, Mary has managed to combine her personal and professional passions into an exciting and rewarding career that melds together high-performance business with conservation and time in wide-open spaces.

As a child, Mary grew up in a household that respected the outdoors and valued rich experiences over accumulating endless amounts of “stuff.” Her father worked as a commercial fisherman and logger, wearing– you guessed it– Filson gear to his jobs in the often-brutal environments of Alaska and the West. Mary headed to Oregon State for college, and soon after graduation entered the apparel business, eventually landing at Filson. Since then, she’s worn many hats at the company and now works closely with Filson’s partnership with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, helping to produce their “Campfire Stories” events around the country.

If you’re like me, love the outdoors, and own a ridiculously large stash of gear, odds are you’ve dreamed about working at a well-known outdoor apparel company. Mary’s career serves as an excellent case study for anyone interested in pursuing this path, and she reveals how she managed to land such a dream job. We talk about her education and early career, as well as her decision to work retail at Filson to “get her foot in the door.” We discuss the critical lessons she learned from working on the sales floor, and how those retail experiences inform and enhance her current role at Filson. We chat about an epic road trip she took with her husband in which they visited public lands from coast to coast, and we talk about how her upbringing in rural Montana instilled a deep love and respect of public lands. As usual, we discuss favorite books, places in the West, and the best advice she’s ever received. Enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Mary Rondepierre

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

4:30 – How Mary describes her work
6:30 – History of Filson
9:40 – Holding high standards
11:45 – Outdoor apparel marketing
13:30 – Partnership with Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
18:10 – How Mary began working in outdoor apparel
19:00 – Mary’s dad’s secret camps!
20:00 – Family history in Montana
22:55 – Childhood outdoor adventures
24:00 – Decision to leave Montana
26:30 – First job out of college
28:30 – First job at Filson
30:10 – Experience working retail
33:30 – Filson’s “Unfailing Goods”
35:30 – Humility gained from retail
38:00 – Advice to recent college grads
41:00 – Thoughts on reading business books versus real-world experience
44:10 – Epic public lands roadtrip
49:30 – Proposal story!
42:00 – Lessons learned from the road trip
55:00 – Favorite spots in the PNW
59:30 – Awesome TR side conversation
1:01:45 – Mentors
1:04:30 – Favorite books
1:09:00 – Most powerful outdoor experience
1:12:45 – Favorite location in the West
1:13:30 – Best advice ever received
1:14:30 – Request of the listeners
1:16:00 – Connect with Mary

Information Referenced:

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Posted on May 3, 2019 by ELR

Conservation, Creativity, Entrepreneurs, Hunting & Fishing

Bryce Andrews – People, Predators, and the American West

Bryce Andrews is a Montana-based rancher, conservationist, and author whose unique set of experiences gives him uncommon insights into the relationship between humans and carnivores in the West. Having worked as a ranch hand, ranch manager, and ranch owner, Bryce understands agriculture and the myriad of challenges faced by producers. As Field Director at the non-profit People and Carnivores, he has gained first-hand knowledge of the predicaments facing large predators in the Rockies. And as an author, he has researched and written extensively about all sides of the issue– most notably in his books Badluck Way and his new book Down from the Mountain, which was published earlier this week.

Bryce grew up in Seattle, far removed from ranching, farming, and the arid ruggedness of the Rocky Mountain West. But soon after college, he landed an entry-level job at the 20,000-acre Sun Ranch, located in Montana’s spectacular Upper Madison River Valley. On the Sun Ranch, Bryce received a trial-by-fire education in the sometimes-problematic relationship between agriculture and wild animals, a relationship he has spent much of his professional career exploring. The latest manifestation of this exploration is Down from the Mountain, an educational, entertaining, and sometimes-heartbreaking book that explores specific interactions between grizzly bears and farms in Montana’s Mission Valley. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book and cannot recommend it enough.

If you are familiar with this podcast and the topics that I love to discuss, then you know that Bryce is a perfect guest. He’s smart, funny, insightful, and has a real gift for explaining complex, sometimes controversial topics in an engaging way. We talked a lot about Down from the Mountain, discussing grizzlies, farming, and the unique location and topography of the Mission Valley. We talk about Bryce’s upbringing in Seattle, and what drove him to explore the West after college. We discuss his work with People and Carnivores, and how his background in agriculture helps him to span the divide between his organization and the farming and ranching communities. Bryce also explains his writing and research process and offers some excellent advice for aspiring authors. And as usual, we spend a lot of time discussing books, authors, and his most powerful outdoor experience.

I encourage you to find a copy of Down from the Mountain and give it a read. You will not be disappointed!

Photos courtesy of Bryce Andrews and HMH Publishing

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

4:00 – Bryce describes his work
5:20 – How Bryce started ranching
6:30 – First experiences ranching
7:20 – Heading to the Rockies after college
9:00 – Getting a hand-hold in ranching
10:30 – Culture shock of the West
13:50 – First encounter with carnivores
16:30 – Primal thrill of wildlife encounters
17:30 – Work with People and Carnivores
20:00 – Finding common ground in the carnivore controversies
25:00 – “Down from the Mountain”
29:00 – Mission Valley explained
34:00 – Similarities between humans and Grizzlies
37:30 – Unexpected tension of bears in a cornfield
41:20 – Bryce’s history as a writer
42:50 – Favorite/important writers
46:30 – Bryce’s relationship with writing
50:00 – Writing, the flow state, and fear
52:00 – Intense life events versus the boring “real world”
56:15 – Advice for aspiring writers
59:45 – Favorite books about the West
1:01:50 – Most powerful outdoor experience
1:03:30 – Request of the listeners
1:05:30 – Connect with Bryce

Information Referenced:

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Jessica Lewis is a Montana-based metalsmith who is best known for the beautifully unique jewelry she creates for her online shop, Ruby and Revolver. She is also the mother of a two-year-old daughter, who she is raising with her husband in the home they constructed with their own hands in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. Thanks to her tireless work ethic and disciplined creativity, Jessica has built an authentic and full life around the things she loves most– her family, her craft, and Western landscapes.

Montana’s rugged mountains and valleys have been a part of Jessica’s life for as long as she can remember, and even though she has traveled widely, she has always returned to Big Sky Country. The Rocky Mountain landscapes inform many aspects of her work, as does her ethic of “doing more with less.” By American standards, she and her family embrace a purposefully minimalist lifestyle which allows Jessica to focus on quality over quantity in both her professional and personal endeavors. In our world of constant connectivity and endless distraction, I’m truly inspired by Jessica’s genuine and mindful approach toward living a simple yet rich and meaningful life.

Jessica was kind enough to take a break from her numerous projects for this fun conversation about her life, creative process, and love of Montana. We chatted about how she got her start making jewelry and how the impending birth of her daughter inspired her to pursue art full time. We talked about how she began making jewelry with the simplest of tools, and how the desire for fancy equipment can distract from the act of making art. We talk a lot about parenthood, and Jessica explains how becoming a mother shifted her perspectives on work and life. We discuss our shared appreciation for Stoic philosophy, and how several specific books have impacted Jessica’s creativity. We talk about the importance of international travel and wisdom gained from spending time abroad. And as usual, we discuss favorite books about the West, the best advice she’s ever received, and several of her unexpected hobbies.

I really loved the conversation and know you will too. Thanks again to Jessica for taking the time to chat. Enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Jessica Lewis

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

3:40 – How Jessica describes her work
5:00 – Jessica’s jewelry described
7:00 – Embracing the rawness of her work
8:50 – Materials used for her jewelry
10:30 – Why she was drawn to metalworking
12:15 – Starting out with simple tools
14:30 – Importance of her studio
17:00 – Making the leap into full-time art
19:45 – The bravery to pursue artistic dreams
22:50 – How kids change parents’ perspectives
23:45 – Creative mentors and influences
25:50 – Books that have influenced creativity
29:30 – Daily routines
30:55 – Importance of exercise
31:50 – Living in the Bitterroot Valley
32:45 – Growing up in Montana
35:30 – International travels*
36:45 – Lessons learned from international travel
39:00 – “Doing more with less”
42:00 – Ed’s weird story about accumulating junk
44:00 – More on parenthood and its effects
46:10 – Advice to new parents
48:30 – Current project of building a new house by hand
52:00 – Jessica’s healthy relationship with technology
57:15 – Advice to aspiring creatives
59:50 – Favorite books
1:03:25 – Favorite films
1:05:30 – Surprising activities
1:07:00 – Favorite location in the West
1:08:30 – Best advice received
1:10:30 – Request of the listeners
1:11:50 – Connect with Jessica online
(*Quick correction – In our discussion around travel, we mistakenly mispoke about Maoist insurgency in Vietnam, which was incorrect. The insurgency was in Nepal, where Jess also worked in the women’s clinic. Apoloigies for any confusion!)

Information Referenced:

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Posted on April 13, 2019 by ELR

Adventurers, Artists, Athletes, Craftsmanship, Creativity, Entrepreneurs, Mindfulness

Len Necefer is a scholar, entrepreneur, and outdoor adventurer who is also a proud member of the Navajo Nation. Academically, Len holds a Ph.D. in engineering and public policy, and he is currently a professor of both Indian Studies and public policy at the University of Arizona. In business, he’s the CEO of NativesOutdoors, a cutting-edge outdoor apparel company that uses its platform to advocate for the cultural empowerment indigenous people. And to top it all off, Len is a committed mountaineer, backcountry skier, and rock climber, having ticked off countless impressive adventures throughout the West.

It is clear that Len has accomplished a lot personally, but what is even more impressive is the positive ripple effect his work is having on the outdoor industry. By melding his professional expertise, personal interests, and cultural heritage, he has become one of the leading voices advocating for Native American representation in outdoor recreation and conservation. His work and personal story have been featured in big-time publications such as Outside and Alpinist, and he’s recently delved into filmmaking with his newest film Welcome to Gwichyaa Zhee. As you’ll hear, Len has a unique ability to educate and inspire, and his message is striking a chord with a large, engaged audience.

As you’d expect from a guy as multifaceted as Len, he offers up a wealth of knowledge in our conversation. We talked about his Navajo heritage and discussed the unique history and culture of the Navajo tribe. We chatted about his recent film and discussed the of impact oil and gas development on Native populations in areas such as Bears Ears and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. We chatted about the need for mutual respect between the outdoor industry and indigenous groups, and Len explains two fascinating case studies around rock climbing on sacred Native lands. He gives an excellent overview of his company NativesOutdoors, and he explains why he chose to start a business instead of a non-profit. And as usual, we discuss favorite books, films, and the best advice he ever received.

Thanks so much to Len for carving out time to chat. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

Photos courtesy of Len Necefer

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

4:10 – How Len describes his work
6:15 – Len’s early years
7:00 – Navajo background
9:00 – History of the Navajo tribe
12:00 – Len’s new film: “Welcome to Gwichyaa Zhee”
16:15 – Oil and gas development’s impact on humans
19:40 – Historic native management of landscapes
22:15 – Preservation of people as new phase of conservation
27:15 – NativesOutdoors
33:00 – For-profit versus non-profit
34:00 – Native Americans and the outdoor industry
38:30 – Climbing Case Studies: Devil’s Tower versus Bears Ears
43:00 – How does he accomplish so much?
45:00 – Len’s work ethic
48:15 – Best books about Native American culture
50:45 – Favorite books about the West
52:00 – Favorite films
53:30 – Most powerful outdoor experience
56:15 – Favorite locations in the West
57:00 – Best advice ever received
58:30 – Request of the listeners
59:15 – Connect with Len

Information Referenced:

Posted on March 30, 2019 by ELR

Adventurers, Athletes, Conservation, Entrepreneurs, Leadership, Native American History

Chris Dombrowski – Words, Water & the West

Chris Dombrowski is an author, poet, and fishing guide who lives and works in Missoula, Montana. As a writer, Chris is probably best known for his book Body of Water: A Sage, a Seeker, and the World’s Most Elusive Fish, which is one of the best books I’ve read in years. He has also published several collections of poetry, and his newest volume titled Ragged Anthem will be released this week. When you merge Chris’s decades of experience in the outdoors with his phenomenal skills as a wordsmith and creative, the end product is some of the most engaging writing that any outdoor lover could ever hope to read.

Chris grew up in Michigan and was always drawn to fishing, hunting, and outdoor adventure. During high school, his favorite English teacher gave him a copy of A River Runs Through It—he devoured the book in a day and from that point forward he knew he wanted to be a professional writer living in the American West. Over the following years, he began fish guiding in Montana, attended graduate school in Missoula, and built a solid career as a working writer and poet. Along the way, he formed friendships with such notable western writers as Jim Harrison and David James Duncan, and he established his nonprofit writing workshop, the Beargrass Writing Retreat.

If you are interested in creativity, writing, or the writing process, then you will absolutely love this episode with Chris. We discuss that fateful day when he read A River Runs Through It and exactly how that moment changed his life. We discuss his work as a teacher and a guide, and how those skills inform his writing. We talk about his writing process and his writing studio, the importance of creating art with a disciplined, workman-like approach, and how he deals with any self-doubt that may come with publishing his work. We chat in depth about poetry, and Chris offers some great advice for poetry novices like me who want to better understand the art form. We talk about specific writers Chris particularly admires, including John McFee, James Galvin, Thomas McGuane, David James Duncan, Jim Harrison, and more. He offers a ton of great book recommendations, discusses his favorite rivers in Montana, and shares some excellent words of wisdom to people who love the West.

Thanks again to Chris for this fun conversation—I hope you enjoy it!

Photos courtesy of Chris Dombrowski

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

3:00 – How Chris describes his work
6:30 – Story behind “Body of Water”
13:00 – How writing poetry helps his nonfiction work
17:00 – Structuring nonfiction like McPhee
19:00 – Experience teaching
21:00 – Reading seriously
23:15 – Teaching as a complement to writing
25:30 – Early experiences in Montana
27:00 – First big trip to the Rockies
27:30 – First time reading “A River Runs Through It”
29:00 – Importance of fishing
31:00 – Importance of passion in work
34:30 – Chris’s writing process
38:00 – Importance of having a writing studio
44:00 – Struggle of staying on task
48:30 – Dealing with self doubt
54:30 – How to read poetry
1:00:30 – Lessons learned from Jim Harrison
1:05:00 – Background on “Ragged Anthem”
1:08:30 – In depth conversation on podcasts
1:12:00 – Favorite books about the West
1:19:00 – Favorite rivers in the West
1:21:00 – Words of wisdom
1:25:15 – Connect with Chris

Information Referenced:

Auden Schendler is Senior Vice President of Sustainability at Aspen Skiing Company, where he focuses on finding large-scale solutions to climate change, specifically through clean energy and activism. Aspen Skiing Company has long been at the forefront of sustainable business practices, and Auden is one of the main forces behind the scenes driving those efforts—efforts that have positively influenced the ski and outdoor industries at large. In addition to his daily work in Aspen, he’s a well-known author and speaker, and he wrote the amazingly impactful book Getting Green Done: Hard Truths from the Front Lines of the Sustainability Revolution.

For a guy who spends his days deep in the trenches fighting the forces of climate change, Auden is surprisingly upbeat, energetic, and funny—as you’ll hear, we spend quite a bit of time laughing. But he’s far from naive or overly idealistic—he is quick to call out “greenwashing” when he sees it and is unapologetically focused on achieving specific, measurable results. Through trial and error and a lot of hard work, Auden has managed to find the balance of the optimism needed to pursue audacious initiatives with the pragmatism required to succeed in a competitive business environment.

From a personal perspective, Auden’s work and writing have been especially impactful on my career—I read his book a few months after earning my MBA, and it provided a much different perspective from the profit-at-all-costs philosophy that was the norm in business school. So it was obviously an honor to meet him, and I appreciate his letting me hassle him with questions for an hour.

We had a wide-ranging and fun conservation, discussing A work at Aspen Skiing Company and how he got his start in sustainability. We talked a lot about reading and books, specifically how the works of Cormac McCarthy and Jack Kerouac affected his outlook and approach to work. We chat about his daily routine and how he manages to fit so much into a single day, as well as how he wraps his head around pursuing a goal as overwhelming as solving climate change. We also talk about his expedition to Denali, how his kids have changed his outlook, and the importance of daily exercise. And as usual, we discuss favorite books about the West, favorite films, and his favorite location in the West.

This is an excellent episode, and I can’t thank Auden enough for making time in his busy schedule to chat. Links to everything are in the episode notes. Enjoy!

Photos courtesy of Auden Schendler

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Episode Notes

Topics Discussed:

3:10 – How Auden began his career in sustainability
4:15 – Transition from theoretical sustainability to the business world
7:10 – Balancing patience with action
8:45 – Work as a practice
11:30 – Understanding the need for big challenges
12:45 – Mentors
16:00 – First visits to the West
17:30 – Republicans and the history of conservation
18:45 – On the Road’s influence on Auden
20:00 – Favorite failures
22:00 – Influence of Pat O’Donnell
24:30 – Publicly traded versus private companies
26:00 – Companies as political levels
29:00 – Dealing with climate change deniers
31:15 – Dealing with criticism
33:00 – Basalt fire and community
35:30 – Why does Auden choose to stay in the trenches?
37:15 – Auden’s daily routine
40:15 – How kids change his perspective
42:20 – Favorite books about the West
45:50 – Favorite films
47:50 – Most powerful outdoor experience
51:00 – Favorite location in the West
52:45 – Best advice he’s ever received
54:40 – Request of the podcast listeners
55:50 – Connect with Auden

Information Referenced:

Posted on March 3, 2019 by ELR