Robert Krapfel – On Living A Purpose-Driven Life
Robert Krapfel is a US Forest Service smokejumper—a member of the elite team of wildland firefighters who parachute into remote, burning landscapes to control some of our country’s most intense forest fires. Prior to joining the smokejumpers, Robert was a fish biologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, where he worked on restoring several species of fish in the lower Colorado River system. You may also know Robert as the husband of my previous guest Jillian Lukiwski, and if so, you’ve likely admired stunning photographs of them fishing, hunting, and exploring far-flung corners of the American West.
Growing up in Northern California, Robert was always focused on pushing himself hard in the outdoors, learning new skills, and establishing a sense of self-sufficiency in wild places. As a teenager, he taught himself to fish and hunt, and early in his career, he learned how to operate heavy machinery while rebuilding a remote government satellite station in the Arizona desert. Robert’s intense curiosity and action-oriented mindset have allowed him to build a life centered around adventure and rugged landscapes, while simultaneously being of service to our country and stewarding the forests of the West.
Because Robert has almost no social media presence, not many people outside his immediate circle of friends and family truly grasp what a unique life he leads, nor do they understand the vital role he played in the creation of Jillian’s blog and jewelry business, The Noisy Plume. Robert and Jillian are true partners in every sense of the word, and their approach to business, adventure, and living an authentic, purpose-driven life can be instructive for couples and individuals alike. They pursue their goals as a team and have sacrificed much along the way to turn their dreams into realities.
Robert is a perfect guest for this podcast, because his career and interests touch on almost everything that fascinates me—the West, adventure, service, creativity, hunting, fishing, travel, conservation, ecology, and plenty more. We obviously cover a lot in this episode, including the ins and outs of his becoming a smokejumper and his scariest experience while fighting fires. We discuss his work as a fish biologist, and how he and Jillian spent a year living in the Arizona desert in a rat-infested trailer. Robert also has a unique educational background, which we discuss in detail. And of course we talk about the creation of the Noisy Plume, and how Jillian’s and his vision for the project has evolved over time. And for a podcast that is always heavy on book recommendations, this episode is particularly full of good titles.
This is a great episode, so I know you’ll enjoy it. As I mentioned, Robert isn’t on social media, but you can catch glimpses of him every now and then on Jillian’s Instagram account, so be sure to follow her at @thenoisyplume. Enjoy!
All photos courtesy of Jillian Lukiwski
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed:
5:50 – How he got involved in smokejumping
8:00 – How smokejumpers are selected
10:00 – Importance of integrity in smokejumping
11:20 – Robert’s desire to challenge himself physically and mentally
13:10 – Growing up in northern California
13:55 – Teaching himself to fish and hunt
16:10 – Importance of learning by doing
17:20 – Robert’s educational path
18:40 – College in Alaska
19:20 – Decision to attend Bible college in Montana
20:50 – Train jumping in Montana (and the ensuing accident!)
25:00 – Recovering from a broken back
27:00 – Finishing school at Wheaton College
28:00 – College versus all of Robert’s varied interests
28:40 – Eloping with Jillian
30:40 – Working as a fish biologist
32:20 – Moving to a satellite station in the desert
33:00 – Endangered fish in the lower Colorado
35:00 – Arriving at the abandoned, rat-crap covered trailer
37:20 – Lessons learned from the time in Arizona
39:25 – Marriage benefits of living in stressful conditions
40:30 – Robert’s role in the creation of The Noisy Plume
43:20 – Original versus current vision for The Noisy Plume
46:25 – The importance of authenticity
47:00 – Why Robert avoids social media
48:25 – Robert’s choice to leave biology and focus completely on fire
50:30 – Rookie smokejumper training
54:30 – Tree climbing as a scary aspect of smokejumping
56:30 – Scariest experience fighting fires
1:02:30 – Readjusting to life after fire season
1:04:50 – Good books about fire
1:06:00 – Best biology books
1:08:30 – Favorite books about the West
1:10:50 – Favorite documentaries and films
1:12:50 – Unexpected hobbies
1:13:45 – Most powerful experience in the outdoors
1:15:40 – Favorite location in the West
1:17:45 – Best advice ever received
1:18:45 – Request of the listeners
- The Noisy Plume
- Youth by Joseph Conrad* (*When Robert refers to Conrad’s Typhoon, he actually meant this this book, Youth)
- US Forest Service Smokejumpers
- US Fish and Wildlife Service
- Young Men and Fire by Norman Maclean
- Razorback suckers
- Bonytail chub
- Tribe by Sebastian Junger
- The Big Burn by Timothy Egan
- John Muir
- Annie Dillard
- Seeing Nature by Paul Krafel
- Little Britches by Ralph Moody
- Laura Ingalls Wilder (Little House series)
- Zane Gray
- Always
- Road House (aka The Greatest Movie of All Time)
- Dolly Parton
- Jillian Lekiwski on Instagram
Jillian Lukiwski – Art and Adventure in the American West
Jillian Lukiwski is a writer, photographer, and silversmith who lives near the banks of the Snake River in south central Idaho. Her quiet confidence and deliberate approach to living have allowed Jillian to blaze her own trail, creating a rewarding career and an authentic life centered around Idaho’s unique landscape. When not working, Jillian and her husband Robert enjoy the western lifestyle from every imaginable angle—bird hunting with their german shorthair pointers, big game hunting, fishing, running, horseback riding, mountain biking, caring for their farm animals, and cultivating their land, to name a few.
Big western landscapes have always been an important part of Jillian’s life—her father worked for Canada’s National Park Service, so she was raised with a deep appreciation for the outdoors and adventure. From an early age, she was riding—and falling off of—horses, shadowing her father in the backcountry, and building a personal foundation of self-sufficiency and toughness. As a young woman, she applied that ingrained tenacity to writing, photography, and creating jewelry, and has since built a loyal following of admirers and customers around the world through her website, The Noisy Plume.
We had a fun conversation and managed to cover a wide range of interesting topics. We discussed her life path that eventually landed her in southeastern Idaho, and we chatted about the unique nature of that region. We talked about her creative process, how she’s been mostly self-taught in all of her art forms, and how she is able to manage the distractions of social media and the online world. We chatted about the importance of being uncomfortable, and how self-imposed physical and mental challenges can help to inoculate yourself against the inevitable difficulties of life. Jillian is a voracious reader, so we had a great discussion about books, as well as how reading has contributed to her success as a writer. Be sure to check the episode notes for a full list of everything we discussed.
This was a fun and inspiring interview, and I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did!
All photos courtesy of Jillian Lukiwski
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed:
3:20 – Jillian’s home in Idaho
4:40 – How she ended up in southeastern Idaho
7:00 – Description of Pocatello and the surrounding landscape
9:10 – Growing up in Canada’s National Parks
10:50 – Childhood in the outdoors
13:00 – Lessons i toughness learned from her father
16:40 – Jillian’s university experience
18:50 – Jillian’s drive to be her own boss
19:45 – Her early attraction to jewelry
21:00 – First silversmithing class
22:50 – Being a self-taught artist
24:25 – Her quest for original ideas
26:20 – Avoiding social media distraction
28:20 – Daily routines and must-do activities
31:10 – Running
35:20 – Hunting and her relationship with her bird dogs
40:00 – The reality of posting hunting images on social media
44:10 – Why Jillian seeks out discomfort
48:35 – Stories of suffering and benefits of those experiences
50:30 – Advice for those seeking a life similar to Jillian’s
52:15 – Favorite books
56:20 – How reading has affected her writing
59:45 – More books
1:01:00 – Favorite movies
1:03:15 – Unexpected talents
1:04:30 – Most powerful experience in the outdoors
1:06:45 – Favorite location in the West
1:09:20 – Biggest challenge facing the West
1:12:00 – Jillian’s request of the listeners
1:12:59 – Connect with Jillian online
- The Noisy Plume
- Jillian on Instagram
- Pocatello, Idaho
- Canadian National Parks
- The Wolf in the Parlor by Jon Franklin
- Alpha film trailer
- And So I Hunt by Jillian Lukiwski
- Ladies of the Canyons by Lesley Poling-Kempes
- Two in the Far North by Margaret Murie
- Claiming Ground by Laura Bell
- Ernest Hemingway
- Mary Oliver
- Dakota by Kathleen Norris
- The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris
- Where the Rivers Change by Mark Spragg (this is the one we couldn’t remember the name of)
- Unbranded
- Ben Masters podcast interview
- The River and The Wall
Matt Barber & Joel Doub – Stewards of a Fly Fishing Legacy
Matt Barber and Joel Doub are the owners of Tom Morgan Rodsmiths, a Bozeman-based fly rod company known for its unyielding commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and enduring performance. The duo purchased the company in early 2017 from Tom Morgan, a fly fishing legend who, along with his wife Gerri, built the company into one of the world’s most unique and renowned rod builders. Rather than focus on the latest fads or selling a high volume of products, Tom was dedicated solely to building the highest quality rod, one that could be passed on from generation to generation, decade after decade.
You may be surprised to learn that Matt and Joel are not fishing industry veterans—their previous careers were in education and medical device sales, respectively. But when Tom Morgan decided to sell the company, Matt and Joel’s passion for fly fishing, their willingness to learn from the best, and their commitment to continuing the company’s legacy allowed them to stand out from the crowd of competing buyers. To everyone’s dismay, Tom passed away unexpectedly soon after the sale of the company, but only after imparting his wisdom, craftsmanship secrets, and high standards to Matt and Joel. Building on Tom and Gerri’s rock-solid foundation, the company is now entering its next phase, and the future has never looked brighter.
Matt and Joel were in Denver for the annual Fly Fishing Show, so we met up to chat about the company and their journey into fly fishing entrepreneurship. We talked at length about Tom and his laser-like focus on quality, and how he was willing to snap a rod in half if it did not meet his high standards. We chatted about the “secret” to making these rods, which mostly boils down to being willing to work harder than anyone else. We talk about Tom’s unique partnership with his wife Gerri, and how the couple went about transferring decades of knowledge and experience to Matt and Joel. We discuss the company’s unique business model, and how it flies in the face of most mainstream, MBA business theories. And as usual, we discuss favorite books, films, crazy outdoor experiences, and plenty more.
This was a very fun conversation, and I’m excited to watch the company continue to grow and thrive under Matt and Joel’s ownership. Be sure to check out the episode notes for everything we discuss, and follow Tom Morgan Rodsmiths on Instagram and other social media. Enjoy!
All photos courtesy of Paige McAfee
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed:
- Tom Morgan Rodsmiths
- Tom Morgan Rodsmiths on Instagram & Facebook
- Denver Fly Fishing Show
- Winston Fly Rods
- Limmer Boots
- Yvon Chouinard
- Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- Cate Havstad interview
- The O’Dell
- Duke Beardsley
- Duke Beardsley interview
- Casting for Recovery
- G Loomis
- Wallace Stegner
- Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner
- The River Why by David James Duncan
- Cormac McCarthy
- All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
- A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean
- Platoon
- I Like Killing Flies
- Rivers and Tides
- Jim Howell interview
- Mark Maggiori interview
- Article from The Drake Magazine
Cate Havstad – Cultivating Creativity & Craftsmanship
Cate Havstad is a hat maker and farmer based in central Oregon whose abundant curiosity, creativity, and love of place have allowed her to transform her passions into a full-time and fulfilling career. As a hat maker, Cate’s unique style and unwavering commitment to quality have attracted customers ranging from music stars like Gillian Welch and Nikki Lane to hard-working ranchers and farmers throughout the American West. As a farmer, Cate and her partner are deeply committed to regenerative agriculture and the positive impact that their local efforts can have on a global scale. It’s safe to say she’s living a life guided by purpose and passion.
Born and raised in northern California, Cate was a driven athlete in her youth, as evidenced by her desire to be the first woman to play in the NBA (that’s the NBA, not the WNBA). As a young woman, a fortuitous series of events landed her in a hat maker’s workshop, where she applied that same focus and drive toward learning the craft of hat making. After accumulating experience and confidence as an apprentice, she struck out on her own and now creates some of the most sought-after, stylish, and functional hats on the market today. Cate’s life and work are closely connected to the landscape of central Oregon, and her other job as an organic farmer has given her a deep understanding of the role that regenerative agriculture can play in conservation, community building, and reversing climate change.
As you’ll hear in our conversation, Cate is extremely curious, well-read, and and knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects. We talk about her journey as a hat maker, and how she cultivates creativity and consistent production in a world filled with an increasing number of distractions. We discuss regenerative agriculture and how many people, including well-meaning environmentalists, don’t fully understand the importance of farmers and ranchers in the conservation movement. Cate is a devoted meditator and runner, so we talk about how both of those practices have improved her creativity and outlook. We also chat about Wendell Berry, Michael Pollan, Steven Pressfield, and how those authors’ works have impacted her life. There’s a lot to learn in this episode.
This was a fun conversation that could have continued for hours. Be sure the check the episode notes below for links to everything we discussed—it’s a long list! Hope you enjoy!
Header photo by Amanda Leigh Smith, others courtesy of Cate Havstad
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed:
- Cate Havstad on Instagram
- Havstad Hat Company
- Casad Family Farms
- Willy Tea Taylor
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Headspace
- Sit Like a Buddha by Lodro Rinzler
- Walk Like a Buddha by Lodro Rinzler
- Wendell Berry
- The Unsettling of America by Wendell Berry
- Michael Pollan
- In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
- Jim Howell interview
- Savory Institute
- Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Taylor Keen interview
- The Dirty Life by Kristen Kimball
- Kristen Kimball
- Deep Work by Cal Newport
- Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck
- The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
- Temperance Creek by Pamela Royes
- Unbranded
- Ben Masters interview
- Unbroken Ground
- 13th
Sarah King – Collaborative Conservation in the American Southwest
Sarah King is a rancher, conservationist, wife, and mother of two who lives and works on her family’s 55,000-acre cattle ranch in southern Arizona’s Altar Valley. The King’s Anvil Ranch was established in 1895 and has operated successfully within their family for generations, setting an example of how to run a financially viable agricultural business, while simultaneously protecting the long-term ecological health of their vast desert ranch. The Kings understand that in order for their business to thrive, the land must thrive, and they are leaders in pursuing a variety of outside-the-box land stewardship techniques, including the focused use of prescribed fires.
The King family spearheaded the creation of the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance, a cutting-edge land conservation organization that collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including private landowners, ranchers, government entities, conservation non-profits, and environmental advocacy groups. Thanks to focused, diligent efforts over the course of two decades, the AVCA has managed to bring together groups that have historically been at odds, allowing them to focus on shared goals and creative solutions to complicated challenges, rather than dwelling on their differences. As you’ll hear Sarah explain, AVCA understands that open, honest, face-to-face communication has been the key to tackling the Altar Valley’s complex challenges, and their success gives me hope that other organizations throughout the West can adopt their approach and enjoy the same success.
This was a very enlightening episode for me, because I personally just don’t know enough about the landscapes and heritage of the deep southwest. We dig into many of the details of the King’s Anvil Ranch and its operation, including the unique climate and ecology of the Arizona desert. Sarah explains how the AVCA came to be, and offers some insights into exactly what they do and how they’ve managed to have such success. We discuss Sarah’s personal background, specifically how an east coast native ended up on an expansive cattle ranch in Arizona. We talk about the benefits of raising children on a ranch, and the lessons she hopes to impart as they grow up closely connected to the land. Given that the ranch is located less than 40 miles from the Mexico border, we discuss how illegal border crossings have a significant effect on the ranch’s operations. And, of course, we discuss favorite books and documentaries, with links to everything in the episode notes.
I had such a great time chatting with Sarah, and I walked away from the conversation with a much deeper understanding of ranching, conservation, and life in the American southwest. She and her colleagues at AVCA are doing important, groundbreaking conservation work, so I encourage you to follow them and learn from their efforts. Also, be sure to follow Sarah on Instagram—on top of everything else, she’s a talented photographer, too. Enjoy!
Header photo courtesy of Sarah King, other courtesy of Roni Ziemba
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed:
4:10 – King’s Anvil Ranch
5:20 – History of the ranch
7:10 – Details on the ranching operation
10:30 – History of Altar Valley Conservation Alliance
13:15 – Events leading to the Alliance’s formation
16:30 – Importance of fire in the Altar Valley
20:00 – Examples of AVCA collaborative projects
25:20 – Why has AVCA been able to be successful where others have not?
28:45 – Specific reasons for AVCA’s success
31:15 – The importance of private land in the West
35:30 – How Sarah ended up in the west, working in ranching
39:00 – Sarah’s college thesis on women dude ranchers
41:15 – Realities of moving West from the east coast
42:30 – Benefits of raising children on a ranch
45:30 – Sarah’s photography
47:15 – Illegal immigration and its effects on the King’s ranch
55:50 – Favorite books
57:55 – Favorite documentaries
59:35 – Surprising activities
1:00:30 – Most powerful experience in the outdoors
1:03:30 – Best advice ever received
1:05:00 – Sarah’s request of the listeners
1:06:00 – Connect with Sarah online
- Sarah King on Instagram
- King’s Anvil Ranch on Facebook
- AZ Beef Council Article on Sarah and Joe King
- Altar Valley Conservation Alliance
- Altar Valley Watershed Framework
- AVCA award article
- Altar Valley Global Rangelands Collection
- Rolling Stone video featuring King’s Anvil Ranch
- Malpai Borderlands Group
- Erik Glenn podcast interview
- The Big Burn by Timothy Egan
- Wildfire TED talk
- Davidson College
- Elkhorn Guest Ranch – Montana and Arizona
- Ladies of the Canyons by Lesley Poling-Kempes
- Ivan Doig
- House of Sky by Ivan Doig
- Heart Earth by Ivan Doig
- A River Runs Through It by Normal Maclean
- Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
- The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
- Buck documentary
Charles Post – Stewardship, Science & Storytelling
Charles Post is an academically trained ecologist with a gift for communicating complex and sometimes emotionally charged issues in a thoughtful manner to diverse audiences. Whether he’s discussing the intricacies of ranch management, the ecological implications of ethical hunting, or controversies surrounding the BLM’s wild mustang program, Charles has honed his ability to consider all sides of issues, then educate the public in a style that is positive, comprehensive, and intellectually honest. His academic credentials, combined with his photography, writing, filmmaking, and popular social media channels have made Charles a rising star in the world of conservation.
Born and raised in northern California, Charles has enjoyed a deep connection with Western landscapes for as long as he can remember. He grew up hunting, fishing, and exploring the seascapes and mountain ranges of the West Coast, then earned both a Bachelors and Masters in ecology from UC Berkeley. After considering pursuing a PhD followed by a career in academia, Charles changed course and pursued a less traditional track that melded his two passions of science and storytelling. Since then, he has settled in Bozeman, Montana where he works on a wide range of projects that all tie back into conservation and stewardship in the American West.
Charles and I talked for well over an hour, and could’ve easily continued for several more. We discuss his recent work for Filson covering Ranchlands, a progressive, forward-thinking ranching operation in southern Colorado. We also chat about the ecological importance of ranching for Western landscapes and the progress that Charles has made trying to change some of the unfounded negative impressions of ranching and livestock. We talk about his recent elk hunt, and how that adventure was one of the richest, most meaningful experiences of his life. Charles speaks fondly about his relationship with Ben Masters, who helped him break into the filmmaking world. It also turns out that we have a shared love of the American Dipper (which is a bird, for those of you out of the loop), and we nerd out on that subject for a few minutes. As usual, we discuss favorite books, films, and the best advice he’s ever received.
If you’re a long-time listener, you will love this episode… and if you’re brand new, I hope you will, too! Be sure to check out Charles on Instagram at @charles_post and check the episode notes for everything we discuss. Enjoy!
All images courtesy of Rachel Pohl
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed:
5:10 – How Charles describes his work
6:30 – Why Charles identifies as an ecologist
8:50 – Science versus communicating to the mainstream
10:30 – Charles experience with Ranchlands and thoughts on ranching
17:45 – How Charles tells the ranching story
20:45 – Resources for learning more about ranching
21:55 – Discussion about wolves’ effects on Yellowstone
24:35 – Where Charles grew up
25:50 – Charles’ connection to Gifford Pinchot
29:40 – Hunting from a conservation perspective
32:25 – Modern Huntsman
35:15 – Interplay between public and private land
41:40 – How science shaped his ability to be objective
43:40 – His approach to social media
49:45 – The importance of Charles’s sponsors and supporters
54:30 – Charles’s personal history with hunting
1:01:40 – Favorite books
1:08:10 – Weird habits and quirks
1:09:30 – American Dipper nerd-fest
1:12:20 – Most powerful experience in the outdoors
1:16:00 – Best advice he’s ever received
1:19:25 – Charles’s request of the listeners
1:20:50 – Connect with Charles online
- Charles Post – Website & Instagram
- US Berkeley Ecology
- Ranchlands
- Ranchlands Filson Campaign
- The Lasater Philosophy of Raising Cattle by Laurence Lasater
- How Wolves Change Rivers
- Ben Masters podcast
- Jim Howell podcast
- For the Love of Land by Jim Howell
- Gifford Pinchot
- Rachel Pohl
- KEEN
- Mountain Hardwear
- The Big Burn by Timothy Egan
- The Wilderness Warrior by Douglas Brinkley
- Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose
- Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
- Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
- The Monkeywrench Gang by Edward Abbey
- All the Wild That Remains by David Gessner
- David Gessner
- The Great Animal Orchestra by Bernie Krause
- Elk River
- Island Earth
- Sonic Sea
- Chasing Coral
- Chasing Ice
- American Dipper
- Sky Migrations
Mark Maggiori – A Fresh View of the American West
Mark Maggiori has taken the western art scene by storm with his dramatically realistic paintings of cowboys, horses, landscapes, and scenes from the American West. But painting is only a small part of Mark’s journey as a professional artist—he is also an accomplished director, filmmaker, drawer, photographer, and musician, working for companies like Disney as an illustrator and fronting a major-record-label rock band. To make his story even more interesting, Mark was born and raised in France, and is a relative newcomer to the western United States.
When he was 15, Mark took a road trip across America with his adventurous uncle, igniting his passion for Western landscapes and planting the seed of his western art career that would flourish two decades later. Between then and now, he has demonstrated an uncanny ability to dive headfirst into a wide array of artistic endeavors with single-minded focus and work ethic, enjoying success at every level. At little over three years ago, at age 36, all of Mark’s talents and experiences melded together when he decided to try and paint his first cowboy. In what he describes as an epiphany, Mark immediately knew he had found his true identity as an artist.
Mark and I had a fun conversation. We talk about all the stages of his prolific career as an artist, and how he has approached each one with a laser-like focus and uncompromising work ethic. Mark explains how he discovered his talent for drawing—a talent that he had no idea he possessed until after he had enrolled in art school. We also chat about how being new to America has afforded him a fresh perspective on the people and landscapes of the American West, a perspective that shines through in his paintings. He gives details on his workman-like approach to painting and ensuring the historical accuracy of his work, and how exercise helps to fuel his creativity and work ethic. As usual, we cover favorite books, documentaries, and the craziest thing that’s ever happened to him in the outdoors, which is a ridiculous and pretty damn scary story!
Be sure to check out the webpage for links to all of Mark’s work, his upcoming solo show, and everything we discuss in this episode. Hope you enjoy!
All images courtesy of Mark Maggiori
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed:
5:11 – Growing up in France
6:30 – Road trip across America
11:20 – Mark’s interests as a teenager
12:40 – The attraction to art school
15:40 – Discovering his talent for art
18:45 – Learning work ethic
20:30 – Working for Disney
22:45 – Working in music videos
23:45 – Performing music and creating art
24:30 – Mark’s time with Pleymo
27:25 – Leaving music
32:00 – Coming to America to make a film
35:40 – Demolition derbies and rodeos
36:50 – Starting to paint cowboys
41:00 – Building his following through Instagram and networking
44:00 – Expanding to new galleries
45:00 – Secret of painting clouds
47:55 – Keeping his work accurate
50:00 – Starting to paint Native Americans
54:30 – Mark’s daily routine
58:45 – Favorite books
1:01:00 – Favorite documentaries
1:02:30 – Favorite place in the West
1:03:50 – Most powerful experience in the outdoors
1:05:30 – Getting chased by crazy people in Louisiana
1:10:15 – Mark’s request of the listeners
1:12:50 – Connect with Mark online and learn about his upcoming art show
- Mark Maggiori – Website & Instagram
- “Lonesome Souls” — Mark’s upcoming solo show
- Fontainebleau, France
- Maxwell Alexander Gallery
- Gerald Peters Gallery
- Trailside Galleries
- Pleymo
- Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
- Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
- An American Idea by Kim Heacox
- Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko
- Lassoing the Sun by Mark Woods
- Unbranded
- Duke Beardsley interview
- Stephen Smith interview
Tyler Sharp, Part II – Modern Huntsman
Tyler Sharp, Part II – Modern Huntsman
Modern Huntsman is a biannual publication and online forum for conservationists, creatives, and outdoor enthusiasts. If you enjoy this podcast and my guests’ depth of thinking on topics related to the natural world, then you’re going to love Modern Huntsman. Through thoughtful writing, captivating photography, and elegant design, Tyler and his all-star team intend to improve the perception of hunting in our society by highlighting its thoughtful and conservation-focused aspects, which are often ignored by established media.
I like to hunt, although I’m not obsessed with it like I am with endurance sports. But my work in conservation and deep reading of natural history have given me a firsthand appreciation for the importance of hunting, and the vital role it plays in conserving landscapes and species around the world. Without the efforts of visionary hunters like Theodore Roosevelt, the healthy wildlife populations we enjoy here in the American West would be a mere fraction of what they are today, if they existed at all. Thanks to their deep respect for wildlife born from their love of the sport of hunting, TR and his contemporaries set in motion a conservation ethic that continues to grow and evolve. Now, over 100 years later, Modern Huntsman will carry that ethic forward.
Once again, Tyler and I had a wonderful conversation, and I was incredibly impressed with his ability to discuss complex, sometimes emotionally charged issues in a respectful, intelligent, and non-arrogant tone. Of course we discussed the details of Modern Huntsman, its origins, and why there is a need for such a publication. We chatted about Modern Huntsman’s current Kickstarter campaign, which I highly recommend you support—links are in the notes. We also talked in depth about some of the misconceptions around hunting and specifics about why hunting is so important for conservation throughout the world. And just like last time, Tyler had some excellent book recommendations.
This was a fun and enlightening conversation, so I hope you enjoy. Check out the episode notes for links to everything, and be sure the check out the Modern Huntsman Kickstarter page, watch the film, and support the project.
All images courtesy of Tyler Sharp & Modern Huntsman
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed:
Information Referenced
- Tyler Sharp – Website and Instagram
- Tyler’s First Mountain & Prairie Podcast episode
- Modern Huntsman Kickstarter page
- www.bit.ly/modernhuntsman
- Modern Huntsman on Instagram
- Drop Cap Design
- Ben Masters interview
- Camrin Dengel interview
- John Dunaway interview
- Stephen Rinella
- Theodore Roosevelt
- The Man-Eaters of Tsavo by John Henry Patterson
- The Ghost and the Darkness
- Something of Value by Robert Ruark
- The Old Man and the Boy by Robert Ruark
- Meditations on Hunting by Jose Ortega y Gasset
- Green Hills of Africa by Ernest Hemingway
- The Short and Happy Life of Francis Macomber by Ernest Hemingway
- The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway
- Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen
Scott Slusher – The Cowboys’ Cowboy Photographer
Scott Slusher – The Cowboys’ Cowboy Photographer
Scott Slusher is an Oklahoma native and Texas-based photographer who is best known for his stunning images of cowboys and life on working ranches. After seeing Scott’s work, it is crystal clear that he has a deep understanding of the ranching lifestyle and has invested more than his share of time out in the heat and dust, on horseback or in the branding pen. Given his immersion in the tough, hard-nosed world of ranching, you may be surprised to learn that Scott was trained as a fashion photographer and still works with a variety of big-name companies on their fashion and clothing line spreads.
So what allows Scott to have success in two worlds as diametrically opposed as ranching and fashion? Well, as you’ll hear in this interview, Scott has a habit of pursuing his interests with a single-minded intensity and curiosity, unafraid of getting in over his head, venturing outside his comfort zone, or working harder than expected. Combine those traits with endless energy and a knack for making friends with everyone he meets, and you’ll understand how Scott has managed to work his way onto iconic ranches, riding alongside and photographing some of the best ranch hands in the business.
Scott’s enthusiasm and love of people really come through in our conversation, so I know you’ll enjoy it. We talk about his childhood in Oklahoma and how his father’s work as a veterinarian and horse breeder shaped his outlook. We chat about his time as a photography intern and how he chose to dive head first into no-fun chores (like mopping the floor), and how that optimistic, high-energy approach has paid off time and again throughout his career. We also discuss how he broke into photographing cowboys, and how his respectful approach has allowed him to be accepted by ranch hands throughout the West. We cover a ton, so check out the episode notes for a full list of topics and links.
If you don’t already, be sure to follow Scott on Instagram at @slusherphoto—if you love the West and the ranching lifestyle, I can guarantee you’ll love his work. Hope you enjoy this episode.
All images courtesy of Scott Slusher
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed:
2:45 – How Scott describes his work
4:50 – Where Scott grew up
8:30 – Time working at a vet clinic
12:00 – Applying to art school in Dallas
14:00 – Finding focus in art school
18:00 – Work ethic during his first internship
22:30 – First time taking photos of cowboys
26:00 – Making folks feel comfortable during photo shoots
27:20 – How he broke into the cowboy culture
33:00 – Working at the Four 6s Ranch
36:15 – Importance of networking
40:00 – Close calls during ranch photography
44:45 – Close call during a rodeo
49:30 – Importance of social media in Scott’s career
1:04:00 – Important books
1:09:00 – Favorite films
1:14:00 – Words of advice to the listeners
1:15:00 – Connect with Scott online
Information Referenced
- Scott Slusher
- Scott’s Instagram and Facebook
- 6666 Ranch
- Teal Blake
- Pictures from the Costa Rican Rodeo
- Duke Beardsley
- Barbarian Days by William Finnegan
- Coyote America by Dan Flores
- Dan Flores
- The Rum Diary by Hunter S Thompson
- Unbranded
- Ben Masters
- Apaloosa
- Lonesome Dove
- Nacho Libre
- Big Lebowski
- Jeff Bridges
Duke Beardsley – Art in the Big, Bold American West
Duke Beardsley – Art in the Big, Bold American West
Duke Beardsley was well on his way to a career in medicine, when, just before med school, he took a hard turn onto a new path when he decided to pursue art as a full-time vocation. Since then, he has become one of the West’s most revered artists, producing paintings of cowboys, anglers, and the Western way of life in a style that is uniquely his own. His work is big, bold, and completely original, and it continues to grow and evolve in ways that surprise even Duke himself.
Thanks to a childhood spent between Denver and his family’s eastern Colorado ranch, Duke has been immersed in cowboy culture for as long as he can remember. He has been drawing non-stop since he could hold a crayon, and as a child (sometimes to the dismay of his parents) he demonstrated a proclivity for sketching western scenes on the walls of his family’s home. Duke is also a committed conservationist with a deep devotion to preserving the West’s landscapes and heritage. This eclectic mix of experiences and interests, combined with a formal art education, allows Duke to produce works that are ambitious, inspiring, and engaging.
I stopped by Duke’s Denver studio earlier this week, where we had a fun and wide-ranging conversation. We chat about his decision to change his career goal from medicine to art, and the value he gleaned from a formal art education. He explains that life-long obsession with drawing on walls, and he tells some stories about how, as an adult, drawing on walls has led to surprising professional opportunities. We talk about his artistic process, his meditation practice, and how he managed his extroverted personality in the solitary world of creating art. He also discusses why land conservation is an issue that is so near and dear to his heart, and offers up some excellent book recommendations.
This was a lot of fun and I really appreciate Duke inviting me into his studio. Be sure to check the episode notes for links to everything we discuss, and check out Duke on Instagram, Facebook, and his website.
All images courtesy of Duke Beardsley
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed:
3:30 – Growing up between Denver and eastern Colorado
5:15 – Artistic energy in Duke’s family
6:30 – Duke’s early path toward medicine
8:30 – Transition to art school
9:40 – Biggest lesson learned from art school
12:20 – Focusing his art on horses and the West
14:20 – Life post-art school
15:30 – How Duke’s art is different now from 20 years ago
18:30 – Drawing on the wall
20:20 – Why Duke paints big pieces
21:31 – Story behind Duke’s line ups
24:45 – Getting in “the zone” while painting line ups
26:40 – Working on multiple pieces at once
27:50 – Working with galleries
29:00 – Process for commissioned paintings
31:45 – Extrovert or Introvert?
34:30 – Duke’s artistic process
38:00 – Duke’s meditation practice
41:00 – Drawing on the wall at Las Pampas Lodge
44:00 – Working with Fishpond
45:50 – Passion for land conservation
49:30 – Favorite books
52:34 – Favorite films
54:00 – Surprising activities
54:45 – Most powerful outdoor experience
57:00 – Favorite place in the West
58:40 – Best peice of advice ever recieved
59:45 – Duke’s request of the listeners
1:00:30 – Connect with Duke online
Information Referenced
- Duke Beardsley
- Duke on Instagram and Facebook
- Dartmouth College
- The Claremont Colleges
- ArtCenter College of Design
- Altamira Fine Art
- Virginia Diaz Saiki
- Las Pampas Lodge
- Patagonia Fly Fishing
- Fishpond
- Woody Beardsley
- Cadillac Desert by Mark Reisner
- Beyond the 100th Meridian by Wallace Stegner
- Legacy of Conquest by Patricia Limerick
- Blood and Thunder by Hampton Sides
- Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner
- The River Why by David James Duncan
- Empire of the Summer Moon by SC Gwynne
- The Heart of Everything That Is by Drury and Clavin
- The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko (Duke accidentally said “Miracle Mile”)
- Cormac McCarthy
- Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
- The Road by Cormac McCarthy
- Chinatown
- Blackthorn
- The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada
- Ain’t in It for My Health – A Film About Levon Helm
- Yahtzee
- Thatcher School
- Ray Turner
Dan Flores – Chronicling the West’s Rich Natural History
Dan Flores is a writer, historian, and former professor whose work explores the connections between people and the natural world in the American West. His most recent books—Coyote America and American Serengeti—are two of the most enlightening and informative books on the West’s natural history that I have ever read. The former is a biography of the coyote, a surprisingly fascinating animal with a rich and severely misunderstood history. The latter explores the last big mammals of the great plains—pronghorn, coyotes, horses, grizzlies, bison, and wolves—and also gives a great overview of North American big history.
It’s clear that Dan was a wonderful professor, because as you’ll hear in this episode, he has a real knack for explaining complicated subjects in a way that’s understandable, engaging, and exciting. This conversation gave me a glimpse into what it must have been like to be a student in Dan’s class at the University of Montana—I walked away from it full of new knowledge, and it whet my appetite to dig deeper into the many subjects we covered.
I could’ve asked Dan questions for hours and hours, but in our relatively short time together we managed to cover a lot. We start by discussing the coyote—how and why the animal has been so misunderstood, its similarities to humans, how it has managed to thrive despite efforts to totally eradicate the species, and the varying pronunciations of the word coyote. Then we discuss horses—the misconception that they are a non-native species in North America, their evolutionary history around the world, and some modern-day challenges facing the West’s few remaining wild horses. We also talk about Dan’s childhood in Louisiana, his current home in New Mexico, his favorite books on the American West, and much, much more.
This is an excellent episode and I’m excited for you to listen. If you haven’t already, buy Coyote America and American Serengeti—I can promise you’ll love them both.
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
4:10 – History of the pronunciation of “coyote”
7:30 – Coyote’s historical reputation
11:00 – Coyote’s status in Native American lore
12:30 – Mark Twain’s influence on the coyotes’ image
14:05 – Coyotes as humans’ avatars
16:15 – Fission and fusion in coyotes
18:00 – Coyotes’ ability to control their reproduction
22:20 – Dan’s thoughts on the current attempted Federal Land grab
28:45 – Misconception that horses are non-native
34:30 – Current issues with horses in the United States
37:55 – Dan’s thoughts on the BLM Wild Mustang Program
40:15 – Dan’s early years in Louisiana
43:00 – First trip to Carlsbad Caverns
45:20 – Dan’s passionate love of desert
48:55 – Living in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley
51:00 – Changes in Montana during Dan’s time there
55:00 – “In Defense of the Ranchette” article
1:01:45 – Favorite books about the American West
1:08:00 – Most powerful experience outdoors
1:09:20 – Favorite place in the West
1:11:30 – Dan’s request of the listeners
1:15:45 – Connect with Dan
Information Referenced
- Dan Flores
- Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History by Dan Flores
- American Serengeti: The Last Big Animals of the Great Plains by Dan Flores
- Roughing It by Mark Twain
- Ben Masters’podcast
- Big History
- Henry David Thoreau
- Wallace Stegner
- Aldo Leopold
- In Montana – The View from the Ranchette
- American Prairie Reserve
- Beyond the 100th Meridian: John Wesley Powell and the Second Opening of the West by Wallace Stegner
- Dust Bowl: The Southern Plains in the 1930s by Donald Worster
- American Wolf: A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West by Nate Blakeslee
- Dan’s Amazon Author Page
Noel Durant – Conservation & Community in the Gunnison Valley
Noel Durant is the new Executive Director of the Crested Butte Land Trust, a conservation organization that protects and stewards the ranches, trails, open space, and wildlife habit of Colorado’s Gunnison Valley. Noel took the helm of the land trust in early 2017, and he brings a wide variety of conservation experience with him into this new role. He’s worked as a member of the Interagency Hotshot Crew, fighting fires across the American West. He has also worked for regional and national conservation organizations, doing everything from managing large swaths of rural land to developing urban trail systems.
Noel’s resume speaks for itself, but what is even more impressive is his intense curiosity and deep knowledge around all things conservation. Whether discussing the history of the Gunnison Valley or the ideas of Wendell Berry, it’s clear that Noel has a true passion for his work and a vision for the future of conservation in Colorado and beyond. His practical experience combined with abundant enthusiasm is what will allow him to continue and expand the work of Crested Butte Land Trust into the future.
As listeners of the podcast know, Crested Butte in one of my favorite places in the American West. Its ranching heritage, world-class recreation, and genuine community make it a unique and rare place in today’s American West. In our conversation, Noel explains what makes Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley so special, and how the Land Trust must balance the goals of such a wide range of various stakeholders. He talks about the history of conservation in the Valley and where he sees conservation going in the future. We also discuss his time fighting fires throughout the West, how his early life and parents shaped his love of the outdoors, and lessons learned from his various roles in conservation.
This is an excellent episode with lots of interesting information, so be sure the check the episode notes for links to everything we discuss. I’m sure you’ll agree that Crested Butte Land Trust is in great hands under the leadership of Noel. Enjoy!
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
2:55 – Crested Butte and the Crested Butte Land Trust
5:00 – Crested Butte compared to other mountain towns
7:00 – History of conservation in Crested Butte
11:00 – Variety of stakeholders and methods of conservation
16:30 – Overlap between ranchers and recreational users
19:00 – The community of the Gunnison Valley
20:15 – Early years in Tennessee
22:00 – Semester in western NC
23:50 – College at Clemson
27:00 – Time with the Interagency Hotshot Crew
29:00 – Details of a hotshot crew
33:00 – Community and purpose of the fighting fires
35:00 – Tragedies and challenges from the fire fighting world
39:45 – Moving on from fires to land conservation
43:00 – Time at Trust for Public Land
45:20 – Importance of open space in urban area
47:00 – Lessons learned from jobs in conservation
51:45 – Future of land conservation locally and nationally
56:45 – Favorite books
58:50 – Favorite documentaries
59:20 – Favorite location in the West
1:01:34 – Favorite hike in Crested Butte
1:03:00 – Best piece of advice he’s ever received
1:04:45 – Request of the listeners
1:05:45 – Connect with Noel and Crested Butte Land Trust
Information Referenced
- Noel Durant
- Crested Butte Land Trust
- CBLT on Instagram and Facebook
- Crested Butte, Colorado
- Outdoor Academy of the Southern Appalachians
- Clemson University
- Connor Coleman podcast
- Interagency Hotshot Crew
- Tribe by Sebastian Junger
- Fire by Sebastian Junger
- Lulu Lake Land Trust
- Trust for Public Land
- Wendell Berry
- Aldo Leopold
- Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford
- Winter: Notes from Montana by Rick Bass
- Alone in the Wilderness
Teal Blake – On Being Authentic & Original
If you love art and the American West, chances are you’re already a fan of Teal Blake. His paintings of bucking horses, working cowboys, and the Western ranching lifestyle are some of the most authentic and creative around. Teal’s art is authentically Western because he’s so authentically Western—he has worked on ranches for all of his life, has ridden rodeo on the professional level, and has been making art since before he can remember. These unique life experiences, combined with a deep-seated drive to create original and striking art, meld together to make him one of the most genuine and fresh faces in Western art today.
Teal grew up in Augusta, Montana, the son of two creative parents who allowed him to roam free—fishing, hunting, and exploring the wilderness out his backdoor. During high school, he discovered his talent for bull riding and rodeo, and he pursued that passion for years, eventually competing on the professional circuit. Throughout all of his various adventures and life stages, Teal was continuously sketching and painting, and after several impressive showings at western art shows, he decided to make a go of it as a professional artist. Since then he hasn’t looked back, and his stature in the Western art world continues to grow.
We had an in-depth conversation in which we discussed Teal’s upbringing in Montana and Idaho, and how his artistic parents influenced his life and work. We chatted about his experience at art school, which ended with him flunking out, yet being the only one from his class to actually make it as a professional artist. We discuss his background in ranching and rodeo, and his process of transitioning into life as a professional artist. We also talk about the important role that external validation can play in a solitary creative endeavor such as painting. As usual, we discuss favorite books, favorite films, and his favorite place in the American West. We cover a lot in this episode, so be sure to check out the episode notes for all the topics and links to everything we discuss.
Images courtesy of Teal Blake
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
3:33 – Process of becoming a professional artist
5:00 – Teal’s childhood in Montana
7:55 – Teal’s parents and their influence on him
9:35 – Early artistic influences
11:20 – Early artistic endeavors
12:00 – Move to Idaho and rodeo beginnings
14:55 – Decision to stop riding bulls
17:40 – Teal’s experience at college art school
21:30 – Transition from rodeo to full-time artist
24:00 – Teal’s first art show
28:00 – Teal’s daily routine and artistic phases
31:05 – Ranch work and its influence on Teal’s work
35:25 – Teal’s attraction to bucking animals — painting and riding them
38:20 – Biggest changes in Teal’s art over the past 10 years
40:33 – Challenge of creating new and original work
43:00 – Thoughts on the business of professional art
48:20 – Favorite books
52:10 – Importance of being humbled
53:10 – Raising kids in the internet age
56:50 – Favorite films
58:40 – Surprising hobbies
1:01:00 – Great advice Teal has received
1:02:15 – Favorite place in the West
1:05:50 – Teal’s advice to the listeners
1:07:45 – Connect with Teal online
1:08:10 – Chappin’!!
Information Referenced
- Teal Blake
- Teal’s Instagram
- Buckeye Blake
- Augusta, Montana
- C.M. Russell Museum
- Charlie Russell
- Will James
- Haley, Idaho
- Team roping
- Cutting horses
- War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Cormac McCarthy
- The Border Trilogy by Cormac McCarthy
- Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
- Thomas McGuane books
- Maynard Dixon documentary
- Unbranded
- Ben Masters Podcast
- The Infamous Chappin’ Video
Justin Simoni – The Ultra-Endurance Artist
Justin Simoni is an ultra-endurance adventurer who is most well known for his self-powered, long-distance tours that combine cycling, mountain running, and climbing. He is currently preparing for the “Highest Hundred” in which he’ll climb Colorado’s 100 highest peaks, accessing them all by bike, in 60 days or less. If he pulls it off (and I’m betting that he will), it will be the first time anyone has linked all of these peaks by bike in a completely self-supported style.
Most people would assume that Justin has been a hardcore cyclist for his entire life, but he actually started riding relatively late. He studied painting in college and worked full time as a professional artist for years, living in an art gallery in downtown Denver. Frustrated with his car that kept breaking down, Justin purchased a bike and began to ride it as his primary mode of transportation. As his rides became longer and longer, he enjoyed it more and more, and pretty soon he was completely committed to long-distance cycling. What followed was a barrage of impressive solo ultra-distance adventures: cycling the Pacific Coast, racing the Tour Divide mountain bike race twice, and completing the Tour 14er, which involved cycling to all 58 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountains and climbing them… in just 34 days.
Thanks to his athletic accomplishments, artistic perspective, hilarious sense of humor, and infectious enthusiasm, Justin is truly one of a kind. We had a fun and funny conversation that covered a wide range of topics from his adventures to his time as an artist. We chatted about some of the techniques that he uses to stay upbeat during periods of extreme fatigue or fear, and we discussed how he balances his free-wheeling artist’s mentality with the monk-like discipline required to pull off such serious adventures. As usual, we discuss favorite books, films, and Justin shares the best piece of advice he’s ever received.
I appreciate Justin taking the time to chat during such a hectic period of planning and training. Also, thanks to the sponsors who are helping to make the Highest Hundred possible: Ultimate Direction, Surly Bikes, Colorado Mountain Club, OR, Sierra Designs, and La Sportiva.
This was a really fun conversation, so I hope you enjoy!
Photos courtesy of Justin Simoni
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
Information Referenced
- Justin Simoni
- Justin on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Highest Hundred
- Colorado Centennials
- Colorado 14ers
- Tour Divide
- Tour 14er
- Ride the Divide
- “Everesting” Green Mountain
- Green Mountain
- Bill Briggs (interview)
- Bill Wright (blog)
- Anton Krupicka
- Joe Grant
- M&P podcast with Joe Grant
- Edward Abbey
- Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey
- Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
- All the Wild that Remains by David Gessner
- The Holy Mountain
- John Cage
- Taiko Drumming
- The Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei
- Sri Chnmoy Self-Trancendence 3,100-Mile Race
- Longs Peak
- Ultimate Direction
- Surly Bikes
- Colorado Mountain Club
- OR
- Sierra Designs
- La Sportiva
Bryan Martin & Elizabeth Williams – Life Skills Through Wilderness Adventure
Bryan Martin and Elizabeth Williams work at Big City Mountaineers, a Colorado-based nonprofit that transforms the lives of underserved youth through wilderness mentoring expeditions. Through partnerships with community youth programs around the United States, Big City Mountaineers exposes close to 1,000 youth per year to outdoor adventures in some of our country’s most spectacular public lands. Not only do these young people learn outdoor skills, but more importantly, they learn critical life skills while also improving their self-confidence, communication skills, and leadership abilities.
Prior to assuming his role as executive director at BCM, Bryan enjoyed great success with a wide variety of conservation and outdoor-related organizations including the Nature Conservancy, Continental Divide Trail Alliance, Colorado Mountain Club, and the Land Trust Alliance. Elizabeth was a teacher in India and Nepal before joining BCM as a marketing intern—10 years and a lot of hard work later, she has risen through the ranks and is now the Director of Programs. Bryan and Elizabeth share a deep enthusiasm for the outdoors and a belief that outdoor experiences can be transformative. Their passion for the work and BCM’s mission is palpable, so I know you’ll enjoy getting to know them.
I met Bryan and Elizabeth at the BCM offices in the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, Colorado, where we discussed BCM’s mission, the details of their wilderness expeditions, and why outdoor adventures can be such life-changing experiences. We chat about Bryan and Elizabeth’s professional backgrounds and learn what drew them to careers centered around the outdoors and service. They also tell a heart-warming success story in which a student overcomes her initial fears to thrive on a weeklong wilderness trip.
Thanks to Bryan and Elizabeth for taking the time to chat. Hope you enjoy!
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
Information Referenced
- Big City Mountaineers
- BCM on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
- Bryan’s letter regarding the importance of public lands
- Summit for Someone
- National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
- Outward Bound
- The Hippy Guide to Climbing the Corporate Ladder and Other Mountains by Skip Yowell
- Forever Changed by Linda Mornell
- Summer Search
- The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko
- The Dog Stars by Peter Heller
- Chaco Presents: The Time Travelers
- Doug Topkins: Wild Legacy
John Dunaway – The Life and Times of a Merchant Mariner
John Dunaway – Life and Times of a Merchant Mariner
John Dunaway is a Texas-based merchant mariner who spends six months each year traveling the world as the captain of large cargo ships. Whether cruising the calm, warm waters of Central America or avoiding Somali pirates off the coast of Africa, John’s goal is the same: deliver the cargo efficiently while ensuring the safety of his crew—quite the responsibility for a 32-year-old. When not at sea, John is an avid bird hunter, surfer, and all-around adventurer who uses his downtime to explore everywhere from Jackson Hole to Canyonlands to Antelope Island with his wife and young daughter. Thanks to a talent for photography and writing, John has gained a huge following on Instagram, where he documents his exploits on his account, AbstractConformity.
So you might be asking, what does a ship captain have to do with mountains and/or prairies? Although John may spend most of his time on the high seas, far away from the American West, you’ll notice that his optimistic perspective, focused sense of purpose, and thirst for adventure parallel the attitudes and outlooks of many of my previous podcast guests. Also like other guests, he is well read, a deep thinker, and has a genuine conservation ethic thanks to his close connection to the natural world. Although the objects of our affections may be different, our underlying values and priorities are surprisingly similar.
After almost a year of recording this podcast, I was excited to switch it up a little with this in-depth conversation with John about a subject that was fairly new to me. We start by covering the basics of his job—how one becomes a ship captain, particulars on the size of the ships, and details of day-to-day life on a 90-day ocean voyage. Then we dig deeper into some of his thoughts on leadership, his rituals and superstitions, how fatherhood has changed his outlook, and how he manages the pressure that comes along with being responsible for a massive ship, his crew, and the cargo. He also tells a few crazy stories from Africa and India, and he shares some insights from his recent trips around the American West. As usual, we discuss favorite books, films, and thoughts on conservation.
I found this to be a fascinating conversation, and I’d love to hear what you think. If you have a moment, please shoot me an email and let me know your thoughts. As always, thanks for taking the time to listen; hope you enjoy.
Photos courtesy of John Dunaway
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
Information Referenced
- John Dunaway
- John’s Instagram – AbstractConformity
- US Merchant Marine Academy
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss
- Tim Ferriss podcast
- Endurance by Alfred Lansing
- Brady Robinson podcast interview
- Tyler Sharp podcast interview
- Knife Fights by John Nagl
- Texas Monthly article
- Filson article
- Jackson Hole
- Canyonlands
- Antelope Island
- The Drifters by James Michener
- 180 South
- Wes Anderson
Bernice Ende – Equestrian Explorer
Bernice Ende is a horsewoman and adventurer who has ridden over 28,000 miles on horseback throughout the United States. Back in 2005, without any significant experience in long riding, Bernice set out by herself from her home in Trego, Montana and headed south—2,000 miles south, all the way to the Albuquerque, New Mexico. In the following years, her rides became more and more ambitious, and her most recent trip stretched 8,000 miles from Montana to the coast of Maine and back, a journey that took over two and a half years to complete!
I was surprised to learn that Bernice is relatively new to long riding and never had life-long dreams of making long riding a full-time vocation. She grew up on a Minnesota dairy farm and spent the majority of her adult life teaching ballet in cities such as San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Seattle. In 1992 she moved to Trego, Montana and opened a ballet school in a historic community hall building. After a decade of teaching there in Trego, she made the decision to take her first long ride. Since then, her story has been featured in numerous magazines, newspapers, and even on the Today Show. More importantly, her rides have inspired people of all ages to follow their dreams and pursue lives of adventure.
Bernice is extremely gifted at telling her her life story, so we had a fun and in-depth conversation. We discussed her background and the decisions that led her to strike out on her own on her first long ride. We talked about the mental challenges of pursuing such ambitious adventures and how she manages the emotional ups and downs of years on the road. She breaks down the specifics of her long rides—how far she rides each day, what she eats, where she sleeps, and all the other details. She also shares some heartwarming stories of people she has met on her rides—stories that will restore your faith in humanity in the midst of our current volatile political climate.
Thank you again to Bernice for taking the time to chat. I hope you enjoy!
Photos courtesy of Bernice Ende
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
Information Referenced
- Bernice Ende
- Bernice’s Facebook Page and “Lady Long Rider” page
- The Long Rider’s Guild
- Sherlock Holmes
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Wallace Stegner
- Mary Oliver
- Sinclair Lewis
- All the Wild That Remains: Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and the American West by David Gessner
- Edward Abbey
- Blackfoot Community Conservation Area
Mike Reilly – Helping Combat Veterans Rediscover Purpose
Mike Reilly is the Veterans Program Coordinator at Heroes and Horses, a Montana-based nonprofit that uses expedition-style horse pack trips through wild landscapes to help veterans overcome the challenges of life after the military. Prior to his work with Heroes and Horses, Mike was a Navy SEAL and served as a member of SEAL Team 1 in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. As he was transitioning out of the military, he heard about Heroes and Horses and signed on as a student. The program offered a perfect blend of service, teaching, helping others, and adventure that spoke to Mike’s strengths and interests; after completing the program, he was hired as a full-time member of the team.
Heroes and Horses is not a vacation. It’s a rigorous and hardcore three-phase process that takes veterans with no prior horseback experience and, in the course of a summer, turns them into expert horsemen and wilderness travelers. Through the hard work and focus required to make it through the program, veterans are able to forge lasting bonds and discover a renewed sense of purpose—which gives them the skills and confidence to thrive in the civilian life as they begin their post-military lives. Amazingly, this program is offered at no cost to veterans.
Mike was nice enough to take a break from a morning of training wild mustangs to chat with me about the program and his personal story. We discussed how he initially connected with Heroes and Horses and how it helped him through some of the challenges of post-deployment life. Mike explained the organization’s upcoming 500 Miles Project, in which they are training horses from the BLM’s Wild Mustang Program and planning to take them on a 500-mile ride later this summer. He also talks about his military career, and how a collegiate baseball injury was the catalyst that led him to pursue his dream of becoming a SEAL.
Mike is a humble guy with a deeply ingrained passion for serving and helping others, so I know you’ll enjoy this episode. I encourage you to check out the Heroes and Horses website, visit their GoFundMe page, and consider supporting their important work.
Photos courtesy of Chris Douglas
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
Information Referenced
- Heroes and Horses
- Heroes and Horses team
- Micah Fink – Founder and Executive Director of H&H
- H&H on Facebook and Instagram
- The 500 Miles Project
- 500 Mile Project GoFundMe page
- YETI H&H Film
- 500 Miles Project teaser
- Navy SEALs
- BUDs
- Unbranded
- Ben Masters
- Podcast interview with Ben Masters
- Tom Dorrance
- Road House
- Cobra
- Big Trouble in Little China
AD Maddox – The Art of Trout and Fly Fishing
AD Maddox is an accomplished artist who creates some of the most spectacular and memorable paintings of trout that I’ve ever seen. Using bright colors and unique perspectives, AD depicts trout and the fly fishing lifestyle in a way that is completely original, yet so authentic you’d be hard-pressed to find an angler who doesn’t love her work. Her art has been featured widely throughout the fishing world, including on the cover of Gray’s Sporting Journal, Patagonia apparel, and even StealthCraft drift boats.
I first encountered AD’s work when I moved to Jackson Hole in the mid-2000s. I’m not an art connoisseur, but I was instantly taken away with how she managed to capture the beauty and realistic details of trout with a contemporary and unconventional style. And just like her work, AD is a one-of-a-kind original—she spent years as a super-competitive athlete, studied exercise physiology in college, taught herself to paint without any formal art education, and rips around backroads on a Ducati motorcycle. Despite a fun-loving and easygoing exterior, she approaches her work with discipline and rigor that seem more fitting for a professional soldier than a professional artist.
Thanks to AD’s outgoing and hilarious personality, we had a very fun and wide-ranging conversation. We chatted about her many years living in Jackson Hole and how the people, landscapes, and natural beauty of that valley influenced her art. We discussed her upbringing and her parents’ role in giving her the confidence to pursue art as a full-time career. She also talks in detail about the importance of facing challenges (both in work and life) head-on and proactively, with a positive attitude and relentless work ethic. Whether you’re an artist or not, there are many wise lessons in the conversation that anyone could apply to their work and life.
Photo and images courtesy of AD Maddox
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
Information Referenced
Jeff Lee – Creating a Literary Home on the Range
Jeff Lee is the co-founder of the Rocky Mountain Land Library, a residential library located on a historic ranch in one of Colorado’s most beautiful and dramatic high country grassland basins. The Buffalo Peaks Ranch, as it is known, will eventually house a collection of over 35,000 books related to natural history, conservation, and the American West. These books will be dispersed throughout ranch in houses and agricultural structures that have been preserved and restored by a growing team of enthusiastic volunteers. The ranch will become a place where individuals can immerse themselves in a natural setting, surrounded by books, for days at a time to read, write, and work on projects related to the West’s unique landscapes.
The idea for the Land Library came to Jeff and his wife Ann (the library’s other co-founder) when they visited a residential library in Europe during the mid-1990s. Given their deep love of books and land, Jeff and Ann immediately saw the potential for a similar concept in Colorado that centered around the history and landscapes of the American West. More than 20 years and tens of thousands of books later, their vision has become a reality—the Rocky Mountain Land Library is open for business and continuing to grow and evolve.
For anyone who has listened to this podcast, you know that the Land Library is my dream come true—it combines ranches, conservation, nature, and books—so I was obviously extremely excited to chat with Jeff. In a little over an hour, we covered a ton of interesting information, including the project’s backstory, the history of the ranch, and Jeff and Ann’s long term vision for the Land Library. Of course, we discuss books, and Jeff has many excellent recommendations that were brand new to me. It’s worth noting that the Land Library is in the midst of the a fundraising campaign, so I encourage you to visit their KickStarter page, watch the video, and donate to the cause… I just did, so you definitely should too! Links to everything are in the episode notes.
If you love the West, love books, and love the land, I can guarantee you will love the Land Library and this episode. Enjoy!
Photos courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Land Library
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
Information Referenced
- Rocky Mountain Land Library
- Land Library on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Kickstarter Campaign
- Buffalo Peaks Ranch informational brochure
- Buffalo Peaks Ranch site plan
- Tattered Cover Book Store
- US Geological Survey
- Lake Powell
- William Gladstone
- South Park
- South Park City Museum
- HistoriCorps
- David Lavender
- Wallace Stegner
- Beyond the 100th Meridian by Wallace Stegner*
- Bernard DeVoto
- The Walk by William deBuys*
- Sweet Promised Land by Robert Laxalt*
- The Big Burn by Timothy Egan*
- Theodore Roosevelt
- Gifford Pinchot
- Boulder Bookstore
- Wendell Berry
- A Native Hill by Wendell Berry*
- The Wild Places by Robert MacFarlane*
- David Gessner
* Please buy these books at your local bookseller!!!
Christian Beckwith – Building a Conservation Coalition
Christian Beckwith is the director of SHIFT, a Jackson Hole-based non-profit that is building a powerful coalition to protect our nation’s public lands. By bringing together climbers, skiers, hunters, anglers, land managers, and countless other stakeholders, SHIFT is finding common ground and harnessing these groups’ collective power to ensure that public lands—our birthright as Americans—remain safe during this tenuous time in political history.
After a distinguished career in the publishing world which included editing the American Alpine Journal and co-founding Alpinist Magazine, Christian experienced a profound change in priorities when one of his close friends was killed in an avalanche in the Teton backcountry. At that point, Christian decided to focus his resources and energy exclusively on work that makes a “substantive difference in the world.” From there he founded the Center for Jackson Hole, SHIFT, and, most recently, the Emerging Leaders Program which brings together a diverse group of early career leaders in conservation.
Christian’s career is inspiring in many ways, but I especially admire his willingness to set audacious goals, put himself on the line, and not wait around for permission to make things happen. We dig into all of these topics in our hour-long conversation, and he shares some interesting insights into his career and the future of conservation. We also discuss Christian’s early childhood experiences that led him to a career focused on adventure and the outdoors, and he talks about his relationship with Yvon Chiounard and how Chiounard has influenced him both personally and professionally. We chat about Christian’s favorite books, documentaries, and how fatherhood has focused his thinking on the importance of conservation. There’s a full list of the topics we discuss in the episode notes.
Given the current fights surrounding our public lands, this is a timely and powerful episode. I hope this conversation spurs you to continue educating yourself on threats to our public lands and to take appropriate action to protect them.
Photos courtesy of Christian Beckwith
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
Information Referenced
- SHIFT
- The Emerging Leaders Program
- Alpinist Magazine
- The American Alpine Journal
- Apocalypse Couloir and Prospectors Mountain
- Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic
- Yvon Chouinard
- Patagonia
- Doug and Kris Tompkins
- 180 South
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey
- On the Road by Jack Kerouac
- War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
- The New Yorker
- Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan
- Supermensch – The Legend of Shep Gordon
Tyler Sharp – The Sportsman Storyteller
Tyler Sharp is an adventurer, sportsman, conservationist, and world traveler with a gift for telling stories through images and the written word. While he may be best known for his photography focusing on Americana and Western lifestyle, travel, and adventure, Tyler has built an impressive resume that includes filmmaking, directing, writing, and creative strategy. His work has taken him to some of the most spectacular and far-flung regions of the globe, with an emphasis on East Africa, Montana, and his home state of Texas.
As a devoted hunter and fisherman, Tyler has chased game in some of the world’s wildest regions, giving him a global perspective on the importance of natural resources, game management, and sustainable hunting practices. As you’ll hear in our conversation, Tyler has thought deeply about the practical and ethical implications of hunting and fishing both abroad and here in the American West. His sincere devotion to conservation and adventure shines through in his work and has made him the go-to photographer for iconic brands such as Filson, Cabelas, and Stetson, to name a few.
Tyler and I met up in Estes Park, Colorado, just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, for a fun conversation that could have gone on for hours. We discussed his beginnings as a professional photographer, which started in earnest when he moved to East Africa just out of college—he’s got some intense stories from his travels that include run-ins with lions and leopards. We covered his thoughts on conservation, and how his time traveling abroad has given him a clearer understanding of conservation issues facing the American West. Then the conversation took an unexpected but interesting turn when we chatted about his commitment to Kung Fu (yes, Kung Fu!), meditation, and eastern philosophy.
Be sure to check out the episode notes for the full list of topics covered, because we touch on a lot. This is a wide-ranging conversation that takes many surprising twists and turns. Hope you enjoy!
All photos courtesy of Tyler Sharp
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Google Play
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
Information Referenced
- Tyler Sharp
- Tyler on Instagram
- Absoroka Ranch
- USC Film School
- Stephen Smith interview
- Nicholas Coleman interview
- Camrin Dengel interview
- Filson
- Filson Life
- Stetson
- Cabelas
- Modern Huntsman on Instagram
- Drop Cap Design
- Kung Fu
- Joseph Campbell
- The Power of Myth
- The Hero with a Thousand Faces
- Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell documentary
- The Hero’s Journey
- Lord of the Rings
- Star Wars
- Emigrant, Montana
Connor Coleman – How to Build a Meaningful Life in the West
Connor Coleman is the founder of Resiliency Lands, a progressive, conservation-minded land management and advisory group committed to promoting ecological and resource resiliency. Prior to starting Resiliency Lands, he held a variety of positions closely connected to the land, jobs that would be on the wish-list of anyone who loves adventure and the American West—wildland firefighter, cowboy, bison manager, and conservationist, just to name a few. Connor is currently based in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, and he resides on a spectacular ranch just outside of Carbondale.
You may be surprised to learn that Connor was not born and raised in the West or on ranches. On the contrary, he grew up in Ohio, went to college in North Carolina, and after paying his dues in east coast conservation and earning two master’s degrees from Duke University, he headed West to focus his energy on western landscapes. Thanks to an insatiable curiosity, a rock-solid work ethic, a service mindset, and a willingness to insert himself into new and uncomfortable situations, Connor has carved out a professional niche for himself in Colorado doing rewarding, exciting, and important work.
Connor’s education and unconventional career path can serve as a great blueprint for anyone who loves the American West and wants a life centered around land, conservation, and natural resources. When I was in my early twenties, I would’ve loved to meet a guy like Connor who could point me in the right direction. So in this episode, we talk in depth about his career and his ability to “put himself out there” to create exciting professional opportunities. We dig deep into his thoughts on conservation in the West, as well as issues related to forest fires throughout the country. Connor loves to read and learn, so he also has tons of great book and film recommendations.
We cover a ridiculous amount of information, so be sure to check out the episode notes below for the full list of topics we discuss. Enjoy!
All photos courtesy of Connor Coleman
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
Information Referenced
- Connor Coleman – LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram
- Catawba College
- Duke University
- Aspen Valley Land Trust
- Nature Conservancy
- Chico Basin Ranch
- Zapata Ranch
- Land Trust for Central North Carolina
- Jim Howell podcast interview
- For the Love of Land by Jim Howell
- Allen Savory’s TED talk
- 5 Point Film Festival
- Longleaf Pine
Connor’s Book Recommendations
- Fire a Brief History – Stephen Pyne
- The Big Burn: Theodore Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America
- Fire on the Mountain – John Maclean
- Young Men and Fire – Norman Maclean
- Living with Fire: Fire Ecology and Policy for the 21st Century
- The Fire Line: The Story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots (Yarnell Fire)
- American Buffalo: In Seach of a Lost Icon – Steven Rinella
- Call Me Ted
- Last Stand: Ted Turner and His Quest to Save a Troubled Planet
- The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and His Crusade for America – Douglas Brinkley
- Anthill: A Novel – E.O. Wilson
- My Side of the Mountain – Jean Craighead George
- Adventures of Tom Sawyer
- Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
- Cradle of Forestry in America – Carl Schenck
- Wild Idea: Buffalo and Family in a Difficult Land
Connor’s Film Recommendations
Taylor Keen – Tribal Truth Seeker
Taylor Keen is a teacher, community builder, and Native American thought leader based out of Omaha, Nebraska. His back story is as diverse as it is impressive—he’s a member of both the Omaha Tribe and the Cherokee Nation, attended Dartmouth College (BA) and Harvard University (Masters of Public Policy, MBA), and enjoyed a successful stint in corporate America before returning to Nebraska to teach entrepreneurship and management at Creighton University. His most recent undertaking is Sacred Seed, a project with the goal of preserving Native American heritage and history through collecting, growing, and spreading the seeds of corn and other traditional Native American foods.
The writer Wallace Stegner theorized that people generally fit into one of two categories—“Boomers” or “Stickers.” Boomers are “those who pillage and run” and want “to make a killing and end up on Easy Street.” Stickers are just the opposite—they are “motivated by affection, by such a love for place and its life that they want to preserve it and remain in it.”1 Taylor is the walking embodiment of a Sticker. Given his drive, intelligence, and education, he could’ve followed the path of the Boomer and pursued any number of careers. But a deep love of his Native American heritage and his community called him back home to teach, lead, and live a life devoted to service of others. It’s an inspiring story.
I could’ve talked to Taylor for hours and I only asked about a third of the questions I had prepared, but we still managed to dig into a wide variety of fascinating topics. We discussed the history and mission of Sacred Seed and where he sees the project going in the future. We talked about his path from the West to the Ivy League, the decisions that led him to transition from corporate America to higher education, and some very interesting Native American history. One of my favorite parts of our conversation was Taylor’s recounting the advice he received from his grandfather soon after graduating from Harvard Business School.
This was a very enlightening conversation for me, and I greatly appreciate Taylor taking the time to chat. I encourage you to visit the Sacred Seed website and watch the video—you can find links to everything we discuss in the episode notes on the webpage. Enjoy!
All photos courtesy of Taylor Keen
1 Wendell Berry, It All Turns on Affection (2012)
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
Information Referenced
- Taylor Keen – Creighton University
- Sacred Seed
- Taylor on Facebook and Instagram
- Sacred Seed article in the Omaha World Herald
- Sacred Seed video
- Omaha Tribe
- Cherokee Nation
- Corn Among the Indians of the Upper Missouri by George Francis Will and George E. Hyde
- Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West by Dee Brown
- Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto by Vine Deloria, Jr.
- God is Red: A Native View of Religion by Vine Deloria, Jr.
- Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Mitakuye Oyasin: We Are All Related by A.C. Ross
Camrin Dengel – Slow Living in the American West
Camrin Dengel – Slow Living in the American West
Camrin Dengel is a professional lifestyle photographer who lives and works on the quiet side of the Teton Mountain Range in Teton Valley, Idaho. Her work focuses on a broad range of subjects, with an emphasis on sustainable agriculture, hunting, fishing, and life in and around her mountain community. In her work and leisure, Camrin is a devoted proponent of slow living, and she strives to approach her profession and life in a manner that is intentional, simple, meaningful, and positive.
Growing up in Valdez, Alaska gave Camrin a unique perspective and toughness (she calls it “stubbornness”) that have allowed her to pursue her passion for art full time, while staying true to her ideals and enjoying a slow-living lifestyle. She attended college on a running scholarship with the intention of becoming an engineer, but decided midway through that art and photography were her true calling. After graduation, she moved straight to Teton Valley where she has built a life and business centered around documenting the people and places that make the American West such a special place to live.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Teton Valley and can honestly say that Camrin’s work captures the landscapes and lifestyle more authentically than any artist I’ve ever seen. She is obviously a talented photographer, but she is also a super-interesting person who has managed to sidestep a good deal of the “busyness” and distractions that dominate many of our lives. In our conversation, we discuss her career trajectory, and also her love for the community of Teton Valley. We dig deep into the idea of slow living, and she offers some thoughts on ways for people to adopt a slower, more intentional lifestyle. As usual, we discuss favorite books, documentaries, and challenges and opportunities facing the American West.
This is a really fun episode full of lots of great info. Be sure to check out the episode notes for links to everything we discuss. Hope you enjoy!
All photos courtesy of Camrin Dengel
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
Information Referenced
- Camrin Dengel
- Camrin’s Instagram and Facebook
- Teton Valley, Idaho
- Filson Life – Depth in the Field: Out West with Camrin Dengel
- Filson
- Gabe Rogel
- Humbolt State University
- Alaska Marine Conservation Council
- Forest Woodward
- Rocky Mountain School of Photography
- Mike Tittel
- Turn Here Sweet Corn: Organic Farming Works by Atina Diffley
- The Noisy Plume
- Unbranded
- Ed’s Ben Masters interview
- Unbroken Ground
- McCarthy, Alaska
- Mt. Marathon
- Mt. Marathon video
- The End of Plenty: The Race to Feed a Crowded World by Joel K Bourne
Jason Schlarb – Service, Adventure, and Ultra-Endurance
Jason Schlarb is a champion ultrarunner whose notable achievements include winning the Hardrock 100 (2016) and Run Rabbit Run 100 (2013 & 2015), as well as finishing as the top American in the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (4th place, 2014). He is also an accomplished adventurer who, among other things, has skied the entire Hardrock 100 course in winter and explored remote regions of Patagonia and New Zealand, all while filming his exploits and then creating engaging, authentic films though his company Schlarb-Wolf Productions. Most impressively, Jason is a veteran who served for 10 years as an officer in the United States Air Force, which included a five-month deployment to Iraq and his earning the rank of Major.
A competitive soccer player for most of his youth, Jason made the switch to running relatively late in the game when he joined the cross country team as a high school senior. But his natural talent for endurance combined with a relentless competitive streak allowed him to walk on to a Division I cross country team, where he excelled throughout his college career. After years of focusing exclusively on road races ranging from 10Ks to marathons, he made the switch to trail running and has never looked back. Jason, his wife Maggie, and son Felix have shaped their lives around the pursuit of a purpose-driven, rewarding, and adventurous lifestyle, and they currently reside on the southern end of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, just outside of Durango.
Jason is a fascinating guy with an infectiously positive attitude, which made for a fun and in-depth conversation. We cover a broad range of topics, including his athletic background, his journey to ultrarunning, and some of his adventures around the world. We discuss his time in the military and how those 10 years of service affect his outlook and approach to sports and life. We chat about his thoughts on competition, mental toughness, and the benefits of positive thinking. Whether you’re an athlete or not, there are huge amounts of wisdom to be gleaned from Jason’s experiences and perspective.
This was a fun conversation and I really appreciate Jason taking the time to chat. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Photo courtesy of Jason Schlarb – Top photo by Eduardo Castro
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
Information Referenced
- Jason Schlarb
- Jason’s Instagram and Facebook
- Schlarb-Wolf Productions films on Vimeo
- Altra
- Hardrock 100
- San Juan Mountains
- Handies Peak
- Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight
- Montana State University
- United States Air Force
- Kilian Jornet
- North Face Endurance Challenge
- Run Rabbit Run 100
- Jason’s iRunFar interview discussing postive thinking
- Maggie Schlarb
- Jason and Maggie’s Coaching Services
- Joel Wolpert
- Noah Howell
- Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
- Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
- Fight Club
- 180 South
- Meru
- Touching the Void: The True Story of One Man’s Miraculous Survival by Joe Simpson
- Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster by John Krakauer
- Diagonale des Fous
- Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (“UTMB”)
Larry Yaw – Creating a Sense of Place in the New West
Larry Yaw is a renowned architect based in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley whose work connects people with nature using contemporary, sustainable, conservation-focused designs. Growing up in rural Montana gave Larry a deep appreciation for the utilitarian character of ranch homes and their thoughtful integration into the landscape, aspects that form the foundation of much of his work today. Through his design, Larry has demonstrated a unique ability to pay homage to the past while boldly pushing beyond preconceived notions of architecture in the American West.
If I had to use one word to describe Larry it would probably be “adventurous”—a quest for adventure seems to guide all aspects of his professional and personal lives. As you’ll hear in our conversation, Larry has traveled the world many times over, sometimes with his full family in tow, seeking out enriching experiences everywhere from the South Pacific to the Swiss Alps. He is also intellectually adventurous, as evidenced by his deep knowledge of history, conservation, Native Americans, and many other subjects related to the West and beyond. Physical adventures are a daily occurrence for Larry, whether it’s pedaling single track, stalking trout with his fly rod, hiking in the high mountains around Aspen, or shooting birds on the Montana prairies. All of these experiences provide the fuel that keeps Larry’s professional creative engine firing at turbo speed, decade after decade.
This was a super-fun conversation, and I came away from it inspired and enlightened. We discussed a broad range of topics including Larry’s architecture, his creative process, and how he has managed to stay consistently creative for so long. We chatted about his early years in Montana, some of his adventures around the world, and his thoughts on conservation in the American West. Larry is a true student of the West, so he had plenty of book recommendations. There is a lot of great information in this interview, so don’t forget to check the episode notes for links to everything we discuss.
Photo courtesy of Larry Yaw
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
Information Referenced
- Cottle Carr Yaw Architects
- Great Falls, Montana
- Aconcagua
- The Architect Explorer by Lindsay Yaw Rogers
- Roaring Fork Conservancy
- The Heart of Everything That Is: The Untold Story of Red Cloud, An American Legend by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin
- Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Tribe in American History by S.C. Gwynne
- Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West by Hampton Sides
- Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest Hour by Lynee Olson
- Pete McBride
- Pete McBride’s films
- The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon by Kevin Fedarko
- Yvon Chouinard
Pat O’Toole – Six Generations of Balanced Ranch Stewardship
Pat O’Toole is a rancher who, along with his family, owns and operates the Ladder Ranch, a large-scale cattle and sheep operation that straddles the Colorado-Wyoming border. Pat’s wife Sharon’s family established the ranch in the Little Snake River Valley back in 1881, and now, six generations later, the family’s hard work, thoughtful vision, and a deep respect for the land have made the Ladder Ranch a shining example of the combined effect of productive agriculture and land conservation.
Pat’s background is far outside of the norm for many multi-generational ranchers—he grew up in south Florida, majored in philosophy in college, and just before he and his wife enrolled in law school, they decided to return to her family’s land to continue in the family business of ranching. Since then, the O’Tooles have not only run a financially successful operation, but they have simultaneously improved wildlife, bird, and fish habitat throughout the ranch. By thinking outside the box and partnering with both non-profit and governmental organizations, the Ladder Ranch has set a new standard for conservation, creative problem solving, and sustainable land stewardship.
We had a fun, in-depth conversation that covered a wide variety of topics that will be of interest to anyone who loves the West, whether you’re involved in ranching or not. We discuss Pat’s thoughts on cooperation between ranchers and environmentalists, and how the relationship between the two groups is getting stronger and more positive every year. We chat about water in the West, and why it is important to keep water on ranches rather than being sold off to municipalities. We also dig into Pat’s unconventional background, his thoughts on the future of land conservation, and of course, favorite books, history, and his favorite location in the West.
Pat is an interesting guy who has thought very deeply on issues related to the American West, including conservation, water, and agriculture. There’s a lot of great information in this interview, so I hope you enjoy!
Photo courtesy of Pat O’Toole
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
- Ladder Ranch
- Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
- Homestead Acts
- In depth discussion of water rights – Spencer Williams podcast
- National Audubon Society
- Rotational grazing
- George R. Salisbury, Jr. (Pat’s father-in-law)
- Confessions of a Maverick: An Autobiography by Farrington Carptenter
- Erik Glenn – Saving Colorado One Ranch at a Time
- Senator Larry Hicks
- Sand County Foundation
- Ladder Ranch’s Leopold Conservation Award
- Family Farm Alliance
- Partners for Conservation
- Theodore Roosevelt in the Badlands: A Young Politician’s Quest for Recovery in the American West by Roger Di Silvestro
- Jefferson’s America: The President, the Purchase, and the Explorers Who Transformed a Nation by Julie Fenster
- The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America by Douglas Brinkley
- The Apache Wars: The Hunt for Geronimo, the Apache Kid, and the Captive Boy Who Started the Longest War in American History by Paul Andrew Hutton
- Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West by Hampton Sides
- Lonesome Dove movie
Joe Grant – Self-Powered Alpine Adventurer
Joe Grant is a highly accomplished professional ultra-runner and all-around endurance athlete who has completed some of the endurace world’s most challenging events—several Hardrock 100s, UTMB 100, Western States 100, and Bighorn 100, as well as the Arizona Trail Race (750 miles on mountain bike), Iditarod Trail Invitational 350, and many, many more. He most recently completed the “Tour de 14ers,” a solo, self-supported and self-powered link-up of all of Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountains, by bicycle and on foot. For those of you counting, that’s climbing 57 fourteeners, accessed all by bike, in 31 days.
But Joe’s career as a professional athlete makes up only a small portion of his personal identity. He is a talented writer and photographer, as well as a voracious reader. He was born in England and grew up in France, so he has a global perspective that gives him a unique point of view. He is obviously driven to pursue challenging goals, yet he has always been focused more on the process than the end result. Joe’s athletic achievements seem to combine his desire for continued personal growth with a genuine love of wild places and a strong conservation ethic.
Because he has such a depth of knowledge on so many interesting subjects, talking with Joe solely about running would only begin to scratch the surface. So after a rundown of his recent 14er adventure, we went deep into his thoughts on adventure, endurance, and pushing one’s personal boundaries. He talked about his upbringing and how family and friends have helped shape his outlook on life, giving him the confidence to pursue an unconvential, yet extremely fulfilling lifestyle. We of course talked a lot about books, as well as goal setting, daily practices, and his thoughts on conservation.
I’m obviously biased, but I loved this conversation and really appreciate Joe taking the time to chat. I encourage you to check him out on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), and read some of his columns. If you like people who are passionate, humble, deep-thinking, and all-around interesting, you’ll enjoy getting to know Joe. Enjoy!
All photos courtesy of Joe Grant
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Discussed
- Joe Grant
- Joe’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
- Joe’s iRunFar column: From My Doorstep
- Tour de 14ers
- Hardrock 100
- Colorado 14ers – 14ers.com
- Scarpa
- REEB Cycles
- iRunFar interview – smiling during running
- Geoff Roes
- Satish Kumar – Resurgence
- No Destination: Autobiography of a Pilgrim by Satish Kumar
- Gary Snyder
- The Abstract Wild by Jack Turner
- Shadows of the Koyukuk: An Alaskan Native’s Life Along the Riverby Sidney Huntington
- Hubert Selby Jr.
- David Gessner
- All the Wild that Remains: Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and the American West by David Gessner
- The Prophet of Dry Hill: Lessons from a Life in Natureby David Gessner
- Articles about the sale of public lands: Here, here, here, and here
Ben Masters – Conservation Through Innovative Filmmaking
Ben Masters is a filmmaker and conservationist whose work explores some of the most important conservation challenges facing the American West today. He was the mastermind behind the award-winning documentary Unbranded, which tells the story of Ben and his three buddies who ride wild mustangs from Mexico to Canada as part of an epic five month-adventure. The film also examines the Bureau of Land Management’s Wild Horse Program, a well-intentioned, but now controversial, government program created to protect the wild horses that roam the western U.S. For those who love the American West, Unbranded is one of the best documentaries in recent memory—it combines hardcore adventure with important conservation issues, all while accurately capturing the true beauty of the American West.
Conservation is the common theme running through all of Ben’s work, and his passion is fortified with a deep knowledge of natural history, public lands, and policy issues related to the American West. His expertise recently earned him a spot on the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board, the group tasked with solving the challenging issues surrounding the program he profiled in Unbranded. His most recent film, Pronghorn Revival, is the story of Texas wildlife biologists capturing and relocating a struggling herd of pronghorns (i.e. antelopes). Not one to rest on his laurels, Ben is working hard on more conservation projects to be revealed in the coming months.
When we recorded this episode, Ben was less than a day away from leaving on a multi-week guiding trip to the area around Yellowstone National Park, so I really appreciated him making the time to chat. In just under an hour, we managed to cover a wide range of conservation-related topics: the BLM’s Wild Horse Program, invasive species in the American West, thoughts on hunting, as well as Ben’s personal background, favorite books, favorite documentaries, and a crazy horse stampede story… with plenty of other intesting subjects thrown in.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Unbranded. You’ll love it. In the meantime, enjoy my conversation with Ben Masters.
All photos courtesy of Ben Masters
Click Here to Download on iTunes
—
Click Here to Download on Stitcher
—
—
Episode Notes
Topics Covered
Information Referenced
- Ben Masters
- Unbranded
- Pronghorn Revival
- BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program
- Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act
- Professor Douglas Slack
- The Wilderness Warrior – Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America by Douglas Brinkley
- Gifford Pinchot
- The Big Burn – Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire That Save America by Timothy Egan
- Invasive species
- Pronghorn
- Yeti
- The Emerald Mile – The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon by Kevin Fedarko
- The Song of the Dodo: Island Biogeography in an Age of Extinction by David Quammen
- The Naturalist – Theodore Roosevelt, A Lifetime of Exploration, and the Triumph of American Natural History by Darrin Lunde
- Almost Sunrise
- Heroes and Horses
- Phill Baribeau and Korey Kaczmarek
- Yellowstone National Park
