Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Mountain & Prairie with Ed Roberson
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| Devon O'Neil — On Nature's Power and the Price of Adventure | 11 Nov 2025 | 01:04:53 | |
Devon O'Neil is a journalist, author, and longtime friend of mine whose new book "The Way Out: A True Story of Survival in the Heart of the Rockies" is one of the best pieces of outdoor nonfiction I've read in years. The book tells the harrowing true story of a backcountry ski trip near Leadville, Colorado, that turned tragic—and the years-long process of understanding what really happened, and how a mountain town wrestled with loss, resilience, and the complicated relationship we all have with risk and wild places. It's gripping, deeply reported, and beautifully written—equal parts survival epic, community portrait, and meditation on how we find meaning in the aftermath of tragedy. Devon has spent more than two decades as a writer and reporter based in Summit County, Colorado, covering everything from adventure sports and avalanches to the cultural and emotional undercurrents of life in mountain towns. Before turning his attention to this book project, he worked in newspapers, wrote for Outside, Men's Journal, and ESPN.com, and somehow managed to balance all of that with being a hardcore athlete and a dedicated dad and husband. He's one of those rare writers whose empathy and endurance match the people that he writes about. In this conversation, Devon and I dig into the story behind "The Way Out"—how he first heard about the tragedy, earned the trust of a close-knit community, and spent years piecing together a complete and compassionate account. We talk about the ethical tightrope of telling other people's hardest stories, how his own brushes with danger shaped his perspective on risk, and what this project taught him about the fine line between adventure and recklessness. We also get into his childhood growing up on a sailboat in the Virgin Islands, his evolution as a journalist and athlete, and the hard-earned wisdom that comes from spending a lifetime chasing stories in the mountains. "The Way Out" is available now wherever you get your books, so follow the links in the episode notes to grab your copy. Big thanks to Devon for the chat, and thank you for listening. Enjoy! ---
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| Carli Kierstead – Wyoming Forests and the Work of Keeping Water Flowing | 31 Oct 2025 | 01:01:41 | |
Carli Kierstead is the Forest Program Director for The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming, where she leads efforts to understand and restore some of the West's most critical—and often overlooked—ecosystems. From beetle kill and wildfire to drought, Wyoming's forests face a range of challenges that ripple far beyond the state's borders. These high-country forests are the headwaters of several major river basins, providing water to millions of people across the American West. In this conversation, Carli and I dig into the past, present, and future of Western forests—how management philosophies have evolved over the decades, what's threatening their health today, and what can be done to make them more resilient in a changing climate. We talk about her team's groundbreaking work using snowtography—a deceptively simple but powerful way to study how forest structure affects snowpack and water supply—and how those findings could help guide future restoration across the Colorado River Basin. Carli also shares her personal journey from growing up in San Diego to finding her calling in Wyoming's wide-open landscapes, her insights on collaboration and trust-building in conservation, and a few book recommendations that shaped her path. It's a hopeful, science-grounded conversation about water, forests, and how collaboration can shape a more resilient future for the West. Thanks for listening, hope you enjoy! ---
--- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org --- TOPICS DISCUSSED:
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| Cole Mannix & Andrew Anderson – The Hard Work of Building a Better Food System | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:57:22 | |
This episode was recorded live on stage at the 2025 Old Salt Festival in Helmville, Montana, where I had the honor of sitting down with two of the people at the center of this ambitious experiment in food, land, and community: Cole Mannix who is the President and co-founder of the Old Salt Co-op and Andrew Anderson who is the manager of the J Bar L Ranch. If you've been following Old Salt, you know it's much more than a beef company. It's a bold attempt to rethink how ranching families, local communities, restaurants, and consumers can work together to create a food system that's resilient, regenerative, and deeply rooted in place. What strikes me most about Cole, Andrew, and the Old Salt team is just how hard they are working to make this vision a reality. They're juggling ranching, processing, restaurants, and festivals—businesses that are notoriously difficult on their own—and somehow doing it all with an open spirit of generosity, collaboration, and humility. In this conversation, we dig into the early days of Old Salt, the failures and lessons that shaped it, and the risks of scaling up in an industry designed to squeeze out small producers. We talk about why they chose to take the harder road of building restaurants and hosting a one-of-a-kind festival, how they measure success beyond the spreadsheet, and why they believe community is as important a product as the beef itself. Even if you don't work in food or ranching, the lessons here resonate for anyone trying to build a purpose-driven business. We cover everything from balancing mission and margins, to leading with vulnerability, to learning how to grow without losing sight of your values. Cole and Andrew are quick to admit they don't have it all figured out, but their candor, persistence, and vision make this a conversation I know you'll find as inspiring as I did. Enjoy! ---
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| Matt Moorhead & Galen Guerrero-Murphy - Grasslands Conservation on the Southern High Plains | 25 Apr 2023 | 01:02:33 | |
Matt Moorhead and Galen Guerrero-Murphy are conservationists who work for The Nature Conservancy on its Southern Highs Plains Initiative (SHPI), a collaboration between five states with the shared goal of protecting the nation's grasslands. The Southern High Plains encompasses approximately 71 million acres across Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. The region is home to some of the country's most important grasslands, as well as the people and wildlife who depend on the invaluable shortgrass prairie ecosystem. - Officially, Matt is TNC's Conservation Business & Partnership Development Advisor and Galen is TNC's Land Conservation Program Manager– but at their core, they are both relationship builders. As you'll hear in this conversation, both Matt and Galen work tirelessly to build long-term, rock-solid partnerships with landowners and conservation partners with the goal of finding win-win solutions that can be mutually beneficial for all parties. Through genuine curiosity, creative thinking, and a deep respect for landowners and their legacy, Matt and Galen have helped to implement lasting conservation outcomes in the Southern High Plains. - The three of us connected virtually and had a fascinating conversation about grasslands, ranching, buidling relationships, and purpose-driven work. We start out by defining exactly what constitutes the Southern High Plains and why this is such an important region for conservation. We then discuss why the large percentage of private ownership creates such a compelling case for conservation, the need for balancing conservation with various forms of energy development, the current markets around grasslands carbon sequestration, and the all-important role of TNC's partners. We also discuss Matt and Galen's mentors, how they measure conservation success, and some of their favorite books. - I've considered Matt and Galen to be friends and mentors for many years now, so I was grateful for the opportunity to talk with them on the podcast. Hope you enjoy. ---
--- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. On the fourth Tuesday of every month throughout 2023, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in Colorado and around the world, visit www.nature.org/colorado --- TOPICS DISCUSSED:
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| Walt Morgan - Helping People Discover Their Best Selves | 21 Apr 2023 | 01:20:59 | |
Walt Morgan is a retired Navy Commander and Navy helicopter pilot, and he's also the founder of Translational Lift Coaching, where he works with individuals and teams to help them reach their full potential. Walt's wide-ranging background as a leader, teacher, student, and parent gives him a unique approach to helping people identify what they are doing well, what they could be doing better, and how to make subtle-yet-powerful adjustments that can lead to lasting change. - Walt grew up in rural Oregon, where agriculture and working lands were an important part of his upbringing. He attended college on a military scholarship, graduated, and began flying helicopters for the Navy. After 23 rewarding years of service, Walt retired from the Navy and made his way into corporate America, where he quickly discovered his talent and passion for coaching. Today, Walt has combined his innate skills as a coach with his deep desire to help people, and he's created a meaningful second act to his already impressive career. - I have had the great fortune of being coached by Walt for many years now, and I credit him and his guidance with helping me to identify the beliefs and ideas that are serving me well and to discard those that created friction. As you'll hear in this conversation, several of the insights I gained from Walt's coaching are what led me to leave the real estate business and fully focus on the purpose-driven work of conservation and this podcast. While I generally avoid blabbing about myself in these conversations, I feel that my personal experience with Walt speaks to the power of the work he does on a daily basis with many, many people. - Walt and I sat down at my dining room table and had a fun conversation about his life and career, including: Walt's upbringing in rural Oregon; his decision to join the military; lessons learned from helicopters, deployments, and decades of service; his experience on the morning of 9/11 and his work in the aftermath; discovering his love of teaching; harnessing youthful wild energy into something productive; becoming a coach; the difference between coaching and therapy; the Enneagram and Integral Coaching methodology; favorite books and music; and much more. - A big thanks to Walt for taking the time to chat and for his guidance over the years. You can find links to everything Walt is doing in the episode notes, so be sure to click through. Hope you enjoy. ---
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| Kathie Sever - Chainstitching, Craftsmanship, and Cosmic Western Wear | 14 Apr 2023 | 01:30:34 | |
Kathie Sever is an artist, designer, and the founder of Fort Lonesome, an Austin-based company that creates one-of-a-kind, hand-cranked, chain-stitched western wear. What started with Kathie hand-embroidering garments for friends out of her home has transformed over the years into a globally known fashion brand that is worn by well-known personalities such as Matthew McConaughey and singer-songwriter Nikki Lane. Using decades-old chain stitching machines, Kathie and her team create some of the most intricate and rich designs imaginable, and Fort Lonesome has been credited with the resurgence of Western wear's popularity in fashion circles around the world. - Kathie was born, raised, and educated in California, but soon after graduating from art school, she took off for Montana, where she worked at a dude ranch. She worked at the ranch off and on for several years, and she took note of how the ranchers brought creativity, craftsmanship, and an artist's eye to so many of their tasks– from welding to sewing to leatherwork. Kathie loved the idea of functional art, and she has since made a career of combining handcrafted artistry with pragmatic design. And now, as the head of Fort Lonesome, she and her team continue to innovate and push the boundaries of functional art with Fort Lonesome's unique brand of what they call Cosmic Western wear. - I loved this conversation with Kathie and could've talked with her for many more hours. We covered a lot, including Kathie's upbringing in California and how her family affected her artistic trajectory; her experience in Montana and how it laid the foundation for Fort Lonesome; her work as a pastry chef and the challenges of working in the restaurant scene of the 1990s; the power that can come as a result of negative experiences; her growth and evolution as a manager and business owner; how parenthood affected her goals; the pros and cons of working with famous people; the nervous feelings that come with creating art; our shared Enneagram personality profiles; favorite books; and much, much more. - Whether you're interested in art, fashion, the creative process, entrepreneurship, or balancing a career with the demands of parenthood, you'll glean a lot of value from this conversation. A huge thank you to Kathie for the conversation, and thank you for listening. ---
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| Landscape-Scale Management in a Private Land State - Live with the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Part 2 | 07 Apr 2023 | 01:07:06 | |
This is the second of two live episodes that were recorded at the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society's 2023 annual meeting in Houston, Texas. The topic of this panel discussion was Achieving Landscape-Scale Management in a Private Land State. As you learned in the previous episode, Texas has very little public land compared to other western states, so large-landscape conservation in Texas brings with it a number of extremely unique challenges and opportunities. In this conversation, we heard from four of Texas's most respected conservation leaders– individuals who are finding ways to achieve ambitious conservation goals using their own unique skillsets and approaches. - I was joined on stage in front of an audience of nearly 600 people by Roel Lopez, Director of the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute; Chad Ellis, CEO of the Texas Agricultural Land Trust; Terry Anderson, co-founder of Conservation Equity Management and Conservation Equity Partners; and Billy Tarrant, Associate Director of Stewardship Services at Borderlands Research Institute. You can check out the episode notes for more information on each of the panelists and links to their respective bios and organizations. - As you'll hear in the conversation, there are a wide range of innovative approaches and tools– from academic to non-profit to market-based– that are allowing Texas to be a trailblazer in private lands conservation in the United States. So we had a lot to cover in this hour-long session, including: The evolution and use of conservation easements, the importance of building solid relationships with landowners, new conservation tools on the horizon, how Texas has exported is private lands conservation tools to other states, data around population growth in Texas, advice for you and aspiring conservationists, and a long list of books, podcasts, and resources that have influenced these conservation leaders. - And just before this conversation, each of the panelists did a brief presentation that summarized all of the important work they are doing in Texas. If you'd like to listen to those talks and access their Powerpoint presentations, there's a link in the episode notes. However, you don't need to listen to those presentations to get full value out of this episode– but they are there if you want to go a little deeper. - If you're interested in conservation and learning from impressive individuals who have devoted their lives to land, stewardship, and conservation, then I know you'll enjoy this episode. Once again, thanks to John Kinsey and the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society for inviting me down to Houston and for giving me the opportunity to have these meaningful conversations. Enjoy! ---
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| Equitable Access to the Outdoors - Live with the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, Part 1 | 06 Apr 2023 | 01:07:49 | |
This is the first of two live episodes that were recorded at the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society's 2023 annual meeting in Houston, Texas. The topic of this panel discussion was Equitable Access to the Outdoors, a subject that is timely and important in all areas of the West, but especially important in Texas, where 93% of the state's land is privately owned. Whether your interest is outdoor recreation, public health, climate change, or public-private conservation partnerships, the ability for people to have access to parks, trails, open spaces, and wild places is becoming more and more important with each passing year. - For this conversation, I was joined on stage by five Texas conservation innovators– folks who are working hard to ensure that Texans of all stripes have ample opportunities to spend time outside– whether in the cities or in the state's more rural areas. In order of their appearance in this conversation, we had Jaime González, Healthy Communities Director for the Nature Conservancy; Sarah Coles, Executive Director of the Texas Children in Nature Network; Immanuel Salas, Texas Parks and Wildlife's R3 Coordinator for Hunting and Shooting Sports; Neal Wilkins, President and CEO of the East Foundation; and Joseph Fitzsimons, conservationist and owner of the San Pedro Ranch. You can check out the episode notes for more information on each of the panelists and links to their respective bios and organizations. - I could've spent hours talking to each of the panelists individually, but as a group, we had a very informative and educational conversation– one that provided a different perspective from some of my past episodes that focused on equitable access. we covered a lot in this hour-long discussion, including: the importance of building thriving cities with ample parks, trails, and outdoor space; how these organizations are working to reverse some of the disheartening trends around children's health and their access to the outdoors; the importance of collaborative partnerships, the R3 program in Texas– what it is, why it's important, and how it is evolving; the role of private landowners in providing access opportunities; the importance of youth education; the role of government; public land in Texas; the need to engage with elected officials; favorite books; and much more. - I learned a lot from this conversation and was honored to share a stage with such an impressive group of people who are working so hard on this all-important issue. Click the link in your podcast player to access all of the notes and links from this episode– we've listed tons of excellent resources from this episode. - Thanks to John Kinsey and the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society for inviting me to host this event, and thank you for listening. Hope you enjoy! ---
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| Taylor Hawes - Innovative Conservation in the Colorado River Basin | 28 Mar 2023 | 01:07:06 | |
Taylor Hawes is the Director of the Colorado River Program for the Nature Conservancy. As the leader of the program, she guides TNC's efforts to conserve the freshwater biodiversity of the Colorado River Basin while also meeting human demands for water– challenging objectives given the wide-ranging stresses facing the river today. But despite the challenges brought about by climate change, overallocation, and increasing demand, Taylor and her team are making great strides toward finding long-term solutions to create a sustainable future for the Colorado River and the people, plants, and animals that depend on it. - Taylor grew up on the east coast, and, from a young age, she felt a deep connection to land, water, and natural resources. She fell in love with wide-open spaces while on a course with the National Outdoor Leadership School, and she's devoted her career to protecting land and water in the West. Prior to joining the team at TNC, she served as Associate Counsel to the Colorado River Water Conservation District on Colorado's Western Slope, working on water quality, water policy, environmental permitting, and water rights litigation. - If you pay attention to the news, then you'll know that the Colorado River has been receiving tons of media attention for the dire conditions and projections facing the entire region. Reservoirs are at historic lows, temperatures are rising, and the need for more water is increasing. In the first part of this conversation, I ask Taylor to decipher many of the surface-level sound bytes that I've heard in the news, and she provides some much-needed context and background regarding the river basin's current challenges. We then talk about how TNC is working to solve these problems, by building community support, working collaboratively with Tribal nations, and helping agricultural producers become more efficient. And we spend the last part of the conversation talking about Taylor's professional journey– why she chooses to do this work, what gives her hope, and her goals for her work on the Colorado River. - This was a timely conversation, and I hope it sheds some light on the challenges facing the Colorado River today– and provides some optimism about the river's future. Thanks to Taylor for taking the time to chat, and thank you for listening. ---
--- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. On the fourth Tuesday of every month throughout 2023, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in Colorado and around the world, visit www.nature.org/colorado TOPICS DISCUSSED:
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| Beau Alexander - Paying Homage to the Past, While Focusing on the Future | 23 Mar 2023 | 01:12:23 | |
Beau Alexander is the owner and operator of Maxwell Alexander Gallery, a world-renowned art gallery that curates and celebrates "a new breed of fine art" here in the American West and beyond. Beau and his brother, the famed western artist Logan Maxwell Hagege, officially opened the gallery back in 2012, and their goals were simple: Represent one-of-a-kind artists, put the artists' interests first, and serve as a trusted resource for a wide range of collectors around the globe. After many years of scrappy hard work and outside-the-box thinking, Maxwell Alexander Gallery has become a cornerstone of the Western art world. - Beau was born and raised in Los Angles, and from an early age, he showed a talent for entrepreneurship and marketing. He and his brother Logan started a number of businesses together, combining their proclivity for creativity with the tireless work ethic they learned from their immigrant father. As Logan's art career exploded, they both saw an opportunity to create an art gallery that takes care of its artists and clients– one that plays the long game and is deeply invested in the people behind the art… not solely focused on making a sale. So, in 2012 they opened Maxwell Alexander Gallery and have steadily risen to the top of the western contemporary art world. And just a few weeks ago, Beau was awarded the Autry Museum's John J. Geraghty Award, which recognizes an individual for his or her Advancement of Contemporary Western art. - Beau and I met last fall in L.A. at Maxwell Alexander Gallery's 10 Year Anniversary Exhibition, so I was thrilled to have him join me for a more in-depth conversation about his journey in western art. We started by discussing his upbringing in LA and how entrepreneurship has always been a part of his life. We discuss some of the good and bad aspects of the old-school art gallery world that sparked the idea to start Maxwell Alexander Gallery. We discussed the early days of the business, and how he had to grind and be extremely creative in order to gain a foothold in the art world. We also discuss his irreverent, often times hilarious, approach to using social media as a marketing tool and the importance of introducing new collectors to western art. We discuss art valuation, the importance of treating people fairly, his other artistic influences, and his brother Logan's evolution as an artist. - We talk a lot about Logan and the 10 Year Anniversary exhibition– you can listen to those podcasts by following the links in the episode notes. But for now, I hope you enjoy this inspiring conversation with Beau Alexander. ---
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| Chandra Brown, Part 2 - Teaching & Learning in the West's Wildest Landscapes | 16 Mar 2023 | 00:57:37 | |
I met Chandra Brown through the podcast more than four years ago, and with each passing year, I've been more and more inspired by her life and work. You may remember that she's the founder of Freeflow Institute, a Montana-based organization that curates immersive outdoor learning experiences in Earth's wildest classrooms. What started with combining summer river trips with writing workshops taught by some of the West's greatest authors has turned into a year-round, immersive curriculum that incorporates many forms of art and storytelling. - If you've listened to a lot of Mountain & Prairie episodes, then you will recognize many past and present Freeflow Instructors– Hal Herring, Bill deBuys, Chris La Tray, Heather Hansman, Anna Brones, Brendan Leonard, Alexis Bonogofsky, and Elliott Woods. And you'll also recognize the Freeflow classrooms, which include the Salmon River, Green River, Big Blackfoot River, San Juan Islands, and the canyon country of Southwest Colorado. The overlap between what Chandra has built at Freeflow and what we're all doing here in Mountain & Prairie is significant, so I was excited to have Chandra join me for another conversation. - If you want to hear more about Chandra's upbringing in Alaska and her fascinating life trajectory, I'd encourage you to go back and listen to our first episode. But also feel free to dive right into this conversation, as we had a wonderful chat about everything from cold water plunges to Freeflow's growth and evolution to the challenges of running a small business during the pandemic years. We discuss some of the upcoming courses for this calendar year, Freeflow's scholarship program, the importance of pursuing one's own creative endeavors, and how Chandra and grown as a person over the past four years. - I'd also be crazy not to mention that I'm leading a Freeflow course late this summer, down the Green River in Utah, through Gates of Ladore and Dinosaur National Monument. We'll be focused on the power of optimistic storytelling, and how storytelling can be used to effect change here in the West and beyond. You can check out the link in the episode notes to learn more, but my course is limited to 12 people, and it's already filling up. But even if you're not interested in spending a week with me, I'd encourage you to check out all the courses and the scholarship opportunities. I wish I could go on all the courses! - Thanks for listening. Hope you enjoy! ---
--- This episode is brought to you in partnership with my friends at Stonefly Nets - Handcrafted Fishing Nets Made in Arkansas --- TOPICS DISCUSSED:
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| Cate Havstad-Casad, Part 2 - Building Businesses for the Greater Good | 09 Mar 2023 | 01:06:20 | |
If you've listened to Mountain & Prairie since the early days, then I'm sure you remember Cate Havstad-Casad. She first joined me on the podcast in early 2018 for a conversation about her life and career as a hatmaker and farmer. In late 2019, she was one of the four amazing women who joined me on stage for a live podcast at the Bozeman's Ellen Theatre. And today, more than 5 years after that first conversation, she joins me once again to talk about her continued personal and professional evolution. - Over the past few years, Cate has been working at a dizzying pace, focusing on creating and building several purpose-driven businesses. She's the founder and CEO of Range Revolution, the world's first regenerative leather luggage company, as well as the co-founder of Agricultural Connections Co-Op, a regional food distribution business based in Bend, Oregon. Additionally, she and her husband, Chris, have continued to grow their organic farming business, and her hatmaking business, Havstad Hat Co., continues to grow and evolve in unexpected ways. And to top it all off, in 2021, Cate and Chris welcomed their first child into the world. - So, we had a lot to discuss! We started by talking about how Cate thinks about her work today versus five years ago, and why she feels it is important to continue to take business risks even after taking on the new responsibilities that come with parenthood. We talk a lot about Range Revolution and the Agricultural Connections Co-op, and Cate shares a ton of lessons learned from the process of founding these vastly different businesses. We discuss leadership and management, and Cate offers up some excellent books and resources that have helped her to become a better leader. We talk about fundraising, the importance of self-awareness, thinking versus doing, mentors, Wendell Berry, and our mutual love of hard work. - Cate obviously has a full schedule, so I appreciate her carving out time to chat with me. Check out the episode notes for links to her businesses and all of the resources we discuss. Thanks for listening, hope you enjoy. ---
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| Dr. Katharine Hayhoe - Effecting Change Through Authentic Conversation | 28 Feb 2023 | 01:02:24 | |
Dr. Katharine Hayhoe is a world-renowned climate scientist, professor, and Chief Scientist for The Nature Conservancy, where she leads and coordinates the organization's scientific efforts. She is also the author of "Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World," an excellent book you've likely heard me reference on the podcast. Whether you are interested in learning more about the facts, data, or projections regarding climate change, or if you are seeking guidance on how best to approach challenging conversations about climate, I highly recommend "Saving Us." It's an optimistic, solutions-oriented guidebook for finding common ground and having productive conversations. - Katharine was born and raised in Canada and has been obsessed with science, the natural world, and the universe for as long as she can remember. Her undergraduate studies focused on physics and astronomy, but as she was finishing up her degree, she happened to take a climate science course, which captured her imagination and changed the focus of her education and career. Today, Katharine is a distinguished professor at Texas Tech, a highly respected researcher, and a sought-after speaker with a TED Talk that's been viewed more than 4 million times. And to top it all off, in 2021, she joined The Nature Conservancy as its Chief Scientist. - Katharine and I met up in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where she was the keynote speaker at a community event focused on climate and climate change in the Yampa Valley and beyond. Katharine and I chatted for an hour before her event, and we managed to cover a lot of ground. We discussed her book "Saving Us," her TED talk, and a concept known as "The Six Americas of Global Warming." We discuss how and why her Christian faith plays such an important role in her work to solve climate change, and she offers some common-sense, optimistic approaches to having challenging conversations with smart people who do not think that climate change is a threat. She also talks about her role at The Nature Conservancy, specific climate opportunities and challenges facing the American West, and she offers a ton of excellent book recommendations. - Thank you to Dr. Hayhoe for taking the time out of her busy schedule to chat with me, and thank you for listening. Hope you enjoy. ---
--- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. On the fourth Tuesday of every month throughout 2023, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in Colorado and around the world, visit www.nature.org/colorado --- TOPICS DISCUSSED:
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| Brady Robinson Returns – Grassroots Conservation on a Global Scale | 06 Aug 2025 | 01:06:23 | |
Brady Robinson is a lifelong climber, conservationist, and educator who currently serves as Director of Philanthropy for the Freyja Foundation. His career has spanned outdoor education, nonprofit leadership, and global conservation philanthropy, with past roles including Executive Director of both the Access Fund and the Conservation Alliance. These days, his work focuses on supporting high-impact land and water conservation efforts across South America, with a particular emphasis on Chilean Patagonia. Brady and I go way back—he was my NOLS instructor in the fall of 1999, on a course that involved big mountains, a few navigational hiccups, and some life-long leadership lessons. That semester planted the seeds for much of what I've done professionally and personally—including starting this podcast—and Brady's been a friend and mentor for going on 26 years. He was also one of the very first guests on this podcast in 2016, back when I had only one microphone and really didn't know how to work it. When Brady and I last spoke on the podcast, he was leading the Access Fund, and a lot has happened since then. In this conversation, we catch up on his career and dig into everything he's working on now. We start out discussing our NOLS experience, Brady's leadership in forming the Outdoor Alliance (alongside recent podcast guest Adam Cramer), his work on passing major climbing legislation, and the lessons he's learned about collaboration, trust, and long-game thinking. We spend the second half of the conversation digging into his current work in Patagonia's Cochamó Valley—a spectacular and at-risk landscape in southern Chile that Brady and his colleagues are working to protect through an ambitious multi-partner campaign. It's a story of nimble, grassroots conservation work, smart philanthropy, and what's possible when people align around a shared purpose. If you've enjoyed my conversations with Kris Tompkins or Adam Cramer, then I know you'll enjoy this one as well. Big thanks to Brady for his decades of support and mentorship—and another big thanks to you for listening. Enjoy! ---
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| Megan Torgerson - Storytelling from Rural America | 20 Feb 2023 | 01:12:02 | |
Megan Torgerson is a podcaster and the creator of Reframing Rural, a narrative podcast whose mission is to "share stories of people and places in rural America in an effort to celebrate culture, preserve history and cultivate curiosity and conversation across geographic, class and cultural divides." In just three seasons, Megan has grown Reframing Rural from a spark of an idea into a highly regarded podcast, one that has been recognized by institutions such as the Headwaters Foundation, Montana Farmers Union, Humanities Montana, and more. Personally, I have learned a ton from Megan's work, so it was an honor to have her join me on the podcast. - Megan was born and raised on the Great Plains of eastern Montana, primarily in the small town of Dagmar. She attended the University of Montana in Missoula and eventually made her way to graduate school in Seattle, where she earned her MFA. As you'll hear in this conversation, during her time in grad school, Megan began exploring the idea of a podcast that focused on rural America. Rather than getting bogged down in endless planning and idea generation, she took action, produced Season 1, and put it out into the world in spring 2020. Fast forward to today, and Megan has a team that works with her, she continues to receive wide-ranging recognition, and the show is being broadcast on several Montana radio stations. - I've known Megan for a year or so, but this was the first time I had a chance to ask her detailed questions about her journey as a storyteller. We started out talking about her upbringing in Dagmar, as well as her educational background and early career. We discuss why she decided to create a narrative podcast, and she explains the very involved process of creating a single episode. We discuss some of the issues she explores in Reframing Rural, including rural gentrification, which was the topic of one of her most recent episodes. We discuss her generosity in the podcast space, whether or not she considers herself a journalist, why she is optimistic about the future of rural America, some advice for aspiring podcasters, and she has lots of amazing book recommendations. - If you haven't already, I'd encourage you to subscribe to Reframing Rural on your favorite podcast app. Megan is committed and she's a pro, and I know that Mountain & Prairie listeners will appreciate the amazing work she's putting into the world. Enjoy! ---
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| Bryce Andrews, Part 2 - "Holding Fire" | 09 Feb 2023 | 00:59:48 | |
Bryce Andrews is a Montana-based rancher and writer, and he's the author of the brand new book "Holding Fire: A Reckoning with the American West." Longtime Mountain & Prairie listeners will remember my first conversation with Bryce back in 2019 when we discussed his writing, conservation work, ranching experience, and his first two books. I thoroughly enjoyed that first conversation and was so impressed with Bryce's thoughtfulness, curiosity, and humility, so I was thrilled to have him back on the podcast to discuss "Holding Fire." - "Holding Fire" is a thought-provoking memoir that explores Bryce's complicated and evolving relationship with the landscape, culture, and history of the American West. Much of the story focuses on his grandfather's Smith and Wesson revolver– a gun that he inherited and owned for many years while living and working in Montana. But despite being a committed big game hunter and owner of many guns, Bryce's feelings toward the revolver began to change. As you'll hear him explain, he eventually befriends a master blacksmith, learns to forge steel, and transforms the revolver from a gun into a tool that he now uses to plant trees on his property. - I loved the book, and it forced me to reexamine many of my baked-in notions about everything from the history of the West to my ideas about hunting for food, mental health, and the culture of the modern-day American West. We talked about why Bryce chose this particular topic for the subject of a book, his long-standing love of hunting, and why he decided to repurpose the revolver into a ranch tool. We discuss what he learned about craftsmanship from the blacksmith, the importance of converting guilt into action, and how fatherhood has changed his approach to life and work. We also talk about this summer's Old Salt Festival, he and his wife's stewardship of their ranch, and he offers up lots of excellent book recommendations. - And if you want to read and discuss a chapter of Bryce's book for free, then download the new social reading app called Threadable. I have recently partnered with Threadable to highlight and discuss a number of readings about the history of the American West, including chapters from Sara Dant's "Losing Eden," and Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz's "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States." Threadable allows users to read portions of great books, then discuss them in a fun and interactive way. As of this recording, Threadable is only for iOS, but if you want to read a sample of Holding Fire and discuss it with the Mountain & Prairie community, follow the link in the episode notes to download the app. I've really been enjoying it. - Thanks to Bryce for another wonderful conversation, and thank you for listening. Hope you enjoy. ---
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| Cole Mannix - Building Community through Land Stewardship and Local Food | 01 Feb 2023 | 01:06:19 | |
Cole Mannix is the President and Founder of the Old Salt Co-op, a new, purpose-driven company that "provides meat raised with integrity from Montana landscapes its customers know and care about." Cole and his team partner with a growing number of Montana ranches, butchers, chefs, and businesses to connect customers and producers, while simultaneously encouraging and promoting a deeper understanding of land stewardship, community, and the interconnectedness of Montana landscapes. - Cole was born and raised in Montana, and he is a member of the fifth generation of the Mannix Family who has been stewarding their family ranch in Montana's Blackfoot Valley since the late 1800s. Cole has followed a fascinating educational and career path, mixing his degrees in biology, philosophy, and theology with wide-ranging work in both entrepreneurial ventures and non-proifit conservation work. And as you'll hear in this conversation, the common thread that connects all of Cole's experiences is a deep love and respect for the land and all that it can provide. - One of the most exciting projects that Cole is currently working on is the Old Salt Festival, a three-day festival taking place this June on the Mannix Ranch, just outside of Helmville, Montana. It's much more than a music festival– it's a celebration of land and land stewardship, and it will feature an eclectic mix of artists, authors, poets, storytellers, chefs and more. I'll be at the event hosting some live podcast conversations, and there will be appearances by a number of past M&P guests, including singer-songwriter Riddy Arman, author-poet Chris Dombrowski, author-rancher Bryce Andrews, and more. Novelist David James Duncan will be reading and chef Eduardo Garcia will be cooking. So we spend a lot of time discussing this event, its purpose, and how the whole idea came together. - This is a wonderful conversation about following your interests, working hard, and doing purpose-driven work that is connected to land and community. Check out the episode notes for a full list of all the topics we discussed, as well as links to the Co-op and this summer's Festival. Thanks so much to Cole for joining me, and thanks to you for listening. ---
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| Carlos Fernández, Part 2 - Creating Conservation Opportunities During Uncertain Times | 24 Jan 2023 | 01:04:51 | |
Carlos Fernández is the Colorado State Director of The Nature Conservancy, one of the most effective conservation organizations in the American West and around the globe. You probably remember Carlos from our first conversation back in August of 2020, in which we discussed his inspiring career trajectory, the importance of collaborative conservation partnerships, and several of TNC's cutting-edge initiatives throughout the West. - When we recorded that first episode, we were in the very early stages of the pandemic– a time marked by unprecedented uncertainty in almost every aspect of life. When we recorded today's episode– nearly two-and-a-half years after that first conversation– the worst of the pandemic is now behind us. Carlos was able to look back on that trying period with some perspective, discussing the many challenges and opportunities that arose from such a difficult few years. This conversation is a case study of how critical work can be produced during challenging times, and how optimism, focus, and old-fashioned teamwork can lead to lasting outcomes. - Carlos and I met up at his office in Boulder and had an in-depth conversation about TNC's conservation initiatives and collaborations over the past few years. I asked Carlos about his leadership strategies and tactics during the most intense days of the pandemic and what he and TNC learned from those challenges. We talk about Carlos's recent 2022 year-end letter and TNC Colorado's 2022 Year In Review, and we dig into several inspiring conservation victories from the past 12 months. We also revisit the Southern High Plains Initiative and the Yampa River Fund, and we discuss TNC's future plans around climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion. We also talk about this year-long partnership between TNC and Mountain & Prairie, which we are both very excited about. ---
--- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. On the fourth Tuesday of every month throughout 2023, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in Colorado and around the world, visit www.nature.org/colorado --- TOPICS DISCUSSED:
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| Christian Beamish - West Coast Craftsman | 13 Jan 2023 | 01:05:48 | |
Christian Beamish is a writer, craftsman, surfboard shaper, and all-around adventurer who lives and works between Ventura and Carpinteria, California. He's the author of one of my favorite books– "The Voyage of the Cormorant"– which tells his deeply personal story of building an open-hulled boat by hand and then sailing it down the Baja Peninsula alone, surfing and camping along the way. He's also the owner of Surfboards California, where he hand-shapes a wide variety of custom boards for surfers of all skill levels. - Christian grew up in California, and for as long as he can remember, he's been connected to the ocean and committed to building things. He's lived an adventurous life that included a stint in the military, surf trips to the far reaches of the globe, and sailing trips up and down the Pacific Coast. And in addition to his work shaping surfboards and writing, he's also a committed husband, father, and community member. I greatly admire how Christian manages to balance all of these sometimes-competing roles, and I gained a lot of valuable perspective from this conversation. - I met up with Christian in Carpinteria, just a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean, in a building that is home to several surfboard shapers and various creative folks. I've admired Christian's writing for over a decade, so it was a dream come true to have the opportunity to spend the morning with him. We covered a ton in this hour-long conversation– his lifelong connection to the ocean and craftsmanship, lessons learned from the military, how he developed his skill for writing, his amazing book "Voyage of the Cormorant," fatherhood, dealing with intense emotions, the craft of shaping surfboards, favorite books and authors, and much more. You can check out the episode notes for a list of all the topics we discussed and links to everything. - A huge thanks to Christian for welcoming me into his shop, and thanks to all of you for listening. Hope you enjoy. ---
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| Jess Mudgett - Humble & Grateful | 06 Jan 2023 | 01:03:19 | |
Jess Mudgett is an artist, skater, surfer, and occasional ranch hand who specializes in one-of-a-kind designs that appear everywhere from murals in the rural West to the Yeti offices in downtown Austin. Fans of Jess's work can spot his art from a mile away– he's known for bold, often-times big portrayals of western landscapes, horses, birds, people, and more, all presented in a style that is uniquely his own. If you're not familiar with Jess's art, I'd encourage you to visit his Instagram page while listening– there's a link in the notes for you to click through. - Jess was raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, and grew up obsessed with and fully committed to skateboarding. While attending art school in Portland, he dropped out to go on a professionally funded skate trip, which ultimately led to getting his foot in the door with the art department of a skate company. After a few years, Jess returned to school to earn his degree, and his path as a professional artist was set. Currently, Jess is based in Portland, but spends big portions of the year traveling the West in his truck, creating art for a wide variety of well-known companies and individuals. - Jess and I met up at my house in Colorado Springs and had a fun conversation about his life as an artist. We started out discussing his upbringing in Fort Collins and how skating and art became the focus of his life. We discuss his creative process, his partnerships with popular brands, and his relationship with the renowned photographer (and past podcast guest) Chris Burkard. Jess describes his time working on Mark Carter's Wyoming ranch, his lifestyle of living on the road, how he pushes through self-doubt, his love of tattoos, and some of the artists who have inspired him over the years. And what I loved most about this conversation was Jess's overall vibe of deep gratitude and true humility– I think you'll be inspired by his approach to life and art. - And as a surprise, Jess created a special Mountain & Prairie design that I know you'll love– I sure do. I'm going to be offering this design on special edition t-shirts, stickers, and coffee mugs in the Mountain & Prairie shop. If you want to check out the collection, follow the link in the notes. It's an awesome design, and I'm honored that Jess took the time to create such a unique piece just for Mountain & Prairie listeners. - Once again, thanks for taking the time to listen. I hope you enjoy this conversation with the great Jess Mudgett. ---
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| BONUS EPISODE: Kate Matheson & The Ranchlands Podcast | 21 Dec 2022 | 00:58:59 | |
If you're a Mountain & Prairie Patreon supporter, then you probably already know that I recently began hosting another podcast for my friends at Ranchlands. It's called the Ranchlands Podcast, and it features conversations with members of the Ranchlands community. As of today, we're about ten episodes in, and we feel very grateful that the podcast has been well-received and shared widely. - For those of you who have not listened to it, I wanted to share one episode here on Mountain & Prairie. This one features my conversation with Kate Matheson, who is the ranch manager of the Zapata Ranch located in Colorado's San Luis Valley. Kate was born and raised in England and enjoyed a successful career in publishing and fashion before picking up and heading to the American West. It's a cool story. - This was a fun, inspiring conversation that I know will resonate with Mountain & Prairie listeners. If you want to listen to more of the Ranchlands Podcast, you can subscribe to it using the link in the notes or wherever you get your podcasts. - And if you want to hang out with Kate and me at the Zapata Ranch this upcoming summer, I encourage you to check out my second annual Strenuous Life Retreat, which takes place in August of 2023. It's five full days of adventure, learning, conversation, and camaraderie, all in the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt's commitment to living the Strenuous Life. - The 2022 retreat was a huge success: We hiked high into the Sangre de Cristo Range, rode horses in Great Sand Dunes National Park and alongside bison and elk on the Medano Ranch. We had discussions about conservation and regenerative agriculture with expert guests, we started each day with strenuous exercise and ended each day with top-notch dinners and a campfire. - The retreat is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to spend five days with a like-minded crew, immersed in one of the West's most spectacular landscapes, pushing yourself hard both physically and intellectually. - But now, without further delay, here's episode nine of the Ranchlands Podcast, featuring the one-and-only Kate Matheson. — — TOPICS DISCUSSED:
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| Live with the Cowboy Artists of America | 16 Dec 2022 | 01:27:03 | |
This is a special episode that was recorded live in Fort Worth, Texas as part of the Cowboy Artists of America's 56th annual exhibition and sale. The show was called "Stories From Around The Campfire," and it was held at the world-renowned Amon Carter Musem of American Art. I was joined on stage by seven influential members CAA community, and we had a panel discussion about the rich history and bright future of the organization. As you'll hear, the event was partly an in-depth, educational discussion about the history of the CAA and western art markets, with the other part being hilarious stories from the organization's past 56 years. - This event was the brainchild of CAA member and my good friend Teal Blake, who joined me on the podcast several years ago. Sitting on stage with me for the event were Fred Fellows, Jody Beeler, Bill Nebeker, Seth Hopkins, Tim Newton, Red Steagall, and Bruce Greene, all of whom are legends in the western art world– you can read more about all of them using the links in the episode notes. Each of these gentlemen brought a unique perspective and distinct experiences to the conversation. But across the board, they all share a deep love of the West, authentic artistic humility, and unwavering respect for the legacy of the CAA. - This conversation winds in and out of many fascinating (and sometimes hilarious) topics. We had great discussions about the creative process, the idea of fully committing to the life of an artist, and how mentorship plays a huge role in the artist's journey. We discussed the CAA's unprecedented longevity in the art world, and how the group's annual trail ride plays an important role in building friendships and strong bonds between the artists. We talk about how the CAA selects new members, and how the organization has evolved artistically over the decades. There is no lack of sense of humor among these guys, so they share plenty of crazy stories about the pranks and practical jokes that they've played on each other over the past 56 years. You can hear from the audience's laughter that everyone in the auditorium was having a great time. - I was honored to share a stage with these seven men, and I greatly appreciate Teal inviting me to be a part of such a special few days. Hope you enjoy! ---
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| Chris Dombrowski, Part 2 - "The River You Touch" | 02 Dec 2022 | 01:06:53 | |
Chris Dombrowski is a Missoula-based writer, poet, teacher, and fishing guide, and he's also the author of the excellent new book "The River You Touch: Making a Life on Moving Water." If you're a longtime Mountain & Prairie listener, you probably remember Chris's first appearance on the podcast in which we discussed his first book "Body of Water" and his poetry collection, "Ragged Anthem." Since that first conversation, Chris has become a great friend, sounding board, and supporter, and his generous spirit and creative commitment continue to be a huge source of inspiration for everything I'm trying to do here at Mountain & Prairie. - Like me, Chris is not originally from the West, but since moving here, he has built a meaningful, purpose-driven life that is deeply connected to the region's rugged land and powerful rivers. Whether guiding fishing clients on the Big Hole, foraging food with his family, or hunting birds with his dog Zeke, the West's wild places are a cornerstone of Chris's life– professionally, personally, and spiritually. His new book "The River You Touch" offers rich insights into his journey from his home state of Michigan to his now-home of Montana, as well as his personal evolution as a husband, father, friend, and community member. Beautifully written, surprisingly vulnerable, and extremely inspiring, "The River You Touch" is one of the best books I've read this year. - Chris and I connected virtually and had a fun conversation about the book, fatherhood, adventure, writing, and much more. We started by discussing how "The River You Touch" came to be, which has an interesting connection to our first podcast conversation. We talk about his process of combining poetic prose with non-fiction narrative, as well as his desire to explore ideas around masculinity and vulnerability. We talk a lot about Jim Harrison– their friendship, Harrison's genius, and his other-worldly work ethic. We discuss family, the blessing of having strong and tough wives, advice for aspiring writers, and more good book recommendations. Enjoy! ---
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| Douglas Brinkley - Exploring the Past to Find Inspiration for the Future | 15 Nov 2022 | 01:03:16 | |
Douglas Brinkley is a world-renowned historian, author, and professor who may be best known to Mountain & Prairie listeners as the author of "The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America" and "Rightful Heritage: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Land of America," which detailed the first two waves of the United States' conservation movement. His most recent book is "Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and the Great Environmental Awakening," which delves into the third wave of conservation and the rise of the modern environmental movement. I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of Silent Spring Revolution, and I highly recommend it. -
Doug was raised in Ohio and from an early age, his parents instilled in him and deep love and respect for wild places, national parks, and the rich history of conservation in the United States. After earning his M.A. and Ph.D. from Georgetown University, Doug began his career as a professor and historian, and he went on to teach at numerous prestigious institutions, including the US Naval Academy, Princeton, Hofstra, Tulane, and, most recently, Rice University. The prolific nature of Doug's writing life is hard to comprehend– he's written extensively about everyone from TR to FDR, JFK to Rosa Parks, and about places ranging from the Alaskan Wilderness to the moon. He's the literary executor of Hunter S. Thompson's estate and has edited the diaries of Jack Kerouac for two separate books. He's also served on the boards of numerous conservation organizations and has won awards for his contributions to the conservation movement. And those accomplishments just scratch the surface of his career… - Doug has been a long-time literary hero of mine, and I credit "The Wilderness Warrior" with fueling my obsession with TR and inspiring me to move out of the real estate business and into land and water conservation work. So when I had the opportunity to join Doug at his home in Austin for a conversation about "Silent Spring Revolution," I didn't hesitate to jump on a plane to Texas. We had a wonderful, wide-ranging conversation about the book, exploring everything from the life and work of Rachel Carson to the TR-like qualities of Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas to the environmental legacies of JFK, LBJ, and Nixon. We also talk about Doug's longstanding personal connection to conservation and how a deep love of teaching is at the core of all of his work. Doug also talks about the roles that art and music play in his life, what gives him hope for the future, and much more. The episode notes are jam-packed with everything we discussed, so be sure to visit the episode webpage for copious resources and links. - Again, I highly recommend "Silent Spring Revolution," but really, I highly recommend all of Doug's work. I greatly appreciate Doug welcoming me into his home and taking the time to chat, I hope you enjoy both this conversation and "Silent Spring Revolution" as much as I did. ---
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| Celene Hawkins and Taylor Hawes – Navigating the Next Era of the Colorado River | 22 Jul 2025 | 00:58:35 | |
Celene Hawkins is the new Colorado River Program Director for The Nature Conservancy, stepping into the role after years of impactful work in tribal water policy and place-based conservation across the basin. She's taking the baton from Taylor Hawes, who led the program for nearly 17 years and is now serving as the Colorado River Program's Special Advisor. It's a leadership transition at a critical moment for the Colorado River, and in this episode, I was lucky to sit down with both of them in person to talk through the handoff—what's changing, what's staying the same, and what the future of the river might look like. This is both Celene and Taylor's second time on the podcast, and we cover a lot of ground. We talk about the ongoing negotiations over new operating guidelines for the river—what's on the table, why the stakes are so high, and what happens if the basin states can't come to an agreement. We dig into tribal involvement—how things are (slowly) changing after decades of exclusion, and why stronger tribal participation is essential to any long-term solutions. We also explore how conservation groups are bringing new ideas, resources, and partnerships to the table, from modeling future scenarios to piloting creative water-sharing and resilience strategies across the West. And beyond the policy, we talk about what it actually takes to lead in a time of uncertainty—how to stay grounded, keep teams motivated, and maintain momentum when the challenges feel overwhelming. As always, Taylor and Celene bring a clear-eyed sense of purpose and a refreshing mix of realism and optimism to the conversation. We're releasing this episode just ahead of Colorado River Day, which falls on July 25th. So if you care about the West, public lands, rivers, or just want to better understand one of the most important water and conservation challenges in North America, this is a great place to start. Thanks for listening, I hope you enjoy! ---
--- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org --- TOPICS DISCUSSED:
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| Live from Maxwell Alexander Gallery | 01 Nov 2022 | 01:03:26 | |
This is a special podcast episode that was recorded live in Los Angeles at Maxwell Alexander Gallery's 10 Year Anniversary Exhibition. Maxwell Alexander Gallery was founded back in 2012, when brothers Beau Alexander and Logan Maxwell Hagege decided to start an artist-focused gallery that spotlighted the West's most cutting-edge art. What started with a crazy idea, a small space, and a few artists has evolved into one of the most well-known galleries in the West– a gallery that celebrates the many complex facets of the American West through paintings and sculpture. - This is a recording of an artist panel discussion that was held on Saturday evening, just before the public exhibition began. The panel includes both Beau and Logan, as well as renowned western artists Kim Wiggins, Eric Bowman, and T. Allen Lawson, who goes by Tim. We recorded this conversation in a space next door to the gallery, and we quickly filled all of the chairs and it became a standing-room-only event. The six of us sat on stools in front of Logan's 8'x12' painting titled "The Song at Sunset," which Logan discusses during the panel. If you'd like to see an image of this massive work of art, there's a link in the episode notes. - Over the course of an hour, the six of us had a wonderful conversation that covered a wide range of topics, everything from the founding of the Maxwell Alexander Gallery all the way to expectations about the future of the Western art markets. Tim speaks about how he used to go out looking for scenes to paint, but now he patiently waits for the "paintings to come to [him]." Kim talks about his unique upbringing in New Mexico and how professional art captured him from an early age. Eric discussed how he treats each of his paintings as an "open-ended story" so as to draw the viewer deeper into the work. And those are just a few of the many topics we discussed. Check out the notes for a full list of topics. - And if you leave this episode wanting to hear more from these artists, don't worry– I've convinced them all to join me for their own episodes in the coming months. And you can always go back and listen to my first episode with Logan by following the link in the notes. - A huge thank you to Beau and Logan for inviting me to this one-of-a-kind event, and a thank you to all of the artists for being such fun, welcoming, and fascinating people who contribute so much to the culture of the American West. I was honored to be included, and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. ---
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| Monica Tranel - Fighting for the Future of Montana | 12 Oct 2022 | 00:56:53 | |
Monica Tranel is an attorney, Olympian, and mother of three, and she's also running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Montana's reformed second congressional district. Monica grew up in eastern Montana in a large family where she was one of ten siblings. Throughout her childhood, her parents stressed the importance of hard work, curiosity, and independent thinking, characteristics that Monica has exhibited in all aspects of her athletic and professional endeavors. - As an athlete, Monica began rowing competitively during law school, and after years of unwavering focus and tenacity, she earned a spot on different two Olympic teams. As an attorney, she devoted much of her career to standing up to a wide range of powerful corporate interests that were attempting to bully or take advantage of everyday Montanans. And now, as a Congressional candidate, she's focused on bolstering Montana's middle class and closing the ever-widening inequality gap. - Monica is in the final stretch of her campaign, so I greatly appreciate her taking the time out of her jam-packed schedule to chat with me. We spend about half of the time talking about Monica as a person– her upbringing in eastern Montana, why athletics have been so important in her life, her high school and college years, her rowing and legal careers, and why public service has always been a part of her personal operating system. For the second half of the conversation, we discuss the election– the challenges facing the middle class, her commitments to Indigenous communities, the importance of thinking independently, an issue that she has changed her mind on, and much more. She also offers a ton of excellent book recommendations, which I always appreciate. - A big thank you to Monica and her team for fitting this podcast into their busy schedule, and thank you for listening. Hope you enjoy. ---
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| Francesca Claverie - A Borderlands Conservation Success Story | 30 Sep 2022 | 01:07:20 | |
Francesca Claverie is the Native Plant Program Manager at the Borderlands Restoration Network. Based in the southern Arizona town of Patagonia, the Borderlands Restoration Network's mission is "to grow a restorative economy by rebuilding healthy ecosystems, restoring habitat for plants and wildlife, and reconnecting our border communities to the land through shared learning." Through binational partnerships and community-led innovation, Francesca and her team are making progress toward solving many border-specific conservation challenges– challenges that are often not very well known to those of us living far from the border. - We could easily spend five or six hours discussing Francesca's various conservation projects, but for this hour-long conversation, we zoned in one particularly innovative project that spans the US-Mexico border called "Bacanora for Bats: Binational Conservation and Sustainable Agave Spirits." The project is focused on conserving agave plants– plants that are a critical food source for specific migrating bat populations and are simultaneously under a great deal of pressure because of the booming tequila and Bacanora industries. As you'll hear her explain, Francesca and her team have implemented a one-of-a-kind system that allows for continued economic prosperity from agave production, but not at the expense of the bat populations. It's a perfect example of a community-driven, win-win conservation solution. - A little more than two years ago, the project was awarded the Salazar Center's Connectivity Challenge prize– a $100,000 award that Francesca and her binational team have used to implement this innovative conservation solution. So we obviously talk about how those funds have been put to use and some of the successes that have resulted from the prize. We also discuss some of the unexpected opportunities and challenges that have arisen during the project, and how changing political administrations on both sides of the border have affected her work. We go into great detail about bats, the ecology of agave plants, and specific challenges that come with working across borders. Francesca also has a fascinating personal and professional trajectory, so we talk about her childhood spent on the California-Mexico border and how she decided to pursue conservation as a career. She also offers up some excellent book recommendations and some wise parting words. - I was so inspired by Francesca and her work along the border, and I believe there are lessons in this conversation that can be applied by anyone working in the conservation sector. Thanks to Francesca for taking the time to chat, and thank you for listening. --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Salazar Center for North American Conservation. To register for the fourth annual International Symposium on Conservation Impact, go to salazarcenter.colostate.edu and receive $25 off symposium registration with the code "25OffReg". ---
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| Amber Smith - Creating Connection & Community | 27 Sep 2022 | 01:21:00 | |
Amber Smith is a Montana-based rancher and the Executive Director of Women in Ranching, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to hold brave space, support courageous action, and champion rural women's leadership on the land. Offering a blend of in-person and virtual events, Women in Ranching has filled a unique niche across a wide range of rural communities in the West and beyond. From skill-building workshops to virtual kitchen table chats to multi-day on-the-ground experiences, Women in Ranching offers a much-needed, supportive network for women whose families and livelihoods are closely tied to agriculture and the land. - Amber was born and raised in Illinois, and she met her now-husband Trevor while working at a ranch in Colorado. They fell in love, got married, and today Amber and Trevor have two young children and a successful ranching business in eastern Montana. As you'll hear in our conversation, when Amber was first introduced to Women in Ranching several years ago, she felt an immediate connection to the organization's work– the connection was so strong that she eventually took the helm as the organization's leader. And earlier this year, after several years under the umbrella of Western Landowners Alliance, Women in Ranching became its own freestanding nonprofit organization- an exciting next step for the organization's continued growth and evolution. - Amber and I met more than five years ago on the Antelope Springs Ranch, the ranch that she and Trevor continue to steward to this day. I was immediately impressed with her energy, dedication to her community, and ability to juggle many competing priorities with grace and humor. I've been following her leadership with Women in Ranching for many years now, and it was a real pleasure to have the opportunity to reconnect and have such an inspiring conversation. We talked about the purpose and mission of Women in Ranching and how the organization has evolved in unexpected ways. We discuss some of the specific challenges facing women ranchers and how Women in Ranching works to address those needs. We discussed the pandemic's effect on ranching communities, how Amber tries to find balance in her life, how she has been positively impacted by the organization, some specific success stories, her favorite books, and much more. Be sure to check out the episode notes for a complete list of everything we discussed. - To learn more about Women in Ranching and to support its work, head over to www.womeninranching.co. Huge thanks to Amber for all of her hard work, and thanks to you for listening. Hope you enjoy! ---
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| Mike McTee & Vince Slabe - Win-Win Solutions in the Fight to Save Eagles | 16 Sep 2022 | 01:09:26 | |
Mike McTee and Vince Slabe are Montana-based researchers who use cutting-edge science, writing, and educational programs to protect eagles in the American West and beyond. Both Mike and Vince are laser-focused on the surprisingly little-known issue of lead poisoning in bald and golden eagles, a problem caused mainly by eagles scavenging the remains of big game animals that have been hunted with lead-based ammunition. For example, a study conducted near Jackson Hole captured migrating golden eagles, tested them for lead, and found that 98% had elevated lead levels in their blood. Committed hunters themselves, Mike and Vince are devoting their professional energies toward finding sustainable, reasonable, and mutually beneficial solutions to this large-scale challenge. - Mike lives in Missoula and works as a researcher at the MPG Ranch, a large, privately owned ranch in the Bitterroot Valley that promotes conservation through restoration, research, education, and information sharing. He is also the author of the excellent new book "Wilted Wings: A Hunter's Fight for Eagles," which was recently published by Riverfeet Press. In it, Mike lays out the issue of lead poisoning in eagles in a compelling and easy-to-understand style, and he offers some clear and relatively simple paths to solving the problem. Mike has also written for The FlyFish Journal, Backcountry Journal, and Bugle, and he is a sought-after speaker on various hunting-related topics. - Vince is a Bozeman-based Research Wildlife Biologist with Conservation Science Global. He holds a Ph.D. from West Virginia University and recently published a wildly cited paper that details the implications of lead poisoning in eagles across North America. The paper, which was published in "Science," describes how almost half of the bald and golden eagles sampled for the study had elevated levels of lead in their blood. More importantly, it explains exactly how increasing or decreasing levels of lead exposure will affect golden and bald eagle populations. We discussed the paper in our conversation, and I've also linked it to the episode notes. - This is a fascinating discussion that digs deep into a very specific issue– an issue that is largely under the radar here in the West. But if you zoom out from the details related to lead and eagles, and focus on the big picture, I think you'll agree that Mike and Vince are shining examples of the many smart, driven, level-headed people here in the West who are working hard to find win-win solutions to conservation-related challenges. I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation, Mike's new book, and Vince's paper, and I hope you will too. - Be sure to check out the episode notes for a list of all the topics we discussed and links to everything. Thanks for listening! ---
--- This episode is brought to you by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which embodies the values-based approach to philanthropy and business of its Chairman Arthur M. Blank. Head to www.blankfoundation.org to learn more. --- TOPICS DISCUSSED:
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| Peter Stark - Tales of Adventure, Exploration, & Epic Battles | 09 Sep 2022 | 01:10:52 | |
If you're a long-time Mountain & Prairie listener, then I'm sure you've heard me reference the author and historian Peter Stark. He's written some of the most memorable books I've ever read, including one of my all-time favorites about the early history of the western United States– a thrilling tale of adventure and exploration called "Astoria: John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson's Lost Pacific Empire: A Story of Wealth, Ambition, and Survival." Peter has also spent years working as a correspondent for Outside and has written extensively for magazines including Smithsonian, Men's Journal, The New Yorker, and more. - I've been a fan of Peter's for more than twenty years, so when I was offered the chance to chat with him, I jumped at the opportunity. The focus of this conversation is Peter's newest project, an e-and-audio book titled "Sins of the Founding Father: George Washington, the Indigenous Tribes, and the Decisions that Shaped America's Future." It's an in-depth exploration of an often-overlooked battle in 1791 between American troops and Indigenous tribes– a violent fight that was decisively won by the Native Americans, and resulted in three times more American deaths than the Battle of Little Big Horn. The e-book also covers the life and personality of George Washington, America's insatiable hunger for land, and the United States' uncertain future in the years just after the Revolutionary War. - You might be wondering, what does George Washington have to do with the present-day American West? Back then, the term "American West" described a region now known as Ohio. Well, as you'll hear in this conversation, this specific battle set the course of action for the next hundred+ years regarding the United States' policies toward Indigenous tribes. The American's crippling defeat led Washington and other leaders to ramp up their violent tactics against Native tribes and hold nothing back in their quest to claim as much western land as possible, as quickly as possible. It's an eye-opening story that gave me a much better understanding of the ambition, egos, and economic realities that laid the foundation for the modern-day West. - "Sins of the Founding Father" is available exclusively at Scribd, and there's a link in the episode notes that will give you a free 30-day trial. Scribd is a really cool app that I've enjoyed using for e and audiobooks, so go to Scribd.com to check it all out. "Sins of the Founding Father" is a great read and at only 70 pages, you can enjoy it in one sitting. I hope you'll check it out, and I hope you enjoy this conversation.
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| Frances Ashforth - Art, Water, and Wide-Open Spaces | 02 Sep 2022 | 01:05:55 | |
Frances B. Ashforth is an artist who specializes in drawing, printmaking, and painting. While much of her work is tied to the landscapes and rivers of the American West, she is also well known for her depictions of salt flats and coastal weather in more tropical locales. If there are two threads that bind all of Francie's work, they are her deep reverence for natural landscapes and her desire to protect them. Over the years, she has collaborated with many highly regarded conservationists to combine writing and art– first, in her "Water + Words" project, and most recently, when she created all of the art for Dylan Tomine's excellent book Headwaters. - Francie was born and raised on the east coast, into a family of artists and athletes who cultivated her obsessions with art and perpetual physical activity. Even though a childhood accident confined her to a body brace for nearly six years, Francie always pursued her passions with full enthusiasm and vigor, working hard to keep a positive attitude in the face of such a serious physical setback. But her commitment to creativity never waivered– after studying art and architecture in college, she worked professionally as both an architectural illustrator and art director for more than a decade. Eventually, Francie left her day job to focus on her own artistic endeavors, as well as her all-important role as a mother to young children. Today, Francie's work has been shown in venues from New York City to San Francisco, and she has a loyal following among galleries and collectors across the country. - Francie and I met through past podcast guest Dylan Tomine, when I had the pleasure of interviewing both of them at a live event in Brooklyn earlier this year. I was immediately impressed with Francies' art, her obsession with fly fishing and books, and her long-term commitment to melding art and conservation. So I was so thrilled when she agreed to join me on the podcast, and we managed to cover a lot. We discussed her childhood and her family's influence, and her early career that combined art and architecture. We talked about the specifics of her art, including her influences and her preferred mediums, and we talked in detail about her "Water + Words" project. We talk a lot about the book Headwaters, as well as her own love of books and reading. Francie offers a long list of excellent book recommendations, so be sure to check the episode notes for links to all of those and everything else we discuss. - Huge thanks to Francie for all she does for conservation and for taking the time to chat with me. Hope you enjoy!
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| 10 Must-Read Books about the American West, with Mark Kenyon | 22 Aug 2022 | 01:10:09 | |
Mark Kenyon is an author, podcaster, conservationist, and member of the MeatEater crew. You probably know him from his excellent book "That Wild Country: An Epic Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future of America's Public Lands," the Wired to Hunt podcast, or his contributions to MeatEater's Netflix show and other video productions. To learn more about Mark and his impressive personal and professional journey, I'd encourage you to go back to our first Mountain & Prairie conversation from a few years ago, which is linked in the episode notes. - In this episode, Mark and I are doing something a little different: We're focusing exclusively on books. Earlier this year, Mark had me on his podcast to discuss our favorite books about conservation, and we both received excellent feedback on that episode. You can find a link to that discussion in the notes. So we decided to have another book conversation, this time focusing on some of our favorite books about the American West. Both Mark and I are voracious readers who share a love of history, conservation, and adventure, so I'm always excited to hear Mark's recommendations and thoughts on a wide range of titles. - The episode starts out with a brief catch-up on Mark's summer adventures and his current work with MeatEater, and then we dive into the books. We each picked five of our all-time favorites to discuss, and, as you'd expect, we veer off into lots of tangentially related titles and subjects. This is an episode where you'll definitely want to check out the episode notes, because there are links to dozens of books, authors, films, and other resources. Mark and I could've easily talked for three or four hours, but we had to keep the conversation relatively short because of tight schedules. However, we're going to try and make these book conversations a regular occurrence on both of our podcasts– so if you like this format, stay tuned for more! - If you haven't already, I'd encourage you to check out Mark's podcast or follow him on social media– he's a smart, thoughtful, hard-working guy that brings tons of value to the world of conservation and outdoor recreation. Please enjoy the episode, and if you do, please share it with a few friends. ---
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| Nate Schweber - A Forgotten Chapter of American Conservation | 05 Aug 2022 | 01:09:16 | |
Nate Schweber is an award-winning journalist whose work has been featured in the New York Times, ProPublica, Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown, and more. He's also the author of the new book "This America of Ours: Bernard and Avis DeVoto and the Forgotten Fight to Save the Wild," which was published in early July 2022. If you're looking for an engaging and entertaining history book that highlights an often-overlooked era of conservation in the American West, then "This America of Ours" is your book– as you'll hear in this conversation, I thoroughly enjoyed it. - Nate is a native Montanan who grew up in Missoula and headed east to New York City as a young man to pursue a career in journalism. Despite building a successful life and career in the big city, Nate never lost his love for Montana– so he made an effort to pursue more stories linked to the people and landscapes of the American West. As he studied and explored the West with his journalist's eye, he discovered the writings of Bernard DeVoto and was quickly captivated. Fast forward to today, and he has written an amazing book about Bernard and his wife Avis, and how together they were one of the most important and effective forces for conservation in the early 20th century. - I knew I was going to enjoy "This America of Ours," but it surpassed all of my lofty expectations. While I had definitely heard of the DeVotos, I had no idea of their influence and fearlessness, especially as they faced off against powerful forces that were attempting to sell off vast tracts of our public lands. Nate and I dig into all aspects of the DeVotos' lives and historical importance, both individually and as a power couple. We talk about why Nate became so obsessed with the DeVotos, and how the DeVotos bridged the gap between Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt's conservation legacies and the modern-day environmental movement. We discuss the parallels between the public lands battles of today and those of the early 20th century, and how reading history helps us to better understand and process today's current events. Nate also offers up tons of excellent book recommendations, so be sure to check out the notes for a list of all the topics we discuss and links to everything. - A huge thanks to Nate for writing such an enlightening book and for taking the time to join me for a conversation. I hope you enjoy. ---
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| Pete McBride, Part 2: In Search of Silence | 18 Jul 2022 | 01:06:23 | |
Pete McBride is an award-winning photographer and filmmaker whose work is regularly featured by National Geographic, Smithsonian, The Nature Conservancy, and other renowned institutions. His most recent book is titled "Seeing Silence: The Beauty of the World's Most Quiet Places," and it features photographs and stories from more than two decades of his adventures on all seven continents. "Seeing Silence" uses stunning imagery and engaging storytelling to highlight the importance of places free of man-made noise, and it educates the reader on just how quickly silence is disappearing from the world. - For more than twenty years, Pete has been using his skills as a storyteller to inspire action on a wide variety of conservation issues. He has highlighted the multitude of threats facing the Grand Canyon in both his documentary "Into the Grand Canyon" and his book "Grand Canyon: Between River and Rim." He's also documented the West's ongoing water crisis by focusing on the myriad of challenges affecting the Colorado River basin–making the important but sometimes confusing topic of water in the West accessible to a broader audience. And now, with "Seeing Silence," he's turned his focus to noise pollution and natural sounds, and I personally learned a lot from the book and this conversation. - This is Pete's second appearance on the podcast, so if you'd like to learn more about his personal backstory and adventures in the Grand Canyon, you can find a link to that conversation in the episode notes. In this conversation, we go deep into Pete's new obsession with silence and natural sounds, and why noise pollution is such a critical conservation issue. We started out talking about Pete's expedition to South Georgia Island back in March of 2020 and how he had to make a hasty escape from the island when Covid descended on the world. We talk about his experience during Covid, and how the pandemic shifted his interests from the visual to the auditory. We discuss how artificial noise affects wildlife, why Pete feels a responsibility not to share specific wilderness locations on social media, how Pete's family keeps him grounded, the larger purpose that drives his professional work, his recent photography work in Lake Powell, and we also included some sounds that Pete recorded during his South Georgia Island expedition. - It was great to chat with Pete again, and I'd encourage you to check out "Seeing Silence"– it's an excellent book. And be sure the check out the episode notes for a complete list of all the topics we discussed and links to everything. Thanks to Pete for taking the time, and thanks to you for listening. I hope you enjoy. ---
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| Helen Rebanks - "The Farmer's Wife" - Live at the Old Salt Festival | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:53:48 | |
This conversation with Helen Rebanks was recorded live and on stage at the 2025 Old Salt Festival, held on the Mannix Family Ranch in Helmville, Montana. If you were there, you know how special the moment was. If you weren't—well, I'm glad you're here now. Even though we were on a stage, in front of a crowd, the conversation had the quiet, reflective feel of two friends talking over a kitchen table—fitting, given how much of Helen's story centers around that most sacred of domestic spaces. Helen is the author of "The Farmer's Wife: My Life in Days," a beautiful and deeply grounded book about food, family, work, and the often invisible labor that holds it all together. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about the joys and struggles of farm life, raising kids, writing honestly without self-pity, and why the kitchen table might just be the most important place in the world. Helen shares stories from her own life and reads a few powerful passages from the book—including one that could double as the Old Salt manifesto. A huge thank you to Cole Mannix, the Mannix family, and the Old Salt crew for making this event—and this conversation—possible. It's not every day that a bestselling British author makes the trek to a working ranch in western Montana, but Helen did just that, along with her husband James and two of their four children, Molly and Tom. I'm so happy they made the journey, and I came away deeply grateful for the time we shared and the conversations we had. Whether you're a rancher, parent, reader, cook, or just someone trying to live a life of purpose and connection, Helen's story has something for you. So give it a listen—and if you haven't already, pick up a copy of "The Farmer's Wife." You'll be glad you did. Check out the episode notes for links to everything and thanks so much for listening. ---
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| Rick Ridgeway - Purpose-Driven Adventurer | 22 Jun 2022 | 01:05:42 | |
Rick Ridgeway is a world-renowned mountaineer and adventurer who has devoted his life to exploring some of the wildest regions of Planet Earth– from the summit of K2 to the jungles of Borneo to the mountain ranges of the American West and almost everywhere in between. Rick is also a highly regarded author, director, and producer who has written seven books and created numerous films and television shows. His newest book is titled "Life Lived Wild: Adventures at the Edge of the Map,"-- an excellent memoir that dives deep into his adventures, friendships, environmental advocacy, and pursuit of purpose-driven work. - Rick was born and raised in California, and when he was a teenager, his mother gave him a subscription to National Geographic, which ignited his passion for climbing and adventure. Early in his climbing career, Rick ticked off some unbelievably difficult climbs around the world, most notably being the first American to summit K2. But as he grew older and more experienced in the mountains, he shifted his focus away from pursuing adventure for adventure's sake. Over time, he began to use his skills as an athlete and explorer to advance more purpose-driven causes such as wildlife conservation and environmental advocacy. Rick's commitment to living a purpose-driven life is beautifully detailed in his new book "Life Lived Wild," a book that I loved and highly recommend. - I had the pleasure of recording this conversation with Rick in person, just before a book signing at the Patagonia store in Denver. I have long admired Rick, and one of his earlier books played a huge role in my personal development, so it was an honor to have the opportunity to sit and talk with him for an hour. We started out discussing how and when he first began climbing and how he grew from an amateur climber into a world-class mountaineer. We talk a lot about mentorship– how he was mentored by climbing and environmental luminaries Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins, and how he mentored many up-and-coming climbers, including Jimmy Chin. We talk about his commitment to taking action and being a doer, his success as an entrepreneur, and his 15-year tenure leading Patagonia's sustainability initiatives. We talk about what brings Rick hope in the face of the climate crisis, how the pandemic affected him, and, as you'd expect from such a skilled writer, Rick offers tons of excellent book recommendations. - Huge thanks to Rick for taking the time to chat and to Patagonia Books for setting it all up. Meeting Rich was really a dream come true for me. I hope you enjoy. ---
--- THANK YOU: This episode is brought to you thanks to the generous support of Ranchlands. Visit www.ranchlands.com to learn more or visit www.ranchlandsmerchantile.com for a large selection of high-quality western goods. --- TOPICS DISCUSSED:
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| Dr. Eric Arzubi - A New Approach to Solving the West's Mental Health Crisis | 01 Jun 2022 | 01:13:55 | |
Dr. Eric Arzubi is the co-founder of Frontier Psychiatry, a Montana-based medical practice that is accelerating and expanding access to high-quality psychiatric care for rural communities. - By many metrics, Montana can be described as the epicenter of the United States' mental health crisis. The large, mostly rural state is home to many vulnerable populations who are disproportionately affected by mental health concerns. And given Montana's sprawling, lightly populated landscape, easy access to specialized and high-quality mental health care has been a significant challenge. But thanks to technological advancements and increased internet access, Eric and his team have successfully used telepsychiatry to reach underserved communities throughout Montana. - Eric's path to becoming an innovator in rural medicine is an amazing, unexpected, and inspiring story. After graduating from college, he spent most of his 20s working as a Wall Street bond trader for Morgan Stanley, traveling the world and earning a great living. But despite his material success, he was unfulfilled with his career and felt a deep longing to do purpose-driven work that made the world a better place. So, at age 29, he decided to walk away from Wall Street and begin the long process of becoming a doctor– prerequisite courses, medical school, residency, and a fellowship in child psychiatry. At age 44, he landed his first job as a psychiatrist in Billings, Montana, where he fell in love with the people and place, and he began his quest to find solutions to the mental health crisis that plagues the rural West. - Mental health is a topic that is near and dear to my heart, so it was a real honor to have the opportunity to chat with Eric and learn about his innovative approach to solving such a complex societal challenge. We started out discussing his path to medicine– everything from why he decided to walk away from Wall Street to why he chose psychiatry as his specialty. We discuss the factors that have made Montana the epicenter of the mental health crisis and what makes Frontier Psychiatry so uniquely qualified to help. We discuss approaches to scaling mental health care throughout the West, how Eric's business and entrepreneurial background has helped him to find solutions to such a complex problem, and why it's important for all of us to be advocates for mental health in our own communities. He also describes one of Frontier Psychiatry's newest initiatives, a partnership with the Montana Department of Agriculture that provides free, confidential counseling to men and women working in agriculture in Montana. - Eric's life story and his current work are incredibly inspiring, so I know you'll enjoy this episode. Thanks to Eric for taking the time to talk, and thanks to you for listening. I hope you enjoy. ---
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--- This episode is brought to you by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and its Montana-based AMB West Philanthropies, both of which embody the values-based approach to philanthropy and business of their Chairman Arthur M. Blank. --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: | |||
| The Life-Changing Magic of Living Strenuously, with Kate Kavanaugh | 20 May 2022 | 01:35:46 | |
Ed's recent interview on the excellent new podcast "GROUND WORK with Kate Kavanaugh" – This episode is a little different-- it's me being interviewed by my friend and past Mountain & Prairie podcast guest Kate Kavanaugh. If you've been listening for a while, then I'm sure you remember Kate-- she's a farmer, butcher, and all-around interesting woman who co-founded Western Daughters Butcher Shop in Denver. - Kate recently started an excellent new podcast called Ground Work, which covers a variety of interesting topics, from soil to health to books to intentional living. Kate is unbelievably smart and insightful, and there's a ton of overlap between what I'm doing with M&P and what she's doing with Ground Work, so I'd encourage you to check out all of her episodes. There's a link in the notes. - Even though I'm still confused as to why anybody would ever want to interview me, Kate did and we had a fun conversation about everything from conservation to ultra running, reading to starting a podcast. We also talk a lot about my obsession with living what Theodore Roosevelt called the Strenuous Life, and how adopting that approach to life has been life-changing for me. - And speaking of the Strenuous Life, I just launched a new section on MountainandPrairie.com devoted to The Strenuous Life and offering ways for the Mountain & Prairie community to connect and collaborate in the spirit of "Living Strenuously." Rather than try to explain it in these episode notes, I'd encourage you to click over to https://mountainandprairie.com/strenuous-life/ to learn more about all the details. - Thanks for listening. Hope you enjoy this and all of Kate's podcast episodes. And I hope you'll be able to join some of the M&P community in our commitment to living the Strenuous Life. Enjoy! –
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| Land Tawney - Energetic & Optimistic | 05 May 2022 | 01:04:59 | |
Land Tawney is the President and CEO of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, one of North America's leading and most effective advocates for wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. Founded around a campfire in 2004, BHA uses education, nonpartisan political advocacy, stewardship initiatives, and stakeholder coalitions to ensure the protection of our public lands for generations to come. As its name implies, BHA is an organization that works on behalf of sportsmen, but you don't have to be a hardcore hunter or fisherman to benefit from its work. I'm a lot of things, but a hardcore hunter is not one of them– yet, I'm a proud member of BHA and a super-fan of all that it has accomplished. - Land was born and raised in Montana, the son of two highly respected conservationists who instilled in him a deep reverence for wild places and the importance of protecting them. From an early age, Land was hunting, fishing, and spending time around his parents' friends and colleagues, many of whom were well-known, renowned conservationists. When Land was in college, his father passed away, which fortified his desire to devote all of his professional energy to conserving the wild places that have always meant so much to his family. After successful stints at several notable conservation organizations, Land took the helm of BHA in 2013. Since then, he has led and grown the organization into one of the country's leading voices for sportsmen and public land protectors. - When Land and I connected for this conversation, he was hard at work preparing for the upcoming BHA Rendezvous, which is taking place May 12-14 in Missoula, Montana. We discuss all of the details of that premiere conservation event, and you can find additional information in the notes and on this episode's webpage. And we also covered a ton of interesting and important topics, including: the importance of advocating for conservation in Washington, DC; how apathy can be a huge threat to our wild lands; the slippery-slope threat of transferring federal lands to state or private entities; the importance of remaining optimistic in the face of challenges; how BHA helps and encourages new hunters; the importance of BHA's state chapters and local leadership; Land's personal and professional conservation journey; and, of course, he offers tons of great book recommendations. - A huge thanks to Land for joining me during such a busy time of year. And I encourage all of you to check out BHA's membership options and consider supporting them if you are so inclined. I deal with conservation organizations all day in both my podcast and conservation work, and BHA is the best of the best. Hope you enjoy this episode. ---
--- THANK YOU: This episode is brought to you thanks to the generous support of Ranchlands. Visit www.ranchlands.com to learn more or visit www.ranchlandsmerchantile.com for a large selection of high-quality western goods. --- EVENT: To learn more about the 5/18/22 Patagonia Brooklyn event, visit the event page for information and to RSVP. --- TOPICS DISCUSSED:
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| Betsy Gaines Quammen - A Fascinating History of Public Lands in the West | 28 Apr 2022 | 01:07:55 | |
Betsy Gaines Quammen is a historian and conservationist, and she's also the author of the excellent book "American Zion: Cliven Bundy, God, & Public Lands in the West." Betsy has enjoyed a long career in the conservation world, working on issues ranging from grizzly bears in the West to fish in Mongolia to wildlife in East Africa. She also holds a doctorate in Environmental History from Montana State University, where her dissertation focused on the Mormon settlement of the West and public land conflicts. With such a depth of expertise on such a wide range of subjects, I was thrilled to have Betsy join me for a conversation about her book, public lands, and the West. - "American Zion" has been recommended to me numerous times since it was published in early 2020. Many of my most knowledgeable friends told me it was a must-read for anyone trying to make sense of the present-day threats to public lands here in the West. Well, I finally read it a few weeks ago, and I can confirm that my friends were correct– the book provided me with much-needed, nuanced context for understanding both specific public lands controversies and broader political threats. It also provided fascinating insights into the mindsets and goals of the Bundy family– the people behind the infamous occupation of Malheur Wildlife Refuge and the Battle of Bunkerville. I was also fascinated by the beliefs of the Bundys and their ancestors, and how their ideas about everything from religious texts to the US Constitution have influenced public discourse in the West and beyond. - Betsy and I connected last week and had a fun and educational conversation about everything from her career as a conservationist to her in-person interactions with the Bundy family. We started out discussing how she became interested in the West and why the Morman settlement of the West became the focus of her work. We discuss the Mormon prophets Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, and how and why Mormons settled in the West. We talked about how perceived persecution by the US government has served as a faith-building experience for the Bundys and their followers, and whether or not the Bundys truly believe the prophesies that they preach. We discuss the Sagebrush Rebellion, the Malheur takeover, the Battle of Bunkerville, and how Betsy thinks about her personal safety when writing about potentially violent people. She also talks about how "American Zion" was positively received by her Mormon friends, describes her current book project, and recommends tons of books that you'll want to check out. Links to everything are in the episode notes. - It was great to finally have the opportunity to chat with Betsy, and I sincerely appreciate her taking the time. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. ---
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| Brian Yablonski - Action-Oriented Conservationist | 21 Apr 2022 | 01:13:24 | |
Brian Yablonski is the Chief Executive Officer of the Property and Environment Research Center ("PERC"), a Bozeman-based research institute dedicated to promoting conservation by exploring how voluntary trade can produce positive environmental outcomes. For more than 40 years, PERC has explored market-based solutions for major conservation challenges throughout the West, and its current initiatives focus on innovative approaches for wildlife conservation, public lands management, and more. For example, PERC recently collaborated with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition and a ranching family in Paradise Valley, MT, to enact a first-of-its-kind elk occupancy agreement, which offers a new, win-win method for managing the sometimes-competing needs of livestock and wildlife. - Brian was born and raised on the east coast, and, prior to taking the helm at PERC, he enjoyed a successful career in public policy, business, and conservation. In 2018, he moved to Bozeman to lead PERC into its next chapter of conservation innovation in the West. As you'll hear in this conversation, Brian has a deep respect for research, economic theory, and big ideas created by scholars and conservation professionals. But he is equally if not more, committed to putting these ideas into action– to making a tangible difference on the ground, throughout the communities of the West. In my experience, it can be difficult to find organizations that balance scholarly rigor with a commitment to execution, so it was a pleasure to speak with Brian and learn more about PERC's unique approach to conservation. - Brian and I actually attended the same college in North Carolina, so it was fun to connect with a fellow Wake Forest Demon Deacon to discuss conservation here in the West. We started out discussing the history of PERC, and how and why the organization was founded back in 1980. We talked in detail about the elk occupancy agreement and how this new approach to wildlife and habitat management could be scaled throughout the West. We discuss the all-important role that private landowners play in wildlife and land conservation, and how market-based solutions can create new tools for finding win-win solutions. We discuss PERC's work exploring the financial sustainability of National Parks, as well as PERC's history of collaboration with a wide range of nonprofit and governmental entities. Brian shares his thoughts on the ideal role that government can play in conservation, and he discusses a few success stories of his careering in conservation. And as usual, we talk about book recommendations, and Brian offers up some great ones. - I've been following PERC's work in the West for quite some time, so I thoroughly enjoyed being able to learn more about the organization directly from Brian. There are a lot of excellent resources mentioned in the episode, including some films that PERC has produced, so be sure to check out the notes for links to everything. Hope you enjoy! ---
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| Dylan Tomine - Protecting What He Loves | 12 Apr 2022 | 01:12:10 | |
Dylan Tomine is a conservationist, angler, and author of the excellent new book "Headwaters: The Adventures, Obsession and Evolution of a Fly Fisherman." "Headwaters" is a collection of essays and stories from Dylan's life as a self-proclaimed fly fishing bum, a life that has taken him from his home in the northwest to the far reaches of the globe and back again. You don't have to be a hardcore angler to connect with this book– it's an important read for anyone who loves wild places and feels drawn to protect them. And I'm not alone in my praise– in just the few days between when we recorded this conversation and now, the book has received glowing reviews from the Wall Street Journal, Seattle Times, and more. - Dylan was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, and he's been obsessed with fish for as long as he can remember. At an early age he caught his first steelhead, and from that point on he has been laser-focused on that specific species– and he's devoted huge swaths of his life to both pursuing and protecting the fascinating fish. Given steelhead's' dwindling populations, threatened habitat, and often miserable weather that defines their home waters, steelhead fisherman like Dylan are a rare breed–some would argue they are gluttons for punishment. So when you combine Dylan's skill as a writer, with his devotion to steelhead, with his love of suffering, the end product is a fascinating man with a gift for telling important stories. Just the kind of person I enjoy getting to know! - I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Dylan and thought it was the perfect mix of sobering analysis of the state of the West's fisheries combined with optimism and solutions for solving the challenges. He also offers up plentiful hilarious and insightful stories from his life on the water. We started out talking about Dylan's upbringing in the northwest and how and why he became so obsessed with fish. We talk about the moment he realized that he needed to play an active role in protecting fish and fisheries, and why fish health is an indicator of larger environmental challenges. We talk about his longstanding role as a Patagonia fishing ambassador, and how Yvon Chouinard has played a critical role in Dylan's evolution as a conservationist. We discuss how parenthood changes people's outlook on environmental challenges and the role of the upcoming generation in the environmental movement. We obviously talk a lot about "Headwaters," as well as his previous book called "Closer to the Ground," which I also loved. We discussed his creative process, and, as you'd expect, he has tons and tons of excellent book and author recommendations. Be sure to check the episode notes for links to those books and everything else we discuss. - I can't thank Dylan enough for all his work as a writer and conservationist, and for taking the time to chat with me for this episode. Hope you enjoy! ---
--- This episode is brought to you thanks to the generous support of Ranchlands. Visit www.ranchlands.com to learn more about their top-notch vacations, leather goods and apparel, or to explore their excellent blog, the "Ranchlands Review." THANK YOU, Ranchlands! --- TOPICS DISCUSSED:
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| Liz Moore - For the Love of Montana | 05 Apr 2022 | 01:00:03 | |
Liz Moore is the Executive Director of the Montana Nonprofit Association, an organization whose mission is to "provide leadership for Montana's nonprofit sector and partner with charitable nonprofits to promote a sustainable, networked, and influential sector." Founded in 2001, the MNA provides capacity, resources, and networking opportunities that allow Montana's diverse and numerous nonprofit organizations to increase their effectiveness and better serve the communities and citizens of Montana. As you'll hear in this conversation, Liz loves Montana and has devoted her career to the service of others, and her passion for making her home state an even better place is both inspiring and infectious. - As some of you may know, my full-time job is in the nonprofit sector– I'm the Conservation Director at a regional land trust in southeastern Colorado. Prior to moving into the nonprofit sector, I spent all of my career in the business world. But despite serving on several nonprofit boards and advisory committees, I still did not fully understand the critical role of nonprofits, especially in the West. It wasn't until I was a year or so into my nonprofit conservation work that I realized just how critical nonprofits are to the functioning of society in the West. Nor did I understand how they complement the work of businesses and governmental entities. So I was thrilled to have Liz join me to discuss all of these issues, and I hope that you, the listener, will gain a deeper appreciation for why nonprofits are so important here in the West. - Liz and I connected virtually and had a wide-ranging conversation about the invaluable role of nonprofits in Montana and beyond. We started out discussing why Montana has such a large number of nonprofits per capita, and why Montana's unique geography makes nonprofits such an essential part of the culture. We also discussed why Montanans are more involved in the community than what you see in many other regions of the United States. We talked a lot about COVID's impact on the rural communities of Montana and how nonprofits were uniquely positioned to provide immediate and long-term relief to the unprecedented challenges created by the pandemic. We discussed Liz's work on Montana's Coronavirus Relief Task Force, and why she was asked to serve under two different governors, one Democrat and one Republican. We talk about how political polarization is affecting the nonprofit sector, and the importance of identifying and focusing on common ground rather than differences. We also discuss Liz's upbringing in eastern Montana, her thoughts on what makes a successful nonprofit, her passion for photography, and much more. - I can't thank Liz enough for taking the time to share all of her wisdom and insights about this important yet often not fully understood topic. You'll learn a lot from this episode, so I hope you enjoy! ---
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--- This episode is brought to you by The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and its Montana-based AMB West Philanthropies, both of which embody the values-based approach to philanthropy and business of their Chairman Arthur M. Blank. --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: | |||
| Kate Mannix - A Legacy of Land Stewardship | 30 Mar 2022 | 01:15:33 | |
Kate Mannix is a rancher who works alongside her family on the Mannix Ranch in Montana's Blackfoot Valley. The Mannix family has been ranching and stewarding their family ranch since 1882, back when Timothy Benjamin Mannix purchased the land from the Northern Pacific Railroad. For generations, the Mannix family has served as loyal caretakers of this spectacular landscape, and, over the years, they have evolved their business and land management approaches so as to continuously improve the ranch's soil, water, flora, and fauna. - Kate was born and raised in California, but moved to Montana for graduate school, where she fell in love with both ranching and the Rocky Mountains. A few years later, she was accepted as an apprentice into the Quivira Coalition's New Agrarian Program, a unique program that connects aspiring farmers and ranchers with experienced regenerative agriculture practitioners throughout the West. After a stint in New Mexico, she eventually found her way to the Mannix Ranch, where she fell in love with Bryan Mannix, who is now her husband. So today, Kate is officially a Mannix and is an invaluable part of this storied ranching family. - Kate and I connected virtually and chatted about everything from the business of ranching to her favorite books, with a lot of fascinating topics in between. We started out by discussing the history of the Mannix Ranch and how her family has managed to maintain such a successful family business for so many generations. We talk about challenges facing her ranch and the business of ranching, and the importance of land conservation and regenerative practices for the business's sustainability. We talk about her time with Quivira, her stint as a vegan, her current love of hunting, and her family's thoughts on her career path. She also shares some inspiring and instructive thoughts on her recent battle with cancer, and some of the lessons she learned from the scary, life-change experience. We discussed a lot, so please check out the episode notes for a full list of everything we covered. - I've wanted to have Kate on the podcast for quite some time now, so I greatly appreciate her making the time to chat. This was an educational and inspiring episode, so I hope you enjoy. ---
--- This episode is brought to you thanks to the generous support of Ranchlands. Visit www.ranchlands.com to learn more about their top-notch vacations, leather goods and apparel, or to explore their excellent blog, the "Ranchlands Review." THANK YOU, Ranchlands! ---
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| Alvin Dedeaux - Living His Dream | 24 Mar 2022 | 01:04:39 | |
Alvin Dedeaux is a renowned Austin-based fly fishing guide who is one of the Lone Star State's most sought-after experts in the pursuit of everything from Guadelupe Bass in Central Texas to Redfish on the Texas coast. Alvin is an ambassador for well-known brands such as Howler Brothers and Yeti, and he's twice been a finalist for Orvis's Guide of the Year award. And on top of all of that, Alvin produces informative and entertaining videos on his popular Youtube channel, where anglers of all experience levels can learn from Alvin's decades of experience. - Alvin was born and raised in Houston, and he has been a committed fisherman, hunter, and all-around outdoorsman for as long as he can remember. At age 12, he began teaching himself to fly fish, and what started as a hobby quickly became one of the most important aspects of his life– a passion that remains the centerpiece of his personal and professional lives to this day. Alvin's story has many fascinating chapters, and each one could be its own three-hour podcast episode– he's owned a construction company, been a singer in a very successful touring band, worked at the world-famous Austin Angler, and is now the head guide and owner All Water Guides. With a background like that, it's no surprise that Alvin has become one of the most well-known fly guides in the country. - Alvin and I connected virtually and had a fun hour-long conversation about all aspects of his life and career. We started out chatting about his upbringing in Texas, and how fly fishing has been a mainstay in his life throughout all its various stages. We talk about his decision to leave college to pursue life as an entrepreneur, and his path to becoming professionally involved in fishing. We discuss his formative years working at the Austin Angler, and how that particular shop started the careers of some of the country's most well-respected guides. He offers excellent insights into finding one's dream job, the importance of conservation in Texas, and how COVID has affected Texas's valuable fishing resources. We also discuss his popular Youtube channel and why he devotes so much time and energy toward sharing his wisdom. And, as you'd expect, Alvin offers some excellent book and music recommendations. - I loved talking to Alvin, but felt like we only scratched the surface of his wildly unique life. Be sure to check on the episode notes for tons of links to everything we discussed. Hopefully we can do a part 2 at some point in the future, but, until then, enjoy this fun conversation with Alvin Dedeaux. ---
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| Brendan Leonard Returns – On Writing, Teaching, and Staying Weird | 08 Jul 2025 | 01:04:45 | |
Brendan Leonard is back for his third appearance on the podcast—this time recorded in person at his house in Missoula. Brendan's the creative mind behind Semi-Rad, and over the years, he's become a good friend and one of my most trusted advisors when it comes to creativity and building a life around the things you care about. He's a writer, illustrator, filmmaker, ultrarunner, teacher, and all-around creative machine—someone who's carved out a career by doing things his own way, with a healthy dose of humor and generosity. This episode is pretty much two friends sitting at a kitchen table having a laid-back chat about our long list of shared interests. We talk about everything from teaching writing and designing online courses, to the pros and cons of Substack, to how to market your work without feeling like a sellout. We dig into the practical side of creativity—how to make things, share them, and make a living—without losing the joy and weirdness that made you want to create in the first place. We also get into self-publishing vs. traditional publishing, why Brendan makes funny books like 15-Second Recipes, and why he believes that generosity, self-deprecation, and consistency matter more than flash or perfection. There's a lot here for anyone trying to make meaningful things in the margins of a busy life… or build a creative life from the ground up. If you're new to Brendan's work, be sure to check out his website, newsletter, and his earlier podcast episodes. I'd also specifically encourage you to check out his most recent book "Ultra-Something," his recent film "The Seven Summits of My Neighborhood," and the podcast he co-hosts, which is called "The Trailhead." There are links to everything in the episode notes. Brendan is one of the most thoughtful, practical, and humble voices out there when it comes to creative work, and I'm always better off after talking to him. Hope you enjoy. ---
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| Riddy Arman - Artistic Authenticity | 04 Mar 2022 | 01:08:09 | |
Riddy Arman is a singer-songwriter who lives in Montana's Mission Valley, a rural agricultural community in the state's northwestern corner. Riddy's self-titled debut album was released in 2021 and has received praise from renowned institutions such as Rolling Stone, as well as from many highly respected fellow musicians, including Colter Wall. Riddy and her music are highly influenced by the wide-open spaces of Montana, and she brings a deep level of authenticity and emotion to all aspects of her craft– from the lyrics, to the melodies, to her live performances. - Born and raised in Ohio, Riddy left home after high school and began a long, winding, and interesting journey that took her to North Carolina for a year of college, to New York City where she worked as a model, and on an extended hitchhiking and train-hopping journey around the United States, just to name a few. She began writing and playing music in earnest while living on a farm in rural Virginia and eventually moved to Montana, a place she had long felt drawn toward. After a lot of hard work, creative experimentation, and determination, Riddy has figured out how to cultivate a successful music career far from the hustle and bustle of Nashville and deeply connected to the Montana landscapes that she loves. - Riddy and I connected earlier this week and had a fascinating conversion about everything from her winding career path to her current success in the music business. We started out talking about her childhood in Ohio and how she unexpectedly ended up in New York City working as a model. We discussed some of her craziest experiences from traveling around the United States and when and why she decided to get serious about music. She talks about her commitment to be authentic, how she manages to stay calm, even when she's extremely nervous, and how she has managed to build a music career so far away from Nashville. We discuss the value of quiet time, mindfulness, the importance of mentors, favorite books, and much more. - Be sure to check out the episode notes for links to everything we discuss. Hope you enjoy! ---
--- This episode is brought to you thanks to the generous support of Ranchlands. Visit www.ranchlands.com to learn more about their top-notch vacations, leather goods and apparel, or to explore their excellent blog, the "Ranchlands Review." THANK YOU, Ranchlands! --- TOPICS DISCUSSED:
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| Yemi Mobolade - Community Builder | 17 Feb 2022 | 01:07:21 | |
Yemi Mobolade is an entrepreneur, public servant, and community leader who devotes his seemingly limitless energy toward the betterment of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Born and raised in Nigeria, Yemi immigrated to the United States for college and eventually landed in Colorado Springs, where he has fully devoted himself to serving the community. He's a co-founder and partner in two wildly successful restaurants, he's served in various capacities within the city's government and economic development arms, and he's deeply involved in numerous non-profit organizations. On top of all of that, he's a devoted husband and father of three beautiful children. - Yemi and I are neighbors, and our kids have been classmates and buddies for several years– so I've had the opportunity to personally interact with him in a variety of settings over a long period of time. Ever since first meeting Yemi, I have been extremely impressed with his positivity, leadership skills, and deep commitment to our community. Whether he's touting the economic upside of doing business in Colorado Springs or figuring out creative solutions for his restaurants to thrive in the pandemic, I've always been intrigued by Yemi– everything from his personal backstory to why he is so obsessed with community building. So I was happy to finally sit down with him to discuss all of this. - We met up at his office on a Sunday afternoon for an inspiring conversation about everything from his early days in Nigeria to his upcoming plans to run for mayor of Colorado Springs. We start out discussing his move to the United States from Nigeria, and he talks about his perceptions of America from the outside looking in. We talk about his education, his commitment to his faith, and how he spent parts of his early career starting churches in various parts of the United States. We discuss his deep love for the city of Colorado Springs, and why he has decided to throw his hat in the ring for mayor. We discuss his heroes, his favorite books on leadership, and how his wife and children positively influence his desire to serve. - I really appreciate Yemi taking the time to chat, and I greatly appreciate his commitment to serving our community. There are lots of important lessons to be learned from Yemi, so I hope you enjoy. ---
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| Chris Burkard - Seeking Beauty Through Adventure | 04 Feb 2022 | 01:04:02 | |
Chris Burkard is a prolific photographer, filmmaker, and author who is known for diving headfirst into epic adventures, documenting them with his camera, and producing one-of-kind stories that resonate deeply with millions of people around the world. He's bikepacked across Iceland in winter, scouted cold-water surf breaks in British Columbia, and explored some of the lesser-known corners of the American West—just to name a few. In all his work, Chris combines his abundant positive energy with curiosity and authenticity, which has earned him the admiration of fellow accomplished artists, well-known brands, and nearly four million Instagram followers. - Earlier this week, Chris released his newest book titled "Wayward"– a collection of some of his best and never-before-seen photographs from some of the wildest places on earth. "Wayward" also features extensive written stories that detail his fascinating career path and the challenges, mistakes, and adventures that made him the artist he is today. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of the book, and I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. The photographs are obviously stunning, but what I really appreciated was Chris's willingness to share the many lessons he's learned along his professional journey– lessons that I (and maybe you) can apply to your own creative endeavors. - If you've been listening to Mountain & Prairie for the past few years, then you surely remember my first conversation with Chris during the first few weeks of the pandemic. I was thrilled to have Chris join me again, this time for an inspiring conversation about "Wayward," creativity, adventure, fatherhood, and more. We talked about what he's learned during the pandemic, the process of writing "Wayward," and why, in this high-tech world, he remains committed to publishing physical books. We discuss the importance of being yourself, how he overcomes self-doubt, and who he trusts to give him honest feedback. Chris also talks about how he evaluates risk, discusses how working with Patagonia helped him to find his voice as a photographer, explains his passion for sharing his experiences with others, and much more. Be sure to check the episode notes for a full list of everything we discuss and links to all the information. - A huge thanks to Chris for making the time to chat with me again, especially during such a busy travel schedule. And whether you're interested in beautiful photos or learning lessons from an accomplished creative, I encourage you to check out "Wayward." - Thanks for listening. Hope you enjoy! ---
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