Explore every episode of the podcast The Lookout Podcast

38 year Fire career, form Hotshot, Helitack, 11 years as a Smokejumper, Assistant Fire Management Officer, Fire Management Officer, to Forest Fire Management Officer, to Deputy Director in Region 5. Chief Push of the Foresters' Ball in 1985 and my guest today The Great Chris Schow! Chris joined the show to discuss a very important topic Presumptive Illness which effects Firefighters and links there time fighting fire with specific job related illnesses.

My long time friend Stephan Weber came back on the show to talk about I-194 CI-132 CI-133 CI-134 and a little more about Montana politics. Tune in to learn more about these initiatives and Montana.

My great friend Taylor Walker joined the show and it was an honor to have him. Taylor is National Champion, Entrepreneur, Hell of a Mountain biker, and he is the business of living life to its fullest! Tune in to hear this Incredible and Inspirational story. Please like and subscribe to support the channel

This is a special episode made for highlighting the Scarecrow Festival, changing of the seasons, and Halloween. I hope you are enjoying the fall season and this episode help add a little something to your Fall. Take Care, God Bless, and please like and subscribe to support the channel.

The Great Bob Beckley joined the show to talk about his time in the forest service going from Smokejumper and getting injured to working for National Development and Technology Program where he wrote One Moving Part The Forest Service Ax Manual. tune in to hear the full story and please like and subscribe to support.

Montanan, College athlete, Smokejumper, Pilot, owner of Born Of Ashes Coaching, Ashely Taylor is a guiding light to help people achieve balance in this busy stressful world. Ashely joined me to talk about her powerful journey and what led her to find this great gift she has for helping others achieve whole body health. Give her a follow and reach out if you're looking to achieve complete health. TUNE IN to hear the full story.

Kevin Roach joined the show shortly closing his Lookout for the season. We talked about the 2026 Fire season, hunting, the roadless rule, physical fitness and much more. check out the full episode to hear more. Please like and subscribe to support the project.

My friend Travis Hall Associate Editor @fieldandstream joined the show to discuss the Forest Service reorganization, resending the roadless rule, Public land access, and much more. Tune in to hear the rest of the story. #publicland #hunting #podcast

My Rookie Cousin Tom Haney joined the show to talk about his incredible and inspiring life story. From adventurer, photography, Hotshot, Smokejumper, Featured photos in the Smithsonian, Structure Firefighter, Oyster Farming, Vineyard, Family man and much more! Watch this full episode to be inspired! Please like and subscribe to support the project

Russ Cleveland joined the show to talk about The Montana Plan and why everyone should support I-194 the transparent election initiative, a ballot measure to permanently ban corporate money from Montana elections. Go to https://montanaplan.org to learn more and to support the initiative!

From Fire Lines to Rock Stages to Rodeo Arenas—Meet Jan! She started as a bold wildland firefighter, then rocked the country as a professional musician (even sharing the stage with the Godfather of Soul, James Brown). In her 30s she hit the airwaves as a radio personality and traffic reporter flying in a small plane. By her 40s she was a professional rodeo trick rider, and later became a State of California media spokesperson. Tune in to hear the full, fearless story of a true trailblazer who’s lived more lives than most of us dream of!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

After 19 years in Pro Rodeo my older brother is hanging up the boots. It's been a great run, tune in to hear all about his rodeo journey along with the many phases of life and some advice on taking on the next chapter in life. Please like and subscribe to support the channel. Cheers!

Dave and Levi McConathy joined the show to talk about the World Premiere of 13 Crosses and what it took to make such a special evening honoring the Smokejumpers we lost in the Mann Gulch Fire. Tune in to hear full episode and please like and subscribe to support the project. #wildfire #forest #wildlandfire

My long time friend Stephan Weber returns to the show to talk about updates with The Montana Plan, the Bonner Data Center and much more! Tune in to watch the full episode. Like and subscribe to support the channel.

My younger brother Zac Barrett joined the show to talk about his goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon and the journey it is taking him on. Also we discussed importance of an active lifestyle, shared some running stories like family runs earning that Thanksgiving dinner such as the Huffing for Stuffing in Bozeman. Tune it to hear the full story and hopefully get inspired. Please like and subscribe to support the channel. Cheers!

My Jump Partner, long time friend, former Wildland Firefighter, Lewis & Clark Hotshot, and McCall Smokejumper The Great John Holovnia joined the show to share fire and life stories along with life after fire. Tune in to hear all about it. Please like and subscribe to support the channel.

Long time Wildland Firefighter, Hockey player, Family man, and part of the Putt & Pull team my friend Clint Mendenhall joined the show to recap the 10th annual Missoula Putt & Pull. It is a great fundraiser where all proceeds go to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation supporting firefighters across this great country. The Putt & Pull is a great time for a great cause! This event is open to everyone so come to the Highlander April 18th have one of there great beers and support your Wildland Firefighters!

Former Wildland Firefighters Dani and Matt joined the show to talk about physical/mental health and financial stability equals true wellness! Dani Shedden is owner of Close The Gap Wellness and can be found on Instagram and Matthew Wideman is Vice President of Accord Capital Management working in Boise Idaho, which can be found with a quick google search. Reach out to these Incredible humans for assistance to reach true wellness. Thank you for watching, please like and subscribe to support.

My long time friend Stephan Weber joined the show to talk about The Montana Plan! We discussed the history of money influencing and corrupting politics from way back during the Copper Kings era. Stephan also brought stats on Data Centers and why do not need more. Tune in to watch the full episode. Like and subscribe to support the channel

Lucas Ludwig Conservationist, EMT, and advocate for healthy rivers and fish. Lucas joined the podcast to talk simple science about how a data center can negatively impact fisheries. In Lucas's words you don't have to live in Montana to oppose the data center in Bonner Montana, the Blackfoot and the Clark Fork are your rivers, we must stand together and speak up for this precious resource. UNLESS SOMEONE LIKE YOU CARES A WHOLE AWFUL LOT, NOTHING IS GOING TO GET BETTER. IT'S NOT. -Dr. Seuss It truly takes all of us to protect these fish and this environment. Let's come together and fight for our beautiful places. Please like and subscribe to support this channel and my mission to save our Beautiful places.

Paul Barmore is leading the charge in keeping our sacred waters sacred. Reject AI Data Center in Bonner Montana! There is a plan to park an AI Data Center on the Beautiful Blackfoot river in Bonner MT. This breathtaking river was the inspiration for A River Runs Through , a novella by Norman Maclean and 1992 film directed by Robert Redford and starred Brad Pitt! This isn't some hole in the wall location this is the destination for Trout fisherman from all over the world! We can't let it be ruined by some Data Center, let's come together and prevent our sacred waters from enduring any harm! Thank you for the support every one of us matters in this fight.

Tim Khadzhi stopped by the Airstream for a podcast after a full afternoon of sizing and donating JK Boots to Wildland Firefighters on the Missoula Smokejumper and Helitack crews at the Museum of Mountain Flying. We sat down to talk about the origin story of JK Boots and his vision of supporting Wildland Firefighters.

#podcast #wildfire #fire #americanmade #boots #wildlandfirefighter #family

I was honored to have Montana DNRC'S Wyatt Frampton on the show! Wyatt is acting State Forester of the Beautiful state of Montana. He came on the show to talk shop about the Montana DNRC and the great work they do, along with clearing up some inaccurate information I had put out there during one of my previous episodes. Tune in to hear all about the Montana DNRC! Please like and subscribe to support the project.

Join host Luke Barrett on The Lookout Podcast as he sits down with Taylor Moe of the powerful new documentary 13 Crosses: The Story of the Mann Gulch Fire. In this episode Taylor dives deep into the making of 13 Crosses, the personal stories behind the documentary, the challenges of bringing this story to life on screen and why the lessons from Mann Gulch remain critical for todays firefighters. Whether you're a Wildland firefighter, history buff, or simply want to understand the real stories behind the crosses on the hillside, this episode delivers raw insight, respect, and powerful storytelling.

I was joined by the Great, Jessie Thomas, who is helping all of us be our best self through health and wellness along with sharing her knowledge on her podcast/social media. In this episode we spoke about the female Smokejumpers reunion and the fundraiser at kettle house happening May 1st to help support the reunion along with a variety of health and wellness topics and only scratched the surface of Jessie's vast knowledge, tune in to hear more!

The Great Justin Kaber joined the show! Justin is Flathead Chapter WFF Co-Chair, Tally Lake AFMO, and Putt n Pull Champion! We talked about His visit to the White House and meeting President Trump along with the success of the Wildland Firefighter Foundation Flathead Banquet, Putt n Pull fundraiser, and shared how much the Wildland Firefighter Foundation means to the Wildland Firefighter community.

CJ joined me in the Airstream to talk Wildland Firefighter Foundation Banquet, 10th annual Putt & Pull, and his final Fire season. The Putt & Pull is happening this Saturday April 18th. Tune in to hear more about these incredible fundraisers raising money for the Wildland Firefighter Foundation and the tremendous impact they have on Wildland Firefighters and their families. Please like and subscribe to help support this project.

Fresh from the National Interdisciplinary Lookout Conference year 2, the Roach family joined the show to talk about the conference and Life up on the Lookout. The whole family has spent the last 6 summers living in a Lookout tower and they have made some of the best memories this beautiful planet can offer. Tune in to hear more. Please like and subscribe to support the channel.

My friend Lina Montopoli joined the show to talk about her fire career starting with a Forest Service District crew and working her way to the Lolo Hotshots. She eventually transitioned off the shot crew working her way through college and finishing school as a Physician Assistance, PA for short. We talked old fire stories, strong work ethic, and how fire can help prepare you for challenges in life outside of fire. Tune in to hear the whole story. Please like and subscribe to support the project

Long time Wildland Firefighter, Hockey player, Family man, and part of the Putt & Pull team my friend Clint Mendenhall joined the show to help promote the 10th annual Missoula Putt & Pull. It is a great fundraiser where all proceeds go to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation supporting firefighters across this great country. The Putt & Pull is a great time for a great cause! This event is open to everyone so come to the Highlander April 18th have one of there great beers and support your Wildland Firefighters!

Angela Loewe joined the podcast to discuss Trolls, Yoopers, Yooperlites, Big Foot, the Great Outdoors and more. Please like and subscribe to support the project.

Back country mule packer and registered dietitian Heidi Brackebusch joined the show to talk back country adventures, wildfire, nutrition, and food tips to fuel your adventure. Giver her a follow @thedeckerdietitian to check out her adventures. Thanks for checking out this episode please like and subscribe to help support the channel.

I was joined by Special Olympics Athlete Hillary, Coach Joan, and Coordinator Lindsey. Hillary has been competing in Special Olympics for 40 years! She has had a great career with many adventures and she is still competing. Joan and Lindsey have been helping with special Olympics and joined the podcast to help promote all the great sporting events and fundraisers Special Olympics Montana does to help support the athletes. They are in need of more support for not only fundraising but volunteers to help make the events happen. Please consider helping the Special Olympics program wherever you live. It is such a great way to give back and get involved in your community. Thanks for tuning in.

I am joined by Rogue to talk about the great charity hockey game between the Forest Service Wildland Firefighters and the City of Missoula/Rural Firefighters. Tune in to hear more about this great event and come out on Saturday Feb. 7th to cheer on your local firefighters and help raise money for charity.

Sam Forstag joined the podcast to talk about why he left Smokejumping to run for Congress. In this episode we explore topics such as the great outdoors, public service, Wildland Firefighting, and politics which normally I avoid. We had a great conversation tune in to hear the full story. please like and subscribe to support the channel. https://samformontana.com

I am joined by Foresters' Ball Chief Push Alden & Publicity Officer Miranda to spread the word about the 107th Foresters' Ball! This is the Best Ball you will ever attend! This years theme is Timber Fallin & Trucks A Haulin. Tune in to hear more about this Great event. Please Like and subscribe to support the channel and to hear more great stories like this.

The Great Patrick McGunagle joined the podcast to discuss his fire career and the path it led him on as well as becoming a National Smokejumper Association board member. We had a great conversation talking shop about fire and our experiences. Tune in to hear the full story. Please like and subscribe to support the project.

I am joined by my dad Keith Barrett, and brothers Kaleb and Zac. My dad shared a story of the time he saved a group of young duck hunters after there boat capsized. We also talked about hunter safety and more. Tune in to hear the full story and please like and subscribe to support the channel.

I was joined by Colton Mora voted the 2nd most Interesting man in Chicago, Motorcycle accident survivor, and avid Outdoorsman. Tune in to hear the whole story. Please like and subscribe to support the channel

It was an honor to have one the living legend Leif Haugen on the show! Leif has 32 years in service as a Lookout and has been keeping watch over our national forests and firefighters. We had a great conversation, tune in to hear the full conversation and please like and subscribe to support the channel.

Flathead Hotshot Superintendent The Great Shawn Borgen! In this episode Borg reflects on his decision to retire after 33 years in firefighting, with 28 years on the Flathead Hotshot crew. - 60th Anniversary: This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Flathead Hotshot crew, a significant milestone for Borgen who has been present for the 30th, 40th, and 50th anniversaries as well! I hope you enjoy this episode and please like and subscribe to support the channel, thank you for tuning in.

I am joined by Outdoorsman Cody Kuebler. Cody grew up in Northern Illinois fishing, hunting, and recreating. Tune in to hear all about his experiences and our gratitude for family and being together on Thanksgiving.

Kevin Roach joined the podcast to talk about Fire season, family, Big Sky Football, Fitness, and much more. Tune in to hear the full conversation. Please like subscribe and share with a friend.

Host Luke Barrett travels to John Crawfords wood shop to talk with him about Lookouts, Lewis and Clark, the many books he's written, and building lookout towers. To contact John about his books, email him at Lookoutjohn51@gmail.com

I am joined by my older brother Kaleb Barrett who is a long time PRCA & PBR Bullfighter and outdoorsman. Tune in to hear all about the great community of rodeo and some of the similarities to Wildland Firefighting.

Zoe Savage returned to the podcast to talk about her Wild Fire progression from working on a district, to Type 1 crew, to a Helitack crew. We also discussed the great Wildland Firefighter fun known as Type 2 fun. Tune in to hear the full episode.

The Wild Fire Legend Bill Miller joined the podcast to talk about his incredible Fire career. Bill became a Smokejumper in his second season. Tune in to hear about his incredible jump career. Rene returned to co host this episode.

It was an honor to have Chief Chad Costa join the podcast via the inter web. Chief talked about the many layers of fire service that work together to Fight Wild Fires. It takes all of us and the best thing we can do is leave our ego at home and remember we are all fighting the same fight and here to help each other. Tune in to hear Chief Costa discuss that topic and more in this incredible episode.

The Incredible Mariel Leslie joined the podcast to talk shop about Public land, Fisheries, Wildland Firefighting, fishing in Belize, and much more! Watch the full episode to hear more.

Sam Vaughn joined me in the Airstream to talk shop about lookout life, wild fire, and much more. Check out the full episode.