Mountain & Prairie with Ed Roberson

Sonnie Trotter is a world-renowned rock climber, father, husband, writer, and the author of the new book "Uplifted: The Evolution of a Climbing Life." For the past three decades, Sonnie has built a career as one of the most accomplished climbers of his generation— pushing standards, putting up first ascents, and bringing a sense of creativity, humility, and grit to every project he tackles. His new book is part memoir, part meditation on movement and meaning, and it’s one of the most thoughtful and grounded climbing books I’ve read in a long time. In this wide-ranging conversation, Sonnie and I talk about the unexpected ways writing has shaped his life, how his approach to climbing has evolved over the years, and what it’s been like to move from living out of a van to raising a family in the mountains of Canada. We also discuss how he’s stayed grounded throughout his career, his relationship with sponsors like Patagonia, and why gratitude— not rage or ego— has been the driving force behind his decades of commitment to climbing. Sonnie also opens up about how parenting has shifted his perspective on adventure, freedom, and ambition—and how he and his wife are raising their kids in a way that emphasizes curiosity, effort, and joy. Whether you’re a climber, a writer, a parent, or just someone trying to live a meaningful life, there’s a ton of wisdom in this one. Sonnie’s new book "Uplifted" is out now, and I highly recommend picking up a copy—you’ll find a link in the episode notes, along with links to everything else we discussed. Hope you enjoy both this conversation and the book.  Thanks for listening.  --- Sonnie Trotter Uplifted: The Evolution of a Climbing Life Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/sonnie-trotter/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 1:55 - Intro, how Sonnie got into writing 4:58 - Influences 8:30 - Why write this book now 12:40 - Stumbling into the climbing world 17:45 - Into the unknown 20:27 - Origins of drive 25:07 - Climbing’s darkness 27:11 - The road to Patagonia 32:23 - Parent perspectives 36:54 - Becoming a parent 42:35 - Getting kids active (a jiu jitsu segway) 48:13 - Training, nutrition and getting older 52:47 - Race to 9A 56:31 - Book recs 59:29 - Final words of wisdom — get back to work --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts  

Cassidy Randall is a journalist and author whose work explores the intersections of adventure, history, and the natural world. Her new book, “Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women’s Ascent of Denali,” tells the gripping true story of six women who, in 1970, became the first all-female team to summit North America’s tallest mountain. It's a meticulously researched, beautifully written account that brings long-overlooked voices to the forefront of mountaineering history. As someone with a deep personal interest in Denali, I was especially excited to read this book and speak with Cassidy. In our conversation, we talk not only about the origins of “Thirty Below” and the individual women at the heart of the story, but also about Cassidy’s career as a journalist— how she got started, the path she’s carved through the world of longform storytelling, and how she approaches writing with such clarity, depth, and purpose. She also shares insights into her research process, the challenge of shaping complex narratives, and the broader importance of telling stories that have too often been overlooked or dismissed. Whether or not you’ve ever set foot on a glacier, Thirty Below offers a deep dive into universal themes— resilience, purpose, and the human desire to explore. It’s a story about ambition and endurance, but also about complexity, contradiction, and the ways women have long carved space for themselves in places that often excluded them. Cassidy brings these histories to life with nuance and empathy, honoring the individuality of each woman while raising timeless questions about legacy, belonging, and what drives us to push beyond our limits.  Thanks to Cassidy for writing the book and for taking the time to chat. I hope you enjoy. --- Cassidy Randall "Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women’s Ascent of Denali" Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/cassidy-randall/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 2:06 – Intro, how did Cassidy get into Denali? 8:28 – Getting to know Grace 13:08 – Landscape of women in climbing 18:16 – Margaret and her journey with multiple sclerosis 22:39 – Why do people climb mountains? 25:38 – Grace at 88, any discontent? 28:08 – Ed on his experience climbing Denali 31:02 – The process of climbing 37:39 – Adventure for the sake of adventure 42:23 – Writing advice on structure 45:41 – Source change 47:07 – Book writing compared with magazine work 50:36 – Early creativity threads 53:28 – Shifts in the writing industry 55:24 – What is journalism’s role anymore? 1:00:17 – It’s alive! (The content we’re consuming.) 1:01:19 – Denali or McKinley? 1:04:37 – Writer recs 1:08:03 – Pro tips on being a writer 1:10:17 – Wrapping it up --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

Sara Domek is Wyoming’s Migration Program Director for The Nature Conservancy. Sara grew up in the small town of Kemmerer and later moved to Pinedale, giving her a rare, firsthand perspective on Wyoming’s working landscapes—both from a natural resources and a conservation standpoint. Her upbringing, paired with years of experience working in nonprofits, agencies, and boots-on-the-ground conservation, makes her uniquely suited to lead TNC’s efforts to protect Wyoming’s world-renowned wildlife migrations. If you’ve spent any time driving through Wyoming, you’ve probably cruised past some of the most important migration corridors in North America—maybe without even realizing it. Sara and her team are working to keep those landscapes permeable, helping mule deer, pronghorn, elk, and other species continue the seasonal journeys they’ve been making for thousands of years. We talk about the science behind migration, how seemingly small barriers like fences can create big challenges for wildlife, and how collaborative conservation—between landowners, agencies, and nonprofits—can create real, lasting wins. Sara also shares some fascinating details about Wyoming’s longest mule deer migration, the importance of building trust with local communities, why cheatgrass is a bigger villain than it looks, and how carefully designed wildlife crossings can benefit both animals and people. We also get into her favorite books, why she’s hopeful about the future, and, once again, the simple but powerful idea that success in conservation often comes down to strong relationships. This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with someone who truly embodies the spirit of collaborative, community-driven conservation. I hope you enjoy! --- The Right to Roam: Sustaining Wyoming’s Migratory Herds Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/sara-domek --- 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: 2:50 – Intro, growing up in Wyoming and valuing natural resources 6:09 – Pinedale and the Wind Rivers 7:15 – Plan after high school 10:37 – Finding TNC 14:16 – Sara describes her job 17:21 – Mule deer and pronghorn migration corridors 21:57 – Fencing and migration 26:25 – Getting the word out about fencing 29:27 – Migration primer: distance, predators and collisions 35:54 – Valley of the warm winds 42:37 – RCPP programs 45:27 – Cheatgrass 101 48:54 – Important partners 51:08 – Prioritizing projects 54:40 – What Sara’s looking forward to 57:57 – Where to learn more 1:00:22 – Book recs 1:03:04 – Parting words --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

Cody Wellema is a master hatmaker and the founder of Wellema Hat Co., a highly regarded, California-based custom hat business. For over a decade, Cody built a reputation as one of the country’s premier craftspeople in the art of traditional hatmaking, creating heirloom-quality hats by hand, using vintage tools and techniques that harken back to a slower, more intentional era. His work has been worn by artists, ranchers, musicians, and everyday folks alike, and his shop became not only a destination for finely made hats, but a gathering place rooted in community and craft. On January 8th of this year, Cody and his family lost their Altadena storefront and workspace in the Eaton Canyon Fire, one of the many devastating fires that destroyed a large part of the greater Los Angeles area in early 2025. In the aftermath, he has navigated an overwhelming combination of grief, logistics, and uncertainty—yet throughout it all, he has maintained a sense of gratitude, humility, and forward-looking optimism that is as rare as it is inspiring. As he puts it, the fire forced a kind of reset—one that, while painful, has given him a blank page and the opportunity to reimagine the next chapter of his creative life. In this conversation, we talk about Cody’s early entrepreneurial spirit, his deep appreciation for vintage craftsmanship, and how he taught himself the trade by deconstructing old hats and learning from the past. We also explore the role of presence in parenting, the importance of community, and the creative possibilities that can emerge when the old path is unexpectedly cleared. Cody’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and deep care– for people, for his craft, and for doing things the right way. I was so inspired by Cody’s optimism and gratitude, and I know you will be too. Be sure to check out the episode notes for links to everything we discussed, including a GoFundMe page that was set up to support Cody and his family during this unexpected time of chaos. Thanks for listening, I hope you enjoy! --- Wellema Hat Co. Cody on Instagram GoFundMe page for the Wellemas Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/cody-wellema/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:30 – Intro, how’s Cody doing? 7:04 – His default wiring is optimism 8:49 – Setting an example for the kids 10:52 – Roots 12:41 – Cody’s evolution 17:33 – Heading out on his own 19:31 – Getting to hats 25:50 – Taking apart old hats 28:33 – Monetization 30:59 – Hindsight and going all in 34:41 – The fear of diving in 38:33 – Time to define 41:14 – More than just hats 46:29 – Blessing in the bad 51:59 – Moving on 56:00 – Cody’s first time voicing his new idea 1:04:59 – Taking the compliments 1:08:56 – Figuring out a blank slate 1:13:00 – Inspiration recs 1:18:16 – Final words of wisdom --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

This is a special live episode recorded this past March at SXSW in Austin, Texas, and it features a conversation I had the honor of moderating with two powerhouse guests: Cate Havstad-Casad of Range Revolution and Daniel Mouw of Duckworth. The title of the panel was Farmer-Founded Brands Will Save American Fashion. At first glance, that might sound like a bold claim, but these two are actually doing the work to make it real. Cate is a designer, hatmaker, and regenerative rancher whose company, Range Revolution, is turning discarded cattle hides into regenerative high-end leather goods. Daniel is the president of Duckworth, a Montana-based wool company that’s rebuilding the American supply chain– one sheep, sweater, and ranch at a time. Together, we dug into some big questions: What happened to American-made textiles? Why are most of us walking around wearing plastic? And what would it look like to rebuild rural economies from the ground up, using natural fibers like leather and wool, raised and processed responsibly, here in the United States? It might sound like we’re talking fashion and manufacturing trends—but this is really a conversation about values, ecosystems, and the future of rural America. Cate and Daniel are funny, deeply thoughtful, and grounded in the realities of both agriculture and business. They bring hard-earned optimism to a conversation that too often gets bogged down in doom and gloom. And they make a compelling case for why fashion can be a vehicle for stewardship, beauty, and connection to the land. We also had a sharp, engaged audience that asked some truly insightful questions– you’ll hear a few of those toward the end. Thanks to Cate and Daniel for the amazing conversation, thanks to SXSW for inviting us, and thank you for listening. --- SXSW Range Revolution Casad Family Farms Duckworth Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/sxsw/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 2:10 - Introductions 6:35 - A history lesson in US fiber production 10:22 - Current supply chain challenges facing producers 16:17 - Why natural fibers are superior to synthetics 19:17 - The true cost of synthetics and fast fashion 23:17 - How Range Revolution and Duckworth are restoring economic power to ag producers 27:36 - The unique role of for-profit businesses in solving these challenges 33:13 - Positivity as a strategic business decision 37:09 - How do you scale this regenerative fashion movement? 40:32 - Embracing natural characteristics in design 42:06 - How to capture attention in today’s information age 46:13 - What would an ideal community support system look like? 50:26 - Fabric frequencies! 52:53 - How to convert standard retail buyers into regenerative buyers 56:40 - Any collaboration with the EU fashion industry? --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

Elliot Ross is a photographer and writer whose work focuses on the intersection of landscape, identity, and justice in the American West. His images have appeared in Time, National Geographic, and The New York Times, and he’s known for deeply researched, long-term projects that combine striking visual storytelling with a journalist’s rigor. Whether he's documenting water access on the Navajo Nation or tracing the contours of Glen Canyon as it reemerges, Elliot brings a rare mix of artistry, empathy, and precision to every assignment. Born in Taiwan and raised on the eastern plains of Colorado, Elliot grew up between cultures and landscapes—an experience that shaped both his worldview and his creative path. He picked up a camera early, inspired by his grandmother’s family albums, and later earned a full-ride to the Savannah College of Art and Design. After college, he cut his teeth in New York City, assisting some of the most high-profile portrait and fashion photographers in the industry. All the while, he was quietly dreaming about building a career on his own terms—one rooted in storytelling, purpose, and the landscapes he still called home. In this episode, we talk about the early experiences that shaped his artistic voice, the evolution of his career, and how he’s learned to navigate the demands of both commercial and documentary work. Elliot shares the backstory of his recent Time magazine cover story on water equity in the West, a project that involved years of reporting, deep community ties, and even a return to the classroom. We also discuss his thoughts on creative endurance, working across political divides, and the role of photography in fostering empathy and connection. I’d encourage you to visit Elliot’s website and dig deeper into all of his work, especially his project A Question of Balance, which became the Time magazine feature. You can find links to everything in the episode notes. Thanks to Elliot for the inspiring and timely conversation, and thank you for listening. --- Elliot Ross Time magazine piece A Question of Balance Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/elliot-ross/ --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation. To whom much is given, much is expected. This value guides the philosophy behind the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation today. Committed to its cause and infused with an entrepreneurial spirit, Mighty Arrow aims to invest in solutions that take action on climate change to build a more vibrant future, repair relationships from farm to market to table, heal our connection to the lands and waters we call home, and demand a more just and equitable society. To learn more about Mighty Arrow’s forward-thinking, optimistic, and visionary work here in the American West and beyond, please visit www.mightyarrow.org. --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:05 – Elliot growing up in Taipei and how his parents met 6:00 – Few but vivid memories of Taipei 7:09 – The culture shock of moving to eastern Colorado 8:25 – How photography came into Elliot’s life 10:29 – Reading influences 13:16 – Travel bug 16:22 – Savannah College of Art and Design 18:07 – Parental pressure 19:49 – Credit to high school art teachers 20:54 – Figuring out photography 27:47 – No wavering 29:54 – Moving into independent business 33:29 – Pitching Carhartt 37:03 – Nat Geo ups and downs 42:10 – Near-death experiences 45:44 – Approaching long-term projects 49:35 – Pulling on threads 51:45 – Humans and landscapes 56:35 – Curiosity as the most authentic de-escalator 58:05 – Writing and shooting and doing it all 1:02:45 – Response to the Time story 1:07:35 – A tale of two places 1:13:45 – Using water in the West 1:16:35 – The Desiderata creed 1:17:05 – Book recs 1:23:05 – Parting words --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

Aaron Citron is the Associate Director of External Affairs at The Nature Conservancy, where he leads state-level policy engagement across Colorado. His work spans a wide array of conservation priorities, including water management, healthy forests, renewable energy siting, and partnerships with private landowners and tribal nations. Aaron plays a key role in bridging on-the-ground conservation efforts with the legislative and regulatory frameworks that support them. He also helps shape TNC’s strategy around climate and energy policy, working to ensure a rapid but responsible transition to renewable infrastructure. Aaron grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where early exposure to the desert landscape—and its vital, limited water resources—sparked a lifelong interest in the natural world. After studying history and political science at Emory University, he returned west for law school at the University of Arizona, focusing on water and land use law. His career has taken him from local land trusts to national NGOs like Environmental Defense Fund, always at the intersection of policy, place, and practical impact. Along the way, he’s built a reputation for thoughtful, collaborative work that reflects both his legal background and his deep connection to the West. In our conversation, Aaron shares a detailed look at how conservation policy gets made—from coalition-building and legislative drafting to navigating complex stakeholder relationships. We discuss examples like Colorado’s response to Clean Water Act rollbacks and new tools to support in-stream flows on the Yampa River. He talks about the balance between urgency and patience, the importance of trust in long-term conservation, and how calm, clearheaded engagement can shape better outcomes. It’s a compelling look at the behind-the-scenes work that makes public-facing conservation efforts possible. Be sure the check out the episode notes for a full list of everything we discussed and links to everything. Thanks to Aaron for this conversation and thank you for listening. Enjoy! --- Aaron Citron Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/aaron-citron/ --- 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: 3:15 – Starting at the beginning, growing up in Tucson 7:42 – Underrated Arizona 11:23 – From environmental history to law school 15:22 – After law school, including a TNC internship 18:11 – Landing at the Arizona Land and Water Trust 21:24 – Path to TNC 24:06 – Aaron’s role at TNC 27:42 – Clean Water Act protection project 33:40 – Getting the information to the people 35:29 – Yampa River Fund 40:39 – What makes someone good at policy work? 46:11 – The power of relationships 49:00 – Federal versus state policy focuses 53:40 – Remaining calm 57:21 – Book recs 1:01:53 – Parting thoughts --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

David Cronenwett is the owner of Helena Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a third-degree black belt under American Jiu-Jitsu legend Rafael Lovato Jr. David started his Jiu-Jitsu journey in Seattle in 1996, back when finding a place to train was like stumbling upon a secret society. Over the years, he’s not only refined his own game but has shared this art with hundreds of students in Montana’s capital city since opening his academy in 2016. But David’s path to Jiu-Jitsu wasn’t exactly a straight shot. He grew up in New Jersey, made his way west to study classical guitar at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle right as the grunge scene was taking over, and eventually found himself in Montana, drawn by the wilderness and a deep-rooted need for something more. That “something more” turned out to be a mix of conservation work, backcountry living, and, of course, Jiu-Jitsu—an art that would come to define much of his life. In this conversation, we go deep into the philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu: why it grabs certain people and won’t let go, how it humbles you, how it teaches you to remain calm under pressure, and how it can serve as a vehicle for self-improvement. But beyond that, we explore how Jiu-Jitsu teaches lessons that stretch far beyond the mats—lessons about patience, resilience, adaptability, and how to wisely face challenges in life. We also talk about the importance of culture in an academy, how a good training environment can shape people beyond the gym, and how the shared purpose and community of Jiu-Jitsu has a way of bringing together folks from all walks of life. And for those of you who might be on the fence about trying Jiu-Jitsu, David has plenty to say about why it’s never too late to start and how it can change not just how you move, but how you see the world. So whether you’re a seasoned grappler or just curious about what makes this martial art so addictive, there’s a lot to learn from this conversation. Enjoy! --- Helena Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/david-cronenwett/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 2:15 - Getting to know David 4:30 - Seattle to Montana 6:30 - And from music to conservation 7:45 - Early outdoor interests 10:00 - First Jiu-Jitsu memories 12:30 - Getting into Jiu-Jitsu 16:30 - What is it about Jiu-Jitsu? 21:00 - Community on the mat 26:45 - Importance of having new trainees 29:45 - Where the growth happens 31:30 - Maintaining culture 35:30 - Lessons from practicing and teaching 42:30 - Obsessive types 45:15 - Not for the bullies 47:30 - Maintaining the practice as life goes on 53:30 - Self-defense as an insurance policy 1:01:00 - What Jiu-Jitsu gives you 1:04:45 - Losing ego 1:08:45 - Peaks and valleys 1:12:30 - Not about the belts 1:14:45 - Book recs 1:21:30 - Thoughts on therapy 1:23:45 - Parting words --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

Helen Augare Carlson and Dylan DesRosier are leaders, community builders, and proud members of the Blackfeet Nation. Helen, the Chair of the Piikani Studies Division at Blackfeet Community College, has dedicated over two decades to education, cultural preservation, and building pathways for future generations. Dylan, the Blackfeet Program Manager with The Nature Conservancy, brings a wealth of experience in conservation work rooted in respect for Indigenous knowledge and long-term community collaboration. In addition to their official roles, they both wear many hats when it comes to serving their communities—mentoring youth, engaging in policy discussions, telling stories, and working on grassroots initiatives that strengthen cultural and environmental resilience. In this episode, we explore the profound relationships between land, language, and stewardship. Helen shares the moving story behind her Blackfoot name, Dylan reflects on his time working in Glacier National Park and how it shaped his conservation approach, and we dig into the groundbreaking Chief Mountain Initiative—an effort that weaves together conservation, education, and cultural revitalization. We also discuss the evolving role of conservation organizations, TNC's comprehensive approach to supporting Blackfeet initiatives, the importance of holistic thinking, and why Indigenous leadership is crucial for the future of land stewardship. As usual, we wrap up with some incredible book recommendations that will deepen your understanding of these topics long after the episode ends. This conversation is rich with wisdom, humor, and insight, and Helen and Dylan make quite a team, bringing their unique expertise and shared passion for their community to this important discussion. I’m so excited for you to hear it. So let’s dive in—here’s my conversation with Helen Augare Carlson and Dylan DesRosier. --- Helen Carlson Dylan DesRosier Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/helen-dylan/ --- 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: 3:03 - Introductions, starting with Helen 7:18 - Helen’s Blackfeet names 12:18 - When to use “Blackfoot” or “Blackfeet” 13:33 - Dylan’s bio and Blackfeet name 17:48 - Community health and education 23:03 - Why Dylan wanted to plug into TNC 26:48 - Blackfeet connection to land 30:33 - Helen’s thoughts on TNC 36:03 - Face-to-face trust 38:48 - Chief Mountain initiative 45:48 - Measuring progress on a huge timeframe 50:48 - Progress in Helen’s view 56:03 - Like biodiversity, human diversity is important, too 1:01:03 - What Dylan’s learned from Helen 1:03:03 - And what Helen’s learned from Dylan 1:06:33 - Book recs 1:12:33 - Parting words 1:15:03 - A Land Back addendum --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

George Hodgin is a former Navy SEAL turned entrepreneur who is revolutionizing the world of medical cannabis research. George is the founder and CEO of BRC - Biopharmaceutical Research Company, one of the only federally legal cannabis research organizations in the United States. His company is leading the charge in developing safe, regulated, and scientifically-backed cannabis-based therapeutics—offering alternatives to opioids and other pharmaceutical treatments. This is George’s second time on the podcast—our first conversation was almost exactly five years ago, back when his company was in its early stages, the pandemic was just beginning, and he was navigating the uncharted waters of federal cannabis regulations. Since we last spoke, BRC has made huge strides—partnering with leading medical institutions, earning FDA orphan drug designation, and paving the way for legal, cannabis-based medications. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend going back and listening to that first episode, where George shares the full story of his fascinating career trajectory—his time as a Navy SEAL, his MBA at Stanford, and his undergraduate experience as a Morehead-Cain Scholar at the University of North Carolina. That conversation is a great companion to this one and provides even more insight into his unique journey. In this episode, George and I dive into the evolution of BRC, the shifting cultural and political landscape around cannabis, and what it’s like balancing an entrepreneurial mindset with the slow, methodical world of federal drug approval. We also talk leadership, risk assessment in business and combat, humility vs arrogance, and what it's been like to watch his wife, bestselling author and culinary powerhouse Caroline Chambers, build an incredible career of her own. Be sure to check out the episode notes for a full list of everything we discussed, plus links to resources, books, and more. George is one of the most insightful, driven, and humble people I know, and I always learn a ton from our conversations. Whether you're interested in business, science, leadership, or just a great story of perseverance and innovation, this episode has something for you. Hope you enjoy! --- George Hodgin Biopharmaceutical Research Company George’s first M&P episode Caroline Chambers Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/george-hodgin-2/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 2:36 – Reconnecting with George 3:51 – George’s BRC elevator pitch 6:51 – City of Hope collaboration 10:36 – Choosing partnerships and plans 13:36 – What makes a successful idea 16:06 – Company mechanics 18:21 – Energy balance 22:06 – Cannabis in the name 23:51 – Cannabis sentiments culturally shifting 26:36 – But not legally 28:06 – Regulations and competition 32:21 – Different schedules of drugs 36:36 – Betting on the idea versus the team 41:21 – Risk framework 46:51 – When do you stop planning? 51:06 – Favorite failure 55:36 – Not seeing the forest for the trees 59:06 – Does cockiness play a role? 1:02:06 – George’s wife’s cooking journey 1:07:06 – General Mattis’ influence 1:08:51 – Book recs 1:11:06 – Parting words, asking Ed a question --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts