Mountain & Prairie with Ed Roberson

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! --- Property and Environment Research Group (PERC) Brian Yablonski SIGN UP: Ed's Reading Recommendations Episode Notes and Links: https://mountainandprairie.com/brian-yablonski/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 4:30 - Brian talks us through the history and work of the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) 7:45 - Brian discusses the Elk Occupancy Agreements PERC has entered with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition 24:15 - Brian talks about how the Elk Occupancy Agreements model could be scaled up to incentivize conservation on a broader scale 29:30 - Brian discusses the balance he and PERC have to strike between high-level strategic thinking and on-the-ground implementation 35:15 - Brian talks about PERC's partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund 38:30 - Brian describes what he believes the ideal role of government is, especially in conservation 42:45 - Brian talks about the work PERC is doing with National Parks 54:15 - Brian discusses his conservation work in Florida 1:00:15 - Brian's book recommendations 1:08:00 - Brian's parting 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

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! --- Dylan Tomine "Headwaters" by Dylan Tomine "Closer to the Ground" by Dylan Tomine Episode Notes and Links: https://mountainandprairie.com/dylan-tomine/ --- 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: 6:00 - Dylan discusses his childhood and how fishing became a part of his life 8:30 - Dylan talks about steelhead 11:00 - Dylan describes the general conditions in which one fishes for steelhead 16:15 - Dylan talks about the moment he realized there were real problems and challenges facing the native steelhead population 20:00 - Dylan describes how becoming a parent impacted his conservation ethic 28:00 - Dylan explains why people should care about declining steelhead populations 34:00 - Dylan talks about why he wrote his book Headwaters 36:00 - Dylan explains how he became involved with Patagonia 41:30 - Dylan talks about Yvon Chouinard, what makes him unique, and how that has made Patagonia into the powerhouse company it is today 45:00 - Dylan talks about Patagonia Books 49:15 - Dylan reads an excerpt from his book 54:30 - Dylan describes his writing process 58:15 - Dylan talks about the authors he admires --- 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

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! --- Montana Nonprofit Association Episode Notes and Links: https://mountainandprairie.com/liz-moore/ --- 4:00 - Liz describes the Montana Nonprofit Association 6:00 - Liz talks about the nonprofit sector in Montana 8:30 - Liz explains what the high concentration of nonprofits in Montana means for the sector 10:45 - Liz talks about how COVID-19 impacted her work and the work of Montana nonprofits 13:30 - Liz explains why some nonprofits saw success during the pandemic and why others did not 17:30 - Liz discusses nonprofit lessons learned during the pandemic 20:00 - Liz explains some of the challenges facing the nonprofit workforce and why employee retention is so difficult in that sector 22:45 - Liz discusses some potential, if difficult avenues for addressing the challenges facing the nonprofit sector 26:00 - Liz gives some examples of nonprofit organizations and staff giving their best during the pandemic 30:00 - Liz explores the concept of generosity with respect to the nonprofit sector and explains where she saw Montana nonprofits exhibit generosity during the pandemic 33:00 - Liz describes how the current political/cultural climate impacts the nonprofit sector 40:30 - Liz talks about where she sees the nonprofit sector going in the coming years 43:45 - Liz identifies characteristics of successful nonprofits 46:00 - Liz discusses her background 50:00 - Liz gives advice for people facing forks in the road regarding their careers 53:00 - Liz explains how she became interested in photography 54:30 - Liz's book recommendations 57:00 - Liz's parting words of wisdom --- 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: 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

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. --- Mannix Family Grass-Finished Beef Full Episode Notes and Links: https://mountainandprairie.com/kate-mannix/ --- 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! --- 5:10 - Kate walks us through the family genealogy related to the Mannix Ranch 7:40 - Kate describes the Mannix Ranch operations 9:40 - Kate explains why her family got involved in grass finishing their beef 14:10 - Kate talks about why she thinks the Mannix's have been so successful in managing a multigenerational family business 18:00 - Kate describes some of the challenges she expects the ranch will face in the coming years 23:00 - Kate directs us to resources about the relationships between grazing, grasslands, and climate change 27:30 - Kate explains how she fell in love with ranching 35:30 - Kate talks about moving from her ranch work with Quivira in New Mexico to Mannix Ranch in Montana 39:00 - Kate discusses what her family thinks about her career path 40:00 - Kate explains why she stopped being a vegan 45:30 - Kate talks about when she started hunting 51:00 - Kate explains her connection with Red Ants Pants, a women's workwear company 54:30 - Kate discusses cancer and chemotherapy 1:09:30 - Kate's book recommendations --- 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

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. --- Alvin Dedeaux Alvin's Youtube Channel All Water Guides Episode Notes & Links: https://mountainandprairie.com/alvin-dedeaux/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 4:00 - Alvin's background and childhood 6:00 - Alvin discusses how fly fishing entered his life 8:00 - Alvin talks about his decision to leave college 16:00 - Alvin talks about his job at the Austin Angler, his first job in the fly fishing industry 23:15 - Alvin discusses how he began guiding in Colorado 27:45 - Alvin talks about how long it took for him to feel like he had a sustainable business going in the fly fishing industry 32:00 - Alvin explains why he became interested in the use of social media for his business 37:00 - Alvin talks about finding the one thing you'd "eat shit all day" for (aka dream jobs) 45:00 - Alvin explains how COVID-19 impacted his business and limited fishery resources 51:00 - Alvin gives advice for anybody to become more conservation-minded 53:45 - Alvin talks about how he got connected with Howler Brothers 57:45 - Alvin's book and music recommendations --- 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

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! --- Riddy Arman: https://www.riddyarman.com/ Full episode notes & links: https://mountainandprairie.com/riddy-arman/ --- 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: 5:30 - Where Riddy grew up 7:50 - Riddy's connection to agriculture 10:15 - Dropping out of college 12:30 - Moving to New York City and modeling 16:00 - Music and writing while in NYC 17:15 - Decision to leave NYC 19:00 - Traveling, riding trains, hitchhiking 20:30 - Raised to be independent 23:00 - Lessons learned from the adventures of traveling 27:00 - Moving to Virginia, focusing on agriculture 29:00 - Settling down, connecting with the land 32:45 - Finding value in quiet time 34:15 - Sticking with music for good 35:30 - Riddy's writing process 37:45 - Transition to performing 40:45 - Dealing with nervousness 44:00 - Breathing and other ways to calm down 47:15 - Riddy's deep connection with Montana 51:30 - Building a music career from rural Montana 56:30 - Process of being authentic and putting herself out there 58:30 - Artists that Riddy admires 1:01:45 - Advice for creatives 1:03:50 - Favorite books --- 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

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. --- Yemi Mobolade New M&P Podcast Page Full episodes notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/yemi-mobolade/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 4:45 – Yemi's childhood in Nigeria 11:45 – What it was like when Yemi came to the US. 13:15 – Yemi's journey of self-discovery 18:15 – How Yemi ended up in Colorado Springs 13:30 – Why Yemi appreciates and builds community 25:30 – Yemi's political plans 31:45 – How Yemi plans to maintain his ideals within politics 35:00 – Yemi's goals for the growth of Colorado Springs 39:00 – The impact of Yemi's children on his life 44:15 – Leaders that Yemi admires 56:30 – Yemi's book recommendations --- 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

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! --- Chris Burkard "Wayward" by Chris Burkard Full Episode Notes & Links: https://mountainandprairie.com/chris-burkard-2/ Chris' first M&P episode All books by Chris Burkard Ed's Strenuous Life Retreat --- TOPICS DISCUSSED 5:00 - How the pandemic has been for Chris and his family 9:25 - Process of writing the book 14:00 - Thoughts when looking back at his early work 17:30 - Early challenges and localism 23:45 - Patagonia's role in Chris's artistic evolution 27:40 - Importance of having the confidence to be yourself 31:30 - Overcoming self-doubt 33:45 - People Chris trusts to give honest opinions 36:45 - How Chris transitions from hardcore adventures back into "real life" 40:30 - Reevaluation of risk as he gets older 42:40 - Lessons from suffering 44:00 - Why Chris continues to focus his creative energy on books 54:00 - Importance of sharing the experiences with others 58:30 - Projects in the works --- 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

Longtime Mountain & Prairie listeners will remember Adam Gall– he's a Colorado-based hunting guide who, along with his wife Ana, owns Timber to Table Guide Service. Adam is a highly regarded expert in the pursuit of elk and mule deer, and he offers a variety of outfitting services ranging from public land hunts for experienced hunters to private land hunts for beginners. In my first episode with Adam, we discussed his career path to guiding, which included stints as a wolf biologist and science teacher, as well as his advocacy for public lands and wildlife conservation. - In early January, I had the pleasure of joining Adam for my first-ever elk hunt, and this episode is a discussion about that extremely powerful experience. I had wanted to hunt elk ever since moving to the Rocky Mountains back in 2005, but I never took the necessary steps to learn how to do it. While I do have limited experience with bird hunting, I had zero experience hunting with a rifle. The idea of starting big game hunting from scratch was intimidating and overwhelming– plus, I have way-too-many other hobbies that fill my time– so elk hunting has been on the back burner for more than 16 years. But after getting to know Adam, learning about his skills as a teacher, and admiring his calm demeanor and reverence for wildlife, I decided that he was just the person to introduce me to the sport of elk hunting. - To be completely transparent, I was very nervous about all aspects of the hunt– my shooting proficiency, my ability to kill the elk quickly, quartering the animal, and processing the meat. I have the utmost respect for the skills required to be a responsible and effective big game hunter, so I was intent on approaching the entire endeavor with a high level of seriousness and focus. From the moment I arrived in Hotchkiss until we had processed the last pound of meat, Adam and Ana were exceptional teachers–we had a successful hunt and I left Hotchkiss with a newfound, life-changing appreciation for everything that is required to procure meat for my family. - The purpose of this episode is to provide instruction and insight for people like me– individuals who are interested in big game hunting and procuring meat but have no idea where or how to start. Even if you've never shot a gun, there will be useful information in this episode. Adam and I discuss all aspects of the hunt–from shooting practice at the gun range on the first day all the way to processing the meat into burger, steaks, and roasts four days later. I discuss the overwhelming emotions I felt after killing such a majestic animal, and the eye-opening experience of learning about specific cuts of meat with Ana. We discuss how Adam's experience as a teacher makes him such an effective guide, and the importance of approaching hunting with respect, reverence, and curiosity. We talk about game management, food systems, private lands' role in wildlife health, and much more. - I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Hopefully, it will give you the encouragement to pursue hunting if it is of interest to you. Hunting is obviously not for everyone, but as a person who eats and enjoys meat, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in all the tasks that are required to put clean, healthy meat on my family's table. - Thanks again to Adam and Ana for the once-in-a-lifetime experience, and thanks to you for listening. Enjoy! --- Timber to Table: https://timbertotableguideservice.com/ Adam's first M&P episode: https://mountainandprairie.com/adam-gall/ Full episode notes & links: https://mountainandprairie.com/elk-hunt/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 4:45 - Thanks to Adam 6:15 - Why Adam enjoys teaching first-time hunters 8:15 - Adam's background as a teacher 10:30 - Balancing fun and seriousness 16:15 - Details of the private land "meat hunt" 21:45 - Importance of game management on private lands 23:45 - Hunt preparation 32:15 - Morning of the hunt 34:45 - The kill 37:45 - Respect for the taking a life 44:45 - Quartering the animal and processing the meat 54:45 - A foundational shift in perspective 58:00 - Cooking resources and ideas 59:45 - Closing 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

Elliott Woods is a Montana-based veteran and multimedia journalist who has reported for publications including Outside, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and many more. His most recent project is a podcast called THIRD SQUAD, which tells the powerful story of "one journalist, 12 Marines and two decades of war." Back in 2011, Elliott was an embedded journalist with a group of Marines who were positioned deep in one of Afghanistan's most dangerous regions. Nearly a decade later, Elliott embarked on a cross-country road trip to reunite with the surviving members of the team and discuss how that violent deployment impacted their lives. Third Squad tells the stories of these Marines, offering raw insights into the impact of war on individual soldiers, both on the battlefield and back at home. - Elliott was born and raised on the east coast, and as a kid, he never had strong ambitions to join the military. However, after an unsuccessful stint in college left him lacking purpose and low on options, he decided to join the National Guard. Elliott was eventually deployed to Iraq, where he served for a year as an Army combat engineer. When Elliott had finished serving and returned to college at the University of Virginia, he approached his education with a new focus and purpose, and it was there that he discovered writing and journalism. As a journalist, Elliott has traveled everywhere from war-torn regions of the globe to well-known conflicts in the American West-- from the Gaza Strip to the front lines of the Keystone XL Pipeline protests. Whether reporting on public lands, outdoor adventure, or war, Elliott brings focus and intensity to all of his projects. - Elliott and I met years ago, so it was great to reconnect and have an in-depth conversation about his life and career. We started out by discussing his upbringing in Maryland and Pennsylvania, and how he developed a love of the outdoors at an early age. We discuss his education, his failed first attempt at college, and his path to the military. We discuss his time in Iraq, his career as a journalist, and the origins of the Third Squad podcast. We talk about the current state of journalism, and Elliott discusses why he feels the need to cover stories that involve dangerous people and places. We talk about hero culture, the importance of having a purpose, how the natural world has been a healing force in his life, and Elliott offers up some excellent book recommendations. - I encourage all of you to check out Third Squad, as well as Elliott's 2016 TED Talk that I reference in the conversation. There are links to everything in the episode notes. Thanks to Elliott for all of his hard work and for joining me for such an important conversation. Enjoy! --- Elliott Woods Third Squad Episode Notes & Links: https://mountainandprairie.com/elliott-woods/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 4:00 – Elliott's childhood and how he got into the military 12:00 – Elliott discusses what it was like having joined the military weeks before 9/11/2001 15:00 – Elliott talks about reintegrating to normal life as a student after his deployment in Iraq 22:30 – Elliott discusses the importance of having a mission in his life 29:00 – Elliott talks about why he disagrees with "hero culture" in the US 34:30 – Elliott talks about his mentality when writing about powerful or dangerous people 43:00 – Elliott talks about "solution journalism" and the need to highlight problems in journalism 53:45 – Elliott discusses the impact Montana and nature has had on him 58:15 – Elliott's book recommendations 1:04:00 – Elliott's parting 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