The Trail Less Traveled

Bart Henderson, a retired international river guide, shares his experiences growing up in Utah and being part of the early river rafting industry. He describes how the town of Vernal and the Green River were central to the development of companies like Hatch River Expeditions, which pioneered commercial rafting. Bart's early exposure to the river guiding business sparked his lifelong passion for adventure and exploration, leading him to guide expeditions in diverse ecosystems around the world, from Alaska to Ethiopia.Experience the thrills and challenges of navigating remote waterways, from battling powerful winds to managing wildlife encounters, as Bart shares insights from decades of guiding experience across diverse ecosystems. His story culminates in the successful establishment of Chilkat Guides, proving that adventure tourism can breathe new life into local economies.Join us for this fascinating journey through the history of river rafting and discover how one man's passion for adventure helped chart ne

Step into the fascinating world of mountain lions with Jim Williams, a veteran wildlife biologist with over 30 years of experience in large carnivore conservation. Often referred to as the "ghosts of the forest", in this episode Jim shares captivating insights about these magnificent predators that roam the Americas.Through his remarkable career journey, Jim has championed wildlife conservation efforts in the Northern Rockies, fighting to protect crucial habitats from increasing development pressures. His work has been instrumental in securing conservation easements that preserve both public access and wildlife corridors, especially during the recent pandemic-driven population surge in the region.The episode delves into mountain lions' unique hunting strategies, their solitary nature, and their ability to thrive across diverse landscapes. Jim also addresses common misconceptions about large carnivores and shares wisdom gained from decades of field experience. Ready to discover the secret life of America's mos

Discover how a small Montana city became a thriving hub of culture, entrepreneurship, and community connection. From the iconic Big Dipper Ice Cream celebrating its 30th anniversary to the bustling Caras Park hosting over 100 community events annually, downtown Missoula exemplifies the perfect blend of historical preservation and modern vibrancy.Linda McCarthy, Executive Director of the Downtown Missoula Partnership, shares how Missoula has evolved into a pedestrian-friendly destination where strangers still greet each other on the street. The city's commitment to inclusivity shines through initiatives like zero-fare public transportation and free community events.The "hip strip" showcases the entrepreneurial spirit of local businesses, while the University of Montana adds a dynamic educational dimension. Whether it's exploring the farmers markets, enjoying outdoor recreation, or sampling unique local flavors at Big Dipper Ice Cream, Missoula offers what Teresa Cox describes as "not just a place to make a li

Tom Puchlerz is married with two children, two grandchildren, and three English setters. Retired after 38 years with the U.S. Forest Service as a biologist and administrator with assignments in Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington and Alaska, Tom is a member of numerous local and national wildlife and fisheries conservation organizations. He is an avid hunter, angler, and advocate for wild places and wild things. Tom is a past president and current board member for the Montana Wildlife Federation. You can become a member of the Montana Wildlife Federation for $35 per year! Click HERE to become a member today! You can support this podcast by donating a few dollars per month on Patreon! We really appreciate any contribution, no matter how small.Follow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.The radio version of the show premieres Sunday nights at 6 MST, streaming live online at Trail1033.com & locally

Patrick Farneman is the executive director of Bridges to the Past, the non-profit parent organization that hosts the annual "Between the Rivers" skills gathering near Valley, Washington. Patrick has been published in Survival Quarterly Magazine, and in The Bulletin of Primitive Technology. He has been an instructor at Rabbitstick, Wintercount, Echoes in Time, and Saskatoon Circle Gatherings, and has taught classes in ancestral skills privately and for multiple organizations for over 30 years. Learn more here: https://www.betweentheriversgathering.com/ You can support this podcast by donating a few dollars per month on Patreon! We really appreciate any contribution, no matter how small.Follow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.The radio version of the show premieres Sunday nights at 6 MST, streaming live online at Trail1033.com & locally (Missoula) on the Trail 103.3 FMWhy listen to the

Moses Chiguta has been guiding professionally for the past 25 years. He currently works as a guide for Chiawa Camp, located on the banks of the Zambezi River, under a grove of evergreen Mahogany trees. Chiawa Camp holds the prime position in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park.Moses comes from Kabwadu village in Chiawa chiefdom and he started his guiding career in 1999 as trainee guide. By 2005 he was a fully qualified guide in the fields of game drives, walks, canoeing and boating/angling. Moses’ favorite animal is a Baboon as traditionally he hails from the “Baboon” clan and he therefore enjoys watching them as they play around while feeding. You can support this podcast by donating a few dollars per month on Patreon! We really appreciate any contribution, no matter how small.Follow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.The radio version of the show pre

Jim Vashro serves on the board of directors for the Montana Wildlife Federation and worked for 39 years with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks before retiring as the regional fisheries manager in Kalispell where he lives with his wife Sandi. In the last 20 years, he focused on aquatic education and access, still active with Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW), Hooked on Fishing, Casting For Recovery and Bowhunter Education as well as crusading against illegal fish introductions. Currently, he is the president of Flathead Wildlife, Inc. when not fishing, hunting, hiking or paddling somewhere. You can support this podcast by donating a few dollars per month on Patreon! We really appreciate any contribution, no matter how small.Follow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.The radio version of the show premieres Sunday nights at 6 MST, streaming live online at Trail1033.com & locally (Missoula) on the Trail

Russ Lyman grew up in northwest Washington State. He received a B.S. degree in Visual Communications from Western Washington University and then spent a couple of years in Ketchum, Idaho. In 1989 he began his river guiding career in Haines, Alaska, and started guiding on the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers in 1990. He has also worked as a river rafting guide in the Arctic, Chile, Indonesia, Nepal and Ethiopia. He lives in Haines, Alaska with his wife Cynthia, where he runs his publishing business, Cloudburst Productions. Russ draws maps and gathers inspiration from the majestic Saint Elias and Coast Range Mountains which surround him. He began his river guiding career in Haines in 1989 and has made over 40 trips down the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers since then, as well as guided on rivers in other parts of the world. Russ has been a volunteer DJ at KHNS since 1990, covering a variety of different shows over the years. Russ is one of the coauthors of The Complete Guide to the Tatshenshi

The Northern Rockies region is home to the largest collection of pristine free-flowing rivers and native trout fisheries left in the lower 48 states. The headwaters of these pristine rivers originate in three sprawling wilderness complexes – the Crown of the Continent along the US-Canadian border; the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem where the Missouri, Snake, and Green rivers are born; and the Salmon-Selway Ecosystem in central Idaho, where endangered salmon and steelhead still migrate 900 miles from the Pacific Ocean to spawn.These rivers are defined by their WILD, FREE-FLOWING CHARACTER, clean water, intact native fish and wildlife assemblages, and world-class recreation opportunities. All of the native fish species that were present here two centuries ago can still be found here today, including five subspecies of cutthroat trout, bull trout, rainbow trout, steelhead, Chinook salmon, and white sturgeon. Among the iconic wildlife species that call these rivers home are grizzly and black be

As the Northwest Regional Director, Sarah Dyrdahl leads the regional team working to protect wild rivers, restore damaged rivers, and conserve clean water for people and nature in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. This is part one of our two part series featuring the work of American Rivers. Sarah has been working with communities on river conservation and restoration in Alaska and Oregon since 2004, as a staff biologist for a Native Alaskan Tribe and 15 years as a restoration program manager, and then executive director, for Oregon watershed councils. Most recently, Sarah served as the aquatic & riparian specialist and interim deputy division chief for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Before migrating upstream to freshwater ecosystems, Sarah studied nearshore marine ecological communities along the Oregon Coast with the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO). Sarah grew up in the country, on the banks of the Applegate River in southern Oregon, an experience that she

Missoula Housing Authority (“MHA”) is an independent nonprofit public organization with a portfolio of 1,178 rent-restricted apartments and housing choice vouchers, providing affordable housing to more than 4,500 very low-, low and middle-income veterans, families with children, elderly and disabled, foster youth and homeless, as well as working Missoulians. MHA is the second largest public housing authority in Montana and is recognized as a progressive, forward-thinking agency that creatively implements services and uses innovative development financing. Missoula Housing Authority’s mission is to provide quality housing solutions for low and middle-income households in Missoula and the surrounding area through creative partnerships and innovative development. MHA has been creating quality housing solutions since 1978. Since 2005, Missoula Housing Authority (MHA) has operated Valor House, Montana’s first transitional apartments for homeless veterans, in partnership with the Veterans Administration and the Pov

Tama Raihania has been drawing and studying Maori artwork and Moko patterns since his early childhood. This interview tells the story of the evolution of tattooing. Tama is a "Tohunga Tā Moko" (Ta Moko tattoo artist). The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian "tatu" which means "to mark something." It is arguably claimed that tattooing has existed since 12,000 years BC. The modern pronunciation of the word is due to a mispronunciation by earlier explorers such as Lieutenant James Cook. You can support this podcast by donating a few dollars per month on Patreon! We really appreciate any contribution, no matter how small.Follow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube!!!The radio version of the show premieres Sunday nights at 6 MST, streaming live online at Trail1033.com & locally (Missoula) on the Trail 103.3 FMThis episode was recorded on location i

For this episode, we sit down in the village of Klukwan, known to be the capital of the Tlingit national - located near Haines, Alaska. This interview features an indigenous elder named Lani Hotch, the culture bearer for the Tlingit Nation. Lani Hotch is a leader and activist. Lani is the culture bearer for the Klukwan community. She is a traditional and contemporary weaver who lives a traditional Tlingit lifestyle based on the seasons. Learn more about ways in which you can work collectively to stop the Palmer Mine Project by visiting: https://chilkatforever.org/the-threatShow Notes:00:00:03 - Lani Hotch intro00:00:40 - Podcast intro00:01:31 - Tlingit greeting and intro for Lani Hotch00:03:50 - Lani describes what she sees when she looks out her window in the village of Klukwan, Alaska.00:05:00 - Lani talks about her early adventures and the ways in which conservation played a role in her upbringing.00:13:00 - Lani sings a song that reminds her of her early years.00:14:16 - Lani shares a background

This episode was recorded on the Colorado River within the walls of the Grand Canyon. Clayborn Nodman is a traditional singer, story teller, dancer and member of the Hualapai or Walapai. The Hualapai are a tribe of Native Americans who live in the mountains of northwestern Arizona, United States. Today they are enrolled in the Hualapai Indian Tribe of the Hualapai Indian Reservation.The name, meaning "people of the tall trees", is derived from the Hualapai word for ponderosa pine. Their traditional territory is a 108-mile stretch along the pine-clad southern side of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River with the tribal capital located at Peach Springs. This episode was recorded in various side canyons of the Grand Canyon. All music is original to the guests of the show... ***Mandela van Eeden and Steve Saroff just released their FIRST SINGLES on Spotify. You can support their music by searching for

Join us on the edge of the Clark Fork River for an interview with Jess McGlothlin, an international fly fishing guide, journalist and photographer. Jess was born in Colombia Falls, Montana. She grew up fly fishing, riding horses and doing rodeo events. Jess has documented fisheries in five continents but continues to return to Missoula inbetween international assignments. Jess speaks about the influx of new residents in Missoula and how that can both be a positive and negative thing for our rivers and resources. Jess shares with us the importance of proper fish handling as we enter into yet another hot summer. One of the main takeaways of this episode is the concept of "KEEP FISH WET" a concept of keeping fish (especially trout) in the river during the hot summer months in order to protect them, their slim and the health of fisheries for future generations. ***Mandela van Eeden and Steve Saroff just released their FIRST SINGLES on Spotify. You can support their music by searching for "Didgeridoo River Me

This episode was recorded on a drift boat while floating down the Clark Fork River near Missoula, Montana. Matt Devlin was born and raised on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, but has lived “Out West” so long now, that autocorrect had to step in for the assist in the spelling of the aforementioned estuary.  He has made his living off of the water for over half his life and for the past 10+ years has been involved with photography and video production. Transitioning out of a life as a full time fly fishing guide he is focusing on running the Montana Fishing Film Festival and his small studio PMD Productions. He has done work for NRS, SIMMS, Costa del Mar Sunglasses, G Loomis Rod Co., Trout Unlimited, The Montana Wildlife Federation, Casting for Recovery, Cheeky Fishing, CD rods, True Lacrosse, and Patagonia. He believes that all outdoor sports documentaries, at their best, are human interest stories. And that while camera and post production tricks come and go,

Recorded in the thatch hut at the most southern tip of Africa, Mandela sits down with her grandmother's best friend to discuss how they saved the landscape and permanently protected the ecosystem and wildlife in the area. Adriaan Mocke build a school and opened it to all races during the years of apartheid in South Africa. He is now 93 years old and he continues to give back to this community, garden, work at his school and tend to his public library everyday. His life experiences and wisdom are carefully passed down through his talent for story telling and teaching.***Mandela van Eeden and Steve Saroff just released their FIRST SINGLE on Spotify. You can support their music by searching for "Didgeridoo River Meditation" and adding it to your playlist on Spotify or Apple Music! Thank you so much for support this original music and stay tuned for the second single which will be released on July 19, 2024.Follow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to che

Jodee Dixon is a multitalented and incredibly humble woman who has traveled the world as a professionally sponsored and world renowned whitewater kayaker. Jodee is the founder of "The Yoga Path" and teaches many forms of Yoga. She is an Artemis Sportswomen ambassador and avid hunter/angler. She lives in Juneau, Alaska and enjoys hunting black bear, Sitka blacktail deer, elk, Dahl sheep and grouse. She is an inspiration to all who are graced by her presence. ***Mandela van Eeden and Steve Saroff just released their FIRST SINGLE on Spotify. You can support their music by searching for "Didgeridoo River Meditation" and adding it to your playlist on Spotify or Apple Music! Thank you so much for support this original music and stay tuned for the second single which will be released on July 19, 2024.Follow the adventures and interviews in real time at TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series on YouTube!!!The radio version of the show premieres Sunday nights at 6 MST, stre

Our adventures behind Big Sky Bikes continue with Josh Tack and Sarah Raz. This time we will cycle with them from Alaska to Mexico on a test run before getting married and then cycling around Spain for the Honeymoon. They share some excellent advice on multi day cycling trips and life in general. This is part two of our two part interview with Josh and Sarah.This episode was recorded on location in collaboration with Xplorer Maps. We want to extend boatloads of gratitude to Xplorer Maps for their generous support of this podcast and international outreach programs paired with conservation projects. Learn more at XplorerMaps.com and be sure to follow the adventures of their story maps on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.Xplorer Maps is a small family business based in Missoula, Montana with deep roots in Africa. Xplorer Maps has over 60+ hand drawn story maps of destinations from all over the world, including our national parks. Xplorer Maps and The Trail Less Traveled both share t

Josh Tack and Sarah Raz met while working at Adventure Cycling. They have bicycled around the world and still love cycling around Missoula and supporting local bike shops such as Big Sky Bikes and Free Cycles. For this episode we look back at how they got into cycling and their first international trip cycling around Peru. This is part one of our two part interview with them!This episode was recorded on location in collaboration with Xplorer Maps. We want to extend boatloads of gratitude to Xplorer Maps for their generous support of this podcast and international outreach programs paired with conservation projects. Learn more at XplorerMaps.com and be sure to follow the adventures of their story maps on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.Xplorer Maps is a small family business based in Missoula, Montana with deep roots in Africa. Xplorer Maps has over 60+ hand drawn story maps of destinations from all over the world, including our national parks. Xplorer Maps and The Trail Less Traveled both share