The Trail Less Traveled

“Within a day's drive of Missoula you will find some of the best ice climbing... in the world,” says Missoula's legendary alpinist Gray Thompson. Gray Thompson is a legendary climber and Geology Professor Emeritus at the University of Montana. Gray has been climbing since the mid 1960s and it's easier for him to think of the places he hasn't been rather then the places he has climbed. Gray has done more than a handful of first ascents on North Faces in the Canadian Rockies and worldwide including the Himalayas, Alps and Andes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week the trail leads to the coldest capital in the world, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Join me for an interview with a modern day Mother Teresa, Didi Kalika. In 1993 Didi Kalika, an Australian Yoga teacher was moved by the plight of the children living on the streets of Ulaanbaatar & started taking care of vulnerable babies and children, many of which were forced into prostitution. Her orphanage started from a single apartment & since 1993 Lotus Children's Center has grown to house, feed, care for and educate hundreds of children in Mongolia. To donate, volunteer and find out more information you can visit lotuschild.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This interview was recorded in a rickshaw navigating the busy streets of a major Indian city before we were forced to find shelter in order to keep the equipment dry during recording due to a tropical monsoon 100' from the Arabian Sea. This interview features Amir Izadi, Amir is a child of the revolution who was born right after the Islamic Republic of Iran took over. Amir is a refugee living in Washington D.C. who immigrated with his family from Iran 16 years ago. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jon Turk earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of Colorado, in 1971. The same year, in honor of Earth Day 1, he co-authored the first environmental science textbook in the United States. Jon is the author of 25 text books and 4 adventure books. In addition to circumnavigating Ellesmere island, solo kayak missions in the Solomon islands, biking across Tibet to the birthplace of the Dalai Lama, multiple kayak expeditions from Japan along eastern Siberia eventually walking across the Siberian tundra and so much more... In this episode we dive into Jon's newest book CROCODILES AND ICE and explore a Consciousness Revolution toward a personal, spiritual, & reciprocal relationship with the planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Danielle Maniere knew she wanted to be an astronaut when she was five years old. She started skiing when she was two and studied Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bristol in the UK. After graduating, she worked as a field engineer on oil rigs based out of Iraq and over a period of seven years, she worked in over four countries. Danielle purchased land on an island in Indonesia and built a hostel while perfecting the language. After being evacuated out of Iraq due to air strikes, Danielle moved to Missoula and continued her career in aviation. Danielle is now a flight instructor and charter pilot for North Star Jet... she is well on her way to becoming an astronaut. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Guitar Steve" hasn't owned a T.V. since the 60s & he relayed on a bicycle to get around the world for over twenty years. Steve Smith is an artist, musician, poet and cat loving adventurer who has been living on the beach in Baja every winter with his cat for over two decades. Steve studied film in London and did Peace Corps in Ethiopia before retiring into what he calls the "Simple LIfe". You are invited to join us in the sunny salty air of Baja for live music and storytelling with this amazing human and his beloved cat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded in a small stall in a labyrinth of markets within Jemaa el-Fnaa square in the Medina (old city) of Marrakech. Jemaa el-Fnaa was also known for its public executions dating back to 1050. This interview features Mohammed, Abdul and Aziz. Mohammed and Abdul are two young men who run a shop with Aziz, an older family friend. Aziz was born in a mud hut, began smoking hash when he was 12 and speaks over six languages fluently. Mohammed translates for his friends and all topics are covered including food, clothing, religion, jewelry and other aspects of the many cultures in North Africa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Mandela as she wanders around a chaotic cooking competition in Southwestern India a stones throw from the Arabian Sea. Mandela interviews numerous chefs from all regions of India in regards to their geographic location, technique, favorite spices, lineage & available ingredients. Covering masalas, doshas, roti, biryani, alcoholic coconut beverages, vegetable curries & tandori meats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded on location in South Africa, this episode features a series of interviews featuring diverse cultural perspectives on Apartheid and South African history. During the Apartheid regime, humans were classified into three categories: 1. White 2. Coloured 3. BlackWe will speak with individuals representing all these categories and learn about their unique perspective on Apartheid, South African history and how the nation can move forward. Listeners can also enjoy some of the music which changed the nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded on the land of the Gubbi Gubbi tribe in eastern Australia, we join an elder on top of a mountain where smoke signals were used between surrounding tribes for communication. We learn about the numerous similarities between Indigenous Aboriginal Australians and the First Nations Peoples of the Americas. We then walk down into the jungle to sit on the edge of a creek beside an ancient path which dates back tens of thousands of years. Sitting alongside numerous artifacts, we learn about initiation practices, animal totems, the law of the land and specifically how the indigenous Aboriginal Australians lived in harmony with the land and animals for hundreds of thousands of years prior to the arrival of Captain Cook. Alex Bond is a descendant of one of the last chiefs in this area of Australia, he is an activist, musician and storyteller. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are invited into the home of a female elder by the name of Aunty Hope O'Chin. We will take a cultural, historical and musical look at some of the 250 unique groups of Indigenous Aboriginal Australians. She also explains how to coexist, respect and heal communities and the planet. Aunt Hope was kind enough to share her family's tragic history inside government camps and her peoples fight for human rights. This is a great interview and excellent anthropological documentation.The interview was recorded on the land of the Gubbi Gubbi tribe in eastern Australia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This interview features Mourad El Baggare, who was born in the desert of Western Sahara. Mourad came to Marrakech at age 14 to become a businessman. Mourad now travels through North and West Africa collecting ceremonial masks which he sells to tourists and art collectors in Morocco. Mourad plays traditional music from the Sahara to end each segment after speaking eloquently regarding nomadic lifestyle, culture, food, dress, celestial navigation and philosophy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Doc" Steve Nicholson was a part of the early rafting descents of the Omo and Blue Nile in Ethiopia in the mid 70s. He started running the Grand Canyon in the early 70s and has run rivers in California, Oregon and Idaho. Doc often is seen rowing a wooden dory. Doc continues to guide whitewater expeditions well into his 70s. Doc practice dentistry for 35 years, he has his private pilot license and flies his own plane to the various rivers he guides on seasonally. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded on a rooftop in the Medina of Marrakech, Morocco. It features an interview with Diego Ibanez, who was born in Arequipa, Peru. Diego is one of the worlds most extreme whitewater kayakers/rafters and has guided on the Futaleufú and Zambezi along with most the class V rivers in Peru. Diego and Mandela guided whitewater together in Morocco's Middle Atlas Mountains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tommy Cummins was born in 1944 and grew up in the south. He was shot twice during the Civil Rights and went on to work as a security guard for Ronald Reagan. Tommy has been through a lot in his life, in this interview he talks about his experiences with racism while playing pro baseball for the Pirates in addition to the racism he experienced as an undercover officer with the LAPD. Tommy's son, Chase, also joins the conversation and speaks with his father about the racism he experiences daily. The matter is lightened up occasionally with a few stories including his love for restoring classic cars and the time Tommy saved a young Michael Jackson from drowning in his swimming pool. Tommy lives in Kingman, Arizona and manages to keep laughing and fighting for civil rights on a daily basis.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded on an extremely remote private nature reserve at the most southern point of Africa where Mandela grew up and spent much of her childhood. In this episode we speak with Mandela's cousin, Amy Mocke, a school teacher and professional poisonous snake expert and handler. Amy sometimes helps people move cobras and other extremely dangerous snakes when they are in gardens, houses, barns and garages. Amy is also an animal rights activist and caretaker for many species of animals who deserve a second chance. In this episode, Amy speaks about the ecology and human history of South Africa with a focus on snakes, sharks, whales and other vital species who live in the land, sea and sky. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This show was recorded in the Backpack Hostel, located in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa. Mandela sits down with, Lee Harris, one of the owners of this multi-award winning backpacker & African travel center. Lee shares the story of starting this hostel with her best friend in 1990 during an Apartheid government.The Backpack has won countless awards including Best Hostel in South Africa for 2020. The Backpack is an award winning, Fair Trade hostel that invests in people and communities, giving meaningful and relaxed travel experiences. The Backpack are proud members of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and bring supplies for our community project, the GCU Academy, you’ll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families. Once we are able to travel again, The Trail Less Traveled highly recommends a visit to South Africa's

During this interview we speak with Lucy, a refugee from Kenya who makes hand made sandals in Green Market Square, a place where slaves were traded in the 1600s.We also meetup with my good friend, Kipandi, a Rastafarian Olympic long distance runner from Kenya, who now dedicates his life to caring for the pigeons of the city.We will stand on the corner of the Bo-Kaap, an area of Cape Town formerly known as the Malay Quarter. It is a former township, situated above the city centre and is a historical centre of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town. Bo-Kaap is known for its brightly coloured homes and cobbled stoned streets. The area is traditionally a multicultural neighborhood which currently faces gentrification from the city. We will stand on the corner with a group of Muslim woman who are protesting their continued struggle with Apartheid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded in the Mojave Desert at the base of the Grand Wash Cliffs, which mark the geological end of the Grand Canyon. Some of the best interviews take forever to record and this one is no different... for ten years, Mandela has been trying to sit down with the legend himself, Mr. Carl Rice. Carl is a professional Hollywood stunt man & Grand Canyon river guide. Carl was the stunt man for Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones: The Crystal Skull. Carl reflects on spiritual growth through reading and running some of the worlds biggest and most technical whitewater from California to the Zambezi in Southern Africa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This show was recorded on the nature reserve where Mandela grew up at the most southern point of Africa. This interview features Mandela's cousin, Fleur van Eeden, an award winning world renowned stunt woman who has done the main stunts for Mad Max, Tomb Raider and many more. Fleur specializes in full body burns, cable work, martial arts, weaponry, horse stunts, high falls and much more. During this episode, Fleur talks about the training that goes into her work and how to prepare mentally before jumping off a moving train or getting exploded out of a 6-story building window. Fleur has doubled Charlize Theron, Meryl Streep, Drew Barrymore, Lena Headley and Helen Mirren among many other Hollywood A listers. Fleur also helped the South African Stunt Performers Association with winning the Guinness World Record for the most amount of people on fire for the longest period of time. During this interview, she talks about what happens behind the scenes and the immense training that goes into being a stunt woman. She