The Trail Less Traveled

96% of the mammals on planet earth are livestock and humans leaving only 4% for wild animals. We have lost 83% of all mammals on the planet, these species are not here solely because of humans. 80% of marine animals and 50% of all plants are also lost due to human impact. Elephants, rhinos and lions are just a few species which are also extremely threatened and close to extinction. We have lost 80% of all snow leopards on the planet. There are more tigers alive in captivity in the state of Texas than there are in the world. Scientist have found that for tigers, a 96% decrease in population coincides with a 96% loss of habitat. There are about 200,000 protected areas in the world which are in various stages of "actual protection". 50% of these protected areas have not yet been mapped... making it harder for these animals to be protected from poaching. The number one problem that these animals are facing right now is poaching. We will discuss the extremely organized black market of wildlife trade. Most tig

This interview was recorded in the heart of Marrakesh, Morocco while Mandela was living in Jemaa el-Fnaa, a busy square and market place in Marrakesh's medina quarter (old city). Jemaa el-Fnaa, literally means "the place of judgement" as it used to be where criminals underwent judgement and potential penalty in the pubic eye. This interview features two young Moroccan men, Moustapha and Saber. Each speaking multiple languages fluently while sharing traditional "Moroccan Whiskey" (Green tea with mint), they explain a thousand year history of Morocco, their culture, Islam, traditional spices, food, tips about traveling in the Kingdom of Morocco and why sugar is the most important ingredient in their tea. This interview will also surprise you in terms of the diverse array of musical selections from these two Moroccans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eddy Goldaracena was born in Argentina and moved to the U.S. at a young age. He had his first taste of surfing in New Zealand, which changed the course of his life thereafter. He set his intention of learning how to surf and followed it around the world before getting a "real job" as a financial consultant in Switzerland, NYC and eventually Southern California. Eddy knew that he would travel the world again at a later age and for a decade he set money aside, improved his surfing skills and manifested a trip around the world following culture, human connection and surf breaks. Learn about manifesting whatever it is that you want in this life & chasing your dreams wherever they take you. Eddy is currently on a multi year trip around the world searching for what he calls, "The Perfect Wave." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We speak with Joe, a bush crafter and subsistence hunter from a rural setting in Ontario, Canada. Joe elaborates on why it's important to spend time alone in the wilderness and what you can learn from watching animals in the wild. Joe explains how to survive in extreme cold conditions, how to pack for potential survival situations, how to build a shelter fast and how to track animals. Joe takes us on a few epic bow hunting misadventures and explains what he sees out the window in Morocco while recording this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded on the top of Mount Beerwah, the highest of the ten volcanic plugs in the Glass House Mountains range, 22 km north of Caboolture in South East Queensland, Australia. In this interview, Chris talks about lessons learned and close encounters on his journey of learning how to surf big waves in Australia, New Zealand and the island of Tonga. Chris also sheds light on why surfers around the world respect sharks and don't want to see them killed. Chris is a keen cyclist who shares some of the reasons why he loves calling Australia home. The sounds of the cicadas will certainly take you on location for this episode. Enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode takes a look at the adventures, trails and tribulations of a NYPD officer and surviving and thriving in the concrete jungle of New York City. Be prepared for a heart felt story of being a first responder during September 11, 2001. This episode was recorded in a raft while floating down the Colorado River in the heart of Grand Canyon National Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Sean Graham teaches Biology at Sul Ross University in Alpine, Texas. He is also the author of American Snakes. This episode was recorded in the desert ecosystem at water level one mile below the rim in Grand Canyon National Park.Learn about how the sun, air pressure systems & horse latitudes create deserts around the world from Australia, Africa and the Southwest U.S. How have animals adapted to live in harsh arid environments. How might you adapt to live in the desert? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This show was recorded while floating down the Colorado River in the heart of the Grand Canyon. Dr. Sean Graham gives us an in depth look at the evolution of snakes, venom, reproduction, snake bite protocol, the most dangerous snakes in the world, common misunderstandings and a lot of talk about the "Grand Canyon Pink" - a species of rattlesnake endemic to the Grand Canyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Blake Chapman grew up with a love for and fascination with the ocean, but her interest in sharks was piqued when an episode of Shark Weekcaught her attention. Blake completed postgraduate research on shark neuroscience, development, and ecology and worked in aquatic animal health and husbandry. Her continuing goal is to help educate the public on sharks and shark attacks to better protect both sharks and the humans that choose to share their incredible environment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded on the eastern coast of Australia. Reigan was born and raised in Australia. In Australia, the tradition of spending time learning with your elders goes back thousands of years... Reigan knows his way around the Australian outback. Reigan is also a pro surfer, down hill mountain biker and appeared in the most recent Pirates of the Caribbean movie due to his natural world class mustache, beard and long hair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With his vibrant and expressive portraitures, Jandamarra’s artwork is emotive and insightful – and is a powerful medium to bridge the story telling divide between Aboriginal and mainstream Australia. Painting has been a way of life that has enabled him to express his creativity and story telling and in many of his paintings of the human condition, he seeks to be a peaceful voice for unity.  Jandamarra uses a variety of styles and mediums; with his unique blend of traditional aboriginal art techniques along with his own signature contemporary portraiture.Jandamarra has not only been a finalist in every major Portrait Art Prize in Australia, but is also in very high demand as an Inspirational Speaker and Ambassador.www.jandamarrasart.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded on the eastern coast of Austrlia. Reigan was born and raised in Australia. In Australia, the tradition of spending time learning with your elders goes back thousands of years... Reigan knows his way around the Australian outback. Reigan is also a pro surfer, down hill mountain biker and appeared in the most recent Pirates of the Caribbean movie due to his natural world class mustache, beard and long hair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Saroff enjoys wilderness, solitude, ceramics, writing, photography, entomology and much more but mostly relates with who he was many years ago... a drifting runaway. When he was 14 years old, he walked alone for 500 miles in the Appalachian Mountains. Then another 500 miles when he was 15 and 1,000 miles alone when he was 16. Steve left home and school when he was 17 to hitchhike across the West. When he was 19 he spent over 45-days walking alone in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Steve calls Missoula, Montana his home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An in depth look into the history of Cuba from indigenous people who were on the island pre 1492 through many wars fighting for freedom ending in modern day post revolution free health care and education under the Castros... this interview talks about Jose Marti, Spanish rule, slavery, Che Guevara & others. It truly highlights how the Cuban people have been fighting for their freedom for over 500 years.*This interview does not express the opinions or views of anyone affiliated with The Trail Less Traveled. This interview was recorded on location in Havana, Cuba & we realize speaking about the Cuban revolution and the history behind Fidel Castro is a sensitive subject. This episode is part of an on going series recorded both on location in the country of Cuba as well as continued interviews with Cubans now living outside the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded on Sunrise Beach last week on the eastern coast of Australia and is part of a worldwide series I have been recording for a number of years regarding shark conservation. This episode features Dr. Leonardo Guida. In 2016 Dr. Guida completed his PhD at Monash University studying the effects of commercial fishing on shark and ray populations. He is the Australian Marine Conservation Society's Senior Shark Campaigner, leading their conservation campaign, "Shark Champions", in partnership with Humane Society International. Dr. Guida will talk about baited drum lines which currently draw sharks to be killed in the name of protecting humans as well as shark finning and the effects of commercial fishing on shark and ray populations.The ancestry of great white sharks is thought to date back more than 400 million years & modern sharks over 34 million years. Modern humans date back 200,000 years. Humans kill roughly 100 million sharks per year. Sharks kill 4-8 humans per year. Car accidents

Jorge was born and raised in central Havana, Cuba. He took advantage of a free education and studied both computer science and foreign language. Jorge speaks four languages & on his days off he gives tours around his beloved, passionate city. In this interview Jorge will talk about the recent introduction of internet & wifi in his country and its effect on the youth as well as highlighting some of the many things Cuba is known for including cigars, rum, the revolution, Che Guevara, Ernest Hemingway & classic cars.*This interview does not express the opinions or views of anyone affiliated with The Trail Less Traveled. This interview was recorded on location in Havana, Cuba & we realize speaking about the Cuban revolution and the history behind Fidel Castro is a sensitive subject. This episode is part of an on going series recorded both on location in the country of Cuba as well as continued interviews with Cubans now living outside the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in

This interview was recorded on the busy streets of Havana, Cuba. This interview features the extremely talented and dedicated musician, Jesse Weber. Jesse graduated from the University of Montana school of music & has been studying percussion in Cuba since 2000. This interview tells the journey of a child growing up in rural Wyoming who started playing percussion since he was a baby. Jesse talks extensively about the history of Cuban drumming from its origins in Africa. Learn how the music in Cuba has evolved from its roots in Africa (due to slavery) to distance radio frequencies from Miami and Mexico. Learn how the art of telling a story with a song was born. Learn about the birth of the rumba and the competition dance between a man and woman. Learn how Africa is the root of everything in music from hip-hop to country. "The drums are the heartbeat of Rock and Roll". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This interview was recorded on location at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Sun River. There you will discover hot springs, long used by Indians for their healing properties. Wild game was abundant and land and breathtaking surroundings. This interview spotlights two young girls, Molly (8) & Lillie (13) Wallis, who have been coming to the ranch their entire lives. The Wallis family own the ranch now & the two young girls spend their summer riding horses, fishing, hunting & doing fun chores around the ranch. They will tell you what it's like to grow up in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, how to explore grizzly bear country safely, how to survive in the wilderness, how to properly prepare for an adventure in Montana & why it's so important to get outside and away from technology!Long used by Indians, pioneers, trappers, and loggers, Medicine Springs (as the hot springs were known) became the province of the Klick family in 1927. Three generations of Klicks have developed the p

This interview was recorded last week in northern California with Anthropologist and Archaeologist, Dr. Jaime Bach. From 2005-2006, Jaime served in Peace Corps in the island nation of Kiribati. Since then, she has returned multiple times conducting research and visiting her friends and family on the islands. Jaime's focus is studying locals perceptions and reactions to environmental changes on the islands. Dr. Bach graduated from the University of Montana with a doctorate in Anthropology in 2017 & her focus now is testing the hypotheses of Amelia Earhart landing on the island of Nikumaroro when she went missing in 1937. Dr. Bach's research along with the The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery could solve the mystery of Amelia Earhart's disappearance.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode in particular was recorded on the edge of the Colorado River at Pipe Springs, where the Bright Angel Trail meets the Colorado River. Mandela sits with her main river guide mentor, Glenn Goodrich, to talk to him about running over 450+ rivers of the world since 1977. Glenn has been guiding since 1977 & when he is not guiding on the river... he is thoughtfully running rivers all over the world just for fun! Glenn has made multiple first descents around the world and doesn't have any plans for slowing down. Glenn's personal goal is to run 500 rivers before he retires. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.