Salish Wolf

Todd Howard
  • 4.7 (11)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Season 2: The best traditional bowyers in the world. This season is based on Project Quiver, and incredible father-daughter journey around the globe to capture the art and essence of the world's finest bow carvers. Season 1: Incredible stories of extraordinary endeavors that capture the magic of the human spirit. The inspiration for this season is a wolf named Takaya who gained global fame for living alone for nearly a decade on a tiny archipelago in the Salish Sea, showing us even the most unlikely is possible.

  1. #82 Stephan Zenz on Project Quiver

    3d ago

    #82 Stephan Zenz on Project Quiver

    Stephan Zenz is a bowyer and teacher of nature and wilderness skills in Austria. Having spent more than a decade working behind a camera in the media industry, he now follows his passion of leading men's work and helping children flourish in the wild. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Stephan Zenz.          Episode Links: https://www.instagram.com/nativwerk_stephanzenz/ https://www.nativwerk.at/ Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: Explore the inspiring story of a multi-talented bowyer, photographer, and wilderness teacher transitioning across professions to embrace a life rooted in nature, craftsmanship, and community. This episode offers insights into traditional bow making, outdoor education, and personal growth through creative pursuits. Show Notes: Stephan shares how his career shift was driven by a desire for authenticity and connection with nature Discussion of different woods used in bow making, especially osage, yew, black locust, and rattan Insights into the tools and methods for crafting bows, including tillering and eyeing the grain The importance of patience and focus in the craft and personal transformation through working with natural materials Details about bow making workshops, gatherings, and retreats in Austria, fostering community among bowyers Stephan describes his journey into wilderness survival, teaching kids survival skills, and leading group adventures The influence of outdoor experiences, caves, and mountaineering on his artistic and personal life Tips for photographing bows and wildlife, emphasizing natural light and perspective Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Stefan’s diverse career: bowyer, photographer, wilderness teacher 02:01 - Stephan’s background in media and transition to outdoor education 04:08 - The process of building bows: materials, tools, and challenges 09:03 - How Stefan started bow carving with a fascination for archery 15:12 - Harvesting bow staves and sourcing materials in Austria and abroad 17:10 - The origin of Stephan’s business, Nativwerk, and focus on community 20:20 - Kids' wilderness programs and outdoor survival skills 22:23 - Personal insights into working in a grandmother's barn workshop 24:01 - Photographing bows and wildlife: techniques and equipment 27:27 - Organizing and leading bowmaking gatherings and retreats 28:45 - Exploring traditional weapons like atlatl and spear throwers 33:34 - Building and finishing a Hooper-style bow: design, painting, and sinew backing 47:34 - Favorite bow woods and tools 52:18 - Working with materials like rattan, horn overlays, and natural dyes 64:40 - Stephan’s experience with over 40 bows made and ongoing challenges 70:28 - Lessons learned: patience, focus, and connection to materials 71:56 - How their shared passions continue to foster community and personal growth

    1h 13m
  2. #81 Joe Lyons on Project Quiver

    May 22

    #81 Joe Lyons on Project Quiver

    Joe Lyons is a bowyer based in Nottingham, England, who has been carving bows for just under two years. His brand, Wildwood Bows, is a nod to his style of bow carving in which he prefers to leave the bark on his bows. He also enjoys carving prehistoric bows and crafting fantasy bows. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Joe Lyons.          Episode Links: https://www.instagram.com/wildwoodbowyer/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/wildwoodbowyer/?etsrc=sdt#about Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: In this engaging podcast episode, Todd interviews Joe Lyons, a passionate bowyer from Nottingham, England. Joe shares his journey into bow making, inspired by his love for Robin Hood and the game Runescape. He discusses the intricacies of crafting bows, the types of wood he uses, and his aspirations to make heavier bows. The conversation also touches on the importance of balance in archery, Joe's business Wildwood Bows, and his plans to expand his presence on social media. Show Notes: Joe discusses his journey from local woods in England to sourcing exotic staves for his bows The significance of different woods such as hazel, yew, ash, maple, and underrated options like dogwood How bark rentention and finishes like linseed oil and varnish impact bow performance and appearance His approach to bow design, including longbows, flatbows, and fantasy-inspired creations The usage of modern tools like card scrapers and traditional hand tools in bow shaping How he incorporates cultural and historical inspirations like Robin Hood festivals and Mesolithic bows The role of ongoing learning and mentorship in mastering bowcraft Chapters: (00:00) - Welcome and introduction to Joe Lyons’ background (02:05) - The Robin Hood festival experience and local events in Nottingham (07:43) - Making fantasy and themed bows, including orcs and wild rose staves (10:10) - Wood types and their properties, with a focus on dogwood and wild rose (15:40) - Training both sides of the body for balance and injury prevention (22:21) - Using AI and online resources to learn about bow making (28:14) - Challenges in bow making: horn tips, knock design, and finishing touches (33:27) - The upcoming book on bow making and sharing knowledge within the community (43:00) - Current projects and custom commissions, including the historic St. Andrews bow (45:47) - Finishing techniques: linseed oil, shellac, wax, and handle wraps (55:00) - Connecting with Joe and exploring his online presence

    56 min
  3. #80 Cubby Hoover on Project Quiver

    May 13

    #80 Cubby Hoover on Project Quiver

    Cubby Hoover is a youth pastor based in Missouri. After being introduced to the craft of bow carving by Rick Spicer of Pack Rat Outdoor Center in Arkansas, Cubby began carving primitive bows. He has been carving bows for 8 years and is passionate about outdoor survival skills. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Cubby Hoover.          Episode Links: https://www.instagram.com/cubbersons/ https://www.youtube.com/@CubbersonsCustomBows https://www.facebook.com/p/Cubbersons-Custom-Bows-100090311585490/ https://www.canecreekarchery.com/ Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: Join us for an inspiring conversation with Cubby, a self-taught bowyer, bow maker, and outdoor enthusiast with a fascinating journey through archery, wilderness skills, and personal growth. Discover how experiences on "Alone" shaped his perspective, and learn practical insights on bow crafting, self-reliance, and community involvement. Show Notes: Cubby shares his background, including his early nickname and its story His introduction to archery through a class with Rick Spicer, and the influence of that moment The journey from making his first board bow to crafting custom primitive bows How his experience on the TV show "Alone" impacted his mental health and skills The importance of community, mentorship, and making intentional life choices Techniques and materials used in traditional bow making, emphasizing Osage and Black Locust woods Insights into bushcraft skills such as flint knapping, cordage, and using natural materials His approach to hunting with primitive gear, and balancing it with modern methods The significance of hobbies and passions for mental well-being Resources, favorite tools, and advice for aspiring bowyers and bushcraft enthusiasts Future projects including local archery events and supporting community initiatives Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 02:14 - Cubby's nickname story and childhood 04:50 - Growing up in Missouri and the influence of local woods 07:24 - The introduction to Rick Spicer and archery classes 09:41 - Starting bow making and inspiration from community mentors 12:54 - Building bows from Osage and the progression of craftsmanship 18:39 - Cubby's experience on "Alone" and survival challenges 22:31 - Critical injury on "Alone" and decision to exit the show 27:34 - Reflections on goals, failures, and mental health recovery 33:48 - How community, therapy, and outdoor pursuits support well-being 36:03 - Transition from hobby to part-time livelihood in bow making 41:44 - Engagement with bow and arrow competitions and community events 45:42 - Hunting with primitive gear and respect for nature 49:34 - Bushcraft skills, natural materials, and self-reliance 55:08 - Tools and techniques for traditional bow carving and maintenance 62:49 - Material choices: Osage, Black Locust, Hickory, and others 66:09 - Finishing touches: overlays, tips, and decorative elements 70:55 - Using animals fully: hide processing, bones, and primitive tools 76:49 - Current projects, upcoming events, and community involvement 82:21 - Final thoughts and connecting with Cubby

    1h 26m
  4. #79 Luke McLaughlin on Project Quiver

    May 7

    #79 Luke McLaughlin on Project Quiver

    Luke is a bowyer, naturalist, teacher, rewilder, mentor, survivalist, and founder of Holistic Survival School. Luke has committed his life to mastering and teaching ancestral and indigenous living skills in order to help people find their balance and connection to the Natural World. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Luke McLaughlin.          Episode Links: https://www.holisticsurvivalschool.com/ https://www.instagram.com/luke.holistic.survival.school/ Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: In this in-depth interview, Luke McLaughlin shares his journey into holistic survival, primitive skills, and bow making. Discover how these ancient practices foster connection, spiritual growth, and resilience in modern life. Show Notes: Holistic survival as a daily practice Primitive skills for modern life The spiritual and therapeutic aspects of bow making and fire building Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Holistic Survival School 03:52 The Philosophy of Survival in Modern Life 06:51 Teaching Methods and Program Structure 09:14 The Journey into Bow Building and Hunting 12:27 Therapeutic Aspects of Survival Skills 15:17 Experiences on Reality TV and Hunting 18:20 The Importance of Connection to Nature 21:20 Cultural Reflections on Survival and Awareness 24:11 Impact of Survival Skills on Students 27:06 The Power of Fire Making 30:53 Bow Building: A Primal Connection 37:32 Harvesting Osage: A Journey of Connection 40:40 Flint Knapping: The Art of Arrowheads 45:30 Living Off the Land: A Holistic Approach 51:45 The Spectrum of Primitive Skills 53:58 Rites of Passage and Youth Engagement 56:42 Cultural Connections and Community Building 01:01:01 Reconnecting with Nature and Ancestral Skills 01:05:36 The Importance of Following Your Passion 01:11:24 The Art of Bow Making and Attunement

    1h 18m
  5. #78 Jared Parkinson on Project Quiver

    Apr 30

    #78 Jared Parkinson on Project Quiver

    At an early age, Jared Parkinson was introduced to primitive skills by his grandfather, who taught him to nap arrows and make atlatls and his own quiver for arrows. When Jared was 18, his grandfather gifted him a longbow, and from there, Jared’s passion for archery and bow making began. Jared is now a bowyer and a basket weaver and is dedicated to a life of primitive survival skills in his home state of Washington. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Jared Parkinson.          Episode Links: https://www.instagram.com/primitive_alchemist/ Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Show Notes: Jared’s start and evolution in bow making, influenced by family and primitive skills The spiritual and meditative qualities of shooting primitive bows The significance of ritual, ceremony, and rites of passage in human culture Practical insights into bow carving, design choices, and materials Wilderness therapy as a transformative experience and its influence on Jared’s craft The role of mentorship and community in passing down traditional skills The importance of connecting with nature through fire, ritual, and mindful practice The impacts of modern distraction and the restorative power of primitive skills Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Jared’s background in primitive skills and archery 02:07 - How family and early experiences ignited Jared’spassion for bow making 05:12 - Primitive bows versus modern bows: connection and peace 06:55 - The relationship with wood and material selection in bow crafting 08:31 - Exploring different bow styles and materials, and future projects 09:48 - Sourcing and working with various wood species for bows 11:07 - How archery practice serves as a meditative and spiritual ritual 12:42 - The role of breath, focus, and flow in shooting 14:15 - Hunting and wilderness experiences in Washington State 15:54 - Jared’s journey through wilderness therapy and its impact on his life 18:25 - Hunting with traditional bows and the emotional connection to animals 21:36 - Jared’s personal workshop and his current projects 22:49 - Crafting with natural materials, including quivers and leatherwork 24:45 - The importance of ritual, fire, and community in personal growth 26:48 - The significance of wilderness therapy in Jared’s story 28:29 - Wilderness work, safety, and personal development experiences 30:43 - The power of shared fire and storytelling in community building 35:17 - Addressing societal disconnection and the value of ritual and craft 36:50 - The role of tradition in overcoming addiction and societal issues 38:25 - Connection to ancestors, the natural world, and the importance of DIY skills 40:03 - Carving as a meditative process and current craft practices 41:42 - Bow design preferences and wood choices in Jared’s work 44:52 - The beauty and significance of horn overlays and traditional adornments 47:54 - Willow basket weaving and foraging for natural materials 50:57 - Jared’s side business and the broader value of primitive skills 51:40 - The philosophy behind "Primitive Alchemist" and the pursuit of harmony with nature 53:36 - Mentorship, legacy, and family influence in traditional craft 54:24 - The approach to designing and selecting staves for bows 57:13 - The process of layout and focusing on grain patterns during carving 58:16 - Tools for bow making: draw knives, rasps, and special tools 59:53 - The value of stave presses and heat correction tools 61:30 - Influence of Pacific Northwest styles and native design elements 64:26 - Local woods like ocean spray and sourcing native materials 67:36 - The inspiration from mentors Pete and Jamie, and the cultural revival through bow crafting 71:31 - Traveling and documenting bowyers worldwide as a spiritual and cultural journey 77:59 - The creative process as a way to find purpose, community, and inner peace 80:13 - Archery as healing, mindfulness, and a link to ancestral practices

    1h 22m
  6. #77 Markus Nystrom on Project Quiver

    Apr 19

    #77 Markus Nystrom on Project Quiver

    Markus Nyström is a Swedish bowyer living near Uppsala who carves under the brand of Barrlind Bows. He sources local woods such as juniper and hazel from farms and forests near his home. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Markus Nyström.          Episode Links: https://www.instagram.com/barrlind_bows/ https://www.facebook.com/nilsmarkuspilbagar/ Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: Dive into an engaging conversation with Markus Nyström, a Swedish bow maker deeply rooted in forest knowledge, craftsmanship, and sustainable sourcing. Discover how regional forests shape bow making, the importance of local materials, and the philosophy behind this traditional craft. Show Notes: Markus shares his experiences with collecting bow woods in Sweden and the significance of the country's "Allemansrätten" (Right of Public Access). Discussion on the unique properties of Nordic woods like juniper, birch, elm, and how climate and forest management influence wood quality for bows. The impact of forestry practices such as clear-cutting on bow wood availability and the importance of local sourcing and traded staves. Insights into different bow woods: juniper, hazel, elm, and the challenges and benefits of working with them. Techniques and tools for carving soft woods like juniper, including a discussion on minimalism and tool selection. Markus’s journey from making a simple youth bow to professional craftsmanship and the role of passion versus income in his work. The role of environmental consciousness and ethical sourcing in sustainable bow making practices. Cultural distinctions and regional differences in bow materials across Europe and North America. Insights on the future of bow making, personal projects, and how the craft remains a meditative and artistic pursuit. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Marcus and his Scandinavian background 02:00 - Forests of Sweden: Agriculture, wood sources, and the right to roam 04:20 - Finding suitable bow woods in agricultural fields versus forests 06:00 - The significance of old farms and hedgerows for bow staves 08:00 - Types of woods Marcus works with: juniper, hazel, elm, and others 10:30 - Collecting material from fallen trees and old plantations 13:00 - Working soft woods like juniper and carving techniques 15:30 - Making bows: from beginner to professional and the importance of experience 18:00 - Tools of the trade: rasp, razor blades, and minimalism in carving 21:00 - Journey from hobbyist to craftsman: making bows for income versus passion 24:00 - Sourcing materials across Europe and North America—local versus traded staves 28:00 - Environmental considerations and ethical sourcing of bow woods 33:00 - Cultural differences in bow woods across regions and personal preferences 36:00 - Challenges working with certain woods: cracking, drying, and processing 40:00 - The cultural and spiritual aspects of bow making as an art form 45:00 - The future of bow making and community sharing of knowledge 50:00 - Personal passions, art, and the joy of craft 55:00 - Final tips for aspiring bowyers and respecting forest resources

    1h 15m
  7. #76 Steven Bieber on Project Quiver

    Apr 13

    #76 Steven Bieber on Project Quiver

    Steven Bieber is a bowyer based in Florida. Under his brand, Provision Bows, he makes primitive bows for both hunting and target shooting. He is also interested in sustainable food production, herbal medicine, and is a teacher at a Waldorf school. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Steven Bieber.          Episode Links: https://www.instagram.com/provisionlongbows/ https://www.youtube.com/@provisionlongbows8881 https://www.facebook.com/StevenBieber Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: Discover the fascinating world of traditional bow making through an inspiring conversation with Steven Provision, a master bowyer dedicated to craftsmanship, sustainability, and connecting with nature. This episode explores the deep spiritual and cultural significance of bows, the art of working with natural materials, and the journey of self-discovery involved in creating these iconic instruments. Show Notes: Steven's personal journey into bow making inspired by childhood fascination and Native American traditions The relationship between wood, spirit, and the bowyer, emphasizing intuition and mindfulness Techniques and tools for heat bending and shaping bows, including the use of traditional and modern tools The importance of sustainable materials like Osage orange, black locust, and red elm The spiritual and therapeutic benefits of carving and crafting self bows The story of a remarkable healing experience with acupuncture and holistic medicine Challenges of teaching sustainable agriculture and instilling respect for nature in students The impact of community, relationships with wood suppliers, and passion for craftsmanship Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Steven Provision's journey into bow making02:15 - Childhood influences and early experiments with bows04:50 - The revival of bow making for hunting and self-discovery07:10 - Inspiration from Native American crafts and Ed Scott’s legacy10:30 - The spiritual connection with wood and the bowyer’s relationship to nature13:45 - Making a whitetail deer hunting bow from personal experience17:00 - Sustainable practices in agriculture and teaching the next generation19:10 - The healing power of holistic medicine and acupuncture in life stories24:40 - Differences in teaching younger vs. older students about nature27:05 - The importance of relationships with wood suppliers and sourcing materials31:55 - The meticulous process of shaping and tillering bows without pulleys36:23 - The influence of cultural stories and personal history on bow design40:10 - Demonstration of different bow styles and designs with technical details45:30 - Creating bows inspired by animal forms, like the Cape Buffalo49:00 - The use of heat bending, tools, and intuition in crafting bows54:00 - Developing a consistent shooting performance and design philosophies60:00 - Parting thoughts on sustainability, community, and the future of bow making76:50 - Closing remarks and where to find Steven’s work and upcoming book

    1h 19m
  8. #75 Zdenek Lences on Project Quiver

    Apr 8

    #75 Zdenek Lences on Project Quiver

    Zdenek Lences of Varangian Bowyer has been making selfbows for nearly 6 years in much the same way our ancestors have made them for thousands of years. Based in the highlands of the Czech Republic, he uses uncommon woods, such as blackthorn, hawthorn, and many more. Please enjoy this episode of Project Quiver on Salish Wolf with Zdenek Lences.          Episode Links: https://www.instagram.com/varangianbowyer/ https://varangianbowyer.wordpress.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@VarangianBowyer Project Quiver at Anchor Point Expeditions Summary: Join us for an insightful conversation with Zdenek, a skilled bow maker from the Czech Republic, as he shares his journey into the craft, the challenges of sourcing materials, and his philosophy on tradition and innovation in bow making. Discover the story behind his brand, his favorite woods, and his perspective on archery's deep roots in human history. Show Notes: Zdenek's background in tool renovation and the start of his bow making journey during the COVID pandemic The variety of woods used for bow crafting, including blackthorn, cherry, elm, and lesser-known species Challenges of sourcing materials legally in a small Czech village and environmental considerations The philosophy of simplicity versus luxury in bow design, including views on snake-skin overlays The influence of European history, castles, festivals, and modern festivals on archery culture Tools and techniques: traditional hand tools, modern machinery, and finishing methods The importance of learning from failures and nature in mastering the craft Future projects, including plans for a new series and ambitions for a workshop and content creation Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Zdenek and his background in Czech Republic 02:25 - Living in a forested area and regional experiences 03:38 - The small community of boyars and their gathering places 04:45 - The origin of the brand name Varenge and Boyar 08:17 - How Zdenek started making bows during COVID 09:54 - The process of selecting suitable woods like cherry, elm, blackthorn 12:02 - Working with lesser-known woods and experimental materials 14:43 - The tools used in bow making, from traditional to modern 17:24 - Struggles with finishes and achieving durability 22:15 - The influence of ancestors and deep-rooted historical connection to archery 24:29 - Modern versus traditional tools and material experimentation 26:11 - Favorite bow styles and inspirations from historical designs 28:00 - Personal preferences on overlays, aesthetics, and craftsmanship philosophy 30:39 - Use of horn overlays, horn types, and logo insights 32:16 - Family involvement and personal background in woodworking 33:54 - Challenges of harvesting wood legally in a small village environment 35:34 - Europe’s medieval festivals and European archery culture 36:21 - Differences in land accessibility and public forests between Europe and North America 39:08 - Favorite tools for bow carving and tool collection 43:11 - Challenges in finishing bows and protecting the grain 45:07 - Preferred finishes and protective treatments 46:00 - Resources and educators that influenced Zdenek’s craft 47:54 - Workshop setup at his parents’ place and future content plans 48:43 - Hunting and practice routines 50:11 - Bows for flight archery and specific woods like hornbeam 52:21 - Future projects including new series and personal goals 53:12 - How to connect with Zdenek online and through festivals 54:40 - Shipping logistics and international markets 56:43 - Closing thoughts and encouragement to follow Zenek’s journey

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Season 2: The best traditional bowyers in the world. This season is based on Project Quiver, and incredible father-daughter journey around the globe to capture the art and essence of the world's finest bow carvers. Season 1: Incredible stories of extraordinary endeavors that capture the magic of the human spirit. The inspiration for this season is a wolf named Takaya who gained global fame for living alone for nearly a decade on a tiny archipelago in the Salish Sea, showing us even the most unlikely is possible.

Information

  • Creator
    Todd Howard
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Todd Howard
  • Show Website
    Salish Wolf

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