Bush & Banter Jennifer Mabus and Dyana Carmella

In this episode, Jen and Dyana chat with Heli Ski Guide and Former Pararescue Jumper, Paul "Bear" Barendregt. After enlisting in the Air Force right out of high school, Bear later joined the Alaska Air National Guard in 2000 and has since emerged as one of the most distinguished and recognizable pararescuemen in Alaska's wilderness rescue community.  With an impressive track record, he's directly responsible for saving 106 lives and assisting an additional 43 survivors across 91 challenging rescue missions in Alaska. Moreover, his expertise extends beyond Alaska's borders, having deployed worldwide for combat rescue missions and humanitarian aid efforts. These days, he's sharing his wealth of experience as a Heli Ski Guide, leading adventurous backcountry skiers through some of Alaska's most remote and wild mountain ranges. In this episode, they touch on some of his most daring rescue missions, the challenges of training, and what it’s like skiing some of the greatest mountain ranges in the world.

Chugach Powder Guides
www.chugachpowderguides.com


Where to find and support Bush & Banter:
Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana embark on a nostalgic journey, reminiscing about their most beloved adventure tales from both the screen and the pages. From classics like "The Goonies" and "Alice in Wonderland" to timeless favorites such as "Hook" and "The Wizard of Oz," the duo dives into the stories that ignited their sense of adventure as adults.
Where to find and support Bush & Banter:
Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

Occasionally, hardworking individuals are blessed with the ultimate gift: time off. Whether it's just a day, a week, or even more, it's a precious opportunity. If you've been granted a week off and have a hankering for hiking, this episode is tailor-made for you. In our latest Outdoor Quickie, Jen shares her top three sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, while Dyana offers insights into the best shorter sections of the Pacific Northwest Trail. All it takes is some gear, a can-do attitude, and maybe a can of wine. Happy Trails!


Where to find and support Bush & Banter:
Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode Jen and Dyana chat with Ultra-Runner, Comedian, and Traveler Jeffrey Binney. His journey took a profound turn after the loss of his mother to heart disease. Determined to avoid a similar fate, he embarked on a transformative path, challenging himself by conquering one of the most grueling 100-mile ultramarathons. His inspiring experience became the subject of his captivating film, "Once is Enough." Today, Jeffrey stands as not only a resilient figure but also a gifted motivational speaker and comedian. Currently, he's gearing up for his next ambitious adventure: hiking the 2,653-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Additionally, in this episode, Jen shares insightful advice for his upcoming thru-hike, while Dyana offers valuable tips on writing a book.
Where to find and support Bush & Banter:
Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana are joined by Danish traveler and adventurer, Thor Pedersen, renowned for his unparalleled achievement of visiting every single country in the world without the use of air travel. Thor embarked on this remarkable journey in 2013, dedicating 10 years to exploring 203 countries. Thor shares tales of love, resilience during the pandemic, the generosity of strangers, unconventional modes of travel, global culinary delights, and uplifting words of encouragement for aspiring travelers.  An esteemed traveler, speaker, adventurer, and Goodwill Ambassador of the Danish Red Cross, Thor's experiences offer a glimpse into what is possible when you pass on that early flight home.

Thor Pedersen on Instagram
www.instagram.com/onceuponasaga/
Once Upon a Saga
www.onceuponasaga.dk/
Danish Red Cross
https://en.rodekors.dk/


Where to find and support Bush & Banter:
Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana introduce and discuss National Geographic’s 20 Best Adventures of 2024. From the awe-inspiring spectacle of bear watching in Alaska to the serene beauty of cruising down a river in Colombia, from the adrenaline rush of hiking a volcano in Panama to one of the ultimate tests of endurance—running an Olympic Marathon in Paris—these experiences redefine adventure. Join the duo as they uncover some of the most extraordinary escapades our planet has to offer.

Listen to the interviews mentioned in this episode:

Steph Jagger (broke skiing world record) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bush-banter/id1639961984?i=1000603337507

Felicity Aston (solo traveled across Antarctica) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bush-banter/id1639961984?i=1000636959863

Find the National Geographic article here: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/best-of-the-world-20-experiences-for-2024

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:47 - Dyana's disturbing evening plans...
3:39 - Top 20 Adventures for 2024 by National Geographic
6:06 - #20 through #11
20:24 - #10 through #1
41:39 - Dyana and Jen's top adventure pick
43:57 - Use your vacation days, folks!


Where to find and support Bush & Banter:
Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman