The By Land Podcast Emory Wanger

Will Cockrell joins the podcast to discuss his recently published book detailing the history of Mount Everest, his perspective on the draw of mountaineering, and the connection between suffering and achievement. 
Will also explains the need to tell the full story of Everest, as well as the misconceptions and negative narratives surrounding the mountain. He challenges the idea of who deserves to climb Everest and questions the romanticism and judgment associated with mountaineering. Our conversation covers various themes related to climbing Everest, including the issue of discounting different approaches, the individualized nature of climbing, the perspective of seasoned climbers, the perception of Everest as spoiled, the reality of the Sherpa role, the misunderstanding of the Sherpa culture, the monetization of Everest, and the importance of seeking the whole Everest story.
Will shares insights from his book, reflecting on the state of the industry and the motivations of climbers and explores the relationship between Western climbers and Sherpas, highlighting the positive changes in recent years. Finally, we dive into the challenges of waste management and the future of Everest, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and the understanding of different perspectives.

Show Notes and Links
IntroductionsEarly Years and Pursuit of GuidingSpecializing in MoThe Draw of MountaineeringThe Connection Between Suffering and AchievementThe Comfort of the WildernessThe Need for a Book on Guiding on EverestThe Counter Narrative to the Negative Perception of EverestQuestioning Who Deserves to Be on EverestThe Romanticism and Judgment of MountaineeringThe Perception of Crowding on EverestThe Difficulty of Defining Who Deserves to Climb EverestThe Individualized Nature of Climbing EverestThe Perspective of Seasoned Everest ClimbersThe Reality of the Sherpa RoleThe Monetization of EverestThe Importance of Seeking the Whole StoryReflections on the Everest IndustryThe State of the Everest IndustryThe Impact of Tourism on EverestThe Experience at Everest Base CampThe Dilemma of Camp 4Balancing Conservation and AccessThe Future of EverestOpportunities for Professional ClimbersWill's bookSupport the show
Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.
Website Join the podcast email newsletter Make a One-Time Donation (+ Affiliate Links) Monthly Podcast Support Courses Learn How To Backpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking Thru-Hiking 101 Resources YouTube Instagram Facebook Groups emory@byland.co

Brad Brooks joins the podcast to compare notes on our recent backpacking trips with our kids and discuss the importance of exposing children to the outdoors. We share our experiences and challenges while planning and executing our trips, emphasizing the value of involving children in the decision-making process and building their confidence in doing hard things. We also discuss the unique benefits of backpacking, such as disconnecting from technology and experiencing raw, uncurated adventures. 
We also discuss Argali’s new lineup of tents, their design, what makes these shelters unique, and Argali’s philosophy of constantly seeking improvement and innovation in gear design.   Brad dives into educating me on the materials used in the tent designs and the pros and cons of each.  

Show Notes and Links:
Introduction and Catching UpPlanning and Preparing for Backpacking with KidsThe Challenges and Rewards of Backpacking with KidsInvolving Kids in the Planning ProcessBuilding Confidence and Creating Lasting MemoriesThe Future of Outdoor Experiences Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Design and Functionality of the Absaroka TP TentPolyester vs Nylon: The Debate in Tent MaterialsInnovation and Thinking Outside the Box in Gear DesignThe Importance of Functionality and Simplicity in Tent DesignThe Demands of the Hunting Community for High-Quality GearBalancing Weight and Functionality in Gear SelectionEncouraging Innovation and Creativity in the Outdoor IndustryPassion for the Outdoors and Enhancing the Outdoor ExperienceWebsiteYouTubeInstagramAbsoroka 4PAbsoroka Full InsertFabric ArticleLast Wild Places FilmSupport the show
Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.
Website Join the podcast email newsletter Make a One-Time Donation (+ Affiliate Links) Monthly Podcast Support Courses Learn How To Backpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking Thru-Hiking 101 Resources YouTube Instagram Facebook Groups emory@byland.co

Aaron Owens runs “Backcountry Foodie,” a one-stop shop for backpackers and long-distance hikers who want to level up their food game in the backcountry.  From ultra-light food recipes and meal planners to a robust calorie calculator and resupply service, Aaron has you covered.  She loves backcountry food so much that she’ll even pack your food bag for you and ship it to your home so all you need to do is toss it in your pack and head out the door!
 

Key Takeaways:
Food plays a crucial role in backpacking and can impact performance and enjoyment on the trailCreating a diverse menu with foods that you enjoy from home can help maintain energy levels and prevent boredomUnderstanding your caloric needs and eating regularly throughout the day is essential for sustained energy and avoiding bonkingWhile junk food can provide quick energy, it's important to balance it with complex carbohydrates, protein, and fats for optimal performanceTransitioning to a new diet on the trail should be done gradually to avoid digestive issues and other negative effects on the body.Customize your meal plans based on your hiking strategy and preferences.Maximize the nutritional value of each bite by incorporating combination foodsEat every hour to hour and a half to maintain energy levels throughout the dayConsider freeze-drying your own meals for a lightweight and personalized backpacking experienceKeep a hiking food journal to track what works and what doesn't for future trips

Show Notes and Links:
Aaron's BackstoryThe Importance of Food in BackpackingCreating a Diverse MenuUnderstanding Caloric IntakeThe Importance of Eating RegularlyThe Pros and Cons of a Junk Food DietTransitioning to a New Diet and Its EffectsEmergency Food and SnacksCustomized Meal Plans Based on Hiking StrategyMaximizing Caloric IntakeCombination FoodsEating for Warmth in Cold WeatherEating on the GoPalette ChangesFreeze DryingFoodie Serviceshttps://backcountryfoodie.com/aff/53/https://www.instagram.com/backcountry_foodiehttps://www.youtube.com/c/BackcountryFoodieSupport the show
Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.
Website Join the podcast email newsletter Make a One-Time Donation (+ Affiliate Links) Monthly Podcast Support Courses Learn How To Backpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking Thru-Hiking 101 Resources YouTube Instagram Facebook Groups emory@byland.co

Robbie Kroger of Blood Origins joins the show to discuss the complex relationship between hunting and conservation.  
We cover a range of topics, including the reintroduction of wolves, the function of wetlands, what would happen if we stopped hunting altogether, and finally, the impact social media has had on hunting.  We also discuss the responsibilities brands have in shaping narratives and the importance of a respectful approach to hunting as a part of conservation. 
Robbie is a wealth of knowledge and one heck of a guy!
Support the show
Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.
Website Join the podcast email newsletter Make a One-Time Donation (+ Affiliate Links) Monthly Podcast Support Courses Learn How To Backpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking Thru-Hiking 101 Resources YouTube Instagram Facebook Groups emory@byland.co

Janelle Smith is the strategic communications team lead at rec.gov and is responsible for spreading the word about the myriad of offerings the platform has for outdoor enthusiasts.  As the summer season approaches, many of us are deep in the planning mode for camping trips, making this conversation with Janelle and her team a no-brainer.
If you're not yet familiar with rec.gov, think of it as your ultimate planning companion for camping and various outdoor activities.  Janelle walks us through the functionalities of this planning tool, highlighting how it simplifies the process of discovering available sites, understanding what's out there, and crafting the perfect trip itinerary.
Janelle's role as a key representative for rec.gov makes her insights particularly valuable.  Whether you're a seasoned user or a newcomer, this episode will likely uncover nuances about rec.gov that you might not have considered.


Show Notes and Links:
Getting to know JanelleRec.gov services and missionRecreation before Rec.gov2023 recreational trendsNew features for 2024Addressing no-show campersPost COVID trendsAdvice for booking popular campsitesThe “Trip Builder” featureJanelle’s “why” behind what she doesThe “big picture”Encouraging explorationhttps://www.recreation.gov/Support the show
Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.
Website Join the podcast email newsletter Make a One-Time Donation (+ Affiliate Links) Monthly Podcast Support Courses Learn How To Backpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking Thru-Hiking 101 Resources YouTube Instagram Facebook Groups emory@byland.co

Dr. Dan Wildcat joins the podcast to discuss his new book "On Indigenuity" and how we can reframe our relationship with the natural world in both a personal and global way.  Dan is a Yuchi member of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma, PhD, and teaches at Haskell Nations University.  He's a wealth of wisdom and knowledge and offers a refreshing approach to long-debated topics.


Show Notes and Links
Getting to know DanDan’s early yearsRelationships with the landOur disconnection with the natural worldOn being insulated from natural realityHow to retraining our mental frameworkResources vs RelativesDealing with climate change in a new wayTraditional Christian views versus IndigenousExperiential versus SpiritualThe psychology of living in fearUnwrapping experiential momentsDan’s book "On Indigenuity" (available Nov 14th) Dan’s Bio20% Discount: Use BYLAND at checkout - CLICK HERESupport the show
Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show.
Website Join the podcast email newsletter Make a One-Time Donation (+ Affiliate Links) Monthly Podcast Support Courses Learn How To Backpack 6 Weeks To Solo Backpacking Thru-Hiking 101 Resources YouTube Instagram Facebook Groups emory@byland.co