Campfire Convos

Meanderin' Mitch

Welcome to Campfire Convos! I'm Meanderin' Mitch, and this podcast is all about the moments that happen around the campfire - whether it's camping, hiking, or just a good conversation, we're recreating those laid-back, no-agenda talks under the stars. We'll dive into life's challenges, the lessons we've learned, and how the outdoors offers a new perspective. Expect some advice, some stories, and definitely a guest or two. But more than anything, we're here to remind you that you're not alone in this journey. So grab a seat by the fire, and let's see where the conversation goes!

  1. 2 days ago

    Why False Security Is Ruining Our Generation | Kourtney Rusko | S4E5

    Can stepping into the woods completely heal deep-seated depression and addiction without a prescription? Kourtney (aka @OutdoorsyKourtney) joins me by the fire to unpack environmental wellness, the dangerous psychological mechanics behind social media algorithms, and how immersing yourself in nature literally saves lives. In this episode, we dive into the massive unseen strain that AI data centers place on the world's freshwater supplies, what a 4-day digital detox teaches you about your own consciousness, and why the documentary "The Social Dilemma" accurately predicted our current mental health crisis. Courtney opens up about her personal battles through dark times, her mother’s incredible story of completely defying a terminal Lupus diagnosis through the raw power of thought, and a devastating sudden loss that reshaped how she views smiling depression. We also get brutally honest about the "necessary evils" we tolerate in our own lives—from vaping habits that hold back athletic potential to utilizing generative AI tools as an efficient small business shortcut. We wrap up with an essential philosophy shift on learning to choose your fear instead of settling for a life of false security. Support the Show! Buy me a Log: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch Connect with Me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/352103037956366 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576114107409 Connect with Guest! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/outdoorsykourtney/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@outdoorsykourtney Relevant Links & Resources! Book Mentioned: "When Rivers Run Dry" by Fred Pearce Documentary Mentioned: "The Social Dilemma" on Netflix The Brew Bank Brewery: https://www.brewbankbrewingco.com/ TINCUP Whiskey: https://www.tincupwhiskey.com/ CLIQ Camping Chairs: https://cliqproducts.com/ High Camp Flasks: https://highcampflasks.com/ About Campfire Convos Campfire Convos is where real conversations meet the outdoors. Hosted by Mitchel from Meanderin’ Mitch, this podcast blends the feeling of sitting around a fire with honest, unfiltered discussions about life, adventure, and everything in between. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real. CHAPTERS 0:00 - The First Spark (Intro & Sponsor Toast) 1:12 - The Digital Trap: Algorithms, Dopamine, and "The Social Dilemma" 16:27 - Airplane Mode Secrets: What Happens at 30,000 Feet 18:22 - Beating the Odds: Defying a Terminal Diagnosis with Mindset 22:50 - The Outdoor Prescription: Healing Depression and Addiction in Nature 25:36 - Behind the Smile: Confronting Hidden Mental Health Battles 39:48 - Ethical Dilemmas: Small Business Efficiency vs. Environmental Waste 46:38 - When Rivers Run Dry: Data Centers & Global Water Scarcity 56:20 - Confronting the Vices That Limit Your True Potential 1:15:27 - Choose Your Fear: Embracing Risk & Final Whiskey Toast

  2. 30 Jul

    Wildlife Ethics, Talking to Strangers, and Finding your own Path | DJ Marconi | S4E4

    What happens when your core ethics as a hunter clash directly with the strict letters of wildlife law? DJ Marconi, a 30-year law enforcement veteran and creator of the outdoor YouTube channel Places and Paths, joins me by the fire to break down high-stakes tracking stories, public land survival, and the realities of building an outdoor audience.In this episode, we tackle a heavy situation involving tracking a wounded bear after dark and the difficult conservation laws surrounding archery season. DJ shares his strict rules for processing wild game entirely by hand, why he chooses to solo-hunt public PA land from the ground, and the sentimental value of firearms passed down through generations. We dig deep into his career as a police officer since 1994, how a random conversation with a stranger on a plane completely altered a South Dakota vacation to stand on the literal arm of the Crazy Horse monument, and our shared obsession with exploring hidden PA waterfalls like Pigeon Falls. We wrap up with an honest talk about the grueling hours behind the video editing timeline, shifting out of your "influencer voice," and a final toast to future off-grid collaborations.Support the Show!Buy me a Log: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitchConnect with Me!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/352103037956366Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576114107409Connect with Guest!Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@UCEMb6wD5BEfT_ifqjiL8KGA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/placesandpaths/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577058737091Relevant Links & Resources!The Brew Bank Brewery: https://www.brewbankbrewingco.com/TINCUP Whiskey: https://www.tincupwhiskey.com/CLIQ Camping Chairs: https://cliqproducts.com/Maksim Outdoor YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCqNsfPOCc-ak0_yW4ErLUtQ About Campfire ConvosCampfire Convos is where real conversations meet the outdoors. Hosted by Mitchel from Meanderin’ Mitch, this podcast blends the feeling of sitting around a fire with honest, unfiltered discussions about life, adventure, and everything in between. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real.CHAPTERS0:00 - The First Spark (Intro & Sponsor Toast)1:03 - Wildlife Ethics: The Archery Season Dilemma7:07 - From Harvest to Table: The Reality of Processing Game15:36 - Sentimental Value: Preserving Family Heirlooms & Rifles22:32 - Behind the Badge: A 30-Year Law Enforcement Journey24:45 - Places and Paths: Moving the Camera Outdoors27:35 - Talking to Strangers: The Secrets of Crazy Horse Monument36:21 - Wilderness Explorations: Chasing Hidden PA Waterflies47:30 - Breaking the Mold: Shifting Away from Your "Influencer Voice"56:30 - The Unseen Timeline: The True Grind of Editing Vlogs

  3. 23 Jul

    If You Please Everyone, You Please Nobody | Caylene Gilmore | S4E3

    If you try to build a brand that appeals to every single person on earth, you end up appealing to no one. Caylene, the creator and publisher of Evers and Elk magazine, joins me by the fire to expose the realities of running a local print brand in PA and why modern monetization requires you to be fiercely authentic.In this episode, we dive deep into the creative process, target marketing, and long-term legacy building. Caylene shares how her late grandmother's iconic craft-show paintings inspired her to launch a local print publication in Saint Mary's, PA, and why physical media carries an emotional weight that digital analytics can never touch. We break down the absolute necessity of polarizing your audience to find your true "ride-or-die" supporters, the 16-hour editing grinds that traditional 9-to-5 workers mistake for laziness, and my own long-term 2034 vision to flip struggling legacy businesses. We wrap up by talking about phone addiction, digital detoxes, and introducing the "man behind the curtain" who keeps the dream stable.Support the Show!Buy me a Log: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitchConnect with Me!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/352103037956366Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576114107409Connect with Guest!Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ohcaythen/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eversandelk/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582601326216 Relevant Links & Resources!Evers and Elk Magazine: https://www.eversandelk.com/ The Brew Bank Brewery (Andy Shandy): https://www.brewbankbrewingco.com/TINCUP Whiskey: https://www.tincupwhiskey.com/CLIQ Camping Chairs: https://cliqproducts.com/John Malecki Woodworking YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@John_MaleckiAbout Campfire ConvosCampfire Convos is where real conversations meet the outdoors. Hosted by Mitchel from Meanderin’ Mitch, this podcast blends the feeling of sitting around a fire with honest, unfiltered discussions about life, adventure, and everything in between. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real.CHAPTERS0:00 - The First Spark (Intro & Sponsor Toast)1:53 - Artistic Roots: Passing the Generational Torch5:19 - Written Vulnerability: Why It’s Safer to Hide Behind Words10:43 - The Journalism Blueprint: Angle, Emotion, and Why14:41 - Preserving Culture Through Hyper-Local Print Media22:15 - The Unseen 16-Hour Grind of Freelance Creation28:36 - Branding Truths: Why You Must Polarize Your Audience45:25 - Scarcity Principles & The Power of Niche Audiences1:04:00 - Future Mapping: Flipping Legacies & Eco-Tourism Domes1:10:45 - The Man Behind the Curtain: Support Systems & Final Toast

  4. 16 Jul

    Forestry Secrets, Zombie Deer Disease, and the Song That Saved My Life | Campfire Convos S4E2

    Are invasive plants and devastating wildlife diseases permanently breaking the Pennsylvania wilderness? Recent forestry graduate and musician Caleb joins me by the fire to expose the hidden battles taking place in our ecosystems. Grab a seat for an essential, deep-dive conversation on land conservation, hunting ethics, and the power of creative escapes. Caleb breaks down the silent war between private timber logging and public land preservation, how a simple funding loophole protects rare songbirds while multiplying deer populations, and the graphic realities of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) sweeping across PA. We also swap intense personal stories about contracting Lyme disease, break down how to properly treat your gear with permethrin, and talk about his self-taught guitar journey to escape dark times—concluding with a live acoustic performance of George Strait's "Love Without End, Amen." Support the Show! Buy me a Log: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch Connect with Me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/352103037956366 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576114107409 Relevant Links & Resources! 🥃 Tin Cup Whiskey: https://www.tincupwhiskey.com/ 🏦 The Brew Bank Brewery (Andy Shandy): https://www.brewbankbrewingco.com/ 🍾 High Camp Flasks: https://highcampflasks.com/ 🪑 CLIQ Camping Chairs: https://cliqproducts.com/ ⚾ Pennsylvania Game Commission: https://www.pgc.pa.gov/ About Campfire Convos Campfire Convos is where real conversations meet the outdoors. Hosted by Mitchel from Meanderin’ Mitch, this podcast blends the feeling of sitting around a fire with honest, unfiltered discussions about life, adventure, and everything in between. Each episode brings a mix of outdoor topics, personal stories, and meaningful conversations with guests—from creators and adventurers to everyday people with something real to say. Whether it’s camping, travel, relationships, personal growth, or chasing a better life, nothing is off limits. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real. So grab a seat, relax, and join us by the fire… When the fire glows, the convos flow.

  5. 9 Jul

    Getting a Tattoo Live in the Woods | Tesla, Aliens, and Antarctica Conspiracies | Campfire Convos S4E1

    What happens when you get a surprise tattoo live in the middle of the woods while discussing the deepest mysteries of the universe? Hannah from Rosebud Beauty Lounge joins me by the fire to brand my skin while we dive into everything the elites don't want us to know. Grab a seat for the mind-bending Season 4 Premiere of Campfire Convos. As Hannah applies a blind tattoo design I’ve never seen before, we break down why the world chose Thomas Edison’s profit model over Nikola Tesla’s free earth harmony. We dig deep into the compartmentalization of Area 51 whistleblowers like Bob Lazar, the terrifying military enforcement of the Antarctica Ice Wall, and why modern tech companies like Apple design cell phones to trap our attention. Hannah also shares her perspective on permanent makeup, the reality of phone addiction, and what a 4-day digital detox teaches you about human consciousness. Support the Show! Buy me a Log: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch Connect with Me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/352103037956366 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576114107409 Relevant Links & Resources! 🥃 Tin Cup Whiskey: https://www.tincupwhiskey.com/🏦 The Brew Bank Brewery: https://www.brewbankbrewingco.com/🍾 High Camp Flasks: https://highcampflasks.com/🪑 CLIQ Camping Chairs: https://cliqproducts.com/📱 Samsung Corporate: https://www.samsung.com/🌹 Rosebud Beauty Lounge (Ridgway, PA): [Link Needed - Drop her booking or Instagram page here] About Campfire ConvosCampfire Convos is where real conversations meet the outdoors. Hosted by Mitchel from Meanderin’ Mitch, this podcast blends the feeling of sitting around a fire with honest, unfiltered discussions about life, adventure, and everything in between. Each episode brings a mix of outdoor topics, personal stories, and meaningful conversations with guests—from creators and adventurers to everyday people with something real to say. Whether it’s camping, travel, relationships, personal growth, or chasing a better life, nothing is off limits. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real. So grab a seat, relax, and join us by the fire…When the fire glows, the convos flow.

  6. 22 May

    What It's Really Like on the Podcast | Season 3 Finale | Campfire Convos S3E11

    What is it actually like to step in front of the camera and share your rawest stories next to a flickering fire? For the Season 3 finale, five past guests return to give their unfiltered thoughts on the true experience of doing this show. Grab a seat for a different kind of episode as we look back at the journey of Campfire Convos. From my brother Brady talking about the power of saving these memories on film, to Dave Bole breaking down how he overcame his camera hesitancy, to my dad and mom reflecting on the ultimate gift of leaving a legacy for future generations—this roundtable uncovers why real, unfiltered conversations matter more than ever. We also dive into my own struggles as a creator, what we’ve learned through 39 episodes, and why keeping the show authentic is a non-negotiable. Support the Show! Buy me a Log: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch Connect with Me! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/352103037956366 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576114107409 Relevant Links & Resources! 🥃 End shot of whiskey - https://www.tincupwhiskey.com/ 🏦 The Brew Bank Brewery - https://www.brewbankbrewingco.com/ 🍾 High Camp Flasks - https://highcampflasks.com/ 🪑 CLIQ Camping Chairs - https://cliqproducts.com/ 🏡 Brookside Retreat - https://thebrooksideretreat.com/ About Campfire Convos Campfire Convos is where real conversations meet the outdoors. Hosted by Mitchel from Meanderin’ Mitch, this podcast blends the feeling of sitting around a fire with honest, unfiltered discussions about life, adventure, and everything in between. Each episode brings a mix of outdoor topics, personal stories, and meaningful conversations with guests—from creators and adventurers to everyday people with something real to say. Whether it’s camping, travel, relationships, personal growth, or chasing a better life, nothing is off limits. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real. So grab a seat, relax, and join us by the fire… When the fire glows, the convos flow.

  7. 15 May

    Finding Balance, Building a Legacy, and Overcoming Fear | Carla | Campfire Convos S3E10

    Do you follow your dreams for yourself, or to help others? Carla returns to the fire to help me break down the "myth" of balance and the terrifying reality of building a legacy that outlives you. [In this video]: Grab a seat for the Season 3 finale with a Campfire Convos veteran. We dive into the "Big Magic" of ideas, why I’m choosing a group win over personal streaming success, and the psychological trick I learned in the batter's box to turn fear into excitement. We also get into the "bunny murder" facilitated by Milo, the message we’re leaving for our 45-year-old selves, and why this year feels like the official rebirth of the Meanderin’ Mitch brand. Support the Show! 🪵 Buy me a Log: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch Connect with Me! 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/ 👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/352103037956366 💻 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576114107409 Relevant Links & Resources! 📖 Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (Mentioned): https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/big-magic/ 🏦 The Brew Bank (Andy Shandy Mention): https://www.brewbankbrewingco.com/ 🥃 Rebel 100 Bourbon (Final Shot): https://rebelbourbon.com/bourbon/rebel-100-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey/ About Campfire Convos Campfire Convos is where real conversations meet the outdoors. Hosted by Mitchel from Meanderin’ Mitch, this podcast blends the feeling of sitting around a fire with honest, unfiltered discussions about life, adventure, and everything in between. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real. CHAPTERS 0:00 - The First Spark (Intro) 1:20 - A Familiar Face: Carla’s 3rd Appearance 2:40 - What Gets You Excited to Be Alive? 5:40 - Stepping Stones: From Tortillas to Sourdough 8:10 - The Balance Struggle: Big Ideas vs. Distractions 11:15 - Big Magic: Does an Idea Leave You if You Don't Act? 14:35 - Personal Joy vs. Obligation to Help Others 16:15 - Why I Walked Away from Professional Streaming 19:20 - The "Full In" Dilemma: Writing a Book vs. Growing a Community 24:30 - Sacrificing Personal Wins for Group Wins 27:00 - Does Balance Even Exist? Done vs. Perfect 30:00 - Thanking Our Season 3 Log Supporters 32:10 - The Bunny Murder: Carla & Milo’s Incident 35:30 - Taking Care of Yourself vs. Being Selfish 40:30 - Reverse Engineering Curiosity 45:15 - Surrounding Yourself with Other Creators 49:10 - Setting the Foundation Year for Events 53:30 - Growth Check: How This Appearance Feels Different 57:50 - Creating a Legacy That Lives Forever 1:02:15 - The Second Life: Being Remembered After Death 1:07:05 - Fear vs. Excitement: The Baseball Batter's Box Trick 1:10:45 - Choosing Excitement Over False Security 1:13:30 - Message to Myself in 10 Years: Forgiveness & Thinking Bigger 1:17:15 - The Rebirth of Meanderin' Mitch 1:19:15 - Final Toast: Rebel 100 Bourbon 1:20:25 - Season 3 Wrap-Up & Mystery Animal Sound

  8. 8 May

    How to be a Mom, Stay Married for 33 Years, and Pick your Favorite Kid | Campfire Convos S3E9 ILYMOM

    How do you stay married for 33 years and raise three capable men without losing your mind? My mom joins me by the fire for a special Mother's Day episode to share the unfiltered reality of motherhood and her "controversial" parenting advice. [In this video]: Grab a seat for a very special conversation with the person who has known me the longest. We revisit childhood memories of playing in the rain, the terrifying parasailing trip in Fort Myers, and why she gave up her career to be a stay-at-home mom. Mom opens up about her time as a hospice nurse, the secret to a long-lasting marriage, and the legendary story of why she threw every single dish into the yard while pregnant with me. Support the Show! 🪵 Buy me a Log: https://ko-fi.com/meanderin_mitch Connect with Me! 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meanderin_mitch/ 👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/352103037956366 💻 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576114107409 Relevant Links & Resources! 🦞 Red Lobster (The Mother's Day Pick): https://www.redlobster.com/ 💆‍♀️ Bella Spa (Self-Care Mention): https://www.bellaspaandwellness.com/ 🥃 Rebel 100 Bourbon (Final Shot): https://rebelbourbon.com/bourbon/rebel-100-kentucky-straight-bourbon-whiskey/ About Campfire Convos Campfire Convos is where real conversations meet the outdoors. Hosted by Mitchel from Meanderin’ Mitch, this podcast blends the feeling of sitting around a fire with honest, unfiltered discussions about life, adventure, and everything in between. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being real. CHAPTERS 0:00 - The First Spark (Intro) 1:15 - Favorite Memories: Rain Puddles & Tennessee 5:15 - Parasailing: The First Adventure 6:45 - Canal Campout: Supporting the Vision 8:20 - Teaching Kids to Help: Meals on Wheels 9:40 - Helping Neighbors: The House Fire Story 12:00 - The Psychology of Helping Others 13:40 - Life Purpose: Being an Awesome Mom 15:15 - 33 Years of Marriage: Finding "The One" 16:55 - Mom's Travel Bucket List: Europe & Australia 20:00 - Francesca: The Alter Ego 21:10 - Self-Care: The Hair Spa Experience 23:00 - Balancing Energy in a Relationship 25:40 - The Dish-Throwing Story (Pregnant with Mitch) 28:05 - The #1 Secret to Marriage: Forgiveness 31:10 - The Mother's Day Shoutout 31:55 - "Did I Do a Good Job?" 34:55 - Mitch’s Creativity: Potato Guns & Spanking Robots 36:15 - The Genius of Grandpap: Building Rocking Chairs 38:10 - Penguins from Pittsburgh: The Kindergarten Test 41:15 - Sink or Swim: How Mom Taught the Boys 43:25 - Tasting the Brew Bank Shandy 44:20 - "What's a Douchebag?" 45:45 - Five Year Plan: Travel & Home Bases 49:15 - Career Transitions: Hospice Nursing to Motherhood 52:10 - Bailing Out vs. Letting Them Struggle 55:20 - Karma & Helping Those in Need 57:50 - The Sacrifice of Staying Home 59:10 - Open Book Parenting 1:02:15 - Advice for New Moms: Don't Be Their Friend 1:04:45 - Responsibility: A*****e Dogs vs. Headstrong Sons 1:06:55 - Bear Mother: Don't Screw with Family 1:08:05 - Final Toast: Rebel 100 Bourbon 1:09:40 - Mystery Animal Sound Outro

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About

Welcome to Campfire Convos! I'm Meanderin' Mitch, and this podcast is all about the moments that happen around the campfire - whether it's camping, hiking, or just a good conversation, we're recreating those laid-back, no-agenda talks under the stars. We'll dive into life's challenges, the lessons we've learned, and how the outdoors offers a new perspective. Expect some advice, some stories, and definitely a guest or two. But more than anything, we're here to remind you that you're not alone in this journey. So grab a seat by the fire, and let's see where the conversation goes!

Information

  • Creator
    Meanderin' Mitch
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Meanderin' Mitch
  • Show Website
    Campfire Convos