Big Red Canoe - Friends of the Boundary Waters podcast

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness
  • 4.5 (17)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

On Big Red Canoe, the podcast from Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, we introduce you to captivating people and intriguing stories from America's treasured wilderness, covering a wide range of recreational topics. The podcast features scientists, political figures, wilderness and outdoor recreation experts to help you experience new aspects of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the most visited wilderness in the United States. For 50 years, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness has connected people, communities and the wilderness. Our purpose is to inspire more people to connect with the pristine beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and preserve this priceless place in perpetuity. The Friends work to protect the wilderness from toxic copper-sulfide mines, introduce a new generation to the wonders of canoe country and share recreational resources on canoeing, camping and hiking trips. For more information, visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast Website:https://www.friends-bwca.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/FriendsBWCAWBlueSky:https://bsky.app/profile/bwca.bsky.socialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

  1. FEB 10

    Ordinary People, Extraordinary Wilderness: Author Jeff Krogstad

    Winter in the Boundary Waters is unforgiving—and that's exactly why Minnesota author Jeff Krogstad set his thriller Disappointment Mountain there.  Jeff joins us to talk about writing wilderness fiction, the creative parallels between surviving in the backcountry and navigating life's challenges, and what the frozen north reveals about human resilience.  Plus: real bear encounters, the art of making fiction believable, and why the Boundary Waters transforms everyone who enters it.  Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode. Website: https://www.friends-bwca.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/ Donate: https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/

    46 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    A Wilderness Beyond Sight: Navigating the Boundary Waters with a Vision Loss

    How do you navigate a challenging wilderness when you can't even see it? In this fascinating and deeply moving episode, we sit down with Kelly Carver, who has been paddling the Boundary Waters for over 40 years—including the past three decades since he became legally blind. After being diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease following his first BWCA trip in 1982, Kelly refused to let vision loss stop him from experiencing the place where he says "part of his soul" resides. Kelly takes us inside what it's really like to navigate the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness without sight, from paddling across lakes to mentally mapping each campsite, then ultimately rising to the challenge of completing the epic 220-mile Border Route, which included traversing the legendary nine-mile Grand Portage by himself. He shares harrowing moments—a mysterious canoe flip, 40-mph winds on Knife Lake—and magical ones, like the fox standing three feet away that he never saw coming. Through it all, Kelly reveals what it has meant to finally embrace the word "blind" after years of fighting it, and reminds us that the wilderness belongs to everyone willing to step outside their comfort zone. Whether you're facing your own challenges or simply want to experience the Boundary Waters through another viewpoint, Kelly's story of determination and adaptation is almost certain to change how you think about what it truly means to experience the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode. Website: https://www.friends-bwca.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/ Donate: https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/

    57 min

  3. 09/20/2025

    Boundary Waters Cooking and Contemplation with Chef JD Fratzke

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with JD Fratzke, a celebrated chef and author who served as a judge and mentor on Bravo's Top Chef and brings a unique perspective to Boundary waters cooking. JD finds profound inspiration in Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where he combines his fine dining expertise with camp cooking over open fires.  From Professional Kitchens to Campfire Cuisine  Wilderness cooking plays a big role as JD's meditative reset from high-pressure restaurant kitchens. He shares practical camp cooking tips including essential spice combinations (curry powder and Montreal steak seasoning), fresh ingredients that travel well, and his approach to boundary waters recipes that embrace simplicity while delivering extraordinary flavor. Hear about his famous lentil stew recipe, Campfire Pintos ‘Charros’, creative Lake Trout and Crayfish Tacos made with fresh-caught fish, and why he believes cooking over fire connects us to our most primal human experiences. JD reveals the difference between solo and group boundary waters camping meals, plus rookie mistakes to avoid when cooking in the wilderness. Poetry and Wilderness Advocacy Beyond cooking, JD is a published poet whose works River Language and Dharma Butcher explore the intersection of wilderness, food, and human experience. He reads us his moving poem "Aurora," inspired by the Northern Lights over the boundary waters. His passion for protecting this sacred wilderness as a place of healing and transformation shines throughout our conversation. For Outdoor enthusiasts, cooking lovers, and anyone interested in boundary waters recipes, camp cooking techniques, and the deeper connections between food, nature, and creative expression. Read more Recipes and Articles from JD Fratzke on Friends-BWCA.org Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode. Website: https://www.friends-bwca.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/ Donate: https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/

    46 min

  4. 07/18/2025

    Bear Safety in the Boundary Waters: Life-Saving Lessons from a Bear Attack Survivor

    Proper food storage and bear-aware camping practices aren't just recommendations—they're life-saving skills that every Boundary Waters visitor needs to master. Alex Messenger learned this lesson the hard way when a 600-pound grizzly bear nearly killed him during a remote Canadian wilderness expedition, an experience that transformed him into one of the region's most passionate advocates for bear safety and wilderness preparedness. On this episode of the Big Red Canoe Podcast, Alex channels his hard-won wisdom into practical advice for Boundary Waters visitors, covering everything from the U.S. Forest Service's  mandatory food storage regulations to proven bear hang techniques that actually work. As a volunteer with the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, he's seen firsthand how proper preparation prevents emergencies, and he and host Dave Meier deliver essential knowledge for safely sharing Minnesota's BWCA wilderness with its black bear population.  At 17 years old, Alex was living every wilderness enthusiast's dream—42 days paddling through the remote Canadian tundra, hundreds of miles from civilization. But on day 29 of what should have been the adventure of a lifetime, that dream became a nightmare when he found himself face-to-face with an apex predator, armed with nothing but a camera case and his wits. The harrowing attack, which he details in his memoir "The 29th Day," offers more than just a gripping survival story—it provides crucial insights into bear and human behavior, wilderness medicine, and the split-second decisions that can mean the difference between life and death in bear country. Whether you're a seasoned wilderness traveler or planning your first backcountry adventure, this episode provides the tools and mindset needed to explore bear country confidently and responsibly. 1:00 Introduction - Alex's background growing up going to the Boundary Waters 15:00 Alex describes the bear attack detailed in his book "The Twinty-Ninth Day" 46:00 Bears in the Boundary Waters, solo camping, Food safety, Bear safety tips For more on Alex, visit his website: https://www.alexmessenger.com/ You can order The Twenty-Ninth Day from Blackstone Publishing, or your favorite purveyor of fine books. Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode. Website: https://www.friends-bwca.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/ Donate: https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/

    1h 6m

  5. 06/10/2025

    Boundary Waters Protection with Senator Tina Smith

    The Boundary Waters faces one of its greatest threats in decades. Hidden in the latest reconciliation bill is a dangerous provision that would hand hundreds of thousands of acres near the BWCA to toxic copper-sulfide mining companies—while blocking any legal challenges. This reckless giveaway threatens to bring industrial mining right to the doorstep of America’s most pristine wilderness, risking irreversible damage to our clean water and wild places.  Senator Tina Smith is fighting back with legislation to stop this attack on our public lands. She joins us for a critical conversation about what’s at stake and how we can defend the Boundary Waters together. Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode. Website: https://www.friends-bwca.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/ Donate: https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/

    21 min

  6. 04/15/2025

    Pushing the River with Frank Bures

    Author Frank Bures joins us on the podcast to discuss his compelling new book, Pushing the River: An Epic Battle, a Lost History, a Near Death, and Other True Canoeing Stories. Frank shares riveting tales from a century of canoe racing, including the forgotten history of the Paul Bunyan Canoe Derby—a grueling 450-mile race on the Upper Mississippi that changed modern canoeing forever.  The conversation takes a personal turn as Frank recounts his own harrowing rescue on the Mississippi and other contemporary stories of adventure and survival, including the terrifying escape of two kayakers from the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire in the Boundary Waters. Learn More about the Book and Author at FrankBures.com Dave and Frank explore our essential connection to natural spaces and the urgent need to protect these environments in today's political landscape, whether it be the Boundary Waters or the mighty Mississippi River. Drawing from his background as a former trips director and camp naturalist at YMCA Camp Olson, as well as his experience supporting Guinness World Record paddling teams on the Mississippi, Frank offers unique insights into the transformative power of river journeys. Support the Friends of the Boundary Waters' Open Water Spring Fundraiser and have your gift doubled with generous match! Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode. Website: https://www.friends-bwca.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/ Donate: https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/

    57 min

  7. 02/08/2025

    Dark Sky Photography with Marc Rassel

    Discover the mesmerizing world of dark sky photography with renowned astrophotographer Marc Rassel as he shares expert tips, memorable stories, and essential techniques for capturing the night sky.  From the pristine dark skies of Minnesota's Boundary Waters to international stargazing destinations, Marc reveals how to create stunning images of the Milky Way, aurora, and other celestial wonders.  Marc also describes the growing challenge of light pollution and how photographers can help preserve our vanishing dark skies. Whether you're a complete beginner with just a smartphone or an experienced photographer looking to refine your nighttime techniques, this episode offers practical guidance and inspiration for anyone interested in photographing the stars.  Follow Marc Rassel on Instagram at @marcrasselphoto and connect with him at marcrasselphoto.com. This podcast is part of Boreal Stargazing week, February 10-17, 2025. Embrace the winter darkness and discover the magic of Minnesota’s starbright skies! Join us for a week of free activities for students, families, and friends that will immerse you in learning and stargazing.  These free events are friendly for all ages and feature captivating night sky tours, snowshoe hikes, live conversations with astronomers, and more! Find more information at Friends-BWCA.org/stargazing Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode. Website: https://www.friends-bwca.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/ Donate: https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/

    46 min

  8. 01/10/2025

    Winter Camping with Kids

    Want to introduce your kids to winter camping but not sure where to start? Join us as we chat with Anthony Quill, an adventurous Minnesota Dad who's mastered the art of getting his young children excited about camping in Minnesota's winter wonderland. Anthony shares how his family transitioned from international living to embracing the frozen wilderness, starting with backyard adventures and working their way up to dog sledding expeditions and hot tent camping near the Boundary Waters. Then we join the Quill family to hear from the kids themselves at their winter getaway in Ely, MN! Follow the Quills' adventures: Website: FromTenttoTakeoff.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fromtenttotakeoff Instagram: @fromtenttotakeoff Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode. Website: https://www.friends-bwca.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/ Donate: https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/

    59 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

On Big Red Canoe, the podcast from Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, we introduce you to captivating people and intriguing stories from America's treasured wilderness, covering a wide range of recreational topics. The podcast features scientists, political figures, wilderness and outdoor recreation experts to help you experience new aspects of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the most visited wilderness in the United States. For 50 years, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness has connected people, communities and the wilderness. Our purpose is to inspire more people to connect with the pristine beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and preserve this priceless place in perpetuity. The Friends work to protect the wilderness from toxic copper-sulfide mines, introduce a new generation to the wonders of canoe country and share recreational resources on canoeing, camping and hiking trips. For more information, visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast Website:https://www.friends-bwca.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/FriendsBWCAWBlueSky:https://bsky.app/profile/bwca.bsky.socialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

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