Campfire Convos with Meanderin' Mitch

Meanderin' Mitch
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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. Oct 23

    He Won $12,000—Then Lost It All in One Day | Gambling Recovery

    On this episode of Campfire Convos Podcast, John joins me to talk about his experience with gambling addiction, recovery, and what happened after his years as a competitive athlete. John shares how sports betting grew from occasional wagers into constant gambling, the moment he lost $12,000 in a single day, the financial and relationship consequences, and the support that helped him start rebuilding. We also talk about the transition out of college sports, obsessive and addictive tendencies, family support, counseling, Gamblers Anonymous, and ways people can seek help. This is one person’s lived experience—not a claim that athletes generally develop gambling problems or a substitute for professional care. Some comments about betting apps are the speakers’ personal impressions and are not presented as verified claims about specific companies. Connect with Guest! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theoddsandreality/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jbonatesta Connect with Me! Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/campfireconvospodcast/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576114107409 If gambling is affecting you or someone you care about, support is available: National Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET https://1800myreset.org Find a Gamblers Anonymous meeting: https://gamblersanonymous.org/find-a-meeting/ Find virtual Gamblers Anonymous meetings: https://gamblersanonymous.org/virtual-meetings/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to Campfire Convos 00:37 Gambling, betting apps, and the rush 02:41 Recognizing when gambling becomes a problem 03:36 Constant checking and chasing winnings 05:22 The $12,000 turning point 07:24 Stopping, family support, and debt 10:01 What helped John move forward 12:29 The host’s experience with gaming and addictive habits 16:23 Why someone has to want to stop 18:07 Gambling began at a young age 20:48 Betting apps, promotions, and personal experiences 26:08 Gambling ads, young people, and the next generation 28:39 Counseling, Gamblers Anonymous, and recovery 29:59 The scale of John’s gambling losses 33:28 Becoming an advocate and finding support 39:07 Athlete identity, obsession, and transition 42:10 Competition, baseball, and the drive to improve 47:00 Golf, gambling, and life after sports 48:23 Family, parenting, and being present 51:00 What “recovery” means to John 54:10 Missing the rush—and finding a new direction 56:12 Helping athletes prepare for life after sports 1:00:11 Addictive and obsessive tendencies 1:04:04 Question for former athletes and listeners 1:06:40 Repairing relationships 1:09:02 Expectations, parenting, and sports 1:14:13 Encouragement, pressure, and supporting kids 1:17:14 Talking with someone who doesn’t see a problem 1:19:37 Closing conversation 1:20:53 Thanks for listening Subscribe to Campfire Convos Podcast for more honest conversations around the fire. Campfire Convos Podcast, gambling addiction recovery, problem gambling story, gambling recovery podcast, sports betting addiction, online gambling, gambling debt, recovery journey, former college athlete, athlete identity after sports, life after college sports, gambling and family, Gamblers Anonymous, gambling counseling, addictive personality, obsessive personality, gambling support, personal recovery story

  2. Sep 17

    Why Living Full-Time in a Camper Makes You Rethink Community | S4E9 Matt Zefi

    What happens when you trade a stable life in New York City for full-time life on the road in a camper? Outdoor filmmaker and photographer Matt Zefi joins Mitch around a rock-pit fire overlooking Yellowstone to dive into the raw realities of solo travel, high-stakes wildlife photography, and finding genuine community in remote places. In this episode, Matt and Mitch compare their experiences navigating Yellowstone National Park across different seasons, tracking predator habits, and experiencing the extreme contrast between city hustle and small-town connection. Matt breaks down why he left NYC, his obsession with quality gear that outlasts its owner (featuring Filson and Origin USA), and the lost art of leaving real voicemails. The two also recount their most intense wildlife moments—from Matt capturing a cinematic sunrise wolf encounter on a carcass to Mitch’s terrifying experience being charged by a grizzly bear—before tackling the psychological trap of solo isolation and how to explain an unconventional lifestyle to your family. 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://instagram.com/mattzefi Website: https://www.mattzefi.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mattzefi Relevant Links & Resources! Matt Zefi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattzefi/ The Brew Bank Brewery (Andy Shandy): https://www.brewbankbrewingco.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 & Yellowstone Sunset Setup) 0:45 - The Arid Beauty of Yellowstone’s Utah-Vibe Landscapes 1:57 - Wildlife Behavior: 2023 vs. Today in Lamar Valley 6:14 - Sub-Zero Wintering: Would You Survive Yellowstone at -40°? 7:31 - Andy Shandy Toast & Filson’s Lifetime Gear Philosophy 11:29 - Storytelling Brands: Filson & Origin USA Legacy 14:07 - Technology Overload & The Lost Art of Voicemails 18:26 - City vs. Small Town Social Dynamics: Organic Connection 26:01 - Cost of Living: NYC vs. Remote National Parks 34:35 - Life on the Road: What Happens After Camper Life? 41:41 - The 1-Month Alaska Road Trip Challenge 42:53 - Buy Me a Log Sponsor Toast (Shoutout to DJ & Mandy!) 43:35 - Silver Gate, Montana: The Location That Changed Everything 47:19 - Golden Hour Bald Eagle Hammock Moment 52:05 - Cinematic Wolves at Sunrise: Matt’s Dream Encounter 55:10 - Charged by a Grizzly: Mitch’s Heart-Stopping Experience 1:05:36 - Solo Travel Traps: Healing, Isolation, & Community Need 1:18:00 - Life Seasons: Navigating Marriage, Family, & Unconventional Paths 1:22:15 - Quitting the City: How to Explain Road Life to Your Parents 1:29:10 - What's Next: Gear Recommendations & YouTube Growth 1:32:18 - 200K Milestone Toast & Final Thoughts TAGS Matt Zefi, Yellowstone Wildlife Photography, Living in a Camper, Solo Travel vs Community, Grizzly Bear Charge, Lamar Valley Wolves, Filson Gear Review, Origin USA, Overlanding Jeep Camper, Road Life Reality, High Camp Flasks, The Brew Bank, Campfire Convos, Meanderin Mitch

  3. Sep 10

    Primitive Trapping Ethics, Survival Games, and Wild Card Mindset | Jacks Genega | S4E8

    When shit hits the fan in the backcountry, is survival about brute force or adaptability? Jacks Genega, founder of Wild Card Wilderness and former survival show contestant, sits down around the campfire following the Pacific Northwest Survival Games to break down the mental fortitude, ancestral skills, and ethical realities required to survive in the wild. In this episode, Jacks and Mitch unpack the high-pressure dynamics of survival competitions, why rule-bending is often where true bushcraft creativity lives, and how Mitch and his partner communicated their way to winning the games. Jacks shares her transition from major city living in New York, Boston, and Amsterdam to discovering true belonging in homesteading and primitive wilderness skills. We dive deep into food procurement—why Jacks chooses fishing over hunting or trapping for long-term survival, the dangers of rabbit starvation/protein poisoning, and a step-by-step breakdown of primitive spring pole traps and L7 triggers. Jacks also exposes hidden tree resources (like the high salt content in Pignut Hickory roots) and explains why building a warrior mindset is your ultimate survival priority. 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/wildcard.jacks/ Website: https://www.wildcardwilderness.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wildcard.wilderness Relevant Links & Resources! Wild Card Wilderness: https://www.wildcardwilderness.com/ The Brew Bank Brewery (Andy Shandy): https://www.brewbankbrewingco.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 & PNW Survival Games) 1:08 - The Rose, Bud, and Thorn of Survival Competitions 5:23 - Bending Rules: Creativity vs. Competition Limits 7:35 - Is Survival a Sport? Simulating High-Pressure Realities 11:00 - Expanding the Games: Desert, Arctic, & Squid Game Survival 15:40 - City Life Burnout: NYC to Finding Belonging in the Wild 19:05 - Hunting vs. Fishing vs. Trapping: The Ultimate Choice 23:18 - Rabbit Starvation & The Critical Need for Animal Fat 25:35 - Ancestral Knowledge: The Craft & Ethics of Primitive Trapping 28:10 - Log Sponsor Toast (Shoutout to Donnie Simpson!) 29:02 - Spring Pole Traps & L7 Triggers: A Beginner’s Entry Point 32:04 - Is Trapping Ethical? Survival Procurement vs. Sport Hunting 36:50 - Hidden Resources in Trees: Pignut Hickory Salt & Backyard Foraging 43:08 - Founding Wild Card Wilderness: Overcoming the Odds 53:05 - How Mitch Won the Survival Games: Communication & Team Dynamics 1:02:26 - Mindset & Warrior Spirit: Final Whiskey Toast Jacks Genega, Wild Card Wilderness, Alone, Pacific Northwest Survival Games, Primitive Trapping, Spring Pole Trap, L7 Trigger, Survival vs Sport, Rabbit Starvation, Foraging Pignut Hickory, Bushcraft Ethics, High Camp Flasks, The Brew Bank, Campfire Convos, Meanderin Mitch

  4. Sep 3

    Is what you're eating slowly killing you? | S4E7 Karie Lee Knoke

    Is the food on your grocery shelf carrying vital life force or hidden toxicity? Alone Season 9 runner-up and founder of Sacred Cedars Wilderness School, Karie Lee Knoke, sits down around the smokeless pit to unpack how modern pesticides affect human health, the unmeasurable energy carried by wild foods, and what it truly means to live in alignment with nature. In this episode, Karie Lee reveals her background as a senior computer consultant for Microsoft and Safeco before trading high heels for mountain living in Sandpoint, Idaho. She breaks down her 28-year career working behind the scenes on pesticide database science, creating the "Dirty Dozen" list, and serving as a key researcher on over 20 global corporate pesticide lawsuits (including glyphosate/Roundup and paraquat). We also explore energy medicine, human and tree aura fields, the 75-day detoxification process of surviving in the wilderness, and her upcoming book, The Art of Sacred Living, which focuses on the soft skills of survival and stealth awareness. 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/karie_lee_knoke/ Website - https://www.karieleeknoke.com/ Relevant Links & Resources! Environmental Working Group (Dirty Dozen): https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty_dozen.php The Brew Bank Brewery (Andy Shandy): https://www.brewbankbrewingco.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.

  5. Aug 6

    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

  6. Jul 30

    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

  7. Jul 23

    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

  8. Jul 16

    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.

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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!

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