Ignite Podcast

Women Hunt

Ignite connects outdoor enthusiasts diving deep into topics with adventurers, conservationists, leaders and story tellers.

  1. 6d ago

    Lasha Barbosa - Finding My Voice Again

    A brain tumor, a wheelchair, and a 3,000-mile drive to Texas did not stop Lasha Barbosa from reclaiming her life in the outdoors. Dana sits down with Lasha and Barbosa and her husband Chris who translates and speaks for her on the podcast. The trio talk about what happened after Lasha saw a Women Hunt post on Instagram and is one of the most moving comeback stories you’ll hear all season. Lasha opens up about surviving brain surgery, losing friends, rebuilding her strength, and finding purpose again through hunting, conservation, and community. You’ll hear how the Women Hunt program became more than a training week - it became the spark that pushed her out of bed and back into nature. She shares the nerves of arriving at FTW, the surprise of instantly connecting with the women there, and the unforgettable moment she made her first successful shot on a deer after learning to shoot out to 700 yards with the group. We also get into the deeper side of Lasha’s journey: how she lost her voice box and mobility, how she fought for a diagnosis in Canada, and why she refused to let any of it define the rest of her life. Dana and Lasha talk honestly about grief, resilience, and the power of being welcomed into a community that never treated her like she was broken. Then there’s her art. Lasha shares how drawing became part of her rehabilitation after surgery, how a mentor helped her grow from complete beginner to Federation of Canadian Artists signature status, and why she now donates her work to conservation causes at events like Sheep Show. It’s a story about creativity, recovery, and using whatever gifts you have to give back. If you need proof that one courageous decision can change everything, this conversation delivers it. Perfect for anyone who loves hunting, conservation, comeback stories, or the kind of episode that reminds you what people can do when they refuse to stay down. Follow Lasha and her hunting journey on Instagram at @lasha_rugged_roots_outdoors and her art account at @lasha_fine_art

    Lasha Barbosa - Finding My Voice Again
  2. Sep 8

    Blaze Series pt 4 - Kaitlyn Brown - Persistence Pays Off

    Kaitlyn Brown’s story shows what happens when you push past that voice the voice that tries to make you small, the one that says "you don’t belong." Step into a welcoming community, and discover a path from total beginner to confident hunter, mentor, and advocate for Women Hunt. Host Dana Dykema sits down with Kaitlyn, a Women Hunt Field to Fork graduate from the 2023 class, for a conversation that is part inspiration, part practical roadmap. Kaitlyn shares how a friend encouraged her to apply, why she tried twice before getting selected, and how the program arrived at exactly the right moment in her life. What starts as a story about applying to a course turns into something bigger: confidence, community, and a completely new way of seeing food, skill, and self-reliance. Kaitlyn shares the things she learned at the ranch from shooting out to 700 yards to finding your dominant eye, shot placement and field dressing.  The two talk about how the hunting community is unique and often an unexpected place to find your people. Kaitlyn can attest to how stepping into the hunting world has introduced her to some good friends and the numerous ways she loves to give back since becoming part of the Women Hunt family.  Kaitlyn also shares the emotional reality of harvesting her first doe, the lessons she passed on later while helping process antelope and moose, and the surprising way a bag of pork from a Sheep Show butcher demo helped spark her relationship with her now-husband, Josh. Along the way, she talks about bird hunting, cast and blast trips, sage grouse cook-offs, fitness for the field, and even an unforgettable hunt in South Africa.If you’ve ever wondered how to get started hunting, how to find your people, or how one course can change your confidence in and out of the field, this episode is for you. It’s an encouraging listen for women who want to learn, hunters who remember their first steps, and anyone who believes the best outdoor stories are really about transformation.

    Blaze Series pt 4 - Kaitlyn Brown - Persistence Pays Off
  3. Sep 1

    Blaze Series Pt 3 - Amy Patrick - Lobbying for the Future

    Oregon nearly became the test case for one of the most alarming anti-hunting ballot measures in recent memory - and Amy Patrick is on the front lines of what happens next. As an independent lobbyist, sixth-generation farm kid, and late-blooming hunter, she reveals how IP 28 came frighteningly close, why the fight for a right to hunt and fish is far from over, and what it takes to push back when the politics are stacked against you. Amy Patrick is an independent lobbyist in Oregon and the founder of Drift Creek Consulting. She also works closely with the sportsmen's community and serves as a client and advocate for organizations like the Oregon Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation. We break down how Oregon became a "petri dish" for extreme ballot efforts, why the state's initiative process makes it vulnerable, and how 140,000-plus signatures still weren't enough to stop the pressure. Amy explains the real-world impact of bad policy, the danger of political misinformation, and why wildlife funding, ballot measures, and conservation politics matter far beyond Oregon. You'll hear Amy's experience at FTW Ranch and how being selected as one of the 12 applicants to attend the Field to Fork program in 2022 affected her, informed her and ultimately equipped her in more ways than just hunting. She shares how touched she was by the support she received and how she quickly picked up skills like field dressing and butchery. She uses her own experience and the understanding of how the nuances of hunting supports wildlife and habitat to advocate for its continuation at the legislative level.  Amy and Dana talk candidly about civics, polarization, social media outrage, and why too many people sign petitions or form opinions without understanding what they're actually supporting. This episode is essential listening if you care about hunting, fishing, trapping, conservation, public lands, or simply understanding how decisions get made before they quietly reshape your way of life. Amy's message is clear: if you want your rights preserved, you can't stay on the sidelines.

    Blaze Series Pt 3 - Amy Patrick - Lobbying for the Future
  4. Aug 25

    Blaze Series Pt 2 - Hairdresser to Hunter

    A first-time hunter. A life turned upside down. And a program that gave Andrea Bouwman the confidence, community, and conservation knowledge she never knew she needed. If you have ever wondered whether hunting is for you - or if you need more confidence, more skills, or just a place to start - this conversation is for you. Andrea sits down with host Dana Dykema to share how she went from zero hunting and gun experience to being selected for the Women Hunt program, traveling to FTW Ranch in Texas, and stepping into a world of rifles, field dressing, tracking, butchering, and conservation education. Dana and Andrea dig into the moments that changed everything: the Sheep Show booth that first caught Andrea’s attention, the application process that felt intimidating at first, and the instant bond she found with other women from across the U.S. and Canada. You’ll hear how the Field to Fork course accelerated her learning, built real confidence, and turned “I don’t know if I can do this” into “I can be an asset.” Andrea also shares the deeper story behind the episode - navigating her husband’s serious illness while raising three daughters, leaning on faith, and discovering how the Women Hunt community became a lifeline during one of the hardest seasons of her life. She opens up about what it means to grieve what hunting used to look like, while still making room for new possibilities with her family.  This episode is about far more than hunting. It is about resilience, confidence, community, and finding strength in the middle of uncertainty. Essential listening if you love stories about women in the outdoors, new hunters, conservation, and the unexpected ways the right people show up at the right time. Andrea and her middle daughter have a joyful expectation to participate in this year's Mama Bear Field Camp with Emily Richett in December 2026.

    Blaze Series Pt 2 - Hairdresser to Hunter
  5. Aug 18

    Blaze Series - Part 1 - Fast Friends

    Welcome to Episode 1 of our new Blaze Series where we talk to those who have been transformed by Hear their fun, moving, inspirational stories and the ways they are giving back. Dana Dykema sits down with two members of the original 2021 Women Hunt class to talk about the ripple effect of saying yes; Laura Carter and Danny Henderson. Laura shares the deeply personal reason she applied after walking through cancer, loss, and the need to keep growing. Danny explains how a Facebook post, a birthday deadline, and a gut feeling led her to apply and end up changing the direction of her life. You'll hear how FTW Ranch gave them the confidence to learn, how the women-only program creates real mentorship, and why the bond between classmates has lasted long after the trip ended. Laura and Danny break down the training, the patience of the instructors, and the unexpected power of showing up as a beginner without fear of looking foolish. We also get into the hunts that followed: mule deer, elk, turkeys, antelope, Axis deer, and even an unforgettable Africa story involving lions, a rhino, and a camp in the bush. Laura talks about the hunt that led her to her current husband, Thomas, while Danny shares how her family has embraced her new identity as a hunter, including her daughter Steph's first turkey. There is plenty here for women who want to start hunting, for seasoned hunters looking for a boost of motivation, and for anyone who needs proof that it is never too late to become the kind of person who does hard things. If you want encouragement, practical hunting talk, and two women with infectious energy who are still leveling up, this one belongs in your queue.

    Blaze Series - Part 1 - Fast Friends
  6. Aug 11

    Kelli Poole - Hippo Hunt & Global Rescue

    A broken leg in Uzbekistan. A croc-infested river in Zambia. A random giraffe swing or mountain slip in the backcountry. Join Dana Dykema as she sits down with Kelli Poole, Partner Account Manager to Global Rescue, as the two unpack how this service actually works. Global Rescue is not insurance; it's a no-activity-restrictions membership fit for hunters, mountaineers, backcountry hikers and anyone heading far off the grid. With various membership tiers you can make sure you're supported whenever you go out for your next adventure should the worst happen. You never know when that bug bite or twisted ankle or something more serious can turn into an emergency situation requiring expert guidance or even extraction. Global Rescue is a proud supporter of the Women Hunt program. The two discuss how that partnership got started and plans for the future.  Kelly also shares firsthand hunting stories from Zambia, including dangerous game, croc crossings, and the kind of unpredictable moments that remind you just how fast a great trip can become a bad one. Dana adds her own near-miss story from her trip to Africa a few summers ago when simply not checking her pants that were hanging on the laundry line led her to a nasty bite from a furry caterpillar. This episode is a practical wake-up call for anyone who heads into the wild. If you hunt, climb, or travel anywhere that help is not immediately nearby and if you want more confidence before your next trip, this episode shows why preparation is not paranoia - it is part of the plan. Find out more at www.globalrescue.com

    Kelli Poole - Hippo Hunt & Global Rescue
  7. Aug 4

    Dr. Peregrine Wolff and Helen Schwantje - The Art of Veterinary Medicine 

    In this lively episode, wildlife veterinarians and longtime friends Dr. Peregrine Wolff and Helen Schwantje share how their careers were shaped by their love for animals, hunting, and a passion for making a difference. From navigating the evolution of veterinary medicine to breaking barriers as women in wildlife, their stories will inspire and challenge your perceptions. Discover how funding through the Wild Sheep Foundation has propelled vital research, saving wild sheep populations from disease and demonstrating the power of dedicated members—most of whom are hunters supporting conservation. Helen’s journey from a childhood on Vancouver Island to influencing wildlife health across Canada shows that passion, persistence, and collaboration can change the world. She was British Columbia's Wildlife Veterinarian from 1992-2021. Peregrine, past board member at the Wild Sheep Foundation, was also one of original members of the Women Hunt committee in 2021. Currently she works as the executive manager for the Wildlife Disease Association and has over 40 years in the field of veterinarian work. The pair highlight how technological advances, like portable diagnostics, are transforming wildlife medicine—while emphasizing the importance of foundational skills in an age of rapid innovation. This episode breaks down the inclusive evolution of the veterinary profession, the essential role of hunting in conservation, and how zoo and wildlife collaborations are advancing species recovery. You'll learn the fascinating story of how these two remarkable women met—over a shared love of wildlife and a fierce commitment to conservation—culminating in a thrilling safari adventure in Africa plus many other endeavors over the years. Perfect for conservation-minded hunters, animal lovers, and anyone interested in the future of wildlife health; this conversation highlights that collaboration and shared can bridge seemingly polarizing perspectives. Whether you’re new to hunting, curious about wildlife medicine, or a seasoned conservationist, you'll walk away with a fresh understanding of how community, technology, and passion come together to protect our planet’s most vulnerable species. Dive in and be inspired to see conservation from a new angle—where every voice, every skill, and every passion count. Support meaningful research. Celebrate diverse perspectives. Join the movement to protect wildlife—because when we work together, the possibilities are endless. This episode features in-depth stories from wildlife veterinarians Dr. Peregrine Wolff and Helen, two trailblazers whose careers span decades of conservation, research, and advocacy. Their insights shed light on progress made—and the road ahead—guided by collaboration across tradition and innovation.

    Dr. Peregrine Wolff and Helen Schwantje - The Art of Veterinary Medicine 
  8. Jul 28

    Emily Richett - Mama Bear Field Camp

    When Emily Richett stepped into the world of hunting, she never imagined how much it would change her perspective, deepen her respect for wildlife, and ignite her drive to bring others along for the journey. In this compelling conversation, Emily shares her inspiring journey from a vegan news reporter to a passionate advocate and participant in the Women Hunt program, revealing how a simple application transformed her life and redefined her relationship with food, nature, and community. Discover how a young woman’s seeds of curiosity planted at a hunting expo grew into a life-altering adventure—culminating in her pivotal participation in Women Hunt at FTW Ranch in San Antonio, Texas. That experience as a participant in the Women Hunt "Field to Fork" course set Emily on a trajectory that would find her launching her very own version of an introduction to hunting course. Her course is for ladies and female youth called, "Mama Bear Field Camp" which launched in December 2025 at Legends Ranch in Michigan. Mama Bear Field Camp is an immersive, hands-on experiences: from harvesting your first deer to creating lasting memories with your children. Emily explores the profound emotional and spiritual moments that happen when we connect face-to-face with the wild, challenging our assumptions, and embracing a deeper understanding of conservation and ethical hunting. Dana and Emily also talk about how traditional skills like hunting can build resilience and confidence in women and children alike . Emily shares how crucial role of education, community, and mentorship in reshaping perceptions of hunting and wild game. As well as, practical insights for mothers wanting to integrate outdoor and survival skills into family life without sacrificing their busy schedules. Why does it matter? Because understanding the true story behind hunting’s role in conservation—and experiencing it firsthand—familiarizes us with what’s possible when we step outside our comfort zones. This episode invites you to reconsider what’s truly important: connection, respect, resilience, and passing on powerful traditions to the next generation. Perfect for moms, women curious about hunting, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone questioning their assumptions about food and wildlife, this conversation sparks curiosity and fuels action. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just beginning to explore, these stories will inspire you to participate, learn, and grow. Join us and discover how your next adventure might just be the most empowering one yet. You can find out more about Emily, her book and to apply for Mama Bear Field Camp 2026 via her Instagram @mamabearsurvival and on the Wild Sheep Foundation Website via the Women Hunt section: https://www.wildsheepfoundation.org/What-We-Do/Women-Hunt/Hunting-Training

    Emily Richett - Mama Bear Field Camp

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Ignite connects outdoor enthusiasts diving deep into topics with adventurers, conservationists, leaders and story tellers.

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