The WildeBeat Steve Sergeant for Earth Island Institute

This is a special announcement in place of our regular show.


Steve announces a change in our format and our production schedule. Our future programs will be presented in a longer format on roughly a monthly schedule. We expect to release the first in our new series of programs in December.


Special Announcement on November 6, 2008 [MP3 format; length 6:32; 3,133,896 bytes]






For a complete audio archive, and to find out more, visit: www.wildebeat.net

This skills program is part 2 of our look at the science and skills, myths and fact around trekking poles. Is hiking with poles a trendy gimmick, or a valuable skill? (This is an update of our edition 87 originally presented on May 24, 2007.)


Julianne Abendroth-Smith talks about the results of research into the effects on the body of hiking with trekking poles. She's a biomechanics professor at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon.


We hear from Jayah Faye Paley, an author and educator, and co-host of an educational DVD, POLES for Hiking, Trekking & Walking. Jayah's web site, Adventure Buddies, provides more information about her educational products and services. Jayah describes basic skills for using trekking poles.


Julianne Abendroth-Smith updates us on the very latest scientific results about the effectiveness of trekking poles and the effects of using them.


Show number 162 [MP3 format; length 10:20; 2,483,385 bytes]
Show number 161 & 162, combined version [MP3 format; length 19:58; 19,179,807 bytes]
Transcript of edition 162
Transcript of editions 161 & 162 combined






For a complete audio archive, and to find out more, visit: www.wildebeat.net

This skills program is part 1 of our look at the science and skills, myths and fact around trekking poles. Is hiking with poles a trendy gimmick, or a valuable skill? (This is a reprise of our edition 86 originally presented on May 17, 2007.)


Steve talks to Julianne Abendroth-Smith of Willamette University in Salem Oregon. She's a biomechanics professor studying the physics of hiking, and how hiking with various poles and walking sticks affect the body.


Steve talks to Jayah Faye Paley, an author and educator, and co-host of an educational DVD, POLES for Hiking, Trekking & Walking. Jayah's web site, Adventure Buddies, provides more information about her educational products and services.


We'll hear more from Julianne Abrendroth-Smith and Jayah Faye Paley in part two. We'll find out Jayah's techniques for using poles, and we'll update you with the latest scientific research about those techniques.


Show number 161 [MP3 format; length 9:55; 2,382,262 bytes]
Transcript of edition 161






For a complete audio archive, and to find out more, visit: www.wildebeat.net

In this wild places program, Guest Correspondent Kurt Repanshek investigates the changes coming to the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.


Kurt explains how the mountain pine beetle is affecting the white bark pine trees, and man animals and people who depend on these trees. Why is this beetle a growing problem now?


We also hear from Dr. Jesse Logan, a recently retired U.S. Forest Service entomologist, Diana Tomback, a biology professor at the University of Colorado in Denver, and Louisa Willcox, a senior wildlife advocate for the Natural Resources Defense Council.


You can read more reporting by Kurt Repanshek at his National Parks Traveler web site.


Show number 160 [MP3 format; length 9:51; 2,368,849 bytes]
Show number 160, extended version [MP3 format; length 11:01; 5,748,377 bytes]
Transcript of edition 160




For a complete audio archive, and to find out more, visit: www.wildebeat.net

This skills program presents skills for building primitive shelters. This is the fifth in a series featuring primitive technologies experts from Primitive Ways. Other shows in this series are edition 141, First Skills, edition 146, Starting with Fire, edition 150, Ancient Firemaking, and edition 155, Primal Grooming.


Using primitive tools and natural materials, naturalist Norm Kidder explains how to choose a sheltered location, demonstrates how to cut wood with a rock, and describes how to build a basic lean-to structure.


The Primitive Ways website has many articles on primitive shelter construction. Another source of information on primitive skills is the Society of Primitive Technologies.


Show number 159 [MP3 format; length 11:47; 2,831,519 bytes]
Show number 159, extended high-quality stereo version [MP3 format; length 16:33; 15,904,670 bytes]
Transcript of edition 159





For a complete audio archive, and to find out more, visit: www.wildebeat.net

This gear program presents the first of our new series of gear reviews. Now, more than ever, our gear programs depend on your participation.


Steve talks to Backpack Gear Test founder and publisher Jerry Goller about the new relationship between Backpack Gear Test and the WildeBeat. Richard Lyon reviews the Ryders Eyewear Intersect sunglasses.


If you're interested in reviewing for Backpack Gear Test (BGT), read: How to become a tester. Manufacturers provide more gear than the volunteers at BGT can keep up with. By becoming a tester, you can help your fellow wilderness travelers find out what gear will work for them.


Show number 158 [MP3 format; length 9:55; 2,384,833 bytes]
Show number 158, extended version [MP3 format; length 12:53; 6,189,415 bytes]Show number 158 script




For a complete audio archive, and to find out more, visit: www.wildebeat.net