The Trail Less Traveled

Mandela Leola van Eeden

Dedicated to documenting humanity by gathering stories & sounds from the most remote locations around the world. The goal for the show is to take you, the listener, back to mankind's earliest form of entertainment: story telling. Therefore, every week features an interview with an adventurer in their natural habitat in order to provide an audible journey packed with adventure (and conservation) information & inspiration. Everyone has a story & different perspective, we aim to share the stories from the world’s diverse cultures & unknown lands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 22h ago

    Jason Poole Part 2 of 2: Evolution, Extinction and the Asteroid That Changed Earth

    Jason C. Poole is an American paleontologist, fossil preparator, educator, and paleo-artist currently based in Missoula. Best known for blending scientific accuracy with artistic interpretation, Poole spent 27 years as the Manager of Dinosaur Hall and head fossil preparator at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, where he helped prepare and study major dinosaur discoveries from around the world.  Educated at the Antonelli Institute of Art and Photography, Poole developed a career that bridges science and visual storytelling. His paleoart and scientific illustrations have appeared in publications including National Geographic, museum collections, documentaries, and academic works. During his field career, he participated in excavations across North and South America, Africa, and Mongolia, and contributed work on dinosaurs new to science, including Paralititan, Dreadnoughtus, and Suuwassea.  Today, Poole works with the Elevation Science Institute as a field expedition crew chief, fossil preparation specialist, and resident paleo-artist. Based in Missoula, Montana, he regularly teaches drawing, painting, and paleontology workshops through the Montana Natural History Center while preparing Jurassic dinosaur fossils collected in southern Montana. His public programs and artwork emphasize making prehistoric life accessible and engaging for broad audiences.  Do yourself a favor and check out his art here: https://www.jasoncpoole.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Jason Poole Part 2 of 2: Evolution, Extinction and the Asteroid That Changed Earth

  2. 1d ago

    John Crowley on the Alsek, the Grand Canyon and his life between running rapids and raising two daughters.

    Born in Arizona, John grew up with a profound love of the Grand Canyon, having started hiking adventures there at the age of ten. He graduated from Northern Arizona University and has been boating the “big ditch” since the early 1990s. He’s also enjoyed the thrill of whitewater adventures in Utah and Alaska, where he became enamored with the Alsek River. He lives in Flagstaff, AZ where he raised two amazing daughters with his artist wife.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    John Crowley on the Alsek, the Grand Canyon and his life between running rapids and raising two daughters.

  3. Jul 11

    The Bedrock Sandals Story

    Dan Opalacz is the co-founder and co-owner of Bedrock Sandals, an adventure footwear company he launched in 2011 alongside Nick Pence after the pair met while serving as AmeriCorps conservation workers in Northern California. Inspired by long days restoring rivers and hiking rugged terrain, Opalacz helped transform a handmade minimalist sandal into an award-winning outdoor footwear brand known for its durability, repairability, and innovative design. Based in Missoula, Montana, Bedrock Sandals has grown from a Kickstarter startup into a globally recognized company while remaining committed to environmental stewardship through its partnership with 1% for the Planet. As co-founder, Opalacz continues to lead product innovation, company strategy, and sustainability initiatives, driven by a passion for adventure, thoughtful design, and creating gear built to last. Show notes: 00:03:45 - From Skiing to Surfing to Barefoot Running 00:07:19 - From Orthotics to Minimalist Footwear Founder 00:12:27 - Ancient Footwear Origins and Timeless Design 00:15:58 - Simplicity and Durability in Sandal Design 00:17:58 - Bedrock Sandals Durability and Grand Canyon Adventures 00:20:00 - Designing Sandals Built to Last Decades 00:22:14 - From Patagonia Repairs to Bedrock Clogs 00:24:47 - Bedrock's Clog Success and Mountain Shoe Innovation 00:27:53 - Advice for Following Through on Your Idea 00:31:16 - Acid Rain: A Growing Environmental Threat 00:36:31 - Humanity's Dominance Threatens Our Own Survival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Bedrock Sandals Story

  4. May 26

    Paleontology, Dinosaur Art & Montana (Part 1 of 2)

    Jason C. Poole is an American paleontologist, fossil preparator, educator, and paleo-artist currently based in Missoula. Best known for blending scientific accuracy with artistic interpretation, Poole spent 27 years as the Manager of Dinosaur Hall and head fossil preparator at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, where he helped prepare and study major dinosaur discoveries from around the world.  Educated at the Antonelli Institute of Art and Photography, Poole developed a career that bridges science and visual storytelling. His paleoart and scientific illustrations have appeared in publications including National Geographic, museum collections, documentaries, and academic works. During his field career, he participated in excavations across North and South America, Africa, and Mongolia, and contributed work on dinosaurs new to science, including Paralititan, Dreadnoughtus, and Suuwassea.  Today, Poole works with the Elevation Science Institute as a field expedition crew chief, fossil preparation specialist, and resident paleo-artist. Based in Missoula, Montana, he regularly teaches drawing, painting, and paleontology workshops through the Montana Natural History Center while preparing Jurassic dinosaur fossils collected in southern Montana. His public programs and artwork emphasize making prehistoric life accessible and engaging for broad audiences.  Do yourself a favor and check out his art here: https://www.jasoncpoole.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Paleontology, Dinosaur Art & Montana (Part 1 of 2)

  5. May 16

    A Life on the Zambezi: From Porter to High Sider to River Guide

    Kulu (Alec) Banda was born and raised in Livingstone, Zambia, near the mighty Zambezi River and Victoria Falls — known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders.” In 1981, he began working on the Zambezi as a porter, carrying heavy rafts and expedition gear in and out of the steep basalt gorge below the Falls — demanding work that required exceptional strength, endurance, and knowledge of the river. After proving himself as a porter, Kulu advanced to the role of “high sider,” a critical position on whitewater rafts where he paddled and moved his body weight to help stabilize the raft on the Zambezi's in order to prevent flips. In 1984, Kulu began his long and distinguished career as a professional river guide on the Zambezi River, one of the world’s premier whitewater destinations. He worked for Sobek, the legendary adventure company associated with the first commercial descents of the Zambezi River. Through Sobek, Kulu traveled to the United States, where he trained and guided on numerous rivers, expanding his technical expertise and becoming part of an international generation of elite river guides. oday, he continues to share his knowledge by mentoring young Zambezi river guides and helping preserve the culture and traditions of whitewater rafting on the river he has spent his life navigating. Kulu farms with his family in a village near Livingstone, remaining deeply connected to the land and community that shaped him. Show notes: 00:02:13 - Building a Farm in Mkune Village 00:04:47 - Growing Fruit Trees and Community Learning 00:08:26 - Finding Peace Beyond Military Life 00:10:12 - Letting Children Choose Their Own Path 00:12:23 - Unity Beyond National Borders 00:14:04 - Open Hearts on the Zambezi River 00:15:37 - From Porter to River Guide on Zambezi 00:17:27 - From High Sider to Rafting Guide 00:19:41 - Learning to Guide on the Zambezi River 00:23:43 - Traveling Changes Life More Than Wealth 00:26:35 - Finding Freedom Through Travel and New Beginnings 00:28:50 - Zambezi River Rapids and Whitewater Guide 00:31:07 - Preserving the Zambezi River Against Dam Construction 00:33:08 - Dam Impact on River Communities and Zambezi Geology 00:35:27 - Experience the Zambezi River Now 00:37:05 - From Rafting Guide to Conservation Advocate #Zambezi #ZambeziRiver #whitewater #whitewaterrafting #zambia #livingstonzambia #missoula #traillesstraveled #adventure #travel #travelpodcast #storytelling #whitewaterkayaking #africa #rafting #inspiration Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    A Life on the Zambezi: From Porter to High Sider to River Guide

  6. Mar 22

    The Hush of the Land: Smoke Elser shares some of this favorite stories from the Bob Marshall Wilderness

    Arnold “Smoke” Elser is a legendary wilderness outfitter, educator, and conservationist whose life’s work is deeply rooted in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness. Since his first trip into the Bob in 1956, Elser has spent nearly seven decades guiding thousands of people—many of them first-time riders—through its rugged terrain, sharing not only the landscape but also his deep reverence for wild places. After graduating from the University of Montana in 1968 with a degree in range management and secondary education, Elser and his wife Thelma founded Bob Marshall Wilderness Outfitters. They built their business on a philosophy of “interpreting the land,” helping guests connect with the wilderness through storytelling, horsemanship, and a commitment to conservation. Elser has led over 700 trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and has spent more than 8,030 nights under its stars. Elser’s influence extends beyond guiding. He has taught horse and mule packing at the University of Montana since 1964, training over 30,000 students, including military personnel and federal land managers. He co-authored the textbook Packin’ In on Mules and Horses and is a certified “Master of No Trace” instructor with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). A passionate advocate for wilderness preservation, Elser played a key role in the creation of the Great Bear Wilderness in 1978 and testified in support of the 1964 Wilderness Act. His efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the University of Montana’s 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award and the Lifetime Conservation Achievement Award from The Conservation Roundtable. Elser’s stories and experiences are captured in the memoir Hush of the Land: A Lifetime in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, co-authored with Eva-Maria Maggi. The book offers a vivid account of his adventures and his enduring commitment to protecting Montana’s wildlands. Even in his 90s, Smoke Elser remains an active voice in wilderness education and conservation, embodying a lifetime dedicated to stewarding the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Show notes: 00:03:59 - Teaching Guests to Listen to Wilderness 00:06:14 - Wilderness Education for Youth Away from Screens 00:07:48 - Bringing Youth Back to the Wilderness 00:10:02 - Starting Wilderness Camps for Kids 00:11:43 - Montana Elders Teaching Youth Wilderness Skills 00:13:08 - Teaching Wilderness Skills to Young Adults 00:15:08 - Touring the Historic Barn and Saddle Collection 00:16:53 - Historic Saddles and Branding Iron Collection 00:19:44 - Caring for Retired Horses and Mules 00:22:17 - Camping at the Airfield with Horses 00:24:23 - Sleeping with Grizzlies in the Wilderness 00:26:38 - Protecting the Wilderness Through Innovation 00:29:16 - Gore-Tex Innovation and Leave No Trace Camping 00:33:46 - Lightweight Camping and Leave No Trace Practices 00:36:05 - Making Fire Pans and Horse Shoeing Tips 00:37:35 - Biodiversity: Why Every Species Matters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Hush of the Land: Smoke Elser shares some of this favorite stories from the Bob Marshall Wilderness

  7. Mar 14

    HIV and AIDS: Education, Treatment, and Stigma

    Virginia (Ginny) Bond is an educator and public health researcher based in Zambia whose work focuses on HIV, stigma reduction, and community health. Trained as a social anthropologist, she collaborates with health programs and research organizations to better understand the social and cultural factors shaping HIV prevention, treatment, and care. Her work emphasizes community engagement, education, and participatory research methods that strengthen public health responses and empower people living with HIV. Through teaching, mentoring, and field research, she contributes to training the next generation of global health practitioners while helping develop strategies that address stigma and improve access to care.  One scientific curiosity hides behind work like hers: viruses are biological, but epidemics are social phenomena. The virus spreads through bodies, yet stigma, poverty, gender inequality, and access to education often determine whether treatment actually reaches people. That is why community counselors and educators are as critical to the HIV response as laboratories and pharmaceuticals. Show notes: 00:03:40 - Childhood Memories Across Africa 00:06:43 - From Minority Student to Anthropologist 00:09:34 - A Close Friendship Lost to AIDS 00:11:16 - HIV Origins and Early Community Counseling Work 00:14:38 - HIV Transmission Routes and Biological Factors 00:17:41 - HIV Immune System and Comorbidities in Africa 00:20:25 - Home-Based Care During the AIDS Crisis 00:23:43 - AIDS Stigma and Generational Trauma in Zambia 00:27:03 - HIV Stigma and the Power of Openness 00:30:34 - HIV Treatment Challenges and Social Stigma 00:32:28 - Tackling HIV Stigma in Health Facilities 00:37:41 - Northern Star Project: Global Stigma Reduction Initiative 00:40:37 - Modern HIV Treatment and Ending Stigma 00:42:40 - Protecting Backcountry Trails During Mud Season #travel #adventure #travelpodcast #adventurepodcast #podcasting #storytelling #inspiration #wanderlust #exploremore #travelstories #missoula #missoulamontana #montana #hivawareness #aidsawareness #endthestigma #globalhealth #publichealth #changetheworld #humansofearth Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    HIV and AIDS: Education, Treatment, and Stigma

  8. Mar 10

    Stewardship and Phenology with Lisa Bickell

    Lisa Bickell is an environmental educator and interpretive planner based in Missoula, Montana, and the current board chair of the Montana Natural History Center. She has been involved with the organization for more than 25 years and previously served as its Education Director, helping shape many of the programs that connect people of all ages to the natural world. Lisa holds a degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana and a Master of Education from Western Washington University. Her career has focused on environmental education, interpretive planning, and helping communities engage more deeply with the landscapes around them. She is especially interested in Phenology, the study of seasonal changes in plants, animals, and ecosystems. Through field courses, community programs, and decades of observation, Lisa encourages people to slow down, pay attention, and notice how the rhythms of nature are shifting over time. Show notes: 00:02:37 - Childhood Adventures in Florida Woods 00:04:46 - Childhood Nature Adventures Shape Career Path 00:08:35 - From Environmental Education to Youth Programs 00:10:32 - Visiting Naturalists School Year Program 00:12:27 - Connecting Children with Nature Through Education 00:15:33 - Montana Master Naturalist Program Overview 00:18:13 - Noticing Nature's Seasonal Changes 00:19:51 - Observing Fall Leaves Like a Naturalist 00:22:04 - Mouse Tunnels Under Melting Snow 00:24:03 - Montana's Mountain Valley at Sunset 00:26:21 - Exploring Nature Through Art and Classes 00:28:07 - Exploring Nature Through Art and Creativity 00:31:18 - Montana's Fossil History and Ecosystems 00:35:26 - Life Lessons: Leaving Well and Daily Walks #travel #adventure #montana #missoula #montananaturalhistorycenter #ecology #naturescience #phenology #travelpodcast #sciencepodcast #adventurepodcast #thetraillesstraveled #traillesstraveled #missoulamt #missoulamontana Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Stewardship and Phenology with Lisa Bickell
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4.9
out of 5
100 Ratings

About

Dedicated to documenting humanity by gathering stories & sounds from the most remote locations around the world. The goal for the show is to take you, the listener, back to mankind's earliest form of entertainment: story telling. Therefore, every week features an interview with an adventurer in their natural habitat in order to provide an audible journey packed with adventure (and conservation) information & inspiration. Everyone has a story & different perspective, we aim to share the stories from the world’s diverse cultures & unknown lands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Mandela Leola van Eeden
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    226
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Trail Less Traveled

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