The Nature Reliance Podcast: Where Wilderness and Human Nature Collide

Craig Caudill | Nature Reliance School

The Nature Reliance Podcast explores real stories of wilderness survival, human decision-making under stress, awareness, and the lessons nature quietly teaches us all. Hosted by Craig Caudill of Nature Reliance School, this podcast blends immersive storytelling, historical accounts, wilderness experience, modern psychology, and reflective analysis into a grounded exploration of what happens when people are tested by nature, uncertainty, fear, and consequence. This is not fake survival nonsense. These are thoughtful, psychologically realistic stories about awareness, humility, resilience, and the ways stress exposes human gaps. From historical wilderness disasters to modern survival incidents, tracking stories, close calls, and lessons learned in the field, each episode examines not just what happened, but why. Because awareness is trainable.Nature rewards humility.And the best classroom has no walls. Get our free online survival course!:  https://bit.ly/FreeMSTGJoin the NRS Online Membership here:  https://bit.ly/NRSONLINE

  1. 1d ago

    Scouts Out! Author Ryan Robicheaux: Kiowa Warrior, Afghanistan & Resilience

    What does resilience look like when conditions change, decisions carry consequences, and the experience stays with you after coming home? Ryan Robicheaux, author of Scouts Out! A Kiowa Warrior Pilot’s Perspective of War in Afghanistan, joins Craig Caudill, Director of Nature Reliance School, for Season 5, Episode 1 of The Nature Reliance Podcast. From serving as a National Guard medic to flying the Army’s OH-58D Kiowa Warrior scout helicopter, Ryan shares a personal perspective on military aviation, situational awareness, adaptability, and life after deployment. He explains why supporting troops on the ground mattered to him, and how the freedom and constraints his crews experienced changed between Afghanistan deployments. The conversation also explores the story behind Scouts Out!, deployment journals written for family, a promise to his journalist grandmother, and the years of work required to turn those experiences into a military memoir. For listeners interested in personal resilience and the mindset of doing hard things, this episode connects demanding experiences with everyday questions: How do we adapt? Where do we find purpose? How can we support people whose experiences differ from our own? IN THIS EPISODE • Ryan’s path from National Guard medic to Army aviator • Choosing the Kiowa Warrior and understanding the scout mission • Situational awareness, observation, and adapting to changing conditions • Ryan’s perspective on Afghanistan deployments and rules of engagement • The journals, family promise, and writing process behind Scouts Out! • Transitioning from military flying to commercial aviation • Veteran connection, patience, and time outdoors • Advice for young people considering military service EXPLORE RYAN’S BOOK Learn more about Scouts Out! A Kiowa Warrior Pilot’s Perspective of War in Afghanistan and find purchase options: https://www.scoutsoutbook.com/ ABOUT THE NATURE RELIANCE PODCAST Hosted by Craig Caudill, Director of Nature Reliance School, The Nature Reliance Podcast explores personal resilience, awareness, and the mindset of doing hard things—including learning to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Nature Reliance School training and resources: https://naturereliance.org/ Follow the podcast: https://naturereliance.buzzsprout.com/ Connect with Nature Reliance School: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturerelianceschool Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturereliance/ If this conversation gives you a useful perspective, share the episode with someone who would appreciate it and follow the show for future conversations. Content note: This episode includes discussion of combat, death, veteran suicide, and some mild language. Ryan shares his personal experiences and opinions. Thanks for listening!  Follow us at Nature Reliance School.

  2. Jan 29

    How Understanding Plant Names Helps You Read the Land

    Plant systematics and Latin plant names intimidate a lot of people. But they shouldn’t. In this episode, I sit down with Eric Comley, a herbaceous plants instructor, to break down why scientific plant names actually matter and how they help everyday people understand plants, landscapes, and ecosystems more clearly. We talk about why Latin names are descriptive tools rather than academic jargon, how genus and species relationships help you learn plants faster, and how dichotomous keys really work without turning plant identification into a memorization exercise. We also discuss ways to make plant study fun for kids and adults, how learning through games improves retention, and why plants are some of the best indicators of what’s happening on the land around you. This conversation is about slowing down, observing more closely, and building practical knowledge that carries over into tracking, navigation, and wilderness skills. The best classroom has no walls.  Join us to build real-world skills with us at Nature Reliance School.  Link in the show notes. Thanks for listening!  Follow us at Nature Reliance School.

  3. 12/17/2025

    Practical insights on longevity, movement, hydration, nutrition, and nature based health

    In this episode, Craig Caudill sits down with Dr. Scott Hardin for a thoughtful conversation on what it really means to live well, not just live longer. You can find Dr. Hardin at his websiteYou can find some insight into the 20-5-3 concept, hereCheck out the protocol from Prolon Life that Dr. Hardin discussed here.  You can use code SCOTTHARDIN50 for a fantastic discount.Rather than focusing on lifespan alone, this discussion centers on extending health span, the ability to stay strong, capable, and mentally sharp as we age. Dr. Hardin breaks down the core principles of lifestyle medicine and explains how modern convenience, ultra processed foods, and sedentary habits quietly erode long term health. Craig and Dr. Hardin also share a mutual appreciation for judo and discuss how purposeful movement practices build strength, balance, coordination, and resilience across a lifetime. Judo serves as a powerful example of movement as medicine and highlights why functional, skill based movement often outperforms machines and isolated exercises. The conversation expands into the importance of embracing healthy discomfort, inspired by ideas similar to those found in The Comfort Crisis. Dr. Hardin explains why discomfort is not something to avoid, but something the human body needs in measured doses to remain adaptable and resilient. Additional topics include: The pillars of lifestyle medicine and where most people fall shortMovement as medicine and why hiking, rucking, and outdoor activity matterShinrin yoku or forest bathing and the science behind nature based healthUltra processed foods and why dietary fiber is the most common nutritional deficiencyHydration, minerals, and electrolytes and why water alone is not always enoughBlue Zones and what long lived cultures consistently get rightThis is a practical, grounded conversation focused on real world application. No extreme protocols. No hype. Just sound principles that support long term health and capability. If you care about aging well, staying physically capable, and building a body that supports an active, meaningful life, this episode is for you. Thanks for listening!  Follow us at Nature Reliance School.

  4. 05/01/2025

    Beyond the Field with Kevin Estela: Building a Mindset for the Outdoors

    How to sharpen your skills, shift your mindset, and thrive in wild places. Craig Caudill sits down with survival expert Kevin Estela to unpack his new book Beyond the Field, a deep dive into wilderness living, hunter’s mindset, and leadership in the outdoors. If you're ready to do more than survive, and truly thrive in the wild, this one’s for you.  Kevin Estela's Website, Click HEREKevin's new book, Beyond the Field, Click HERE Thanks for listening!  Follow us at Nature Reliance School.

  5. 03/20/2025

    Lessons from the Field: Search and Rescue Insights from 2024

    Every year, Search and Rescue (SAR) teams risk their lives to save outdoor enthusiasts who find themselves in trouble. In 2024 alone, SAR teams have responded to numerous critical incidents—many of which could have been prevented. In this episode, Craig Caudill sits down with Tracy Trimble, an experienced SAR volunteer and Nature Reliance School instructor, to break down the real-life lessons from this year’s rescues. From lost hikers to high-risk cliff falls, we uncover the most common mistakes that lead to emergencies—and, more importantly, how you can avoid becoming a statistic.  These data points were gathered through Wolfe County Search and Rescue.  See please a link for the ALL volunteer team and consider a donation for their incredible work.   Join us for an eye-opening discussion on:  ✅ The biggest trends in 2024 SAR operations  ✅ What truly happens when a rescue call goes out  ✅ The key survival mistakes that put people at risk  ✅ Practical tips to stay safe in the backcountry Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or just starting your journey into the wild, this episode is packed with must-know survival insights that could save your life. Tune in now! Thanks for listening!  Follow us at Nature Reliance School.

  6. 02/18/2025

    How 4H Camps Get Kids Off Screens & Into the Outdoors

    In today’s world, kids are spending more time on screens than in nature. But 4H Camps are changing that by giving them hands-on experiences in outdoor adventure, self-reliance, and leadership. In this episode, I sit down with Jake Farmer and Kyle Comley to discuss how 4H Camps provide life-changing experiences for young people. We’ll cover:** ✅ What makes 4H Camps unique ✅ How parents can get their kids involved ✅ What a day at camp looks like ✅ The skills and confidence kids gain from outdoor education ✅ Jake & Kyle’s personal journeys through 4H and Nature Reliance School If you want to help kids build real-world skills, foster resilience, and develop a love for the outdoors, this is an episode you don’t want to miss! Kyle Comley Email:  Kyle.comley@uky.eduWebsite:  https://4-h.ca.uky.edu/lake-cumberland-campJake Farmer Email:  Jake.farmer@uky.eduWebsite:  https://4-h.ca.uky.edu/north-central-campThanks for listening!  Follow us at Nature Reliance School.

  7. 02/10/2025

    Daddy Long Legs: Myths, Truths & Surprising Facts

    The best way to get the outline and other important info for this podcast is to check out our Podcast Blog on our website for this episode.  You can find it here Craig Caudill and Blake Newton, an entomologist at the University of Kentucky, discuss the misconceptions about harvestmen, commonly known as "granddaddy long legs." Harvestmen are not spiders and lack venom, despite being mistakenly called the most venomous spider. They have about 20 species in Kentucky and 15,000 globally. Newton also clarifies that black widows and brown recluse spiders are the only medically significant spiders in Kentucky. He emphasizes the importance of tick prevention and proper removal, noting that most biting mosquitoes in Kentucky are invasive species. The conversation also touches on the broader entomology, including the impact of habitat loss on insect populations and the potential of insects as a food source. Thanks for listening!  Follow us at Nature Reliance School.

  8. 01/22/2025

    The Science of Cold Exposure: How It Impacts Your Body and Mind

    You can discover the transcript, outline and ore at this link: https://naturereliance.org/blogs/blog/cold-exposure-calories-muscles-electrolytes-survival-benefits Discover the fascinating science behind cold exposure and how it affects your body and mind. In this episode, we explore how cold temperatures boost calorie burn, the importance of electrolytes in cold weather, and the short- and long-term effects on muscles. Learn how cold exposure builds mental resilience, enhances survival skills, and improves overall health. We’ll also share practical tips for safely incorporating cold exposure into your routine. Whether you’re a survival enthusiast, fitness buff, or just curious about the benefits of the cold, this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies. Don’t miss it! Huberman Lap Episode on Cold Exposure for Health and Performance Thanks for listening!  Follow us at Nature Reliance School.

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About

The Nature Reliance Podcast explores real stories of wilderness survival, human decision-making under stress, awareness, and the lessons nature quietly teaches us all. Hosted by Craig Caudill of Nature Reliance School, this podcast blends immersive storytelling, historical accounts, wilderness experience, modern psychology, and reflective analysis into a grounded exploration of what happens when people are tested by nature, uncertainty, fear, and consequence. This is not fake survival nonsense. These are thoughtful, psychologically realistic stories about awareness, humility, resilience, and the ways stress exposes human gaps. From historical wilderness disasters to modern survival incidents, tracking stories, close calls, and lessons learned in the field, each episode examines not just what happened, but why. Because awareness is trainable.Nature rewards humility.And the best classroom has no walls. Get our free online survival course!:  https://bit.ly/FreeMSTGJoin the NRS Online Membership here:  https://bit.ly/NRSONLINE

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