Backcountry Banter

In what may be my favorite conversation yet, I catch up with a good friend, Mandela Echefu. An immigrant from Nigeria, accomplished professional, and entrepreneur. Mandela started (at the time) the 3rd black owned outdoor retailer, Wheelzup in Cumberland, MD in 2021. Mandela shares his origin story, his passion for the outdoors, for mentorship, and for representation in the space. Let's put on some Celine Dion and dive into this open and candid take on the outdoor industry.

Disclosure: there are audio issues with this podcast. We believe in genuine conversations and did not want to try and recreate any of this. We believe the content is exactly the story we were hoping to share so please bear with us.

Special shout out to our sponsor The Bookmatters in downtown Milford, OH. Check out Mandela's new pick; "Man's Quest for Meaning" or any other top titles at The Bookmatters.

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In this episode Bryan sits down with Woody DePerna of J&H Outdoors in Lexington Kentucky. Woody has spent 4 decades in the footwear industry, helping tens of thousands of people to better understand their feet and matching them with the best product for their journey. We'll talk about his experience, changes in the industry over the years, and challenges that we face in specialty outdoors.

Thank you to our sponsor Oboz. Dedicated to the highest social and environmental standards and B-Corp certified, Oboz remains true to the trail. For some of the best technical outdoor footwear checkout Oboz at RRT, J&H, or your specialty outdoor store.

Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@RRT45150⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠@RRT50

Visit us online at RoadsRiversandTrails.com

Chris Broughton has worked as a first responder as a paramedic, firefighter, search and rescue worker, disaster relief worker, animal welfare worker, and in a anti-poaching unit. Chris will share some of his experiences, passions, along with what brought him to this path of service. We'll explore the importance of wilderness first aid training on your adventures and share some stories from his time in the field. Lastly, we'll make Chris fill out our first ever MAD LIBS the SAR edition.

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Bryan sits down with Rudy Schieldknecht to discuss the great American road trip. We'll discuss what makes a good road trip, what are some stories from the road, and some favorite memories made. While we may have different experiences we both come to the same conclusion; it's about the journey, not the destination. Join us as we banter about turning up the volume, rolling the windows down, and the great open road.

Need a road trip playlist? Both Rudy and Bryan made their own for you to enjoy here:

Bryan: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/56u4A9ORskfKsLQ3wGwAfG?si=680572ab6e5d4c90

Rudy: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0wIewVwjbrjwPyvvuClyBN?si=1eaf5e2b9c8f4198

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Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

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Facebook: ⁠⁠@RRT50

Dalton "Cast Iron" Spurlin has done over 800 miles southbound on the Continental Divide Trail. He joins us as our first ever remote guest on the podcast to tell us about his journey thus far. We'll talk about learning lessons, his pace, and counting calories on what will be part one of a continuing series as we follow Dalton on his CDT thru-hike attempt.

Sponsorship provided by Nemo:

Visit https://roadsriversandtrails.com and use code "CAPTAIN" for 15% all Nemo for a limited time.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@RRT45150⁠⁠

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At 81 Jene Galvin isn't slowing down one bit. A longtime friend of RRT, Jene sits down with us to discuss his time as a volunteer ranger in Lake Clark, Alaska, his secret to staying active into his 80's, and his transition to ultralight backpacking. Jene has inspired many though his journalism and storytelling, his new message; Getting older? Then speed up!

Sponsorship provided by Roads Rivers and Trails:

https://roadsriversandtrails.com/

Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@RRT45150⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠@RRT50

In this episode we run the gamut with a long time friend and partner in the outdoor industry, Heath Rowland. We'll dive into Heath's passions in the outdoors, his business; Ground Up Sales, and his work with the Southeast Climbers Coalition. We'll sip some bourbon, play some games, and enjoy some classic banter. Come on the journey with us as we explore climbing in the Winds and Katahdin, and a friend fueled frenzy of a game called "Did Heath Say It?".

Learn More:

SCC Conservation Legacy Program

Ground Up Sales

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@RRT45150⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠@RRT50

In this episode Bryan and Dalton discuss the upcoming GOA Connect tradeshow, one of 2 major tradeshows they attend. They talk about how they buy gear and bigger conversations with brands that guide their business. Take a unique look into the business of specialty outdoor retail.

A special thank you to our sponsor, the one and only Tire King. Be sure to check out RRT river clean up events here.

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Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

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Facebook: ⁠⁠@RRT50

Do you count pack weight by pounds, ounces, or grams? Bryan and Dalton have a different perspective when it comes to pack weight and try to argue their points in this new episode. While there may not always be a clear winner, their perspectives may shine a light on how you'd like to build out your kit.

Thank you to our sponsor Osprey. Take advantage of a special deal to get a free hydration bladder with a pack purchase of $100 or more. Use coupon code "STRAPITON". ⁠Shop here⁠

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Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@RRT45150⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠@RRT50

RRT'ers Bryan, Emily, and Joe all spent a week in Puerto Rico with family soaking in the culture, enjoying the food, and experiencing totally unique adventures. Bryan recounts the trip including hiking in El Yunque, paddling in the Bioluminescence, and walking the streets of San Juan.

Quick episode links:

Kayak Puerto Rico

Flavors of San Juan

Thank you to our sponsor Osprey. Take advantage of a special deal to get a free hydration bladder with a pack purchase of $100 or more. Use coupon code "STRAPITON". Shop here

Like what you hear? We'd love if you gave us a follow.

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@RRTrails⁠⁠

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@RRT45150⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠@RRT50