In this episode, Jen and Dyana discuss how they’re each preparing for a backpacking trip through Grand Teton National Park. From mindset and physical training to gear and food, they cover everything it takes to plan a successful trek through the backcountry. Jen opens up with personal insights on embracing the adventure fully, while Dyana shares her goal of living a minimalist lifestyle on trail.

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Intro and Jen's poop story

3:42 Jen and Dyana discuss their upcoming trip together

6:00 Overall feelings and mental challenges

20:28 Physical preparations

26:37 Hiking gear and embracing minimalism

40:36 Food and a few new changes

42:57 Jen's personal words on embracing the backcountry

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Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected]
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

This episode is all about the 174-mile Tahoe Rim Trail — how to hike it, bike it, or even ride it on horseback— plus what’s being done to keep this incredible land public. A recent threat to sell off parts of the trail and surrounding areas could have been devastating, but two experts from the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) are here to break it all down. We’re joined by TRTA’s Executive Director, Lindsey Schultz, and Communications Manager, Daniel Corona, who share how the trail is maintained, how you can get involved, and the role TRTA plays in preserving access to the Lake Tahoe backcountry. From guided hikes to trail stewardship, this episode covers it all.

To learn more about the Tahoe Rim Trail Association from guided hikes to ways to donate visit, tahoerimtrail.org

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:

5:06 Welcome Lindsey Schultz and Daniel Corona!

14:08 The TRT's different kinds of terrain

20:00 How much water is on the TRT and the driest sections

31:13 The rules for hiking, biking, and horseback riding on the TRT

47:15 Permits required to hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail

49:40 How to protect our public lands + the danger to the Tahoe Rim Trail

58:58 How to support the Tahoe Rim Trail Association

1:19:20 Why this trail means so much to Lindsey and Daniel

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Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected]
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, we sit down with Wells Jones—adventurer, author, and all-around renaissance man. Wells joined the U.S. Navy at 18, launching a life of thrill and purpose as a precision skydiver on the Navy’s Antarctic Pararescue Team. We dive into some of his wildest missions, then head to the desert to hear how he was inspired by explorer T.E. Lawrence—and how retracing a historic route through the Middle East led to his historical fiction novel, A Line in the Sand.

A Line in the Sand on Amazon 

Felicity Aston episode 

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:

10:03 Welcome, Wells Jones!

12:51 How Wells joined the U.S. Navy Antarctic Pararescue team

24:32 Precision skydiving into Antarctica + rescue missions

43:01 The famous Middle East trek inspired by T.E. Lawrence

49:52 What it's like hiking in the Middle East

57:22 The historical fiction, A Line in the Sand

1:01:04 Why meeting people from different cultures is important

1:05:06 What role imagination plays out in the wild

Send us a text

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected]
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana chat about their upcoming backpacking adventure through Wyoming’s stunning Teton Range. From the Tetons’ dramatic geology and glacial history to bear safety and physical prep, this conversation blends trail stoke with practical backcountry insight into one of the country’s most beautiful and wild regions.

Learn more about the Grand Teton Loop Trail, click here. 

Learn more about the Teton Crest Trail, click here. 

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Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected]
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with Mandy Bishop, founder of Old Ways Wisdom and a passionate advocate for ancestral skills, wild foraging, and natural medicine. Mandy shares her path into this world of old knowledge, exploring the emotional healing and deep sense of connection that comes from aligning with the earth and our roots. Together, they talk about the challenges of balancing modern life with the pull toward a simpler, more natural way of living. From the beauty of common plants to the power of natural remedies, this conversation is filled with grounded wisdom, practical insight, and a reminder of what it means to truly belong to the land.

Connect with Mandy:
Instagram - @mandyvbishop
Website - oldwayswisdom.com
Apothecary Story - oldwayswisdom.com/store
Upcoming Events - oldwayswisdom.com/upcoming-events

Learn More about the Eastern Sierra Land Trust - eslt.org/bushandbanter/

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:
6:00 Welcome Mandy Bishop!
7:23 The Wild Women Event & blindfolded drumming
17:34 Reconnecting with nature and seeing herself differently
22:04 Tips for embracing natural products & helpful plants for hikers: dandelion, yarrow, and plantain
44:28 Understanding your ancestors to deepen your nature connection
51:29 The power of wandering
58:17 Mandy’s classes and products & one simple way to connect with the earth

Send us a text

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected]
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

Record producer Rick Rubin once said, “Don’t worry about what’s cool or what’s popular. Go after what’s interesting to you.” In this episode, Jen and Dyana explore the power of following your interests, staying curious, and navigating the resistance that often comes from the outside world. Whether it’s tackling a long thru-hike, getting into crafting, or diving into 1970s landscape art (Dyana’s latest obsession), curiosity is your greatest teacher—and it’ll always point you in the right direction. The duo also reflects on past podcast guests who’ve fearlessly followed their passions, showing that curiosity isn’t just a spark—it’s a path to growth, fulfillment, and a life well-lived.

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Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected]
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with thru-hiker and author Julia Sheehan to unpack her transformative 2,190-mile journey along the Appalachian Trail. Julia opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of the hike, the experience of documenting it on social media, and the unexpected impact of going viral. She shares insights from her new book, Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail, and gets candid about the pressure to stay authentic online, navigate community expectations, and filter through the noise of constant feedback.

Julia has stepped foot on the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Arizona Trail, but shares about the unique charm and magic of the Appalachian Trail. Julia also reflects on how yoga and writing her memoir became a key part of her healing—and why vulnerability is essential to meaningful storytelling. This conversation goes beyond the trail. It’s about resilience, self-discovery, and learning to navigate the highs and lows—on and off the path.

Follow Julia on Instagram - @juliasheehan

Her book - Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail

Her documentary - Into the Wild: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail

Backpacker article - Her Thru-Hike Went Viral. Then She Quit.

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:

2:32 Welcome, Julia Sheehan!

7:07 What life looked like for Julia when she left for the Appalachian Trail

10:32 Julia's reasons on filming her AT thru-hike

16:01 The impacts of social media + thru-hiking and how to handle online criticism

30:45 Julia's memoir - Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail

56:12 Julia's yoga journey + the benefits of practicing yoga

1:09:04 Why do first-time thru-hikers keep going back

1:15:00 The unique magic of the Appalachian Trail

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Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected]
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana dive into the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of hiking Mount Whitney—the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. Both Jen and Dyana have successfully summited Mount Whitney and have unique perspectives to share about their trips, with Jen tackling the summit via the Pacific Crest Trail and Dyana using the famous Whitney Portal. They swap stories about the mental and physical grit it takes to summit, share lessons learned from unpredictable weather and altitude sickness, and reminisce on the history and beauty of the mountain. The duo also break down the nitty-gritty: permits, gear, route options, and everything you need to know before taking on this iconic adventure. Whether you're planning your own Whitney hike or just love a good trail tale, this episode has something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Jen's Mount Whitney PCT video

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Intro to Mount Whitney

4:27 Fun facts about Mount Whitney

10:39 How to summit Whitney from the Eastern side

15:57 How to summit Whitney via the Pacific Crest Trail

21:19 Altitude sickness

24:56 To poop, or not to poop

30:27 The history behind the hut on top of Whitney

44:37 Common questions about hiking Whitney

57:40 Dyana's recommended route up Whitney

Send us a text

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected]
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with Nicole Snell—a powerhouse in personal safety, self-defense, and solo adventure. As the CEO of Girls Fight Back, Nicole is a dynamic speaker, educator, and advocate known for empowering women and marginalized communities, especially in outdoor and travel settings. She shares her journey from a successful career in production to becoming a leading voice in self-defense education. Nicole dives into the importance of solo outdoor experiences, challenges societal norms around women's safety, and emphasizes building confidence through training and awareness. With solo adventures across 18 countries, Nicole brings a wealth of insight, practical strategies, and unforgettable stories—offering listeners a bold and empowering perspective on moving through the world with strength and self-assurance.

Follow Nicole Snell on Instagram - @adventuresofnik
Follow Girls Fight Back on Instagram - @girlsfightback 
Nicole Snell’s Website - www.nicolesnell.com
Nicole's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Nicole_Snell

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:

3:23 Welcome, Nicole Snell!

5:18 How Nicole got into self-defense and becoming CEO of Girls Fight Back

10:40 Nicole's perspective on people going in to the outdoors alone

16:44 The narrative shift that's taking place with women in the outdoor space

19:00 Advice for women about to solo adventure

20:05 Weapons or no weapons?

29:00 Nicole's progression of confidence + how that can help others

50:37 Tips for those who want to travel Internationally

59:50 Future plans and projects for Nicole

1:06:13 Where you can follow and connect with Nicole

Send us a text

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected]
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with two of the most cherished figures in long-distance hiking: Barney and Sandy—better known on the trails as Scout and Frodo. At 73 years old, Scout recently completed the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail, adding to an already staggering list of accomplishments including the Triple Crown of Hiking: the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail. He’s also the author of Journeys North: The Pacific Crest Trail, a powerful account of his 2007 thru-hike with Frodo. The book was a finalist in the 2020 Banff Mountain Book Competition and has sold nearly 20,000 copies worldwide. But beyond their personal achievements, Scout and Frodo are best known for their unmatched generosity. As legendary trail angels, they’ve hosted over 8,000 Pacific Crest Trail hikers at their San Diego home, providing a launchpad for countless northbound journeys. Join us as we talk about adventure, community, aging with grit, and what it means to give back to a trail that has given so much.

Buy Barney's book: https://amzn.to/3S6Syno

Check out Barney's Website: barneyscoutmann.com

Barney's Instagram: @journeys.north

Learn More about the Eastern Sierra Land Trust - eslt.org/bushandbanter/

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:

0:42 Eastern Sierra Land Trust

4:41 Welcome, Scout and Frodo!

17:03 Scout's Triple Crown journey starting with the Pacific Crest Trail

24:26 How hosting PCT hikers came about

40:18 The meaning behind Scout's book, Journey's North

54:50 How the outdoors can make you like yourself

1:06:00 Advice from Scout and Frodo on why it's never to late to chase a dream

1:15:23 Advice for taking young kids backpacking

1:22:52 Scout and Frodo on the Pacific Northwest Trail

1:33:54 The importance of trail advocacy

1:40:40 Words to those about to start their first thru-hikes

Send us a text

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected]
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman