Bush & Banter

In this episode, Jen and Dyana chat with professional fly fisherman Ashley White, who shares his journey into fly fishing and how it has profoundly impacted his mental health and personal growth. The conversation delves into the therapeutic nature of the outdoors, the art of fly tying, and the strong sense of community within the fly fishing world. Ashley opens up about how fly fishing has served as a powerful healing outlet for trauma survivors, reflecting on personal milestones, the joy of fishing, and the restorative power of nature. He also discusses his passion for the outdoors and his brand The Gentleman Lumberjack. The discussion covers various fishing techniques, the accessibility of the sport, and practical advice on getting started, from investing in gear to embracing the adventures that await in the wild.

Follow Ashley White on Instagram: @the_gentleman_lumberjack

The Gentleman Lumberjack: www.thefishinggent.com

Book Ashley as a fly fishing guide: https://fishing-for-all.com/

Tommy Corey's episode which features Ashley: Listen here

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:

3:20 Welcome, Ashley White and the beauty of Minnesota

9:13 Why Ashley was drawn to fly fishing and how he got into the sport

13:55 The beauty of the slowness of fly fishing

26:05 The benefit of fly fishing for trauma survivors

42:59 Community and camaraderie over success

49:39 The childlike freedom of fishing and outdoor play

54:11 Different types of angling

58:05 Ashley's brand, the Gentleman Lumberjack

1:05:10 Advice for beginners wanting to start fly fishing

1:11:23 The average cost of a fly fishing course and gear

1:31:27 How the fly fishing community is evolving and the future of the sport

1:43:19 How to connect with Ashley

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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: @jenfrederick_

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with Chamois Andersen, Senior Field Representative for Defenders of Wildlife, to discuss the essential protocols for encountering some of the most formidable wildlife on U.S. hiking trails, including grizzly bears and mountain lions. Andersen also shares insights into the challenges of protecting endangered species, the complexities of relocating bison and grizzly bears, and important advice for tourists visiting national parks.

Defenders of Wildlife is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring imperiled wildlife and their habitats across North America. For more information visit, defenders.org

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:
4:08 Welcome, Chamois Andersen
6:17 Bison disease testing and relocation
13:02 What is Defenders of Wildlife
14:10 Safety tips for hikers encountering wildlife in the backcountry
19:29 Dyana’s grizzly bear encounter & Jen’s close calls with a mountain lion
27:07 How to react when a bear charges
29:56 How to be a respectful and safe tourist in national parks
40:40 Chamois’ advice for hikers and backpackers
41:44  Chamois’ dedication to wildlife advocacy and restoring animals to a region 

Send us Fan Mail

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: @jenfrederick_

In this episode, Jen and Dyana chat with adventure photographer Tommy Corey about his new book, All Humans Outside: Stories of Belonging in Nature. Over the past two years, Tommy traveled across the country, capturing portraits of some of the most adventurous individuals making waves in the outdoor space. Tommy conducted more than two hundred interviews to chronicle these diverse experiences, sharing them through documentary-style photography and compelling first-person and third-person narratives. Jen and Dyana share their favorite photos from the book as Tommy dives into his photography process and the heart behind some of his favorite subjects.

Tommy's Website - www.tommycorey.com
Follow Tommy on Instagram - @twerkinthedirt
Purchase All Humans Outside: Stories of Belonging in Nature on Amazon or Tommy's Website 

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:
3:51 Tell us about your two-year project
7:23 Your photography process
12:31 Jen and Dyana’s favorite photos from All Humans Outside
26:50 Subject with the greatest impact
29:34 Expand on “We all want to belong.”
41:10 Advice for fellow creatives
43:26 Biggest surprises on the journey
52:31 How to find the book, All Humans Outside.

Send us Fan Mail

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: @jenfrederick_

In this special on-location episode, Dyana sits down with Robin Greenfield—an environmental activist, adventurer, and speaker passionately dedicated to sustainable living and shining a light on critical environmental and social issues. Known for his bold and unconventional actions, Robin inspires others to embrace eco-friendly and intentional lifestyles. His latest endeavor? Walking 1,600 miles down the Pacific Coast Highway. At the journey’s end, he plans to give away everything he owns, fully embracing a life free from possessions to deepen his love, connection, and understanding of the earth and humanity.

Robin Greenfield Website - www.robingreenfield.org
Follow Robin on Instagram - @robin.greenfield
Follow Robin on YouTube - @robin.greenfield
Robin's Book, Food Freedom - www.robingreenfield.org/robinsbooks

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:
0:00  Intro & the Los Angeles fires
10:21  Welcome Robin Greenfield
13:31  Robin's current possessions
18:36  Most challenging part of the 1,600-mile journey
23:40  Living more minimally
32:45  The beauty of letting go
38:35  Natural food & being grateful
49:11  Walking: Los Angeles, love, the beauty of pigeons & poop

Send us Fan Mail

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: @jenfrederick_

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with Greg Mak who is a former United States Navy deep sea diver, and friend of Owen, Jen's husband. Owen makes a special appearance and we get to hear Greg and Owen share about their time in the military together, their deployments, and all about basic training and the missions they've completed in their diving careers. Greg details his experience with ice diving and the ins and outs of the dangers that come along with risky dives. Greg shares all about his post-military adventure of cycling the Pacific Coast Highway with his father, as well as his love for rock climbing, mountaineering, and trying any new sport he can. Jen and Dyana are convinced that Greg Mak is a real-life James Bond who has inspired us with his humility, adventurous spirit, and passion for helping others.

You can follow Greg on Instagram at @mak.geee

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:
6:05 Welcome, Greg Mak
10:11 What drew Greg And Owen to deep sea diving
12:46 Hardest aspect of basic training
21:49 Differences in equipment for deep sea diving vs recreational SCUBA
23:26 Mental preparation for risky dives
25:31 What classifies as a standard diving mission in the U.S. Navy
33:38 Ice diving in Minnesota
46:00 Cycling the Pacific Coast Highway while transitioning to civilian life
54:19 Canoe backpacking in Voyageurs National Park
59:11 Feeling overwhelmed by freedom

Send us Fan Mail

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: @jenfrederick_

In this episode, Jen and Dyana look ahead to 2025 and share five tips for cultivating more adventure in their lives. Whether it’s embarking on a thru-hike, learning a new skill, or starting a business, adventure can be found in many forms. The duo breaks down the steps to embrace more adventure, including topics like shifting your mindset and cultivating curiosity.

Send us Fan Mail

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: @jenfrederick_

In this special holiday episode, Jen and Dyana reflect on some of their favorite guests from 2024 and share the top six lessons they learned from these discussions—lessons they will carry into the new year and hope to inspire others to embrace as well.

Episodes mentioned: 

Jessie Krebs - Navigating the Wilderness & Essential Skills for Survivalhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/episodes/14635153

Thor Pedersen - Overcoming the Impossible Ten Year Journey Around the World https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/episodes/14821327

Diana Nyad - Courage, Endurance, and Triumph Swimming 111 Miles Across the Atlantic
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/episodes/13378450

Paul Pampuro - From Commanding the Depths to Conquering the Heights
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/episodes/15775579

James Thompson - From Russia to Burning Man: The Untamed Life and World Travels of PartyLikeJZL
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/episodes/15695731

The Seven Lessons of a Wild Woman
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/episodes/15658256


NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Intro
6:28 - 2024 B&B Stats
11:15 - Dyana and Jen's top lessons learned in 2024
31:57 - Our New Year's resolutions

Send us Fan Mail

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: @jenfrederick_

In their latest episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with paraglider Bri Clark, who’s soaring to incredible heights around the world. The conversation dives into the thrilling world of paragliding, covering everything from training and gear to mechanics, costs, and tips for beginners. Bri also shares her experiences competing in hike-and-fly races and emphasizes the importance of female representation in the sport. The trio also explores life in Alaska, Bri’s work in wilderness therapy, and how her organization, Fly Like a Girl, is inspiring women worldwide to reach new heights.

Follow Bri and other female paragliders:
Bri Clark: @bybreezy.co
Fly Like A Girl:  @_flylikeagirl


NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:
3:59 Welcome, Bri Clark
15:17 The ins and outs of wilderness therapy
19:42 Paragliding and speed flying
26:26 How Bri got involved in the world of paragliding
31:45 Required training to solo paraglide
37:08 Jen's parasailing disaster
40:34 How to steer and transition up and down when paragliding
52:38 Hike and fly races
58:02 Fly Like A Girl organization and the importance of programs like this
1:13:19 Fly Like A Girl Scholarships - How to apply and support

Send us Fan Mail

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: @jenfrederick_

In this episode, Jen and Dyana explore the fascinating science behind the mindset of thrill-seekers. They break down the four types of sensation seekers and discuss the psychology of chasing excitement and the exhilarating sensation of truly feeling alive. Jen shares a story about her "wild" honeymoon, while Dyana offers listeners a fun and thought-provoking homework assignment to tackle during the upcoming holiday season.

This episode is based on an article featured in The Atlantic called "The Science of the Thrill." Link to full article: https://www.theatlantic.com/sponsored/porsche-2016/the-science-of-the-thrill/1010/

Send us Fan Mail

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: @jenfrederick_

In their latest episode, Jen and Dyana chat with filmmaker and podcast host Chris Ward, whose podcast Like a Bigfoot recently reached 400 episodes. The show fosters a community of adventurers who chase exploration in nature, push personal limits, and achieve feats beyond what they once thought possible. Ward’s documentary, A Long Way from Nowhere, captures the raw journey of a group of runners undertaking the grueling 150-mile Desert Rats stage race across some of the most unforgiving landscapes in Utah. The film delves deep into the resilience of the human spirit, examining why individuals are driven to test themselves in extreme conditions and what they discover about themselves along the way. This episode offers a profound look into the mindset of an adventurer, the transformative power of endurance, and the light that shines after the darkest moments.

Connect with Chris Ward:
Website: likeabigfoot.com
Instagram: @likeabigfoot
A Long Way from Nowhere: Click to watch

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:
3:24 Welcome Chris Ward
5:42 Insights into Chris's podcast, Like a Bigfoot
13:07 How living in Colorado has influenced trail running
18:52 Discovering adventure in everyday moments and positive triggers
28:04 Turning ideas into action
33:11 The ripple effect and the importance of being intentional
38:13 Exploring "A Long Way from Nowhere," and finding light in Suffering
48:13 Embracing the adventurous spirit and recovering after challenges
58:47 Using adventure as a life tool & advice on achieving goals

Send us Fan Mail

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: @jenfrederick_