Bush & Banter

By Jennifer Frederick and Dyana CarmellaSociety & Culture Sports Health & Fitness Places & Travel Wilderness

Bush & Banter episodes

June 05, 2024Colorado Trail Prep: Part One with Tara Dower - Running Wild and Breaking a 20-Year Record
In Part One of our Colorado Trail Prep Series, we chat with professional ultramarathoner, record breaker, and thru-hiker Tara Dower. Inspired by her Appalachian Trail thru-hike, she has dedicated herself to spending as much time in the wilderness as possible. On August 1, 2023, Tara broke the Colorado Trail women’s supported fastest known time (FKT) with an unofficial time of 8 days, 21 hours, and 59 minutes. The previous record, set by Betsy Kalmeyer twenty years ago in 2003, was 9 days, 10 hours, and 52 minutes. In the episode, Tara gives Dyana some sage advice for taking on the Colorado Trail, as well as tips for anyone looking to get into running.

Follow Tara Dower on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tara.dower/
Follow Tara Dower on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@taratreks
Follow ChumpChangeFKT on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/chumpchangefkt/

0:00 - Intro & Dyana’s Big announcement
2:11 - What is the Colorado Trail?
5:20 - Tara Dower and her competitive spirit
13:49 - Training for an Ultramarathon
18:46 - Advice for amateur runners and letting go of intimidation
27:50 - Dealing with Anxiety on the Appalachian Trail
35:29 - What makes the CT so special?
36:53 - How Tara tackled a CT FKT
50:21 - Favorite section of the CT, best moment and thunderstorms
1:05:51 - Goals for the hiking community & switching the narrative

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E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected]
Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_
1 hr 10 min
May 29, 2024The Evolution of Mount Everest: From Historical Milestones to Current Headlines
In this episode, Jen and Dyana cover current headlining stories about Mount Everest, including new world records and the mountain's biggest mission of all. They also delve into the history that made this mountain legendary, including the first ascent back in the 1950s.

Mentioned in the episode:
Follow Kami Rita: https://www.instagram.com/kamiritasherpa/?hl=en
Purchase Kami Rita's book: "How to Climb Mount Everest"
Read more about Purnima Shrestha:
https://gripped.com/news/purnima-shrestha-is-first-woman-up-everest-thrice-in-a-season/
Follow Devon Levesque:
www.instagram.com/devonlevesque/?hl=en
Read more about Retrieving Bodies from the Mountain:
https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/everest/mount-everest-dead-bodies-2024/?scope=anon

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_
39 min
May 22, 2024The 2024 Top Ten Most Breathtaking Hikes Around the World
In this episode, Jen and Dyana discuss the recently published 2024 list of the world's most breathtaking hikes. They embark on a virtual journey, exploring the rugged peaks of Alaska's majestic mountains, the vast and mysterious deserts of Egypt, the lush and vibrant wetlands of Florida, and the dramatic cliffsides of Bhutan. The duo offers insightful commentary on each location, breaking down what makes these hikes unique. They share personal anecdotes, highlight key features of each trail, and ultimately reveal their top picks from the list.

More on the Carson City to Canada Quest
visitcarsoncity.com/carson-city-to-canada-quest
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_
45 min
May 15, 2024Location Spotlight - California's Local Hot Spots to Eat, Sleep, and Play
In this location spotlight, Jen interviews Dyana about her top ten places throughout California, featuring unique restaurants, hotels, and adventures. From the coastal town of Carpinteria to Northern California's Shasta County, and from the gold mining regions of Placer County to the Northern Sierra and back down south to the desert, Dyana highlights her favorite places to eat, sleep, and play.

To download the entire list visit our website:
www.bushandbanter.com

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_
39 min
May 08, 2024Outdoor Quickie - Navigating Imposter Syndrome: From the Trail to the Workplace
In this Outdoor Quickie, Jen and Dyana dive deep into the concept of Imposter Syndrome, a pervasive feeling of inadequacy or self-doubt despite evidence of success. Jen opens up about experiencing this sensation while out on the trail, while Dyana shares her own struggles with it in the workplace. Join them as they explore how Imposter Syndrome manifests in different areas of life and discuss strategies for overcoming it.
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_
20 min
May 01, 2024Paul "Bear" Barendregt - A Pararescue Legend Discusses Training, Daring Missions, and Heli Skiing in Alaska
In this episode, Jen and Dyana chat with Heli Ski Guide and Former Pararescue Specialist, Paul "Bear" Barendregt. After enlisting in the Air Force right out of high school, Bear later joined the Alaska Air National Guard in 2000 and has since emerged as one of the most distinguished and recognizable pararescuemen in Alaska's wilderness rescue community. With an impressive track record, he's directly responsible for saving 106 lives and assisting an additional 43 survivors across 91 challenging rescue missions in Alaska. Moreover, his expertise extends beyond Alaska's borders, having deployed worldwide for combat rescue missions and humanitarian aid efforts. These days, he's sharing his wealth of experience as a Heli Ski Guide, leading adventurous backcountry skiers through some of Alaska's most remote and wild mountain ranges. In this episode, they touch on some of his most daring rescue missions, the challenges of training, and what it’s like skiing some of the greatest mountain ranges in the world.

Chugach Powder Guides
www.chugachpowderguides.com

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_
1 hr
April 24, 2024The Magic of Childhood Adventure Stories
In this episode, Jen and Dyana embark on a nostalgic journey, reminiscing about their most beloved adventure tales from both the screen and the pages. From classics like "The Goonies" and "Alice in Wonderland" to timeless favorites such as "Hook" and "The Wizard of Oz," the duo dives into the stories that ignited their sense of adventure as adults.
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_
35 min
April 17, 2024Outdoor Quickie - Favorite Section Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail and Pacific Northwest Trail
Occasionally, hardworking individuals are blessed with the ultimate gift: time off. Whether it's just a day, a week, or even more, it's a precious opportunity. If you've been granted a week off and have a hankering for hiking, this episode is tailor-made for you. In our latest Outdoor Quickie, Jen shares her top three sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, while Dyana offers insights into the best shorter sections of the Pacific Northwest Trail. All it takes is some gear, a can-do attitude, and maybe a can of wine. Happy Trails!

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_
20 min
April 10, 2024Jeffrey Binney - From Grief to Grit and Embracing Comedy, Courage, and Endurance
In this episode Jen and Dyana chat with Ultra-Runner, Comedian, and Traveler Jeffrey Binney. His journey took a profound turn after the loss of his mother to heart disease. Determined to avoid a similar fate, he embarked on a transformative path, challenging himself by conquering one of the most grueling 100-mile ultramarathons. His inspiring experience became the subject of his captivating film, "Once is Enough." Today, Jeffrey stands as not only a resilient figure but also a gifted motivational speaker and comedian. Currently, he's gearing up for his next ambitious adventure: hiking the 2,653-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Additionally, in this episode, Jen shares insightful advice for his upcoming thru-hike, while Dyana offers valuable tips on writing a book.
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_
1 hr 28 min
April 03, 2024Thor Pedersen - Overcoming the Impossible Ten Year Journey Around the World
In this episode, Jen and Dyana are joined by Danish traveler and adventurer, Thor Pedersen, renowned for his unparalleled achievement of visiting every single country in the world without the use of air travel. Thor embarked on this remarkable journey in 2013, dedicating 10 years to exploring 203 countries. Thor shares tales of love, resilience during the pandemic, the generosity of strangers, unconventional modes of travel, global culinary delights, and uplifting words of encouragement for aspiring travelers. An esteemed traveler, speaker, adventurer, and Goodwill Ambassador of the Danish Red Cross, Thor's experiences offer a glimpse into what is possible when you pass on that early flight home.

Thor Pedersen on Instagram
www.instagram.com/onceuponasaga/
Once Upon a Saga
www.onceuponasaga.dk/
Danish Red Cross
https://en.rodekors.dk/

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_
1 hr 33 min