Busted Knees & Pretty Trees

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America's National Parks don't protect themselves—and neither does the idea behind them.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Bill Wade, Executive Director of the Association of National Park Rangers (ANPR), for a candid discussion about conservation, civic engagement, and the importance of standing up for our public lands.

Drawing from decades of experience with the National Park Service, Bill shares incredible stories from his time as a ranger, but this conversation goes far beyond trails, wildlife, and scenic vistas. We dive into the growing need for citizens to become more involved in the future of America's public lands and why simply loving our parks may no longer be enough.

Bill offers a thoughtful and passionate perspective on conservation, public service, and the role everyday Americans can play in shaping the future of the places we cherish most.

Whether you're a hiker, backpacker, conservationist, history buff, or simply someone who believes these places should be protected for future generations, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

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In this episode, we're talking about the realities of backcountry hygiene: where to pee, how to poop responsibly, staying clean on the trail, and the little comforts that can make a big difference after a long day outdoors. From Leave No Trace bathroom practices to trail-tested hygiene tips and a few creature comforts you won't want to leave behind, we've got you covered.

Whether you're planning your first overnight trip or you're a seasoned backpacker looking to fine-tune your camp routine, this episode is packed with practical advice, plenty of laughs, and a reminder that staying clean in the wild doesn't have to be complicated.

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This week, we sat down with Bradley’s longtime friend Jared Jones from St. Louis. Some might say he's just a down-to-earth, normal guy with a lifelong passion for the outdoors!

From hunting and fishing since he was old enough to tag along, to discovering a newfound love for hiking and an old found love of chasing morel mushrooms through the spring woods, Jared shares stories, experiences, and lessons learned from a lifetime spent outside.

Whether you're a hardcore outdoorsman, a weekend adventurer, or just someone who appreciates the simple joys of nature, this episode is packed with relatable conversation, laughs, and authentic outdoor passion.

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Another season is officially in the books, and there's only one way to celebrate... put our memories to the test.
This week, the Fellowship goes head-to-head in the annual Season 9 Trivia Challenge, reliving our favorite interviews, biggest laughs, unforgettable moments, and the adventures that made this season one to remember. Think you paid attention this year? Play along and see if you can outscore the guys.
Grab a drink, settle in around the campfire, and join us for one last ride through Season 9.

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This week on the Busted Knees and Pretty Trees Podcast, Brad and Travis keep each other company in studio while Patrick is on a family adventure in a distant land. To cope with the absence, the guys have a chat about their early summer adventures and new backpacking gear they've acquired. This includes Brads camera gear setup, Travis' newfound hobby for shabby nature cinematography, and the challenges of carrying extra equipment on the trail. 

Plus, Walt brings some news about one of the most bizarre and ancient creatures living among us today. It's not a crab!   

Please enjoy and thanks for listening! Keep on Sauntering.    

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This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with Chris Bradley of the Hoosier Hikers Council to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to keep our trails alive. From boots-on-the-ground maintenance to protecting wild places for future generations, Chris gives us an inside look at the work most hikers never see.
We dig into trail stewardship, trail advocacy and proper trail architecture.  If you’ve ever wondered how that trail beneath your feet began, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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After what feels like years of waiting, our beloved Kearstin Whitcomb finally made her way into the dungeon studio for recording night—and it was totally worth it.
This week, Bradley R steps in as quizmaster, putting the fellowship of the pink pony club through a gauntlet of animal trivia—from the biggest animal to have ever lived on earth to how many eyes a bee has!  The competition gets fierce, the guesses get reckless, and the laughs come easy. It’s part trivia night, part wildlife crash course, and all-out chaos.
Think you know the animal kingdom? Tune in Wednesday and play along.

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In this episode, we spotlight real stories of nature bouncing back—from species saved to ecosystems restored. These aren’t theories or “what-ifs”… they’re proof that conservation works.

We share three powerful stories that show what happens when people step in, take action, and make a difference for the natural world.

And along the way, Travey brings in a piece of Indiana history—highlighting Colonel Richard Lieber, the visionary behind Indiana’s state park system, and how his leadership helped protect some of the landscapes we still enjoy today.

It’s a mix of hope, history, and real-world impact—the kind of episode that reminds you that progress is possible.

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This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with urban wildlife biologist Jessica Merkling to pull back the curtain on a job most people never think about until there's an animal causing trouble. We talk nuisance wildlife, human-wildlife conflicts, and the challenges cities face as they work to balance development, public safety, and healthy wildlife populations.
What happens when a coyote moves into a neighborhood? Why do some animals thrive in urban environments while others struggle? And what does a typical day actually look like for an urban wildlife biologist?
From responding to wildlife complaints to educating the public and helping communities find solutions that work for both people and animals, Jessica shares stories from the field and offers a fascinating look at the often-overlooked work of coexistence.
If you've ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when wildlife and people cross paths, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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Spring migration is here! Join Bradley and Paddy as they dive deep into the spectacle of migrating birds, break down the excitement around BWIAB, and preview everything happening at the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival. From warbler fallout to birding strategy, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and plenty of spring birding energy. Tune in now! 

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