Busted Knees & Pretty Trees

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In this episode of Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with Debbie Hawthorne and Travey J to talk about a passion they share—rockhounding. From searching gravel pits and creek beds to celebrating the thrill of an unexpected find, Debbie and Travis share what it’s like to explore the world of rocks and minerals side by side.
We talk about how they got started, what keeps them coming back to the hunt, and some of the memorable discoveries they’ve made along the way. Whether you're a seasoned rockhound or just curious about the hobby, this episode is a fun look at how adventure is even better when it’s shared.
Grab your rock hammer, hit the trail with us, and listen in as we talk rocks, exploration, and the joy of rockhounding together!

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Endless cornfields glowing gold at sunset. Fog lifting off quiet lakes at dawn. Gravel roads that lead to trailheads you almost missed. In our newest episode, “Our Ode to the Midwest,” we slow down and say thank you to the places that raised us — and the wild spaces that keep calling us back.
From the hardwood forests and kettle lakes of Indiana and Michigan to the prairies of Illinois and the rolling hills of Ohio, this episode is a love letter to the overlooked beauty of the Midwest. We’re talking bird songs at sunrise, rolling thunder in spring, rockhounding surprises, and quiet kayaking mornings!
It’s not flashy. It’s not crowded. It’s home.

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This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we’re digging deep — way deep.

We sit down with Professor Benjamin Dattilo for a fascinating conversation about the stories written in stone beneath our boots. From ancient oceans and shifting continents to fossils, formations, and the mind-bending scale of deep time, Professor Dattilo helps us see the outdoors in a completely new way.

If you’ve ever picked up a rock on the trail and wondered where it came from…
If you’ve ever stood on a ridge and thought about how it got there…
Or if you just love learning how the natural world really works —

This episode is for you.

It’s thoughtful. It’s accessible. And yes… we may even sneak in a few rock puns.

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Season 7 was one wild ride and we’re breaking it all down in our Season 7 Recap!

From unforgettable guests and muddy miles to the moments that made us laugh, learn, and fall even more in love with the outdoors, we’re revisiting the highs, the surprises, and everything in between. We share our favorite episodes, behind-the-scenes stories, what challenged us the most, and what Season 7 taught us about adventure, conservation, and community.

Whether you’ve listened to every episode or are just jumping in, this recap is the perfect way to relive the season — and get excited for what’s coming next.

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After weeks of early mornings, quiet trails, and plenty of “wait… do you see it?” moments, Brad and Paddy wrap up their years long Birding Challenge.
We’re talking favorite sightings, unexpected birds, lessons learned, and just how much closer paying attention to nature can bring you to the outdoors. From laugh-out-loud misses to genuinely magical moments, this episode is all about the joy of slowing down and noticing what’s flying around us every day.
Good stories, good friends, and a deeper appreciation for our feathered neighbors.  

Listen in to find out how many birds we photographed during the challenge — and which of us couldn’t stop clicking the camera!

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Round-robin picks, top-tier animals. We’re ranking our five favorite creatures and breaking down why each one earned its spot. Simple concept, strong takes, and plenty of love for the wild things.

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This week we’ve got a crossover episode with Justin Neeley from the Cultured Dudes, and he’s asking the questions non-outdoors people may be thinking—but never say out loud.

How do you shit in the woods? What actually keeps you coming back to the trail? Do you ever feel unsafe out there, or is everyone just pretending they don’t?

Justin brings zero outdoors experience and maximum curiosity, putting backpacking, camping, and trail life under the microscope. We give honest answers, a few laughs, and maybe even justify why we willingly leave comfort behind for dirt, miles, and questionable bathroom situations.

Whether you love the outdoors or truly don’t get it, this one’s for you.

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Brad’s in the host chair, the questions are flying, the trash talk is loud, and the stakes are strangely high—the winner gets to eat a sourdough cookie. Knowledge is power. Victory is delicious.  Press play and see who knows their stuff… and who leaves cookie-less!

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2026 is on our minds, and this episode is all about what we’re hoping to get into next year. We talk through the trips on the radar—backpacking Isle Royale, kayaking the Big Manistee, and hitting The Biggest Week in American Birding along with the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival. No logistics, no deep planning—just the places, experiences, and moments we’re most excited about as we look ahead to another year outside! 

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Get ready for a great conversation as we sit down with Matt Herbert, Senior Conservation Scientist with The Nature Conservancy. Matt is helping reshape the Great Lakes—literally—by rebuilding spawning reefs and restoring the once-thriving lake whitefish populations that depend on them.
In this episode, we break down the surprising science behind reef construction, the challenges facing whitefish today, and the massive impact habitat restoration can have on an entire ecosystem. Matt brings the passion, the expertise, and the stories that make conservation feel tangible and thrilling.
Whether you’re a fisheries nerd, a Great Lakes lover, or just someone who appreciates a good comeback story, this episode delivers. Plug in and discover how small stones and big ideas are transforming the future of our freshwater world.

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