Our August episode features a conversation with Matt Polstein, the owner of New England Outdoor Center. Matt has been a fixture of the outdoor recreation scene around Baxter Park for more than three decades. We’ll talk about Matt's transition from whitewater guide to major player in Maine's outdoor recreation economy. This is a fascinating account from a man who believes that the clean air, clean water, and abundant forests are the greatest values of the Katahdin region.

Join us for a lively and interesting conversation with Molly Ross, the current President of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters. Molly has an extensive background with the National Park Service and was deeply involved in the creation of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument along the eastern border of Baxter State Park. She takes us on an informative tour through the process of establishing a National Monument and the importance of the East Branch of the Penobscot to all of us. This is a thought-provoking conversation with a leader, conservationist, and attorney who leads our sibling organization.

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Nate Saunders, veteran violinist for the Augusta Symphony Orchestra and composer of the Katahdin Suite. With infectious enthusiasm, Nate tells us about his creative and very collaborative thinking in composing the piece and capturing his feeling about hiking to Baxter Peak. Oh, and there are fiddle tunes!

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Rupert White. Rupert is the grand nephew of Percival Baxter and remembers Sunday dinners with his great uncle. Rupert’s perspective on Percival Baxter and the Baxter family is a vivid trip back to the era in which the Park came to be. Rupert has long been part of the fabric of the Park. He continues to serve on the Park’s Investment Committee, and his son Michael serves on the Park's Advisory Committee.

Join us for a fascinating conversation with FBSP member and pioneer of wilderness in Ireland, Bill Murphy. Bill holds a PhD in Wilderness Studies from University College Dublin. His research focused on how people view the concept of wilderness in both Europe and the United States – including hikers in Baxter State Park. If you have ever thought about the meaning of "Forever Wild," this episode is worth a listen.

Many people who have been lost on a mountain in Maine are alive because they met Bob Baribeau. Bob has been a fixture on the steep ice and rock of Katahdin for decades. As a mountaineer and search & rescue pro, he is known and respected throughout New England and beyond. Listen as he guides us through the evolution of search and rescue and how those changes affect our experiences in the backcountry.

A retired teacher from Presque Isle, Eric Hendrickson has spent decades roaming on and off trail in Baxter State Park. Join us for this wide ranging conversation including human history, trails, fires, caves, and more.

Located on Lower Togue Pond inside Baxter State Park, Camp Natarswi has inspired generations of Girl Scouts. Did you know that the name Natarswi comes from three favorite activities: nature, art, and swimming? In this episode, you’ll hear about camp life and adventures in the 1950s and 1960s from three campers who were there.

Volunteering in Baxter State Park by Friends of Baxter State Park

With a new movie out about Donn Fendler, Jensen and Bill talk with author Lynn Plourde. Lynn’s book, “Lost Trail: Nine Days Alone in the Wilderness” was written with Donn and is the first graphic novel by this prolific Maine writer. The movie, “Lost on a Mountain in Maine” was produced by Sylvester Stallone and released in November of 2024. Lynn knew Donn very well. Jensen and Bill had relationships with this beloved Maine figure who truly was “a man, a myth and a legend!"