The Nature Reliance Podcast: Where Wilderness and Human Nature Collide

Plant systematics and Latin plant names intimidate a lot of people. But they shouldn’t.

In this episode, I sit down with Eric Comley, a herbaceous plants instructor, to break down why scientific plant names actually matter and how they help everyday people understand plants, landscapes, and ecosystems more clearly.

We talk about why Latin names are descriptive tools rather than academic jargon, how genus and species relationships help you learn plants faster, and how dichotomous keys really work without turning plant identification into a memorization exercise.

We also discuss ways to make plant study fun for kids and adults, how learning through games improves retention, and why plants are some of the best indicators of what’s happening on the land around you.

This conversation is about slowing down, observing more closely, and building practical knowledge that carries over into tracking, navigation, and wilderness skills.

The best classroom has no walls.
 Join us to build real-world skills with us at Nature Reliance School.
 Link in the show notes.

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In this episode, Craig Caudill sits down with Dr. Scott Hardin for a thoughtful conversation on what it really means to live well, not just live longer.

• You can find Dr. Hardin at his website
• You can find some insight into the 20-5-3 concept, here
• Check out the protocol from Prolon Life that Dr. Hardin discussed here.  You can use code SCOTTHARDIN50 for a fantastic discount.

Rather than focusing on lifespan alone, this discussion centers on extending health span, the ability to stay strong, capable, and mentally sharp as we age. Dr. Hardin breaks down the core principles of lifestyle medicine and explains how modern convenience, ultra processed foods, and sedentary habits quietly erode long term health.

Craig and Dr. Hardin also share a mutual appreciation for judo and discuss how purposeful movement practices build strength, balance, coordination, and resilience across a lifetime. Judo serves as a powerful example of movement as medicine and highlights why functional, skill based movement often outperforms machines and isolated exercises.

The conversation expands into the importance of embracing healthy discomfort, inspired by ideas similar to those found in The Comfort Crisis. Dr. Hardin explains why discomfort is not something to avoid, but something the human body needs in measured doses to remain adaptable and resilient.

Additional topics include:

• The pillars of lifestyle medicine and where most people fall short
• Movement as medicine and why hiking, rucking, and outdoor activity matter
• Shinrin yoku or forest bathing and the science behind nature based health
• Ultra processed foods and why dietary fiber is the most common nutritional deficiency
• Hydration, minerals, and electrolytes and why water alone is not always enough
• Blue Zones and what long lived cultures consistently get right

This is a practical, grounded conversation focused on real world application. No extreme protocols. No hype. Just sound principles that support long term health and capability.

If you care about aging well, staying physically capable, and building a body that supports an active, meaningful life, this episode is for you.

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 How to sharpen your skills, shift your mindset, and thrive in wild places.

Craig Caudill sits down with survival expert Kevin Estela to unpack his new book Beyond the Field, a deep dive into wilderness living, hunter’s mindset, and leadership in the outdoors. If you're ready to do more than survive, and truly thrive in the wild, this one’s for you. 

• Kevin Estela's Website, Click HERE
• Kevin's new book, Beyond the Field, Click HERE

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Every year, Search and Rescue (SAR) teams risk their lives to save outdoor enthusiasts who find themselves in trouble. In 2024 alone, SAR teams have responded to numerous critical incidents—many of which could have been prevented.

In this episode, Craig Caudill sits down with Tracy Trimble, an experienced SAR volunteer and Nature Reliance School instructor, to break down the real-life lessons from this year’s rescues. From lost hikers to high-risk cliff falls, we uncover the most common mistakes that lead to emergencies—and, more importantly, how you can avoid becoming a statistic.  These data points were gathered through Wolfe County Search and Rescue.  See please a link for the ALL volunteer team and consider a donation for their incredible work.  

Join us for an eye-opening discussion on:
 ✅ The biggest trends in 2024 SAR operations
 ✅ What truly happens when a rescue call goes out
 ✅ The key survival mistakes that put people at risk
 ✅ Practical tips to stay safe in the backcountry

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or just starting your journey into the wild, this episode is packed with must-know survival insights that could save your life. Tune in now!

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In today’s world, kids are spending more time on screens than in nature. But 4H Camps are changing that by giving them hands-on experiences in outdoor adventure, self-reliance, and leadership.

In this episode, I sit down with Jake Farmer and Kyle Comley to discuss how 4H Camps provide life-changing experiences for young people. We’ll cover:**
✅ What makes 4H Camps unique
✅ How parents can get their kids involved
✅ What a day at camp looks like
✅ The skills and confidence kids gain from outdoor education
✅ Jake & Kyle’s personal journeys through 4H and Nature Reliance School

If you want to help kids build real-world skills, foster resilience, and develop a love for the outdoors, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Kyle Comley

• Email:  [email protected]
• Website:  https://4-h.ca.uky.edu/lake-cumberland-camp

Jake Farmer

• Email:  [email protected]
• Website:  https://4-h.ca.uky.edu/north-central-camp

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Thanks for listening!  Follow us at Nature Reliance School.

The best way to get the outline and other important info for this podcast is to check out our Podcast Blog on our website for this episode.  You can find it here

Craig Caudill and Blake Newton, an entomologist at the University of Kentucky, discuss the misconceptions about harvestmen, commonly known as "granddaddy long legs." Harvestmen are not spiders and lack venom, despite being mistakenly called the most venomous spider. They have about 20 species in Kentucky and 15,000 globally. Newton also clarifies that black widows and brown recluse spiders are the only medically significant spiders in Kentucky. He emphasizes the importance of tick prevention and proper removal, noting that most biting mosquitoes in Kentucky are invasive species. The conversation also touches on the broader entomology, including the impact of habitat loss on insect populations and the potential of insects as a food source.

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You can discover the transcript, outline and ore at this link: https://naturereliance.org/blogs/blog/cold-exposure-calories-muscles-electrolytes-survival-benefits

Discover the fascinating science behind cold exposure and how it affects your body and mind. In this episode, we explore how cold temperatures boost calorie burn, the importance of electrolytes in cold weather, and the short- and long-term effects on muscles. Learn how cold exposure builds mental resilience, enhances survival skills, and improves overall health. We’ll also share practical tips for safely incorporating cold exposure into your routine. Whether you’re a survival enthusiast, fitness buff, or just curious about the benefits of the cold, this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies. Don’t miss it!

Huberman Lap Episode on Cold Exposure for Health and Performance

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You can access the full podcast summary, and transcript at this link: https://naturereliance.org/blogs/podcast/urban-tracking

Chris Lindsey, a practicing tracker since 2012, shared his journey with Craig Caudill, detailing his initial interest in tracking sparked by a $7 Tom Brown book. Chris recounted his first tactical survival class experience, where he carried excessive gear and struggled. Over the years, he refined his skills, focusing on urban tracking in Louisville, Kentucky, where he tracks animals like cats and raccoons using environmental cues and track traps. Chris emphasized the importance of experience and practical application over theoretical knowledge. He also discussed the challenges of tracking in urban settings and the value of tracking in enhancing survival skills.

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Please check out the link for this podcast on our  website for the summary, links mentioned and more.

Craig Caudill interviews Mike Hull, a renowned tracking instructor and owner of Hull's Tracking Services. Mike shares his journey from becoming a State game warden in 1980 to developing a passion for tracking, influenced by instructors like Charles Worsham and David Scott-Donelan. He discusses the importance of practical experience over book knowledge, the challenges of tracking in various environments, and the significance of maintaining law enforcement credentials to apply tracking skills in real cases. Mike emphasizes the need for trackers to be honest with themselves and to focus on ground sign while maintaining situational awareness. He also highlights the value of tracking in modern law enforcement and military applications.

Outline

• Mike Hull's Introduction and Background
• Early Tracking Experiences and Influences
• Advanced Tracking Techniques and Tactical Applications
• Challenges and Overcoming Contamination
• Advanced Tracking Techniques and Tactical Applications
• The Role of Technology and the Importance of Practical Skills
• The Future of Tracking and Its Value in Law Enforcement
• The Importance of Practical Experience and Application
• The Role of Tracking in Modern Law Enforcement and Military Applications
• The Importance of Mentorship and Continuing Education
• Final Thoughts and Reflections

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In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and legendary knifemaker, LT Wright. Over the years, LT and I have teamed up on countless projects, and I’ve gained invaluable insights from him—not just about business or knifemaking, but about life itself. LT is one of the most genuine, integrity-driven individuals I know, and today, we’re diving into his incredible journey. From his humble beginnings as a kid with big dreams to his early days as a carpenter and apprentice knifemaker, we’ll explore the path that led to the creation of LT Wright Handcrafted Knives, a brand trusted by knife-users worldwide. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a true master of his craft!

Check out LT Wright Handcrafted Knives at:  https://ltwrightknives.com/

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Thanks for listening!  Follow us at Nature Reliance School.