Wilderness Wavelength

Wilderness Wavelength

By George Shantz and Scott SunderwaldSociety & CultureSportsPlaces & TravelWilderness
Download on the App Store

Wilderness Wavelength episodes

  • Ep 134- Rabbit Hunting (Feat. David Robson)
    In this episode of the Wilderness Wavelength Podcast, outdoorsman David Robson takes us out for an immersive rabbit hunting adventure! Dave shares his top field techniques and essential tips for tracking and harvesting small game. Beyond the hunt, he breaks down actionable hunting strategies and shares captive, firsthand stories from his lifetime of hunting and fishing adventures. What You'll Hear in This Episode
    • Rabbit Hunting Mastery: Dave's step-by-step breakdown of tracking, spotting, and harvesting rabbits.
    • Pro Hunting Tips: Universal strategies and gear advice you can apply to your next outing.
    • Wilderness Storytime: Entertaining and educational tales from Dave's favorite hunting and fishing expeditions.
    2 hr 8 min
  • Ep 133- Fly Fishing on Maligne Lake (Feat. Alexis Young)
    On this episode, George heads into the heart of Jasper National Park for an epic angling adventure on the legendary, glacier-fed waters of Maligne Lake. Serving as today's expert guide is Alexis Young , the talented mind behind ACL Taxidermy based right out of Hinton. Alexis steps away from the workshop to show George the ropes of fly fishing, breaking down everything from perfecting the overhead cast to navigating the pristine alpine waters. Whether you are a seasoned fly fisher looking for tips on reading mountain lakes or a novice wanting to learn the basics of the sport, this high-country excursion is packed with local expertise, laughs, and pure wilderness magic. 🎣 In This Episode, We Cover:
    • Local Roots: Alexis shares her journey from Hinton's ACL Taxidermy to the local rivers and lakes.
    • Fly Fishing 101: Essential tips for beginners, from managing line drag to presentation on high-altitude waters.
    • The Maligne Experience: What makes the pristine, deep waters of Maligne Lake a world-class trout fishery.
    • Species Spotlights: The contrasting fights between the deep-pulling brook trout and the aerial acrobatics of Jasper's rainbow trout .
    2 hr 30 min
  • Ep 132- Backroad Inspecting (Feat. Jeff C)
    Grab a seat in the passenger side as George and Jeff hit the gravel roads for a classic fall cruise. In this episode, the guys soak up the crisp autumn air, talk strategy for spotting grouse in the changing foliage, and share a few laughs along the way. Whether you're a seasoned wing shooter or just love the peace of a seasonal drive, this episode captures a little cruise along the backroads.
    1 hr 12 min
  • Ep 131- Beetle Taxidermy (Feat. Shane Swanson)
    On this episode we are joined by outdoorsman and taxidermist Shane Swanson for a masterclass in wilderness survival and unique woodsman skills. Shane takes us behind the scenes of his taxidermy work, detailing his fascinating process of using dermestid beetle colonies to clean skulls. He explains how these flesh-eating beetles create pristine, museum-quality European mounts, what it takes to maintain a thriving colony, and why this method beats traditional boiling every time. Beyond the taxidermy shop, Shane shares gripping, first-hand stories from a lifetime spent in the deep woods, including:
    • The Reality of the Trap Line: The hard work, strategy, and wildlife knowledge required to run lines in harsh conditions.
    • Survival Mode: A harrowing account of getting turned around and completely lost in the thick bush, and the crucial decisions that saved his life.
    • The Exploding Ice Tent: A wild, chaotic story of an ice fishing trip gone wrong when a heater mishap turned his shelter into an absolute fireball.
    • Bear Encounters: Heart-pounding moments standing face-to-face with apex predators and how to handle high-stakes wildlife standoffs.
    Whether you are looking to manage your own beetle boot-camp or want to hear incredible survival stories from a true woodsman, this is an episode you don't want to miss.
    2 hr 12 min
  • Ep 130- Extreme miles for MS (Feat. Greg Van Tighem)
    In this episode we sit down with retired Fire Chief of Jasper, dedicated philanthropist, and true backcountry adventurer, Greg Van Tighem . Greg has spent decades testing the limits of human endurance to raise awareness and critical funds for Multiple Sclerosis. As the long-standing Trail Coordinator for the MS Bike Tour , Greg pulls back the curtain on what it takes to organize and map out these iconic rides. The MS Bike tour is happening in Hinton on Sept 12th and 13th and you can find more info on it here: https://msspbike.donordrive.com/events/1353 Greg's personal fundraising campaigns take "extreme biking" to an entirely new level. We dive deep into his most grueling, wild, and awe-inspiring long-distance cycling achievements, including:
    • The Desert Trek: An epic journey from the mountain peaks of Jasper all the way to the arid landscapes of Arizona.
    • The Trans-Canada Route: Pedaling the grueling full length of Highway 16.
    • The Ultimate Winter Test: Biking the remote, treacherous ice roads all the way to Tuktoyaktuk in the dead of winter.
    When he isn't pushing gears through sub-zero blizzards, Greg is a passionate, veteran hunting guide. In the second half of our conversation, we swap the bike tires for boots on the ground as we dig into some of his most thrilling, edge-of-your-seat hunting and wildlife stories from deep within the Canadian wilderness. Whether you are a cyclist, an avid outdoorsman, or someone who loves a story of sheer determination, this episode is packed with grit, heart, and wild adventure. You can read more about Greg's adventures at www.endms93.com
    1 hr 34 min
  • Ep 129- Roche Miette Scramble

    On this episode, we take on one of the most recognizable and striking peaks in Jasper National Park: Roche Miette.

    To help us navigate this challenging and iconic route, we are joined by local scrambling legend Robert Lindsay. Robert shares his decades of mountain wisdom, guiding us past the loose scree, through the technical cruxes, and straight to the top.

    Tune in to hear the thrilling firsthand account of the climb, essential safety tips for high-exposure terrain, and stories from a lifetime spent exploring the Canadian Rockies.

    Thanks to John and Lucas for joining in on this wild adventure!

    55 min
  • Ep 128- BASE Jumps and Blue Skies (Feat. Landon Maybaum)
    In Episode 128 of the Wilderness Wavelength Podcast, we dive deep into the high-adrenaline world of human flight with avid BASE jumper and skydiver Landon Maybaum. Landon takes us directly to the exit point, sharing gripping stories of what it feels like to step off fixed cliffs, navigate unpredictable air currents, and push the limits of terminal velocity. We explore the hyper-focus required for low-altitude jumps, the evolution of his passion for the skies, and how this intense adventurer transitions from chasing freefalls in the summer to diving for sea cucumbers and urchins in the freezing winter seas. Tune in for a masterclass on risk, gravity, and living life on the edge. Episode Highlights:
    • Stepping Off the Edge: Landon breaks down the mental mechanics and raw thrill of BASE jumping.
    • The Skydiving Foundation: How hundreds of airplane jumps pave the way for extreme fixed-object leaps.
    • Close Calls & Canopy Control: Heart-pounding stories of survival, wind analysis, and split-second decision-making.
    • From Skies to Sea: How a full-time thrill-seeker resets by diving the freezing ocean depths for urchins and cucumbers in the off-season.
    Rate & Review Reminder: Enjoying the episode? Please take 30 seconds to rate and review Wilderness Wavelength on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us bring you more wild stories from adventurers like Landon.
    1 hr 29 min
  • Ep 127- Mossy Bog Rendezvous 2026

    The Mossy Bog Rendezvous (formerly the Rat Root Rendezvous) is an annual gathering that brings together outdoor enthusiasts for a weekend focused on bushcraft, traditional skills, canoeing, and community building.

    We are so excited to be able spend the weekend at the Rendezvous and chat with some legends of the community.

    This episode starts with a chat with the hosts and organizers, Dale and Colleen Kiselyk, (https://naturealiveadventures.com/) about the history of the Rendezvous and their backstory. Dale is a wilderness guide, educator, and founder of Nature Alive Adventures with decades of experience teaching canoeing, bushcraft, and outdoor leadership. Colleen is an outdoor educator and wilderness skills instructor specializing in nature connection, traditional skills, and family outdoor learning.

    We then sit down with Jaye Selin (https://www.instagram.com/northernbushcraftdad/) to hear about bush knife skills and Julius Wiebe for stories of trapping and working with hides in northern Alberta.

    Jaye Selin has played in the bush for decades, always exploring and learning through experience. An accomplished outdoorsman, craftsman, and spoon carver, he deepens his knowledge of wilderness living and bush skills through hands-on practice.

    Julius Wiebe is a hunter, trapper, and outdoors enthusiast. Julius made a living as a full time brain tanner for several years and is teaching courses over the weekend.

    The episode finishes with a conversation with Dave Holder and Bruce Zawalsky!

    Dave Holder is a wilderness living skills instructor, qualified with Mors Kochanski in 2012. Arctic and Boreal guide with the Wilderness Guides Association (Europe), ACMG guide, Wilderness First Aid instructor, Survival consultant for TV and Film, and Alone show Lead Survival Consultant.

    Bruce Zawalsky (https://www.instagram.com/brucezawalsky/) is an expert at Teaching Professional Instructor-Led Field Safety Training in Wilderness Survival, Navigation, and Wildlife & Bear Awareness. He is also the author of Bestselling Survival Book: "Canadian Wilderness Survival"

    Join us on this episode for lessons and stories from the Mossy Bog Rendezvous!

    1 hr 55 min
  • Ep 126- Backpacking into Whitehorse Wildland

    In this episode of the Wilderness Wavelength Podcast, George and Cristina celebrate their wedding anniversary the best way they know how—with heavy packs and open trails.

    Join the couple as they head into the breathtaking landscapes of Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park.

    33 min
  • Ep 125- Gold Panning On The River (Feat. Matthew Ritchie)

    Grab your pan and boots! In this episode of Wilderness Wavelength, we head down to the riverbanks with outdoor expert Matthew Ritchie.

    Matthew guides us through the patient, rewarding art of gold panning. He shares his top insider tips, reveals how to "read" the river to find the best deposits, and explains the exact techniques needed to separate worthless dirt from real gold flakes. Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned prospector, this episode will give you the gold fever!

    1 hr 33 min

About Wilderness Wavelength

From the publisher's feed

Nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and recording from Hinton Alberta, this podcast is all about embracing the great outdoors!