Alaskan Odysseys

I'm heading back to the land that generated this narrated adventure story and I want to bring you all with me. So, I re-edited the tale for release while my brother and I are out there in the wilds. I also added THIRTY MINUTES of down-deep, hard-learned bear hunting knowledge; accumulated over a decade of tough research and experience pursuing these beasts here in Alaska. I truly believe this information can help a hunter harvest and recover more bears. And the story can pull the heart strings of any outdoorsman. Please share it with anybody you think will benefit from it or relate to it. Thanks for that extra effort.  Happy Hunting.  Steve Get a great deal at Heather's Choice Meals for Adventuring by using promo code "AKOD". If you're an aspiring business owner, you may also want to check out her Founders Speaker Series. 

I could have re-recorded this several times to try to capture all the little morsels of wit and wisdom that I wrote down before I started recording. I wish I would have recorded myself screaming "YOU DON'T HAVE TO JUST STRUGGLE THROUGH LIFE AND LEARN EVERYTHING THE HARD WAY!!" But I'm happy with the final message delivered. I was amped up.  Good things happen when you just put on the headset and hit record.  In grand summary: whenever you are up against a challenge and have a desire to improve: Consult Expertise. Build a relationship with someone who can support you along the way to keep you from quitting.  Personally, in the last year I've: worked with a performance coach,   a therapist, a best friend, a parent, a sibling, a girlfriend, a boss, a co-worker, and a man I call "Uncle Jack". All of them have helped me through something and continue to support me. They do this because I continue to offer them something as well; each of them something different. I've also read a few great books: Driven, The Art of Impossible, and Man's Search for Meaning.  If you're looking for a team, an expert, and/or a mentor to help you launch or grow your business, consider starting with The Founders Speaker Series. 14 different Speakers between May 4th, 2021 and the end of July 2021.  Happy Hunting.  Steve Upcoming Secret Sauce Episodes: "Just Follow the Friggin' Recipe" "Mine Your Data" "A Good Scout is Never Without" & "We don't need a plan. We just need options!!"

As much as I'm excited to present this opportunity to those of you who are ready to accept it, I'm also really REALLY excited to participate in this opportunity myself.  Check out "The Founder's Speakers Series" and consider participating so you can grow your business with support from 14 of the outdoor industry's most successful entrepreneurs.  Brought to you by Heather's Choice Meals for Adventuring. Use promo code "AKOD" for a 10% discount.. "Bootfuel" works as well. 

The first time I ever saw Donald C. Martin, he got on stage to receive his "Guide of the Year" award at the 'Sheep Show' in Reno (One of my all time favorite good times). He rushed up the podium, gave the presenter a vigorous hand shake, leaned into the mic, pulled back his flowing locks of hair, and said, "My job is to bring out the best in you. Thank You. This award is for you! " And he walked away. I knew I had to meet this man, and start a podcast to host someone with such tenacious compassion. Enjoy. For anyone with that desire to operate their own successful business in the outdoor realm, check out "The Founder's Speaker Series" a masterclass-style project from our sponsor Heather Kelly @HeathersChoice. 

Kevin Kehoe, president of the Alaska Wild Sheep Foundation joins me again to promote the organization's upcoming 2021 Banquet. We made sure it was a valuable listen, even if you know you can't attend. In the first 15 minutes, we divulge all the ways you can play-to-win some lucrative prizes and support Wild Sheep from the comfort of your couch. Then, we discuss the remaining opportunities for those who are present and I reveal how you might 'beat the dealer'.  And since Kevin says at every banquet, "you didn't come here to listen to me talk. Let's give away some prizes!", we spend the last 20 minutes talking about Wild Sheep Conservation and the goals of the organization.  Please share this episode with anybody you know who may enjoy supporting our wildlife conservation efforts and winning some guns, trips, or gear while they're at it!! Happy Hunting, Steve Opat @AlaskanOdysseys & "Alaska Hunt Booking & Outfitting"

"The Soulful Hunter" Johnny Maack called me up one day and said "Steve, i want to come to Alaska". I asked if he'd be willing to record the ensuing conversation and he obliged. There is MUCH information revealed in this chat. If you're dreaming of Alaska, give it a listen and share it with your hunting buddy. If you are looking to make an Alaska trip a reality, give me a call. I'm now in the business of teasing out the exact experience you are looking for and then finding the outfitter that can best meet those expectations.  Thanks for listening. Happy Hunting. Steve "Take Care of Each Other. Take care of the Earth" Supported by  Heather's Choice Meals for Adventuring and  Jetech Inflatables The common man's key to unlock the backcountry .

I finally get back into podcast mode and catch up with December's host of the Traveling Pack: Jim Hunstman from @TheWesternHunstman I knew that Jim and I could get deep in the weeds on all things hunting, gear, and animal behavior. But I tried to lead us out of the weeds and into wisdom. What resulted was pretty cool and spawned these two concepts. 1. "Let suffering tell you what to buy; not anticipation." 2. Sending a letter to your congressman BEFORE there is an issue at stake is like sending flowers to your wife BEFORE you F&*k up...much more impactful. Give it a listen and share it with someone who would appreciate the insight.  If you are looking to plan your own Alaskan Odyssey. Give me a call, I've got the insight and connections you need to efficiently dial in the kind of adventure YOU are looking for. Happy Hunting Steve "Take care of each other. Take care of the Earth"   Supported by  Heather's Choice and Jetech Inflatables.

There's an axiom I have, and it's one that is agreed upon with the most renowned self-improvement books ever written (Think & Grow Rich, The 7 habits of highly effective people): Consult Expertise. Whether its building a mastermind group or networking with like-minded, intelligent and successful people; the value of mentors and great coaches cannot be given enough importance.  Coach Mike and I met at a buddy's hunting lodge and became pals. When we started working on a professional level, my life's trajectory changed.  Our progress is largely responsible for this show. But it's so much more than that. So, listen in, you may learn something.  If Alaska is on your mind and you could benefit from expertise in making it happen; Call me. I'm here to connect hunters with the right experience to meet the dream inside their head.  Happy Hunting. Steve. "Take care of your neighbor. Take care of the Earth." 

Want to spend more days afield? It won't come by chance. You have to schedule your success and execute a good strategy. For the first 15 minutes, I read an article I wrote for GoHunt regarding my application strategy that uses "Rust Busters", a "Main Event!", a "Kicker" and "Nightcaps". After that, I sit back and discuss how to apply these to Alaska and how I go about the business of helping people make their Alaska Hunting aspirations come to fruition.  Message me if you, or someone you know, are looking to come north to Alaska and could use some help making it happen.  Happy Hunting, Steve "Take care of each other. Take care of the Earth."

@KateSmallOutdoors is back to share her gleaned insight on some great products to outfit the women who take the field in pursuit of their food. We all know, there's just not the same number of offerings for her as there are for him. So, give this a listen.   And would somebody please me a review when you are done listening!!  Happy Hunting, Steve For other Christmas Gifts. Check out  Heathers Choice and Roving Blue use promo code AKOD to save 10-15%.  The first 25 people to buy the new Roving Blue Go3 Water Bottle will have the opportunity to have the product custom engraved. This is an exclusive offer. They will be the only 25 people to have this - probably ever. It's a good idea for the person who likes new gizmos and already has everything!. 

This starts with a follow-up interview with Mike Wells regarding his experience with the traveling pack. As he signed off, he said something truly remarkable - impactful.  The statement resonated with me as I went to bed that night and 12 hours later it became - perhaps - the most important and relevant bit of advice in my life.  From there, well, it inspired me to tell this story about Alaska Medevac life and use it to teach a lesson about how we can all help each other by better expressing our gratitude this holiday season. Thanks for sharing your time with me. For great gifts for this holiday season, use Promo Code 'AKOD' at  Roving Blue and Heather's Choice.  Happy Hunting, Steve "Take Care of Each Other. Take Care of the Earth."  

Stories are the glue of the outdoor lifestyle. Every tribe of hunters is adhered together through their own assembly of legends, lore, bits, and inside jokes. This episode is the narrated saga that continues to grow amongst my own community. Maybe you can use it as you set around bar and family feast tables this holiday season. Surely, there will be plenty of stories shared, lies told, and photos exchanged during the cold dark days ahead. This may help you bring more laughter to them.  Happy Hunting, Steve "Take care of each other. Take care of the Earth" use promo code AKOD to order great holiday gifts like these: Roving Blue water bottle purifier Heather's Choice Packaroons Initial Ascent Men's and Womens backpacks. 

Join me, Dennis Stokes from @InitialAscent and @KateSmallOutdoors as we reveal one of the greatest gifts an outdoor Women could ever receive. Something made just for her... Something long overdue in the outdoor community. #Brotherhoodofthetravelingpack #Sisterhoodofthetravelingpack ??? Happy Hunting Steve "Take Care of Each other. Take Care of the Earth." If you're looking to put together your own Alaskan Odyssey, message me and let's make it happen. I'm now helping people plan and book hunts for 2021 and beyond!

This man has earned a reputation in the outdoor industry as one of the NICEST people you'll ever meet. And on account of this, he's becoming a mentor to me. I'm confident that you can listen to this episode and see why. A truly great talk.  In this chat, Paul Mentions his father's appreciation for Aldo Leopold. I started reading Leopold's work afterward and now I'm (mostly) obsessed with. I believe westernized cultures are at a point where they would be wise to read it.  Start with "A Sand County Almanac". For those of you who've read it, contact me and let's chat about it.  Happy Hunting, Steve "Take Care of Each Other. Take Care of the Earth."

Part III from the drive home down Alaska's Famous Haul road. Todd Bumgardner (@HumanPredatorPackmule) and I break into his journal full of field notes to discuss lessons learned during the hunt. Here, in part 3, we discuss the final and - perhaps - most important lesson: Look for the Magic.  Like. Follow. Share. That's how these shows grow and can continue to help people pursue their outdoor dreams. Look me up if you are trying to plan your own Alaskan Odyssey. I can work to help you have YOUR ultimate adventure.  Happy Hunting. Steve "Take Care of Each Other. Take Care of the Earth." Message Jim at Jetech Inflatables if you're ready to add a game-changer to your toolkit.  Use Promo Code "AKOD" to save 10% off any orders with these great American small businesses.  Heather's Choice and Roving Blue

Part II from the drive home down Alaska's Famous Haul road. Todd Bumgardner (@HumanPredatorPackmule) and I break into his journal full of field notes to discuss lessons learned during the hunt. By the time we recorded this, we had spent nearly two straight weeks together and, well, it shows.  After listening. Share it with a friend. Then, see about improving your opportunity for adventure by getting into your own Jetech Inflatable boat. They are game-changers. And always, contact me if you want help putting together YOUR own Alaskan Odyssey.  Happy Hunting Steve "Take Care of Eachother. Take Care of the Earth." 

Join Todd Bumgardner (@HumanPredatorPackmule) and I as we re-hash the fantastic adventure we had on Alaska's famous 'Haul Road'.  I make that pilgrimage at a couple times a year and am striving to become the guru of all things Haul Road Caribou Hunting. On the drive home, Todd and I break down over a dozen different lessons learned during the course of the week; documented in his field notes journal.  Part II coming soon. In the meantime, see about improving your opportunity for adventure by getting into your own Jetech Inflatable boat. They are game-changers.  Happy Hunting Steve "Take Care of Eachother. Take Care of the Earth." 

I could talk for a full year about my progression to become a competent Alaskan outdoorsman. But where I'm at right NOW is a shorter conversation. And where I'm at is that I love the way my Jetech Inflatable boat has unlocked the backcountry and maximized my hunt days.  But aside from whether I want you to buy one, I more want you to listen to how I approach my hunt planning.  In the weeks ahead we'll talk about apparrel, packs, and boots as well.  Have a question? Follow along. Or call me and let's record a chat about preparing for YOUR dream Alaskan Adventure. Also, I'm helping people book their Alaskan hunts for 2021 and beyond. Reach out to me if you want help planning yours or know somebody who's ready to experience it for themselves.  www.Jetechinflatables.com

This rolled off the tongue and I ran with it. In the last year, I've been discovering what life's "Big Secrets" are. These are the things that have been discovered and re-discovered by humans since the dawn of our time.  I think the way we'll share them is to do a short episode to reveal them, and then we'll do a follow up episode to share a story that supports the point.  Part 1: Access. I speculate that the first 90% of your success while hunting in Alaska will come from the efforts you spent to secure access to the backcountry. Your gear, your skills, and (for certain) your long range shooting skills will be irrelevant if you can't understand how to get yourself into the Beast's nest.  The next episodes will be about Jetech Inflatables and how they help me access Alaska. I'm so excited to tell these stories! Happy Hunting. Steve "Take Care of Each Other. Take Care of the Earth." 10% off Heather's Choice food and Roving Blue water sanitation products with promo Code "AKOD"

I've been pretty passionate about my projects this week. This episode is about why. I talk about what I've been up to that has me set to deliver a lot of content in the weeks ahead. I talk about some revelations from the last week and how they are changing the trajectory of the show and the content I produce.  Netflix/Checkout: "The Biggest Little Farm" and  "Kiss the Ground" Happy Hunting. Steve "Take Care of each other. Take care of the Earth."

It's 6 minutes long...Just listen. (wink)

This is just me all amped up and sharing something that's important to me.  Listen to learn: -why I just voted for the first time in my life -how I voted -what I think it means to "have something to say" -and why I think political party lines are not needed in the information era.  Please share this 10 minute rant with somebody you know whom also struggles with voting. Also, if you are educated in the matters of the things I discuss, please contact me. Let's listen and chat. Take care of one another. Take care of the earth. Happy Hunting. Steve

Twenty-some episodes in and I'm already saying that this will be one of my top discussions of all time? How can a guy be so confident? Well, Listen and find out! When you're done, shoot me a message and let me know if you valued the talk.  Also, As the holidays approach, keep these great American companies in mind.  Heather's Choice Meals for Adventuring. Roving Blue water sanitization systems Check out the Ozo-go. A water sanitation device that fits atop your nalgene bottle. Use promo code "AKOD" for both these great companies.  And for the man who really needs the best toys.. Jetech Inflatable Jet Boats: A true Game Changer for exploring America's Backcountry. 

More campfire listening...Enjoy! Supported by these great small American businesses:  Heather's Choice: Meals for adventuring. Promocode "Bootfuel" or "AKOD" JetechInflatable boats: Get wild. Get after it. Get where no jet boat has gone before.  Roving Blue: Check out the new GO! It attaches to your Nalgene bottle...

What ever happened to the days when you could knock on your neighbor's door and get permission to hunt? I'm bringing them back!  Enjoy this -tutorial? - with my best friend Brent. We talk about the tricks we've learned and the success we've had with securing places to hunt on private land. Also, it's pertinent to release in advance while I'm out of service during the Alaska hunting season. Look forward to some new gems when I'm out of the field.  Happy Hunting Steve Supported by these great small American businesses:  Heather's Choice: Meals for adventuring. Promocode "Bootfuel" or "AKOD" JetechInflatable boats: Get wild. Get after it. Get where no jet boat has gone before.  Roving Blue: Check out the new GO! It attaches to your Nalgene bottle...

"The Brotherhood of the Traveling Pack" is a promotional project I cooked up with Dennis Stokes from Initial Ascent packs.  Dennis and I tell the origin story of the concept and how you can get involved.  It's hunting season, that's all the more time I have to spend on the write-up! Enjoy and Happy Hunting. Steve Try Heather's Choice meals while you're out and about this fall. Eat well, and eat HEALTHY in the backcountry! And for your backcountry water sanitation needs, check out Roving Blue.  Use promo code AKOD to save money with both these great American small businesses. 

I haven't done enough pure adventure sharing. So here's one that should please the palate...Just in time for Alaska's moose season! This story was originally published in "Hunt Alaska" magazine in the summer of 2019. It is recorded and released with their permission.  Enjoy!  Also,  A big shout out to Larry Bartlett. If you are planning an Alaskan trip, the works of this Legend can certainly help you prepare and ensure your succes. Check out his company Pristine Ventures and get your self some TAG bags.  If you see him, tell him thanks and that Steve Opat says hi!.  Supported by these great small American businesses:  Heather's Choice: Meals for adventuring. Promocode "Bootfuel" or "AKOD" JetechInflatable boats: Get wild. Get after it. Get where no jet boat has gone before.  Roving Blue: Check out the new GO! It attaches to your Nalgene bottle...

Give this a listen...you just might learn something. Thanks again to the @ShaunAyers and @Kuiu for letting me test gear and share stories like this.  Supported by these great small American businesses:  Heather's Choice: Meals for adventuring. Promocode "Bootfuel" or "AKOD" JetechInflatable boats: Get wild. Get after it. Get where no jet boat has gone before.  Roving Blue: Check out their newest water sanitation product, it screws on to your Nalgene bottle!

"Dedicated To Robin Hood: A spirit that at some time dwells in the heart of every youth." Originally published in the Journal of Mountain Hunting online edition, this narrated article is the perfect follow-up to my episode with Brandon Waddell.  This story is intended for pure entertainment; For the solo hunts where you are alone by the fire at night; For soggy days stuck in the tent; For those long lonesome drives to your hunting spot; or for the grinding hours behind the computer as you try to get your work done before a hunt. Find the book- "Hunting with Bow & Arrow" By: Saxton Pope here. (Free Kindle version) Sponsored by: Heather's Choice Meals for adventuring: Promo Code AKOD Roving Blue: Check out the new GO! A water sanitation device that attaches to your Nalgene bottle. Promo Code AKOD Jetech Inflatables: Go where no jetboat has gone before.  “We who have hunted thus, trod the forest trails, climbed the lofty peaks, breathed the magic air, and viewed the endless roll of mountain ridges, blue in the distance, have been blessed by the gods” ~Saxton Pope. 

The final installment of the recording from the Western Hunt Expo: Brandon Waddell. He's the man who brought us the Wilderness Attitude podcast. Now, he's serving up another golden Gem. This time, it's the Mountain Archery Fest.  Specific to my mission, Brandon talks about how archery is a one of the most fun and stress-relieving ways to introduce people to the outdoors.  This truly was a fantastic conversation. Or as Brandon says, "A golden gem" Ways to improve your backcountry game and save some $$$ Heather's Choice promo code AKOD Roving Blue promo code AKOD. Check out their newest product. It attaches to your Nalgene bottle.  Jetech Inflatable boats. Go where no jet boat has gone before. 

Brent and Julie Irwin from MyCamoExchange.com are the epitome of 'cool'. If you're looking to give your kid a role model, build new adult friends, or find a mentor; look no farther than the outdoor industry and people like this couple. They have an admirable story and great advice! This is the third released podcast from my surreal experience at the @HuntExpo in February. When I'm done with these, I'll release a bunch of stories to help entertain everybody in the tent during soggy nights in hunting camp. Happy Hunting Steve Heather's Choice Roving Blue: Get a sweat deal on a preorder for their new nalgene bottle attachement!! Jetech Inflatable Boats  

This episode is long overdue. I knew it was a gem when we recorded it, but listening to it again while editing made me realize how fantastic this talk really was. Listen and be inspired by this talk with Keith Taylor from  Disabled Outdoorsmen Utah Keith asked us all to check out the video "Free as a Bird" by Wild Air Films Remember, as my good buddy Johnny Maack says, "Mentoring is conservation." Without mentoring, without conservation, hunting and the outdoor heritage will die. Join me in taking care of the places and pastimes that have given us so much.  These discussions are not possible without the people who pushed me to make them happen: Heather's Choice: Meals for Adventuring. Promo Code: AKOD and the people who support me in keeping it going:  Roving Blue Promo Code: AKOD Jetech Inflatables: Go explore where no jet boat has gone before.   

Part 2 from the AK WSF "Virtual Banquet". I pull in two guys who were there to represent the Alaska Dept of Game and Fish and MAN! were they fun guys to sit down. They truly were engaging conversationalists.  Eddie Grasser is the Director of Wildlife Conservation for ADF&G. He comes from a family of Alaskan guides and tells stories from the days of 50 hours pack trains into the Alaskan bush and the former world record grizzly bear.  He also founded the Alaska Wildlife Heritage Foundation.  Eddie talks about his ideas to protect hunting and outdoor conservation in Alaska. Then I'm joined byTony Kavalok, Assistant Director, Division of Wildlife Conservation. He and I debate Alaska's most iconic hunts and brainstorm some more ideas on helping people to get outdoors in Alaska.  The biggest takeaways: 1. Buy a hunting license. 2. Take someone hunting. It will take 5 experiences before it will stick. Recruit. Retain. Reactivate.  Sponsored by: Heather's Choice Meals for Adventuring. Promo Code: AKOD saves 10% one very order.  & Jetech Inflatable Boats. : Get yourself where no jet boat has gone before.  Check out Roving Blue's new attachment for Nalgene Bottles too!!

I love the idea of just sharing good stories. Here's one that I once wrote for The Journal of Mountain Hunting. "A Brooks Range Dream Come True" is the tale of a time I did - what some people may consider to be - something very stupid, but that I have no regrets about! I arrowed a grizzly bear.  Enjoy! Use promo code "AKOD" at Heather's Choice and Roving Blue to save $$$ on all your purchases and show your support for this show as well as your support for small American business. Also, check out jetech inflatables and see how many more epic Alaskan adventures you can generate with an affordable boat that can take you where no jet boats have gone before.   

This episode is unique; I did no more than setup a table in the middle of an event. I brought the recorder and asked a few people to sit down and tell a hunting story. The results were certainly worth sharing. This episode comes with a gratuitous ask: Please check out our  Alaska Wild Sheep Foundation's Online Auction by clicking the link.  Consider sharing it with somebody you know who thinks they might be ready for a destination hunt. We have 40 different offerings encompassing 6 different continents and starting at $1000!!! These would normally have 1000 well-lubricated hunters bidding on them but COVID killed our banquet. So, there's some immense value here! Remember that some of these hunts can be booked in 2021 and beyond. Do some shopping and help us keep sheep on the mountains of Alaska.  Steve

I took time on a Sunday evening to: just tell you who I am; to extend a hand and three minutes of constructive thoughts on COVID; and to tell you what we learned from episodes 1-10 along with my approach to releasing future content.  We're carrying the torch for conservation, for Alaskan-esque adventure, and for leading people to love the outdoors. I promise to be objective, educated, fun, honest. I promise to respect your time.  I forgot to mention in this essay that I acknowledge I'm from Minnesota. Sometimes I talk funny and often I say, "Ya Know?" too much. We don't even realize we're doing it... *Of note: You won't find the term "Fort-Saturated" on wikipedia and my dog wasn't that little. He was a 90 pound german wirehair who stunk like a dog. But I loved him and let him lick my face every time I came home to him.  Homework or Suggested Reading/Listening: Terry Redlin Art Research why fire is healthy for native grasslands and prairie. Native Prairie land burning season is upon us...give me a call if you need help! Contact me through Facebook or Instagram: @AlaskanOdysseys  

The first of many recorded conversations with Kevin Kehoe, President of the Alaska Wild Sheep Foundation. Reading/Music recommendation for this episode: Pittman-Robertson Act Discussions: Conservation - a pillar of this show. On this episode, Kevin tells us how the COVID-19 crisis will affect conservation organizations. We have some laughs, talk about the similarities between the pandemics that are currently effecting wild sheep and domesticated humans, and learn about a conservation organization that is thriving - the Alaska Wild Sheep Foundation.  Our annual banquet is June 6th, 2020 at the Dena'ina Center and we will give away nearly 100 guns, 2 atv's, $20k in Optics, Auction off several dozen amazing hunts and prizes, and have a whole lot of fun! The pathogen M. OVI is affecting Dall sheep in Alaska. Contact the Alaska Wild Sheep Foundation to ask how you can help keep Wild Sheep on the Mountain. Also, Kevin encourages us to support the small businesses that will suffer through these trying times.  Check out the AK WSF for the businesses that support conservation in Alaska. Consider supporting them as well as the small business sponsors of this production: Heather's Choice "Bootfuel" saves you 10% Jetech Inflatables Just tell Jim that Steve sent you. Roving Blue "AKOD" saves you 10% on all of their remarkable ozone products for water sanitation. 

Enjoy this adventure tale. I never did try to publish it. I love that I can bring it to you all here.  Please share this story with somebody who you think will enjoy it. Perhaps some young Davy Crockett wanna-be kid who will thrive on the adventure; Perhaps an elderly person who is cut off from the normal socialization due to COVID-19. Perhaps read it around your next campfire.  Brought to you in partnership with great Alaskan and Great American companies: Heather's Choice :Promo Code "BootFuel" Jetech Inflatables: Mention that you heard about them here.  Roving Blue : Promo Code "AKOD" 

Yana DeMyer harnessed ozone - one of nature's own substances - to sanitize water. Her products are one of the reasons I had to start this podcast; I needed a platform to inform people about life-changing outdoor gear, tips and tricks that can improve their wellness and enjoyment of nature! This was a fantastic discussion and Yana slow-played me. I had no idea she was such a great story teller! We'll be talking more with Yana about her products in subsequent episodes. For more information now about Roving Blue's technology, listen to the EricCast episode #2 & read about ozone here https://noai.org/ Message me on IG or Facebook @AlaskanOdysseys if you'd like to a great deal on an Ozone Pen from my personal supply.  If you buy at Roving Blue, use promo code "AKOD" to save 10% Also, visit our proud Alaskan Sponsors: Heather's Choice promo code "BootFuel" & Jetech Inflatable Boats Tell Jim you heard about them here on the Alaskan Odysseys Podcast. 

You'll quickly understand that Heather and I are great friends. She divulges why she's supported the show, why she sponsors it, why she (comically) owns it, and why she's been dubbed "The Queen of the Grand Canyon" Here, we just laugh and learn together. For an intro to her and her business, Heather's Choice: Meals for Adventuring, I recommend you listen to The Gritty podcast with Brian Call. Episode 114. Sponsored by Alaskans: Jetech Inflatable jet boats Heather's ChoicePromo Code "BootFuel" Roving Blue Inc. Promo Code "AKOD"  Suggested Listening: Colter Wall

I was at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo for ten minutes before meeting Ed Arnette. He was talking with my friend Paul Neese - a man renowned as being the nicest guy you'll ever meet. When I saw their camaraderie, I realized that this guy must be an alright fella. So, I poked in to say hi to Paul, I saw that his friend's shirt said TRCP on it, and a conversation ensued. Ten seconds later I said, "man, we should sit down for a podcast. I think I'd we could be friends too." He said, "sure thing. But you better hurry, I'm about to leave." Ten minutes later we met at the Initial Ascent booth and were talking about gun dogs, the North American Conservation model, large carnivore management and all the ways that Ed has learned the value in "Paying it back". His stories were genuine. He was a perfect guest. I can't wait to talk with him again and to hunt the Nebraska sandhills together.  Enjoy Sponsors: Heather's Choice: 15% savings with promo code "Bootfuel" www.JetechInflatables.com  Recommended Reading or Listening: My favorite book "The Hidden Life of Trees" & The Hunt for Real Podcast. Episode 26: Patrick Gurkin      

'Story' has long been the way information was passed from one generation to the next. For centuries, humans sat around a fire and told stories at night to teach lessons, pass the time, and keep the kids from the jaws of the Saber Cat. It's just in our human blood to appreciate a good story.  That's why - on this episode - I'm just narrating a story I once wrote. It's one that simply makes us appreciate life in wild places. This was originally published in WILD SHEEP magazine, the official publication of the Wild Sheep Foundation. It was republished digitally in The Journal of Mountain Hunting. Enjoy. 

The title says it all. My life odyssey brought me from being a nature boy working on a tree farm in small-town Minnesota all the way to playing with my own forest in Fairbanks Alaska. I've never stopped being obsessed with trees. One day at work, somewhere about 27,000 feet above the Alaska range mountains, I learned that my co-worker created something amazing that embraces the service trees give to the earth.  Listen along and learn about the organization Green Stand and how they are changing the paradigm of how we are using trees to care for the earth. Conversation starts at 4:00 www.GreenStand.org Supported by these Alaskan businesses: Heather's Choice: Meals for Adventuring & Jetech Inflatables

Wayne Miller has served as a positive influence in my life since I was a freshmen in college back in 2003. He's always educated himself on the things he does to make sure he's living a stimulating and healthy life. Wayne laughs easy and is always open to talk and make people feel comfortable sharing. We discuss his evolution as a hunter; from the leader of the pack with two young boys on his hip, to tagging along with his boys and their friends, to now being a grandpa and taking the next generation of young boys into the deer woods. It was yet another great conversation with my best friend's dad. Enjoy Supported by these Alaskan Businesses: www.HeathersChoice.com use promo code "BootFuel" https://jetechinflatables.com/

In episode two we continue to showcase our midwest roots. I sit down with a man I've known since preschool and we both discuss why our life paths led us to start podcasts. John Boyum has been traveling the country in a school bus to host the "Let's Talk Beef" podcast. His mission is to introduce the great beef producers of our country to each other and to all the consumers of beef! I prefer venison myself but I fully support John in his mission.  Thanks to our sponsor www.HeathersChoice.com for their dedicated support. You'll hear from her in episode 7. Order some packaroons for starters and use promo code BOOTFUEL to save yourself some money. Contact me with feedback or guests ideas: Facebook or IG @AlaskanOdysseys or email Opat1919@gmail.com  

Sure, the show is entitled "Alaskan Odysseys", but it's important to understand that an odyssey is long journey and one whose end-point is often different from the beginning. Not every episode will be set in Alaska because - In order to understand why wild Alaska is so important to me and my mission - we must understand my roots. So in the first episode I'm joined by Brent Miller. He has been one of my top friends since our first month of college over 15 years ago. We discuss the birth of this podcast, what makes us uniquely qualified to be a leader in this mission, and some of the discussions that will ensue in later episodes. Enjoy! Check out our sponsor Heather's Choice: Meals for Adventuring. You can feel good while eating this food and feel good about eating this food. Start with a packaroon, they are Heather's gateway drug. Use promo code "BootFuel" to save money at checkout.