On the Dogwatch

Today On the Dogwatch it is a tremendous pleasure to be able to talk with John Branson, who was a longtime friend of Richard “Dick” Proenneke, and the one who edited and published his journals over five volumes. John lives in Alaska just a five-minute walk from the Lake Clark visitor center for the National Park Service. The region is known for its incredible natural beauty, and as the home of Dick Proenneke, a man who moved to Alaska and eventually decided to build a cabin by hand and live by himself in the wilderness there. In our conversation, we talk about how John met Proenneke, who Proenneke was as a person, and how he became known. We also hear stories of what it was like to be on the trail with Proenneke, his self discipline and dedication to his journals, and what we might learn from him.A passage from Proenneke's journal can help frame the scene. On July 10, 1978, Proenneke wrote:“We left our gear on his beach and went scouting for raft logs close to where we hoped to cross. Luck was with us, a good blow down tree and a few dead ones still standing. I would chop out some raft logs while John got supper. The blow down still some what green and heavy. I doubted it would carry much load. I dropped a good solid dead one to go with it. By the time he called “soups on” I had the logs ready for the beach. A good meal…”From: Branson, John, More Readings from One Man's Wilderness: The Journals of Richard L. Proenneke 1974-1980. US Dept. of Interior.

When Lieutenant Commander Ike boards the USS Wasp, the lead amphibious assault ship in the U.S. Navy, people notice. He's truly unlike any other sailor but immediately commands respect. And we wouldn't suggest directing any kind of slight at Ike, especially around the Wasp's crew, which when full is over 3000 people. It's true, LCDR Ike walks on four feet, chases a ball, and sometimes gets into mischief. He even pees on the deck, which is his unique right on board. But LCDR Ike provides his own significant service to the ship, which is obvious when he's with the crew and is now even backed by rigorous studies.Today On the Dogwatch we have the pleasure of talking with Brooke Corson, a former drill sergeant and combat specialist in the U.S. Army who founded Mutts With A Mission. A dog trainer since she was young, Brooke founded Mutts With A Mission to train and provide service dogs to support military veterans, police and first responders, and now also Expeditionary Facility Dogs on Navy ships.In our conversation, we learn about Brooke's unique background and training, the founding and “Mission” behind the organization, and learn what goes into training a true service dog. We of course also spend time on Brooke's work in developing the Expeditionary Facility Dog program, and get to know LCDR Ike and what his life and service are like.This is not one to miss, so let's get on board with Mutts with a Mission.

There are a lot of ways of getting around in the natural world, from hiking to canoeing to biking to swimming. Parachuting is one that few of us have experience with, but is an important historical and current mode of travel. Fortunately, today we have on the podcast someone who has firsthand experience and is the author of two books that relate to paratroopers in WWII.In our conversation, we talk with James Fenelon about his background in the military and in using parachutes, the idea of using a parachute as a tool for travel in military combat and how that has changed, as well as the historical stories of paratroopers that James has written about in both Angels Against the Sun and Four Hours of Fury. Ultimately, James uses the stories of real people and their experiences to contextualize some very important moments in our history. And what are those paratrooper boots and who gets to where them? James answers all of our questions.  

Alexandra Horowitz is a cognitive scientist who teaches courses like canine cognition and animal behavior at Barnard College in New York. She's also an acclaimed author, and a sampling of her books include The Year of the Dog, Our Dogs Ourselves, The Year of the Puppy, and Inside of a dog. Suffice it to say that Alexandra knows quite a bit about dogs, and she's an expert at sharing her knowledge. That's why we are so excited to have her on the podcast this week.In our conversation we travel wide ground, and discuss things like how barking is unique to dogs, why it's a mistake to say that one dog breed is friendlier than another, how dogs have been selected to seek our attention, and the extreme subtlety of inter-dog communication. We end on a discussion of what walking with other people and listening to them observe teaches you about how to observe. Regardless of whether you have a dog, are a dog observer, or just a generally curious person, Alexandra Horowitz has a great deal to share.

Hello, thank you for joining us today On the Dogwatch, where we consider the natural world and the things that help us experience it. On this podcast, it is like we are on a ship's watch together, staring out at the ocean, thinking about the world as it goes by, and going wherever curiosity takes us. I am Michael Canfield, it is currently 1952 at the end of the Second Dog Watch, and this is Episode 63.Is The Old Man and the Sea a great adventure book? Why is it so revered? Does it belong in the Dogwatch Library?Today we have the great fortune to talk with Mark Cirino to help us answer these questions. Mark is the host of One True Podcast, along with Michael VonCanon, which is a show that considers Hemingway's great sentences and his work in general. Mark is a Professor of English, a prolific Hemingway scholar, and his most recent book is One True Sentence: Writers & Readers on Hemingway's Art.In our conversation, we discuss The Old Man and the Sea and how that story fits into a canon of adventure, and whether it belongs in the “Dogwatch Library,” our own list of great books for and about adventure that is modeled after Theodore Roosevelt's “Pigskin Library.” As we consider Santiago's journey, we head all over the map, and touch on the “hero's journey,” Ishmael and Moby Dick, The Red Badge of Courage, how adventure narratives are both external and internal, the idea that ‘the farther we go out the farther we go in' in adventure narratives, and how Hemingway's book can help us think about success and failure. At the end of our conversation we both choose our own “One True Sentences” from Hemingway's work. Mark recommends further reading ideas from Hemingway including the short story “Big Two-Hearted River,” which he calls ‘Hemingway's masterpiece,' and the book Green Hills of Africa.If you are not a listener already, you make sure you check out One True Podcast and Mark and Michael's book, One True Sentence: Writers & Readers on Hemingway's Art. They provide a readily accessible masterclass in Hemingway and how to access his work. They are the English professors you never had.

If I'm not mistaken, it was John Keats who said “A thing of beauty is a joy for ever.” That pretty much sums up Chelsea Clocks. This company is the oldest functioning clock company in the United States, and they make clocks at the highest levels of refinement and luxury. They still make mechanical clocks with their iconic solid brass case. The breadth of their offerings is significant, and they still run a robust repair shop to keep these beautiful timepieces running in top shape. You will find Chelsea clocks on naval and private ships, in homes around the world, and they are even a steadfast presence in the White House.Today on the podcast we have the pleasure of talking with Tony LaChapelle, the President and COO of Chelsea Clocks. In our conversation, we discuss the history of the company, the current structure of their business and production facilities, the nature of the “ship's bell clock”, and how Chelsea has maintained their relevance for more than a century. We even discuss their long relationship with Tiffany & Co. and the production of clocks for their business. If they are good enough for Tiffany, they are certainly good enough for anyone! While we discuss the range of Chelsea's activities, you certainly need to hold one in your hand to appreciate them. When you first feel the literal gravity of these timepieces you will start to understand the difference. Here are a few places to find Chelsea Clocks in person, and more can be found on Chelsea's retail locator.Deprisco Jewelers, Boston, MA (The Dogwatch can personally vouch for this business as we have worked with them for a decade, including a very important ring...); Shreve, Crump, and Low, Boston, MA and Greenwich, CT;  Tiffany and Co. , Boston, MA and New York, NY; Phillips' Clock Shop, Swampscott, MA; F.L. Woods Nautical,  Marblehead, MA; Long's Jewelers, Nashua, NH;  Gorman Clocks.,Tiverton, RI; Lux, Bond and Green Jewelers,  West Hartford, CT; Scully & Scully, New York, NY; Hamilton Jewelers, Princeton, NJ; Maryland Clock Co., Davidsonville, MD; Skipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Gallery,  Round Pond, ME and Portsmouth, VA;  Henne Jewelers, Pittsburgh, PA; Bluewater Books & Charts, Fort Lauderdale, FL; Fisheries Supply Co., Seattle, WA; Captain's Nautical Supply, Seattle, WA; Land, Sea and Sky, Houston, TX.

Hello, thank you for joining us today On the Dogwatch, where we consider the natural world and the things that help us experience it. I am Michael Canfield, it is currently 10:37 on the Forenoon Watch, and this is Episode 61.We are back from a break on the podcast and have prepared some exciting new directions and a lineup of guests and topics that we think you will enjoy. Since we gathered last, the podcast has new theme music, and the Dogwatch has a new website. On the website, which is at www.thedogwatchcompany.com,  you can check out our custom bandanas made by podcast guest One Feather Press, sundials from our guest Matt Kala, notebooks from our friends at Rite in the Rain, Damascus steel knives from the Japanese maker Mcusta, as well as the compact and stylish pens and pencils from the Japanese company OHTO. Not to overlook our canine companions, we also offer a full line of our own dog scarfs made right here in the Twin Cities. Check out the website, and we'd love to hear from you!Today On the Dogwatch we have the pleasure of talking with John Hartenburg of Knot and Rope Supply. In our conversation, we learn about Knot and Rope Supply, the differences between types of ropes, and the ways that ropes are used. We also consider splicing, knots, and even John's work in creating solutions for ejector seats and NASA.

What can happen when you combine 4,200 dogs and 39,000 people? It turns out a lot of learning and fun. In this episode, we talk with Chuck Delaney of the Armstrong Ranch about Game Fair, a sport and outdoor show located in Ramsey, Minnesota. From Chuck's perspective after running Game Fair for 42 years, we learn the history of the event, and how it was modeled after similar events in Britain, what happens at the fair–things like duck calling competitions, dog long jumps into a lake, shotgun and trap shooting, and dog training demonstrations. We even get a chance to talk with Chuck about what all of these experiences have taught him about people and dogs.I spoke with Chuck in July, but am releasing this episode now because this year's Game Fair takes place the coming two weekends, August 11-13 and 18-20. Whether you can make it I hope to see you, and if not, there is a lot to learn from Game Fair.

So what is a toothpick, where did these originate, and what happens when you set out to make the finest toothpicks in the world? Our guest today, Peter Smith at Daneson, helps us answer these questions. In our conversation, we discuss the history of toothpicks, and even their use by early modern humans, how these small slivers of wood became status symbols, and eventually fell out of favor. We move on to how Peter started Daneson to make fine toothpicks infused with flavors, why cinnamon and mint are some of the easiest choices, and then consider the challenges in the business, including how to choose flavors that work with toothpicks. We end the conversation with a discussion of Daneson's efforts to both use northern white birch and contribute to the conservation of the forests where these trees live. In the end, we consider a lot more than toothpicks.

What happens when you both love to travel and want to take some of the comforts of home along with you on your adventures? You guess it, you turn to campaign furniture and its descendents. Today On the Dogwatch we have the opportunity to talk with Christopher Schwarz, the person who literally wrote the book on campaign furniture. Chris is a longstanding fixture in American woodworking, and even if you don't know his name you may have seen him before given his appearances on PBS's The Woodwright's Shop. Along with being a practicing furniture maker and woodworker, Chris has spent a significant part of his career as a writer. He has served as editor of Popular Woodworking Magazine, written numerous other books, and now fosters Lost Art Press.In our conversation, we discuss the history of campaign furniture, the challenges of designing for the outdoors, and specific applications such as book cases, chairs, secretaries, and even secret compartments. In the end, we get a primer on how furniture relates to travel and adventure.

A bandana is a useful item. It can serve as a napkin, rag, bandage, drain plug, motorcycle repair tool, headwear, blindfold, flag, mask, pouch, or a stylish scarf. But not all bandanas are created equal. Many to most are stiff, paisley-printed and inked with plastisol to create a cheap and ultimately unsatisfying object. Today On the Dogwatch we hear about the other end of the bandana spectrum in a conversation with Thomas Petillo at One Feather Press in Nashville.In our conversation, Thomas describes how One Feather came to be, how he goes about sourcing selvedge fabric, and then discharge printing the bandanas. There is a shed behind his house where the process happens, a kind of Willy Wonka-like magic. There is squirting ink, a giant sandwich press, a long conveyor belt, and a precipitous drop for the bandanas into a cardboard box, all elements that stir the creative imagination. In the end, Thomas helps us learn how he creates high-quality, 100% cotton, selvedge bandanas and what can be learned from the process. As a bonus, we also discuss his work on the new and forthcoming Dogwatch Company bandanas. Stay tuned for those coming soon on a remodeled website.

When you head to the field with your notebook and pen in your hand–to either record the natural world or your thoughts while there–you want materials that will hold up to a wicked squall, a blizzard, or any combination of dirt, dung, misplaced hooves and paws, and even spilled coffee.Today we have the opportunity to talk with Sean Leacy about the ethos of the Rite in the Rain brand, the history of its parent organization, the JL Darling Company, what the Rite in the Rain factory is like, and what makes their paper and products unique and widely used. Whether you send these notebooks through the wash, or leave them stuck in the muck of a marsh for a year, you can count on them to hold their information.

Today On the Dogwatch we have the rare opportunity to talk with Nathan Hall, head of the Canine Olfaction Lab at Texas Tech. Nathan is not only a dog owner, but is also someone who studies dog behavior, has a vast knowledge of the canine literature, and does research on their behavior and olfactory abilities in the lab.In our conversation, we discuss how a dog's nose is structured and how it works, the myths and misperceptions about how a dog's nose functions and compares to the human nose, and the ways that we as humans train dogs to use their noses to detect substances such as explosives. We also consider the ways in which dogs can detect and mitigate human stress, and also the biases that we have on which dogs have the best noses–attention pug owners! Ultimately, we get perspective from a leader in canine research who helps us think about the noses of our dogs and their behavior.

Today On the Dogwatch we cross the Atlantic and head to the Highlands of Scotland in search of the nature of tartan, one of the most long standing and iconic outdoor patterns. Along the way, we meet Miles Kerr-Peterson, a PhD historian who has not only a vast knowledge of British history, clans, castles, but also tartan.We start our conversation with Miles by learning about his research into a buried castle under the driveway at the Keith Marsal estate in Scotland, and broaden this conversation to understand some of the history of Scotland and clans. From there, Miles helps us understand how tartan developed as a fabric, and how the patterns have changed over time. Thankfully, Miles not only understands the history of these fabrics, but works the the St. Kilda company, which has an online tartan designer, and he walks us through how tartans are designed and even helps us how we can design, register, and produce our own tartan fabric. What could be better than a conversation that touches on the Jacobite rebellion, Dunnottar Castle, the Outlander TV series, the movie Hot Fuzz, whiskey from the island of Islay, as well as consideration of plenty of Gordons, MacQueens, MacPhersons, Campbells, Camerons, and Craigs? 

In his professional context, you might find Tom Place smashing through the windshield of a bus, getting hit by a car, or in all manner of fist-fights, gun-fights, and falls from the tops of myriad buildings. One would think that somewhere in those activities we could pull on a thread of true crime. However, we have had to look very hard to explore any sinister links. The closest we can get today, talking with Tom On the Dogwatch, is understanding his love of watches and his search for a Rolex watch he lost decades ago in upstate New York to the bottom of a lake. After Tom lost the watch during a bout of somewhat ill-advised, but not uncharacteristic, hijinks on a boat, he has spent many days and hours under the surface of the lake, methodically searching the muck for his lost timepiece. In our conversation, we discuss Tom's life as a stuntman, his love of watches, and then how he lost the watch and has gone about searching for it. While it is unlikely that the watch has been stolen from the bottom of the lake, whether by an unwitting fish, an unlikely fisherman, or an uncommonly well-informed scuba diver, we don't entirely rule out any possibilities. In the end, we are left with a dramatic story of the search for a lost love.

We've all heard people talking to dogs like they are small children. Some people find it cute, others consider it absurd, and there are also those who understand it implicitly. So what do we know about how humans talk to dogs? Today On the Dogwatch we are joined by Bob Mitchell, head of the Animal Studies Program at Eastern Kentucky, who has researched just these kinds of questions. In our conversation, we consider where this kind of “baby talk” has been observed in humans and dogs, what we know about why people do it, and whether there is any evidence that it is more effective than other forms of communication with our dogs. In the end, we get a good sense of what we know–and even more what we don't–about how we talk to our dogs.

When wearing a fine wristwatch, or looking at many other human-created objects of function and beauty, it is easy to forget that it was conceived of and designed by an actual person. Looking at the Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT, C60 Trident Pro 300 I have this feeling, being mesmerized, but these too have a person behind them. Lucky for us, we are able to talk with Will Brackfield, watch designer at Christopher Ward.We discuss with Will how he became a watch designer, aspects of his design aesthetics, and how new watches come into being. 

What better way to celebrate the 50th episode of the On the Dogwatch podcast than to have a conversation with someone who has provided steadfast support and positive energy, and has become the de facto patron saint of the podcast, James Cox. Many listeners will remember when James joined us for Episode #28 and told the story of his relationship with Paul Newman, and how he was given Newman's Rolex Daytona watch. In our conversation today we pick up where we left off and talk about how funds from the sale of the Paul Newman have been used in projects such as the preservation of the Westfjords of Iceland, the ecology of salmon in the Pacific northwest, and the Kiss the Ground movie project. Listeners are encouraged to learn more at the Nell Newman Foundation, and at Myfriendjames.com. In addition, James and I also discuss the year I have spent with James's black dial Daytona, and what can be learned when people connect through the sharing of a simple object like a watch. In the end, James gives us plenty to think about regarding how we dedicate ourselves to making contributions and positive change.

Today On the Dogwatch we have the opportunity to learn about the Kala Pocket Sundial, and to get to know its purveyor, Matt Kala. We go the distance on this episode, and along with learning a bit about Graz and the beauties of Austria, hear the story of how the pocket sundial was inspired by a farmer's ring and equinoctial device, and how Matt's family has developed this device into an accessible tool and ideal gift. We spend time discussing how to use the pocket sundial, as well as timekeeping, watches, and health and wellbeing. We even learn about the most recent addition to the lineup, the Kala Nocturnal, a device that helps you tell the real time at night.

Today we have our first hall of famer on the podcast, and it is with great pleasure that I introduce Dan Egan, member of the Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, extreme athlete, filmmaker, soccer coach, and all around connector. In our conversation, we talk about the development of extreme sports, what it is like to jump out of a helicopter on skis, and off of the Berlin wall on skis, and how skiing has helped Dan interface with the world and people. We also discuss Dans' experience working with and learning from Warren Miller, his recent book 30 Years in a White Haze, and talk skiing and outdoor style, from duct tape to Alps and Meters. In this episode we really find our way about the entire slope, and talk with Dan about our place in nature and different ways to experience the natural world.Don't forget to check out his book 30 Years in a White Haze, and his work on the Designed By Tradition podcast.

What happens when a couple of Swiss guys take over a mostly dormant watch brand, and reinvigorate, reinvest, and then engineer it back into one of the leading independent brands? One outcome is that when you see these watches you immediately know that they are high-quality and intriguing, but you have to learn more and look hard to understand why. And as you spend more time with them, like I did with three of them on my wrist for several weeks, the more you realize is there. As a naturalist, I couldn't help to see the parallels to ants. If you have not studied ants yourself, these small social insects are amazing to observe and comprehend–whether they are carrying three sisters in their mandibles across the pavement with relative ease, or driving through the forest in a column that will eat a large mammal–a literal lifetime of fascination exists in each little organism. There is similar depth in the story of these watches and their design.In our conversation with Raphael, the Formex CEO, and Markus, the Formex Director of Marketing, we discuss the history of Formex and how the brand has evolved over the past half-decade. The Formex team helps us understand the unique features of their watches and the engineering that has gone into them, such as the automotive-like shock system and their proprietary carbon fiber material. and discuss the specifics of the Essence 39, the Leggera 41, and the Reef diver. This discussion just begins to unearth the evolution, form, and function of these watches, a brand that should be in consideration as one of the best value propositions in watches. Raphael also describes the origin of the name “Formex” from two French words, forme and extrème. Even here there is a convergence with the myrmecological world with the formica being the Latin word for ant, and myrmex being ant in Greek. In the end, on this Dogwatch shift we discuss the story of the incredible evolution of a brand and the example of how its watches can provide endless fascination.As a brief announcement, if you are going to be anywhere near New York City this coming weekend, you should certainly stop by the Windup Watch Fair and say hi to the Formex team and check out these watches in person. The show is Friday, October 21 and Saturday October 22 from 12-6:00 pm. Sunday is from 12-5. It is hosted by Worn & Wound, and if you don't know them, check out our interview with co-founder Zach Weiss On the Dogwatch Episode #40. The fair is in the Altman building on West 18th St, and I guarantee you will be glad you went.

Today On the Dogwatch we are joined by Wyatt Gilmore, CEO of Grant Stone, a company devoted to making high-quality Goodyear welt shoes and boots. Wyatt literally had shoes in his family, but early in life tried his hand at becoming a motocross racer. After that had run its course, Wyatt began to work his way up through position in the production of shoes and boots. He moved to China for what was supposed to be a short visit but turned out to be years. Wyatt eventually returned to the US and helped found Grant Stone. In our conversation, Wyatt tells us how to get a good fit in a pair of boots, the importance of width as an element in getting the proper shoe for your foot, and how a well-made boot can create a level of support, comfort and durability that is unmatched by the more cushiony options. Ultimately, we have an opportunity to talk with Wyatt about what makes stylish and properly fitting footwear.

 Whether it is collecting rubber fire hoses and crafting them into watch bands, melting down a brass fire helmet for crowns, or working to create a case that can house two movements at different price points, today's guest Jonny Garrett has created a watch company that does justice to both firefighters as well as horology.  In our conversation, Jonny describes the development of the William Wood Watch brand, the ways in which genuine fire fighting materials have been adapted into actual watches, and also details the ways in which there is meaning in these objects both as inscribed presentation watches and also as wrist wear for those who appreciate and support the first responders. We also discuss ways in which William Wood has worked to support firefighters and first responders, and get a sneak peak into the possibility of a William Wood character watch, with Fireman Sam on the dial. Ultimately, we get a window into how these two somewhat unlikely elements–watches and firefighting–create a product that is sure to intrigue and satisfy any enthusiast.

Today we have the great pleasure of talking with Ned Hall, a philosophy professor and generally “wicked smart” guy who helps us think about quality. Ned teaches us how to think like philosophers as we address questions about the quality of objects such as watches, and confront questions like: how do we assess quality? Should this be through a single question, or set of questions? What are the things that make a watch or another object high quality? What is the role of direct human attention and connection with an object and experience in understanding quality?The conversation with Ned grows out of some of the conversations we have had on the podcast about Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Last spring, after talking with Mark Richardson, I set out to find the pump at the rest stop where, in 1968, Robert Pirsig and his son took a water break on Highway 55 just outside of Minneapolis. The stop is still there, but the pump is not, and after some research with the relevant municipalities, it seems reasonable to conclude that the pump was removed due to the health concerns from natural wells, and it was melted down for scrap. Given this fate, we recognize the pump and its place in philosophical history with the poem “Well Water” by Randall Jarrell, read by writer, educator, and friend of the Dogwatch Jim Mahoney.

Today we return to the Dogwatch after a few weeks off during August, and we have an episode recorded this spring with Jon Poppelle, an author and naturalist. This conversation was delayed due to an issue with the audio file, and I've gotten that resolved and we are now good to go. My apologies to Jon for the delay!If you like to be outside, there are features of the natural world that are always there with you. In the night sky, there are always stars. On the ground, there are always tracks and signs of the activities of animals. Our guest today is an expert naturalist who has refined his ability in helping others learn about these features of the natural world. Jon Poppele, is author of Night Sky: A Field Guide to the Constellations, and a series of books on animal tracks, including Animals Tracks of the Midwest.At long last, it is so good to be able to look to the signs that are imprinted in the heavens and the Earth with Jon Poppele.

A well-cut linen shirt, an organic cotton chore coat, or an extra soft merino wool sweater and cap are perfect to wear on any Dogwatch, which makes it even more of a special opportunity that we are joined today by Alex Crane. Alex is the founder and designer of his own clothing brand, Alex Crane, that provides garments intended to help you feel breezy and look sharp at the same time. What's more, Alex has committed to making his clothing from 100% natural materials, and by 2025 he plans to have them fully biodegradable as well. Alex sent me several items so that I could experience his work in-person, and I can say that the materials, design, and cuts of his clothing are something that anyone who loves to go from the indoors to the outdoors should consider experiencing. When he told me that their linen is grown on the coast in Normandy, France, and the fibers spent their young life looking over the English Channel, I was intrigued. Now feeling the substantial and soft fabric in my hand, the value of this super-fabric is clear–it is an incredibly low-impact fiber environmentally, only requires water and sun to grow, is antimicrobial, and is 3x as strong as cotton.In our conversation, Alex describes how he came to design clothes and the development of his brand, the features that typify Alex Crane clothing, as well as specific aspects of the materials he uses, details of design, and the fit of the offerings. This is not just a talk on clothes, though. Alex provides perspectives on books he has read, water, the roles and responsibilities of clothiers and consumers, and fittingly, even helps us think about the evolution of beauty.So sit back and join us as we think about all the joy and comfort that can come from natural things.

If we were all actually on a dogwatch today, on a boat in the middle of the ocean, our guest for this episode is literally the first person I would choose to bring along. His name is David Burch, and he is not only the founder of the Starpath School of Navigation in Seattle, but he has over 70,000 miles of oceangoing navigation experience, has navigated across the Pacific over 10 times, and even has developed a “doomsday” kit, the size of a shoebox, that allows him to navigate anywhere in the world without power or any electronic devices for the next twenty years. Clearly, David is the one who could help us get to where we want to go.In our conversation, David describes the development of the Starpath school, his background in navigation and the new developments in navigational charts, and using the stars and technology as a GPS-independent mode of navigation. He also helps us understand why the Casio F-91W wristwatch–priced at about $14–may be the best watch for navigation, why using an analog watch to get a compass bearing, the “Boy Scout” method, is almost always ineffective, and why you should never make a smart aleck remark about the ocean. 

It turns out that this episode of the Dogwatch is brought to you by the letter “W,” a show that can be described with an alliterative string on watches starting with our guest, Zach Weiss of Worn & Wound. Being one of the co-founders of Worn & Wound, Zach describes how the business grew from an inauspicious blog intended to help a friend choose a watch into what is now one of the primary sites for watch journalism and commerce. In a phrase, we learn it is “A place to discover watches and experience enthusiasm.” In our conversation, we talk with Zach about watches he is excited about, including two new ones on his own wrist, the goals and aspects of Worn & Wound, such as their main site for news and reviews, the Windup Watch Shop, and Windup Watch Fair. We also look ahead to the upcoming Windup fair in Chicago, and to new releases.

Today we talk with Antone Martinho-Truswell, a biologist who studies learning and cognition in birds, and author of the just-released book entitled The Parrot in the Mirror: How Evolving to Be Like Birds Made Us Human. Our conversation today is about much more than birds. We as humans recognize the unique place birds occupy amongst animals, whether it is by putting an eagle on top of a flagpole or a raven on the dial of a watch, and we talk with Antone today to learn about the uncommon traits that birds and humans share, and what they teach us about what it means to be human. In our conversation, Antone describes the features that humans and birds share, how both of these groups converged on similar solutions to specific problems, some of the early studies on well-known organisms like the horse Clever Hans and Alex the parrot, and the incredible evidence of intelligence in birds like crows and parrots. Ultimately, these examples help us understand fundamental aspects of humanity, and some of those important life questions like why it is that when you tell your dog to sit, it isn't able to reply, “no, you sit.”

On top of the stack of the world's expedition narratives, survival stories, and inspiring but hard-to-believe-they-are-true adventure books, sits Ernest Shackleton. The tale of the Endurance and Shackleton has become so legendary not only because of what he and his men did, but also because of how they did it: the underlying values they relied on, the character traits they exhibited, and the human feats of leadership and strength they enacted. Today On the Dogwatch we have the honor to talk with Martin Brooks, who co-founded the Shackleton brand with his partner Ian Holdcroft. In our conversation, Martin holds forth on Shackleton–known as “the Boss” to his men–and describes how they came to create the Shackleton brand, the values that it represents, and the reasons that quality gear is meaningful and essential for expeditions. We also discuss with Martin the various aspects of the Shackleton brand, such as their parkas, sweaters, clothing and platinum prints of Frank Hurley's photographs, the expedition challenges they offer in such locations as Norway and Antarctica, as well as the newly minted Shackleton Medal that recognizes someone each year who has made a significant contribution to the protection of Earth's polar regions. And don't worry, along with looking to the future with the brand, we also look back at Shackleton's adventures and discuss what we can learn from them. So pour yourself an extra ration of rum, or your chosen beverage, let your imagination drift to the distant horizon, and let's get started with what is sure to be a very memorable Dogwatch.

There is plenty to learn from the British in terms of classic style, especially for those who are interested in the outdoors. On this episode of the Dogwatch, we speak with David Evans, the man behind the Grey Fox Blog, one of the early style blogs and a mainstay of classic British lifestyle commentary. David is frequently featured in the media, and you can see his take on summer style this past week in the UK's The Daily Telegraph.  In our conversation, David talks with us about the roots of classic British outdoor and casual wear, tweed and its production in Britain, as well as dogs and Land Rovers. We also discuss the ways in which we can strive toward a more sustainable approach to clothing and style.At the time of this recording I asked David about his dog Harry, and anyone who follows the Grey Fox on Instagram will know Harry from his frequent appearances. Just days after our conversation, Harry passed away unexpectedly. This was obviously very difficult for David and his family. Today's episode of the Dogwatch is dedicated to Harry, and the positive energy and love that dogs can bring to us in this world in the ways that Harry did. So here's to Harry, and our thoughts go out to David as well.

Most listeners of this podcast will be familiar with the epic adventure of Ernest Shackleton and the crew of the Endurance. However, the Endurance does not have a monopoly on being stuck in Antarctic ice, nor does it have precedence. Before the Endurance, Belgian captain Adrien de Gerlache took the Belgica on a southward expedition with the hopes of reaching the magnetic south pole. On the Dogwatch today we are fortunate to be joined by Julian Sancton who recently wrote Madhouse at the End of the Earth, a bestselling book that the New York TImes calls “exquisitely researched and deeply engrossing,” in which he tells the incredible tale of the Belgica, how it became lodged in the Antarctic ice, and how its crew, much to their detriment, became the first to endure the dark Antarctic winter. In our conversation, we get to know Julian's background in journalism and writing, how he came to tell the tale of the Belgica, and learn more about the characters in the book, including Roald Amundson, who became one of most prominent explorers of all time. If that is not enough, I would think that starting the tale in Leavenworth Penitentiary will  peak the interest of most Dogwatch listeners.

For a normal shift On the Dogwatch, we proceed at the measured pace of a ship under sail, looking out at the natural world, considering interesting ideas as if we were having a conversation on an evening dogwatch shift. Today, however, we ramp the speed significantly as we learn how to time things that go very fast. We visit with Judy Stropus, who is a legendary timer and scorer in the auto racing world, and has also been involved as a driver as well. She is author of the Stropus Guide to Auto Race Timing and Scoring, is a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame, and is the current Grand Marshal of Concours d'Elegance in Greenwich Connecticut. In our conversation we discuss the ways in which timing and scoring was done before the advent of electronic timers, and how Judy's career developed both in the pit as a timer and on the track as a driver. We discuss a wide range of perspectives, including how timing and scoring is done, the place for fear on the racetrack (spoiler, there isn't one), Judy's friendship with Paul Newman, and her participation in what is casually referred to as the “Cannonball Run,” driving a Cadillac Limousine. So buckle up, and let's get to our conversation with Judy Stropus.

As we get into the warmer weather of spring, many of us On the Dogwatch will start to think of road trips. One of the many great things about these trips is that they can afford us time to think about our lives. There is no more iconic North American road trip than Robert Pirsig's travels inZen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. On this Dogwatch, we have the pleasure to be joined by Mark Richardson, a longtime motorcycle and automotive writer, now writing for the Globe and Mail in Canada, who retraced Pirsig's footsteps in Zen and Now: On the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. In our conversation with Mark, we discuss how he decided to write his book on Pirsig, what he learned along the way, and how he thinks about Pirsig and the book now.Our feature today is the pump at the Wayside Rest Area where Pirsig stopped on the first leg of his journey on Highway 55 out of Minneapolis. Mark stopped at what seems certain to be the same stop around 2004 and pumped the pump himself. Just several days ago, I made my own trip to this small rest stop. Although the pavilion is still there, the pump has disappeared. So where is Pirsig's pump? If you have any information about this let us know, as we are on the trail of this important historical object.

It is rare to have the opportunity to speak with a true expert in the practice of bonsai. In fact, there aren't very many of them, and most speak Japanese. We have the great fortune on this episode of the Dogwatch to be able to speak with Bjorn Bjorholm, who is one of the rising stars in the practice and study of bonsai. Luckily for us, Bjorn speaks Japanese and English, as he grew up in Knoxville, TN, and now oversees the flourishing Eisei-en Bonsai Garden in Nashville. In our conversation, we learn how Bjorn grew up with a strong interest in bonsai and Japanese culture, hear about his early experiences in Japan and his six-year apprenticeship at Kouka-en bonsai nursery in Osaka, Japan. Bjorn explains the approach of Eisei-en and how it compares to a traditional Japanese bonsai garden, and how bonsai helps us experience nature and get similar benefits if we went further afield.Our feature today is the forest style of  bonsai. This style is one of a number of styles–such as upright, slanting, and cascade–in which five or more trees are used to create a miniature forest. The number and species of trees chosen, their placement relative to one another, and their planting substrate work together to create a unique approximation of a forest scene. Bjorn shares with us that this form is the one that appeals most  to people new to bonsai. In our interview, he describes that he made a forest clump when he was 16 , and this is one of the very few plants in his garden that he will never sell.

There is no more important first step when one heads to the field than to put on quality footwear, and many times this means a great pair of boots. In my search for long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable footwear I found Helm Boots, of Austin, Texas. I got to know Brad Day, their CEO, and am grateful that he was willing to join us for a shift On the Dogwatch. In our conversation, Brad and I discuss his background and experiences in footwear, the development of the Helm Boot brand, and aspects of how boots are made. We also discuss how to choose a boot, some of the attributes of Helm's current offerings, and new styles that are in the pipeline.Our feature on this episode is the Endurance, which is both one of the core principles of Helm Boots, and the ship that Ernest Shackleton took to Antarctica in 1914 in an attempt to be the first to cross that continent. Despite now lying under 3000 meters of water in the Weddell Sea near Antarctica, the Endurance is a symbol of perseverance, fortitude, and the human spirit, and the expedition that bears its name is certainly one of the best exploring adventures of the modern era. The current location of the Endurance was only recently discovered by the Endurance22 expedition on March 5, 2022. 

We turn the compass north on this Dogwatch and thankfully are joined by Andrea Pitzer, a person who not only has been on multiple Arctic expeditions, but has also written Icebound: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World, a book about one of the early European polar explorers of the region, William Barents. Along with being a writer of books and a freelance journalist, Andrea has a wealth of other experiences that inform her perspectives. In our conversation, we discuss what life was like at the end of the 16th century, what questions Barents and others were trying to answer on their expeditions to the Arctic, and some of how those adventures turned out. Ultimately, Andrea helps us see Barents as someone who made his name not so much for his specific discoveries but for his ability to endure and persist in the face of incredible suffering, which became a template for later polar expeditions. She even points out how Shakespeare included a reference to Barents and his men in Twelfth Night, referring to an “icicle on a Dutchman's beard,” and shows how widely this adventure was known despite the account of the voyages not being published in English at the time.Given that this episode focuses on the Arctic, our feature is the late James McCarthy, who was a Professor of Biological Oceanography at Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology. H passed away in 2019 at the age of 75. The Harvard Gazette quoted Al Gore:“Nobody communicated the importance of the climate crisis in the context of the oceans as eloquently and passionately as Jim.”I definitely looked up to Jim in our interactions, and remember his generosity, passion, and particularly his commitment to understanding and taking action on climate issues. It is now up to us to follow Jim's lead, to redouble our efforts, and commit each day to take on this challenge.

We take to the skies on this episode of the Dogwatch and speak with Abingdon Mullin, who is a wide-ranging pilot who also started a watch company. When Abingdon became a working pilot, she wanted to reward herself with a pilot's watch but couldn't find one that was a good fit for her wrist. So she decided to make one herself. In this conversation we discuss Abingdon's life as a pilot and her adventures from Alaska to the Caribbean in a host of different aircraft. We then discuss how she came to the idea for Abingdon Co. Watches, their design aesthetic, and the range of their watch offerings from pilot watches to racing watches to dive watches. We also save a bit of time to hear about the efforts of the Abingdon Foundation as well.Our feature today is Bessie Coleman, the first African American and Native American to become a civilian pilot. Born into a family of sharecroppers in Texas, Bessie eventually moved to France to complete her pilot's training. She returned to the US to work in stunt flying until her death in a airplane accident in 1926. Bessie was a true pioneer.

On this episode of the Dogwatch we visit with horologist, museum curator, and author David Rooney. We have the opportunity to talk with David about how he learned about clocks and watches from his parents, his path to becoming a museum curator at several prestigious institutions in England, and some of the most interesting timekeeping devices he has known. David teaches us not only about specific clocks but also about some of the history of how they have been used in human civilizations and their relationship to people and power. This conversation just begins to touch on the wealth of information and fascinating stories David includes in his recent book About Time: A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks.Today we feature the John Harrison clocks, sometimes simply  known as “the Harrisons.” These clocks, labeled H1 to H4, were produced by John Harrison in the early 18th century in response to the Longitude Act of 1714, which offered a huge reward for someone who could devise a reliable method for determining longitude at sea. Despite being trained as a carpenter, he started making clocks at the age of 20, and eventually created four of the most important clocks ever built. These clocks, now housed at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, were under the care of our guest while he was curator there.

On this episode of the Dogwatch we have the true pleasure of visiting with James Cox, who is an environmentalist, business leader, and someone who is a main character in what is possibly the most iconic watch story in the history of wristwatches. We discuss the meaning that can be contained in watches and objects, James's relationship with Paul Newman, how Newman gave him what is now known as the Paul Newman Paul Newman watch, and the thinking behind eventually putting it up for auction. In the end, this is an episode about ways in which life can be lived, and what we can learn from others. And James even has an incredible surprise in store for the Dogwatch host at the end of the episode.Our feature today is the Paul Newman Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, reference number 6239. The watch that set this story in motion was purchased at Tiffany's in New York by Joanne Woodward for her husband Paul Newman. This watch was one of four Rolex reference numbers that are now known as “Paul Newman” Daytonas. The actual watch that Newman wore and eventually gave to our guest James Cox in the 1980s had a cream dial with black sub-dials. Although it sold on a steel bracelet, it became famous on a black leather bund strap. The watch sold for 17.8 million at Phillips auction house in New York in 2017.

Have you ever attempted to create your own terrarium? Have you wondered how to design one, what plants to use, or why they fail? If so, today's podcast is for you. Especially in temperate parts of the world, winter is a time when there is less sunshine, colder temperatures, and much less green in our worlds. But there is an answer–one can keep their own miniature jungle, stream, or peaceful forest in a terrarium. Today On the Dogwatch we are joined by Ben Newell of Worcester Terrariums to help us understand the history, design, and possibilities for creating this kind of miniature universe.Ben's plant starter suggestions:Java moss (grows well in and out of water) Leuobryum glaucum - bun moss, pincushion mossDicranum scoparium - mood moss or greater fork mossThuidium tamariscinum - tamarisk mossMnium hornum - time mossLemon button fernCreeping button fernSword fernPeperomia sp.Barbosella dusenii - orchidFicus thunbergii - oak leaf ficus 

Today we explore the ways in which learning, memory, and creativity are affected by our level of activity, specifically while walking. Shane O'Mara, author of In Praise of Walking, helps us understand the overall health benefits of movement, the ways in which walking specifically helps nourish the brain and how it relates to creativity, and the intricate interplay among memory, navigation, and imagination in the brain's hippocampal formation. Shane helps us consider how the teacher's advice to stop staring out the window and to pay attention may be outdated, and closes with a reading from James Joyce's Ulysses, one of the best all-time stories about foot travel.Given this reference, our feature today is the Irish author James Joyce. Joyce was born in Dublin in 1882 and died in Zurich in 1941 at the age of 59. He created works that explored new modes of writing, and used stream of consciousness and abrupt changes in point of view.  His Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man in 1916, Ulysses from 1922 and Finnegans Wake from 1939 are several of his most enduring works. They are a source of inspiration in dedicated English students, and bafflement in everyone else. Regardless, it's clear that a lot of interesting ideas come out of Dublin. On this episode of On the Dogwatch we have the great pleasure to be joined by neuroscientist, author, and confirmed bipedalist Shane O'Mara. Shane is Professor of Experimental Brain Research at Trinity College Dublin, and his research explores the systems of the brain that underlie learning, memory, and cognition. He is author of In Praise of Walking: A New Scientific Exploration, in addition to Why Torture Doesn't Work, and A Brain for Business - A Brain for Life. 

Today On the Dogwatch we have an opportunity to talk with Tom Bartels, the former and longtime director of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, which runs both the NAWCC Museum, and Library and Research Center in Columbia, PA. Tom has been a member of the NAWCC for 54 years, and has lectured throughout the world on clocks and horology. He joins us from his home in Nevada and discusses clock and watch collecting, shares tips on how to approach making a collection, describes the NAWCC holdings and jewels of the collection, and relates the story of locating the treasured Engle clock in the back of a barn.Our feature today is the song “My Grandfather's Clock” that was written by Henry Clay Work in 1876.Tom shares with us that the clock in this song is what led to the general public indiscriminately referring to most large clocks as “grandfather clocks” after the song became popular, despite the fact that they are technically known as tall-case clocks.

Imagine that you have always loved the design of the original Rolex GMT Master, with that old bakelite radium Pepsi bezel. Or maybe you love an internal rotating bezel, or the panda look and the spirit of Paul Newman. Today, we talk with Lauren and Lorenzo from Lorier Watch Company, and discuss how their watches are inspired from elements of classic vintage watches like these, and they provide them in available, affordable, and reinterpreted ways. In our conversation, we discuss how Lorier came to be, the types of watches that have inspired Lorenzo and Lauren in their designs, and discuss how they have incorporated classic and new elements into their own watches. We even break for an actual delivery of a new shipment of watches!Our feature today is the plant family Lauraceae, or the laurel family. I pulled out my handy Flowering Plants of the World and reminded myself that the laurel family has about 2,500 species worldwide, and these plants are most common in the New World Tropics and Southeast Asia. The most commonly encountered products of plants in this family are bay leaves, cinnamon, and avocado. This family also contains the familiar and aromatic sassafras, as well as the ornamental laurels that inspired the Lorier symbol and name.  

So, have you ever wondered if you can actually shave with an ax? Or why axes have curved handles? Or even what would happen if your hand got caught under a 300 lb. power hammer? Along with getting answers to these questions, on today's episode we have the chance to speak with expert blacksmith and Forged in Fire Champion Liam Hoffman at Hoffman Blacksmithing about the development of his craft, his design philosophy, and how fine axes are made. He also shares his thoughts on the relationship between suffering and learning, and the value of a rainy backwoods motorcycle adventure.

Today On the Dogwatch we turn our attention to the appreciation of the Seiko watch, and how much satisfaction one can get from taking them apart, fixing them, and putting them together again as new. We speak with Spencer Klein at Klein Vintage Watch and discuss his journey into the watch world from the moment he traded a t-shirt for a Girard-Perregaux, some of the history of the Seiko company during its golden age, and how Spencer's craft and business have developed into what it is today. Before we begin, our feature for today is a   dog named Sport who is a cross between a ShihTzu and Yorkshire Terrier–a Shorkie. This cross produces small and affectionate dogs that top out at about a dozen pounds, good for cuddling and laps, and for accommodating life in the big city, like Sport does in the Big Apple. Sport, like the Dogwatch, is a fan of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and we encourage you to learn more about them and join in helping accelerate the next generation of treatments for Parkinson's disease.

In looking for words to describe what the Vortic Watch Company does in taking vintage American pocket watch movements and making them into one-of-a-kind, American-crafted wrist watches, some have called “upcycling” to mind. But the Vortic process is much more. It has been a path of research and development, engineering, trial and error, and a demonstration and appreciation of the very best in the traditions of American engineering.  Today On the Dogwatch we have the opportunity to talk with R.T. Custer who, along with his partner Tyler Wolfe, founded and developed Vortic. We talk with RT about the origin of Vortic, how they source and repair movements, the process of designing and manufacturing their watch cases, as well as their Military Edition that helps support the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative. We also get to hear some of RT's thoughts on the future of the company.On this episode our feature is the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative, a school that teaches the highly skilled craft of watchmaking to some of our war veterans to provide career training. Given community support, this school is free for those veterans selected to participate. You can support this initiative either by purchasing one of the Vortic Military Edition watches on Veterans day–if you can get one–or by donating directly.

Sometimes an apron is just an apron, and other times it is a carefully made, quality tool with an inspiring story behind it. Today On the Dogwatch we have the pleasure of talking with Kate Boerboon Meier, who started the Craftmade Apron company. These aprons came into this world organically, with Kate being called on as a mother whose son needed an apron for his work in the food industry. Starting with her own sewing machine and creative talents, Kate started with one apron, and then responded to demand that has been increasing ever since. We are able to catch up with Kate at the Craftmade studio where she discusses the origin of her company, the designs and construction of their aprons and other products, and also helps us understand the ways in which Craftmade gives back to the community it serves.

Today On the Dogwatch we have a chance to talk with Paul Pirner from the Hairless Dog Brewing Company, which is the first 0.0 alcohol by volume craft beer in the United States. In our conversation, Paul helps us understand how 0.0 craft beer is made, how it is different from other so-called NA beers, how Hairless Dog has developed as a brewery, and advises us on their current offerings.

On this episode we talk with Josh Wolfe of Wolfe Vintage Watches, who is a largely self-taught horologist who restores watches, mostly from the American giant Hamilton. We speak with Josh about how he got into watches, why he is fascinated with Hamilton, and how he goes about his work.

One of the more dramatic uses of dogs is in searches for human remains. Today On the Dogwatch we have the great pleasure of speaking with Cat Warren, who has experiences in both training cadaver dogs and also in writing about the field of human remains detection using dogs. We discuss aspects of the research that Cat did for her book What the Dog Knows, the process of using dogs to detect remains, the sensitivity of dog noses, and how they are being used currently for archeological purposes.