The Lookout Podcast

Living Legend George Cross honored me with his presence to tell his story of World War 2 and Smokejumping. George talked about his experience of parachuting into Normandy the day before the D-Day Invasion. It was truly an honor to sit down with George Cross. Tune in to the podcast to hear more of this Great mans story.

I was joined by the Great Tom Butler. I man who has lived through a lot in his life and was kind enough to stop by the Airstream to share a small piece of his story. Tom was a Smokejumper before he was shipped over to Vietnam where he was a cargo kicker contractor for the CIA.

I was joined by Wildland Firefighter and Campfire Safety educator Brennan Williams. In this episode we discussed Wildland Fire, working with kids, and the great outdoors. Watch this episode to learn more.

I was joined by the Incredible Travis Hall! Travis works for Field & Stream and is a massive proponent of Public Lands. We had a great conversation discussing the importance and value of preserving our Public Lands. Tune in to hear more about this great countries public lands why this is a cause every US citizen should be fighting for.

Late night podcast after the Putt n Pull fundraiser with 3 Legends Benji, Dave, and Laura. We discussed managing large fire and how to do it with no support, how firefighters mind sets change as the career goes on, and family dynamics during fire season.

If you can stop a Train, you can stop a Puck! I am joined by Wildland Firefighter and Glacier Hockey League Goalie, Cousin Roy! On this episode Cousin Roy shared how the train wreck occurred and the recovery process he went through to get back to playing goalie and fighting fire.

The Great CJ joined me in the Airstream to talk about 3 incredible fundraisers for the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. One of those incredible fundraisers is happening Saturday April 26th. Tune in to hear more about these fundraisers and the tremendous impact they have on Wildland Firefighters and their families.

Rene Eustace is entering his 50th season fighting Wild Fires. Rene got his start in fire as a lookout staffing Medicine Point Lookout of the Sula Ranger District and it's been an exciting and fun adventure ever since. Tune in to this episode to hear more about what 50 years in Firefighting is like.

The incredible Grace Schwenk joined me in the Airstream to talk about her first year as a Lookout, running career, writing a book or 2, and much more. Tune in to hear this great podcast with Lookout Grace!

I was joined by outdoor enthusiast and silviculturist the great Mike Walton. Mike has traveled all over for work and outdoor recreation. He came on the podcast to share his enthusiasm for the outdoors, public land, and silviculture work. Tune in to hear his great adventures.

Arnold "Smoke" Elser began outfitting and guiding in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in 1964. Since then, he's taught conservation ethic and the art of horse/mule packing to more than 3,000 students at the University of Montana in Missoula. Elser uses castor oil on his saddles. Smoke was also a Lookout on the Helena National Forest and later on a Smokejumper at the Missoula Smokejumper Base.

I am joined by Foresters' Ball Chief Push Koson & Publicity Officer Katee to spread the word about the 106th Foresters' Ball! This is the Best Ball you will ever attend! This years theme is Tankers Droppin & Crews a Jumpin. Tune in to hear more about this Great event.

I am joined by Brett and Rogue to talk about the great charity hockey game between the Forest Service Wildland Firefighters and the City of Missoula Firefighters. Tune in to hear more about this great event and come out on Friday January 31st to cheer on your local firefighters and help raise money for charity.

Luke Barrett is joined by older brother Kaleb Barrett for a Christmas Special. They discuss what Christmas means to them, family traditions, and the importance of gathering with friends and family sharing a meal. Kaleb Barrett is a long time PRCA & PBR Bullfighter and he also hiked to Ambrose Point Lookout.

I was joined by the Great, Jessie Thomas, who is helping all of us be our best self by individual coaching and sharing her knowledge on her podcast along with social media. In this episode we discuss Jessie's fire career from working on a district to Hotshot, and finishing her fire career as a Smokejumper at the Missoula Smokejumper base. After covering Jessie's fire history we moved onto her current expertise, Health and Wellness. We spoke about a variety of health and wellness topics and only scratched the surface of Jessie's vast knowledge, tune in to hear more!

My brothers Zac and Kaleb Barrett stopped by the Airstream for a Thanksgiving podcast. We talked about Montana living, College track, Rodeo, Surfing, and more.

Cat, Billy and Grace joined me in my 1965 Airstream to talk shop about Lookouts, life as a lookout, adventure, cold weather camping, and much more. Tune in to hear all about it. If you like what your hear please support my channel by subscribing, sharing, and giving this episode a like. Thank you and have a great day!

I''m joined by the Great Randy Salcido on Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).Randy is a Wildland Firefighter, Native American from the Tohono Oʼodham nation, and graduate of the Job Corps program. Randy and I discussed growing up on a reservation, fighting fire, life, leadership, Day of the Dead and much more. Tune into this episode to hear more. Please like, subscribe, follow, and share if you like what you heard. THANK YOU for tuning in.

For this spooky Halloween special I am joined by the Great Rene Eustace. Rene tells a Haunted story about Lookouts, a packer and his pack string, and unexplained disappearances during a long fire season. Taking place on the Bitterroot National Forest long ago on Halloween. (I do not own the rights to the music featured in this podcast).

Host Luke Barrett is joined by Mike Sullivan Wildland Firefighter, Military Veteran, and self improvement pilgrim. We discussed Mike's military time, life in California, journey to Missouri, and the constant quest for self Improvement through Ju Jitsu, retreats, Go Ruck events, books, podcasts, and much more

Host Luke Barrett is joined by Fred Cooper. Fred was a Smokejumper at both North Cascades Smokejumper Base and Redmond Smokejumper Base. After Smokejumping Fred went on to have a long career with the Forest Service. Fred is now retired and co author of the book Smokejumper Experiment. In this episode we discuss his Smokejumping career and what led him to right his book. The book covers the birth of Smokejumping through present day. We discussed the history and a few other pre Smokejumping parachute experiments that are pretty wild. Also discussed was the mystery of DB Cooper and was he in fact a Smokejumper? Tune into this episode and read Freds book to learn more.

Host Luke Barrett is joined by the Incredible Ashley Taylor who joined me on a mini podcast to help spread the word of an awesome Fundraiser she is helping with called Fire and Vines raising money for the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. More info in the podcast and at https://www.kerryhillwinery.com Ashley is Master Practitioner of NLP, Mental and Emotional Release® & Hypnosis Integrative NLP Coach for her own business Born of Ashes https://www.bornofashes.org/. Born and raised in Montana and she attended the University of Montana. She started her fire career at the Ninemile ranger District for the Forest Service and she also worked with Lolo Hotshots, Missoula Helitack, and dispatch as well. Ashley finished out her fire time as a Smokejumper at the McCall Smokejumper base. During her time as a Smokejumper injuries started to rack up and she began transition into her next career which is in aviation as a Pilot. All this experience ultimately brought to her passion of helping others through her own Business Born of Ashes.

Host Luke Barrett is joined by the Incredible Laura Ward. She had a full career in the Wildland Firefighter world. Laura started off her career as a GS-1 and working her way up the career ladder to become the Lolo National Forest Fire Management Officer. Laura was also named Fire Management Officer of the year! She has had a great impact on the Wildland Fire community and she's still involved by helping with fundraisers for Wildland Firefighters such as the Putt n Pull.

Host Luke Barrett travels to Sula Peak Lookout to talk life on top of the world with the Lookout Sam Vaughn. Topics covered are life as a Lookout, fire, fire stories, relationships, and future podcast plans.

Part 2. Guest Larry Lufkin is 2nd generation Smokejumper and he served in the 101st Airborne during Vietnam. Larry's father Francis is The Godfather of Smokejumping and Larry shares a few stories about his legendary father. Larry also talks about his time Smokejumping and Military career serving in the 101st Airborne. Larry and I also discuss the incredible humans we have met in the Smokejumping community. Tune in to hear more about the history of Smokejumping, and more of Larry's incredible story.

Guest Larry Lufkin is 2nd generation Smokejumper and he served in the 101st Airborne during Vietnam. Larry's father Francis is The Godfather of Smokejumping and Larry shares a few stories about his legendary father. Larry also talks about his time Smokejumping and Military career serving in the 101st Airborne. Larry and I also discuss the incredible humans we have met in the Smokejumping community. Tune in to hear more about the history of Smokejumping, and more of Larry's incredible story. Lost the feed at the end of podcast, part 2 coming soon.

Rene joined me on a last minute invitation and brought his great fire knowledge. Rene discussed the weather patterns seen on the summer of 2000 when a siege of fire hit the Bitterroot National Forest. Rene also read an article from the Smokejumper Magazine describing his mentor and another Smokejumper meeting in Vietnam during the war. Tune into this episode to hear about Fire, Smokejumpers, Hotshots, and Fire History. If you like what you hear please subscribe, like, and share.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Mann Gulch Fire tragedy. August 5th 1949 12 Smokejumpers and 1 Fire Guard lost their lives fighting the Mann Gulch Fire. Chiara Cipriano & Rory Glueckert from the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest share the story of the Mann Gulch Fire tragedy as well as the Memorial events being held to honor the great young men we lost to the Mann Gulch Fire. For more information go to http://www.montanadiscoveryfoundation.org. Thanks for watching please like, share, and subscribe.

Bill Moody is the 2nd person to be Base Manager of North Cascades Smokejumper Base. Bill took the torch from Francis Lufkin who was a pioneer Smokejumper who helped get the Smokejumping program off the ground. Bill Moody was involved with the International Smokejumper exchange program with the Soviet Union. Bill also helped save North Cascades Smokejumper Base during an attempt to absorb NCSB into Redmond Smokejumper Base. Tune into this episode to hear more about the Legendary Bill Moody and some Smokejumper History. If you like what your hear please Like, Subscribe, and Share.

Host Luke is joined by the Roach family on there way to Paradise. Kevin Roach is a longtime teacher and Wildland Firefighter who started being a lookout to be able to spend more time with his family yet still be in the woods. In this episode we discuss Lookout experiences, family life, fitness, teaching, the outdoors, and more. If you like what you hear please like and subscribe to the channel.

Host Luke Barrett is joined virtually by National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), Max Alonzo and Steve Gutierrez. Max and Steve joined the podcast to share the disparages in Wildland Firefighting such as earning a livable wage, retirement, support. housing, and better health screenings. If you fight fire long enough you will know someone diagnosed with cancer and for me it's been several friends diagnosed with aggressive cancer. I lost one friend to cancer and we had just jumped a fire together a few months prior. If Wildland Firefighters receive better health screenings these cancers will be caught at a manageable stage and treatment will be more successful. Help the Union get these much needed changes by calling your state representative, congressman, or any politician and urging them to support Wildland Firefighters. For more information go to www.nffe.org

Host Luke Barrett is joined by long time Smokejumper Drew Pattison. Drew is currently a Missoula Smokejumper but started his jumping career in Redmond Oregon in 2007. He started his career on the old fashioned round parachute and transitioned to the Ram Air parachute aka the square. Drew is a parachute enthusiast and started a winter Sky Diving gathering in Arizona where Firefighters from all backgrounds meet to plunge out of the sky. This winter gathering is called the Bro Boogie and it is all about the hang, bringing folks together in the off season for a good time.

Host Luke Barrett is joined by the Legendary Borg, Flathead Hotshot Superintendent. Borg is a great Leader who's goal is building more great leaders. The Gaggle is one of many ways Borg creates self thinking and awareness in the woods. Not just building firefighters, but woodsman and capable individuals.

Host Luke Barrett is joined by the Great Chiropractor Dr. Davis to discuss health and wellness, self care, Fire, and not taking short cuts in life. Dr. Davis explains the power and benefits of Chiropractic care such as removing interference caused by a part of the body being out of alignment. I highly recommend giving Dr. Davis a visit at his clinic Life Chiropractic in Missoula Montana. For my brothers and sisters in the Fire community I recommend a visit to the Chiropractor before fire season, during fire season as much as you can, and post fire season.

Host Luke Barrett sits down with the Great Justin Kaber! Now 3x Putt n Pull Champion! We talked about the success of the Wildland Firefighter Foundation Flathead Banquet, Putt n Pull fundraiser, and shared how much the Wildland Firefighter Foundation means to the Wildland Firefighter community.

Host Luke Barrett is joined by Missoula Firefighter, Captain Ken Goodian. When Ken is not on shift serving the community he is coaching rugby, playing rugby, or traveling to a good scuba dive spot. Ken has played Rugby since College and now he coaches youth rugby. Ken still plays and is planning to play in this years Maggot Fest. When he is not serving his community through Firefighting and Rugby, Ken is traveling. Ken is a certified scuba diver and enjoys exploring the ocean.

Host Luke Barrett is joined by the Incredible Pat Shreffler at the Flathead Wildland Firefighter Banquet. Pat has over 50 years of fire experience and fire research. Pat discusses life before and after the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, tragedy fires, and fire behavior. He has dedicated his life to trying to prevent fire line-of-duty deaths. Pat could've hung up the boots a long time ago but he still feels he as work to do to keep our Firefighters safe!

Host Luke Barrett is joined by the Incredible Burk Minor, WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER FOUNDATION Co-founder & Executive Director. Burk has been caring for and supporting the wildland community, since the Storm King fire, in Colorado in 1994. Burk is the frontline responder for the Foundation whenever an incident arises. Burk is an expert at crisis management and is counted on by the wildland community for his knowledge, awareness and resources. A master relationship builder, fundraiser and strategist, his influence has created a thriving foundation, excellence among top tier charities and countless awards and recognition. His true colors shine when working with Incident Management teams and the Honor Guard to provide recognition to the fallen and injured. Burk has dedicated thirty plus years in wildland fire and is a voice for the boots on the ground and in the air.

Host Luke Barrett is joined by Archeologist Emily Swett to tell the history behind Alta, the oldest surviving Forest Service Ranger Station in the United States, built in 1899.

Host Luke Barrett is joined by the Great Trina Moyles via phone interview. We discussed Lookout life in Canada, fire family, mental health, adventure, living with Bears and much more!

Host Luke Barrett is joined by Sarah Sue and Mike Lloyd co owners of Swift Current Farms. Swift Current Farms was born out of a passion for helping people, farming, mycelium, and community. Tune in to learn more about mushrooms, medicinal benefits, and also how they add flavor to a meal. If you enjoy please like and subscribe.

Host Luke Barrett travels to John Crawfords wood shop to talk with him about Lookouts, Lewis and Clark, the many books he's written, and building lookout towers.

Host Luke Barrett is joined by Dancin' with the Rodeo Stars contestants, Callie Adams and Kaleb Barrett. Callie Adams is Director of Events for Montana Silversmiths and has been with Montana Silversmiths for 18 years. Kaleb Barrett is a Professional Bullfighter and RN. They are fired up and ready win the first ever Dancin' with the Rodeo Stars competition.

Host Luke Barrett is joined by Lolo Hotshot, Player/Coach Roque Swenson. Roque has been a Wildland Firefighter for many years now and General Manager for the Wildlanders in the annual Fire & Ice Fundraiser Hockey tournament. Rogue coaches the JV team and plays for the Varsity Wildlanders. The Fire & Ice game is a great community event for a good cause that is also a really good time. Tune into this episode to hear more.

Host Luke Barrett is joined by the Legendary CJ to promote 3 amazing fundraiser events in beautiful Missoula Montana. The 105th Foresters' Ball, Fire on Ice Hockey Tournament, and the Putt & Pull Golf and Trap Shoot. The Foresters' Ball supports scholarships for Forestry Students, Fire on Ice Hockey tournament along with the Putt & Pull support firefighters and the amazing work of the Wild Land Firefighter Foundation.

Host Luke Barrett is joined by Chief Push of the Foresters' Ball Jaiden and Foresters' Ball Publicity Officer Koson. As Chief Push Jaiden is responsible for planning and executing the Foresters' Ball she has a committee of 15 other UM students including Koson. As Publicity Officer Koson is tasked with promoting the Foresters' Ball and getting the word out about this great event. The Foresters' Ball is a one of a kind event and I highly recommend attending.

Host Luke Barrett is joined by Artist Amber Jean. Amber has been declared one of "America's Woodworking Greats" and she was asked by the Prime Minster of Bhutan to carve in the retreat palace for their king. Her bronzes are cast from carved wood; such as the life-size bison sculpture at the Bozeman International Airport and the Fleischer Museum. Amber Jean was voted "Top 25" out of 1500 artists from 53 countries at Art Prize. She is one of ten women inducted into the Stetson Craftsman Alliance. Her work is featured on the "Wood Sculpting" TV series produced by DIY and the Oxygen Network "Pure Oxygen" show. Her palm-size animal sculptures cast in solid bronze are collected world-wide.

Luke Barrett is joined by older brother Kaleb Barrett for a Christmas Special. They discuss what Christmas means to them, family traditions, and the importance of gathering with friends and family sharing a meal. Kaleb Barrett is a long time PRCA Bullfighter, RN, and he also hiked to Ambrose Point Lookout.

Host Luke Barrett sits down with Traveler, Vietnam Veteran, Lookout, Wildland Firefighter, Bitteroot Hot Shot, and a man who Fly's Ariel Detection looking for wild fires, the legendary Rene Eustace. That is truly just scratching the surface of the full life Rene has lived so far. Please tune in to hear Rene's story through a series of podcasts covering this great Humans life that's been full of adventure.

Host Luke Barrett is joined by Teresa North. Teresa caught the outdoor bug while attending college at University of Wyoming. She then joined the WCC (Wyoming Conservation Corps) which led her on the path to her Wildland Fire career. Teresa spent some time in Idaho on a type 2IA (initial attack) crew on Boise National Forest, Region 4 Hot Shot Crew out of the Great Basin, Northern Idaho State Engine, and currently Squad Boss for The Bitterroot Hot Shots. Teresa has had a full fitness life as well from Cross fit Regionals to competing in a half Iron Man in Long Beach California. We had a really good conversation, full of laughs, adventure and life stories. Please like and subscribe to help support the podcast.

Host Luke Barrett sits down with Outdoor Recreation Specialist Brand Browning. The conversation went from rescuing a one legged man in the Wilderness to outdoor recreation, skiing, mountain climbing, Teddy Roosevelt, and much more.