The Trial By Fire Podcast

lighthouseXYZ by Padraig Croke

Todays episode will the last for the foreseeable future in this format. This is due to taxing time requirements and right now, working as a self-employed person, the hours in the day are tougher to keep track of more than ever! But we will continue to produce content, including the knowledge hub episodes, as well as articles and recommendations each week. So If you want to stick with us, then I would love you to come join us on there! Today we're talking about modern kit and tools, and how advancements in our stuff is inhibiting our ability to understand how it works, or repair it without the need for specialised tools or knowledge. How does understanding how your equipment works enrich your relationship to it?

With such uncertain times upon us, and with the coming winter showing threat of rocketing energy prices and potential power outages, we thought it was a good time to look at how we can all be better prepared in the home for short term disruptions. Our guest today is Toby Cowern an expert in urban preparedness and survival to talk to him about the thing we should be thinking about to keep our homes well prepared. https://www.theorganicprepper.com/tc-7-pillars-urban-preparedness/ https://patreon.com/resiliencehub

Welcome to this weeks briefing. this week we're looking back at our Charlie Walker interview, having had time to digest it a little, we speak about what resonated with us. We also discuss Kit envy and using what you have, in relation to bikepacking, after I spent the weekend getting my kit hammered on rough terrain. We talk about Howl Bushcraft and their upcoming experience course https://www.howlbushcraft.com/experiences/borealis-swedish-winterland

Our guest today is Charlie Walker, a British writer, explorer and journalists who has spent the last decade travelling to the four corners of the globe, including a 43,000-mile bicycle journey through Europe, Asia and Africa, across Mongolia by horse and most recently, walking across Siberia. A journey that was cut short by the invasion of Ukraine. We got the chance to talk to Charlie about this most recent event, and his trouble with Russian authorities, as well as discussing the role of explorers in the 21st century, and how our desire to travel to these remote places impacts our ability to protect them. We also discuss journalism, and the influence of the Climate Crisis. Make sure to grab Charlies books on his website https://www.cwexplore.com/store/p5/The_whole_saga.html

Welcome to a new week of Trial by Fire. Jeremias attended a ski making course over the weekend and I pick his brain into the process involved. We also touch on some more feedback from our last few episodes regarding clothing and trusting your own experience

Survival reality shows? Love em or hate em? what do they bring to the outdoor community? These are some of the questions Jeremias and I tackle on this weeks show. We discuss the series Alone, and what drives people to sign up, or quit, as well as some other really bizarre examples of other shows that have aired over the years. This episode was inspired by this article on Outside https://www.outsideonline.com/culture/books-media/small-game-blair-braverman-excerpt/ Our friends at Journeyman Handcrafts just launched a new website which you should check out here! https://journeymanhandcraft.com/

today we're talking about clothing. It's role in society as a signifier but also as a protective tool against the elements, allowing us to go further and higher and deeper into the wild. We are the only animals on the planet that wear clothing. today we discuss clothing in the outdoors and what it means to us.

today we are discussing sloyd. the subject of crafts and skills that are so important to the nordic household, and are taught in school for a very young age. but how can this skillset round out our outdoor skillset and what does it have to offer when we are in the woods? We discuss some elements of last weeks episode also, and we reference this video which is a great source to talk about our skillset https://youtu.be/VxvVfgx9PBU

This week Jeremias and I make a somewhat small attempt and defining bushcraft and bushcraft skills, and what that means. We discuss peripheral skills outside of that remit and how they can inform and round out our knowledge and skillset in the outdoors. Cooking, hunting, fishing, leadership skills... blacksmithing... whatever it may be.

welcome to this weeks briefing! Today we are answering some of the comments from last weeks episode about the Happy People documentary. We're discussing finding fulfilment in work, adjusting to the seasons and the concept of "Wintering" We end the episode with a sneak preview of the new Patreon content we're going to be rolling out this year!

Have you ever wanted to know how to navigate yourself using the signs the nature shows us. If you have the tools and the skillset, you can navigate any terrain on the planet. From the desert to the city and everything in between. Our guest today is Tristan Gooley, one of my favourite authors. World traveller, author, and natural navigator, Tristan has spent his career learning to interpret the signs that lay invisible to most of us. An absolutely fascinating conversation that I hope you will enjoy

this week we're discussing Happy People, a documentary film based in the Russian Taiga, which follows a group of trappers as they live their lives throughout the four seasons of the year. We discuss sustainable living, self reliance and Seasonal adjustment. you can watch the documentary here https://youtu.be/fbhPIK-oBvA

Welcome to our Wednesday briefing. Today we are talking about something hot off the press. Yvon Chouinard has sold Patagonia to an Environmental trust fund and has vowed to donate $100m a year to environmental causes. But how effective is this in reality? We're discussing company greenwashing, sustainability measures in the outdoors and what we can be doing ourselves to be a bit more aware of our impact on nature

This week we got a chance to talk to Joe Flowers, a world renowned knife designer, expedition leader and explorer. Joe's work can be seen in many of the knife designs of Condor and Tops Knives, and his school Bushcraft Global, lead jungle expeditions. He has also spent time with native tribes, learning from them and working with them, and he is also a zoologist and etymologist. It was a real pleasure to talk tools with Joe, and we talk about life in the jungle, inspiration for his work, and how he ended up where he is today. you can find his work at https://bushcraftglobal.com/

New to Trial by Fire, We're coming to you every Wednesday with news articles, discussions, opinions, reviews or anything else that you guys can think of! This week we're discussing an article that appeared in Outside magazine this week regarding two hikers that got lost in New Hampshire and had to call in mountain rescue services. The hikers were subsequently fined for wasting rescue services resources due to their own negligence. What should we be doing to be more prepared on day hikes. What would you have done differently? Let us know in the comments!

This week I'm joined by Ali Milne. Ali has set up a womens social hiking club called the Out Out Club in Ireland and is the founder of Mindfule, a company dedicated to exploring the relationship between our food and our minds . We talk about the social and mental benefits of hiking, the empowerment of trying new things and of course, our connection to food in nature

Our guest today is Taneli Roininen, a Finn who has spent the last number of years cycling thousands of kilometres across the world. His latest endeavor has found him at the helm of a massive project in the Arctic region, connecting and mapping over 3000km of cycling and forest gravel road trails for the public to enjoy. We talk cycle touring vs bikepacking and how it differs from traditional hiking. Where the road meets with wilderness survival skills, as well as how to get into the world of bikepacking and start your first adventure. You can find all the new Arctic cycle routes at https://www.bikeland.fi/en/arcticbycycle and follow Taneli's Instagram here www.instagram.com/gonebikefishing/

This week we're talking to Paul Kirtley. A man who needs no introduction, Paul has been one of the most prominent and outspoken voices in the Bushcraft scene for many years. We had the pleasure of bending his ear on some topics we've been thinking about such as the role of social media in bushcraft, being authentic about capturing your journey and how to improve your skills and learning. Checkout out pauls talk at the last bushcraft symposium herehttps://youtu.be/t5X0QO5zw_o His company, Frontier Bushcraft can be found herehttps://frontierbushcraft.com/ Info on the next global bushcraft symposium can be found herehttps://globalbushcraftsymposium2022.com/

This week we are once again joined by our friend Jamie Dakota of Howl Bushcraft. We got a chance to talk about some concepts we'd be discussing in conversations and decided we wanted to do a podcast on it. Jamie talks about his teaching methods and we go into some ideas on facilitation, imposter syndrome, and imparting an appreciation for nature.

This week we're talking to Elle Nikishkova. Outdoor chef, wild forager and mushroom expert. We talk about the rebellious nature of foraging, overcoming your fear of wild edibles, and some hints and tips for the coming season

It's been a busy few week here at camp TBF. last week we ran our first ever course. The Arctic Experience Weekend, and from what we can gather, guests had a great time. We talk about that today. And this week we have a killer interview with Mikko Kettunen of Karu Survival. . Mikkos background is in Guerrilla and reconnaissance tactics with the Finnish military but today runs a bushcraft and wilderness skills school down in South Eastern Finland. We talk about our place in nature as humans, our role in the ecosystem and how we can reconnect with our natural environment. I really enjoyed talking to mikko and I hope you guys enjoy the conversation. Check out https://www.karusurvival.com/

This one was a wild card! we spoke to documentary maker and photographer Spike Johnson about narratives! finding a story, being vulnerable and taking the time needed to tell a compelling story. Instagram, selling your work, finding your style... a super interesting conversation. Spike has amazing resources available for free online about building a freelance career which you can download at https://www.spikejohnson.co.uk/building-a-freelance-career

Happy new year! This week Jeremias and I discuss the year ahead. We talk about the Arctic experience course coming up in March and what we hope to achieve with it. We also talk about what our goals are for the year, as well as going back to basics, learning aids, and the connection I have between playing music and my outdoor pursuits. We finish the episode with an Interview I did back in November with Bearhill Husky Tours, talking to the owner of the company about how they got started, and what they expect of people if they want to come and work for the kennels!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Trial by Fire. This week we're coming to you with a great interview with Erik Rudels. Erik is one of the course leaders at the Finnish Outdoor Academy where Jeremias studied. We're talking about leadership, what makes a good leader, what makes a bad one, and how can we learn to be strong leaders and good decision makers. Check out The Finnish Outdoor Academy here https://kvarnen.fi/utbildningar/outdoor-academy/ and follow them on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/outdooracademyfinland/

This week I'm talking to Peyman, one half of the duo known as Nomads Trails. Matilda and Peyman have been peddling around the world for the last 3.5 years and there's no sign of them stopping any time soon. A really interesting guy and a great deal of insight about our connection to nature and the power of using our own engines to get out and explore. https://nomadstrails.com/ https://www.patreon.com/nomadstrails https://www.instagram.com/nomadstrails/

This weeks episode is probably one of my favorite conversations in a long time. Jeremias and I sat down with Toby Cowern, whom jeremias has worked with in the past. A great conversation about mindfulness, psychology, the positive impact of nature on our brains, preparedness and survival courses. It's jammed! you can find more information about Tobys work at the following links www.hellonature.se https://www.patreon.com/resiliencehub https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVEZ8nWRJ0M07WHCSa9UlRA

This week Jeremias and I discuss the changing seasons and how to deal with motivation and energy levels this time of year. We discuss instagram, photography and FOMO, as well as answer some questions from last week. I also have an interview with Vidar Lyrstrand in Denmark during the summer at the Danish Outdoor Festival

This week Jeremias and I sit down and talk about cold weather clothing! How we lose body heat, how to protect ourselves against is, and how to dress for really cold weather, like in the Arctic. We also discuss a new course we are designing and want to bring you guys along for the ride! follow this link to find out about the course and how you can attend https://trialbyfire.net/upcoming-events/arctic-experience-skills-weekend below is a link to a document with all the clothing items we talk about in the show, as well as some useful chats and info to help you follow the episode https://docs.google.com/document/d/19YYMvVrExx8t5hDS0Mq8hk83ozUtaoSPGsMEURdMfBU/edit?usp=sharing

We are back folks! A new season of Trial by Fire is underway. My guest today is Kim Krohn, a very interesting guy, biologist and winner of Alone in Denmark. We talk about isolation, self sufficiency and the ability to listen to natures clues around you. You can check out Kims comapany at https://vedbaalet.dk/ He is trained in everything from bushcraft skills, to mental coaching, neuropsychology to name but a few. enjoy the show

My guest this week is Trustin Timber, the Canadian log cabin builder we all like to watch on YouTube. We discuss lots of things, including how he left the corporate world to go and live the life he does. We talk about honing your craft, learning from your mistakes and embracing the process

This week I've had the pleasure of talking to Greg Funnell, a London-based photographer whos work spans across everything from portraiture to lifestyle, journalism and travel! A really interesting guy with lots of amazing stories to tell over his travels. We speak about bushcraft and the joy of using retro kit, photography, Go Bags and conflict resolution.

This has been our longest episode to date! We sit down and dissect some our favourite outdoor and bushcraft films, discussing the accuracies and inaccuracies of the films plot line. Cast Away, Into the Wild and The Revenant are three very different movies but all have one thing in common, they paint a beautiful picture of the worlds they are set in, and suck us into their narrative, following three individuals... two who are trying to get home... and one who is trying to escape it.

I got a chance to sit down and have a debrief with Jeremias, who you will know from the last episode. Being home a few weeks now has given me some time to reflect a little on my arctic experience. We talk about homesteading, living sustainably, dogs dogs dogs, and a little about the Outdoor Academy in Finland where Jeremias got his outdoors training

This week I had the privilege of spending a few days with Hannah and Jeremias Kinnunen-Levy, a couple who run a homestead and dog sledding company up here in the North of Sweden. We discuss the lifestyle choices involved in what they do. we also talk a little about how they got to where they are and whats involved in living a life of simplicity and comfort. I also discuss the differences between knowledge and experience.

Greetings from the North. This week I had the opportunity to talk to two great photographers. We discuss brands and clothing, frostbite and eagles!

We're back for the first episode of 2021 and kicking it off with an interview with Jamie Dakota of Howl bushcraft. We discuss how creativity can help tell a story and sell courses. And how its important to understand your own limits when it comes to teaching and experience. I also give a little update as to what I will be up to this year and how I plan to share my journey with you guys. Enjoy!

After a long hiatus I managed to get an episode together. With the winter season coming in, the conversation revolves around how we can up the game and build on our knowledge base. We also have an interview with Lars Nyhuus, winner of Alone series 2 in Denmark

This week we chat to Jim Baird, Canadian professional adventurer, filmmaker and winner of Alone Season 4. We talk about what it means to be a professional outdoorsman in these times, pushing through the comfort zones and embracing the little victories. Jim talks to us about his experience on Alone also.

Strange times are upon us and it looks like the new normal is going to be with us for a good while yet. Joe and I managed to catch up over Skype and debrief on hows its been on both sides. We talk about social distancing and the etiquette surrounding exercise and getting outside. We also talk some Victorinox nerding, bow drills and the environmental impact of the outdoor industry

Theres a fine line between creativity and madness... Coming to you from the cabin in Immeln, Sweden, in these uncertain times we talk about keeping yourself sane and creative, and using free time to develop and grow. Decompressing from our trip we kick back and digest the situation we find ourselves in.

This week we get back to basics. We talk about speeding up your learning and focussing on the skillset that is most useful to you. We also discuss avalanche jackets, life on the road and simultaneous equations

This week we have a very special guest. Emmet Van Driesche is a spoon carver, christmas tree farmer, writer, blogger and all round great guy. Joe and I caught up with him to talk spoons and business, and what it means to try and make a living from doing what you love. We also talk about sharing knowledge and how Joe and I ended up on this crazy path together. Check out Emmets Links here https://www.emmetvandriesche.com/ https://www.instagram.com/emmet_van_driesche/

this week we are in different parts of the world. Talking to Joe in Germany while at ISPO. we get nerdy and talk all things ventile. Then we head over to an interview with the guys in Savotta to talk a little about their company and what they put into making a product

Happy 2020! This week we're coming to you hot and heavy. Joe and I discuss the year gone by and our goals for 2020. We also discuss the importance to doing what you love and aiming for new process in your life. In part 2 we discuss Right to Roam laws in Europe, Scottish Bothys, and the laws of Ireland. http://www.keepirelandopen.org/

Happy Christmas all! We are coming to you with a fantastic interview with non other than Paul Kirtley. We talk about speeding up your knowledge, foraging, changing careers and the space of podcast and youtube. Enjoy! Here is a link to Pauls online courses https://www.onlinebushcraftcourses.com/

This week we get to the bottom of what a stardate is. We make and attempt to scratch the surface and tackle the world of water filtration and purification. We also celebrate with you guys on our first episode hitting 1000 listens!

This week we're rounding up a bit of a mixed bag of topics. Coming up to the end of year we decided to pick our top 3's. We hear about Joes trip to the savotta and we discuss what's coming down the line for next year

This week we have a double bill of conversations of the back of our recent adventures in The Netherlands and Sweden. Part 1 is a recording from Knives and Tools birthday, where we caught up with Benny and Jasper, whom we have been working with since the beginning. Part 2 Sees us on Johan Skullmans property where we discuss all sorts of weird and wonderful ideas, as well as talk about his new clothing brand garphyttan. Also! Find out how you can win a signed copy of John Hudsons book! links as promised in the episode are as follows https://www.garphyttan.com/ https://www.knivesandtools.com/ https://www.retkinikkari.fi/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/retkinikkari/ https://www.instagram.com/bushcraft_by_nybro/ https://www.instagram.com/serefenix/ https://www.instagram.com/bushcraftbutikken.dk/

This week we are coming to you from a tipi at Bushcraft Butikken in Denmark. Joe and Padraig debrief with Jesper Hede and Janni Olsson the day after a 72 hour survival course! We talk about being instructors on the course, the bushcraft scene in Denmark, Jespers upcoming book and eating rats heads.

This week we had the awesome pleasure of talking to John Hudson, the UK military Chief Survival Instructor. We talk about his book and how we can employ survival psychology as a tool in our everyday lives. Joe and I also discuss the new Fällkniven S1X and The new clothing company launch recently by our good friend Johan Skullman