The Wild Dispatch

Sometimes when we hunt, it can feel like there's nothing out there... we loose focus for just a moment and suddenly that target animal bolts, alerting everything in the area. This visualization helps keep your focus, and maintain your belief in finding success. We bring many of the skills from this TFWM series together and apply them to a specific outdoor scenario. If you haven't had a chance to listen to the full series, it's a good idea to go back and build your toolbox!

Having grown up bowhunting the mountains of Nevada, it's clear Tim Bray has never been interested in doing things the easy way. The same can be said for the incredible fermented foods and drinks he creates. In this episode, Tim shares his own fascinating story, along with a bunch of tips and wisdoms he's learned over the past few decades.A huge thank you again to Tim for his time, stories, and skillset today.Give Tim a follow on Facebook –and check out his Ecology Hour show on local radio station KZYXKey Topics:The process of fermenting apples into cider and the importance of apple varietiesHow weather and year-to-year variations influence cider flavor profilesThe role of wild yeast strains and developing cultured yeasts like KvikeTechniques for aging and blending cider for flavorHistorical context of brewing post-Prohibition in AmericaThe science behind lacto-fermentation in vegetables, fruits, and meatsThe cultural and natural history of yeast strains from Norway and LithuaniaHow fermentation preserves flavor and enhances gut health00:00 - Introduction to Tim Bray 02:19 - Workshop setup and fermentation chambers explained05:40 - The true meaning of cider worldwide06:36 - Fermentation as a method of preservation and brewing basics09:19 - Comparing cider and beer brewing processes10:13 - The importance of starting with quality fruit for good cider12:00 - Regional apple varieties and their influence on cider quality13:30 - How acidity, tannins, and sugar balance in cider15:30 - Variations in American cider styles, back-sweetening, and commercial practices17:05 - Developing wild yeast cultures and homebrew brewing history18:23 - Yeast strains like Scrumpy and their unique characteristics19:00 - The aging process and fermentation byproducts20:02 - Impact of weather and apple quality on seasonal cider variations22:07 - Using sulfur dioxide and wild yeast in cider fermentation24:22 - The art of blending different batches for flavor complexity25:37 - How fermentation shapes flavors similar to seasoning in cooking27:09 - Timeline for cider fermentation and aging techniques28:33 - The influence of weather on apple and cider profiles30:34 - Differences in flavor due to apple traits and conditions33:00 - Adjusting process based on experience and weather patterns35:10 - The craft of blending cider types and batches36:04 - The basics of homebrewing beer and how it relates to fermentation37:52 - Prohibition's impact on brewing and the rise of craft beer41:16 - Notable craft brewers from homebrew roots, Sierra Nevada's story44:06 - The innovative Norwegian Kvike yeast strain and its advantages49:25 - Techniques for hunting and the story of a big Nevada buck54:50 - Challenges of tracking and handling game in rugged terrain63:17 - The historic Roxbury Russet apple and cloning techniques66:45 - The significance of orchard diversity and cider apple varieties70:10 - The cultural significance of fermentation in different regions85:30 - The Norwegian Kvike yeast's unique fermentation traits92:32 - The specificity and flavor contributions of different yeast strains98:15 - Benefits of lacto-fermentation for preservation and gut health103:25 - How modern food processing affects natural fermentation and health105:39 - Using fermentation to digest carbohydrates and improve nutrition106:00 - A preview of future demonstrations, including kimchi making

Exercise begins at 11.30In this episode, Robin dives deeper into the practices that help him focus when they matter the most. He recounts his recent successful tradbow hunt in the mountains with a red hartebeest while it's fresh in his mind, and explains some of the techniques that helped him succeed when the percentages said he should have failed.

In this episode, Robin reunites with Ross Cameron and Dr. Adrian de Villers for a few days at the Cameron Property. Amongst great chats with the Cameron clan, and delicious meals cooked over an open fire, Ross and The Doc venture up onto the mountain in search of wild game. While the heavy rains scuppered fishing on the Vaal river, some mind-blowing animal encounters kept their spirits high and bellies full.A huge thank you again to the Camerons for another incredible adventure!Interested in fly fishing, specimen carp fishing, or bespoke bowhunting? Or maybe just want to relax amongst the largest wild olives forest in the southern hemisphere? Check out Camelotstay.co.zaSubscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...Key Topics:Robin's trip to Parais, South Africa, including stay at Camelot and mountain adventuresThe experience of hunting with a recurve bow in the bush and the challenges involvedStories from flying cattle rescue missions, including dramatic weather and mountain passesThe unique wildlife encountersCultural and practical insights into South African farms, water systems, and local community lifeThe significance of salt harvesting from ocean rocks and animal behaviors in different environmentsExploring remote airstrips, abandoned runways, and historic aviation storiesInsights into sustainable cattle farming and indigenous breeds in AfricaPersonal moments of reflection, including proposal stories and future plansTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and Robin's recent South Africa trip overview00:41 - Exploring Camelot Stay and mountain adventures02:04 - Robin's hunting experiences and challenges of using a recurve bow03:36 - Flying cattle rescue stories during severe weather events04:53 - Encounter with wildlife around the farm06:06 - Exploring remote airstrips and local aviation history08:07 - Insights into water systems and environmental impact in South Africa12:02 - Cultural stories about farms, community, and indigenous cattle16:29 - Historic aviation and secret airstrips in remote areas20:46 - South African weather patterns and seasonal rains24:10 - Local community life and farm activities27:02 - The impact of storms on water levels and dams31:29 - Shark diving and underwater filming adventures with local experts36:14 - Challenging terrain and driving in South Africa's wild areas40:28 - Wildlife sightings and animal behaviors at night45:02 - Hunting and tracking stories with insights into animal behavior50:18 - Family life, pet stories, and farm daily routines54:13 - Hunting preparations, firearm details, and field strategies58:08 - Reflections on wildlife conservation and animal management64:16 - The thrill of tracking and shooting in the bush70:00 - Personal stories of proposals and future plans in the wild73:08 - Wrapping up with future adventures and gratitude

Many feel driven to make their hunting equipment more primitive... Often that involves swapping a rifle for a compound, or even traditional bow. But Aubrey Tidbury is a man hungry for something more difficult. Heading out into the African bush with nothing but a home-made spear, he often faces two of the lesser-known but more aggressive animals you can find in the Eastern Cape of South Africa: The bush pig and the bush buck.A huge thank you to Aubrey for sharing his time with us!Give Aubrey a follow on InstagramFollow his son's fantastic YouTube Channel Bushveld Bowhunting - check out their Insta too.The conversation delves into the history of bow hunting in the Eastern Cape, the learning and progression in bow hunting skills, and the significance of bush pigs in hunting. It also covers the early experiences of bow hunting, the journey of learning and improving hunting skills, and the first animal hunt experience, along with the importance of bush pigs in hunting. Aubrey discusses the importance of consistency in feeding pigs, highlighting the impact of routine and the challenges of maintaining this consistency. He also shares his innovative solutions for pig feeding challenges, including the development of specialized feeders. Additionally, he recounts close calls and hunting adventures, providing insights into the thrilling and dangerous aspects of pig hunting. The conversation delves into the primal and intense experience of hunting with spears, as well as the game-changing impact of using dogs in spear hunting. It also explores the process of creating spears and the purpose behind their design, providing insights into the hunting experience and the tools used. The conversation delves into the art of spear hunting, exploring the techniques and tools used in this traditional hunting practice. Additionally, the importance of documenting family hunting stories is highlighted, emphasizing the value of preserving and passing down these stories for future generations.TakeawaysBow hunting history in the Eastern CapeLearning and progression in bow huntingThe significance of bush pigs in hunting Consistency in feeding creates a routine for pigsInnovative solutions for pig feeding challenges Hunting with spears is a primal and intense experienceThe use of dogs in hunting with spears has been a game changer Spear hunting techniquesDocumenting family hunting storiesChapters00:00 Introduction and Early Bow Hunting Experience10:58 Learning and Progression in Bow Hunting18:57 First Animal Hunt and Bush Pig Significance28:27 Consistency in Feeding35:00 Innovative Solutions for Pig Feeding43:48 Close Calls and Hunting Adventures01:01:47 The Reward of the Little Spear01:07:13 The Pursuit and the Final Encounter01:13:08 The Search for the Pig and the Final Discovery01:18:24 The Introduction of German Hunting Terriers01:24:04 The Process of Creating Spears01:28:40 The Spears Aubrey has developed01:35:30 The Mighty Bushbuck01:38:30 Hand To Hand Combat with a Bushbuck01:53:00 The Power of Stories01:58:00 Uncle Dicky and the thorn-snake• • 02:02:00 Wrap-up

Robin is currently juggling adventures and interviews like a circus on steroids. Many obscenely good episodes featuring a bunch of new guests will be landing in your podcast feed... any bloody... second... soon. But in the meantime, here's some musings from the Eastern Cape of South Africa, as well a story or two from a recent adventure in the Ngwathe municipality

Exercise begins from 6:51 - In this episode Robin shares another useful technique for staying focused. This is one of the mindful basics series that helps build your meditation toolkit. This one's useful whether you're out on an adventure in the wild, or just living your day-to-day life.

In this episode, Robin and Tudor Caradoc-Davies, the editor of South Africa's Mission Fly Fishing magazine record a special roaming podcast: Loading up the truck with this month's edition and rigging up the cockpit with flashy lights and microphones. In between deliveries they chat about the origins of the magazine, its rapid success, big adventures, close calls, a few top fishing tips. And of course categorizing the nerdiest of nerds within the fly fishing community.A huge thank you again to Tudor for the great chat (and for allowing me to provide him some free labour!)You can find THE MISSION magazine at many fishing stores in SA and across the world. Find out where to get one, read all editions online, and find a bunch of bonus material at themissionflymag.comAnd Give them a follow on Facebook, Insta and YouTubeAlso check out the book mentioned in our conversation Pheasant Tail Simplicity

EXERCISE BEGINS AT 7 MINSIn this episode Robin shares his own experiences using the body scan technique, then goes through the technique in a demo.

A subsistance hunter almost since the moment he learned to walk -Ean Anderson has spent more time close to animals than most. from over 1000 yards with a rifle, to just a handful of yards with a traditional bow - Ean's proved he's a skilled hunter time and time again. But his stories don't stop there, he's also a wilderness skills expert, wildfire fighter, and been first on the scene many times as an EMT too. Buckle up, this one's a treat.Follow Ean on his InstaCheck out the many wilderness skills gatherings happening across Americaand the PNW Wilderness Survival Games

Robin and Dan take to Lake Sonoma in search of pigs, but discover far more edible treats than either of them anticipated. Thank you again to Dan Romo for putting up with my dumb jokes.

What better place to hear Dan Romo's story than in Lake Sonoma, where he and Robin first met. Through their unfaltering pursuit of pigs together, good times soon followed. This is a prime example of one of those good times: Successes, failures, and near misses, this one has them all. Thanks again to Dan for being such a high-caliber hunting buddy.

Before we get knee-deep into training our minds with mindfulness techniques, there are a few essential ingredients that are handy to know. Over the next few episodes of TFWM, Robin will cover the basic steps. Unlocking these specific tools will help you calm and focus your mind. Helping you make better choices both in the wild and other difficult moments in life.

In this Episode Ejler serves up a delicious helping of 'fish tale' while he and Robin process their last catch of the season. While slinging guts and beautifying fillets , Robin manages to extract the biggest, most surprising catch stories Ejler can think of.As always a huge thank-you to Ejler for sharing his mysterious and fascinating life with us today.Now you can give Ejler a follow in Instagram!

For most, bow-building comes from a desire to feel closer to the hunting experience. Eric Clem took a different path: Part of an underground archery competition, held after-hours in New York offices, Eric felt driven to create better performing equipment. Soon after the Brooklyn Bowyer was born. But it was only after a life changing accident, that a move to LA and a new world of hunting opportunities appeared. As strange as it sounds, it's actually possible to hunt deer at first light while the busy world of Los Angeles twinkles below.A huge thank you again to Eric for sharing his time and stories with us today!Book a bow making course at LA WoodshopFollow Eric at Brooklyn Bowyer on InstagramSubscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this Episode Robin and William head off into the mushroom woods to celebrate what has been arguably the GOAT of all seasons. Not only do they fill their packs, but as usual William drops a metric ton of wisdom about finding our quarry, black trumpets and giant hedgehogs. Not only do they manage to make a few observations about life and the natural world, they also discover a strange shroom variant that neither have ever seen before. A huge thankyou again to William for his time and friendship!Check out his lone wolf mushroom knives and other mushroomy goods at bornfreenaturalmystic

Just like our bodies, our brains can be trained to interact with the world in different and better ways. In this episode Robin lays out a simple exercise that has helped him to stay in a positive headspace when times get tough - Ultimately it's far more to do with our own perception, and the way we respond to situations that determines how we feel. A little positivity can make a massive difference, whether its the last day of a tough hunt in the mountains, or that moment your boss hands you another ridiculous deadline.

Despite her title, The Python Huntress is a snake lover through-and-through. It's only when Amy learned that invasive Burmese pythons were slithering riot around the Florida Everglades, that she decided to pack her bags and commit to the issue full gas. This involves hunting pythons day and night, and working as professional guide, helping regular folks to experience what it's like to locate and remove a 17ft snake.A huge thank you to Amy for sharing her stories and knowledge with us today!Visit her site and book a hunt at PythonHuntress.comAnd check out her socials on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

A fantastic full-length-interview episode is currently sitting in the torpedo tube, ready to go, unfortunately a small technological whoopsy, courtesy of the hosting platform is keeping the hatch firmly shut. The bookies have high odds on EP 88 with Amy Siewe will be out before Monday's end, so keep an eye out! Apologies for the disruption - here's some quality waffling as consolation.

For some, the Urushiol oil found in Poison Oak, Poison Ivy and Sumac can be completely debilitating. Given that it doesn't exist in England at all, Robin quickly built up a pretty decent sensitivity to this irritating member of the wilderness family. In this episode he shares some of the most effective techniques for mitigating Poison Oak while out in the field.Here is the mentioned youtube video that changed everythingIf you have any suggestions we'd love to hear them! Send a voice message to The Wild dispatch on Instagram and it might even make it onto the airwaves.

In this Field Notes Episode, Robin follows Jason through day 1 of bowhunting elk in the Colorado mountains. Amongst the many miles and close encounters, they find time to share stories over a few snacks. Warning: some snacks may come with a very unsavory nickname. All food in this episode came prepared by podcasting legend and well-loved ‘Camp Mom' Michael Scrogan of The Hunting Stories Podcast. There's even a surprise appearance from another hunter who goes by the name Jeremy.Thanks again to Jason, Michael and Jeremy for a fantastic adventure!

Dana Anderson is a hugger, but that's not the only way he's kept life's bubbles from ever going flat. Arguably the funnest person to know, Wild Mountain Man Dan got his nickname for a reason, and we're going to find out here today. From wilderness techniques, lessons about community, and even a run-in or two with the law, Dana shares some truly wild stories in this episode.A huge thank you to Dana for sharing his time with us today!Give him a follow on Instagram and Facebook, and find him at a wild skills gathering - he's likely to be there.

In this episode, Robin shares how square breathing helped him successfully arrow two fallow deer in just sixty seconds. The technique he demonstrates in this episode is one of the tools that helped him swing that day's result from failure to double-success.

From the rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula to the arid environment of Lincoln County, Nevada, John Anderson has spent his life completely immersed in nature. Awarded Nevada Game Warden of the year – Unsurprisingly, John has a bunch of great stories for us today. While many involve him chasing down the bad guys, you might be surprised to learn he wasn't always exactly on the right side of the law himself...A huge thank you again to John for sharing his time and stories with us today. And thanks to his Dad for making the introduction.You can watch John on 'Nevada Wild' available on Animal Planet - the season finale airs Tuesday Jan 6 at 9pm ESTLearn how to become a game warden at gamewarden.orgEpisode Summary:The conversation covers the role of a game warden, the influence of a rural upbringing on career choice, the training and career transition process, the balance between work and hunting, childhood adventures and mischief, the regulation of recreation and freedom, the father's transition and poaching, and the game warden's role and escalations. The conversation delves into the ethical considerations in wildlife management, the use of technology in wildlife crime investigation, the human role in ecosystem management, and the significance of hunting and wildlife management. It also explores the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by game wardens in their line of work. The conversation covers a range of topics including hunting experiences, wildlife forensics, forensic analysis, wildlife relocation, muzzleloader hunting, search and rescue operations, TV show impact, advice for aspiring game wardens, and TV show schedule and availability. The discussion provides insights into the diverse responsibilities and experiences of a game warden, highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation, forensic analysis, and community involvement.Chapters00:00 The Role of a Game Warden10:35 Balancing Work and Hunting16:37 Regulating Recreation and Freedom22:26 Ethical Considerations in Wildlife Management42:43 Hunting Experience and Wildlife Forensics48:25 Wildlife Relocation and Conservation Efforts01:01:36 Search and Rescue Operations and Missing Persons Cases01:14:14 Advice for Aspiring Game Wardens

Part 2) A 2-minute exercise that reduces stress, calms nerves, and increases focus at times when you need it most. That might be on a mountain or ocean, in the bush...even if you hate your boss at work. Full interviews and adventure episodes will continue to land on Mondays, and these short how-tos will be on Thursdays.Subscribe to us to always be up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

Part 1) A brief explanation of this quick breathing exercise and its benefits before the actual exercise in the next episode.Full interviews and adventure episodes will continue to land on Mondays, and these short how-tos will be on Thursdays. Subscribe to us to always be up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

This is the setup before a two-parter coming out midweek (out Thursday Jan 1st)Happy New Year everybody! In this episode, Robin takes a break from simultaneously seeking both bears and mushrooms to give a quick update. The TLDR is: On top of the normal programming involving chats with the world's wildest people, on occasional Thursdays, there will be a series of mini-episodes offering tools and exercises you can lean on whenever needed.Thanks again for another great year - onto the next one!

Happy holidays everyone! In this festive episode, we turn the tables on our normal format and let two of The Wild Dispatch's biggest (and youngest) fans Interview Robin. Joel and Harry finally get to ask everything they've ever wondered about for the past couple of years. But will they be able to remember their questions with excitement bubbling faster than a Mentos & Diet Coke fountain.A big thank you again to Harry and Joel Methley for doing such a fantastic job of hosting their first-ever podcast. This one has big laughs, thought-provoking questions, and even a few not-so-rude jokes too!And a big thanks to Callum for being a good friend and a very generous host, and for making the best snacks a hunting partner could ever wish for ;) Check out Callum's Instagram @Kuduhunt on InstagramHere's the live safari Youtube we chatted about in the episode.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

After adventuring through his Viking homeland of Denmark, Ejler Hjorth-Westh returned to Northern California with a backpack full of interesting stories.One of those stories chimed with Robin like a cowbell in a cement mixer. During his travels, Ejler tasted the finest artisanal salt of a maker in Denmark... and was left underwhelmed. Which begs the question: If Pacific sea salt really is better, then why? In this episode, Ejler takes Robin on a mission to hunt down (and taste) what he considers the best, punchiest salt in the whole wide world. This is of course accompanied by multiple wilderness observations and scat commentary. A big thank you to Ejler for the usual witty banter and world-beating salt.You can now follow Ejler's fledgling account on Instagram-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

Many people would shudder at the thought of living in complete isolation through an Alaskan winter. But for Wyatt Black, it's how he finally managed to accept the darkest corners of his past. In this episode, Wyatt spills all about his time on season 10 of the Alone show. All the while maintaining his trademark positive and often laugh-out-loud attitude towards addiction, recovery, and mental health. There's also some fantastic memories growing up in the boonies, hunting, trapping, etc, that helped Wyatt become the man he is today.Wyatt's new book 'Bleeped and Blurred' launches this week: Be sure to subscribe at www.wyattblack.com and/or follow his publisher codebreaker on Insta for all the latest release info.Also give Wyatt a follow on Instagram to see whatever wild mayhem he's up to lately.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this episode, Robin talks with Stephen Klinger, an Alaskan at his happiest when perched on the jagged edge of self-annihilation. He tests these boundaries aboard his inflatable jet boat, which is capable of maneuvering its way UP raging rapids. Sometimes this is to gain access to incredible hunting grounds; other times it's simply being the first human to ever reach a river's glacial lake by boat. This episode is packed full of wild stories, including many close calls, hunting / fishing adventures etc. Thanks again to Stephen for sharing his time with us today! Be sure to follow him on Instagram @spoicyfishes Also, a big thank you to Adam Brennan from EP54 for making the introduction.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this episode, Robin (https://www.instagram.com/thewilddispatch/)  takes a quick break from mushroom/turkey hunting to say an enormous thank you for joining us on this podcasting adventure. Thank you to all the amazing guests and listeners! Thank you for every download, for every good review, and for every recommendation to a friend you've given... And for every guest who's shown up with their wild stories. The Wild Dispatch continues to grow because of you all: our ever-growing group of Dispatchlings ;)-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this episode, Robin, Fred Hammer, and Robin Gratz spend three action-packed days trying to land an African monster. This is no small feat. Given the extremely high caliber of apex predators in South Africa, e.g Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, hyenas and packs of African wild dogs... antelope have developed an incredible skill-set that keeps them alive against all odds. So, getting close with a bow in hand is sometimes laughably difficult. Thankfully, they manage to close the distance, and arrows fly. A big thanks to Fred Hammer from Bowhunting Africa for his fantastic guiding services, and Robin Gratz from Daggaboy films for capturing the adventure. -----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

To this day, the legend of Dick Proenneke continues through his journals and wonderful footage. However, we were surprised to discover that Dick's sourdough starter also lives on! What better way to celebrate a life-lived-wild than with sourdough pancakes made with the trusty sourdough jar from his cabin? In this episode, Robin and his wife Hanneke sit down with the cabin's previous caretakers for 19 years: K Schubeck and Monroe Robinson. They share some of their fondest memories of Dick, while we enjoy his pancake recipe, even topped with wild blueberry jam picked at Twin Lakes, Alaska. Once again, a huge thank you to K and Monroe for such a treat on so many different levels.You can find Monroe's fantastic book, 'The Handcrafted Life of Dick Proenneke' at Lost Art Press Find more conversations featuring Monroe and Dick Proenneke in EP43, EP51 and EP73 -----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this episode, Robin and Larry take advantage of the year's calmest ocean and go for an adventure underwater. A big thank you to Larry for sharing his time, patience, and knowledge about these parts of the Pacific ocean. -----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this Episode, Robin and Nathan have a fantastic conversation about the many nuances of wilderness living. This one has a bunch of entertaining and sometimes emotional stories: From memories of growing up under Larry Dean Olsen, a legendary figure in the wilderness arena, to applying his lessons in the semi-deserts of Alone, South Africa... From extremely close encounters with exotic animals, to the heavily documented benefits of wilderness therapy (And the way it helped Nathan win Alone). This one is a real treat for anybody with even an ounce of curiosity for the outdoors. More links at the bottom. Once again, a huge thank you to Nathan for allowing us into his circle for this episode. It's been an honor hearing your story.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background03:11Elk Hunting Experience05:58Reflections on Alone Season 1209:00Survival Strategies in South Africa11:57Mental and Emotional Aspects of Isolation15:02Daily Survival Tasks and Caloric Needs17:58Fishing Techniques and Challenges20:57Water Management and Hygiene23:55Environment and Terrain Familiarity26:53The Importance of Soap and Cleanliness30:01Family Influence and Advice37:11Embracing Natural Skills38:08The Evolution of Wilderness Therapy39:00A Journey into Wilderness Skills42:07The Impact of Wilderness Experiences43:55Growing Up in the Wilderness46:03The Homeschooling Experience49:04Father-Son Wilderness Traditions52:47Reflections in Solitude54:55Parenting Through Encouragement57:49Wilderness Therapy and Community01:01:13Safety in Wilderness Therapy01:03:59Misconceptions About Wilderness Therapy01:11:12Building a Stone Shelter01:11:55The Challenges of Shelter Building01:21:39Overcoming Challenges in Survival01:24:04Fishing Techniques and Food Preservation01:27:21Editing and Storytelling in Reality TV01:30:59Family Legacy and Personal Expectations01:45:34The Dynamics of Wilderness Survival-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this episode, Robin and regular guest Dennis McKiver head out into the Pacific Ocean in search of Tuna... They catch up on recent Stories and test their mettle against some rough seas... but who will crack first?As promised, there will be an extra sprinkling of 'Field Notes' episodes over the coming months. Far too many adventures, both big and small, are clogging up The Wild Dispatch HQ's hard drives, so in an effort to avoid taking a mountain of untold tales to the grave, there will be roughly one extra release like this per month. What do you think of this episode? Let us know your thoughts with an Insta messageA big thanks to Dennis, Jim, and Jordan for putting up with the extra recording gear.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this episode, Robin chats with Naude Dreyer – co founder of Ocean Conservation Namibia. Naude shares some incredible stories from the rugged Namibian coastline, seal rescues, rabies shots, and many other animal encounters from the ocean. From the adrenaline-pumping chases across sandy beaches to the innovative techniques he helped develop to save entangled marine life, Naude's journey is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of a healthier ocean. Get ready to be captivated with tales of resilience, innovation, and the wild beauty of nature, all wrapped up with Naude's sharp Namibian sense of humor.Once again, a huge thank you to Naude for his time today. Be sure to give him a follow, and show some support at the links below:Ocean conservation Namibia - Donate HereWatch the action on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

Right now in the US it's that magical time of year when the elk mating season descends into a full-bore rut-mode. It's also a time when (some would say) foolish individuals pick up their bows and arrows and do their best to challenge 900lb animals to a close quarters fight. This is an episode of The Hunting Stories Podcast –Robin and friends take a minute to reminisce about the bowhunting adventures of September 2024. There's highs, lows, funny bathroom mishaps, multiple successes and a whole bunch of banter. A similar gang are back together again for this 2025 season. The bulls are already bugling, the good times are rolling, and no doubt more stories are being made right about… Now. Good luck to everybody out there trying to fill their freezer the hard way this season!A big thanks to Michael for sharing this episode with us today.Be sure to follow Micheal from the ever growing Hunting Stories Podcast And check out his informative Hunter's Brief episode available on the same channel every Friday.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

Jermaine Hodge is an athlete on multiple levels. Part of the elite military Greco-Roman world class wrestling program, his tournament winning talent brought him to Colorado over 20 years ago, where his passion for chasing elk really took hold. With the same focus for excellence Jermaine has found success both in the mountains and on stage, where he became RMEF elk calling world champ in 2019. In this Episode Robin Warman and Jermaine Hodge delve into the intricacies of elk hunting, sharing personal experiences and valuable insights. They discuss the pivotal moments of realization in the field, the importance of preparation, and the nuances of calling techniques. They also explore the differences between approaching herd bulls and satellite bulls, as well as strategies for post-shot scenarios. Jermaine emphasizes the significance of understanding elk behavior and adapting calls to improve hunting success, while Robin reflects on his learning journey and the challenges faced in the wild.Links:Follow Jermaine on instagram and YouTube and FacebookCheck out Colorado High Altitude HuntersThe Hodge Elk call from PhelpsCheck out his seminar on HuntStandTop Takeaways:Practice makes perfect in archery.Always challenge yourself to improve.Mistakes are crucial for learning.Preparation is key for successful hunts.Aggression can lead to more opportunities.Understanding elk behavior is essential.Fitness plays a significant role in hunting success.Be ready to adapt your strategy in the field.Humanizing elk calls can improve effectiveness.Never say no to an opportunity. The moment of realization can change your perspective on hunting.Preparation is key to a successful hunting experience.Aggression in hunting can lead to greater success if managed well.Understanding elk behavior is crucial for effective calling.Different situations require different calling techniques.Falling for fake elk calls is a common mistake for novice hunters.Every call derives from a basic cow sound.Post-shot strategies can help in tracking and recovering the animal.Being adaptable in your approach can lead to better outcomes.Continuous learning and improvement are essential in hunting.Chapters:00:00 An Antelope Hunt Adventure02:52 Archery Skills and Challenges06:01 Mistakes and Learning in Hunting08:58 The Importance of Preparation11:58 The Journey of an Elk Hunter14:51 The Art of Calling Elk17:37 Strategies for Success in the Field20:41 The Role of Fitness in Hunting23:34 Navigating Opportunities and Risks26:26 The Value of Aggression in Hunting29:31 Learning from Mistakes32:30 The Thrill of the Chase35:35 Final Thoughts and-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this episode Robin chats with Dug North about his experiences on the latest season of The Alone Show - the first time ever in Africa. (Final is live on History Channel this Thursday Aug 21st 2025). Dug is a person of a great many talents, blessed with laser focus and the wild enthusiasm it takes to become skilled at something very quickly. A creative and maker on many levels, and armed with a sharp sense of humor, it's easy to see why they invited him onto the show. In this episode Robin and Dug, discuss the nitty gritty of Alone in general, along with the particularly nuanced challenges that come with this season being in the hottest and driest location yet. We also cover a bunch of other topics including, Dug's past, Ancient skills , building traditional tools, Modifying modern tools, The political and global importance of water, the remarkable survival skills of ancient man, mental health, Pemmican and almost everything between.A huge thank you to Dug North for sharing his time with us today!Be sure to follow Dug on Instagram and YouTube... check out his website too.Also thanks to Alone and The History Channel for giving me access to Dug and this season's imagery.But that's not the only imagery we used, Kielyn from Episodes 33 and 39 happened to take the photo we're using for this episode's album cover.Photo credit for the images is: ©️2025, A&E Television Networks, LLC photo: Rose Marie CromwellPhoto credit for the key art is: ©️2025, A&E Television Networks-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

Today we dive deep into the world of ancient culture with Tony Fair —A guy obsessed with figuring out how our ancestors managed to both scrape a living and create a bunch of rock art at the same time. In this episode, we explore the intricate connections between nature, history, and art as Tony shares his experiences of discovering ancient petroglyphs (plus the occasional mushroom) and the stories they tell. Growing up on the run from the law, It was Tony's unconventional childhood that fueled his fascination with ancient cultures and the art they produced. From the mysteries of solstice markers to the spiritual significance of the many ancient artworks he's witnessed, Robin and Tony connect both past and present through the timeless allure of the natural world.A big thank you again to Tony for jumping on the podcast!Give Tony a follow on Instagram as @guerilla_foragerAlso check out the American Rock Art Research Association or your local community on social media for more info.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

Today We are traveling across the world and back in time to Namibia in the South West of Africa... 300 miles from the nearest grocery store, Lyn and Mike Methley raised their family while helping to build the first road through the area in the 1960's. They lived side by side with the lions, impala, crocodiles and the enormous, but sadly extinct, desert elephants. Living close to the Northern border with Angola, they also had more than a few encounters with guerrilla fighters during a particularly turbulent time. This one's got a bunch of bonkers stories folks so buckle up and never let off the accelerator.A huge thank-you to Lyn and Mike for their time and stories today!And thanks again to Callum from @kuduhunt for the introduction.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

Back in Episode 11 Ejler shared some memories of farm life on the rural island of Bonholm, Denmark. One story that really struck a chord was the existence of a food called Head-cheese, a magical substance created from the boiled remains of whatever comes out of the head of a pig. Never one to turn down a challenge, Robin provided the head of a wild boar the very next chance he had to harvest one. In this Episode Robin and Ejler reminisce about the sequence of events that brought them to the mysterious flavors of Danish Wild-Boar head cheese. While eating this magical dish they also catch up over their recent adventures in South Africa and Northern California.A huge thank you to Ejler for the great conversation - and for remembering his mother's old recipe.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

Today we are sitting down with writer and modern day explorer Riaan Manser. His adventurous journey began the day he decided to quit his job and go for a bike ride... around the entire continent of Africa. This was done without backup, and before personal gps and smartphones were in public circulation. Riaan has since become the holder of numerous world records: first to ride 42000km around Africa, first to lap the islands of Madagascar and Iceland in his kayak, and first to row from Morocco to New York in a 18ft row boat. All this to say having survived through landmines, multiple kidnappings, wild ocean storms, starvation and extreme dehydration — Riaan has a story or two to share with us today.Once again a huge thankyou to Riaan for sharing his time with us!Check out his books and adventures at Riaanmanser.comAnd give him a follow on Instagram and Facebook!-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this Episode Robin and author of 'The Handcrafted Life of Dick Proenneke' Monroe Robinson and  take a seat at his Redwood cabin to chat all things wilderness living in Alaska: The relentless nature of maintaining a homestead and your gear in such a harsh environment, building a greater connection with nature and the sometimes tragic consequences that come with it. A big thankyou again to Monroe for sharing his time today. You can hear more of Monroe's personal story in EP43.You can also find Monroe's fantastic book - 'The Handcrafted Life of Dick Proenneke' at Lost Art Press.If you'd like to get hold of a signed copy, you can shoot an email to monroe@mcn.org with the title: The Handcrafted Life of Dick Proenneke.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

The fallow deer rut is an all-bows-blazing non-stop action-packed month that's firmly marked in every South African bowhunter's calendar (ep 59's Jandre Strydom included). It's a magical time that testosterone in the fallow population bubbles over and the thickets of the Eastern Cape descend into mating season mayhem. This episode we follow Robin (and friends) as we experience this phenomenon for the first time.A big thank you again to William from Wellington farms, and Callum from Kudu Hunt for getting us deep into the action. Also a big thanks to Matt, Jandre, Dylan and the one-and-only Dr. Death for the many fallow-related soundbites.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

An immensely talented bowhunter-spearfisherman from South Africa –Jandre has been honing his skills since the age of 5. Wherever you're from, when it comes to sourcing protein, there's an easy way, and there's hard way… Then there's Jandre's way.An anomaly in the South African hunting community, Jandre hikes many kilometers deep into the mountains to areas with no roads, and no backup. Although he's harvested many African animals with his bow that would make a talented rifle-hunter blush, it's the non-native fallow deer that gets Jandre properly fired up.Robin managed to sit down with Jandre just a few days before the beginning of the fallow deer rut.A big thank you again to Jandre for fitting us in before a three week mega-trip chasing giant croaking bucks in the mountains. Give Jandre a follow on InstagramCheck out his YouTube too - lots of new content coming soon.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

Lama Nasser-Gammett and her husband Matthew are founders of The Forest People, and supply a large area of the Mendocino coast with cultivated mushrooms. Building their business from the ground up at a time when there was very little information available, they taught themselves exactly how to make mushrooms thrive in a controlled environment. Chefs and natural grocery stores appreciate their attention to details, knowing it's the little things that make a great looking and better tasting mushroom.In this episode Lama shares her story, along with many essential tips on how to cultivate delicious mushrooms for yourself too.Thanks again Lama for the stories and wisdom today!Be sure to give The Forest People a follow on Instagram and check out their website too!-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

This week it is Violet Warman's 97th Birthday. She was born in 1928 — Rather a lot of wild stuff happened since that day... In this episode Robin was lucky enough to hear some of Vi and Ray's memories from the past: The moment WW2 was declared, being evacuated, watching dog fights in the skies above... and trading bike rides to American soldiers for enormous amounts of pocket money. In this episode takes a leap from the urban world of East London, and escape to the English countryside.Happy Birthday Violet! And thank you both for sharing your time and stories today.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this episode we break from a week-long adventure in the Eastern Cape to celebrate a successful bow hunt. The jokes roll thick as backstraps and wild game sausage sizzle on a flat-stone locally called an Yster Klip, which literally translates to 'Iron Stone'. — sound quality took a bit of beating early on in this episode, if you're over the sound of sizzling meat then jump to about 35 mins in —Cooking over fire is a huge part of South African culture, this episode gives an lighthearted insight into a backbone activity of the nation. Two professional hunters and a game farm manager share hunting memories and stories about life in the Eastern Cape, with an extra helping of banter too.A big thank you again to Fred Hammer, Robin Gertz and James the farm manager for sharing their stories and outdoor cooking skills with us today.You can find Fred Hammer on InstagramCheck out Robin's Gertz's videography work on Instagram -----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...