The Wildstone Podcast - Keeping Pennsylvania Wild

Wildstone explores the fascinating history of Michaux State Forest and Pine Grove Furnace State Park. This historical region in south-central PA boasts a bounty of nature and a shocking history that peaked during World War 2.  

Just in time for the warm weather. Revisit a 2024 episode wherein we discuss how to have safe and fun outdoor experience throughout the Wildstone State.

Epic, Beautiful, and Wild. Promised Land State Park is in the heart of the Pocono Mountains and offers a bounty of wildlife and recreation from Berry picking to Ice Boating. 

Today Wildstone discusses Kevin's 100km journey through the rugged PA terrain. Find out what it takes to earn a top 5 finish among elite ultra-runners.

Today we wish Wildstone Host, Kevin, the best of luck at his 100K Adventure in Western PA at the Rabbid Racoon Race. Kick back and enjoy a replay of a 2024 favorite about Ohiopyle State Park.

Meet the curious history of Wilsonville PA; the town buried under one of the State's Largest Lakes. In this episode we will discover Lake Wallenpaupack in the Poconos along with it's storied history. Also today; Is the Simpson's hometown of Springield from Pennsylvania?

-This one may not be suitable for all ages- Pennsylvania has some very peculiar town names with equally interesting origin stories. Join us as we travel from coast to coast to explore some of these amusing names and origin stories.  

Pennsylvania is one of the top states to stargaze in the country. It's a unique setting with remote forests and relative proximaty to one of the biggest cities in the world. Today we preview what to check out in the night sky all year in 2025.

We are proud to re-unite the full team of Wildstone Founders to discuss the Peregrine Falcon and what it is doing as the symbol of our Podcast and Company.  

Come find out why someone with over 300 Ultra Races around the world would return to the East Coast to establish and Promote racing for all.  Sean of Run Bum Racing joins us to discuss his many endeavors including; Ultrarunning, Race Directing, Trail Managing, Entrepreneurship, and the list goes on. Learn about the ethos behind these many efforts including his newest adventure; creating the East Coast Ultra Running Magazine.

Explore the Caves of Pennsylvania with us! Fascinating Geology and fun excursions (from mini-golf to weddings) await. 

Pennsylvania's role in the Whiskey Rebellion was second to none. Today, Kev takes us on a trip to early America to re-discover this chaotic and fascinating chapter of American history. Find out about the wild road that led to sitting President, George Washington, marching with his soldiers on Pittsburgh Rebels. *This one may not be suited for young children.

Wildstone is thrilled to be joined today by Aimee of The Running Kind; a trail running team that specializes in sustainability.  From nighttime runs, to Podcasting, and Sustainabiltiy Aimee has created a company and movement that is making a big impact. Come learn about the story and how you can get involved in the sustainability efforts she represents. 

It's Turkey Time at Wildstone. Let's take a deep dive into this native species, their lifestyle, their amazing attributes, and what they mean for our culture.  

Today we discuss Environmental Pioneer and fellow Pennsylvanian, Rachel Carson. She sparked the modern environmental movement bringing scientific ideas to the forefront of the public eye. Her book, Silent Spring, may very well be responsible for the conservation efforts that allow us to enjoy Pennsylvania Wildlife and Trails. She is honored in many ways from a bridge named in her honor in Pittsburgh to being the namesake for the PADEP building in Harrisburg. 

Christian Alexandersen, host of the Hemlocks to Hellbenders Podcast, ran one mile in every PA State Park and has come back to share his experience with us. He hosts his own podcast about PA's State Parks, Forests, and the Great Outdoors.  Come find out why Pennsylvania beckons these discussions and what makes groups like Hemlocks to Hellbenders and Wildstone tick.  

Mysteries and odd tales have taken place throughout the history or PA.  Come learn about the Island Queen Explosion; a tragic event on the rivers of Pittsburgh from the mid 1900's that rattled downtown literally and figuratively.

PA has a haunting amount of Cryptid creatures lurking in the woods. Come learn about the famous PA Squonk (and its celebration each year at the Squankapolooza), Big Foot, creatures from the deep like Bessie and the Susquehanna Seal, PA Jersey Devil Sightings, and many more. 

Jeep Enthusiasts of Eastern PA (JEEP) joins us to discuss exciting offroading culture, their fun events, and their clubs ethos surrounding giving back through charities. Brandon, President of JEEP, also teaches us about Jeep brand's special relationship with Pennsylvania, its birthplace.  To learn more about JEEP and their many exciting events check them out at facebook and at Jeep Enthusiast of Eastern PA (jeepenthusiastsofeasternpa.org).   

Step into the troublesome history and natural beauty of Western PA's McConnell's Mill State Park.

Today we are joined by a very special guest and Wildstone's biggest fan to discuss predatory animals of Pennsylvania. Come learn about Black Bears, Rattlesnakes, Sonic the Hedgehog, our favorite animals at the Zoo and more!

Lehigh Gap Nature Center returns with ultramarathoner and race organizer Dr. Michael Martinez to discuss the More or Less 10K Trail Run. Come discuss this amazing race through the geological wonder that is the Lehigh Gap. It is a race that will challenge you physically, mentally, and a race that you will never run twice as the course changes year to year. Join us and learn all about the Pennsylvania Running Community and what it takes to complete this challenging course.

Apple Pie, Fall festivals, Races and More. Kick in the fall by tuning into our September 2024 Scouting Report. 

Camping, Running, Breweries, and Cheesesteaks; what more can you ask for?  Join us as we discuss our remote camping experience, the Wellsboro Conquer the Canyon run, and the rugged landscape that the Pennsylvania Wilds has to offer. 

Pennsylvania has more miles of streams and rivers than any state aside from Alaska. With over 4 million trout stocked in 2024 alone, it is no wonder the fishing is so good from the Delaware to the Ohio.  Come learn and discuss a little bit about fishing these wild waters both in the Wilderness and within City Limits. 

Come hear about the over 30 Olympians Pennsylvania is sending to Paris for the Summer 2024 Games. Many incredible stories of triumph are found among this incredible group from Archery to the ParaOlympics. 

Come hear a play by play of the approach and mindset to an Ultra Marathoner. Special guest and Ultra Marathoner Cody Bowers joins Wildstone to discuss his fall 2023 race with Kevin Renner. These two discuss a play by play of different parts of the course, running together, and competing against each other throughout the most difficult miles. 

We discuss with ultramarathoner and Wildstone CoHost, Kevin Renner, the human feats and achievements that have been marked by running distance beyond 26.2 miles. Including discussions on the many different types of Ultra's and the culture surrounding them.   

From the roaring Susquehanna River to the hills of Pittsburgh, Johnny Appleseed was drawn to Western PA through tales of the great Frontier. His legacy of adventure and pioneership lives on today and his humble beginnings were right here in PA.

Wildstone's August 2024 scouting report discusses the grand August Sturgeon Moon, Festivals, and one of the hardest trail races in the America. 

For the Pennsylvania Hunter or the Pennsylvania Hunter to-be. Listen in as we discuss gear, preparation, and tips of a successful hunt.

Today we are joined by Greg Ahlswede of the USA Orienteering Team. We learn what this exciting adventure sport is all about and the role Pennsylvania is playing in its growth. Greg hails from Northeast PA where the rugged terrain is perfect for grabbing a map and finding yourself running deep off the trails.  You can also find Greg and the USA orienteering team at orienteeringusa.org. 

Wildstone explores Ohiopyle State Park in the Laurel Highlands region of Beautiful Pennsylvania. Natural Waterslides, Kayaking, hikes, small town feel, and woods suitable for extreme training await this Pennsylvania wonder. Come learn its' bright history and all it has to offer!

Come explore Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary and all it has to offer! This amazing place is located in the Pocono Mountains and immerses the visitor in the world of butterflies, reptiles, education, and fun.  Mari, Owner of this proud establishment, discusses her ethos towards environmental education, establishing her sanctuary in the greater Pocono community, and just how important Butterflies are for nature. 

Midsummers are approaching! Come learn how to get your Elk Tag, where to see fireworks, where to watch the Trail Runner Film Festival, and so much more. July 2024 has a lot to offer in the Wildstone State. 

From Elk to Eagle to Fox and Black Bear, you can see it all from home! Here we explore wildlife cameras throughout the state, which animals you can check out, and where they live. Be sure to join us at our social media pages and our website; TheWildstoneState.com

Lehigh Gap Nature Center executive director, Chad Schwartz, joins the Wildstone Crew to explore the natural phenomenon that is the Lehigh Water Gap. In this wide-ranging interview we discuss activities such as snorkling the Lehigh River, Environmental Remediation, Sensory Gardens, running through rare Pennsylvania Savannah habitat, and so much more. From volunteer opportunities with your kids to adventuring the Appalachian Trail, you can find it all at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. Check them out at LGNC.org

Keep your wallet at home and come check out what is out there free of charge to explore in the Wildstone State. We discuss Big Elk, unique geological formations, and fun volunteer opportunities from coast to coast!

Go explore and return to do it again! Today we discuss outdoor gear, safety ideas, recommendations, and tips for encountering wildlife. 

Pocono Whitewater joins the Wildstone Podcast to discuss river adventures in the Pocono Mountains! Sierra is a third generation owner of this Family-Owned Adventure Outfit operating on the Lehigh River in beautiful Lehigh Gorge State Park. She joins us to discuss river adventures for everyone from kids to adults, family adventures to more extreme class 3 rapids, and pirate adventures to moonlight rafting! Come find out all that they have to offer off the river as well! Sierra discusses hosting the largest Paintball event in the world and biking opportunities they provide in the Poconos.  Check them out at Poconowhitewater.com; Skirmish.com; and PoconoBiking.com  

Here is Wildstone's June 2024 Scouting Report... Keep it Wild Pennsylvania!

Today we are joined by Paul Nevin of SafeHarbor Petroglyphs; winner of the 2003 Pennsylvania Histroic Preservation Award for Archaeology, Contributor to many texts on North Eastern Archeology; he has appeared in magazines, tv programs, and the list goes on and on.  Paul discusses his own touring company on the susquehanna, his passion for the Susquehanna River, and the cultures that have inhabited the area for thousands of years. Come find out more about Pennsylvania Archeology and what might be hiding in your backyard!

Today we review recent activities including Tommy's First Trail Run through one of Philidelphia's beautiful parks, Kevin's PA road trip, our excursion to the Solar Elcipse, and more! Be sure to join the conversation on our Social Media Pages and let us know what you have been up to out in the Wildstone State. 

In this Wild special, Tommy welcomes his long-time friend and avid outdoorsman Hugh Doyle to the Podcast. A renaissance man for the outdoors, Hugh shares his story of organically pursuing PA's many outdoors activities, his passions including hunting, mountain biking, and snowmobiling, and the people who impacted his life through their invitations to venture the outdoors. Paying it forward, he's been a catalyst for others to take up their own pursuits. Join us as Hugh shares his experiences, his tips for enjoying Pennsylvania's plethora of activities, and his hunting stories with Tommy over the years. 

Come learn all about the Pennsylvania State Bird - The Ruffed Grouse. We will journey with this wirey bird from egg to adulthood and learn what its relavence is to the Wildstone State. Also today; Farmer's Almanac Trivia!

Find your May 2024 Outdoor Pursuit here! From trail races, starting your garden, hunting opportunities, festivals and more.; you can find it in the Wildstone State.

Bird Migration Researcher and University of Scranton Professor Dr. Robert Smith PhD joins the podcast to discuss his research of Pennsylvania Birds and his Ethos around welcoming students to participate. Dr. Smith is the Co-Director of the Environmental Science program at the University of Scranton, has compiled decades of data studying migrating birds in Lackawanna State Park, and has dozens of publications cited worldwide from the University of Milan to the Smithsonian Institute. 

Today we learn about Presue Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania. We discuss everything from shipwrecks, surfing the Erie shoreline, to the trails and scenery of one of Pennsylvania's most unique state parks.

Ultra Marathoner and Wildstone Co-Host Kevin Renner takes us on a journey through the ins and outs of Trail Running.  As a hobby, a lifestyle, and a sport; trail running is a means to explore Pennsylvania's great outdoors!

Today we are joined by Jake Haines and Bearcat Brennan from the Pennsylvania Dirtbags! We discuss adventuring through the Wildstone State while highlighting their newest video showing the Pennsylvania North to South (PANTS) biking route through Pennsylvania.  

What is going on in PA in April 2024 that you can take advantage of! In Wildstone's exciting new segment, we discuss everything from catching the Solar Eclipse and Spring Waterfalls to Trout Fishing and Trail Racing in April.