Podcast appearances and mentions of ron hayes

Prepare for another jam-packed pro-tip episode with Ron Hayes, Mark Raycroft, and Jason Loftus. The crew discuss their recent wildlife photography adventures, informs listeners of shooting tips to capture lekking behaviour in sharp-tailed and sage-grouse and explores Jason's recent trip to Bora Bora, including swimming with blacktip sharks. The discussion transitions into valuable travel tips, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and finding great deals. Jason also provides insights into underwater photography, stressing the need for proper gear and underwater housings. Pro tips on photography gear, storage solutions, and sensor maintenance are shared. The conversation takes a reflective turn as they discuss the balance between work and travel, encouraging listeners to live fully and not postpone their dreams. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for photography enthusiasts and travelers alike.Chapters03:02 Wildlife Photography Adventures05:55 The Dynamics of Lekking Behavior08:58 Ethical Wildlife Photography Practices11:54 Celebrating Milestones in Content Creation14:57 Exploring Bora Bora and Shark Encounters36:58 Bora Bora Bliss: Culinary Delights and Experiences38:09 Travel Tips: Finding Deals and Flexibility40:16 Capturing Memories: Pro Tips for Underwater Photography42:34 Life Lessons: Balancing Work, Travel, and Living Fully45:46 Pro Tips: Gear Recommendations and Photography Insights54:15 Storage Solutions: Backing Up Your Photography Assets01:06:24 Cleaning Your Sensor: Sensor Maintenance TipsThanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Remember to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

In this episode of Beyond the Wild, hosts Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus introduce a special initiative to educate the next generation about wildlife conservation through photography. In collaboration with guests Shauna Hart (@byhartphotography), Lydia Ripplinger (@lydebug), and Jimmy Bridenstine (@jimmyb_intothewild), they discuss the importance of mentorship, ethical wildlife photography, and the structure of their upcoming program, 'Lessons Through the Lens: Kids for Conservation.' The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement and the role of education in fostering a love for nature and wildlife among youth.Special thanks to pictureline.com for sponsoring this great initiative and helping to give back. Registration begins the first week of April. In the coming days, Bookmark UtahWildlifeFederation.org or BeyondtheWildPodcast.com for the official announcement. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Conservation Photography02:49 Lessons Through the Lens: Kids for Conservation05:55 Mentorship and Expertise in Wildlife Photography09:03 Creating Passion for Nature and Wildlife11:51 Ethical Wildlife Photography Practices15:06 Program Structure and Learning Outcomes18:09 Equipment and Accessibility for Participants21:05 Community Engagement and Support24:04 Future of Conservation Education26:55 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this engaging conversation, the hosts Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft reconnect with fellow pro photographer Joe Subolefsky and delve into their experiences with wildlife photography, travel adventures, and the personal connections formed through their journeys. They discuss the challenges and joys of photographing wildlife in various locations, including the Pantanal, and share stories about naming animals and the emotional ties that come with it. The transition to full-time photography is explored, highlighting the richness of relationships built through shared experiences in nature. Joe shares numerous practical tips for traveling, including navigating language barriers and the responsibilities that come with guiding clients in foreign countries. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share humorous anecdotes from their wildlife photography experiences, discuss the importance of understanding animal behavior, and provide insights into managing group dynamics during photography trips. They also explore the challenges of wildlife photography, the evolution of camera technology, the significance of educating others about wildlife ethics, and they reflect on their favorite wildlife encounters.Sound Bites"You can do it with any smart TV.""I'm richer than I've ever been.""It's a magical place down there.""I named it after my father.""It can be stressful at times.""A sweaty guy naked at the door?""Life's about choices sometimes.""It's not just identifying the tracks.""We need to put the animals first.""It's a balancing act if you have a mix.""It's life's full of diversity.""It's a small world in photography.""It's a lot tougher than people think.""Doing it right is not cheap.""The focus system is unbelievable."Chapters02:59 Photography and Travel Experiences06:05 Wildlife Encounters and Unique Locations09:05 The Pantanal and Its Challenges11:59 Naming Wildlife: A Personal Connection14:51 The Transition to Full-Time Photography17:51 Building Relationships Through Travel20:56 Navigating Language Barriers in Travel27:00 Funny Stories from the Field29:59 Camera Gear Mishaps and Hacks33:59 The Importance of Animal Behavior40:06 Educating Others in Wildlife Photography46:10 Balancing Expectations in Group Photography50:48 Favorite Wildlife Photography Experiences01:02:33 Navigating the Challenges of Photography Tours01:06:10 The Evolution of Camera Technology01:12:12 New Developments in National Park Photography Regulations01:15:02 Looking Ahead: Future Adventures and CollaborationsLinksJOE SUBOLEFSKY@joe_subolefskySpecial thanks to @FroKnowsPhoto - Hiding AirTags in your camera bodies https://youtu.be/7v5rC2S4000?si=vUvyC6Y8Y1Ja2Lwy&t=419FILM ACT IS NOW LAWhttps://nanpa.org/2025/01/16/the-film-act-is-now-law-a-win-for-all-nanpa-members/Thanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Remember to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Our hosts, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft, butt heads in a lively game of Photo Feud, debating unpopular opinions in wildlife photography. Through a point-counterpoint format, each host must support a designated “for” or “against” position and delve into the pros and cons of each topic, providing insights into the evolving landscape of photography. Exploring the implications of affordable zoom lenses, the debate over the best camera to have on hand, the surge of new photography businesses following the holiday season, conservation photography and the modes of transportation used, as well as the ongoing discussion of whether shooting in RAW is necessary in the age of advanced camera technology. The conversation is lighthearted yet insightful, encouraging listeners to think critically about their photography practices and the tools they use. TakeawaysAffordable zoom lenses have changed wildlife photography dynamics.Smartphones have become essential tools for capturing moments.New photographers need to build portfolios before starting businesses.Photography requires more than just owning a good camera.The quality of a photograph is influenced by the photographer's skill.Editing plays a crucial role in the final image.The photography industry is becoming increasingly competitive.A strong portfolio requires thousands of good images.Cameras are evolving tools that require skill to use effectively.RAW files offer more editing flexibility than JPEGs.The camera's AI can make decisions that reduce the need for RAW.It's important to enjoy the process of photography.Lighthearted debates can lead to deeper insights.Sound Bites"This might be the most unpopular episode we've ever done.""Reasonably priced zooms are the worst thing to wildlife photography.""There are now 2,000 new photography businesses.""You have to train your eye for composition.""Cameras are tools, and like all tools, they evolve.""The tools have improved significantly.""It's a win-win-win when you ride your bike.""Riding a bike is silent compared to other forms.""For most uses, RAW is totally unnecessary.""The camera is making great decisions, perfect decisions.""You can't rework a JPEG as far as RAW.""It's nice to stop and think some of these things through.""Get out in the field with your best camera."Chapters00:00 Unpopular Opinions in Wildlife Photography14:57 The Impact of Affordable Zoom Lenses29:59 The Best Camera: The One You Have44:54 The Rise of New Photography Businesses34:55 The Importance of a Strong Portfolio36:20 Tools of the Trade: Cameras as Instruments38:21 Environmental Photography: Modes of Transportation Debate51:11 The RAW vs JPEG Discussion57:44 Lighthearted Conversations and Future TopicsSpecial thanks to Andrew Hearne for the idea for this podcast. @AWHearne Thanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

SummaryIn this episode, Ron Hayes and Mark Raycroft reflect on their separate but memorable trips to Churchill, Manitoba, in search of iconic arctic wildlife. Ron's September trip focused on the Autumn colors, and he discusses his experiences with Aurora photography, beluga whales, and polar bears. He shares insights on the beauty of autumn colors, cultural engagement with the local community, and the planning of future trips to this unique destination. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of wildlife encounters and the joy of capturing stunning images in nature. Mark Raycroft shares his contrasting experiences from his first snowy November trip to Churchill and his unique wildlife photography opportunities, particularly with a wide range of polar bear behavior. He discusses the journey to Churchill, travel tips, gear selection, and the emotional connections formed during wildlife encounters. The conversation highlights the thrill of capturing moments with sparring boars and the importance of community and fun in photography adventures.TakeawaysThe trips to Churchill are both memorable and educational.Aurora photography requires the right equipment and techniques.Beluga whale interactions can vary year to year.The beauty of autumn colors enhances the wildlife experience.Cultural insights from local communities enrich the trip.Wildlife encounters are unpredictable but rewarding.Planning future trips can help manage expectations.Photography in RAW format yields better results.Engaging with local artists and their work is inspiring.The camaraderie among travelers enhances the experience. The journey to Churchill offers stunning aerial views.Choosing the right gear is crucial for wildlife photography.Packing efficiently can enhance your travel experience.Wildlife encounters create emotional connections.Sparring bears provide unique photography opportunities.Community and fun are essential in photography trips.Planning ahead can lead to better experiences.Understanding animal behavior enhances photography.Capturing moments in nature is a rewarding experience.Editing photos multiple times can yield different results.Sound Bites"We hit a home run with the Aurora.""I shot the Aurora in RAW.""There were a ton of whales this year.""The colors really hadn't popped.""We had a good tour.""We saw several bears every day.""It was a great collection of people.""I zero regrets about the trip.""It was a different experience walking around.""We can share some information.""What an interesting view from the plane.""Know when you're planning these trips.""I was so aware of the baggage for the carry-on.""You can never hear a ptarmigan pee.""I am in bliss. I don't need anything more.""It helps us to bring this together."Chapters00:00 Memorable Trips to Churchill02:05 Aurora Photography Techniques10:00 Beluga Whales and Polar Bear Encounters18:14 The Beauty of Autumn Colors26:13 Cultural Insights and Community Engagement34:48 Planning Future Trips to Churchill39:01 Journey to Churchill: Aerial Perspectives42:54 Travel Tips: Packing and Equipment Management45:56 Choosing the Right Gear for Wildlife Photography49:21 Capturing Unique Wildlife Moments: Ptarmigan and Arctic Hare52:46 The Thrill of Polar Bear Encounters56:38 Sparring Bears: A Photographer's Dream01:01:55 The Emotional Connection with Wildlife01:06:48 Experiencing the North: The Life of Polar Bears01:10:10 Planning Future Adventures: Upcoming Trips and Opportunities01:12:59 The Importance of Community and Fun in PhotographyLinksJason Gibody's Instagram PagejgwildphotoSergius Hannan's Beluga Underwater Footagehttps://youtube.com/clip/Ugkxl0oE3X-x8JOOYHgkoJ-jhTP0ABY6b8dJ?si=oYGxylTuTb5uwnahThanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

In this episode of Beyond the Wild, Ron Hayes, Mark Raycroft, and Jason Loftus sit down with the co-founders of the Photographer's Mindset Podcast to discuss their journeys into photography, particularly wildlife photography. Both Seth Macey and Aaron Manis explore the importance of motivation, mindset, and community in pursuing their passion. The conversation highlights the significance of patience, observation, and the learning process in capturing stunning images. The guests share personal anecdotes about their experiences and the challenges they face, emphasizing the value of small successes and the role of authenticity in their work. Ron Hayes and his guests explore the multifaceted world of wildlife photography, emphasizing the importance of mindset, presence, and the joy of unexpected moments in nature. They discuss the thrill of capturing images, the significance of perseverance, and the learning journey that comes with each outing. The dialogue highlights the unpredictability of wildlife photography, the necessity of letting go of expectations, and the value of enjoying the process rather than fixating on outcomes. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, they illustrate how photography can be a rewarding and enriching pursuit, akin to the game of golf, where the focus should be on the experience rather than the score.TakeawaysIt's okay not to be motivated all the time.Wildlife photography offers solitude and a deeper understanding of nature.Community and collaboration can enhance creativity and motivation.Patience and observation are key in wildlife photography.Small successes should be celebrated, regardless of the subject.Learning from others can provide valuable insights and inspiration.Focus on honing skills in your local environment.Mindset plays a crucial role in navigating challenges in photography.Authenticity in guests can lead to relatable and inspiring conversations.Photography is a journey of continuous learning and growth. A day in the field is a success, regardless of outcomes.Failure is often a misperception in photography.Delayed gratification enhances the joy of wildlife photography.Every outing offers something valuable, even if not a photo.Mindset is crucial for enjoying the photography experience.Learning something new each day is essential for growth.Enjoying the journey is as important as the results.Being present in the moment enriches the experience.The unpredictability of wildlife adds excitement to photography.Enjoy the process and let go of the pressure. Sound Bites"I feel privileged in a sense.""Watching animals is just genuinely interesting.""You can make some really nice pictures.""You gotta stop chasing, man.""You have to adjust to the curve balls that come.""Focus on what's in your backyard.""A day in the field is a success.""Failure isn't the right descriptor.""Delayed gratification is addicting.""Always leave with something.""None of these outings are failures.""You can learn something new every day.""Enjoy the journey, enjoy the learning curve.""Photography is about being present.""Enjoy the process, don't pressure yourself."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back02:51 The Journey into Photography05:59 Wildlife Photography: Passion and Learning09:14 Motivation and Mindset in Photography12:07 The Role of Community and Collaboration15:00 Finding Inspiration and Staying Engaged17:57 The Importance of Patience and Observation21:03 Navigating Challenges in Photography24:10 Guest Selection and Authenticity26:57 Celebrating Small Successes30:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts38:11 Embracing Nature's Joys41:21 The Thrill of Unexpected Moments43:16 Mindset and Presence in Photography46:39 Letting Go of Expectations49:08 The Law of Averages in Photography51:55 Setting Goals and Learning54:48 The Journey of Improvement56:15 Intentional Photography Practices01:00:17 The Unpredictability of Wildlife Photography01:02:44 Finding Fun in the Process01:04:38 Golf and Photography: A Life AnalogyLinks: Guest's Podcast https://thephotographermindset.com Seth Macey @sethmaceyhttps://www.instagram.com/sethmacey https://www.sethmaceyphotography.comAaron Manis @mantis_photography https://www.instagram.com/mantis_photography https://www.amantisphotography.comThanks for listening to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

This episode is overdue, but due to technical difficulties, the Beyond the Wild crew was unable to reach a consensus on the performance of Canon's new R5 Mark II camera bodies. Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus discuss their initial experiences with the latest cameras, and their observations landed at opposite ends of the spectrum. After Canon Professional Services determined that Ron's R5 MKII body had a motherboard issue, Ron could finally experience the latest Canon tech with new internals installed. The crew discussed the Mark II autofocus system, colour performance, and overall improvements compared to the original R5. They share personal anecdotes about their photography experiences, the challenges they faced with the camera, and the support they received from Canon Professional Services and Pictureline. The discussion highlights the significance of customer service in the photography equipment industry and the importance of reliable gear for wildlife photography. The hosts discuss various aspects of photography, including the challenges and wonders of camera technology, battery life, colour quality, and the evolution of photography tools. They share personal experiences in the field, emphasizing the importance of reliable equipment and the excitement surrounding new camera models. The conversation also touches on the growth of their podcast and the joy of connecting with their audience and fellow photographers.TakeawaysThe Canon R5 Mark II has significant improvements over the original R5.Autofocus performance is a standout feature of the R5 Mark II.Customer service from Pictureline and Canon Professional Services is crucial.The pre-record feature is beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects.Color performance has improved, but some users may need to adjust saturation in post-processing.The camera's new sensor offers richer colors and better performance.The R5 Mark II's autofocus system is reliable for wildlife photography.User experiences can vary significantly based on equipment and settings.Firmware updates can resolve initial issues with camera performance.Investing in reputable retailers ensures better customer support. Camera technology can sometimes fail unexpectedly.Battery life improvements are noticeable in newer models.Color quality is a significant factor in photography.The evolution of camera technology is rapid and exciting.Field experiences can be unpredictable and challenging.Trust in your equipment is crucial for photographers.Feedback on new camera models is essential for the community.Podcast growth reflects the support of the photography community.Meeting listeners in the field enhances the podcast experience.It's important to enjoy the journey and not sweat the small stuff.Sound Bites"It's good to be back.""This has been overdue.""I was not having the same experience.""It's a good testimonial though.""Everybody was loving the camera.""It's a completely new system.""It was focusing on birds in flight.""It's worth it, you know.""Battery life seems to be just fine.""It's always a joy to meet people."Chapters01:00 Introduction and Camera Release Discussion07:04 Experiences with the Canon R5 Mark II13:09 Autofocus System and Performance Improvements18:58 Color and Sensor Enhancements30:42 Camera Technology Challenges31:30 Battery Life Insights33:06 Color Quality Comparisons34:24 The Evolution of Photography Technology37:40 Field Experiences and Challenges40:16 Trust and Reliability in Equipment41:20 Feedback on New Camera Models44:07 Podcast Growth and Community Engagement52:31 Memorable Encounters in the FieldLINKSLinks Canon USA R5 Mark II Page https://bit.ly/3DdC0pqSNL Close Encounter Skit https://bit.ly/3OT9TONThanks to SNL for creating the ideal scenario to describe our experiences with the all-new Canon R5 Mark II.

In this engaging podcast episode, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, Mark Raycrof and guest Amy Harris share their experiences from a recent trip to Brazil's Pantanal. They discuss the challenges and joys of wildlife photography, the beauty of jaguars, and the importance of managing expectations while traveling. The conversation also touches on travel tips, culinary experiences, and the camaraderie formed during their adventures. In this engaging conversation, Ron and Amy delve into their experiences and photographic adventures in the Pantanal. They discuss the impressive features of the extensive native wildlife, share valuable photography techniques, and emphasize the importance of sun protection while out in the field. The conversation also touches on the use of technology in photography, particularly the benefits of pre-recording, and reflects on the overall experience of the trip, highlighting the learning and growth that comes from such adventures.TakeawaysWe saw as many jaguars as we did in a short timeframe and had high-quality wildlife encounters every time we went out.The heat was a significant challenge during the trip.Best wildlife encounter was with a jaguar and her cub.The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland.I was glad I tried piranha soup, but it wasn't my favorite. Cayman can grow up to ten feet long and weigh over a hundred pounds.Photography requires careful attention to depth of field and focus.Sun protection is crucial when photographing wildlife in hot climates.The Pantanal offers diverse wildlife and beautiful accommodations.Pre-recording features in cameras can help capture fleeting moments.Experiencing new environments enriches personal growth and learning.Taking a break from the pressure of capturing the perfect shot can enhance enjoyment.Sharing experiences with friends builds camaraderie and enhances the adventure.Local cuisine in the Pantanal is fresh and diverse, enhancing the travel experience.Traveling with the right gear and knowledge can significantly improve the experience.Sound Bites"This is going to be the most comfortable podcast""It's good to be back together""I had wonderful friends accompany me""I tried really hard not to set expectations""We are lucky to have seen as many as we did""The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland""We had them every time we went out""I was glad I tried it""Their teeth are much more impressive than an alligator.""You have to have a deeper depth of field than you think.""You want to blur out everything behind it.""Take lots of memory cards. Tons.""You can see how she did wonderfully on this trip.""This was a trip for me to experience something new.""Take your eye out of the camera, just soak it in."LinksAmy Harris (adventure.amy)

In this Beyond the Wild podcast episode, host Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft sit down with naturalist extraordinaire Russ DeFusco while shooting together in Colorado. Russ shares his remarkable life journey, professional achievements, and passion for wildlife photography and education. Russ's childhood fascination with nature evolved into a passion for wildlife photography and art, leading him to become an ornithologist and wildlife biologist, where he built a storied career in military and civil aviation bird strike prevention. His work included developing predictive models to mitigate bird-aircraft collisions, saving lives and resources. Russ emphasizes connecting with nature, inspiring curiosity, and educating others. He believes understanding wildlife behavior enhances both conservation efforts and photography. His motto: “If you can name it, you own it,” highlights the value of knowledge in fostering environmental stewardship.Thanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast. To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment!Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

Ron Hayes shares his unique journey from law enforcement and his love of breakdancing to becoming a renowned wildlife photographer. In this episode, Ron discusses his early life, diverse musical tastes, and childhood adventures in Wyoming. Delve into his transition from law enforcement to photography, his approach to capturing stunning wildlife images, and the importance of experiences over social media fame. Listen in as Ron and Cole recount their adventures in Churchill with polar Bears, and beyond! Connect with Ron Hayes https://www.westernwildlifeimages.com Connect with Cole Waltner @ChasingTheWildOutdoors 00:00 Introduction and Musical Tastes 00:55 Breakdancing Champion of the 80s 06:11 Life on the Ranch and Early Influences 08:56 Family History and Heritage 20:59 Transition to Law Enforcement 23:14 Photography as a Passion and Career 47:26 Challenges and Rewards of Wildlife Photography 51:49 Frustrations and Rewards in Wildlife Photography 52:15 Memorable Moments with Beluga Whales 54:23 Polar Bear Adventures and Future Plans 59:53 The Importance of Simplifying Gear 01:08:39 The Impact of Social Media on Photography 01:18:49 The Challenges of Wildlife Photography 01:19:07 Upcoming Wildlife Expeditions 01:22:54 The Unique Appeal of the Coast Guard 01:34:33 Influences and Inspirations in Photography 01:45:43 Returning from Break: Camera Trapping Insights 01:47:10 Mastering Light in Wildlife Photography 01:49:54 Ethics and Controversies in Wildlife Photography 01:52:17 The Hypocrisy of Baiting in Wildlife Photography 01:56:55 Challenges and Joys of Wildlife Photography 01:59:56 The Importance of Capturing Moments 02:19:15 Beyond the Wild Podcast: A New Beginning 02:23:16 Cherishing Experiences and Relationships

In this engaging conversation, host Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft play icebreaker games and delve into their recent photography adventures. They discuss the importance of spontaneity in wildlife photography, the challenges of capturing elusive subjects, and the gear they use. The episode also features listener questions about photography techniques, equipment preferences, and the joys of being in nature. The camaraderie among the hosts shines through as they share laughs and insights, making for an entertaining and informative episode.Takeaways- The unpredictability of wildlife photography keeps the passion alive.- Engaging in icebreaker games can foster camaraderie among friends.- Shooting in different modes can affect the quality of images.- Having a good network can enhance photography experiences.- Quality equipment can save money in the long run.- Personal stories can add depth to conversations about photography.- The importance of being opportunistic in capturing wildlife moments.- Different lenses serve different purposes in wildlife photography.- Experiencing nature can be fulfilling beyond just capturing images.- Sharing experiences with friends enhances the joy of photography.Sound Bites"I was the break-dancing champion of Northwest Wyoming.""I can still pop and lock a little bit.""I hear crickets. I could hear crickets when that happened."Chapters01:00 Introduction and Icebreaker Fun04:00 Two Truths and a Lie: Personal Stories07:00 Listener Questions and Hobbies10:59 Photography Adventures and Experiences19:55 Wildlife Photography Techniques and Tips26:03 Equipment Talk: Tripods and Lenses41:08 Shooting Techniques: Full Frame vs. Crop Mode59:03 Closing Thoughts and Future PlansListener Questions@Karla.Cox.Images- What keeps the wildlife-photography passion alive for each of you?@SimonWrayPhoto- Do you all go on trips with a list of desired images, or just go with the flow?@FairfxMike- What tripods are you using and why?@JonathanGillinghamPhotography-What's better: the 400 F/2.8 with a 1.4x teleconverter or 600 f/4?Who pre-ordered the R5 Mark II?“Anonymous” Question -Jason L., would you ever get the Canon 100-300 f/2.8?@Keith_A_Douglas- What song did Mark "North of Smooth" Raycroft sing when he won Canada's Got Talent?-Is using a 1.6x crop on the R5 giving the same result as the full frame?Thanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast. To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment!Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

In this Q&A episode, hosts Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft take on some tough questions from listeners. The hosts discuss missed opportunities in photographing certain animals and the changing dynamics of wildlife photography. They also share their favorite images and sources of inspiration. They discuss how they can afford their photography trips and their dream animals to photograph. They also touch on the topic of shooting in black and white and when it's best to use this technique. And Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus banter about a recent elk photography trip, where they discuss the experience of capturing elk stripping velvet and the unique behavior of the elk eating the velvet. Oh, and even the discussion of photographing woolly mammoths comes into the mix.TakeawaysObserving and capturing elk stripping velvet can be a challenging and rewarding experience.The behavior of elk eating the velvet is unique and interesting to witness.Camaraderie and friendships are an important aspect of wildlife photography. Missed opportunities in wildlife photography can occur due to limited time windows, changing circumstances, or the need for specific conditions.Each host has their own favorite image, which holds personal significance and represents a career highlight.Inspiration for wildlife photography can come from various sources, including renowned photographers, experiences in the field, and the work of fellow photographers on social media.The younger generation of wildlife photographers brings a fresh perspective and energy to the field, while seasoned photographers offer wisdom and expertise. Photographers save money and prioritize their trips to afford photography adventures.Shooting in black and white is a personal preference, and it's best to experiment with different images to see what works well in monochrome.The hosts have different dream animals to photograph, including polar bears, jaguars, leopards, and mammoths (if they were to be brought back).The hosts are excited about upcoming trips to photograph polar bears and muskox.The conversation ends with a lighthearted discussion about the possibility of bringing back woolly mammoths.Sound Bites"All right, Mark, we've got to address the dragonfly in the room.""A dragonfly preys on the deerflies and horseflies. So they see it, you know, they believe a lot of their hunting instinct is vision.""The younger generation of wildlife photographers brings a fresh perspective and energy to the field, while seasoned photographers offer wisdom and expertise.""There's just so much out there that is inspiring and as far as what we do.""I declare bankruptcy every seven years.""I've had white hair since I was about 30, and I take most of my trips with the money that I've saved on hair color products."Chapters01:00 Introduction and Dragonfly Clip05:58 Elk Photography: Stripping Velvet10:21 Elk Behavior: Eating Velvet13:29 Camaraderie in Wildlife Photography13:34 Missed Opportunities in Wildlife Photography32:28 Favorite Images and Career Highlights40:56 Sources of Inspiration in Wildlife Photography46:04 Affording Photography Trips54:30 Shooting in Black and White01:02:48 Dream Animals to Photograph01:05:48 Upcoming Trips01:09:37 The Possibility of Bringing Back Woolly MammothsEpisode Listener Questions@jamiebwildWhat animals do you have no interest in photographing and why? @Canoe_CarrierFor each host, what is your favorite image taken, and what would you do differently if you had a do-over?@JardinaCapturesWho are some of y'all's biggest inspirations?@MematsenPhotographyHow do you guys afford all these trips?@WindingTrailsPhotographyI like B&W images, but when is it best to use this technique? Do you alter your camera if you think you will process in B&W?@MGracePrestonWhat is the one animal you would love to photograph and why? Thanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast. To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment!Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

In this episode of the Coffee and a Hangar Podcast, we're excited to welcome Adam Grenda, a seasoned pilot, big game hunter, and trapper hailing from King Salmon, Alaska. Adam dives deep into his unique journey of learning to fly in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness, all under the mentorship of legendary bush pilot Ron Hayes. Adam reflects on the impact Ron had on his career, offering valuable lessons from the heart of Alaska. We explore everything from Adam's terrifying near-crash incident to his lifelong passion for hunting, which began at a young age. His stories perfectly capture the blend of adventure, danger, and the rugged beauty that defines life as a bush pilot in Alaska. Adam shares his experiences flying the iconic Super Cub, the lessons he learned through trial and error in the air, and how those early hunting experiences paved the way for his guiding career in Alaska's tough terrain. Adam also shares in detail his harrowing Super Cub crash at age 20, recounting how, as a young pilot with just 3 hours of tailwheel experience, he made some split-second decisions that resulted in a total wreck. He candidly talks about the mistakes he made during that flight, including ignoring basic safety measures and overconfidence in his abilities. Yet, from that near-fatal accident, Adam emerged with hard-earned wisdom that shaped the rest of his career, teaching him the importance of critical decision-making, especially in the erratic conditions of bush flying. Through the ups and downs of his flying career, Adam reflects on the importance of humility, proficiency, and the constant drive to improve. His story is not just about surviving, but thriving in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy these epic tales of bush flying, and true backcountry adventure, straight from the Alaskan frontier. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coffeeinahangar/support

In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of wildlife photography with seasoned expert Ron Hayes (@ronhayes_wwi). Discover the blend of patience, skill, and ethical responsibility that defines true wildlife photography. Ron shares invaluable insights on the technical and emotional aspects of capturing nature, highlighting the perseverance needed for those perfect shots. Explore the ethical dilemmas faced in the field and the role of mentorship in honing one's craft. As Ron discusses balancing passion with practicality, listeners will gain a deeper appreciation of the dedication required to thrive in this captivating art form.Expect to learn:-the rewards of patience and persistence-how to find the balance between photography and financial stability-emotional connection with a subject, image or genre-how to naturally find mentors-the importance of storytelling to craft compelling imagesHere is a link to Ron's podcast "Beyond the Wild", perfect for any photographer out there looking to dive deeper and get a better understanding of wildlife photography: https://www.beyondthewildpodcast.com/episodesBook a one time virtual 30 minute 1-on-1 session with Aaron or Seth entirely for FREE by using the code "FREETRIAL" at checkout: https://thephotographermindset.com/products/60-minute-virtual-1-on-1-sessionSponsor:Thanks to WhiteWall for being our lead sponsor this episode! They're the top choice for photographers who want high-quality prints, with a variety of material options, and who want their work delivered fast in 9 days or less!They are currently offering a giveaway of  $200 vouchers to ten lucky winners, and 10% off for everyone who participates. Don't miss out and sign up for the giveaway which has been extended until September 30th, 2024: https://www.whitewall.com/Subscribe to TPM's Youtube page and watch full length episodes: https://www.youtube.com/thephotographermindset/Make a donation via PayPal for any amount you feel is equal to the value you receive from our podcast episodes! Donations help with the fees related to hosting the show:https://paypal.me/podcasttpm?country.x=CA&locale.x=en_USThanks for listening!Go get shooting, go get editing, and stay focused.@sethmacey@mantis_photography@thephotographermindsetSupport the show

Gary Kramer, an accomplished wildlife biologist, photographer, and writer, who has captured the largest collection of waterfowl images, joins Ron Hayes and Mark Raycroft to discuss his new book, Waterfowl of the World. This 540-page book has close to 1,300 amazing waterfowl images. Gary shares the inspiration behind his project and the challenges he faced in photographing every species of waterfowl on the planet. They discuss the unique behaviors and adaptations of different waterfowl species, as well as the difficulty and patience required to capture the perfect shot. The conversation also touches on the diversity of locations Gary visited and the impact of his project on taxidermists and bird photographers. In this conversation, Gary Kramer discusses his experiences photographing birds around the world and shares stories of his trips where he encountered diverse bird species and had the opportunity to get up close and observe each species' unique behavior and characteristics.TakeawaysPhotographing every species of waterfowl on the planet is a challenging and time-consuming project that requires a deep understanding of waterfowl biology, photography skills, and planning.Different waterfowl species have unique behaviors and adaptations to their environments, which makes capturing their images even more fascinating.The project took Gary Kramer to diverse locations around the world, from remote islands to bustling cities, and each location presented its own set of challenges and opportunities.The book created from this project serves as a valuable reference tool for waterfowl biology and a training resource for bird photographers and taxidermists.The success rate for capturing quality images is relatively low, with only a small percentage of the photos taken making it into the final selection. Advancements in digital photography and the internet have made it easier for photographers to capture high-quality images and connect with people around the world.Being technologically ready is crucial for taking on big photography projects, as it allows photographers to push the boundaries and capture images in challenging conditions.Leading wildlife photography trips is a fulfilling way for photographers to share their passion and help others improve their skills.Gary Kramer is currently working on a new book titled 'Highways in the Sky: The North American Flyways,' which will focus on the major breeding, migration, and wintering areas for waterfowl in North America.Sound Bites"I've been doing it for 40 years. You just were here for 10 minutes of it""I spent what amounted to 10 hours, six days a week, for less than five minutes of photography""I can qualify as a scientist and a journalist.""The birds were super good.""Digital photography is what made this possible."Chapters01:00 Introduction and Welcome03:57 Inspiration and Challenges of the Waterfowl Project12:46 Behaviors and Adaptations of Waterfowl Species20:04 Diverse Locations Explored26:16 The Book as a Valuable Reference Tool35:08 The Challenges and Rewards of Bird Photography43:38 Qualifying as a Scientist and a Journalist44:05 Encountering Diverse Bird Species in Iceland and Punta Arenas45:31 The Role of Technology in Wildlife Photography47:17 Leading Wildlife Photography Trips50:26 The Art of Self-Publishing53:55 Gary Kramer's Current Work: Leading Wildlife Photography Trips55:30 The Mountain Gorilla Experience and Other Trips58:22 The Importance of Being Technologically Ready01:00:13 Supporting Artists by Ordering Directly from Their Websites01:02:39 Reproductions and Pricing of Books01:06:25 Gary Kramer's Upcoming Book: 'Highways in the Sky: The North American Flyways'LinksWaterfowl of the World Book Orderswww.garykramer.netMore of Gary Kramer's work@gary_kramer_photographyThanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast. To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment!Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

SummaryIn this pro-tip podcast episode, host Ron Hayes teases the rest of the beyond the wild crew with his freshly delivered Canon EOS R5 Mark II camera. The discussion quickly dives into the new camera's top features, and Ron already has some learnings with the Mark II including tips on selecting the best battery grip option. As Pro-Tips episode go, Jason Loftus, Mark Raycroft and Ron Hayes show up overloaded with tips on all aspects of photography. Half the battle with wildlife photography is getting to the ideal location and travel is a necessity and a pain. The BTW crew has travelled a lot to distant locations and they have some good tips and tricks to limit the pain of travel and help you arrive primed for the adventure ahead. They also delve into tips about extending CF Express card longevity, gear organization, and a plethora of ideas on how to be prepared for capture the perfect shot.TakeawaysThe R5 Mark II camera has new features like a battery grip and active cooling, which can enhance the shooting experience.The Angelbird CF Express card reader doesn't heat up the cards like other readers, potentially extending their lifespan.Checking for lower rates on car rentals and internet providers closer to the trip date can save money.Existing customers should periodically review their plans with providers to ensure they are getting the best rates and features. Use travel cards to accumulate points and miles for free or discounted travelOrganize your gear in the field to easily identify fresh batteries and empty memory cardsStudy animal behavior to anticipate and capture unique shotsTake time to enjoy the moment and appreciate the beauty of natureBuild relationships with fellow photographers and enjoy the camaraderieShoot a variety of subjects, including the ones you don't necessarily want to shoot, to improve skills and open up new opportunitiesPursue your individual passions and celebrate personal successes in the photography journeySound Bites"Sporting a brand new Beyond the Wild toque""Evaluate what your needs are for a vertical grip""The Angelbird CF Express reader doesn't heat up the cards""Be disciplined with it. Pay it off every month. As many expenses as you can put on there because you're gaining points and miles.""Shoot the things you don't want to shoot.""Just stop and take it in and refresh yourself."Chapters01:00 Introduction and Overview03:54 New Gear: Beyond the Wild Toque09:30 Exploring the Features of the R5 Mark II Camera22:33 Keep Your CF Express Cards Cool with the Angelbird Reader26:04 Save Money by Checking for Lower Rates on Car Rentals and Internet Providers31:17 Maximizing Travel Benefits35:08 Organizing Gear in the Field45:21 Studying Animal Behavior53:37 Enjoying the Moment and Building Relationships57:04 Shooting a Variety of Subjects01:04:00 Pursuing Individual PassionsThanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast.To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment!Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

In this conversation, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus discuss their first impressions of the Canon R5 Mark II camera. They highlight the improvements in design, ergonomics, and functionality, detailing the redesigned grip, and the addition of a pre-record feature to the video mode. They also discuss the new focusing system, write speeds, dynamic range and video capabilities. The conversation segues into answering listener questions, including a discussion about food prep for backcountry trips, the team's thoughts on where to best podcast platforms for the show and lenses for Alaska and the pros and cons. The crew ends the episode by answering a great question, “What is everyone's bucket list destination.” Of course, the team goes into great detail, so you'll get various perspectives in this episode.Listener Questions@FairFXMikeWhat do you do on back-country trips for food prep?@KurtVHummelShould listeners listen to the podcasts or watch the video podcasts on YouTube?@AndrewStevensonPhotoGive some tips on lenses to carry for Alaska, especially the one Jason went on to photograph the fishing bears. Do you carry both lenses on a strap or a Cotton Carrier-like device? Or pack in a bag and unpack it for every encounter?@JamesEvansPhotographyWhat is everyone's bucket list destination?TakeawaysThe Canon R5 Mark II camera has several improvements in design, ergonomics, and functionality.The camera features a redesigned grip and a pre-record feature, as well as faster focus and write speed.The dynamic range and video capabilities of the camera have also been improved.For backcountry trips, freeze-dried meals and portable cooking equipment are popular options. Using a gravity-fed water filter system is an efficient way to filter water in the backcountry.Power bars, protein bars, and freeze-dried fruit are lightweight and convenient food options for camping.Adding flavor to water with juice squeeze boxes can make it more enjoyable to drink and provide electrolytes.Listeners can choose to listen to the podcast on their preferred platform, whether it's audio or video.Interacting with and sharing the podcast helps support its growth and sustainability.When carrying lenses for wildlife photography in Alaska, it's important to consider personal preferences and shooting styles.Options for carrying lenses include using straps, a cotton carrier-like device, or a backpack.Bucket list destinations for wildlife photography include Denali National Park, the Pantanal for Jaguars, Pumas in Chile, and various locations in Africa and Antarctica.Sound Bites"Canon R5 Mark II. We've been waiting so long.""It feels more substantial.""Now they've made it so that electronic shutter, those are actually adjusted speeds.""The gravity fed from one of those bags to the second, it's fairly efficient too.""Power bars and protein bars, there's so many different options.""You can get these little flavored juice squeeze boxes, and it's just to squeeze a couple squirts into the Nalgene."Chapters01:00 Introduction and First Impressions02:05 Design and Ergonomics03:27 Improved Electronic Shutter04:24 Pre-Record Feature10:18 Enhanced Focus System18:20 Positive Feedback for the Canon R5 Mark II21:24 Pro Tip for Backcountry Trips33:57 Water Filters and Food Options34:58 Choosing the Right Platform43:52 Best Lenses for Wildlife Photography57:41 Bucket List DestinationsThanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast.To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment!Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

SummaryIn this episode of Beyond the Wild, host Mark Raycroft relays all the details of his recent trip to Australia. But before he can get into his experiences, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus steal the spotlight with discussions about the new Canon EOS R5 Mark II and EOS RI. The guys then discuss various topics, including travel experiences, car rentals, and the upcoming release of new camera technology. The conversation is light-hearted and informative, providing travel tips and insights. The beauty of Australia comes to life in Mark's essay on this diverse and enlightening continent. The conversation covered various topics, including wildlife in Australia, bird photography, and whale watching. The hosts shared their experiences and observations, highlighting Australia's unique natural history and biodiversity. They also discussed the use of smartphones for photography and the importance of giving oneself time to adjust to jet lag when traveling to distant destinations.Takeaways• Booking preferred seating on flights can provide extra legroom and comfort• Car rental prices can fluctuate, so it's worth checking regularly for better deals• The new camera technology released by Canon in the EOS R5 Mark II and EOS R1 offers a leap in improved features for both photography and videography• Australia offers beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique experiences• Australia is home to diverse wildlife, including diverse and colorful birds and amazing humpback whale experiences• Whale watching in Australia can be a thrilling and memorable experience, especially during the mating season.• Using smartphones for photography can yield impressive results, especially when shooting in RAW format.• Jet lag should be considered when planning a trip to a distant destination.Sound Bites"If you have status with an airline, you can choose your seat within reason and often get extra legroom in the exit row.""Australia offers beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique experiences.""The insides of their prey melts inside and they suck it down.""Why does yogurt hurt you know?""It wasn't just a breach. I mean, it was like full almost all the way out of the water."Chapters01:00 Introduction and Reunion04:16 Jason's Travel Restrictions and Plans08:20 Weather and Environmental Conditions11:19 Insurance and Car Rental Experiences15:23 Mark's Perspective on Traveling and Recent Trip to Australia19:23 Excitement for New Camera Technology31:41 Venomous Animals and Paralyzing Prey40:19 Thrilling Encounters with Humpback Whales51:23 The Versatility of Smartphone Photography56:23 Adjusting to Jet Lag When TravelingThanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast.To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment!Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

SummaryWelcome to the first-ever LIVE recording of the Beyond the Wild Podcast, where hosts Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus presented at the pictureline.com PhotoX Outdoor event in Salt Lake City, Utah and answered wildlife photography questions from the studio audience. Our hosts were joined by wildlife photographers Daniel Lindhardt and Jimmy Breitenstein. In this fireside chat environment, the four experienced wildlife photographers tackle some of the toughest questions impacting outdoor photography and the conservation of our wild spaces. But the conversation quickly shifts to guidance on where to start finding wildlife, how to recognize locations that hold animals, and how to translate that information to help you find your own hotspots. The panel also tell some great photography-trip horror stories. A huge thanks to pictureline.com for the invite to the PhotoX Outdoor event. It was great to be part of this great gathering of like-minded outdoor photographers.Panel Participants and Event Hosts (Instagram)@ronhayes_wwi@untamedimagesbyjl@danlindphoto@jimmyb_intothewild@beyondthewildpodcast@pictureline@canonusaThanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast.To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment!Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

SummaryIn this episode, hosts Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft interview Jules Jacobs, a wildlife photographer who has bridged the gap between the pure science of oceanography and the real-world changes our oceans are experiencing. His photography and editorial have captured the attention of the world in the Smithsonian and New York Times. The discussion in this episode is heavily focused on the impact of human activities on ecosystems but quest Jules Jacobs also details underwater photography tips. Jules shares his journey from photographing seahorses in his aquarium to becoming an underwater photographer. They also discuss the importance of storytelling in conservation photography and the need to raise awareness about the biodiversity crisis. The conversation covers themes such as urban wildlife, rodenticides and their impact on predators, and the adaptability of wildlife. They also touch on the challenges and rewards of underwater photography and the thrill of encountering marine life in their natural habitat. Jules Jacobs shares his experiences and insights into the world of underwater photography. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of capturing wildlife underwater, emphasizing the importance of getting close to the subjects and finding local spots to explore. Jules also shares a personal story of a diving accident that led him to focus on photographing intertidal creatures and discovering the world of fluorescence. He highlights the significance of building relationships with scientists and using photography to contribute to conservation efforts. Jules provides tips for aspiring underwater photographers, including finding a subject, experimenting with different techniques, and gradually transitioning to more advanced equipment.TakeawaysConservation photography plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the biodiversity crisis and inspiring action.Urban environments can support diverse wildlife populations, and documenting their presence can help promote conservation efforts.Rodenticides can have far-reaching effects on ecosystems, impacting not only the targeted pests but also the predators that consume them.Underwater photography presents unique challenges and rewards, allowing for a closer look at marine life and their habitats. Underwater photography offers a unique perspective on wildlife, allowing photographers to get inches away from creatures that are typically more elusive on land.Finding local spots and focusing on a specific subject can help photographers develop their skills and create unique and original images.Building relationships with scientists and connecting photography to science and conservation can elevate the impact of the images and contribute to important research.Transitioning from DSLR to mirrorless cameras in underwater photography requires careful consideration of equipment compatibility and limitations.Adapting to challenging underwater conditions, such as poor visibility or particulates in the water, can lead to creative approaches and unique storytelling opportunities.Sound Bites"I'm not stuck somewhere that I can't be with my family.""We are all photojournalists, telling the story of our planet at this point in time.""Reefs are a really great indicator; they're the canary of the coal mine.""Underwater, we are entering a world that they've really never experienced humans.""Finding that local spot, finding what your thing is that you can really hammer in on, whether it's with birds and wildlife, terrestrially or underwater, is really how you grow your skills in an area.""Find a subject and get weird."Chapters01:00 Missed Travel Opportunities and Appreciating Safety06:00 The Power of Conservation Photography10:53 Exploring Urban Wildlife and the Impact of Rodenticides27:04 The Challenges and Rewards of Underwater Photography43:40 Entering the Underwater World45:26 From Diving Accident to Intertidal Photography47:51 The Importance of Building Relationships with Scientists51:43 Tips for Aspiring Underwater Photographers56:02 Transitioning to Mirrorless Cameras in Underwater Photography1:00:20 Adapting to Challenging Underwater ConditionsGuests (Instagram)@julesjacobs_photo

SummaryIn this episode, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus and Mark Raycroft's primary goal was to answer Listener questions, but they quickly get lost catching up on past trips and discussing the ethical questions around image manipulation and the newly developing confounding factor of AI-generated images on social media. They also delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by new technology in the field of photography. The recent trip conversation covers Mark's spring canoe adventure into Algonquin Park's interior and Jason and Ron's trip to Yellowstone, where they discuss the significance of shared nature experiences with family. But the piéce de résistance in this episode is the Listener questions which dive deep into the questions around photographers' facial hair and aging, photography ruts, GoPro use and more. They also get a little more serious and discuss positive social media interactions and the importance of sharing positive encounters in wildlife photography.TakeawaysMark's experiences on his canoe camping adventure in Algonquin ParkVisiting Yellowstone and sharing nature experiences with family can be a meaningful and memorable experience.The significance of introducing family members, especially children, to wildlife and nature experiences.The importance of ethical considerations in the photography industry and the impact of AI on photographers and their work.The impact of AI on stock images and the ethical implications of using AI-generated images. The use of AI in presentations is evolving and becoming more sophisticated.What's up with wildlife photographers and goatees?Photography ruts can be overcome by changing up the approach, taking a break, and trying something different.GoPros have a wide range of applications in wildlife photography, including underwater footage and camera trapping.Sharing positive wildlife encounters on social media can inspire others and promote respectful behavior in nature.Sound Bites"The use of AI in photography raises ethical questions about the authenticity of images and the ownership of AI-generated content.""Photographers must consider the implications of using AI tools and the ethical considerations of image manipulation in their work.""The conversation highlights the need for ongoing discussions and open-mindedness when it comes to the use of new technology in photography.""Like a book just slammed shut.""Are we going to have continue to have publishers and people that want to use images that will hold up the ethical side of things and want to continue to use real images that aren't AI altered? Because to me, that's the real scary part.""The most recent trip I've been on that we haven't chatted about was a quick little weekend run to Yellowstone.""Mark's probably been one of the biggest advocates of those tools on the podcast for quite some time now."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Mark's Rejuvenating Canoe Trip in Algonquin Park09:24 Exploring the Impact of AI on Social Media Photography34:41 The Impact of AI on Photography and Ethical Considerations42:36 Memorable Yellowstone Trip and Family Nature Experiences00:59:30 Listener Question: Is it imperative that guests have a goatee?01:06:00 Listener Question: If the 3 of you were in a footrace with a bear, who would get eaten first?01:02:21 Listener Question: What is something that each of you do when you find yourself in a photography rut?01:04:16 Listener Question: What is something that each of you do when you find yourself in a photography rut?01:08:52 Listener Question: I bought a GoPro. What sort of wildlife applications do they have?01:16:46 Promoting Positive Wildlife Encounters on Social Media

Summer months mean more opportunities to take photos, but what if you're armed only with a cell phone? Our guests, Elizabeth Boehm and Ron Hayes, are professional photographers who offer us their perspectives as well as a few useful tips to help capture a memorable photo.

SummaryIn this episode, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus are joined by fellow photographer Kelly Elmer to recount a recent trip to Costa Rica to photograph the diverse wildlife. Kelly and Jason planned the trip to visit different ecosystems and worked with a local contact to arrange their itinerary. They experienced a wide range of biodiversity, from toucans and macaws to vultures and bats. The trip included jungle walks with a guide who helped them spot and photograph various species, including the spectacled owl. Kelly primarily used a 600mm prime lens and a 400mm lens, while Jason used similar setups with Canon gear. They also brought macro lenses for photographing frogs and snakes and talked about their experiences photographing other wildlife like sloths and monkeys. They also mention the challenges and rewards of bird photography in Costa Rica. Overall, they had a great time and captured some amazing shots of the diverse wildlife in the country.TakeawaysCosta Rica offers a diverse range of ecosystems and abundant biodiversity for wildlife photography.Working with a local contact can help plan and arrange a trip to visit different areas and maximize photography opportunities.Jungle walks with a knowledgeable guide can lead to unique sightings and photo opportunities.Having a variety of camera gear, including long lenses and macro lenses, is essential for capturing different species and details.Being prepared for the weather and conditions, such as humidity and rain, is important for a successful photography trip. Costa Rica offers a diverse range of wildlife photography opportunitiesPhotographing reptiles, such as snakes and frogs, can be challenging but rewardingBird photography in Costa Rica is particularly exciting due to the variety of colorful speciesHaving a knowledgeable guide can greatly enhance the photography experienceSeeing rare and elusive species in the wild is a thrilling experienceSound Bites"Every bird that flies by is just packed with color.""It was a highlight. And in fact, there was a guy we met there, became friends with.""We had to go mechanical shutter and you had to go single shot. So we're just trying to as fast as we can to get the timing right.""We shot a boa, which was the largest of the snakes""Sloths only come out of the treetops once a month to use the bathroom""Watching the monkeys grab leaves and hang by their tails was incredible"Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview06:31 Planning the Trip and Contacting Local Guides26:08 Highlights and Species Encountered34:05 Encountering Sloths in the Wild41:23 The Beauty of Bird Photography in Costa Rica50:32 The Importance of Knowledgeable Guides

SummaryIn this episode, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus are joined by guest Nehemiah Ray, and they share discussions of how venturing into the wild in their childhood has developed a strong appreciation for the finer details in nature. Nehemiah Ray, a wildlife professional, shares his philosophy for raising his children to appreciate the wonders of nature. This episode digs into the importance of family, outdoor experiences, wildlife biology, and the impact of human behaviour on ecosystems. Nehemiah Ray shares his experiences with nature, wildlife removal, and the importance of teaching children to appreciate and respect the natural world. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to nature, wildlife, and exploring the natural world. It delves into the impact of invasive species, the importance of understanding wild edible plants, the value of foraging, and the significance of being aware of one's environment. The conversation also highlights the benefits of spending time in nature, the challenges today's technology has on kids, how it limits their opportunity for outdoor experiences and the influence of childhood experiences on adult perspectives.TakeawaysTeaching children to appreciate and respect nature is important for their development.Human behavior, including the release of pets into the wild, can have significant consequences for ecosystems.Wildlife removal and the coexistence of humans and wildlife is a complex and important aspect of environmental management. Understanding the impact of invasive species on ecosystemsThe value of learning about wild edible plants and foragingThe importance of environmental awareness and spending time in natureThe impact of childhood experiences on adult perspectivesHow technology is limiting today's youth from having outdoor experiencesSound Bites"It's not about not being afraid. It's about being able to overcome it.""The impact on the ecosystem, you know, just by people releasing pets is significant.""Don't keep a pet that should be wild. And secondly, don't ever turn them loose. There's always other options. But if you go turn them loose, then the ecosystem is dealing with a problem that you didn't want to manage. So.""The grocery stores have such a small amount of foods that we eat. And granted, I know shelf life and all those types of things play a part into it, but I really want to teach them at a young age to be explorative. Don't just go with what's offered to you.""It's really easy to admire the mountains. It's a lot more difficult to admire the molehill. Being able to ... You don't have to go far. You don't have to take a trip to Yellowstone, which, I mean, that's on the bucket list for me. I really want to go there."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Family Conversations02:00 Outdoor Adventures and Wildlife Removal05:25 Wildlife Biology and Environmental Stewardship25:08 Human Behavior and Ecosystem Impact28:22 Understanding Invasive Species and Ecosystem Impact31:39 Exploring Wild Edible Plants and Foraging34:36 Appreciating the Natural World: Mountains and MolehillsThanks for listening to another episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast.To see more of our show and to watch the hosts, as well as the photos and videos that they discuss, tune into their Beyond the Wild Podcast YouTube channel.Make sure to subscribe to be notified of upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing enjoyment!Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

SummaryIn this episode, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft are joined by guest Tim Irvin, a guide who refers to his adventures more as expeditions than trips. The the main topic of this episode is coastal wolves and guest Tim Irvin shares his passion for these elusive creatures and his experiences photographing them in the Great Bear Rainforest along with another rare creature, the spirit bear. The discussion highlights the challenges of finding and capturing images of coastal wolves in their natural habitat, as well as the excitement and awe of encountering them in the wild. The conversation explores the unpredictability and excitement of wildlife photography and guiding in the Great Bear Rainforest. Tim emphasizes the importance of patience and accepting the unknown when it comes to encountering animals in their natural habitat. He shares stories of close encounters with wolves and the emotional impact of being in the presence of these magnificent creatures. The conversation also touches on the changes in the spirit bear population and the cultural experiences available on the trips, providing a well-rounded and immersive experience for guests. The hosts discuss the benefits of mirrorless cameras in shortening the learning curve and improving photography skills. They also acknowledge the overwhelming volume of images that can be captured with modern cameras and the need for efficient culling and editing processes. The conversation touches on the use of AI software to assist in image selection and the potential for third-party lens manufacturers to create lenses for the Canon RF mount. The hosts also discuss the advancements in camera technology and the importance of patience and preparation in wildlife photography. They conclude by highlighting the joy and satisfaction that comes from capturing great images and the importance of enjoying the moment in nature.Takeaways • The hosts have a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife, particularly birds and salamanders. • The solar eclipse is a fascinating event that affects the behavior of animals. • Coastal wolves in the Great Bear Rainforest are elusive and challenging to photograph, but the experience of encountering them in the wild is awe-inspiring. • Capturing images of coastal wolves requires patience, dedication, and a deep understanding of their behavior and habitat. • The hosts and guest share a love for adventure and exploring the natural world. Patience and acceptance of the unknown are key in wildlife photography and guiding • Close encounters with wildlife can be emotionally powerful and exhilarating • The population of spirit bears in the Great Bear Rainforest is dynamic and can fluctuate over time • Trips to the Great Bear Rainforest offer opportunities to learn about and experience the culture of the indigenous people • Mirrorless cameras have improved the photography experience by providing better light sensitivity and exposure control Mirrorless cameras have shortened the learning curve and improved photography skills. • Managing a large volume of images can be overwhelming, but efficient culling and editing processes are essential. • AI software can assist in image selection and save time in the editing workflow. • Third-party lens manufacturers are creating lenses for the Canon RF mount, expanding options for photographers. • Camera technology continues to advance rapidly, improving low-light capabilities and reducing noise. • Patience and preparation are key in wildlife photography, and enjoying the moment is just as important as capturing great images.Sound Bites • "I just stuck my head out the door before the podcast and heard one of my favorite sounds of spring." • "This dude can dance." • "It's the family groove." • "There's a certain amount of mystery there. What's more captivating than an unsolved crime?" • "It's emotional, isn't it?" • "Patience is being productive" • "Mirrorless cameras shorten the learning curve and improve photography skills." • "Mirrorless cameras are making photography easier, but managing the volume of images can be a challenge." • "AI software can help in selecting the best photos and save time in the editing process."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Love for Nature09:53 Tim's Ongoing Education in Conservation Ecology35:24 Encountering Coastal Wolves in the Great Bear Rainforest52:56 Emotional Encounters01:09:06 Cultural Experiences01:20:11 The Impact of Mirrorless Cameras01:35:24 Advancements in Camera Technology

In this episode, your hosts of Beyond the Wild Podcast, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft, share and discuss some of their most important tips for capturing their best-selling wildlife photography and the key gear and tools that helped make the image. The team discusses their editing workflows and the time spent refining each image. They mentioned the partnership between Canon and PictureLine and expressed the importance of partnering with a great camera shop like Pictureline to test and supply new gear. Oh, and they joke about Jason's extensive gear collection. This episode covers various camera gear topics, including using the Nikon 800mm f6.3 lens, its minimum focal distance, and the advantages of telephoto zoom lenses. The hosts also discuss their anticipation for Canon's new R1 camera and the benefits of shooting in 8K video. Mark recommends using a small flexible camera tripod with your smartphone to capture fantastic timelapse videos. The team share pro tips on adjusting camera settings and being aware of thermals and vehicle heat. Various aspects of wildlife photography, including image quality, the value of tours, the importance of being prepared, the impact of outerwear on photography, ISO preferences, the role of denoise software, the workflow of image processing, the advancements in post-processing software, the impact of editing on image quality, the versatility of GoPro cameras, and tips for filming with GoPro cameras are ALL discussed.

In this episode, your hosts Jason Loftus and Ron Hayes discuss their recent workshop in Yellowstone with co-host Mark Raycroft. Jason also dives into his epic experiences camping with coastal brown bears in the Alaskan wilderness. They share highlights and takeaways from the workshops, including unique encounters with wildlife. Jason, Ron, and Mark also discuss the importance of habitat and ecosystem for bears and the different approaches to gear selection for wildlife photography. Jason goes shares the details about the logistics and gear used for the Alaska trip and share stories about the behavior and personalities of the bears that he and his friends on the expedition encountered. Jason also mentions upcoming trips to Africa and Costa Rica.The hosts discuss upcoming wildlife photography opportunities, including Ron's springtime Loon photo tours, Mark's photo tours to photograph Musk Ox herds in the amazing northern landscape of Nunavik, Canada, Mark's Elk Rut photo tours, as well as his popular Caribou photo tours in Newfoundlands, Canada. Your Beyond the Wild Podcast hosts also discuss the excitement surrounding the Northern Lights and the potential for capturing unique images. The hosts share their plans for the year, including Ron's upcoming trip to Minnesota to photograph loons and projects focused on sage grouse and iconic landmarks. This episode of the Beyond the Wild Podcast also covers the anticipated camera releases in 2024 and emphasize the importance of investing in experiences and using available gear to capture memorable moments.

Farmers and ranchers gathered together at Cattlemen's Congress in Oklahoma City recently to attend Commercial Cattlemen's Day. As part of the event, Angus University hosted a panel focused on balancing the consumer and the cow.  Today's host, Radio Oklahoma Network's Ron Hayes, sat down with panelists Jesse Luckie and Mark Johnson to discuss balancing consumer demand with a cow who can produce a quality product despite the environment she performs in. Find more information to make Angus work for you in the Angus Beef Bulletin and ABB EXTRA. Make sure you're subscribed! Sign up here to the print Angus Beef Bulletin and the digital Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA. Have questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you! Contact our team at abbeditorial@angus.org.

Join NANPA President Beth Huning and Past President Dawn Wilson, along with the Wild and Exposed crew of Jason Loftus and Ron Hayes, in a wide ranging discussion that moves from the parched vistas Death Valley, to the sublime desert landscapes and neolithic ruins of Algeria, to rafting the Colorado River, and from working with state and federal agencies to her goals for NANPA to watching tarantula migrations. This episode covers a lot of ground!Beth Huning received a 2011 Philip Hyde Conservation Grant from the NANPA Foundation, served on NANPA's Environment Committee and as NANPA's Membership Chair and has been deeply involved with NANPA for years prior to becoming president earlier this year. She came to the role with 17 years' experience working with the Fish & Wildlife Service and managing conservation projects in and around the San Francisco Bay area, including the San Francisco Bay Joint Venture. There she dealt with the conflicts between conservation and protection versus recreation and economic development. In order to get all the different agencies and organizations working together for a common goal, you have to “manage ecosystems and ego systems,” Huning says.Discussed in the show:Philip Hyde Conservation Grant https://nanpafoundation.org/philip-hyde-conservation-grant/Janie Moore Greene Scholarship Grant: https://nanpafoundation.org/janie-moore-greene-scholarship-grant/San Francisco Bay Joint Venture https://sfbayjv.org

Daniel Buitrago, Brandon Fifield & Jack Lau cross paths of an "UNSTOPPABLE" journey with fellow Alaskan Tana Grenda   Vacation catch up, living the subsistence life, raising a family in King Salmon, AK - trapping & fishing, operating a business in rural Alaska, banning of big game & predator hunting on social media, false narratives about hunting, Alaska Prop 137 "Unlawful Methods of Taking Big Game" , the grey area, Ron Hayes the renegade, Stuck N The Rut App, Honeycomb App creation/platform, Tana's record book 460 Alaska Caribou, spring bear hunt 2021, surviving a bear attack, experiencing & coping with trauma and PTSD, Adam's machete shin hack and a self suture, future plans www.alaskawildproject.com https://www.instagram.com/alaskawildproject/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbYEEV6swi2yZWWuFop73LQ

The lessons include classic “Sammonisms” like Go where you're looking, Use your camera like a spaceship, and Shower with your tripod as well as pithy quotes from influences such as Freeman Patterson, John Lennon, Warren Buffett, and Rick's dad. Rick explains to Dawn Wilson, Ron Hayes, and Jason Loftus why the answer to most questions he's asked about photography is “It depends,” and what you should be asking instead. LinksHow to Make Money While You Are SleepingDenise IppolitoTopazSnapseedCanon Explorers of LightRick on InstagramNature Photography SummitNANPA Membership

The Nature Photo Guys review 2021 and discuss their plans for 2022. Check out the links below mentioned in this video.Wild And Exposed - www.wildandexposed.com- Mark Raycroft - www.instagram.com/markraycroftwildphoto- Ron Hayes - www.instagram.com/ronhayes_wwi- Jason Loftus - www.instagram.com/untamedimagesbyjl- Michael Mauro - www.instagram.com/michaelmaurophotoShane Turgeon - www.instagram.com/shane_turgeonLightchasers Nature Photography Conference - www.lightchasersconference.comThe Nature Photo GuysEmail: info@thenaturephotoguys.caWebsite: www.TheNaturePhotoGuys.caFacebook: @thenaturephotoguyspodcastInstagram: @thenaturephotoguyspodcastJoe DesjardinsEmail: joe@joedesjardins.caWebsite: www.JoeDesjardins.caFacebook: @joedesjardins.caInstagram: @joedesjardins.caChris GibbsEmail: info@chrisgibbsphotography.comWebsite: www.ChrisGibbsPhotography.comFacebook: @chrisgibbsphotographyInstagram: @chrisgibbsphotography

Hear how Mike and his partners are building community around a watershed. Plus, hear about Mike's journey to document the migration path of sandhill cranes, a new project on whooping cranes, and other fun things he loves to photograph in the Great Plains. Winner of NANPA's 2017 Environmental Impact Award and the Sierra Club's 2017 Ansel Adams Award for Conservation, Mike joins NANPA President Dawn Wilson and Wild and Exposed's Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus and Mark Raycroft for this inspiring episode.

Brad Waitman is the owner and operator of the Igiugig Lodge that sits on the bank of Lake Iliamna, located in the Bristol Bay Area of Alaska. In my mind, it's the greatest fishing lodge i've ever visited. It is world class not only because of its access to some of the world's extensive, legendary fishing, but because of Brad's work ethics and the quality of his prideful lodge. Here's the beauty, he hosts only 6 guests a week and serves food that'll challenge any restaurant in the lower 48, a dream come true for anyone looking for perfection on and off the water! Waitman was raised in San Mateo, California. As a young teen a local fishing club, Anglers Emporium, took him under their wing and helped him with the skills needed to become a great angler. At 15 he was hired to row rivers and set up camps for outfitter, Galand Haas, who eventually persuaded Waitman to chase his dreams in Alaska. At the tender age of 20, just out of the Marines, Brad flew to Anchorage and became what he was destined to become, an Alaskan bush pilot/guide. Ron Hayes, the legendary hunting and fishing outfitter, immediately became his mentor. He pushed Waitman hard demanding the impossible and the young magic man responded beautifully. The fish were in his blood but soon to follow were monster Moose, Caribou, and 57 Brown Bears! Hayes was a perfect councilor for the young man who was new to Alaska. Now, 37 years later with a successful lodge, the time to hunt has been depleted. I first met Brad when he was guiding for Kirk Gay at his lodge, Valhalla. Kirk would eventually become his father in-law. I was there filming for my TV show at the time, “Sportsman's Journal.” The two of us had a blast! Flying everywhere and catching all the great fish Alaska was offering at the time, monster rainbows, silver salmon, and grayling. Alaska is unique, raw and wild, and to experience it with someone you connect with is a dream come true. The long and short of it, 21 years later we're still hanging and fishing together. We all love a good story and Brad Waitman's is compelling. We hope you enjoy it!

Eye Tracking or Single Point Focus?Dawn Wilson, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft tackle another listener question in this short episode. With newer mirrorless cameras, do you still use single point autofocus and anticipate the location of the animal's eye? Hear which mirrorless cameras have the best eye tracking functions and in which situations it works best. Plus, find out why Mark is a late adopter of new technology and what even the mirrorless users in this group are doing in high risk/high reward situations in the field. You'll also hear about a Canon April Fools' Day joke that actually came to fruition.

Find out what tools and strategies Mark, Dawn Wilson, Ron Hayes, and Jason Loftus use to find a desired subject, or identify potential subjects in a desired area. Plus, hear why your attitude about the trip and the language you use when reaching out to other photographers may make all the difference in the outcome.

My guest Ron Hayes joins me to discuss video for wildlife, understanding behavior and gaining knowledge about wildlife through experience, and some wonderful stories from his recent visit to Yellowstone. Follow Ron Hayes at: Instagram: @ronhayes_wwi Website: www.westernwildlifeimages.com Wild and Exposed Podcast Show Mentions: Wild and Exposed podcast episode with Doug Gardner Bison photo Pine Marten and Squirrel photo

This week, your Wild and Exposed Podcast hosts, Michael Mauro, Ron Hayes, and Mark Raycroft travel, with the wonder of technology, half way around the world to Norway! This episode features multi-time Norwegian Nature Photographer of the Year winner Bernt Østhus. Bernt focuses his camera gear (now the Canon mirrorless EOS R5) to capture to wild wonders of the far north, in spectacular light. Come along as the guys hear about the wilderness adventures that Bernt lives and experiences in this northern region of planet earth!

Listener Questions and Bonus Pro Tips Episode. The Wild and Exposed Podcast team Michael Mauro, Ron Hayes, Jason Loftus, and Mark Raycroft collaborate to answer a series of listener questions while mixing in several new pro tips! From setting goals, to modern editing software and workflow, sage grouse leks, to cold weather gear...the team covers a lot of ground in this episode.Tune in for the always entertaining and informative conversation from your photographer and adventure friends at the Wild and Exposed Podcast..

Ron Hayes and Mark Raycroft sit down with marine scientist, photographer, explorer, and filmmaker Gaelin Rosenwaks.

These interviews are with 6 founding members of the Oregon Wine Brotherhood. We talked with Paul de Boni, Diane Diamond, Ron Hayes, Paul Hart, and Pat and Joe Campbell about their time as members and the history of the organization. They also discussed the organization's philanthropic efforts to raise money for college students interested in studying the wine industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield College in the summer of 2017.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is hard to detect, and is sometimes called the “invisible injury.” Ron Hayes and Nancy Denslow, both scientists at the McKnight Brain Institute and the founders of Banyan Biomarkers, have developed a blood-based test that will make TBI detection and treatment easier and faster. One potential application is to detect brain injury in newborn infants. *This episode was originally released on April 1, 2020.* TRANSCRIPT: Intro: 0:01 Inventors and their inventions. Welcome to Radio Cade, the podcast from the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Gainesville, Florida. The museum is named after James Robert Cade who invented Gatorade in 1965. My name is Richard Miles. We’ll introduce you to inventors and the things that motivate them. We’ll learn about their personal stories, how their inventions work, and how their ideas get from the laboratory to the marketplace. Richard Miles: 0:41 This morning, we have Dr. Ron Hayes , one of the co-founders of Banyan Biomarkers with us. Welcome, Ron . Ron Hayes: 0:46 Thank you. Richard Miles: 0:47 So Ron , before we start talking about Banyan Biomarkers and what a biomarker is and what it does, tell us a little bit about yourself. Where were you from? Where’d you grow up and how did you decide to become a scientist? Ron Hayes: 0:58 I grew up in Richmond, Virginia in the fifties at the time, it was a, quite a conservative time , uh , somewhat isolated, really a classic vision of the old Seth. My undergraduate major at the University of Richmond was classical languages. And , uh, then I did some graduate work in philosophy. So it’s surprising sometimes to find myself , uh , here today. But if we want to elaborate at some point, I think it’s been a benefit for me to have a liberal education. Richard Miles: 1:30 Tell us a little bit about what you’re like as a kid where you were very curious, sort of interested in everything. And when did you sort of know you wanted to gravitate towards a scientific field Ron Hayes: 1:39 As a kid, I didn’t know. I read voraciously wasn’t , uh , much of a sports person. I, although I ultimately ended up playing competitive tennis later in life, but at that time I was really quite focused on reading Richard Miles: 1:57 Really? Okay. Did you have a teacher that stood out or were either of your parents? So what did they do, were they scientist engineers, doctors? Ron Hayes: 2:07 No, I was the first person in my family to go to college. They, they encouraged reading. Uh, they , uh, certainly liked to see me do it, but , uh, as I reflect, it was sort of a self-taught environment. And I read anything put in front of me. Richard Miles: 2:25 Tell us a little bit now , uh, let’s talk about biomarkers , uh, for folks who don’t know what that means, what is a biomarker? How does it work? Ron Hayes: 2:34 It’s an indicator of , uh, the organic state of an individual or an animal that provides in a medical situation information on the health or the disease state of the person. And a biomarker can be a variety of different things. It could be information from the blood such as we use in, in, in our, or it could be an image of the body. It could be a recording of bodily activity, such as heart rate, but any of these things collectively are referred to as biomarkers and they’re used to assist in the diagnosis of health and disease. Richard Miles: 3:16 So in, in the case of Banyan Biomarkers, you’ve come up with the specific use here, dealing with traumatic brain injury, explain how the biomarker net instance works or indicates what you want it to indicate. Ron Hayes: 3:30 I think the best analogy would probably be a heart attack. Okay. So all of us today, I think can understand if we have very severe chest pain and persistent chest pain, we’ll go to an emergency room. And the first thing they’ll do is draw blood and they’ll look at the level of a protein in the blood called traponin, but it happens to be a protein that’s in muscle cells of hearts. And if the muscle cells are injured or dying, of course, that protein escapes into the blood and if there’s a lot of it, you know, you’re having a heart attack. In many ways it’s a similar process for the brain. If the brain is injured and brain cells, neurons are supportive, cells called golia are injured or dying they shed proteins that can show up in the blood. For a long time people didn’t believe that was possible. There was a blood-brain barrier that whatever went on in the brain stayed in the brain, but every search helped discount that prejudice. So we measured those proteins in the brain. If they’re elevated, you have some form of brain injury in this case, traumatic brain injury. Richard Miles: 4:39 So is the real breakthrough here. The fact that we can do that now through blood, as opposed to, I guess, an MRI would be the next best way of diagnosing a traumatic brain injury. Is that correct? Ron Hayes: 4:50 In essence, yes. I mean , it was , uh , a violation of orthodoxy that in some ways had prevented people from just doing it. And it’s far cheaper, a blood test obviously is far cheaper than what’s called a computerized tomographic scan or a CT scan or an even more expensive MRI. In fact, magnetic resonance imaging isn’t used in clinical practice. It’s primarily , uh , in acute clinical care, it’s primarily a diagnostic tool reserved for neurodegeneration or elective processes. But if you show up at an ER, you’ll get a CT scan, not an MRI. Richard Miles: 5:29 So I’m guessing there’s a , there’s a whole range of applications out there in which you might have some sort of brain injury, but it would simply be too complicated, costly, complex to actually do a CT or MRI. Is that really a now the main advantage of , of being able to do it by blood? Ron Hayes: 5:46 That’s one important advantage is that you can triage or you can stage people and tell them whether or not they need to CT. And you really would like to avoid that if possible for a number of reasons, Richard Miles: 6:00 Avoid the CT. Ron Hayes: 6:00 Avoid the CT scan. Absolutely because they’re of course expensive. They increased the time in the emergency rooms, which is always critical, but even more importantly, there’s a lot of radiation exposure to CT scans. And you certainly don’t want to do that unnecessarily. Richard Miles: 6:20 Tell me a little bit about the formation of the company. So you, you and Nancy, and were others involved in the original invention? Ron Hayes: 6:28 Uh , one other founder, Kevin Wang. Richard Miles: 6:31 So after you hit upon the idea, or you figured out that you could do this, did you just get together and say, Hey, let’s form a company and see if we can market this, or tell us a little bit about how that happened. Ron Hayes: 6:41 Uh , those kinds of events are sort of like , uh , a marriage. You know, you never quite know what the precipitating moment was , uh, in a long chain that leads to , uh , that union. But I would say it was a perfect storm of time and place and people. And I had been asked by NIH to look at a technology related to biomarkers and got interested in it, talked to Nancy Denslow because she knew a lot more about protein chemistry than I did, and was also collaborating with Kevin Wang who had some interesting ideas about brain injury processes. So in that stew , the company was gridlocked. Yeah. Richard Miles: 7:26 What year was that again Ron? Ron Hayes: 7:27 We formed Banyan in 2002, Richard Miles: 7:30 2002. Okay. And how’s it doing now? Do you have big clients or who is buying the process? Ron Hayes: 7:37 That’s a very interesting story. And I think for young entrepreneurs, I would advise them to be nurtured by their naivety, because if they knew what they were doing from conception, they might’ve been less bold, but Banyan it take, which I didn’t understand at the time, between about $150 to $200 million dollars to bring a biomarker through the FDA. And we were fortunate, Richard Miles: 8:02 So let me stop you, $150 $200 million dollars? Ron Hayes: 8:05 Yes. Well, and that’s chump change compared to a therapy, which is multiple billions of dollars. Richard Miles: 8:13 So for our listeners who aren’t familiar with FDA approval process for drugs and pharmaceuticals and treatments, why does it take that long, and that much money? Ron Hayes: 8:22 That’s a subject of obvious controversy. And when I entered into the process, I entered into it with the same kind of concerns and skepticism that people often bring to the FDA process. That said having lived through it, a lot of the time is justified. And the process of diagnostics, if you want to generate data that influences potentially a life or death medical decision, you have to be absolutely certain of the technologies’ performance and reliability in the case of medical devices that take some time. Richard Miles: 9:00 I see. So it’s not like a, a drug that you have to make sure is , uh , safe and won’t hurt somebody. But the fact that these tests will be used to make those types of decisions. That’s why the FDA steps in and says, we really need to make sure this works. Ron Hayes: 9:14 In fact, the FDA , uh, has become, I think at least in my own experience, very responsive. The FDA offered and executed, an expedited review. So we got to review and feedback in six months on the basis of what they called their breakthrough technology. So that’s really not a very long period of time. Richard Miles: 9:35 Ron, you’re experienced in this company , uh , you know, a start startup and it sounds like it’s doing well, but as anyone who’s done, a startup knows there are good days and there are bad days. Tell us about one of your best or best day. And tell us if you’d like to one of your worst or the worst day you’ve had in this experience. Ron Hayes: 9:54 There’s a term, an image I often invoke. I was a fighter pilot, and we often describe our missions as long periods of boredom, punctuated by terror or ecstasy as the moment may be. So terror. We were meeting a short there , the company was formed and we had secured some money. And we had a consulting CEO who advised us blandly that we were out of money and with no warning and no mea culpa. Richard Miles: 10:27 So in the jet fighter, now your , your engine just shut down. Ron Hayes: 10:31 Well, I was waiting to light the burners and blow some stuff up, but it was very, very disconcerting, very discouraging and we survived it. Richard Miles: 10:40 How did you turn that around? You went, you had no money and what happened how’d you keep going? Ron Hayes: 10:46 Well, we were very fortunate to get congressional support from the Florida delegations, actually, Congressman Bill Young, who’s passed away in Tampa as well as Congressman Sterns who’s no longer here. And we got some congressional support through the DOD, which ultimately morphed into sustained support because a department of defense really pioneered interest in this technology because of the Wars, unfortunately in Afghanistan. Richard Miles: 11:14 I see because this is a , a much easier way to assess traumatic brain injury on the battlefield, I’d take it. Ron Hayes: 11:20 Yes. And of course, having a CT scanner in a far forward medical, environment’s extremely difficult. And you could say, get this person back for a CT scan or not. Got it. Richard Miles: 11:31 So, Ron, tell us about some of the future applications of the Banyan biomarkers. Ron Hayes: 11:37 Well, there are many applications I’ll focus on one that is particularly close to my heart, and that is assessing in a diagnosis and the treatment of brain injury that occurs during birth. Richard Miles: 11:51 Birth? Ron Hayes: 11:52 During birth. This is the kind of injury that can result in cerebral palsy, where at birth, the blood flow to the baby and the brain is interrupted at a very critical period. So the brain is quite vulnerable. This can lead to minimally delayed development, and of course, death to that extreme my own son, aspirated meconium at birth, and he had an event. And of course, any parent can understand confronting that at birth. So by rapid diagnosis from even your umbilical cord blood, you can intervene quickly and appropriately. There is in fact, a treatment where you cool the baby’s hypothermia, so you can quickly determine the baby’s need, and whether they’re a good candidate for the treatment and working closely with a very dedicated neonatologist at the University of Florida, Dr. Mike Weiss has done a marvelous job of leading this effort. Richard Miles: 12:49 So absent of using the biomarkers, Ron , if I understand correctly, would the brain injury go undetected until later? Because are there no necessarily obvious signs of that event? Ron Hayes: 13:01 There are signs, but it’s not as rigorous and as definitive as a blood test. So the blood test would provide a very rapid and definitive test. It’s just like a concussion Richard Miles: 13:15 Right. Ron Hayes: 13:15 A brain injury, the what’s called a Glasgow coma scale is quite subjective. You want a hard number quickly. Richard Miles: 13:21 Right. And so, and in a blood test, of course, the standard at right after the baby’s born. So it would be something that would be picked up in all babies potentially right? Ron Hayes: 13:29 Ultimately , uh , I would look at it as every parent wants to know, is my baby. Okay? And short of what’s called the app guard test a very crude test. You don’t know that. And of course you wouldn’t know if the brain’s okay. So this could be available to everyone once it’s , uh, of course, FDA approved, it could be available. Richard Miles: 13:48 That that is exciting. Um , Ron, if , if somebody , uh , uh , a young scientist or entrepreneur came to you and said, I’ve got this brilliant idea, and I’m going to form a company and I hit the big time, what would your advice be to that person? Ron Hayes: 14:02 Don’t do it for money. I think that’s a huge mistake that people make, of course, very broadly in life, but most conspicuously in startups, people labor, I think under the illusions of IT, I’m going to make a what’s up dude app and make a billion dollars and rockstar. In fact, I think it takes a good deal, more maturity, and a willingness to give up ego and a commitment to whatever you’re doing. That’s deeply rooted in your own sense of purpose. Richard Miles: 14:39 Excellent words of advice. Uh , Ron, thank you very much for joining us this morning on Radio Cade. Ron Hayes: 14:44 Thank you. Outro: 14:48 Radio Cade would like to thank the people for their help and support Liz Gist of the Cade Museum for coordinating inventor interviews, Bob McPeak of Heartwood soundstage in downtown Gainesville, Florida for recording, editing and production of the podcast and music theme, Tracy Collins for the composition and performance of the Radio Cade theme song, featuring violinist, Jacob Lawson and special, thanks to the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention located in Gainesville, Florida.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is hard to detect, and is sometimes called the "invisible injury." Ron Hayes and Nancy Denslow, both scientists at the McKnight Brain Institute and the founders of Banyan Biomarkers, have developed a blood-based test that will make TBI detection and treatment easier and faster. One potential application is to detect brain injury in newborn infants. *This episode is a re-release*

Our guests Ron Hayes and Michael Mauro from the amazing podcast Wild and Exposed join us to discuss podcasting, planning travel for wildlife and what creativity means to them.Wild and Exposed Podcast:Don’t miss the Wild and Exposed Podcast, it’s a great podcast with tons of episodes featuring amazing photographers from all over the world. Be sure to subscribe and give them a listen!Follow Michael Mauro at:Instagram @michaelmaurophotoFollow Ron Hayes at:Instagram @ronhayes_wwi

Jonelle Toothman has done a lot. A former Division 1 soccer player, Journalism major, and Army brat, she also co-founded NextGen Biologics and became its CEO. The company uses salamander tissue as an architecture for regenerative medicine to help burn victims and help repair wounds. As far as other applications, Jonelle says “our imagination is our only limitation.” *This episode was originally released on September 25, 2018.* TRANSCRIPT: Intro: 0:01Inventors and their inventions. Welcome to Radio Cade, a podcast from the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Gainesville, Florida. The museum is named after James, Robert Cade who invented Gatorade in 1965. My name is Richard Miles. We’ll introduce you to inventors and the things that motivate them. We’ll learn about their personal stories, how their inventions work, and how their ideas get from the laboratory to the marketplace. Richard Miles: 0:39This morning we have our guest Jonelle Toothman, who is the co-founder and chief executive officer at NextGen Biologics. Welcome, Jonelle. Jonelle Toothman: 0:47Thank you. Richard Miles: 0:48So before we talk about NextGen and what it is you do and invented, tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from? Where’d you grow up? What were you like, what did parents do, tell us everything that you want to tell us about. Jonelle Toothman: 1:00So I am a very high energy, high passion, extremely outgoing, and I grew up and was born in Germany. Richard Miles: 1:10Germany. Why, Germany? Jonelle Toothman: 1:13Why Germany, my Dad is retired Air Force, so we did a little bit of moving around as a child. Richard Miles: 1:18Uh, where in Germany? Jonelle Toothman: 1:21Zweibrücken. Richard Miles: 1:22Okay. There’s a big airbase there, right? Jonelle Toothman: 1:23There is. Richard Miles: 1:24Okay. And you’re there just as an infant or how many years were you in Germany? Jonelle Toothman: 1:30A young child. We left there when I was five. Richard Miles: 1:31Okay. Um, and so as you’re growing up what sort of inspired you to become a CEO? Did you ever even think about it or what were you like as a kid? Jonelle Toothman: 1:40I’m still trying to figure out how that title is where I’m at right now. As a kid, I really… all I cared about was being outdoors and playing sports. I, uh, was outside from dusk till dawn and all I wanted to do is play soccer. So, the passion really came later in life after my sister actually passed away of brain cancer. Richard Miles: 2:06Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Jonelle Toothman: 2:07So my sophomore year in college she had a devastating disease that only allowed her to live 18 months after finding out that she was diagnosed with brain cancer. And during that time in college, I kind of evaluated what I was doing with my life and where I was going and what the opportunities were. Richard Miles: 2:25What were you studying at the time, Jonelle? Jonelle Toothman: 2:27I was a journalism major. Richard Miles: 2:29Journalism, okay. Jonelle Toothman: 2:29So I thought I wanted to do sports broadcasting. That was kind of my thought and ambition at the time. Richard Miles: 2:34And you got a degree in journalism? Jonelle Toothman: 2:36Journalism and mass communications. Richard Miles: 2:38Okay. So did you go back and start studying biology or how did you wander into that field? I mean the example your sister, but obviously you didn’t have an educational background equip you for that field. Jonelle Toothman: 2:51Exactly, and I knew the educational aspect of going back and being a physician of some sorts was not my passion. School and academia was not the route that was going to make me a benefit to society when it came to medicine. So I had to figure out something different besides being a physician and that’s where the pharmaceutical side of the business and medical side of the business from a sales perspective became intriguing and interesting. I could still impact that medical field, but do it with the things that I was naturally good at versus the things that I would have to really pursue that might not be as passionate but have the same benefits. Richard Miles: 3:31Did you ever do anything with sports journalism at all Jonelle? Jonelle Toothman: 3:34I did a few broadcasting shows for Marshall University in West Virginia where I played division one soccer there. I did a few of the sports broadcasting for some other additional sports. Richard Miles: 3:45So let’s talk about NextGen Biologics. It says here that you’re developing a novel extracellular Matrix. What does that mean to the normal person? Jonelle Toothman: 3:57So an extracellular matrix also known as an ECM. It is basically utilized to repair soft tissue in the body. So if you think of a burn victim or somebody that’s had a surgical type of procedure, they often have soft tissue that needs to repair… a scar or a wound that won’t heal. That extracellular matrix is a surgical patch that you would put in a wound bed to promote healing and allow that soft tissue to grow back. Richard Miles: 4:33So these are living cells that you’re… Jonelle Toothman: 4:35So they’re not. They’re not technically living cells. So if you think about it from a standpoint of right now they use pig or they use cow and they take the d ermis, the skin of those particular species, and they use those as a patch to cover that wound so you can prevent infections and the risk of losing those wounds are those limbs, but that’s basically a patch that allows new soft tissue to grow and repair. Richard Miles: 5:04So the product that NextGen is developing, it’s a patch, but it’s from human material? Jonelle Toothman: 5:09So it’s actually from one of the most amazing species we’ve ever seen in science. If you think about a salamander that is fascinating, if you crush its spine, it regrows. If you take off a limb, it regrows part of its organs regrow. It is the only species that we know of or that I personally know of that can regenerate its entire organ system as well as skeletal system. And so we’re starting with the best material that we’ve seen in science versus our own human dermis that we don’t regenerate. So these… Richard Miles: 5:45So these are actually salamander cells? Jonelle Toothman: 5:47They’re not cells. So it is, it is… Richard Miles: 5:51You have to work with me Jonelle. I’m slow. Jonelle Toothman: 5:55It is the tissue from Salamander, that is what promotes that healing aspect. Richard Miles: 5:59Are geckos salamanders or not really? Jonelle Toothman: 6:02Not really. Richard Miles: 6:02Okay. So you can’t co-brand with Geico for marketing purposes. Jonelle Toothman: 6:04Unfortunately, and fortunately, we won’t be selling cars, but hopefully repairing some wounds. Richard Miles: 6:10Alright, so wound repair. I mean, I’m thinking there are a lot of applications here, but why don’t you break it down for me, what are the applications that you think are the most likely for this technology? Jonelle Toothman: 6:20So this is what’s exciting and fascinating about that technology. Our only limitations are our imaginations and the scientific imagination of where this application could be indicated for. So we can utilize and we’re starting to utilize and going through the process to get approved to utilize this surgical patch for wound regeneration. So if you think about a diabetic foot ulcer or a really bad, a surgical procedure that has been infected because the patient had some sort of disease or are they smoked or they are hypertensive and they just don’t heal as well as a young person might. This patch would help them to cover that wound to decrease the infection that can get to that wound. And then eventually start to tell the body to repair that tissue in a way that allows new tissue to form. Richard Miles: 7:17So for those people now, what sort of treatment do they get, if any? Jonelle Toothman: 7:21So right now, if you think of a wound or a burn victim right now, they’re getting either donated human cadaver skin, they’re getting the cow, the pig, they’re getting some synthetic, like Gortex type of material. But basically they’re getting some sort of cloth, if you think about it or Bandaid, if you think about it, they’re getting something to put on that wound that allows it to not get infected and for new tissue to start growing. Richard Miles: 7:49And is the problem with these other solutions that they don’t grow or they’re not as effective? Or is that not an adequate solution? Jonelle Toothman: 7:56So they’re all adequate solutions. That’s the good thing. Uh, patients and physicians have choices for what’s needed. They’re all great products. The difference that we’re trying to capture is we’re starting with a material that naturally has regenerative capabilities. So if you think about using human skin that’s been donated from a cadaver, humans no longer have the ability to regenerate. We lose that ability after the second trimester. So when you put on that new skin, what happens is your body accepts it and it eventually creates new skin, but you’ll see really bad scars. You’ll see divots within our creators kind of where that skin doesn’t heal upwards. It kind of heals in the crevice of where that wound bed was. The material that we’re starting with is naturally regenerative. It naturally has the proteins, the nutrients, the cytokines, the healing aspect that we’re looking for. So what we’re hoping that this product, when you implanted in a human or you put it on that surgical site, that we turn on the light switch back to what our body naturally knew how to do when it was in the wound bed and that is heal. So we’re hoping that it turns on this light switch and creates that healing form to create less fibrosis, less scar, and allow your body to adapt that and then regrow new tissue that’s almost childlike versus the fibers and the scar that we’re used to. Richard Miles: 9:27Wow. That is exciting. Um, you talked about an approval process. You’re talking about the FDA approval process, right? Where are you in bed? Are you, did you just file or are you about to get your approval? Tells us about that. Jonelle Toothman: 9:38So it’s actually an FDA clearance and it’s for a specific indication, which we’re not claiming that we heal wounds faster. We’re not claiming that we can heal wounds better. What we’re trying to show the FDA currently is that we are equal to what’s out there right now in not wound healing but in surgical wound repair. Richard Miles: 10:00So in theory this is easier, right? Because the FDA in essence has already approved the core technology. Now you’re asking them to approve another version of that core technology? Jonelle Toothman: 10:09So we’re asking them to approve another animal species form since we’re already using animals species out there. And so where we are with that clearance right now is the FDA has reviewed a lot of our information. We had to prove that we’re safe, as safe as those other products out there, and we’ve done all of those initial studies, we’ve passed those initial studies. The FDA last summer has asked us to complete a few additional human clinical studies because this particular animal or species has never been used in a human before. So they’ve asked us for a couple of those. We are in the process of finishing those currently. Our last human trial will end in April. We will resubmit back that data to the FDA that they’ve asked for additional safety and efficacy and we hope to be on the market by Q four of this year. Richard Miles: 11:02Wow, that’s great. Jonelle, tell me a little bit about NextGen Biologics. You’re the co-founder and CEO. I’m assuming you licensed this technology from somewhere. Was it University of Florida technology? Jonelle Toothman: 11:14It was not a University of Florida technology, but it is licensed. Uh, there is a brilliant woman, her name is Ryan Early and she filed this patent back in 2014 and NextGen kinda came about because Jamie Grooms, my co-founder, and partner had worked with this woman in the past and I met Jamie who is a serial entrepreneur, has been extremely successful in regenerative medicine in this space and also taking companies public. He and I met in 2013 and just had the passion for regeneration and, and what we can do in the future and bringing a new technology to a market that’s growing and could give added benefits to wounded warriors or children that are cleft palates or anything like that that you could really fix in a surgical setting. And we kind of came together and licensed this technology from Ryan early and started the company back in 2013. Richard Miles: 12:14We had another guest on the show, Ron Hayes, who compared being an entrepreneur to start up a. He was a fighter pilot, Ron and he said it was like being a five product and then you have long periods of boredom punctuated by extreme terror. So tell us about being in a startup, being the CEO of a startup, if you’d like to share what was your best day or one of your better days and if you’d care to share one of your worst days, your worst day with us. Jonelle Toothman: 12:39So that’s an interesting analogy. When it comes to fighter pilots, I don’t fly. So it’s definitely understood though. Being an entrepreneur, it’s the hardest I’ve ever worked. The least amount of money and the most stressful I’ve ever been. It is. But it’s also the best job I’ve ever had. I’ve been doing this since 2013. Really came on full board in 2016, a 100%. And I love it. I wake up every day excited when you wake up every day excited and you have a big win in the middle of the afternoon to soon find out you take three steps back at 2:00 in the afternoon. It’s a little more difficult, but the good days are extremely high and the bad days are extremely low. But I’d rather have the huge highs and the lows knowing that we’re going to accomplish something great. Richard Miles: 13:28Do you know if you had a young person come to you, let’s say they had just graduated with a degree and decided they were going to do something else and they wanted to do a startup company. What words of wisdom would you give to that person, tell them to flee or what to? Jonelle Toothman: 13:42I think the initial thing would say to flee, but absolutely not. The biggest piece of advice is find something that you genuinely are passionate about. Find something that you can wake up every day when money’s tight, when you’re extremely tired, when you don’t want to go to work, wake up with something that you are passionate about. Really enjoy what you do, but also be willing to take that risk. There is nothing more rewarding than shaking hands with Ron Hays right now and him saying that they just got FDA approval. It genuinely gives me complete chills because that success is something that I’ve never experienced yet before and it is something that you know that a team surrounded you and your vision and your philosophy and that as a team, you moved a needle and got to a point to bring something to the market that can save lives. So I would say as a young entrepreneur, you’re young, you’re vibrant, you’re ready to take on a new challenge. Try, failure’s not that bad. At the end of the day, we all fail something I feel every day, but when, where you can celebrate those successes and try again, learn from it. Richard Miles: 14:52Jonelle That’s great advice and we look forward to having you back on the show after you’ve rung the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, after your highly successful IPO and we’ll have you back. Thank you very much for joining Radio Cade. Jonelle Toothman: 15:05Thank you for having me. Outro: 15:12Radio Cade would like to thank the following people for their help and support. Liz Gist of the Cade Museum for coordinating Inventor Interviews. Bob McPeak of Heartwood Soundstage and downtown Gainesville, Florida for recording, editing, and production of the podcasts and music theme. Tracy Columns for the composition and performance of the Radio Cade theme song featuring violinist Jacob Lawson. And special thanks to the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention located in Gainesville, Florida.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is hard to detect, and is sometimes called the “invisible injury.” Nancy Denslow, a scientist at the McKnight brain institute and cofounder of Banyan Biomarkers has developed a blood based test that will make TBI detection and treatment easier and faster Daughter of diplomat, was born and raised overseas in Mexico and Ecuador, and Turkey. “Petrified by Science” growing up her interest was changed by a great high school. TRANSCRIPT: Intro: 0:20 Inventors and their inventions. Welcome to Radio Cade, the podcast from the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Gainesville, Florida. The museum is named after James Robert Cade who invented Gatorade in 1965. My name is Richard Miles. We’ll introduce you to inventors and the things that motivate them. We’ll learn about their personal stories, how their inventions work, and how their ideas get from the laboratory to the marketplace. Richard Miles: 0:38 This morning we have Dr. Nancy Denslow from Banyan Biomarkers. Welcome, Nancy. Dr. Nancy Denslow: 0:43 Thank you. Glad to be here. Richard Miles: 0:44 Nancy, tell us a little bit about yourself before we jump into asking you about the technology and its application. Just sort of where were you born? Were you raised to… How did you end up at the University of Florida? Dr. Nancy Denslow: 0:59 Well, my dad was a diplomat, so I was actually born in Mexico City while he was stationed there and I lived there six years and then after that I lived in Quito, Ecuador for six years and then in Istanbul, Turkey for three years. So I was a junior in high school before I came back to live in the United States. And from there I graduated from high school in Virginia, northern Virginia, and then went to college at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, which at the time was an all girls school and majored in chemistry. Richard Miles: 1:33 What made you decide to go into chemistry? Was this something from a little girl that you’re interested in or was it a good high school teacher? What formed that decision? Dr. Nancy Denslow: 1:43 Actually, I was petrified of science while I was growing up, but then I had an excellent teacher in high school and that’s what turned my mind about it. And so that just goes to show what good teachers could do. Richard Miles: 1:55 So your undergraduate was in chemistry, is that correct? Dr. Nancy Denslow: 1:57 That’s right. Richard Miles: 1:58 Okay. And then your graduate work, you continued in chemistry and biology, is that correct? Dr. Nancy Denslow: 2:03 No. So the last year in chemistry. I had a course in biochemistry and I thought it was just really interesting. So I continued biochemistry and molecular biology. Richard Miles: 2:15 Got It. Okay. So let’s talk about the technology here that the thing that you invented, the company is called Banyan Biomarkers. Tell us a little bit what are biomarkers, but tell it to me as if I were a six year old who doesn’t know anything about anything and it’s not that hard for me to pretend, but really tell us how the technology works and what it does. Dr. Nancy Denslow: 2:41 Okay, so a biomarker is another method or is a method to identify an illness, let’s say. So in the case of traumatic brain injury, which is what our technology is about, we’ve identified proteins that actually make it into the bloodstream and these proteins can be detected by a specific assay that we’ve developed so that you can determine the extent of the brain damage by these biomarkers by measuring the proteins in the blood. So basically the technology is based on determining that these proteins are in the blood and we have antibodies that we’ve identified that are very specific to these proteins and so it’s a blood test and based on blood tests you could tell that a person has had traumatic brain injury. Richard Miles: 3:32 So for example, a football player, a soccer player, whatever, someone involved in an accident, they just come in. They give a regular blood tests for anything else or a donation of blood and then you can run this through an assay and figure out if there are biomarkers. Is that correct? Dr. Nancy Denslow: 3:50 Right. So if we take a blood sample and then you would run it through the assay and it would tell you the extent of the damage and that there has been traumatic brain injury. So it’s a way that perhaps one can avoid going for an MRI which has a lot more expensive and has radiation associated with it and so instead you would get a value that says, “Well maybe you should stay in the hospital for more observation” or “No, you know, it’s not really too bad. You could go home.” Richard Miles: 4:20 So is an MRI, is that the existing best technology or the most frequent one to identify traumatic brain injury? Dr. Nancy Denslow: 4:27 It is. Richard Miles: 4:28 Okay. So this sounds like it would be a lot easier and a lot cheaper. Is that really the main benefit of the biomarkers? Dr. Nancy Denslow: 4:38 Well, I think it’s a lot cheaper and easier as you’ve mentioned, but also there’s a potential that you may be able to attract the recovery from the traumatic brain injury. Richard Miles: 4:49 I see. Dr. Nancy Denslow: 4:50 No, we haven’t tested that totally, but it seems like it might be able to track recovery. Richard Miles: 4:56 So in theory then or maybe in practice just somebody comes in multiple times over a given time period and it’s just much easier to see what’s going on. Dr. Nancy Denslow: 5:05 Yes. Richard Miles: 5:05 Okay. Dr. Nancy Denslow: 5:05 So a person could maybe be in the emergency room and it could take a blood test over several hours and maybe you could get an idea of how stable that is or how stable the person is and whether they could go home. Richard Miles: 5:19 So right now the application that you have hit upon is traumatic brain injury, does a biomarker… Or do they have the capacity to track other types of pathologies or illnesses? Dr. Nancy Denslow: 5:31 Well, so we’re looking into that now. Richard Miles: 5:33 Okay. Dr. Nancy Denslow: 5:33 We haven’t established that yet. Richard Miles: 5:35 Right. Dr. Nancy Denslow: 5:35 But there’s potential. Richard Miles: 5:37 Nancy, tell us what was sort of the process. Was there an “Aha” moment or was it sort of a series of insights that got you to develop the biomarker? Dr. Nancy Denslow: 5:47 Well, actually this is a collaboration between three of us. Dr. Ron Hayes and Dr. Kevin Wang and myself. So Dr. Ron Hayes and Dr. Kevin Wang are neurobiologists that has been studying, traumatic brain injury for quite a while and my part was the proteomics part where it’s sort of a new science where you can study all of the proteins in a particular incidents and so we came together to figure out what was going on with traumatic brain injury and had the insight to look for these particular biomarkers in the blood. It was our idea that, well, if they were in the brain, they would probably get through the blood brain barrier and appear in the blood and if we could just attack them in the blood, then we would have a really good assay that could be beneficial to a lot of people. Richard Miles: 6:38 So was there one particular moment in which you realized, “We’ve got it. This is it. We’ve done it” or kind of just a slow dawning of… Dr. Nancy Denslow: 6:47 You know, we first could detect this, of course not in people, but in rats we could detect it and in the brain and the CNS fluids and so on, but it was thinking about whether they could be found also in the blood that spurred us to continue to try to develop this into develop antibodies that would be able to detect very minute amounts of the protein in the blood. So it was just a series of steps that got us to the point where we are now. Richard Miles: 7:15 After you came through or developed the breakthrough, you formed the company, Banyan Biomarkers. Tell me a little bit about that. What is the market that you’re looking at? Who is going to be the primary customer of this technology? Dr. Nancy Denslow: 7:31 So I think there’d be a lot of people that might be interested in this technology. For example, the military would be one for sure because they have a lot of people out where they could get hurt and with blasts and so on. And so they have really spurred us to develop the technology because they thought it would be very useful for the military. And then of course football players and other people of that sort or people who are in car accidents that might’ve had some kind of a traumatic brain injury. Or people just falling downstairs. So I think that there’s quite a bit of a market for this. Richard Miles: 8:06 So I’m assuming that there’s a real clinical advantage to having the ability to do this more quickly. So first of all, is it more rapid than an MRI? I’m assuming that it’s just a lot easier and faster to go in and get the blood, do the assay and come to your conclusion rather than an MRI, is that correct? Dr. Nancy Denslow: 8:25 That’s true. And right now we’re looking at various different partners that have platforms and hospitals and emergency rooms where they could put these antibodies on their platforms where everybody’s used to using those particular instruments already. And get a very quick readout. Right now, the assay is probably about an hour or so, but it’s possible that with different platforms that we could even shorten the time. Richard Miles: 8:52 So yeah, I could see like in a battlefield or someplace where you obviously don’t have access to an MRI, you could get a pretty good reliable result to very, very fast. Dr. Nancy Denslow: 9:02 We want to develop a point of care instrument that wouldn’t even have to be in an emergency room or anything like that, that could be out with the medics in the battlefield. Richard Miles: 9:11 Wow. Amazing. Dr. Nancy Denslow: 9:12 We’re not there yet. Richard Miles: 9:13 Not there yet. So tell me a little bit about the progress of the company. What would you say has been your biggest success to date and then if you want to share maybe your biggest setback to date in developing the technology. Dr. Nancy Denslow: 9:28 Well, I think the biggest success was we went into partnership with some new people that are based in California. And in fact our CEO is in California right now. And the people in the company that have developed the assay as it stands now are totally amazing. So they were very particular and very specific about meeting quality standards and making sure that the assay was sensitive and not overselling the assay as to what it could do and just being really very specific about what the assay could do. And then we ran a clinical trial with 2000 different blood samples. Some were controls and some were traumatic brain injured people and the samples were then sent to two different laboratories to run the tests. So the company didn’t run the tests themselves but sent the assays out to two independent laboratories to run the assays. And then they came back with just fantastic results. And so this is what we took to the FDA and this is what the FDA approved. So I think that that was just amazing to me how well that worked in terms of setbacks. You know, you think in antibodies working really well as you’re developing it and then you find that it’s not quite what you need. So you have to go back and you have to make a new one. So there were always two steps forward, one step back. It’s not that you could just go in and have the idea and do it. You just have to have the hard work that goes with it. Richard Miles: 10:56 So final question, somewhat similar. What has been your biggest surprise in all this as you develop the technology? Did you have people that you thought would love it and didn’t? Or vice versa? Did you, did you find people who were really interested in technology that you hadn’t thought about? Dr. Nancy Denslow: 11:10 Well, I think that as we’re developing this technology, people are becoming more used to a traumatic brain injury and football and what that might cause longterm problems to football players that there’s just been this whole interest in the whole country about doing something about traumatic brain injury. And here we were doing it. So that was just amazing how well that’s worked out. Richard Miles: 11:36 Nancy, thank you very much for being with us this morning. Outro: 11:39 Radio Cade would like to thank the following people for their help and support. Liz Gist of the Cade Museum for coordinating and inventor interviews. Bob McPeak of Heartwood Soundstage in downtown Gainesville, Florida for recording, editing and production of the podcasts and music theme. Tracy Collins for the composition and performance of the Radio Cade theme song featuring violinist Jacob Lawson. And special thanks to the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention located in Gainesville, Florida.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is hard to detect, and is sometimes called the "invisible injury." Ron Hayes and Nancy Denslow, both scientists at the McKnight Brain Institute and the founders of Banyan Biomarkers, have developed a blood-based test that will make TBI detection and treatment easier and faster. One potential application is to detect brain injury in newborn infants.

A fascination with buses as a boy, through the ranks to become the youngest inspector in the country, we meet Ron Hayes as he celebrates his 60th birthday. A man who has no intention of slowing down and every intention of keeping the buses running on time