Dr. Edda Fields-Black, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Cumbee, joins us in the studio for a gripping deep dive into the extraordinary life of Harriet Tubman. From her fearless missions on the Underground Railroad to her pivotal role as a spy and leader in the Combahee River Raid during the Civil War, Tubman’s story is brought to life with fresh insights and personal anecdotes. Dr. Fields-Black, whose ancestor fought alongside Tubman in the raid, shares her meticulous research and a powerful personal connection to this history. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation about: Tubman’s early resistance to slavery and her escape to freedom The daring strategies of her Underground Railroad rescues Her critical role in the Combahee River Raid, liberating over 700 enslaved people The environmental challenges she mastered in the wilderness Dr. Fields-Black’s discovery of her family tie to the raid Tubman’s legacy as a military strategist and backcountry badass   LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Edda Fields-Black's Pulitzer Prize winning book "Cumbee"   CONNECT! Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more: https://linktr.ee/Hayden_Sammak Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else: https://linktr.ee/BackcountryManifesto Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch: https://outyondercompany.com/pages/shop-the-out-yonder-x-backcountry-manifesto-collab   SPONSORS Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.   “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA Copyright Outdoor Visions Media LLC, 2025

Mountain lions roam nearly all corners of the western landscape, from the wildest reaches of the backcountry to our own backyards. They're even present in urban areas -- everyone's heard reports of mountain lions showing up in surprising places, like within Los Angelos city limits. But how much do we know about these big cats? Do these large carnivores pose relatively little risk to humans and our pets? Is the presence of mountain lions something we should worry about? Could Ricky Bobby really drive with a cougar in the car? In this episode, Hayden's friend Dr. Kristin Engebretsen drops by the studio to share what she's learned in the field and the lab studying these big cats. We talk about: The journey of a scientist turned mountain lion expert The biology and adaptations behind their stealth and strength How the hell you get a collar on a lion Using hounds to catch mountain lions What it's like to dart a mountain lion Where very heavily medicated mountain lions tend to fall asleep Handling and studying the predators up close How mountain lions share the landscape with us—and what that means for their future Playing with cougar kittens up close Mountain lion Q&A featuring YOUR questions!   LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Brown Bears of Katmai, Wolves of Yellowstone | Dr. Aidan Beers | Ep. 018: https://youtu.be/f4EldpL9wnk   CONNECT! Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more: https://linktr.ee/Hayden_Sammak Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else: https://linktr.ee/BackcountryManifesto Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch: https://outyondercompany.com/pages/shop-the-out-yonder-x-backcountry-manifesto-collab   SPONSORS Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.   Featuring Kristin Engebretsen “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA Copyright Outdoor Visions Media LLC, 2025

This week on the show, Hayden's friend Dr. Aidan Beers swings by for dinner and a podcast on what two of his favorite things: the wolves of Yellowstone National Park and the brown bears of Katmai, Alaska. They also talk about Aidan's journey to becoming a wildlife biologist and how you can get on a similar path. This podcast is full of interesting conversation and first-hand accounts surrounding large carnivores in some of the most famous areas of their range. Hayden and Aidan chat into the night about: The Wolves of Yellowstone Wolf Conservation The Bears of Katmai National Park Fat Bear Week Hazing Giant Predators Becoming a Biologist LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Six Months In Space | TBM Ep. 001: https://youtu.be/VU2N-N86uVs The World's Most Brutal Trail Race | TBM Ep. 007: https://youtu.be/wxEpczLjQt8 Grizzly Man Movie: https://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-Man/dp/B01M747C6J Black Bear Eats Kayak: https://youtu.be/nU5cMZymSr0 CONNECT Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more: https://linktr.ee/Hayden_Sammak Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else: https://linktr.ee/BackcountryManifesto Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch: https://outyondercompany.com/pages/shop-the-out-yonder-x-backcountry-manifesto-collab SPONSORS Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our partners at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout. CREDITS Featuring Aidan Beers Production Assistance by John Stock “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA Copyright Outdoor Visions Media LLC, 2025

El Capitan is the most famous face in rock climbing, and it isn't even close. Fifty years ago, three climbers defied the odds, scaling El Capitan in a single day—a feat that redefined what’s possible in rock climbing. In this special episode, starting at the Yosemite Climbing Museum and ending under the shadow of El Capitan, we sit down with John Long -- one of the legendary trio behind that historic 1975 ascent--to relive the adventure and reflect on El Cap's singular legacy. We climb into: The bold plan to conquer El Cap in a day, hatched by Jim Bridwell with John Long and Billy Westbay How Warren Harding’s grueling 1958 ascent set the stage for El Cap’s epic history The rush of climbing 3,000 feet in 15 hours, fueled by honking horns and camp camaraderie The evolution of El Cap feats, from Lynn Hill’s free ascent to Alex Honnold’s jaw-dropping free solo John’s raw reflections on 50 years of climbing, loss, and staring down “the big stone” Links Mentioned Stonemasters Pt. 1 Stonemasters Pt. 2 Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Our Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout. Credits Featuring John Long Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill  Production Assistance by John Stock  “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA

Ever wondered what it’s like to haul lobster pots off the rugged Maine coast? In this episode of The Backcountry Manifesto, we sit down with Jacob Knowles, a fifth-generation lobster fisherman from Maine who’s reeled in a massive online following through his YouTube channel and TikTok videos documenting life on the water. With the harbor in the background, our conversation dives deep into Jacob’s world. We cover: The daily grind of a commercial lobster fisherman The evolution of lobster traps—from wooden classics to modern wire designs Conservation in action: tail notching, slot limits, and releasing egg-bearing lobsters Jacob’s journey from boat deck to internet fame, blending tradition with modern storytelling The challenges and joys of fishing, plus a glimpse at the co-op system that keeps it all running Hopes for the future: lobster hatcheries, sustainability, and his kids joining the family trade From the science of soft-shell lobsters to the pride of protecting oversized breeders, Jacob shares stories that connect generations of Mainers to the sea. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a conservation enthusiast, or just curious about life on the water, this episode has something for you. Links Mentioned Jacob Knowles on Youtube Jacob Knowles on Instagram Jacob Knowles on TikTok Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Our Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout. Credits Featuring Jacob Knowles Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill  Production Assistance by John Stock  “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA

Today on the show, we're bringing you Part 2 of our conversation with Mount Everest Historian Thom Pollard. In Part 1, we told you all about the tragedy of the 1924 British expedition, which ultimately culminated in the deaths of George Mallory and Sandy Irvine. Today, we're talking with Thom about his first-hand experience on the 1999 expedition to find their bodies and coming face to face with Mallory himself. This is the story of perhaps the most controversial chapter in the history of the world's tallest mountain. In this episode, you'll hear about: Thom Pollard's summit of Mount Everest The 1999 expedition team Aftermath and Fallout of the 1999 expedition Search for Irvine's camera What 75 years on Mount Everest does to a body Did Thom take a photo of Mallory's face? Links Mentioned Everest Mystery Youtube Channel The Happiness Quotient Podcast Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Our Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout. Credits Featuring Thom Pollard Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill  Production Assistance by John Stock  “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA

Recently, National Geographic explorer Jimmy Chin was credited with the discovery of remains belonging to a climber named Sandy Irvine, a member of the 1924 British expedition that ended in tragedy with not only his death, but that of his partner, George Mallory. This week on the show, Thom Pollard of the popular Everest Mystery Youtube channel joins us to tell the full story of the ill-fated 1924 British expedition on Everest -- one of the most controversial and enigmatic mysteries on the worlds largest mountain. We talk about: Who are George Mallory and Sandy Irvine? Controversy over their summit attempt Sandy Irvine's camera The routes of Everest What is the Everest Death Zone? Early vs. Modern Alpine Gear Links Mentioned Everest Mystery Youtube Channel Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Our Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout. Credits Featuring Thom Pollard Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill  Production Assistance by John Stock  “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA

This week, THE Tom Rosenbauer slides into the studio and offers his thoughts on how to get into fly fishing. Spoiler alert: fly fishing is not that hard. If you've ever been curious about how to get started as a fly fisherman, this episode is for you. Links Mentioned Orvis Fly Fishing Learning Center Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Our Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout. Credits Featuring Tom Rosenbauer Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill  Production Assistance by John Stock  “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA

This week on The Backcountry Manifesto, we have Matt Brenna of the popular YouTube channel “Alaska Cabin Adventures” in studio to give you a crash course in building an off-grid cabin, from site selection to constructing an outhouse. Specifically, we cover: Matt's Story from WA to AK Finding Land on a Budget Learning to Build Building Blunders and How to Fix Them Heating and Electricity Solutions Sourcing and Managing Water Off-Grid Outhouses, Composting, and Cabin Comfort Building and Bathing like Alaskans Do Why March and September Shine in Alaska Crafting the Cabin on Wheels The Bob Ross Effect Convenience, Meaning, & the Joy of Building Montana & the Spirit of the West Music and Creativity: Matt's Journey Links Mentioned Alaska Cabin Adventures website Alaska Cabin Adventures YouTube Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Our Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout. Credits Featuring Matt Brenna, Alaska Cabin Adventures Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill  Production Assistance by John Stock  “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA

Today on the show, Jamie Leibert, aka Captain Manicorn, is swinging by to talk about his journey from meth addicted felon serving a four year stint in federal prison to a world beating BASE Jumper and accomplished wingsuit flyer, traveling the world and finding new exits across 135 countries and counting. We talk about: Early Life and Challenges Criminal Activities and Introduction to Extreme Sports Prison and Self-Discovery Life After Prison and Personal Growth Introduction to Air Sports Base Jumping and Wingsuiting Success, Addiction, and Discontent Relocating to Europe Dancing with Death: The Art of Proximity Flying Parallels, Perils, and Politics Alpine Base Jumping Adventures Patagonia and The Future Links Mentioned Captain Manicorn Youtube Captain Manicorn Instagram Tobin, The Stonemasters, And Me Stonemasters Pt. 2 | TBM Ep. 003 Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Our Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout. Credits Featuring Jamie Leibert aka Captain Manicorn Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill  Production Assistance by John Stock  “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA

Who is DB Cooper? On November 24th, 1971, an unassuming middle aged man pulled off the only unsolved skyjacking in US history, parachuting out of the back of a Boeing 727 somewhere over the pacific northwest with $200,000 in cash strapped to his chest. He was never found. Today, some 53 years later, DB Cooper investigator Eric Ulis sits down with us to tell the whole story of DB Cooper, including new developments. We talk about:  Eric Ulis, a pro blackjack player turned cold case investigator Hijacking a Boeing 727 $200k cash ransom DB Cooper's successful evasion of the law The cash discovery at Tena Bar Flaws in the FBI investigation Eric's new theory on where DB Cooper landed Summer diatoms The necktie Eric's lawsuit against the FBI The metallurgist suspect All this and much more. If you're a nerd for unsolved mysteries, you're going to love this deep dive into all things DB Cooper. Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Our Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout. Credits Featuring Eric Ulis Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill  Production Assistance by John Stock  “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA

Does Bigfoot exist? Dr. Jeff Meldrum – a professor of anatomy and anthropology specializing in primate locomotor adaptations and bipedalism at Idaho State University – believes Bigfoot is real (and probably prefers the term “Sasquatch”). Today on the show, Dr. Meldrum drops by TBM HQ to talk all things Sasquatch, as well as his life-long fascination with the controversial “relict hominoid.” In our conversation, we cover:  Bigfoot vs Sasquatch  The origins of Bigfoot The Bluff Creek Site The Patterson Gimlin Film  Bigfoot footprints Pressure ridges and anatomical characteristics Why it's so hard to fake a footprint Bigfoot Skeptics  Bigfoot Range An estimate of the current Bigfoot population Why we haven’t found a Bigfoot body Dr. Meldrum's experiences hunting Bigfoot The biggest question: Will we ever find Bigfoot? All that and more in this episode. If you’re a Bigfoot nerd or just interested in an academic’s perspective on the mystery primate, this episode of TBM is for you!  Links mentioned in this episode Jeff Meldrum's Book: Sasquatch: Legend Meets Science Gareth Patterson's Book: Beyond the Secret Elephants Relict Hominoid Inquiry Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Our Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout. Credits Featuring Dr. Jeff Meldrum Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill  Production Assistance by John Stock  “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA

This week on the show, we have Duke University’s Dr. Steven Churchill swinging into town to talk about early man as the ultimate survivalist. Dr. Churchill has been part of discovering two important early hominids and when it comes to neanderthals, he’s certainly among the most knowledgeable. One thing he knows for sure? Early man was on the strugglebus, but pushed through to become the ultimate survivalist.  We talk about: Some of Dr. Churchill’s research at Duke University Homo Neledi  The Rising Star cave system How to say “Cro Magnon” the sexy (and correct) way Steve’s book, Thin on the Ground How everything wanted to kill early man Neanderthals being hybrid into oblivion  Hunting habits and tools Why living in “the fertile crescent” sucked  How cave bears were vegans, but would happily unalive you Links mentioned in this episode Steve’s Book: Thin on the Ground: Neandertal Biology, Archeology, and Ecology (Foundation of Human Biology) Steve on Wired’s Tech Support Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Our Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout. Credits Special thanks to Dr. Steven Churchill for the extra photos Featuring Dr. Steven Churchill Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill  Production Assistance by John Stock  “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA  

Today, Laz Lake is in the studio talking about the Barkley Marathons. The Barkley Marathons is the most notorious trail race around, and Laz Lake is the semi-evil genius behind it. Runner’s World has described it as “Five Loops Of Death” and “Arguably the craziest race in the world,” and it was even the subject of a full-length documentary called “The Race That Eats Its Young.”  The Barkley Marathons is a five loop, approximately 125 mile race held annually in the Tennessee backcountry, specifically Frozen Head State Park. Over those 125 miles, finishers will have experienced a vertical gain equivalent to climbing Mount Everest TWICE. The cutoff time is just 60 hours. There are no formal course guides or aid stations, and the runners are forced to navigate by their own, hand drawn paper maps. Since 1986 only 20 runners out of more than 1000 have finished the Barkley Marathons.  We talk to Laz Lake about  The origination of the Barkley Marathons How to apply for the Barkley Marathons Veterans and virgins Laz’s bad habits Finish rate of the Barkley Marathons Athletic Achievement in endurance sports Jasmin Paris’s Completion of the Barkley Marathons Other backyard ultra-marathons  Links mentioned in this episode Full Documentary “The Race That Eats Its Young”  Tamara Reynolds Photography  David Miller Photography Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit https://SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit https://OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout. Many thanks to the folks that made this episode possible Featuring Laz Lake Special thanks to Tamara Reynolds for her photography Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill  Production Assistance by John Stock  “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA

On September 8th, 2023, outdoorsman and navy vet Rudy Noorlander was tracking a wounded deer when an encounter with a grizzly bear changed his life forever. On this episode of the backcountry manifesto, Rudy recounts the attack and his miraculous recovery. Links mentioned in this episode Alpine Adventures Montana Alpine Adventures Montana :: TripAdvisor Reviews Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout. Special thanks to our partners at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout. Credits Featuring Rudy Noorlander Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill Production Assistance by John Stock “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA  

Our topic today is deep sea exploration, and our guest is researcher and explorer Molly Curran. Molly is an engineer at the Wood’s Hole Oceanographic Institution's Deep Submergence Laboratory. In her work, she designs and operates incredibly advanced submersibles to explore some of the world’s most difficult-to-access environments, like the fjords of Greenland and the depths below arctic sea ice. Molly is at the forefront of exciting science, particularly when it comes to broadening our understanding of geologic features like hydrothermal vents, deep sea volcanos, and glaciers.  She also happens to be one of Hayden's very best friends. He's been lucky enough to share many conversations with Molly going back to their high school years, and now it’s our great pleasure to share one of our conversations with you. Links Tour the research vessel Molly lived aboard -- RV Celtic Explorer -- right here. Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Join the TBM Patreon Community Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com! Promo code "BACKCOUNTRY"! Special thanks to our partners (except Grady) at Out Yonder Company! Use code "BACKCOUNTRY 15" for 15% off site-wide! Many thanks to the folks that made this episode possible Featuring Molly Curran Special thanks to WHOI Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Production Assistance by John Stock “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA

With over 1.3 million Youtube subscribers and counting, Dan Hurd of Dan Hurd Prospecting might be the world’s most popular prospector. This week, Dan swings by the Backcountry Manifesto Podcast studio with some amazing gold, gem and mineral specimens. Whether you’re a Dan Hurd Prospecting fan, a seasoned prospector, or even a first time 49er, stay tuned – this prospecting podcast is solid gold. In this episode, we discuss: Dan’s background Claims & Mining Gold, Gems, & Treasures How to become a prospector Top things to prospect for in US & CA Links mentioned in this episode Dan Hurd’s Youtube, Instagram, and Online Shop Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Join the TBM Patreon Community Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com! Promo code coming soon! Special thanks to our partners (except Grady) at Out Yonder Company! Use code BACKCOUNTRY 15 for 15% off site-wide! Many thanks to the folks that made this episode possible Featuring Dan Hurd Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill Production Assistance by John Stock “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA  

Legendary climber John Long swings back by the TBM studio to unpack an infamous chapter in Yosemite climbing history -- the story of Dope Lake. Joining him is his buddy and fellow Stonemaster, Vern Clevenger. In the spring of 1977, a twin prop plane carrying around 6,000lbs of high-grade Mexican reefer crashed into Lower Merced Pass Lake, a small alpine reservoir nestled deep in Yosemite’s backcountry. When the climbers at Camp Four hear about the crash – and the plane’s contents – a second California “goldrush” begins. Chaos ensues. You may have heard versions of what Men’s Journal dubbed “The Legend of Dope Lake,” but you’ve never heard it like this. This is a deep-dive into the story of the plane crash that turned a ragtag band of climbers into pot-slinging pirates – complete with never before heard details – as told by those who lived it. Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Join the TBM Patreon Community Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com! Promo code "BACKCOUNTRY"! Special thanks to our partners (except Grady) at Out Yonder Company! Use code "BACKCOUNTRY 15" for 15% off site-wide! Many thanks to the folks that made this episode possible Featuring John Long and Vern Clevenger Special thanks to Stonemaster Books Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Production Assistance by John Stock “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA

In the 1970s, a pirate group of climbers descended on the big walls of California’s Yosemite National Park and changed the world of rock climbing forever. They dubbed themselves “The Stone Masters.” This week, we’re talking to the original Stone Masters, John Long and Rick Accomazzo. In this episode, we talk about:  Rick’s new book “Tobin, the Stone Masters, and Me” The Stone Master’s Joshua Tree genesis  Yosemite’s infamous Camp Four  Feuds between climbers and rangers  John as the pioneer of free-solo climbing Daring rescues/Rick and Dale Bard’s attempted rescue of Bob Locke Ascents that pushed rock climbing to new heights  The life of Rick’s friend and arguably the greatest climber of the era, Tobin Sorenson  We hit all that and more, plus a sneak peak at Rick’s new book, available right now at Stone Masters Press! Climber or not, you won’t want to sleep on this. Links mentioned in this eipsode Order Rick’s book here! Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Join the TBM Patreon Community Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com! Promo code "BACKCOUNTRY"! Special thanks to our partners (except Grady) at Out Yonder Company! Use code "BACKCOUNTRY 15" for 15% off site-wide! Many thanks to the folks that made this episode possible Featuring Rick Accomazzo and John Long Special thanks to Stonemaster Books Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Production Assistance by John Stock “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA

Astronaut Loral O’Hara recently returned from 204 days in the International Space Station as part of Expedition 69 and 70. During that time, Loral conducted important science, worked out a surprising amount, and along with her best friend, fellow astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, completed a six hour EVA, commonly known as a “spacewalk.” And now, for whatever reason, she’s hanging out in the TBM studio to talk about the ultimate backcountry – space! In this episode, we cover:  Job applications for astronauts and astronaut basic training  An astronaut as the head of HR Getting selected for a mission to space and mission-specific training The events leading up to launch  Spaceflight  Day-to-day life on the ISS  Drinking purified urine Conducting an EVA, aka a “spacewalk”  What is awesome/what sucks about being an astronaut Putting international politics aside in space Returning to Earth and throwing up (a lot) If you’re into science, adventure, space flight, or have just always been curious about what life for an astronaut is really like, this episode is for you.  Links mentioned in this episode Loral and Jamin’s EVA Connect Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch Join the TBM Patreon Community Partners Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com! Promo code "BACKCOUNTRY"! Special thanks to our partners (except Grady) at Out Yonder Company! Use code "BACKCOUNTRY 15" for 15% off site-wide! Many thanks to the folks that made this episode possible Featuring Loral O'Hara Special thanks to NASA Produced by Andrew O'Neill with Hayden Sammak Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill Production Assistance by John Stock “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA