Meghan Buchanan (@ggrit on IG) is not interested in playing the victim. She’s an aerospace engineer, a mountaineer on a mission to climb the Seven Summits, a dyslexia advocate, and someone who’s been tested again and again by life. You may have seen her on Outlast Season 2 on Netflix, where survival gets messy fast. But this episode isn’t about the show. It’s about the real-life survival stories that came before and after.
We talk about what it actually feels like to face trauma while keeping a goal in sight. What it takes to rebuild after being brought to your knees. And how to keep showing up when nobody’s clapping for you.
Meghan doesn’t sugarcoat anything. She opens up about grief, betrayal, mountaineering disasters, and the invisible weight of always having to prove yourself. She also shares what she’s learned from the mountains, from her body, and from walking through some dark seasons with her head up.
This one is for anyone who’s been through something and kept going.
Matthew Lefthand is a record-breaking ultra-endurance cyclist who’s redefining what’s possible on two wheels. In this episode, we dive into his journey from a 270-pound marathon runner to one of the fastest ultra bikers in the world. He recently shattered the Race Across the West course record, completing the brutal 860-mile route from Oceanside to Durango in just 1 day, 21 hours, and 39 minutes, averaging nearly 19 mph through desert heat and mountain climbs. Earlier this year, he also set the highest 24-hour mileage ever recorded by an American—576 miles at the Sebring 24. But beyond the numbers, this conversation is about the mental, physical, and spiritual transformation that fuels those rides. Matthew talks about what it means to suffer with purpose, how his Navajo heritage and family drive him forward, and what it takes to truly give everything you have. If you’re chasing big goals or need a reminder of what the human body and spirit are capable of, this one’s for you.
In this episode, hosts Ryan, Luis, and Mitchell break down the upcoming Western States 100-mile race. They explore how Jim Walmsley’s absence opens the door for new contenders and dive into key strategies around heat training and nutrition. The trio analyzes top runners like David Roche and Kilian Jornet, then draft their fantasy teams with hot takes and bold predictions. The episode wraps with final thoughts and sleeper picks for the most iconic ultra of the year.
Dean Karnazes is one of the most iconic endurance athletes of all time—and for good reason. He’s run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days, raced across deserts, mountains, and frozen tundras, and helped bring ultrarunning into the public consciousness. But Dean’s story runs far deeper than race stats.
In this episode, we explore the history of ultrarunning—from its roots in ancient messengers to its modern resurgence. Dean shares how he got started, what pulled him back into running on his 30th birthday, and why he’s stayed in the sport for decades while many burn out.
We cover the mindset that’s allowed him to go the distance, the toll (and gift) of solitude, how he’s kept his body healthy through relentless effort, and what’s still pulling him forward. We also dive into his upbringing, his Greek heritage, and how culture, family, and purpose all play into his enduring passion for movement.
Whether you're an ultra veteran, a weekend runner, or just someone seeking inspiration—this episode will light a fire in you.
Brittany Konsella is a skier, mountain biker, author, and one of the few people to ski all of Colorado’s 14ers. But behind those summits is a story of resilience few ever hear. After a traumatic spinal injury left her partially paralyzed, Brittany fought her way back into the wild. In this episode, Ryan and Brittany dive into recovery, risk, identity, and the raw process of rebuilding a life in the mountains after everything changes.
Roland Welker isn’t just the winner of Alone Season 7—he’s a storyteller, a mountain man, and a true student of the wild. In this REWYLD episode, Ryan sits down with the only person to ever complete 100 days fully alone in the Arctic. But this conversation goes far beyond reality TV.Roland opens up about the emotional weight of isolation, the mental shifts that happen when modern life is stripped away, and the deep ancestral knowledge that guided him through one of the most extreme survival challenges ever broadcast. They talk about building shelter in brutal cold, harvesting wild game, and what it really means to live in relationship with the land.This episode is about resilience, yes—but also about humility, connection, and finding meaning in the stillness of the wilderness. Whether you're a survivalist, a nature lover, or just someone curious about the edges of human experience, this one’s worth the listen.
Join us in the wild this Summer
Dr. Teimojin Tan is a wilderness medicine doctor, military veteran, and survival expert known for his role on the show Alone. In this episode, he and Ryan go deep on how to cultivate resilience in extreme conditions—both physical and mental. From treating injuries in remote environments to maintaining clarity under pressure, Dr. Tan brings a unique blend of medical knowledge, lived experience, and warrior philosophy. Whether you're chasing challenge or preparing for chaos, this conversation is packed with insight.
Join us in the Bush:
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In this episode, Ryan sits down with Cait Crowell to explore personal sovereignty in a world that's pushing convenience over consciousness. They unpack how modern Western health has drifted from true wellness, the importance of making empowered choices, and how real food and intentional living are the foundation for lasting health. This conversation is a reminder that ownership of your body, mind, and life is the ultimate freedom.
Ryan sits down with Paddy O'Connell, host of the Outside Podcast and star of Paddy O' Sucks At, for a conversation full of laughs, misadventures, and wild insights. Paddy, known for his offbeat humor and fearless approach to the great outdoors, shares his journey from a beginner in the mountains to someone who’s learned to embrace failure as part of the adventure. This episode dives into his hilarious—and often chaotic—experiences navigating backcountry challenges, learning survival skills, and finding humor in the toughest situations. Paddy’s no stranger to pushing limits, and his stories offer a mix of rugged wilderness wisdom and gut-busting comedy. If you love hearing about mountain mishaps, outdoor lessons, and the human side of adventure, this episode is your perfect escape.
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Jessie Krebs — former U.S. Air Force SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) specialist, wilderness survival instructor, and contestant on Alone Season 9. Jessie shares her journey from military survival training to teaching everyday people how to reconnect with nature and reclaim their resilience.
They dive into the psychology of survival, the mental toll of isolation, myths about wilderness living, and how nature can be a powerful tool for healing trauma. Jessie brings sharp insight, hard-earned wisdom, and raw honesty to a conversation that explores what it truly means to survive — and to thrive.
On this episode of Who The WYLD Things Are, Ryan sits down with Joel van der Loon — world-class survivalist, wilderness skills instructor, and finalist on Alone Season 7. Joel shares stories from his upbringing in the bush of Tanzania, lessons from surviving 66 days in the Arctic, and his philosophy on preparedness, adaptability, and living in harmony with nature. This episode is packed with wisdom on primitive skills, mental resilience, and what it truly means to be self-reliant in the wild.Join Ryan on a wilderness experience
In this episode, host Ryan Maguire is joined by Nate Smith to break down the vision behind Last Mountain Man Standing, the ultimate test of endurance and grit coming to Conifer, Colorado, on June 21, 2025. They dive into what makes this event unique—a brutal 4.1-mile loop packed with rugged terrain and tough obstacles, where racers must complete a lap every hour until only one remains. Ryan and Nate discuss the inspiration behind the race, the challenge of balancing strength and endurance, and what competitors can expect on race day.
Whether you're racing, spectating, or just love pushing limits, this episode gives you an inside look at what’s shaping up to be one of the toughest events in the mountains. Sign up now and learn more here
This episode is brought to you by Kula Sports Performance—helping athletes train smarter, recover faster, and perform at their peak.
In this episode, host Ryan Maguire dives into the details of the upcoming 2025 wilderness courses from WYLD RYDE Outdoors in connection with The Survival University. From essential survival skills to wilderness connection and exploration, Ryan breaks down what participants can expect from each course. He also shares insights on the locations, hands-on challenges, and the mindset required to thrive in the wild. If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor skills and embrace true self-reliance, this episode is your ultimate guide.
In this electrifying episode, host Ryan Maguire dives into the epic victory of Team Colorado at the 2025 Dubai Games, joined by two elite athletes, Veejay Jones and Jack Bauer. The trio breaks down the intense battles, clutch performances, and the untold stories behind the scenes that led to Colorado's dominance on the world stage. From grueling obstacles to game-changing strategies, they uncover what it truly took to bring home the gold.
Veejay Jones shares firsthand experiences from the course, revealing pivotal moments that tested the team’s grit and unity. Jack Bauer adds his analytical edge, dissecting the competition's strengths and how Team Colorado's preparation paid off. Together, they relive the most nail-biting moments, including a last-minute surge that turned the tide, and the raw emotions of crossing the finish line victorious.
Listeners get an insider's view of the camaraderie, rivalries, and relentless training that defined this unforgettable journey. Whether you're a hardcore OCR fan or just love a good underdog story, this episode captures the spirit of competition and the thrill of achieving the impossible.
This ReWYLD episode revisitsEpisode 2 with survival expert Matt Graham. Known as one of the world’s top primitive survivalists, Matt has spent years living off the land, mastering ancestral skills, and pushing the limits of human endurance. In this conversation, he shares insights on minimalism, self-reliance, and the deep connection between survival and mindset. Listeners who missed this episode the first time now have the chance to experience it again.
Matt has decades of experience living off the land. Matt went for a walk one day and ended up spending six months on his own in the wild. He lives in a remote area of southern Utah where he primarily sleeps in primitive structures.Matt started down this path at age 15, when he first became a triathlete and rock climber. At age 23, Matt proved his amazing athletic endurance as a runner when he ran the Pacific Crest Trail – 1,700 miles crossing the length of the California crest – in 58 days.Matt has been teaching primitive skills for the past 20+ years, including at the Boulder (Utah) Outdoor Survival School and guiding llama packing trips while continuing to compete as an endurance athlete. He then became an outdoor instructor for an at-risk youth therapy project known as the “Anasazi Outdoor Program.” In addition to these programs Matt also did training courses for the Young Marines and Canadian Cadets.Matt is a world class master of the atlatl and started competing years ago against world champions. He’s also skilled at hunting with the long bow and in the primitive art of brain-tanning hides to make clothing. He’s studied Judo, Tae Kwan Do, Wushu Kung fu, and Jeet Kune Do.Matt is featured in the documentary Living Wild as well as in Discovery’s Dude, You’re Screwed, and has been both a Stone Age living consultant for "Survivorman" Les Stroud and The Amazing Race.
#WhoTheWYLDThingsAre #ReWYLD #Survival #MattGraham
In this episode, Eric Hinman—entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and high-performance lifestyle expert—shares his approach to training, recovery, and business. He discusses the mindset and daily habits that drive his success, from ultra-endurance racing to building a personal brand. Listeners will gain insights into optimizing performance, balancing work and fitness, and creating a life of purpose.
This episode is sponsored by Kula Sport Performance, the premier destination for athlete recovery and optimization. Learn more at www.kulasp.com and follow them on Instagram at @kulasportsperformance.
Uninterested in the American dream, Kris Reed dropped out of high school to pursue a life of nature connection and outdoor adventure. Over the last 20 years he’s taught ancestral earthcrafts and survival skills, backpacked over 15,000 miles, and accumulated more dirt time by bicycle and canoe. By sticking to the philosophy of “limited wants, unlimited means” Kris has cultivated a life free of many of the trappings of modern society, allowing him to live on a near permanent sabbatical. If you head into the wild you’re bound to cross his tracks at some point.
In Episode 71 of Who the WYLD Things Are, Ryan sits down with Osborne to dive into the world of backcountry skiing and snowboarding. They discuss essential gear, safety tips, and navigating the wild terrain of Colorado's backcountry. From epic powder days to the risks and rewards of adventures, Osborne shares his experience, and the two talk about how to make the most of the winter wilderness. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights for your next snow-filled adventure!
yan sits down with Survival Legend Donny Dust: Donny Dust is a world wide expert in remote primitive survival, emergency preparedness, ancestral skills and primitive technologies. Donny is an expert flintknapper and primitive hunter pushing the limits of the human body to thrive in some of the most remote regions of the world. Donny has walked countless miles, living a minimalistic approach to survival while employing the basic of primitive technologies to thrive in any environment. Donny has authored books, worked on feature films as a technical survival consultant, participated in different network television programs, conducted numerous podcasts and radio appearances, as well has spoken in-front of crowds who traveled far and near to hear him speak of his adventures and skills. Known as the "Professional Caveman" Donny is nothing but professional, adventurous and creative. Donny's expertise draws clients from as far as Canada, The United Kingdom, Australia and South America. All want to walk wild with Donny and experience the adventures of the "Professional Caveman."
Ryan and Ciela return from a primitive winter journey full of inspiration and newfound courage, having faced challenges previously unexplored. A very intentional adventure was curated for them to experience when Ryan’s friend Jess introduced him to Ciela and her need to prepare for a deeper quest that she carries in her heart. Something clicked and he knew exactly where to take her to find the clarity and preparation she was seeking. Meeting the cold, awakening to icicles, river crossings, warmth of the fire, visitors from other realms, the spirits of those who’ve walked the lands before them, petroglyphs, ancient wisdom, tracking beasts, crystalline pure water sources, everything they could need was theirs. Join them on the ride home as they rediscover the lessons learned and the gifts received. A little about our guest Ciela Wynter. She’s a rebel at heart and seeks the extraordinary in the everyday. Her expressive color palette includes Artist, Astrologer, Inner Work Guide, Author, Executive Leadership Coach, Sound Facilitator, and Singer/Songwriter. Ciela is a lover of self-inquiry and the transmutation of energy from pain into that which is useful. Having taught thousands of students worldwide, she works to inspire inner exploration in the realm of transpersonal psychology for self-discovery. Nature and her medicine is a deep resource for her and a reflection of what is possible--which is Everything.
