Best Weekend Birder Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 47 - The Bird is the Word w/ Indiana Audubon Society's Whitney Yoerger 1:32:11

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1d ago1:32:11

1:32:11

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we’re spreading our wings with bird conservationist Whitney Yoerger from the Indiana Audubon Society! From the importance of land conservation to creating accessible birding spaces, Whitney shares her passion for protecting habitats and connecting people to the world of birds. We also dive …

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Ep. 46 - International Backpacking w/ Bradley Grear 1:18:27

8d ago1:18:27

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Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with Brad to swap stories and dive into the do’s and don’ts of international travel. From smart tips to hilarious mishaps, this episode is packed with advice and laughs for anyone itching to explore the world! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.soc…

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Ep. 45 - Safety First, Adventure Always 58:24

14d ago58:24

58:24

Send us a text Before you hit the trail, make sure your pack is ready for anything. In this episode, we break down the essential safety gear every backpacker should carry—from first aid kits and navigation tools to emergency shelters and water filtration. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend trip or a multi-day trek into the wild, we share tips…

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Ep. 44 - Wilderness Trivia: Can You Survive? 58:24

23d ago58:24

58:24

Send us a text Think you could survive in the wild? This week on the pod, we put our skills—and sanity—to the test with our very own version of Survival Trivia! It’s funny, it’s informational, and occasionally, it gets downright weird. From bizarre animal facts to “what-would-you-do” scenarios, tune in to laugh, learn, and question everything you t…

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Ep. 43 - Bringing Back The Prairie: With The Nature Conservancy's Trevor Edmonson! 1:38:10

28d ago1:38:10

1:38:10

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with The Nature Conservancy's very own Trevor Edmonson, to explore the wild and wonderful world of Kankakee Sands! From managing a thriving bison herd to restoring 8,400 acres of prairie once lost to the plow, Trevor shares the triumphs and trials of bringing biodiversity back t…

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Ep. 42 - From River to Rocks: Au Sable Adventures & Charlevoix Finds! 1:06:20

1M ago1:06:20

1:06:20

Send us a text Join Brad and Paddy as they relive their epic 125 mile thru-paddle of Michigan’s legendary Au Sable River—"ponds", rain, and riverside camping included! Meanwhile, Travy J discovers absolute rock hounding heaven on the shores of Lake Michigan and strikes rock gold with a rare Petosky stone find! Plus, the News Panther prowls in with …

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Ep. 41 - Top 3 Pieces of Gear (Not Core 3) 1:12:11

1M ago1:12:11

1:12:11

Send us a text This week, Paddy, Travy, and Brad break down their Top 3 Favorite Pieces of Gear, that aren’t the Core Three. From trusty trail hacks to underrated essentials, these are the items we never leave behind. Lightweight, weird, or just plain awesome, we're giving them the love they deserve. Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @…

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Ep. 40 - Season Four Wrap Up! 1:07:52

2M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Send us a text We’ve hiked the miles, seen the birds, swapped the gear, and now it’s time to look back on everything Season 4! In this special recap episode, Paddy, Travy, and Brad gather around the mic to reflect on the wildest stories, best guests, and favorite moments from the trail. From muddy misadventures to deep conversations under the canop…

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Ep. 39 - The Birdman Cometh....Againeth! 1:34:41

2M ago1:34:41

1:34:41

Send us a text The Busted Knees and Pretty Trees crew is back at it and guess who’s joining the flock? That’s right, The Birdman himself, Chad Fitzpatrick is back in the nest! This week, Travy, Paddy, and Brad spread their wings with Chad to chat all things spring migration, dive into the ethics of birding, explore the meditative magic of the sit s…

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Ep. 38 - We Talkin Electronics... on the Trail! 1:08:55

2M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

Send us a text This week, Paddy, Brad, and Travy crack open the gear bag and focus on the tech that tags along—electronic gear on trail. Power banks, headlamps, GPS gadgets, and the devices we love (or love to hate) when the wilderness gets wired! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Join us: bustedpretty.com Lis…

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Ep. 37 - National Parks Trivia w/ Mr. Corey Gaudette! 1:03:07

2M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, the guys welcome the one and only Mr. Corey Gaudette for a fun, funny, and slightly chaotic round of National Parks Trivia. Who’s got the park smarts and who totally blows it? You’ll have to listen to find out. Plus, the News Panther is back with a couple of wild stories you definitely don’t …

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Ep. 36 - John Chapman: The Myth And The Legend 1:03:20

3M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, Travy J. peels back the legend of Johnny Appleseed, or should we say John Chapman? Was he really just a barefoot wanderer planting apple trees? Or is there more fruit to the story? Join us as we dig into the myths, the man and the mysticism behind one of America's strangest folk heroes. Ema…

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Ep. 35 - Backpacking Gear Accessories! 1:04:15

3M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, Paddy, Travy, and Brad dive deep into all things backpacking gear accessories! From the lightest packs to the weirdest gadgets you never knew you needed, the guys break it all down with their usual banter, honest takes, and trail-tested wisdom! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us:…

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Ep. 34 - We Took a Trip! 1:04:59

3M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

Send us a text Join Paddy, Travy, and Brad as they dive into their latest adventures—from the birding bonanza at the Biggest Week in American Birding in Ohio to the unforgettable chaos and camaraderie of Trail Days 2025 in Virginia. Birds, trails, laughs, and stories you don’t want to miss. Hit play and come along for the ride! Email us at: bustedp…

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118 Season Finale - with the Weekend Birder Community 21:08

3M ago21:08

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Celebrate the joy of birdwatching together. This episode is a special collection of listener stories, curious questions, and bird recordings from the Weekend Birder community. Thank you to Alexa, Kerrie Robertson, Tom Raw, Meg Dow, Jia Yin, Pete Brothwell, Anelie Joy, Jeff Smith, Christoph Devoil, and Roger MacKertich for your contributions — and t…

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Ep. 33 - The Gang Does Trivia! 1:21:05

3M ago1:21:05

1:21:05

Send us a text Gather ‘round the campfire and join us deep in the woods for another hilarious game of Trivia! The questions are as wild as the trails we wander, and the laughter echoes through the trees. Whether you're on a hike or just dreaming of one, this episode brings the wilderness right to your ears! Email us at: [email protected] Follo…

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117 Dawn Chorus - with Andrew 30:13

3M ago30:13

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Listen to the world around you. This episode is about learning from birds, deep listening and why the Australian dawn chorus is so unique. Andrew Skeoch is a professional wildlife sound recordist, acoustic ecologist and author of ‘Deep Listening to Nature’. Over the last 30 years, he has documenting the sounds of environments around the planet, and…

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Ep. 32 - Let's Talk America's National Parks! 1:08:28

4M ago1:08:28

1:08:28

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, the tables are turned! Paddy and Travy J hijack the News Panther for a chaotic romp through two headlines, while Brad trades the mic for a ranger hat and dives deep into the history behind America’s national parks. Role reversal, ridiculous banter, and real nature nerdiness, all in one epis…

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116 Broken Hill - with Anika 24:09

4M ago24:09

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Take a trip to the Australian outback. This episode is about the unique birds that call Broken Hill home and the passion of a farmer who cares for wildlife and the planet. Dr Anika Molesworth is an Agriculture and Environmental scientist who works on climate smart farming across Australia and the Asia Pacific. With a passion for rural communities a…

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115 Casual Birding - with Suzy 29:08

4M ago29:08

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Look at Australian birds with new eyes. This episode is about the adventures of an English birdwatcher and podcaster, the power of the human connection and where to go birding in the UK. Suzy Buttress has loved watching birds ever since she was a child, likely inspired by hand-feeding pigeons in Trafalgar Square. Her passion for birds and the desir…

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Ep. 31 - Gear Talk.... Clothing Accessories! 1:00:16

4M ago1:00:16

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Send us a text You’re listening to Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, the podcast where we dive into the gear that keeps you ready for the trail. From hats that shield, to sunglasses that protect, to fanny packs that carry your essentials, we cover the accessories that make every adventure smoother. Stay tuned, stay equipped and keep on sauntering! Ema…

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Ep. 30 - Season 3 Recap! 1:14:54

4M ago1:14:54

1:14:54

Send us a text Join us as we wrap up a wild and wonderful Season 3! From cool bird sightings to jaw-dropping news panther updates, and unforgettable guests—this recap has it all. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or just tuning in, this episode is your perfect guide through the highs, laughs, and muddy boots of the season. Don’t miss it! E…

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114 Bird of Prey Q&A - with Steve 18:05

4M ago18:05

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Get to know birds of prey on a whole new level. This episode answers listener questions about things like bird parenting, food and morphs. Stephen Debus has been interested in birds, and especially raptors, since childhood. He’s had a long association with the University of New England (Armidale, NSW) as a research fellow and honorary research asso…

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Ep. 29 - A Game Of Would You Rather, Anyone? 1:01:31

4M ago1:01:31

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Send us a text This week, Travy J turns up the heat with a rousing—but always friendly—game of Would You Rather? Get ready for wild scenarios, tough choices, and plenty of laughs. Tune in, play along, and see where you stand when things get weird! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Join us: bustedpretty.com Lis…

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113 Birdwatching for All - with Ian and Julie 23:12

4M ago23:12

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Discover the joys of birdwatching with limited mobility. This episode is about two birders who make birding accessible, including for those in a wheelchair, and the wonderful nature discoveries they've made along the way. Ian Kitchen has always been interested in nature, ever since he was a boy in England. When he was little, he was allowed to borr…

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Ep. 28 - And Now, Some Backcountry News! 1:13:37

4M ago1:13:37

1:13:37

Send us a text This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, Travy, Brad, and Paddy each bring a wild, weird, or downright unbelievable news story straight from the backcountry. From the rebirth of the dire wolf to the circuit court ruling on public lands border crossings— you won't believe what is going on out there! Email us at: bustedpretty@gmail.…

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112 Bird Videos - with Scot 27:18

4M ago27:18

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Learn how to record video footage of birds. This episode is about a passionate ornithologist, conservationist and film-maker who has some great advice about creating bird videos. Scot works for Birdlife Australia and is the coordinator of the Lockyer-Toowoomba Birds on Farms Project. He is also the convenor of the Birdlife Darling Downs local branc…

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Ep. 27 - What's On Top: Let's Talk Layers! 1:06:03

5M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

Send us a text The new episode of the Busted Knees and Pretty Trees is live! This week we’re talking layers — the base, the middle, and the outer. Puffies, fleeces, sun hoodies and all the stuff that keeps you cozy (or not) in the backcountry. Tune in for gear talk, trail thoughts, and our takes on what’s worth carrying when every ounce counts. Ema…

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111 Fairywren Quest - with Maggie 20:50

5M ago20:50

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Try a different form of birdwatching. This episode is about slowing down to learn about local birds and a special place to go birding in Texas. Maggie Galbraith is an amateur naturalist who started focusing more on birds in her early 30s. Since then, she has been trying to educate herself as much as she can. Maggie loves photography. She also adore…

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Ep. 26 - Our Version of Who Is Most Likely! 1:01:23

5M ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Send us a text Episode 26 of Busted Knees and Pretty Trees is a wild ride as we play a raucous game of Who Is Most Likely! No one is safe in this fast-paced, no-holds-barred showdown. Who’s most likely to die first in a horror movie set in the backcountry? Who’s most likely to strip down and go for a little skinny dip? Tune in for the laughs, the c…

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110 Slow Birding - with Joan 16:45

5M ago16:45

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Try a different form of birdwatching. This episode is about slowing down to learn about local birds and a special place to go birding in Texas. Joan E. Strassmann loves to watch local, common birds as they live their lives. She is Rebstock Professor of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis where she teaches behavioral ecology and works hard…

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Ep. 25 - Turn the Mic: Fan Q&A with Adam Grimme 1:28:08

5M ago1:28:08

1:28:08

Send us a text Get ready for another episode of Busted Knees and Pretty Trees! This week, we’re flipping the script—longtime listener and fan Adam Grimme joins us as our special guest, and this time, he's asking the questions! What’s he got in store for us? You’ll have to tune in to find out!" Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedp…

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109 Tasmania - with Ramit 21:13

5M ago21:13

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Adventure to Australia’s southern island. This episode is about the joy of being a birdwatching tour guide, the fun of pelagics and the wilds of Tasmania. Ramit Singal has been interested in natural history ever since he was a kid. He is passionate about citizen science and enabling people to observe and love nature. Ramit also works as a nature to…

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Ep. 24 - Pants, Shorts and Underwear on Trail! 1:12:30

5M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

Send us a text In this episode of Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we tackle age-old hiker questions pertaining to pants, shorts, and underwear! We talk about the best choice for different weather conditions, and personal comfort. Do you go full coverage to protect against the sun and/or wind, or embrace the airflow with shorts? And where does underw…

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108 Birds on Farms - with Shannon 18:02

5M ago18:02

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Discover how farmers are making a difference for birds. This episode is about Birdlife Australia's Birds on Farms project and the positive impact it is having on birds, habitats and the people involved. Shannon Creaney is an ecologist based in Victoria, Australia, specialising in the conservation of native birds and threatened species. As the coord…

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Busted Knees and Pretty Trees Trailer 1:05

6M ago1:05

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Send us a text Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Join us: bustedpretty.com Listen to us on: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Amazon Music / iHeartRadio / YouTube

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Ep. 23 - Hiking Footwear and Socks! Let's Have a Talk! 52:57

6M ago52:57

52:57

Send us a text Ready to hit the trail but not sure what’s best for your feet? Whether you're lacing up rugged hiking boots for tough terrain, slipping into lightweight hiking shoes for a quick trek, or pulling on the perfect pair of moisture-wicking socks to keep blisters at bay—we've got you covered! Tune in as we break down the best footwear choi…

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107 Did You Spot It - with Jason 16:04

6M ago16:04

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Get advice about how to help children learn about the birds around them. This episode is about how anyone can become a birdwatcher. Jason Rodgers combines cartooning, musicianship, and performance to introduce kids to birdwatching. He's the illustrator/author of "Did You Spot It? Noticing Birds Around Australia", a colourful kids book enjoyed by ma…

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Ep. 22 - Good Ol' Fashioned Trivia w/ Ty Vanmeter! 1:07:51

6M ago1:07:51

1:07:51

Send us a text In the latest episode of Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, the guys welcome special guest Ty Vanmeter for a fun, lighthearted round of classic nature trivia! Get ready for laughs, friendly competition, and plenty of outdoor knowledge as they test their wits on everything from wildlife to the wilderness. Tune in for a laid-back adventure…

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106 Ornithology - Paperback Perfumes crossover 1:06:48

6M ago1:06:48

1:06:48

Journey back to the 1800s to hear about the life of Elizabeth Gould. This cross-over episode is about illustrations of science, colonialism, feminism and the natural beauty of birds. Clare Presser, host of Paperback Perfumes podcast, loves storytelling and engaging her community. She merges literature and perfumery to evoke memories and new experie…

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Ep. 21 - We Are Talkin' Birds with Chad Fitzpatrick! 1:37:25

6M ago1:37:25

1:37:25

Send us a text This week on the Busted Knees and Pretty Trees podcast, we are welcoming a great friend of the podcast and totally rad bird man, Chad Fitzpatrick! We are talkin' birds baby! Bird songs, favorite birds, methods of birding, birding gear and a lot more! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Join us: bu…

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105 Birding in a Kayak - with Marian 18:43

6M ago18:43

18:43

Look at Australian birds from a different perspective. This episode is about finding community, birdwatching while kayaking and a close encounter with a White-bellied Sea-eagle. Marian Blake is a casual birder with a lifelong passion for animals and nature. She’s spent half her career working with animals and have always had an interest in learning…

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Ep. 20 - We are the Hydro Homies!! 58:33

6M ago58:33

58:33

Send us a text This week on the Busted Knees podcast, your H2O bros cover all things water! How to carry water, the importance of water, filtering water and so much more! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Join us: bustedpretty.com Listen to us on: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Amazon Music / iHeartRadio / YouTube…

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104 Gang-gang Cockatoos - with Holly and Gee 39:57

6M ago39:57

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Learn all about one of Australia’s charasmatic cockatoos. This episode is a deep-dive into the world of the Gang-gang Cockatoo and the people that love it with all of their heart. Dr. Holly Parsons is all about the birds that live where people live. As BirdLife Australia’s Manager of Priority Sites, she oversees programs that aim to protect key hab…

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Ep. 19 - We Welcome Back Jon Cable for the Gear Talk! 1:15:24

7M ago1:15:24

1:15:24

Send us a text This week, we welcome back Jon Cable, our resident, midwestern Thru-Hiker! Last week we spoke of experiences he has had on the trail, but this week, we wanted to take little trip into his pack, talk about gear, trail weight, boots etc... We hope you enjoy! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Join …

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103 Thriving in the City - with Jacinta 23:40

7M ago23:40

23:40

Discover how to create bird-friendly gardens in urban areas. This episode explores the challenges urban birds face, from habitat loss to Noisy Miners, and offers practical tips for supporting them in our own backyards. Jacinta Humphrey is an Urban Ecologist and Postdoctoral Researcher with the ICON Science group at RMIT University. Her work explore…

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Ep. 18 - Thru-Hiking the AT and PCT with Jon Cable 1:24:52

7M ago1:24:52

1:24:52

Send us a text On this week's episode, the Busted Knees and Pretty Trees podcast sits down with a fellow Indiana native to discuss the ins and outs of life on the trail..... the entire trail.... all the way thru! Yes, we are talking thru-hiking not just the AT, but the PCT too! So sit back, relax and lets learn all there is to learn from our very o…

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102 Birds and Music - with Ruby 22:42

7M ago22:42

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Hear a musician reflect on how birds affect life and music. This episode is about the deep connection between nature and music, and how birds provide us with a sense of place. If anyone can silence a room, it’s South Africa-born and Melbourne-based musician Ruby Gill. Ruby’s arresting lyricism and deadpan wit have already garnered them millions of …

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Ep. 17 - Let's Play a Game! 59:40

7M ago59:40

59:40

Send us a text This week, join us for a fun-filled episode where we dive into some wild and wacky backcountry 'Would You Rather' questions! From quirky dilemmas to tough choices, we’ll laugh, debate, and reveal our true selves while tackling these thought-provoking (and sometimes hilarious) scenarios! Email us at: [email protected] Follow us: …

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101 Swallows and Martins - with Lorne 21:14

7M ago21:14

21:14

Discover the incredible aerial acrobatics of Australia's speedy little birds. This episode is about Sydney Park, and the world of Australian swallows and martins. Lorne Johnson is a high school teacher and poet living in Newtown, Sydney. He began birding way back in 1986. He has travelled all over Australia searching for birds. He is an avid urban …