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In this episode, I sit down with Liz Crandall to explore how a passion for wilderness can grow into a lifelong commitment to conservation and public lands advocacy.
Liz shares the experiences that shaped her connection to the outdoors and led her to dedicate her career to protecting public lands. From her work in Yellowstone to her advocacy for places like Dolly Sods, we discuss the importance of stewardship, the challenges facing public lands, and the responsibility we all share in preserving these landscapes for future generations.
This conversation is about more than conservation policy. It's about developing a deeper relationship with the natural world, finding purpose through service, and understanding why wild places are worth fighting for.
Subjects covered include:
Public lands conservation and advocacy
Wilderness stewardship
Yellowstone and Dolly Sods
Building a career in conservation
Environmental education and outreach
Connecting people with nature
Stewardship and outdoor ethics
Protecting wild places for future generations
Connect with Liz Crandall
🌐 https://rangersofthelostpark.com
📸 https://www.instagram.com/rangersofthelostpark/Connect with The Ground Between Us
📸 https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus
📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@thegroundbetweenus
🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@thegroundbetweenus
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In this episode, I sit down with my dad, Scott Henderson, and my pap, Marty Henderson, to revisit decades of deer camp memories, hunting traditions, and the stories that helped shape our family's connection to the outdoors.
Together, we reflect on a very different era of hunting, from snowy mornings in homemade blinds and long tracking jobs through steep hollows to the unforgettable characters who made deer camp feel like a second home. Through stories spanning multiple generations, we explore how hunting culture has evolved, the lessons learned from old-school woodsmanship, and the importance of preserving the traditions that connect us to both the land and each other.
More than a conversation about deer hunting, this episode is a tribute to family, friendship, and the enduring bonds forged in the woods. It's about the stories we inherit, the memories we create, and the hunting heritage that continues to shape who we are.
Subjects covered include:
Deer camp traditions and hunting heritage
Family stories spanning multiple generations
Hunting in the 1960s through the 1990s
Old-school woodsmanship and deer tracking
Memorable camp adventures and mishaps
Hunting gear and techniques through the decades
Camp characters, traditions, and storytelling
The evolution of hunting culture
Friendship, community, and camp life
Preserving outdoor traditions for future generations
Connect with The Ground Between Us
📧 Guest inquiries:
[email protected]📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus📘 Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537📺 YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thegroundbetweenus🎵 TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thegroundbetweenusMusic licensed through Soundstripe.
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In this episode, I sit down with John Mikolajcik, creator of Public Land Advocate, to discuss the importance of America's public lands, the challenges they face, and why protecting these places matters for future generations. From hunting and fishing to hiking, camping, and wildlife conservation, public lands play a vital role in our outdoor traditions and our connection to the natural world.
John shares how his passion for the outdoors led him into advocacy and why he believes conservation requires people from all backgrounds to work together. We explore current debates surrounding public land management, the Roadless Rule, wildfire prevention, traditional ecological knowledge, resource extraction, and the growing need for informed stewardship. Along the way, we discuss the value of community involvement, responsible use of natural resources, and practical ways people can help protect the places they love.
Whether you're a hunter, angler, public land user, or simply someone who values wild places, this conversation offers an important look at the future of conservation and outdoor access in America.
Subjects covered include:
The cultural and ecological importance of public lands
Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation on public lands
Public land advocacy and conservation policy
Legislative threats to public lands
The Roadless Rule and forest management
Traditional ecological knowledge and prescribed fire
Wildfire prevention and habitat management
Resource extraction and land-use debates
Wildlife conservation and biodiversity
Native plants and ecological restoration
Building support for public lands across communities
Connecting future generations to the outdoors
Practical ways to engage in conservation advocacy
Connect with John Mikolajcik / Public Land Advocate
📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/publiclandadvocate/Resources Mentioned
🎙️ Wild Origins Podcast Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-origins-could-should-hunting-come-back-to-india/id1543788045?i=1000635773062📱 Seek App:
https://www.inaturalist.org/pages/seek_appConnect with The Ground Between Us
📧 Guest inquiries:
[email protected]📸 Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus📘 Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537📺 YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thegroundbetweenus🎵 TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thegroundbetweenusMusic licensed through Soundstripe.
Code: ECMVUU9K35XVZRPU
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In this episode, I sit down with Meg Carney, writer, environmental advocate, and creator of Outdoor Minimalist, to explore the future of public lands, conservation, and what it means to build a more sustainable relationship with the outdoors.
We talk through the complexity of public land management in the United States, from policy shifts and environmental regulation to the real-world impacts these decisions have on ecosystems, wildlife, and the people who use these landscapes. Meg also shares her perspective on stewardship, outdoor ethics, and how everyday choices can shape the long-term health of our natural spaces.
This conversation is ultimately about learning how to better understand the land beneath our feet—how it functions, how it changes, and how we can engage with it more thoughtfully as hunters, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Public lands and conservation in the United StatesEnvironmental policy and regulatory changeStewardship and outdoor ethicsClimate and ecosystem impacts on recreationWildlife and habitat managementOutdoor minimalism and reducing environmental impactThe role of hunters, hikers, and anglers in conservationFreshwater ecosystems and land use🌐 https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalist
📸 https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/
📘 https://amzn.to/4vpY5Xz
🎙️ Outdoor Minimalist Podcast📧 [email protected]
📸 https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus
📘 https://www.facebook.com/thegroundbetweenus
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@thegroundbetweenus
🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@thegroundbetweenusSubjects covered include:Connect with Meg CarneyConnect with The Ground Between Us
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In this episode of The Ground Between Us, we sit down with Christoph Meinardus to explore the foundations of native ecosystems, conservation, and habitat management.
Christoph shares insights into how natural landscapes function, and what it takes to maintain or restore balance in environments that are increasingly shaped by development and land-use change. The conversation covers topics like native plants, biodiversity, invasive species, and habitat restoration, along with the broader ecological principles that connect all of these systems together.
We also discuss how a deeper understanding of ecology can inform hunting, land stewardship, and wildlife management, and why protecting healthy ecosystems is essential for both wildlife and the people who depend on them.
At its core, this episode is about connection—between land, wildlife, and people—and the responsibility that comes with understanding how those systems interact.
Native habitats and ecosystem healthBiodiversity and ecological balanceInvasive species and habitat restorationLand-use change and environmental impactNative plant identification and ecologyThe connection between ecology, hunting, and land managementConservation and long-term ecosystem sustainabilityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blazingstarhabitat/
Website: https://blazingstarhabitat.com📩 Questions, comments, or interested in being a guest?
[email protected]Follow The Ground Between Us
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537Instagram:
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https://www.tiktok.com/@thegroundbetweenusSubjects covered include:Learn more about Christoph’s work:
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In this episode of The Ground Between Us, we sit down with Stephanie Tomana to discuss the environmental challenges facing West Virginia, and the growing importance of conservation, public lands, and community action.
Stephanie shares insight into issues surrounding water pollution, aging infrastructure, environmental legislation, and the long-term impact these challenges have on both ecosystems and public health. The conversation also explores the cultural and economic value of public lands, the future of outdoor traditions, and the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations.
From PFAS contamination and infrastructure concerns to the role of biodiversity in healthy ecosystems, this episode highlights how deeply connected environmental health is to community well-being and sustainability in Appalachia.
Subjects covered include:
Water pollution and infrastructure challenges in West VirginiaPublic lands and conservation effortsEnvironmental legislation and policy advocacyPFAS contamination and public health concernsCommunity resilience and environmental sustainabilityData center development and environmental impactHunting, fishing, and outdoor traditions in AppalachiaThe balance between conservation and resource managementThe interconnectedness of ecosystems and human responsibility📩 Questions, comments, or interested in being a guest?
[email protected]Follow The Ground Between Us
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In this episode of The Ground Between Us, we sit down with Jason Herbert to explore the deeper meaning behind hunting, fishing, and life in the outdoors.
Jason shares his personal journey and reflects on the cultural and emotional significance of time spent in nature. From family traditions and regional identity to the role of hunters and fishermen in conservation and sustainability, the conversation offers a thoughtful look at how outdoor experiences shape who we are.
We also discuss the ethics of hunting, the importance of public lands, and the idea that the pursuit goes far beyond the harvest. It’s a conversation about connection—to the land, to wildlife, and to the people and traditions that define our relationship with the outdoors.
Subjects covered include:
The cultural significance of hunting and fishingEthical hunting and conservation practicesThe role of outdoorsmen as stewards of wildlifeThe importance of public lands and accessPersonal stories connecting family and natureThe meaning behind the pursuit beyond the killHow the outdoors shapes identity and perspectiveConnect with Jason:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herberthistory/📩 Questions, comments, or interested in being a guest?
[email protected]Follow The Ground Between Us
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In this episode of The Ground Between Us, we sit down with Christa Clasgens, founder of Silver Hen Fly Co, to talk about her journey into fly fishing, guiding, and building a community for women in the outdoors.
Christa shares how she got started in fly fishing, what led her to guiding, and how her passion evolved into a business focused on education, connection, and empowerment. The conversation explores the role of public lands in Appalachia, practical tips for beginner fly anglers, and why many women find success in the sport through a focus on finesse and technique.
From learning the fundamentals of fly fishing to creating inclusive outdoor spaces, this episode highlights how passion can grow into something bigger—and how community plays a central role along the way.
Subjects covered include:
Christa’s journey into fly fishing and guidingThe growing role of women in outdoor sportsThe importance of public lands in AppalachiaFly fishing techniques and tips for beginnersThe value of finesse and patience in fly fishingBuilding a supportive outdoor communityTurning passion into a purpose-driven businessTo learn more, visit:
silverhenflyco.com📩 Questions, comments, or interested in being a guest?
[email protected]Follow The Ground Between Us
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What does it actually take to master the outdoors? In this episode, we sit down with Craig Caudill, director of Nature Reliance School, to break down the real skills behind survival, tracking, hunting, and building a deeper connection with nature.Craig shares decades of experience teaching wilderness skills—from reading animal sign and navigating terrain to understanding conservation and the mindset required to thrive outside. Whether you’re a hunter, outdoorsman, or just someone looking to reconnect with the natural world, this conversation is packed with practical insights and hard-earned lessons.Subjects covered include:* Wilderness survival skills and bushcraft fundamentals* Tracking techniques and land navigation* Hunting as a skill-building discipline* Conservation and environmental stewardship* The mindset needed to thrive outdoors* Skills vs. gear vs. tactics in real-world scenarios* Why wild game is one of the most sustainable food sources----------------------------------------Check out Craig & Nature Reliance School:🌐 Website: https://www.naturereliance.org/📘 Facebook: https://facebook.com/naturereliance📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/naturereliance▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/NatureReliance----------------------------------------Resources mentioned:* Nature Reliance School - https://www.naturereliance.org/ *The Lion Tracker's Guide to Life by Boyd Vardy - https://a.co/d/0bnC9TDs *Tough by Greg Everett - https://amzn.to/3O7Ac7o *The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter - https://amzn.to/4mxAzoo *A Timbered Choir by Wenderll Berry - https://amzn.to/41zMKHD *How to Love a Forest by Ethan Tapper - https://amzn.to/4cc4A9J----------------------------------------Connect with TGBTU:📧 Guest inquiries: mailto:[email protected]📱 Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus/https://www.tiktok.com/@the.ground.betweehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537
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In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Madison Grimm to talk about her journey from a young wildlife artist to a hands-on conservationist working in waterfowl rehabilitation. Through a candid and engaging conversation, Madison shares how winning the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest at just six years old sparked a lifelong passion for wildlife—and how that passion evolved into real-world impact through art, advocacy, and rescue work.
Madison walks us through the early moments that shaped her path, including how her artwork became a gateway into conservation and public awareness. She also shares the story behind obtaining permits to legally salvage wild duck eggs, and the challenges of helping build a framework that allows this kind of work to exist within wildlife regulations.
The conversation explores the intersection of agriculture and conservation in the Midwest, emphasizing the critical role that farmers and private landowners play in protecting nesting habitats across the Prairie Pothole Region. Madison also highlights the importance of hunter involvement in conservation efforts and the shared responsibility of sustaining waterfowl populations.
Beyond policy and partnerships, Madison dives into the hands-on side of her work—explaining how she incubates, repairs, and raises wild ducklings while minimizing stress and avoiding imprinting. She also reflects on the ethical considerations of wildlife rehabilitation, the legislative progress she’s contributed to, and her long-term vision for expanding rescue programs and supporting population recovery.
Subjects covered include:
Madison’s early start in wildlife art and winning the National Junior Duck Stamp ContestTransitioning from art into conservation and advocacyThe process of legally rescuing and rehabilitating wild duck eggsTechniques for incubating, patching, and raising ducklingsThe role of farmers and private land in waterfowl conservationWhy hunters are key partners in conservation effortsLegislative challenges and successes in wildlife rehabilitationEthical considerations in rescuing and reintroducing wildlifeMadison’s vision for the future of waterfowl conservationResources & Links:
🌐 Madison Grimm Art – madisongrimmart.com
🌐 Second Chance Flight – secondchanceflight.com
📘 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/p/Second-Chance-Flight-61575078125825/
📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/secondchanceflight/
🎥 The Ground Between Us (YouTube) – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMbZsLiVjmbEohJ3yhDnqUg
📸 The Ground Between Us (Instagram) – https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus/
🎵 The Ground Between Us (TikTok) – https://www.tiktok.com/@the.ground.betwee -
🎙️ Episode Description
Why do so many hunters lose deer, and how can you avoid it? In this episode of The Ground Between Us, we sit down with Sean Butler from Longspur Tracking to explore the evolving world of game recovery, tracking dogs, and modern hunting technology.
Sean explains how tracking dogs and drones are transforming the way hunters recover wounded game, while emphasizing that patience and proper technique remain the biggest factors in success. From understanding deer anatomy to reading sign in challenging conditions, this conversation is packed with practical insights for improving recovery rates.
We also discuss the ethics of hunting, the science behind how tracking dogs work, and the real-world challenges trackers face in the field, including weather, hunter errors, and wildlife management policies in West Virginia. Whether you are an experienced hunter or just starting out, this episode offers valuable lessons that could change how you think about tracking and recovering game.
How tracking dogs and drones are used in game recoveryThe growing importance of tracking dogs in modern huntingWhy patience is critical when tracking wounded deerHow understanding deer anatomy improves recovery successThe impact of weather conditions on trackingHow dogs use scent and pheromones to track gameCommon mistakes hunters make during recoveryHunting ethics and responsible game recoveryWildlife management and legislation in West VirginiaWhy every hunter should have a tracker’s contact infoLongspur Tracking App: longspur.appQuestions or guest inquiries: [email protected]
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537Instagram: instagram.com/thegroundbetweenusTikTok: tiktok.com/@the.ground.betwee🧠 Subjects Covered📍 Find a Tracker📩 Contact📱 Follow The Ground Between Us
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Protecting West Virginia’s rivers and public lands has never been more important. In this episode of The Ground Between Us, we talk with Mike Jones from the West Virginia Rivers Coalition about the efforts to safeguard waterways and public lands across the state.
Mike walks us through the Wild and Scenic River designation process, explaining why these protections are so important for both ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. We also discuss the current legislative landscape, how federal land management decisions impact local rivers and forests, and the environmental challenges posed by large infrastructure projects like data centers.
This conversation highlights the critical role of public participation in protecting West Virginia’s natural heritage. Mike shares practical ways citizens can get involved, from understanding policy decisions to advocating for stronger river and forest protections.
Whether you care about conservation, public lands, or the long-term health of Appalachia’s rivers and forests, this episode makes it clear why these places matter and how you can help ensure they remain protected for generations to come.
The Wild and Scenic River designation process and its importanceCurrent legislative threats to public land protectionsThe role of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition in advocacyEnvironmental concerns related to data center developmentThe Roadless Rule and federal forest protectionsWhy public lands belong to all West VirginiansHow citizens can participate in Forest Service decisionsPractical ways to advocate for river and forest conservationWest Virginia Rivers Coalition: wvrivers.orgSign the Wild & Scenic Rivers petition: act.wvrivers.org/a/wild-and-scenicQuestions or guest inquiries: [email protected]
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585112773537Instagram: instagram.com/thegroundbetweenusTikTok: tiktok.com/@the.ground.betwee -
In this episode of The Ground Between Us, I sit down with Stan Temple to explore the life, legacy, and enduring influence of Aldo Leopold. Together, we dive into Leopold’s groundbreaking ideas about the land ethic, conservation, and ecosystem management, and discuss how his work continues to shape modern environmental ethics and wildlife stewardship.Stan shares stories from his own career in wildlife management, including the remarkable Mauritius Kestrel recovery program, reflections on falconry, and his experiences with public lands and nature. We also explore how A Sand County Almanac introduced generations of readers to the importance of treating the land as a community to which we belong, rather than a resource to dominate.This conversation is a deep dive into the principles that guide conservation today, and why Leopold’s philosophy of moral responsibility to the land remains essential for anyone invested in protecting our natural world.Subjects covered include:• Aldo Leopold’s life, influence, and conservation philosophy• The concept of the land ethic and its relevance today• Wildlife recovery and ecosystem management, including the Mauritius Kestrel program• Reflections on public lands, nature, and human responsibility• Lessons from A Sand County Almanac that continue to guide conservationSound bites from this episode:• “The land ethic is a moral responsibility”• “Wildness is the salvation of the world”• “We are one species in ecological communities”Resources mentioned in this episode:• Aldo Leopold Foundation – https://www.aldoleopold.org/• A Sand County Almanac – https://aldoleopold.org/products/a-sand-county-almanac OR https://amzn.to/4uoBomTGuest links:• Stan Temple – https://www.aldoleopold.org/people/stan-temple
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n this first episode of The Ground Between Us, I introduce the podcast and the ideas that inspired it. I share my own journey in the outdoors and why hunting, conservation, and time spent on the land have become such an important part of my life.I break down the five pillars that guide the podcast—reverence, community, conservation, stewardship, and tradition—and explore why outdoor traditions still matter, how wildlife management and public lands shape the landscapes we love, and how spending time outside can foster connection and personal growth.Whether you’re a lifelong hunter, an aspiring conservationist, or just curious about our relationship with the natural world, this episode sets the stage for the conversations to come.Subjects covered include:• The five pillars: reverence, community, conservation, stewardship, and tradition• Outdoor traditions and their cultural significance• Public lands, wildlife management, and conservation• How ecology and human impact shape our experience outdoors• Building community and personal growth through natureResources mentioned:• A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold – https://amzn.to/4uoBomT• Silent Spring by Rachel Carson – https://amzn.to/4uoBomT• Robin Hood – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Hood📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegroundbetweenus/🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.ground.betwee