Wilderness Wavelength

Grab a seat in the passenger side as George and Jeff hit the gravel roads for a classic fall cruise. In this episode, the guys soak up the crisp autumn air, talk strategy for spotting grouse in the changing foliage, and share a few laughs along the way. Whether you're a seasoned wing shooter or just love the peace of a seasonal drive, this episode captures a little cruise along the backroads.

On this episode we are joined by outdoorsman and taxidermist Shane Swanson for a masterclass in wilderness survival and unique woodsman skills. Shane takes us behind the scenes of his taxidermy work, detailing his fascinating process of using dermestid beetle colonies to clean skulls. He explains how these flesh-eating beetles create pristine, museum-quality European mounts, what it takes to maintain a thriving colony, and why this method beats traditional boiling every time. Beyond the taxidermy shop, Shane shares gripping, first-hand stories from a lifetime spent in the deep woods, including: The Reality of the Trap Line: The hard work, strategy, and wildlife knowledge required to run lines in harsh conditions. Survival Mode: A harrowing account of getting turned around and completely lost in the thick bush, and the crucial decisions that saved his life. The Exploding Ice Tent: A wild, chaotic story of an ice fishing trip gone wrong when a heater mishap turned his shelter into an absolute fireball. Bear Encounters: Heart-pounding moments standing face-to-face with apex predators and how to handle high-stakes wildlife standoffs. Whether you are looking to manage your own beetle boot-camp or want to hear incredible survival stories from a true woodsman, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

In this episode we sit down with retired Fire Chief of Jasper, dedicated philanthropist, and true backcountry adventurer, Greg Van Tighem . Greg has spent decades testing the limits of human endurance to raise awareness and critical funds for Multiple Sclerosis. As the long-standing Trail Coordinator for the MS Bike Tour , Greg pulls back the curtain on what it takes to organize and map out these iconic rides. The MS Bike tour is happening in Hinton on Sept 12th and 13th and you can find more info on it here: https://msspbike.donordrive.com/events/1353 Greg's personal fundraising campaigns take "extreme biking" to an entirely new level. We dive deep into his most grueling, wild, and awe-inspiring long-distance cycling achievements, including: The Desert Trek: An epic journey from the mountain peaks of Jasper all the way to the arid landscapes of Arizona. The Trans-Canada Route: Pedaling the grueling full length of Highway 16. The Ultimate Winter Test: Biking the remote, treacherous ice roads all the way to Tuktoyaktuk in the dead of winter. When he isn't pushing gears through sub-zero blizzards, Greg is a passionate, veteran hunting guide . In the second half of our conversation, we swap the bike tires for boots on the ground as we dig into some of his most thrilling, edge-of-your-seat hunting and wildlife stories from deep within the Canadian wilderness. Whether you are a cyclist, an avid outdoorsman, or someone who loves a story of sheer determination, this episode is packed with grit, heart, and wild adventure. You can read more about Greg's adventures at www.endms93.com

On this episode, we take on one of the most recognizable and striking peaks in Jasper National Park: Roche Miette. To help us navigate this challenging and iconic route, we are joined by local scrambling legend Robert Lindsay. Robert shares his decades of mountain wisdom, guiding us past the loose scree, through the technical cruxes, and straight to the top. Tune in to hear the thrilling firsthand account of the climb, essential safety tips for high-exposure terrain, and stories from a lifetime spent exploring the Canadian Rockies. Thanks to John and Lucas for joining in on this wild adventure!

In Episode 128 of the Wilderness Wavelength Podcast, we dive deep into the high-adrenaline world of human flight with avid BASE jumper and skydiver Landon Maybaum. Landon takes us directly to the exit point, sharing gripping stories of what it feels like to step off fixed cliffs, navigate unpredictable air currents, and push the limits of terminal velocity. We explore the hyper-focus required for low-altitude jumps, the evolution of his passion for the skies, and how this intense adventurer transitions from chasing freefalls in the summer to diving for sea cucumbers and urchins in the freezing winter seas. Tune in for a masterclass on risk, gravity, and living life on the edge. Episode Highlights: Stepping Off the Edge: Landon breaks down the mental mechanics and raw thrill of BASE jumping. The Skydiving Foundation: How hundreds of airplane jumps pave the way for extreme fixed-object leaps. Close Calls & Canopy Control: Heart-pounding stories of survival, wind analysis, and split-second decision-making. From Skies to Sea: How a full-time thrill-seeker resets by diving the freezing ocean depths for urchins and cucumbers in the off-season. Rate & Review Reminder: Enjoying the episode? Please take 30 seconds to rate and review Wilderness Wavelength on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us bring you more wild stories from adventurers like Landon.

The Mossy Bog Rendezvous (formerly the Rat Root Rendezvous) is an annual gathering that brings together outdoor enthusiasts for a weekend focused on bushcraft, traditional skills, canoeing, and community building. We are so excited to be able spend the weekend at the Rendezvous and chat with some legends of the community. This episode starts with a chat with the hosts and organizers, Dale and Colleen Kiselyk , ( https://naturealiveadventures.com/) about the history of the Rendezvous and their backstory. Dale is a wilderness guide, educator, and founder of Nature Alive Adventures with decades of experience teaching canoeing, bushcraft, and outdoor leadership. Colleen is an outdoor educator and wilderness skills instructor specializing in nature connection, traditional skills, and family outdoor learning. We then sit down with Jaye Selin ( https://www.instagram.com/northernbushcraftdad/) to hear about bush knife skills and Julius Wiebe for stories of trapping and working with hides in northern Alberta. Jaye Selin has played in the bush for decades, always exploring and learning through experience. An accomplished outdoorsman, craftsman, and spoon carver, he deepens his knowledge of wilderness living and bush skills through hands-on practice. Julius Wiebe is a hunter, trapper, and outdoors enthusiast. Julius made a living as a full time brain tanner for several years and is teaching courses over the weekend. The episode finishes with a conversation with Dave Holder and Bruce Zawalsky! Dave Holder is a wilderness living skills instructor, qualified with Mors Kochanski in 2012. Arctic and Boreal guide with the Wilderness Guides Association (Europe), ACMG guide, Wilderness First Aid instructor, Survival consultant for TV and Film, and Alone show Lead Survival Consultant. Bruce Zawalsky ( https://www.instagram.com/brucezawalsky/ ) is an expert at Teaching Professional Instructor-Led Field Safety Training in Wilderness Survival, Navigation, and Wildlife & Bear Awareness. He is also the author of Bestselling Survival Book: " Canadian Wilderness Survival" Join us on this episode for lessons and stories from the Mossy Bog Rendezvous!

In this episode of the Wilderness Wavelength Podcast, George and Cristina celebrate their wedding anniversary the best way they know how—with heavy packs and open trails. Join the couple as they head into the breathtaking landscapes of Whitehorse Wildland Provincial Park .

Grab your pan and boots! In this episode of Wilderness Wavelength , we head down to the riverbanks with outdoor expert Matthew Ritchie. Matthew guides us through the patient, rewarding art of gold panning. He shares his top insider tips, reveals how to "read" the river to find the best deposits, and explains the exact techniques needed to separate worthless dirt from real gold flakes. Whether you are a curious beginner or a seasoned prospector, this episode will give you the gold fever!

This week, Jordo stops by the backyard to break down his go-to fishing tactics and ultra-light minimalist camping setups. Scott recaps his recent ocean fishing adventure, sharing the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned on the open water. Plus, the guys debut a brand-new game called "Worst Case Campsite," testing their survival instincts against nightmare outdoor scenarios. Scott also share some details on one of his favourite plants in the "Foraging Tip of the Week" Follow along with Scotts adventures on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/northern.rockies.bushcraft/

The 3rd Annual Fathers and Sons camping weekend is here! This year the crew is out searching for Bigfoot at the Willey West Campground down by Drayton Valley. Join us for a little nature hike and some fireside chats with 3 preschoolers!

We are taking the show on the road! In this special live episode, the Wilderness Wavelength team records right from the heart of the Wild Mountain Music Fest . We dive into the sheer magic and majesty of this incredible festival! Its incredible to see how an army of dedicated volunteers comes together every single year to build this musical paradise from scratch. To keep the festival energy flowing, we tackle some hilarious, outdoor-themed "Would You Rather" questions and spend the day soaking in the unforgettable summer vibes. Grab a cold drink, turn up the volume, and feel the festival magic with us!

Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled ride with local adventure junkie Dallas Bourbeau! Dallas joins the podcast to share jaw-dropping stories from the peaks and rivers of our own backyard. He takes us high into the Rockies with tales of split skiing, rock climbing, and ice climbing. Discover what it feels like to launch a paraglider off the iconic peak of Roche Miette and soar above Folding Mountain. The thrills don't stop at the summits. Dallas also details his grueling 600-kilometre kayak expedition down the mighty Athabasca River. Plus, he shares a hilarious, chaotic story about driving a tiny moped straight into the scorching heart of Death Valley. Hit play for an episode packed with epic highs, wild rivers, and pure, unfiltered adventure.

Hit the road with the Wilderness Wavelength crew! In this episode, we are driving from Hinton to Jasper with a very special guest: Scott's son, Lance. As we cruise along the scenic Highway 16, Lance hops in the truck to chat about growing up surrounded by these mountains. Tune in as we share stories of local adventures, highlight the must-see landmarks along the route, and talk about what makes the stretch between Hinton and Jasper so spectacular. Pack your bags and join the ride!

Olivia and Karlee are back in Hinton for a week of exploration! Join us for a quick little backyard hangout and some fun wilderness questions!

In this episode of Wilderness Wavelength, we sit down with adventurer and photographer Karen Palashnuik. Karen shares captivating stories about growing up right here in Hinton and how those early experiences shaped her love for the outdoors. We dive into her impressive resume of trail races, her ultimate bucket-list running goals, and how she captures the raw beauty of nature through her camera lens. We also chat about the Hinton run club and some advice on getting into running. Plus, Karen shares her top photography tips for capturing your own outdoor memories. Stick around until the end of the episode, where Scott Sunderwald spots a few common "weeds" in the garden and transforms them into a must-know foraging tip of the week! What You'll Hear in This Episode: Hinton Roots: How growing up in the local wilderness sparked Karen's lifelong passion for adventure. The Trail Runner's Journey: A look into Karen's past trail races and the epic challenges still on her bucket list. Through the Lens: Karen's evolution as an outdoor photographer and her practical advice for beginners. Scott's Foraging Tip: Why you shouldn't pull every weed in your garden, and how to turn backyard invaders into wild edibles. Follow along with Karens adventures on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fleeting.reality/ Join Scott on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/northern.rockies.bushcraft/

In this wild episode, we sit down with master survival expert Dale Kiselyk! Dale shares incredible stories about his closest animal encounters and how he stays calm in the deep woods. He also takes us down memory lane, sharing what it was like to learn from bushcraft legends Tom Brown Jr. and Mors Kochanski. Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at Dale's brand-new TV series, 72 Hours to Survive , premiering on Wild TV this month! Stick around until the end of the show for our Foraging Tip of the Week. Scott Sunderwald breaks down the amazing benefits of the humble cattail, the ultimate wilderness survival plant. In this episode, you'll learn: How Dale handles intense, close-up wildlife encounters. Life-changing lessons passed down from Mors Kochanski and Tom Brown Jr. What to expect from Dale's new survival show on Wild TV. Why the cattail is known as the "supermarket of the swamp." Connect with Dale Kiselyk: Website: Explore survival courses at Nature Alive Facebook: Follow his updates on Nature Alive Facebook Instagram: Check out his latest clips on Nature Alive Instagram YouTube: Watch his outdoor adventures on the Nature Alive Adventure Channel

Join us on the Wilderness Wavelength Podcast as we step into the past with local legend Ray Gauthier! Ray takes us back to the 1960s when he first moved to Hinton. He shares thrilling stories of surviving brutal winters, hunting, trapping, and foraging in the deep woods. He also talks about his time working in forestry and at the local mill. We then explore Ray's creative side through his passion for pottery and the Athabasca River Potters Guild . For this episodes "Foraging Tip of the Week", Scott Sunderwald reveals the surprising survival and health benefits of the common dandelion. Follow along with Scott's adventures on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/northern.rockies.bushcraft/ Stay Wild!

A super hero has arrived in Hinton to protect the town from bad guys! Blood Axe stops by the podcast studio for his first exclusive interview! He goes into details about his origin and plans to save the town of Hinton. A hero we didn't know we needed!

Grab your gear and tune in! This week, we sit down with professional ecologist Alexandre Caouette to talk about life on the edge. Alex takes us through his wildest rock climbing and ice climbing adventures, sharing what it is like to dangle from frozen waterfalls and steep stone walls. He also just stepped off a plane from Patagonia! You will hear all about his recent trip to the southern tip of the world, including the challenges, the views, and the intense weather. Plus, we launch a brand new segment! Scott Sunderwald introduces our first ever "Foraging Tip of the Week" to help you find tasty treats on your next hike.

This episode is a little backyard hangout around the fire! Jamie, Jeff and Reuben are in town for a visit and we play a few wilderness themed games while sipping scotch.