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Episodes
Thursday Jun 05, 2025
Thursday Jun 05, 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
Thursday May 29, 2025
Thursday May 29, 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
Thursday May 22, 2025
Thursday May 22, 2025
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
Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
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
Thursday May 08, 2025
Thursday May 08, 2025
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
Thursday May 01, 2025
Thursday May 01, 2025
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
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
Thursday Apr 24, 2025
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
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
Thursday Apr 17, 2025
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
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
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
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
Thursday Apr 03, 2025
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