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Episodes
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Thursday Jul 17, 2025
Is the Yellowstone Supervolcano really going to erupt and end life as we know it, and with the recent and unexpected geothermal events in Biscuit Basin, how worried are the scientists that study the Yellowstone caldera? Is it true the animals of Yellowstone are fleeing, signaling an eruption may be on the immediate horizon?
This week on the show, Dr. Mike Poland -- scientist in charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory -- joins us in the field to debunk myths, explain caldera systems, and break down what a real eruption would look like. From geothermal explosions, to ancient ash layers on Mount Everts, massive lava flows, and why earthquakes are the bigger worry, we cover it all. Plus, Mike calls out those sensational clickbait videos and shares why this iconic landscape is endlessly fascinating without the hype. If you're obsessed with volcanoes, geology, or just love Yellowstone's wild side, this episode is for you.
We talk about:
Yellowstone Fears
Caldera Systems
Signs of Eruptions and Warnings
Ash Layers of Mount Everts
Eruption Complexity
Lava Flows: Past Eruptions and Global Effects
Explosive Eruptions
Real Hazards: Hydrothermal Explosions and Earthquake
Timeline for Potential Eruptions
Ash Flows: Impact & Radius
What are the odds?
Sensationalization
What you should take away from Yellowstone
Links mentioned in this video
Caldera Chronicles
USGS Youtube
USGS Volcanos X
USGS Volcanos Instagram
USGS Volcanos Facebook
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 patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.
Credits
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
Copyright Outdoor Visions Media LLC, 2025
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
Thursday Jul 10, 2025
After years of searching, third generation Montanan rancher Clayton Phipps and his friends Mark Eaton and Chad O'Connor, discover one of the greatest dinosaur fossil specimens of all time: the remains of two perfectly preserved dinosaurs seemingly locked in battle. The find is worth millions, and quickly becomes the focus of not only the paleontological world, but an intense legal battle over who will see the profits. Ultimately the case will be decided by Montana's supreme court and become the basis for landmark legislature.
Today, we're in Eastern Montana getting the story straight from the horse's mouth. We sit down with Clayton -- known to most as the "Dinosaur Cowboy" -- as he tells the complete story of the Dueling Dinosaurs, as well as the series of events that led him to trade his saddle for a shovel, and life on the range for a career in commercial paleontology. Whether you're a fossil fanatic or just love a good underdog story, this episode is all about grit, glory, and the bones of ancient beasts, waiting to be discovered. We talk about:
Clayton's life as a cowboy
The Stygimoloch skull that started it all
Clayton's fossil collection and commercial operation
The discovery of the Dueling Dinosaurs
The legal battle over fossils and mineral rights
Academic vs. commercial paleontology rift
How the Dueling Dinosaurs were sold
The Nanotyrannus vs. juvenile T. Rex debate
The future of paleontology
Links mentioned in this video
Clayton Phipps Instagram
Hell Creek Hooligans Youtube
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 patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.
Credits
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
Copyright Outdoor Visions Media LLC, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Peter Larson, President of the Black Hills Institute for Geological Research, is one of the most knowledgable paleontologists working today. His museum, located in the Hill City, South Dakota, boasts the highest concentration of dinosaur bones of any museum on earth.
While to many, Pete's known for his work as a leading expert in the study of theropods, particularly T. rex, he's also known for being at the center of one of the biggest controversies ever to rock the paleontological world -- the discovery, excavation, and FBI confiscation of the world famous T. rex known as "Sue." The saga is a story so unbelievable, it went on to become the focus of an Emmy-winning documentary, Dinosaur 13.
In this episode of the Backcountry Manifesto, we're on site at BHI, and with endless dinosaur specimens in around us, we talk all things paleontology, here compelling evidence in the "Juvenile T. rex or Nanotyranus?" debate, and get a first-hand account of the discovery, excavation, and confiscation of "Sue," as well as the resulting aftermath which saw Pete spend 18 months in federal prison.
In this episode, we talk about:
Nanotyrannus and potential differences between T. rex
Famous T. rex specimens
The KT Boundary
Sue, the T. Rex
The ensuing legal battle with the Feds
The BHI Museum
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Black Hills Institute
Black Hills Institute Youtube Channel
Pete Larson on Instagram
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 patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.
Credits
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
Copyright Outdoor Visions Media LLC, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
The man who inspired Jurassic Park and acted as a technical advisor on the first six films, Jack Horner swings by the studio to talk all-things dinosaurs. We cover everything from dinosaur ontogeny, to his controversial dino chicken project, as well as the man himself. One of the most famous paleontologists, if not, THE most famous paleontologist, of the last century, this is an interview not to be missed. If you're a dino-nerd waiting for the new Jurassic World film, this one's for you.
In this episode, we talk about:
Reverse-Engineering Dinosaurs: The Dino Chicken Project
The Ethics of De-Extinction
Is T. Rex a Scavenger?
Ontogeny
Warm-Blooded Dinosaurs: Rewriting Prehistoric Physiology
Triceratops vs. Taurosaurus: A Case Study in Dinosaur Classification
Jack's Vietnam Deployment
More Controversy: Marriage and Departure from the Museum
Legacy and Current Work: Mentoring and Public Engagement
Listener Q&A: Answering Your Dinosaur Questions
Links Mentioned in this Episode
https://museumoftherockies.org/
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 patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.
Credits
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
Copyright Outdoor Visions Media LLC, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
Thursday Jun 26, 2025
When it comes to grizzly bears, no one gets closer than Casey Anderson. In fact, for 19 years, Casey's best friend WAS a grizzly bear named Brutus, who Casey would regularly wrestle, ride, and use as a teaching tool at the Montana Grizzly Encounter, a grizzly bear rescue he co-founded in his 20s. Today, he took a break from his busy career as a TV personality and conservation content creator to swing by the studio and talk about grizzly bears, the conservation issues they face, what to do in the event of an attack, and how to prevent attacks in grizzly country. We talk about:
Casey's unusual grizzly attack
Bear body language and communication
Bonding with Brutus, the bear
Grizzly conservation
How to stay safe in Grizzly Country
Your questions answered!
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Casey Anderson's Youtube Channel
Casey Anderson's Instagram
Montana Grizzly Encounter
Our Episode with Rudy Noorlander
Our Episode with Aidan Beers
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 patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.
Credits
“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 Jun 19, 2025
Thursday Jun 19, 2025
Let's get something out of the way: your social studies teacher sucked and Harriet Tubman was way cooler than whatever you learned in 5th grade.
Dr. Edda Fields-Black, recent recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for her book, Combee, joins us in the studio to talk about the adventures of Tubman, who was not only a spy and underground railroad conductor, but also one of the most badass backcountry guides who ever lived.
From pulling guns on freedomseekers having second thoughts about their escape, to her role as a spy and leader in the Combahee River Raid during the Civil War, we dive into all the cool shit your teacher didn't tell you. In this episode, we talk about:
How Harriet Tubman smuggled folks to freedom
Navigating the backwoods of Maryland by starlight
Environmental hazards of the underground railroad
Harriet Tubman's spy missions for the Union Army
How to retro-fit a passenger vessel into a gun boat
The Combahee river raid
Dr. Fields-Black's 2025 Pulitzer Prize winning book, Combee
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Edda Fields-Black's Pulitzer Prize winning book "Combee"
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 patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.
“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 Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Mountain lions roam nearly all corners of the western landscape, from the wildest reaches of the backcountry to our own backyards. They're even present in urban areas -- everyone's heard reports of mountain lions showing up in surprising places, like within Los Angelos city limits.
But how much do we know about these big cats? Do these large carnivores pose relatively little risk to humans and our pets? Is the presence of mountain lions something we should worry about? Could Ricky Bobby really drive with a cougar in the car?
In this episode, Hayden's friend Dr. Kristin Engebretsen drops by the studio to share what she's learned in the field and the lab studying these big cats. We talk about:
The journey of a scientist turned mountain lion expert
The biology and adaptations behind their stealth and strength
How the hell you get a collar on a lion
Using hounds to catch mountain lions
What it's like to dart a mountain lion
Where very heavily medicated mountain lions tend to fall asleep
Handling and studying the predators up close
How mountain lions share the landscape with us—and what that means for their future
Playing with cougar kittens up close
Mountain lion Q&A featuring YOUR questions!
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Brown Bears of Katmai, Wolves of Yellowstone | Dr. Aidan Beers | Ep. 018: https://youtu.be/f4EldpL9wnk
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 patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.
Featuring Kristin Engebretsen
“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 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