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In this special long‑form conversation, Brett Barry sits down with legendary angler‑writer and publisher Nick Lyons, now 93, whose life has been shaped by water, words, and the Catskills. From a childhood spent catching frogs for pocket money to founding one of the most influential fishing imprints in America, Nick’s story is a rare blend of grit, curiosity, and literary devotion. Recorded in Nick’s home in Woodstock, this episode traces his journey from the Bronx to the Beaverkill, from boarding school loneliness to the rhythms of trout streams, from early rejections to a flourishing writing and publishing career. Along the way, Nick reflects on family, loss, love, teaching, and the deep satisfactions of a life lived close to rivers. In This Episode Growing up in the Bronx with Yiddish‑speaking grandparents and bachelor uncles Boarding school memories and discovering fishing at Ice Pond Summers at the Laurel House in Haines Falls — frogs, creeks, and Catskills lore Seeing the Hindenburg fly overhead as a child A difficult stepfather and moves from Mount Vernon to Brooklyn The Army years and the beginnings of serious reading Falling in love with literature at the New School, Bard, and the University of Michigan Meeting Mari — art, shyness, and a life partnership Early writing struggles and a breakthrough with Field & Stream Finding his voice: earthy, nimble, wry, and rooted in lived experience Fishing the Catskills — rhythms, hatches, freestone rivers, and memory Why salmon fishing never clicked Teaching for decades while building a parallel career in publishing Reviving classic fishing literature and launching The Lyons Press The rise of Sportsman’s Classics and the explosion of modern fly‑fishing writing Why he eventually stopped fishing and what he misses most Nick Lyons is one of the most influential figures in American angling literature — but his story is far larger than fishing. It’s about reinvention, persistence, and the way a life can be shaped by curiosity and attention. This episode captures a voice that is warm, reflective, and still sharp with humor and insight. Links & References Nick Lyons’s memoir Fire in the Straw The Seasonable Angler Nick's presentation at the Jerry Bartlett Angling Collection Mari Lyons Studio

New York State Historic Newspapers Project with Chuck Henry Episode Overview Dive into the largest state newspaper archive in the country! Chuck Henry, Project Lead for New York State Historic Newspapers, takes us through this incredible digital repository containing over 1,200 newspaper titles, 1.5 million editions, and more than 15 million pages—all available free of charge. Guest Chuck Henry IT Coordinator, Northern New York Library Network Project Lead, New York State Historic Newspapers What You'll Learn 🗞️ How the project transformed microfilm archives into a searchable digital collection 🗞️ The breadth of the collection: from 1725 to 2025, covering all 62 New York counties 🗞️ Tips and tricks for searching the database effectively 🗞️ Why this matters for genealogists, historians, students, and curious locals 🗞️ The difference between this free public resource and commercial databases 🗞️ How libraries and historical societies can get their collections digitized Key Topics Discussed 📰 The Problem with Microfilm 📰 Chuck explains why libraries desperately needed a better solution than basement microfilm readers and hours of manual searching. 📰 Building the Archive 📰 Started in 2004 as Northern New York Historic Newspapers 📰 Expanded statewide in 2014 📰 Now adds approximately 500,000 new pages every year 📰 Second largest freely available newspaper archive in the U.S. (behind Library of Congress) What's in the Collection ⌨️ 1,200+ newspaper titles from across New York State ⌨️ Earliest: New York Gazette (February 1725) ⌨️ Most recent: Freeport High School newspaper (June 2025) ⌨️ Includes Catskills papers like the Catskill Mountain News, Delaware County Dairyman, Gilboa Monitor, and Callicoon Local Record ⌨️ Multiple languages: English, German, Spanish, Italian, Gaelic, and Native languages Search Tips from the Expert 🖱️Start with county-based browsing using the interactive map 🖱️Use Boolean search operators and quotation marks for precise results 🖱️Try alternative spellings for older papers with imperfect OCR 🖱️Browse by specific dates to see multiple newspapers' coverage of historical events 🖱️Create a free account to save searches and make notes Who Uses It 👉 Genealogists researching births, deaths, marriages, and property transfers 👉 Amateur and professional historians 👉 Students from K-12 through university level 👉 Authors and journalists 👉 Local communities preserving their heritage The Process Libraries and historical societies can submit their collections Funding often available through Empire State Library Network councils Scanning done in-house in Potsdam, NY OCR technology makes everything searchable Original microfilm preserved as permanent backup Notable Finds Mentioned Desperate fight with a bear (Stanford Mirror, 1876) Bootleg liquor tragedy (Delaware Republican, 1926) Restaurant ads from the 1970s The "Spiedie Sandwich" historical marker project Copyright and Access Content pre-1920s is public domain 1920s-1960s content varies by copyright status Post-1960s content requires written permission Everything available free of charge—no paywalls or subscriptions Resources New York State Historic Newspapers New York Heritage Get Involved Libraries and historical societies can contact the Northern New York Library Network about digitization services Create a free account to save searches and research Optional monthly newsletter available 🎙️ Production Credits Kaatscast is a biweekly production of Silver Hollow Audio Host, producer: Brett Barry Transcription: Jerome Kazlauskas More at kaatscast.com Sponsored by The Mountain Eagle 🫆 Mystery Bonus Do you know where the Mountain Eagle's missing archives are? Previous owners either destroyed them or the microfilm is languishing in an undisclosed ... basement? Contact the show if you have leads!

Prescribed Fire in the Catskills: Restoring a Lost Tool In this episode, Brett sits down once again with Ryan Trapani, Director of Forest Services at the Catskill Forest Association, to explore the surprising ecological value of prescribed fire in the Northeast. Recorded fireside at the Kaatscast studio, this conversation digs into the science, history, and cultural memory of fire in the Catskills, and why small, carefully managed burns may be key to healthier forests, richer wildlife habitat, and a more resilient landscape. Key Topics Why fire disappeared from Northeastern land management — and why that’s a problem How Indigenous communities shaped ecosystems with fire What “pyrogenic species” like oak and chestnut need to thrive The Catskill Forest Association’s new prescribed burn program How controlled burns can improve wildlife habitat and biodiversity The challenges of permits, insurance, and public perception What early‑successional habitat is — and why we’re losing it Lessons from the Albany Pine Bush and Shawangunk Ridge About the CFA Prescribed Burn Program Ryan outlines CFA’s cautious, incremental approach to reintroducing fire on private lands — starting with low‑complexity field burns, building community familiarity, and navigating the regulatory and insurance landscape. The goal: restore a long‑missing tool to the Catskills’ silvicultural toolbox.

In this episode of Kaatscast, Brett visits Sleepover Trading Company in Catskill, New York—a new video rental shop rebuffing the algorithmic grip of streaming platforms by reviving the analog joy of VHS tapes, comic books, and sleepover culture. Owners Rob Ribar and Guido Sanchez share how their passion for collecting movies, comics, and memorabilia evolved into a retro storefront in the historic Catskill Community Theater. Together, they explore the legacy of Video Visions, a beloved Chatham video store whose 20,000‑title collection now lives on at Sleepover Trading. Along the way, they reflect on the lost art of browsing shelves, the freedom of discovery beyond algorithms, and the nostalgia of sleepovers filled with horror flicks, trading cards, and late‑night laughter. Highlights: The VHS revival: Why physical tapes still matter in an era of disappearing streaming titles. Video Visions legacy: Preserving Steve Campbell’s 20,000‑movie collection as a living library. Sleepover culture: Comics, toys, trading cards, and the perfect mix of nostalgia. Analog over algorithms: How human curation fosters true discovery. Community connections: From flea markets to local artists, building Catskill’s movie hub. Lost media preservation: Taped‑off‑TV VHS archives, commercials, and forgotten gems. Membership perks: Rentals without late fees, access to rare titles, and even VCR equipment. Links: Sleepover Trading Company: https://linktr.ee/sleepovertradingco Video Visions (documentary): https://youtu.be/6h3VvS5N8g0

In this episode of Kaatscast, host Brett Barry visits Catskill Collectibles, a unique shop in Catskill, NY, curated by Tom Illari. The shop specializes in Catskills memorabilia, blending new creations with rare vintage items going back to the 19th century. Tom shares his journey from a finance career to running the shop and his lifelong passion for the Catskills, highlighted by his extensive personal collection of historical items. Brett and Tom chat about the nuanced relationship between the village of Catskill and the broader Catskills region, the resurgence of the area as a vacation destination, and the evolving interests of collectors and tourists alike. 00:00 Introduction to Catskill Collectibles 01:21 Tom Illari's Journey to Catskill 03:01 The Origins of Catskill Collectibles 04:57 From Personal Collection to Business 07:53 Expanding the Shop's Offerings 09:03 Showcasing Unique Vintage Items 15:38 The Community and Local Collaborations 16:56 Tom's Lifelong Connection to the Catskills 18:27 The Resurgence of the Catskills 19:22 Challenges and Future of Vintage Collecting 20:15 Customer Demographics and Shop Dynamics 21:46 Reflections and Future Plans 22:46 Holiday Shopping and Popular Items 23:35 Local Pronunciations and Community Insights 24:46 Catskill's Vibrant Main Street 26:42 Tom's Favorite Memories and Nature's Draw 28:19 How to Visit Catskill Collectibles 29:55 Conclusion and Podcast Information

Measuring Snow: Citizen Science in the Catskills Summary: Winter in the Catskills isn’t just about skiing, sledding, or shoveling. Snowpack plays a critical role in our water resources, local economies, and even global climate regulation. In this episode, Brett Barry speaks with Dr. Marco Tedesco of Columbia University’s Lamont‑Doherty Earth Observatory, about the NASA‑funded X‑Snow Project — a citizen science initiative inviting volunteers to measure, photograph, and collect snow data across the region. Together, they explore how local observations help validate satellite models, improve climate predictions, and build community engagement around environmental stewardship. 🎙️ Episode Highlights Snow as a climate regulator: Why reflective snowpack matters for Earth’s energy balance. Citizen science superheroes: How everyday volunteers contribute to NASA‑funded research. Snowpack vs. snow depth: Understanding SWE (snow water equivalent) and why density matters. Local impacts: Shorter winters, more rain events, and what that means for Catskills tourism, groundwater, and flood risk. Microplastics in snow: Emerging research on contaminants entering our water systems. Community partnerships: The Catskill Center’s role in training and outreach. How to get involved: Simple Tier‑1 measurements with nothing more than a ruler, or level up to advanced lab sampling. 📌 Resources & Links Learn more or volunteer: x‑snow.us Resources and supplies: catskillsvisitorcenter.org Full episode archive: kaatscast.com

Did you know the Catskill region was once tropical—and south of the equator?! In this episode, Brett Barry visits the Gilboa Museum and Juried History Center to explore one of the oldest fossilized forests on Earth. Education Chair Kristen Wyckoff shares her decades-long passion for paleobotany, the story behind Gilboa’s world-famous Devonian tree stumps, and discoveries unearthed during the Schoharie Reservoir construction, dam restoration, and creek bed fossil hunts. From lungfish and sea scorpions to the mysterious “snake tree,” we dig into the prehistoric past of upstate New York and learn how mud, minerals, and mural magic preserve a forest that predates the Catskills themselves. 🪨 Highlights 🌴 Gilboa’s tropical past—when the region was south of the equator 🦴 Fossil discoveries during Schoharie Reservoir construction 🎨 Kristen’s murals and museum exhibits 📚 A children’s book adventure through the Devonian 🐟 Sea creatures, spore trees, and sedimentary surprises 🏛️ How a generous hometown alum helped build a fossil-focused museum complex 🔗 Resources Visit the museum: ⁠gilboafossils.org⁠ Kristen Wyckoff’s children’s book: ⁠Dennis’s Devonian Adventure⁠ Learn more: ⁠The Catskill Fossil Forest⁠ by Stein, Hernick, and Mannolini 📍 Broadcast Info Kaatscast is now broadcasting a public radio edition! Saturdays at 11 AM on WJFF Radio Catskill (90.5 FM). Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Instagram @kaatscast.

🎙️ Neighbors on the Front Lines: Margaretville FD and the Spirit of Catskills Volunteerism Episode Description: In this episode of Kaatscast, we head to Margaretville, New York, where volunteer firefighters train for blitz attacks—a high-volume water technique used to knock down fires fast. But this story goes beyond the hose line. It’s about community, commitment, and declining volunteerism nationwide. With over 90% of New York’s fire departments staffed by volunteers, towns like Margaretville rely on neighbors—teachers, shopkeepers, reporters, and retirees—to respond when disaster strikes. Hear from training officer Jon Schebesta and longtime volunteers like Nate Hendricks, Lissa Harris, and others, as they share personal stories, challenges in recruitment, and the evolving role of fire departments in rural life. From floods to flames, prop windows to real emergencies, this episode honors the people who show up—when the siren sounds in the middle of dinner. Topics Covered: Blitz attack training and deck gun drills Declining volunteerism in rural communities Personal stories from Margaretville FD members Emergency response beyond firefighting Roles for volunteers of all backgrounds Funding and equipment in rural departments Location: Margaretville Fire Department, Catskills, NY Listen & Subscribe: Stream anytime at kaatscast.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @kaatscast. Watch the short documentary, Growing Up Catskills, featuring Phoenicia's Gene Gormley: https://vimeo.com/224535275

In 1985, Bob Steuding published The Last of the Handmade Dams: The Story of the Ashokan Reservoir, a historically rich account of the building of the Ashokan Reservoir—and the lives displaced in its wake. Forty years later, the book remains a cornerstone of Catskills regional history and the inaugural title from Purple Mountain Press. In this episode, we visit Bob and Martha Steuding at their 18th-century stone farmhouse near the reservoir. Literary correspondent Rebecca Rego Barry sits down with Bob to reflect on a life rooted in place, the founding of Purple Mountain Press, and the emotional legacy of a dam that reshaped a landscape—and the lives within it.

Ken Posner is an ultrarunner, barefoot hiker, and challenge-seeker whose latest book, Chasing the Grid, chronicles his quest to summit 35 Catskill high peaks in every month—a challenge known as “The Grid.” That’s 420 climbs, through every season, in pursuit of something deeper than endurance. In this episode, Ken shares how the experience became a spiritual journey, shaped by minimalism, transcendentalist thinking, and a deep connection to the land. Available now 📚 Chasing the Grid: An Ultrarunner's Physical and Spiritual Journey in Pursuit of the Ultimate Mountain Challenge ⌨️ Barefoot Ken on the web

In this episode, Brett hits the trail with longtime Catskill 3500 Club member (and current president) Michael Bongar for a hike to Southwest Hunter Mountain—one of the club’s required peaks and a rite of passage for aspiring members. Founded in 1962, the Catskill 3500 Club encourages hikers to summit 33 peaks over 3,500 feet—plus four of them again in winter. But it’s more than a checklist. Through trail maintenance, education, and conservation advocacy, the club fosters a deep connection to the Catskills. Michael shares stories from decades of hiking, reflects on the club’s evolution, and—yes—recounts his time as a professional clown, offering a surprisingly poignant parallel between performance and trail camaraderie. From herd paths to canisters, elevation gain to ethics, this episode is a love letter to the mountains and the community that keeps them wild. Catskill 3500 Club: https://www.catskill3500club.org New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Trail-A-Thon 2025: http://bit.ly/gotrailathon

🎙 Platte Clove Preserve: A Small Parcel with Big Impact  Presented by Kaatscast: The Catskills Podcast Host Brett Barry visits the Platte Clove Preserve with Jeff Senterman and Kali Bird of the Catskill Center to explore the surprising significance of a newly acquired 3.6-acre parcel. Though small in size, this land plays a vital role in preserving wilderness access, ecological integrity, and the scenic character of the Catskills. The episode also reflects on Jeff and Kali’s 10-year journey with the Catskill Center and its evolving role in advocacy, stewardship, and community engagement. 🔗 Resources & Mentions  • Catskill Center – catskillcenter.org  • Hanford Mills Museum – hanfordmills.org  • Briars & Brambles Books – briarsandbramblesbooks.com  • Mountain Eagle News – [email protected] 🎧 Credits  Producer/Host: Brett Barry Guests: Jeff Senterman & Kali Bird Transcript: Jerome Kazlauskas Announcements: Campbell Brown Production: Silver Hollow Audio More info: kaatscast.com | Instagram: @kaatscast

Adjacent to the Willowemoc Wild Forest, in the Sullivan Catskills, a 3100-acre parcel once eyed for development is now safeguarded for future generations. In this episode, we chronicle the Open Space Institute’s landmark deal, and potentially the largest acquisition for the Catskills in nearly 25 years. From the quiet negotiations with landowners to the sweeping implications for climate resilience and watershed health, this episode dives deep into what makes Blue Hill so important to the region. Key highlights include: Behind-the-scenes details on how OSI’s team identified and secured the property The role of Blue Hill in protecting coldwater streams critical to downstream communities A look back at Blue Hill’s brushes with development, including a ski resort derailed by liquor restrictions What the public can expect in terms of access, trails, and community engagement Reflections on regional conservation wins and what they signal for the future Hear from Tom Gravel, OSI's Northeast Project Manager, and Charlie Burgess, OSI’s Northern NY Stewardship Manager about OSI's strategic land acquisitions—and how they are advancing New York’s commitment to conserve 30% of its lands and waters by 2030 under the state’s 30x30 initiative.

How does the botanical elegance of a 19th-century artist find new life in contemporary design? In this episode of Kaatscast: The Catskills Podcast, host Brett Barry follows the enduring influence of Emily Cole—daughter of Hudson River School painter Thomas Cole—whose delicate hand-painted ceramics helped define her artistic legacy. Cole was a founding member of the New York Society of Ceramic Arts in 1892, and she advocated for china painting to be recognized as fine art. Her floral porcelain was “highly prized and much sought after,” admired for its lifelike detail and expressive form. In a special pop-up collaboration, tattoo artist Kelsey Lue brought Cole’s botanical watercolors—on exhibit at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site—into a new medium. Clients at Hummingbird Tattoo were invited to choose from Emily Cole–inspired designs, bridging past and present through artistic interpretation. The exhibit, titled EMILY COLE: Ceramics, Flora & Contemporary Responses, is on view at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site from May 3 to November 2, 2025. Featuring insights from curator Amanda Malmstrom and moments from the tattoo chair, this episode celebrates Emily Cole’s creative spirit and the artists who continue her legacy through reimagined design. Guests: Kelsey Lue – Tattoo artist, Hummingbird Tattoo Amanda Malmstrom – Associate Curator, Thomas Cole National Historic Site Jaime Pedersen – Tattoo client Links: Hummingbird Tattoo: https://www.hummingbirdtattoo.com Thomas Cole National Historic Site (Emily Cole exhibit): https://thomascole.org Follow Kaatscast: Instagram: @kaatscast Newsletter & archives: https://kaatscast.com

Is leaving the woods alone really the best way to preserve them? According to forester Ryan Trapani of the Catskill Forest Association, “doing nothing” comes with hidden costs—and a whole lot of shade-loving trees. In this immersive forest consultation, Ryan pays a visit to host Brett Barry's property to explore hands-on stewardship, the limits of laissez-faire ecology, and the surprising power of sunlight in shaping forest health. In this episode: How to spot hazard trees before they fall (and cost you) Why “doing nothing” might be the worst forest strategy Tree-for-tree advice on pruning, spacing, and crop tree management Sunlight as a limiting factor in Catskill forest health Tips for invasive pest management: ash decline & hemlock woolly adelgid CFA’s hands-on services, from mushroom inoculation to apple grafting Plus, hear Ryan’s reflections on 700+ episodes of From the Forest radio—and learn how CFA’s independent, community-driven model helps landowners steward their properties with purpose. More info: 🌿 catskillforest.org 📡 CFA’s radio show: fromtheforest.podbean.com Please keep in touch at kaatscast.com, rate and review on the podcast app of your choice, and follow us on Instagram.