Advertise on podcast: Who the WYLD Things Are with Ryan Maguire

This podcast is in loving memory of Rylan Schadegg. The podcast 'Who The WYLD Things Are' features guest Jason Hardrath, an accomplished endurance athlete known for setting 100 fastest known times (FKTs). Jason discusses his transition from being a top mountain athlete to facing serious health challenges, including a debilitating car accident and long COVID, which significantly impacted his ability to train and compete. During his recovery, Jason discovered paragliding, which became a new passion and a means of experiencing growth and adventure without relying solely on physical endurance. He delves into the intricacies of paragliding, his learning process, and how it helped him reclaim a sense of purpose. Despite the setbacks, Jason remains optimistic about finding new ways to explore and inspire others. He also reflects on the balance between pursuing high-risk activities and living a fulfilling life, sharing valuable insights for those dealing with chronic conditions.

The episode features an in-depth conversation with Rhys Fontaine, who recounts his transformative journey from battling severe Lyme disease to undertaking wilderness adventures. Rhys shares his experiences of debilitating symptoms, the frustration of ineffective treatments, and his eventual recovery spurred by a combination of extreme diet changes and a spiritual experience with psilocybin mushrooms. Rhys details his miraculous recovery, the role of his mental and spiritual resilience, and how he has since returned to his passion for wilderness survival. The episode emphasizes hope, holistic healing methods, and the importance of community support for those enduring chronic illness. Last Mountain Man Standing Race: July 18th Click Here Primitive Skills Run Course: July 1st-5th Click Here Field to Feast Course: August 26th-30th Click Here

Meghan Buchanan (@ggrit on IG) is not interested in playing the victim. She’s an aerospace engineer, a mountaineer on a mission to climb the Seven Summits, a dyslexia advocate, and someone who’s been tested again and again by life. You may have seen her on Outlast Season 2 on Netflix, where survival gets messy fast. But this episode isn’t about the show. It’s about the real-life survival stories that came before and after. We talk about what it actually feels like to face trauma while keeping a goal in sight. What it takes to rebuild after being brought to your knees. And how to keep showing up when nobody’s clapping for you. Meghan doesn’t sugarcoat anything. She opens up about grief, betrayal, mountaineering disasters, and the invisible weight of always having to prove yourself. She also shares what she’s learned from the mountains, from her body, and from walking through some dark seasons with her head up. This one is for anyone who’s been through something and kept going.

Matthew Lefthand is a record-breaking ultra-endurance cyclist who’s redefining what’s possible on two wheels. In this episode, we dive into his journey from a 270-pound marathon runner to one of the fastest ultra bikers in the world. He recently shattered the Race Across the West course record, completing the brutal 860-mile route from Oceanside to Durango in just 1 day, 21 hours, and 39 minutes, averaging nearly 19 mph through desert heat and mountain climbs. Earlier this year, he also set the highest 24-hour mileage ever recorded by an American—576 miles at the Sebring 24. But beyond the numbers, this conversation is about the mental, physical, and spiritual transformation that fuels those rides. Matthew talks about what it means to suffer with purpose, how his Navajo heritage and family drive him forward, and what it takes to truly give everything you have. If you’re chasing big goals or need a reminder of what the human body and spirit are capable of, this one’s for you.

In this episode, hosts Ryan, Luis, and Mitchell break down the upcoming Western States 100-mile race. They explore how Jim Walmsley’s absence opens the door for new contenders and dive into key strategies around heat training and nutrition. The trio analyzes top runners like David Roche and Kilian Jornet, then draft their fantasy teams with hot takes and bold predictions. The episode wraps with final thoughts and sleeper picks for the most iconic ultra of the year.

Dean Karnazes is one of the most iconic endurance athletes of all time—and for good reason. He’s run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days, raced across deserts, mountains, and frozen tundras, and helped bring ultrarunning into the public consciousness. But Dean’s story runs far deeper than race stats. In this episode, we explore the history of ultrarunning—from its roots in ancient messengers to its modern resurgence. Dean shares how he got started, what pulled him back into running on his 30th birthday, and why he’s stayed in the sport for decades while many burn out. We cover the mindset that’s allowed him to go the distance, the toll (and gift) of solitude, how he’s kept his body healthy through relentless effort, and what’s still pulling him forward. We also dive into his upbringing, his Greek heritage, and how culture, family, and purpose all play into his enduring passion for movement. Whether you're an ultra veteran, a weekend runner, or just someone seeking inspiration—this episode will light a fire in you.

Brittany Konsella is a skier, mountain biker, author, and one of the few people to ski all of Colorado’s 14ers. But behind those summits is a story of resilience few ever hear. After a traumatic spinal injury left her partially paralyzed, Brittany fought her way back into the wild. In this episode, Ryan and Brittany dive into recovery, risk, identity, and the raw process of rebuilding a life in the mountains after everything changes.

Roland Welker isn’t just the winner of Alone Season 7—he’s a storyteller, a mountain man, and a true student of the wild. In this REWYLD episode, Ryan sits down with the only person to ever complete 100 days fully alone in the Arctic. But this conversation goes far beyond reality TV.Roland opens up about the emotional weight of isolation, the mental shifts that happen when modern life is stripped away, and the deep ancestral knowledge that guided him through one of the most extreme survival challenges ever broadcast. They talk about building shelter in brutal cold, harvesting wild game, and what it really means to live in relationship with the land.This episode is about resilience, yes—but also about humility, connection, and finding meaning in the stillness of the wilderness. Whether you're a survivalist, a nature lover, or just someone curious about the edges of human experience, this one’s worth the listen. Join us in the wild this Summer

Dr. Teimojin Tan is a wilderness medicine doctor, military veteran, and survival expert known for his role on the show Alone. In this episode, he and Ryan go deep on how to cultivate resilience in extreme conditions—both physical and mental. From treating injuries in remote environments to maintaining clarity under pressure, Dr. Tan brings a unique blend of medical knowledge, lived experience, and warrior philosophy. Whether you're chasing challenge or preparing for chaos, this conversation is packed with insight. Join us in the Bush: Field to Feast - https://thesurvivaluniversity.com/product/from-field-to-feast-5-day-primitive-survival/ Primitive skills Run -https://thesurvivaluniversity.com/product/primitive-skills-run/

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Cait Crowell to explore personal sovereignty in a world that's pushing convenience over consciousness. They unpack how modern Western health has drifted from true wellness, the importance of making empowered choices, and how real food and intentional living are the foundation for lasting health. This conversation is a reminder that ownership of your body, mind, and life is the ultimate freedom.

Ryan sits down with Paddy O'Connell, host of the Outside Podcast and star of Paddy O' Sucks At, for a conversation full of laughs, misadventures, and wild insights. Paddy, known for his offbeat humor and fearless approach to the great outdoors, shares his journey from a beginner in the mountains to someone who’s learned to embrace failure as part of the adventure. This episode dives into his hilarious—and often chaotic—experiences navigating backcountry challenges, learning survival skills, and finding humor in the toughest situations. Paddy’s no stranger to pushing limits, and his stories offer a mix of rugged wilderness wisdom and gut-busting comedy. If you love hearing about mountain mishaps, outdoor lessons, and the human side of adventure, this episode is your perfect escape.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Jessie Krebs — former U.S. Air Force SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) specialist, wilderness survival instructor, and contestant on Alone Season 9. Jessie shares her journey from military survival training to teaching everyday people how to reconnect with nature and reclaim their resilience. They dive into the psychology of survival, the mental toll of isolation, myths about wilderness living, and how nature can be a powerful tool for healing trauma. Jessie brings sharp insight, hard-earned wisdom, and raw honesty to a conversation that explores what it truly means to survive — and to thrive.

On this episode of Who The WYLD Things Are, Ryan sits down with Joel van der Loon — world-class survivalist, wilderness skills instructor, and finalist on Alone Season 7. Joel shares stories from his upbringing in the bush of Tanzania, lessons from surviving 66 days in the Arctic, and his philosophy on preparedness, adaptability, and living in harmony with nature. This episode is packed with wisdom on primitive skills, mental resilience, and what it truly means to be self-reliant in the wild.Join Ryan on a wilderness experience

In this episode, host Ryan Maguire is joined by Nate Smith to break down the vision behind Last Mountain Man Standing, the ultimate test of endurance and grit coming to Conifer, Colorado, on June 21, 2025. They dive into what makes this event unique—a brutal 4.1-mile loop packed with rugged terrain and tough obstacles, where racers must complete a lap every hour until only one remains. Ryan and Nate discuss the inspiration behind the race, the challenge of balancing strength and endurance, and what competitors can expect on race day. Whether you're racing, spectating, or just love pushing limits, this episode gives you an inside look at what’s shaping up to be one of the toughest events in the mountains. Sign up now and learn more here This episode is brought to you by Kula Sports Performance—helping athletes train smarter, recover faster, and perform at their peak.

In this episode, host Ryan Maguire dives into the details of the upcoming 2025 wilderness courses from WYLD RYDE Outdoors in connection with The Survival University. From essential survival skills to wilderness connection and exploration, Ryan breaks down what participants can expect from each course. He also shares insights on the locations, hands-on challenges, and the mindset required to thrive in the wild. If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor skills and embrace true self-reliance, this episode is your ultimate guide. LINK TO COURSES https://thesurvivaluniversity.com/hs-search-results?term=ryan+maguire&type=SITE_PAGE&type=LANDING_PAGE&type=BLOG_POST