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In this episode, Dyana sits down with Triple Crown backpacker Sam Schild, fresh off his 1,200-mile trek along the Pacific Northwest Trail. From crossing Glacier National Park to navigating the Cascade Range, the Idaho Panhandle, and the rugged Selkirks, Sam recounts the journey that eventually led him to the Olympic coast — and the finish line of one of America’s wildest long-distance trails. Together, they dive into it all — the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Sam is a storyteller and adventurer based in the American Southwest, and his reflections capture the raw beauty and challenge of life on the trail. Follow Sam as @sia_lizard  on Instagram and TikTok  Notable Timestamps 7:06 Why the PNT? 9:04 Preparation and research 10:47 Glacier National Park 15:40 The Lions Head Bushwhack & Idaho Panhandle 17:38 The Pasayten Wilderness 20:29 The North Cascades & Baker Lake 24:36 Olympic National Park 48:19 Sam's favorite section 51:10 Dealing with solitude 53:22 Most impactful moment Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_

In this location spotlight on San Francisco, Dyana sits down with award-winning Location Manager Heather MacLean, a born-and-raised Bay Area native who has worked on some of the biggest film and television productions in the city. Together they dive into San Francisco’s restaurants, culture, proper attire for the ever-changing weather, hidden gems, and a behind-the-scenes look at filming The Matrix Resurrections. Notable Timestamps 0:00 Intro 3:36 Welcome Heather MacLean 5:21 Growing up in the Bay Area 11:12 Culture and creativity 24:50 The food scene and go-to restaurants 36:40 Working as a location manager and filming in the city Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_

In this special on-location episode, Dyana visits outdoorsman, craftsman, and adventurer Kim Peschardt. Featured in Dyana’s book A Walk Thru Neverland, Kim has decades of experience and has circled the globe many times over. We’ll dive into his childhood in Denmark, encounters with Africa’s wildlife, and the time he was dropped by helicopter into the rugged mountains of New Zealand. Kim is an outdoorsman in the truest sense — a hunter, fisherman, craftsman, and adventurer. He’s here to share wisdom, stories, and even a hint at the destination he’s eyeing for his next big journey. To mail Kim a postcard, please send to: Dyana Carmella Attn: Kim Perschardt P.O. Box 8973 CALABASAS, CA 91302-9998 NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS 3:03 Welcome Kim Peschardt 6:00 Kim's early life in Denmark 8:21 Kim's deep love for Africa 11:06 Helicopter Experiences in New Zealand 21:16 Scary animal encounters 34:22 Best adventure moments 39:59 The trip Kim wants to relive 45:26 Kim's favorite books Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_

We made it to 100 episodes of Bush and Banter! To celebrate, we’re bringing back one of our favorite guests — filmmaker, storyteller, and thru-hiker Elina Osborne. Elina has a rare gift for capturing not just breathtaking landscapes but the complexities and beauty of the human spirit. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes of hiking and filming the grueling 812-mile Hayduke Trail, crossing some of the wildest desert terrain in the American Southwest. We dive into trail camaraderie, isolation, terrifying water crossings — and then shift gears as Elina shares what life is like in Japan and how living there has sparked new waves of creativity. You may know Elina from her powerful Pacific Crest Trail documentary “It Is the People” or from her stunning YouTube films that explore the deeper meaning behind long trails. Join us as we celebrate this milestone episode with an unforgettable conversation about exploration, creativity, and the resilience of the human spirit. Elina on Instagram @elinasborne Elina on YouTube @elinaosborne Link to B&B's first episode with Elina  Learn More about the Eastern Sierra Land Trust - eslt.org/bushandbanter/ To learn more about the 2025 Lands & Legacy Celebration and to purchase tickets  - eslt.org/event/lands-legacy-2025/ NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS 10:05 Welcome Elina Osborne 14:00 Why the Hayduke Trail Is unlike any other 28:17  Tackling video production & hiking 44:37 Hyper-presence in tough situations 54:18 Inspiration in Japan Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_

In this episode, Jen and Dyana chat with Emily Pennington — journalist, adventure writer, and photographer — who’s made a name for herself covering the outdoors, national parks, adventure travel, and wellness. Emily has visited every U.S. national park and chronicled her journey in her memoir Feral: Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America’s National Parks. They dive into her most memorable park experiences, why solo adventuring shaped her, and how it eventually inspired her to seek out more shared adventures. A seasoned contributor to Outside magazine, Emily’s work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, REI Journal, and Backpacker. Follow Emily on Instagram @brazenbackpacker Check out her book - Feral: Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America’s National Parks NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS 6:56 Welcome Emily Pennington 13:55 Motivation & planning year long National Park trip 25:48 Writing Feral: Losing Myself and Finding My Way in America’s National Parks 33:19 Emily's most surprising & favorite National Park 41:46 Relationship with discomfort 48:39 Sharing adventures with others 57:25 Overtourism & challenges facing public lands Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_

In this episode, Jen and Dyana continue their 55-mile trek in and around Grand Teton National Park with friends Shea and Mak. In Part Two, they take on the grueling Paintbrush Divide—what Dyana calls the hardest climb of her life—face a sketchy snow crossing, reflect on the highs (and lows) of the journey, and bid farewell to the trail.  Special thank you to Sawyer Products for powering this episode. From water filters to Picaridin insect repellent, sunscreen, and first aid—Sawyer gear helps outdoor adventurers stay safe, go further, and stay out longer. Learn more at sawyer.com or follow them on social @sawyerproducts. Listen to the Part I episode here Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_

In this episode, Jen and Dyana revisit the first three days of hiking a 55-mile loop around Grand Teton National Park, starting at the Taggart Lake Trailhead. Join them live from the trail alongside their friends, Mak and Shea, as they take you through tough climbs, epic landscapes, wrecked feet, and rainy nights. This is part one of a two-part series that brings you right into the adventure with them. Special thank you to Sawyer Products for powering this series. From water filters to Permethrin insect repellents, sunscreen and first aid, Sawyer’s gear helps outdoor adventurers stay safe, go further, and stay out longer. To learn more, visit sawyer.com or check them out on social media @sawyerproducts Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_

In this episode, Jen and Dyana discuss how they’re each preparing for a backpacking trip through Grand Teton National Park. From mindset and physical training to gear and food, they cover everything it takes to plan a successful trek through the backcountry. Jen opens up with personal insights on embracing the adventure fully, while Dyana shares her goal of living a minimalist lifestyle on trail. NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro and Jen's poop story 3:42 Jen and Dyana discuss their upcoming trip together 6:00 Overall feelings and mental challenges 20:28 Physical preparations 26:37 Hiking gear and embracing minimalism 40:36 Food and a few new changes 42:57 Jen's personal words on embracing the backcountry Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_

This episode is all about the 174-mile Tahoe Rim Trail — how to hike it, bike it, or even ride it on horseback— plus what’s being done to keep this incredible land public. A recent threat to sell off parts of the trail and surrounding areas could have been devastating, but two experts from the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) are here to break it all down. We’re joined by TRTA’s Executive Director, Lindsey Schultz, and Communications Manager, Daniel Corona, who share how the trail is maintained, how you can get involved, and the role TRTA plays in preserving access to the Lake Tahoe backcountry. From guided hikes to trail stewardship, this episode covers it all. To learn more about the Tahoe Rim Trail Association from guided hikes to ways to donate visit, tahoerimtrail.org NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS: 5:06 Welcome Lindsey Schultz and Daniel Corona! 14:08 The TRT's different kinds of terrain 20:00 How much water is on the TRT and the driest sections 31:13 The rules for hiking, biking, and horseback riding on the TRT 47:15 Permits required to hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail 49:40 How to protect our public lands + the danger to the Tahoe Rim Trail 58:58 How to support the Tahoe Rim Trail Association 1:19:20 Why this trail means so much to Lindsey and Daniel Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_

In this episode, we sit down with Wells Jones—adventurer, author, and all-around renaissance man. Wells joined the U.S. Navy at 18, launching a life of thrill and purpose as a precision skydiver on the Navy’s Antarctic Pararescue Team. We dive into some of his wildest missions, then head to the desert to hear how he was inspired by explorer T.E. Lawrence—and how retracing a historic route through the Middle East led to his historical fiction novel, A Line in the Sand. A Line in the Sand on Amazon  Felicity Aston episode  NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS: 10:03 Welcome, Wells Jones! 12:51 How Wells joined the U.S. Navy Antarctic Pararescue team 24:32 Precision skydiving into Antarctica + rescue missions 43:01 The famous Middle East trek inspired by T.E. Lawrence 49:52 What it's like hiking in the Middle East 57:22 The historical fiction, A Line in the Sand 1:01:04 Why meeting people from different cultures is important 1:05:06 What role imagination plays out in the wild Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_

In this episode, Jen and Dyana chat about their upcoming backpacking adventure through Wyoming’s stunning Teton Range. From the Tetons’ dramatic geology and glacial history to bear safety and physical prep, this conversation blends trail stoke with practical backcountry insight into one of the country’s most beautiful and wild regions. Learn more about the Grand Teton Loop Trail, click here.  Learn more about the Teton Crest Trail, click here.  Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with Mandy Bishop, founder of Old Ways Wisdom and a passionate advocate for ancestral skills, wild foraging, and natural medicine. Mandy shares her path into this world of old knowledge, exploring the emotional healing and deep sense of connection that comes from aligning with the earth and our roots. Together, they talk about the challenges of balancing modern life with the pull toward a simpler, more natural way of living. From the beauty of common plants to the power of natural remedies, this conversation is filled with grounded wisdom, practical insight, and a reminder of what it means to truly belong to the land. Connect with Mandy: Instagram - @mandyvbishop Website - oldwayswisdom.com Apothecary Story - oldwayswisdom.com/store Upcoming Events - oldwayswisdom.com/upcoming-events Learn More about the Eastern Sierra Land Trust - eslt.org/bushandbanter/ NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS: 6:00 Welcome Mandy Bishop! 7:23 The Wild Women Event & blindfolded drumming 17:34 Reconnecting with nature and seeing herself differently 22:04 Tips for embracing natural products & helpful plants for hikers: dandelion, yarrow, and plantain 44:28 Understanding your ancestors to deepen your nature connection 51:29 The power of wandering 58:17 Mandy’s classes and products & one simple way to connect with the earth Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_

Record producer Rick Rubin once said, “Don’t worry about what’s cool or what’s popular. Go after what’s interesting to you.” In this episode, Jen and Dyana explore the power of following your interests, staying curious, and navigating the resistance that often comes from the outside world. Whether it’s tackling a long thru-hike, getting into crafting, or diving into 1970s landscape art (Dyana’s latest obsession), curiosity is your greatest teacher—and it’ll always point you in the right direction. The duo also reflects on past podcast guests who’ve fearlessly followed their passions, showing that curiosity isn’t just a spark—it’s a path to growth, fulfillment, and a life well-lived. Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with thru-hiker and author Julia Sheehan to unpack her transformative 2,190-mile journey along the Appalachian Trail. Julia opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of the hike, the experience of documenting it on social media, and the unexpected impact of going viral. She shares insights from her new book, Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail, and gets candid about the pressure to stay authentic online, navigate community expectations, and filter through the noise of constant feedback. Julia has stepped foot on the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Arizona Trail, but shares about the unique charm and magic of the Appalachian Trail. Julia also reflects on how yoga and writing her memoir became a key part of her healing—and why vulnerability is essential to meaningful storytelling. This conversation goes beyond the trail. It’s about resilience, self-discovery, and learning to navigate the highs and lows—on and off the path. Follow Julia on Instagram - @juliasheehan Her book - Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail Her documentary - Into the Wild: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail Backpacker article - Her Thru-Hike Went Viral. Then She Quit. NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS: 2:32 Welcome, Julia Sheehan! 7:07 What life looked like for Julia when she left for the Appalachian Trail 10:32 Julia's reasons on filming her AT thru-hike 16:01 The impacts of social media + thru-hiking and how to handle online criticism 30:45 Julia's memoir - Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail 56:12 Julia's yoga journey + the benefits of practicing yoga 1:09:04 Why do first-time thru-hikers keep going back 1:15:00 The unique magic of the Appalachian Trail Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_

In this episode, Jen and Dyana dive into the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of hiking Mount Whitney—the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. Both Jen and Dyana have successfully summited Mount Whitney and have unique perspectives to share about their trips, with Jen tackling the summit via the Pacific Crest Trail and Dyana using the famous Whitney Portal. They swap stories about the mental and physical grit it takes to summit, share lessons learned from unpredictable weather and altitude sickness, and reminisce on the history and beauty of the mountain. The duo also break down the nitty-gritty: permits, gear, route options, and everything you need to know before taking on this iconic adventure. Whether you're planning your own Whitney hike or just love a good trail tale, this episode has something for every outdoor enthusiast. Jen's Mount Whitney PCT video NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro to Mount Whitney 4:27 Fun facts about Mount Whitney 10:39 How to summit Whitney from the Eastern side 15:57 How to summit Whitney via the Pacific Crest Trail 21:19 Altitude sickness 24:56 To poop, or not to poop 30:27 The history behind the hut on top of Whitney 44:37 Common questions about hiking Whitney 57:40 Dyana's recommended route up Whitney Send us a text Where to find and support Bush & Banter: Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter E-mail Bush & Banter: [email protected] Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @jenfrederick_