Advertise on podcast: The Wild Dispatch

More good times hearing stories at Ejler's fish shack. In this episode Robin and Ejler give a little post-match analysis on another incredible day on the ocean, along with a little history lesson from wild ocean times past. As always a huge thank you to Ejler for the entertainment. ----- Give Robin and The Wild Dispatch a follow on Instagram + Facebook... Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and watch on YouTube

Growing up in New South Wales, Nero Buys had no idea he'd one day be representing Australia in the Alone World Championships. But, big life changes are not unusual for Nero... It's only through exploring many different careers, persistently searching for the right fit, and the right people, that he found himself alone, standing above three feet of ice in the Canadian wilderness. This is Nero's story – we find out what happened on Alone 13, and perhaps more importantly, why he even wanted to go in the first place. A huge thank you again for your time and stories Nero! Give Nero a follow on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube... and check out Nerobuys.com too. Help kids connect with nature through Nero's NaturePost kits. Give Robin and The Wild Dispatch a follow on Instagram + Facebook... Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and watch on YouTube too. Chapters: 0:00 Cold Opener 0:37 Episode introduction 2:57 Welcome and Possum Stick 8:31 The path to Alone 16:22 Lure of the North 26:21 The journey to Canada 28:32 Australian and Canadian cold 33:00 Sourdough pizza and expedition meals 38:30 Eating well on Alone 45:23 The polar plunge lesson 01:03:34 Preparing for Alone 01:10:13 Beaver hunting and fieldcraft 01:20:25 Axe craft and efficiency 01:27:33 Gear, bows and hunting 01:31:56 Fishing weir and adaptation 01:45:14 Early life and schooling 02:05:58 Military service and meaning 02:21:58 Nature Post and time outdoors 02:32:55 Episode closing

Growing up in New South Wales, Nero Buys had no idea he'd one day be representing Australia in the Alone World Championships. But, big life changes are not unusual for Nero... It's only through exploring many different careers, persistently searching for the right fit, and the right people, that he found himself alone, standing above three feet of ice in the Canadian wilderness. This is Nero's story – we find out what happened on Alone 13, and perhaps more importantly, why he even wanted to go in the first place. A huge thank you again for your time and stories Nero! Give Nero a follow on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube... and check out Nerobuys.com too. Help kids connect with nature through Nero's NaturePost kits. Give Robin and The Wild Dispatch a follow on Instagram + Facebook... Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and watch on YouTube too.

The only female In this season... Jacks not only represented the US, but the entirety of womankind for the Alone World Champs. As expected, in this episode Jacks shares her story with that trademark mix of brutal honesty combined with laugh out loud humor. A huge thank-you again to @wildcardjacks for sharing your time with us! Follow Jacks on Instagram @wildcardjacks and @wildcardwilderness Book survival courses, and learn more about Jacks at wildcardwilderness.com and jacksgenega.com Give Robin and The Wild Dispatch a follow on Instagram + Facebook... Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and watch on YouTube too.

James Eastman is more than just a shark story. A family man, a teacher, and passionate lover of outdoor spaces both on land and ocean... the hefty label of 'shark attack survivor' is not one he'd choose. But, It's definitely the most unexpected challenge he's faced since a quick afternoon surf took a horrifying turn. In this episode James shares the whole story, and we're so grateful he didn't hold back, both in the detail of that moment, and his brutal honesty about the mental and physical toll an event like this takes. There is however one silver lining: James' wife Chloe Parris – an ER nurse at the hospital where James was rushed – has since founded The Minutes Matter Project. Their goal is to supply life-saving medical gear to remote surf beaches. Many of these beaches are zero-cell-service areas, so supplying something as simple as a tourniquet, will help give shark victims the minutes they need to survive. A huge thank you again to James for sharing his story today! Check out the Minutes Matter site and be sure to follow on Instagram too. Give Robin and The Wild Dispatch a follow on Instagram + Facebook... Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and watch on YouTube too.

Some say Brendan Becker grew his enormous beard to soften the dangerously sharp wit that lurks beneath... Having worked as an international fly-fishing guide for many years. Brendan has taken clients and chased monsters in some incredibly wild places. Having hung up his guiding waders, he now passes on his knowledge and incredible stories to customers visiting the Johannesburg brand of Mavungana fly fishing - South Africa. Now we get to hear some too. Hang on folks, we've hooked a big one here. A huge thanks again to Brendan and Mavungana for allowing us to record in your space. Give Brendan a follow on Instagram, Follow the Mavungana site and Instagram while you're at it too. Give Robin and The Wild Dispatch a follow on Instagram + Facebook... Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and watch on YouTube too.

Originally a journalist from the city, twenty years ago Holly stopped chasing copy deadlines, and started chasing wild game. Now an obsessed hunter of waterfowl, she's making up for lost time, by helping other latecomers to the hunting world. Simply sharing best ways to prepare for a hunt, AND how to make the most of the protein you harvest. A huge thank you to Holly for sharing her stories and knowledge with us today! Follow her on Instagram, YouTube and check out her linktree with a bunch of tips you never knew you needed. Give Robin and The Wild Dispatch a follow on Instagram + Facebook... Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and watch on YouTube too. 00:00 — Welcome and podcast intro 5:00 — Becoming an Adult-Onset Hunter 7:20 — Growing Up Around Food 10:43 — How Hunting Started 12:04 — The Duck Dinner Moment 13:25 — Holly's First Pig Hunt 17:48 — Thinking About AI and Convenience 19:14 — Why Animals Deserve Respect 25:28 — Pushing Too Hard at Work 30:07 — Why Duck Hunters Use Gear 38:34 — Hunting Ducks Alone 42:25 — Learning to Shoot Well 53:15 — Bird Bands & Training Dogs 69:24 — Why She Waited to Get a Dog 80:37 — The Dog Training Journey

In this Episode Robin visits Doug Cockroft –founder of Splitting Image Taxidermy– in his incredible factory and studio space. The conversation delves into the journey of taxidermy, It's origins, the unknown passion involved, and the future of the industry. It explores the impact of importation rules and its evolving solutions to new challenges. Amongst Doug's own fascinating stories we also cover the evolution of 3D printing technology, the art of taxidermy and anatomy, tanning techniques, ethics and principles in taxidermy, and the discussion of hunting, conservation, and responsibility. We also couldn't tip our hat to the future of taxidermy without giving a comical nod to taxidermy 100 years ago. A huge thank you to Doug for the thought provoking chat, and to the Splitting Image team for their help setting up the space. Check out the Splitting Image website Follow them on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook too Give Robin and The Wild Dispatch a follow on Instagram + Facebook... Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and watch on YouTube too. This episode dives into the fascinating world of taxidermy, guided by Doug Cocroft, founder of Splitting Image Taxidermy. We explore the history, technological advancements, ethical considerations, and the profound connection between hunting and conservation. Timestamps:  00:00 - Introduction and the importance of respecting wildlife in taxidermy 00:44 - Doug Cockroft’s entrance into taxidermy 01:30 - The origin of taxidermy practices 02:16 - The transformative role of hunting and conservation in Africa 04:10 - The relationship between taxidermy and wildlife storytelling 05:16 - Personal reflections on connecting with nature 06:40 - The importance of patience, observation, and respect 08:07 - Hunting versus non-hunting – A spectrum of attitudes 09:13 - Memorable experiences and mishaps 10:52 - The story of a vehicle mishap 14:50 - The role of hunting 18:49 - Transition from guiding to taxidermy 20:00 - How 9/11 reshaped Doug’s career path into taxidermy 21:40 - Early training and challenges in taxidermy 25:12 - Doug's true passion for the craft and conservation’s role 28:49 - The history and cultural roots of taxidermy in Africa and beyond 38:31 - 3D printing, scanners, and chemical advancements 42:17 - Evolution of techniques and technologies 48:44 - Handling ethical considerations 53:01 - Taxidermy and creative, respectful expressions 56:46 - The influence of legislation and poaching 60:39 - The connection between hunting, storytelling, and societal perception 64:18 - The importance of authentic outdoor experiences a 65:33 - Resources and inspirations for those interested in taxidermy

Congrats to three lucky guests from our EP100 Giveaway Competition! It's been an amazing few years and 100 episodes, here's a few favourites from other participants of Alone, and a wild African spear hunters tale from the Eastern Cape. Thanks again everyone, here's to another 100 episodes! Give Robin and The Wild Dispatch a follow on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Get ready for a diverse episode blending exciting contest announcements, gripping outdoor adventures, survival stories, and ethical hunting insights. Robin shares behind-the-scenes moments of a podcast competition, followed by intense narratives from seasoned adventure and hunting experts, revealing raw emotions and incredible wildlife experiences. Main Topics Covered:Announcing winners of a wilderness podcast contest and the behind-the-scenes processAn in-depth recount of a solo wilderness hunting experience, focusing on tracking, hunting strategies, and emotional resilienceThe story of a grappling encounter with a highly aggressive bushbuck, showcasing extraordinary animal behavior and human ingenuityInsights into outdoor gear preparation, clothing strategies for cold environments, and psychological tactics like stoicism and self-affirmationRobin announces the top three winners from San Jose and Minnesota with a live draw processAubrey Tibbury recounts wresting and suffocating a wounded bushbuck with a jersey as a makeshift tourniquetAn exploration of a hunter’s meticulous gear preparation, especially handmade clothing suitable for Arctic-like conditionsEmotional reflections on the risks, disappointments, and mental resilience involved in hunting larger game like mooseDiscussions on ethical hunting challenges, wildlife tracking, and the importance of mental readiness in survival situationsPhilosophical insights into the human drive, driven by seeking approval and deep personal valuesChapters:00:00 - Contest Winners 02:04 - Episode Setup 04:19 - Bushbuck Story 07:11 - Solo Survival 09:10 - Tracking Techniques 14:02 - Moose Hunt 18:02 - Ethical Tracking 22:34 - Lost Game 26:21 - Mental Resilience 28:01 - Personal Drive 32:20 - Purpose Shift 33:41 - Show Prep 36:13 - Homestead Build 40:23 - Support System 43:24 - Sacrifice 48:06 - Cold Gear 53:48 - Facing Fear 57:08 - Bushbuck Encounter 63:22 - Survival Tactics 67:13 - Final Reflections

The first Woman to win Alone, and holder of the highest number of days spent out in the wildernes – Woniya Thibeault is an incredibly skilled, exceptionally strong willed, and a wonderful story teller all at the same time. Despite life changing experiences both times on the Alone show, her deep relationship with the wild began long before Alone even existed. Join us for this special episode as Woniya shares the fascinating journey that brought her to this moment: Author, Mother, Wilderness Expert and highly respected surthrivalist within the community. A huge thankyou again to Woniya for sharing her time and knowledge with us today! Follow Woniya On Instagram, Facebook, YouTube... And visit her website: www.Woniyathibeault.com where you can find her memoir Never Alone, online and in-person wilderness courses and other fantastic resources too. Give Robin and The Wild Dispatch a follow on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube too. 00:00 - Welcoming Woniya Thibault 02:00 - Woniya’s background 04:30 - The significance of prime numbers 07:00 - Transitioning to Timeless Ways 09:00 - A wilderness ethic of respect and asking permission 12:00 - Woniya’s decision decision to leave or stay 17:00 - How community and collaboration influence survival success 20:00 - barefoot walking and sensory awareness 25:00 - The powers gained from wilderness skills 30:00 - Creative problem solving: natural sources of salt 36:00 - The importance of sensory engagement with the earth 42:00 - Woniya’s story behind her name and cultural considerations 46:00 - Her approach to cultural respect 50:00 - Insights on mental resilience and gratitude 55:00 - lessons learned from health issues 60:00 - Gender dynamics on "Alone" 65:00 - The role of respect for the land 70:00 - Strategies for avoiding common survival mistakes 75:00 - The significance of community, and internal motivation 80:00 - Reflections on rules, creativity, and pushing boundaries 85:00 - Techniques for cultivating gratitude amid adversity 90:00 - Key mistakes to avoid in solo wilderness survival 95:00 - Woniya’s upcoming projects, books, and ways to connect

In this Episode, Rich Gardner - Local legend from the traditional 3D Archery circuit - shares a quiver-full of stories from his past. Known for his highly addictive archery footage landing across millions of people's Facebook feeds. Episode 99 gives us an insight to the jolly man behind the camera. This one's got some great tales from the wilds of California, competitive 3D tournaments, and plenty of other adventures from afar too. Be sure to give Rich a follow on his Facebook page, where he regularly posts footage of archery that's guaranteed get you itching to grab the bow and heading for the hills. Be sure to also sign up for the Longbow Safari happening at Rancho Neblina on the 4th of July, and say hi to Rich yourself! Watch/Follow Robin and The Wild Dispatch on: Instagram Facebook Spotify Apple Podcasts YouTube In this episode of The Wild Dispatch, Robin sits down with Rich Gardner for a fascinating conversation about traditional archery, bow hunting, wildlife encounters, and the stories behind Rich’s viral social clips. From his first bow-killed buck to unforgettable turkey hunts, Alaska fishing adventures, mountain lion sightings, and the mindset behind shooting instinctively, this episode is packed with practical insight and wild outdoor storytelling.If you’re interested in traditional archery, recurve and longbow shooting, bow hunting tips, wild game, hunting stories, or the outdoors lifestyle, this conversation delivers plenty to learn and enjoy. Whether you’re a beginner archer, an experienced bowhunter, or simply love real stories from the outdoors, this episode offers a mix of humour, wisdom, and hard-earned lessons from years in the woods and on the range. Chapters: 00:00 Intro to Rich Gardner and his viral archery content 02:12 Episode 100 giveaway announcement 03:52 Rich’s background and early archery interest 05:27 Turkey hunting stories and calling techniques 10:12 How Rich moved from rifle hunting to archery 11:14 First bow setup and first buck story 14:13 Early fishing adventures and bowfishing attempts 21:42 Sturgeon fishing and Alaska salmon trips 29:57 The first buck and transition to traditional archery 30:17 Longbow hunting and the first wild pig 36:05 Bow setup, arrows, and broadheads 40:09 Bear and mountain lion encounters 52:08 How Rich’s Facebook archery videos took off 54:24 3D competitions and travelling for shoots 57:58 Learning to shoot from mentors and tuning bows 68:35 Neck injury, pain, and choosing lighter bows 73:20 Why Rich no longer hunts with rifles or shotguns 75:36 Judging distance by eye and shooting uphill 83:17 Mitchell story and a meaningful connection at the range 87:06 Closing thoughts and where to find Rich

Howdy Folks Episode 100 is right around the corner. To celebrate this milestone, we're doing a giveaway: Lancaster Archery, Easton, Tarp Tent, VPA, Western Obsession, The Mission Fly Mag, Mavungana Fly Fishing, Ethics Archery, Wilderness Athlete and Strand Coffee Roasters have all thrown their hats (and prizes) into the ring... more brands in the pipeline too! Learn how to sign up to the comp here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZxz7A6OsmF/

Both a prolific hunter, and relentless entrepreneur... For Kurt Belding, it was inevitable that his two passions would collide. Western Obsessions TV is both a hunting channel that inspires people with their content, and an outfitter that gives fans the chance to experience some adventures of their own. This one's got it all: incredible stories from the wild, (including a very close call with a grizzly bear), and some gritty, but inspiring insights from the world of business too. A huge thank you to Kurt for his time and stories today! Watch more stories on Youtube and WOTV.com And check out the many hunts they're offering too.

They say a cat has nine lives, but we think Piet Goosen must have 90. He's been head-butted by a rhino, he's been knee-capitated by a giraffe, he's even survived wrestling a 15ft python while driving down a highway! Every single one of these mind blowing moments has conservation at it's core, because Piet plays a huge part in animal rescue and rehabilitation. Snakes, tortoises, birds, antelope... Piet has has helped them all. He even works against poachers too. Through his many years spent in the bush, he has grown to understand that nature is interconnected in the most complex of ways. Hang on to your headphones folks - this one's a bumpy ride! Thanks again Piet, it was a pleasure meeting you. Be sure to follow Klien Piet on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube, where he puts out a bunch of his wild animal encounters. You can also donate to Piet's animal rescue center at the following account: FNB Business Account Branch: Potchefstroom (240438) Account Number: 63197136394

Like many things in the wild, it’s small details that make the difference. Trained by the late Gordon Macpherson as part of an elite fly tying team in Zimbabwe, Ray Mutemeri has known this fact to be true for almost 40 years. It was this same attention to detail that brought him up through the ranks, and eventually gave him the opportunity to move to South Africa. He is now the lead tyer at the Johburg office of South africa’s biggest fly fishing shop and outfitter -Mavungana Fly Fishing. Perhaps the wildest part of this story: it was almost twenty years and hundreds of thousands of flies later that Ray could first experience the effectivenes of his own craftmanship in the water.  A huge thankyou to Ray for sharing his time and stories with us today! Give Mavungana a follow on Instagram and check out all kinds of information and classes including fly tying with Raymond at Mavungana fly fishing Main Topics Covered:Raymond’s fishing journey from Zimbabwe to South AfricaEvolution and specialization in fly tyingTechniques for tying various fly sizesEnvironmental influences on fly selectionFly fishing culture in Zimbabwe and South AfricaConservation through catch-and-releaseTeaching fly tying to new generationsMentorship and continuous learningIdentifying and adapting fly techniquesUnusual fly requestsBuilding a foundation in fly tyingImpact of Zimbabwe’s economy on tourismWomen’s role in fly tying and fishingTimestamps:00:31 - Introduction to Raymond Mutemere and his background 04:02 - The history of fly fishing in Zimbabwe and Raymond’s early life 06:36 - The influence of Scottish fly tyer Gordon MacPherson 07:45 - The scale of the fly tying industry in Zimbabwe 08:45 - Tying rates and specialization in dry flies 12:23 - Raymond’s childhood near rivers in Zimbabwe 14:01 - Fly fishing trips to Eastern Highlands for trout 16:14 - Personal stories of first catches and learning from guides 20:41 - Popular fly patterns like the Shamare Timi 22:00 - The cultural difference between catch and release and consumption 24:46 - The significance of size in catch-and-release practices 26:29 - Technical challenges in fly tying, 36:23 - Teaching others and passing on skills 41:44 - Creating custom flies and imitating environmental cues 44:41 - Types of hooks used in fly tying 46:12 - The process of tying a fly step by step 50:14 - Material application and proportions 54:33 - How observing insects in nature informs fly design 58:23 - Handling unusual requests, creative tying stories 60:18 - Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them 63:49 - Women in fly tying and fishing 66:00 - The importance of continuous learning and mentorship 68:51 - Philosophy of humility in skill mastery 70:15 - Maintaining connections with fly fishing peers 71:07 - How to find Raymond for lessons or custom flies 72:54 - Closing remarks and future episodes Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook