Safe Travels Pod
Hear from the folks that live, breathe and know the national parks best. All episodes, including vlogs, are available on our YouTube channel @safetravelspod. __ Safe Travels is a media network that sits down with park rangers to discuss unique areas of each park. The goal of each episode is to help educate current and future visitors on ways to stay safe and keep the park healthy.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Natural & Cultural Resources with Park Ranger Brinnen Carter
Brinnen Carter is the Chief of Resources at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. In this episode, Ranger Brinnen and I chat all about the incredible natural and cultural resources of the Black Canyon.
From traditional hunting grounds for ancient tribes to learning all about the individuals that make up the resource team, Brinnen shares fascinating information throughout this podcast.
I had a blast getting to sit down with Park Ranger Brinnen, he's an incredible land manager with an amazing amount of knowledge.
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Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Geology, Wildlife & Park Information with Park Ranger Lori Rome
Lori Rome is the Chief of Interpretation at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. She's had an incredible career with the National Park Service, working at some of the premier parks in the United States.
In this episode, Lori and I chat all about the Black Canyon - from Geology to wildlife and a whole lot more.
Lori also shares tips for visitors that are looking to do some of the top hikes and those that dare to scramble down to the bottom of the canyon.
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Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Archeology & Human History with Park Ranger Ree Rodgers
Ree Rodgers is the first and only archeologist at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. She is deeply passionate about her work and the human stories that make up our history.
In this episode, Ree and I chat all about archeology, it's purpose, and the human stories that tell the story of the Great Sand Dunes.
I really appreciate Ree, her storytelling and her work. Grateful to have had her on the podcast!
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Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Natural & Cultural Resources with Park Ranger Fred Bunch
Fred Bunch is the Chief of Resources at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Fred is a native of Alamosa, Colorado, and has been working at Great Sand Dunes for nearly 40 years.
Fred has a very important role in the park, tasked with protecting and preserving the park's natural and cultural resources. In this podcast, we chat about what those resources are and what it means to Fred to be such a critical piece in protecting such a special area and park.
Fred Bunch has such a wonderful, humorous personality. I feel very grateful to ha...
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Park Information with Park Ranger Sierra Willoughby
Sierra Willoughby is the Chief of Interpretation at Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve. Sierra has served at 11 different National Park Service sites and is the definition of a park steward.
In this podcast, Sierra and I discuss Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, from park rules to ways visitors recreate.
Sierra is a wonderful guest who cares deeply about our national parks and wild places.
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Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Fish Restoration & Wildlife with Park Ranger Dewane Mosher
Dewane Mosher is a Park Ranger and Wildlife Biologist at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Dewane has had an interesting, and special, journey to the park service after spending two decades in the Army as a mechanic.
In this episode, Dewane and I chatted about the incredible fish restoration story that has taken place in the waters that surround the Great Sand Dunes. We also discuss how to fish responsibly at the park, ways you can access the fish and much more!
I loved having Dewane on the podcast, he is a selfless hu...
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve: Geology & Hydrology with Park Ranger Andrew Valdez
Andrew Valdez is a Physical Scientist and is the first, and only, geologist at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. He is a native of Alamosa, Colorado - which is the gateway city to the Great Sand Dunes. Valdez was hired full-time with the NPS in 1994 and his work as a geologist helped lead the Great Sand Dunes to national park status.
In this conversation, Andrew and I chatted all about the geology and hydrology of this magnificent landscape.
It was such an honor to have Andrew join the podcast. He is filled with in...
Preparing for the Pacific Crest Trail with Ultrarunner Mak Regan
Mak Regan is an ultrarunner based out of Colorado. Mak has an amazing running resume, including competing in multiple 100-mile races. In addition to running, Mak is a chemical engineer and has a passion for thru-hiking and the great outdoors.
Soon, she will be taking off to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), a trail that spans 2,650 miles from the southern border in California to the northern border in Washington state.
In our conversation together, Mak and I talk about her preparation for the PCT, food logistics, her passion for the outdoors and the amazing o...
Glacier National Park: Bears & Carnivores with Wildlife Biologist John Waller
John Waller is a Park Ranger and Wildlife Biologist at Glacier National Park. He has spent over 20-years at the park and has accomplished many incredible feats during his tenure with the National Park Service.
In this conversation, John and I go in-depth on grizzly bears and the carnivores that roam Glacier National Park. We cover grizzly behavior, share stories about John's incredible wildlife encounters, visitor and carnivore safety, plus a whole lot more.
Big thanks to John for joining me on the podcast! I think this is one of our most authentic conversations yet.
...Glacier National Park: Geology, Park History & General Info with Park Ranger Diane Sine
Park Ranger Diane Sine is a fixture at Glacier National Park. She's been recreating and working at the park for 45 summers and is currently the Lead Interpreter at Many Glacier.
In this podcast, Diane and I chatted about her journey with the National Park Service, the geology of Glacier National Park, park history and general information surrounding trip planning to this majestic setting.
Diane is an incredible human whose dedicated her life to telling the stories of one of America's most iconic national parks.
The episode is also available on YouTube: https://youtu.be...
Captain, Champion & Conservationist with Hockey Hall of Famer Scott Niedermayer
Scott Niedermayer is a four-time NHL Stanley Cup Champion, two-time Olympic Hockey Gold Medalist as the captain for team Canada and is a Hockey Hall of Famer. Scott is widely considered to be one of the best defensemen in NHL history and the greatest winner of his generation. In addition to his illustrious professional hockey career, Niedermayer is a conservationist with a deep passion for the outdoors.
Scott's love for nature developed throughout his childhood while being raised in beautiful Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada. In this podcast we talk about Niedermayer's love for the outdoors, the steps h...
Protect our Parks with Former Park Ranger Kenan Chan
Kenan Chan is one of the 1,000 NPS Park Rangers that were recently wrongfully terminated. Kenan was a Biological Science Technician at Channel Islands National Park that focused on long term monitoring of kelp forests and intertidal ecosystems.
Kenan's work with the NPS was incredibly impactful for visitors and the ecosystems within the park. In our podcast together, Kenan and I chatted about his journey, the current challenges that the National Park Service is facing, how rangers were terminated and what visitors can do to support the parks.
Here is Kenan's website: https://www.kenanchanphotography.com/Ne...
Death Valley Dark Sky Festival: Galaxy Evolution with Dr. Cameron Hummels
Dr. Cameron Hummels is an astrophysicist and research scientist at Caltech focused on the formation and evolution of galaxies. Cameron and I recorded this episode at Death Valley National Park during their Dark Sky Festival.
In this podcast, Dr. Hummels discussed the formation and evolution of galaxies, supercomputers, his journey through Death Valley, Occupy Mars, and much more!
It was an honor getting to chat with Dr. Hummels, I had an absolute blast meeting him. I left the Dark Sky Festival absolutely enthralled and fascinated with space.
For more information on Caltech Astronomy: h...
Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation: Cultural Significance of the Redwood Tree with Chairperson Jeri Lynn Thompson
We're back among the redwoods! This time, we're at the mouth of the Smith River at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in Northern California. We were very lucky to be joined by the Chairperson of Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, Jeri Lynn Thompson.
Jeri and I chatted about Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation and their history, their relationship with the National Park Service today, the cultural significance of the redwood tree and much more.
Chairperson Jeri Lynn Thompson is incredible. The story of the Tolowa Dee-ni' people is beyond special.
I hope you love this episode! The hi...
Saguaro National Park: Inspiring the Next Generation of Park Rangers with Cam Juárez
Saguaro National Park's Community Engagement & Outreach Coordinator, Cam Juárez, joined the podcast to talk about the incredible work that the park does to inspire the next generation of park rangers and park goers.
In this conversation, Cam and I discuss the importance of engaging local communities, creating more opportunities for people to work in environmental sciences and ways the National Parks can make the wilderness more accessible for those who have disabilities.
Cam is filled with passion and ambition, it was an honor getting to spend time with him.
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Saguaro National Park: Geology, Biology & Ecology of the Saguaro Cactus with Biologist Lucas Hetherington
We've arrived at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona! In episode one from Saguaro, we're joined by Lucas Hetherington who is a biologist at the park.
In our conversation, Lucas and I chatted about the geology of the Rincon and Tucson mountains, the biology of the Saguaro Cactus and the many interactions that the keystone species has with the Sonoran Desert.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Lucas and I am so thankful for all of their work in the park.
You can watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dRJt0mbVk30
Redwood National & State Parks: A Comeback Story with Superintendent Steve Mietz
There's an incredible story unfolding at Redwood National & State Parks. Redwood National Park Superintendent, Steve Mietz, joined the podcast to discuss the amazing restoration efforts that are happening with the redwood forests in Northern California.
The parks are focused on restoration as opposed to preservation. In addition to restoring old-growth redwood forests, Superintendent Mietz also discussed the reintroduction of the California Condor.
One huge side effect of the current restoration efforts it's the revival of the cultural heritage in this area with many local tribes.
Superintendent Mietz is incredible. I had such a bl...
Redwood National & State Parks: Biology and Ecology of the Redwood Tree with Forest Ecologist Lathrop Leonard
In our second episode from Redwood National & State Parks we sat down with the Burn Boss and Forest Ecologist, Lathrop Leonard. Lathrop has been studying and restoring the redwood forest for nearly 20 years, his passion and love for these trees shone through in this episode as we chatted about the biology and ecology of the redwood tree.
Additionally, we also talked about prescribed fire and how this burning methods can help promote a healthy ecosystem.
I hope you enjoy this episode! I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation with Lathrop and am very thankful for his work in...
Redwood National & State Parks: Redwoods, Wildlife & Park Info with Patrick Taylor & Karla Jovel
We've arrived at beautiful Redwood National & State Parks in Northern California! In episode one from the redwoods, we are joined by Redwood National Park Ranger Patrick Taylor and California State Parks Interpretive Ranger Karla Jovel.
In this episode, we explore a high-level overview of the redwood trees, popular areas of the park, wildlife and feature a general overview of the history and goals of Redwood National and State Parks.
In our next few episodes from this incredible place, we will dive deep into the biology of the redwood tree with a forest ecologist, then we'll si...
Capitol Reef National Park: Historic Orchards with Park Ranger and Horticulturist Fritz Maslan
We're back with another episode from Capitol Reef National Park in Utah! This time, our focus is on the historic orchards that are in the Fruita District at the park. Park Ranger and Horticulturist Fritz Maslan joined us to talk about how he maintains the orchards, the history of the area, how visitors can interact with the fruit trees and much more!
Fritz is incredible! I had such a blast chatting with him. If you have the opportunity to check out Capitol Reef, I highly encourage you to spend as much time as you can in the o...
Capitol Reef National Park: Geology, Human History & Wildlife with Park Ranger Shauna Cotrell
We're at beautiful Capitol Reef National Park in south-central Utah! Visitor Services Program Manager and Park Ranger Shauna Cotrell joined the podcast to chat about geology, human history and wildlife at Capitol Reef. Near the end of the podcast, we also quiz Shauna with some national park trivia cards.
Shauna and I sat in the middle of a beautiful orchard meadow at the park as we recorded our conversation. Special thanks to Park Rangers B Shafer and Katie Johnston for their contributions to this show, too.
Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/VoH8sJ...
Capitol Reef National Park: Park Preview
Another park preview! This time we visit south-central Utah to check out Capitol Reef National Park.
Capitol Reef is the second largest national park in Utah, it's remote and beautiful. The park has some of the most unique geologic features in the country. In this episode we briefly chat about the park and preview the upcoming episodes that we recorded at Capitol Reef.
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Zion National Park: Botany, Endemic and Invasive Plants with Darrin Gobble
Darrin Gobble is a Park Ranger and Vegetation Program Manager at Zion National Park. He is the 'voice' for the plants when the park makes critical decisions that could impact the vegetation in the national park.
In this episode, we chat about botany, the special endemic plants that live at Zion and the invasive plants that are disrupting the ecosystem.
I learned so much in my conversation with Darrin, I hope you do too.
Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/vMK007Ady0U
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Zion National Park: Geology, Wildlife & Astronomy with Park Ranger Charlie Reed
I had a blast getting to chat with Park Ranger Charlie Reed! Zion National Park is one of my favorite places on earth, it's always a joy getting to explore and chat about this gem in southwestern Utah.
In this episode we chat about the parks geology, specifically the sandstone cliffs and the Virgin River, wildlife and a lot about the dark skies that surround this park.
Charlie even shares some tips on how you can see and interact with the night sky next time you're at the park.
Watch the full podcast...
Zion National Park: Park Preview
Back with another park preview! This time we are taking a brief look at Zion National Park in Utah.
Zion is one of my favorite places in the world, I am so excited to release two podcasts from this incredible park:
Zion National Park: Geology, Wildlife and Dark Skies Astronomy with Park Ranger Charlie Reed (12/6)Zion National Park: Botany, Zion Vegetation and Invasive Plants with Vegetation Program Manager Darrin Gobble (12/13)___
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Canyonlands & Arches National Parks: Physical Science & Park Health with Physical Scientist Armin Howell
In our final episode from Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, we are joined by Physical Scientist and Park Ranger Armin Howell. Armin joined the NPS in 2024 and is primarily focused on research around water flow, water quality and air quality within the four parks associated with the Southeast Utah Group (SEUG).
In this podcast we chat about climate change, how the park is researching and learning about the changing climate and the different ways that Arches and Canyonlands are both being affected by these changes.
I had a blast getting to meet and chat with...
Arches National Park: Geology & Environmental Factors with Park Ranger Karen Henker
Arches and Canyonlands park ranger, Karen Henker, joined the podcast to chat about the geology and formation of Arches and different environmental factors that are at play at Arches National Park.
Karen has been a park ranger for nearly 20 years and has spent most of her time in Utah at Canyonlands and Arches. Her knowledge, humor and passion for this area is so infectious.
You can watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/nJAP_tZ7kbs
Upcoming Podcasts:
Canyonlands and Arches National Parks: Physical Science and Park health with Armin HowellZion...Canyonlands & Arches National Parks: Search & Rescue with SAR Coordinator Brian Hays
Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator and Park Ranger Brian Hays joined us to chat about the search and rescue team at Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.
Brian shares the day-to-day experience working on the SAR team, different types of rescue missions and includes some potentially life saving tips and advice for explorers.
Brian was such a fascinating guest and such a joy to meet and talk with. He and his team do some incredible work for the parks and its visitors.
Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RvdgO1LtdYM
<...Canyonlands National Park: Geology, Human History & Wildlife with Park Ranger Karen Henker
Canyonlands and Arches park ranger, Karen Henker, joined the podcast to chat about Canyonlands geology, human history and wildlife.
Karen has been a park ranger for nearly 20 years and has spent most of her time in Utah at Canyonlands and Arches. Her knowledge and passion for these parks is incredible and so fun to listen to. I had a blast getting to spend time with her.
You can watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/ttSeP0-BBkw
In the podcast, we talk about the native peoples who have called this area home si...
Arches & Canyonlands National Parks: Park Preview
We're on the road again! In this episode we preview Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
We'll be recording a total of four episodes at these parks:
Episode one: Arches National Park: Geology, Human History and Environmental FactorsEpisode two: Canyonlands National Park: Geology, Wildlife and VegationEpisode three: Search and RescueEpisode four: Exploring Climate Change Through Remote Sensing SystemNew episodes will be released every Friday. Excited and thankful to have you follow along!
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The National Park Service Protects More Than Nature with Superintendent Erin Gates
We're back with one more episode at César E. Chávez National Monument!
Park Superintendent, Erin Gates, sat down to chat with us about how the National Park Service protects more than just beautiful natural places like the national parks. The NPS tells stories that allow us to interact with and learn key pieces of American history, like the story of César E. Chávez and the United Farm Workers movement.
The full episode is also available on YouTube!
Special thanks to Erin Gates, the National Park Service and everyone involved at Césa...
César E. Chávez National Monument: César Chávez's Life & Legacy with Superintendent Erin Gates
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we traveled to Keene, California, to chat with the Superintendent of César E. Chávez National Monument, Erin Gates.
Erin and I chatted about César's life and legacy, how he was an ordinary human who achieved extraordinary things and why his story should motivate and encourage us to chase our own dreams and passions.
Here is a link to the YouTube version of this podcast: https://youtu.be/yMUyvbjS6Ok
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Connecting Coffee and Nature with Coffee Educator Wyatt Smeaton
My friend Wyatt joined the podcast to chat about the connection between coffee and nature! Wyatt is a coffee educator at an awesome coffee shop in Southern California called Lamill.
In this episode, we talk about the hard labor that is involved with the process of getting coffee seeds into your cup. Keeping 'leave no trace' in mind, I wanted to chat with Wyatt about the full stream process involved in coffee making and how we can make more mindful decisions about where we get our coffee and how we make it when we're out traveling in...
August News, Notes & Creators: Happy Birthday NPS, Celebrating the GAOA, Restoring Battlefields and more!
We'll be discussing park news from the month of August, upcoming podcast plans and my favorite creators from the previous month.
Here are the press releases referenced throughout this episode:
Happy Birthday, National Park Service!:
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/media-advisory-rangers-available-to-celebrate-national-park-service-s-108th-birthday-on-sunday.htmCelebrating the Great American Outdoors Acts:
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/celebrate-great-american-outdoors-act-anniversary-with-free-entrance-to-all-national-parks-on-august-4.htmCivil War Battlefield Restoration:
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/national-park-service-awards-$456-934-to-enhance-civil-war-battlefield-restoration-projects.htmNational Parks Contributed Record High $55.6 Billion to U.S. Economy:
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/national-parks-contributed-record-high-$55-6-billion-to-u-s-economy-supported-415-000...So... I Bought A Van. What's Next?
Hi there! I know it's been a few weeks... BUT, I bought a van named Jet... and Jet is going to take us to more national parks than we could ever imagine. In this episode, I briefly talk about Jet, how the van is going to influence our channel, what's been on my heart and upcoming episodes.
I will have a van tour on my YouTube channel soon! You can check out the YouTube channel @SafeTravelsPod.
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Photographing Nature: Tips, Tricks & Inspiration with Professional Photographer Josh King
Josh King is a professional landscape photographer based out of Laguna Beach, CA.
We're stoked to have him on the podcast to chat about tips and tricks for folks who want to take photos at national parks, his personal journey and much more!
You can find Josh's work at www.joshkingimages.com
The full podcast is also available on YouTube (@safetravelspod): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8Y7T9TyxJE
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July News, Notes & Creators: New 4th of July Plans, Death Valley is HOT, Biscuit Basin Exploded & More
Welcome to the first News, Notes & Creators edition of the Safe Travels Pod! We'll be discussing park news from the month of July, upcoming podcast plans and my favorite creators from the previous month.
Here are the press releases referenced throughout this episode:
Death Valley Heat:https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/news/hottest-month-in-death-valley-history.htmhttps://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/news/july-2024-heatwave.htmhttps://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/news/7-20-2024-sand-dunes.htmFourth Of July Celebration At Mount Rushmore:https://www.nps.gov/moru/learn/news/mount-rushmore-celebrates-independence-day-with-variety-of-events-and-activities.htmGlacier Bay Whale Waters:https://www.nps.gov/g...Mt. Rainier National Park: Exploring One of America's Iconic Volcanoes
Why is Mt. Rainier one of the most hazardous volcanoes in the world?
Let's chat about Mt. Rainier together! In a change-up from our traditional park preview podcast, we go a bit more in-depth on Mt. Rainier National Park and it's volcanic geology. We'll also briefly chat about human history and it's history as a national park.
You can also watch the 24 Hour VLOG at Mt. Rainier on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@safetravelspod
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Olympic National Park: Human History, Cultural Resources & Archeology with Archeologist & Curator Matt Dubeau
Matt Dubeau is an archeologist and curator at Olympic National Park. He joined the podcast to discuss how humans have used the olympic peninsula for thousands of years. Matt also shared insight on archeological digs, how the parks preserve artifacts and how visitors can minimize their impact on culturally significant resources and artifacts.
Matt is tremendous! I really hope you enjoy this episode.
You can also watch this podcast on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@safetravelspod
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Olympic National Park: Climate Ecology & Physical Science with Climate Ecologist Bill Baccus
Bill Baccus is a climate ecologist at Olympic National Park, his role is described as 'a doctor checking the vitals of the park'. In this episode we explore the health of Olympic National Park, climate change and the role that physical scientist play in each of these national parks.
Bill is an incredible scientist and a wonderful guest! We did the podcast with the beautiful Olympic mountains peaking behind us.
You can also watch this podcast on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@safetravelspod
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