The Trail Less Traveled

Derek Chittenden is a Cape Town–based professional planner and the Director of BlueGreen Planning + Design, with more than 35 years of experience in urban planning, sustainable development, and environmental design. Growing up in Zimbabwe, he developed a deep connection to Africa’s landscapes and a lifelong commitment to finding ways for development and conservation to coexist. His work has encompassed urban design, land-use and development planning, conservation strategies, and regenerative approaches across South Africa and internationally, including projects in Costa Rica, the Seychelles, Comoros, Tanzania, and Malaysia. Among his notable projects are conservation and development frameworks for Table Mountain National Park and the Makuleke Contractual National Park, as well as planning strategies for the Macassar Dunes, Hout Bay River corridor, and Knysna Western Heads. His work has received numerous professional awards, reflecting a planning philosophy centered on creating resilient, sustainable places that strengthen both communities and the natural systems on which they depend. Learn more about Derek's work here: https://sacplan.org.za/consultant/bluegreen-planning-and-design/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason C. Poole is an American paleontologist, fossil preparator, educator, and paleo-artist currently based in Missoula. Best known for blending scientific accuracy with artistic interpretation, Poole spent 27 years as the Manager of Dinosaur Hall and head fossil preparator at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, where he helped prepare and study major dinosaur discoveries from around the world. Educated at the Antonelli Institute of Art and Photography, Poole developed a career that bridges science and visual storytelling. His paleoart and scientific illustrations have appeared in publications including National Geographic, museum collections, documentaries, and academic works. During his field career, he participated in excavations across North and South America, Africa, and Mongolia, and contributed work on dinosaurs new to science, including Paralititan, Dreadnoughtus, and Suuwassea. Today, Poole works with the Elevation Science Institute as a field expedition crew chief, fossil preparation specialist, and resident paleo-artist. Based in Missoula, Montana, he regularly teaches drawing, painting, and paleontology workshops through the Montana Natural History Center while preparing Jurassic dinosaur fossils collected in southern Montana. His public programs and artwork emphasize making prehistoric life accessible and engaging for broad audiences. Do yourself a favor and check out his art here: https://www.jasoncpoole.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born in Arizona, John grew up with a profound love of the Grand Canyon, having started hiking adventures there at the age of ten. He graduated from Northern Arizona University and has been boating the “big ditch” since the early 1990s. He’s also enjoyed the thrill of whitewater adventures in Utah and Alaska, where he became enamored with the Alsek River. He lives in Flagstaff, AZ where he raised two amazing daughters with his artist wife.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Opalacz is the co-founder and co-owner of Bedrock Sandals, an adventure footwear company he launched in 2011 alongside Nick Pence after the pair met while serving as AmeriCorps conservation workers in Northern California. Inspired by long days restoring rivers and hiking rugged terrain, Opalacz helped transform a handmade minimalist sandal into an award-winning outdoor footwear brand known for its durability, repairability, and innovative design. Based in Missoula, Montana, Bedrock Sandals has grown from a Kickstarter startup into a globally recognized company while remaining committed to environmental stewardship through its partnership with 1% for the Planet. As co-founder, Opalacz continues to lead product innovation, company strategy, and sustainability initiatives, driven by a passion for adventure, thoughtful design, and creating gear built to last.Show notes:00:03:45 - From Skiing to Surfing to Barefoot Running00:07:19 - From Orthotics to Minimalist Footwear Founder00:12:27 - Ancient Footwear Origins and Timeless Design00:15:58 - Simplicity and Durability in Sandal Design00:17:58 - Bedrock Sandals Durability and Grand Canyon Adventures00:20:00 - Designing Sandals Built to Last Decades00:22:14 - From Patagonia Repairs to Bedrock Clogs00:24:47 - Bedrock's Clog Success and Mountain Shoe Innovation00:27:53 - Advice for Following Through on Your Idea00:31:16 - Acid Rain: A Growing Environmental Threat00:36:31 - Humanity's Dominance Threatens Our Own Survival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason C. Poole is an American paleontologist, fossil preparator, educator, and paleo-artist currently based in Missoula. Best known for blending scientific accuracy with artistic interpretation, Poole spent 27 years as the Manager of Dinosaur Hall and head fossil preparator at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, where he helped prepare and study major dinosaur discoveries from around the world. Educated at the Antonelli Institute of Art and Photography, Poole developed a career that bridges science and visual storytelling. His paleoart and scientific illustrations have appeared in publications including National Geographic, museum collections, documentaries, and academic works. During his field career, he participated in excavations across North and South America, Africa, and Mongolia, and contributed work on dinosaurs new to science, including Paralititan, Dreadnoughtus, and Suuwassea. Today, Poole works with the Elevation Science Institute as a field expedition crew chief, fossil preparation specialist, and resident paleo-artist. Based in Missoula, Montana, he regularly teaches drawing, painting, and paleontology workshops through the Montana Natural History Center while preparing Jurassic dinosaur fossils collected in southern Montana. His public programs and artwork emphasize making prehistoric life accessible and engaging for broad audiences. Do yourself a favor and check out his art here: https://www.jasoncpoole.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.