The BackCast Podcast

Surviving the Ice Storm: Nature's Resilience and Challenges John and Richard are joined by Dr. Greg Corace to discuss the aftermath of the impactful ice storm that hit the northern lower Peninsula at the end of March. Greg shares his insights on how this natural event affected the woods around us. Greg is a professional Forest and Wildlife Ecologist and is a contact for the Forestry Assistance Program in Alpena and Montmorency Counties. He began working at the Alpena-Montmorency Conservation District in July 2019.  Greg has a Bachelor's of Science (Zoology) and a Master's of Science (Biology) from Northern Michigan University and a Ph.D. (Forest Science) from Michigan Technological University. Greg was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Botswana. Click here for Greg’s full resume/CV. Over the last 20+ years, Greg has conducted forest planning, applied research, management, and inventory and monitoring on public and private lands in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan.  As an aside; if you are interested in learning more about the storm, the National Weather Service also has a great write-up(weather geek stuff) on the storm – definitely worth a read. As always; we’re grateful for your time and hope you enjoy our shows.  The Lovells Township Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the heritage of Lovells and northern Michigan. Through our museums and events, we strive to enrich our community and preserve the important history of the area while sharing it with our residents and visitors. The Lovells Township Historical Society is a 501 (c) (3) organization whose genesis can be traced back to the August 1990 Heritage Days Celebration. For a more detailed history of the Historical Society, visit here.

In this episode, Richard and John sit down with rod maker Chris Sparkman.  Chris is a retired math teacher and a talented rod maker.  We held this recording back a few weeks to coincide with the 2024 edition of the Rod Makers at Grayrock conclave.  We have a couple of other rod makers lined up; so be sure to check back for some more great listening!

In this episode of the Backcast Podcast, John and Richard are joined by John Walters.  John has been deeply involved in conservation for well over 20 years.  Whether leading TU at the local and state levels, serving as a director for the Anglers of the Au Sable or serving on the state’s Nature Resource Commission; John is at the conservation forefront of our rivers and woods and of the wildlife therein.  John is a great conversationalist and is always a fun guest.

In this episode of the Backcast Podcast we delve into the complexity of the legal system, the world of fishing and more with our special guest, George Mertz, a circuit court judge and passionate outdoor enthusiast. George takes us on an enlightening journey through his unique experiences both from the bench and riverside, offering insights into technology’s impact on court transparency, the joys and challenges of fly fishing, child engagement in outdoor activities, and in-depth tales of trout conservation.  

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the BackCast Podcast!  We're excited to offer you a special off cycle episode with our film making friend Robert Thompson.   Our regular listeners may recognize RT’s name from his film The River.  We’re especially pleased to be one of the first stops on his “film tour” celebrating the release of a new streaming offering called Night of the Hex II. "As June arrives in the Midwest, it ushers in the emergence of the "Michigan Mayfly" or Hexagenia Limbata. This prolific hatch comes off at night and with it brings out the biggest trout to gorge on these bugs.  This is truly a unique fishing experience and can offer an angler both heartbreak and the possibility of a trophy brown trout, often in a single night.  Follow five Midwestern fly fisherman, through various obstacles, as they chase this hatch and hunt these large brown trout under the cover of dark. "Night of the Hex II" offers a glimpse into the fly fishing culture on Michigan's Au Sable river and what goes into fishing a hatch that is so unique, it has rarely been photographed." Preview/Rent/Buy on Vimeo - http://vimeo.com/ondemand/noth2 Catch up with RT on Instagram @thirdyearff