Who the WYLD Things Are with Ryan Maguire

Uninterested in the American dream, Kris Reed dropped out of high school to pursue a life of nature connection and outdoor adventure. Over the last 20 years he’s taught ancestral earthcrafts and survival skills, backpacked over 15,000 miles, and accumulated more dirt time by bicycle and canoe. By sticking to the philosophy of “limited wants, unlimited means” Kris has cultivated a life free of many of the trappings of modern society, allowing him to live on a near permanent sabbatical. If you head into the wild you’re bound to cross his tracks at some point.

Lauren and Ryan sit down to discuss Ryan's attempt at breaking the 24-hour fan-bike World Record. All 24 hours of the event will be ⁠⁠⁠live streamed on this link ⁠⁠⁠starting April 29th @9am MT All Proceeds from the event will go directly to ⁠⁠⁠Porter-Billups Leadership Academy⁠⁠⁠

Don Reichelt is a trail and ultra runner living in Fairplay, Colorado with his Wife, Amy, and two dogs: Bean and Sprout. Don currently holds a 100-mile trail best of 13:16 which he set in November 2020 at the Tunnel Hill 100 and was the third-fastest trail 100-mile run in North America during 2020. Don set three manual treadmill world records in November 2022 wearing a Speedland road prototype: furthest distance in 12 hours, fastest 100 mile, and furthest distance run in 24 hours. He has finished on the podium at the Badwater 135, aka “The Worlds Toughest Footrace” and also has had the honor of representing the United States as a member of the 2017 U.S. Spartathlon team, racing 153 miles from Athens to Sparta. Don also was invited to compete at the 2019 Backyard World Championship. Additional top finishes include: 1st place 2023 Coldwater Rumble 52 Mile 1st place 2022 Coldwater Rumble 52 Mile 1st place 2021 Salt Flats Endurance Run 50K 1st place 2020 Coldwater Rumble 20 Mile 1st place 2019 Lean Horse 100 mile 2nd Place 2017 Keys 100 mile Leadville Leadman Finisher

For episode five, we welcome our third contestant from Season 7 of Alone, Correy Hawk. Correy is well-known for being one of the best traditional bowyers alive. His passion for bow-making, archery, and the outdoors are part of what made him an excellent guest on this week's podcast.

In Episode 4, Ryan sits down with Alone Season 7 Runner-up, Callie Russell "Callie is a scavenger-gatherer who lives nomadically following the seasons and wild food. She is always striving to understand the role humans play in the intricate web of life. While working as a guide in wilderness therapy, Callie realized that she was the most joyous and peaceful when immersed in nature. She decided to walk away from modern comforts and commited her life to learning skills that would allow her to stay in the wilderness for longer and longer periods of time. Since 2010, Callie has been living outside under trees, tarps, canvas and caves. Several of those years were spent living nomadically with a herd of pack goats that she raised, which allowed her to be sustained directly from the land. Living outside has allowed her to become proficient in many ancestral skills. Callie’s focus has been in backcountry animal processing, hide tanning, felting, basket weaving and gathering plants for medicine, food and art. Her most specialized skills, however, are being able to drink copious amounts of goat milk and gaze into the fire for hours on end. In the fall, Callie skins deer and elk at a wild game processor in order to harvest hides which she then tans and sells through her business, Montannery. When she is not wandering in the mountains, her time is filled with her many other jobs. Callie tracks mountain lions every winter for a conservation project and works with a hunting guide packing goats in and out of the backcountry. She enjoys empowering others to develop their connection to the wild world and shares her skills with kids at several nature connection schools. She also leads backcountry trips and teaches a variety of workshops. Callie views this epic journey as a rite of passage. She sees herself as a student and the land as her mentor."

Roland Welker is a seasoned outdoorsman and big game hunter. Based on his plethora of experiences in the Alaskan wilderness, Roland was selected for Season 7 History Channel's Alone. The season required participants to live alone in the arctic wilderness for 100 days. Contestants are only allowed to bring 10 items. Roland was the only contestant to complete the Million Dollar Challenge. In this episode Ryan and Roland discuss living in the outdoors, Roland's life growing up, and his perspective on Season 7 of Alone.

Matt Graham is a specialist in "primitive skills" and a television personality who co-hosted the Discovery Channel reality show Dual Survival. Ryan and Matt talk about topics like ultra running, primitive hunting, and all things survival.

Donny Dust is a world wide expert in remote primitive survival, emergency preparedness, ancestral skills and primitive technologies. Donny is an expert flintknapper and primitive hunter pushing the limits of the human body to thrive in some of the most remote regions of the world. Donny has walked countless miles, living a minimalistic approach to survival while employing the basic of primitive technologies to thrive in any environment. Donny has authored books, worked on feature films as a technical survival consultant, participated in different network television programs, conducted numerous podcasts and radio appearances, as well has spoken in-front of crowds who traveled far and near to hear him speak of his adventures and skills. Known as the "Professional Caveman" Donny is nothing but professional, adventurous and creative. Donny's expertise draws clients from as far as Canada, The United Kingdom, Australia and South America. All want to walk wild with Donny and experience the adventures of the "Professional Caveman."

Meghan Buchanan (@ggrit on IG) is not interested in playing the victim. She’s an aerospace engineer, a mountaineer on a mission to climb the Seven Summits, a dyslexia advocate, and someone who’s been tested again and again by life. You may have seen her on Outlast Season 2 on Netflix, where survival gets messy fast. But this episode isn’t about the show. It’s about the real-life survival stories that came before and after.We talk about what it actually feels like to face trauma while keeping a goal in sight. What it takes to rebuild after being brought to your knees. And how to keep showing up when nobody’s clapping for you.Meghan doesn’t sugarcoat anything. She opens up about grief, betrayal, mountaineering disasters, and the invisible weight of always having to prove yourself. She also shares what she’s learned from the mountains, from her body, and from walking through some dark seasons with her head up.This one is for anyone who’s been through something and kept going.

Matthew Lefthand is a record-breaking ultra-endurance cyclist who’s redefining what’s possible on two wheels. In this episode, we dive into his journey from a 270-pound marathon runner to one of the fastest ultra bikers in the world. He recently shattered the Race Across the West course record, completing the brutal 860-mile route from Oceanside to Durango in just 1 day, 21 hours, and 39 minutes, averaging nearly 19 mph through desert heat and mountain climbs. Earlier this year, he also set the highest 24-hour mileage ever recorded by an American—576 miles at the Sebring 24. But beyond the numbers, this conversation is about the mental, physical, and spiritual transformation that fuels those rides. Matthew talks about what it means to suffer with purpose, how his Navajo heritage and family drive him forward, and what it takes to truly give everything you have. If you’re chasing big goals or need a reminder of what the human body and spirit are capable of, this one’s for you.

In this episode, hosts Ryan, Luis, and Mitchell break down the upcoming Western States 100-mile race. They explore how Jim Walmsley’s absence opens the door for new contenders and dive into key strategies around heat training and nutrition. The trio analyzes top runners like David Roche and Kilian Jornet, then draft their fantasy teams with hot takes and bold predictions. The episode wraps with final thoughts and sleeper picks for the most iconic ultra of the year.

Dean Karnazes is one of the most iconic endurance athletes of all time—and for good reason. He’s run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days, raced across deserts, mountains, and frozen tundras, and helped bring ultrarunning into the public consciousness. But Dean’s story runs far deeper than race stats.In this episode, we explore the history of ultrarunning—from its roots in ancient messengers to its modern resurgence. Dean shares how he got started, what pulled him back into running on his 30th birthday, and why he’s stayed in the sport for decades while many burn out.We cover the mindset that’s allowed him to go the distance, the toll (and gift) of solitude, how he’s kept his body healthy through relentless effort, and what’s still pulling him forward. We also dive into his upbringing, his Greek heritage, and how culture, family, and purpose all play into his enduring passion for movement.Whether you're an ultra veteran, a weekend runner, or just someone seeking inspiration—this episode will light a fire in you.

Brittany Konsella is a skier, mountain biker, author, and one of the few people to ski all of Colorado’s 14ers. But behind those summits is a story of resilience few ever hear. After a traumatic spinal injury left her partially paralyzed, Brittany fought her way back into the wild. In this episode, Ryan and Brittany dive into recovery, risk, identity, and the raw process of rebuilding a life in the mountains after everything changes.

Roland Welker isn’t just the winner of Alone Season 7—he’s a storyteller, a mountain man, and a true student of the wild. In this REWYLD episode, Ryan sits down with the only person to ever complete 100 days fully alone in the Arctic. But this conversation goes far beyond reality TV.Roland opens up about the emotional weight of isolation, the mental shifts that happen when modern life is stripped away, and the deep ancestral knowledge that guided him through one of the most extreme survival challenges ever broadcast. They talk about building shelter in brutal cold, harvesting wild game, and what it really means to live in relationship with the land.This episode is about resilience, yes—but also about humility, connection, and finding meaning in the stillness of the wilderness. Whether you're a survivalist, a nature lover, or just someone curious about the edges of human experience, this one’s worth the listen.Join us in the wild this Summer

Dr. Teimojin Tan is a wilderness medicine doctor, military veteran, and survival expert known for his role on the show Alone. In this episode, he and Ryan go deep on how to cultivate resilience in extreme conditions—both physical and mental. From treating injuries in remote environments to maintaining clarity under pressure, Dr. Tan brings a unique blend of medical knowledge, lived experience, and warrior philosophy. Whether you're chasing challenge or preparing for chaos, this conversation is packed with insight.Join us in the Bush:Field to Feast - https://thesurvivaluniversity.com/product/from-field-to-feast-5-day-primitive-survival/Primitive skills Run -https://thesurvivaluniversity.com/product/primitive-skills-run/

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Cait Crowell to explore personal sovereignty in a world that's pushing convenience over consciousness. They unpack how modern Western health has drifted from true wellness, the importance of making empowered choices, and how real food and intentional living are the foundation for lasting health. This conversation is a reminder that ownership of your body, mind, and life is the ultimate freedom.

Ryan sits down with Paddy O'Connell, host of the Outside Podcast and star of Paddy O' Sucks At, for a conversation full of laughs, misadventures, and wild insights. Paddy, known for his offbeat humor and fearless approach to the great outdoors, shares his journey from a beginner in the mountains to someone who’s learned to embrace failure as part of the adventure. This episode dives into his hilarious—and often chaotic—experiences navigating backcountry challenges, learning survival skills, and finding humor in the toughest situations. Paddy’s no stranger to pushing limits, and his stories offer a mix of rugged wilderness wisdom and gut-busting comedy. If you love hearing about mountain mishaps, outdoor lessons, and the human side of adventure, this episode is your perfect escape.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Jessie Krebs — former U.S. Air Force SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) specialist, wilderness survival instructor, and contestant on Alone Season 9. Jessie shares her journey from military survival training to teaching everyday people how to reconnect with nature and reclaim their resilience.They dive into the psychology of survival, the mental toll of isolation, myths about wilderness living, and how nature can be a powerful tool for healing trauma. Jessie brings sharp insight, hard-earned wisdom, and raw honesty to a conversation that explores what it truly means to survive — and to thrive.

On this episode of Who The WYLD Things Are, Ryan sits down with Joel van der Loon — world-class survivalist, wilderness skills instructor, and finalist on Alone Season 7. Joel shares stories from his upbringing in the bush of Tanzania, lessons from surviving 66 days in the Arctic, and his philosophy on preparedness, adaptability, and living in harmony with nature. This episode is packed with wisdom on primitive skills, mental resilience, and what it truly means to be self-reliant in the wild.Join Ryan on a wilderness experience

In this episode, host Ryan Maguire is joined by Nate Smith to break down the vision behind Last Mountain Man Standing, the ultimate test of endurance and grit coming to Conifer, Colorado, on June 21, 2025. They dive into what makes this event unique—a brutal 4.1-mile loop packed with rugged terrain and tough obstacles, where racers must complete a lap every hour until only one remains. Ryan and Nate discuss the inspiration behind the race, the challenge of balancing strength and endurance, and what competitors can expect on race day.Whether you're racing, spectating, or just love pushing limits, this episode gives you an inside look at what’s shaping up to be one of the toughest events in the mountains. Sign up now and learn more hereThis episode is brought to you by Kula Sports Performance—helping athletes train smarter, recover faster, and perform at their peak.