I Survived The Wild Outdoors

In this episode, I share a painful lesson I learned first hand: What happens when you don't properly protect your skin from the sun. After a fishing trip turned into a medical nightmare, I developed sun poisoning and second-degree burns on my lips. We'll talk about what sun poisoning actually is, why your lips are especially at risk, and how you can prevent serious sun damage using SPF lip balm, sun-protective clothing, and smarter habits.Also, check out episode 40, "What's That Spot?", where I talk with fishing guide Thatcher Haggberg about the different types of skin cancer caused by sun exposure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A split-second mistake. A missing thumb. A crossbow design that never should have allowed it to happen. In this episode, I sit down with veteran bowhunter Jeff Braaksma, who shares the shocking story of how a simple backyard practice session with his new crossbow turned into a life-altering injury. Jeff's not alone - his experience is part of a disturbing pattern affecting hunters across the country. We dive into the hidden dangers of modern crossbows, the responsibility manufacturers need to take, and what every new or experienced shooter must know before picking one up. If you or someone you know shoots a crossbow-or is thinking about it, this episode could prevent the next accident. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professional fishing guide Thatcher Haggberg joins the show to share his personal wake-up call after being diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma and undergoing multiple treatments for actinic keratosis. With over 25 years guiding on Lake of the Woods and Crow Lake, Thatcher has spent a lifetime under the sun with little protection--and now he is on a mission to help others understand the long-term risks of sun exposure. We talk skin cancer, sun safety, SPF clothing and how to keep enjoying the outdoors while respecting the sun. A must listen for anyone who lives, works or plays outside.Thatcher's SocialsInstagram: @droptinetackleFacebook: Drop Tine TackleWebsite: www.droptinetackle.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as my friend Tracy and I chase Muskies on the legendary Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada. When the fish weren't biting the first few days of the trip, we made a bold decision to explore a new area- one that required portaging our boat overland using an old rail cart system. Things didn't go as planned and we soon found ourselves stranded on the wrong side of the portage with daylight slipping away. This is a story of what not to do....Brad's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Musky-Slayers-Bible-Guide-What/dp/B08TFQT7JY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LOO0CCJ4G1EM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pWwilAybkgQMWArc9eG9NA.poONEghwUkGLn7gCljtRY1kfyt6iwB6hpzuyVUuhZf4&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+musky+slayers+guide+of+what+not+to+do&qid=1750709419&sprefix=a+musky+slayers+guide+of+what+not+to+do%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Chris and his son Tyler set out to hunt caribou on the remote island of Adak- a wind swept mostly deserted wonder in the Bering Sea- they expected a challenging trip. What they got was a battle for survival. Four miles from their truck, Chris suffered a devastating knee injury, tearing his patella tendon. With no local rescue team, no hospital and no quick way off the island, they reached out to the Coast Guard using a Garmin inReach-only to be told they were on their own.What followed was an all-night trek through freezing terrain as Tyler helped his injured father inch his way back to the truck, but that wasn't the only thing out there. Strange orbs of light began to appear in the sky, hovering, and streaking above. Tyler was left shaken, Chris refused to talk about it. Whatever it was, it added a layer of the unexplainable to an already life-threatening situation.In this episode we breakdown what went wrong, how they got out, and what every outdoorsman and adventurer can learn from their story. From survival tactics to the limits of emergency response in the wilderness-this is a journey you wont forget. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a remote hunting trip in Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, Tyler Johnson and his father Chris found themselves in a life or death encounter with one of nature's most feared predators. While trekking through tall grass, they startled a massive brown bear. In a terrifying turn, the bear charged- first veering towards Chris before locking onto Tyler. In the chaos, Tyler tried to defend himself with his 10mm pistol but accidentally shoots himself in the leg. With seconds to act, Chris maneuvered to safety and unloaded his weapon, taking down the bear just in time. In this episode we recount the harrowing moment, Tyler's injuries and the critical role his father played in saving his life before a rescue helicopter arrived. It's a survival you wont forget.Tyler's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theworthywonderer/His post right after the attack: https://www.instagram.com/p/C__QdssRIgP/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leon Brown from Clark Fork Outfitters is back! A returning guest and seasoned hunting guide, Leon joins us once again to share another unforgettable story.This time it all starts with a successful hunt as his dad drops a great bull elk, but things quickly take a turn. After deciding to haul the elk out using an ATV, Leon is able to get down the top of the mountain to an old logging road. But when they realize the elk is too heavy to lift into the truck, Leon comes up with a fast (and slightly risky) plan to drive the elk-loaded ATV up a steep hill to try to match the trucks tailgate height. What happened next? Let's just say it involves a massive elk, a flipped ATV and our friend Leon.Clark Fork Outfitters: https://clarkforkoutfitters.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this gripping episode, Leon Brown of Clark Fork Outfitters shares his harrowing encounter with a black bear in the wilds of Idaho. After a day-long chase with his dogs, Leon found himself under attack, forced to defend himself with his handgun. He recounts the terrifying moment the bear turned on him, biting his thigh and hand and how he survived the the attack. Leon's story is not only a testament to survival but also a valuable lesson in being prepared for the unexpected.Clark Fork Outfitters: https://clarkforkoutfitters.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful story behind Stephan Kesting's book, Perseverance: Life and Death in the Subarctic. Stephan shares his harrowing journey of survival after facing near-death experiences in the wild, and how these challenges led him to a deeper understanding of life, resilience and hope. Don't miss this incredible story of survival and personal growth. Stephan's Book:https://www.amazon.com/Perseverance-Death-Subarctic-Stephan-Kesting/dp/1639368612 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a honeymoon turns into a series of unfortunate events? Katie and Mitchell find out as their romantic getaway to South Dakota quickly derails with food poisoning and a horse riding accident that ends with a broken rib. Join as Katie shares the ups, the downs and everything in between- proving that sometimes love grows stronger in the most unexpected circumstances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we follow the gripping journey of Steve Acosta and his brother Simon as they venture out for a day of Steelhead flyfishing on California's Feather River. What begins as a serene escape quickly turn's into a fight for survival when their drift boat capsizes, leaving one brother struggling beneath the surface. Join us as we recount their terrifying experience and the lessons learned from the river and the importance of life jacket safety.Steve's website: acostaflyfishing.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dawn Rohde shares her harrowing solo adventure up Red Pines Trail in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon. Her plan to explore the scenic Maybird Lake area takes an unexpected turn when she loses the trail amid lingering snow and rugged terrain. A thunderstorm rolls in and the conditions become perilous with lightning, hail, and slippery trails. As night falls and the temperatures drop, she shelters by a cliff, wrapped in a space blanket and surrounded by the wilderness and its inhabitants. Listen in as Dawn shares her fight for survival with host Brad Mathewson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast episode, seasoned musky fisherman and guide Joe Junion recounts a series of fishing mishaps centered around one of the most dangerous aspects of the sport—the razor-sharp treble hooks. With vivid detail, he recalls several close calls and near misses that have left anglers bloodied and bruised, including himself. Whether you're a fishing enthusiast or just a fan of wild adventure stories, this episode reminds us of one of the overlooked dangers of fishing.Todays Guest: Joe Junionhttps://sites.google.com/view/joejunionsportfishing/homehttps://www.facebook.com/p/Joe-Junion-Sportfishing-100070157833467/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this specially requested episode, host Brad Mathewson shares two more entertaining and cautionary tales from his bear hunting adventures. The setting for both stories is the swampy, bog-filled wilderness where he and a friend were scouting and baiting for bear season. From underestimating the treacherous terrain of a bog, to nature throwing the unexpected curveball, this episode offers listeners a glimpse into the unpredictable and often challenging aspects mother nature has to offer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a wild story in the heart of the wilderness. Our host Brad Mathewson, an experienced hunter, sets out on what should have been a routine trip to put out bear bait. But as soon as he steps onto shore, he finds himself under attack — not by a bear, but by a swarm of angry yellow jackets. Stranded with his kayak pulled up over their ground nest, he has no choice but to fight the swarm of pain to escape. Tune in as he recounts the experience and shares the lessons learned from a day in the wild that went from calm to chaos in an instant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this gripping episode, we follow Leroy, an experienced elk hunter, as he embarks on a muzzleloader hunt in the rugged Colorado mountains. After successfully harvesting an elk, Leroy encounters two fellow hunters who offer to help him pack out his prize. But as the group begins the arduous task, Leroy suddenly feels dizzy and collapses. Unbeknownst to him, he’s suffering from a life-threatening brain aneurysm. With time running out, a dramatic search and rescue operation unfolds, racing against the clock to get Leroy the urgent medical care he needs. Tune in as Leroy shares his harrowing tale of survival with host Brad Mathewson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to survive in one of the harshest environments on earth? In this episode, we follow the extraordinary tale of Ed Rosenthal who became lost in Joshua Tree National Park for six days. Isolated in the unforgiving desert landscape without water, he cleverly used the canyon’s shade to endure scorching days and freezing nights. His story is one of perseverance, showcasing the human spirit’s resilience against the odds. Listen in as Ed shares his remarkable journey from desperation to salvation with host Brad Mathewson.Ed's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Salvation-Canyon-Desert-Survival-Joshua/dp/1733957979https://www.amazon.com/Desert-Hat-Ed-Rosenthal-ebook/dp/B093ZS2FYD?ref_=ast_author_dp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Brad Mathewson shares how he learned the hard way when it comes to the "Dos and Don'ts" to carrying bear spray. Listen as he describes the surprising effects and the valuable lessons drawn from this unexpected incident. A must-listen for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone in bear country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us in this gripping episode as we recount the harrowing tale of a family’s day on a boat that takes an unexpected turn. Despite setting out on serene and mild waters, their boat capsizes, turning their peaceful outing into a fight for survival. Listen as Officer Kong shares his firsthand account of the sudden disaster with host Brad Mathewson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, host Brad Mathewson delves into the harrowing experience of Lee Ann Galante, a Pennsylvania woman who had the misfortune to encounter a mother black bear in her own backyard. Lee Ann recounts the terrifying moments when she let her small dog out for a quick potty break, only to find herself face-to-face with a protective bear. Listen in as Lee Ann describes the intense encounter, her instinctual fight for survival, and the miraculous outcome that left her and her beloved pet alive. This story of courage and resilience in the face of nature’s raw power is one you won’t want to miss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.