The Wild Dispatch

For some, the Urushiol oil found in Poison Oak, Poison Ivy and Sumac can be completely debilitating. Given that it doesn't exist in England at all, Robin quickly built up a pretty decent sensitivity to this irritating member of the wilderness family. In this episode he shares some of the most effective techniques for mitigating Poison Oak while out in the field.Here is the mentioned youtube video that changed everythingIf you have any suggestions we'd love to hear them! Send a voice message to The Wild dispatch on Instagram and it might even make it onto the airwaves.

In this Field Notes Episode, Robin follows Jason through day 1 of bowhunting elk in the Colorado mountains. Amongst the many miles and close encounters, they find time to share stories over a few snacks. Warning: some snacks may come with a very unsavory nickname. All food in this episode came prepared by podcasting legend and well-loved ‘Camp Mom’ Michael Scrogan of The Hunting Stories Podcast. There’s even a surprise appearance from another hunter who goes by the name Jeremy.Thanks again to Jason, Michael and Jeremy for a fantastic adventure!

Dana Anderson is a hugger, but that's not the only way he's kept life's bubbles from ever going flat. Arguably the funnest person to know, Wild Mountain Man Dan got his nickname for a reason, and we're going to find out here today. From wilderness techniques, lessons about community, and even a run-in or two with the law, Dana shares some truly wild stories in this episode.A huge thank you to Dana for sharing his time with us today!Give him a follow on Instagram and Facebook, and find him at a wild skills gathering - he's likely to be there.

In this episode, Robin shares how square breathing helped him successfully arrow two fallow deer in just sixty seconds. The technique he demonstrates in this episode is one of the tools that helped him swing that day's result from failure to double-success.

From the rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula to the arid environment of Lincoln County, Nevada, John Anderson has spent his life completely immersed in nature. Awarded Nevada Game Warden of the year – Unsurprisingly, John has a bunch of great stories for us today. While many involve him chasing down the bad guys, you might be surprised to learn he wasn't always exactly on the right side of the law himself...A huge thank you again to John for sharing his time and stories with us today. And thanks to his Dad for making the introduction.You can watch John on 'Nevada Wild' available on Animal Planet - the season finale airs Tuesday Jan 6 at 9pm ESTLearn how to become a game warden at gamewarden.orgEpisode Summary:The conversation covers the role of a game warden, the influence of a rural upbringing on career choice, the training and career transition process, the balance between work and hunting, childhood adventures and mischief, the regulation of recreation and freedom, the father's transition and poaching, and the game warden's role and escalations. The conversation delves into the ethical considerations in wildlife management, the use of technology in wildlife crime investigation, the human role in ecosystem management, and the significance of hunting and wildlife management. It also explores the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by game wardens in their line of work. The conversation covers a range of topics including hunting experiences, wildlife forensics, forensic analysis, wildlife relocation, muzzleloader hunting, search and rescue operations, TV show impact, advice for aspiring game wardens, and TV show schedule and availability. The discussion provides insights into the diverse responsibilities and experiences of a game warden, highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation, forensic analysis, and community involvement.Chapters00:00 The Role of a Game Warden10:35 Balancing Work and Hunting16:37 Regulating Recreation and Freedom22:26 Ethical Considerations in Wildlife Management42:43 Hunting Experience and Wildlife Forensics48:25 Wildlife Relocation and Conservation Efforts01:01:36 Search and Rescue Operations and Missing Persons Cases01:14:14 Advice for Aspiring Game Wardens

Part 2) A 2-minute exercise that reduces stress, calms nerves, and increases focus at times when you need it most. That might be on a mountain or ocean, in the bush...even if you hate your boss at work. Full interviews and adventure episodes will continue to land on Mondays, and these short how-tos will be on Thursdays.Subscribe to us to always be up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

Part 1) A brief explanation of this quick breathing exercise and its benefits before the actual exercise in the next episode.Full interviews and adventure episodes will continue to land on Mondays, and these short how-tos will be on Thursdays. Subscribe to us to always be up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

This is the setup before a two-parter coming out midweek (out Thursday Jan 1st)Happy New Year everybody! In this episode, Robin takes a break from simultaneously seeking both bears and mushrooms to give a quick update. The TLDR is: On top of the normal programming involving chats with the world's wildest people, on occasional Thursdays, there will be a series of mini-episodes offering tools and exercises you can lean on whenever needed.Thanks again for another great year - onto the next one!

Happy holidays everyone! In this festive episode, we turn the tables on our normal format and let two of The Wild Dispatch's biggest (and youngest) fans Interview Robin. Joel and Harry finally get to ask everything they've ever wondered about for the past couple of years. But will they be able to remember their questions with excitement bubbling faster than a Mentos & Diet Coke fountain.A big thank you again to Harry and Joel Methley for doing such a fantastic job of hosting their first-ever podcast. This one has big laughs, thought-provoking questions, and even a few not-so-rude jokes too!And a big thanks to Callum for being a good friend and a very generous host, and for making the best snacks a hunting partner could ever wish for ;) Check out Callum's Instagram @Kuduhunt on InstagramHere's the live safari Youtube we chatted about in the episode.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

After adventuring through his Viking homeland of Denmark, Ejler Hjorth-Westh returned to Northern California with a backpack full of interesting stories.One of those stories chimed with Robin like a cowbell in a cement mixer. During his travels, Ejler tasted the finest artisanal salt of a maker in Denmark... and was left underwhelmed. Which begs the question: If Pacific sea salt really is better, then why? In this episode, Ejler takes Robin on a mission to hunt down (and taste) what he considers the best, punchiest salt in the whole wide world. This is of course accompanied by multiple wilderness observations and scat commentary. A big thank you to Ejler for the usual witty banter and world-beating salt.You can now follow Ejler's fledgling account on Instagram-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

Many people would shudder at the thought of living in complete isolation through sub-arctic winter. But for Wyatt Black, it's how he finally managed to accept the darkest corners of his past. In this episode, Wyatt spills all about his time on season 10 of the Alone show. All the while maintaining his trademark positive and often laugh-out-loud attitude towards addiction, recovery, and mental health. There's also some fantastic memories growing up in the boonies, hunting, trapping, etc, that helped Wyatt become the man he is today.Wyatt's new book 'Bleeped and Blurred' launches this week: Be sure to subscribe at www.wyattblack.com and/or follow his publisher codebreaker on Insta for all the latest release info.Also give Wyatt a follow on Instagram to see whatever wild mayhem he's up to lately.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this episode, Robin talks with Stephen Klinger, an Alaskan at his happiest when perched on the jagged edge of self-annihilation. He tests these boundaries aboard his inflatable jet boat, which is capable of maneuvering its way UP raging rapids. Sometimes this is to gain access to incredible hunting grounds; other times it’s simply being the first human to ever reach a river’s glacial lake by boat. This episode is packed full of wild stories, including many close calls, hunting / fishing adventures etc. Thanks again to Stephen for sharing his time with us today! Be sure to follow him on Instagram @spoicyfishes Also, a big thank you to Adam Brennan from EP54 for making the introduction.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this episode, Robin takes a pit stop mid mushroom/turkey hunt to say an enormous thank you for joining us on this podcasting adventure. Thank you to all the amazing guests and listeners! Thank you for every download, for every good review, and for every recommendation to a friend you've given... And for every guest who's shown up with their wild stories. The Wild Dispatch continues to grow because of you all: our ever-growing group of Dispatchlings ;)-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this episode, Robin, Fred Hammer, and Robin Gratz spend three action-packed days trying to land an African monster. This is no small feat. Historically South Africa has always been packed with high caliber apex predators: Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, hyenas, packs of African wild dogs etc. As a result antelope have developed an incredible skill-set that helps to keep them alive. So, getting close with a bow in hand is sometimes laughably difficult. Nevertheless they manage to close the distance, and let arrows fly. A big thanks to Fred Hammer from Bowhunting Africa for his fantastic guiding services, and Robin Gratz from Daggaboy films for capturing the adventure. -----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

To this day, the legend of Dick Proenneke continues through his journals and wonderful footage. However, we were surprised to discover that Dick’s sourdough starter also lives on! What better way to celebrate a life-lived-wild than with sourdough pancakes made with the trusty sourdough jar from his cabin? In this episode, Robin and his wife Hanneke sit down with the cabin’s previous caretakers for 19 years: K Schubeck and Monroe Robinson. They share some of their fondest memories of Dick, while we enjoy his pancake recipe, even topped with wild blueberry jam picked at Twin Lakes, Alaska. Once again, a huge thank you to K and Monroe for such a treat on so many different levels.You can find Monroe's fantastic book, 'The Handcrafted Life of Dick Proenneke' at Lost Art Press Find more conversations featuring Monroe and Dick Proenneke in EP43, EP51 and EP73 -----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this episode, Robin and Larry take advantage of the year's calmest ocean and go for an adventure underwater. A big thank you to Larry for sharing his time, patience, and knowledge about these parts of the Pacific ocean. -----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this Episode, Robin and Nathan dive deep into everything Alone Season 12 in South Africa. This one has a bunch of entertaining and sometimes emotional stories: From memories of growing up under Larry Dean Olsen, a legendary figure in the wilderness arena, to applying his lessons in the semi-deserts of Alone, South Africa... From extremely close encounters with exotic animals, to the heavily documented benefits of wilderness therapy (And the way it helped Nathan win Alone). This one is a real treat for anybody with even an ounce of curiosity for the outdoors. More links at the bottom. Once again, a huge thank you to Nathan for allowing us into his circle for this episode. It's been an honor hearing your story.Links:Outdoor Behavioral HealthcareAnasazi FoundationBooks: Outdoor Survival Skills & Wilderness Survival  - by Larry Dean Olsen (support your local bookstore if you can!)-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this episode, Robin and regular guest Dennis McKiver head out into the Pacific Ocean in search of Tuna... They catch up on recent Stories and test their mettle against some rough seas... but who will crack first?As promised, there will be an extra sprinkling of 'Field Notes' episodes over the coming months. Far too many adventures, both big and small, are clogging up The Wild Dispatch HQ's hard drives, so in an effort to avoid taking a mountain of untold tales to the grave, there will be roughly one extra release like this per month. What do you think of this episode? Let us know your thoughts with an Insta messageA big thanks to Dennis, Jim, and Jordan for putting up with the extra recording gear.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

In this episode, Robin chats with Naude Dreyer – co founder of Ocean Conservation Namibia. Naude shares some incredible stories from the rugged Namibian coastline, seal rescues, rabies shots, and many other animal encounters from the ocean. From the adrenaline-pumping chases across sandy beaches to the innovative techniques he helped develop to save entangled marine life, Naude's journey is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of a healthier ocean. Get ready to be captivated with tales of resilience, innovation, and the wild beauty of nature, all wrapped up with Naude's sharp Namibian sense of humor.Once again, a huge thank you to Naude for his time today. Be sure to give him a follow, and show some support at the links below:Ocean conservation Namibia - Donate HereWatch the action on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...

Right now in the US it's that magical time of year when the elk mating season descends into a full-bore rut-mode. It's also a time when (some would say) foolish individuals pick up their bows and arrows and do their best to challenge 900lb animals to a close quarters fight. This is an episode of The Hunting Stories Podcast –Robin and friends take a minute to reminisce about the bowhunting adventures of September 2024. There’s highs, lows, funny bathroom mishaps, multiple successes and a whole bunch of banter. A similar gang are back together again for this 2025 season. The bulls are already bugling, the good times are rolling, and no doubt more stories are being made right about… Now. Good luck to everybody out there trying to fill their freezer the hard way this season!A big thanks to Michael for sharing this episode with us today.Be sure to follow Micheal from the ever growing Hunting Stories Podcast And check out his informative Hunter's Brief episode available on the same channel every Friday.-----------------Subscribe to this podcast so you're always up to date. Even better - share us with a friend who loves the outdoors.Follow Robin & The Wild Dispatch on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook...