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This week on the Busted Knees and Pretty Trees Podcast, Brad and Travis keep each other company in studio while Patrick is on a family adventure in a distant land. To cope with the absence, the guys have a chat about their early summer adventures and new backpacking gear they've acquired. This includes Brads camera gear setup, Travis' newfound hobby for shabby nature cinematography, and the challenges of carrying extra equipment on the trail.

Plus, Walt brings some news about one of the most bizarre and ancient creatures living among us today. It's not a crab!

Please enjoy and thanks for listening! Keep on Sauntering.

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This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with Chris Bradley of the Hoosier Hikers Council to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to keep our trails alive. From boots-on-the-ground maintenance to protecting wild places for future generations, Chris gives us an inside look at the work most hikers never see.
We dig into trail stewardship, trail advocacy and proper trail architecture. If you’ve ever wondered how that trail beneath your feet began, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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In this episode, we spotlight real stories of nature bouncing back—from species saved to ecosystems restored. These aren’t theories or “what-ifs”… they’re proof that conservation works.

We share three powerful stories that show what happens when people step in, take action, and make a difference for the natural world.

And along the way, Travey brings in a piece of Indiana history—highlighting Colonel Richard Lieber, the visionary behind Indiana’s state park system, and how his leadership helped protect some of the landscapes we still enjoy today.

It’s a mix of hope, history, and real-world impact—the kind of episode that reminds you that progress is possible.

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This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with urban wildlife biologist Jessica Merkling to pull back the curtain on a job most people never think about until there's an animal causing trouble. We talk nuisance wildlife, human-wildlife conflicts, and the challenges cities face as they work to balance development, public safety, and healthy wildlife populations.
What happens when a coyote moves into a neighborhood? Why do some animals thrive in urban environments while others struggle? And what does a typical day actually look like for an urban wildlife biologist?
From responding to wildlife complaints to educating the public and helping communities find solutions that work for both people and animals, Jessica shares stories from the field and offers a fascinating look at the often-overlooked work of coexistence.
If you've ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when wildlife and people cross paths, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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Spring migration is here! Join Bradley and Paddy as they dive deep into the spectacle of migrating birds, break down the excitement around BWIAB, and preview everything happening at the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival. From warbler fallout to birding strategy, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and plenty of spring birding energy. Tune in now!

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Backpacking used to be about dirt under your nails, bad coffee at sunrise, and sitting on a rock long enough to feel small again. Now it feels like it’s all spreadsheets, split times, and humblebrags about 30-mile days.
Somewhere along the way, miles started mattering more than memories.
So we’re pushing back.
This is a conversation about slowing down on purpose. About ignoring the stopwatch. About staying at the overlook even if it wrecks your itinerary. About remembering that nobody lays in their tent at night thinking, “I wish I’d walked faster.”

If the only thing you bring home is a number… you might’ve missed the whole point.

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This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, we sit down with the man, the myth, the legend — Paddy’s old biology teacher, Jabin Burnworth — and trust us… this one is special. You know that teacher who made science feel like an adventure instead of an assignment? The one who turned confusion into curiosity and classrooms into ecosystems? That was Jabin.
In this episode, we talk about what makes a great teacher great, how to make biology attainable for every kid, and why curiosity is still the most powerful tool in the outdoors. We dive into stories from the classroom, lessons that stuck for a lifetime, and how mentorship can shape the trajectory of a student’s world.
There’s laughter. There’s nostalgia. There’s some serious birding talk. And there’s a whole lot of appreciation for the educators who change lives without even realizing it.
If you’ve ever had a teacher who made you feel seen, capable, and curious — this episode is for you.

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