Wilderness Matters: Recent Episodes
Balefire Outdoors
This is the official podcast of the Balefire Outdoors channel on YouTube and a place for me to discuss how our wilderness...well... matters! I will be covering topics related to nature and natural science as well as the skills and gear that help us enjoy the outdoors safely and minimize our impact on the earth.
Links: YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/BalefireOutdoors Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balefireoutdoors/
Unfortunately serious healthcare issues in our household are forcing me to cut unnecessary elements of my free time so that I can spend valuable time with those I care about. Hopefully one day soon we will return full swing <3
- @BalefireOutdoors, Joe
A lot of unplanned projects and events are taking away the time I set aside for the podcast so I am taking a short hiatus. As it is my side project / alternative creative outlet I simply can't prioritize it for a few weeks.
Intro
Hello everyone and welcome to episode 10 of Wilderness Matters where we discuss the skills, science, and gear necessary to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. I’m your host Joe, the creator of Balefire Outdoors on YouTube. Today we are going to talk F.U.D. and why it’s so important to resist it.
Announcements
The best way to support the show is to leave us a review on places like iTunes and follow us over on YouTube and Instagram at Balefire Outdoors. Links in the show notes.
Episode Rundown
S1E10 – F.U.D. Is Dirtier Than Mud
Written & Directed By Balefire Outdoors
Synopsis:Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. Today we talk about why we need to stop supporting doomsayers and think for ourselves. From daily life to protecting the outdoors, it’s just evil.
Discussion
- What is F.U.D. ? – Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt
- The Incentives: Everyone Wants “Secret” Knowledge
- Money, Discrediting The Opposition, Influence (Personal & Political), Satisfying The Egomaniac
- Protecting Nature From Corporate Monsters
Dirty Politics & Social Engineering * Old Wives Tales: A Toxic Inheritance * Break Free From The Matrix * LEAP: Learn, Educate, Advocate, Participate
Overall Thoughts
F.U.D. is used by politicians, corporations, and conspiracy theorists but also friends and family. Everyone has a bias and those without a moral compass will use dirty tricks to try and control your opinion and view of the world. There’s plenty of it in the outdoors arena. Fight it.
Coming Up Next Episode
An Experimental Format: Nature News From Around The World?
Links
Balefire Outdoors Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BalefireOutdoors
Balefire Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balefireoutdoors/
Today I want to discuss two big problems in the outdoors content creator space. Firstly the fact that by putting a camera or notebook between ourselves we can quickly find that we no longer enjoy being outside and secondly that there are many in the creator space who aren't ACTUALLY outdoorsman and give folks an unrealistic idea of what it takes to get outside.
Links
- Balefire Outdoors Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BalefireOutdoors
- Balefire Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balefireoutdoors/
Intro
Hello everyone and welcome to episode 8 of Wilderness Matters where we discuss the skills, science, and gear necessary to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. I’m your host Joe, the creator of Balefire Outdoors on YouTube. Today we are going to talk about the basics behind Darwinian Evolution, Survival Of The Fittest, and how it can help you appreciate the outdoors even more.
Announcements
- The best way to support the show is to leave us a review on places like iTunes and follow us over on YouTube and Instagram at Balefire Outdoors. Links in the show notes.
- Next week is my “micro break” of sorts so there will be no episode but there will be one the following week so keep your eyes open for a new episode notification.
Episode Rundown
S1E8 – Darwin & Survival Of The Cutest
Written & Directed By Balefire Outdoors
Synopsis:
Many think they understand what survival of the fittest means but very few do. In fact, Charles Darwin didn’t even coin the phrase, instead it was a peer who had written to him after the initial “Origin Of Species” had been written. By understanding what Darwin actually meant you will look at nature in a more wondrous way and help break controversial if not toxic stereotypes.
Discussion
- Who was Charles Darwin?
Is “The Origin of Species” Worth Reading? * Where did “Survival Of The Fittest” Come From? * Social “Darwinism” & Scientific Racism * What Did Darwin Actually Mean?
Cuttlefish Drag & Human Fragility * The Descent Of Man: Love Shack, Baby * Nature Is Full Of Wonder For Those That Can See It!
Overall Thoughts
Darwin and his use of “survival of the fittest” are extremely misunderstood. The social Darwinist theory is completely inaccurate and has been used to justify great acts of racism and violence. By understanding what Darwin actually meant we can help cut down on misinformation and appreciate nature for what it really is. The product of many millions of years of evolution and comebacks from extinction events. Nature is truly, WILD!
Coming Up Next Episode
Next Week Is A Break Week
Links
- Balefire Outdoors Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BalefireOutdoors
- Balefire Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balefireoutdoors/
- Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/
- Origin Of Species (First Edition): https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1228/1228-h/1228-h.htm
- Origin Of Species (Sixth Edition): https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2009/2009-h/2009-h.htm
- Descent Of Man: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/2300/2300-h/2300-h.htm
- Cuttlefish Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KT1-JQTiZGc
Today we will discuss what are often painted as competing ideologies, preservation and conservation. We will also briefly touch on the modern approach of ecosystem function and biodiversity. I was a bit under the weather this week so a hair shorter than normal.
Links
- Balefire Outdoors Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BalefireOutdoors
- Balefire Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balefireoutdoors/
Intro
Hello everyone and welcome to episode six of Wilderness Matters where we discuss the skills, science, and gear necessary to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. I’m your host Joe, the creator of Balefire Outdoors on YouTube. Today we are going to cover what I consider to be the three most popular schools of thought in outdoorsmanship. Many firmly plant themselves in one of these camps while I myself and a mixture of all three.
Announcements
- The best way to support the show is to leave us a review on places like iTunes and follow us over on YouTube and Instagram at Balefire Outdoors. Links in the show notes.
Episode Rundown
S1E6 – A Clash Of Eras
Written & Directed By Balefire Outdoors
Synopsis: Today we cover an ongoing divide in outdoors philosophies. When picking what gear to carry or what skills to learn everyone typically falls into one of three camps. These are the primitive school, the modern school, and what I call the Americana school that falls somewhere in between. Each have their own pros and cons.
Discussion
- An American Point Of View
- The Three Eras Of Outdoorsmanship
- Primitive School – Bring As Little Gear As Possible, DIY The Rest
Historical Value – The Native
Locally Based
The Basics
Survival Advantage * Americana School – Colonial To American Reconstruction
Historical Value – The Mountain Man
Bushcraft Vs. Woodcraft (Richard Graves, Les Hiddins – Nessmuk, Mors Kochanski)
The Trademark Problem (Bushcraft USA LLC, A Forum)
Making Do With Less
A Bridge Between Worlds
LARPing & Dangerous Advice * New School – Super Steels And Drone Flying
Getting Out In An Increasingly Indoors World
Letting Technology Do The Heavy Lifting
The Immersion Paradox & Content Creator Strife
Overall Thoughts
As long as it gets folks outdoors I honestly don’t care which approach they take. We’ve discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each major school of thought. Regardless of what you choose just make sure you don’t lose sight of why you are outdoors!
Coming Up Next Episode
Conservation VS. Preservation, And The Modern Ecosystem Approach
Links
- Balefire Outdoors Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BalefireOutdoors
- Balefire Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balefireoutdoors/
A reflective look at my experience over the years. Links
- Balefire Outdoors Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BalefireOutdoors
- Balefire Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balefireoutdoors/
- Lee Ralph: https://www.youtube.com/c/LeeRalph100
Intro
Hello everyone and welcome to episode four of Wilderness Matters where we discuss the skills, science, and gear necessary to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. I’m your host Joe, the creator of Balefire Outdoors on YouTube. Today I want to go over my winter car kit and encourage you to examine your own.
Announcements
- The best way to support the show is to leave us a review on places like iTunes and follow us over on YouTube and Instagram at Balefire Outdoors. Links in the show notes.
- No Episode Next Week
Episode Rundown
S1E4 – Winter Emergency Car Kit
Written & Directed By Balefire Outdoors
Synopsis: Having an emergency kit in your vehicle can help save lives, especially in winter! This is simply what I chose to carry for my specific area.
Discussion
- The most important thing when building a kit
- Two vital shelters
- Vehicle maintenance
- Basic items to leave in your vehicle
- Basic items for your exterior shelter bag
- Fire kit & safety warning
- Food options & suggestions
- Water & snow conversions
Overall Thoughts
Having to survive in ones car is one of the biggest fears of drivers in snowy or icy regions. Accidents can happen so easily that having a kit is a must. I recommend packing at least the items I discussed in this episode. I have provided a typed out list in the links section of the show notes. It has a corresponding video series (not my best work) to help you understand it further.
Coming Up Next Episode
In the next episode we will talk about a well debated topic in the outdoors community, wool and fur vs synthetic gear for winter.
Links
- Balefire Outdoors Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BalefireOutdoors
- Balefire Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balefireoutdoors/
- Winter Car Kit List: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Uxy2JzMwCLcVnoBXoxPRj_Q1nd9kC0Wq/view?usp=sharing
Intro
Hello everyone and welcome to our third episode of Wilderness Matters where we discuss the skills, science, and gear necessary to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. I’m your host Joe, the creator of Balefire Outdoors on YouTube. Today we will be discussing some of the basic terminology you should understand when going outdoors this winter.
Announcements
- The best way to support the show is to leave us a review on places like iTunes and follow us over on YouTube and Instagram at Balefire Outdoors. Links in the show notes.
Episode Rundown
S1E3 – Winter Survival Terminology
Written & Directed By Balefire Outdoors
Synopsis: Today I discuss important aspects of winter survival such as frostbite, hypothermia, windchill and more to help you stay safe this when heading into the wild.
Discussion
- Exposure is extremely lethal
- Why it is important to know your terms
- What is windchill?
- What is frostbite? Prevention?
- What is hypothermia? Prevention?
- What does r-value mean for sleeping pads?
- Experience matters (Know the area and your limits)
- Elevation is important!
Overall Thoughts
Knowing the difference between things like frostbite and hypothermia can be critically important in preparing your gear and prioritizing hazards when outdoors in winter weather. Winter hiking and camping should only be done by experienced individuals carrying the proper gear. Know the geography and weather patterns of the area you plan to explore ahead of time.
Coming Up Next Episode
Next episode we will delve into what I recommend for your winter car kit by discussing my own. I will be providing a gear list in PDF format for those who desire one.
Links
- Balefire Outdoors Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BalefireOutdoors
- Balefire Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balefireoutdoors/
- Windchill & Frostbite Chart (F): https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold-wind-chill-chart
- Windchill & Frostbite Chart (C): https://c8.alamy.com/comp/BDCY3T/celsius-wind-chill-chart-BDCY3T.jpg
- Hypothermia Chart (In Water): https://i.insider.com/52c9adbaecad046c634f26d9?width=750&format=jpeg&auto=webp
Intro
Hello everyone and welcome to the actual second episode of Wilderness Matters where we discuss the skills, science, and gear necessary to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. I’m your host Joe, the creator of Balefire Outdoors on YouTube. Today we will be discussing several of the myths surrounding hydration, be it while backpacking or for survival.
Announcements
- The best way to support the show is to leave us a review on places like iTunes and follow us over on YouTube and Instagram at Balefire Outdoors. Links in the show notes.
Episode Rundown
S1E2 – Hydration Myths
Written & Directed By Balefire Outdoors
Synopsis: I discuss the biological reasoning behind why many ideas, like drinking your own urine, are complete nonsense.
Discussion
- Dehydration and its symptoms
- Myth #1: How much should we drink per day?
- Myth #2: You don’t need to pack water if you have a filter
- Myth #3: Melting snow
- Myth #4: Sugar and electrolytes
- Myth #5: Drinking your own urine
- What is in urine? Is it sterile?
- How urine byproducts can be toxic to our bodies
- The negative feedback loop of urine consumption
- Can you make urine safe to drink?
Overall Thoughts
There’s a lot of bad information out there involving hydration. Given how important it is to survival make sure you are getting your information from the correct sources and fact check everything. Dehydration is the third fastest killer out there behind hemorrhaging and exposure to extreme temperatures.
Coming Up Next Episode
Tune in next time where we will discuss the basics of winter survival and safety in the outdoors by going over frostbite, hypothermia, and windchill. Stay wild!
Links
- Balefire Outdoors Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BalefireOutdoors
- Balefire Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balefireoutdoors/
- Solar Still: https://youtu.be/Zuj_NnymqMg?t=51
- Army Survival Manual (2018): https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1007548
- Grayl Water Filter (Non-Affiliate): https://grayl.com/collections/shop-all
Intro
Hello everyone and welcome to the first episode of Wilderness Matters where we discuss the skills, science, and gear necessary to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly. I’m your host Joe, the creator of Balefire Outdoors on YouTube. Today I want to establish why being prepared is so important for outdoors enthusiasts and how it will serve as the backbone for the rest of our discussions.
Announcements
- The best way to support the show is to leave us a review on places like iTunes and follow us over on YouTube and Instagram at Balefire Outdoors. Links in the show notes.
Episode Rundown
S1E1 – Preparedness 101
Written & Directed By Balefire Outdoors
Synopsis: We discuss what it means to be prepared when outdoors and what I feel are the most important things to focus on for beginners.
Discussion
- What does it mean to be “prepared”?
- Expecting the worst & the 72-hour scenario
- The five most important skills
- Train for success
- Do the 10 C’s really cut it?
- The "Double D Method" for packing (Distance & Duration)
- Notes on nutrition
- The most import tool you can buy
- Handling self defense appropriately
Overall Thoughts
No matter what you plan to do outdoors you need to be prepared for it and any emergencies that may happen along the way. The vast majority of camping and hiking problems stem from people not paying attention, doing something above their skill level, or neglecting to bring the proper gear. Don’t be the person who has to call in Search & Rescue because you failed to plan your outing appropriately.
Coming Up Next Episode
Catch us next time where we discuss the biggest cliché in the outdoors preparedness and survival arena, drinking your own urine. Yuck.
Links
- Balefire Outdoors Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/BalefireOutdoors
- Balefire Outdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balefireoutdoors/
This short clip is just to help you get to know me a bit better and give you and idea of where I plan to go with the podcast.
Links:
YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/BalefireOutdoors
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/balefireoutdoors/