The Wilder Outdoors Podcast

How to choose a summer camp and how a great camp can change your kids’ lives, a chat with Tim Nielsen

In this episode, I chat with Tim Nielsen. Tim was my camp director when I was a young man and he now oversees several camps in the Northeast. Tim and I talk all things camp from how he became a camp director, to how kids benefit from camps, to how to choose the right camp for you and your family. Plus, he shares a little bit about a growing trend: family camps, and how they can help open the door of camp life to your whole family. If you've ever thought about sending your kids to camp or about going to camp yourself, check this out! Show links: Newsletter: www.wilderoutdooracademy.com/newsletter American Camp Association: https://www.acacamps.org/ Christian Camp and Conference Association: https://www.ccca.org/ccca/default.asp

Unlock fun in winter with ice fishing - a conversation with Josh Link

In this episode, I chat with my friend Josh Link (check him out on episode 10 where he talks about fire science, campfires, and raising out door kids!). In this episode, we chat about how ice fishing can be the key to getting your whole family loving the outdoors in the winter. As a transplant to northern state, ice fishing was totally foreign to me a few years ago. However, it's become a great way for our family to get outdoors, have fun and bond during the winter. In this conversation, Josh gives you everything you need to start ice fishing as a family - from gear, to tactics, to hacks for staying warm and having fun, and most importantly, how to do it safely. If you're at all interested in ice fishing, this is a conversation you don't want to miss! Show links: www.wilderoutdooracademy.com/newsletter www.wilderoutdooracademy.com Ice auger: https://amzn.to/3ZOgTRJ Tip up: https://amzn.to/3F46p7i

Wilderness safety and survival with mountain rescuer, Nina Makston

This is a great episode. If you have ever wondered about how to stay safe or survive in the wilderness, my conversation with Nina will give you the tools you need to 1) make sure you don't get into a bad situation and 2) you can survive and get rescued if you do. Nina is a volunteer mountain rescuer in Arizona. She shares how people can keep themselves and their families safe in the wilderness, but also shares important stories about how it's not the big, dangerous trips that get people - it's the mundane, "easy" hikes where people get comfortable and make life-threatening mistakes. For real, listen to this episode. It might save your or someone else's life! Links: Essential Gear for Your Next Trip: www.wilderoutdooracademy.com/safety Central Arizona Mountain Rescue: https://www.mountainrescue.org/

Family RVing across the country with Rich and Grace Parks

In this episode, I chat with my friends Rich and Grace Parks. Rich and Grace have spent much of their married life living and traveling in an RV. What makes it more impressive is that they do it with their four kids! They travelled all over the country including several National Parks. They share how you can start RVing, how to overcome some of the challenges you'll face, where to learn about RVing, and gear that will make your RVing life much easier. It's a great conversation whether your a newbie or veteran in the RVing community. Links: Wilder Outdoor Academy: www.wilderoutdooracademy.com Gone with the Wynns: https://www.youtube.com/@gonewiththewynns Free Roam: https://freeroam.app/ Folding Toilet: https://amzn.to/48jHyto Collapsible Crate: https://amzn.to/464EpMm Blackstone Grill: https://amzn.to/3PDF8Pe Gas firepit: https://amzn.to/3LrRo2S

Camping in the National Parks and how to raise resilient kids in the outdoors with Steph Alcivar

As 2023 comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for being a part of the Wilder Outdoors community. What an incredible year it has been with the podcast! So many inspiring stories, valuable insights, and the joy of exploring the great outdoors together.
One of the highlights of this year was the opportunity to sit down with my friend Steph Alcivar - it was also the most downloaded episode of 2023! Steph, a wife, mother, successful businesswoman, and seasoned athlete, joined me to discuss her family's epic adventures in state and national parks. Together, we explored the profound impact outdoor experiences can have on teaching resilience to our kids and pushing them beyond their comfort zones.
In this episode, Steph generously shared practical tips for anyone looking to embark on similar family adventures, drawing from her wealth of experience. We also delved into the thrilling world of adventure racing, a passion that Steph holds close to her heart. For those curious about this sport, listen to her recent episode with her husband about adventure racing, specifically (Episode 020).
As a special treat to wrap up the year, I'm thrilled to announce the re-release of the most downloaded episode of 2023—our conversation with Steph Alcivar. This episode is a treasure trove of real-life experiences and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about outdoor adventures and family bonding.
Thank you once again for being an integral part of the Wilder Outdoors community. Here's to a fantastic year behind us and the exciting adventures that await us in the coming year!

Mastering Budget-Friendly Family Camping with Chad and Celia Baker

In this episode, of the Wilder Outdoors Podcast, I sit down with my friends, Chad and Celia Baker, who are not only raising four incredible outdoors-loving kids but are also masters at budget-friendly camping. Join us as we delve into their awe-inspiring journey from camping novices to creating enduring, priceless memories in the great outdoors with their adventurous children. Discover how Chad and Celia transformed their family's outdoor experiences, sharing remarkable stories from their wild adventures. We'll uncover the advantages of family camping, while also unearthing some hidden gems across the country that they've explored. And the best part? They generously spill the beans on their tried-and-true tips and tricks for making family camping an absolute blast while keeping it budget-friendly. Tune in now for an episode packed with insights, anecdotes, and guidance on how to make the most of your outdoor family adventures. Don't miss out on this valuable treasure trove of camping wisdom! Show links: www.wilderoutdooracademy.com

Fire science, building awesome campfires and raising kids who love the outdoors with Josh Link

Let me start by saying this episode is like getting a PhD in campfires and fire science. On thi sweeks' episode, my friend Josh Link (who is also a firefighter) shares some next level tips and tricks for building campfires that will keep you warm, will burn for a long time and that won't blow smoke in everyone's direction. I've been buildling campfires with kids for a LONG time and this conversation blew my mind. Plus, Josh shares stories of how he's successfully raised kids that love AND are capable in the outdoors. For real, you'll want to steal some of things he talks about. Check it out!
links: www.wilderoutdooracademy.com/fire
Solo smokeless stoves: https://amzn.to/45C3nT2

How cultivating family sufficiency can instill a love of the outdoors in your kids with Jason Peterson

In this episode, I speak with Jason Peterson who has built his personal and professional life around a love for nature. We talk about everything from being a camp counselor to waste water management to how small-scale homesteading practices are heping his kids connect with the outdoors. You won't want to miss it! Show links: www.wilderoutdooracademy.com www.wilderoutdooracademy.com/mailinglist

How life in the outdoors can make your kids confident, curious, and strong leaders. A chat with Nate and Heather Wolf.

In this episode I chat with my friends Nate and Heather Wolf. They are amazing parents and that shows in the fact that their kids are all thoughtful, curious, and capable leaders. We discuss how homeschooling in the outdoors has helped with this. We also discuss how parents who don't necessarily love the outdoors can cultivate a love of the outdoors in their kids. It's a great conversation full of practical ideas that you can implement with your family. Check it out! Links: www.wilderoutdooracademy.com www.wilderoutdooracademy.com/readinglist Bird Field Guide: https://amzn.to/44UfCum

How to make big adventures with little kids. A chat with Aaron Van Luven.

In this episode, I chat with my friend Aaron Van Luven. Aaron is a great father and husband and a capable outdoorsman. We discuss how he learned to love the outdoors later in life and how he's making big adventures for his kids despite them being young. We also discuss his recent trip to Split Rock Light House, how his tent almost blew off a cliff, and what makes for a great adventure as a family. You won't want to miss it! Links: www.wilderoutdooracademy.com www.wilderoutdooracademy.com/readinglist https://restorationmpls.com/