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