The Ground Between Us

What did the eastern United States look like before its wild landscapes were transformed by settlement and industry? And what does it take to bring native wildlife back? In this episode of The Ground Between Us, Eli talks with Andrew Moore, author of The Beast of the East: The Rise and Fall of America's Eastern Wilderness , about the history of eastern wildlife and the ongoing efforts to resto...

Want to try fly fishing but aren't sure where to start? In this episode of The Ground Between Us, Eli talks with Christa Clasgens, owner of Silver Hen Flyco, about the gear, techniques, and skills that help beginners get started. Christa brings her experience guiding anglers across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia to a practical conversation about everything from choosing a firs...

In this episode of The Ground Between Us, Eli talks with Olivia Miller, Interim Executive Director of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, about her deep connection to West Virginia’s Highlands and the long history of protecting the state’s wild places. Olivia grew up in the heart of the Monongahela National Forest, surrounded by the mountains, forests, streams, and public lands that shaped he...

In this episode of The Ground Between Us, Eli talks with Corey Fisher, public land policy director at Trout Unlimited, about roadless areas, public lands, hunting, fishing, and the conservation work happening on the ground. A quick note on production quality: We experienced some technical issues during this recording that affected both the audio and video quality in parts of the episode. We apolog...

What do public lands mean to you? Land Tawney joins The Ground Between Us for a conversation about public lands, conservation, hunting, fishing, and the experiences that connect people to the outdoors. We talk about Land's conservation background, the importance of public lands, the role of grassroots engagement, and the policies that shape how these places are managed. Land also shares person...

Public lands belong to all of us, but protecting them takes more than simply caring about them. It takes people willing to speak up. In this episode of The Ground Between Us , Eli talks with Adam Kramer, founding executive director and CEO of Outdoor Alliance, and Nicole Brown, Outdoor Alliance's communications and public engagement manager, about public lands, the roadless rule, and why advoc...

Public lands don't have to be sold to become effectively privatized. In this episode, John Leshy explains how changes in law, leasing, resource extraction, and land management can reshape who controls America's public lands, even when the land itself remains publicly owned. John Leshy joins The Ground Between Us to unpack how America's public lands were created, why they matter, and ho...

What makes a fish native to one place but introduced somewhere else? And how can moving a few fish in a bait bucket have consequences that spread throughout an entire watershed? In this episode, I sit down with Cam Layne, a West Virginia fish biologist and Midwest Vice Chair of the Native Fish Coalition, to explore the incredible diversity of Appalachian fish and the complicated relationship betwe...

Public lands are more than places to hunt, fish, hike, and explore. They are shared resources that depend on people being willing to advocate for them. In this episode, I sit down with Matt Kearns, a board member of the West Virginia chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, to talk about the importance of public land, public water, habitat, and access. Matt shares how his own connection to hu...

Some of the most important conservation work in America isn't happening in famous national parks. It's happening quietly, one property at a time. In this episode, I sit down with Turner Provost, Executive Director of Captina Conservancy, to discuss the organization's mission to protect the forests, streams, and wildlife of eastern Ohio. We explore how conservation easements help landow...

The Endangered Species Act has shaped wildlife conservation in the United States for more than 50 years, helping prevent extinctions and guiding the recovery of countless species. But how did this landmark law come to be, how does it actually work, and what challenges does it face today? In this episode, I sit down with renowned conservation biologist Dr. Stanley Temple, Senior Fellow at the Aldo...

Enjoy this episode of TGBTU Revisited, where we revisit some of our favorite conversations! How do you turn a passion for fly fishing into a business—and a movement? In this episode of The Ground Between Us (TGBTU), we sit down with Christa Clasgens, founder of Silver Hen Fly Co, to talk about fly fishing, guiding, and empowering women in the outdoors. Christa shares her journey from beginner to g...

In this episode, I sit down with Georgia State Herpetologist Daniel Sullenberger to discuss the growing challenge of invasive Argentine black and white tegus and what their spread means for native wildlife. Drawing from his work with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Daniel explains how these remarkable reptiles became established in Georgia, why they're so difficult to manage, and...

In this episode, I sit down with Remington Bracher to discuss how Indigenous perspectives on hunting, wildlife, and land stewardship can inform the future of conservation. Drawing from his Cree heritage and professional experience in wildlife management, Remington shares how cultural traditions, community relationships, and respect for the natural world continue to shape conservation efforts today...

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Shepherd of the Wildward Institute to explore why spending time outdoors is about so much more than recreation. From developing resilience and confidence to building a lifelong conservation ethic, Scott shares how meaningful experiences in nature can shape both individuals and the future of our public lands. Drawing from his work in outdoor education and cons...

In this episode, I sit down with Liz Crandall to explore how a passion for wilderness can grow into a lifelong commitment to conservation and public lands advocacy. Liz shares the experiences that shaped her connection to the outdoors and led her to dedicate her career to protecting public lands. From her work in Yellowstone to her advocacy for places like Dolly Sods, we discuss the importance of...

In this episode, I sit down with my dad, Scott Henderson, and my pap, Marty Henderson, to revisit decades of deer camp memories, hunting traditions, and the stories that helped shape our family's connection to the outdoors. Together, we reflect on a very different era of hunting, from snowy mornings in homemade blinds and long tracking jobs through steep hollows to the unforgettable characters...

In this episode, I sit down with John Mikolajcik, creator of Public Land Advocate, to discuss the importance of America's public lands, the challenges they face, and why protecting these places matters for future generations. From hunting and fishing to hiking, camping, and wildlife conservation, public lands play a vital role in our outdoor traditions and our connection to the natural world....

In this episode, I sit down with Meg Carney, writer, environmental advocate, and creator of Outdoor Minimalist , to explore the future of public lands, conservation, and what it means to build a more sustainable relationship with the outdoors. We talk through the complexity of public land management in the United States, from policy shifts and environmental regulation to the real-world impacts the...

In this episode of The Ground Between Us , we sit down with Christoph Meinardus to explore the foundations of native ecosystems, conservation, and habitat management . Christoph shares insights into how natural landscapes function, and what it takes to maintain or restore balance in environments that are increasingly shaped by development and land-use change. The conversation covers topics like na...

In this episode of The Ground Between Us , we sit down with Stephanie Tomana to discuss the environmental challenges facing West Virginia , and the growing importance of conservation, public lands, and community action. Stephanie shares insight into issues surrounding water pollution, aging infrastructure, environmental legislation, and the long-term impact these challenges have on both ecosystems...

In this episode of The Ground Between Us , we sit down with Jason Herbert to explore the deeper meaning behind hunting, fishing, and life in the outdoors . Jason shares his personal journey and reflects on the cultural and emotional significance of time spent in nature. From family traditions and regional identity to the role of hunters and fishermen in conservation and sustainability , the conver...

In this episode of The Ground Between Us , we sit down with Christa Clasgens , founder of Silver Hen Fly Co, to talk about her journey into fly fishing, guiding, and building a community for women in the outdoors . Christa shares how she got started in fly fishing, what led her to guiding, and how her passion evolved into a business focused on education, connection, and empowerment . The conversat...

What does it actually take to master the outdoors? In this episode, we sit down with Craig Caudill, director of Nature Reliance School, to break down the real skills behind survival, tracking, hunting, and building a deeper connection with nature. Craig shares decades of experience teaching wilderness skills—from reading animal sign and navigating terrain to understanding conservation and the mind...

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Madison Grimm to talk about her journey from a young wildlife artist to a hands-on conservationist working in waterfowl rehabilitation. Through a candid and engaging conversation, Madison shares how winning the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest at just six years old sparked a lifelong passion for wildlife—and how that passion evolved into real-worl...