Busted Knees & Pretty Trees Podcast

Send us Fan Mail 2026 is on our minds, and this episode is all about what we’re hoping to get into next year. We talk through the trips on the radar—backpacking Isle Royale, kayaking the Big Manistee, and hitting The Biggest Week in American Birding along with the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival. No logistics, no deep planning—just the places, experiences, and moments we’re most excited about as we...

Send us Fan Mail Get ready for a great conversation as we sit down with Matt Herbert, Senior Conservation Scientist with The Nature Conservancy. Matt is helping reshape the Great Lakes—literally—by rebuilding spawning reefs and restoring the once-thriving lake whitefish populations that depend on them. In this episode, we break down the surprising science behind reef construction, the challenges f...

Send us Fan Mail How do you actually sleep outside without waking up angry at the world? In this episode, we’re tearing into our full sleep systems — what we use, what we’ve ditched, and what we’re still arguing about. Pads, bags, quilts, pillows, cold nights, bad decisions, and strong opinions all hit the table. If you’ve ever stared at your setup at 2 a.m. wondering where it all went wrong, this...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we’re taking things off-trail with a game of unpredictable questions and unfiltered answers. Each draw from the Sea to Summit Kettle of Friendship reveals something new — hilarious stories, surprising truths, and the kind of campfire honesty that only happens when good friends get a little too comfortable! This episode is all about connection, laughter, and the stories...

Send us Fan Mail This week on the podcast, we sit down with Chloe Smith-Guitard, the Stewardship and Land Management Director at LC Nature Park, for a deep dive into what it truly means to protect, restore, and care for wild spaces. From rebuilding prairies and managing thriving bison herds to tackling invasive species and shaping the future of conservation in northeast Indiana, Chloe brings incre...

Send us Fan Mail This week, we’re breaking down the biggest moments, the standout guests, and the conversations that pushed us deeper into the wild. From unexpected trail stories to the behind-the-scenes chaos you never heard, we’re revisiting the episodes that defined the season and kept us moving. If you’ve been here since episode one—or you’re just jumping in—this is the perfect way to catch th...

Send us Fan Mail Strap on your boots and step back in time with us as we explore one of Fort Wayne’s most iconic historic landmarks: The Old Fort. In this episode, historian, reenactor and storyteller Harrison Snyder guides us on a captivating journey through the fort’s rich past—sharing tales of the men and women who lived, worked, and defended this frontier outpost. From the daily rhythms of lif...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, Brad and Travy take their love for the outdoors on two very different adventures. Brad heads deep into the heart of Texas, chasing the calls of rare and beautiful birds across open prairies and quiet wetlands. From early morning songbirds to the dusty trails under a big southern sky, he dives into the rhythms of migration, the beau...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we recap our backpacking trip on the Manistee River Loop! We share trail tips, gear advice, and stories from the journey. Whether you’re planning your own hike or just love the outdoors, this episode has it all. Email: bustedpretty@gmail.com  Follow us Bluesky: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Follow us Instagram: @bustedkneesandprettytrees Join us: bustedpretty.com Listen: Sp...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with lifelong outdoorsman Dinnes McGill to explore where his deep passion for hunting and fishing began. Dinnes shares early memories that shaped his respect for the land and the wildlife that call it home, and opens up about his concerns for the future of our lakes, streams, and forests. From the quiet lessons learned in the woods to the importance of...

Send us Fan Mail Think you know your National Parks? Think again. We're back with another round of National Parks Trivia, and this time we’re diving deep into the weird, wild, and wonderfully obscure corners of America’s most beloved landscapes. Expect laughs, light competition, and maybe a few moments where we all collectively question our education. Whether you’re a trivia buff, a park junk...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees , we’re getting into packing your pack from the top lid to the hip belt. What goes where, why it matters, and how to keep your gear balanced, dry, and easy to grab when you need it most.  We’ll break down how to layer your load — heavy gear in the middle, quick grabs on top, sleep stuff on the bottom — plus a few tricks to save your back...

Send us Fan Mail This week we dive into the unwritten rules of the trail — from right-of-way and passing, to respecting nature and fellow hikers. We call it the art of being Trail Kind . Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a thru-hiker, tune in for tips, laughs, and stories about what makes the trail experience better for everyone. Email: bustedpretty@gmail.com  Follow us Bluesky: @bustedpretty.b...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees , we sit down with Andrew “Birch” Kemp — co-founder and co-director of the Detroit Arboretum. From planting roots in the city to growing a living legacy, Birch shares how trees are shaping the future of Detroit and why green spaces matter more than ever.  Tune in for stories of community, conservation, and the power of planting one tree...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees we’re tackling the unglamorous—but absolutely essential—side of life on the trail: hygiene! From washing up in the wild, to brushing those teeth under the stars, and yes… even the fine art of pooping outdoors. Join us as we break down the tips, tricks, and laughs that keep you clean, fresh, and feeling human—no matter how far you wander....

Send us Fan Mail Season 5 was a milestone filled with incredible conversations and unforgettable moments. We sat down with inspiring guests like Trevor Edmonson, Whitney Yoerger, and Augie, who each brought unique perspectives and stories to share. Listeners joined us for quirky game nights that kept things lighthearted and fun, while the ever-entertaining News Panther made sure no episode was wit...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees , we chat with Alyssa, a boots-on-the-ground conservationist turning mud, sweat, and data into real change. From fieldwork to community action, hear how hands-on volunteering and data collecting keep our wild spaces thriving. Email: bustedpretty@gmail.com  Follow us Bluesky: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Follow us Instagram: @bustedkneesandpr...

Send us Fan Mail Get ready for game night, Paddy-style! With his quirky twist, he takes the helm for Two Truths and a Lie . Expect laughs, surprises, and a dash of unexpected knowledge. Come hang out, play along, and see if you can spot the lie! Email: bustedpretty@gmail.com  Follow us Bluesky: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Follow us Instagram: @bustedkneesandprettytrees Join us: bustedpretty.com List...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees , we’re spreading our wings with bird conservationist Whitney Yoerger from the Indiana Audubon Society! From the importance of land conservation to creating accessible birding spaces, Whitney shares her passion for protecting habitats and connecting people to the world of birds. We also dive into her favorite birding “honey holes”, the va...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees , we sit down with Brad to swap stories and dive into the do’s and don’ts of international travel. From smart tips to hilarious mishaps, this episode is packed with advice and laughs for anyone itching to explore the world!  Email: bustedpretty@gmail.com  Follow us Bluesky: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Follow us Instagram: @bustedkneesandpre...

Send us Fan Mail Before you hit the trail, make sure your pack is ready for anything. In this episode, we break down the essential safety gear every backpacker should carry—from first aid kits and navigation tools to emergency shelters and water filtration. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend trip or a multi-day trek into the wild, we share tips, hard-earned lessons, and the little items that...

Send us Fan Mail Think you could survive in the wild? This week on the pod, we put our skills—and sanity—to the test with our very own version of Survival Trivia! It’s funny, it’s informational, and occasionally, it gets downright weird. From bizarre animal facts to “what-would-you-do” scenarios, tune in to laugh, learn, and question everything you thought you knew about staying alive in the great...

Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees , we sit down with The Nature Conservancy's very own Trevor Edmonson, to explore the wild and wonderful world of Kankakee Sands! From managing a thriving bison herd to restoring 8,400 acres of prairie once lost to the plow, Trevor shares the triumphs and trials of bringing biodiversity back to Indiana. We talk prescribed burns, rare...

Send us Fan Mail Join Brad and Paddy as they relive their epic 125 mile thru-paddle of Michigan’s legendary Au Sable River—"ponds", rain, and riverside camping included!  Meanwhile, Travy J discovers absolute rock hounding heaven on the shores of Lake Michigan and strikes rock gold with a rare Petosky stone find! Plus, the News Panther prowls in with the latest wild tales from the backco...

Send us Fan Mail This week, Paddy, Travy, and Brad break down their Top 3 Favorite Pieces of Gear, that aren’t the Core Three. From trusty trail hacks to underrated essentials, these are the items we never leave behind. Lightweight, weird, or just plain awesome, we're giving them the love they deserve. Email: bustedpretty@gmail.com  Follow us Bluesky: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Follow us Insta...