Nature Reliance Podcast

Plant systematics and Latin plant names intimidate a lot of people. But they shouldn’t. In this episode, I sit down with Eric Comley, a herbaceous plants instructor, to break down why scientific plant names actually matter and how they help everyday people understand plants, landscapes, and ecosystems more clearly. We talk about why Latin names are descriptive tools rather than academic jargon, ho...

In this episode, Craig Caudill sits down with Dr. Scott Hardin for a thoughtful conversation on what it really means to live well, not just live longer. You can find Dr. Hardin at his website You can find some insight into the 20-5-3 concept, here Check out the protocol from Prolon Life that Dr. Hardin discussed here .  You can use code SCOTTHARDIN50 for a fantastic discount. Rather than focusing...

 How to sharpen your skills, shift your mindset, and thrive in wild places. Craig Caudill sits down with survival expert Kevin Estela to unpack his new book Beyond the Field, a deep dive into wilderness living, hunter’s mindset, and leadership in the outdoors. If you're ready to do more than survive, and truly thrive in the wild, this one’s for you.  Kevin Estela's Website, Click HERE Ke...

Every year, Search and Rescue (SAR) teams risk their lives to save outdoor enthusiasts who find themselves in trouble. In 2024 alone, SAR teams have responded to numerous critical incidents—many of which could have been prevented. In this episode, Craig Caudill sits down with Tracy Trimble , an experienced SAR volunteer and Nature Reliance School instructor, to break down the real-life lessons fro...

In today’s world, kids are spending more time on screens than in nature. But 4H Camps are changing that by giving them hands-on experiences in outdoor adventure, self-reliance, and leadership. In this episode, I sit down with Jake Farmer and Kyle Comley to discuss how 4H Camps provide life-changing experiences for young people. We’ll cover:** ✅ What makes 4H Camps unique ✅ How parents can get th...

The best way to get the outline and other important info for this podcast is to check out our Podcast Blog on our website for this episode.  You can find it here Craig Caudill and Blake Newton, an entomologist at the University of Kentucky, discuss the misconceptions about harvestmen, commonly known as "granddaddy long legs." Harvestmen are not spiders and lack venom, despite being mista...

You can discover the transcript, outline and ore at this link: https://naturereliance.org/blogs/blog/cold-exposure-calories-muscles-electrolytes-survival-benefits Discover the fascinating science behind cold exposure and how it affects your body and mind. In this episode, we explore how cold temperatures boost calorie burn, the importance of electrolytes in cold weather, and the short- and long-te...

You can access the full podcast summary, and transcript at this link: https://naturereliance.org/blogs/podcast/urban-tracking Chris Lindsey, a practicing tracker since 2012, shared his journey with Craig Caudill, detailing his initial interest in tracking sparked by a $7 Tom Brown book. Chris recounted his first tactical survival class experience, where he carried excessive gear and struggled. Ove...

Please check out the link for this podcast on our  website for the summary, links mentioned and more. Craig Caudill interviews Mike Hull, a renowned tracking instructor and owner of Hull's Tracking Services. Mike shares his journey from becoming a State game warden in 1980 to developing a passion for tracking, influenced by instructors like Charles Worsham and David Scott-Donelan. He discusse...

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend and legendary knifemaker, LT Wright. Over the years, LT and I have teamed up on countless projects, and I’ve gained invaluable insights from him—not just about business or knifemaking, but about life itself. LT is one of the most genuine, integrity-driven individuals I know, and today, we’re diving into his incredible journey. From his humble beginni...

Join me as I interview my friend and regular student at NRS, Mr. Jayberry Miller.  Jayberry is a young businessman who has an integrity that surpasses many in the industry. His gear is top notch, as well as his character.  Listen in as we discuss his business strategy, details of how he makes gear and much more.   The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our...

You don't want to miss this outstanding conversation with Mr. Paul Kirtley.  I have admired Paul's work for many years, and it was a great pleasure chatting with him about his mentors, courses taught, and teaching/leadership insights.  This one has a wealth of information from one of the most respected names in Bushcraft.   The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to...

Check out Brian Anderson and pick up some repellant at his site,  The Tick Terminator: https://www.lymetickbughub.com/ The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers:  https://bit.ly/NRSONLINE Water Bottle Blowout .  Use code PODCAST to get 25% off.   The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers:...

The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers:  https://bit.ly/NRSONLINE Water Bottle Blowout .  Use code PODCAST to get 25% off.   The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers:  https://bit.ly/NRSONLINE Thanks for listening!  Follow us at Nature Reliance School .

The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers:  https://bit.ly/NRSONLINE Water Bottle Blowout .  Use code PODCAST to get 25% off.   The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers:  https://bit.ly/NRSONLINE Thanks for listening!  Follow us at Nature Reliance School .

The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers:  https://bit.ly/NRSONLINE Water Bottle Blowout .  Use code PODCAST to get 25% off.   The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers:  https://bit.ly/NRSONLINE Thanks for listening!  Follow us at Nature Reliance School .

Check out NRS Online Membership for more detailed information on disaster readiness:  https://bit.ly/41zxMAv The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers:  https://bit.ly/NRSONLINE Water Bottle Blowout .  Use code PODCAST to get 25% off.   The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers:  htt...

Check out the NRS Online Membership for detailed educational content:  https://bit.ly/41zxMAv Fire Maple Outdoor Stoves, Great Stuff!:  https://shrsl.com/4b21i The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the most up to date content for our followers:  https://bit.ly/NRSONLINE Water Bottle Blowout .  Use code PODCAST to get 25% off.   The NRS Online Membership is THE best way to get the m...

In this interview Craig talks to Shane Kerwin aka Doc K. Shane is the Founder and Lead Instructor of Personal Survival Solutions, LLC.  Shane lays out his extensive and impressive background first, which sets the stage for the rest of the discussion.  Special Forces soldiers are the best in the world at gathering human and other resources and making working teams from what is gathered.  This is an...

Craig interviews Mr. Stephen Volandt with Resilient Projects Incorporated.  Stephen is an incredible wealth of information on many topics related to disaster readiness.  He has been significantly involved in helping others prepare for long-term "Black Sky" (aka Grid Down) events.  He was part of a team that wrote Powering Through "From Fragile Infrastructures To Community Resilience...

This is our first podcast in a departure from where we have been thus far.  No editing, raw.  This first one Craig details his thoughts on the importance of remembering your teachers and mentors.  He then discusses the men and women who trained him throughout his life.  There are some surprises here that you might not expect.   Train with us online, from anywhere in the world: https://naturerelian...

In this podcast, Craig interviews Mr. Clark Pelphrey who has spent a career serving as a first responder, currently working as a mental health nurse.  Clark shares invaluable information on how we can better take care of ourselves, how we can notice warning signs with friends and family, what role nature plays in mental health, and a lot more great information to help us all develop a great mindse...

Listen in on this podcast as Craig shares more knowledge gained from a recent road trip.  Craig traveled to Georgia Bushcraft to teach, and came across the Oconee River, studying that name and its origin, led him to learn about the little-known Appalachee Indians.  Their story is one worth learning from.   https://www.georgiabushcraft.com/ https://marinelab.fsu.edu/marine-ops/apalachee/history-of-...

Today's episode details the events of a 1,000-year flood that hit Eastern Kentucky in July 2022.  One of the first responding teams to the area was the Wolfe County Search and Rescue Swift Water Boat Team.  Our guests John May and Jim Cuppy detail the events of that early morning and the days to follow.  Follow the Wolfe County Search and Rescue team. To help in the recovery from the flood in...

In this podcast, Craig discusses some incredible wildlife interactions he has experienced over his decades-long love affair with the outdoors.  ===== Let us know what you think by sending us a message:  podcast@naturereliance.org   ===== Follow us at www.naturereliance.org  ===== Support: Shop our affiliation companies by obtaining discount codes here  Subscribe to our newsletter for Giveaways , H...