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I Survived The Wild Outdoors

A Stroke of Luck

Season 1, Ep. 27

In this gripping episode, we follow Leroy, an experienced elk hunter, as he embarks on a muzzleloader hunt in the rugged Colorado mountains. After successfully harvesting an elk, Leroy encounters two fellow hunters who offer to help him pack out his prize. But as the group begins the arduous task, Leroy suddenly feels dizzy and collapses. Unbeknownst to him, he’s suffering from a life-threatening brain aneurysm. With time running out, a dramatic search and rescue operation unfolds, racing against the clock to get Leroy the urgent medical care he needs. Tune in as Leroy shares his harrowing tale of survival with host Brad Mathewson.

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  • 31. Off the Trail

    32:00||Season 1, Ep. 31
    In this episode, Dawn Rohde shares her harrowing solo adventure up Red Pines Trail in Utah’s Little Cottonwood Canyon. Her plan to explore the scenic Maybird Lake area takes an unexpected turn when she loses the trail amid lingering snow and rugged terrain. A thunderstorm rolls in and the conditions become perilous with lightning, hail, and slippery trails. As night falls and the temperatures drop, she shelters by a cliff, wrapped in a space blanket and surrounded by the wilderness and its inhabitants. Listen in as Dawn shares her fight for survival with host Brad Mathewson.
  • 30. Treble Hooked

    49:58||Season 1, Ep. 30
    In this podcast episode, seasoned musky fisherman and guide Joe Junion recounts a series of fishing mishaps centered around one of the most dangerous aspects of the sport—the razor-sharp treble hooks. With vivid detail, he recalls several close calls and near misses that have left anglers bloodied and bruised, including himself. Whether you're a fishing enthusiast or just a fan of wild adventure stories, this episode reminds us of one of the overlooked dangers of fishing.Todays Guest: Joe Junionhttps://sites.google.com/view/joejunionsportfishing/homehttps://www.facebook.com/p/Joe-Junion-Sportfishing-100070157833467/
  • 29. Bear Bait Blunders and Mishaps

    28:40||Season 1, Ep. 29
    In this specially requested episode, host Brad Mathewson shares two more entertaining and cautionary tales from his bear hunting adventures. The setting for both stories is the swampy, bog-filled wilderness where he and a friend were scouting and baiting for bear season. From underestimating the treacherous terrain of a bog, to nature throwing the unexpected curveball, this episode offers listeners a glimpse into the unpredictable and often challenging aspects mother nature has to offer.
  • 28. Bears, Bees and a Swarm

    21:28||Season 1, Ep. 28
    Join us for a wild story in the heart of the wilderness. Our host Brad Mathewson, an experienced hunter, sets out on what should have been a routine trip to put out bear bait. But as soon as he steps onto shore, he finds himself under attack — not by a bear, but by a swarm of angry yellow jackets. Stranded with his kayak pulled up over their ground nest, he has no choice but to fight the swarm of pain to escape. Tune in as he recounts the experience and shares the lessons learned from a day in the wild that went from calm to chaos in an instant.
  • 26. Six Days in the Desert

    47:01||Season 1, Ep. 26
    What does it take to survive in one of the harshest environments on earth? In this episode, we follow the extraordinary tale of Ed Rosenthal who became lost in Joshua Tree National Park for six days. Isolated in the unforgiving desert landscape without water, he cleverly used the canyon’s shade to endure scorching days and freezing nights. His story is one of perseverance, showcasing the human spirit’s resilience against the odds. Listen in as Ed shares his remarkable journey from desperation to salvation with host Brad Mathewson.Ed's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Salvation-Canyon-Desert-Survival-Joshua/dp/1733957979https://www.amazon.com/Desert-Hat-Ed-Rosenthal-ebook/dp/B093ZS2FYD?ref_=ast_author_dp
  • 25. My Skin's On Fire

    31:22||Season 1, Ep. 25
    In this episode, host Brad Mathewson shares how he learned the hard way when it comes to the "Dos and Don'ts" to carrying bear spray. Listen as he describes the surprising effects and the valuable lessons drawn from this unexpected incident. A must-listen for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone in bear country.
  • 24. Calm Waters, Unexpected Peril

    22:08||Season 1, Ep. 24
    Join us in this gripping episode as we recount the harrowing tale of a family’s day on a boat that takes an unexpected turn. Despite setting out on serene and mild waters, their boat capsizes, turning their peaceful outing into a fight for survival. Listen as Officer Kong shares his firsthand account of the sudden disaster with host Brad Mathewson.
  • 23. Backyard Black Bear Attack

    42:13||Season 1, Ep. 23
    In this episode, host Brad Mathewson delves into the harrowing experience of Lee Ann Galante, a Pennsylvania woman who had the misfortune to encounter a mother black bear in her own backyard. Lee Ann recounts the terrifying moments when she let her small dog out for a quick potty break, only to find herself face-to-face with a protective bear. Listen in as Lee Ann describes the intense encounter, her instinctual fight for survival, and the miraculous outcome that left her and her beloved pet alive. This story of courage and resilience in the face of nature’s raw power is one you won’t want to miss.