I Survived The Wild Outdoors

Bob Kampstra is back on the show, and at 87 years old, he's proof that adventure doesn't retire. In this episode, Bob takes us into the woods and into a situation where his experience, quick thinking, and even his faith are put to the ultimate test. We discuss the crucial lessons he learned - why wearing a safety harness is non-negotiable and why someone should always know where you are. We also dive into the medical realities of extreme situations, exploring what happens to the human body when circulations is compromised and why slow, careful rescue is essential. Plus, whether you're a believer or not, you'll hear how hope and prayer played a role when it mattered most for Bob.Bob's story is thrilling, sobering and inspiring- a reminder that life can throw you the unexpected at any age.

On a windy winter day fourteen years ago, Duane Braaksma set out alone to ice fish on Big Green Lake Wisconsin. What should have been a quiet afternoon on the ice turned into a fight for survival when he fell through and found himself trapped in freezing water with no way out. With other fishermen nearby but unable to hear his calls for help, Duane only had minutes to act.In this episode, we tell the gripping true story of survival against the odds. We also break down the science of cold-water immersion and how quickly hypothermia can set in. If you live where lakes freeze or you love winter ice fishing, skating, snowmobiling or exploring the outdoors, this episode could save your life.When it comes to ice, what you don't know can cost you.

Back in 1973 Bob Kampstra, a hunter from Wisconsin answered what appeared to be a credible advertisement for a guided elk hunt in the Idaho Wilderness. After a few phone calls he believed he could trust this professional guide.Once he arrived in camp, it became clear this outfitter wasn't what he claimed to be. Promises of experienced guides, reliable support and a well-ran camp gave way to something far different: poor staffing, unmet expectations, and a group of clients left to fend for themselves. This episode explores how a carefully planned adventure turned into a story of misrepresentation, hard lessons, and the consequences of putting faith and hard earned money in the wrong hands.

In this episode, we sit down with Ron Niziolek, a life long bow hunter from Cody, Wyoming whose passion for elk hunting places him deep in some of the most bear-dense terrain in the lower 48. In areas where nearly every drainage holds a grizzly bear, success isn't just measured by filling a tag- it's measured by getting home safe. During the 2024 Wyoming elk season, Ron encountered 41 grizzly bears and experienced multiple bluff charges.This is an honest conversation about passion, preparation, and coexistence and what it takes to continue hunting elk in wild places without letting fear push you out of the mountains you love. If you hunt, hike, or spend time in grizzly country, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

A routine morning in the Michigan woods turns into a life-altering event when veteran hunter Greg Shull experiences a catastrophic climber tree stand failure during the 2009 deer season. In this episode we examine Greg's story and use it as a powerful lens to explore the realities of hunting from elevation- where preparation, equipment, and split-second circumstances can mean the difference between a close call and tragedy. This is not just a story about a fall, it's a conversation about responsibility, awareness and why tree-stand safety matters to every hunter who leaves the ground. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to elevated stands, this episode offers critical insight that could save a life.

In this episode we share the powerful story of Lauren Jean- a tough, devoted hounds woman whose life was turned upside down by a single tick bite. After contracting Lyme disease, Lauren quickly developed severe symptoms, including neurological issues, heart complication, and P.O.T.S forcing her into a year long battle that drained her health, finances and strength. Through hospital visits, costly treatments, and constant setbacks, she continues caring for her 7 Bluetick hounds and her farm almost entirely on her own. We explore the science behind Lyme, why it's called "The Great Imitator" and the importance of prevention, tick-removal, and tick-testing services like TickCheck. This is a story of resilience, reality and the urgent need for better Lyme awareness and research.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brew_city_blue_hounds?igsh=MTExdXM0YjlveWQzcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qrFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18PymsmEWE/?mibextid=wwXIfrTickCheck: https://www.tickcheck.com/landing/lyme-disease?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=201474434&gbraid=0AAAAADvq656tIgEmHWdne88I47vdGxNAnTick Testing: https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/testing/

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Klement, an outdoorsman whose life took an unexpected turn after a tick bite in 2012 while hunting in Washington State. What began as a simple tick removal became a six year medical mystery marked by worsening symptoms, unanswered questions, and countless treatments that never addressed the real cause. Justin shares the physical, emotional, and medical obstacles he endured, as well as the turning point he found through naturopathic medicine. His story is a powerful reminder of how important awareness, early testing and self-advocacy truly are. This is an episode for anyone who spends time outdoors, has battled unexplained health issues, or simply wants to better understand one of today's most misunderstood illnesses.

In this episode I sit down with Keith Schuh, an archer whose life changed forever in a split second. Nearly 20 years ago, Keith made the switch from aluminum to carbon arrows— a move many archers were making at the time. During a casual afternoon of target practice with friends, one arrow failed catastrophically. The carbon shaft splintered on release, driving deep into Keith’s arm and hand, causing severe injuries and a desperate rush to the hospital. Keith shares his first hand experience, recovery, and what he’s learned about arrow safety while I break down how to properly inspect your carbon arrows for cracks, splinters, and hidden damage.