Adam Haydock’s intent was to become a state trooper, but circumstance shifted his path into dive rescue ultimately leading him to exploration. He now journeys into the depths of the Earth and its bodies of water as an expedition caver, photographer, canyoneer, and divemaster. Adam and Jason met at a park in Bishop one afternoon to discuss the world beneath the waves, beneath the soil, and across the globe.
A roadtrip at 17 introduced Lyndsay Hupp to the wonders of Arizona and the Western U.S. Her future would be found there guiding others through the whitewaters of the Colorado River and accidentally founding the energy bar company Huppybar. She and Jason met at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff one morning to discuss her history as a Jock Art Nerd Scientist and the exciting adventures that lead to Huppybar.
Freddy Unger is recognized in the Southern California canyoneering community as an active leader eager to share his knowledge and offer opportunities to new participants. Prior to discovering canyoneering, he was struggling with substance abuse and watching his life erode. He credits the friendships he developed in the outdoors as a lifesaver. Freddy and Jason sat near a distracting water fountain one morning discussing the benefits of the outdoors, true friendships, maintaining sobriety, and why Freddy avoids driving.
Another season of the podcast comes to a close. Before our hiatus begins, enjoy three stories from previous guests.
Reflections on traveling through Kathmandu during an historic earthquake.
A tale of boredom trapped in a Canadian snowstorm.
And an account of an overstuffed pack, duct tape, and life lessons on the West Rim Trail.
Mossy Earth is an organization that seeks to do more than conservation by actively rebuilding the wilderness throughout Europe. Matt Davies is a trail runner and surfer who decided to team with others to form the enterprise a year ago. He and Jason spoke over Skype about Mossy Earth’s mission to plant one million trees by 2020.
As the North Fork of the King’s River cuts through the Sierra Nevada it reveals a canyon playground beloved by experienced canyoneers called Jump Trip. It has been the site of numerous injuries and rescues. In 2014, a group of three were forced to make tough decisions when one of the party suffered a broken ankle. Bronic and Brian share the story of Brian and Daniel’s extraction from the canyon and Bronic’s intimidating solo as he runs to seek help. Big jumps, slippery slides, stuck rope, misplaced keys, overly valued wetsuits, and paper clothes care of Lower Jump Trip Canyon.
A badly organized backpacking trip at age 14 triggered an enthusiasm for adventure in Jen Hopper. As an adult, she left the confines of a laboratory to pursue the wonders of nature. An accomplished caver, climber, SAR member, and explorer, she also shares the outdoors with students through the Outdoor Excursions program at UC Riverside. She and Jason met one afternoon to discuss the importance of good partners, a modicum of her adventures, and the perils of goat rescue.
Kevin Heiden grew up in Chatsworth, CA where he squandered his twenties. As he moved into his thirties, he realized he needed to change his life. A backpacking trip ignited a desire for exploration and adventure. Soon he discovered canyoneering and became completely enamored. He and Jason squatted amongst the rocks of Stoney Point one morning and discussed the ways canyoneering has improved Kevin’s life, his outlook, and his disposition even though Nerf Herder Canyon almost ruined everything.