Busted Knees & Pretty Trees
by Paddy Richardson
If your idea of a good day includes a worn-out trail, a quiet campsite, or a paddle cutting through still water, then you've found your podcast! Welcome to Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, a podcast dedicated to the outdoors, conservation, and the adventures that keep us coming back to nature. Join me as I explore hiking, backpacking, kayaking, camping, outdoor gear, conservation issues, public lands, and the wild places that make life better. Some episodes are trail stories and lessons learned from time spent outside. Others dive into gear, outdoor skills, conservation challenges, and the people working to protect the landscapes we love. Along the way, I'll occasionally sit down with guests from across the conservation and outdoor recreation community to bring new perspectives and experiences to the conversation. Whether you're planning your next backpacking trip, researching gear, looking for conservation news, or simply daydreaming about your next adventure, t
Episodes
-
Ep. 102 - The Darkness Beyond the Trail: A Halloween Night of Ghosts and Cryptids
Send us Fan Mail There are places in the backcountry where hikers swear they’ve heard footsteps following them. Places where strange creatures have been seen between the trees. And National Parks where some stories refuse to stay buried. This Halloween, Patrick and Justin are telling tales of...
-
Ep. 101 - More Than a Life List: Frank Izaguirre on Birding, Conservation & the American Birding Association
Send us Fan Mail Birding is about a lot more than spotting a bird and adding another checkmark to your life list! This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we're joined by Frank Izaguirre, Marketing and Communications Manager for the American Birding Association, to talk about the wonderful,...
-
Ep. 100 - The Big 100: A Century of Sauntering
Send us Fan Mail We made it to 100 episodes of Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, and what better way to celebrate than with a trivia game night, a few drinks, and absolutely no guarantee of keeping things classy! For this milestone episode, we brought in some special guests: my wife Ashley, Justin’s...
-
Ep. 99 - Bivvies, Backpacks & Blockbusters: Our Top 5 Outdoor Movies of All Time
Send us Fan Mail Some movies entertain us. Others make us want to throw a backpack in the truck, hit the trail, and chase our own adventure. This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, Justin and Patrick sit down for a fun conversation about the outdoor films that have stuck with us over the years....
-
Ep. 98 - From Boardrooms to Backpacks with Rebecca "Primetime" Cuff
Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, we're joined by Rebecca "Primetime" Cuff for an inspiring and entertaining conversation about hiking, backpacking, and embracing life's next chapter. We talk about how she went from the corporate world to the trail, what fuels her passion...
-
Ep. 97 - Big Miles, Big Mountains, Big Damn Achievements
Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we’re diving into the wild, impressive, strange, and sometimes downright ridiculous achievements from the world of thru-hiking. From record-setting mileage and incredible endurance to the oldest, youngest, fastest, and most...
-
Ep. 96 - Leave No Trace: On the Road with Jeanelle Soland & Rob Pelton
Send us Fan Mail This week on the Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we're hitting the trail with Jeanelle Soland and Rob Pelton from the Leave No Trace/Subaru Traveling Team! We talk all things Leave No Trace, life on the road, connecting with outdoor communities, and what it really takes to help...
-
Ep. 95 - Brad Goes to the Carolinas, Hal Coffel Strikes Again & Other Things!
Send us Fan Mail Brad is back from a Carolina adventure, bringing stories from his trip through North and South Carolina! Then Travey cracked open the Bird Gospel of Hal Coffel for another wild find and a whole of a lot more! Another episode of Busted Knees & Pretty Trees is here. Hit play…
more -
Under Construction... We'll Be Back Next Week!
Send us Fan Mail We weren’t able to put out a full episode this week because we’ve got some exciting improvements happening behind the scenes. We know—no episode?! We’re disappointed too. But don’t worry, the fellowship isn’t going anywhere. We’ll be back next week with more stories, more laughs,...
-
Ep. 94 - Third Time's the Trail: Chaddy Fitzpaddy's Family Adventure Out West
Send us Fan Mail He's back! For the third time, our good friend Chad Fitzpatrick joins us in the dungeon studio, and this time he's bringing stories from an unforgettable family road trip across the American West. From long miles on the road to unforgettable days in the backcountry, Chad shares...
-
Ep. 93 - Protecting America's Treasures: Bill Wade and the Future of Our National Parks
Send us Fan Mail America's National Parks don't protect themselves—and neither does the idea behind them. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Bill Wade, Executive Director of the Association of National Park Rangers (ANPR), for a candid discussion about conservation, civic engagement, and...
-
Ep: 92 - The Dirty Truth About Staying Clean Outdoors
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we're talking about the realities of backcountry hygiene: where to pee, how to poop responsibly, staying clean on the trail, and the little comforts that can make a big difference after a long day outdoors. From Leave No Trace bathroom practices to trail-tested...
-
Ep. 91 - A Beautiful Conversation w/ Normal Guy & Avid Outdoorsman Jared Jones
Send us Fan Mail This week, we sat down with Bradley’s longtime friend Jared Jones from St. Louis. Some might say he's just a down-to-earth, normal guy with a lifelong passion for the outdoors! From hunting and fishing since he was old enough to tag along, to discovering a newfound love for…
more -
Ep. 90 - The Last Campfire of Season 9
Send us Fan Mail Another season is officially in the books, and there's only one way to celebrate... put our memories to the test. This week, the Fellowship goes head-to-head in the annual Season 9 Trivia Challenge, reliving our favorite interviews, biggest laughs, unforgettable moments, and the...
-
Ep. 89 - Two in the Bush w/ Brad and Travis
Send us Fan Mail This week on the Busted Knees and Pretty Trees Podcast, Brad and Travis keep each other company in studio while Patrick is on a family adventure in a distant land. To cope with the absence, the guys have a chat about their early summer adventures and new backpacking gear they've...
-
Ep. 88 - The People Behind the Path w/ Chris Bradley and the Hoosier Hikers Council
Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with Chris Bradley of the Hoosier Hikers Council to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to keep our trails alive. From boots-on-the-ground maintenance to protecting wild places for future generations, Chris gives…
more -
Ep. 87 - Survival of the Smartest: Trivia Night with Kearstin Whitcomb!
Send us Fan Mail After what feels like years of waiting, our beloved Kearstin Whitcomb finally made her way into the dungeon studio for recording night—and it was totally worth it. This week, Bradley R steps in as quizmaster, putting the fellowship of the pink pony club through a gauntlet of…
more -
Ep. 86 - Good News from the Wild: Conservation & Colonel Lieber
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we spotlight real stories of nature bouncing back—from species saved to ecosystems restored. These aren’t theories or “what-ifs”… they’re proof that conservation works. We share three powerful stories that show what happens when people step in, take action, and...
-
Ep. 85 - Sharing Space with Nature: A Conversation with Urban Wildlife Biologist Jessica Merkling
Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with urban wildlife biologist Jessica Merkling to pull back the curtain on a job most people never think about until there's an animal causing trouble. We talk nuisance wildlife, human-wildlife conflicts, and the challenges...
-
Ep. 84 - Migration Season Unpacked: B.W.I.A.B, Indiana Dunes and More!
Send us Fan Mail Spring migration is here! Join Bradley and Paddy as they dive deep into the spectacle of migrating birds, break down the excitement around BWIAB, and preview everything happening at the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival. From warbler fallout to birding strategy, this episode is…
more -
Ep. 83 - Memories Over Miles: There's No Prize For First
Send us Fan Mail Backpacking used to be about dirt under your nails, bad coffee at sunrise, and sitting on a rock long enough to feel small again. Now it feels like it’s all spreadsheets, split times, and humblebrags about 30-mile days. Somewhere along the way, miles started mattering more than...
-
Ep. 82 - Let's Take A Ride On The Magic School Bus w/ Mr. Burnworth
Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, we sit down with the man, the myth, the legend — Paddy’s old biology teacher, Jabin Burnworth — and trust us… this one is special. You know that teacher who made science feel like an adventure instead of an assignment? The one who turned...
-
Ep. 81 - Pack It or Whack It: Strange, Bizarre or Totally Normal Gear in 2026
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we dive headfirst into the wildest, weirdest, and most head-scratching gear of 2026. From “who asked for this?” gadgets to surprisingly brilliant oddities, we’re breaking down what’s innovative, what’s unnecessary, and what might...
-
Ep. 80 - Busted Brains & Pretty Tough Questions: Season 8 Recap Trivia
Send us Fan Mail In this special recap showdown, the Busted Knees and Pretty Trees crew puts memory, pride, and podcast credibility on the line in a no-holds-barred Season 8 trivia gauntlet. From layin logs in Brad's kayak to unexpected wildlife encounters, no story is safe—and no detail is too...
-
Ep. 79 - Jungles, Volcanoes, and Sloths: Brad and Sarahs Adventure Across Costa Rica’s Wild Places
Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, we sit down with Brad and Sarah to unpack their wild trip to Costa Rica — from trekking through Parque Nacional Marino Ballena (yes, the one shaped like a whale’s tail) to hiking deep into Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Hacienda Barú...
-
Ep. 78 - Paddy’s Lowcountry Adventure: Bulls Island, Congaree & Fort Sumter with the Family
Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, Paddy loads up the family and heads south for a full-blown Lowcountry adventure! From wild shores on Bulls Island to the towering old-growth forest of Congaree National Park, and the living history of Fort Sumter, this trip had…
more -
Ep. 77 - Studying Plants Where They Fight To Grow with Dr. Jordan Marshall
Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we’re throwing on the boots and heading straight into the undergrowth. Dr. Jordan Marshall takes us beyond the classroom and into the field! We talk educating generations of biologists, the future of forests after disruptions, invasive...
-
Ep. 76 - Hammocks Here! We Talkin Hammocks Here!
Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we’re hanging out… literally. We’re diving headfirst into the world of hammocks — gathered ends, bridge hammocks, straps, underquilts, bug nets, tarp setups, and all the comfort (or chaos) that comes with sleeping between two trees. Is...
-
Ep. 75 - Part Deux! The Official Trail Trivia Boardgame Adventure Challenge Prototype
Send us Fan Mail Travy J is back… and it all comes down to this. The board is set, the questions are tougher, and the stakes have never been higher as we dive into Part 2 of the Official Trail Trivia Boardgame Adventure Challenge! Who’s been paying attention? Who’s just been along for the hike?…
more -
Ep. 74 - The Official Trail Trivia Boardgame Adventure Challenge Prototype!
Send us Fan Mail It’s round one of a two round game night on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, and your host Travey J is leading us deep into the wild with something brand new: the official Trail Trivia Boardgame Adventure Challenge prototype. Yeah… it’s a mouthful—and it’s even wilder to play.…
more -
Ep. 73 - Hunting For Love And Rocks with Debbie Hawthorne & Travey J
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with Debbie Hawthorne and Travey J to talk about a passion they share—rockhounding. From searching gravel pits and creek beds to celebrating the thrill of an unexpected find, Debbie and Travis share what it’s like to...
-
Ep. 72 - Me Lovey Midwestey: Our Ode To The Midwest!
Send us Fan Mail Endless cornfields glowing gold at sunset. Fog lifting off quiet lakes at dawn. Gravel roads that lead to trailheads you almost missed. In our newest episode, “Our Ode to the Midwest,” we slow down and say thank you to the places that raised us — and the wild spaces that keep...
-
Ep. 71 - The Ground Beneath Our Boots: A Conversation with Professor Benjamin Dattilo
Send us Fan Mail This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we’re digging deep — way deep. We sit down with Professor Benjamin Dattilo for a fascinating conversation about the stories written in stone beneath our boots. From ancient oceans and shifting continents to fossils, formations, and the...
-
Ep. 70 - Busted Knees, Big Moments - Our Season 7 Recap
Send us Fan Mail Season 7 was one wild ride and we’re breaking it all down in our Season 7 Recap! From unforgettable guests and muddy miles to the moments that made us laugh, learn, and fall even more in love with the outdoors, we’re revisiting the highs, the surprises, and everything in between....
-
Ep. 69 - Final Birding Challenge Update!
Send us Fan Mail After weeks of early mornings, quiet trails, and plenty of “wait… do you see it?” moments, Brad and Paddy wrap up their years long Birding Challenge. We’re talking favorite sightings, unexpected birds, lessons learned, and just how much closer paying attention to nature can bring...
-
Ep. 68 - The Animal Draft: Our Top 5 Favorites
Send us Fan Mail Round-robin picks, top-tier animals. We’re ranking our five favorite creatures and breaking down why each one earned its spot. Simple concept, strong takes, and plenty of love for the wild things. Email: [email protected] Follow us Bluesky: @bustedpretty.bsky.social Follow…
more -
Ep. 67 - Culture Meets Campfire - A Crossover with Justin Neeley
Send us Fan Mail This week we’ve got a crossover episode with Justin Neeley from the Cultured Dudes, and he’s asking the questions non-outdoors people may be thinking—but never say out loud. How do you shit in the woods? What actually keeps you coming back to the trail? Do you ever feel unsafe…
more -
Ep. 66 - The Challenge of Who Wins The Sourdough Cookies!!
Send us Fan Mail Brad’s in the host chair, the questions are flying, the trash talk is loud, and the stakes are strangely high—the winner gets to eat a sourdough cookie. Knowledge is power. Victory is delicious. Press play and see who knows their stuff… and who leaves cookie-less! Email:...
-
Ep. 65 - Maps, Miles, and Migration: Our 2026 Plans
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.…
more -
Ep. 64 - Rock by Rock, Fish by Fish: Matt Herbert's Great Lakes Comeback Story!
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...
-
Ep. 63 - What's in Your Sleep System?
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…
more -
Ep. 62 - Sea to Summit Kettle of Friendship and Love!
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...
-
Ep. 61 - From Roots to Renewal: Stewardship Stories with Chloe Smith-Guitard
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...
-
Ep. 60 - A Very Thankful Season 6 Recap
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...
-
Ep. 59 - Rebuilding the Frontier: Inside Fort Wayne's Old Fort w/ Harrison Snyder
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...
-
Ep. 58 - Geodes and Birds: Travy J's and Brads Wild Travels
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...
-
Ep. 57 - Manistee River Loop: Tips, Tales, and Trail Insights
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: [email protected] Follow us Bluesky:...
-
Ep. 56 - From Stream to Field: Dinnes McGill on the Future of Hunting and Fishing
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…
more -
Ep. 55 - Round Two: The Great National Parks Trivia Throwdown!
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...
-
Ep. 54 - Load It Right: Backpack Packing 101
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…
more
About this show
If your idea of a good day includes a worn-out trail, a quiet campsite, or a paddle cutting through still water, then you've found your podcast!
Welcome to Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, a podcast dedicated to the outdoors, conservation, and the adventures that keep us coming back to nature.
Join me as I explore hiking, backpacking, kayaking, camping, outdoor gear, conservation issues, public lands, and the wild places that make life better. Some episodes are trail stories and lessons learned from time spent outside. Others dive into gear, outdoor skills, conservation challenges, and the people working to protect the landscapes we love.
Along the way, I'll occasionally sit down with guests from across the conservation and outdoor recreation community to bring new perspectives and experiences to the conversation.
Whether you're planning your next backpacking trip, researching gear, looking for conservation news, or simply daydreaming about your next adventure, t
Hosted by
Paddy Richardson