High Country and Handmade: Stories of the western craft and way of life

Bonnie of Alaska Spirit Crafts shares her life long journey from living off‑grid in Alaska to settling in Alabama, explaining how she got started and where she is now in her career in fur sewing. She discusses her specialties—mostly hats and mittens—how she sources tanned pelts, and why she stopped tanning herself. The conversation covers life with dogs, trapping and hunting stories, unusual customer requests, and the work behind making fur pieces, including machines and linings. Bonnie also talks about moving through Arizona and Montana, challenges of rural life, and concerns about changing laws and attitudes toward fur and wildlife. Listeners can find her—Facebook (Bonnie J. Brummett / Alaska Spirit Crafts), TikTok, her website fursewercom, and her fur‑sewing books on Amazon—and hear her perspective on craftsmanship, pricing, and keeping the craft enjoyable rather than a full‑time job.

Jesica Smith joins me again to take a dive into predictive programming, subliminal messaging, and how media may prime public perception—from The Simpsons to conspiracy theories about elites. Their wide-ranging chat touches on AI companionship and manipulation, the effects of social media on mental health, the impact of COVID, and changing cultural norms. We also discuss prepping, survival skills, and community resilience in an increasingly technological world, closing with personal stories about aging, family, and self-improvement. Enjoy this fun conversation that went off the rails and never did quite cover everything we thought it would but that’s the fun of it. As always like, comment, share and subscribe. 

In this episode of High Country and Handmade the I sit down with Nashville-based singer-songwriter Sean Tobin to talk about his move from New Jersey, the realities of life on the road, and the songwriting process behind tracks like the story-driven “0-9 base line wage” and other songs telling of a life well lived and traveled. We cover side hustles and creativity — from leatherwork (always end up talking about that) to touring merchandise — plus running, trail life, the challenges of pricing art, political conversation, and how slow, steady growth shapes an artist’s career. Thanks for following along on our journey to meet and talk with amazing guests every week. Please comment, follow and share. 

Travis Chilson shares stories from the trapline, practical gear and dog-handling tips, and his lifelong interest in archaeology and natural history. We also cover predator control, wildlife policy, and the political battles affecting hunting, trapping, and conservation today. What I thought was going to be a pretty straightforward conversation had more twists and turns then a roller coaster. Just the way we like our conversations. Share with your friends, comment, like and subscribe. Thanks for your support. 

On the newest episode we have the privilege of interviewing Camellia Cann, a North Idaho criminal defense attorney turned crime novelist. They discuss her two published thrillers and an upcoming summer-set third book, her writing process, self-publishing and editing choices, and the idea of seasonal releases to match a book's atmosphere. We also discuss my hobbies—hound hunting, dog training, leatherwork—plus the challenges of social media, concerns about AI in creative work, and nostalgic reflections on communication before the digital age. We bounce around and cover just about everything we think of in this enjoyable conversation. Books available on Amazon and at local Coeur d'Alene bookstore. Please comment, like and share and as always, let us know how we did. 

Join Shane Mowery of Bone Maniacs for a candid conversation about hound hunting, trapping, bobcat and bear encounters, and the pressures facing rural life and wildlife management. This episode blends field stories, trapline and archery updates, debates on predators and policy, and reflections on self‑reliance and preserving outdoor traditions.

Guest Rusty Kramer, president of the Idaho Trappers Association and the National Trappers Association, discusses trapping life in Southern Idaho — the challenges of an odd winter, low catches, and shifting species trends including wolves, bobcats, skunks, porcupines, otter and muskrats. The episode also covers changing fur markets and niche demands, fur sale events and demonstrations, conservation and advocacy work by ITA/NTA, and the community and education efforts to support trappers and newcomers.

Adam Joad of Scattered Hamlet discusses the band’s roots, blending country life with heavy music, the role of TikTok in their growth, and how authenticity shapes their songs and covers. They also share personal stories about leatherworking, hunting, firearms, and the realities of touring as independent musicians, plus reflections on community, respect, and staying true to where you come from.

Turner Kincaid, who runs the Average Hired Man social page, joins to share an honest look at ranch life in southern Colorado — his herd, summer mountain permits, winter feed, and running about 350 mother cows plus replacement heifers and bulls. The episode covers why locally sold beef costs more than the live cattle market price, the true costs of feed and infrastructure, rising land and horse markets, hunting and dog training, and the value of keeping people connected to where their food comes from.  https://www.instagram.com/average.hired.man?igsh=dWlyMHV3aXpjZTNn

In this episode Sarah from Rockin MST Leatherworks talks about how she got into leatherworking, running a small handmade business, and balancing family life with custom orders. Topics include tooling and patterns, pricing and selling (Etsy and craft shows), the time‑consuming nature of hand‑stitching, learning from mentors, and finding customers while living in a rural area.

Bree joins a live conversation about life on and off the homestead — sharing her journey from Instagram’s Country Living Conservative to hands-on hunting, hound and trap experiences, deer and bear hunting, and managing chickens, goats, and other animals while preparing for winter. The episode also covers bigger themes: staying connected to where food comes from, concerns about industrial food and pharmaceuticals, issues with aerial pesticide spraying, raising children outdoors, and the need for rural voices to speak up for sustainable, ethical ways of life.

Pat Cummings joins the podcast to share tales of hiking, hunting, fishing mishaps, moving to Arizona, mentoring young hunters, fitness goals, and upcoming African hunts. The episode mixes outdoor talk with personal reflections on family, a few laughs we have shared and making the most of our active years. Something we all need to focus on more often. Please like, share and subscribe if you enjoy anything we do

Bailey chats about growing up around livestock and leatherwork, learning crafts from family, and the time and care behind handmade leather goods. We discuss pricing, patterns, the intricacies of the craft, storytelling and preserving cowboy traditions, plus the role of social media in sharing and sustaining the trade and navigating an ever changing lifestyle. 

A long-form conversation with a Maine outfitter about guiding bear, moose and deer hunts, running and training hound dogs, and the rhythms of the hunting season. We discuss dog breeds and kennels, baiting versus rigging, trapping, injuries and recovery, winter hog hunts in Florida, travel for hunting, and the realities of outfitting as a way of life.

Five-time national fiddle champion Jacie Sites joins High Country and Handmade to discuss her musical journey, moving back to Pendleton, and forming her new band, the Knit Pickers. Jacie explains her teaching philosophy, practice tips, the difference between fiddle and violin, and how she helps students reach competition and performance success while exploring diverse fiddle styles and recording projects. This episode blends inspiring stories, practical advice for musicians and makers, and a look at Jacie’s current projects including private lessons, an online subscription site, and upcoming concerts.

Andrew Levick of 360 Sportsman and Wildlife Creations walks through practical trapping techniques—from boiling and waxing traps to freeze-proofing sets, baiting cubbies, and using lures like Gusto. He explains trap placement, using multiple traps per location, and tips for bobcat and coyote lines. The episode also shares real-season stories from North Idaho and Montana, working with hounds, taxidermy ties to land access, safety around dogs and snares, and how to balance trapping with hunting and shop life.

Kevin Thomas shares his journey from Kentucky roots and a hand-me-down guitar to quitting a steady federal job and pursuing outlaw country full time. He talks about writing, co-writing, playing covers, the grind of social media and touring, and the financial and personal sacrifices required for a music career. The episode also covers his upcoming UK tour and collaborations, his views on success and independence, and the balance of supporting family while chasing creative freedom and growth.

From rats to muskrats we learn all about the art of pest control with mink and dogs. The advantages and disadvantages of the different breeds and styles. I learned a bunch and look forward to experiencing it someday. The recording app decided we were done just after the hour and 55 min mark. We will continue the conversation another day. Thanks for joining us!!

Chase Richburg, a Texas country singer-songwriter, joins the podcast to talk about his music career, last-minute bookings, and opening for bigger acts. He shares stories from life on the road and growing as an artist while releasing new music. The conversation also dives into hunting adventures — bear hunting, hound seasons, Montana trips, and gear mishaps — plus reflections on regional differences, country music authenticity, and upcoming song releases.

Nathan Putnam of Putnam Pack Coats talks about raising and training pack goats, designing lightweight aluminum saddles and panniers, and tailoring gear for backcountry hunters. He explains breed choices, horn care and heat management, and the custom approach behind his equipment. The episode also shares vivid backcountry stories — hounds, bear encounters, GPS tracking and the risks of deep wilderness work — and offers practical resources for beginners (North American Pack Goat Association and PutnamPackCoats.com).

Anna Westcoat joins the podcast to talk about her musical upbringing, playing dozens of instruments, and honoring old-school country traditions while navigating modern platforms like TikTok and Spotify. The conversation covers songwriting, performing, creative routines, balancing family and art, leatherwork and outdoors life, and the value of slowing down to appreciate community and craft.

Today we had a very fun and educational interview with cattle rancher and author, Sunni Leavell. We discussed her upcoming books, the importance of predator management, how things may be changing for the better and the uphill obstacles we all face as lovers of everything related to the outdoors and nature. Thank you for joining us and let us know how we can improve. https://www.facebook.com/share/1JQhu6PGXQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.instagram.com/standing_s_leather?igsh=ZnZnNDNpZ2ZyN2M3&utm_source=qr https://www.tiktok.com/@standingsleathernhounds?_t=ZP-900etp6HRIV&_r=1

Today was a somber beginning with the events of the day. We can never condone violence against anyone. The talk today was scattered and followed the squirrel with the tin foil hat but please, keep an open mind to others ideas. None of us are greater than the next. Pray for those afflicted and keep your eyes and minds open. God bless and love to all

Today we had a great conversation about the great American hound puppy giveaway and how the program is growing and impacting the next generation of hound hunters.

A discussion with Casey and Sid Vantress about how they got in to hound hunting and the enjoyment of dog math, where 2 dogs turn into 10.

Follow up to the last episode with OTHA president Manuel Clark. We discuss hunting in general, the field trial and more hound talk. Was extremely enjoyable and fun. Thanks for joining us!!

Today we had a great conversation with Manuel about the OTHA field trials, a bit of his history with hounds and his dogs now. A very fun conversation and I’m looking forward to talking to him again. As always if you like what you hear, share, follow and like.

The second attempt at this. The first one didn’t have both sides of the conversation. Oops. On today’s episode we are joined by my niece Jesica, aka the artist in the family. Hope you enjoy the show!!

Episode 1 introduces me to you. It’s a bit of a ramble. Hopefully someone enjoys it!!