Unbroken Arrows: Healing Through The Hunt

Enjoy the unedited rambles of what's going on inside Catherine's head. Greg and Catherine sit down for a long-overdue episode.

Season 3 begins with Greg interviewing Shonna Swartz, the Iowa Market Manager for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. She and Greg discuss the Together in TEAL walk, scheduled for September 27, 2025, in West Des Moines, Iowa. They share stories of how ovarian cancer has impacted their lives and what NOCC is doing to support those affected by ovarian cancer. Friday, September 5th, is Wear Teal Day! Please send us a picture of you wearing Teal at [email protected] to https://give.ovarian.org/togetherinteal to learn more about the 11 Together in TEAL events across the nation and how you can get involved as a participant or a volunteer.I would be honored if you donated to the We Honor Holly team for Des Moines - Together in TEAL to help the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition raise money and awareness for their cause, and I hope that you will consider joining my team. You'll find a link to join the team at the bottom of this message.https://give.ovarian.org/togetherinteal-desmoines/team/we-honor-holly

Greg visits with his nephew, Jeremy, about Halo Youth Reentry, a non-profit organization that works with young people who have experienced incarceration, substance abuse, and unstable living situations. Jeremy shares his story and why he and his wife, Ashley, founded Halo Youth Reentry. If you want to support or learn more about Halo Youth Reentry, contact Jeremy at [email protected] or (719) 644-4387.

Greg invites listeners to check out next week's podcast when his guest will be his nephew Jeremy! Also, go to unbrokenarrowspodcast to read Greg's latest reflection. Sometimes you need to pray.

Greg shares a short message asking listeners to check out the Reflections page on the Unbroken Arrows website this weekend to learn more about the future of the Unbroken Arrows podcast.

Greg shares why there hasn't been an Unbroken Arrows podcast in nearly a month. This episode can be summed up by words John Lennon wrote in his song Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)... "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."A good companion podcast to learn more about Maasa and her life is the Unbroken Arrows podcast season 1, episode 14.Maasa's obituary can be found on unbrokenarrowspodcast.com in our Reflections section.

Professional educator and fishing guide Jason Durham is Greg's guest on this week's podcast. They share stories of important mentors and discuss how everyone can take some extra time to lift those around them. Jason shares the stages of an angler, and how his teaching and guiding careers come down to building meaningful relationships. You can hear the emotion in his voice when he talks about a former teacher and mentor, Gary. Gary's artwork is featured as this week's cover art. Learn more about Jason Durham on Facebook, at jason.durham.gofish on Instagram, or his website go-fish-guides.com

Catherine is back! She and Greg talk about ice fishing on the Lake of the Woods, deer harvest numbers in a six-state area, crossbows, and other activities to participate in this March!

Looking for a unique winter time activity? Greg Wagner of the Nebraska Game & Parks shares one of his favorite pastimes during this time of year…foraging for wild edible plants! He stresses that if you are new to the activity find someone knowledgeable to mentor you! He also shares that there are foraging opportunities year round.

Greg welcomes Jason Nelson of the South Dakota Game Fish & Park’s back to the Unbroken Arrows podcast to talk about Dark House Spearing! He also provides an update on the winter activities of the Sioux Falls Fly Fishing club.

In this episode, Greg and Stephanie share stories of how their paths in life have crossed. They talk of loss, grief, and how their Catholic faith has helped them on their journey. They also discuss how even though they have over 50 years of experience in their first marriages, there is a lot of effort into growing their relationship and blending their two families.We also talk during the podcast about experimenting with video. Some technical difficulties will still need to be worked out. Our apologies!

Patrick Durkin returns as a guest to talk with Greg about how nesting boxes can benefit more than the animal it is intended for. They discuss how building nesting boxes, and maintaining and caring for them is an excellent way for people to be active in the outdoors in a way other than hunting and fishing. Birding is a year-round activity and putting up nesting boxes can attract species of animals (birds and bats) that could prey on bothersome insects and rodents that can carry disease. Along the way, Greg and Patrick share observations of birds, mammals, and insects they have over the years.

It's cold outside and Catherine wanted to share a few games with outdoor themes that listeners could enjoy to beat the winter blues! Stephanie joins Catherine & Greg to play a little trivia and to provide an update on the Unbroken and Brave Foundation. Learn more about the foundation by listening to season 1 Epidsode #34 https://rss.com/podcasts/unbrokenarrowspodcast/1602268/ or on the website at https://www.unbrokenandbravefoundation.org/Trivia games played on this episode were Meateater Trivia, which can be purchased at https://www.themeateater.com/ & the 2003 version of "Hunting, Fishing, Camping" Trivia which we found that can be purchased online on several websites.

Greg and Catherine are back! First, they chat about how others reaching out to them on the anniversaries of their loved ones' deaths is a healing process for them. They then talk about the events of 2024. This discussion takes several bird-walks along the way!

This week, we are sending a short message to our listeners to let everyone know we are taking a couple of weeks off, but we will be back on January 9th to talk about Ice Fishing!Enjoy you time with family and friends!

Catherine is back and shares a big announcement. Sandy Richter, Community Program Coordinator for the South Dakota Game, Fish, & Parks, joins Greg to discuss the opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors as 2024 ends and the new year begins. Sandy also shares information about the 2025 South Dakota Casting for Recovery retreat.

Stephanie joins Greg to share the highlights from their recent trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota. Their weekend in the Deadwood/Lead area of the Black Hills was dominated by spending time in nature on the trails, viewing wildlife, and spending time with family and friends. Stephanie provides an update on the Unbroken and Brave Foundation and they discuss the importance of being observant of those around you who may be struggling with their mental health during this holiday season.

Greg and Catherine welcome back their first guest on the Unbroken Arrows podcast, Dave Endicott! He provides an update on the activities in year two of Camp Christopher and shares information about a teardrop camper rally held there this year! Visit https://www.campchriscotton.com/ for more information about Camp Christopher. Reservations for 2025 can be made on the same website in January!

Greg and Catherine discuss various topics, including epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), community programs at South Dakota State Parks, Christmas trees, food, and more. Our apologies for not having a great understanding of biomimicry and the third "R" in the R3 initiative!We wish everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving weekend!

Kinser Madison joins Catherine and Greg for a second time to discuss running a lodge and guiding. We learn a little bit more about Wildman Outfitters' mission and what makes them different from others. He covers his early season preparations, from trail cameras to food plots. Catherine discusses some of her own reservations about guiding and gets Kinser's opinions on that as well.

This week Billy Hildebrand, co-host of KFAN radio's FAN Outdoors program, joins Greg and Catherine on the Unbroken Arrows podcast. They discuss a variety of topics including safety in the outdoors, family, friendships, pheasant hunting, food, and maintaining the family cabin. You can listen to FAN Outdoors on KFAN live from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Saturdays using the iHeartRadio app or the FAN Outdoor podcasts using iHeart or other podcast platforms.

Greg visits with Donna Wilhelm and Diana Kincaid, two wellness team members from the Casting for Recovery retreat recently held at Ponca State Park in Northeast Nebraska. They discuss their roles and share the types of support they provide for the CfR retreat participants. To see the ways that individuals can help with Casting for Recovery retreats in your area visit castingforrecovery.orgMusic by @pavmadeit on Instagram

This week, Greg visits with Sherri Hoffman to discuss her experience participating in the Nebraska chapter of Casting for Recovery's retreat at Ponca State Park. Sherri speaks about the importance of making those with breast cancer aware of programs such as CfR at different times throughout a woman's journey, not just at the time of diagnosis as there is a lot to process at that time. She now helps spread awareness about programs as a breast cancer survivor because many don't know they are available to them as part of their healing process. This is part two of a three-part series that highlights the Nebraska chapter of Casting for Recovery.Music by #pavmadeit

Greg visits with Lisa Herkenrath, a participant at the recent Casting for Recovery retreat held at Ponca State Park in Ponca, Nebraska. Lisa shares with our listeners her journey with breast cancer and her experiences at the CfR retreat. This episode is part one of a three-part series highlighting the Nebraska chapter of Casting for Recovery.

Ted Takasaki joins Catherine and Greg to talk about all things fishing. Ted shares his knowledge of fishing natural lakes, rivers, and reservoirs and discusses how modern technology has the potential to help all anglers be more successful on the water. He talks of how his path to becoming a professional angler started as a child fishing from the shores of ponds with his father in central Illinois and led to becoming the president of Lindy Fishing Tackle for 10 years. We talk live bait and artificials and how he likes to troll with crankbaits and spinners. Along the way, Ted talks about setting goals, conservation, and his love for South Dakota reservoirs. He also shares with Catherine a few tips as to how she can increase her influence as a role model for women of all ages in outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing.Our cover art this week is my son Trey with his first Minnesota walleye

Join Catherine and Nate as they recap their West River archery hunt. Nate shares how the week played out and highlights his favorite moment of the hunt. This antelope hunt quickly turned into a deer hunt.

This week Greg is on-site at the 2024 PDR Youth Hunt, a hunt for disabled youth ages 12-18. He visits with some of the participants, parents, a volunteer guide, and the founder of the hunt, Dean Rasmussen. You will hear how those involved with the hunt make every effort to help the young hunters be successful and the positive impact the weekend has had on the families involved. Listeners will enjoy hearing these stories firsthand from those participating in this special hunt.Additional music used this week was created, performed, and produced by Greg's son Trey. You can find more of the music that he has produced on Instagram, search @pavmadeit

Stephanie joins Greg on the Whispering Pinescast at the family cabin in Minnesota's lake country to share how they met and how their relationship has survived this long! They talk about how the outdoors helped to bring them together and banter about the things that can and have gone wrong on some of their adventures. Good communication is critical to working through the struggles... prayer helps too!

Catherine returns to the podcast just in time to share the preparations necessary for a weeklong antelope hunt with our listeners. But, a picture she received of a mule deer might have caused a change of plans for her target species! She and Greg talk about food, dove hunting, rattlesnakes, boxelder mushrooms, and searching for clubs or organizations that can help someone try out or learn about outdoor activities of interest.

Jason Nelson, founder of the Big Sioux Fly Fishing Club, joins Greg on this week's podcast to discuss how those interested in fly fishing can learn how on any body of water. Jason shares his thoughts on what someone new to fly fishing might need to get started and how the fly fishing club can provide an opportunity to learn more with minimal investment. Jason, a naturalist and outreach coordinator for the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, also shares how the partnership between the Friends of the Big Sioux River and the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks provides year-round opportunities for members of the club to be active in fly fishing activities. Clubs such as the Big Sioux Fly Fishing Club can be found throughout the country, search your area for clubs that specialize in the outdoor activities you want to learn more about!

Season 2 begins with Greg going on a deep dive with Tony Jones as they discuss Tony's book, The God of Wild Places. Tony's memoir is an honest and straightforward story of his journey of personal trauma, broken relationships, and a crisis in his faith. In Greg's opinion, this podcast is a definite listen, and the book is a definite read for those who think they are the only ones who struggle with their faith, their religion, and where they find God in their lives. The Unbroken Arrows podcast encourages its listeners to be active in the outdoors, being active in these wild places can help people recognize how their faith can help them heal from life's struggles. This week's podcast makes that connection.

In episode 37 Catherine and Greg celebrate 49 podcasts published during season one of the Unbroken Arrows: Healing Through the Hunt podcast! They reflect upon past episodes, share a few of their favorite episodes, and discuss their difficulties producing a weekly podcast. They explain why they chose to start season two the first week of September and they have many "squirrel" moments along the way. Season 2 will begin on Thursday, September 5th.

Aquatic invasive species are found throughout the United States and can potentially harm our economy, environment, and health. Greg's guest this week is Tanner Davis, the Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator for the South Dakota Game, Fish, & Parks. The discussion focuses on silver carp and zebra mussels, two aquatic invasive species that are a problem in South Dakota and many states throughout our country. This episode will assist all who take part in outdoor water recreation to recognize how they can help slow the spread of these aquatic invasive species and learn how these two invasive species impact native species in negative ways.

As the 2024 PDR Youth Hunt approaches, Greg & Catherine visit with a past participant, Kolby, and his mom, Kari about their previous experiences and what they look forward to this year. PDR Youth Hunt allows adolescent boys and girls with disabilities between 12 and 18 to participate in a weekend deer hunt. We hope the stories and information Kolby and Kari share about Kolby's battle with osteosarcoma and the PDR Youth Hunt will inspire others to seek the outdoors for its healing powers!

Stephanie joins Greg & Catherine to share how the Unbroken & Brave Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, came to fruition. The story begins with a history of Rebekah's Legacy Foundation and how it was rebranded and expanded to honor the legacies of Rebekah, Tony, & Holly. More information about the foundation and its board members can be found at unbrokenandbravefoundation.org

Catherine is joined by AJ (her brother), for his debut on the podcast. Nate joins in as well to talk pheasant hunting, pigeons, and a little bit about geese. Enjoy this short episode that is full of stories, opinions, and lots of jokes about Catherine's shooting abilities.

Catherine and Greg are joined by Julianna Peter's (Catherine's cousin) to reminisce about their childhood. Catherine and Julianna share stories from growing up and talk about how their young lives were different from many others. This episode is full of laughter, random tangents, and great discussion.

This podcast is the third and final Whispering Pinescast from Minnesota's lake country. Greg, Trey, & Sara continue to share stories and the history of the family cabin. Topics include bear sightings, outhouses, poor man's lobster, pickled northern pike, and you will hear how Little Mantrap Lake received its name. (maybe) You will also hear another version of #PAVMADEIT.

Another Whispering Pinescast from the Pavlik/McManigal cabin in the Heartland of Minnesota brings Greg's niece and goddaughter, Sara McManigal, into the mix. Sara and Trey share stories of their childhood visits to the cabin and how it has become the family's Holy Ground. Intermixed with the group banter are the sounds of nature and the whispering pines, along with Maasa catching a few fish from the dock. This is part one of a two-part podcast as you will have to listen in next week to find out what one of the things Sara appreciates about Minnesota!

Happy Fourth of July everyone!In this episode, Greg records from the sun porch at the family cabin in Minnesota. He talks about the history that dates back over ninety years ago and shares how Whispering Pines has been a place to heal for him.

Greg and Catherine debate about all the things that happened in June. There are some complaints about the rain, discussion about paddlefish, the happening of state parks, and, of course, some bantering about taking naps.

Catherine's mom Stephanie joins Catherine and Greg as they talk to long-time friends of the Spader family, Pat & Carol Kaiser. Pat, a retired Wisconsin DNR wildlife biologist shares an overview of his career before Stephanie and Carol join in. Catherine, Stephanie, Pat, & Carol share stories of how their friendship began and how it has grown through the years. Catherine provides an update on her "homework assignment" of reading Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac.

Greg visits with Linda Lovegren, program co-coordinator for Casting for Recovery - Nebraska. Linda shares her personal story about how she became involved with Casting for Recovery, an organization that provides fly fishing retreats for women with breast cancer. CfR retreats have been held in about 46 states so many of our listeners will be able to learn how to get involved with Casting for Recovery near them.

Join Catherine and Greg's phone call to discuss recent trips and future podcast activities. Catherine also chats with Trey about some of the current happenings.

Catherine and her boyfriend Nate discuss several topics, including trail cameras, corner crossing, and who the better shot is. They also talk about the differences between hunting in South Dakota vs. Iowa and much more. Tune in for Nate's debut!

During a spring UTV ride on the roads in the Black Hills National Forest, Greg and his wife Stephanie wondered if they should be looking for Elk in the same places in the spring as they would during the fall. In this week's episode, Mike Klosowski, regional wildlife supervisor with the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks, joins Greg in a discussion that includes Elk management, Elk behavior, and the preparations that are necessary to increase the odds of having a successful Elk hunting experience.

Warriors Never Give Up co-founder Brett Bastian and board president Todd Stone sit down with Greg to visit about their non-profit organization that provides outdoor adventures for deployed or service connected disabled veterans. Brett & Todd share their how their faith and the relationships that they have developed has guided the direction of Warriors Never Give Up and has helped the organization use natures therapy to help heal the mind, body, & spirit.

Greg visits with Isaac Rubendall, park manager at Lake Poinsett Recreation area talks about the 2nd annual Spring Walleye Derby, a shore fishing event to be held on Saturday May 11th. Isaac also shares information about the South Dakota Game, Fish, & Parks summer theme Reel in Memories & the Fitness Passport Challenge. Greg Wagner of the Nebraska Game & Parks visits shares with Greg that the Nebraska Parks are open and ready for visitors! Saturday May 18th is open house day in Nebraska - free fishing and park entry. He also highlights the Great Park Pursuit & and the Nebraska Tourism Department's Nebraska Passport program.They also found time to talk turkey & trout!

Catherine and Greg sit down to talk about all the recent happenings… and most importantly the last turkey hunt. Tune in to hear about all things past, present, and future, and maybe get a good laugh from Greg’s misfortunes.

Catherine talks to Kevin, the founder of Furvor, about the unique origins of his company. Furvor started as a father-son endeavor but is beginning to become something more. Learn more about Furvor's benefits for your pet and how they are giving back to the community.