In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with Mandy Bishop, founder of Old Ways Wisdom and a passionate advocate for ancestral skills, wild foraging, and natural medicine. Mandy shares her path into this world of old knowledge, exploring the emotional healing and deep sense of connection that comes from aligning with the earth and our roots. Together, they talk about the challenges of balancing modern life with the pull toward a simpler, more natural way of living. From the beauty of common plants to the power of natural remedies, this conversation is filled with grounded wisdom, practical insight, and a reminder of what it means to truly belong to the land.

Connect with Mandy:
Instagram - @mandyvbishop
Website - oldwayswisdom.com
Apothecary Story - oldwayswisdom.com/store
Upcoming Events - oldwayswisdom.com/upcoming-events

Learn More about the Eastern Sierra Land Trust - eslt.org/bushandbanter/

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:
6:00 Welcome Mandy Bishop!
7:23 The Wild Women Event & blindfolded drumming
17:34 Reconnecting with nature and seeing herself differently
22:04 Tips for embracing natural products & helpful plants for hikers: dandelion, yarrow, and plantain
44:28 Understanding your ancestors to deepen your nature connection
51:29 The power of wandering
58:17 Mandy’s classes and products & one simple way to connect with the earth

Send us a text

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

Record producer Rick Rubin once said, “Don’t worry about what’s cool or what’s popular. Go after what’s interesting to you.” In this episode, Jen and Dyana explore the power of following your interests, staying curious, and navigating the resistance that often comes from the outside world. Whether it’s tackling a long thru-hike, getting into crafting, or diving into 1970s landscape art (Dyana’s latest obsession), curiosity is your greatest teacher—and it’ll always point you in the right direction. The duo also reflects on past podcast guests who’ve fearlessly followed their passions, showing that curiosity isn’t just a spark—it’s a path to growth, fulfillment, and a life well-lived.

Send us a text

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with thru-hiker and author Julia Sheehan to unpack her transformative 2,190-mile journey along the Appalachian Trail. Julia opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of the hike, the experience of documenting it on social media, and the unexpected impact of going viral. She shares insights from her new book, Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail, and gets candid about the pressure to stay authentic online, navigate community expectations, and filter through the noise of constant feedback.

Julia has stepped foot on the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Arizona Trail, but shares about the unique charm and magic of the Appalachian Trail. Julia also reflects on how yoga and writing her memoir became a key part of her healing—and why vulnerability is essential to meaningful storytelling. This conversation goes beyond the trail. It’s about resilience, self-discovery, and learning to navigate the highs and lows—on and off the path.

Follow Julia on Instagram - @juliasheehan

Her book - Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail

Her documentary - Into the Wild: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail

Backpacker article - Her Thru-Hike Went Viral. Then She Quit.

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:

2:32 Welcome, Julia Sheehan!

7:07 What life looked like for Julia when she left for the Appalachian Trail

10:32 Julia's reasons on filming her AT thru-hike

16:01 The impacts of social media + thru-hiking and how to handle online criticism

30:45 Julia's memoir - Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail

56:12 Julia's yoga journey + the benefits of practicing yoga

1:09:04 Why do first-time thru-hikers keep going back

1:15:00 The unique magic of the Appalachian Trail

Send us a text

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana dive into the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of hiking Mount Whitney—the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. Both Jen and Dyana have successfully summited Mount Whitney and have unique perspectives to share about their trips, with Jen tackling the summit via the Pacific Crest Trail and Dyana using the famous Whitney Portal. They swap stories about the mental and physical grit it takes to summit, share lessons learned from unpredictable weather and altitude sickness, and reminisce on the history and beauty of the mountain. The duo also break down the nitty-gritty: permits, gear, route options, and everything you need to know before taking on this iconic adventure. Whether you're planning your own Whitney hike or just love a good trail tale, this episode has something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Jen's Mount Whitney PCT video

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Intro to Mount Whitney

4:27 Fun facts about Mount Whitney

10:39 How to summit Whitney from the Eastern side

15:57 How to summit Whitney via the Pacific Crest Trail

21:19 Altitude sickness

24:56 To poop, or not to poop

30:27 The history behind the hut on top of Whitney

44:37 Common questions about hiking Whitney

57:40 Dyana's recommended route up Whitney

Send us a text

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with Nicole Snell—a powerhouse in personal safety, self-defense, and solo adventure. As the CEO of Girls Fight Back, Nicole is a dynamic speaker, educator, and advocate known for empowering women and marginalized communities, especially in outdoor and travel settings. She shares her journey from a successful career in production to becoming a leading voice in self-defense education. Nicole dives into the importance of solo outdoor experiences, challenges societal norms around women's safety, and emphasizes building confidence through training and awareness. With solo adventures across 18 countries, Nicole brings a wealth of insight, practical strategies, and unforgettable stories—offering listeners a bold and empowering perspective on moving through the world with strength and self-assurance.

Follow Nicole Snell on Instagram - @adventuresofnik
Follow Girls Fight Back on Instagram - @girlsfightback
Nicole Snell’s Website - www.nicolesnell.com
Nicole's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Nicole_Snell

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:

3:23 Welcome, Nicole Snell!

5:18 How Nicole got into self-defense and becoming CEO of Girls Fight Back

10:40 Nicole's perspective on people going in to the outdoors alone

16:44 The narrative shift that's taking place with women in the outdoor space

19:00 Advice for women about to solo adventure

20:05 Weapons or no weapons?

29:00 Nicole's progression of confidence + how that can help others

50:37 Tips for those who want to travel Internationally

59:50 Future plans and projects for Nicole

1:06:13 Where you can follow and connect with Nicole

Send us a text

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with two of the most cherished figures in long-distance hiking: Barney and Sandy—better known on the trails as Scout and Frodo. At 73 years old, Scout recently completed the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail, adding to an already staggering list of accomplishments including the Triple Crown of Hiking: the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail. He’s also the author of Journeys North: The Pacific Crest Trail, a powerful account of his 2007 thru-hike with Frodo. The book was a finalist in the 2020 Banff Mountain Book Competition and has sold nearly 20,000 copies worldwide. But beyond their personal achievements, Scout and Frodo are best known for their unmatched generosity. As legendary trail angels, they’ve hosted over 8,000 Pacific Crest Trail hikers at their San Diego home, providing a launchpad for countless northbound journeys. Join us as we talk about adventure, community, aging with grit, and what it means to give back to a trail that has given so much.

Buy Barney's book: https://amzn.to/3S6Syno

Check out Barney's Website: barneyscoutmann.com

Barney's Instagram: @journeys.north

Learn More about the Eastern Sierra Land Trust - eslt.org/bushandbanter/

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:

0:42 Eastern Sierra Land Trust

4:41 Welcome, Scout and Frodo!

17:03 Scout's Triple Crown journey starting with the Pacific Crest Trail

24:26 How hosting PCT hikers came about

40:18 The meaning behind Scout's book, Journey's North

54:50 How the outdoors can make you like yourself

1:06:00 Advice from Scout and Frodo on why it's never to late to chase a dream

1:15:23 Advice for taking young kids backpacking

1:22:52 Scout and Frodo on the Pacific Northwest Trail

1:33:54 The importance of trail advocacy

1:40:40 Words to those about to start their first thru-hikes

Send us a text

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with Tia Banks — motivational speaker, resilience expert, mountaineer, and mental health advocate. Tia is on a mission to help students and educators build resilience and push through the heavy weight of anxiety and depression. She’s climbed some of the world’s tallest volcanoes, including Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa and Pico de Orizaba in Mexico. She’s also the author of Mind Over Mountains, a certified resilience coach, and a viral voice on social media known for her raw, powerful insights on mental strength and growth. Today, she shares her journey — from hitting rock bottom in college to standing on volcanic summits — and how she’s helping others find the grit to keep going.

Tia’s Website - www.tiabanks.com
Follow Tia on social media at @thetiabanks

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS

3:35 Welcome, Tia Banks!

6:46 Tia's painful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro and how progress fuels resilience

20:45 What Tia was thinking on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro

25:45 How mountains and nature connect us to something greater

30:03 Why Tia climbed Pico de Orizaba in Mexico and her first attempt

34:53 Tia's second attempt on Pico de Orizaba

43:49 The Mind Over Mountains Program

48:37 What drew Tia to helping educators and students

1:03:30 What's next for Tia and where to connect with her

1:06:33 Advice for those who have fear that is holding them back

Send us a text

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with endurance athlete Nora Fierman. Nora has skied and mountain biked around the entire world, including places like Mexico, Lesotho (Southern Africa), Canada, and France. She shares stories from her experience in the Breck Epic which is a 6 day mountain biking stage race in Colorado as well as a forever life-altering experience skiing Pico de Orizaba where she witnessed her first fatality in the mountains. Nora's passion for the outdoors is deep and is attributed to her childhood with her mother being the driving force. With all of her experience and love for high speed sports, Nora realized something was missing with her nutrition, so she founded Neve. Neve offers plant-based smoothie pouches for athletes which are designed with science but made for adventure. This episode is one for the adrenaline junkies who have a taste for abnormal adventures!

Use code bush&banter10 for 10% off 6-packs on Neve's website!

Neve's website - https://eatneve.com/

Follow Neve on Instagram - @eat_neve

NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS:

3:10 Welcome, Nora Fierman!

4:54 Nora's attraction to abnormal adventures

7:55 Bikepacking in Lesotho, a country in Southern Africa

15:30 The Breck Epic MTB 6 Day Stage Race in Colorado

24:52 The foundation of Nora's passion for skiing

30:20 Nora's life-changing ski trip to Mexico on Pico de Orizaba

37:36 How witnessing a mountain fatality changed Nora's perspective of the outdoors

44:54 Intertwining adventure, food, and hospitality

49:39 Creating Neve and helping athletes thrive using nutrition

58:09 Where to buy Neve pouches to fuel your adventures and travel

Send us a text

Where to find and support Bush & Banter:

• Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter
• Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com
• Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter
• E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com
• Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman