Is the Yellowstone Supervolcano really going to erupt and end life as we know it, and with the recent and unexpected geothermal events in Biscuit Basin, how worried are the scientists that study the Yellowstone caldera? Is it true the animals of Yellowstone are fleeing, signaling an eruption may be on the immediate horizon?

This week on the show, Dr. Mike Poland -- scientist in charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory -- joins us in the field to debunk myths, explain caldera systems, and break down what a real eruption would look like. From geothermal explosions, to ancient ash layers on Mount Everts, massive lava flows, and why earthquakes are the bigger worry, we cover it all. Plus, Mike calls out those sensational clickbait videos and shares why this iconic landscape is endlessly fascinating without the hype. If you're obsessed with volcanoes, geology, or just love Yellowstone's wild side, this episode is for you.

We talk about:

• Yellowstone Fears
• Caldera Systems
• Signs of Eruptions and Warnings
• Ash Layers of Mount Everts
• Eruption Complexity
• Lava Flows: Past Eruptions and Global Effects
• Explosive Eruptions
• Real Hazards: Hydrothermal Explosions and Earthquake
• Timeline for Potential Eruptions
• Ash Flows: Impact & Radius
• What are the odds?
• Sensationalization
• What you should take away from Yellowstone

• Caldera Chronicles
• USGS Youtube
• USGS Volcanos X
• USGS Volcanos Instagram
• USGS Volcanos Facebook

• Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more: https://linktr.ee/Hayden_Sammak
• Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else: https://linktr.ee/BackcountryManifesto
• Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch: https://outyondercompany.com/pages/shop-the-out-yonder-x-backcountry-manifesto-collab

• Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout.
• Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.

• Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson
• Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks
• Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill
• Production Assistance by John Stock
• “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA
• Copyright Outdoor Visions Media LLC, 2025

After years of searching, third generation Montanan rancher Clayton Phipps and his friends Mark Eaton and Chad O'Connor, discover one of the greatest dinosaur fossil specimens of all time: the remains of two perfectly preserved dinosaurs seemingly locked in battle. The find is worth millions, and quickly becomes the focus of not only the paleontological world, but an intense legal battle over who will see the profits. Ultimately the case will be decided by Montana's supreme court and become the basis for landmark legislature.

Today, we're in Eastern Montana getting the story straight from the horse's mouth. We sit down with Clayton -- known to most as the "Dinosaur Cowboy" -- as he tells the complete story of the Dueling Dinosaurs, as well as the series of events that led him to trade his saddle for a shovel, and life on the range for a career in commercial paleontology. Whether you're a fossil fanatic or just love a good underdog story, this episode is all about grit, glory, and the bones of ancient beasts, waiting to be discovered. We talk about:

• Clayton's life as a cowboy
• The Stygimoloch skull that started it all
• Clayton's fossil collection and commercial operation
• The discovery of the Dueling Dinosaurs
• The legal battle over fossils and mineral rights
• Academic vs. commercial paleontology rift
• How the Dueling Dinosaurs were sold
• The Nanotyrannus vs. juvenile T. Rex debate
• The future of paleontology

• Clayton Phipps Instagram
• Hell Creek Hooligans Youtube

• Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more: https://linktr.ee/Hayden_Sammak
• Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else: https://linktr.ee/BackcountryManifesto
• Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch: https://outyondercompany.com/pages/shop-the-out-yonder-x-backcountry-manifesto-collab

• Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout.
• Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.

• Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson
• Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks
• Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill
• Production Assistance by John Stock
• “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA
• Copyright Outdoor Visions Media LLC, 2025

Peter Larson, President of the Black Hills Institute for Geological Research, is one of the most knowledgable paleontologists working today. His museum, located in the Hill City, South Dakota, boasts the highest concentration of dinosaur bones of any museum on earth.

While to many, Pete's known for his work as a leading expert in the study of theropods, particularly T. rex, he's also known for being at the center of one of the biggest controversies ever to rock the paleontological world -- the discovery, excavation, and FBI confiscation of the world famous T. rex known as "Sue." The saga is a story so unbelievable, it went on to become the focus of an Emmy-winning documentary, Dinosaur 13.

In this episode of the Backcountry Manifesto, we're on site at BHI, and with endless dinosaur specimens in around us, we talk all things paleontology, here compelling evidence in the "Juvenile T. rex or Nanotyranus?" debate, and get a first-hand account of the discovery, excavation, and confiscation of "Sue," as well as the resulting aftermath which saw Pete spend 18 months in federal prison.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Nanotyrannus and potential differences between T. rex
• Famous T. rex specimens
• The KT Boundary
• Sue, the T. Rex
• The ensuing legal battle with the Feds
• The BHI Museum

• Black Hills Institute
• Black Hills Institute Youtube Channel
• Pete Larson on Instagram

• Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more: https://linktr.ee/Hayden_Sammak
• Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else: https://linktr.ee/BackcountryManifesto
• Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch: https://outyondercompany.com/pages/shop-the-out-yonder-x-backcountry-manifesto-collab

• Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com - Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout.
• Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.

• Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson
• Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks
• Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill
• Production Assistance by John Stock
• “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA
• Copyright Outdoor Visions Media LLC, 2025