Day Fire Podcast

This week Dawson and Clint sat down and talked about getting out AND taking the kids with you! The past few years we have learned how important being active is - especially being active outside! Sunshine - Wind - Sounds - Peace of Mind - Memories - More! Getting disconnected in order to get re-connected! Helping our kids understand this is vital to their future health. We talked about Dawson's early years in the woods of North Carolina - getting his kids out on the trail as early as 4 and 6 - and we gave some advice on best practices! PLUS - Clint shared a few stories, including one about finding Bigfoot in the backyard with his kiddos! It's not always easy, but it's always worth it! As usual - we had fun and shared lot's of stories! Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

This week Clint and Dawson sit down with Jason Thienel. Mountain running is something that Jason is very passionate about. Being a Mountain Athlete for LaSportiva is a perfect fit because he is always dreaming big in his mountain pursuits. He has several big belt buckles as part of his accomplishments including UTMB and CCC in the Alps, Bigfoot 200, Cruel Jewel 100, Bryce Canyon 100, and Cloudsplitter 100. A few of his passion projects include the Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the Double Art Loeb and Warner Parks 100. He also has completed the NoNo which is doing the No Business 100 twice, both directions, in one push. When Jason is not running, which isn’t often, he enjoys gravel biking and rock climbing. He can also be found drinking espresso, playing hockey in the backyard with his Weimaraner puppy, Blanche, or adventuring with his wife of sixteen years, Amber. You can also find him at the local outdoor retailer in Nashville, Cumberland Transit, where he is one of the owners and general manager. Thanks for

This week Clint and Dawson talk with Tom Rowland. As most know Tom is a TV and Podcast host with millions of downloads. Tom has been a fishing guide, a TV host and starred in countless TV fishing shows. Tom is also an entrepreneur and he and his partner Rich Tudor also created a digital network called Waypoint TV to take the outdoor television landscape to digital OTT platforms. Tom's list of accomplishments as a guide, a businessman, a competitor are a mile long. On our show we talk to Tom about Elk Hunting and how his son has taken the lead on last year's and the upcoming Elk Trip. And dont miss the end of the show because Tom shares a story from the heart. Check Tom out @ https://tomrowlandpodcast.com Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

This week Dawson and Clint had some fun and we think you will too! They try to stump each other with some outdoor/adventure terminology (director's note: Dawson's competitive side may have come out) - they share some fears and some animal encounters! Is Clint afraid of the dark? What animal is Dawson most afraid of? Do you know the terms and definitions? PLUS - some stories and laughs shared along the way! Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

This week Clint and Dawson sit down with Susie and Jim Framer. Susie and Jim live in Chattanooga. They have been married nine years. They have been racing bikes, ultramarathons, triathlons and adventure races for "ever". Susie is a 2 time TN State Champion in cyclocross and Jim is a 1 time TN State Champion. Together they have won several 12 and 24 hour adventure races and have finished two expedition length adventure races. We talk about adventure races, gear and the Chattanooga Epic adventure race in the summer 2023. This will be a great event for everyone from expert to beginner. You can learn more about the race here. Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

This week Clint and Dawson sat down with Pete Ripmaster. Pete is an adventurer, ultra-athlete, and the winner of the 2018 Iditarod Trail Invitational in Alaska. He is an in-demand motivational speaker and event organizer who spends his time inspiring others to fulfill their dreams, no matter how outrageous they may seem. When he is not speaking or competing in extreme athletic events around the country, he lives in Asheville, NC with his wife, two daughters, two dogs, and a backyard that is often visited by bears that come down from the mountain. Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

This week Dawson and Clint got to catch up with Liz 'Mercury' Derstine! You may remember Liz from episodes 72 and 111; she is a distance runner and a trail hiker - oh, and she is fast! She started running at age 14 and has been immersed in running, hiking, and competing ever since. Liz has set FKT's (fastest known times) for the women's supported Smokies Challenge Adventure Run, for the Appalachian Trail (supported - northbound), Pinhoti Trail, and RECENTLY set the FKT for the oldest long distance trail in the US, the Long Trail! This was a great conversation about training, mindset, gear, and of course - lot's of stories! Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

This week Dawson and Clint talked with Joshua and Amber Niven! They are authors of the book 'Discovering the Appalachian Trail: A Guide to the Trail's Greatest Hikes'. Even though their journeys and experiences on the AT came at different times - they found common ground in their love for the trail, its people, and the experiences it offers. Joshua completed the AT in 2013 with some friends and Amber backpacked over 1,400 miles of the AT with her dad and other family members after graduating Carson-Newman University. Amber is a lifelong journal keeper and Joshua is a professional and avid photographer - when they met it almost seemed like a book was inevitable. The layout and content of this book is very unique - offering some historical insights, character spotlights, and fantastic pictures that help the reader complete the journey. Our conversation took us through their AT experiences, their approach to their art, the writing and book development process, and as always - we got to hear some fantastic storie

This week Clint and Dawson have Chris and Sara back on the show. They were guests for ep.98. As you know they are digital nomads, van lifers, travelers, adventurers, business partners, husband and wife, and [most importantly] best friends. They are currently back from a 5 month trip to Mexico, Brazil, the Rocky mountains and then out to Oregon; what?!. We talk about their trips, food, language, a crazy purchase and.......... They have big big news. They are making a change so tune in for the details. Follow Chris and Sara on YouTube. Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

This week Dawson and Clint sat down with Chattanooga native and avid cyclist - Spencer Whittier. In high school Spencer loved mountain biking and participated in most of the traditional sports but it was the high school cross-country coach that persuaded him to give running a shot. He did and those efforts landed him a scholarship to Tennessee Tech. After graduating Tech, with a degree in Civil Engineering, he rekindled his passion for mountain biking. To say he has been competitively active is an understatement: not only has he raced in triathlons and cyclocross races, but he has participated in the Everesting Challenge, Steamboat GRVL, Ouachita Challenge, Snake Creek Gap MTB, Big Frog 65, Rule of 3, Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventure Race, Belgian Waffle Ride - NC, and the Firecracker 50! He was also a cyclocross national age group champion in January 2016 in Asheville, NC. What's next - the 6-day Breck Epic MTB stage race in Breckenridge, CO! After that? Who knows! (Bonus - his story about a moth is worth the

This week Dawson and Clint caught up with owner and co-founder of HANDUP Gloves, Cody Wallis. Growing up in a little town in Neveda with less than 1,000 people, Cody fell in love with two things: off-road motorcycle racing and his wife, Jamie! After they moved to Chattanooga and they both fell in love with mountain biking and the community of people associated with it. They also noticed that the gloves available at the time had much to be desired in both function and design. With Cody's background in motorcycle racing and his newfound passion for mountain biking, they set out to build one thing - a better glove! With a leap of faith and their $6,000 dollars in savings, they started their side hustle - HANDUP! Since then, it has grown into a thriving company that is adding new glove designs and apparel. This was a great conversation! Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

This week Dawson and Clint went in the studio and had a very fun conversation! Some outdoor adventure trivia and did you know facts! Some were fun, some were serious, some were unexpected, and some were down right shocking! They had fun and learned a few things - maybe you will enjoy it too?! Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

This week Dawson and Clint talked with the 'Day Fire Podcast MKV' record holder (Most Known Visits) - Nancy East! This time they talked with Nancy about her Backpacking 101 workshops she is leading through the Blue Ridge Hiking Company! Answering questions that a lot of beginners may have about hiking and camping. What to take - where to go - when to go - safety - animal encounters - expectations - gear considerations - and much more! PLUS - they shared a few stories and laughs along the way. Who is Nancy East? She is the author of; 'Chasing the Smokies Moon' - she is a member of the Haywood County's Search and Rescue Team, a founding board member of the WNC Wilderness Safety Fund, a Gossamer Gear Ambassador, and a Southern Appalachian Naturalist. In 2019, she and her good friend, Chris Ford, set the fastest known time (FKT) for a mixed-gender team on the Tour de LeConte Challenge. In 2020, they set the overall FKT for the Smokies 900 Challenge. Nancy has hiked all the trails in the Smoky Mountains National

This week Clint and Dawson discuss why city and county Parks are so important. City and County parks and open space in general improve our physical and mental health and make cities and neighborhoods more attractive places to live. With that said most cities are working to provide diversity, equity and inclusion. Not all Parks in our communities past have been "created equal" and there are real barriers to entry. Communities around the U.S. are working to address decades of neglect and inequality. Also, studies have shown the social, environmental, economic, and health benefits parks bring to a community and their people. So its critical that all communities level "the playing field". Finally our city and county Parks attract tourists, serve as places to gather as groups, relax and provide all kinds of experiences that improve our daily health. They also offer a marketing tool for communities to attract businesses, conventions and host festivals, concerts and athletics events. Parks also serve to help us de

Sunny Montgomery is back talking with Clint and Dawson. Sunny was a guest in ep. 58. Sunny Montgomery lives in Ocoee, Tennessee. Sunny is a writer and executive editor with Get Out Chattanooga and Chatter magazine. She is smart, funny and loves her life on the edge of the Cherokee Forest with her soon to be husband. On summer weekends, they run a taco truck on the Ocoee River. Her passion is whitewater canoeing. Discovering new creeks and rock smears make her happiest, but the Ocoee River, where she learned to paddle and where you'll find her any summer weekend (before opening the taco truck, of course) is among her most favorite places on Earth. If we could bottle Sunny's excitement for life the world would be a better place. She is a wonderful person. Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

This week Clint and Dawson talk with Chig Martin. Chig lives in Port Angeles, Wa. by way of Rossville Ga/Chattanooga Tn. Chig is a former triathlete turned gravel cyclist. He is part of Team Hyland BWR. Chig let life get in the way of his personal life and became unhealthy to the point where he was hospitalized and weighed 325 pounds and had serious health issues. But Chig said enough and now for 1367 days in a row he has ridden his bike since 9-1-2018. He has lost 147 pounds and at one point had a 52 inch waist and now has a 35 inch waist. Chig is a funny man who enjoys life and is an inspiration. Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

This week Clint and I spoke with Brad Cobb and Sergeant Clay Tolson. Today's podcast is our most meaningful podcast to-date. Brad and Clay and 5 other men share their story of traveling to the Ukraine.They headed to Romania on March 30th for four days and then to Moldova for seven days with five first responders from the Chattanooga area (Sergeant Clay Tolson, Officer Juan Cuba, Sergeant Jeremiah Cook, Investigator Hunter Morgan, Lieutenant Danny Jones, and Harris Looney). All these men paid their own way and took their limited vacation time to respond to a desperate situation. The team was in contact with other groups and individuals in and around Ukraine who have communicated specific needs and requests for supplies. They distributed emergency medical supplies, assisting Romanian and Moldovian pastors and other volunteers caring for Ukrainian refugees, loading/off-loading supplies, making runs to the border and well into Ukraine, shuttling refugees from border to temporary housing, serving food, distributin

This week Dawson and Clint, along with special guest host - Marc Hunt, sit down with whitewater kayaker, filmmaker, and musician - Rush Sturges! Rush grew up in California around the whitewater community and it was there he developed a love and passion for the sport and the adventure. He has traveled the world and competed at the highest level - from freestyle to racing. Rush is also a well known and respected filmmaker! You can find one of his documentaries currently on Netflix – ‘The River Runner’! It is a must watch! His ability to capture the rawness and unforgiving nature of the rivers and the emotions and stories of those who seek adventure on them, is uncanny. His love for the sport and film has taken him to some of the most remote and dangerous rivers on the globe. PLUS – Rush is an accomplished musician. We end our show with the title song from his last album "A Life Worth Living' and you can check out the link to the full album below. This is one of those conversations where the list of accomplishm

Marc Hunt is back on the podcast! Marc was the co-founder of Sunburst Adventures - the first outfitter to operate on the Ocoee River in Tennessee and we first talked to Marc in Episode #138 (give it a listen). Today Marc sits down with Dawson and Clint to talk about his experiences, adventures, and passion for the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. We talk about the differences between commercial and privately guided tours, being prepared, the permitting process, animals, expectations, and yes - lot's of stories! Marc has been down the Colorado - 9 times! Whether it was kayaking, rafting and even motorized, each trip brings with it lessons and stories he shares with us and with others. Marc has also collected a number of amazing photographs and created an Award-Winning instructional video on navigating the Colorado River (links below). Check out our Facebook page for more pictures or visit these links: https://www.flickr.com/photos/marc_hunt/albums/72157711976912252 https://www.flickr.com/photos/marc_hunt

This week Clint and Dawson Talk with Kris Wheeler. Kris is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and commercial content creator. The professional journey of this North Georgia native is rooted in a foundation of journalism and storytelling. In recent years, Wheeler’s film work has garnered coverage in national publications and media outlets, including: Billboard Magazine, USA Today, Garden & Gun Magazine, Paste Magazine and NPR World Cafe. In November 2018, his film, Revival: The Sam Bush Story, became a hit with Amazon viewers, quickly climbing into the “Top 10 Best Sellers” list for documentaries following its commercial release. Revival earned four “Best” film awards on the indie film festival circuit, including “Best Music Documentary” in its World Premiere at the Nashville Film Festival. Wheeler’s storytelling skills were developed early in his career, in route to becoming an award-winning newspaper journalist and feature writer. After covering the Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona in 1992, he moved