Mountain & Prairie Podcast

Ed Roberson

Interviews with innovators of the American West. Guests include ranchers, writers, athletes, artists, adventurers, conservationists, entrepreneurs—anyone who’s doing important work and has an interesting story to tell. Through informal yet substantive conversations, conservationist Ed Roberson introduces you to these fascinating characters, giving you a better understanding of their careers, influences, and outlooks, as well as a deeper appreciation for life in the American West.

  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    Cassidy Randall – The Untold Story of Denali’s First All-Women’s Ascent

    Cassidy Randall is a journalist and author whose work explores the intersections of adventure, history, and the natural world. Her new book, “Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women’s Ascent of Denali,” tells the gripping true story of six women who, in 1970, became the first all-female team to summit North America’s tallest mountain. It's a meticulously researched, beautifully written account that brings long-overlooked voices to the forefront of mountaineering history.

    As someone with a deep personal interest in Denali, I was especially excited to read this book and speak with Cassidy. In our conversation, we talk not only about the origins of “Thirty Below” and the individual women at the heart of the story, but also about Cassidy’s career as a journalist— how she got started, the path she’s carved through the world of longform storytelling, and how she approaches writing with such clarity, depth, and purpose. She also shares insights into her research process, the challenge of shaping complex narratives, and the broader importance of telling stories that have too often been overlooked or dismissed.

    Whether or not you’ve ever set foot on a glacier, Thirty Below offers a deep dive into universal themes— resilience, purpose, and the human desire to explore. It’s a story about ambition and endurance, but also about complexity, contradiction, and the ways women have long carved space for themselves in places that often excluded them. Cassidy brings these histories to life with nuance and empathy, honoring the individuality of each woman while raising timeless questions about legacy, belonging, and what drives us to push beyond our limits. 

    Thanks to Cassidy for writing the book and for taking the time to chat. I hope you enjoy.

    ---

    ---

    TOPICS DISCUSSED:

    • 2:06 – Intro, how did Cassidy get into Denali?
    • 8:28 – Getting to know Grace
    • 13:08 – Landscape of women in climbing
    • 18:16 – Margaret and her journey with multiple sclerosis
    • 22:39 – Why do people climb mountains?
    • 25:38 – Grace at 88, any discontent?
    • 28:08 – Ed on his experience climbing Denali
    • 31:02 – The process of climbing
    • 37:39 – Adventure for the sake of adventure
    • 42:23 – Writing advice on structure
    • 45:41 – Source change
    • 47:07 – Book writing compared with magazine work
    • 50:36 – Early creativity threads
    • 53:28 – Shifts in the writing industry
    • 55:24 – What is journalism’s role anymore?
    • 1:00:17 – It’s alive! (The content we’re consuming.)
    • 1:01:19 – Denali or McKinley?
    • 1:04:37 – Writer recs
    • 1:08:03 – Pro tips on being a writer
    • 1:10:17 – Wrapping it up

    ---

    ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE:

    8 May 2025, 10:35 pm
  • 1 hour 7 minutes
    Sara Domek – The Science and Story of Wyoming’s Wildlife Migration

    Sara Domek is Wyoming’s Migration Program Director for The Nature Conservancy. Sara grew up in the small town of Kemmerer and later moved to Pinedale, giving her a rare, firsthand perspective on Wyoming’s working landscapes—both from a natural resources and a conservation standpoint. Her upbringing, paired with years of experience working in nonprofits, agencies, and boots-on-the-ground conservation, makes her uniquely suited to lead TNC’s efforts to protect Wyoming’s world-renowned wildlife migrations.

    If you’ve spent any time driving through Wyoming, you’ve probably cruised past some of the most important migration corridors in North America—maybe without even realizing it. Sara and her team are working to keep those landscapes permeable, helping mule deer, pronghorn, elk, and other species continue the seasonal journeys they’ve been making for thousands of years. We talk about the science behind migration, how seemingly small barriers like fences can create big challenges for wildlife, and how collaborative conservation—between landowners, agencies, and nonprofits—can create real, lasting wins.

    Sara also shares some fascinating details about Wyoming’s longest mule deer migration, the importance of building trust with local communities, why cheatgrass is a bigger villain than it looks, and how carefully designed wildlife crossings can benefit both animals and people. We also get into her favorite books, why she’s hopeful about the future, and, once again, the simple but powerful idea that success in conservation often comes down to strong relationships.

    This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with someone who truly embodies the spirit of collaborative, community-driven conservation. I hope you enjoy!

    ---

    ---

    This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive.

    During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy’s leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond.

    To learn more about The Nature Conservancy’s impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org

    ---

    TOPICS DISCUSSED:

    • 2:50 – Intro, growing up in Wyoming and valuing natural resources
    • 6:09 – Pinedale and the Wind Rivers
    • 7:15 – Plan after high school
    • 10:37 – Finding TNC
    • 14:16 – Sara describes her job
    • 17:21 – Mule deer and pronghorn migration corridors
    • 21:57 – Fencing and migration
    • 26:25 – Getting the word out about fencing
    • 29:27 – Migration primer: distance, predators and collisions
    • 35:54 – Valley of the warm winds
    • 42:37 – RCPP programs
    • 45:27 – Cheatgrass 101
    • 48:54 – Important partners
    • 51:08 – Prioritizing projects
    • 54:40 – What Sara’s looking forward to
    • 57:57 – Where to learn more
    • 1:00:22 – Book recs
    • 1:03:04 – Parting words

    ---

    ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE:

    30 April 2025, 9:58 pm
  • 1 hour 22 minutes
    Cody Wellema – After the Fire, Before What’s Next

    Cody Wellema is a master hatmaker and the founder of Wellema Hat Co., a highly regarded, California-based custom hat business. For over a decade, Cody built a reputation as one of the country’s premier craftspeople in the art of traditional hatmaking, creating heirloom-quality hats by hand, using vintage tools and techniques that harken back to a slower, more intentional era. His work has been worn by artists, ranchers, musicians, and everyday folks alike, and his shop became not only a destination for finely made hats, but a gathering place rooted in community and craft.

    On January 8th of this year, Cody and his family lost their Altadena storefront and workspace in the Eaton Canyon Fire, one of the many devastating fires that destroyed a large part of the greater Los Angeles area in early 2025. In the aftermath, he has navigated an overwhelming combination of grief, logistics, and uncertainty—yet throughout it all, he has maintained a sense of gratitude, humility, and forward-looking optimism that is as rare as it is inspiring. As he puts it, the fire forced a kind of reset—one that, while painful, has given him a blank page and the opportunity to reimagine the next chapter of his creative life.

    In this conversation, we talk about Cody’s early entrepreneurial spirit, his deep appreciation for vintage craftsmanship, and how he taught himself the trade by deconstructing old hats and learning from the past. We also explore the role of presence in parenting, the importance of community, and the creative possibilities that can emerge when the old path is unexpectedly cleared. Cody’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and deep care– for people, for his craft, and for doing things the right way.

    I was so inspired by Cody’s optimism and gratitude, and I know you will be too. Be sure to check out the episode notes for links to everything we discussed, including a GoFundMe page that was set up to support Cody and his family during this unexpected time of chaos.

    Thanks for listening, I hope you enjoy!

    ---

    ---

    TOPICS DISCUSSED:

    • 3:30 – Intro, how’s Cody doing?
    • 7:04 – His default wiring is optimism
    • 8:49 – Setting an example for the kids
    • 10:52 – Roots
    • 12:41 – Cody’s evolution
    • 17:33 – Heading out on his own
    • 19:31 – Getting to hats
    • 25:50 – Taking apart old hats
    • 28:33 – Monetization
    • 30:59 – Hindsight and going all in
    • 34:41 – The fear of diving in
    • 38:33 – Time to define
    • 41:14 – More than just hats
    • 46:29 – Blessing in the bad
    • 51:59 – Moving on
    • 56:00 – Cody’s first time voicing his new idea
    • 1:04:59 – Taking the compliments
    • 1:08:56 – Figuring out a blank slate
    • 1:13:00 – Inspiration recs
    • 1:18:16 – Final words of wisdom

    ---

    ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE:

    24 April 2025, 9:05 pm
  • 1 hour 3 minutes
    Live at SXSW - Farmer-Founded Brands Will Save American Fashion

    This is a special live episode recorded this past March at SXSW in Austin, Texas, and it features a conversation I had the honor of moderating with two powerhouse guests: Cate Havstad-Casad of Range Revolution and Daniel Mouw of Duckworth.

    The title of the panel was Farmer-Founded Brands Will Save American Fashion. At first glance, that might sound like a bold claim, but these two are actually doing the work to make it real. Cate is a designer, hatmaker, and regenerative rancher whose company, Range Revolution, is turning discarded cattle hides into regenerative high-end leather goods. Daniel is the president of Duckworth, a Montana-based wool company that’s rebuilding the American supply chain– one sheep, sweater, and ranch at a time.

    Together, we dug into some big questions: What happened to American-made textiles? Why are most of us walking around wearing plastic? And what would it look like to rebuild rural economies from the ground up, using natural fibers like leather and wool, raised and processed responsibly, here in the United States? It might sound like we’re talking fashion and manufacturing trends—but this is really a conversation about values, ecosystems, and the future of rural America.

    Cate and Daniel are funny, deeply thoughtful, and grounded in the realities of both agriculture and business. They bring hard-earned optimism to a conversation that too often gets bogged down in doom and gloom. And they make a compelling case for why fashion can be a vehicle for stewardship, beauty, and connection to the land. We also had a sharp, engaged audience that asked some truly insightful questions– you’ll hear a few of those toward the end.

    Thanks to Cate and Daniel for the amazing conversation, thanks to SXSW for inviting us, and thank you for listening.

    ---

    ---

    TOPICS DISCUSSED:

    • 2:10 - Introductions
    • 6:35 - A history lesson in US fiber production
    • 10:22 - Current supply chain challenges facing producers
    • 16:17 - Why natural fibers are superior to synthetics
    • 19:17 - The true cost of synthetics and fast fashion
    • 23:17 - How Range Revolution and Duckworth are restoring economic power to ag producers
    • 27:36 - The unique role of for-profit businesses in solving these challenges
    • 33:13 - Positivity as a strategic business decision
    • 37:09 - How do you scale this regenerative fashion movement?
    • 40:32 - Embracing natural characteristics in design
    • 42:06 - How to capture attention in today’s information age
    • 46:13 - What would an ideal community support system look like?
    • 50:26 - Fabric frequencies!
    • 52:53 - How to convert standard retail buyers into regenerative buyers
    • 56:40 - Any collaboration with the EU fashion industry?

    ---

    ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE:

    16 April 2025, 8:11 pm
  • 1 hour 23 minutes
    Elliot Ross: Where Landscape, Justice, and Storytelling Meet

    Elliot Ross is a photographer and writer whose work focuses on the intersection of landscape, identity, and justice in the American West. His images have appeared in Time, National Geographic, and The New York Times, and he’s known for deeply researched, long-term projects that combine striking visual storytelling with a journalist’s rigor. Whether he's documenting water access on the Navajo Nation or tracing the contours of Glen Canyon as it reemerges, Elliot brings a rare mix of artistry, empathy, and precision to every assignment.

    Born in Taiwan and raised on the eastern plains of Colorado, Elliot grew up between cultures and landscapes—an experience that shaped both his worldview and his creative path. He picked up a camera early, inspired by his grandmother’s family albums, and later earned a full-ride to the Savannah College of Art and Design. After college, he cut his teeth in New York City, assisting some of the most high-profile portrait and fashion photographers in the industry. All the while, he was quietly dreaming about building a career on his own terms—one rooted in storytelling, purpose, and the landscapes he still called home.

    In this episode, we talk about the early experiences that shaped his artistic voice, the evolution of his career, and how he’s learned to navigate the demands of both commercial and documentary work. Elliot shares the backstory of his recent Time magazine cover story on water equity in the West, a project that involved years of reporting, deep community ties, and even a return to the classroom. We also discuss his thoughts on creative endurance, working across political divides, and the role of photography in fostering empathy and connection.

    I’d encourage you to visit Elliot’s website and dig deeper into all of his work, especially his project A Question of Balance, which became the Time magazine feature. You can find links to everything in the episode notes. Thanks to Elliot for the inspiring and timely conversation, and thank you for listening.

    ---

    ---

    This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation.

    To whom much is given, much is expected. This value guides the philosophy behind the Mighty Arrow Family Foundation today.

    Committed to its cause and infused with an entrepreneurial spirit, Mighty Arrow aims to invest in solutions that take action on climate change to build a more vibrant future, repair relationships from farm to market to table, heal our connection to the lands and waters we call home, and demand a more just and equitable society.

    To learn more about Mighty Arrow’s forward-thinking, optimistic, and visionary work here in the American West and beyond, please visit www.mightyarrow.org.

    ---

    TOPICS DISCUSSED:

    • 3:05 – Elliot growing up in Taipei and how his parents met
    • 6:00 – Few but vivid memories of Taipei
    • 7:09 – The culture shock of moving to eastern Colorado
    • 8:25 – How photography came into Elliot’s life
    • 10:29 – Reading influences
    • 13:16 – Travel bug
    • 16:22 – Savannah College of Art and Design
    • 18:07 – Parental pressure
    • 19:49 – Credit to high school art teachers
    • 20:54 – Figuring out photography
    • 27:47 – No wavering
    • 29:54 – Moving into independent business
    • 33:29 – Pitching Carhartt
    • 37:03 – Nat Geo ups and downs
    • 42:10 – Near-death experiences
    • 45:44 – Approaching long-term projects
    • 49:35 – Pulling on threads
    • 51:45 – Humans and landscapes
    • 56:35 – Curiosity as the most authentic de-escalator
    • 58:05 – Writing and shooting and doing it all
    • 1:02:45 – Response to the Time story
    • 1:07:35 – A tale of two places
    • 1:13:45 – Using water in the West
    • 1:16:35 – The Desiderata creed
    • 1:17:05 – Book recs
    • 1:23:05 – Parting words

    ---

    ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE:

    4 April 2025, 6:24 pm
  • 1 hour 6 minutes
    Aaron Citron: Crafting Conservation Policy in a Changing West

    Aaron Citron is the Associate Director of External Affairs at The Nature Conservancy, where he leads state-level policy engagement across Colorado. His work spans a wide array of conservation priorities, including water management, healthy forests, renewable energy siting, and partnerships with private landowners and tribal nations. Aaron plays a key role in bridging on-the-ground conservation efforts with the legislative and regulatory frameworks that support them. He also helps shape TNC’s strategy around climate and energy policy, working to ensure a rapid but responsible transition to renewable infrastructure.

    Aaron grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where early exposure to the desert landscape—and its vital, limited water resources—sparked a lifelong interest in the natural world. After studying history and political science at Emory University, he returned west for law school at the University of Arizona, focusing on water and land use law. His career has taken him from local land trusts to national NGOs like Environmental Defense Fund, always at the intersection of policy, place, and practical impact. Along the way, he’s built a reputation for thoughtful, collaborative work that reflects both his legal background and his deep connection to the West.

    In our conversation, Aaron shares a detailed look at how conservation policy gets made—from coalition-building and legislative drafting to navigating complex stakeholder relationships. We discuss examples like Colorado’s response to Clean Water Act rollbacks and new tools to support in-stream flows on the Yampa River. He talks about the balance between urgency and patience, the importance of trust in long-term conservation, and how calm, clearheaded engagement can shape better outcomes. It’s a compelling look at the behind-the-scenes work that makes public-facing conservation efforts possible.

    Be sure the check out the episode notes for a full list of everything we discussed and links to everything. Thanks to Aaron for this conversation and thank you for listening. Enjoy!

    ---

    ---

    This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive.

    During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy’s leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond.

    To learn more about The Nature Conservancy’s impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org

    ---

    TOPICS DISCUSSED:

    • 3:15 – Starting at the beginning, growing up in Tucson
    • 7:42 – Underrated Arizona
    • 11:23 – From environmental history to law school
    • 15:22 – After law school, including a TNC internship
    • 18:11 – Landing at the Arizona Land and Water Trust
    • 21:24 – Path to TNC
    • 24:06 – Aaron’s role at TNC
    • 27:42 – Clean Water Act protection project
    • 33:40 – Getting the information to the people
    • 35:29 – Yampa River Fund
    • 40:39 – What makes someone good at policy work?
    • 46:11 – The power of relationships
    • 49:00 – Federal versus state policy focuses
    • 53:40 – Remaining calm
    • 57:21 – Book recs
    • 1:01:53 – Parting thoughts

    ---

    ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE:

    31 March 2025, 6:48 pm
  • 1 hour 26 minutes
    David Cronenwett - Lessons from Jiu-Jitsu, On and Off the Mats

    David Cronenwett is the owner of Helena Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a third-degree black belt under American Jiu-Jitsu legend Rafael Lovato Jr. David started his Jiu-Jitsu journey in Seattle in 1996, back when finding a place to train was like stumbling upon a secret society. Over the years, he’s not only refined his own game but has shared this art with hundreds of students in Montana’s capital city since opening his academy in 2016.

    But David’s path to Jiu-Jitsu wasn’t exactly a straight shot. He grew up in New Jersey, made his way west to study classical guitar at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle right as the grunge scene was taking over, and eventually found himself in Montana, drawn by the wilderness and a deep-rooted need for something more. That “something more” turned out to be a mix of conservation work, backcountry living, and, of course, Jiu-Jitsu—an art that would come to define much of his life.

    In this conversation, we go deep into the philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu: why it grabs certain people and won’t let go, how it humbles you, how it teaches you to remain calm under pressure, and how it can serve as a vehicle for self-improvement. But beyond that, we explore how Jiu-Jitsu teaches lessons that stretch far beyond the mats—lessons about patience, resilience, adaptability, and how to wisely face challenges in life. We also talk about the importance of culture in an academy, how a good training environment can shape people beyond the gym, and how the shared purpose and community of Jiu-Jitsu has a way of bringing together folks from all walks of life.

    And for those of you who might be on the fence about trying Jiu-Jitsu, David has plenty to say about why it’s never too late to start and how it can change not just how you move, but how you see the world.

    So whether you’re a seasoned grappler or just curious about what makes this martial art so addictive, there’s a lot to learn from this conversation. Enjoy!

    ---

    ---

    TOPICS DISCUSSED:

    • 2:15 - Getting to know David
    • 4:30 - Seattle to Montana
    • 6:30 - And from music to conservation
    • 7:45 - Early outdoor interests
    • 10:00 - First Jiu-Jitsu memories
    • 12:30 - Getting into Jiu-Jitsu
    • 16:30 - What is it about Jiu-Jitsu?
    • 21:00 - Community on the mat
    • 26:45 - Importance of having new trainees
    • 29:45 - Where the growth happens
    • 31:30 - Maintaining culture
    • 35:30 - Lessons from practicing and teaching
    • 42:30 - Obsessive types
    • 45:15 - Not for the bullies
    • 47:30 - Maintaining the practice as life goes on
    • 53:30 - Self-defense as an insurance policy
    • 1:01:00 - What Jiu-Jitsu gives you
    • 1:04:45 - Losing ego
    • 1:08:45 - Peaks and valleys
    • 1:12:30 - Not about the belts
    • 1:14:45 - Book recs
    • 1:21:30 - Thoughts on therapy
    • 1:23:45 - Parting words

    ---

    ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE:

    10 March 2025, 10:10 pm
  • 1 hour 16 minutes
    Helen Augare Carlson & Dylan DesRosier – Land, Language, and Stewardship in the Blackfeet Nation

    Helen Augare Carlson and Dylan DesRosier are leaders, community builders, and proud members of the Blackfeet Nation. Helen, the Chair of the Piikani Studies Division at Blackfeet Community College, has dedicated over two decades to education, cultural preservation, and building pathways for future generations. Dylan, the Blackfeet Program Manager with The Nature Conservancy, brings a wealth of experience in conservation work rooted in respect for Indigenous knowledge and long-term community collaboration. In addition to their official roles, they both wear many hats when it comes to serving their communities—mentoring youth, engaging in policy discussions, telling stories, and working on grassroots initiatives that strengthen cultural and environmental resilience.

    In this episode, we explore the profound relationships between land, language, and stewardship. Helen shares the moving story behind her Blackfoot name, Dylan reflects on his time working in Glacier National Park and how it shaped his conservation approach, and we dig into the groundbreaking Chief Mountain Initiative—an effort that weaves together conservation, education, and cultural revitalization.

    We also discuss the evolving role of conservation organizations, TNC's comprehensive approach to supporting Blackfeet initiatives, the importance of holistic thinking, and why Indigenous leadership is crucial for the future of land stewardship. As usual, we wrap up with some incredible book recommendations that will deepen your understanding of these topics long after the episode ends.

    This conversation is rich with wisdom, humor, and insight, and Helen and Dylan make quite a team, bringing their unique expertise and shared passion for their community to this important discussion. I’m so excited for you to hear it. So let’s dive in—here’s my conversation with Helen Augare Carlson and Dylan DesRosier.

    ---

    ---

    This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive.

    During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy’s leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond.

    To learn more about The Nature Conservancy’s impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org

    ---

    TOPICS DISCUSSED:

    • 3:03 - Introductions, starting with Helen
    • 7:18 - Helen’s Blackfeet names
    • 12:18 - When to use “Blackfoot” or “Blackfeet”
    • 13:33 - Dylan’s bio and Blackfeet name
    • 17:48 - Community health and education
    • 23:03 - Why Dylan wanted to plug into TNC
    • 26:48 - Blackfeet connection to land
    • 30:33 - Helen’s thoughts on TNC
    • 36:03 - Face-to-face trust
    • 38:48 - Chief Mountain initiative
    • 45:48 - Measuring progress on a huge timeframe
    • 50:48 - Progress in Helen’s view
    • 56:03 - Like biodiversity, human diversity is important, too
    • 1:01:03 - What Dylan’s learned from Helen
    • 1:03:03 - And what Helen’s learned from Dylan
    • 1:06:33 - Book recs
    • 1:12:33 - Parting words
    • 1:15:03 - A Land Back addendum

    ---

    ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE:

    28 February 2025, 9:12 pm
  • 1 hour 16 minutes
    George Hodgin Returns – Risk-Taking, Leadership, and the Future of Cannabis

    George Hodgin is a former Navy SEAL turned entrepreneur who is revolutionizing the world of medical cannabis research. George is the founder and CEO of BRC - Biopharmaceutical Research Company, one of the only federally legal cannabis research organizations in the United States. His company is leading the charge in developing safe, regulated, and scientifically-backed cannabis-based therapeutics—offering alternatives to opioids and other pharmaceutical treatments.

    This is George’s second time on the podcast—our first conversation was almost exactly five years ago, back when his company was in its early stages, the pandemic was just beginning, and he was navigating the uncharted waters of federal cannabis regulations. Since we last spoke, BRC has made huge strides—partnering with leading medical institutions, earning FDA orphan drug designation, and paving the way for legal, cannabis-based medications.

    If you haven’t already, I highly recommend going back and listening to that first episode, where George shares the full story of his fascinating career trajectory—his time as a Navy SEAL, his MBA at Stanford, and his undergraduate experience as a Morehead-Cain Scholar at the University of North Carolina. That conversation is a great companion to this one and provides even more insight into his unique journey.

    In this episode, George and I dive into the evolution of BRC, the shifting cultural and political landscape around cannabis, and what it’s like balancing an entrepreneurial mindset with the slow, methodical world of federal drug approval. We also talk leadership, risk assessment in business and combat, humility vs arrogance, and what it's been like to watch his wife, bestselling author and culinary powerhouse Caroline Chambers, build an incredible career of her own. Be sure to check out the episode notes for a full list of everything we discussed, plus links to resources, books, and more.

    George is one of the most insightful, driven, and humble people I know, and I always learn a ton from our conversations. Whether you're interested in business, science, leadership, or just a great story of perseverance and innovation, this episode has something for you.

    Hope you enjoy!

    ---

    ---

    TOPICS DISCUSSED:

    • 2:36 – Reconnecting with George
    • 3:51 – George’s BRC elevator pitch
    • 6:51 – City of Hope collaboration
    • 10:36 – Choosing partnerships and plans
    • 13:36 – What makes a successful idea
    • 16:06 – Company mechanics
    • 18:21 – Energy balance
    • 22:06 – Cannabis in the name
    • 23:51 – Cannabis sentiments culturally shifting
    • 26:36 – But not legally
    • 28:06 – Regulations and competition
    • 32:21 – Different schedules of drugs
    • 36:36 – Betting on the idea versus the team
    • 41:21 – Risk framework
    • 46:51 – When do you stop planning?
    • 51:06 – Favorite failure
    • 55:36 – Not seeing the forest for the trees
    • 59:06 – Does cockiness play a role?
    • 1:02:06 – George’s wife’s cooking journey
    • 1:07:06 – General Mattis’ influence
    • 1:08:51 – Book recs
    • 1:11:06 – Parting words, asking Ed a question

    ---

    ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE:

    20 February 2025, 10:00 pm
  • 54 minutes 57 seconds
    Ivan McClellan Returns - From Behind the Lens to Center of the Arena

    Ivan McClellan is a photographer, writer, and storyteller who’s shining a light on Black cowboy culture in a way that’s never been done before. When we first talked back in 2020, Ivan was in the early stages of immersing himself in this world—capturing rodeos, meeting cowboys, and telling stories that had largely been overlooked. Now, nearly five years later, he’s once again forging his own path by creating Eight Seconds Rodeo, an electrifying, high-stakes event that’s bringing some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the country together to compete for serious prize money, all while celebrating a rich and important legacy.

    In this episode, Ivan shares the inspiring story of how Eight Seconds Rodeo came to life—from a passion project sparked by tragedy to a must-see event that’s redefining the rodeo world. We dig into the challenges of launching something this big from scratch, the power of storytelling to shift culture, and what it means to build something bigger than yourself. Ivan also talks about his new photography book, his creative process, and how he stays grounded while juggling everything he’s got going on.

    If you haven’t already, I’d encourage you to go back to our first podcast conversation, where we discuss Ivan’s early life and upbringing, as well as his journey into professional photography and the world of Black rodeo. It’s super inspiring to see how his career has grown and evolved over the last few years– and also to see how he’s continued to be such a humble, hard-working family man. 

    Whether you’re a longtime rodeo fan or just love hearing stories about people chasing big, meaningful dreams, this conversation is for you.

    As always, you can find links to Ivan’s work, Eight Seconds Rodeo, his book, and our first conversation in the episode notes. And if you’re near Portland or Philadelphia in 2025, do yourself a favor and check out one of his rodeos. You won’t regret it.

    Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoy this conversation with Ivan McClellan!

    ---

    ---

    TOPICS DISCUSSED:

    • 3:20 - Checking in with Ivan
    • 7:05 - Eight Seconds Rodeo beginnings
    • 9:35 - Knowing Ouncie
    • 14:35 - The first step and conquering doubt
    • 16:05 - Choosing Portland
    • 18:35 - Someone to run the rodeo
    • 22:50 - Stories of the first rodeo
    • 26:50 - Year two
    • 29:05 - What’s in store for 2025
    • 32:35 - Balancing helping others and being the face
    • 38:05 - The driving force
    • 39:20 - The story of Ivan’s photography book
    • 46:35 - Is a written book in store?
    • 48:20 - Wearing a cowboy hat
    • 52:35 - For more info on Ivan

    ---

    ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE:

    13 February 2025, 10:36 pm
  • 55 minutes 44 seconds
    Betsy Gaines Quammen Returns - Myths, Curiosity, and Human Connection (Live at the Old Salt Festival)

    Betsy Gaines Quammen is a Montana-based historian and writer whose work explores the history and myths of the American West and how those stories have endured and shaped life in the region today. Betsy joined me on the podcast several years ago to discuss her amazing book, American Zion: Cliven Bundy, God, and Public Lands in the West, and since then, she’s published another must-read: True West: Myth and Mending on the Far Side of America. In True West, Betsy meets face-to-face with a wide range of folks here in the West– from militia members to hardcore environmentalists– and seeks to understand why they believe what they do. Combining these conversations with her deep understanding of history, Betsy is able to demonstrate the fascinating complexity and contradictions that define many of the people and issues in today’s West.

    We recorded this conversation on stage at the 2024 Old Salt Festival, where Betsy was nice enough to join us for the three-day festival of music, food, and conversation. As you’ll hear me say in the episode, Betsy and her work have played a huge role in my never-ending quest to try and understand this region, and I consider her to be a great friend and mentor. But even if you don’t have any interest in the West’s history or modern-day conflicts, there are big lessons to be learned from Betsy’s approach to her work. She is committed to finding the humanity in everyone– even people she completely disagrees with. Rather than attack them and their ideas, she approaches them with genuine curiosity, really trying to understand what they believe and why. And even when no common ideological ground can be found, there is still mutual respect. And I think most people will agree that we need more of these types of respectful interactions these days.

    In this conversation, we talk a bit about Betsy’s background and why she is so fascinated with understanding myths and the West. We talk about her commitment to having deep conversations with people across political and socio-economic spectrums, and she describes one of the unlikely friendships she built with a man whose views on politics, public lands, and the environment could not be further from her own. We discuss the importance of getting off the internet and having face-to-face conversations, how real estate development is changing the ecology and economics of the West, her thoughts on the future, and more. We also took questions from the audience, which was a lot of fun.

    Again, I can’t thank Betsy enough for joining me onstage for this conversation, but more importantly, for the wisdom she has shared with me over the years. If you haven’t read True West, I encourage you to pick up a copy as soon as you can, and I’d also encourage you to listen to our first conversation, where Betsy talks a lot about her life and career journey. And tickets for the 2025 Old Salt Festival are on sale now, so if you’d like to experience conversations like this in person– plus music, food, Western makers, and more– follow the link in the episode notes to grab your tickets.

    ---

    ---

    TOPICS DISCUSSED:

    • 4:15 - Introducing Betsy at Old Salt
    • 7:45 - Why the West?
    • 10:15 - Discussing myths
    • 14:15 - Betsy talks across the aisle
    • 17:30 - Betsy’s relationship with Lance
    • 19:45 - Lance’s email
    • 23:15 - Creating conversations outside the internet
    • 26:00 - Real estate development in the West
    • 30:00 - Covid as a catalyst
    • 34:30 - Predicting the future
    • 35:45 - Q&A
    • 39:15 - Should we trust the government?
    • 41:30 - Lance’s takeaways
    • 43:30 - A ‘real’ Montanan
    • 49:45 - Our energy future
    • 53:00 - Parting thoughts

    ---

    ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE:

     

    7 February 2025, 8:47 pm
  • More Episodes? Get the App