Busted Knees & Pretty Trees Podcast
Welcome to Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, the podcast where the trail dust never settles! Hosted by Travy J, Brad, and Paddy – three outdoorsmen with a passion for all things wild – we dive deep into the world of nature, backcountry adventure, and wilderness living.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker, curious birder, backcountry hunter, weekend canoe tripper, or just someone who finds peace under an open sky, this podcast is your campfire conversation. Each season, we talk gear, share stories, swap survival tips, and celebrate the beauty and challenges of spending time in the great outdoors.
We also sit down with fascinating guests from all walks of life – conservationists, wildlife experts, guides, and everyday folks who have chosen to make nature a central part of their lives. Together, we explore how they connect with the wild and what they're doing to protect it for future generations.
If you love the crunch of leaves underfoot, the call of a loon at dawn, or the satisfaction of sore legs after a long day on the trail, then you're in the right place.
Busted Knees and Pretty Trees – where passion for the wild runs deep, and the stories are as real as the wilderness.
Available on all major platforms. Subscribe now and join us on the trail.
Episodes
91 episodes
Ep. 90 - The Last Campfire of Season 9
Another season is officially in the books, and there's only one way to celebrate... put our memories to the test.This week, the Fellowship goes head-to-head in the annual Season 9 Trivia Challenge, reliving our favorite interviews, biggest ...
Ep. 89 - Two in the Bush w/ Brad and Travis
This week on the Busted Knees and Pretty Trees Podcast, Brad and Travis keep each other company in studio while Patrick is on a family adventure in a distant land. To cope with the absence, the guys have a chat about their early summer adventur...
Ep. 88 - The People Behind the Path w/ Chris Bradley and the Hoosier Hikers Council
This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with Chris Bradley of the Hoosier Hikers Council to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to keep our trails alive. From boots-on-the-ground maintenance to protecting wild places f...
Ep. 87 - Survival of the Smartest: Trivia Night with Kearstin Whitcomb!
After what feels like years of waiting, our beloved Kearstin Whitcomb finally made her way into the dungeon studio for recording night—and it was totally worth it.This week, Bradley R steps in as quizmaster, putting the fellowship of the pi...
Ep. 86 - Good News from the Wild: Conservation & Colonel Lieber
In this episode, we spotlight real stories of nature bouncing back—from species saved to ecosystems restored. These aren’t theories or “what-ifs”… they’re proof that conservation works.We share three powerful stories that show what happe...
Ep. 85 - Sharing Space with Nature: A Conversation with Urban Wildlife Biologist Jessica Merkling
This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with urban wildlife biologist Jessica Merkling to pull back the curtain on a job most people never think about until there's an animal causing trouble. We talk nuisance wildlife, human-wil...
Ep. 84 - Migration Season Unpacked: B.W.I.A.B, Indiana Dunes and More!
Spring migration is here! Join Bradley and Paddy as they dive deep into the spectacle of migrating birds, break down the excitement around BWIAB, and preview everything happening at the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival. From warbler fallout to bi...
Ep. 83 - Memories Over Miles: There's No Prize For First
Backpacking used to be about dirt under your nails, bad coffee at sunrise, and sitting on a rock long enough to feel small again. Now it feels like it’s all spreadsheets, split times, and humblebrags about 30-mile days.Somewhere along the w...
Ep. 82 - Let's Take A Ride On The Magic School Bus w/ Mr. Burnworth
This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, we sit down with the man, the myth, the legend — Paddy’s old biology teacher, Jabin Burnworth — and trust us… this one is special. You know that teacher who made science feel like an adventure...
Ep. 81 - Pack It or Whack It: Strange, Bizarre or Totally Normal Gear in 2026
In this episode of Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we dive headfirst into the wildest, weirdest, and most head-scratching gear of 2026. From “who asked for this?” gadgets to surprisingly brilliant oddities, we’re breaking down what’s innovative,...
Ep. 80 - Busted Brains & Pretty Tough Questions: Season 8 Recap Trivia
In this special recap showdown, the Busted Knees and Pretty Trees crew puts memory, pride, and podcast credibility on the line in a no-holds-barred Season 8 trivia gauntlet. From layin logs in Brad's kayak to unexpected wildlife encounters, no ...
Ep. 79 - Jungles, Volcanoes, and Sloths: Brad and Sarahs Adventure Across Costa Rica’s Wild Places
This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, we sit down with Brad and Sarah to unpack their wild trip to Costa Rica — from trekking through Parque Nacional Marino Ballena (yes, the one shaped like a whale’s tail) to hiking deep into Refugio N...
Ep. 78 - Paddy’s Lowcountry Adventure: Bulls Island, Congaree & Fort Sumter with the Family
This week on Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, Paddy loads up the family and heads south for a full-blown Lowcountry adventure! From wild shores on Bulls Island to the towering old-growth forest of Congaree National Park, and the living history ...
Ep. 77 - Studying Plants Where They Fight To Grow with Dr. Jordan Marshall
This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we’re throwing on the boots and heading straight into the undergrowth.Dr. Jordan Marshall takes us beyond the classroom and into the field! We talk educating generations of biologists, the future ...
Ep. 76 - Hammocks Here! We Talkin Hammocks Here!
This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we’re hanging out… literally.We’re diving headfirst into the world of hammocks — gathered ends, bridge hammocks, straps, underquilts, bug nets, tarp setups, and all the comfort (or chaos) that com...
Ep. 75 - Part Deux! The Official Trail Trivia Boardgame Adventure Challenge Prototype
Travy J is back… and it all comes down to this.The board is set, the questions are tougher, and the stakes have never been higher as we dive into Part 2 of the Official Trail Trivia Boardgame Adventure Challenge! Who’s been paying atten...
Ep. 74 - The Official Trail Trivia Boardgame Adventure Challenge Prototype!
It’s round one of a two round game night on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, and your host Travey J is leading us deep into the wild with something brand new: the official Trail Trivia Boardgame Adventure Challenge prototype. Yeah… it’s a mouthfu...
Ep. 73 - Hunting For Love And Rocks with Debbie Hawthorne & Travey J
In this episode of Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we sit down with Debbie Hawthorne and Travey J to talk about a passion they share—rockhounding. From searching gravel pits and creek beds to celebrating the thrill of an unexpected find, Debbie ...
Ep. 72 - Me Lovey Midwestey: Our Ode To The Midwest!
Endless cornfields glowing gold at sunset. Fog lifting off quiet lakes at dawn. Gravel roads that lead to trailheads you almost missed. In our newest episode, “Our Ode to the Midwest,” we slow down and say thank you to the places that raised us...
Ep. 71 - The Ground Beneath Our Boots: A Conversation with Professor Benjamin Dattilo
This week on Busted Knees and Pretty Trees, we’re digging deep — way deep.We sit down with Professor Benjamin Dattilo for a fascinating conversation about the stories written in stone beneath our boots. From ancient oceans and shifting c...
Ep. 70 - Busted Knees, Big Moments - Our Season 7 Recap
Season 7 was one wild ride and we’re breaking it all down in our Season 7 Recap!From unforgettable guests and muddy miles to the moments that made us laugh, learn, and fall even more in love with the outdoors, we’re revisiting the highs,...
Ep. 69 - Final Birding Challenge Update!
After weeks of early mornings, quiet trails, and plenty of “wait… do you see it?” moments, Brad and Paddy wrap up their years long Birding Challenge.We’re talking favorite sightings, unexpected birds, lessons learned, and just how much clos...
Ep. 68 - The Animal Draft: Our Top 5 Favorites
Round-robin picks, top-tier animals. We’re ranking our five favorite creatures and breaking down why each one earned its spot. Simple concept, strong takes, and plenty of love for the wild things.
Ep. 67 - Culture Meets Campfire - A Crossover with Justin Neeley
This week we’ve got a crossover episode with Justin Neeley from the Cultured Dudes, and he’s asking the questions non-outdoors people may be thinking—but never say out loud.How do you shit in the woods? What actually keeps you c...
Ep. 66 - The Challenge of Who Wins The Sourdough Cookies!!
Brad’s in the host chair, the questions are flying, the trash talk is loud, and the stakes are strangely high—the winner gets to eat a sourdough cookie. Knowledge is power. Victory is delicious. Press play and see who knows their stuff… a...
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