Bush & Banter

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  [https://www.tiabanks.com/] Follow Tia on social media at @thetiabanks [https://www.instagram.com/thetiabanks/] NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS 3:35 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Welcome, Tia Banks! 6:46 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Tia's painful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro and how progress fuels resilience 20:45 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] What Tia was thinking on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro 25:45 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] How mountains and nature connect us to something greater 30:03 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Why Tia climbed Pico de Orizaba in Mexico and her first attempt 34:53 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Tia's second attempt on Pico de Orizaba 43:49 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] The Mind Over Mountains Program 48:37 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] What drew Tia to helping educators and students 1:03:30 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] What's next for Tia and where to connect with her 1:06:33 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Advice for those who have fear that is holding them back Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2033939/open_sms] Where to find and support Bush & Banter: * Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter [https://www.instagram.com/bushandbanter/] * Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com [https://www.bushandbanter.com/] * Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter [https://patreon.com/bushandbanter?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link] * E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com * Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella [https://www.instagram.com/dyanacarmella/] * Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman [https://www.instagram.com/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/ [https://eatneve.com/] Follow Neve on Instagram - @eat_neve [https://www.instagram.com/eat_neve/] NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS: 3:10 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Welcome, Nora Fierman! 4:54 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Nora's attraction to abnormal adventures 7:55 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Bikepacking in Lesotho, a country in Southern Africa 15:30 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] The Breck Epic MTB 6 Day Stage Race in Colorado 24:52 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] The foundation of Nora's passion for skiing 30:20 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Nora's life-changing ski trip to Mexico on Pico de Orizaba 37:36 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] How witnessing a mountain fatality changed Nora's perspective of the outdoors 44:54 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Intertwining adventure, food, and hospitality 49:39 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Creating Neve and helping athletes thrive using nutrition 58:09 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Where to buy Neve pouches to fuel your adventures and travel Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2033939/open_sms] Where to find and support Bush & Banter: * Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter [https://www.instagram.com/bushandbanter/] * Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com [https://www.bushandbanter.com/] * Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter [https://patreon.com/bushandbanter?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link] * E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com * Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella [https://www.instagram.com/dyanacarmella/] * Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman [https://www.instagram.com/thewhimsicalwoman/]

In this episode, Jen and Dyana explore the power of creating an alter ego—and how it can help you land your dream job, break bad habits, or even conquer a thru-hike. When life gets tough, stepping into an alter ego can help you get out of your own way and tap into strengths you already have. They share how their own trail personas carried them through the hardest moments, with Jen reflecting on the different versions of herself needed for work vs. personal life—and Dyana introducing us to Tammy Taylor, her confident alter ego born back in fourth grade. Whether you're chasing a big goal or just trying to survive the week, this episode is your reminder that you're capable of way more than you think. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2033939/open_sms] Where to find and support Bush & Banter: * Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter [https://www.instagram.com/bushandbanter/] * Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com [https://www.bushandbanter.com/] * Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter [https://patreon.com/bushandbanter?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link] * E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com * Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella [https://www.instagram.com/dyanacarmella/] * Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman [https://www.instagram.com/thewhimsicalwoman/]

In our latest episode, we sit down with athlete, author, and outdoor enthusiast Anthony Porter—a true multi-hyphenate known for his skills in archery, knife throwing, and parkour. These days, Anthony is best known for his educational and entertaining outdoor videos that explore nature conservation, wildlife, and survival skills. Anthony opens up about the intense challenges of competing on American Ninja Warrior, the unexpected moments he's faced in the great outdoors, and how a childhood love of nature shaped his life's path. Through humor, storytelling, and hands-on expertise, he brings the wilderness to life for audiences of all ages. A certified backpacking guide, rock climber, and archery instructor, Anthony shares his knowledge with thousands—but his true passion lies in inspiring kids to embrace the outdoors. His children’s book, My Epic Nature Journal, encourages young explorers to draw, craft, and engage with the natural world in creative ways. Anthony's website - www.anthonyporter.com  [https://www.anthonyporter.com/] Follow Anthony on Instagram - @outdooranthony [https://www.instagram.com/outdooranthony/?hl=en] Follow Anthony on YouTube - @outdooranthony [https://www.youtube.com/@outdooranthony] Purchase Anthony's childeren's book, My Epic Nature Journal  [https://www.amazon.com/Epic-Nature-Journal-Anthony-Porter/dp/1962202577?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacOVKumuQC5hu1-W-rG1b6bkdh54zVbMh54dnlOr4PujwCPJPBzOxe040NI0w_aem_io1KVbJoxVSh09Y_5IRamQ] NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS: 2:27 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/episodes/16990007-anthony-porter-from-american-ninja-warrior-to-outdoor-educator#] Welcome, Anthony Porter! 7:58 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/episodes/16990007-anthony-porter-from-american-ninja-warrior-to-outdoor-educator#] The art and benefits of archery and knife throwing 14:03 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/episodes/16990007-anthony-porter-from-american-ninja-warrior-to-outdoor-educator#] Anthony's experience on American Ninja Warrior 28:04 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/episodes/16990007-anthony-porter-from-american-ninja-warrior-to-outdoor-educator#] One of the scariest moments in the outdoors and what Anthony learned from it 47:40 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/episodes/16990007-anthony-porter-from-american-ninja-warrior-to-outdoor-educator#] The importance of outdoor enthusiasts to be well-informed 57:51 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/episodes/16990007-anthony-porter-from-american-ninja-warrior-to-outdoor-educator#] My Epic Nature Journal, Anthony's outdoor children's book Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2033939/open_sms] Where to find and support Bush & Banter: * Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter [https://www.instagram.com/bushandbanter/] * Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com [https://www.bushandbanter.com/] * Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter [https://patreon.com/bushandbanter?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link] * E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com * Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella [https://www.instagram.com/dyanacarmella/] * Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman [https://www.instagram.com/thewhimsicalwoman/]

In this episode, Jen and Dyana chat with Australian adventurer and thru-hiker Cam Bostock—best known for his stunning outdoor exploration videos and epic long-distance hikes. Based in Western Australia, Cam has taken on some of the world’s most iconic trails, including New Zealand’s 1,864-mile Te Araroa Trail, the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in the U.S., Mount Kilimanjaro, and countless rugged routes across Australia. All the while, he’s been documenting his journeys for hundreds of thousands of followers. Cam brings a fresh, cinematic perspective to life in the wild. Tune in as we explore his most unforgettable trail moments, the mindset behind solo adventure, and how the outdoors has reshaped his view on life. Follow Cam on Instagram - @cambostock [https://www.instagram.com/cambostock/] Follow Cam on YouTube - @CamBostock [https://www.youtube.com/c/CamBostock] Cam's Podcast - The Life Outside Podcast [https://lifeoutside.buzzsprout.com/] Cam's business - Optiventure [https://optiventure.co/] NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS: 3:37 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Welcome, Cameron Bostock! 14:46 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Cam's favorite trails in Australia 20:31 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Cam's experience on the Te Araroa Trail 25:41 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Why the Pacific Crest Trail stands out to Cam as his greatest adventure 31:21 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Cam's first steps on the PCT vs his last steps 41:56 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] The sections on the PCT that impacted Cam and Jen the most 50:03 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the hilarious origin story of Team Spud, and dealing with altitude sickness 58:23 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Cam's top 3 pieces of gear 1:02:10 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Advice on how to stay connected to loved ones during long trips 1:08:26 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Cam answers questions from the public (Carr Boyd, hiking as a business, scariest encounter in the bush, planning/gear/itineraries) 1:26:38 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Cam's biggest lessons learned from the outdoors 1:30:02 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] What is next for Cam and where to follow along Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2033939/open_sms] Where to find and support Bush & Banter: * Follow Bush & Banter on Instagram: @bushandbanter [https://www.instagram.com/bushandbanter/] * Visit Bush & Banter's website: www.bushandbanter.com [https://www.bushandbanter.com/] * Join Bush & Banter's Patreon community: patreon.com/bushandbanter [https://patreon.com/bushandbanter?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link] * E-mail Bush & Banter: bushandbanter@gmail.com * Follow Dyana on Instagram: @dyanacarmella [https://www.instagram.com/dyanacarmella/] * Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @thewhimsicalwoman [https://www.instagram.com/thewhimsicalwoman/]