The Rivers and Rangelands Podcast

Shopping Local - DeAnn Echols of The Great Outdoor Store

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2439443/fan_mail/new] Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh Guest: DeAnn Echols - Owner of Great Outdoor Store [https://greatoutdoorstore.com/] Episode Summary In this episode of Rivers and Rangelands, hosts Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh sit down inside Sioux Falls’ historic Rock Island Depot with DeAnn Echols, co‑owner of the Great Outdoor Store [https://greatoutdoorstore.com/]. DeAnn shares the story of how Tom and Julie Ashworth launched the shop in 1983, why it was conceived as an “outdoor boutique,” and how she went from part‑time sales associate in the late 1980s to buying and expanding the business downtown. She reflects on building a welcoming, design‑forward retail space where hunters, travelers, and “everyday outdoorsy” South Dakotans can all feel like they belong—whether they’re buying a zero‑degree sleeping bag or a Royal Robbins dress. The conversation explores how long‑time outdoor brands like Patagonia have deepened their environmental commitments, what it means for a small brick‑and‑mortar store to partner with conservation efforts, and why a healthy planet is inseparable from time spent outside playing, working, and exploring. DeAnn also talks about staff culture, multi‑decade customer relationships, and why in‑person shopping remains a social, tactile experience that online retail can’t replace. About the Show Rivers & Rangelands [https://riversandrangelands.buzzsprout.com/2439443] explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come. 🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com [https://jamilynnsd.com/] 👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River [https://www.friendsofthebigsiouxriver.org/] for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved. 👉👉  And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight [https://loribyerswalsh.substack.com/], a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack [https://loribyerswalsh.substack.com/]!

Brackish Water - Stephanie Arne and Tim Davison

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2439443/fan_mail/new] Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh Guests: Stephanie Arne [https://www.stephaniearne.com/] and Tim Davison [https://www.davisonart.com/] Episode Summary Tim Davison [https://www.davisonart.com/] and Stephanie Arnie [https://www.stephaniearne.com/], conservationists and artists, reflect on their shared journey and the challenges of weaving environmental education into compelling stories. Tim describes how his upbringing in rural Nebraska inspired his passion for painting and nature. Stephanie shares insights from her work in wildlife outreach and on-camera education, emphasizing the emotional demands and rewards of this field. Together, they highlight the importance of local conservation efforts and community engagement, advocating for grassroots initiatives that strengthen people’s connection to the natural world. Their conversation reveals how impactful storytelling can illuminate complex environmental issues while nurturing hope and resilience within communities. Stephanie Arne [https://www.stephaniearne.com/] Stephanie is an accomplished international wildlife conservationist, expedition guide, TV personality, and spirited and engaging storyteller. She aims to empower future conservationists and humanity to be better stewards of our shared natural world. Her mission is to show audiences examples of how passionate people sharing diverse perspectives, unique talents, and skills solve complex conservation issues. Working together, these stewards help increase biodiversity and create a healthier planet for all living things. Today, Stephanie runs eco-tours and gives public speeches all over the globe. She was formerly the Director of Conservation for the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium and, before that, the Director of Education for Endangered Wolf Center, founded by celebrity Wild Kingdom host Dr. Marlin Perkins and his wife Carol; she is also the former online host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, furthering her commitment to the Perkins’ work. Tim Davison [https://www.davisonart.com/] Tim tells stories on stage, on screen, and through his artwork. Since growing up in Wahoo, Nebraska, he has traveled to all 50 states while working with non-profits, zoos, and wildlife rescues - all to tell stories that make an impact. In doing so, he has worked with a multitude of animals, from alligators to wolves, and spoken to over a million people about wildlife conservation and sustainability. He currently produces and hosts Dakota Life on SDPB, his artwork is held by hundreds of collectors, and he has helped raise money to benefit various non-profit organizations and endangered species like penguins, elephants, and orangutans. About the Show Rivers & Rangelands [https://riversandrangelands.buzzsprout.com/2439443] explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come. 🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com [https://jamilynnsd.com/] 👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River [https://www.friendsofthebigsiouxriver.org/] for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved. 👉👉  And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight [https://loribyerswalsh.substack.com/], a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack [https://loribyerswalsh.substack.com/]!

Perennial Revolution - Chef Michael Haskett

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2439443/fan_mail/new] Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh Guest: Michael Haskett - Chef and Owner of MB Haskett Delicatessen  [https://mbhaskett.com/] Episode Summary On the 14th anniversary of M.B. Haskett Delicatessen [https://mbhaskett.com/], Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh sit down with chef-owner Michael Haskett in the deli’s basement to trace his journey from teenage pizza maker to James Beard-connected chef and local food advocate. He reflects on how early jobs at Gigglebees and TGI Fridays, mentorship under Chef Dominic, and learning “real” stock at the Culinary Institute of America shaped his philosophy around food, people, and place. Throughout the conversation, Haskett emphasizes building a more matriarchal-style, humane kitchen culture and championing local, sustainable agriculture—especially perennial crops like Kernza that can reduce nitrate levels in water and improve soil health—while connecting this to his advocacy work on environmental policy and the power of consumer choices. Highlights * Growing up between Sioux City and Sioux Falls, discovering kitchens as a refuge, and early jobs at Gigglebees, Bagel Boy, TGI Friday’s, and Theo’s. * The shock of going from powdered sauces to making classic stock at the Culinary Institute of America and realizing food can tell a story, not just make money. * Punk rock, vegan friends, and how zines, Gulf War I, and animal welfare debates reshaped his politics around meat and industrial agriculture. * Mentors like Chef Dominic, Christina Keene, and Lucia Watson, and what Michael learned about running less patriarchal, more humane restaurant teams. * The 14‑year evolution of M.B. Haskett, from buying Michelle’s Coffee Shop with no stove to becoming known for meticulous eggs and local sourcing. * James Beard’s Chef’s Boot Camp for Policy and Change, pandemic advocacy for restaurant relief, and working with congressional staff on PPP and industry survival. * Chefs for Healthy Soils, cover crops, and why soil health, runoff reduction, and farm incentives matter to a breakfast cook in downtown Sioux Falls. About the Show Rivers & Rangelands [https://riversandrangelands.buzzsprout.com/2439443] explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come. 🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com [https://jamilynnsd.com/] 👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River [https://www.friendsofthebigsiouxriver.org/] for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved. 👉👉  And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight [https://loribyerswalsh.substack.com/], a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack [https://loribyerswalsh.substack.com/]!

A Sustainable Feast - Tim Meagher

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2439443/fan_mail/new] Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh Guest: Tim Meagher - COO of Vanguard Hospitality [https://www.vanguardhospitality.com/] Episode Summary Tim Meagher, cofounder of Vanguard Hospitality [https://www.vanguardhospitality.com/], discusses his journey from working in pizza to managing multiple restaurants in Sioux Falls. He emphasizes the importance of hospitality and creating a unique experience for guests. Tim highlights his efforts to source local products, including partnering with tribal partners, and the challenges of maintaining a sustainable food system. He stresses the need for resilient, interdependent relationships with producers to ensure long-term success. Tim also reflects on the impact of the pandemic on food systems and the importance of normalizing local products to create a sustainable future. Highlights * Tim traces his unlikely path from pizza joints and a heavy metal band called Spore to cofounding Vanguard Hospitality [https://www.vanguardhospitality.com/], explaining how a song called “Vanguard” inspired the name and a legacy-driven ethos that rejects the status quo. * He unpacks the difference between service and hospitality, arguing that hospitality is about how a place makes you feel and how relationships are built in a room, not just how fast food arrives or how well a table is managed. * Tim describes his journey into wine and cheese, learning microclimates, soils, and root systems, and how that same curiosity led him to question monocultures, input-heavy agriculture, and ultra‑processed foods. * A turning point comes when he begins sourcing Berkshire hogs and later partners with Dakota Rural Action [https://www.dakotarural.org/], acknowledging what he doesn’t know and working to normalize local foods so they are no longer a niche but a default choice on menus. * Inside Vanguard’s kitchens, he and chef Josh quietly swap ingredients for more nutrient-dense, pasture-based options, trusting guests’ bodies to notice the difference rather than preaching ideals at the table. * Tim talks candidly about walking away from dependence on broadline distributors, visiting ranches to see plant diversity and soil health, and telling suppliers he would rather lose his businesses than go back to systems where somebody always loses. * The episode explores integrated regional hubs, small processors with kill floors, retail, and restaurants under one roof, and what it would take for South Dakota’s food system to be resilient enough to feed itself. * Throughout, Tim returns to questions of incentives, relationship-building, and “playing offense” in a system that constantly tries to sell you convenience, showing how small, intentional steps—from one better salad to one local logo on a menu—can add up to structural change. About the Show Rivers & Rangelands [https://riversandrangelands.buzzsprout.com/2439443] explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come. 🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com [https://jamilynnsd.com/] 👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River [https://www.friendsofthebigsiouxriver.org/] for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved. 👉👉  And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight [https://loribyerswalsh.substack.com/], a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack [https://loribyerswalsh.substack.com/]!

A Philosophy of Conservation - Dr. David O'Hara

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2439443/fan_mail/new] Hosts: Travis Entenman & Lori Walsh Guest: Dr. David O'Hara, Professor of Philosophy, Classics & Environmental Studies; Director of Environmental Studies & Sustainability at Augustana University Episode Summary In this episode, hosts Lori Walsh and Travis Entenman welcome Dr. David O’Hara, professor of philosophy and environmental studies at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The conversation unfolds at a secluded cabin near the Big Sioux River, reflecting on the intersections of philosophy, nature, and community. Key Themes Discussed * Outdoor Classrooms and Environmental Spaces: David O’Hara shares how outdoor classrooms, pollinator gardens, and calming spaces on campus have transformed student engagement and environmental awareness. He connects these spaces to ancient traditions of philosophical learning, such as the Greek stoa, and discusses their importance in fostering connection to nature and community. * Soundscapes and the Urban Experience: The hosts and David explore the impact of urban noise and light pollution, sharing personal stories about growing up in quiet rural environments and reflecting on the value of silence and natural soundscapes. David recounts the surprising quiet that followed a neighborhood power outage, highlighting how we often overlook the constant hum of urban life. * Philosophy and Environmental Thought: David discusses the philosophical underpinnings of his environmentalism, drawing from Aristotle, Jonathan Edwards, and other thinkers. He emphasizes the role of wonder and curiosity in understanding the natural world and how philosophical inquiry can deepen our relationship with the environment. * Teaching, Student Engagement, and Despair: The conversation turns to the challenges students face, including economic stress and anxiety about climate change. David shares his approach to meeting students where they are, nurturing their curiosity, and helping them find agency in environmental action—even amid feelings of despair. * Faith, Values, and Moral Imagination: David reflects on the role of faith and moral values in environmental stewardship, advocating for open dialogue and mutual learning across diverse perspectives. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, humility, and the willingness to engage with differing viewpoints. * Mussels, Conservation, and Local Action: David shares his current work studying freshwater mussels and their decline, using this as a metaphor for broader environmental challenges. He encourages listeners to start small—by picking up trash, supporting local conservation, or simply spending time in nature—as a way to foster hope and community. * The Power of Example: The episode closes with stories of how small actions can inspire others, from sketching in a rainforest to building outdoor classrooms. David encourages listeners to “be good ancestors” by acting in About the Show Rivers & Rangelands [https://riversandrangelands.buzzsprout.com/2439443] explores conservation, water, and community in the Northern Great Plains. Hosted by Travis Entenman and Lori Walsh, the podcast asks big questions about how we care for our land and water — today and for generations to come. 🎶 Special thanks to Jami Lynn for providing the music for this episode. You can explore more of her music here: jamilynnsd.com [https://jamilynnsd.com/] 👉 Follow Friends of the Big Sioux River [https://www.friendsofthebigsiouxriver.org/] for more episodes, updates, and ways to get involved. 👉👉  And to hear more from Lori, follow So Much Sunlight [https://loribyerswalsh.substack.com/], a newsletter of essays, poetry, and audio ephemera on Substack [https://loribyerswalsh.substack.com/]!