Bush & Banter

In this episode, Jen and Dyana sit down with Mandy Bishop, founder of Old Ways Wisdom and a passionate advocate for ancestral skills, wild foraging, and natural medicine. Mandy shares her path into this world of old knowledge, exploring the emotional healing and deep sense of connection that comes from aligning with the earth and our roots. Together, they talk about the challenges of balancing modern life with the pull toward a simpler, more natural way of living. From the beauty of common plants to the power of natural remedies, this conversation is filled with grounded wisdom, practical insight, and a reminder of what it means to truly belong to the land. Connect with Mandy: Instagram - @mandyvbishop [https://www.instagram.com/mandyvbishop/] Website - oldwayswisdom.com [https://oldwayswisdom.com/] Apothecary Story - oldwayswisdom.com/store [https://oldwayswisdom.com/store] Upcoming Events - oldwayswisdom.com/upcoming-events [https://oldwayswisdom.com/upcoming-events] Learn More about the Eastern Sierra Land Trust - eslt.org/bushandbanter/ [https://eslt.org/membership/] NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS: 6:00 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/episodes/17359924-mandy-bishop-the-healing-power-of-nature-through-ancestral-skills-natural-medicine-and-rooted-living#] Welcome Mandy Bishop! 7:23 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/episodes/17359924-mandy-bishop-the-healing-power-of-nature-through-ancestral-skills-natural-medicine-and-rooted-living#] The Wild Women Event & blindfolded drumming 17:34 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/episodes/17359924-mandy-bishop-the-healing-power-of-nature-through-ancestral-skills-natural-medicine-and-rooted-living#] Reconnecting with nature and seeing herself differently 22:04 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/episodes/17359924-mandy-bishop-the-healing-power-of-nature-through-ancestral-skills-natural-medicine-and-rooted-living#] Tips for embracing natural products & helpful plants for hikers: dandelion, yarrow, and plantain 44:28 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/episodes/17359924-mandy-bishop-the-healing-power-of-nature-through-ancestral-skills-natural-medicine-and-rooted-living#] Understanding your ancestors to deepen your nature connection 51:29 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/episodes/17359924-mandy-bishop-the-healing-power-of-nature-through-ancestral-skills-natural-medicine-and-rooted-living#] The power of wandering 58:17 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/episodes/17359924-mandy-bishop-the-healing-power-of-nature-through-ancestral-skills-natural-medicine-and-rooted-living#] Mandy’s classes and products & one simple way to connect with the earth 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/]

Record producer Rick Rubin once said, “Don’t worry about what’s cool or what’s popular. Go after what’s interesting to you.” In this episode, Jen and Dyana explore the power of following your interests, staying curious, and navigating the resistance that often comes from the outside world. Whether it’s tackling a long thru-hike, getting into crafting, or diving into 1970s landscape art (Dyana’s latest obsession), curiosity is your greatest teacher—and it’ll always point you in the right direction. The duo also reflects on past podcast guests who’ve fearlessly followed their passions, showing that curiosity isn’t just a spark—it’s a path to growth, fulfillment, and a life well-lived. 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 thru-hiker and author Julia Sheehan to unpack her transformative 2,190-mile journey along the Appalachian Trail. Julia opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of the hike, the experience of documenting it on social media, and the unexpected impact of going viral. She shares insights from her new book, Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail, and gets candid about the pressure to stay authentic online, navigate community expectations, and filter through the noise of constant feedback. Julia has stepped foot on the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Arizona Trail, but shares about the unique charm and magic of the Appalachian Trail. Julia also reflects on how yoga and writing her memoir became a key part of her healing—and why vulnerability is essential to meaningful storytelling. This conversation goes beyond the trail. It’s about resilience, self-discovery, and learning to navigate the highs and lows—on and off the path. Follow Julia on Instagram - @juliasheehan [https://www.instagram.com/juliasheehan/] Her book - Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hiking-is-the-easy-part-julia-sheehan/1147397764;jsessionid=7761738DED774CA17C1AC22D7BDFCCE2.prodny_store02-atgap08?ean=9798218631062&st=AFF&2sid=Linktree%20Inc_100589976_NA&sourceId=AFFLinktree%20Inc] Her documentary - Into the Wild: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJduf7v4Wwo] Backpacker article - Her Thru-Hike Went Viral. Then She Quit. [https://www.backpacker.com/stories/thru-hikes/her-thru-hike-went-viral-then-she-quit/] NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS: 2:32 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Welcome, Julia Sheehan! 7:07 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] What life looked like for Julia when she left for the Appalachian Trail 10:32 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Julia's reasons on filming her AT thru-hike 16:01 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] The impacts of social media + thru-hiking and how to handle online criticism 30:45 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Julia's memoir - Hiking is the Easy Part: My Journey on the Appalachian Trail 56:12 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Julia's yoga journey + the benefits of practicing yoga 1:09:04 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] Why do first-time thru-hikers keep going back 1:15:00 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2033939/dashboard#] The unique magic of the Appalachian Trail 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 dive into the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of hiking Mount Whitney—the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. Both Jen and Dyana have successfully summited Mount Whitney and have unique perspectives to share about their trips, with Jen tackling the summit via the Pacific Crest Trail and Dyana using the famous Whitney Portal. They swap stories about the mental and physical grit it takes to summit, share lessons learned from unpredictable weather and altitude sickness, and reminisce on the history and beauty of the mountain. The duo also break down the nitty-gritty: permits, gear, route options, and everything you need to know before taking on this iconic adventure. Whether you're planning your own Whitney hike or just love a good trail tale, this episode has something for every outdoor enthusiast. Jen's Mount Whitney PCT video [https://youtu.be/LaqJEdWUXBo?si=3YOCimiPwo_omamq] NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS: 0:0 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#]0 Intro to Mount Whitney 4:27 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] Fun facts about Mount Whitney 10:39 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] How to summit Whitney from the Eastern side 15:57 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] How to summit Whitney via the Pacific Crest Trail 21:19 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] Altitude sickness 24:56 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] To poop, or not to poop 30:27 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] The history behind the hut on top of Whitney 44:37 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] Common questions about hiking Whitney 57:40 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] Dyana's recommended route up Whitney 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 Nicole Snell—a powerhouse in personal safety, self-defense, and solo adventure. As the CEO of Girls Fight Back, Nicole is a dynamic speaker, educator, and advocate known for empowering women and marginalized communities, especially in outdoor and travel settings. She shares her journey from a successful career in production to becoming a leading voice in self-defense education. Nicole dives into the importance of solo outdoor experiences, challenges societal norms around women's safety, and emphasizes building confidence through training and awareness. With solo adventures across 18 countries, Nicole brings a wealth of insight, practical strategies, and unforgettable stories—offering listeners a bold and empowering perspective on moving through the world with strength and self-assurance. Follow Nicole Snell on Instagram - @adventuresofnik [https://www.instagram.com/adventuresofnik/] Follow Girls Fight Back on Instagram - @girlsfightback [https://www.instagram.com/girlsfightback/]  Nicole Snell’s Website - www.nicolesnell.com [https://www.nicolesnell.com/] Nicole's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Nicole_Snell [https://www.youtube.com/@Nicole_Snell] NOTABLE TIMESTAMPS: 3:23 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] Welcome, Nicole Snell! 5:18 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] How Nicole got into self-defense and becoming CEO of Girls Fight Back 10:40 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] Nicole's perspective on people going in to the outdoors alone 16:44 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] The narrative shift that's taking place with women in the outdoor space 19:00 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] Advice for women about to solo adventure 20:05 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] Weapons or no weapons? 29:00 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] Nicole's progression of confidence + how that can help others 50:37 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] Tips for those who want to travel Internationally 59:50 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] Future plans and projects for Nicole 1:06:13 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2033939/stats/downloads?days=7#] Where you can follow and connect with Nicole 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/]