The Caving Podcast

Episode 121: Roger Brucker Pt. 3

In this final installment of the series of conversations Matt had with the legendary Mammoth Cave explorer and author, Roger Brucker talks about forming the CRF and establishing protocols for exploration and safety, as well as the bungled book deal that forced him into his first published work. Order a custom cave suit from our sponsor, Sophireaptress! https://www.sophireaptress.com/ [https://www.sophireaptress.com/] REGISTER for the 2026 NSS Convention https://caves.org/convention/2026-nss-convention/ [https://caves.org/convention/2026-nss-convention/] NSS Calendar of Events https://caves.org/calendar/ [https://caves.org/calendar/] Find your local grotto! https://caves.org/committee/i-o/grottos/new_grotto_page-v2.shtml [https://caves.org/committee/i-o/grottos/new_grotto_page-v2.shtml]

Episode 120: Roger Brucker Pt. 2

Legendary caver Roger Brucker has authored several books on the exploration of Mammoth Cave and the surrounding area, including The Caves Beyond, The Longest Cave, Beyond Mammoth Cave, and more. Enjoy this second of a three-part series with Mr. Brucker to close out 2025 where he shares more about Mammoth Cave exploration, and talks about his historic novel Grand, Gloomy, and Peculiar: Stephen Bishop at Mammoth Cave Order a custom cave suit from our sponsor, Sophireaptress! https://www.sophireaptress.com/ [https://www.sophireaptress.com/] 2026 NSS Convention Promo Video https://youtu.be/9hQ2K-XREqY?si=hMwiNpXafTbP2JNO [https://youtu.be/9hQ2K-XREqY?si=hMwiNpXafTbP2JNO] NSS Calendar of Events https://caves.org/calendar/ [https://caves.org/calendar/] Find your local grotto! https://caves.org/committee/i-o/grottos/new_grotto_page-v2.shtml [https://caves.org/committee/i-o/grottos/new_grotto_page-v2.shtml]

Episode 119: Roger Brucker Pt. 1

Legendary caver Roger Brucker has authored several books on the exploration of Mammoth Cave and the surrounding area, including The Caves Beyond, The Longest Cave, Beyond Mammoth Cave, and more. Enjoy this first of a three-part series with Mr. Brucker to close out 2025 where he touches on the early days of the CRF, and exploring Crystal Cave and other caves that would eventually all be considered part of Mammoth Cave. Order a custom cave suit from our sponsor, Sophireaptress! https://www.sophireaptress.com/ [https://www.sophireaptress.com/] 2026 NSS Convention Promo Video https://youtu.be/9hQ2K-XREqY?si=hMwiNpXafTbP2JNO [https://youtu.be/9hQ2K-XREqY?si=hMwiNpXafTbP2JNO] NSS Calendar of Events https://caves.org/calendar/ [https://caves.org/calendar/] Find your local grotto! https://caves.org/committee/i-o/grottos/new_grotto_page-v2.shtml [https://caves.org/committee/i-o/grottos/new_grotto_page-v2.shtml]

Episode 118: Jenna Burgess

Jenna has been steeped in caving her entire life. Both parents were cavers, and she grew up frequenting Carlsbad Caverns National Park. In this talk, she shares how she found her own caving identity in the world of cave rescue, and talks about how cave rescue instruction and protocols are evolving. Order a custom cave suit from our sponsor, Sophireaptress! https://www.sophireaptress.com/ [https://www.sophireaptress.com/] 2026 NSS Convention Promo Video https://youtu.be/9hQ2K-XREqY?si=hMwiNpXafTbP2JNO [https://youtu.be/9hQ2K-XREqY?si=hMwiNpXafTbP2JNO] NSS Calendar of Events https://caves.org/calendar/ [https://caves.org/calendar/] Find your local grotto! https://caves.org/committee/i-o/grottos/new_grotto_page-v2.shtml [https://caves.org/committee/i-o/grottos/new_grotto_page-v2.shtml]

Episode 117: Harry Burgess

Harry has led a rich caving life that is still going strong. From working in a wilderness education program to an official role at Carlsbad Caverns National Park, as well as opening and operating a caving outfitter for a number of years near the park; he shares many of the experiences that have led him to the current moment. Order a custom cave suit from our sponsor, Sophireaptress! https://www.sophireaptress.com/ [https://www.sophireaptress.com/] Pre-Register for Indiana Cave Capers https://cigcaves.com/cave-capers [https://cigcaves.com/cave-capers] 2026 NSS Convention Promo Video https://youtu.be/9hQ2K-XREqY?si=hMwiNpXafTbP2JNO [https://youtu.be/9hQ2K-XREqY?si=hMwiNpXafTbP2JNO] NSS Calendar of Events https://caves.org/calendar/ [https://caves.org/calendar/] Find your local grotto! https://caves.org/committee/i-o/grottos/new_grotto_page-v2.shtml [https://caves.org/committee/i-o/grottos/new_grotto_page-v2.shtml]