Shows
The StumpForestry Champions: Careers, Sustainability & Changing PerceptionsIn this The Stump Podcast collab, Matt, Blake Manley(Manley Jobs), and Brian Rupp (Rupp’s Timber Tutorials) tackle the truth about modern forestry. Forget the old logging stereotypes and discover how today’s professionals manage forests for reforestation, wildlife, clean water, and community jobs.✅ Positive Forestry Messaging: Brian’s viral Instagram clips (21K followers) show how open, honest content about regrowth and sustainable logging shifts public opinion.✅ Forestry Careers Are Hiring: Blake highlights boomingopportunities for log truck drivers, equipment operators, and tech-savvy foresters. Learn how both creators balance family, careers, and content.✅ Public Misco...
2025-06-251h 08
The StumpRyer Becker on Building Careers in ForestryExploring the Forest Operations Specialist Role andOpportunities in ForestryGet ready for a deep dive into the world of forestry andworkforce development with Ryer Becker, a passionate advocate for the industry and a Forest Operations Specialist at the University of Idaho. In this episode, Ryer shares his journey into forestry, detailing how his career path led him to this impactful role. From his early inspirations to the unique challenges he has faced and his successes , Ryer provides an inside look at what it takes to bridge academic expertise with boots-on-the-ground forestry operations.We explore the...
2025-06-1748 min
The StumpMarie Price - Idaho's Champion for Forest Sector Workforce DevelopmentMarie Price is the Director of Learning and Development forthe Idaho Forest Group (IFG). Marie is considered by many to be the 'Champion for Workforce Development' in Idaho's forest products sector. She is working with many others in Idaho to expose and recruit young people to the numerousgreat jobs available in the sector. In this episode of The Stump, Marie joins us to talk about some of the various workforce development events and projects underway in Idaho. To connect with Marie on workforce issues, her email is marie.price@ifg.comTo learn more about...
2025-06-0535 min
The StumpBlake Manley ReturnsBlake Manley returns to the stump to discuss his latest efforts on workforce development. He discusses the new North Idaho College Logging Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Program, which is available for students age 18 and older. Blake also shares with us some of the other efforts he is working on, such as "Workforce Unfiltered," which can be found on Facebook and TikTok.Logging Equipment Operator Apprenticeship ProgramManley Jobs on YouTubeManley Jobs on InstagramPlease remember to like and rate the podcast. It helps us reach...
2025-04-0757 min
The StumpHilary Franz - Former Washington State Commissioner of Public LandsHilary Franz, the former Commissioner of Public Lands for the state of Washington, joins The Stump to discuss her time leading the Department of Natural Resources. Hilary was elected to the Office of Commissioner in 2016 and served from January 2017 to January 2025. During this time, she worked on a variety of issues, from forest health and wildfire prevention and suppression to completing the Long Term Conservation Strategy for the Marbled Murrelet on DNR-managed state trust lands and overseeing the Forest Practices program, and advocating in the state legislature for a variety of initiatives from carbon to aquatics. Hilary did not...
2025-03-141h 13
The StumpBlake Manley - Manley JobsBlake Manley of Manley Jobs joins The Stump in this episode to discuss his work and advocacy for workforce development in the forestry sector. Widely known for his Manley Jobs videos on YouTube, he has been featured on Fox and Friends and many other media outlets. He started this endeavor in 2020 when he was a teacher at Sweet Home High School in Oregon. Remote learning led to the need to find a new way to engage with students.You can connect with Blake through the following links:YouTube:https://www.youtube.com...
2025-02-1455 min
The StumpJim Petersen - Evergreen MagazineSeason 2 is finally here.In this episode of The Stump, Jim Petersen joins us. Jim is a co-founder of the non-profit Evergreen Foundation and publisher of Evergreen, the Foundation’s periodic journal.The Mission of the Evergreen Foundation is "Our mission is to advance public understanding and support for science-based forestry and forest policy by providing clear and concise facts and commentary. We endorse long term, active forest management for healthy forests and productive communities. Our approach is to engage opinion leaders, decision-makers, community leaders, and community members in th...
2025-02-1152 min
The StumpKen Bevis - The "Nature Troubadour"Ken Bevis is a Stewardship Fish and Wildlife Biologist with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. A self-proclaimed “nature troubadour”, he is also a musician known for using songs to tell stories and educate on forestry and wildlife management.
Ken joins The Stump to discuss his career, the work he does with small forest landowners, and his music. Ken has over thirty years of experience in forestry and wildlife management. Over that time, he worked for the Virginia Division of Forestry, the US Forest Service, and the Yakama Indian Nation. Much of that work...
2025-01-141h 02
The StumpOak Rankin - Glacier Peak InstituteOak Rankin, Executive Director of Glacier Peak Institute, joins The Stump in this episode. Also referred to as GPI, the organization is based in Darrington, Washington. Volunteers and community organizations formed the Darrington Youth Outdoor STEM Pilot Project after the deadly 2014 Oso Landslide. This grew into the Glacier Peak Institute.
Today, GPI continues to work with youth through their
"innovative, action-based education programs integrating Science, Technology, recreation, Engineering, art, Mathematics, and skill-building." A program they refer to as STrEaMs.
Oak and I discuss GPI and the challenges and opportunities...
2024-12-271h 06
The StumpBennett Bull - Tree Management PlusBennett Bull from Tree Management Plus joins us on this episode of The Stump.
Tree Management Plus (TMP) has provided logging, reforestation, and other forest management services to landowners for over 45 years. Initially started by Bennett's grandfather, Tom Fox, Bennett, and his brother Camden are continuing the family tradition of being a resource for landowners, especially small forest landowners in the Pacific Northwest.
Commercial thinning using cut-to-length harvesting equipment has been one of the key services TMP provides to family tree farmers. Reforestation and seedling sales are other essential...
2024-11-3045 min
The StumpRod Fleck, City of Forks - The Stump PodcastIn this episode of The Stump, Rod Fleck joins us. Rod is the
City Attorney and City Planner for the City of Forks, Washington.
There is a lot more to Forks than vampires and rain. Rod and
I talk about his history with the city and his engagement with the management of trust lands by the Department of Natural Resources. While Forks is not a direct recipient of revenue from managing these trust lands, they have been an integral
part of Forks and the “West End” of Clallam County. The Parks and Recreation District, the Quillayute Valley Scho...
2024-11-191h 00
The StumpMeet Jay McLaughlin, the Man from MARS!
In this episode of The Stump, Jay McLaughlin joins us. Jay is the Executive Director of Mt. Adams Resource Stewards (MARS). They are a non-profit in Washington state whose mission is "to promote sustainable connections between the land, local economies, and rural communities in the Mt. Adams Region."
We chat about Jay's career, MARS's work, and future opportunities. In addition to managing a community forest in the Glenwood, Washington, area, MARS provides forest restoration work for Federal land managers, education, and workforce development.
You can learn more about Mt. Adams Resource Stewards at:
Website: https...
2024-10-2851 min
The StumpCamryn Bostwick - Cascade TraderCamryn Bostwick – Sales Representative at Cascade Trader.
For those who might think that Gen Z is lazy and unmotivated, you will want to listen to this episode. Camryn is a young man who blows that stereotype out of
the water. He started at a young age, cleaning heavy equipment at Cascade Trader. Since that time, he has become a heavy equipment mechanic and now sells the equipment he had been servicing. That background gives Camryn a unique perspective when selling equipment.
Please check out this episode of The Stump and share it with others.
...
2024-10-1129 min
The StumpJenny Knoth, PhD - The Stump PodcastJenny Knoth, PhD., joins the Stump to talk about her career in forestry and the current work in the forest policy she is doing. She talks about her work as an associate professor and her work to bring real-world issues to the classroom. We also start to discuss "wealth gaps," the impacts of the anti-forestry movement, and the impacts rural communities experience when forest management is opposed and/or reduced.
2024-09-2744 min
The StumpCandidate for Commissioner of Public Lands - Kevin Van De WegeOn this episode of the Stump, I am joined by Kevin Van De Wege, a candidate for the Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands.
Kevin is a former State Senator, Career Fire Fighter, and if successful would lead the Department of Natural Resources in Washington.
Many people are unaware of what this position does and this is my effort to try and educate the voters on some of the issues and introduce them to the various candidates.
I had identified who I believed were the top five candidates in the race that had...
2024-07-1941 min
The StumpCandidate for Commissioner of Public Lands - Sue PedersenOn this episode of The Stump, I am
joined by Sue Pedersen, a candidate for the Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands.
Sue is a biologist with a policy and management background and if successful would lead the Department of Natural Resources in Washington.
Many people are unaware of what this position does, and this is my effort to try to educate the voters on some of the issues and introduce them to the various candidates.
I had identified who I believed were the top five candidates in the race that had the...
2024-07-1957 min
The StumpSteve Courtney: The Beck GroupSteve Courtney of the Beck Group joins us on the stump. Steve has an extensive career in the forest products sector in the Pacific Northwest. Association work, forestry, raw material procurement for sawmills, and now using those skills and knowledge working for the Beck Group.
Join us as Steve and I chat about his career, his work at the Beck Group, and some of the things that have helped him succeed.
To learn more about the Beck Group or to connect with Steve, please visit, https://www.beckgroupconsulting.com/
2024-06-2536 min
The StumpLloyd McGee - Collaboration at the Speed of Trust
Lloyd McGee joins The Stump to talk about his career in forestry and how an early life experience influenced that career path. Lloyd, currently works for The Nature Conservancy as their Washington Forests Program Manager, on forest restoration in eastern Washington, which requires collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders.
Lloyd leads us through his life story and how a traumatic experience in childhood, as well as the impacts of the "Timber Wars" prepared him for the critical work he currently does today. We also discuss the opportunities for a rewarding career in the forest products and natural resources...
2024-04-081h 12
The StumpGood Neighbor Authority (GNA) in Washington with Trevor McConchie
Trevor McConchie joins The Stump to talk about the Good Neighbor Authority. What is Good Neighbor Authority, GNA for short? How does it fit into the management of Forest Service lands? How is GNA implemented in Washington State?
Trevor leads the Good Neighbor Authority program in Washington State for the Department of Natural Resources. With a relatively small but passionate team of foresters, engineers, and other natural resource professionals, DNR is working with federal land managers on critical work that benefits both the environment and society.
The GNA program produces a variety of tangible and intangible benefits, from wood...
2024-03-191h 11
The StumpAndy Perleberg - WSU Extension Forester (Episode 5)Andy joins The Stump to talk about extension forestry, family forestry, and some of the challenges and opportunities facing particularly family forestry in Washington State.
Andy has a diverse background in how he came to Washington State University Extension. He organizes and leads a variety of training and educational events for small-family forest owners, loggers, teachers, etc. mostly in eastern Washington.
Resource Links:
WSU Extension Forestry: https://forestry.wsu.edu
DNR Landowner Assistance Portal: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/LandownerAssistancePortal
Association of Consulting...
2024-03-0451 min
The StumpTim McEntire - Montana Logging AssociationTim McEntire with the Montana Logging Association (MLA) joins The Stump to talk about his work and what MLA does for the forest products sector in Montana. Tim is a former logger and brings a working knowledge of the challenges and benefits of this industry. The Association supports first aid training, education, and workforce development. as well as forest policy issues.
You can learn more about MLA at logging.org.
Do you know someone who would make a great guest for The Stump? Or maybe you want to be a featured guest...
2024-02-1933 min
The StumpThe Stump Episode 3: Who is Matt ComiskyIn this episode, I give a little background on who I am and my experience in the forest products sector. Please check us out at thestump.io.
2024-01-3114 min
The StumpEpisode 2 - Carbon, Climate and Our Forests with Dr. Elaine Oneil.Dr. Elaine Oneil, Executive Director of the Washington Farm Forestry Association (WFFA), joins The Stump to discuss carbon, climate, and forestry. The presentation in this show was previously given live at a WFFA event in Bellingham, Washington.
2023-12-081h 06
The StumpEpisode 1 - Why The StumpIn this introductory episode, I discuss why I chose the name 'The Stump'. I also provide a little background about myself and the journey to get to launching this episode. Future episodes will include interviews and my thoughts on various forestry-related issues.
2023-11-1004 min