Shows
The Long Ways PodcastHiking Jebel Shams, Oman's Mountain of the SunWe're heading deep into the Middle East for our latest episode of The Long Ways Podcast. Last year, Devin spent four months living in Oman, a country in the southern Arabian peninsula, where he had the chance to hike through some of the country's stunning natural scenery -- including by hiking it's tallest mountain, Jebel Shams, or the "Mountain of the Sun." Join us in our latest episode as Devin walks through the history and experience of walking the trail, and why Oman should be next on your travel list. For more from our hiking tr...
2026-01-3029 min
The Long Ways PodcastTrail Tech Hacks: Birding with MerlinWe are starting a new segment to the podcast, called Trail Tech Hacks - apps and/or tech that we use on the trail to make the journey a little easier or more enjoyable. We are starting with one of our favorite trail apps - the Merlin birding app from Cornell Labs. How many times have you been on a trail and heard a bird sound, and wondered... what the hell is that?! The last thing you want to carry on the hike is a birding manual. Luckily, the Merlin app makes identifying, and saving, bird sounds a...
2025-10-2326 min
The Long Ways PodcastThe Great Glen WayWe are back from our 7th Long Ways hike! And this time we come full circle to where we began in 2019... Scotland! One of our favorite hiking destinations, not only because of the amazing scenery, but also the fact that the Scottish are fantastic hosts!We actually started this trail in 2019 when, for the first time, our trio hiked the West Highland Way. In this episode we compare the two trails, our experiences along the GGW (spoiler... it was amazing), and of course, the big questions... how was the beer and did you see Nessie?...
2025-08-3139 min
Reading With Your Kids PodcastWild Cats, Tapirs & TunesExclusive Deals For Reading With Your Kids Listeners! Visit www.zivo.life and use the promo code READ to get 30% off The Better Microalgae – your ultimate daily nutrient boost! Visit www.BigForkBrands.com and use the promo code READ to get 20% off the most delicious pork snacks ever. Visit www.CozyEarth.com and use the promo code READ to get an incredible 41% off their ultra cozy and comfy bedding. In this episode of “Reading with Your Kids,” we dive into the world of STEM picture books and musical adventures for children! The sho...
2025-08-2856 min
The Long Ways PodcastGuest Episode: The Camino de Santiago with SadieSadie Yates, now a PhD candidate in Theology, spent the summer between her Masters and PhD program hiking the Camino de Santiago. The 500 mile trail leads from the Pyrenees Alps in France to the town of Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain, and has served as a major route for pilgrims to the cathedral for hundreds of years. We talked to Sadie about what it’s like to hike Camino, the transformational nature of the trail, and why it set her on the path to hike a new pilgrimage trail each year. Do you have a st...
2025-07-0935 min
The Long Ways PodcastSt Cuthbert's Way - A Solo Long Way by MichaelWe are back in prime hiking season, and for this episode we are going to catch up with Michael on his recent solo hike of St. Cuthbert's Way across Scotland and England. We are going to find answers to some of the important questions, such asWho is St Cuthbert and why does he have a Way?Where can you find the best beer on this trail?If you can do it, can I?For more from our hiking trio, follow us on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube. Do you have a story from a...
2025-05-2722 min
The Inspire EdVentures PodcastInspiring Animals - Scarlet MacawsSend us a textThe scarlet macaw is one of the world's largest parrots, and one of the most beautiful animals of the Central American rainforests. During our visits to the Belize Zoo the macaws are one of our favorite stops due to their curiosity and intelligence.In this episode Kayla and Michael take a look at some of the challenges facing scarlet macaw populations and how you can get involved in learning more about this inspiring species.This is part of our Inspiring Animals series - a look at some of the...
2025-04-1025 min
The Long Ways PodcastGuest Episode: The Colorado Trail with DevinWhen he was 18 years old, our co-host, Devin, did something incredibly brave and stupid: he decided to hike across Colorado for a month with nothing but three high school friends, a lot of ramen and mac and cheese, and the invincibility that comes with being a teenager. He almost made it all the way, too. Today, Michael interviews Devin about hiking the Colorado Trail, why it set him on the path to hiking a long trial every year today, and hard-learned tips for the trail. For more from our hiking trio, follow us on Facebook...
2025-03-2427 min
The Long Ways PodcastGuest Episode: The Inca Trail with KaylaThe Inca Trail ascends over 14,000 feet to the ancient Incan site of Machu Picchu. Today, as we launch our new guest interview series, we speak with Devin's sister, Kayla, to hear from her experiences atop the Andes Mountains.We are also pleased to announce the launch of our free Substack newsletter, The Long Ways. This newsletter will feature tips on how to prepare for long hikes, stories from behind the trails, and ways for you to get more information on the #hikinglife! Click here to start your subscription.For more from our hiking trio, follow...
2025-02-1532 min
The Long Ways PodcastThe Lycian WayThis fall we set out on our latest Long Ways hike - this time along the Lycian Way (East), just south of Antalya Turkey. It was hot, rugged, and a definite challenge - but the scenery of the Turkish coast, combined with the amazing hospitality of the Turkish people, made it all worthwhile.Check out more about this trail at: www.thelongwayspodcast.com/lycian-wayAnd follow us on social media for announcements of two upcoming features in 2025 - The Long Ways on SubStack and our video podcasts on our YouTube channel!For more f...
2024-12-1636 min
The Inspire EdVentures PodcastInspiring Animals - The TapirSend us a textWe are back with another episode of Inspiring Animals and this week Kayla is going to introduce us to the Central American tapir, one of the most important animals of the rainforest, and one of our favorite animals to learn about!It is an elephant, a pig, an anteater? Actually, none of these! Curious? So are we! So let's explore this Inspiring Animal together.For more on our Inspiring Animals series - www.inspire-edventures.com/inspiring-animals.Send us your questions at michael@inspire-EdVentures.comIE...
2024-12-0224 min
The Long Ways PodcastThe Gear EpisodeWhat gear do we use for a long ways hike? Well, You asked for it ... and we have kind of delivered?! Because, to be honest, we are still working this out and learning with every hike! In this episode we explore what we have learned about the gear you need to hike these trails. From REI and Black Diamond, to Arc'teryx and Salomon, we look at what has worked for us and why. And if you think these are paid product placements you couldn't be more wrong! We just love to hike, and here is the gear we...
2024-11-1345 min
The Inspire EdVentures PodcastInspiring Animals : The Harpy EagleSend us a textJust in time for Halloween, we bring you the second episode of our Inspiring Animals series. And this time our host Kayla will be focusing on the Harpy Eagle. The harpy eagle (Harpia harpyjia) is one of the largest and most powerful raptors in the world. Named for the fearsome harpies of Greek mythology, harpy eagles are top predators of the rainforests they call home. Today we introduce you to Da Queen and Panama, two harpy eagle ambassadors at the Belize Zoo with interesting stories to tell you!Narrated by...
2024-10-3030 min
The Inspire EdVentures PodcastInspiring Animals - The JaguarSend us a textWe are introducing a new feature to the podcast today for our younger listeners who are eager to learn more about some of the interesting animals that we have encountered on our travels. We are calling it Inspiring Animals, and for the first episode we are featuring.... jaguars! Our host, Kayla Windelspecht, will explain some interesting facts about jaguars, the role of the Belize Zoo in jaguar conservation, and some of the other animals that live in the rainforests with jaguars.For more information on this episode: www.inspire-edventures...
2024-09-1938 minThe Inspire EdVentures PodcastOur End of Summer NewsletterSend us a textAudio newsletters? Why not! At IE we always explore new ways of introducing everyone to our message of conservation, education..... and especially inspiration. Here we take a look at what we have been doing this summer! From summer camps, to children's books, to a Run for Jags.... we've been busy.Prefer an email version? We've got you ... just click here: IE is an organization formed by teachers and scientists with a passion for developing inspirational stories about people and organizations involved in wildlife conservation a...
2024-09-1006 minThe Long Ways PodcastHadrian's WallThis Spring, Michael took a leap and embarked on a solo hike across Hadrian's Wall in northern England. Listen to our latest episode, where he talks about the realities of solo hiking, how not to hike the Hadrian's Wall path (hint: don't go east to west!) and more. Join Devin and Mike, a father-son duo hiking the great long trails of Europe. Each episode takes a look at at a single day on the trail — with all the highs, lows, stupid moments and semi-profound insights two amateur hikers can provide. For more from our hiking trio...
2024-08-2730 min
The Inspire EdVentures PodcastEpisode 6: Filly's Story - A Jaguar at the Belize ZooSend us a textIn this episode we are going to take you to meet Humberto Wohlers, the General Curator at the Belize Zoo. The care of all of the Zoo's animals are under his umbrella, but today we are going to focus on the fascinating story of Filly, a young jaguar in the Human Jaguar Conflict Program. Humberto also shares how the zookeepers in the HJCP work with young jaguars, and how Filly's story is continuing to evolve.This is the third part of our series on the HJCP Episode 3: The Human Jaguar...
2024-08-1345 min
The Inspire EdVentures PodcastEpisode 5: The Inspiration for Nacho House Cat, a Children's Book About Jaguars!Send us a textWelcome to Season 2, which we are calling Sharing Science! In this episode we meet with Ashley Moseley, who is not only a member of our IE team, but the author of a new children's book on jaguars! Inspired by her work with jaguar education and conservation projects between IE and the Belize Zoo, Ashley set out to build a children's book to bring the science of jaguars to kids! The result is Nacho House Cat, and in this episode Ashley explains her inspiration and hopes for this fun-filled science-based book about why Jaguars...
2024-07-1934 minThe Inspire EdVentures PodcastSomething New in Season 2!Send us a textWe are about ready to begin our second season of the IE podcast, and we are calling this season "Sharing Science". Not only are we going to continue our talks with wildlife and ecosystem conservation experts from around the globe, but we are also releasing a new feature for kids called "Inspiring Animals"In this trailer for Season 2, Michael and Ashley tell you a little about what to expect in the coming months!If you would like to partner with us - either by being a guest on our...
2024-07-0601 minThe Inspire EdVentures PodcastEpisode 4: Jaguars, Turtles, and Macroinvertebrates - Student Research in BelizeSend us a textThis past spring we took five McNair scholars from Talladega College to Belize to complete their senior research projects in terrestrial turtle monitoring, analyzing the biodiversity of the the rainforest using camera traps, and freshwater macroinvertebrates.For this episode, we reinvited Dr. Andy Coleman, Chair of the Biology Department at Talladega, to talk about these students, what they learned from their experiences in Belize, and his ideas for the 2025 McNair trip. For more information on these projects, visit: inspire-edventures.com/student-research-projects-in-belizeIE is an organization formed by t...
2024-06-2819 min
The Inspire EdVentures PodcastEpisode 3: The Human Jaguar Conflict Program at the Belize ZooSend us a textHave you ever wondered what happens when the territories of humans and jaguars collide? As you will see, it usually doesn't turn out well for the jaguar.So in this episode, we are meeting with Jamal Andrewin-Bohn, Conservation Director at the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center, and zookeeper Jose Valdez to talk about the details of the Human Jaguar Conflict Program at the Zoo, a project that has given over 25 animals a second chance at survival over the years.We will also be talking about a joint campaign between...
2024-04-1023 minThe Inspire EdVentures PodcastEpisode 2: Bringing the Talladega College McNair Scholars to BelizeSend us a textIn our second episode of what we are calling our Partner Season, we are featuring Dr. Andy Coleman, Chair of the Biology Department at Talladega College in Alabama, and more importantly, an individual who shares our passion for making educational experiences available to everyone. Last year, Andy partnered with IE to bring two McNair Scholar students from Talladega to Belize for the opportunity to work on the capstone research projects needed to complete their degrees. The experience was phenomenal, for both the students and us here at IE! In this episode w...
2024-03-1721 minThe Long Ways PodcastOur Hiking Bucket ListWhat is our hiking bucket list? From Iceland to Germany, New Zealand to Patagonia, we dive into the hikes we want to do before we die -- or, at least, within the next few years. Join Devin and Mike, a father-son duo hiking the great long trails of Europe. Each episode takes a look at at a single day on the trail — with all the highs, lows, stupid moments and semi-profound insights two amateur hikers can provide. For more from our hiking trio, follow us on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube. Do you have a st...
2024-03-0427 minThe Inspire EdVentures PodcastEpisode 1: The Inspiration of BelizeSend us a textFor our first episode, we thought that we would take a few minutes to introduce you to the three co-founders of Inspire EdVentures, Dave, Eric and Michael. Together, they are going to tell the story of what inspired them to form IE, and what they see as the future of conservation education. Each founder has a unique story, but here you will witness the common threads of inspiration and a love of nature. IE is an organization formed by teachers and scientists with a passion for developing inspirational stories about people an...
2024-02-2325 minThe Inspire EdVentures PodcastWelcome to the IE Podcast!Send us a textWe finally made it into the podcasting universe! Thank you everyone for your patience and encouragement! We have a lot of exciting guests and programs coming up this season, so to kick things off Michael and Ashley take a few moments to let you know a little bit about us, and what you can expect over the next few months. We would love your feedback - just send any comments or suggestions to experiences@inspire-edventures.comIE is an organization formed by teachers and scientists with a pa...
2024-01-2804 minThe Long Ways PodcastThe Julian AlpsThis summer, we hiked the Julian Alps of Slovenia -- by far one of the most spectacular, but also most challenging, hikes we've ever done. Listen to hear about how we tackled the trail, what advice we'd have for others attempting to hike the Julian Alps, and more. For more on Eric Weber's photography, visit 5bluemedia.com!Join Devin and Mike, a father-son duo hiking the great long trails of Europe. Each episode takes a look at at a single day on the trail — with all the highs, lows, stupid moments and semi-profound insights two am...
2023-12-1836 min
Anatomy and Physiology - Bit by BitAutonomic Nervous System Part 1 - Episode 26Episode 26 begins our discussion of the autonomic nervous system, our fight-or-flight and rest-and-digest control. The autonomic nervous system mediates the visceral reflexes that control heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and a plethora of physiological processes.
You’ll also get to hear my conversation with Dr. Michael Windelspecht, author of the Mader’s Biology series of textbooks from McGraw-Hill Education and one of the owners of Inspire Edventures. Inspire Edventures takes students to the Central American country of Belize where they embark on educational excursions actively learning ecology and biology in the field. You can check out the Inspire Edve...
2023-11-0642 minThe Long Ways PodcastZero DaysNot every day on the trail has to be a hiking day -- in fact, it's important to take a day off, or "Zero Day," during a Long Ways Hike. In this episode, Devin and Mike go into their favorite Zero Days on the trail, why you should build a down day into your next trail, and more. Join Devin and Mike, a father-son duo hiking the great long trails of Europe. Each episode takes a look at at a single day on the trail — with all the highs, lows, stupid moments and semi-profound insights two amateur hik...
2023-09-1732 minThe Long Ways PodcastBonus Episode: The Short WaysWe are thrilled to introduce our new mini-sessions - The Short Ways! These series will feature some of the longer day hikes that we take to explore areas near where we live, or just prepare for the next Long Ways hike.Also, this episode introduces our friend Eric "The Storker" Weber as we review a recent hike that we took in South CarolinaFor more from our hiking trio, follow us on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube. Do you have a story from a long trail that you would like to talk about? Or...
2023-06-1913 minThe Long Ways PodcastHow to Choose Your Next HikeInterested in hiking a long ways hike but don't know where to start? Overwhelmed with the variety of trails in the world, or your own level of preparedness? We're here to help! In this episode, we talk about choosing your next (or first) long ways hike, and all of the considerations we make in considering where we travel next. Join Devin and Mike, a father-son duo hiking the great long trails of Europe. Each episode takes a look at at a single day on the trail — with all the highs, lows, stupid moments and semi-profound insights two amat...
2023-02-2131 minThe Long Ways PodcastThe Hardest DayWe've talked about what makes a great day on the trail, but what about those other days -- the days that you have to push through, both mentally and physically? Today we're visiting the Dingle Way and Ireland, and one specifically rainy, windy, awful day that stands out to us years later. Join Devin and Mike, a father-son duo hiking the great long trails of Europe. Each episode takes a look at a single day on the trail — with all the highs, lows, stupid moments and semi-profound insights two amateur hikers can provide. For more from...
2022-12-0730 minThe Long Ways PodcastThe Rota VicentinaOn this special episode, we go over our latest hike from this last summer: the Rota Vicentina, also known as the "Fisherman's Way", which follows the southern Atlantic coast along the Algarve and Alentejo regions of Portugal.For more from our hiking trio, follow us on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube. Do you have a story from a long trail that you would like to talk about? Or are you interested in a guest on your podcast? We would love to talk to you! Drop us a message at hikewithus@thelongwayspodcast.com
2022-10-1129 minThe Long Ways PodcastWhat Makes a Great Day on the Trail?Join Devin and Mike, a father-son duo hiking the great long trails of Europe. Each episode takes a look at a single day on the trail — with all the highs, lows, stupid moments and semi-profound insights two amateur hikers can provide. In this episode, we bring you to one of the best days hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc — a high alpine hike through Switzerland, encountering soaring mountain views, tiny hamlets, and lots (and lots) of cows as we ask ourselves: what really makes a great day on the trail? For more from our hiking trio...
2022-09-2230 minThe Long Ways PodcastWhy The Hell Are We Doing This?Join Devin and Mike, a father-son duo hiking the great long trails of Europe. Each episode takes a look at at a single day on the trail — with all the highs, lows, stupid moments and semi-profound insights two amateur hikers can provide. In this episode, we bring you to where it all began: at the foot of the French Alps on the first day of the Tour of Mont Blanc. We talk about the highs and lows of the first day on a trail, the joys of a cold beer at the end of a long hike, and...
2022-09-1126 minAnatomy and Physiology - Bit by BitSpinal Nerves And Reflexes - Episode 20In this episode, I continue on with the nervous system and spinal cord, discussing spinal nerves, plexuses, and reflexes. I also answered a listener's question about recommended books, like "Mader's Human Biology" by Dr. Michael Windelspecht and "Hole's Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology" by Dr. Chuck Welsh. Both are great resources by excellent authors and professors.
Check out my Instagram account and Youtube channel with more A&P content to help you understand the human body and maybe even get your B or better in A&P. As always, feel free to email me at minus55media@gmail.com with your qu...
2020-10-1536 min
Brain Hacks 4 LeadershipBuilding and Sustaining High Performing Teams through Trust and Vulnerability with Paul Zak, “Dr. Love”Do you want your team to be more productive, innovative or engaged? Basketball legend Michael Jordan says it all “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” If you want to know how you, as a leader, can leverage neuroscience to increase trust and vulnerability to build and sustain a high performing team, this is the podcast for you. Paul Zak is my guest, his two decades of research have taken him from the Pentagon to Fortune 50 boardrooms to the rain forest of Papua New Guinea. All this in a quest to understand the neuroscience of human conn...
2018-10-0221 min