Episodes

  • Episode 61
    Sep 4 2025

    In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, Ben Masters discusses the making of his wildlife documentary The American Southwest, and the intricate techniques used in wildlife cinematography. He shares insights into the recovery of the California condor and the importance of conservation efforts, while also highlighting the challenges faced by communities and ecosystems in the wake of environmental changes. The crew discusses various aspects of wildlife conservation, the importance of public lands, and the role of storytelling in wildlife films. They highlight the successes and challenges in conservation and the future of the Colorado River. The discussion also touches on the impact of film in raising awareness and connecting audiences to environmental issues.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Impact of Floods on Communities

    05:59 Exploring the American Southwest Project

    11:50 Wildlife Cinematography Techniques

    18:10 The Stories Behind the Species

    24:05 Technical Aspects of Filmmaking

    30:02 Post-Production Workflow and Storage Solutions

    36:45 The Cost of Quality Gear

    39:08 The Evolution of Cinematography Lenses

    42:05 California Condor Conservation Success

    48:12 Filming the California Condor

    52:08 Lead Poisoning and Its Impact on Condors

    55:54 Public Lands and Conservation Awareness

    01:00:02 Cinematic Highlights and Storytelling Techniques

    01:08:42 The Magic of Filmmaking with Wildlife

    01:10:01 Conservation and the Return of Jaguars

    01:11:47 The Impact of Water Management on Ecosystems

    01:12:30 The Emotional Weight of Environmental Change

    01:15:49 The Future of River Management

    01:16:01 Narration and Storytelling in Wildlife Films

    01:18:56 The Journey of a Wildlife Film

    01:19:54 The Release of 'The American Southwest'

    01:21:29 Connecting Audiences with Nature

    01:23:38 The Importance of Conservation Organizations

    01:30:00 Acknowledging the Team Behind the Film

    Links

    Film Tickets and Locations

    www.theamericansouthwest.film

    Instagram

    @finandfurfilms

    @bencmasters

    Film Partners

    www.theamericansouthwest.film/partners

    Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • Episode 60
    Aug 28 2025

    In this episode of Beyond the Wild Podcast, the hosts engage in a lively discussion with wildlife photographer Mitch Decock. Mitch shares his unique journey into wildlife photography, recounting memorable encounters with bears and other wildlife, and the importance of mentorship in the field. The conversation highlights the thrill of wildlife photography as Mitch recounts his adventures with his mentor, Danny Coyne, and the amazing interaction with lynx in British Columbia. This episode celebrates the pair's connection to nature and their aspirations for future wildlife encounters. Mitch emphasizes the joy of the experience over the final shot, encouraging listeners to appreciate the moments spent in nature.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

    03:01 Mitch's Journey into Wildlife Photography

    05:50 Memorable Encounters with Wildlife

    09:04 Experiences with Park Rangers

    11:55 Adventures in the Field with Friends

    14:54 Solo Wildlife Photography Adventures

    17:49 Challenges and Rewards of Wildlife Photography

    22:50 Backcountry Adventures and Wildlife Encounters

    25:02 The Importance of Companionship in Nature

    29:53 Mentorship and Learning in Wildlife Photography

    34:54 The Connection to Bears and Personal Stories

    47:54 Memorable Bear Encounters and Unique Experiences

    51:52 Memorable Encounters with Wildlife

    54:13 Respecting Nature and Safety Precautions

    58:12 The Beauty of Wildlife Photography

    01:00:09 Future Adventures and Goals

    01:12:10 Embracing the Journey in Photography

    Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

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    1 hr and 56 mins
  • Episode 59
    Aug 21 2025

    In this episode, Mark Raycroft, Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus take on another round of exceptional listener questions head-on. The crew shares wisdom on "THE wildlife lens" for both Canon and Nikon shooters, as well as tripod head preferences. Questions also explore image printing and the guys share their preferred labs in both Canada and the U.S. And our team shares their experiences and recos for the "not-so-sexy" part of wildlife photography, but ever so important, out-of-country travel insurance and managing mobile phone charges while abroad. Enjoy the episode—the laughs are always free.

    Sound Bites

    "There is no statistical measure for how fast I would lose a SIM card."

    Chapters

    03:09 Experiences with the Dragonfly Decoy

    12:01 Listener Questions and Wildlife Photography

    12:59 Choosing the Best Lens for Wildlife Photography

    21:03 Tripod and Gimbal Preferences

    27:03 Travel Insurance for Photographers

    36:10 Out of Country Phone Networks

    44:53 Printing Photos and Preferred Methods

    Questions and Links

    @ColinBigelowPhoto

    What is the number one lens for wildlife photography—if we had to choose?

    @RobWaddellPhotography

    What is your go-to tripod head—Gimbal or Fluid Head?

    @FairFXMike

    What do you guys do for out-of-country travel insurance?

    What about out-of-country phone networks?

    @MitchDeCock

    What is your preferred way to print photos: white board or mats, type of frame, metal?

    www.artbeatsstudio.com

    www.bayphoto.com

    www.posterjack.ca

    www.gallery6denver.com

    Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 58
    Aug 15 2025

    This week, Ron, Jason and Mark go BEAR-ZERK, delving into key pro tips for bear photography. The crew shares their experiences and preparations for bear photography, with a particular focus on the upcoming trip to Alaska. The conversation also explores the challenges of photographing bears, including the need for patience and the significance of preparing ahead of time to capture the right moments. The crew scratches the surface as they explore the bare necessities of bear photography.

    Sound bites

    "You are a brave soul."

    "It's a good pro tip."

    "You can wear those."

    Chapters

    01:00 Introduction to Bears and Personal Experiences

    05:10 Pro Tips for Visiting National Parks

    06:41 Mark's Experience at the Toronto Indy

    13:14 Preparing for Alaska: Gear and Weight Management

    25:39 Planning for Bear Photography Adventures

    26:57 Packing for Adventure: The Essentials

    37:55 The Thrill of Wildlife Photography

    46:30 Understanding Bear Behavior and Photography Tips

    53:08 Bear Behavior and Mating Season

    56:16 Challenges of Wildlife Photography

    01:01:00 Planning for Future Bear Trips

    01:04:00 Gear Considerations for Wildlife Photography

    01:09:01 Celebrating Wildlife Experiences

    01:10:57 Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

    Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Episode 57
    Aug 7 2025

    This week’s guest is Drew Butterwick, an experienced safari guide and wildlife photographer. Drew admits he is a big predator person, specifically a big cat person, and much of his focus while guiding in Africa is on finding these elusive creatures. The episode explores Drew's adventures in Africa, sharing stories of wildlife encounters, conservation efforts, and the challenges of capturing stunning photographs in the wild. The conversation highlights the beauty and unpredictability of nature, the importance of responsible wildlife tourism, and the profound impact of experiencing Africa firsthand. Drew shares insights into the expectations of first-time safari-goers and reflects on his journey to Africa, emphasizing the rich experiences that await those who venture into the wild.

    Sound bites

    “I’m a big predator person, big cat person.”

    “We drive right passed the ducks to go to the next thing with claws and teeth and the big stuff.”

    "You just made that up."

    "It's a magic place."

    "It's living, right?"

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    03:03 Travel Experiences and Challenges

    06:12 Wildlife Encounters in Africa

    09:00 Conservation Efforts and Anti-Poaching

    12:07 Close Calls with Wildlife

    14:56 The Thrill of the Wilderness

    18:11 Hippos and Their Behavior

    21:03 The Circle of Life in Nature

    37:45 The Harsh Realities of Nature

    43:24 Unique Safari Experiences

    47:10 The Allure of Africa

    51:31 Expectations of First-Time Visitors

    57:39 Drew's African Adventures

    01:01:13 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

    Links

    Voyager Safari Tours

    https://www.voyagersafari.com/

    Epic Wildlife Photos

    https://www.epicwildlifephotos.com/

    SNL Landshark

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_NS2H55dxI

    Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Episode 56
    Jul 24 2025

    Our hosts are on the hot seat again to attempt to enlighten and inspire our listeners by answering some of their stellar questions. But the jury is still out on how well Ron, Mark and Jason met the challenge. No matter their final grade, our hosts share thrilling wildlife encounters and delve into the nuances of wildlife photography, including an exploration of the pros and cons between DSLR and mirrorless cameras, their workflows for organizing images, and their dream wildlife encounters, as well as their scariest encounters. The conversation also touches on the challenges of capturing unique wildlife images, as the sport of wildlife photography attracts more new players to the field every week. Join us for a laugh or two on this very diverse episode.

    Sound Bites

    "We're trying to build some of these up."

    "It's a whole different shooting experience."

    "I would love to photograph a honey badger."

    Chapters

    00:00 Wildlife Encounters and Photography Stories

    03:07 Listener Questions and Podcast Updates

    06:11 Wildlife Photography Techniques and Strategies

    11:56 Camera Technology: DSLR vs. Mirrorless

    20:06 Cataloging and Organizing Images in Lightroom

    36:32 Finding Your Workflow

    38:02 Organizing and Cataloging Images

    40:33 Dream Wildlife Encounters

    54:09 Scary Wildlife Encounters

    This Episodes Questions:

    @Elksongs_Images (Jason Cox)

    Are you looking for new locations, or working harder than other photogs in the National Parks?

    @Vancouver.Island.Backcountry

    What are the pros and cons of DSLR vs. Mirroless cameras wildlife photography?

    @Randy_Tremblay

    In Adobe Lightroom, do you use one catalogue or multiples? Do you use subject folders?

    @Wildly.Thick.Of.It

    Dream up the most magical wildlife encounter imaginable. Preference: alone or with a buddy?

    @DeirdreDenaliPhotography

    What is the scariest wildlife encounter each of you has had?

    Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Episode 55
    Jul 17 2025

    Sharing success stories is easy. But sharing failures is hard on the ego. In this episode of Beyond the Wild, our modest hosts put away their drive for perfection and reflect on some of the moments they are least proud of in an episode we call 'Epic Fails in the Field: Lessons Learned.' They discuss missed opportunities, gear failures, and the importance of preparation in the field. The conversation highlights the humorous side of failures and the valuable lessons that can be learned from them. Come along with us for a ride that everyone is sure to be somewhat familiar with. Let's share some laughs, and hopefully, you'll learn some lessons the easy way.

    Sound Bites

    "Epic fails happen to everyone."

    "Failure builds character."

    "The hits just keep on coming."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Connections

    04:01 Epic Fails in Photography

    09:52 Missed Opportunities and Lessons Learned

    15:01 Sharing Personal Failures

    21:00 Technical Mistakes and Their Impact

    27:59 Field Experiences and Learning from Mistakes

    29:54 Surviving the Mountain: Lessons from the Wild

    33:17 Gear Failures: The Importance of Preparation

    34:35 Learning from Mistakes: Early Photography Experiences

    37:20 The Cost of Overzealousness: Missed Opportunities in Photography

    42:55 The Fog of Regret: A Lesson in Timing

    48:30 Bear Encounters: The Importance of Safety Gear

    52:17 Nature's Surprises: The Unexpected Challenges of Wildlife Photography

    54:32 The Great TP Debacle: A Cautionary Tale

    01:01:06 Reflections on Failures: Learning and Growing from Experiences

    Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Episode 54
    Jul 11 2025

    In this episode of Beyond the Wild, the hosts reconnect after a break. Ron and Jason share their experiences with the new Canon RF 100-300 mm f/2.8 lens and teleconverters before delving into the focus of the episode, which is photographing wild sheep. They discuss their recent adventures, the gear they use, and the techniques they employ for capturing stunning images of wild sheep. The conversation delves into the behavior of sheep, safety considerations while photographing in mountainous terrain, and the importance of preparation. The hosts also reflect on memorable encounters with sheep and the joy of sharing these experiences with others.

    Sound Bites

    "The lens is incredible."

    "It's a pleasure to shoot."

    "You can count how old they are."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

    03:11 Family Adventures and Wildlife Encounters

    05:56 Youth Camp and Photography Gear

    09:09 Lens Reviews and Photography Techniques

    12:04 Experiences with Wildlife and Trust

    14:56 Bighorn Sheep Behavior and Photography Tips

    35:45 Peak Rut Activity and Memorable Experiences

    41:21 Unique Encounters with Wild Sheep

    46:44 Pro Tips for Photographing Sheep

    52:20 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned

    01:01:23 Safety and Respect in Sheep Country

    01:10:51 The Thrill of Wildlife Photography

    Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.

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    1 hr and 20 mins