This interview took place on July 9, 2025. Matt Peters is the current coordinator for Heartwood and a longtime forest protection activist. He founded the Allegheny Defense Project, worked with the Buckeye Forest Council, and now works with local groups in his hometown of Pittsburgh while he continues to work with Heartwood to protect our National Forests.

In this conversation, Matt talks about how Heartwood taught him to effectively challenge timber sales on our National Forests by simply reading the law and getting involved with the public process. He also talks about how our current government is intentionally excluding the public through the use of categorical exclusions, and changes to the National Environmental Policy Act.

Intro music: "Diamond in the Sun" by Robert Hoyt, 1995. Dumpster Diving Across America.

Outro music: "You Can't Go Away" by Andy Mahler, 2025. Andy Mahler & Buffalo Strings.

Listen to Andy's own original music played with Buffalo Strings at Andy Mahler, Buffalo Strings.

Want to donate to Heartwood? Donate here.

This episode is a recording of the keynote address at Heartwood's 34th Annual Reunion on October 3, 2025, which took place at Andy Mahler and Linda Lee's longtime home, the Lazy Black Bear, in Southern Indiana.

Steven Higgs speaks about Andy Mahler's life and the coming to fruition of his coffee table book biography about Andy.

Following his speech, Indiana State Senator Shelli Yoder presents an award to Andy on behalf of the State of Indiana. The Circle of Corydon Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the betterment of Indiana and its people, and was handpicked by Indiana Governor Mike Braun to award to Andy.

To purchase a copy of Andy Mahler's Autobiography by Steven Higgs, go here: Andy Mahler and the Hoosier National; The Folk Hero and the Forest He Loves.

Intro music: "Diamond in the Sun" by Robert Hoyt, 1995. Dumpster Diving Across America.

Outro music: "Memories" by Andy Mahler, 2025. Andy Mahler & Buffalo Strings.

Listen to Andy's own original music played with Buffalo Strings at Andy Mahler, Buffalo Strings.

Want to donate to Heartwood? Donate here.

Photo credit of Andy holding book by Steven Higgs: Steven Higgs

This interview of Andy Mahler took place on July 21, 2025 and is the last conversation I had with Andy before he died.

Having already spoken about Andy's childhood, the creation of Heartwood, and Andy's efforts to stop the Buffalo Springs project on the Hoosier National Forest in previous interviews, this conversation is of a more personal nature. I wanted to give Andy the space to talk about his cancer diagnosis directly, and to talk about whatever he felt was important to talk about.

In this conversation Andy talks about his love of playing music with close friends, a nightmarish visit to the hospital, and his philosophy on the nature of consciousness. At the end of our conversation, Andy asks for people to send support by sending mail, and although Andy is no longer with us, if you would like to send something to his wife Linda Lee, she would greatly appreciate it. Please send your correspondence to Linda c/o the Lost River Co-op and Cafe, 26 Library St. Paoli, IN 47454.

Listen to Andy's own original music played with Buffalo Strings at Andy Mahler, Buffalo Strings.

Want to donate to Heartwood? Donate here.

To purchase a copy of Andy Mahler's Autobiography by Steven Higgs, go here: Andy Mahler and the Hoosier National; The Folk Hero and the Forest He Loves.

Photo credit of Andy reclining in his yard: Joshua Martin