I’ve known my guest Wes Robinson for more than a decade, beginning when we started at our new jobs together at PennLive/The Patriot News.

When it comes to friends, I tend to seek out fun, critical thinkers. Someone that can challenge me and make me laugh. Someone who will get right to the line and roundly cross it. Someone who has a strong moral character and a diabolical sense of humor.

After I left journalism, I worked to bring Wes with me to the Pennsylvania Senate. He joined me at the Capitol for several years. We’d see each other at press conferences, events and at our semi-regular “journalism survivors guild” lunch.

Then in 2021, Wes took an amazing opportunity to become the press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

During that same time, I decided to run a mile in all then 121 Pennsylvania State Parks. So, as I was discovering the outdoors, Wes was doing much of the same thing professionally.

Wes was one of only three people to joined me on my 121 In 21 Challenge. On a sweltering day in July, Wes ran one mile at seven state parks with me. It was yet another example of him being a great supporter and going the extra mile – so to speak – for a friend.

As I was developing this podcast in 2022, I knew its success depended on whether I could get guests. From the very beginning, Wes worked hard to make sure I was able to find guests that would highlight our amazing outdoor spaces.

Wes is the sort of person that loves seeing his friends succeed. And he’ll do as much as he can to introduce you to the right people, send the email to the right organization or bring you along to a networking event. Not to curry favors. Not to make himself look good. But to make you look good.

This podcast would not exist without Wes. His generosity, hard work and legitimacy in the outdoor space is the only reason I can make Hemlocks to Hellbenders.

So, what is this episode about? How awesome Wes is? A little. What work is going on at DCNR? Absolutely.

But it’s also about two friends whose journey of falling in love with the outdoors is connected. It’s about what can be done with the right people at the right time. And it’s about what we can all do to support each other and our wonderful public lands.

On this episode, I speak with Wes Robinson. Wes is the press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and my very good friend.

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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis