Mountain & Prairie Podcast

Recognized by the Aspen Institute, Apple Podcasts, High Country News, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Montana Governor’s Office, and more—and regularly ranked in the top ten of its category on the podcast charts—Mountain & Prairie features long-form conversations with innovators of the American West.

Guests include writers, ranchers, athletes, artists, adventurers, conservationists, entrepreneurs—anyone who’s doing inspired work that contributes to the region’s evolving and complex cultural fabric.

Through informal yet substantive conversations, conservationist Ed Roberson introduces you to these fascinating characters, giving you a better understanding of their careers, influences, and outlooks, as well as a deeper appreciation for life in the American West.


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The Team

ED ROBERSONCreator, Producer, and Host
Ed Roberson is a Colorado-based conservationist, storyteller, and creator of Mountain & Prairie. His career has focused on land, water, and conservation for nearly two decades, primarily in the American West. He’s a comically slow ultra runner, a weirdly obsessive reader, and an unapologetic devotee of the Strenuous Life. Learn more at edroberson.co.

SAM HINKLEEditor & Researcher
Sam Hinkle’s love for land and water can be traced back to climbing through the bramble along Monument Creek in Colorado Springs. He has since bounced around in the outdoor and conservation worlds, from snowshoe guide to park ranger to outdoor education coordinator. In addition to Mountain & Prairie, he serves as the Development Director for the Quivira Coalition. When not working, you can find Sam running trails, playing with a camera, looking at birds, or maybe playing some DnD.


START HERE!

Are you a new listener who’s not quite sure where to start?

I recommend that you check out my conversation with Emmy Award-winning actor, author, humorist, and woodworker Nick Offerman, recorded in L.A. at Offerman Woodshop.

After that, use the search feature below to find the next episode that aligns with your interests. Then repeat– again and again and again!


Episodes

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Praise for Mountain & Prairie

“A treasure trove of insight on the American West, discussion of conservation, ranching, outdoor sports, art, literature, and more, in a way that would make Teddy Roosevelt proud.”

“I often times find myself listening to episodes multiple times, each time gaining more knowledge.”

“My Favorite Podcast EVER!”

“Every time I listen to one it makes me want to pick up, head west, and immerse myself in the conservation movement protecting our wide open spaces and wildlife.”

“Ed’s passion for the outdoors shines in every episode.”

“It is evident that Ed cares deeply about the American West, its history, and issues pertaining to the conservation and prosperity of the West.”

“I’m a city guy that has never experienced much of “the west” or the mountains. This podcast brings both to me. Kudos to the creativity displayed in creating this podcast and the perseverance to see it through.”

“Absolutely fantastic. So wonderful to find this podcast.”

“Ed does a great job of bringing on genuinely interesting folks… I’ve learned a ton from Ed’s guests and can’t wait to hear more!”

“If you enjoy ranching, wildlife, conservation, history, or anything else pertaining to the western world, you will likely enjoy the Mountain and Prairie Podcast. It’s also a great source of information pertaining to leadership, health, and just plain good living.”

“Outstanding Podcast! Thank you for taking the time to get these stories out into the world.”

“Phenomenal. Where has this podcast been! Man I’ve been missing out, I’m looking forward to the weeks ahead of catch up!”

“This podcast has given me a much deeper understanding of the West and an appreciation for some of the interesting people working to make it a better place.”

“I’ve learned so much about the region by listening to these conversations. And the book recommendations… so many great titles I would have otherwise missed out on.”

“Very informative and well done… Great to see the diversity of western characters and their passions.”

“You always learn something new, and appreciate the complexity and passion that is present in the story of today’s West.”

“Ed’s choice of thought-provoking guests coupled with his questioning skills, set this podcast apart. As a lover of story telling and the west, his work is spot on!”

“There is not a bunch of gabble and useless jibber jabber with this podcast. I love the people Ed interviews, along with the stories and values they discuss during the podcast.”

“Incredibly beautiful podcast full of ground truth and genuine human connection.”

“Ed’s podcast has quickly become one of my favorites.  It seems he shares his listeners’ genuine curiosity about & love for the West, & his interviews are better for it.”

“Best podcast being recorded right now.”

“OUR FAVORITE PODCAST: Ed Roberson knows the West, loves the Land & the Books it inspires.”

“Ed has done a fantastic job with this podcast, from the variety of interesting people he has on it, the range of topics/subjects he covers, and he ALSO makes sure that the site also has info on books and resources as a follow up.”

“I love this podcast. Ed is gracious, smart, and asks the BEST questions!”

“It’s refreshing to find someone willing to talk about western issues/history/planning without a heavy handed political or ideological doctrine creeping in to taint any real original thought, luckily this podcast is open minded and realistic while genuinely working out just how we might leave things better than we found them.”

“Great guests, great questions, great resource recommendations.”

“If you have any connection with the West, this podcast will make your heart swell. If you have no connection to the West, prepare to be indoctrinated.”

“This podcast is a great outlet for a quick mountain fix… No podcast has ever made me want to quit my desk job more than this one.”

“It is one of the most educational, informative, and entertaining podcasts on iTunes… If I had my own podcast, I honestly don’t think it would be much different than Mountain & Prairie!”

“This is my new favorite podcast! It features thoughtful and authentic conversations with fascinating people of the west! I’m always learning something new!”

“Ed does a great job in asking valuable questions and catering to his listeners’ interests. If you love the West, conservation, outdoor recreation in any capacity, or just listening to a great conversation – give this podcast a listen!”

“If you love history, adventure, travel, the American West, or just hearing from amazing and interesting people then you’ll find so much here to enjoy.”

“Excellent podcast, interesting guests and life stories, and the host is a great interviewer.”

“It’s like being a kid on Christmas morning every time I listen to an episode!”

“In a world that can be so polarized, this podcast is a great way to learn other viewpoints and experiences. Plus great book recommendations!!”

“Ed kills it!!! The recordings are always clear, the interviews are in-depth, the questions are insightful, and he always does a great job of staying out the subject’s way.”

“This podcast is a treasure. Thanks to Ed for providing a platform to the folks working for the spirit of the American West.”

“Ed Roberson’s relaxed and natural style turns interviews into conversations that harken fireside chats, fence post meetings and artist open studios.”

“Always thought provoking and level-headed conversations with people doing meaningful work.”

“These interviews are awesome for anyone interested in the outdoors and conservation throughout the West.”

“This podcast is not only hugely enlightening on both contemporary issues like public lands and the historical context of the West, but also… provides insight into that particular western beauty and the peculiar magic discovered by those who are drawn to it.”

“Fascinating and well told! Love the region and the presentation! Well done!”

“Ed gets the cream of the crop people from across the West and does a great job drawing out fascinating information from them.”

“This podcast is downright awesome. Ed does an amazing job of introducing a varied group of smart, inspirational and dedicated people of the American West. Genuine, honest and the BEST book recommendations to boot!”

“Ed > Swayze”

“As soon as I see a new episode drop I make time to listen as soon as possible…. Ed’s interview style is so insightful and welcoming. Afterwards I’m always inspired to work hard to do more to help conserve the American West!”

“Ed does such an amazing job with this show, and has a wide variety of personalities, artists. conservationists, and just plain interesting people. He is always prepared ahead of time with poignant questions, which eliminates the side babble that a lot of shows have.”

“Interviews are both educational and entertaining. Outstanding work Ed!”

“For this who love conservation, books, and the American West. These conversations settle a ruminating mind and make you take stock of your impact on the world around you. My reading list has grown a mile long, and each episode leaves me with a hunger to do more, see more, and take better care of the land.”

“You don’t have to love the west or life in the west to enjoy this!… has introduced me to such interesting ideas and people thinking those ideas.”

“Interesting, eclectic, classy”

“I like Ed’s passion and interviewing style and I’m a big fan of the book recommendations and book club. Great guests as well. Nicely done, Ed!”

“A heartfelt deep dive into the American West.”

“What do you get when you combine disarming Southern charm & a cavernous love the West? Ed Roberson, y’all. His interviews are a joy for anyone curious about America’s enigmatic frontier. He keeps the conversation informal but packed with info, and it’s clear he’s just as stocked as his listeners to snack up everything about this special part of the world & the passionate people working to protect it.”

“Utterly enjoyable! …Intelligent and humorous– well done!”

“THE Podcast of the American West”

“Ed helps provide a wide variety of ideas and issues that face the American West and how to best address the issues. Plus the book recommendations are great!”

“I appreciate Ed, a fellow North Carolinian, and his enduring interest in every facet of life, land, conservation, politics, and art in the Western US.”

“If you listen to Outside, Dirtbag Diaries, or Meateater Podcasts you will love this one!”

“Where else would you get these great interviews with modern day Western Pioneers? Nowhere else but right here.”

“Mountain and Prairie has connected me to some great people who I admire, and draw great inspiration from. I tell all my friends about Mountain and Prairie. and they are becoming listeners too.”

“A man obsessed with the west talking with those who have written its stories, those who embody its spirit or those shaping its future. A great listen.”

“[Ed] manages to strike that rare balance for a podcast host– engaging and well-informed, without being annoying or talking over his guests.”

“I just adore Ed! I don’t know how he does it but Ed is such a kind, engaging and genuine interviewer, that I can’t wait for each episode to come out.”

“Ed is a treasure, a bright and intelligent yet humble interviewer that brings out the best in his guests. His open-mindedness and genuine enthusiasm for learning and ideas are infectious.”

“Absolutely love the book recommendations and how Ed asks his guests for recommended reading.”

“Outstanding podcast, with great insight and perspective on life and living.”

“Honest and insightful conversations about a lovely and nuanced place.”

“Every episode is worth a listen. Ed is a great interviewer and (even more important) is a great listener. He always draws out something worthwhile and interesting from his guests.”

“10/10”

“The Mountain & Prairie podcast is always a go-to! Thanks for creating something great, Ed!”

“Although I live as far east almost as you can get in the US, I love hearing about all the interesting folks doing amazing things out west.”

“Maestro of Podcasting”

“I am most impressed with his laid-back, inquisitive style of interviewing. It resembles a true art form– allowing each guest to craft a unique story and perspective through leading questions and insights.”

“This podcast is my spirit animal.”

“Ed does a great job keeping the interviews interesting, engaging, and just the right length.

“Definitely recommend this for anyone interested in the future of the West.”

“Ed does a great job keeping the interviews interesting, engaging, and just the right length.”

“His passion radiates through the speakers, and you can’t help but feel like you’ve been a friend of his for years.”

“It’s a true gem in the world of podcasts!”

“Beautiful storytelling that makes you feel good. 5 stars!”

“Great West, Great Host, Great Ideas”

“I learn something new every time and feel inspired to take steps in my community to help bring about changes that are so essential to a sustainable life in the west.”

“If you love the West you don’t want to miss this!”

“I am full, hopeful and so happy after listening. Incredible stories, great book recommendations, introductions to new adventures… and a great community involved all around.”

“I live in New York City but love the West and the way your podcast plunges me into it. By highlighting these heroines and heroes of wilderness and their unfolding stories this podcast spotlights how connected we all are—to land, and to each other.”

“These stories and their work is the best of American spirit, and a vision of its future. And please keep asking that favorite books question. The library is growing. Heartward, my friend.

“The world is a better place because of your podcast, Ed.”

“I love Ed’s down to earth demeanor that really gets his guests to open up and share.”

“Love this podcast. It’s incredibly informative and inspiring”

“If you are interested, curious, or concerned about the West and the western way of life, I urge you to check it out.”

“Nice to hear an inquisitive and intellegent individual interviewing the important people who manage our western lands.”

“I have been so inspired by many of the people he has had on the show and my book list has grown out of control since I started listening.”

“Thanks Ed, for always bringing in great content with mighty fine people.”

“I was born and raised in the city (Los Angeles) and dream of/am curious about the country and this podcast is my little window in a world I never knew how to get myself into and I’m so grateful for it.”

“I love the stories and backgrounds of the people interviewed. It makes me feel not as crazy to be currently pursuing a career in Montana… Thanks for being awesome Ed!

“By far my favorite podcast!”

“I’m a conservation and history of the American West junkie and this is hands down my favorite podcast.”

“I’ve grown up with a fascination with how stories unfold in hte arid American West. Great series.”

“As someone living in the east but in love with public lands everything the west represents, I just want to say keep up the great work!

“I have never felt the need to write a review on anything, but really do appreciate you taking the time to make this podcast happen… also, great book recs!!”

“In our polarized political world, it’s not easy to find common ground. If there’s any hope for compromise it might just happen in the world of public land conservation and preservation. When hunters, anglers, and erudite advocates come together, there’s a chance we can bridge our differences. Love this podcast and Ed’s book recommendations

“Best Guests in the West”

All compliments above quoted from Apple Podcasts reviews and social media.

Want to leave your own review? Head over to Apple Podcasts and chime in!