Arnold “Smoke” Elser is a legendary wilderness outfitter, educator, and conservationist whose life’s work is deeply rooted in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness. Since his first trip into the Bob in 1956, Elser has spent nearly seven decades guiding thousands of people—many of them first-time riders—through its rugged terrain, sharing not only the landscape but also his deep reverence for wild places.

After graduating from the University of Montana in 1968 with a degree in range management and secondary education, Elser and his wife Thelma founded Bob Marshall Wilderness Outfitters. They built their business on a philosophy of “interpreting the land,” helping guests connect with the wilderness through storytelling, horsemanship, and a commitment to conservation. Elser has led over 700 trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness and has spent more than 8,030 nights under its stars.

Elser’s influence extends beyond guiding. He has taught horse and mule packing at the University of Montana since 1964, training over 30,000 students, including military personnel and federal land managers. He co-authored the textbook Packin’ In on Mules and Horses and is a certified “Master of No Trace” instructor with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).

A passionate advocate for wilderness preservation, Elser played a key role in the creation of the Great Bear Wilderness in 1978 and testified in support of the 1964 Wilderness Act. His efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the University of Montana’s 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award and the Lifetime Conservation Achievement Award from The Conservation Roundtable.

Elser’s stories and experiences are captured in the memoir Hush of the Land: A Lifetime in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, co-authored with Eva-Maria Maggi. The book offers a vivid account of his adventures and his enduring commitment to protecting Montana’s wildlands.

Even in his 90s, Smoke Elser remains an active voice in wilderness education and conservation, embodying a lifetime dedicated to stewarding the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Show notes:

00:03:59 - Teaching Guests to Listen to Wilderness

00:06:14 - Wilderness Education for Youth Away from Screens

00:07:48 - Bringing Youth Back to the Wilderness

00:10:02 - Starting Wilderness Camps for Kids

00:11:43 - Montana Elders Teaching Youth Wilderness Skills

00:13:08 - Teaching Wilderness Skills to Young Adults

00:15:08 - Touring the Historic Barn and Saddle Collection

00:16:53 - Historic Saddles and Branding Iron Collection

00:19:44 - Caring for Retired Horses and Mules

00:22:17 - Camping at the Airfield with Horses

00:24:23 - Sleeping with Grizzlies in the Wilderness

00:26:38 - Protecting the Wilderness Through Innovation

00:29:16 - Gore-Tex Innovation and Leave No Trace Camping

00:33:46 - Lightweight Camping and Leave No Trace Practices

00:36:05 - Making Fire Pans and Horse Shoeing Tips

00:37:35 - Biodiversity: Why Every Species Matters

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Virginia (Ginny) Bond is an educator and public health researcher based in Zambia whose work focuses on HIV, stigma reduction, and community health. Trained as a social anthropologist, she collaborates with health programs and research organizations to better understand the social and cultural factors shaping HIV prevention, treatment, and care. Her work emphasizes community engagement, education, and participatory research methods that strengthen public health responses and empower people living with HIV. Through teaching, mentoring, and field research, she contributes to training the next generation of global health practitioners while helping develop strategies that address stigma and improve access to care.

One scientific curiosity hides behind work like hers: viruses are biological, but epidemics are social phenomena. The virus spreads through bodies, yet stigma, poverty, gender inequality, and access to education often determine whether treatment actually reaches people. That is why community counselors and educators are as critical to the HIV response as laboratories and pharmaceuticals.

Show notes:

00:03:40 - Childhood Memories Across Africa

00:06:43 - From Minority Student to Anthropologist

00:09:34 - A Close Friendship Lost to AIDS

00:11:16 - HIV Origins and Early Community Counseling Work

00:14:38 - HIV Transmission Routes and Biological Factors

00:17:41 - HIV Immune System and Comorbidities in Africa

00:20:25 - Home-Based Care During the AIDS Crisis

00:23:43 - AIDS Stigma and Generational Trauma in Zambia

00:27:03 - HIV Stigma and the Power of Openness

00:30:34 - HIV Treatment Challenges and Social Stigma

00:32:28 - Tackling HIV Stigma in Health Facilities

00:37:41 - Northern Star Project: Global Stigma Reduction Initiative

00:40:37 - Modern HIV Treatment and Ending Stigma

00:42:40 - Protecting Backcountry Trails During Mud Season

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#storytelling

#inspiration

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#exploremore

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#missoula

#missoulamontana

#montana

#hivawareness

#aidsawareness

#endthestigma

#globalhealth

#publichealth

#changetheworld

#humansofearth

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Lisa Bickell is an environmental educator and interpretive planner based in Missoula, Montana, and the current board chair of the Montana Natural History Center. She has been involved with the organization for more than 25 years and previously served as its Education Director, helping shape many of the programs that connect people of all ages to the natural world.

Lisa holds a degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana and a Master of Education from Western Washington University. Her career has focused on environmental education, interpretive planning, and helping communities engage more deeply with the landscapes around them.

She is especially interested in Phenology, the study of seasonal changes in plants, animals, and ecosystems. Through field courses, community programs, and decades of observation, Lisa encourages people to slow down, pay attention, and notice how the rhythms of nature are shifting over time.

Show notes:

00:02:37 - Childhood Adventures in Florida Woods

00:04:46 - Childhood Nature Adventures Shape Career Path

00:08:35 - From Environmental Education to Youth Programs

00:10:32 - Visiting Naturalists School Year Program

00:12:27 - Connecting Children with Nature Through Education

00:15:33 - Montana Master Naturalist Program Overview

00:18:13 - Noticing Nature's Seasonal Changes

00:19:51 - Observing Fall Leaves Like a Naturalist

00:22:04 - Mouse Tunnels Under Melting Snow

00:24:03 - Montana's Mountain Valley at Sunset

00:26:21 - Exploring Nature Through Art and Classes

00:28:07 - Exploring Nature Through Art and Creativity

00:31:18 - Montana's Fossil History and Ecosystems

00:35:26 - Life Lessons: Leaving Well and Daily Walks

#travel #adventure #montana #missoula #montananaturalhistorycenter #ecology #naturescience #phenology #travelpodcast #sciencepodcast #adventurepodcast #thetraillesstraveled #traillesstraveled #missoulamt #missoulamontana

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