View Full Version : People to Interview
Hi Guys and Girls - On the site in the 200 degrees section I am going to have a section for interviews, I have a short list of people I want to interview but I would appreciate any ideas from you guys. They need to have some sort of connection to the wilderness side of things but that is as you know a huge subject so to a point anything goes :biggthump IF you could give me names of people you would like to hear about/from and some explanation as to why them It would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Where's the 200 degrees section?
Sez
sez.....
There are links across the top of the home page :-D news, 200', reviews articles and community (which are these boards)
Tony... I'd love to see an interview with Hugh Fearnley-Whittinstall (The River Cottage guy for those that don't know). I believe you can contact him through channel 4..... but with a new series on TV... he is probably well booked..... or busy growing...cooking....
Ed
I hear you Ed, he's well up the list :biggthump
Where's the 200 degrees section?
Sez
Is there a chance sez that you came straight in on a link from another forum and have not yet seen the site???? :yikes: click on the red leaf logo top left of the page and bask in further bushcraft enlightenment :rolmao: :biggthump :super: :rolmao:
bigjackbrass
19-09-2003, 20:14
I'd suggest David Wescott. I mentioned three of the books he has edited in another post ("Camping in the Old Style" and so on) which are all published by Gibbs Smith. Being an American and so heavily involved with the primitive skills movement he might have a nicely different take on the outdoors to the one most of us here are familiar with. Presumably he can be contacted through the publisher, P.O. Box 667, Layton, Utah 84041 or www.gibbs-smith.com.
And rather more vaguely, it would be interesting to hear from someone who works somewhere extremely exposed to the elements day to day, maybe on one of our outlying islands. There are times when I think that a hobby like bushcraft can run the risk of becoming divorced from the simple practical roots from which it evolved, and I for one would love to hear about people using elements of such knowledge as a matter of course.
at the risk of being a bit contraversial, it might be worth interviewing mike jarmain of cambrian survival. after the reports from his talks at the outdoor show, perhaps it might be worth getting him to clarify a few points. i did a course with them last year. it was excellent.
cheers, and.
YES I did come here through a link, duh! I didn't think to make my mouse wander over the pictures.
I'd go for Hugh Fearnley-Whittinstall too, I think he's new series is pretty much a rehash of all the River Cottage programmes, and long before that he did that great series where he travelled around England and ate only what he could hunt, catch or gather.
Any interviews with people who had to cut off their own limbs in order to save their lives (there's a nine year old boy inside me trying to get out :-D ).
Sez
bigjackbrass
20-09-2003, 19:18
Cody Lundin, who runs a survival school in Arizona, if memory serves. Backpacker magazine ran a feature on him a couple of years ago, and once you've seen a man set off into the desert armed with a loincloth and a gourd for water you cannot but think that you're carrying too much kit.
I also noticed an interview with Tom Brown and Larry Dean Olsen at this site http://www.primitive.org/interview.htm which probably saves the trouble of suggesting either of them.
Justin Time
20-09-2003, 22:34
How about Ian Maxwell. he's the Zambian tracker who stepped in to run the tracking workshop on the Sunday of the Wilderness Gathering. Cornwall based now IIRC.
Justin
talking of Ian maxwell
does anyone know how to get hold of him??
i took his e-mail but it seems i wrote it down wrong :-x
Anonymous
23-09-2003, 13:33
Hi Folks, They just gave me broadband at work so you may be hearing more from me....
Sorry to have missed the Zambian tracker at the wilderness gathering, I went to Tom Schorr Kons tracking thing on saturday morning, but didn't get to bed till 7.30 after a long night in the round house and a dawn patrol to see what was about.
Anyway, howabout interviewing Richard Maybe, The Author of Food for Free, one of the first on the subject I believe. He still does alot of writing, several nature books and of course the Flora Britanica. I think he's moved to Norfolk or Suffolk now, but contact through the publisher no doubt.
Cheers :roll:
MartiniDave
23-09-2003, 14:31
O.K., I'm ready for a severe flaming but...
how about Ray Mears?
Dave - going to get my asbestos overall right now.
:wink:
why would that get you a flaming ? :-?
MartiniDave
24-09-2003, 10:34
Didn't know if I was just suggesting someone too obvious or high profile.
No offence or anything intended to anybody though, just being careful.
Dave
none taken :-D i think it would be really interesting to read about his background seeing as hes genned up on all sorts of stuff ,would be nice to know where he got it all from, i just read his world of survival book which was good, anybody know any good aborigine books about? cheers al
what about Les Hiddins AKA The Bush Tucker Man??
bigjackbrass
24-09-2003, 14:13
A second vote for Les Hiddins, and maybe an additional one for his hat. I seem to recall that he published a new book not so long ago, and so might well be interested in doing an interview.
MartiniDave
24-09-2003, 14:29
I'll vote for Les too, even though I found his shorts rather scary! :shock: :shock:
Watching his show triggered my need for a land rover too! He's got a lot to answer for :wink:
Dave
bigjackbrass
24-09-2003, 15:05
Now, if it was scary shorts we were after I'd have suggested Steve Irwin, but I don't think the interview would have gone very far: "So Steve, are you a total loon or what?"
MartiniDave
24-09-2003, 15:32
LOL :lol: :lol: :lol:
bigjackbrass
24-09-2003, 20:01
There's an interview with Ray Mears in "Country Walking" magazine this month. Not terribly in depth and certainly no suprises, being more to do with very general walking than bushcraft. Surely we could do better? Tony, is the idea for members to submit questions to you once an interviewee is selected?
I had not thought of that but it is a good idea. When interviews are arranged I will let you all know and you can chip in with questions :biggthump Good idea Jack
Tony... how are you doing the interviews? face to face... or just emailing/posting a questionaire type thing?
Ed
Anonymous
24-09-2003, 23:25
I'm intending on doing as much face to face as possible, if not that then over the phone.
:banghead: :rolmao: :banghead: :mrgreen:
you realy must try to remember to sign yourself in.... :-D
Anonymous
25-09-2003, 15:08
My vote would be for Michael Palin. If anyone has had loads to do with indigenous folk it must be him!
Hi Everyone
I agree with Sargey. Interview Mike Jarmain,absolute top lad really knows his stuff.I went on one of his courses in April and had a great time up in the Cambrian Mountians.
If we're going to be ambitious (and why not?) , how about John 'Lofty' Wiseman, the guy who wrote the bible?
Sez
I think he is already on the list sez.... i believe tony knows lofty's sister or something..... think it was posted on the british blades forums.
Ed :-D
Oh (she says, straightening up) that's alright then! :lol:
What about Michael Scott the 19 year old lad who has just escaped from kidnappers in Columbia. It's obviously to early today but when all the frenzy dies down and hopefully the other hossies get released....
Wouldn't it be good to hear how he overcame 12 days in the Sierra Nevada and be picked up by the indigenous people of the region? :roll::newbie:
acw_akkermans
06-10-2003, 11:57
I'd really like to see an interview with John Lord. he is about the only Master flintknapper in the UK. And,... very under exposed! (If anybody knows a way of getting in touch with him, please let me know...)
Regards
mike the pike
06-10-2003, 17:48
Hi all,i'd like to see an interview done with F.J.Taylor,i've read a couple of his books and although he has travelled the world practising survival (everything from ice fishing to rabbiting in the outback)i get the impression he is most at home as a countryman in the UK,and i've certainly picked up a few tips from his books about how to come by a free dinner or two(purse nets across field drains,long netting with a clod of earth,etc)He used to do a column for the shooting times so praps we could contact him thru there?I think he lives near Thame. Cheers Mike
I'd really like to see an interview with John Lord. he is about the only Master flintknapper in the UK. And,... very under exposed! (If anybody knows a way of getting in touch with him, please let me know...)
Regards
His son Will Lord is also an accomplished flint knapper and has his own website. I think it's called 'Beyond 2000 BC'.
Good luck.
... is this the place? :wink: http://www.beyond2000bc.co.uk/ I guess it is.
I wish I could do that.....
Ed
There is an article of Will's in the article section, it's the one called Hard Work
stevebnyates
17-10-2003, 21:27
Here is a suggestion-- RAY jARDINE -- has been one of my major inspirational characters over the last few tears , not a mainstream bushcraft writer as such but he is at the point where lightweight adventure , be it hiking, kayaking or crossing oceans meets bushcraft . Regards Steve ( big nurse )
ChrisKavanaugh
23-10-2003, 03:29
Keep your eyes and hearts open to common folks. Shepherds,tinkers,fishermen and farmers are outdoors when sane people are inside mugging up in front of the tellie. An old fisherman taught me to walk the beaches with my hands behind my back. My hands weren't blasted by sand,my coat stayed close and I walked a measured pace watching my steps.
Roving Rich
23-10-2003, 11:37
Another one to interview, not really a bushcraft thing more survival. A guy named Joe Simson, he's written a few books now: Touching the Void, This game of ghosts and another that I cant recall. Basically he's a mountaineer who was left for dead high in the Andes a week by mule away from the nearest civilisation. A true grit survival story, the most gripping books i,ve reead in years.
He gets hired to do alot of corporate speeches etc, and I think he has sold the movie rights to Hollywood, there was talk of Tom Cruise playing him but it may have all fallen through.
So if you want to beat Mears to the post best get an interview.
I like the sound of interviewing the local shepperd, fisherman, Tinker, Especially the local moucher/poacher who supliment their diet with forraged food. That F J Taylor sound great, I'll have to look out for some of his books, Thanks Mike.
Cheers Rich
ChrisKavanaugh
25-10-2003, 18:59
I am looking forward to "meeting" many of these people online. A few years ago our links to instructors and schools had all of 2 contacts in G.B. As our international community grew the very strong contingent from G.B. was a source of suprise and interest. Our brit links have grown considerably. Many of the instructors I know are slowing down their pace. Mors Kochanski of Canada is near retirement, Chris Janowskie of Alaska isn't holding classes and Dave Alloway tragically died from a stupid accident. All of these folks are selling a product and we are the consumers. Without naming names, far to many over here create personnas, carry heavy political/philosphical baggage and behave like insecure alpha males. It is your task to help the good ones become known.
Hes really busy ive got a course booked nexed year with a group of young people i work with, his pa told me hes book signing and stuff, an interview with him would be cool though. what about doing a standard question sheet to email to people in the hopes that they could find time to answer them with a view to an interview at a later date. I would also like to see interviews with Chris Ryan and Brummy Stokes, these guys have done the real thing and i think deserve some recognition.
Ian "max" Maxwell
31-10-2003, 11:55
I understand that some people have been trying to contact me after the Tracking Workshop at the Wilderness Gathering.( The Zambian chap)
For those who would like to make contact please feel free to email: ian@aerohawk.co.uk or telephone (07866) 555977.
For those tracking this is a good time of year. Bracken is dying down and windfall leaves.. lots of sign available.
Regards
Ian Maxwell
Roving Rich
18-11-2003, 13:38
Hi Tone, Well I guess this may be your last chance to interview Joe Simpson, Author of touching the void. The movie has been made and previewed last weekend. General release mid december.
Check it out at http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/news/article.asp?UAN=2385&SP=&v=1
For any that haven't read this stunning book yet do it now - or watch the movie, fantastic stuff.
Enjoy
Rich
Definitely another vote for Les Hiddins. Has he got one of the best jobs in the world, or what?
Picking up on the 200 degrees idea and trying not to stay trapped in a bushcraft-only groove I support 'Big Nurse' (Steve) and go with Ray Jardine.
On a similar note how about other travellers such as:-
Nicholas Crane (Clear Waters Rising) - http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0140243321/qid=1069610790/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_2_3/026-9209872-8618848)
Ffyona Campbell (On Foot Through Africa) - http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1857978137/qid=1069610945/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2_2/026-9209872-8618848
Garett and Alex Connover (The Winter Wilderness Companion) - http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/007136417X/qid%3D1069611053/026-9209872-8618848#product-details
Anthropologists such as High Brody (The Other Side of Eden - http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0865476101/qid=1069611192/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_0_2/026-9209872-8618848
Biologists such as Colin Tudge (Neaderthals, Bandits and Farmers - how agriculture really began http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0297842587/qid=1069611321/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_3_2/026-9209872-8618848
I realise this is making the subject pretty wide - but why not?
On that note Tony - just wondering if it would be a good idea to have an area called the 'library' or something where we can collect everybody's favourite books (and ideally Amazon links etc).
Cheers
Steffan
ditchfield
23-11-2003, 19:36
Coincedentaly, I've just finished reading Nick Crane's book. Good read, and I picked it up for under a quid. I too vote for him.
which one? i got a tatty old copy of clearwaters rising signed by him at the cheltenham festival of literature a few years ago, 2 degrees west is also highly amusing and informative.
more to the point my wife got it signed, she's very good at accosting famous (or nearly so) folks.
cheers, and.
My vote is for hugh fernley whittingstall!
mbrodw
ditchfield
24-11-2003, 10:31
sargey,
The one that I just finished was clear waters rising. Got it for about £1 from bookbarn. I recomend a visit. It's a huge warehouse near Bath. I can't remember the name of the village right now.
bothyman
29-11-2003, 17:11
My vote is for hugh fernley whittingstall!
mbrodw
Try >> http://www.rivercottage.net/index.jsp
starfury
04-12-2003, 10:34
Lofty Wiseman + Eddie Stone,i think Eddie runs courses somewhere in Wales,and he's been on tv late at night with his sas survival skills series.
Two very matter of fact blokes. 8-)
Roving Rich
04-12-2003, 11:35
Ditchfield,
That bookbarn is in a village called Farrington Gurney (Yes where the wurzels came from).
I grew up not far away in a village called Timsbury. Are you in that neck of the woods?
Cheers
Rich
BTW What is Clearwater rising about?
ditchfield
06-12-2003, 11:21
Rich,
Is it? Thats not the name that is in the shop, but I suppose it isn't actually in a village, but between a couple. I've heard that there is a really good army surplus shop in Farrington Gurney called King's. Haven't been there though. I live pretty near, in a village that is between Bridgwater :-? and Street. However, I keep away from Bridgwater as much as possible. Apparently it's the inbreading capital of Europe :-D.
Clear Waters Rising is about Nick Crane's (the author) journey from Finistare, the far western tip of Spain to Istanbul, along the almost continuous line of mountain ranges. He does by walking and not using any mechanical form of transport. Good read.
it might be worth pointing out that the walk was some six thousand miles, and took nearly two years.
cheers, and.
Roving Rich
08-12-2003, 09:58
Sounds like a good read though.
I've just finished another Joe Simpson, bloody brilliant as usual, onto Ian Nialls Pochers Handbook now.
That surplus store is exellent. We have bought all soughts from there. Its a barn full that they let you into and you have a rummage then haggle on what you've selected. My friend got a fine SAS smock that I picked out, but was too small for me.
Another friend bought a parachute (complete with cord!) then built a buggy to tear up and down Brene down on. Oh and my trusty wellies £3 and they're still going 10 years later.
Cheers
Rich
i would like to Interview Slavomir Rawicz. author of 'The Long walk'
An account of his escape from Siberia across Outer Mongolia, the Gobi Desert, Tibet and The Himalayas to freedom. Not really bushcraft but a tale of serious iron will and a determination to survive.
Also any of the VC winners would be good.
Not too keen on Joe Simpson i think he dwells to much on people dying. A bit depressive for me.
Wayne
Another vote for Joe Simpson! He is a truely heroic guy-he has done some amazing things - if your interested try reading "touching the void" and "the beckoning silence" both epic's in their own right!
jamesdevine
06-01-2004, 11:59
Hi Guys,
What about interviewing one of the Women instructure out there or even one of the ladies on the forum.
I have studied in the martial arts most of life and have found many of the best instructures to be Women. They train really hard and have often an insight into the subtiltes that we men in our macho attempts often miss.
I hope this doesn't put anyone nose out of joint, but there are lot of men mentioned in the list above.
Regards,
James
Hi Guys,
I hope this doesn't put anyone nose out of joint, but there are lot of men mentioned in the list above.
Regards,
James
No noses to put out of joint, it's a very fair point :biggthump
Lets have some suggestions then.....This is going to be the year of Interviews :o):
jamesdevine
06-01-2004, 12:07
How about Steve Irwins' Wife.
The first question should be why?
James
what abouy Mrs Mears. that could be an interesting point of view on this habbit
An interwiev with "Lars Fält" would be interesting. Why not a couple of shorter interwievs with som of the guys at the forum, like Gary, Stuart hoodoo and the others =)
bushwackerscott
20-02-2004, 18:39
How about John 'lofty' Wiseman the ex-sas senior survival instructor.
His survival book has been my handiest means of information for the last few years. I believe you can contact him through his agent at Proactive Limited, however im not entirely sure he will talk to us mere civvies!
How about some of the not so famous instructors, leaders and company founders, ie: the "ones who walk the walk and not talk the talk" who teach survival and bushcraft courses, in particular the ones who do it full time and not just as a weekend extra - there are not that many who fall into this bracket 8-) Some have already been mentioned on this forum.
Maxmountains
I like the Mrs Mears idea, this may sound stupid, but is Mrs Mears Rachel?
I see in his aknowledgements "and most of all to rachel, without Rachels strength and support this book would never have been made" or something like that.
? :?:
Brynglas
04-04-2004, 17:30
at the risk of being a bit contraversial, it might be worth interviewing mike jarmain of cambrian survival. after the reports from his talks at the outdoor show, perhaps it might be worth getting him to clarify a few points. i did a course with them last year. it was excellent.
cheers, and.
I'm glad that you enjoyed your course with Cambrian Survival, some people that I've spoken to with some experience of being outdoors have been less than impressed. I have to say that I haven't been on a course with Cambrian, so I hope that I'm not being unfair here, but his talks at the Outdoors Show gave me the feeling that the syllabus is nothing much more than what could be self taught by reading a couple of Lofty Wiseman and Ray Mears' books and getting the videos in for a night.
:-? :-? :sword:
Brynglas
Got to disagree with you here.
Were you at the same talk as I was ? I thought it was not only really intereting but reinforced how important the little things are.
As for the courses, my only course to date has been with Cambrian and I must agree with Sargey ... it was excellent. Basically it 'did what it said on the tin'. I know that everyone has a different opinion but if somebody wasn't impressed with the course, what were they there to learn ? I went to learn survival skills and that's what I came away with. I hope to go travelling in about a year's time and I think the course will be of benefit to me.
Did anybody else hear the talk ? What did you make of it ?
Taq
You have probably had more than enough suggestions on this, but what about Eddie McGee, he wrote a couple of books including No Need To Die and was famously involved with tracking down a serial killer in the U.K.
With ref to James'/Tony's posts, there must be some female outdoor experts. Does anyone know any women course instructors?