Big Adventures with Brian Dierker

Troy Gillenwater joins Brian and Steve for some more stories! This time they chat about the disappearance of Everett Ruess, time with Katie Lee, Cartel run-ins, and more about his time with Curly the hermit. Enjoy Troy Gillenwater!Troy's first episode can be found on our feed from November 2025!

Jonathan Nez is a former Navajo Nation President, now running for Congress. He and Brian sit down to chat about water, cost of living, and other issues faced by Arizona and American voters. Enjoy Jonathan Nez!More information on Jonathan's campaign can be found at https://www.jonathannezforaz.com

Melissa Sevigny is an author, science writer, and public speaker. She joins Brian to chat about her most recent book, Brave the Wild River. Enjoy Melissa Sevigny!

Jan Balsom returns to our podcast to discuss the evolution of archeology in the Grand Canyon. She and Brian chat about the importance of sand in the preservation of sites and much more! Enjoy Jan Balsom!This episode is supported by Ceiba Adventures. To have Ceiba Adventures support your next big adventure, visit www.ceibaadventures.com

Kelsey Pfendler returns! She and her fiancee (congrats!) Carlos Andina sit down with Brian to discuss her record-breaking row from California to Hawaii. Please Enjoy Kelsey Pfendler!Need a refresher on who Kelsey is? Check out previous episodes 74 and 86!This episode is brought to you by Ceiba Adventures. Ceiba can support your next big adventure at https://www.ceibaadventures.com

Mike Yard is back for more fish chat! In this episode he sits down with Brian and Steve to talk more about the Humpback Chub and Rainbow Trout populations, the impact of sediment and turbidity, and much more. Enjoy Mike Yard!This episode is supported by Dave Wegner, Steve Carothers, and Ceiba Adventures. To have Ceiba Adventures support your next adventure, visit www.ceibaadventures.com.Mentioned in this episode:Sponsors: Dave Wegner and Steve CarothersDave Wegner has been a long-time supporter of Big Adventures. He's been in and out of the river for over 50 years as a guide and scientist. Be sure to check out Brian's interview with Dave, Episode 21. Thank you Dave for your support! Steve Carothers and Brian go way back. Steve is a friend of the river as a scientist and researcher. Tune into his episode, number 31! Thank you Steve for your support.

Mike Yard helps continue our exploration of fishery science in the Grand Canyon. Mike, Steve, and Brian explore the introduction of hoop netting, nuances of tagging and tracking chub, and much more! Enjoy Mike Yard!This episode is brought to you by Dave Wegner, Steve Carothers, and the generous support of Ceiba Adventures. Equip your next adventure at https://www.ceibaadventures.comMentioned in this episode:Sponsors: Dave Wegner and Steve CarothersDave Wegner has been a long-time supporter of Big Adventures. He's been in and out of the river for over 50 years as a guide and scientist. Be sure to check out Brian's interview with Dave, Episode 21. Thank you Dave for your support! Steve Carothers and Brian go way back. Steve is a friend of the river as a scientist and researcher. Tune into his episode, number 31! Thank you Steve for your support.

Kate Hale is launching her big adventure down the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. She and Brian chat about the logistics and gear required for her trip. Enjoy Kate Hale!This episode was brought to you by Ceiba Adventures. You can find them at https://www.ceibaadventures.com

Rich Valdez continues our Evolution of Grand Canyon Science series with an excellent conversation about fish! Join Rich, Steve and Brian as they discuss the Humpback Chub, Pike Minnow, Small Mouth Bass, and more! This episode was supported by Dave Wegner, Steve Carothers, and Ceiba Adventures.Have Ceiba Adventures support your next big adventure at https://www.ceibaadventures.comMentioned in this episode:Sponsors: Dave Wegner and Steve CarothersDave Wegner has been a long-time supporter of Big Adventures. He's been in and out of the river for over 50 years as a guide and scientist. Be sure to check out Brian's interview with Dave, Episode 21. Thank you Dave for your support! Steve Carothers and Brian go way back. Steve is a friend of the river as a scientist and researcher. Tune into his episode, number 31! Thank you Steve for your support.

Welcome to the fishy part of Grand Canyon science. Mike Yard joins Brian and Steve for the first of a few episodes on fish science. Anodes, Cathodes, and hoop nets galore! Enjoy Mike Yard (part one).Learn more about Mike Yard by listening to his and Brians' chat from September 15, 2020!This episode was supported by Ceiba Adventures, Steve Carothers, and Dave Wegner. To explore how Ceiba Adventures support your future adventures, visit https://www.ceibaadventures.comMentioned in this episode:Sponsors: Dave Wegner and Steve CarothersDave Wegner has been a long-time supporter of Big Adventures. He's been in and out of the river for over 50 years as a guide and scientist. Be sure to check out Brian's interview with Dave, Episode 21. Thank you Dave for your support! Steve Carothers and Brian go way back. Steve is a friend of the river as a scientist and researcher. Tune into his episode, number 31! Thank you Steve for your support.