In the first episode ever of Bear State Tales, host Matt Manos sits down with lifelong wanderer BT Jones to discuss hiking, adventuring, back country trails, accidents, animal encounters, UFO’s, paranormal activity, and dogs. Above all, these two share a pure love for Arkansas and its natural beauty with its many parks and natural areas.
The show starts with an introduction of BT, where he grew up, and things that shaped him in his early years. It then transitions to some of his early wanderings in the Ouachita Mountains in South West Arkansas. Places like Albert Pike and Tall Peak tower bring back fond memories of special outdoor places. The talk quickly transitions to BT’s work with the US Forest Service as a Wilderness Ranger where he spent time cutting trees off trails without the aid of a chainsaw. Even as a seasoned triathlete, BT gained a whole new respect for woodsmen who use older cutting practices like bow saws. With some playful interruptions by BT’s dog Rainbow, the conversation moves to one of BT’s favorite places to wander, Flatside Pinnacle. Here, we hear about some of his fondest memories with his four-legged companion, Sid. We hear about bear encounters and some funny stories of hiking with his patient wife Debbie. The close friends also discuss the physical and mental benefits of hiking and being away from all the distractions of the day-to-day grind. Several stories on dogs are exchanged and the two begin to talk about their experiences with UFO’s and unexplained occurrences in the woods. There may also be a reference to Bigfoot. Although, in 100% transparency, the bigfoot comment is in good jest. The two end the podcast with the host discussing the reason for creating the podcast. Please enjoy and get out there for some adventures, just don’t stack any rocks!