35 Best Public Lands Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

Hosted by two friends who share a passion for public lands and a fascination with what can go wrong there, each week hosts Danielle and Cassie explore the darker side of our National Parks. But it isn't always chills and thrills. By utilizing storytelling as a form of environmental stewardship, they hope listeners will be inspired to take a walk into the wild to create meaningful adventures of their own. more

Hunt Talk Radio, Randy Newberg Unfiltered is a podcast covering hunting politics, public lands, and conservation topics; even a few things you didn't need to know. The best hunters you've never heard of join Randy to answer questions from the Hunt Talk web forum, share ideas, reveal tactics, and give perspectives unique to public land hunting. more

In Dear Bob and Sue, authors Matt and Karen Smith share stories of their travels to all of the U.S. National Park as well as other spectacular public lands. From adventures gone awry to memorable moments and Q&As from readers, get to know the couple behind the books and get inspired to go on some adventures of your own. more

Welcome to 'MeatEater Conservation,' where you can join Ryan 'Cal' Callaghan each week for his unique brand of outdoor news and interviews designed for folks who need to know what's going on and those who want to pretend they do. Also, tune into our brand new show 'Future Wild' with Mark Kenyon, where he dives in one-on-one with world-class subject-matter experts, exploring topics relevant to conservation. Both part of The MeatEater Podcast Network. more

Parkography (formerly known as the America's National Parks Podcast) is the new home for the powerful stories, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes of America's national parks and public lands. Through immersive storytelling, vivid soundscapes, and in-depth research, we explore the people, places, and pivotal moments that shaped the wild places we cherish today. From iconic landmarks to hidden corners, Parkography brings the soul of America's public lands to life—one story at a time. more

Hunting. Angling. Public Lands. That's the meat of what BHA's Podcasts & Blasts is about, and we cover the gamut. With guests that range from outdoor writers to backcountry hunters to legendary anglers, we seek to uncover the stories, the truths, the controversies, and the epic conversations that our public land heritage provides. more

Join David Willms, Nephi Cole, and entertaining guests as they use humor, storytelling, and more than 50 years of collective experience in law, science, and policy to explain important decisions affecting your outdoor experience. As the guys say, 'There are millions of acres of opportunity out there. They belong to you. Every day, decisions are being made that affect your land, your water, and your wildlife. You should know about them. This is Your Mountain.' more

Dustin Ballard and Michael Ryan hike the trails of America's National Parks. Each episode features one hiking trail in one National Park, one park at a time. Join them as they climb to terrifying heights, cross miles of desert, and hike through the forests of these public lands. more

How Wild hits trails around the country, exploring the meaning of wilderness. A century ago, the U.S. set aside the first official wilderness. You'll hear stories from rangers, scientists, hikers, environmentalists, and Tribal leaders as they grapple with the realities of wilderness on a changing planet, and whether the concept of 'wilderness' has ever really existed. more

National Parks Traveler is the world's top-rated, editorially independent, nonprofit media organization dedicated to covering national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Traveler offers readers and listeners a unique multimedia blend of news, feature content, debate, and discussion all tied to national parks and protected areas. more

News, interviews, and history with newsmakers and environmental advocates, focused on parks and public lands across the American West. Produced by the Center for Western Priorities, formerly known as Go West, Young Podcast. more

America holds hundreds of millions of acres of land in trust for the public — national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, wilderness areas, and the waters off our coasts. Right now, that inheritance is being taken, not in secret, but in plain sight, while the country's attention is elsewhere.On Common Ground: An American Inheritance is a six-part documentary podcast about the immediate threats to America's public lands. In 2025, a proposal to sell three million acres of public land set off a national uproar and was defeated. It felt like a victory. But while the country fought that sale, something far more damaging passed into law in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: a mandate to open more than 200 million acres of public land to industrial development — many times the size of the sale that was defeated.The fight we won mattered less than the fight we lost.Across six episodes, the series follows an unlikely and unusually broad coalition: hunters and anglers, Tribal leaders, climbers, scientists, poets, public servants, and local communities. They don't agree on everything, but they share a conviction that some places are worth protecting and passing on to the next generation.At its heart, the series asks a simple question: What does it mean to share common ground as Americans — and what would it mean to lose it?The series is hosted by Bill Hedden, former Executive Director of the Grand Canyon Trust, with co-host John Leshy — former Solicitor of the U.S. Department of the Interior and one of the foremost authorities on the history and law of America's public lands.All episodes of this limited series will be available in August.Follow along:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/on_common_ground_TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@on.common.groundYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnCommon_GroundOn Common Ground: An American Inheritance is hosted by Bill Hedden and John Leshy. Produced by Sarah Hedden, Dagny Scott, and Del Feltz. Sound engineering by Joe Flood. Additional sound editing by Grace Wiley. This series is a production of Eleven Dollar Bill, and a project of the Getches-Wilkinson Center at the University of Colorado Law School. more

A podcast about our beloved and treasured public lands where I interview subject matter experts and activists from across the country who are working to protect and advocate for our public lands and their wildlife, wilderness, and cultural values. ourpubliclandspodcast.substack.com more

Natural Causes is a podcast about the politics and practicalities of going outside in a world on fire, hosted by Dr. James Stout. It approaches the outdoors, conservation, agriculture, food sovereignty, and Indigenous land rights as interconnected issues. We want to combine unflinching journalism with unabashed advocacy for the land we all share, and welcome everyone into the outdoors and the fight for our public lands. Our shared wild spaces are under threat like never before, from climate change, the Trump administration, and extractive capitalism. Now, more than ever, we need serious journalism and serious solidarity that engages people with the struggle to protect these spaces for generations to come. New episodes weekly. more

Join Chris Clarke and a variety of guests as they explore the challenges and opportunities of the American Southwest's fragile ecosystems. Engaging interviews with experts, activists, and advocates on conservation, land management, and environmental justice. Science and sentiment, politics and philosophy, hiking and history, culture and creativity all go into defending the desert. Be forewarned: We are out to recruit you to the cause. more

Safe Travels explores National Parks and wild places through in-depth conversations with the people who know them best - park rangers, scientists, biologists, geologists, archaeologists, and conservationists. Each episode goes beyond travel tips to uncover the science, history, wildlife, and conservation stories that bring these landscapes to life. Hosted by Joey Liberatore, Safe Travels Pod turns expert insight into engaging, accessible conversations - helping listeners experience public lands with deeper understanding and appreciation. more

Follows show producer Matt Podolsky as he attempts to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail with his 65-year-old mom, Candy. Matt and his mom face extreme weather, illness, and injury as they trek 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine. Along the way, Matt shares stories of remarkable people, surprising history, and the modern challenges facing the Appalachian Trail — all as the iconic footpath marks its 100th anniversary. Season two of Common Land was produced by The Wild Lens Collective, in partnership with New Hampshire Public Radio. more

Freedom for Wild Horses Podcast explores wild horses and their families, behavior, and iconic symbol of our western heritage.Join Carol J. Walker, leading Advocate for wild horses and award-winning author and photographer, as she leads you to discover why wild horses deserve a place on our public lands, why we need the tonic of their wildness in our lives, the threats they are facing from the agency that manages them, and what you can do to help.Learn more at http://WildHoofbeats.com.This is the show for you if you find yourself asking questions like:-Are there wild horses in the United States?-How do I find out about wild horses?-What are the issues facing wild horses on our public lands?-Is livestock ranching in conflict with wild horses?-How are domestic horses different from wild horses?-What is the family structure and the relationships of wild horses?-Are wild horses being sent to slaughter?-What organizations are actively helping wild horses? more

A podcast for those who love the outdoors and need joy in a world of bad news. Hosted by former ranger Liz Crandall. Co-created with Mikayla Moors. Ranger On! more

The Arizona Wildlife Federation Podcast, with its host Michael Cravens, brings you the stories of wildlife, wild places, and those people who value them the most. From hunting and angling to birding and gardening, we'll keep you informed of issues, events, and activities from around the beautiful and diverse state of Arizona. Since 1923, Arizona Wildlife Federation has united Arizonans and decision makers around science-based solutions to conserve our state's wildlife, wildlife habitat, and public lands for generations to come. more

CPW is a nationally recognized leader in conservation, outdoor recreation and wildlife management. The agency manages 43 state parks, all of Colorado's 960-plus wildlife species, more than 350 state wildlife areas and a host of recreational programs from hunting and fishing to the state's trails program, boat registrations, snowmobiles, off-highway vehicles and more. All of its management is in perpetuity for the enjoyment of Coloradans and its visitors and this podcast is dedicated to telling the stories and happenings in Colorado's great outdoors! more

We're off-duty rangers who, after a long day of park rangering and interpreting our nation's history, just aren't done spitting facts and sharing truths. The more they try to tell us what history they want us to hide from the public, the more we're just dying to share it with anyone who will listen. Tune in for short episodes where we break down the newest Executive Orders or longer episodes where we discuss how everything going on affects your favorite public lands. Got questions? We're experts in having answers.https://www.resistancerangers.org more

Hosted by Russell Reynolds, Wild Life Outdoors is a podcast centered on meaningful conversations about conservation, outdoor recreation, and the future of public lands. Each episode brings together hunters, anglers, conservationists, land managers, and advocates to discuss why wild places matter and how they can be enjoyed responsibly. The show explores policy, access, stewardship, and the real world decisions that shape outdoor opportunity across the country. Wild Life Outdoors is built for those who care about more than recreation alone. It is about understanding the land, respecting it, and having honest conversations that help protect outdoor traditions for the next generation. more

The TeamTexasWild Podcast is dedicated to the Texas Public Land experience, DIY hunting, and sharing stories within our community! Our mission is to communicate and educate not only the communities around us, but ourselves by learning from you and engaging experienced hunters. Diving into tips, tactics, and strategies to help us grow as outdoorsmen, and stewards of Gods creation. Thanks for listening! more

Welcome to the Boulder County Parks & Open Space Podcast — a storytelling series that explores the heart of our open spaces and the people who care for them. Through conversations with experts, volunteers, staff, authors, and community members, we shine a light on the work of conservation, sustainability, and community stewardship. Each episode brings to life the values, challenges, and triumphs behind preserving and managing our public lands while fostering deeper connections between people and place. more

The Conservation Cooperative, by the New England and New York Chapters of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is short, engaging, and informative. Each episode will elevate your knowledge of conservation issues in the Northeast and make you a more effective advocate for our public lands, waters, and wildlife. more

Backbone Unlimited is a western hunting podcast for public-land hunters who want to stop guessing and build a better system for finding elk, mule deer and black bears, beating pressure, reading sign, understanding wind and thermals, and making cleaner decisions in the mountains.Hosted by Matt Hartsky, Backbone Unlimited combines 34+ years of western big game hunting experience with decades of strength, conditioning, and nutrition coaching to help hunters prepare smarter and hunt more effectively.Episodes cover elk hunting strategy, mule deer hunting, bear hunting, public land tactics, archery elk hunting, rifle hunting, e-scouting, scouting, glassing, calling, bedding areas, feed, water, transition zones, mountain fitness, hunt planning, field decision-making, meat care, gear, pack-outs, and the mindset it takes to keep improving season after season.If you're serious about becoming a more capable western hunter, Backbone Unlimited is built to help you train harder, hunt smarter, and never settle. more

If your idea of a good day includes a worn-out trail, a quiet campsite, or a paddle cutting through still water, then you've found your podcast! Welcome to Busted Knees & Pretty Trees, a podcast dedicated to the outdoors, conservation, and the adventures that keep us coming back to nature. Join me as I explore hiking, backpacking, kayaking, camping, outdoor gear, conservation issues, public lands, and the wild places that make life better. Some episodes are trail stories and lessons learned from time spent outside. Others dive into gear, outdoor skills, conservation challenges, and the people working to protect the landscapes we love. Along the way, I'll occasionally sit down with guests from across the conservation and outdoor recreation community to bring new perspectives and experiences to the conversation. Whether you're planning your next backpacking trip, researching gear, looking for conservation news, or simply daydreaming about your next adventure, there's something here for you. Available on all major platforms. Subscribe now and join us on the trail. more

Trail Break Radio, the Winter Wildlands Alliance podcast, takes you beyond the well-trodden path, delving into diverse topics shaping our commitment to protect America's wild snowscapes. From promoting equitable outdoor access to sharing tales of adventure, we offer fresh insights into recreating on and stewarding our cherished wild spaces. Join the dialogue with experts in public lands management, policy, ecology, and activism, echoing the grassroots spirit that defines Winter Wildlands Alliance. more

This is the podcast that explores our amazing Northern California parks, public lands, and recreation areas by two park experts, Don Schmidt and Jenna Randar. This is the podcast to find your happy place! We'll introduce you to all the places to explore within a 3 hour radius of Sacramento, California, and a bit beyond like Lassen, Yosemite, and Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks. more

Since 1914, the New Mexico Wildlife Federation has been protecting our state's wildlife, habitat and public lands for all to enjoy. Now the federation is kicking off a new chapter, launching the Ahi Va Podcast to present information to inform and inspire New Mexicans to conserve our resources for future generations. Stay connected to learn about important issues and ways to take action. more

Stories from Land Defenders at the forefront of conservation in the Greater Grand Canyon Region.

Wildlands Podcast is an audio field guide to America's wild places, national parks, forests, monuments, and the public lands most shows overlook. Hosted by a former Army officer, Shawn Spainhour brings the discipline of someone trained where preparation was life-or-death and the curiosity of someone who explores these places for the love of it. Every marquee park gets a multi-part series: the history that shaped it, the visit that prepares you for it, and where to stay when you get there. Between parks, standalone Field Skills episodes cover the survival knowledge that keeps people alive outdoors: altitude, flash floods, navigation, bear country, and more. It's the show you put on while the trailhead is still hours away. New episodes every Thursday. Know the land before you reach it. Full guides and current conditions at WildlandsNews.com . Inside the Episodes: In-Depth National Park Guides: Deep dives into the history, hidden trails, and logistics for iconic destinations like Yosemite, Zion, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon, as well as lesser-known national forests and public lands. Wilderness Survival & Safety: Practical outdoor skills and field skills covering backcountry land navigation, flash flood preparation, bear safety, altitude sickness, and wilderness first aid. Trip Planning & Gear: Expert advice on backcountry permits, seasonal weather, trail safety, where to camp, and how to avoid the crowds on BLM and public lands. Whether you are an experienced backpacker prepping for a rugged backcountry trek, a casual hiker hitting the trails for a weekend camping trip, or an overlander exploring remote wilderness, this is your ultimate audio guide. more

A Big Blend Radio Travel Podcast covering Parks and Public Lands, Historic Sites and Landmarks, and their local communities, destinations, and recreational opportunities. more

The podcast where land stories are the lead stories. Hosted by Bill Hodge and Anders Reynolds, The Wild Line is a quickFriday digest of the week's top conservation and public lands policy news in plain language so our community stays informed, engaged and ready to act. more