In this special long-form episode of the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Podcast, host Chris Speir is joined by his good friend Dave for an unfiltered, unscripted fireside chat on the banks of Black Creek, Mississippi. Recorded during an overnight kayaking trip while testing out Vibe Kayaks, this episode blends bushcraft knowledge, spiritual reflections, and campfire storytelling in a way that only the outdoors can inspire.

This is more than just a conversation — it’s a slow burn. The fire pops, crickets chirp, and two friends talk about gear, survival, faith, and the outdoors with the kind of honesty that only comes when the cameras are low and the stars are out.

The top 3 items they’d take on a primitive camping trip (spoiler: T-bone steaks make an appearance)

What to do if you lose all your gear halfway down the river

How to use willow bark to make cordage

Scariest outdoor experiences (wild hogs, gators, getting lost as a kid)

Funny camp mishaps and dumb injuries

The worst camp meal (or why Armadillo Stew is better than you'd think)

Reflections on faith, creation, and feeling close to God in the wilderness

One piece of advice they’d leave their grandkids about living outdoors

Why everyone thinks they can start a fire with sticks (but most can't)

The real reason you should always wear a life jacket

Whether a knife and tarp are really enough to survive for a week

The importance of learning how to use a compass and topographic map

What most people get wrong about camping and survival

This episode kicks off the Fireside Talk series — raw, campfire conversations that are part survival, part spiritual, and fully human. Whether you're paddling down a river, hanging a tarp, or sipping coffee by your own fire, this one's for you.

Join the conversation in the Primitive Camping & Bushcraft Facebook group. Let us know what your top 3 items would be… or share your own story of faith in the outdoors.

“We don’t go camping to run from life. We come out here to slow down and recharge…
So grab another log, throw it on the fire, and remember this:
In all your ways, acknowledge Him — and He will direct your path.”

Thanks for sitting by the fire with us.

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