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Big Adventures with Brian Dierker

Big Adventures Entertainment LLC
Grand Canyon
Glen Canyon Dam
Rafting
Filmmaking
Colorado River
Grand Canyon National Park
Lake Powell
Humpback Chub
Navajo Nation
Flagstaff
Skiing
Hopi Reservation
Niagara Falls
Jackson Hole
California
Lake Mead
Monterey, United States
Arizona
Skydiving
River Guiding

Grand Canyon boatman Brian Dierker sits down to chat with fellow guides, scientists, politicians and oddballs about adventure, conservation, and all things outside.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes104Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Places & TravelNatureScienceSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Big Adventures

Latest Episodes

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... more

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 ... more

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 suppo... more

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... more

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Accepts Guests
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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Mike Yard
Fisheries scientist and expert on humpback chub and rainbow trout dynamics
Science and research community in Grand Canyon studies
Episode: Evolution of Grand Canyon Science: Mike Yard 3
Kate Hale
Outdoor enthusiast and climber; rider of the Atlantic Trail/Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
Independent adventurer
Episode: Kate Hale
Rich Valdez
Scientist/biologist with deep experience in Grand Canyon aquatic ecology
Biologist/Researcher in Grand Canyon studies
Episode: Evolution of Grand Canyon Science: Rich Valdez
Matt Kaplinski
Dr. in Grand Canyon science; GCES contributor
Grand Canyon Environmental Studies (GCES)
Episode: Evolution of Grand Canyon Science: Matt Kaplinski
Dave Topping
Sediment transport and geomorphology expert involved with Grand Canyon projects
US Geological Survey / Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center
Episode: Evolution of Grand Canyon Science: Dave Topping
Dave Wegner
Guest scientist with a long history in Grand Canyon research
GCES/GCMRC lineage
Episode: Evolution of Grand Canyon Science: Dave Wegner
Steve Carothers
Scientist and longtime collaborator with Roy Johnson
Episode: Evolution of Grand Canyon Science: Roy Johnson
Roy Johnson
University- and river-history related researcher and early contractor scientist
Park Service / Roy Johnson interview subject
Episode: Introducing The Evolution of Science in the Grand Canyon!
Liam O'Neill
River guide and rescue instructor; guest on the episode
Grand Canyon river guides, rescue programs
Episode: Liam O'Neill

Hosts

Brian Dierker
Host of the show; long‑time river guide and storyteller
Steve Carothers
Co‑host; guide and scientist with deep Grand Canyon river history
Haley Dierker
Producer and co‑host

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 103 ratings
  • Big adventures with Big Brian

    I forgot how I came across this show but I’m working on listening to all the episodes. Brian if I see you this fall I have some questions to discuss! Brian is a big man but if you meet him you quickly see he is also bigger than life. I like that this show brings out so many adventures from such a wide variety of people. Listening to Mr Dufficy talk about summoning Denali took me back to the “longest coldest camping trip” I’ve ever been on, when I tried and failed to climb Denali in 1994. All the... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    i give up 49
    United States3 years ago
  • I Love ‘Big Adventures’

    I love & appreciate Brian Dierker's Podcast. I discovered it while preparing for my own 'Big Adventure' doing a R2R2R run in the Grand Canyon. I started with the Kevin Fedarko episode after reading 'The Emerald Mile.' I highly recommend both the book and the interview here. I live in Ohio and am so grateful to be able to relive my The Grand Canyon experience through this podcast. The guests are always so inspirational and the conversations authentic. Thank you, Brian Dierker!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MJoe2
    United States4 years ago
  • So cool

    Dierker is a Demi-God in these parts. As someone who has lived in Flagstaff as long as I have. Was a guest swamper in the 90s. And has watched Snowbowl transform over the last several years. I’m lucky to know several of his guests. This is a refreshing podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cjam in AZ
    United States4 years ago
  • Awesome Podcast!

    Brian always has such an amazing energy and his guest enjoy the conversation which makes for an amazing dynamic!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    caleb_podcasts
    United States5 years ago
  • Boatman history

    Probably the best part of the day while river guiding for me was guide time on the boats after dinner. The work of the day is done, the guests are happy, the heat has gone and we’re just watching the last bits of light on the upper canyon walls while enjoying a beer together. Brian and his incredible friends take me back to those moments and the conversations and stories shared. Thanks Brian!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    kavukavu1
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Shows are seen as a reliable source for Grand Canyon history, policy context, and river culture.
High production quality and engaging energy keep a niche audience returning episode after episode.
Listeners praise authentic, adventure‑driven storytelling tied to real river experiences.
Guests and hosts balance memoir with science, making technical topics accessible.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ed Keable Returns
Q: How is the park handling the challenges of smaller staffing?
They have implemented workforce planning, centralized budgeting, and internal controls, and are exploring organizational realignment to improve efficiency while maintaining core operations and visitor services.
Ed Keable Returns
Q: What is the status of the TransCanada Water Line project?
The Water Line is two-thirds complete, on budget and on schedule, with major components like Phantom Ranch facilities and a South Rim water treatment plant either completed or in progress, and ongoing management to minimize visitor impacts through closures.
Troy Gillenwater
Q: How did your early outdoor experiences shape the dangerous and demanding expeditions you later undertook?
They grounded me in practical skills, a love for exploration, and a respect for nature's limits, which kept guiding and planning rooted in survival and curiosity rather than bravado.
Kelsey Pfendler Returns!
Q: But why don't we start out with the... We kind of left it off. You were in training and kind of told us about what the follow-through training you'd be doing before the race, and then we'll go into the race.
We built a solid foundation in Monterey, trained extensively in tough conditions, and learned the boat from the deck up, including reworking cycles of navigation and power use to survive the long voyage; the emphasis was on teamwork, resilience, and learning quickly from every mistake, which set us up for the race itself.
Joseph Day
Q: What did you learn about different cultures from your time as a missionary?
Joseph shares that he learned to be respectful and observant in foreign situations, emphasizing the importance of listening more than speaking.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Big Adventures

What is Big Adventures about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on outdoor adventure, river guiding, and Grand Canyon science, often weaving epic personal journeys with technical and historical context. Episodes frequently feature guides, scientists, and regional experts who discuss river ecology, dam operations, sediment dynamics, and expedition culture, while also sharing vivid field stories and safety know-how. A standout aspect is the recurring collaboration between long‑time river guides and researchers, producing a rich mix of memoir, hands‑on field experience, and policy‑level insights about managing a fragile river system. The format tends to be interview-driven, with a friendly, experiential vibe that appeals to listeners who crave real-world adventure, environmental science, ... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with Big Adventures:

1. The Daily
2. The Ezra Klein Show
3. Pivot
4. Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov
5. Marketplace

How many episodes of Big Adventures are there?

Big Adventures launched 7 years ago and published 104 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Big Adventures?

Recent guests on Big Adventures include:

1. Mike Yard
2. Kate Hale
3. Rich Valdez
4. Matt Kaplinski
5. Dave Topping
6. Dave Wegner
7. Steve Carothers
8. Roy Johnson

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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