The Backcountry Manifesto

The Backcountry Manifesto
Podcast Description
Welcome to The Backcountry Manifesto Podcast, the outdoor adventure podcast for everyone. Join your buddy out west, Hayden Sammak, as he talks to friends old and new about wild places, exploration, and backcountry adventure.
From talking space exploration with astronaut Loral O’Hara, to bullshitting about rock climbing with Rick Accomazzo and John Long, TBM has something for everyone, no matter what you’re into. If it has anything to do with outdoor adventure in wild places, you’ll find us talking about it here.
Welcome to the backcountry – welcome to The Backcountry Manifesto!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a wide array of themes related to outdoor adventures, such as rock climbing, astronomy, and prospecting. Specific episodes delve into topics like the legendary 'Dope Lake' crash stories, gold prospecting techniques with experts like Dan Hurd, and firsthand accounts of life aboard the International Space Station with astronaut Loral O'Hara, highlighting the intersection of adventure and practical experiences.

Welcome to The Backcountry Manifesto Podcast, the adventure podcast for everyone. Join your buddy out west, Hayden Sammak, as he talks to friends old and new about wild places, exploration, and backcountry adventure.
From talking space exploration with astronaut Loral O’Hara, to bullshitting about rock climbing with Rick Accomazzo and John Long, TBM has something for everyone, no matter what you’re into. If it has anything to do with outdoor adventure in wild places, you’ll find us talking about it here.
Welcome to the backcountry – welcome to The Backcountry Manifesto!
Ever wondered what it’s like to haul lobster pots off the rugged Maine coast? In this episode of The Backcountry Manifesto, we sit down with Jacob Knowles, a fifth-generation lobster fisherman from Maine who’s reeled in a massive online following through his YouTube channel and TikTok videos documenting life on the water.
With the harbor in the background, our conversation dives deep into Jacob’s world. We cover:
The daily grind of a commercial lobster fisherman
The evolution of lobster traps—from wooden classics to modern wire designs
Conservation in action: tail notching, slot limits, and releasing egg-bearing lobsters
Jacob’s journey from boat deck to internet fame, blending tradition with modern storytelling
The challenges and joys of fishing, plus a glimpse at the co-op system that keeps it all running
Hopes for the future: lobster hatcheries, sustainability, and his kids joining the family trade
From the science of soft-shell lobsters to the pride of protecting oversized breeders, Jacob shares stories that connect generations of Mainers to the sea. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a conservation enthusiast, or just curious about life on the water, this episode has something for you.
Links Mentioned
Connect
- Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more
- Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else
- Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch
Our Partners
- Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com – Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout.
- Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.
Credits
- Featuring Jacob Knowles
- Produced by Andrew O’Neill with Hayden Sammak
- Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson
- Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks
- Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill
- Production Assistance by John Stock
- “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA

Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.