Hello Ranger

Say Hello to Hello Ranger the Podcast May 30, 2020

Hello and welcome to Hello Ranger, a show about national parks and the communities that make these places so special. We’re your hosts, Brad and Matt Kirouac, and we’re traveling the country in our RV with our little Bark Ranger Finn. Each week, we’ll spotlight a different national park site, delving into history, culture, activities, and occasional antics. From the cacti-filled mountains of Saguaro National Park to the powerful stories of perseverance at Oklahoma City National Memorial, we’re on an epic journey of discovery through travel. And we hope you’ll join us!

Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, keep your eyes peeled for our social app, and to read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors and learn more about the Community. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa

Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patron and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," and recipes inspired by our episodes!   

To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com   

#unitedbynature #findyourambassador #npsdinnerparty

Spiritual Renewal at Saguaro National Park Jun 10, 2020

For the first ever episode of Hello Ranger, co-hosts/co-husbands Brad and Matt Kirouac find cactus inspiration at Arizona's Saguaro National Park. While hunkering down in Tucson during the pandemic, we dreamed up the idea of Hello Ranger, launched the website, and recorded our first episode in our makeshift RV studio. Being surrounded by the most iconic of American cacti not only provided plenty of socially distant outdoor action, but it helped drive our vision and motivate us to create. And the metaphors are myriad! Like the tiny saguaro seeds striving to survive against desert strife, our little dream for the Hello Ranger Community blossomed into reality. We can't think of a better national park to kick off our dream-come-true podcast!

Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, keep your eyes peeled for our social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa

Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patron and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," in-depth national park guides, and #NPSDinnerParty recipes inspired by our episodes!   

To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com   

#unitedbynature #findyourambassador

White Sands National Park, Where Childlike Wonder and Missile Testing Come Together Jun 17, 2020

America's newest national park is the star of this week's episode, as we trek through the largest gypsum dune field on Earth at White Sands National Park in New Mexico. From doodling in the sand to sledding down sloping dunes, there's something whimsical about this hands-on park that really brings out your inner child. Oh, and they also do periodic missile testing at nearby White Sands Missile Range, so if you hear a sonic boom, it's fine.

Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, keep your eyes peeled for our social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa

Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patron and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," in-depth national park guides, and #NPSDinnerParty recipes inspired by our episodes!

To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com

#unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Hope and Unity Emerge From Tragedy at the Oklahoma City National Memorial Jun 24, 2020

This is the first episode where we've ever audibly cried on mic. But when the topic is the soul-stirring Oklahoma City National Memorial, it's hard not to get teary-eyed, to say the least. Although the memorial and museum are heart-wrenching, it's also deeply beautiful and inspiring, and we walked away with a more optimistic view on humanity. This memorial—and this city—serve as shining examples of resilience, hope, and renewal. Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, keep your eyes peeled for our social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patron and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," in-depth national park guides, and #NPSDinnerParty recipes inspired by our episodes! To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com #unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Tasting the Cultural Gumbo (and the cocktails) at New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Jul 01, 2020

Finally, a national park we can visit with cocktails in-hand! New Orleans has long been one of our favorite cities, for so many reasons. Its omnipresence of live music—on river boats, at boozy brunches, in clubs, on street corners—is chief among them. On our latest trip to New Orleans, we explored more of the city's vibrant musical roots at the jazz museum and throughout the French Quarter and beyond. Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, keep your eyes peeled for our social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patron and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," in-depth national park guides, and #NPSDinnerParty recipes inspired by our episodes! To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com #unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Patreon Exclusive Sneak Peek: Traveling Eats OKC Jul 04, 2020

Today we are serving you a taste of what our Patreon Exclusive feed has to offer!

Don't get us wrong. We love a good chicken-fried steak, but Oklahoma City is an underrated food city with a lot more to offer, like whimsical cocktails, red velvet pies, hip pizzerias, sweet potato beers, and tasting menus that you'd sooner expect to find in larger—and more expensive—cities. For this week's episode of "Traveling Eats," we explore the exciting new spots and the old-school classics that make OKC so tasty.

Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, keep your eyes peeled for our social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa

Check out recent press for Hello Ranger on AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, and Huffington Post.

To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com

#unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Finding National Treasure at Mount Rushmore National Memorial Jul 08, 2020

What a perfect coincidence that mere days after the Fourth of July is our episode on one of the most patriotic bucket list destinations in the country: Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Join us as we explore the history of this South Dakota icon, eat some very special ice cream, and gush about our love for the National Treasure movies.   Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, keep your eyes peeled for our social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa  Check out recent press for Hello Ranger on AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, and Huffington Post.    Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patreon and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," in-depth national park guides, and #NPSDinnerParty recipes inspired by our episodes!  To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com #unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Allyship and our Mistake with Mount Rushmore Jul 09, 2020

Todays episode is one part apology, one part of where we are at, and one part an educational process. On yesterdays episode we missed the mark of the Black Hills and their history. So today we realized we needed to own up to that mistake. Tune in to hear about what we learned in the past twenty-four hours and how we reacted. Native American and Indigenous Artists, Activists, and more to follow. Sarah Sunshine Manning , Ryan Young, Tomás Karmelo Amaya, Allen, Indigenous Peoples Movement, Int'l Indigenous Youth Council, Indigenous Rising,_illuminatives. Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, keep your eyes peeled for our social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa To get in touch, email us at bradleykrc@gmail.com #unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Hello Park Predators Jul 11, 2020

We're doing something different for this special bonus episode. It's not too often we talk about murder on Hello Ranger, but as big fans of true crime shows, we're super excited to interview host Delia D'Ambra about her brand new podcast, Park Predators. It's the latest from the Audiochuck network (e.g. Crime Junkie, CounterClock, Red Ball, and D'Ambra's going deep on grisly crimes that have taken place in North America's national parks. This one's a must-listen! And then be sure and subscribe to Park Predators anywhere you listen to podcasts.

For updates on Park Predators, follow @audiochuck and @delia.dambra.w on Instagram.

Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, keep your eyes peeled for our social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa

Check out recent press for Hello Ranger on AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, and Huffington Post.

Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patreon and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," in-depth national park guides, and #NPSDinnerParty recipes inspired by our episodes!

To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com

#unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Unearthing Native American History (and Saber-Toothed Tigers) at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park Jul 15, 2020

In the heart of central Georgia lies one of the most unassuming, under-the-radar national park sites in America. In the quaint city of Macon, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park preserves the massive man-made earthen mounds made by Mississippian tribes a millennium ago, in addition to history and artifacts from tribes that came before them and those that came after. Additional topics include terrifyingly epic wildlife, Civil War battles, and serene woodland hikes. Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, keep your eyes peeled for our social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa Check out recent press for Hello Ranger on AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, and Huffington Post. Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patreon and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," in-depth national park guides, and #NPSDinnerParty recipes inspired by our episodes! To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com #unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Good Trouble on the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail Jul 22, 2020

Selma, Alabama, is a hugely important place in the fight for Civil Rights, as seen with the events that transpired here in 1965, with the march to Montgomery demanding the right to vote for Black residents, and the brutal backlash they met along the way. On this episode, we recount our emotional time in and around Selma, highlight the significance of this place, and honor the late John Lewis. Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, keep your eyes peeled for our social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa  Check out recent press for Hello Ranger on AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, TripSavvy, and more Travel + Leisure! Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patreon and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," in-depth national park guides, and #NPSDinnerParty recipes inspired by our episodes!  To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com #unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Loons, Popovers, and Stephen King-Worthy Mist at Acadia National Park Jul 29, 2020

All it took was 30-something years, but we finally made it to Acadia National Park! And this misty Maine park definitely lived up to the hype. Although we missed popover season (and sunrise at Cadillac Mountain was thwarted by an ominous fog), we enjoyed some foliage-filled hikes, bouldered up some "bubbles," dodged territorial loons, and explored the craggy coast with Finn, who told us Acadia is his new favorite national park.   Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, keep your eyes peeled for our social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa  Check out recent press for Hello Ranger on AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, and more Travel + Leisure!    Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patreon and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," in-depth national park guides, and #NPSDinnerParty recipes inspired by our episodes!  To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com   #unitedbynature #findyourambassador

A Love Letter to Albuquerque, the Volcano Lady, and Petroglyph National Monument Aug 05, 2020

Since moving into our RV in 2018, Albuquerque is one place where we've made many recurring memories, and as it turns out, the city's ancient petroglyphs are a good cure for homesickness! This week, we recount our various visits to this New Mexican city and the illustrious national park that single-handedly managed to prevent Matt from having a complete emotional meltdown.

Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, download our BRAND NEW social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa

Check out recent press for Hello Ranger on AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, and more Travel + Leisure. Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patreon and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," in-depth national park guides, and #NPSDinnerParty recipes inspired by our episodes!

To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com

#unitedbynature #findyourambassador

NASA, Nude Beaches, and Gators at Canaveral National Seashore Aug 11, 2020

Canaveral National Seashore may be the only place on Earth where rocket ships, alligators, and nude beaches all share the same turf. Needless to say, this place was teeming with surprises when we visited in October 2019. From swimming at Cocoa Beach to crawling through makeshift shuttles at the Kennedy Space Center and spotting sea turtles, we revisit our time at this immersive Florida park.

Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, download our app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa

Check out press for Hello Ranger on AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, and more Travel + Leisure! Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patreon and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," in-depth national park guides, and #NPSDinnerParty recipes inspired by our episodes!

To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com

#unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Getting Presidential at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Aug 19, 2020

In addition to sharing a birthday with Matt, Lyndon B. Johnson was an accomplished President with a passion for cars, Texas, and the initials "LBJ." On our visit to this Texas Hill Country park, we explore his private hangar, dodge cattle, and bow down to Lady Bird Johnson, a First Lady who loved national parks as much as we do.

Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, download our BRAND NEW social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa

Check out recent press for Hello Ranger on Outside, AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, and more Travel + Leisure. Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patreon and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," in-depth national park guides, and #NPSDinnerParty recipes inspired by our episodes!

To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com

#unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Black in National Parks Week August 24th - 29th Aug 23, 2020

On this special bonus episode we are celebrating Black in National Parks Week. Tune in to hear more from the person who started Black Birders Week & Black in National Parks Week. Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, download our BRAND NEW social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa Check out recent press for Hello Ranger on Outside, AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, and more Travel + Leisure. To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com #unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Military History and Dolphin Dreaming at Gulf Islands National Seashore Aug 26, 2020

Split into two states, Florida and Mississippi, we inadvertently bookended 2019 at the two different sections of Gulf Islands National Seashore, the largest seashore in the National Park Service. We started 2019 in the Florida panhandle, getting beachy and nerding out over pelicans, and ended the year in Mississippi, learning island lore and trekking through bayous.

Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, download our BRAND NEW social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa

Check out recent press for Hello Ranger on Outside Magazine, AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, and more Travel + Leisure. Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patreon and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," in-depth national park guides, and #NPSDinnerParty recipes inspired by our episodes!

To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com

#unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Season 1 Finale: Epic Solitude and Scenery at Great Basin National Park Sep 02, 2020

It's the finale episode of Hello Ranger season 1! And it's the perfect opportunity to highlight one of America's least visited (and most remote) national parks: Nevada's Great Basin. From the oldest trees on Earth to the state's only glacier and some extremely rare cave formations, this place is filled with one-of-a-kind treasures. Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, download our BRAND NEW social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa Check out recent press for Hello Ranger on Outside Magazine, AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, and more Travel + Leisure. Want more Hello Ranger? Subscribe to our Patreon (https://hellorangercommunity.com/patron/) and unlock loads of extra content, like bonus episodes, “Hello Ranger Happy Hours,” "Traveling Eats," in-depth national park guides, and #NPSDinnerParty recipes inspired by our episodes! To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com #unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Season 1 Recap Sep 05, 2020

Welp, season 1 of Hello Ranger is in the books. But fear not, Patreon subscribers! You'll continue to get new weekly episodes! And lots more bonus content! But in the meantime, let's reminisce about season 1 and discuss our favorite episodes, memories, learning lessons, and what we're looking forward to for season 2!

Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, download our BRAND NEW social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa

Check out recent press for Hello Ranger on Outside Magazine, AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, and more Travel + Leisure.

To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com

#unitedbynature #findyourambassador

Patreon Exclusive Sneak Peak: #FindYourThemePark: Epcot! Sep 19, 2020

For our next edition of #FindYourThemePark, we're going to Disney World! And we're exploring the history, food, attractions, and booze at Epcot, which may very well be our favorite park. Thanks to Test Track, the Food & Wine Festival, drinking around the world, and most importantly, the Frozen ride.   Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, download our BRAND NEW social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa  Check out recent press for Hello Ranger on Thrillist, Outside Magazine, AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, and more Travel + Leisure.     To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com   #unitedbynature #findyourambassador

#ThinkSmallParks: National Park Geek + Hello Ranger Sep 27, 2020

Small parks are everywhere and we are excited to really talk about how they have impacted our lives. Tune into this special episode of Hello Ranger as we talk with Daniel Gross of National Park Geek.

Visit our website to learn more about the Hello Ranger Community, download our BRAND NEW social app, and read stories from our Hello Ranger Ambassadors. Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook at @hellorangerusa

Check out press for Hello Ranger on AFAR, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, and more Travel + Leisure!

To get in touch, email us at smile@hellorangercommunity.com

#unitedbynature #findyourambassador

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